31A - CUP - SA LOFTS-MAIN ST STUDIOS-E VILLAGE LOFTS

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Amend CUP No. 2001 -28 October 14, 2013 Page 4 In analyzing the applicant's request, staff believes that the following findings of fact warrant approval of the conditional use permit modification: • The proposed modifications to remove the rental restriction from the conditions of approval will provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well -being of the neighborhood or community. Allowing existing live /work units to be both renter or owner -occupied enhances the overall viability of the project site by helping to decrease the number of potential vacancies. The reduction of vacancies will allow the project site to continue to attract live /work residents whose services will benefit the community. • The modifications to the conditional use permit will not be detrimental to persons residing or working in the area because the use, as conditioned, will not create negative or adverse impacts. Live /work units occupied by owners or renters will continue to provide services to the community. The types of businesses that may occupy the live /work units are specified in the existing conditions of approval and no modifications are proposed to the types at this time. Moreover, conditions are imposed to mitigate potential impacts to those in the vicinity. • The proposed use will not adversely affect the economic stability of the area, but will instead allow the residential community to attract tenants whose products or services will contribute to the economic vitality of both Downtown Santa Ana and the city as a whole. • As conditioned, the proposed project will be in compliance with all applicable regulations and conditions imposed on live /work units in the Transit Zone Downtown (SD -84) zoning district. Pursuant to previous conditions, the residential community has continued to retain its live /work status and original configurations as originally approved and constructed, and no modifications to the actual units, number of rooms available for sleeping purposes, and maximum occupancy are proposed at this time. • The proposed use will not adversely affect the General Plan. Policy 2.2 of the Land Use Element encourages land uses that accommodate the City's needs for goods and services. Removing a restriction on renting of live /work units will allow the project site to attract future tenants and reduce vacancies, and the resulting occupancies of the live /work units will contribute to the range of services available to the residents of Santa Ana, employees, and visitors to Downtown. Public Notification The project site is located within the boundaries of the Downtown and Lacy Neighborhood Associations. The presidents of these Neighborhood Associations were notified by mail 10 days prior to this public hearing. In addition, the District representative from the City's Neighborhood Improvement Division contacted the presidents to ensure that they were notified of the project and to determine any potential areas of concern: none were identified. 31A-6