Item 26 - Second Reading - Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-02

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F. In January 2023, the City received a proposal to modify the development potential of property within Specific Development No. 53 (SD-53) by reducing the permitted residential density and allowing a place of worship, together with the adoption of updated development standards. G. The proposed zoning ordinance amendment updates Specific Development No. 53 (SD-53) to reflect current development standards, recognizing that the 1989 conditions no longer fully apply to contemporary housing market demands and regulatory context, thereby enabling compatible infill development with additional fee-simple single-family lots on the Project Site. H. The proposed zoning ordinance amendment updates Specific Development No. 53 (SD-53) to reflect current development standards and regulatory requirements, thereby providing a clear and consistent framework for future development of the subject properties. I. The purpose of the zoning ordinance amendment is to amend SD-53 to establish updated development standards and permit places of worship subject to a conditional use permit. J. The City Council finds that Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-02 is consistent with the intent and purpose of Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code and with the General Plan of the City of Santa Ana, and that the amendment promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare. The proposed residential and temple components foster compatible uses that enhance livability and homeownership opportunities while supporting mixed-use infill near transit along Harbor Boulevard (Goal LU-1; Policies LU-1.1, LU-1.2, LU- 1.6). The integrated design provides supportive spaces for community gatherings through the temple and common open space (Goal LU-2; Policy LU-2.3), preserves neighborhood character with compatible and harmonious scale (Goal LU-3; Policies LU-3.1, LU-3.4), promotes a clean, safe, and creative environment (Policy LU-3.7), and creates complete neighborhoods with complementary uses and housing types (Goal LU-4; Policies LU-4.1, LU-4.7). Located in an area primarily consisting of low-scale single-family and multi-family residential uses, the Project is designed to be context-sensitive with the immediate surroundings. This compatibility with surrounding residential scale advances Housing Element Goal HE-2 (Housing Supply and Diversity) and Policy HE-2.5 (Diverse Housing Types) by facilitating single-family homes alongside community facilities. This context-sensitive approach further aligns with Urban Design Element Goal UD-1 (Physical Character)and Policies UD-1.1 (Design Quality) and UD-2.2 (Compatibility with Setting) through high-quality materials, finishes, construction, buffers, and landscaping strategies. K. The City Council finds that Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-02 is consistent with the goals, policies, and land use designations of the City of Santa Ana General Plan. Ordinance No. NS-3094 Page 2 of 10