HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes (Final) 5.28.26Planning Commission
Special Meeting Agenda Minutes
May 28, 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
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
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 Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:32 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:33
PM and Vice Chair Benninger and Commissioner Oliva absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of May 11, 2026.
Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, 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.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 Location: 2101 East Fourth Street, located within the Professional
(P) zone and within the Metro East MixedUse Overlay Zone (MEMU)
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 Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202601, as conditioned;
and
2. Adopt a resolution approving a concession and waivers or reductions in
development standards as memorialized in Density Bonus Agreement No.
202601, as conditioned.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Christine Saunders and Dan Young, on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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.
Planning CommissionSpecial Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 28, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCityWide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVA Ward 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal 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 Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:32 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:33
PM and Vice Chair Benninger and Commissioner Oliva absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of May 11, 2026.
Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, 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.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 Location: 2101 East Fourth Street, located within the Professional
(P) zone and within the Metro East MixedUse Overlay Zone (MEMU)
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 Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202601, as conditioned;
and
2. Adopt a resolution approving a concession and waivers or reductions in
development standards as memorialized in Density Bonus Agreement No.
202601, as conditioned.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Christine Saunders and Dan Young, on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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.
Planning CommissionSpecial Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 28, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCityWide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVA Ward 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal 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 Melissa M. CrosthwaitePlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:32 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:33PM and Vice Chair Benninger and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSMinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of May 11, 2026.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. EscamillaNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, 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.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 Location: 2101 East Fourth Street, located within the Professional
(P) zone and within the Metro East MixedUse Overlay Zone (MEMU)
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 Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202601, as conditioned;
and
2. Adopt a resolution approving a concession and waivers or reductions in
development standards as memorialized in Density Bonus Agreement No.
202601, as conditioned.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Christine Saunders and Dan Young, on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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.
Planning CommissionSpecial Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 28, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCityWide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVA Ward 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal 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 Melissa M. CrosthwaitePlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:32 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:33PM and Vice Chair Benninger and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSMinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of May 11, 2026.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. EscamillaNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, 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.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT NO.202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREETLOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN THEMETRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.Project Location: 2101 East Fourth Street, located within the Professional(P) zone and within the Metro East MixedUse Overlay Zone (MEMU)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. 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 Actions:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202601, as conditioned;
and
2. Adopt a resolution approving a concession and waivers or reductions in
development standards as memorialized in Density Bonus Agreement No.
202601, as conditioned.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.
Escamilla
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, Jennifer Oliva
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from Commission.
Commission had questions for the Applicant.
Christine Saunders and Dan Young, on behalf of the Applicant, answered
questions from the Commission.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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.
Planning CommissionSpecial Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 28, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCityWide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVA Ward 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal 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 Melissa M. CrosthwaitePlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:32 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:33PM and Vice Chair Benninger and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSMinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of May 11, 2026.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. EscamillaNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, 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.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT NO.202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREETLOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN THEMETRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.Project Location: 2101 East Fourth Street, located within the Professional(P) zone and within the Metro East MixedUse Overlay Zone (MEMU)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 Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202601, as conditioned;and2. Adopt a resolution approving a concession and waivers or reductions indevelopment standards as memorialized in Density Bonus Agreement No.202601, as conditioned.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla toApprove.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.EscamillaNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – PassMinutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff. Staff answered questions from Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant. Christine Saunders and Dan Young, on behalf of the Applicant, answeredquestions from the Commission.*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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.
Planning CommissionSpecial Meeting Agenda MinutesMay 28, 20265:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCityWide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVA Ward 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal 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 Melissa M. CrosthwaitePlanning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPRecording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:32 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:33PM and Vice Chair Benninger and Commissioner Oliva absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSMinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from the meeting of May 11, 2026.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. EscamillaNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, 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.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202601 AND DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT NO.202601 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 EAST FOURTH STREETLOCATED WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL (P) ZONE AND WITHIN THEMETRO EAST MIXEDUSE OVERLAY ZONE.Project Location: 2101 East Fourth Street, located within the Professional(P) zone and within the Metro East MixedUse Overlay Zone (MEMU)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 Actions:1. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202601, as conditioned;and2. Adopt a resolution approving a concession and waivers or reductions indevelopment standards as memorialized in Density Bonus Agreement No.202601, as conditioned.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla toApprove.YES: 5 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J.EscamillaNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Carl Benninger, Jennifer OlivaStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – PassMinutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff. Staff answered questions from Commission.Commission had questions for the Applicant. Christine Saunders and Dan Young, on behalf of the Applicant, answeredquestions from the Commission.*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff.ADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in theCouncil Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 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, 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.