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CUP No. 04-24, DA No. 04-03, TTM No. 04-05, VA No. 04-11, ZOA No. 04-05 and SPR No. 04-06 November 22, 2004 Page 8 Approval of the tract map will also be consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan. The General Plan Land Use Element encourages residential development that provides a positive contribution to neighborhood character (Exhibit 9). Variance The applicant is requesting approval of a variance to reduce the required setbacks on MacArthur Boulevard and Imperial Promenade. In December 1987, the City Council adopted the MacArthur Place Specific Development Plan to encourage a comprehensive planning effort within one of the last maj or development parcels in the City. The obj ecti ves of the specific plan included promoting a visually harmonious development as viewed both internally and externally, providing landscaping that is appropriate to the level of development and to encourage flexibility in development while achieving overall City and community goals. The original development concept for this site was for an office building that would accommodate building setback requirements found within the SD-43 document. However, due to a high demand for housing, low demand for office buildings and a scarcity of available land, the applicant is proposing a high-rise condominium development. To accommodate this development, the applicant is proposing a variance to reduce the required setback for this proj ect from 30 feet along any street frontage to a IS-foot setback on Imperial Promenade and a 20-foot setback along MacArthur Boulevard. Staff is supportive of the setback variance for two reasons. First, the proposed setbacks will be consistent with the setbacks approved for the DoubleTree Hotel located directly west of the project site. Second, the applicant is proposing enhancements to the project to mitigate the reduced setbacks. The proj ect will incorporate upgraded architectural materials along MacArthur Boulevard as well as an upgraded landscaped palette along both street frontages. Zoning Ordinance Amendment The MacArthur Place District Center plan was approved to allow the construction of an "urban village" development where office, retail and residential activities would coexist in an attractive, well-planned development. The primary focus of the proj ect was the development of 75C-15