Planning Commission OKs lot line adjustment at 8600 Ream Ave., cites CEQA Class 5 exemption

On Oct. 7, 2025, the Southgate Planning Commission approved Lot Line Adjustment 25‑01, a boundary change at 8600 Ream Avenue that transfers 0.16 acres from one industrial parcel to an adjacent parcel, by a 4‑0 vote with one commissioner absent.

The change will alter Parcel A (APN 6216003007) from about 2.26 acres to approximately 2.42 acres and Parcel B (APN 6216003005) from about 0.23 acres to approximately 0.07 acres, and will not create new lots, Assistant Planner Hernandez told commissioners. Staff recommended approval and said the project qualifies for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act, section 15305 (Class 5: minor alterations in land use limitations).

The lot line adjustment is in the city—s Industrial Flex (IF) zone, south of Independence Avenue and north of Firestone Boulevard, adjacent to the South Pacific Railroad, Assistant Planner Hernandez said. Planning Manager Luis John Signo said the municipal code (Southgate Municipal Code chapter 12.100.020) requires the commission to review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny lot line adjustments.

Commissioners pressed staff about environmental restrictions on the properties after a commissioner reported finding a recorded land‑use covenant in a state database. Assistant Planner Hernandez said she reviewed state records and that the site is identified as a certified operations and maintenance site; there are land‑use restrictions recorded in 2010 that limit sensitive or residential uses and the site remains monitored. Assistant Planner Hernandez said the lot line adjustment would not remove existing restrictions.

Surveyor Luke Korsby, speaking for the applicant team, told the commission the proposed adjustment simply formalizes an existing line of occupation: “the larger parcel actually currently uses the portion that’s being conveyed to them,” and the adjustment will reflect the physical property use.

Vice Chairperson Prieto moved to approve Lot Line Adjustment 25‑01; Chairperson Reese seconded. Roll call votes recorded by the commission clerk were: Prieto — yes; Reese — yes; Commissioner Saeta — yes; Commissioner Valenzuela — yes. Commissioner Castaneda was absent. The motion passed and staff—s recommended CEQA finding and approval were adopted.

Staff noted the municipal code contains no minimum lot size for properties in the Industrial Flex zone. Assistant Planner Hernandez said the adjustment will not change land use or density.

Next steps: The approved lot line adjustment will be processed under the conditions imposed by staff and any conditions the commission attached during its action. The commission did not adopt additional conditions during the meeting.