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

Home Browse Search

Transit Zoning code /Proposed Development May 27, 2010 Page 0 prepared for this project (Exhibit 6) identify the written findings and rationale that staff recommends for adoption by City Council in accordance with the requirements of Public Resources Code Sections 21081 and 21085 and Sections 15091 of the State Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA (CEQA Guidelines). Statement of Overridin-q considerations CEQA requires the decision - making agency to balance, as applicable, the economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits, including region -wide or statewide environmental benefits, of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks when determining whether to approve the project (CEQA Guidelines section 15093). If the specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits, including region -wide or statewide environmental benefits, of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse environmental effects may be considered "acceptable." When the lead agency approves a project which will result in the occurrence of significant effects which are identified in the Final EIR but are not avoided or substantially lessened, the agency shall state in writing the specific reasons to support its action based on the final EIR and/or other information in the record. The statement of overriding considerations shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record. Because the proposed Transit Zoning code and the proposed development on the Agency parcels would result in significant and unavoidable effects, a Statement of Overriding considerations must be adopted. wrhe Statement of Overriding considerations prepared for this project explains the reasons that the substantial benefits of the adoption of the Transit Zoning code and the development of the Agency parcels outweigh the unmitigable environmental effects (Exhibit 0 ). Transit Zoning Code (SD 84) As proposed, the Transit Zoning code would establish new zoning, including two Industrial Overlay Zones, for the 450 -acre project area. This zoning is necessary in order to achieve the project objectives of both the Transit Zoning code and the Developer Project. In addition, the adoption of the Transit Zoning code will favorably position the city for future State and Federal transit fending. The Santa Ana Municipal code allows for the creation of Specific Development zoning districts. The Specific Development tool encourages the use of innovative planning concepts and principles that could not be easily achieved through a traditional zoning approach. As such, the Transit Zoning code (SD 84) is a unique approach to Zoning that draws from traditional zoning practices by regulating use and general building design, but that also establishes regulations that respect and strengthen the existing context and built environment of the distinct areas within the plan. The Transit Zoning code will establish separate Zones that range from transit - oriented compact development to less intense, neighborhood - serving development. Most Zones provide for a significant mixture of land uses within them. For a full description of each Zone please refer to the Transit Zoning Code (Exhibit 7).