31B - CHECK CASHING BUSINESS - 1647 EAST FIRST STREET

Home Browse Search

the property's location within the General Commercial (C-2) zoning district allows a variety of office and retail uses which are unconditionally permitted in this zone and similar in nature to the proposed use. 3. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property. The Santa Ana Municipal Code was amended in 1999 to require a 1,000 foot separation between check cashing facilities as a way to prevent the over proliferation of this type of use and the potential for illicit activity associated with check cashing uses. The approval of this variance and subsequent conditional use permit has the potential to be detrimental to the public welfare in that by allowing a second check cashing facility within 1,000 feet of another facility will only increase the potential for illicit activity. Further, allowing an additional use on this site will further intensify the lack of off-street parking. 4. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City. The granting of the variance will adversely affect the City's General Plan by opposing several of the General Plan Land Use policies, including Policy 2.2 by allowing an additional conditionally permitted use in an area which is already accommodated by an adequate amount of banking services. Additionally, the approval of this variance will oppose Land Use Policy 2.9 which supports developments that create a business environment that is safe and attractive, while check cashing facilities have been known historically to be locations of illicit activity. H Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41-638 authorizes the Planning Commission to grant a conditional use permit upon making certain findings. Will the proposed use provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well being of the neighborhood or community? The addition of another check cashing business in this area will not contribute to the general well being of the neighborhood or community. An Office of Planning and Research study regarding check cashing concluded that the average check cashing business patron will spend up to five percent of their annual income paying fees to cash checks when most commercial banks will offer this service for free or reduced rate. Additionally, there is another check cashing facility proposing to operate in the adjacent center Resolution No. 2009-11 Page 6 of 9 31 B-36