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Santa Ana SD-84/TZC Business Coalition Proposed Modifications to the Zoning Ordinance We are a coalition of more than 100 long-standing, responsible Santa Ana businesses located within the City's SD-84 Transit Zoning Code (TZC) area. Our members include contractors, metal fabrication shops, small-scale retail and warehousing businesses. We provide essential services to other Santa Ana businesses and government entities, as well as to clients throughout Orange County and Southern California. Collectively, we employ hundreds of workers - many of whom, along with their families, are proud residents of Santa Ana. We recognize that the community, surrounding neighborhoods, and the City desire positive change and meaningful improvements in our shared area- and so do we. We also acknowledge that a small number of businesses in the SD-84/TZC area have not contributed to a safe, clean, and healthy environment. On that point, we support the City's efforts to encourage those specific operations to relocate elsewhere. While we acknowledge and appreciate the considerable time, effort, and resources that City Planning Staff have invested in the proposed ordinance, we respectfully submit the following recommended modifications for consideration. 1. Eliminate the M-2 Heavy Industrial Overlay Zone (MC 41-489) First - and most importantly - we believe that completely eliminating the M-2 Heavy Industrial Overlay Zone will meaningfully contribute to the creation of a safer, cleaner, and more responsible environment for both residents and businesses. This approach mirrors that of Los Angeles County's Green Zones Program, adopted in 2022, which removed M-2 zoning in several communities and replaced it with lighter industrial zoning (M-1). That initiative was a response to long-standing concerns in overburdened neighborhoods and prioritized environmental justice by phasing out polluting uses near homes, schools, and other sensitive receptors. Santa Ana has a unique opportunity to follow this proven model. Removing the M-2 designation from the SD-84/TZC area would send a clear message that the City is committed to public health, environmental equity, and long-term community sustainability. Businesses subject to phase out under the M-2 removal would include: • Trash transfer, disposal, or dumping sites • Junkyards • Auto wrecking and salvage yards • Impound yards • Crematories • Recycling centers These uses have consistently been raised in community meetings as incompatible with the surrounding residential character. We are confident that eliminating the M-2 Overlay will reduce negative neighborhood impacts by at least 90%. (pg. 1 of 2)