31A - CUP - 601 E SANTA ANA BLVD

Home Browse Search

CUP No. 2015 -19 January 25, 2016 Page 4 ,i TWIM111frorim, On December 14, 2015, the Planning Commission continued the applicant's request for 30 days to allow sufficient time to hold a community meeting to provide the surrounding community additional opportunities to learn more about the proposed application. On January 11, 2016, the applicant attended a community meeting hosted by the French Park Plaza Homeowner's Association where he presented additional information about the project. In addition, staff from the Planning and Neighborhood Initiatives divisions attended and answered questions related to planning processes, development, and other concerns by the attendees about parking, traffic, and pedestrian safety. The meeting was followed by an on -site tour hosted by the applicant, during which attendees inquired about the layout, kitchen facilities, and seating capacity. The project is located within the boundaries of the Lacy Neighborhood Association. Staff contacted the president of the Lacy Neighborhood Associations to ensure that they were notified of this project and to identify any areas of concern. The project site was also posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter, and mailed notices were sent to all property owners and tenants within 500 feet of the project site. At the time of this printing, no correspondence, either written or electronic, had been received. CEQA Compliance In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the recommended action is exempt from CEQA per Section 15061(b)(3). This exemption applies to projects where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The project proposes to allow the on- premise sale of beer and wine at a full- service restaurant within an existing structure. No expansion of square footage or interior reconfigurations of square footages are proposed as part of the project. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. 2015 -109 will be filed for this project. 5trats2ic Plan Alignment Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal No. 3 Economic Development, Objectives No. 2 (create new opportunities for business /job growth and encourage private development through new General Plan and Zoning Ordinance policies) and No. 4 (continue to pursue objectives that shape downtown Santa Ana into a thriving, culturally diverse, shopping, dining, and entertainment destination). 31A-6