31B - 230 W WARNER AVE - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-21 December 10, 2007 Page 2 Project Description The applicant is proposing to obtain a conditional use permit to allow a check cashing facility. The business will occupy 983 square feet within an existing commercial center. The project will require minor interior modifications to the unit and no exterior improvements are proposed (Exhibit 3). The hours of operation for the check cashing business are proposed to be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Analysis of the Issues The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a check cashing facility. Section 41-365.5 (g) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SANG) requires an approved conditional use permit to operate a check cashing business. Additionally, Section 41-374.5(1)(a) requires that a check cashing facility be located a minimum of a 1,000 feet from another check cashing establishment, as measured from property line to property line. The proposed check cashing business is located in an existing commercial center and is located within the appropriate commercial zoning district. The Planning Division and Police Department have reviewed the project and verified that no other check cashing businesses are located within 1,000 feet. The nearest facility was originally indicated at 210 East Warner Avenue, which is approximately 1,100 feet from the proposed location. However, staff visited the location and verified that the current owner of the business is no longer providing a check cashing service to his costumers. Although the proposed project is complying with the City's minimum distance requirement, the public hearing process of the conditional use permit allows for the City to individually evaluate each proposal. As currently existing, there are several check cashing businesses and banking facilities that are located within a one mile radius of the project site and currently provide sufficient services for the community. The site does not comply with many of the City's current development standards including landscaping and signage, as well as the City's Building Security Ordinance. As existing, the project site is in disrepair and in need of rehabilitation. The disrepair of the center could increase the potential for criminal activities on the site as there are no lighting standards for the parking lot and minimal lighting for the building. 31 B-3