80A - JOINT PH - TRANSIT ZONING CODE, FINAL EIR, SPECIFIC PLAN ETC. - ORIGINAL PACKET PROVIDED TO COUNCIL

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JT PH CC -CRA Station District Phase I June 7, 2010 Page 4 • Adopt a resolution approving Transit Zoning Code Architectural Style Guidelines and Transit Zoning Code Street Network Concepts. Those members of the Planning Commission voting in favor were Acosta, Alderete, Gartner, Turner and Walker. Commissioner Betancourt abstained and Commissioner Yrarrazaval was absent. The entirety of the items included in the Request for Planning Commission Action are included as an attachment to this report and are incorporated herein by reference. As further described in the attached Request for Planning Commission Action, the proposed Transit Zoning Code is designed to provide the zoning necessary to support the long -term development o a successful transit program, as well as to provide the framework for the redevelopment of properties owned by the Agency in the Station District (the Developer Project), further described below. The attached action item (Exhibit P) also describes the environmental analysis conducted for the Transit Zoning Code and the Developer Project, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Additionally, it describes the proposed amendments to the Land Use Element of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Following the Planning Commission hearing, staff made modifications to the Transit Zoning Code intended to refine standards. These include reducing the minimum floor height on certain buildings to 9 feet, requiring that units have access to on -site laundry facilities and establishing additional standards for on -site trash service. The referenced changes can be found on page 4:3 of the Transit Zoning Code. In addition, in response to a comment from the Orange County Public Works Agency, the General Plan Land Use Element will be amended to reflect requested updates to its Flood Control provisions. Summary of Developer Project The Community Redevelopment Agency currently owns 49 parcels within the Station District area. These parcels have been acquired on a voluntary basis over a period of years, with the intent of ultimately developing new residential units of varying types and ranges of affordability, in a manner that enhances the Lacy Neighborhood and supports the transit vision for the area. The Agency is also considering the potential acquisition of additional properties within the immediate vicinity of the 49 parcels for the purposes of completing the assemblage of properties, as well as to secure property to provide for additional open space. In April 2009, the Agency issued a Request for Qualifications to solicit development proposals for these parcels (the Developer Project). On August 17, 2009, the Redevelopment Agency selected the team of the Related Companies of California, LLC and Griffin Realty Corporation, a California Corporation (the Developer). The two firms combined have considerable experience in all aspects of real estate development, ranging from market rate and affordable rental and for sale residential development, to high end commercial, retail and office development. Both firms have a proven track record in delivering quality projects on schedule and on budget. In addition, both have had years of experience dealing with complex projects that required considerable public outreach.