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under state housing laws that permit housing projects to bypass the City's existing zoning regulations. He requested clarification on whether the proposal would authorize the Executive Director of Planning and Building to issue a determination to draft a pre -commitment letter for the Council and future proposals be made clear and fair for the community. He spoke in support of the item. SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 21 as amended to remove language in the policy Motion died due to lack of a second. MINUTES: Community Development Director Michael Garcia addressed the need to obtain a General Plan Amendment or Zone Change and noted that state laws and existing zoning regulations must align with one another to allow for the Executive Director of Planning and Building to draft a pre -commitment letter when necessary. Councilmember Phan inquired about the length of time and costs associated with a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change, and whether there are affordable housing units within the City that are high -density mixed -use for -sale projects. She requested language be added to the existing pre -commitment letter to ensure zoning regulations are being followed and asked whether developers identify the City in lawsuits related to land use entitlements, she recommended standard indemnification language be included in applications and spoke in opposition to the item. Planning and Building Director Ali Pezeshkpour stated the average time for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change within the City is approximately 9 to 18 months, with about $100, 000 in application fees, in addition to costs for retaining professional services. He explained Estrella Springs was a mixed -use conversion project that allowed affordable housing under the Harbor Specific Plan and projects requiring a resolution for a General Plan Amendment or an ordinance for Zone Changes, include standard indemnification language as included in all resolutions and ordinances presented to the Council. City Manager Alvaro Nunez explained zoning laws are outlined within and referenced behind existing pre -commitment letters and related policy. Mayor Amezcua asked whether the amendment conflicts with the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC), spoke in support of affordable housing within the City, and expressed concern regarding the item, stating that the City Manager should work with staff on the policy. City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding maintaining the policy and message within pre -commitment letters under the SAMC. CITY COUNCIL 14 NOVEMBER 4, 2025