Conditional Use Permit No. 25-005 (Sierra Azul Apartments)

Conditional Use Permit No. 25-005 authorizes the City of Lancaster to develop the Sierra Azul Apartments, a 100-percent affordable multifamily residential project for individuals at 30-60% Area Median Income. Located in the Commercial Planned Development zone at the northeast corner of Avenue K-8 and 15th Street West, the development will consist of 228 units, including 24 one-bedroom, 120 two-bedroom, and 84 three-bedroom apartments. The project site features a pool, community building, children's playgrounds, outdoor picnic areas, and a basketball court. Construction is scheduled to begin with site preparation on December 1, 2025, followed by grading starting January 26, 2026, with an expected operational date in 2026. The project has undergone extensive environmental review, resulting in a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Key compliance requirements include conducting pre-construction burrowing owl clearance surveys by qualified biologists and adhering to California Department of Fish and Wildlife protocols for nesting birds. The development must comply with AVAQMD Rule 403 for dust suppression and implement structural source control best management practices for stormwater management per the CASIA handbook. Additionally, the project will incorporate Caltrans recommendations to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety and reduce parking demand. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and historical-archaeological surveys have concluded that no significant environmental or historical resources will be impacted.