75A - PH - ZONING 2500 N MAIN ST

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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2012 -02 Site Plan Review No. 2012 -06 November 13, 2012 Page 6 The proposed expansion is under the proposed threshold for maximum square footage build -out as originally approved in 2002. Phase II of the approved master plan included a two- tiered Phase II approach which included construction of the building expansion and the construction of a four -level parking structure. Although Phase IIA originally contemplated the construction of the parking structure prior to the Phase IIB museum expansion of the project, the current proposal is found to be in conformity with the previously approved Specific Development as the DSC is proposing an interim parking solution that satisfies the intent of the original approval while working towards completion of Phase 1113 at a later date. Thus, the current proposal is the beginning of Phase 11, but not the completion of the phase. aLqn s In 1998 the Discovery Science Center was granted a sign variance that created a special section of the SD dealing specifically signs: Section 9 — Signage. The current application includes proposals for signs that differ from those currently allowed by the SD, and that introduce sign types, such as digital signs and rooftop inflatable signs, not currently addressed by the City's sign ordinance. In order to give careful consideration to the proposed sign package, staff will be processing this request separately and bringing it back before the Planning Commission at a future date. This will be done pursuant to the existing language in the SD which requires Planning Commission site plan review approval for all signs and /or modifications to signs. Public Notification The project site is located near the boundaries of the Park Santiago Neighborhood Association. On October P, the DSC and staff presented the project to its board members and general membership. The neighborhood inquired about the cube's lighting maintenance and had general questions related to future exhibits. Overall, the expansion was well received. In addition, the neighborhood contact of this organization was notified by mail 10 days prior to this public hearing. The project site itself was posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter and mailed notices were sent to property owners within 500 feet of the project site, as well as concerned citizens listed on the Permanent Notification List. At the time of this printing, no correspondence, either written or electronic, had been received from any members of the public. CEQA Analysis In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the recommended actions have been determined to be adequately evaluated in the previously certified FEIR 96 -06 and subsequent Addendum FEIR 96 -01 (ER00 -04) as per Section 15162 of the CEQA guidelines. The originally certified Environmental Impact Report and subsequent Addendum were analyzed in light of the revised site plan and it is determined that there are no new significant impacts resulting from the project, as proposed. All mitigation measures in FEIR96 -1 and subsequent Addendum continue to apply to the proposed project.