Item 31 - 2020 General Plan Annual Progress Report

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10 • The City continues to review residential and mixed-use development proposals in the District Center areas, such as the Transit Zoning Code, Metro East Overlay Zone, and Harbor Corridor Mixed Use Specific Plan. As part of the General Plan Update underway, the City has identified opportunity "Focus Areas" for potential new housing and mixed-use sustainable development. The creation of additional District Center and Urban Neighborhood land use designations are proposed. https://www.santa-ana.org/general-plan/meetings. Lastly, The Bowery project, approved by City Council in 2020, proposes expanding the District Center boundaries to allow for the development of 1,100 market rate apartments. • The City to facilitate solar permits by offering over-the-counter plan checks and permit issuance for some installations. • While there has not been a formal update to the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP) www.santa-ana.org/green/climate-action-plan, many of the 2020 goals have been met or exceeded. As part of the City’s 2020 Draft General Plan Update Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) an evaluation of the City’s existing greenhouse gas was conducted and found the GHG from energy (utilities) decreased from 2008 conditions to 2020. • The City of Santa Ana Public Fleet continues to fully transition the City’s large trucks fleet and heavy equipment from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) clean fuel. Recently, six existing light duty vehicles were replaced with Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles (zero emission) for use by City personnel. In addition, through South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) funding, efforts continue to site additional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations for use City personnel and the general public. • As a result of the implementation of energy retrofits in City facilities through 2019, the City of Santa Ana has achieved Platinum Partnership Level for its Energy Efficiency Partnership with Southern California Edison, which results in increased incentives for new projects. 7. Growth Management Element This element was required by Orange County jurisdictions as part of a 1990 voter approved Measure M requirement, to assure that growth and development in Santa Ana was based on an adequate circulation system. • The Draft General Plan Land Use Element (October 2020) proposes policies and programs to increase residential and mixed use development along major transit corridors to address housing needs and business enterprises to promote a balanced and sustainable community. Approved by City Council in December 2020, a Park and Recreation Master Plan is underway to evaluate further measures to promote a healthy proportion of open space to serve existing community need, as well as future park land needs related to new development growth.