HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes (Final) 5.11.26Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
May 11, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Laura Rossini
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,
contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting
documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Laura Rossini
Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,
Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) and
Baja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremises
consumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Control
license at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.
A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for this
Project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 AS
CONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON
PREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATING
ESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A
(APN: 39632113)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for the
sale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.
Commission provided comments to the Applicant.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner
Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 AND
VARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WEST
EDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE
(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing Archangel
Michael Coptic Church (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate the
expansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition of
two singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue and
the addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to the
existing church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811
MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with all
prior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.
202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodate
the proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3
– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class
4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,
Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, AS
CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCH
PARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 108
24430, 14, AND 13)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW A
REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FOR
THE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER
AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,
as conditioned; and
2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.
Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project via
zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMT
Sandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and Property
Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential and
commercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20
extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloor
commercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject to
the provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A Density
Bonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council to
memorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable development
standards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,
incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for Planning
Commission review.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from further
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within the
scope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequent
environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review
No. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONED
FOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND
13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 411111
09, 41111110, AND 41111111)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for the
construction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, with
groundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,
expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.
Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordability
levels.
Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner
Benninger to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
1 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,
contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting
documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Laura Rossini
Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,
Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) and
Baja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremises
consumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Control
license at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.
A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for this
Project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 AS
CONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON
PREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATING
ESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A
(APN: 39632113)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for the
sale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.
Commission provided comments to the Applicant.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner
Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 AND
VARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WEST
EDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE
(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing Archangel
Michael Coptic Church (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate the
expansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition of
two singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue and
the addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to the
existing church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811
MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with all
prior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.
202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodate
the proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3
– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class
4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,
Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, AS
CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCH
PARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 108
24430, 14, AND 13)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW A
REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FOR
THE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER
AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,
as conditioned; and
2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.
Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project via
zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMT
Sandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and Property
Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential and
commercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20
extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloor
commercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject to
the provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A Density
Bonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council to
memorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable development
standards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,
incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for Planning
Commission review.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from further
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within the
scope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequent
environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review
No. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONED
FOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND
13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 411111
09, 41111110, AND 41111111)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for the
construction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, with
groundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,
expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.
Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordability
levels.
Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner
Benninger to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
2 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) and
Baja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremises
consumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Control
license at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.
A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for this
Project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 AS
CONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON
PREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATING
ESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A
(APN: 39632113)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for the
sale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.
Commission provided comments to the Applicant.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner
Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 AND
VARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WEST
EDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE
(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing Archangel
Michael Coptic Church (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate the
expansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition of
two singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue and
the addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to the
existing church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811
MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with all
prior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.
202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodate
the proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3
– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class
4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,
Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, AS
CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCH
PARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 108
24430, 14, AND 13)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW A
REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FOR
THE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER
AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,
as conditioned; and
2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.
Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project via
zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMT
Sandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and Property
Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential and
commercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20
extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloor
commercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject to
the provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A Density
Bonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council to
memorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable development
standards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,
incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for Planning
Commission review.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from further
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within the
scope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequent
environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review
No. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONED
FOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND
13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 411111
09, 41111110, AND 41111111)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for the
construction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, with
groundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,
expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.
Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordability
levels.
Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner
Benninger to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
3 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.
Commission provided comments to the Applicant.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner
Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 AND
VARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WEST
EDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE
(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing Archangel
Michael Coptic Church (Property Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate the
expansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition of
two singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue and
the addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to the
existing church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811
MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with all
prior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.
202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodate
the proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3
– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class
4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,
Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, AS
CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCH
PARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 108
24430, 14, AND 13)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW A
REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FOR
THE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER
AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,
as conditioned; and
2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.
Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project via
zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMT
Sandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and Property
Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential and
commercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20
extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloor
commercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject to
the provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A Density
Bonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council to
memorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable development
standards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,
incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for Planning
Commission review.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from further
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within the
scope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequent
environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review
No. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONED
FOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND
13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 411111
09, 41111110, AND 41111111)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for the
construction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, with
groundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,
expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.
Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordability
levels.
Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner
Benninger to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
4 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.Commission provided comments to the Applicant.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by CommissionerEscamilla to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 ANDVARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WESTEDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing ArchangelMichael Coptic Church (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate theexpansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition oftwo singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue andthe addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to theexisting church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with allprior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodatethe proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, ASCONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCHPARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW A
REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FOR
THE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER
AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,
as conditioned; and
2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.
Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.
Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project via
zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMT
Sandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and Property
Owner)
Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential and
commercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20
extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloor
commercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject to
the provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A Density
Bonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council to
memorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable development
standards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,
incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for Planning
Commission review.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from further
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within the
scope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequent
environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review
No. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONED
FOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND
13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 411111
09, 41111110, AND 41111111)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for the
construction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, with
groundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,
expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.
Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordability
levels.
Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner
Benninger to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
5 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.Commission provided comments to the Applicant.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by CommissionerEscamilla to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 ANDVARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WESTEDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing ArchangelMichael Coptic Church (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate theexpansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition oftwo singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue andthe addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to theexisting church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with allprior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodatethe proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, ASCONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCHPARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW AREDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FORTHE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAELCOPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGERAVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)Recommended Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,as conditioned; and2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project. Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project viazoom.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMTSandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and PropertyOwner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential andcommercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloor
commercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject to
the provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A Density
Bonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council to
memorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable development
standards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,
incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for Planning
Commission review.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from further
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within the
scope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequent
environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review
No. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONED
FOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND
13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 411111
09, 41111110, AND 41111111)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for the
construction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, with
groundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,
expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.
Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordability
levels.
Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner
Benninger to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
6 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.Commission provided comments to the Applicant.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by CommissionerEscamilla to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 ANDVARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WESTEDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing ArchangelMichael Coptic Church (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate theexpansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition oftwo singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue andthe addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to theexisting church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with allprior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodatethe proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, ASCONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCHPARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW AREDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FORTHE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAELCOPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGERAVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)Recommended Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,as conditioned; and2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project. Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project viazoom.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMTSandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and PropertyOwner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential andcommercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloorcommercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject tothe provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A DensityBonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council tomemorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable developmentstandards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for PlanningCommission review.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from furtherenvironmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within thescope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General PlanEnvironmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequentenvironmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental ReviewNo. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONEDFOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTYLOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 41111109, 41111110, AND 41111111)Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for theconstruction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, withgroundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation. Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answeredquestions from the Commission.Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordabilitylevels.Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by CommissionerBenninger to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT
NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH
STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN
THE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.
Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation
(Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.
202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the construction
of a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,
fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, and
approximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. The
Applicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41
1600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit one
incentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standards
related to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review
pursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of the
previously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018
Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or require
additional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no further
environmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, Environmental
Review No. 202501, will be filed for the project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A
SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF
274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST
FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)
RESOLUTION NO. 2026XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS OR
REDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATE
DENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXED
USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
7 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.Commission provided comments to the Applicant.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by CommissionerEscamilla to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 ANDVARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WESTEDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing ArchangelMichael Coptic Church (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate theexpansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition oftwo singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue andthe addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to theexisting church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with allprior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodatethe proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, ASCONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCHPARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW AREDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FORTHE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAELCOPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGERAVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)Recommended Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,as conditioned; and2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project. Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project viazoom.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMTSandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and PropertyOwner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential andcommercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloorcommercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject tothe provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A DensityBonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council tomemorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable developmentstandards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for PlanningCommission review.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from furtherenvironmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within thescope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General PlanEnvironmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequentenvironmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental ReviewNo. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONEDFOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTYLOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 41111109, 41111110, AND 41111111)Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for theconstruction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, withgroundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation. Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answeredquestions from the Commission.Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordabilitylevels.Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by CommissionerBenninger to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENTNO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTHSTREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHINTHE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation(Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the constructionof a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, andapproximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. TheApplicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to CaliforniaGovernment Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 411600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit oneincentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standardsrelated to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of thepreviously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or requireadditional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no furtherenvironmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, EnvironmentalReview No. 202501, will be filed for the project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR ASEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EASTFOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS ORREDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATEDENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUSAGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITSFOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 400
04103)
Recommended Action:
Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting of
May 28, 2026.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
8 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.Commission provided comments to the Applicant.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by CommissionerEscamilla to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 ANDVARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WESTEDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing ArchangelMichael Coptic Church (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate theexpansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition oftwo singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue andthe addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to theexisting church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with allprior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodatethe proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, ASCONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCHPARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW AREDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FORTHE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAELCOPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGERAVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)Recommended Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,as conditioned; and2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project. Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project viazoom.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMTSandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and PropertyOwner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential andcommercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloorcommercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject tothe provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A DensityBonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council tomemorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable developmentstandards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for PlanningCommission review.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from furtherenvironmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within thescope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General PlanEnvironmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequentenvironmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental ReviewNo. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONEDFOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTYLOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 41111109, 41111110, AND 41111111)Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for theconstruction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, withgroundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation. Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answeredquestions from the Commission.Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordabilitylevels.Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by CommissionerBenninger to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENTNO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTHSTREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHINTHE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation(Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the constructionof a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, andapproximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. TheApplicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to CaliforniaGovernment Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 411600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit oneincentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standardsrelated to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of thepreviously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or requireadditional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no furtherenvironmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, EnvironmentalReview No. 202501, will be filed for the project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR ASEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EASTFOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS ORREDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATEDENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUSAGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITSFOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)Recommended Action:Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting ofMay 28, 2026.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo toApprove.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission. COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff.ADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in theCouncil Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.APPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tendayappeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the dayfollowing the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision orrequirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, orgroup. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the requiredfiling fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of theCommission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observedholiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the nextday City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government CodeSec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a publichearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
9 Planning Commission
5/11/2026
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 11, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorLaura RossiniLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPPlanning Manager Gema ZapienRecording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Laura RossiniPlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:33 PM with Chair Ramos arriving at 5:37 PM,Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:43 PM, and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of April 27, 2026. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on May 1, 2026 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A, LOCATED WITHIN THECOMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (C1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Arturo Silva, representing Baja Fish Tacos (Applicant) andBaja 17 , LLC. (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202608 to allow the sale of beer and wine for onpremisesconsumption through the operation of a Type41 Alcoholic Beverage Controllicense at a new Baja Fish Tacos restaurant.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the Project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines.A Categorical Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202626, will be filed for thisProject.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202608 ASCONDITIONED TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION THROUGH A TYPE41 LICENSE FROM THEDEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR AN EATINGESTABLISHMENT LOCATED AT 2107 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET, UNIT A(APN: 39632113)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202608 for thesale of beer and wine for onpremises consumption, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Arturo Silva on behalf of the Applicant, provided comments to the Commission.Commission provided comments to the Applicant.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by CommissionerEscamilla to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811 ANDVARIANCE NO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4405 WESTEDINGER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCE(R1) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: James Gartner (Applicant) representing ArchangelMichael Coptic Church (Property Owner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit (CUP) No. 198811MOD1 and Variance No. 202601 to facilitate theexpansion of an existing church parking lot. The Project includes the demolition oftwo singlefamily residences located at 4319 and 4325 West Edinger Avenue andthe addition of 43 offstreet parking spaces. No changes are proposed to theexisting church building or its current operations. If approved, CUP No. 198811MOD1 would amend the original CUP No. 198811 for the subject site, with allprior conditions of approval remaining in effect except as modified. Variance No.202601 would allow reduced setbacks along Edinger Avenue to accommodatethe proposed parking layout and circulation improvements.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3– New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and Section 15304 (Class4 – Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA Guidelines. A Categorical Exemption,Environmental Review No. 202594, will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 198811MOD1, ASCONDITIONED, TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING CHURCHPARKING LOT AT 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGER AVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, TO ALLOW AREDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED FRONTYARD LANDSCAPED SETBACK FORTHE PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT ARCHANGEL MICHAELCOPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH 4405, 4319, AND 4325 WEST EDINGERAVENUE (APN: 10824430, 14, AND 13)Recommended Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198811MOD1,as conditioned; and2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 202601, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Applicant, James Gartner, answered questions from the Commission.Church member, Youssef Tanyous, spoke in favor of the project. Resident, Cathy Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, George Reis, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Rolf Vetter, spoke in favor of the project.Resident, Erika Villagomez, expressed a neutral position on the project viazoom.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass3.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATEDAT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 76 ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: CM Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMTSandpointe LLC and QC Sandpointe LLC (collectively, Applicant and PropertyOwner)Proposed Project: The Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional UsePermit No. 202516 to allow the development of a fivestory residential andcommercial mixeduse project consisting of 400 residential units, including 20extremely lowincome affordable units, and 13,887 square feet of groundfloorcommercial. The Project is considered a housing development project subject tothe provisions of Senate Bill 330 (Gov. Code Section 65589.5 et seq.). A DensityBonus Agreement will be considered separately by the City Council tomemorialize the provision of affordable units and applicable developmentstandards (pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65915), as no density bonus,incentives/concessions, or waivers or reductions, are requested for PlanningCommission review.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project is exempt from furtherenvironmental review pursuant to Sections 15183 and 15162, as it is within thescope of and consistent with the certified 2022 Santa Ana General PlanEnvironmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2020029087), and no subsequentenvironmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental ReviewNo. 202445, will be filed for the proposed project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202516 AS CONDITIONEDFOR A MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND13,887 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTYLOCATED AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 41111107, 41111109, 41111110, AND 41111111)Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202516 for theconstruction of a mixeduse residential and commercial development, withgroundfloor commercial uses, as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation. Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant.Jonny Schneider and Pam Sapetto on behalf of the Applicant, answeredquestions from the Commission.Bryan Farkas, on behalf of Western States Regional Carpenters Union,expressed support for workforce policy to be applied.Resident, Tissey Smith, raised concerns regarding parking and affordabilitylevels.Resident, Michael Hanson, spoke in opposition of the project via zoom.Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by CommissionerBenninger to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.Escamilla, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass4.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENTNO. 202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTHSTREET LOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHINTHE METRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.Project Applicant: Think Together, a California nonprofit corporation(Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No.202601 and Density Bonus Agreement No. 202601 to facilitate the constructionof a sevenstory mixeduse development consisting of 274 residential units,fourteen of which would be designated for extremely lowincome households, andapproximately 20,714 square feet of groundfloor commercial space. TheApplicant requests approval of a Density Bonus Agreement pursuant to CaliforniaGovernment Code Section 65915 and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 411600 to allow a density of 92 dwelling units per acre and to permit oneincentive/concession and waivers or reductions from development standardsrelated to setbacks, building height, and publicly accessible open space.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further reviewpursuant to Section 15168 (Program EIR), as the Project is within the scope of thepreviously certified 2007 MEMU Program EIR (SCH No. 2006031041) and 2018Subsequent EIR, and would not result in new or more severe impacts or requireadditional review under Sections 15162 or 15163. Accordingly, no furtherenvironmental review is required, and a Notice of Exemption, EnvironmentalReview No. 202501, will be filed for the project.RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR ASEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF274 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EASTFOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)RESOLUTION NO. 2026XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTAANA APPROVING ONE INCENTIVE/CONCESSION AND TWO (2) WAIVERS ORREDUCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PURSUANT TO STATEDENSITY BONUS LAW TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN DENSITY BONUSAGREEMENT NO. 202601, AS CONDITIONED, FOR A SEVEN STORY MIXEDUSE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 274 RESIDENTIAL UNITSFOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREET (APN: 40004103)Recommended Action:Continue this public hearing to the special Planning Commission meeting ofMay 28, 2026.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Leo toApprove.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had no comments for the Commission. COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff.ADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on May 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in theCouncil Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.APPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tendayappeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the dayfollowing the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision orrequirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, orgroup. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the requiredfiling fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of theCommission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observedholiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the nextday City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government CodeSec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a publichearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (orsomeone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received bythe Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.MEETING INFORMATIONIf you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.1. Connecting directly from your computer:Click on the link on top of this agenda ORGo to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The MeetingID is listed at the top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being isdiscussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us knowyou wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.2. Connecting via the Zoom App:Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, yourname, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being isdiscussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us knowyou wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:Dial (669) 9006833. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed atthe top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being isdiscussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.Submit a written commentYou are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.Mail to Gema Zapien, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials forconsideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of themeeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to theCommission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submitwritten comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Members of the public may request an interpreter 48
hours in advance to assist a nonenglish speaker during the public comments
sections of the meeting. Notification of 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and
consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to
address the Commission at the podium.
Los miembros del público pueden solicitar un intérprete con 48 horas de
anticipación para asistir a una persona que no habla inglés durante la sección de
comentarios públicos de la reunión. La notificación con 48 horas de anticipación
permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos razonables necesarios para garantizar el
acceso a esta reunión. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio
del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está
disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse a la Comisión en el podio.
th
10 Planning Commission
5/11/2026