Item 24 - Amendment Application No. 2023-04 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2023-03

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Ordinance No. NS-XXXX Page 2 of 7 Area and will bring the site into alignment and compliance with the General Plan through reducing and eliminating traditional heavy industrial and noxious uses currently allowable on the properties. Furthermore, the West Santa Ana Boulevard Focus Area envisions a mixed-use corridor with a goal of transitioning out existing auto-oriented and traditional industrial uses to clean manufacturing and research and development uses, and live-work maker spaces that are compatible and can coexist with residential and other sensitive land uses such as schools, churches, and recreation facilities. In addition, the focus area would transition the auto-oriented neighborhoods and institutions into a series of transit-oriented neighborhoods that support and benefit from future streetcar stops. In order to accomplish the goals of the General Plan, the focus area promotes infill development while respecting established neighborhoods and providing buffers from industrial to residential neighborhoods. The proposed project will create a buffer from industrial uses to residential by changing the use of an auto-repair building into an office space. Additionally, the proposed project proposes landscape improvements and a community garden that will further act as buffers and accomplish the goals of the General Plan. D. The entire Project as currently proposed entails, among other things, (1) Approval of Amendment Application No. 2023-07 to change the site’s zoning designation from Light Industrial (M1) to Specific Development No. 82 (SD-82) and (2) approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2023-03 to expand the boundaries of SD-82 and to allow for Administrative Offices as a permitted use on Parcel 4, and an Outdoor Play Area in Parcel 2 ancillary to the Vista Heritage Charter School. E. The Applicant has demonstrated compliance with all requirements of the Sunshine Ordinance codified at Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 2-153, including public notification and hosting of required community meetings. Materials resulting from the meetings were subsequently posted to the City’s webpage for the project. F. On December 11, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2023-04. G. On January 16, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2023-04. H. For the reasons contained herein, and each of them, Amendment Application No. 2023-04 is hereby found and determined to be consistent with the intent and purpose of Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code; thus, changing the zoning district is found to be consistent with the General Plan of the City of Santa Ana and otherwise justified by the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare.