HomeMy WebLinkAbout32A - 2727 N BRISTOLREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
MARCH 3, 2008
TITLE:
APPEAL NO. 2007-05 (TENTATIVE PARCEL
MAP NO. 2007-05 [COUNTY MAP NO.
2006-308]) TO SUBDIVIDE PROPERTY AT
2727 NORTH BRISTOL STREET - RED
MOUNTAIN RET L, INC., APPLICANT
G~ CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
APPROVED
^ As Recommended
^ As Amended
^ Ordinance on 15' Reading
^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading
^ Implementing Resolution
^ Set Public Hearing For_
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Receive and file the staff report denying Appeal No. 2007-05 (Tentative
Parcel Map No. 2007-05 [County Map No. 2006-308]).
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On January 28, 2008, the Planning Commission denied Appeal No. 2007-05
and adopted a resolution denying Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 (County
Map No. 2006-308) by a vote of 6:0 (Betancourt absent) to subdivide a
property into two parcels in the Community Commercial (100-C1-10000)
zoning district at 2727 North Bristol Street (Exhibit A). The Planning
Commission upheld the recommendation of the Zoning Administrator and
agreed that the creation of an irregular shaped parcel would affect the
long term viability of the shopping center and would make it difficult to
develop the new parcel to the City's commercial development standards
which would not be a benefit to the community in the long term.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ACTION
On November 28, 2007, the Zoning Administrator adopted a resolution
denying Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 (County Map No. 2006-308). The
applicant submitted a letter appealing this decision for consideration by
the Commission at their January 28, 2008 meeting. No changes were made
to the staff report (Exhibit B).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Jay M. Trevino
Executive Director
Planning & Building Agency
BA:rb
ba/reports2007/tpm07-OS Red Mountain appeal.cc
32A-1
REQUEST FOR
Planning Commission Action
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE:
JANUARY 28, 2008
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - FILED BY RED MOUNTAIN
RETAIL, INC. FOR APPEAL NO. 2007-05
[TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2007-05 (COUNTY
MAP NO. 2006-308)] TO SUBDIVIDE PROPERTY AT
2727 NORTH BRISTOL STREET
Prepared by Bill Apple
,-
Executive Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Deny Appeal No. 2007-05.
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
APPROVED
^ As Recommended
^ As Amended
^ Set Public Hearing For
DENIED
^ Applicant's Request
^ Staff Recommendation
CONTINUED TO
Planning M ager
2. Adopt a resolution denying Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 (County
Map No. 2006-308).
DISCUSSION
Request of Applicant
Eric Nelson, representing Red Mountain Retail Group, is requesting an
appeal of the Zoning Administrator's denial of a request to subdivide an
existing improved property into two parcels.
At the hearing on November 28, 2007, the Zoning Administrator, after
considering staff's analysis, contained in the following pages and
testimony by the applicant, denied Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05.
The Zoning Administrator agreed that the creation of an irregular shaped
parcel would affect the long term viability of the shopping center and
would make it difficult to develop the new parcel to the City's
commercial development standards which would not be a benefit to the
community in the long term. The applicant has submitted a letter
appealing this decision for consideration by the Commission (Exhibit 6).
Property Description
The Floral Park Promenade shopping center is located near the northeast
corner of Bristol Street and Memory Lane. The center is 6.17 acres in
size and consists of three existing parcels and contains 26 tenant suites
within four buildings and 71,848 square feet of commercial space. The
EX 3 L~-2
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
January 28, 2008
Page 2
property has a zoning designation of 100-C1-10,000 and a General Plan
Designation of General Commercial (GC). Surrounding land uses include
multi-family residential to the north; commercial and single-family
residential to the south; multi-family and commercial development to the
west; and a combination of commercial and residential uses to the east
(Exhibits 1 and 2). Access to the site is from Bristol Street although
access to the shopping center can also be reached via Memory Lane.
Project Description
The Floral Park Promenade shopping center currently consists of three
parcels of land totaling 6.17 acres. The applicant is proposing to
subdivide the larger parcel into two additional parcels totaling 4.06 and
0.49 acres respectively. The subdivision will allow an existing tenant to
purchase the property they are currently leasing. The subdivision will
result in a total of four separate parcels within the shopping center.
The smaller parcel (Parcel 2) will contain an existing office building and
the larger parcel (Parcel 1) will contain an existing retail/commercial
building. The remaining parcels contain small retail buildings and are
not a part of this submittal (Exhibit 3).
Analysis of the Issues
The purpose of the City's subdivision ordinance is to promote the
orderly development of land in a configuration that will allow
properties to redevelop over time in compliance with City codes and
development standards. The issues pertaining to the proposed
subdivision are threefold; the subdivision creates irregular and
unorthodox shaped parcels; creates additional non-conformancies with
City codes that are contrary to the goals and policies of the City's
General Plan; and the subdivision will result in an integrated shopping
center being further subdivided that increases the difficulty of
redeveloping the shopping center parcel over time. Subdivisions that
create irregular shaped lots are contrary to the City's goal of
promoting orderly and high quality development.
The Subdivision Creates Irregular Shaped Parcels
Regulating the subdivision of property for purposes of sale and
development is a core function of local legislative bodies, such as
cities. Whenever a new subdivision of land is proposed, staff evaluates
the proposal to ensure that the design will result in a high quality
project that will endure the test of time.
32A-3
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
January 28, 2008
Page 3
Section 66474 (b) of the Subdivision Map Act states that the legislative
body of a city shall deny a tentative map if it makes the finding that the
design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is not consistent with
applicable general and specific plans. Together with other elements of
the General Plan, the Urban Design Element aims to curtail obsolete,
dysfunctional and chaotic development. The Urban Design Element goes on
to state "that development and subdivision patterns should be compatible
with existing patterns of development in and around districts and
neighborhoods, and provide a smooth transition along designated edges"
(Policy 2.12). The predominate subdivision pattern in the surrounding
area is rectangular shaped lots. The proposed subdivision creates an
irregular shaped parcel that will be difficult to develop over time
without acquiring additional land or applying for future variances. In
addition, the unorthodox shape of the parcel does not comply with the
intent of the City's subdivision and zoning ordinance (Exhibit 4).
For example, the City's Community Commercial (C-1) development standards
requires that each lot used for retail or service purposes have at least
120 feet of street frontage and an area of at least 15, 000 square feet.
The purpose of this requirement is to maintain a parcel width of roughly
the same proportion from front to back which results in a rectangular
parcel that can easily be developed over time. In the case of the
proposed subdivision, the new parcel will have 120 feet of street
frontage. The width of the parcel however, is maintained for only 15
feet before narrowing considerably due to the constraints of designing a
property line around an existing building. The new lot line jogs
through common building walls, around building openings, utility panels
and exit doors creating an irregular shaped parcel that is not conducive
to future development. At the narrowest point, Parcel 2 is 15 feet wide
and maintains this width for nearly 160 feet, which is clearly not the
intent of the City's street frontage requirement or subdivision
ordinance.
The Subdivision Creates New Zoning Code Non-Conformancies
Section 34-67 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SANG) states that no map
shall be approved which would result in a violation of Chapter 8, which
regulates Buildings and Structures, or Chapter 41, which regulates
Zoning. Approval of the proposed map would result in several new non-
conformities being created in violation of Chapter 41 of the zoning
code. These new nonconformities are discussed below and include: front
yard setbacks, drive aisle width, loading zone and trash enclosure
locations, and a landscape buffer adjacent to residential property.
32A-4
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
January 28, 2008
Page 4
In addition, the applicant has not shown that the proposed subdivision
meets the requirements of the building code as these issues were not
addressed through site plan review. The applicant would need to show
compliance with the appropriate California Building Codes prior to
recording the final map.
Required Front Yard Setback
The front yard setback for Building "A" currently complies with City Code
which requires a front yard of 15 feet in commercial zones. A "front
yard" is defined as "a yard extending across the full width of the lot,
the depth of which is the distance between the front lot line and the main
wall of the building."
Based upon the location of the new lot lines shown on the map, Parcel 1
has a front yard setback of one-foot adjacent to Building "A". This
one-foot is the area between the wall of Building "A" and the new
property line created between Parcels 1 and 2 on the proposed map. This
new nonconformity will be created if the map is approved since the
existing parcel configuration complies with the City's front yard zoning
requirement (Exhibit 5).
Drive Aisle Width
The City's minimum requirement for a two-way drive aisle is 20 feet.
Currently, there is a 25-foot drive aisle that is used to access parking
and truck loading areas at the rear of Building "A", which complies with
City Standards. The map creates a parcel that has a width of 15 feet
which is below the minimum standard for a two-way drive aisle and
therefore is not in compliance with City Development Standards.
Loading Zone and Trash Enclosure
The loading zone and trash enclosure for the retail building is
currently located on the same parcel as the retail building that it
serves. Should the subdivision map be approved, the loading zone and
trash enclosure would be located on the newly created parcel and not on
the parcel where the retail building is located.
Reciprocal access agreements and easements can be put in place between
property owners that would allow trash and delivery trucks access to the
back of Parcel 2. However, there are often disputes that arise between
adjacent property owners which could result in access being restricted
32A-5
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
January 28, 2008
Page 5
to the existing loading zone and trash enclosure. It is not a good
practice to allow these critical functions of a building to be located
on a different parcel than the building they serve.
Landscabe Buffer Adjacent to Residential Propert
A landscape area not less than five feet wide is required along any
property line to the extent it serves to separate property zoned or used
for residential purposes from any off-street parking area. Because the
site is a legal non-conforming parcel, this zoning requirement does not
currently exist; however, the width of the proposed subdivision
precludes this requirement from ever being met without the need of a
variance should the property redevelop in the future.
Subdividing Integrated Shopping Centers
Property is subdivided to create ownership opportunities for prospective
buyers and tenants. Each time an integrated center is subdivided, as a
general rule, additional ownership occurs and that parcel is no longer
subject to the same regulations applied to the integrated center. For
example, once subdivided, each parcel can develop independent of one
another and improvements made to one parcel are not necessarily carried
over to other parcels within the center. Each parcel is likely to have
different ownership which increases the probability that they will act
independently of one another, which is contrary to the concept of an
integrated center. For example, because of previous subdivisions
allowed by the City, this center no longer has street frontage on Memory
Lane as a separate parcel was previously created and approved by the
City. As property continues to be subdivided, it becomes difficult to
reassemble land for future development, especially for large-scale
development projects.
The proposed subdivision is not consistent with the City's General Plan
policies that are intended to curtail obsolete, dysfunctional and
chaotic development, nor the purpose or intent of the City's zoning code
or subdivision ordinance. This subdivision creates new conformancies
with City Codes. The odd shape of the parcel will make this property
difficult to develop over time without reassembling property or applying
for future variances.
Based upon the above analysis and findings, staff recommends that the
Planning Commission uphold the Zoning Administrator's decision and deny
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 (County Map No. 2006-308).
32A-6
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
January 28, 2008
Page 6
CEQA Compliance
In accordance with the California
recommended action is not considered
environmental documentation is required.
~ ~.~i
Bill Apple
Associate Planner
BA:jm
ba/reports2007/tpm07-OS Red Mountain.appeal.pc
Environmental Quality Act, the
a CEQA project. Therefore no
ti~
Vince Fre so, ICP
Senior Pla
32A-7
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TPM 07-5
COUNTY MAP NO. 06-308 ~
RED MOUNTAIN RETAIL GROUP - - =500 FEET
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P L A N N I N G A N D B U I L D I N G A G E N C Y
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EXHIBIT 2
32A-9
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0 Exist Building
~ Proposed Parcel 1
Proposed Parcel 2
~ Common Property Line between Parcels 1 and 2
• • • • • New Front Yard Setback Parcel 1
EXHIBIT 3
32A-10
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LEGEND
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0 Exist Building
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Proposed Parcel 2
~ Common Property Line between Parcels 1 and 2
EXHIBIT 4
32A-11
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
- 2006 - 308
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Proposed Parcel 2
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• • • • • New Front Yard Setback Parcel 1
EXHIBIT 5
32A-12
RED MOUNTAIN
Retail Group
November 27, 2007
Planning Commission
City of Santa Ana -Planning Division
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 1988 (M-20)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Eric A. Nelson
Direct Dial: (714) 245-7405
E-mail: enelson~nnrginc.com
HAND DELIVERED
Re: Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-OS (County Map No. 2006-308)
Appeal of Zoning Administrator Denial
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter shall serve as our appeal to the Planning Commission of the Zoning
Administrator denial of the above-referenced tentative parcel map on November 27,
2007.
As discussed below, we believe that the staff report, while accurate in some respects, fails
to provide a detailed comprehensive analysis and that the Zoning Administrator's
decision was made in error.
Analysis of the Issues
The staff report suggests that the subdivision creates irregular and unorthodox shaped
parcels and that it creates additional non-conformance with City codes that are contrary
to the goals and policies of the City's General Plan. The staff goes further to describe the
difficulty's that maybe created by the approval of this map as it relates to the re-
development of this site. As you will see, this application is not contrary to the City's
General Plan nor does it create any real non-conformance with any specific zoning
ordinance(s), rather it is consistent with many of the elements of the General Plan and
creates, at best, perceived non-conformance that can be addressed through conditions of
approval.
The Subdivision Creates Irregular Shaped Parcels
The development of commercial property relies heavily on market conditions, location of
property and the underlying legal documents that govern how a property is to be
developed, maintained, and re-developed. These documents include, among other things,
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
.3~ ,~
November 27, 2007
Page 2
City of Santa Ana
reciprocal access agreements (REA), covenants conditions and restrictions (CC&R's) and
common area maintenance agreements (CAMA). With the proper documentation, parcel
size and shape have very little to do with the re-development of commercial property. In
this instance, the staff has even referred to previous approvals to sub-divide this property
(Floral Park Promenade) but fails to discuss how these "subdivided" properties were
actually re-developed even with the fractured ownership, which has been the basis for the
denial of this application.
The staff report reply's on Section 66474(b) of the Subdivision Map Act to deny this
application but fails to discuss how this reliance may in fact hinder the city's long term
ability to control the re-development of this site. The Subdivisions Map Act has specific
provisions that will allow for the fracturing of ownership without the controls that could
be included in a resolution to approve this request.
Specifically, section 66412.1' of the Land Map Act expressly exempts this type of project
from review if other forms of ownership such as a long term ground lease are instituted.
While this would not be the best approach from an ownership perspective, it is an
accepted way of conveyance and is done through the creation of a legal descriptions and
a ground lease. Terms for these types of development(s) can run anywhere from thirty
(30) to ninety-nine (99) years. A conveyance of this type ground leaseZwould not be
subject to any form of government review thus restricting the city's ability to
regulate it.
In other words, the approval of this application would afford the city the opportunity to
require specific conditions as part of its approval such as CC&R's and CAMA
agreements to insure the long term success of this project and the ability to re-develop in
the future.
Byway of example, the rear northern portion of this property, including the parking
spaces, are located on the adjacent owner's property (proposed village green
development) and are regulated by a long term ground lease. As with this application, the
lack of city control's vis-a-vis CC&R's has insured that the long-term redevelopment of
this site maybe compromised by a ground lease due to the city's ability to have provided
proper controls that would actually provide for long-term sustainability.
As it relates to the development standards, the proposed parcel meets the specific
requirements including among other things, frontage and lot size. Letter of the code and
spirit of the code are an important factor in determining the intent. In this case, staff has
suggested that this application clearly does not meat the intent of the code, but sections
such as 41-608(a.) would suggest that the intent of the code was not to regulate in a
fashion that would always insure "regularly shaped parcels" but rather provides several
provisions that allow for the development of irregularly shaped lots.
' 66412.1. This division shall also be inapplicable to:
(a) The financing or leasing of any parcel of land, or and op rtion
thereof
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
32A-14
November 27, 2007
Page 3
City of Santa Ana
The Subdivision Creates New Zone Code Non-Conformance.
It is important to note that the application before you does not propose any new
development nor does it request any land use or development changes. This request is to
allow for the creation of virtual lines to allow this development, specifically the rear
office building, to be sold to an owner who will occupy the building and continue to run
an existing successful business.
This project and this request will adhere to the new "ICode" and comply with all of
Chapter 8 regulations. The reason for the proposed lot line configuration or the
"irregularly shaped lot" is to conform to these specific provisions. It is those regulations
that drive the layout of the proposed lot configuration.
Required Front Yard Setback
The proposed project is not requesting any change to the setbacks of this "integrated
shopping center" nor is it requesting any new development. As discussed in a previous
paragraph, Section 41-608(a) of the city's zoning ordinance authorizes the Zoning
Administrator to regulate and make modifications to the Yard Regulations of this chapter.
This section states "Since the general yard provisions of this chapter have to be applied
to numerous types of conditions and shapes of parcels occasioned by varying street
layouts and subdivisions of property, it is not advisable to attempt to define herein those
cases which warrant exceptions and modifications "This section goes on to state
"therefore, authority is hereby given to the zoning administrator, as part of his functions
to determine in writing the application of specific requirements of this chapter" (Ibid).
This section clearly outlines the purpose and intent of this chapter and authorizes the
approval of this application by the zoning administrator.
Drive Aisle Width
As indicated in other sections of this letter, the approval of this application in no way
inhibits or reduces the location, size, width or other provisions of the city's development
standards. By applying this strict adherence to the letter of the code, this center, along
with many other centers, would fail to meet almost all of this sections references as it
currently has several property lines that subdivide, among other things, driveways,
parking spaces, landscape planters and buildings. The proper creation of CC&R's would
regulate this issue and insure that the proposed lot is regulated to allow for future
redevelopment.
Loading Zone and Trash Enclosure
The staff report suggests that "disputes" could occur and that these critical functions
(loading zones & Trash Enclosures) should not be located on different parcels. In this
instance, the majority of the retailers are all ready using a loading zones and trash
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
32A-15
November 27, 2007
Page 4
City of Santa Ana
enclosures on the adjacent parcels. For instance, Starbucks and all of the other retailers
located on the corner of Bristol & Memory Lane utilize a loading zone located within
Floral Park Promenade. This can be seen on the attached Exhibit A and was approved
within the last few years by city staff, suggesting that this issue has not stopped
development.
Landscape Buffer Adjacent to Residential PropertX
As discussed earlier, the northern boundary of the property as shown in the staff report
includes a portion ofground-leased property from the adjacent residential property
(Village Green) and will never meet this requirement. As part of the negotiations with
Village Green, we do have a proposal that will allow for the swap of the existing parking
area (currently under a ground lease) to be located within the boundary of the proposed
lot. This would allow for a driveway relocation that would provide more of a buffer from
the residential property.
Subdividing Integrated Shopping Centers
This issue has been discussed relative to all of the sections noted above and with proper
documentation, long term control can be instituted. Furthermore, staff has, in the past,
supported the use of the proposed documentation to assist in long term consistency
regardless of fractured ownership. It should further be noted that this city's staff has
consistently required Red Mountain Retail Group, as a partial owners of other
integrated /fractured shopping centers, to re-develop sites as if they are the owner
of the entire site relying on code sections that require these re-developments to be
integrated.
For example, the development of the last phase of Home Place Plaza (Osh Hardware on
E. 17`" Street, North of Tustin) was approved earlier this year. As part of the approval,
and with existing fractured ownership, Red Mountain was required as part of its
conditions, to include paint and architectural enhancements on buildings that were not
owned by Red Mountain in order to provide for consistency throughout the "integrated
shopping center" and this was based on specific code requirements cited by city staff
member Ann Ni.2
General Plan Consistency
In reviewing the staff report, there was a reliance on the General Plan and the
inconsistency of this application. After reviewing the General Plan, we offer the
following sections that show this application is consistent with the following policies.
z The approval required upgrading the paint and materials of the existing (old gateway building and Osh
Hardware) buildings to match the proposed mixed use commercial building that is currently being
constructed.
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
32A-16
November 27, 2007
Page 5
City of Santa Ana
Land Use Element3
Goal 2 "Promote land uses which enhance the City's economic and fiscal viability"
The proposed map would provide for an ownership opportunity thus providing an
increased tax base as part of this transaction and would insure long-term operation
of an existing, Santa Ana based business. Pride of ownership and local business
helps to achieve this goal.
Policy 2.7 "Promote rehabilitation of commercial properties, and encourage increased
levels of capital investment"
The approval of this map would insure not only the continued success of this
property and its business, it would also allow for more capitol investments to take
place through property acquisition and substantial interior improvements.
Economic Development Element4
Goal 1 "Increase employment opportunities for local residents "
The current business located in the rear office building employs a large amount of
local Santa Ana residents. Retention of this business through a property
transaction would insure the long term employment stays in Santa Ana, providing
jobs and opportunities to the residents of Santa Ana.
Policy 1.2 "Continue to emphasize retention of existing labor intensive business which
supports community economic development goals.
The current business located in the rear office building employs a generous
amount of local Santa Ana residents. Retention of this business through a property
transaction would insure the long term employment stays in Santa Ana
Goal S "Promote a business friendly atmosphere by keeping taxes and fees at a fair level
competitive with those comparable communities, by assisting desirable business
growth. "
Approval of this map would clearly promote the continued assistance of desirable
business growth.
Policy S.1 "Encourage land uses, developments and businesses that pay their way from
non-discretionary taxes (sales, property, subventions) ".
3 Land Use Element of the General Plan was adopted on February 2, 1998 as resolution 98-008
a Economic Development Element was adopted in July, 1998
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
32A-17
November 27, 2007
Page 6
City of Santa Ana
The approval of this map would insure not only the continued success of this
property and its business, it would also allow for more capitol investments to take
place through property acquisition and substantial interior improvements
increasing the tax base substantially.
Policy 5.3 "Strive to simplify development permit requirements, and assist businesses
with permit processing".
The process that we are currently in surely fails to meet this policy. Approval at
this point would further this policy and goal simplifying the permit process.
While it is never our wish to be presenting arguments such as this that are contradictory
to city staff, we feel as though this issue is critical to the success of this project and to
further the goals and policies of this city.
Over the last seven years, Red Mountain has been a leader in the re-development of this
site along with multiple other properties within the city and we feel that our track record
of success speaks for itself. In this instance, the approval of this request will ensure that
this building remains occupied and maintained long into the future. Therefore we are
asking for you make findings necessary for approval.
We respectfully request that the Planning Commission overturn the Zoning
Administrator's denial.
Respectfully,
RED MOUNTAIN RETAIL GROUP, INC.
~-_
Eric A. Nelson
Vice President
Entitlements
Cc; Bill Apple -City of Santa Ana
Vince Fregoso -City of Santa Ana
Kathy O'Conner-Phelps - Sr. Entitlements Manager
Carl Roude, Esq. -Vice President /General Counsel
Pat Murphy -Partner
File
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
32A-18
November 27, 2007
Page 7
City of Santa Ana
EXHIBIT A
1234 East Seventeenth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
32A-19
~i ~ • RED M9o K said msr TY ~~ ~~~
~ ~„~ a ~ 1
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR HEARING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 28, 2007
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP N0.2007-05
11:09 a.m.
Mr. Sergio Klotz, Zoning Administrator, called to order the public hearing in the City Hall
Ross Annex Conference Room 2001.
Also in attendance were: Kathy O'Connor-Phelps and Eric Nelson, Applicants; Bill
Apple, Associate Planner; Lorena Penaloza, City Attorney; and Jocelyn Magalona,
Recording Secretary.
Bill Apple presented the staff report and recommendation.
There were no written communications.
Mr. Nelson provided a handout in response to the staff report and discussed the
analysis of the issues including the general plan consistency. Mr. Klotz stated that the
analysis should focus on the long term viability of the project and whether the project
would be a benefit to the community in the long term.
Mr. Klotz explained the city process and appeal options to the applicant.
The Zoning Administrator adopted a resolution denying Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-
05.
The-hearing'adjourned at 10:41 a.m.
.. -~- ~,
~ ~ Jocelyn Magalo " a
Recording Secretary
mr\zoning administrationlminutes\2007111-28-07 tpm07-05
32A-20
KO 1 /24/07
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DENYING TENTATIVE
PARCEL MAP NO. 2007-05 (COUNTY PARCEL MAP NO.
2006-308) TO SUBDIVIDE AN EXISTING PARCEL INTO
TWO PARCELS AT 2727 NORTH BRISTOL (APPEAL NO.
2007-05)
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines and declares as follows:
A. The applicant is requesting approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
(County Map No 2006-308) to subdivide a single parcel into two parcels at
2727 North Bristol. The subject property is the Floral Park Promenade
shopping center and is located near the northeast corner of Bristol Street
and Memory Lane. The center is 6.17 acres in size, consists of two
existing parcels, and contains 26 tenant suites within four buildings and
71,848 square feet of commercial space. The subdivision would result in
a total of three separate parcels within the shopping center.
B. Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 came before the Zoning Administrator
of the City of Santa Ana for a public hearing on November 14, 2007, and
was continued until November 28, 2007. On November 28, 2007 the
Zoning Administrator denied Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05. The
applicant appealed the Zoning Administrator's decision.
C. On January 14, 2007, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing on Appeal No. 2007-05 (Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05). The
matter was continued to January 28, 2008 at the Applicant's request.
D. On January 28, 2008, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing on Appeal No. 2007-05 (Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05).
E. For Tentative Parcel Map No. 2006-01, the Planning Commission
determines that the following findings have been established:
The proposed project, as conditioned, and its design and
improvements are consistent with the commercial land use
designation of the General Plan and are otherwise consistent with
Resolution No. 2008-02
Page 1 of 6
32A-21
all other elements of the General Plan and any applicable specific
plans.
The proposed subdivision is not consistent with the City's
General Plan policies which aim to curtail obsolete,
dysfunctional and chaotic development. The City's Urban
Design Element states "that development and subdivision
patterns should be compatible with existing patterns of
development in and around districts and neighborhoods, and
provide a smooth transition along designated edges" (Policy
2.12). The predominate subdivision pattern in the
surrounding area is rectangular shaped lots. The proposed
subdivision creates an irregular shaped parcel that will be
difficult to develop over time without reassembling property
or the need for future variances.
2. The proposed project, as conditioned, conforms to all applicable
requirements of the zoning and subdivision codes, as well as other
applicable City ordinances.
Section 34-67 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC)
states that no map shall be approved which would result in a
violation of Chapter 8, which regulates Buildings and
Structures or Chapter 41 which regulates zoning. Approval
of the proposed map would result in several new non-
conformities being created in violation of Chapter 41 of the
zoning code. These new nonconformities include: front yard
setbacks, drive aisle width, landscaping adjacent to
residential property, and loading zone and trash enclosure
locations.
3. The project site is physically suitable for the type and intensity of
the proposed project.
Parcel 2 created by this map is such an unorthodox shape
that it will not be physically suitable or conducive to future
development. The issues pertaining to the proposed
subdivision are threefold; the subdivision creates irregular
and unorthodox shaped parcels; creates additional non-
conformities with City codes, and goals and policies of the
City's General Plan; and results in an integrated shopping
center being further subdivided, which increases the difficulty
of redeveloping the shopping center parcel over time.
Further, Parcel 2 has a width of 15 feet at its narrowest point
which is clearly not the intent of the City's street frontage
requirement which is to maintain a parcel width of roughly
the same proportion from front to back. This results in a
Resolution No. 2008-02
Page 2 of 6
32A-22
rectangular type parcel that can easily be developed over
time. The unorthodox shape of the parcel being created will
make the property difficult to develop over time without the
need of variances.
4. The design and improvements of the proposed project will not
cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and
avoidable injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.
The project site is located in an urbanized area. There are
no known fish or wildlife populations, wetlands or unusual
flora or fauna on or around the project site. Since the
buildings on this site are existing and no new development is
proposed at this time, the proposed subdivision will not
cause any substantial environmental damage or
substantially and avoidably injury to fish and wildlife or their
habitat.
5. The design or improvements of the proposed project will not cause
serious public health problems.
The subdivision of this property will not have any detrimental
effects upon the general public. All improvements on the
property currently exist and comply with City standards
pertaining to sewer, water, utilities and infrastructure. This is
an existing site with existing improvements which have not
caused any previous public health problems.
6. The design or improvements of the proposed project will not conflict
with easements necessary for public access through or use of the
property within the proposed project.
The subdivision will not conflict with easements necessary
for public access, since public access is provided from
Bristol Street and Memory Lane and will not be changed as
a result of this project.
F. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended action is not considered a CEQA project. Therefore no
environmental documentation is required.
Section 2. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby denies
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 (Appeal No. 2007-05). This decision is based upon
the evidence submitted at the above said hearing, which includes but is not limited to:
the Request for Planning Commission Action dated January 14, 2008 and exhibits
attached thereto; the Request for Planning Commission Action dated January 28, 2008
Resolution No. 2008-02
Page 3 of 6
32A-23
and exhibits attached thereto and the public testimony, all of which are incorporated
herein by this reference.
ADOPTED this 28th day of January, 2008 by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Alderete, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Mill, Munoz(7)
NOES: Commissioners: None (0)
ABSENT: Commissioners: Betancourt (1)
ABSTENTIONS: Commissioners: None (0)
Christopher Leo
Chairman
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
By:
Kylee Otto
Assistant City Attorney
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, Martha Ramirez, Planning Commission Secretary, do hereby attest to and certify the
attached Resolution No. 2008-02 to be the original resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Santa Ana on January 28, 2008.
Date:
Planning Commission Secretary
City of Santa Ana
Resolution No. 2008-02
Page 4 of 6
32A-24
PROOF OF SERVICE
(C.C.P. SECTION 1013(a), 2015.5)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA. COUNTY OF ORANGE
I am employed in the aforesaid county; I am over the age of eighteen and not a
party to the within action; my business address is 20 Civic Center Plaza, Ross Annex
2"d ,Santa Ana, California 92702.
I served the foregoing document described as: Resolution No. 2008-02 (Appeal
No. 2007-05/Tentative Parcel Ma No. 2007-05 in thiss-lion y p acing a rue copy
ereo enc ose in sea a enve opes a resse as follows:
Eric Nelson
Red Mountain Retail Group
1234 East Seventeenth Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Michael Mugel
Floral Park Promenade
1234 East Seventeenth Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
[ ] I caused to be delivered by courier, such envelope by hand to the office of the
addressee(s).
[X] BY MAIL I am readily familiar with my employer's practice of collection and
processing correspondence for mailing. Under that practice it would be deposited with
U.S. Postal Service on that same day with postage thereon fully prepaid at Santa Ana,
California in the ordinary course of business. I am aware that on motion of the party
served, service is presumed invalid if postal cancellation date or postage meter date is
more than one day after date of deposit for mailing in affidavit.
[ ]The document was transmitted by facsimile transmission and was reported as
complete and without error.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that
the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on [date] at Santa Ana, California.
MARTHA RAMIREZ
Resolution No. 2008-02
Page 5 of 6
32A-25
Resolution No. 2008-02
Page 6 of 6
32A-26
REQUEST FOR
Zoning Administrator Action
ONING ADMINISTRATOR MEETING DATE:
NOVEMBER 28, 2007
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - FILED BY RED MOUNTAIN
RETAIL, INC. FOR TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
NO. 2007-05 (COUNTY MAP NO. 2006-308)
TO SUBDIVIDE PROPERTY AT 2727 NORTH BRISTOL
STREET
Prepared by B i 11 App 1 e
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
APPROVED
^ As Recommended
^ As Amended
^ Set Public Hearing For
DENIED
^ Applicant's Request
^ Staff Recommendation
CONTINUED TO
Planning Man er
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution denying Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 (County Map
No. 2006-308) .
DISCUSSION
~equest of Applicant
Kathy O'Connor-Phelps, representing Red Mountain Retail Group, is
requesting approval of a tentative parcel map to subdivide a property into
two parcels.
Property Description
The Floral Park Promenade shopping center is located near the northeast
corner of Bristol Street and Memory Lane. The center is 6.17 acres in
size and consists of two existing parcels and contains 26 tenant suites
within four buildings and 71,848 square feet of commercial space. The
property has a zoning designation of 100-C1-10,000 and a General Plan
Designation of General Commercial (GC) Surrounding land uses include
multi-family residential to the north; commercial and single-family
residential to the south; multi-family and commercial development to the
west; and a combination of commercial and residential uses to the east
(Exhibits 1 and 2) Access to the site is from Bristol Street although
access to the shopping center can also be reached via Memory Lane.
Project Description
~he Floral Park Promenade shopping center currently consists of two
parcels of land totaling 6.17 acres. The applicant is proposing to
subdivide the larger parcel into two additional parcels totaling 4.06
EXHIBIT B
32A-27
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
~ovember 28, 2007
age 2
and 0.49 acres respectively. The subdivision will allow an existing
tenant to purchase the property they are currently leasing. The
subdivision will result in a total of three separate parcels within the
shopping center. The smaller parcel (Parcel 2) will contain an existing
office building and the larger parcel (Parcel 1) will contain an
existing retail/commercial building. The third parcel contains small
retail buildings and is not part of this submittal (Exhibit 3).
Analysis of the Issues
The purpose of the City's subdivision ordinance is to promote the
orderly development of land in a configuration that will allow
properties to redevelop over time in compliance with City codes and
development standards. The issues pertaining to the proposed
subdivision are threefold; the subdivision creates irregular and
unorthodox shaped parcels; creates additional non-conformancies with
City codes that are contrary to the goals and policies of the City's
General Plan; and the subdivision will result in an integrated shopping
center being further subdivided that increases the difficulty of
redeveloping the shopping center parcel over time. Subdivisions that
create irregular shaped lots are contrary to the City's goal of
promoting orderly and high quality development.
The Subdivision Creates Irregular Shaped Parcels
Regulating the subdivision of property for purposes of sale and
development is a core function of local legislative bodies, such as
cities. Whenever a new subdivision of land is proposed, staff evaluates
the proposal to ensure that the design will result in a high quality
project that will endure the test of time.
Section 66474 (b) of the Subdivision Map Act states that the legislative
body of a city shall deny a tentative map if it makes the finding that
the design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is not consistent
with applicable general and specific plans. Together with other
elements of the General Plan, the Urban Design Element aims to curtail
obsolete, dysfunctional and chaotic development. The Urban Design
Element goes on to state "that development and subdivision patterns
should be compatible with existing patterns of development in and around
districts and neighborhoods, and provide a smooth transition along
designated edges" (Policy 2.12). The predominate subdivision pattern in
~he surrounding area is rectangular shaped lots. The proposed
32A-28
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
~ovember 28, 2007
age 3
subdivision creates an irregular shaped parcel that will be difficult to
develop over time without acquiring additional land or applying for
future variances. In addition, the unorthodox shape of the parcel does
not comply with the intent of the City's subdivision and zoning
ordinance (Exhibit 4).
For example, the City's Community Commercial (C-1) development standards
requires that each lot used for retail or service purposes have at least
120 feet of street frontage and an area of at least 15,000 square feet.
The purpose of this requirement is to maintain a parcel width of roughly
the same proportion from front to back which results in a rectangular
parcel that can easily be developed over time. In the case of the
proposed subdivision, the new parcel will have 120 feet of street
frontage. The width of the parcel however, is maintained for only 15
feet before narrowing considerably due to the constraints of designing a
property line around an existing building. The new lot line jogs
through common building walls, around building openings, utility panels
and exit doors creating an irregular shaped parcel that is not conducive
to future development. At the narrowest point, Parcel 2 is 15 feet wide
~nd maintains this width for nearly 160 feet, which is clearly not the
intent of the City's street frontage requirement or subdivision
ordinance.
The Subdivision Creates New Zoning Code Non-Conformancies
Section 34-67 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SANG) states that no map
shall be approved which would result in a violation of Chapter 8, which
regulates Buildings and Structures, or Chapter 41, which regulates
Zoning. Approval of the proposed map would result in several new non-
conformities being created in violation of Chapter 41 of the zoning
code. These new nonconformities are discussed below and include: front
yard setbacks, drive aisle width, loading zone and trash enclosure
locations, and a landscape buffer adjacent to residential property.
In addition, the applicant has not shown that the proposed subdivision
meets the requirements of the building code as these issues were not
addressed through site plan review. The applicant would need to show
compliance with the appropriate California Building Codes prior to
recording the final map.
32A-29
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
~ovember 28, 2007
age 4
Required Front Yard Setback
The front yard setback for Building "A" currently complies with City
Code which requires a front yard of 15 feet in commercial zones. A
"front yard" is defined as "a yard extending across the full width of
the lot, the depth of which is the distance between the front lot line
and the main wall of the building."
Based upon the location of the new lot lines shown on the map, Parcel 1
has a front yard setback of one-foot adjacent to Building "A". This
one-foot is the area between the wall of Building "A" and the new
property line created between Parcels 1 and 2 on the proposed map. This
new nonconformity will be created if the map is approved since the
existing parcel configuration complies with the City's front yard zoning
requirement (Exhibit 5).
Drive Aisle Width
he City's minimum requirement for a two-way drive aisle is 20 feet.
~urrently, there is a 25-foot drive aisle that is used to access parking
and truck loading areas at the rear of Building "A", which complies with
City Standards. The map creates a parcel that has a width of 15 feet
which is below the minimum standard for a two-way drive aisle and
therefore is not in compliance with City Development Standards.
Loading Zone and Trash Enclosure
The loading zone and trash enclosure for the retail building is
currently located on the same parcel as the retail building that it
serves. Should the subdivision map be approved, the loading zone and
trash enclosure would be located on the newly created parcel and not on
the parcel where the retail building is located.
Reciprocal access agreements and easements can be put in place between
property owners that would allow trash and delivery trucks access to the
back of Parcel 2. However, there are often disputes that arise between
adjacent property owners which could result in access being restricted
to the existing loading zone and trash enclosure. It is not a good
practice to allow these critical functions of a building to be located
on a different parcel than the building they serve.
r~
U
32A-30
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
~ovember 28, 2007
age 5
Landscape Buffer Adjacent to Residential Property
A landscape area not less than five feet wide is required along any
property line to the extent it serves to separate property zoned or used
for residential purposes from any off-street parking area. Because the
site is a legal non-conforming parcel, this zoning requirement does not
currently exist; however, the width of the proposed subdivision
precludes this requirement from ever being met without the need of a
variance should the property redevelop in the future.
Subdividing Integrated Shopping Centers
Property is subdivided to create ownership opportunities for prospective
buyers and tenants. Each time an integrated center is subdivided, as a
general rule, additional ownership occurs and that parcel is no longer
subject to the same regulations applied to the integrated center. For
example, once subdivided, each parcel can develop independent of one
another and improvements made to one parcel are not necessarily carried
over to other parcels within the center. Each parcel is likely to have
~ifferent ownership which increases the probability that they will act
independently of one another, which is contrary to the concept of an
integrated center. For example, because of previous subdivisions
allowed by the City, this center no longer has street frontage on Memory
Lane as a separate parcel was previously created and approved by the
City. As property continues to be subdivided, it becomes difficult to
reassemble land for future development, especially for large-scale
development projects.
The proposed subdivision is not consistent with the City's General Plan
policies that are intended to curtail obsolete, dysfunctional and
chaotic development, nor the purpose or intent of the City's zoning code
or subdivision ordinance. This subdivision creates new conformancies
with City Codes. The odd shape of the parcel will make this property
difficult to develop over time without reassembling property or applying
for future variances. Based upon the above analysis and findings, staff
recommends that the Zoning Administrator deny Tentative Parcel Map No.
2007-05 (County Map No. 2006-308).
32A-31
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
~ovember 28, 2007
age 6
CEQA Compliance
In accordance with the California
recommended action is not considered
environmental documentation is required.
Bill Apple [
Associate Planner
Environmental Quality Act, the
a CEQA project. Therefore no
BA j m
ba/reports2007/tpm07-OS Red Mountain.za
•
•
Vince Fre oso, A CP
Senior P1 nner
32A-32
•
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-XX
LCP, 11/21/07
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DENYING TENTATIVE
PARCEL MAP NO. 2007-05 (COUNTY PARCEL MAP NO.
2006-308) TO SUBDIVIDE AN EXISTING PARCEL INTO
TWO PARCELS AT 2727 NORTH BRISTOL
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines and declares as follows:
A. The applicant is requesting approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05
(County Map No 2006-308) to subdivide a single parcel into two parcels at
2727 North Bristol. The subject property is the Floral Park Promenade
shopping center and is located near the northeast corner of Bristol Street
and Memory Lane. The center is 6.17 acres in size, consists of two
existing parcels, and contains 26 tenant suites within four buildings and
• 71,848 square feet of commercial space. The subdivision would result in
a total of three separate parcels within the shopping center.
B. Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 came before the Zoning Administrator
of the City of Santa Ana for a public hearing on November 14, 2007, and
was continued until November 28, 2007.
C. Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05 came before the Zoning Administrator
of the City of Santa Ana for a public hearing on November 28, 2007.
D. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 34-126 authorizes the Zoning
Administrator to deny a tentative parcel map after making findings.
1. The proposed project, as conditioned, and its design and
improvements are consistent with the Industrial land use designation
of the General Plan and are otherwise consistent with all other
elements of the General Plan and any applicable specific plans.
The proposed subdivision is not consistent with the City's
General Plan policies which aim to curtail obsolete,
dysfunctional and chaotic development. The City's Urban
Design Element states "that development and subdivision
• patterns should be compatible with existing patterns of
development in and around districts and neighborhoods, and
Resolution No. 2007-XX
Page 1 of 4
32A-33
provide a smooth transition along designated edges" (Policy
2.12). The predominate subdivision pattern in the
surrounding area is rectangular shaped lots. The proposed
subdivision creates an irregular shaped parcel that will be
difficult to develop over time without reassembling property
or the need for future variances.
2. The proposed project, as conditioned, conforms to all applicable
requirements of the zoning and subdivision codes, as well as other
applicable City ordinances.
Section 34-67 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC)
states that no map shall be approved which would result in a
violation of Chapter 8, which regulates Buildings and
Structures or Chapter 41 which regulates zoning. Approval
of the proposed map would result in several new non-
conformities being created in violation of Chapter 41 of the
zoning code. These new nonconformities are discussed
below and include: front yard setbacks, drive aisle width,
landscaping adjacent to residential property, and loading
zone and trash enclosure locations.
3. The project site is physically suitable for the type and intensity of the
• proposed project.
Parcel 2 created by this map is such an unorthodox shape
that it will not be physically suitable or conducive to future
development. The issues pertaining to the proposed
subdivision are threefold; the subdivision creates irregular
and unorthodox shaped parcels; creates additional non-
conformities with City codes, and goals and policies of the
City's General Plan; and results in an integrated shopping
center being further subdivided, which increases the difficulty
of redeveloping the shopping center parcel over time.
Further, Parcel 2 has a width of 15 feet at its narrowest point
which is clearly not the intent of the City's street frontage
requirement which is to maintain a parcel width of roughly
the same proportion from front to back. This results in a
rectangular type parcel that can easily be developed over
time. The unorthodox shape of the parcel being created will
make the property difficult to develop over time without the
need of variances.
4. The design and improvements of the proposed project will not cause
substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidable
. injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.
Resolution No. 2007-XX
Page 2 of 4
32A-34
• The project site is located in an urbanized area. There are
no known fish or wildlife populations, wetlands or unusual
flora or fauna on or around the project site. Since the
buildings on this site are existing and no new development is
proposed at this time, the proposed subdivision will not
cause any substantial environmental damage or
substantially and avoidably injury to fish and wildlife or their
habitat.
5. The design or improvements of the proposed project will not cause
serious public health problems.
The subdivision of this property will not have any detrimental
effects upon the general public. All improvements on the
property currently exist and comply with City standards
pertaining to sewer, water, utilities and infrastructure. This is
an existing site with existing improvements which have not
caused any previous public health problems.
6. The design or improvements of the proposed project will not conflict
with easements necessary for public access through or use of the
property within the proposed project.
n
U
The subdivision will not conflict
for public access, since public
Bristol Street and Memory Lane
a result of this project.
with easements necessary
access is provided from
and will not be changed as
D. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended action is not considered a CEQA project. Therefore no
environmental documentation is required.
Section 2. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Santa Ana hereby, denies
Tentative Parcel Map No. 2007-05. This decision is based upon the evidence submitted
at the above said hearing, which includes but is not limited to: the Request for Zoning
Administrator Action dated November 14 and 28, 2007 and exhibits attached thereto;
and the public testimony, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
ADOPTED this 28th day of November, 2007.
Sergio Klotz
Acting Zoning Administrator
Resolution No. 2007-XX
Page 3 of 4
32A-35
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
By:
Lorena C. Penaloza
Assistant City Attorney
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, JOCELYN MAGALONA, Clerk of the Zoning Administrator, do hereby attest to and
certify the attached Resolution No. 2007-XX to be the original resolution adopted by the
Zoning Administrator of the City of Santa Ana on November 28, 2007.
Date:
Clerk of the Zoning Administrator
City of Santa Ana
~J
Resolution No. 2007-XX
Page 4 of 4
32A-36