HomeMy WebLinkAbout75A - PH - AMEND GENERAL PLANREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
FEBRUARY 4, 2014
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING — GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2013 -01 TO UPDATE THE
SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING
ELEMENT (2014 -2021) AND PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT
CITY MANA ER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
0:• W
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, Environmental Review No. 2013 -98.
2. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On December 9, 2013, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve and
adopt the Negative Declaration, Environmental Review No. 2013 -98 and adopt a resolution
approving General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01 by a vote of 5:2 (Bacerra and Mill opposed) to
allow the update for the General Plan Housing Element for the planning period 2014 through 2021
and the Public Safety Element update to include current flooding information. The Planning
Commission made no changes to the modifications outlined in the attached Commission staff
report (Exhibit A). Additionally, an addendum is provided showing the changes resulting from these
comments (Exhibit B). The final Draft documents have incorporated comments received from the
public, State Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the Airport Land Use
Commission.
DISCUSSION
This action is a recommendation that the City Council adopt the 2014 -2021 Housing Element. This
update to the Housing Element is required by State law and must be accomplished by February
2014. Building on the success of the previous Housing Element, the updated document now
includes a major emphasis on public health. Also included in this update is a related amendment
to the General Plan's Public Safety Element to include current flood hazard information.
75A -1
General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01
February 4, 2014
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Karen Haluza
Interim Executive Director
Planning & Building Agency
MGM:rb
nngnn\ReponsTC\gpa2013 -01 Housing Element=
Exhibit: A. Planning Commission Staff Report
B. Addendum
75A -2
REQUESTFOR
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE:
DECEMBER 9, 2013
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING — GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2013-01 TO UPDATE
THE SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING
ELEMENT (2014 -2021) AND PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT
Prepared by Melanie G. McCann
Exa utive Director
Recommend that the City Council:
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
APPROVED
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Set Public Hearing For
DENIED
❑ Applicant's Request
CJ Staff Recommendation
CONTINUED TO
6A Vtt.
Pla ing Manager
1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, Environmental Review No. 2013 -98.
2. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01.
DISCUSSION
The City of Santa Ana's General Plan Housing Element (2014 -2021) communicates Santa Ana's
Housing Vision and new strategies for preserving and expanding housing opportunities for all income
levels. The Housing Element is the primary policy guidance document for local decision - making
related to housing and includes an array of programs to effectively address local and regional housing
needs through the year 2021. As required by Assembly Bill (AB) 163, as part of the mandated update
of the Housing Element, the Public Safety Element is also to be updated to include current flood
hazard information.
The Housing Element is one of the seven general plan elements mandated by the State of California
to be prepared and adopted by all local jurisdictions. Given the priority to address California's critical
housing needs, the Housing Element was made the only general plan element required to now be
updated every eight years. State law requires that the housing element include "an identification and
analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies and quantified
objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement and development of housing ".
Community Outreach
A variety of opportunities were created for the community to participate in the preparation of the
Housing Element update - including two Community Workshops, an online Housing Element Update
Survey, a focused workshop with health related community organizations, as well as various
EXHIBIT A
75A -3
General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01
December 9, 2013
Page 2
Commission study sessions. All parties expressing interest, as well as neighborhood and community
leaders were notified by electronic Community Message when the Draft Elements and related
Negative Declaration were released for public review. These documents are also available for public
viewing on the City web site, public planning counter, and main library. Additionally, interested parties
have been duly noticed of the Planning Commission and City Council public hearing dates to consider
the adoption of the Draft Elements.
Housing Policy Plan
Through community engagement and a City Council Visioning Session, a new Housing Vision
statement was created for Santa Ana adopted into the existing 2006 -2014 General Plan Housing
Element. As part of this Housing Element Update, it is proposed that this Vision be refined to
further promote health and wellness in Santa Ana, as noted below:
"Santa Ana residents have an equal right and opportunity to find suitable housing in quality
residential neighborhoods that allow themselves, their families, and neighbors to live the
fullest lives. We support an inclusive community that is multigenerational, culturally diverse,
healthy, sustainable, and economically broad. The City will facilitate the production,
rehabilitation, and improvement of rental and homeownership opportunities at different
affordability levels ".
The 2014 -2021 Draft Housing Element (Exhibit 1) identifies over 50 Implementation Programs to
achieve this Housing Vision. Some of the key new policy programs include:
Complete and Healthy Neighborhoods. This Housing Element Update proposes additional
policies to enhance quality of life in Santa Ana through an emphasis on Complete
Neighborhoods. Complete Neighborhoods qualities include improved access to services,
community facilities, and healthy food options; as well as the integration of community gardens.
In addition, the promotion of healthy neighborhoods would include creating and maintaining
park and open spaces, green parkways, street trees, and a continuous pattern of pathways to
encourage walking, biking and active lifestyles.
Quality Housing and Healthy Homes. The existing Citywide Design Guidelines and zoning
development standards promote quality design of new and rehabilitated housing. It is proposed
that these tools be refreshed to identify additional practices and innovations to promote active
and sustainable housing designs. To maintain quality and healthy homes, a policy is proposed
to rigorously enforce building and property maintenance standards through proactive property
inspections to remove blighted and unhealthful conditions. This program would include
collaborating with community serving organizations to educate landlords and tenants regarding
property health and maintenance issues, and working with the County Health Department to
better address infestation of vermin and rodents, as authorized by Senate Bill 488.
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General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01
December 9, 2013
Page 3
• Housing Supply and Diversity. Existing Housing Element policy promotes diverse types,
prices and sizes of housing types including single family homes, apartments, townhouses,
transit oriented housing, and live /work opportunities. To provide further diversity in housing
affordability options, per the City's Housing Opportunity Ordinance, eligible rental and
ownership projects must include 15 percent of the housing units as affordable to lower and
moderate income households. The Draft Element proposes a Housing Preference Program for
housing created through this Housing Opportunity Ordinance or other City funded projects,
allowing priority preference to Santa Ana residents, employees and designated need groups to
the extent allowed under State law. In addition, the Draft Housing Element identifies a program
to allow the adaptive reuse of historic and other suitable buildings for conversion to quality
residential and mixed use projects.
• Special Housing Needs. Certain segments of the population have special needs due to
circumstances including income, disability, household size, or unforeseen challenges. Given
the increasing senior population in Santa Ana, cost of health care and changing lifestyles, the
Draft Housing Element proposes to explore residential development models that offer
opportunities for new multi - generational housing. Additionally, the Draft Element proposes
pursuing the preparation of a smoke -free ordinance in multifamily housing in Santa Ana.
• New Construction and Potential Housing Sites. During the prior Housing Element planning
period of 2006 through 2013, approximately 1,535 new housing units were constructed, with
over 22 percent serving affordable housing needs. The proposed draft Housing Element
identifies select areas in the City as a menu of "Potential Housing Sites" to meet Santa Ana's
405 new and carryover Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) through 2021. These
areas include Metro East, the Transit Zoning Code area, and key transit corridors including First
Street, Fifth Street and Harbor Boulevard. With the update of the Harbor Specific Plan
approximately 10 acres are required to be zoned exclusively for residential development, at an
average of 30 dwelling units per acre, to meet the City's affordable housing RHNA carryover
from the prior planning cycle.
Public Safety Element
Assembly Bill 162 strengthens flood protections by requiring jurisdictions to update flood - related
information in its General Plan during the mandatory revision to the housing element. The City's
General Plan Public Safety Element aims to assess acceptable levels of risks for fire, flood, and
other natural and human - induced potential for safety hazards. Thus, General Plan Amendment
No. 2013 -03 proposes updates to Public Safety Element regarding flood information, including a
revised Flood Hazard Map exhibit and minor corrections to local fire and police practices
(Exhibit 2).
75A -5
General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01
December 9, 2013
Page 4
Public Review
Following the public outreach, that included community workshops, housing element survey, health
and wellness stakeholder groups, and Study Sessions with Commissions, the City prepared the
preliminary Draft Housing Element (2014 - 2021). The Draft Housing Element was initially circulated
for public review on November 4, 2013, and submitted to the State Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) for their required review. The City has had preliminary
conversations with HCD, as well as received comments from other organizations, such as the
Kennedy Commission. Proposed refinements to the Draft Housing Element are included in the
Addendum (Exhibit 3), and will be forwarded to HCD. The Addendum also includes minor revisions to
the Draft Public Safety Element and Initial Study /Negative Declaration related to airport safety. Staff
will be working closely with HCD to address refinements to the Draft Housing Element, with the
expectation that the City will receive a letter from HCD in early January 2014 confirming the City's
Draft Housing Element is in compliance with State law.
All those parties expressing interest, including neighborhood and community leaders, have been
notified of the ongoing progress of the Draft Element and its availability for review; as well as
upcoming Planning Commission and City Council public hearing dates to consider the adoption of the
Draft Element. Additionally, all drafts, environmental documents and HCD comment letters were
posted on the City's web site.
Conclusion
The Draft Housing Element not only meets the requirements of State law, it further strengthens the
Housing Vision for Santa Ana. This vision includes programs to address an array of housing needs,
promote sustainable linkage between land use development and transportation, and further Santa
Ana's overall wellness and quality of life. As required by AB 162, the Public Safety Element is
proposed to be updated concurrently with the Housing Element to incorporate the most recent flood
hazard information. In addition, State law requires that a General Plan be internally consistent. The
proposed Housing Element and Public Safety Element Update are consistent with and support the
other goals, policies and programs in the remaining 14 Elements of Santa Ana's General Plan.
Based on the analysis above, it is recommended that the Planning Commission recommend that the
City Council adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01.
75A -6
General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01
December 9, 2013
Page 5
CEQA Compliance
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Negative Declaration,
Environmental Review No. 2013 -98, has been prepared for this project (Exhibit 4). As noticed in The
Register on November 4, 2013, the public review period for the Negative Declaration for the Draft
Housing Element was from November 4, 2013 to December 3, 2013 and available for viewing on the
City website. Comments received regarding the Negative Declaration have been addressed. Any
future housing development or programs as identified in the Housing Element will be subject to
project - specific CEQA review to evaluate potential environmental impact. Thus, the adoption of the
Housing Element policies and programs would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures
are deemed necessary.
Melanie G. McCann, AICP
Associate Planner
MGM:jm
mgmlReportsTMgpa2013 -01 Housing Element.pc
Sergi otz, AICP
Principal Planner
Attachments:
Exhibit 1 — Draft General Plan Housing Element Update
Exhibit 2 — Draft General Plan Public Safety Element Update
Exhibit 3 — Draft General Plan Housing Element Addendum
Exhibit 4 — Draft Negative Declaration
75A -7
75A -8
EXHIBIT 1
GPA NO. 2013 -01
Draft General Plan Housing Element Update
is available for review at the following:
Planning and Building Agency
Planning Counter, First Floor
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Main Library
Reference Desk
26 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
75A -9
75A -10
4101
GPA NO. 2013 -01
Draft General Plan Public Safety Element Update
is available for review at the following:
http:// www .santa- ana.org /housingelement /documents /Public Safety- 10- 31- 2013FINALDraft pdf
Planning and Building Agency
Planning Counter, First Floor
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Main Library
Reference Desk
26 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
75A -11
75A -12
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 1 of 5
The following are proposed revisions to the Draft General Plan Housing Element
Update, Public Safety Element Update, and associated Initial Study /Negative
Declaration. Note that text additions are underlined and deletions are strikeouts.
Draft General Plan Housing Element
1. Page 14, Table 2, change date in note section to read 2013 2-040.
2. Pages 29 through 40, correct page header to read Housing Resources P -eliEy
1= ra,,Pewerk.
3. Page 41, Housing Vision, third paragraph:
In 2oog, the City Council adopted the following housing vision, as amended in 201q. to add
reference to "healthy; therebv acknowledging the importance of health in all housing
policies...
4. Page 49, HE 4 -8: Housing Preference.
Provide that the Santa Ana residents, employees and designated need groups receive
priority preference for affordable housing created under the A€fo- Housing
Opportunity Ordinance or with City hindin to the extent allowed understate law..
5. Page 55, Program 10
10. Property Maintenance Standards (Healthy Housing)
Santa Ana requires adherence to building and property maintenance standards in its
municipal codes (e.g., International Property Maintenance Code and Health and Safety
Standards related to substandard housing). Research has increasingly pointed toward a
strong link between property maintenance, neighborhood quality, and the overall health of
residents. The American Public Health Association and National Center for Healthy
Housing have created a new National Healthy Housing Standard. The standard's health -
based codes are designed to complement the policies and regulations already adopted and
implemented by cities. Santa Ana has the opportunity to incorporate the latest in best
practices for healthy homes into the City's existing building and maintenance codes used
by building and code enforcement officials.
The City will collaborate with community serving organizations to educate residents
regarding property health and maintenance issues. The City's Code Enforcement
Department will also work cooperatively with the County Health Department to address
interior infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents; and the lack of adequate garbage storage
and removal facilities, as authorized by Senate Sill 488 (2or3).
1 O :\MMcCann \PEPOPT5 \PC \GPAE013.D1 ddenduml2513REV.docx
79ffif3
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013.01
Addendum
Page 2 of 5
includg Rent Escrow Account Programs (REAP) A REAP i5 an enforcement tool that
encourages landlords ko maintain their lnaperties and to brim properties that have
existing violations into compliance When a roperty demonstrates substantial habitual
violations and failure to conduct repairs and maintenance tenants may be entitled to rent
reductions, protection fi•om eviction or other retaliation and a delay of rentaLaayment
Until re,ai's are completed,
10, Property Maintenance + Evaluate the appropriateness of the new Healthy Housing
PBA,
CDBG 2014 -2015
Standards Standards for applicability to Santa Ana Municipal Codes
Planning
GF
• Incorporate relevant portions into the Municipal Codes to assist
Division
City staff In Inspecting and enforcing city codes
Code
Coordinate with Orange County Health Department on how to
Enforcement
collaborate on efforts as authorized by Senate Bill 488,
Division
training opportunities forCitystaff
iincluding
• Research industry Best Practices (i.e. Rent Escrow Account
Programs) to Identify Code Enforcement tools to remedy and
expedite compliance with property violations
Prepare an annual report for City Council summarizing PREP
Program activities and accomplishments
• Coordinate PREP Program inspections and Citv Housing
CDA
CBDG
Rehabilitation Loan Program to facilitate health and safely
!. Housing
(�
improvements
Division
6. Page 72, Program 20
-- - -- .. - ..._...._._. _____. _._.._ .. -..._
20 Comprehensive �. Begin outreach to the public development community, and
jj PBA,
tGF 2014
General Plan Update stakeholders to develop the vision and guiding principles for the
1 Planning
general plan
Division
• Explore best practices for general plan updates and innovative
community onganem_nP
• Issue a request for proposal and /or request for qualifications
and select a consultant to conduct a comprehensive General
Plan update
.__ ..._....- ......__.. __..__L ...... ... ............. ........_. ._...... --- - - ---. _ ..- ..._..._ ..
I
_-
7. Page 74, Program 26 Extremely Low Income Housing
_ ... _ ... —. - - ...._.. _..__.
25 Y _
Low _ Income Target funding and housing incentive programs (25 -33 }, as
-_ ... . -_
PBA, _
GF Ongoing
Hotus rig feasible, to facilitate and encourage the development of lower and
Planning
1 Federal
moderate income housing
Division
State
Work with nonprofit organizations that provide affordable housing to
CA
and local
households earning extremely low income
Housino
funds
Seek to expand the number of housing choice vouchers provided
Division
by the Housing Authority; set aside at least 75% of vouchers for
j
extremely low income households
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75A -14
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 3 of 5
8, Page 74 Program 29 Housing Opportunity Ordinance.
29, Housing Opportunity + Require eligible housing development projects of 5 or more units PBA, ! GF I Ongoing
Ordinance to include at least 15% of the units as affordable to lower income Planning
households (for rental housing) and at least 15% as affordable to Division
moderate income households (for ownership projects)
. Develop policies and procedures for occupancy of units created
under the Housing Opportunity Ordinance
• Incoroornte affordable housin n ortumty r quit rents within
s .... _
l_....---- ....--
9. Page 74 Program 30. Adaptive Reuse.
30. Adaptive Reuse . Seek opportunities for adaptive reuse of structures with historic j PBA,
merit or o hp wise suilable to thalcan,be converted to quality 1 Planning
residential and mlaed use projects Division
10. Page 76, Program 44
lousing for People with '', . Work with service providers to support the development or
PBA,
GF
Disabilities, including provision of housing suitable for people with disabilities, including
! Planning
General
Developmental developmental disabilities
Division
Plan and/or
• Seek and /or support grants, where feasible, to facilitate the
housing in Santa Ana,
Zoning
'... production of new housing or appropriate services for disabled
! CPA.
(Fgd�ra,
people
i Houslnu
� State,
�Divislorl
'.Lind
other
11. Page 77 Program 56
56. Reducing Second -Hand
-- - -- ... --
. Conduct education effort in concert with stakeholders in the Clt y of Santa GF
— — .
With the
Smoke
community. IAna PBA and
General
• Pursue preparation of a smoke free ordinance In multifamily unit SAHA
Plan and/or
housing in Santa Ana,
Zoning
C }4th C a
Ordinance
e
Update
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75A -15
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 4 of 5
Draft General Plan Safety Element
Page 9, Policy Plan Introduction
The Plan Components section of each element describes the planning and design
concepts illustrated in the maps and provides an overview of implementation
considerations.
The Public Safety element aims to reduce to acceptable levels those risks associated
with activities over which the City has some jurisdiction through the elimination of
avoidable risks.
This goal can be made operational through assessment of acceptable levels of risk for
fire, flood, civil disorder, incidence of crime, and other natural and man - induced potential
safety hazards in the City, identification of ways risk can be reduced or avoided, and
establishment of policies which will result in achievement of acceptable levels of risk.
Airport safety related guidance and policies may be found in the City's General Plan
Airport Land Use Environs Element.
Draft Initial Study /Negative Declaration
Page 53 and 54
Less Than Significant Impact. Future developments anticipated by the Housing
Element may be located in the vicinity of known hazardous materials sites. Through the
City's environmental review process, it would be determined if a potential development
site is on or within the immediate vicinity of any known hazardous material site. Where
appropriate, mitigation measures would be required for specific projects to reduce
potential hazards to the public. Impacts associated with hazardous materials due to the
adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
a) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within two miles or a public airport or public use airport,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in
the project area?
No Impact, The John Wayne Airport is approximately one mile southeast of the City of
Santa Ana. In 1975 the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) of Orange county
adopted and Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP, amended April 17, 2008). The
a U: \MMOCann\ REPORTS\ PC \GPA2013OlAddendvm12513REV.do<
75A -16
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013.01
Addendum
Page 5 of 5
AELUP is a land use compatibility plan that is intended to protect the public from
adverse effects of aircraft noise, to ensure the people and facilities are not concentrated
in areas susceptible to aircraft accidents, and to ensure that no structures or activities
adversely affect navigable space. If a General Plan Amendment (GPA) or Zone Change
(ZC) is proposed for land within the ALUC planning area, the City is required to submit
the GPA /ZC plans to ALUC for consistency review with the AELUP. However, the
residential opportunity areas identified in the Housing Element — Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan area, Metro East, and the TZC area — are outside of the John Wayne
Airport's AELUP. Thus, future development anticipated by the Housing Element that
would require a GPA or ZC (only Harbor Corridor Specific Plan area) would not be
subject to review by the ALUC. Thus, no impact would occur.
Although future housing proiects would be outside the Airport Planning Area
development proposals which include the construction or alteration of a structure more
than 200 feet above ground level would require filing with the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). Structures meeting this threshold must comply with procedures
Provided by Federal and State law, with the referral requirements of ALUC and all
conditions of approval imposed or recommended by FAA and ALUC, including filing a
Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (FAA Form 7460 -1)
Heliports are also under the jurisdiction of ALUC. Anv proposed heliports must be
submitted through the City to the ALUC for review and action pursuant to Public Utilities
Code Section 21661.5. Proposed heliport projects must comply fully with the state
permit procedure provided by law and with all conditions of approval imposed or
recommended by FAA, by the ALUC for Orange County and the Caltrans /Division of
Aeronautics. The City would comply with the aforementioned requirements and no
impacts would occur relative to public use airports.
5 LL \MMCCU \ REPORTS \PC \GPAN13 VlAddznd.m12513REV.&,.
75A -17
75A -18
INITIAL S7iMDY
POR•
2014 -202' SANTA
ANA HOUSING
ELEMENTAND
PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT UPDATES
prepared for.
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Contact:
Melanie McCann
Associate Planner
prepared by:
THE PLANNING
CENTER /DCBE
Contact:
JoAnn Hadfield
Principal, Environmental
Services
EXHIBIT 4 NOVEMBER 2013
UPDATED
2013
75A -19
City of Santa Ana
Planning Division
20 Civic Center Plaza, M20
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 667 -2746
INITIAL SMOY
POM
2014 -2021 SANTA
ANA HOUSING
ELEMENT AND
PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT UPDATES
prepared for.-
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Contact:
Melanie McCann
Associate Planner
prepared by:
THE PLANNING
CENTER/DC &E
3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100 Contact:
Santa Ana, CA 92707 JoAnn Hadfield
Tel: 714.966.9220 • Fax., 714.966.9221 Principal, Environmental
E -mail: information @planningcenter.com Services
Website: www.planningcenter.com
SNT -14,0
NOVEMBER 2013
UPDATED
DECEMBER 2013
75A -20
20142021 SANTA ANA HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATES
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ ..............................1
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION ........................................................................................................ ...............................
1
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ........................................................................................ ...............................
1
1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. ...............................
2
1.4 GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING .................................................................................. .............................22
1.5 CITYACTION REQUESTED ........................................................................................... .............................
23
2. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST ..................................................................... .............................27
2.1 BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................... .............................27
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED .............................. .............................29
2.3 DETERMINATION (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE LEAD A GENCY) ............ .............................29
2.4 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ................................................... .............................30
3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ........................................................................ .............................39
3.1 AESTHETICS ......................................................................................................................... .............................39
3.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES ...................................................... .............................40
3.3 AIR QUALITY ...................................................................................................................... ...............................
42
3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................. .............................44
3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................ ...............................
46
3.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ..................................................................................................... .............................48
3.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ................................................................................ ...............................
50
3.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS .......................................................... ...............................
52
3.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ...................................................................... .............................55
3.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING ..................................................................................-- ...............................
58
3.11 MINERAL RE SOURCES ..................................................................................................... .............................59
3.12 NOISE ....................................................................................................................................... .............................60
3.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING ..................................................................................... .............................61
3.14 PUBLIC SERVICES ............................................................................................................... .............................62
3.15 RECREATION ..................................................................................................................... ...............................
64
3.16 TRANSPORTATION/ TRA FFIC ..................................................................................... ...............................
65
3.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS ......................................................................... ...............................
66
3.15 NL� NDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ....................................................... .............................69
4. REFERENCES .................................................................................................. .............................72
4.1 PRINTED REFERENCES .................................................................................................. .............................72
4.2 WEB SITES .............................................................................................................................. .............................72
4.3 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION .................................................................................. ...............................
74
5. LIST OF PREPARERS ..................................................................................... .............................76
LEADAGENCY ......................................................... .... ... ..................................................... ......... ..... .... ...........................
76
THE PLANNING CENTER I DC& E .............................................................................................. ...............................
76
,December 2013
75A -21
The Planning Center I DC&E • Page i
2014 -2021 SANTA ANA HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATES
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Figure
Regional Location ...................................................................................................
..............................3
Figure2
Local Vicinity ..........................................................................................................
............................... 5
Figure3
Aerial Photograph ..................................................................................................
............................... 7
Figure 4
Development Focus Areas in Santa Ana ...........................................................
.............................13
Figure5
Flood Hazard Map .................................................................................................
.............................17
Figure 6
General Plan Land Use Map ................................................................................
.............................25
List of Tables
Table 1
2014 -2021 RHNA Housing Needs Allocation ................................................. .............................10
Table 2
Housing Projects and Sites Approved between 2009 and 2012 to Accommodate
the2006 -2014 Carryover ...................................................................................... .............................11
Table 3
Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2014 - 2021 .............................................. .............................12
Table 4
2014 -2021 Development Potential Summary ................................................... .............................15
Table 5
Comparison of 2009 Initial Study /Negative Declaration to Proposed Project ........................
16
Page ii • The Planning Center I DC&L,:
75A -22
December 2013
1. Introduction
The City of Santa Ana is proposing an update to the Housing Element of its General Plan. The Housing
Element is one of the seven General Plan Elements mandated by the State of California, as articulated in
Sections 65580 to 65589.8 of the Government Code. To comply with state law, Santa Ana prepares a housing
element every five years or in conjunction with the release of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
(RHNA). The last Housing Element adopted for the City was in October 2009. The Housing Element must
contain goals, policies, and programs to facilitate the development, improvement, and preservation of
housing. State law prescribes the scope and content of the housing element pursuant to Section 65583 of the
California Government Codes. The Element also provides a comprehensive evaluation of programs and
regulations related to priority goals, objectives, and program actions that directly address the needs of Santa
Ana residents. The Housing Element is only one facet of the City's overall planning program. The California
Government Code requires that General Plans contain an integrated, consistent set of goals and policies. The
Housing Element is, therefore, affected by development policies contained in other elements of the General
Plan.
The City of Santa Ana, as Lead Agency for the project, is responsible for preparing environmental
documentation in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as amended, to
determine if approval of the discretionary actions requested could have a significant impact on the
environment. This Initial Study will provide the City of Santa Ana with information to document potential
impacts of the 2014 -2021 Santa Ana Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates (proposed
project).
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
Figure 1, Regional Location, shows the location of the City of Santa Ana in the Orange County region. Santa
Ana is in Central Orange County and bordered by the cities of Orange to the north, Garden Grove to the
north and west, Fountain Valley to the west and southwest, Costa Mesa to the south, Irvine to the southeast,
and Tustin to the east. State Route 22 (SR -22) parallels the City on the north, Interstate 5 (I -5) and State
Route 55 (SR -55) run through the northeastern corners of the City, and Interstate 405 (I -405) is just south of
the City boundaries.
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
1.2.1 Existing Land Use
The City of Santa Ana is a 27.2square -mile area developed with a variety of urban land uses. Based on the
1998 General Plan Land Use Element, 58 percent of the land area is devoted to residential development, 15
percent to commercial uses, 14 percent to industrial, 11 percent to public and institutional uses, and 2 percent
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1. Introduction
to public parkland and open space. The Civic Center in Santa Ana is Orange County's main center of
government. The Santa Ana River runs north to south through the northwestern part of the City.
1.2.2 Surrounding Land Use
The City is a 99 percent built -out community in urbanized Orange County, bordered by a mix of land uses.
The surrounding Cities of Orange, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Irvine all contain a
variety of residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses. These surrounding land uses are shown in
Figure 2, Local Vicinity and Figure 3, Aerial Photograph.
1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Santa Ana's General Plan Housing Element (Housing Element) details the City's eight -year
strategy for enhancing and preserving the community's character; sets forth strategies for expanding housing
opportunities for the City's various economics segments; and provides the primary policy guidance for local
decision malting related to housing. The Housing Element provides the implementation strategies for
effectively addressing the housing needs of Santa Ana residents through the planning period that ends in
2021.
The City of Santa Ana has seen significant changes in its housing market and housing conditions during the
last two decades. Housing prices tripled from 1998 to 2007 and then significantly declined with the market
recession. During that time, apartment rents also continued to increase steadily. As an urban center, the
revitalization of housing and neighborhoods is also a critical concern. The Housing Element recognizes the
community's housing needs and the complexity of programs needed to address existing housing stock and
future needs. The vision, goals, policies, and programs are designed to maintain quality housing near
community amenities, diversity in housing stock, opportunities to provide housing assistance, and adequate
housing for residents with special needs. The Housing Element Update would also meet state - mandated
regional housing needs goals, support the City's long -term economic development, and work with other City
goals and policies to further the City's long -term vision as "Downtown Orange County."
The update to the City's General Plan Housing Element consists of an updated determination of housing
needs within the City and revisions to policies and programs the City would implement to address those
needs. The draft 2014-2021 Housing Element identifies adequate sites for potential residential /mixed -use
development that could accommodate the Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) by 2021. The
discretionary "project" for this Initial Study is the Housing Element, not the individual, subsequent housing
development projects or required General Plan Amendments, and /or zone changes needed to implement the
respective projects. This Initial Study, therefore, is not required to provide a detailed evaluation of the
subsequent projects or provide mitigation for the impacts that may be associated with implementation of
those projects. This Initial Study, does, however, provide an overall evaluation of the impacts that would likely
occur to successfully implement the proposed Housing Element. Each individual development project,
General Plan Amendment, and /or zone change required to implement the Housing Element would be
subject to its own subsequent review and processing under CEQA.
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Figure 1 Regional Location
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Figure 2 Local Vicinity
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Figure 3 Aerial Photograph
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1. Introduction
1.3.1 Consistency with other General Plan Elements
The State law requires that a General Plan be internally consistent. Goals, policies, and implementation
measures in the General Plan Elements must support and be consistent with one another. Therefore, the City
of Santa Ana's Housing Element builds on the other elements in its General Plan and is consistent with goals
and policies set forth therein. The 16 elements of the General Plan include:
■ Airport Environs Element ■ Land Use Element
■ Circulation Element ■ Noise Element
■ Conservation Element
■ Economic Development Element
■ Education Element
■ Energy Element
■ Growth Management Element
■ Housing Element
• Open Space, Parks and Recreation Element
• Public Facilities Element
• Public Safety Element
• Scenic Corridors Element
• Seismic Safety Element
• Urban Design Element
The City aims to maintain consistency between General Plan elements by ensuring that proposed changes in
one element would be reflected in other elements through amendments of the General Plan. The Housing
Element, in particular, is designed to serve as an overarching policy document that bridges specific
implementation plans with the goals and policies in the General Plan. The Housing Element provides a
guiding framework for housing City -wide, and detailed implementation tools for specific areas of the City.
1.3.2 Santa Ana Housing Element
The Housing Element must contain goals, policies, and programs to facilitate the development, improvement,
and preservation of housing. The following are the goals in the Housing Element, which provide a
foundation for the Housing Plan.
• Goal 1: Livable and complete neighborhoods of quality housing conditions, ample parks and community
services, well- maintained infrastructure, well- maintained infrastructure, and public facilities that inspire
neighborhood pride and ownership.
• Goal 2: A diversity of quality housing, affordability levels, and living experiences that accommodate Santa
Ana's residents and workforce of all household types, income levels, and age groups to foster an inclusive
community.
• Goal 3: Increased opportunities for low and moderate income individuals and families to find quality
housing opportunities and afford a greater choice of rental or homeownership opportunities.
■ Goal 4: Adequate rental and ownership housing opportunities and supportive services for seniors, people
with disabilities, families with children, and people needing emergency, transitional, or supportive
housing.
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1.3.3 Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) prepares housing construction needs goals for
each city in Southern California as part of the RHNA. As set forth in state law, all local governments are
required to identify sufficient land, adopt programs, and provide funding, to the extent feasible, to facilitate
and encourage housing production commensurate with that need.
2014.2021 RHNA
The City's R14NA is 204 housing units for the 2014 -2021 planning period. Within this housing goal, the City
is required to plan for four income and affordability goals: very low, low, moderate, and above moderate. The
following table categorizes the 204 units by these income levels.
Table 1 2014.2021 RHNA Housing Needs Allocation
Affordability Level
Number of Units
Very Low
45
Low
32
Moderate
37
Above Moderate
90
TOTAL
204
According to Table 1, the City's RHNA by affordability level, is 45 units of housing affordable to very low
income households, 32 units of housing affordable to low income households, 37 units of housing affordable
to moderate income households, and 90 units of housing affordable to above moderate income households.
2006.2014 RHNA Carryover
In accordance with state law, this housing element also addresses the RHNA that was not accommodated
through rezoning in the previous planning period (January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2014). Of the original 2006-
2014 RIINA of 3,393 units, the 2009 Housing Element identified the potential to accommodate 2,406 units
through construction, approval, and vacant or underutilized land adequately zoned for housing. The City had
a remaining RHNA balance of 987 lower income units, which were to be accommodated through rezoning
of vacant or underutilized land (see Table 2). The City did not need to rezone any land to accommodate
moderate or above moderate income RHNA.
After the Housing Element's adoption in 2009, 292 additional affordable units were constructed or approved
(or are pending approval) that were not identified in the IIousing Element. Additionally, the City adopted the
Transit Zoning Code in 2010, which provided the necessary zoning and density levels to accommodate up to
494 lower income units in accordance with Section 65583.2(c)(3)(b) of the California Government Code.
Therefore, the City was able to reduce its RHNA required housing by 786 units, leaving the City with a
RHNA balance of 201 lower income units that needed to be accounted for (111 very low and 90 low
income level units). Originally, the City planned on rezoning land along Harbor Boulevard and
accommodating its remaining RHNA by adopting the Harbor Mixed Use Transit Corridor Specific Plan
(Harbor Corridor Specific Plan) within the 2006 -2014 planning period. However, the City determined
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1. Introduction
that the importance of the project and the need for extensive public outreach warranted more time and
the project timeline was extended. Adoption of the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan is now anticipated in
early 2014. These 201 remaining units would be accommodated through land rezoned in the specific
plan area exclusively for residential development. A breakdown of the completed rezoning and
constructed or pending affordable housing projects between 2009 and 2012 is provided in Table 2.
Table 2 Housing Projects and Sites Approved between 2009 and 2012 to Accommodate the 2006.2014
Transit Zoning Code
247
247
1
494
Triads Garden: Station District Phase 1 (TZC)
12
20
1
12
801 East Brown Street
5
23
28
Triable Garden: Station District Phase 2 (TZC)
13
13
714 East Santa Ana Boulevard
8
8
Birch Street Courtyards
4
4
217 -437 South Birch Street
174
174
Habitat for Humanity Infill
2
2
Edinger Avenue & Cypress Avenue
182
182
Triada Court: Station District (TZC)
73
1
74
618 East Minter Street
10
254
264
Bush Street Courtyards
5
5
2034 -2038 North Bush Street
24
24
Terraces at Santiago
35
1
36
605 East Washington Avenue
300
300
Subtotal - Units Built
389
1 249
1
2
640
Pipeline Proects2
Depot at Santiago (TZC)
49
20
1
70
Harbor Corridor Specific Plan: 815 N. Harbor
49
20
1
70
City Ventures
5
23
28
5th & 4226 W. Fifth Street
The Academy Family Housing
8
8
1901 N. Fairview Street
Town & Country Manor3
174
174
555 E. Memory Lane
The 301
182
182
301 E. Jeanette Lane
Lyon Communities
10
254
264
1901 E. First Street
Sexlinger Homes
24
24
1584 E, Santa Clara Avenue
The Marke
300
300
100 -130 E. MacArthur Boulevard
The MET
272
272
200 E. First American Way
Skyline Phase 113
1
150
1 150
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Table 2 Housing Projects and Sites Approved between 2009 and 2012 to Accommodate the 2006.2014
Carryover
Projects
Affordability Level
Low
Very Low
1 Low
Moderate
Above
Total
10 E, Hutton Centre
(81 -120% of MFI )
above MFI)
Total
2014 -2021 RHNA
45
Subtotal - Units in Pipeline
98
1 50
5
1,390
1,542
Remaining Balance of 2006.2014 RHNA Allocation
987
-•
•-
•-
Units not Accounted in 2009 Housing Element
(Built Units+ Pipeline Projects)
786
-•
•-
•-
2006 -2014 Carryover
111
90
37
90
201
Source: Santa Ana 2013,
A projector zoning change that was not counted in the previous housing element, but was entitled or adopted prior to the end of the 2006-2014 planning period. The
units are counted toward the remaining 2006 -2014 RHEA.
4, These projects are in the development pipeline and are pending entitlements, Affordable units are counted toward the remaining 2006 -2014 RHNA.
8, While these projects were IdentiFled in the 2006 -2014 Housing Element, they are expected to be constructed in 2014 -2021 plan hill period.
Carrying over the remaining 201 units required under the 2006 -2014 RHNA, Table 3 reflects the total
number of housing units needed to achieve both the 2006 -2014 and 20142021 RHNA requirements. The
table also categorizes the remaining housing unit need based on affordability level. The proposed project
would need to accommodate a combined RHNA of 405 units to meet the 2014 -2021 RHNA goals.
Table 3 Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2014 -2021
Source , SCAG 2012,
Note: Household goals based on 2010 Census County Median Family Income ($83,735).
Available Land for Housing
The 2014 -2021 Housing Element Update must identify available sites in the City that can accommodate
the remaining RFINA (405 units). The first step in identifying adequate sites is preparing an inventory of
land suitable for residential development that includes vacant and underutilized land. The assessment, as
described in the proposed Housing Element, has identified the Metro East area, the Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan, transit corridors along First Street and Fifth Street, and Transit Zoning Code (TZC) areas
as areas that could accommodate RHNA required housing. These areas can be seen in Figure 4, Development
Focus Arear in Santa Ana. Table 4 identifies the menu of development areas that the City has determined
would be more than sufficient to accommodate the remaining RHNA allocation. The ultimate residential
capacity of these areas is much larger than the remaining RHNA. However, to be conservative, the City only
projects a portion of the development potential for the 2014 -2021 planning period. Additionally, the units in
Table 4 are in addition to the number of units shown in Table 2 that accommodate the 2006 -2014 carryover.
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Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate (120
(0 -50% of ME[)
(51-80% of MFI)
(81 -120% of MFI )
above MFI)
Total
2014 -2021 RHNA
45
32
37
90
204
Carryover 2006 -2014
RHNA
111
90
0
0
201
Combined RHNA
156
122
37
90
405
Source , SCAG 2012,
Note: Household goals based on 2010 Census County Median Family Income ($83,735).
Available Land for Housing
The 2014 -2021 Housing Element Update must identify available sites in the City that can accommodate
the remaining RFINA (405 units). The first step in identifying adequate sites is preparing an inventory of
land suitable for residential development that includes vacant and underutilized land. The assessment, as
described in the proposed Housing Element, has identified the Metro East area, the Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan, transit corridors along First Street and Fifth Street, and Transit Zoning Code (TZC) areas
as areas that could accommodate RHNA required housing. These areas can be seen in Figure 4, Development
Focus Arear in Santa Ana. Table 4 identifies the menu of development areas that the City has determined
would be more than sufficient to accommodate the remaining RHNA allocation. The ultimate residential
capacity of these areas is much larger than the remaining RHNA. However, to be conservative, the City only
projects a portion of the development potential for the 2014 -2021 planning period. Additionally, the units in
Table 4 are in addition to the number of units shown in Table 2 that accommodate the 2006 -2014 carryover.
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Figure 4 Development Focus Areas in Santa Ana
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1. Introduction
Table 4 2014.2021 Development Potential Summary
.UU1W. 0 d"Id Mne LV J.
i. Approximately 10 acres are reserved exclusively for m8ldentlal development at a minimum density of 20 units per acre.
1.3.4 Public Safety Element Update
Assembly Bill (AB) 162 strengthens flood protections by requiting jurisdictions to update flood related
information in its General Plan during the mandatory revision to the housing element. More specifically, the
legislation requires that "upon the next revision of the housing element, on or after January 1, 2009, the
safety element to identify, among other things, information regarding flood hazards and to establish a set of
comprehensive goals, policies, and objectives, based on specified information for the protection of the
community from, among other things, the unreasonable risks of flooding."
Flood hazard information is discussed in the City of Santa Ana General Plan Public Safety Element and was
last updated in 1982. In order to comply with AB 162, the Public Safety Element has been updated
concurrently with the Housing Element to include a more recent narrative about flood hazards, control, and
improvements implemented since 1982, and policies or programs addressing updated Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) maps. This update is included as part of the "proposed project" addressed in
this Initial Study and the Negative Declaration will serve as the CEQA clearance for both the Housing
Element and Public Safety Element Updates to the City's General Plan.
The City's General Plan Public Safety Element sets forth policies and implementation programs for the
following safety topics: Crime Management and Protection, Fire Safety, Emergency Medical Services,
Hazardous Materials, Emergency Preparedness, and Flood Safety. Specific to flood hazards, the draft Public
Safety Element includes programs that require developments within the 100 -year flood zone to implement
mitigation measures to minimize risks associated with flood hazards; collect, maintain, and make available
information regarding flooding hazards to remain aware of potential hazards and serve as an educational
resource for the community; and actively cooperate with FEMA regarding amendments to local Flood
Insurance Rate Maps, recognizing the importance of redesignation of the 100- and 500 -year flood plains
within the City boundaries as facility improvements are completed. To supplement the programs, the Public
Safety Element Update also includes a flood hazard map, shown in Figure 5, Flood Hatiard Map. According to
the figure, the entire City of Santa Ana is outside of the 100 -year flood plain with the exception of a small
portion of the City's western corner and the City is not within any CalFire designated fire hazard area (CAL
FIRE 2011). Regardless, AB 162 requires the Public Safety Element to be updated concurrently with the
Housing Element to ensure future development would be planned with public safety issues in mind.
December 2013
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Metro East
Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan
Fifth Street
First Street
TZC
Total
Total Acres
21.35
305
14.44
25.56
450
816.35
Density Range (du/ac)
25-98
5 -50
23-35
23-35
5 -90
••
Density Assumed (dulac)
45
20-30
30
30
7 -45
••
Residential Units
964
500'
428
767
500
3,159
.UU1W. 0 d"Id Mne LV J.
i. Approximately 10 acres are reserved exclusively for m8ldentlal development at a minimum density of 20 units per acre.
1.3.4 Public Safety Element Update
Assembly Bill (AB) 162 strengthens flood protections by requiting jurisdictions to update flood related
information in its General Plan during the mandatory revision to the housing element. More specifically, the
legislation requires that "upon the next revision of the housing element, on or after January 1, 2009, the
safety element to identify, among other things, information regarding flood hazards and to establish a set of
comprehensive goals, policies, and objectives, based on specified information for the protection of the
community from, among other things, the unreasonable risks of flooding."
Flood hazard information is discussed in the City of Santa Ana General Plan Public Safety Element and was
last updated in 1982. In order to comply with AB 162, the Public Safety Element has been updated
concurrently with the Housing Element to include a more recent narrative about flood hazards, control, and
improvements implemented since 1982, and policies or programs addressing updated Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) maps. This update is included as part of the "proposed project" addressed in
this Initial Study and the Negative Declaration will serve as the CEQA clearance for both the Housing
Element and Public Safety Element Updates to the City's General Plan.
The City's General Plan Public Safety Element sets forth policies and implementation programs for the
following safety topics: Crime Management and Protection, Fire Safety, Emergency Medical Services,
Hazardous Materials, Emergency Preparedness, and Flood Safety. Specific to flood hazards, the draft Public
Safety Element includes programs that require developments within the 100 -year flood zone to implement
mitigation measures to minimize risks associated with flood hazards; collect, maintain, and make available
information regarding flooding hazards to remain aware of potential hazards and serve as an educational
resource for the community; and actively cooperate with FEMA regarding amendments to local Flood
Insurance Rate Maps, recognizing the importance of redesignation of the 100- and 500 -year flood plains
within the City boundaries as facility improvements are completed. To supplement the programs, the Public
Safety Element Update also includes a flood hazard map, shown in Figure 5, Flood Hatiard Map. According to
the figure, the entire City of Santa Ana is outside of the 100 -year flood plain with the exception of a small
portion of the City's western corner and the City is not within any CalFire designated fire hazard area (CAL
FIRE 2011). Regardless, AB 162 requires the Public Safety Element to be updated concurrently with the
Housing Element to ensure future development would be planned with public safety issues in mind.
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1.3.5 Environmental Review Background
In 2009, an Initial Study /Negative Declaration (2009 IS /ND) was prepared for the 2006 -2014 Santa Ana
Housing Element (SCH No. 2009041128). The analysis in the 2009 IS /ND covered many of the same areas
that would also accommodate the 2014 -2021 RHNA allocation. Table 5 provides an overview of the areas
previously addressed in the environmental analysis for the 2009 IS /ND in comparison to the areas currently
proposed as accommodating sites for the 2014 -2021 RHNA. As seen in the table, the allocations for the
Metro East, Fifth Street and First Street locations have not changed since the previous Housing Element and
supporting Initial Study /Negative Declaration.
The Renaissance Specific Plan evaluated in the 2009 IS /ND represents the same area designated as the
Transit Zoning Code (TZC) in the proposed Housing Element update. An Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) was prepared and certified for the TZC which was adopted by the City in 2010.
As with the currently proposed Housing Element update, the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan was identified to
accommodate a portion of the RHNA units. For the updated Housing Element, the units allocated to this
area have been reduced from 1,260 to 500 units. A portion of this allocation is proposed to be
accommodated within 10 acres exclusively reserved for residential development at a minimum of 20 units per
acre.
Table 5 Comparison of 2009 Initial
Metro Harbor Corridor Specific
East I S I Fifth Street I First Street PIanITZC
Total Acres
21.35
42.00
14,44
25.56
13.22
116.57
Density Range (du/ac)
25-98
23 -35
23-35
23 -35
5-90
-
Density Assumed (dulac)
45
30
30
30
7 -45
-
Residential Units Available for
RHNA
964
1,260
428
767
238
3,657
2013 Initial Study /Negative Declaration
Total Acres
21.35
1 305
14.44
1 25.56
450
81635
Density Range (du/ac)
25-98
5-50
23-35
23-35
5-90
-•
Density Assumed (dulac)
45
20 -30
30
30
7 -45
••
Residential Units Available for
RHNA
964
5001
428
767
500
3,159
Source: Santa Ana 2013.
1 Approximately 10 acres are reserved exclusively for residential development at a minimum density of 20 units per acre.
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Figure 5 Flood Hazard Map
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Approach to Environmental Analysis of the Proposed Project
The entire 405 unit RHNA requirement can be met with housing opportunities identified within the
following sites: Metro East, TZC and Harbor Corridor Specific Plan. As detailed in the following discussion
of each site, of these locations, only the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan would require a General Plan
Amendment and Zone Change. Recent plans have been adopted for both Metro East and TZC and both are
supported by EIRs. An EIR is currently under preparation for the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan and the
project is anticipated to be approved in early 2014. At that time, environmental review and any associated
mitigation measure requirements will be in place for housing development within any of the three sites that
together can accommodate the total 405 unit RHNA requirement.
The Housing Element update identifies Fifth Street and First Street as potential, future sites for affordable
housing development. These sites would require General Plan Amendments (GPAs) and Zone Changes
(ZCs) to allow residential development. At this time, such land use changes are not in process. Since these
sites are not needed to achieve the RFINA, the potential environmental impact for these sites is not reviewed
in any detail within this Initial Study. Moreover, as with any new housing development, these sites would be
subject to future, project- specific review under CEQA at the time of a development proposal.
As required by AB 162, the Public Safety Element has been updated with the Housing Element and is also
analyzed as part of this Initial Study. The Public Safety Element Update is essentially a technical update
focusing on the updated flood hazard map, and technical refinement to policies and narrative. These impacts
would not affect the majority of the CEQA topics. The updates, however, are reviewed in the following
topical sections pertaining to flooding: Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, and
Public Services. The Public Safety Element Update would not result in environmental impacts associated with
the remaining topical sections and therefore is not further discussed.
Metro East Overlay
The City of Santa Ana adopted the Metro East Mixed Use (MEMU) Overlay Zone in 2007 to facilitate the
development of a vibrant urban village with a balance of professional office, mixed -use and live -work,
commercial, retail, and recreational uses connected by highly amenitized pedestrian linkages. Located between
the I -5 and SR -55 surrounding First Street and Fourth Street, the plan proposes three mixed -use districts and
supporting policies and programs to facilitate an ultimate bu ildout of 5,551 residential units.
The City has identified 21 acres of underutilized land that could accommodate a minimum of 964 units.
These sites were chosen based on their vacant status or highly underutilized nature, recent residential
development interest expressed for several of these parcels, historical location within a former redevelopment
project area, proximity to transit lures, and general site characteristics.
An environmental impact report for the MEMU Overlay Zone, certified in 2007, documents potential
environmental and infrastructure constraints, and identifies assessments required at the time of specific
project development within the zone.
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1. Introduction
Transit Zoning Code (TZC) Areas
The City adopted the Transit Zoning Code (TZC) in 2010. The TZC guides development in the central urban
cote of Santa Ana and consists of more than 450 acres of land. Recent developments in this area highlight
the opportunities for both affordable and market rate residential projects. Furthermore, much of the TZC
area is suitable for housing at densities of at least 20 units per acre.
The TZC was also designed to provide the zoning necessary to support the long -term development of a
transit program. The integration of new transit infrastructure and infill development will strengthen existing
neighborhoods and allow for a mix of uses and a variety of housing types. The TZC is estimated to
accommodate up to 4,075 housing units at buIldout. As shown in Table 2, new zoning and recent residential
projects demonstrate the ability of the TZC to accommodate 50 percent of the City's remaining 2006 -2014
RHNA.
As part of the technical studies for the TZC, significant infrastructure improvements were identified for the
20 -year buddout horizon. Furthermore, the EIR for the Transit Zoning Code (2010) detailed the potential
environmental and infrastructure impacts of the project and implementation measures to address the
presence of any impacts. The TZC EIR indicates that future development in accordance with the code:
• would not be constrained by any significant biological, seismic, geological, or hazard constraints (TZC
EIR, Sections 4.3 and 4.5);
• could alter the existing drainage pattern and potentially result in increased downstream flooding through
the addition of impervious surfaces, or exceeding the capacity of existing or planed stormwater drainage
systems, additional mitigation will be necessary (TZC EIR; Sections 4.6);
• would not require or result in the construction of new water treatment facilities, the expansion of
existing water treatment facilities, or the expansion of the existing network of water lines (I'ZC EIR
Sections 4.12.1- 4.12.4); and
• would not increase wastewater generation such that treatment facilities would be inadequate to serve the
projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments (TZC EIR Sections 4.12.5- 4.12.9).
To address the required improvements to and /or replacement of infrastructure, the City's requires all
developers to pay a pro rata share of the costs to improve or replace the infrastructure. This is in addition to
the on- and offsite improvements that are required under the Municipal Code (Article III) to serve individual
projects.
Harbor Boulevard Mixed Use Transit Corridor Plan
The Harbor Corridor Specific Plan is anticipated to be adopted in early 2014. The section of north
Harbor Boulevard guided by this specific plan is a gateway to Santa Ana. Orange County's first bus rapid
transit service (Bravo! BRT operated by OCTA), opened Route 543 along Harbor Boulevard in June 2013,
with two more BRT lines (Bristol /State College and Westminster /17 ^h Street) expected to open in the coming
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1. Introduction
years. The City has identified a potential of up to 4,600 units that could be built on 305 acres of land
along Harbor Boulevard. While this plan guides and emphasizes mixed -use development, the plan
contains a policy that requires approximately 10 acres of land be zoned exclusively for residential to
accommodate all income levels of housing. This acreage within the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan would
have a minimum density of 20 units per acre. Approximately 500 units are anticipated to be available for the
RHNA allocation throughout the planning period.
Development within the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan area will be subject to the City's Housing
Opportunity Ordinance. This ordinance requires that at least 15 percent of the units in an eligible ownership
project be set aside as affordable to moderate income households for at least 45 years. For eligible rental
projects, at least 15 percent must be affordable to very low or lower income households for at least 55 years.
The Harbor Corridor Specific Plan will be supported by a programmatic environmental impact report, also
anticipated to be certified in early 2014. The FIR, currently under preparation will include technical reports
for traffic, air quality, greenhouse gases, noise, hazards, drainage, sewer and water systems. A 1993 report
(Boyle Engineering Report) concluded that the existing stormwater system is deficient and unable to convey
current runoff. The recommendations made in the Boyle Engineering Report indicate upgrades to the
existing conditions may be needed in order to convey existing runoff as well as future flows from the Harbor
Corridor Specific Plan. The City's practice is to require all developers to pay a pro rata share of the costs to
improve or replace the infrastructure (Santa Ana Municipal Code, Part II, Chapter 39, Water and Sewers,
Article III, Sewers).
Transit Corridors — Fifth Street and First Street
The City of Santa Ana has identified two transportation corridors that could provide residential /mixed -use
housing: Fifth Street and First Street. As previously noted, these sites are not required to achieve RHNA
requirements and are not currently designated or zoned for residential development and would require GPAs
and ZCs prior to housing development. These areas have been selected for the Housing Element because the
placement of housing in these locations would improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and provide
needed residential opportunities along the corridors while also serving to replace existing land uses that are
less compatible with adjacent uses. The City may create a new general plan land use designation(s), zoning
district, and development standards as part of an upcoming general plan update to allow for new
residential /mixed -use and to encourage voluntary lot consolidation along these corridors.
As summarized in Table 4, there is potential for up to 1,195 units to be built on 40 acres of land along Fifth
Street and First Street. These sites were identified as candidates during the planning period due to their
underutilized or vacant status, proximity to neighborhoods, housing developer interests, proximity to transit
fines, and historic location within a former redevelopment project area.
The presence of cavironmental constraints for Fifth Street and First Street parcels has not been thoroughly
assessed. Along Fifth Street, which contains a number of industrial parcels, the potential for environmental
contamination is possible and should be determined through future project approvals. The transportation
infrastructure supports residential development along these corridors. Sites along Fifth Street are adjacent to
the Pacific Electric right- of-way,
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1. Introduction
As required by CEQA, the rezoning of sites along First Street and Fifth Street would require the preparation
of environmental documentation that clarifies the impacts of residential /mixed uses to infrastructure, the
existence of any environmental constraints, and programs to mitigate impacts as required.
Housing Preservation
State law requires that housing elements include an analysis of "assisted multiple - family housing" projects
regarding their eligibility to change from low income housing to market rates by 2024 (10 years from the start
of the planning period). Assisted housing is multiple - family rental housing that receives government
assistance under federal, state, and /or local programs. Santa Ana currently (2013) has over 2,500 assisted
housing units.
If there are units at risk of converting to market rate rents by 2024, the element must include a detailed
inventory and analysis, including the following information:
■ Each development by project name and address
■ Type of governmental assistance received
■ Earliest possible date of conversion from low income use to market rates
■ Total elderly and nonelderly units that could be converted
■ An analysis of costs of preserving and /or replacing those units at risk in the current planning period.
■ Resources that could be used to preserve the at -risk units
■ Programs for preservation of at -risk units and quantified objectives
There are 798 units at risk of being converted to market rate between 2014 and 2021 and 880 units at risk
between 2014 and 2024. This includes all projects that have received public subsidies and are deed restricted
to be affordable to lower income households in Santa Ana,
1.4 GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING
Figure 6, General Plan Land Use Mcp, shows existing land use designations within the City of Santa Ana. The
update to the City's General Plan Housing Element consists of an updated determination of housing needs
within the City and revisions to policies and programs the City would implement to address those needs. The
draft 2014 -2021 Housing Element identifies adequate sites for potential residential /mixed -use development
that could accommodate unmet portions of the RHNA by 2021. The entire housing need can be
accommodated within three of the identified areas: Metro East Overlay, Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, and
the TZC. Of these areas, only the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan area requires a General Plan Amendment
and Zone Change to modify allowed land uses. At this tune, the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan and FIR are
being prepared and are anticipated to be approved in early 2014.
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1. Introduction
1.5 CITYACTION REQUESTED
The Santa Ana City Council is the City's legislative body and the approving authority for the City of Santa
Ana General Plan Housing Element. In order to implement the proposed project and comply with CEQA
requirements, the City Council must approve the General Plan Housing Element and adopt the project's
Negative Declaration,
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1. Introduction
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Figure 6 General Plan Land Use Map
December 2013
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1. Introduction
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1. Introduction
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2. Environmental Checklist
2.1 BACKGROUND
1. Project Title: 2014 -2021 Santa Ana Housing Element Update
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Santa Ana
Planning Division
20 Civic Centex Plaza, M20
Santa Ana, CA 92701
3. Contact Person and Phone Number:
Melanie McCann, Associate Planner
(714) 667 -2746
4. Project Location: The City of Santa Ana is in central Orange County, bordered by the cities of Orange
to the north, Garden Grove to the north and west, Fountain Valley to the west and southwest, Costa
Mesa to the south, Irvine to the southeast, and Tustin to the east. State Route 22 (SR -22) parallels the
City on the north, Interstate 5 (I -5) and State Route 55 (SR -55) run through the northeastern corners of
the City, and Interstate 405 (I -405) is just south of the City boundaries.
S. Project Sponsor's Name and Address:
City of Santa Ana
Planning Division
20 Civic Center Plaza, M20
Santa Ana, CA 92701
6. General Plan Designation: Implementation of the General Plan Housing Element as proposed would
involve all residential and nixed -use General Plan land use designations within the City.
7. Zoning: Implementation of the General Plan Housing Element as proposed would involve all residential
zoning districts and all districts that allow mixed -use development within the City.
S. Description of Project: The City of Santa Ana's General Plan Housing Element details the City's eight -
year strategy for enhancing and preserving the community's character; sets forth strategies for expanding
housing opportunities for the City's various economics segments; and provides the primary policy
guidance for local decision malting related to housing. The Housing Element also accommodates the
required housing balance per the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Per state requirements,
the City must accommodate 204 housing units for the 2014 -2021 planning period (45 very low income
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2. Environmental Checklist
housing units, 32 low income housing units, 37 moderate income housing units, and 90 above moderate
income housing units) plus a carryover balance of 203 housing units from the 2006 -2014 RHNA (111
very low and 92 low income housing units).
9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: The City is a 99- percent -built -out community in urbanized
Orange County, bordered by a mix of land uses. The surrounding Cities of Orange, Garden Grove,
Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Irvine all contain a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, and
open space uses.
10. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval Is Required: No other public agencies have approval
authority over the project. However, the California Department of Housing and Community
Development has the authority to review and comment on the project.
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2. Environmental Checklist
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one
impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
❑
Aesthetics
❑
Agricultural and Forest Resources
❑
Air quality
❑
Biological Resources
❑
Cultural Resources
❑
Geology /Soils
❑
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
❑
Hazards& Hazardous Materials
❑
Hydrology/ Water Quality
❑
Land Use / Planning
❑
Mineral Resources
❑
Noise
❑
Population I Housing
❑
Public Services
❑
Recreation
❑
Transportation / Traffic
Cl
Utilities / Service Systems
❑
Mandatory Findings of Significance
2.3 DETERMINATION (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE LEAD AGENCY)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
® I fund that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
ElI find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there
will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by
the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately
analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by
mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because
all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that
earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed
upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Segnalun
Date
Printed Name For
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2. Environmental Checklist
2.4 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately
supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question.
A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the
impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault
rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project- specific
factors, as well as general standards (e.g., the project would not expose sensitive receptors to
pollutants, based on a project- specific screening analysis).
2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off -site as well as on -site,
cumulative as well as project - level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational
impacts.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist
answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with
mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is
substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If these are one or more "Potentially Significant
Impact' entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the
incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to
a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly
explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level.
S) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process,
an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section
15063(c)(3) P). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
o�) Earlier Analyses Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b-) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within
the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal
standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the
earlier analysis.
ci) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures
Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the
earlier document and the extent to which they address site- specific conditions for the project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for
potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or
outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the
statement is substantiated. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals
contacted should be cited in the discussion.
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2. Environmental Checklist
7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or
individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead
agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's
environmental effects in whatever format is selected.
q) The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
l ,) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significant.
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2. Environmental Checklist
I. AESTHETICS. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
Less Than
X
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not
Significant
X
limited lo, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings
Potentially
With
Less Than
X
within a stale scenic highway?
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
I. AESTHETICS. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
X
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not
X
limited lo, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings
X
within a stale scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of
X
the site and its surroundings?
X
X
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would
X
adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are
significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California. Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an - optional model to use in assessing
impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to .forest resources, including timberland, are
significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and
the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted
by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
X
Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps
X
prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
X
Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a
X
X
Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest
land (as defined In Public Resources Code section 12220(g)),
timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section
X
4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined
by Government Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to
X
non - forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due
to their location or nature, could result in conversion of
X
Farmland, to non - agricultural use or conversion of forest land
to non - forest use?
III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air
pollution control district maybe relied upon to make the followin determinations.Would the project;
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
X
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to
X
an existing or projected air quality violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment
under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality
X
standard (including releasing emissions which exceed
quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
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2. Environmental Checklist
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through
Less Than
X
habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate,
Significant
sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,
Potentially
With
Less Than
X
policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
X
concentrations?
X
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of
X
people?
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through
X
habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,
X
X
policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
X
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or
other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional
X
plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of
Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected
wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
X
through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or
other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established
X
native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the
use of native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting
biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or
X
ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
X
other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation
plan?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a
X
historical resource as defined in § 15064,5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an
X
archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
X
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource
X
or site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside
X
of formal cemeteries?
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS, Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse
effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving,
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on
the most recent Alquist- Priclo Earthquake Fault Zoning
Map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based
X
on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
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2. Environmental Checklist
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or
Less Than
indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
Significant
X
environment?
Potentially
With
Less Than
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
X
iii) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction?
X
iv) Landslides?
X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
X
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that
would become unstable as a result of the project, and
X
potentially result in on -or off -site landslide, lateral spreading,
X
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of
the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to
X
life or property?
X
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of
septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems
X
where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste
water?
X
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or
indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
X
environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted
for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse
X
gases?
Vill. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
X
materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions
X
involving the release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one - quarter
X
mile of an existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which Is included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code
X
Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public
X
airport or public use airport, would the project result In a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working
X
in the project area?
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2. Environmental Checklist
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
Less Than
X
X
requirements?
Significant
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere
Potentially
With
Less Than
substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
g) Impair Implementation of or physically interfere with an
X
adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation
X
plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury
or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are
X
adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are
X
intermixed with wildlands?
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
X
X
requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would
X
be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local
groundwater table level (e g., the production rate of pre-
X
existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits
have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or
area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream
X
or river, in a manner which would result in a substantial
erosion or siltation on- or off -site
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or
area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream
or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface
X
runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off -
site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the
capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems
X
or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
X
g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped
on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate
X
Map or other flood hazard delineation map?
h) Place within a 100 -year Flood hazard area structures which
X
would impede or redirect Flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury
or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the
X
failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
X
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
X
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation
of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but
not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal
X
program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of
avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
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2. Environmental Checklist
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource
Less Than
X
that would be a value to the region and the residents of the
Significant
X
X
state?
Potentially
With
Less Than
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or
X
X
natural community conservation plan?
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource
X
that would be a value to the region and the residents of the
X
X
state?
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral
X
resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,
X
specific plan or other land use plan?
X
XIL NOISE. Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess
X
of standards established in the local general plan or noise
X
ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
X
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
X
groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase In ambient noise levels in
X
the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise
X
levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the
X
project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public
airport or public use airport, would the project expose people
X
residing or working in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the
project expose people residing or working in the project area
X
to excessive noise levels?
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly
X
(for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or
X
indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other
X
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
X
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the
X
construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction
of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or
other performance objectives for any of the Public services'.
a) Fire protection?
X
b) Police protection?
X
c) Schools?
X
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2. Environmental Checklist
XV. RECREATION.
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood
Less Than
and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that
Significant
X
substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or
Potentially
With
Less Than
be accelerated?
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
d) Parks?
X
e) Other public facilities?
X
XV. RECREATION.
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood
and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that
X
substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or
be accelerated?
X
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might
X
have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
XVI, TRANS PORTATIONITRAFFIC. Would the project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy
establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of
the circulation system, taking into account all modes of
transportation including mass transit and non - motorized travel
X
and relevant components of the circulation system, including
but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit?
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program,
including, but not limited to level of service standards and
travel demand measures, or other standards established by
X
the county congestion management agency for designated
roads or highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an
increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in
X
substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g.,
sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses
X
(e.g,, farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
X
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding
public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise
X
decrease the performance or safety of such facilities?
g) Result in inadequate parking capacity?
X
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XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project:
a) Exceed waste water treatment requirements of the applicable
Less Than
X
Regional Water Quality Control Board?
Significant
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or waste
Potentially
With
Less Than
water treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project:
a) Exceed waste water treatment requirements of the applicable
X
Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or waste
water treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the
X
X
construction of which could cause significant environmental
effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water
drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the
X
construction of which could cause significant environmental
effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project
X
from existing entitlements and resources or are new or
X
expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the waste water treatment
provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has
X
adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in
X
addition to the provider's existing commitments?
f Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to
X
accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations
X
related to solid waste?
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE.
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of
the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or
wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
X
animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of
a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable? ( "Cumulatively considerable"
means that the incremental effects of a project are
X
considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of
past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects.)
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or
X
indirectly?
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3. Environmental Analvsis
Section 2.3 provided a checklist of environmental impacts. This section provides an evaluation of the impact
categories and questions contained in the checklist and identifies mitigation measures, if applicable.
3.1 AESTHETICS
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
No Impact. The proposed project consists of an updated determination of housing needs within the City
and revisions to policies and programs the City would use to address those needs. Development anticipated
by the Housing Element would be located in urbanized areas that are not part of scenic vistas. The City does
not have any identified scenic vistas or public viewpoints. Furthermore, no scenic vistas are located in the
vicinity of any proposed development locations. Therefore, the project would not create any significant
impacts and no mitigation measures are necessary.
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings,
and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
No Impact. According to the California Scenic Highway Mapping System of the California Department of
Transportation, the City of Santa Ana is not located near any major state - designated scenic highway (Caltrans
2011). Since the IIousing Element designates adequate sites within the City's boundaries that would
accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA for development. Therefore, no impact would occur.
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?
Less Than Significant Impact. California housing element law allows local governments to obtain
construction credits toward its RHNA housing goals in three ways: housing construction, available land for
housing, and housing preservation. The City will pursue each of these strategies to achieve the regional
housing needs production goals. The City has set forth a strategy for addressing its housing needs by
identifying areas for future residential and mixed uses within its District Centers and transit corridors. These
areas include the Metro East area, the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, and Transit Zoning Code (TZC) areas.
• Metro East. Santa Ana adopted the Metro East (MEMi1) Overlay Zone in 2007. Future development in
accordance with the MEMU Overlay Zone must comply with the specific building requirements,
qualitative design principles, specific design guidelines, and the master sign program as outlined in the
zoning document.
• Harbor Boulevard Mixed Use Transit Corridor Plan. The Harbor Corridor Specific Plan currently
being prepared and is anticipated to be adopted in early 2014. All future development would be required
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3. Environmental Analysis
to comply with the specific building requirements and qualitative design principles as outlined in the
specific plan.
■ Transit Zoning Code. The TZC, adopted in 2010, guides development in the central urban core of
Santa Ana and consists of more than 450 acres of land. The development standards for residential
development are applied throughout the TZC areas. Future development within these areas must comply
with the applicable development standards.
To minimize potential impacts, future residential development identified in the Housing Element would be
required to comply with the Citywide Design Guidelines and /or the specific design guidelines set forth in the
MEMU Overlay Zone, the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, and the TZC. Thus, development in accordance to
the Housing Element would result in less than significant impacts to the visual character of these areas.
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?
Less Than Significant Impact. Development of projects in accordance with the City's Housing Element
would create new sources of light and glare in the City. As potential units are developed, greater intensity and
density of residential development would result in increased light and glare in the City due to exterior fighting,
lighting of streets and walkways, and interior lighting that could be visible from the outside of the homes. To
minimize potential light and glare impacts, future development proposed by the Housing Element would be
required to comply with the Citywide Design Guidelines and /or the specific design guidelines set forth in the
MEMU Overlay Zone, the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, and the TZC. Therefore, impacts to light and glare
due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
3.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies
may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the
California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and
farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant
environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range
Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology
provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland),
as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of
the California Resources Agency, to non - agricultural use?
No Impact. According to the California Resource Agency's Department of Conservation "Orange County
Important Farmland 2010" map, the City does not have any significant agricultural resources (DLRP 2011).
Thus, the City of Santa Ana does not contain any Prune Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance. Although vacant and underutilized land throughout the City may be developed with
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3. Environmental Analysis
housing units Linder the proposed project the land is not designated Farmland of any type. Therefore, no
impact would occur.
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
No Impact. The City of Santa Ana does not contain any land designated for agricultural use. Furthermore,
there is no land zoned for agricultural purposes or covered by a Williamson Act contract in the City.
Therefore, no impact would occur.
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section
4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section
51104(8))?
No Impact. Public Resources Code Section 12220 defines forest land as "land that can support 10- percent
native tree cover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for
management of one or more forest resources, including timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity,
water quality, recreation, and other public benefits."
Timberland is defined in Public Resources Code Section 4526 as "land, other than land owned by the federal
government and land designated by the board as experimental forest land, which is available for, and capable
of, growing a crop of trees of a commercial species used to produce lumber and other forest products,
including Christmas trees. Commercial species shall be determined by the board on a district basis."
A Timberland Production Zone is defined in Government Section Code CCC as "...an area which has been
zoned pursuant to [Government Code] Section 51112 or 51113 and is devoted to and used for growing and
harvesting timber, or for growing and harvesting timber and compatible uses, as defined in subdivision (h).
With respect to the general plans of cities and counties, `timberland preserve zone' means `timberland
production zone. "'
The City of Santa Ana does not have any land that is used for forest land as defined by these criteria. No
impacts to forest land would occur.
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non - forest use?
No Impact. The City of Santa Ana is mostly built out with urban land uses. Forest land is not present within
the City.
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could
result in conversion of Farmland, to non - agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-
forest use?
No Impact. The vacant and underutilized land identified in the Housing Element for potential residential
development does not contain any agricultural or forestry land uses. 'Therefore, the project would not involve
any changes to land uses and any changes to the environment that would result in the conversion of farmland
or forest land to residential land use. No impact would occur.
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3.3 AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution
control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
No Impact. The City of Santa Ana lies in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB), which is under the
jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The SoCAB is a
nonattainment area under the federal and state air quality standards (AAQS) for ozone (03), fine inhalable
particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse inhalable particulate matter (PMio), and lead (Los Angeles County only) and
nonattainment for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) under the California AAQS.' The federal and California Clean Air
Acts require areas designated nonattainment to reduce emissions until standards are met. SCAQMD has
adopted attainment plan(s) for nonattainment pollutants to meet these standards. Projects are consistent with
the AQMPs if it they are consistent with the existing land use plans used to forecast emissions.
The air quality plan in effect in the SoCAB is the SCAQMD's 2012 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
The regional emissions inventory for the SoCAB is compiled by the SCAQMD and SCAG. Regional
population, housing, and employment projections developed by SCAG, which are based on the land use
designations of the City's General Plan form, in part, the foundation for the emissions inventory of the
AQMP These demographic trends are incorporated into the Regional Transportation Plan compiled by
SCAG, to determine priority transportation projects and determine vehicle miles traveled within the SCAG
region. Zoning changes, specific plans, general plan amendments and similar land use plan changes that do
not increase dwelling unit density, vehicle trips, or increase vehicle miles traveled are also deemed to be
consistent with the AQMPs.
The Housing Element designates adequate sites for development that could potentially accommodate any
unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. Since the housing assessment in the RHNA is determined by
SCAG, the proposed project would accommodate increases in population based on SCAG's demographic
projections. Development as proposed to meet the RHNA goals is based on the approval of the draft Harbor
Corridor Specific Plan, which includes a General Plan Amendment to create a new residential land use
designation and zoning district on approximately 10 acres within the specific plan area. Therefore, while the
housing and population growth for the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan is not yet in the 2010 Orange County
Projections (OCP) growth forecast used by SCAG, the specific plan is anticipated to be adopted in early 2014
and will then be incorporated into the next OCP and SCAG growth forecast update. Furthermore, the
specific plan will have completed its own CEQA environmental review. After the adoption of the Harbor
Corridor Specific Plan's General Plan Amendment, the Housing Element will be consistent with the AQMP,
based on new demographic projections reflecting the specific plan, fox the City of Santa Ana from which
SCAQMD creates the regional emissions inventory. In addition, the City is also consistent with the overall
I CARB approved the SCAQMD's request to redesignate the SoCAB from serious nonattainment for PMm to attainment for PMro
under the national AAQS on March 25, 2010, because the SoCAB has not violated federal 24 -hour PMw standards during the period
from 2004 to 2007. However, the EPA has not yet approved this request.
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3. Environmental Analysis
recommendations of the AQMP with regards to integrating land use and transportation and increasing
density proximate to major transportation corridors and job centers. Therefore, no impacts would occur.
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. New development
could potentially generate pollutant emissions due to new vehicle trips, use of equipment, and off -site power
and natural gas generation. During the construction phases of individual development projects, emissions
would also be generated by construction vehicles and activities. Air pollutant emissions associated with the
project could occur over the short term for demolition, site preparation, and construction activities. In
addition, emissions could result from the long -term operation of the potential additional units.
Construction Impacts
Construction projects can produce nuisance dust emissions. Air quality impacts may occur during the site
preparation and construction activities of individual projects as anticipated under the Housing Element.
Major sources of emissions during this phase include exhaust emissions generated during demolition of an
existing structure, site preparation, and subsequent structure erection, and fugitive dust generated as a result
of soil disturbances. To minimize construction - related air quality impacts, future development projects would
be required to comply with SCAQMD Rules and Regulations, including Rule 403 for Fugitive Dust Control.
Additionally, any future development projects would be subject to CEQA review and evaluated for potential
construction related air quality impacts. Furthermore, at the time of specific project -level environmental
review, the lead agency would ensure compliance with mitigation measures, through placement of conditions
of approval on applicable projects, to reduce impacts.
Operational Impacts
Long -term air quality impacts are those associated with the emissions produced from project- generated
vehicle trips as well as from stationary sources related to the use of natural gas for heating and electricity for
lighting and ventilation. Future developments would be subject to CEQA review on a project -by- project
basis, and impacts would be disclosed and mitigated as feasible. However, impacts to any air quality standard
due to the adoption of the Housing Element would result in a less then significant impact.
The Housing Element is a policy -level document that is consistent with existing general plan land use
designation and zoning and therefore does not include specific development proposals. Adoption of the
Housing Element would, therefore, not directly result in any pollutant emissions. The Housing Element
establishes City direction for facilitating housing development pursuant to adopted land use plans. Residential
development facilitated by implementation of Housing Element programs has the potential to result in
pollutant emissions. These impacts have been evaluated at a program or policy -level in the CEQA documents.
Any future development of vacant sites identified in the Housing Element would comply with all SCAQMD
requirements as well as any mitigation measures required as a result of project -level CEQA analysis, including
those applicable to short -term construction activities. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
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3. Environmental Analysis
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project
region is nonattainment tinder an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard
(including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RI-INA through 2021. New development
would generate pollutant emissions due to new vehicle trips, use of equipment, and off -site power and natural
gas generation. Future projects would be subject to CEQA review and modeling would be completed for each
development to track whether any emissions would be in excess of federal or state AAQS. Additionally, any
new development would be required to comply with SCAQMD regulations to mitigate or prevent the
generation of criteria pollutant emissions or GHG emissions. Impacts to air quality due to the adoption of
the Housing Element would be less than significant.
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
Less Than Significant Impact. Approval of the Housing Element would not modify land uses and would
not result in an au quality impact. Implementation of the Housing Element relies, however, on future
development assumptions. The potential future development of additional housing units through 2021 could
lead to fugitive emissions and other pollutants affecting adjacent sensitive land uses. Increased traffic volumes
on City streets could also lead to increases in associated vehicle emissions. Air quality analysis would be
completed on a project -by- project basis to determine whether emissions from proposed development would
expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. Impacts to air quality due to the adoption
of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
No Impact. Land uses that are sources of objectionable odors that may affect substantial numbers of people
include wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, refineries, chemical manufacturing facilities, feed lots, and
dairies. Approval of the Housing Element would not create objectionable odors and would not result in an
impact. Implementation of the Housing Element is reliant, however, on future development assumptions. It
is unlikely that any future residential /mixed use development proposed would create objectionable odors,
however, any project would be subject to CEQA review. Adoption of the housing element would not create
odors and no impact would occur.
3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
No Impact. Since the City is urbanized, most vacant and underutilized parcels are surrounded by existing
development in the form of residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental properties, and are
therefore unlikely to contain any sensitive species. Future development projects would be subject to CEQA
review and potentially significant impacts to biological resources would be analyzed. Adoption of the
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3. Environmental Analysis
Housing Element would have no impact on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species.
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. The potential housing
sites are located throughout the City and are surrounded by urbanized development. It is unlikely that the
potential development sites contain riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities. Additionally, the
potential sites are not located by the Santa Ana River (see Figure 4, Development Focus Areas in Santa Ana).
However, future development would be subject to CEQA review evaluated for potential impacts to biological
resources on an individual basis. Impacts due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than
significant.
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
No Impact. The potential housing sites as proposed under the Housing Element are located throughout the
City and surrounded by urbanized development. The proposed areas identified to achieve RHNA goals —the
Metro East Overlay Zone area, the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, and Transit Zoning Code (TZC) areas —
do not have any federally protected wetlands in the area, based on the US Fish and Wildlife National
Wetlands Inventory (USFWS 2013). Furthermore, should any new development be located within or adjacent
to wetland areas, state and federal laws and regulations would be implemented to protect resources through
the Corps Section 404 permitting process and the California Wetlands Conservation Policy, which ensures
that no net loss of wetlands would occur within the state. Thus, the proposed project would have no impact
on federally protected wetlands.
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. The potential housing
sites are located throughout the City and are surrounded by urbanized development. It is unlikely that the
potential development sites contain any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or other sensitive
natural communities. Additionally, the potential sites are not located by the Santa Ana River. However, future
development would be evaluated for potential impacts to biological resources on an individual basis as they
are proposed. Impacts on wetlands due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than
significant.
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3. Environmental Analysis
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
Less Than Significant Impact. Pursuant to Chapter 33 (Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Works), Article VII
(Regulation of the Planting, Maintenance, and Removal of Trees) of the City's Code of Ordinances, public
street trees are to be maintained and protected to preserve the City's urban forest. The article outlines policies
regulating tree planting and pruning standards, specifying allowable tree species, and requiring site plan
reviews of new developments to ensure street trees are planted appropriately. However, the project itself
would not involve clearance of vegetation or ground - disturbing activities. Therefore, the Housing Element
would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources and impacts would be
less than significant.
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
No Impact. The City is not located within any Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community
Conservation Plan (CDFW 2013). Therefore, the project would not conflict with any habitat conservation
plans and no impact would occur.
3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in
§ 15064.5?
Less Than Significant Impact. Section 15064.5 defines historic resources as resources listed or determined
to be eligible for listing by the State Historical Resources Commission, a local register of historical resources,
or the lead agency. Generally a resource is considered to be "historically significant," if it meets one of the
following criteria:
i) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's
history and cultural heritage;
ii) Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past;
iii) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction, or
represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or
iv) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future development that could accommodate
any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. The anticipated development would occur on either vacant
or underutilized parcels throughout the City. Underutilized parcels in the City may currently contain historic
structures. According to the City of Santa Ana Historic Resources Map, the Transit Zoning Code area
includes a majority of the French Park National Register District, which was listed on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1999 (Santa Ana 2004). The historic structures widnin the French Park Historic District
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are protected through zoning conditions under Specific Development Plan No. 19, which outlines standards
and regulations for architectural design and land uses within the district (Santa Ana 1996). The remaining
opportunity areas are not within a historic district or adjacent to any historic resources (Santa Ana 2004).
Each future development would be reviewed to determine potential impacts to historical resources. If
necessary, appropriate mitigation measures designed to protect historic structures would be implemented.
Furthermore, pursuant to the City's Code of Ordinances Chapter 30 (Places of Historical and Architectural
Significance) requires all modification or demolition of historic properties to be reviewed and approved by
the City's Historic Resource Commission and /or Planning and Building Agency. Thus, impacts to historical
resources due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to
15064.5?
Less Than Significant Impact. Given the largely built -out nature of the City, the possibility is low that
undiscovered archeological resources may be found in the future. Furthermore, Approval of the Housing
Element itself would not authorize any ground- disturbing activities and would have no potential to adversely
affect archaeological resources. Future ground-disturbance associated with potential housing development as
identified in in the Housing Element through 2021, could potentially disturb archaeological resources.
Through the City's environmental review process, future development projects would be evaluated for
potential impacts to archaeological resources and projects would comply with applicable mitigation measures
and regulations. Impacts to archaeological resources due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be
less than significant.
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
Less Than Significant Impact. Due to the past agricultural uses and current urbanized character of the
City, it is unlikely that any paleontological resource would be uncovered by future development. Each
development that occurs as anticipated by the I Ioosing Element would be considered on an individual basis
to determine potential impacts to any paleontological resources. Impacts to paleontological resources due to
the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Less Than Significant Impact. Due to the past agricultural uses and current urbanized character of the
City; it is considered unlikely that any human remains would be uncovered due to implementation of the
Housing Element. Any future development that occurs as anticipated by the Housing Element Update would
be subject to subsequent review under CEQA on a project- by- ptoject basis to determine if any human
remains exist. Moreover, California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, CEQA Section 15064.5, and
Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 mandate the process to be followed in the event of an accidental
discovery of any human remains in a location other than a dedicated cemetery. Specifically, California Health
and Safety Code Section 7050.5 requires that in the event that human remains are discovered within the
project site, disturbance of the site shall remain halted until the coroner has conducted an investigation into
the circumstances, manner and cause of any death, and the recommendations concerning the treatment and
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disposition of the human remains have been made to the person responsible for the excavation, or to his or
her authorized representative, in the manner provided in Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code. If
the coroner determines that the remains are not subject to his or her authority and if the coroner recognizes
or has reason to believe the human remains to be those of a Native American, he or she shall contact, by
telephone within 24 hours, the Native American Heritage Commission. Although soil- disturbing activities
associated with development in accordance with the Housing Element could result in the discovery of human
remains, compliance with e.- sting law would ensure that significant impacts to human remains would not
occur. Therefore, adoption of the Housing Element would result in a less than significant impact on human
remains disturbance.
3.6 GEOLOGYAND SOILS
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss,
injury, or death involving:
I) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist- Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
No Impact. The entire southern California region is considered to be seismically active. Santa Ana is in a
high seismic risk zone subject to seismic activity from various nearby faults, including the El Modeno
Fault and the Newport- Inglewood -Rose Canyon faults (CGS 2010). However, none of these faults are
zoned under the guidelines of the Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. Thus, there are no
Alquist- Priolo fault zones within the vicinity of the City and no impact would occur.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana is located in southern California, which is
known to be seismically active. More specifically, the Newport- Inglewood -Rose Canyon fault lies
approximately eight miles southwest of the City and would likely generate the most severe ground
shaking. Any future development that occurs in conjunction with the proposed project would be required
to adhere to the most recent seismic standards in the California Building Code (CBC) adopted by the City
of Santa, Ana and would be subject to CEQA review The City has also adopted the CBC 2010 Edition
based on the 2009 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council under the
City's Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Structures), Article II (Building Code). The CBC
includes building design standards for the construction of new buildings and /or structures and specific
seism c engineering design and construction measures to avoid the potential for adverse ground shaking
impacts. Thus, by adhering to state and local regulations, development in accordance with the Housing
Element would result in less than significant impacts to seismic ground shaking.
iii) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction?
Less Than Significant Impact. Liquefaction is the phenomenon in which uniformly sized, loosely
deposited, saturated, granular soils with low clay content undergo rapid loss of shear strength through
the development of excess pore pressure during strong groundshaking. Soils with these properties that
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undergo sufficient duration and intensity of groundshaking may behave as a fluid for a short period of
time. According to the Department of Conservation Seismic Hazard Zones Maps for the Newport
Beach, Anaheim, Orange, and Tustin Quadrangle (in which Santa Ana is located in the intersection of
these four quadrangles), the City is zoned as an area where historic occurrence of liquefaction, or local
geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground
displacements (DOC 1997; 1998; 1998; 2001). In addition, according to Exhibit 5 of the City's General
Plan Seismic Safety Element, the potential for liquefaction hazards ranges from very low in the
northeastern portion of the City to very high in the southwestern portion of the City. The Harbor
Corridor Specific Plan area has medium risk of liquefaction while the Metro East and Transit Zoning
Code areas have very low risk of liquefaction.
Nevertheless, as stated above, any future development that occurs under the Housing Element would be
subject to future CEQA review and consideration of potential soil related impacts. New developments
would also be subject to CBC standards and local building code regulations for seismic- design features.
Thus, impacts to seismic ground failure due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than
significant.
iv) Landslides?
No Impact. The City is relatively flat and there are no significant slopes or hills in the vicinity of future
development sites. Thus, Santa Ana has low vulnerability for landslide, mudshde, or rock fall events
induced by seismic activity or excessive rainfall. It is anticipated that cut - and -fill grading would be
necessary during project development, but no significant slopes are anticipated to occur as a result of
project development. Additionally, future projects would be required to comply with CBC standards as
previously stated. Therefore, the adoption of the Housing Element would have no impact on exposing
people or structures to adverse effects involving landslides.
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
Less Than Significant Impact. As described above, Santa Ana is located primarily on flat lands. The City is
also 99 percent built out and does not feature substantial undeveloped areas where new development would
disturb topsoil. Due to the City's flat topography, soil erosion would not be an issue. New developments on
sites larger than 1.0 acres are also required to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) program's General Construction Permit (GCP) requirements, which include development
and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). SWPPPs also requite the design
and implementation of best management practices (B1VIPs), which would ensure discharge of pollutants from
project sites be reduced to the minimum amount as to not cause or contribute to an exceedance of water
quality standards. BMPs that can prevent or minimize impacts on soil erosion include practices such as,
sediment control, stabilizing slopes, and minimizing soil disturbance. By adhering to the federal and local
regulations, development in accordance to the proposed project would not result in significant impacts
relating to soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
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c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result
of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction, or collapse?
Less Than Significant Impact. Soils within the Orange County portion of the Coastal Basin are
characterized by medium - grained sandy sediment. Soil survey implementation from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Web Soil Survey, shows that there are a wide variety of soils in the City, including those from the
Bolsa Series, the Chino Series, the Hueneme Series, and the Metz Series. Soils within the City are
characterized by deep alluvial deposits (USDA 2013). Alluvium is composed of stiff to very stiff, medium
dense to very dense, light brown, dark brown, light gray and moist to saturated sandy clay, silty sand, sand,
and gravelly sand. These materials are primarily fine grained and exhibit slight to moderate plastic and
expansive properties. The soils are typically loose in their native state, with varying reported relative
compactions ranging between approximately 55 to 75 percent.
Any future development that occurs under the Housing Element would be subject to CEQA review,
consideration of potential soil- related impacts, and any necessary improvements to ensure long -term
geotechnical stability. Furthermore, all new development is required to comply with CBC standards that
include details to construction design and earthwork and foundation preparations to ensure soil and site
stability. Therefore, adherence to CBC standards on a project -by- project basis would ensure maximum
protection against unstable soils and geologic units and impacts would be less than significant.
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of the Uniform Building Code (1994),
creating substantial risks to life or property?
Less Than Significant Impact. See response to Section 3.6(c). Expansive soils shrink or swell as the
moisture content decreases or increases. Structures built on these soils may experience shifting, cracking, and
breaking as soils shrink and subside or expand. Any future development that occurs under the Housing
Element would be subject to future CEQA review and CBC standards. Necessary improvements to ensure
long -term geotechnical stability would also be required. Thus, impacts related to soil due to the adoption of
the Housing Element would be less than significant.
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water
disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?
No Impact. Future developments that occur in conjunction with the proposed project would utilize the local
sewer system. Therefore, no significant impacts would result from septic tanks or other on -site wastewater
disposal systems.
3.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Scientists have concluded that human activities are contributing to global climate change by adding large
amounts of heat - trapping gases, known as greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, into the atmosphere. The
primary source of these GHG emissions is fossil fuel use. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) has identified four major GHG emissions —water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and
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ozone (03) —that are the likely cause of an increase in global average temperatures observed within the 20th
and 21st centuries. Other GHG identified by the IPCC that contribute to global warming to a lesser extent
include nitrous oxide (N20), sulfur hexafluoride (SFA), hydofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and
chlorofluorocarbons.
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. New development
could potentially generate pollutant emissions due to new velvcle trips, use of stationary equipment, natural
gas use, and indirect emissions from use of electricity, water demand and wastewater treatment, and solid
waste disposal. Any future developments would be subject to CEQA review on a project -by- project basis, and
impacts would be disclosed and mitigated as feasible.
The Housing Element is a policy -level document that is consistent with existing general plan land use
designation and zoning and therefore does not include specific development proposals. Adoption of the
Housing Element would, therefore, not directly result in any GHG emissions. The Housing Element
establishes City direction for facilitating housing development pursuant to adopted land use plans. Residential
development facilitated by implementation of Housing Element programs has the potential to result in GHG
emissions. These impacts have been evaluated at a program or policy -level in the CEQA documents.
Any future development of vacant sites identified in the Housing Element would comply with all SCAQMD
requirements for GHG emissions as well as any mitigation measures required as a result of project -level
CEQA analysis, including those applicable to short -term construction activities. Implementation of the
mitigation measures required from past program -level and future project level CEQA analyses would ensure
that GHG emissions from construction and long -term operation of the future project would be minimized.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?
Less Than Significant Impact. Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32)
requires the state to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. 'The California Air Resources Board
(CARB) adopted the Scoping Plan to identify state regulations and programs that would be adopted by state
agencies to achieve the 1990 target of AB 32. In addition, Senate Bill 375, the Sustainable Communities and
Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375) was adopted by the legislature to reduce per capita vehicle miles
traveled and associated GHG emissions from passenger vehicles. 'T'he Southern California Association of
Government's (SCAG) 2012 Regional Transportation Plan /Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP /SCS)
identifies the per capita GHG reduction goals for the SCAG region.
Development projects, including projects exempt from CEQA are subject to the applicable state requirements
(e.g., California Building Code) and SCAQMD requirements for GHG emissions as well as any nnitigation
measures required as a result of project -level CEQA analysis. Implementation of the mitigation measures
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required from past program -level and future project -level CEQA analyses would ensure that GHG emissions
from construction and long -term operation of the future projects would be minimized. Therefore, impacts
would be less than significant.
SCAG's 2012 RTP /SCS is a regional growth management strategy that targets per capita GHG reduction
from passenger vehicles and light duty trucks in the Southern California region. The 2012 RTP /SCS
incorporates local land use projections and circulation networks in the cities' and counties' general plans. The
projected regional development pattern, including location of land uses and residential densities included in
local general plans, when integrated with the proposed regional transportation network identified in the 2012
RTP /SCS, would reduce per capita vehicular travel - related GHG emissions and achieve the subfegional
GHG reduction per capita targets for the SCAG region. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for
development that could potentially accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021.
While the housing and population growth for the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan is not yet in the 2010
Orange County Projections (OCP) growth forecast used by SCAG, the specific plan is anticipated to be
adopted in early 2014 and will then be incorporated into the next OCP and SCAG growth forecast update.
After the adoption of the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan's General Plan Amendment and the OCP /SCAG
update, the proposed project will be consistent with the 2012 RTP /SCS and will not conflict with the 2012
RTP /SCS goals. Therefore, impacts would not occur.
3.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or
disposal of hazardous materials?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RIINA through 2021. The potential areas
for development are located throughout the City and are surrounded by urbanized development. Although it
is not expected that significant amounts of hazardous materials would be transported, used, or disposed of in
conjunction with development of future properties to implement the housing element, such projects would
be subject to subsequent CEQA review and regulatory requirements. For example, all new developments that
may handle hazardous materials would be required to comply with regulations established by the EPA, State,
Orange County, and City of Santa Ana. Both federal and state governments require all businesses that handle
a specified amount of hazardous materials to submit a business plan that details the types of hazardous
materials handled, appropriate emergency response plans and procedures to be used in the case of an
emergency scenario, locations of local emergency medical assistance, and training programs for employees
( Cahfornia IIealth and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Article 1, Sections 25500 - 25520). Pursuant to Chapter 18
(Health and Sanitation) in the City's Code of Ordnance, the Orange County Fire Authority is authorized to
administer and enforce such ides and regulations. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
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b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
Less Than Significant Impact. Future developments anticipated by the Housing Element may be located in
the vicinity of sites where hazardous materials are contained. Releases of hazardous materials may occur
during a natural disaster. Likewise, improperly stored containers of hazardous substances may overturn or
break, pipelines may rupture, and storage tanks may fail. However, future development projects would be
subject to CEQA review and analyzed for the potential release of hazardous materials into the environment.
Impacts associated with hazardous materials due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than
significant.
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one - quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project consists of an updated determination of housing
needs within the City, and revisions to the policies and procedures the City uses in addressing those needs. In
total, the identified housing opportunity areas encompass over 800 acres and portions of these sites are
within one - quarter mile of existing and /or proposed schools.
The proposed project itself would not directly emit hazardous emissions, and would not involve the handling
of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials. Residential development in accordance with the Housing
Element, is not characterized by the use of hazardous materials. Future projects, however, would be subject
to CEQA review as well as compliance with regulatory requirements. Impacts associated with hazardous
materials due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment?
Less Than Significant Impact. Future developments anticipated by the Housing Element may be located in
the vicinity of known hazardous materials sites. Through the City's environmental review process, it would be
determined if a potential development site is on or within the immediate vicinity of any known hazardous
material site. Where appropriate, mitigation measures would be required for specific projects to reduce
potential hazards to the public. Impacts associated with hazardous materials due to the adoption of the
Housing Element would be less than significant.
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles or a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
No Impact. The John Wayne Airport is approximately one mile southeast of the City of Santa Ana. In 1975
the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) of Orange county adopted and Airport Environs Land Use Plan
( AELUP, amended April 17, 2008). The AELUP is a land use compatibility plan that is intended to protect
the public from adverse effects of aircraft noise, to ensure the people and facilities are not concentrated in
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areas susceptible to aircraft accidents, and to ensure that no structures or activities adversely affect navigable
space. If a General Plan Amendment (GPA) or Zone Change (ZC) is proposed for land within the ALUC
planning area, the City is required to submit the GPA /ZC plans to ALUC for consistency review with the
AELUP However, the residential opportunity areas identified in the Housing Element — Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan area, Metro East, and the TZC area — are outside of the John Wayne Airport's AELUP. Thus,
future development anticipated by the Housing Element that would require a GPA or ZC (only Harbor
Corridor Specific Plan area) would not be subject to review by the ALUC. Thus, no impact would occur.
Although future housing projects would be outside the Airport Planning Area, development proposals which
include the construction or alteration of a structure more than 200 feet above ground level would require
filing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Structures meeting this threshold must comply with
procedures provided by Federal and State law:, with the referral requirements of ALUC, and all conditions of
approval imposed or recommended by FAA and ALUC, including filing a Notice of Proposed Construction
or Alteration (FAA Form 7460 -1)
Heliports are also under the jurisdiction of ALUC. Any proposed heliports must be submitted through the
City to the ALUC for review and action pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 21661.5. Proposed heliport
projects must comply fully with the state permit procedure provided by law and with all conditions of
approval imposed or recommended by FAA, by the ALUC for Orange County and the Caltrans /Division of
Aeronautics. The City would comply with the aforementioned requirements, and no impacts would occur
relative to public use airports.
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard
for people residing or working in the project area?
No Impact. There are no private airstrips located within or adjacent to the City of Santa Ana; therefore, the
proposed project would not result in any significant safety hazards from airstrip /airport related activity, The
project would not cause safety hazards related to people residing or working in Santa Ana. No impact would
occur.
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
Less Than Significant Impact. Implementation of the Housing Element would not conflict with the City
of Santa Ana's emergency response or evacuation plans. Additionally, future development would be subject to
CEQA review and be evaluated regarding interference with adopted emergency response and evaluation
plans. Adoption of the Housing Element would have a less than significant impact on emergency response
plans.
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed
with wildlands?
No Impact. The City is built out with urban uses and does not contain wildland vegetation. Land
immediately surrounding the City is likewise developed with urban uses and lacks wildland vegetation.
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According to the CalFire "Orange County Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRN' map, the entire
City of Santa Ana as well as its neighboring cities of Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Orange, Tustin, and
Costa Mesa are all out of the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) (CAL FIRE 2011).
Therefore, the project would not create any hazards arising from wildland fires and no impact would occur.
3.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. As these potential
sites are developed, wastewater would be discharged into the local sewer system and on -site drainage would
flow into the City's existing storm drain system. As part of Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations under the National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System ( NPDES) program to control direct stormwater discharges. Future development would
be required to comply with the NPDES program and the standards under the Santa Ana Regional Water
Quality Control Board (SARWQCB). Additionally, through the City's development review process, future
projects would be evaluated for potential water quality impacts. Where needed, future development projects
would be required to prepare water quality plans and /or incorporate best management practices (BMP) into
their construction operations to reduce potential water quality impacts. Impacts to water quality due to the
adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater
table level (e.g., the production rate of pre- existing nearby wells would drop to a level which
would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?
Less Than Significant Impact. Water supply in the City is derived from local groundwater wells operated
and maintained by the City of Santa Ana Water Department and imported water from the Orange County
Water District. The 2010 Urban Water Management Plan states that existing water supplies can continue to
meet the City's water demands in normal, single dry, and multiple dry years between 2013 and 2035 (Santa
Ana 2011).
The anticipated development under the Housing Element update could increase water consumption in the
City as well as increase dependence on local and imported supplies of groundwater. Any future development
would be subject to CEQA review and potential impacts to groundwater supply and recharge would be
analyzed. Impacts to groundwater due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than
Significant.
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in a substantial
erosion or siltation on- or off -site.
Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana is relatively flat and erosion is not anticipated to be
substantial during construction or operation of developments anticipated by the Housing Element, Each
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development site would be connected to the City's storm dr,, n system and is not anticipated to create
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site. Future development projects would be subject to CEQA review
and would adhere to the City's standard practices designed to prevent erosion and siltation during the
construction phase. Impacts to the drainage pattern due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be
less than significant.
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off -site?
Less Than Significant Impact. Approval of the Housing Element would not modify land uses, but
implementation relies on future development assumptions. Although Santa Ana is largely built out, increased
development intensity could increase the amount of runoff from impervious surfaces. Given that each of the
land use change areas are currently developed, however, the increase in impervious surfaces and resultant
increase in runoff is anticipated to be nominal and not have the potential to result in flooding on- or offsite.
Therefore, any future development would likely have a less than significant impact with regard to surface
runoff. Additionally, any future development would be subject to CEQA review and potential drainage
patterns and surface runoff impacts would be analyzed. Therefore, impacts due to the adoption of the
housing element are less than significant.
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm
water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
Less Than Significant Impact. The majority of the City is built out, and stormwater drainage systems are
already in place. Approval of the Housing Element would not directly modify land uses; however,
development in accordance to the Housing could potentially increase the impervious surface area and
resultant runoff and discharge of sediments and pollutants to stormwater drainage systems. This increase,
however, would be nominal in comparison to existing development and would be subject to compliance with
regulatory requirements. Therefore, any future development would likely have a less than significant impact
with regard to surface runoff. Additionally, future development would be subject to CEQA review and would
comply with the City and NPDES regulations regarding stormwater pollution prevention measures during
construction and operation. Therefore, impacts from runoff water due to the adoption of the Housing
Element would be less than significant.
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. Construction
activities and long -term operation of the future development have the potential to degrade water quality
through an increase in water pollutants, including sediments. Future projects would be evaluated on art
individual basis for their potential to degrade water quality, and projects must comply with any applicable
water quality standards and regulations. Impacts to water quality due to the adoption of the Housing Element
would be less than significant.
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g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?
Less Than Significant Impact. The City has two major drainage courses that have the potential for
significant flooding: Santiago Creek and the Santa Ana River. However, according to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Santa Ana is located in Zone X, which is any area outside the 1
percent annual chance floodplain (FEMA 2013). Figure 5, Flood Hatiard Map, recreated from the City's Public
Safety Element update, also shows that the entire City is outside of the 100 -year flood risk area with the
exception of a small portion of the City's western corner. The Public Safety Element update also outlines
policies to require future development within the 100 -year flood zone to implement mitigation measures to
minimize risks associated with flood hazards. In addition, the City has floodplain management regulations
that require new construction or substantial improvements in flood prone areas of the City to be elevated
above base flood elevations. Furthermore, potential development as anticipated under the Housing Element
would be evaluated on a project -by- project basis and would be required to comply with the City's uniform
building codes and regulations as described above. No mitigation measures are necessary.
h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area strictures which would impede or redirect flood flows?
Less Than Significant Impact. See 3.8g above.
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding,
including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
Less Than Significant Impact. Santa Ana is located in the Prado Dam, Santiago, and Villa Park Reservoir
Inundation Areas. Prado Dam, with a design reservoir capacity of 196,000 acre -feet, is an Army Corps of
Engineer earthen facility 21 miles northeast of the City of Santa Ana. The dam is designed and constructed
to withstand the maximum probable earthquake for the area, and therefore the probability for dam failure as
a result of a seismic event is statistically insignificant.
Santiago Dam and Reservoir (Irvine Lake) and Villa Park Dam are a two -pool system west of Black Star
Canyon maintained by the County of Orange, approximately seven miles east of the City's border. Santiago
Dam is a 25,000 -acre -feet earthen structure retaining Irvine Lake. Downstream is the flood control structure,
Villa Park Dam. Santiago Creek, the natural waterway that flows west from the Villa Park- Santiago complex,
is in the northern part of the City. System failure would occur when both pools are full and would result in a
flood flow path spreading beyond the banks of Santiago Creek.
The City of Santa Ana has an Emergency Response Plan that addresses flooding in the event of levee or dam
failure. Additionally, any future development would comply with the City's building standards to reduce the
risk of structural damage due to flooding. Therefore, the risk from exposure of people and structures to
flooding throughout the City due to the adoption of the Housing Element is considered less than significant.
No mitigation measures are necessary.
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j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
No Impact. A seiche is a surface wave created when a body of water is shaken, usually by earthquake activity.
Seiches are of concern relative to water storage facilities because inundation from a seiche can occur if the
wave overflows a containment wall, such as the wall of a reservoir, water storage tank, dam or other artificial
body of water. While the City of Santa Ana does have aboveground water reservoirs, the potential for one of
them failing is unlikely. However, dam failure at Prado Dam or the Irvine Lake /Villa Park dam and reservoir
system could inundate the project area. A tsunami is a great sea wave produced by a submarine earthquake or
volcanic eruption. Due to the City's distance from the coastline (approximately six miles), a tsunami does not
pose a hazard to the site. Muciflows are landslide events in which a mass of saturated soil flows downhill as a
very thick liquid. Santa Ana is generally flat and is not located along steep slopes or hillsides. Although it is
unlikely that anticipated development would be impacted by seiche, tsunami or mudflows, any future
development would be evaluated on an individual basis. Therefore, potential site inundation as a result of
seiche, tsunami, or mudflow due to the adoption of the Housing Element would have no impact and no
mitigation measures are necessary.
3.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING
a) Physically divide an established community?
No Impact. The Housing Element identifies multiple residential opportunity areas within Santa Ana, The
Harbor Corridor Specific Plan involves rezoning 305 acres to allow for mixed - use /residential development,
with approximately 10 acres set aside exclusively for residential development. This specific plan is anticipated
to be adopted in early 2014. Metro East and Transit Zoning Code (TZC) areas are already zoned for
residential development and would not require rezoning. Transit corridors along First Street and Fifth Street
would, however, require rezoning to allow for new residential development. Nevertheless, the residential
opportunity areas along First and Fifth Street are additional and are not required to meet the City's RHNA
for the 2014 -2021 timeframe. These areas would only supplement the City with more opportunity areas,
exceeding the RHNA housing requirements. Furthermore, the Housing Element does not propose any
roadway extensions or other development features through areas that would alter the City's circulation
network. Therefore, residential development in accordance with the Housing Element would not physically
divide an established community and no impacts would occur.
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction
over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal
program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
Less Than Significant Impact. The project is an update to the Housing Element of the City's General
Plan, and would become the new Housing Element upon approval by the City Council. The City of Santa
Ana is not within the coastal zone, and so is not subject to a local coastal program. The City has set forth a
strategy for addressing its housing needs by already built or approved new housing projects, housing
preservation, and identifying opportunity areas for future residential and mixed uses primarily within the
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Metro East area, Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, transit corridors along First Street and Fifth Street, and the
Transit Zoning Code (TZC) area.
General Plan Amendments and /or Zoning Changes would be required only for the Harbor Corridor area,
which would be reflected in the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan currently being prepared and anticipated to be
approved in early 2014. The MEMU Overlay Zone was adopted in 2007 and the TZC was adopted in 2010.
Both of these areas allow residential development and would contribute to the housing needs outlined in the
City's RHNA. The transit corridors along First and Fifth Street are additional housing opportunity areas that,
if rezoned for residential and /or mixed use, would allow the City to surpass its RHNA requirements.
Therefore, rezoning of the corridors is not required to meet the RHNA minimum. Given the opportunity
areas within the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, Metro East, and TZC areas, the City would meet its RHNA
requirements and would not conflict with any land use plan and impacts would be less than significant.
Potential future housing development as identified in the Housing Element would also be subject to project -
specific CEQA review, including an evaluation of conflicts with applicable land use plans, policies, and
regulations. Impacts associated the adoption of the Housing Element with respect to consistency to land use
plans, policies, and regulations, therefore, would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are
necessary.
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?
No Impact. There are no habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans within or in
the vicinity of the City (CDFW 2013). Therefore, implementation of the Housing Element would not
conflict with any habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans. No impacts would
occur.
3.11 MINERAL RESOURCES
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region
and the residents of the state?
No Impact. Based on the California Geological Survey, areas known as mineral resource zones (MRZs) are
classified according to the presence or absence of mineral resources. Lands designated as MRZ -2 are of the
greatest importance and are considered "regionally significant" Development in areas designated as MRZ -2
would require that a lead agency's land use decisions be made in accordance with its mineral resource
management policies (if any exist) and that it consider the importance of the mineral resource to the region
or the state as a whole, not just to the lead agency's jurisdiction (CGS 1994). All of Santa Ana is zoned MRZ -
3, which means the City is in an area that containing mineral deposits of undetermined significance based on
available data (CDMG 1994).
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
No Impact. See 3.10a.
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3.12 NOISE
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. Future construction
and operation activities would increase noise levels throughout the City. However, future development would
be subject to project- specific CEQA review and also required to comply with City, federal, and state
guidelines on vehicle noise, roadway construction, occupational noise and noise abatement, and insulation
standards. Impacts regarding noise due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than
significant.
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise
levels?
Less Than Significant Impact. It is possible that groundborne vibration or groundborne noise would
occur during the construction phase of future development projects anticipated by the Housing Element
Update. Although groundborne vibration and groundborne noise are common results of the construction
phase, each development would be subject to CEQA review and consideration of potential groundborne
vibration and groundborne noise impacts. hnpacts regarding noise due to the adoption of the Housing
Element would be less than significant.
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. Traffic related to the
future developments could result in long -term increases in ambient noise levels. However, depending on the
size of each development, this increase may be noticeable for some people but may not significantly impact
surrounding sensitive uses and may not generate a substantial increase in ambient noise levels. Future
development would be subject to CEQA review and consideration of potential noise impacts. Therefore, the
impacts regarding noise due to the adoption of the I Iousing Element would be less than significant.
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
Less Than Significant Impact. See response to Section 3.12(c), above.
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
Less Than Significant Impact. The John Wayne Airport is approximately one mile southeast of Santa Ana.
The southern area of Santa Ana is located in the AELUP boundary (ALUC 2013). There may be a potential
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for future projects to be exposed to excessive noise levels. The projects would be required to go through the
CEQA process and reviewed for consistency with the AELUP. Impacts regarding excessive noise levels due
to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or
working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
No Impact. There are no private airstrips located within the City of Santa Ana; therefore, the proposed
project would not result in any significant safety hazards from airstrip /airport related activity. No mitigation
measures are necessary.
3.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project consists of an updated assessment of housing needs
within the City, and changes to the policies and procedures the City uses in addressing those needs. The
project identifies sites in the City suitable for the development of housing and involves other efforts to
facilitate the development of housing in the City. The Housing Element discusses the City's housing
production goal and how the City would achieve the regional housing needs production goals. The City's
RHNA housing goals are consistent with the existing General Plan and SCAG regional growth projections
for the City of Santa Ana. The Housing Element itself would not involve any development projects and
would not directly result in the construction of any housing units. However, as summarized in the response
to Section 19(b), implementation of the Housing Element would require rezoning of approximately ten
acres of land as strictly residential along Harbor Boulevard, which would be reflected in the Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan, anticipated to be approved in early 2014. Project- specific development to meet the goals
identified in the Housing Element, however, would be subject to CEQA review, including an assessment of
population and housing impacts. Adoption of the Housing Element, therefore, would have a less than
significant impact.
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana is completing the Housing Element Update in order
to meet needs for housing in the City determined in the RHNA. The project therefore facilitates that
provision of housing. The areas identified as housing opportunity areas are not characterized by existing
housing. T'he `I'ZC area is located in the central urban core of Santa Ana and consists of primarily general
commercial and industrial uses, including automotive garages, equipment rental yards, metal shops, and
wholesale establishments (TZC 2010 EIR Section 3.1). The Metro East area is predominantly comprised of
professional offices and administrative buildings (MENU 2007 EIR Section 3.1). The Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan is primarily auto- oriented commercial uses. A nominal number of housing units that currently
exist within these areas could potentially be displaced for future housing opportunities. The "replacement
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housing" would likely be the housing opportunities as identified in the Housing Element. This impact would
be less than significant.
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
No Impact. The City of Santa Ana is completing the Housing Element update in order to meet needs for
housing in the City determined in the RHNA. The project itself only identifies residential development
opportunity areas and would not directly displace any people or demolish any housing units or structures.
Any future projects proposed in accordance with the Housing Element would provide housing to meet the
RHNA housing goals for the City. No impacts would occur.
3.14 PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
a) Fire protection?
Less than Significant Impact. Fire protection service is provided to the City of Santa Ana by the Orange
County Fite Authority (OCFA). OCFA maintains 10 fire stations throughout the City and has a hazardous
materials team (OCFA 2004). Mutual aid agreements have been established with neighboring cities that
already have their own fire departments. The City estimates future fire protection needs based on growth as
projected in the City's General Plan.
New development anticipated to achieve the Housing Element goals could increase fire protection service
needs in the City, and may require improvements to existing facilities or increases in staffing and equipment.
RHNA housing units and associated fire protection demands in the Metro East and TZC have been
addressed in their respective EIRs and land uses have been approved that will now be reflected in the General
Plan. An EIR is currently being prepared for the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan that will address the plan's
impacts on fire protection services, and proposed applicable mitigation, if needed.
Furthermore, the City's Public Safety Element Update includes policies regarding minimum OCFA response
times, annual assessments regarding fire unit deployment plans as related to fire call patterns, property
maintenance standards, and community education on fire prevention and suppression.
Additionally, each future development would be subject to CEQA review and evaluation of potential impacts
to OCFA. Adoption of the Housing Element would not result in direct impacts to fire protection services,
and therefore impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are necessary.
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b) Police protection?
Less than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana operates its own police department, with its
headquarters located in Civic Center Plaza. The Police Department maintains two Public Safety Satellite
Offices or communication points throughout the City rather than traditional precinct stations. Mutual aid
agreements have been set up with all cities in Orange County, providing the Santa Ana Police Department
with backup assistance when necessary. The City estimates future needs for police protection service based
on growth projected in the City's General Plan.
New developments anticipated to achieve the Housing Element goals could increase police protection service
needs in the City, and may require improvements to existing facilities or increases in staffing and equipment.
As with fire services, EIRs were certified for Metro East and TZC that were required to address public
service demands. The Harbor Corridor Specific Plan and EIR are anticipated to be completed and approved
by early 2014 and will include an impact assessment of police services.
Furthermore, the City's Public Safety Element update includes policies regarding Santa Ana Police
Department's police call response times, annual assessments with regards to the efficiency of police fleets and
personnel deployment plans as related to police call patterns, and continuation of "storefront" Public Safety
Satellite Office programs.
Moreover, each future development would be subject to CEQA review and evaluation of potential impacts
on the police department. Impacts to police protection due to adoption of the Housing Element would be
less than significant and no mitigation measures are necessary.
c) Schools?
Less than Significant Impact. The Santa Ana Unified School District, Tustin Unified School District,
Garden Grove Unified School District, and Orange Unified School District boundaries all cover partial
portions of Santa Ana and provide school services to its residents. Development of additional housing could
increase the demand on schools; therefore, additional facilities and staffing may be necessary to accommodate
the growth. The potential housing development impact on schools was required to be addressed in the EIRs
certified for the Metro East and TZC projects, and will be addressed in the upcoming Harbor Corridor
Specific Plan EIR. Future development would be subject to project - specific CEQA review and impacts on
school facilities would be considered. Impacts to schools due to adoption of the Housing Element would be
less than significant and no mitigation measures are necessary.
d) Parks?
Less than Significant Impact. Approval of the Housing Element would not impact parks or any
recreational facility; however, residential development in accordance to the Housing Element could increase
demands on parks and recreational facilities. A programmatic level analysis of park impacts was required in
the EIRs certified for the Metro East and TZC projects, and will be addressed in the upcoming Harbor
Corridor Specific Plan EIR. Moreover, future development would be subject to project- specific CEQA
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review and impacts on local park and recreational facilities would be considered. Impacts on parks due to
adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant. No mitigation measures are necessary.
e) Other public facilities?
Less than Significant Impact. The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future
development that could accommodate any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. Future development
would be subject to CEQA review and impacts on other public facilities would be considered. Impacts on
other public facilities due to adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant and no
mitigation measures are necessary.
3.15 RECREATION
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities, such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or
be accelerated?
Less than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana's standard for amount of parkland to population is
2.0 acres per 1,000 residents. The total area of parks and recreational facilities within the City is approximately
400 acres of public parks and recreation space (Santa Ana 2010). According to the Department of Finance,
the City's estimated population is 329,915 (DOE 2013). Thus, the ratio of parkland to population is
approximately 1.21 acres per 1,000 residents, below the City's standard of 2 acres of parkland per 1,000
residents. Future development anticipated by the Housing Element would be subject to CEQA review and
would either be requited to pay residential development fees and in -lieu fees to the City for the development
and maintenance of park facilities or provide improved parks. If fees are necessary, the amount would be
determined by the City Department of Parks and Recreation during the City's approval process for those
projects. Impacts to parks and recreational facilities due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be
less than significant.
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the constriction or expansion of
recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
Less than Significant Impact. Approval of the Housing Element would not impact any recreational facility;
however, implementation of the Housing Element is reliant on future development assumptions. Future
development would increase the demand for parks and recreation facilities in the City. However, future
projects would be subject to CEQA review and would either be required to pay residential development fees
and in -lieu fees to the City for the development and maintenance of park facilities or provide improved parks.
If fees are necessary, the amount would be determined by the City Department of Parks and Recreation
during the City's approval process for those projects. Impacts to recreational facilities due to the adoption of
the Housing Element would be less than significant.
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3.16 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for
the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation
including mass transit and non - motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation
system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian
and bicycle paths, and mass transit?
Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project consists of an updated assessment of housing needs
within the City, and changes to the policies and procedures the City uses in addressing those needs. Future
development to meet the housing goals could result in an increase in vehicle trips that would have the
potential to affect traffic service levels and result in congestion at intersections within the City. In addition,
approximately ten acres of land along Harbor Boulevard would need to be rezoned as strictly residential. The
Harbor Corridor Specific Plan, which accommodates and addresses this land use change, is anticipated to be
adopted in early 2014. Any future roadway and circulation improvements proposed as part of the
entitlements and individual projects would also be reviewed. Therefore, any impacts associated with traffic
due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
Public transit service is provided to the City of Santa Ana by the Orange County Transportation Authority
and there are several existing bicycle routes within the City (OCTA 2013). The project itself would have no
impact on facilities for alternative transportation, such as bus turnouts, bicycle routes, or pedestrian walkways.
However, any future development would comply with adopted policies, plans or programs that support
alternative transportation. Impacts with adopted policies, plans, or programs due to the adoption of the
Housing Element would be less than significant.
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level
of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county
congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?
Less Than Significant Impact. Development anticipated by the Housing Element could contribute to
cumulative countywide traffic impacts. However, any future projects would be evaluated for potential traffic
impacts through the CEQA process and appropriate mitigation measures may be required. Therefore,
impacts associated with traffic due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant
and no mitigation measures are necessary.
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change
in location that results in substantial safety risks?
No Impact. The potential increase in housing and population due to the Housing Element would not be
anticipated to increase the use of the John Wayne Airport to a level that would significantly increase air traffic
levels or require a change in air traffic patterns. Potential hazards associated with development proximate to
the airport and within the boundaries of the AELUP would be analyzed on a project -by- project basis and
subject to CEQA review. Therefore, the Housing Element would have no impact on air traffic patterns.
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d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
Less than Significant Impact. The increased amount of traffic associated with the anticipated Housing
Element would not likely increase hazards to motorist, pedestrians, or bicyclists. The Housing Element itself
only identifies housing opportunity areas within the City and does not propose any design features that may
alter the City's existing conditions. Furthermore, through the City's environmental review process, future
development projects would be evaluated for potential safety and traffic impacts. Where needed, appropriate
mitigation measures would be required. Adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant and
no mitigation measures are necessary.
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
Less Than Significant Impact. Any future development that is anticipated under the Housing Element
would be required to conform to traffic and safety regulations that specify adequate emergency access
measures. However, because adequate emergency access is impossible to determine with any precision
without specific details regarding each development, any future development would be evaluated to determine
adequacy of emergency access on a project by project basis. Impacts regarding inadequate emergency access
due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian
facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities?
Less Than Significant Impact. Public transit service is provided to the City of Santa Ana by the Orange
County Transportation Authority and there are several existing bicycle routes within the City (OCTA 2013).
The project itself would have no impact on facilities for alternative transportation, such as bus turnouts or
bicycle racks. However, any future development would comply with adopted policies, plans or programs that
support alternative transportation. Impacts with adopted policies, plans, or programs due to the adoption of
the Housing Element would be less than significant.
g) Result in inadequate parking capacity? (Optional: Deleted from 2010 CEQA Guidelines.)
Less Than Significant Impact. Development of residential dwelling units is anticipated under the Housing
Element. Future development would be evaluated to determine adequacy of parking and would be required
to comply with City parking standards. Therefore, impacts associated with parking due to the adoption of the
Housing Element would be less than significant.
3.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
a) Exceed waste water treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control
Board?
Less than Significant Impact. The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) provides sewage collection
and treatment service for the City of Santa Ana. Wastewater treatment at the OCSD facility is required to
meet applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board standards. Through the City's environmental review
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process, future development would be evaluated for potential impacts to wastewater treatment facilities.
Where needed, appropriate mitigation measures would be required to reduce potential impacts. Impacts to
wastewater treatment due to adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or waste water treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the constriction of which could cause significant environmental
effects?
Less than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana maintains approximately 450 miles of local sewer
lines (Santa Ana 2010). Main sewer trunks within the City of Santa Ana are owned and maintained by OCSD,
which provides sewage collection and treatment service. The City's sewage is diverted to Reclamation Plant
Number 1 in Fountain Valley. The reclamation plant takes in approximately 92 million gallons per day (gpd)
and is planned to provide capacity of up to 120 million gpd (OCSD 2013).
The Housing Element designates adequate sites for potential future development that could accommodate
any unmet portion of the RHNA through 2021. The MEMU and TZC EIRs indicated that implementation
of each project would not generate enough wastewater to pose a significant impact on existing facilities.
Future proposed developments would be requited to undertake a site - specific sewer evaluation and might be
required, as part of the project design, to determine the adequacy of the existing sewer pipe capacity in the
affected project area lines.
The existing sewer infrastructure within the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan is deficient based on Orange
County Sanitation District depth of flow versus diameter requirements. However, the IIarbor Corridor
Specific Plan would not generate enough wastewater to pose a significant impact to the existing
infrastructure. The IIarbor Corridor Specific Plan EIR is currently being prepared and will address any
potentially significant impacts and provide mitigation measures as necessary. If improvements are needed,
However, developers would be responsible for paying a pro rata share of the costs to improve or replace the
infrastructure.
Any future projects would also be required to consult with OCSD to estimate the level and type of demand to
determine the significance of impacts to existing and planned levels of service, and to develop measures to
avoid or reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant, if possible. Additionally, OCSD
requires all new developers of residential projects within their service area to pay capital facility charges that
are designed to fund the construction, maintenance, and 'improvement of facilities. Therefore, the Housing
Element itself would be less than significant.
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?
Less than Significant Impact. Storm drainage is provided through reinforced concrete pipes and open
channels throughout the city. Stormwater flows are directed toward Orange County Flood Control open
channels or the Santa Ana River. Stormwater in the City generally flows southwest toward the Pacific Ocean,
The City maintains an NPDES copermit with Orange County for storm drain facilities serving Santa Ana.
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3. Environmental Analysis
Existing storm drain lines would be utilized by future developments identified by the Housing Element.
Future development could increase the amount of stormwater runoff over the long term as a result of
increases in impervious surfaces, which may require alteration to existing stormwater drainage facilities in the
area. However, any future project would be subject to CEQA review and considerations of any potential
impacts on stormwater drain facilities. Impacts to stormwater drainage facilities due to the adoption of the
Housing Element would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are necessary.
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and
resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?
Less than Significant Impact. The major present source of water for Santa Ana is a municipally owned
system operated by the Santa Ana Public Works Agency. Two other small water companies supply service to
small portions of the City. Santa Ana is also a member of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and
receives water from the State Water Project. The City receives 62 percent of its water supply from
groundwater wells accessing the Santa Ana River groundwater basin, 38 percent is imported from MWD, and
0.4 percent is recycled water. The 2010 Urban Water Management Plan states that water supplies can continue
to meet the City's imported water needs until the year 2035 (Santa Ana 2011). In addition, the EIRs for Metro
East and the TZC area indicated that development of the two areas would have a less than significant impact
on existing water supplies (MEMU 2007 EIR Section 4.13.3, TZC 2010 EIR Section 4.12.3).
The EIR for the Harbor Corridor Specific Plan is currently being prepared and will address the potential
environmental and infrastructure impacts of the development of the specific plan area and will provide
mitigation measures if needed. Furthermore, should improvements to the existing water system be required
or additional facilities be deemed necessary, the property developer would be required to pay its fait share of
the cost of all or portions of the needed improvements. The Housing Element itself would not involve any
development projects and would not directly result in the increase in water supply demands. Project- specific
development to meet the goals identified in the Housing Element, however, would be subject to CEQA
review, including an assessment of water supply impacts. Impact on water supplies due to the adoption of the
Housing Element would be less than significant.
e) Result in a determination by the waste water treatment provider, which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
Less than Significant Impact. The OCSD provides wastewater treatment for the City of Santa Ana. The
City's sewage is diverted to Reclamation Plant Number 1 in Fountain Valley. The reclamation plant has a
design capacity of 92 million gallons per day (gpd) and is planned to provide capacity of up to 120 million
gpd (OCSD 2013). OCSD requires all new developers of residential projects within their service area to pay
capital facility charges that are designed to fund the construction, maintenance, and improvement of facilities.
The Housing Element itself would not involve any development projects and would not directly result in the
increase in sewer flows. Project- specific development to meet the goals identified in the Housing Element,
however, would be subject to CEQA review, including an assessment of wastewater impacts. Impacts on the
capacity for wastewater treatment due to the adoption of the Housing Element would be less than significant.
Pctge 68 - The Planning Center I DCdr'E
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3. Environmental Analysis
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid
waste disposal needs?
Less than Significant Impact. The City of Santa Ana is under contract with Waste Management of Orange
County for solid waste hauling and disposal. The predominant receiving landfill is the Frank R. Bowerman
Sanitary Landfill at 11002 Bee Canyon Access Road in Irvine (OCRW 2013). The landfill, which is owned and
operated by CalRecycle, opened in 1990 and is scheduled to operate until approximately 2053 (CalRecycle
2013).
Regarding any future development, consultation with CalRecycle would be required to estimate the level and
type of demand, to determine the type and significance of impacts to existing and planned levels of service,
and to develop measures to avoid or reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant, if possible.
The Housing Element itself would not involve any development projects and would not directly result in the
increase in solid waste generation. Project- specific development to meet the goals identified in the Housing
Element, however, would be subject to CEQA review, including an assessment of solid waste impacts.
Therefore, impacts regarding solid waste due to the adoption of the Housing Element are less than
significant and no mitigation measures are necessary.
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
Less than Significant Impact. Any future development would comply with federal and state laws regulating
solid waste disposal, including Assembly Bill 939 involving solid waste diversion rates. No adverse impact
would occur, and no further analysis of this issue is required.
3.18 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below
self - sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the member or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or prehistory?
No Impact. The proposed project is located in the City of Santa Ana, which has an urban character and is
99 percent built out. No significant biological or historical impacts are anticipated to result from
implementation of the proposed project. No mitigation measures are necessary.
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable?
( "Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects,
and the effects of probable future projects.)
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project involves the implementation of the Housing Element
for the City of Santa Ana. The Housing Element is a policy document designed to assist the City in future
planning. Through the City's environmental review process, future development projects would be evaluated
December 2013 The Planniag Center I DCd9'E • Page 69
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2014 -2021 SANTA ANA HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATES
CITY OF SANTA ANA
3. Environmental Analysis
for potential cumulative impacts. Where needed, appropriate mitigation measures would be required to reduce
potential impacts to a level that is less than significant. No mitigation measures are necessary.
c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project consists of an updated determination of housing
needs within the City, and revisions to policies and procedures the City uses in addressing those needs. The
Housing Element is a policy document designed to assist the City in future planning. Through the City's
environmental review process, future development projects would be evaluated for potential cumulative
impacts. Where needed, appropriate mitigation measures would be required to reduce potential impacts to a
level that is less than significant. No mitigation measures are necessary.
Petge 70 • The Planning Center I DC&E
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3. Environmental Analysis
The Planning Center I DC&E • Page 71
4. References
4.1 PRINTED REFERENCES
City of Santa Ana, 2013. Draft Harbor Boulevard Specific Plan. Prepared by The Planning Centex I DC &E.
4.2 WEB SITES
California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP). 2011, August.
Orange County Important Farmland 2010.
ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pLib/dltp/FMMP/pdf/2OtO/oratO.pdf.
California Department of Finance (DOF). 2013 May. E -1 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the
State — January 1, 2012 and 2013.
http: / /wwtv.dof.ca.gov /research /deinogiaphic /reports /estimates /e -1 /view.plip,
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2013 April. Summary of Natural Community
Conservation Plans (NCCPs). http : / /www.dfg.ca.gov /habcon /nccp /status /.
California Department of Resources and Recycling (CalRecycle). 2013. Facility Site Summary Details: Frank
R. Bowerman Sanitary LF (30 -AB- 0360). http:// www .calrecycle.ca,gov /SWFacilities /Directory /30-
AB- 0360 /Detail /.
California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG). 1994. Generalized Mineral Land Classification of
Orange County, California: Aggregate Resources Only. Open File Report 94 -15, Plate 1.
ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/dimg/pubs/oft/OFR-94-15/OFR 94-15 Plate—i.pdf
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2011. California Scenic Highway Mapping System.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/Lanctzlrch/scenic—highways/.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2011 November. Orange County Very
High Fire Ha=d Severity Zones in LRA.
http://ftap.cdfca.gov/wcbdata/maps/orange/fhszl—map.30.pdf.
California Geological Survey (CGS). 2010. 2010 Fault Activity Map of California.
http://www.quake.cq.gov/gmaps/FAM/faultacdvitymap.htiTil.
California Geological Survey (CGS). 1994. Generalized Mineral Land Classification of Orange County,
California, Aggregate Resources Only. California Department of Conservation.
ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/ding/ptibs/oft/OFR 94-15/OFR-94-15—Plqte—1,pdf
City of Santa Ana. 2011. City of Santa Ana Final Urban Water Management Plan.
http: / /www.water.ca. gov/ urbanwatermanagement /2010uwmps/ Santa ° /o20Ana, %20City %20of /Sant
a %20Ana %20Fitla1 %202010 %20UWMP.pdf.
December 2013 The Planning Center I DC&E • Page 72
75A -94
2014 -2021 SANTA ANA HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATES
CITY OF SANTA ANA
4. References
2010. Santa Ana General Plan.
. 2007. Final Environmental Impact Report for the Metro East Mixed Use Overlay Zone.
2007 Much. Metro East Mixed -Use Overlay Zone. http : / /www.ci.sinta- ana.ca.us /pba /planning
/documents /MEMU_document.pdf.
2004 February 13. City of Santa Ana Historic Resources Map, http://www.ci.santa-
ana. ca.us / pba /planning/ documents /HistoricMap_2004.pdf.
. 1996, October 7. Ordinance No. NS -2301, An Ordinance of the City of Santa Ana Revising Specific
Development Plan No. 19 for the French Park Historic District.
http://www.ftenchpark.org/images/NS-2301—French—Park.pdf
Department of Conservation (DOC). 1997, April 17. State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Newport
Beach Quadrangle Official Map.
http://gtnw.constv.ca.gov/shmp/download/qLiid/NEWPORT BEACH/maps /ozn_newb.pdf.
1998, April 15. State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Anaheim Quadrangle Revised Official
Map. http: / /gmw.consrv.ca.gov /shmp /download /quad /ANAHEIM /maps /ozn_anah.pdf.
1998, April 15. State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Orange Quadrangle Official Map.
http: / /gmw.consro.ca.gov /shmp /download /quad /ORANGE /maps /ozn_ora.pdf.
. 2001, January 17. State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Tustin Quadrangle Official Revised
Map. http: / /ginw.consrv.ca.gov /shmp/ download /quad /'I'USTIN /maps /ozn_tus.pdf.
Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA). 2013. Map Service Center.
https: / /msc.feina.gov /webapp /wcs/ stores/ servlet /FemaWelcomeView ?storeId =10001 &catalogld =
10001 &langId = -1.
Orange County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). 2013. Airport Planning Areas.
http://www.ocair.com/commissions/aluc/.
Orange County Fire Authority (OCF'A). 2004. OCFA Fire Stations.
http: / /www.ocfa.org/ Menu / Departments /Operations /StationJ.ist.aspx.
Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). 2013. Orange County Sanitation District Facts and Key Statistics
http://www.ocsd.com/Home/ShowDoctiment?id=10685.
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). 2013. Routes and Schedules. http: / /www.octa net /Bus-
'Pransit/ Routes - and - Schedules / Overview/
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2013. Web Soil Survey.
http://websoAsLirvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePige.htm.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USF'WS). 2013 October 17. National Wetlands Inventory Wetlands Mapper.
http: / /www.fws.gov /wetlands /data /Mapper.html.
December 2013
75A -95
The Planning Center I DC&E, • Page 73
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CITY OF SANTA ANA
E100 9i 2
4.3 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
City of Santa Ana. 2013. Personal communication with City of Santa Ana Planning Division.
Page 74 • The Planning Center I DC&F
75A -96
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75A -97
4. References
The Planning Canter I DCdaE • Page 75
5. List of Preparers
City of Santa Ana
Melanie McCann, Associate Planner
THE PLANNING CENTERIDUE
JoAnn Hadfield, Principal, Environmental Services
Nicole Vermilion, Associate Principal, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Services
Fernando Sotelo, Senior Associate, Noise, Vibration, and Acoustics
Leah Boyer, Associate Planner
Frances Ho, Assistant Planner
Cary Nalcama, Graphic Artist
December 2013
75A -98
The Planning Centor I DC&E • Page 76
2014 -2021 SANTA ANA HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATES
CITY OF SANTA ANA
5. List of Preparers
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December 2093 The Plarrnrng Center I DC&E •Rage77
75A -99
75A -100
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 1 of 15
This addendum includes the revisions incorporated into the Draft General Plan Housing
Element (2014 -2021) after the Planning Commission public hearing December 9, 2013,
based on public input and State Housing and Community Development (HCD)
comments.
Draft General Plan Housinq Element -
Introduction and Framework
Page 36
Tattle 6
Development Potential Summary
metro Harbor I Eittdi I First
East Blvd. Street Street TZC I Total
Density Range
Der»sity Assumed (du/ac)
idnl,acl - - -� 25— 45� 2 i-30 '30 [__2L3,-35+23-3 30 5 1 7-45 1 —
Zoning Cade, Specific Plan or Overlay
for Area
✓
✓
✓
CEOA Infili Exemption
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Pragram 15 Transit Zoning Code—
--
✓
—
Program 19 Harbor Mixed Use Transit
Corridor Specific Plan
✓
Program 20 General Plan Update
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Program 21 Zoning Ordinance Update
✓
✓
Program 22 Building Design
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Program 28 Density Bonus Update ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Program 29 Housing Opportunity ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ordinance —
Source: City of Santa Ana, 2413.
t Roughly 10 acres are reserved exclusively for residential development at a minimum density of 20 units per
acre.
2 The RDUSIno ODMdUnity Ordinance awfles to the industrial properties evdhin the TZG area desionated with an
overfa zone
EXHIBIT B
1
75A -101
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 2 of 15
Page 66
46. Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
Santa Ana has historically supported a continuum of care program of shelters, transitional housing, and
supportive services to help homeless individuals and families move into stable and permanent housing.
An effective network of service agencies has emerged to address these needs through the guiding efforts of
the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness. The City continues to fund this network to
support and offset the cost for providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services. In
a----'- --- with state aw, Tthe City also adopted its emergency shelter ordinance in 2013. Emergency
shelters with up to 30 beds are permitted by right in the M1, M2, and SD zones. This ordinance also
permits one Multiservice Center with 150 to 200 beds in the City. The City will establish an Emergency
Shelter Overlay Zone to identify land best suited for emergency shelters. To comply with state law, the
City will revise the separation criteria standards of the Emergency Shelter Ordinance
Page 72
19. Harbor Mixed Use Adapt the Harbor Mixed Use Transit Corridor Specific Plan PBA, GF To be
Transit Corridor (total residential capacity of approximately 4,600 units) Planning completed by
• and-FRezone land for residential /mixed uses to encompass Division October 15
the 201 unmet housing need of the RHNA 2014 and
• Require that unmet lower income RHNA be accommodated annualy
on at least 10.1 acres housing es designated exclusively
for residential use(see Appendix C Exhibit C -2 and Table C-
!L For sites addressing the lower income RHNA, permit
owner occupied and rental multifamily uses by right, allow at
least 16 units per site, and require a minimum density of 20
du /ac
Apply the incentives available in the residential /mixed -use
zone to facilitate quality housing opportunities On pin
_.... ... - -- - - - -- ,..._._.._........ — - -- — ........ - -- .... _ ....... ......... .. .— — —
Page 74
— - - - - - - -- -- --
27. Successor Housing Continue to provide and /or leverage City funds with other sources CDA, SERAF and Evaluate
Agency to support the production, preservation, and /or rehabilitation of in Boomerang availabie
housing and economic development Division funds annually
----- ...- --— - - -- - Ogg &� --
Page 76
46. Emergency Shelters • Continue to provide funding for providers of emergency CDA, CDBG Ongoing
and Transitional shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive Housing FIG
Housing housing for people who are homeless Division HOPWA
• Collaborate with the Salvation Army and other Orange County PBA, IGF Ongoing
jurisdictions to create a model emergency shelter management Planning
and operational plan based on best practices Division
Amend Municipal Code to revise separation criteria to comply
75A -102
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 3 of 15
Page 77 Program 56
56. Reducing Second-
• Conduct education effort in concert with stakeholders in the
City of Santa
GF
With the
Hand Smoke
community.
Ana PBA and
General
• Pursue preparation of a smoke free ordinance in multifamily
SAHA
Plan and /or
unit housing -in Santa Ana.
Zoning
g
Ordinance
Agoney
Amerca
Update
-0a
TraGk
Appendix B Constraints
Page B -12 to B -13
The City's emergency shelter ordinance currently identifies industrial zoning districts as appropriate
locations to accommodate emergency shelters by right,
__ _ is gxrk h_ rgeney shehers- Through the implementation of Program 46 in
rcoo sunfr- orrn- r-ca,c
the Housing Framework, the City will amend the separation criteria and introduce an Emereencv Shelter
Overlay to the industrial zoning districts to further clarify opportunity sites best suited for emergency
shelters. As of January 2013, approximately 995 acres of industrial zoned land were identified as
opportunities areas for new construction and modification of existing buildings for emergency shelters.
These areas would be included in the Overlay, and are also within 1.5 miles from transit services. The
development standards in industrial zones will apply, as well as standards allowed under Senate Bill 2
including a requirement for a site - specific operation and management plan. Program 16 in tile 1 lousing
unmet ne- '�rfd rJ"�"LRTO oi1TT
Appendix C Housing Resources
Page C -2
units in accordance with Section 65583.2(c)(3)(b) of the California Government Code. The potential for
residential units in this planning area was not counted towards the City's previous RHNA. Therefore, the
City can reduce its remaining
75A -103
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 4 of 15
Page C -3
Table C -2
Plains AldordaRiratYToved
Varp Low Low &darare Above
code
2
Station
War
SUBTOTAL
BB9 249 2
040
Depot 9SaWagn
49 20 1
70
Harbcd Mad line Transit Carddor'
49 20 1
70
M N. Harbor
ClayevwDreo. Sib &Kwdhope
S 23
28
Ile AudentyTaaniyHme rng
B
8
-Tvarn & Ceundy A4anor'
174
174
SaaiingerfWaner, Santa Chra Ave 1 24 24
Tile Marlm NO 394
Re SWET 272 272
Shyme BAaae Ha 150 ISO
SUBTOTAL 98 30 5 1,389 1,548.
Manse of BHHA ABOealian 987 — — --
Addrianal Credils Not idenfi ied in 2999 78B — -- --
Housing Element
20054914 Carryover 111 90 201
scone: Cry cl smpree, 2013.
1. AproiM arwrinpchany-e ahamm sntanunted nlhaprevinus hauuaveg ekraem hmwas entitled or adeptmd prnrta the erd of
to MM -20014 gEaamng paned TM unha we cowed toward 1heremarcrrp 20d6 -2014 RHtlr4 and=g rm r
2Reh W111lsinn €Ieme+B
2.5ue project ace in the developmentpm+esrr vul are pen*4 ergdenw.ms. Aflurdatk =ho are cau tied brevd the reMA*
2COE -2014 HHRk
3.M Ome prejem were ldendFadarthe 2VA -2p14 Housirp Elenw t fty are expecwd to be crmctuctedin 2914 -2021
Uxmin
Page C -10
Development within the MEMU area is subiect to the Citv's Housinr_r ODnortunity Ordinance. This
ordinance requires that at least 15 percent of the units in an eligible ownership project be set aside as
affordable to moderate income households for at least 45 years. For eligible rental projects at least 15
percent must be affordable to very low or lower income households for at least 55 years.
4
75A -104
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 5 of 15
Pages C -28
Exhibit G-5 ptmides an il
Adequate Sites Analysis
The TZC has the necessary general plan land use designation and zoning to support the development of
new housing. Multiple - family housing is permitted by right within all zones covered by the TZC. The
City has identified the potential for 1,176 units on approximately 72 acres in the TZC area There is
opportunity for redevelopment or recycling of land with Downtown. Urban Neighborhood 2 Urban
Core, and Transit Village designations. Many of these parcels are also in an Industrial Overlay Zone
The majority of these underutilized parcels contain industrial and auto storage uses with an I/L ratio less
than 1.0. In some cases, individual sites may not have a low I/L ratio, but are viable for development
when consolidated with adjacent sites.
Much of the TZC area is suitable for housing at densities of at least 20 units per acre. As mentioned
above, recent residential projects demonstrate the ability of the TZC to accommodate 50 percent of the
City's remaining 2006 -2014 RHNA on underutilized sites (494 units —see Table C -2). Underutilized
sites on 26 acres in this area have sufficient capacity to accommodate 530 units by right at 20 units an acre
with sites large enough accommodate a minimum of 16 units. Additional units could be accommodated
on vacant or underutilized parcels through lot consolidation of adjacent parcels within sites 3 and 4 (See
Table C -7Z
Due to recent development and continued developer interest in this area the Citv has counted the
potential for 500 units within the TZC toward the 2014 -2021 RHNA. The City's Housing Opportunity
Ordinance applies to the properties within the TZC area designated within an Industrial Overlay Zone.
Large parcel sizes, the opportunity for lot consolidation, and underutilized uses make this area attractive
for both market rate and affordable housing proiects.
4 his area could ff'. M,Mlate a d I. tat an (eh zI3�
the 11o11..64- for -rrptf) 1,0 5 mtits}.
the entire area covered by-the-z� ion. Add aaxxHy while an estiaa 6e. Ih- I eriod is provided in the 1'4bWi.g 1,
...t --any
�d —
Exhibit C -5 and'Iable C -7 provide an illustration and development potential of the TZC.
75A -105
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 7 of 15
Page C -39
Table C -7
Vacant and Undera liEed Land In the Transit Zoning Code
75A -107
Existing Use
Map
Assumed
Potential
city
l/L
Existing
Existing
Key
Acres
APN
Density
Units'
Owneo�1
Ratio'
Zoning°
General
Site
Site Use
Year Balle
Rating' Adjacent Uses
Plan
1a
444
398 - 152 -16
20
9
Vacant
N/A
0.00 Industrial, vacant
UN2
UN
lb
0.19
398- 150 -02
20 _
4
Vacant
N/A
0.00 Industrlal, vacant
_
_
UN2
UN_
1c
0.22
398 - 035 -01
20
5
Industrial yard
N/A
2,50 Industrial, Vacant,
-
_
M2 -0U UN2
UN
hos
1d
Tla
0.1
398. 035 -02
20
2
SFR
1901
_ 2.67 Industrial, vacant
Ml UN2
UN
0.24
398. 035 -03
20
5
Industrial
1936
_
2.50 SF R, industrial
O,fi6
_
M20U UN2
_
UN
if
0.49
398 -091 -05
20
10
Contractor
N/A
0.00 SFR, industrial
-
-
Mt- OZ/UN2
UN
19
1.18
398. 191 -02
20
24
Parking lot
2010
4.25 Industrial _
0.20
M2.OZ/ UN2
UN
1h
0.99
398- 191 -03
20
20
Industrlal
1940
2.50 Industrlal
-
M2 -ODUN2
UN
1940,
11
0.29
398- 191 -04
20
6
Manufacturing
Remodeled
3.67 Industrial/ live work lofts
-
0.17
Ml UN2
UN
2011
_ 11
0.07
398- 192 -02
20
2
Parking lot
N /A_
0.50 Industrial
M2-07/ UN2
UN
1k
0.19
398- 192 -03
20
4
Industrial
1984
2.50 Industrial
-
0.09
M2- OZ/UN2
UN
11
0.77
398 - 192 -04
20
16
Industrial
1984
2.17 Industrial
0.52
M2-07/ UN2
UN
1 m
0.52
398 - 192 -05
20
11
Indus[dal
1954
1.67 SFR, Industrial
0.35
Ml UN2
UN
Totals:
5.67
--
--
116
75A -107
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 8 of 15
Table C -7
Vacant and Underutilized Land In the Transit Zoning Code
Existing Use
Map Assumed Potential City l/L Existing Existing
Key Acres APN Dens[ ly Units' Site Owneorz1 patio° Zoning° General
Slfe Use Year BuilF Baling' Adjacent Uses Plan
2a 1.81 398 - 352 -07 20 37 Light Ind 2001 4.00 1 Live work Inui light - 3.13 M1 -071 UC DC
Industrial transportation
2b 3.34 398 - 352 -06 20 67 Light Ind 2001 3.67 Industrial, transportation - 2.12 M1 -DU UC DC
Totals: 5.15 -- -- 104 -- -- -- I I -- I -- I -,
3a
1.49
398 - 207 -01
20
30
Warehouse
1952
2.75
DC
4.12
TV
DC
0.05
M2 -OZ/ UC
DC
transportation
3b
0.15W
398.288 -01
20
3
Farking lot
3.00
Warehouse
N/A
Care Home/
3c
7.04
398 - 101 -15
20
141
1950
3.50
Warehouse, SFR
Industrial
3d
304
398 -36107
20
61
Industrial
1946
2.00
Industrial, warehcu
Salvage Yard/
3e
2.52
398- 361 -12
20
51
1950
2.50
Industrlal
industrial
3f —
47
398- 361 -01
20
82
2001-
0,00
Industrial
Industrlal /Veh
8
75A -108
0.39
TV
DC
TV
DC
0.20
TV
DC
4.12
TV
DC
0.05
M2 -OZ/ UC
DC
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 9 of 15
Table C -7
Vacant and Underutilized Land in the Transit Zoning Code
3j 0.45 398 - 361 -02 .._20 9 Industrial 1950 0.00 Industrial - 0.12 M2 -07/ UC DC
00
3k 0.45 398 - 361 -03 20 9 IndusMal 1946 0. Industrlal - O.fi3 M2A7/UC DC
31 3.07 398 - 342 -18 20 62 Industrial 1984 0.00 Industrlal _ - M2 OZ/ UN2 & UN /DC
Uc
3m 0.17 398- 362 -01 20 4 Warehouse 1950 0.00 Industrial - 2.61 M2 -0U UC DC
3n 0.07 398 - 362 -02 20 2 Warehouse 1947 0.00 Industrial - 0.23 M2 -07O UC OC
3o 0.05 398- 362 -03 20 1 Warehouse 1925 2,20 Warehouse, _ 0.36 M2 -0Z/ UC DC
transportation
3p 0.05 398- 362 -04 20 1 Warehouse 1922 2.00 Warehouse - 0.07 M2 -OU UC DC
3q 0.1fi 398- 362 -05 --Y— 4 Warehouse 1922 2.50 Warehouse - 0.19 M2 -OZ/UC DC
3r� 0.48 398- 342 -01 20 i0 Storage Lat �._ 1972 OAO Industral � - - M2 -OZ G DC
75A -109
Existing Use E
Map A
Assumed P
Potential C
City I
IlL E
Existing
Existing
Key D
Acres A
APN A
Density L
Dwnefi' R
Ratios Z
Zoning' p
General
--- -
- G
Site Use Y
Year BuilF a
, A
Adjacent Uses D
plan
L43 S
Parking
3g 2
2.13 3
398- 374 -21 2
20 I
Industrial 1
1964 0
0.00 I
Industrial, SFR -
- 0
0.22 T
TV D
DC
3h 0
00 3
398- 374 -09 2
20 I
Industrial 1
1954 0
0.00 I
Industrial -
- -
- 0
01 -oz/UC —
—6—c-
31 0
0.68 3
398 - 374 -20 2
20 1
14 I
Ind ustrial 1
1964 0
0.00 I
Industrlal -
- 0
0.21 M
M1 -OZ/ UC D
DC
_ .
...�._ _
_ ..__.-- _ ...___...._._.,_._..._.
75A -109
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 10 of 15
Table C -7
Vacant and Underutilized Land in the Transit Zoning Code
10
75A -110
Existing Use
Existing
Map
Assumed
Potential
city
17L
Existing
Key
Acres APN
Density
Urinal
Oumed'°
Ratio'
Zoning"
General
Site
Site Use
Year Buily
Rating'
Adjacent Uses
Plan
3s
0,1 396- 342 -02
20
2
Storage Lot
N/A
0.00
Industrial
-
-
M &OZ/ UC
DC
31
0.23 39& 342 -03
20
5
Storage Lot
N/A
0.00
Industrial
-
-
M2 -OZ/ UC
DC
3u
0.56 398- 342 -15
20
12
Stura-9 e Lot
0.00 _
Industrial
-
-
M2 -02/ UC
UN
WA
3v
0.03 398- 342 -05
20
1
Storage Lot
N/A
0.00
Industrial
-
M2 07 UN2
UN
3w
2.22 398 - 342 52
20
45
Recycling Fac
2002
0.00
Industrial
-
1.28
M2-OZ/ UN2
UN
3x
0.51 398- 342 -11
20
11
Recycling Fac
N/A
0.00
Industrial, vacant,
M2 -OU UN2 &
OC/UC
restaurant
UC
3y
0.51 398- 342 -09
20
11
Recycling Fac
N/A
0,00
Industrial, vacant,
M2 -07/ UN2 &
DC /UC
restaurant
UC
-- _ - -...-
3z
0.21 398- 342 -08
20
. —. —_
5
._.__..___.._
Recycling Fac
__....__...._
N/A
__ .... ......
0.00
.........._....- ..._____m
Industrial, vacant,
.�- ...._...._
........__
_. .......... —_._
M2 -07/ UN2 &
__._....._
DC /UC
restaurant
UC
Sea
0.17 398- 342 -18
20
_ 4
Restaurant
1988
0.00
Industrial, vacant
-
2.45
M2 -07/ N2 &
UN
UC
3bb
0.11 398- 381 -01
20
3
Industrial
-7- 960
2.33
Industrial
-
220
M2 -OU UC
DC
300
0.76 398- 381 -04
20
16
Industrial
1951
0.00
Intluslnal BFR, MF
-
0.36
M2 -OZ/UC
DC
add
0,37 398 - 37306
20
7
Industrial
1963 _
OAO
— Industrial
-
0,19
M1-07J UC
0C
10
75A -110
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 11 of 15
Table C -7
Vacant and Underutilized Land in the Transit Zoning Code
11
75A -111
Existing Use
Map
Assumed
ssume
Potential
City
Existing
fisting
Ney
Acres APN
otent'
Bwity
TIILEW��'t�ldg
° General
Sitev
Site Use
year Bui1P
Rat 1193
Adjacent Uses
Plan
3ee
0.47 398 - 373 -05
20
10
Industrial
1922
0.00
Industrial
-
0.59
M1 -OU UC DC
3tf
0.44 398 - 381 -02
20
9
Industrial
1948
2.50
Industrial vacant
0.24
M2 -OU UC DC
3gg
0.2 398 - 381 -03
20
4
0.00
Industrial
-
-
M2 -0U UC DC
Easement
Wp
3hh
0.46 390- 381 -06
20
10�
Industrial
1963
0.00
Industrial
-
1.99
M2 -01JUC DC
31,
0.0f 398- 381 -05
20
1
Industrial
N/A
0.00
Industrial
-
-
MMZ/UC DC
311
1.49 398- 382 -01
20
30
Industrial
Industrial, SFR, MF
-
0.30
M2.OZ/ UN2 DC /UN
1925
0.00
3kk
0.05 390- 381 -13
20
1
Industrial
0.00
Industrial
-
M2 -07i UN2 UN
�4
e
WA
311
0.2 398- 381 -12
20
Vacant
N/A
0.00
Industrial
-
yM2-OZ/ UN2 UN
3mm
0.19 398 - 381 -07
20
4
Industrial
1954
0.00
Industrial
- 1'.
3.04
M2 -O7/ UC DC
One
0.04 398 - 381 -09
20
1
Vacant
0.00
Industrial
Yes
-
MMZ/UN2 UN
N/A
�300
0.09v 398 - 381 -08
20
2
Vacant
1954
0.00
Industrial
-
0.14
M2 -0UN -UN 2 UN
app
0.17 398 - 381 -11
20
4
Vacant
0.00
Industrial
-
2.62
M2 -07 UN2 UN
1923
3qq
0.4 398- 361 -10
20�
e
Industrial
1979
0.00
Industrial
1.49
M2-OZ/ UN2m UN�
11
75A -111
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 12 of 15
Table C -7
Vacant and Underutilized Land In the Transit Zoning Code
12
75A -112
Existing Use
Map
Assumed
Potential
C/ly
IlL
Existing
Existing
Key
Acres APN
Density
Units'
Dwned84
Rafics
Zoning"
General
—
Sne
site Use
Year BuiIR
Rating s
Adjacent Uses
plan
Totals:
36.31 T --
--
753
--
--
--
--
--
--
..
..
4a
0.16 398- 471 -07
20
4
Vacant
0.00
Industrial
- -
M2-OIJ UN2
UN
N/A
4b
0.52 8g8- 471 -06
20
11
Industrial
3.17
Industrial, vacant
-
M2-OZ/ UN2
UN
N/A
40
0.41
398- 471 -04
20
9
Auto Storage
N/A
3.00
Industrial
-
-
M2- OZ/UN2
ON
Industrial/
4d
0.99
398 - 471 -03
20v
20
tageuto
1826
2.33
Industrial
-
0.60
M2 -O7/ UN2
UN
4e
0.74
398- 47i -O6
20
15
Auto Storage
0.50
Industrial, vacant
-
0.02
M2-OZ/ UN2
ON
N/A
41'
0.52
398 - 472 -06
20
11
Vacant
N/A
0.00
Industrial, vacant
-
0,06
M2 -OZ/ UN2
UN
4g
0.28
398 - 472 -05
20
6
ca
Vant
0.00
Industrial, vacant
-
_....____.
M2 -OU UN2
UN
--_
WA
4h
0.84
398- 472 -04
20
17
Vacant
WA
0.00
Industrial, vacant
-
0.01
M2 -07/ UN2
ON
41
0.56
39& 472 -03
20
12
Industrial
1.67
Industrial, vacant
-
0.46
Mi UN2
ON
1965
41
0.99
398 - 472 -01
20
20
Industrial
i.67
Industrial, vacant
-
0.22
M2.OU UN2
ON
1948
4k
0.02
398- 472 -02
20
1
Industrial
1850
1.67
Industrial, vacant
-
-
M2 -OZ/ UN2
UN
12
75A -112
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 13 of 15
Table C-7
Vacant and Underutilized Land in the Transit Zoning Cade
DT
13
75A -113
-�
Existing
Map
Acres
Assumed
APN
Potential
City
1/L
Existing
General
Site Use
Year Builp
Site
Adjacent Uses
Key
Density
Units'
DwflW
Ra(ios
Zoninge
plan
Rating x
7—
398 - 473 -06 20
9
Salvage Yard
t67
Industrial, vacant
-
0.10
M2 .OZ/ UN2
UN
1822
4m
0.14
398 - 473 -04 20
3
Salvage Yard
0,25
Industrial
-
-
M2 -a UN2
UN
N/A
4n
1.18
398 - 473 -12 20
24
Salvage Yard
0,50
Industrial
-
-
M2-07/ CDR &
UN
950
UN2
40
0.59
398 - 473 -00 20
12
Industrial
1.50
Industrial
-
0.22
CDR /UN2
UN
1953
4p
0.2
398- 473 -09 20
4
Salvage Vard
1,00
Industrial
-
-
M2 -OU CDR
UN
N/A
4q
0.18
398 - 473 -08 20
4
Salvage Yard
1,00
Industrial
-
-
M2 -07J CDR
UN
N/A
'otals:
8.73
-- --
182
DT
13
75A -113
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 14 of 15
Table C -7
Vacant and Underutilized Land In the Transit Zoning Code
aource: U ry ur capita Mn a, zV la
Notes:
1. Figures subject to rounding.
2, Year built data based on City building permit records and County Assessor rolls.
3. Site conditions based on Held survey (December 2013) and aerlal evaluation.
4, A "Yes" Indicates that the properly is owned by the City of Santa Ana.
5. In the improvement -to -land -value (17y ratio column, a hyphen Indicates auto Improvement value.
8. Sites designated as M1 and M2 indicate they are within an Industrial overlay zone.
7. Historic building proposed for adaptive muse (1st floor retail, 2nd-4th residential use, units estimated between 1,500 and
1,700 so ft.
*Tables C -7 through C -11 (now C -8 through C -12) were renumbered to accommodate new TZC table above
14
75A -114
Exlsting Use
Map
Acres APN
Assumed
Potential
City
ijL Existing
S/te Use
__
Year BuiIR
S/le
_
Adjacent Usas
Key
Density
Units'
Owned"
Ratio° Zoning°
FmIF,
Rating'
aource: U ry ur capita Mn a, zV la
Notes:
1. Figures subject to rounding.
2, Year built data based on City building permit records and County Assessor rolls.
3. Site conditions based on Held survey (December 2013) and aerlal evaluation.
4, A "Yes" Indicates that the properly is owned by the City of Santa Ana.
5. In the improvement -to -land -value (17y ratio column, a hyphen Indicates auto Improvement value.
8. Sites designated as M1 and M2 indicate they are within an Industrial overlay zone.
7. Historic building proposed for adaptive muse (1st floor retail, 2nd-4th residential use, units estimated between 1,500 and
1,700 so ft.
*Tables C -7 through C -11 (now C -8 through C -12) were renumbered to accommodate new TZC table above
14
75A -114
General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2013 -01
Addendum
Page 15 of 15
Page C -38
Development with an Industrial Overlay in the TZC area is subject to the City's Housing Opportunity
Ordinance. This ordinance requires that at least 15 percent of the units in an eligible ownership project
be set aside as affordable to moderate income households for at least 95 years. For eligible rental projects,
at least 15 percent must be affordable to very low or lower income households for at least 55 years.
Given the TZC's potential to support up to 4,075 units (including 1,176 units identified in Table C -7) and
current interest from the development community, it is reasonable to assume that at least 500 units of
new housing at densities around 20 to 30 units per acre could be built in the City's central urban core
within the planning period.
Page C -39
Table C4 '
Development Potential Summary I
"g5u1.Fg;.G asarere?erved
J,,,ggyglilyl4acres are reserved ax; lusMeiy fo-rresitlentinl davelopmentat a min imumtlensity of 20 unds9er
cars,
12. The Houdna OaoodunitvOrdinance coolies to the adustdal omoertinwa in the TZO area d awn atad vith in the
evertro zone.
15
75A -115
Metro
Harbor
fifth
Fns!
fast
Blvd.
Street
street
TlC
robot
Availabla in Planning Period
Yes
Yes
Yes
solieseei
Yes
iAPpioprlate GPIZnnIng
._._......._.— __— _..____ ..............._.....
Yes..........
__ -.
Proposed
_
Proposed
.........__
_Yes
Proposed
Yes
- -__-
iMultiple- FamllyAll owed by Right
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
Yes
–'�
Regulat;oul5tandards
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
Proposed
Yes
–
!Appropriate
iAdequate Lot Sizes
Yes
Yes
Yes
year
Yes
Total Acres
21.35
305
1444
25.56
450
816.35;
t
i Qartrsity Range, (durac)
25 -93 9
_......2...
5 -50
23-35
_......-
2345
5 -90
.. ...................:
-
Qenslty Assumed
45
20 -30
30
30
7- 45
- - --
.._—
Rssda�ntlal Units
9'64
—._._.._.._......_
500'
.............. .....___—
42$
._- ..__-__....."...._1
r67
500
3,159 i
Environmental Clearance
Yes
Proposed
Proposed
i Proposed
Yes
';Adaquata 'Plater and Sewer
Yes
Yes
Possible
Yes
Yes
--
Infrastructure
—_
Transit System Access
Yes
Yes
...._
Yes
. _ .......
Yes
Yes_
............ .!
--
-- _.._.— _�_._....__.
Known Environma,@ Gonelralnte
- ....._
No
No
No
._
No
No
__
--
!Zoning Coda, Specific Plan or
,✓
✓
✓
..
Overlayfor Area
...
_- _.__ �,,
CEOA IrtAll Exemption
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
:Program f6Transit Zoni;rg Gods
✓
:: Program 19 Harbor fAixsd Use
✓
i Transit Corridor Spacific Plan
i Program 20 General Plan Update
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
–�''.
_
i Program 21 Zoning Ordinance
_._._.__ ... _..
✓
........... _ ... _ ... ......
✓
_ ....
..._.__.__.y,
Update
Program 22 Building Design
Guidelines
l, Program 28 Density bonus Update
°
✓
✓
✓
✓
'
'Program. 29 Housing Opportunity
✓
✓
✓
✓
'..
Ordinance
"g5u1.Fg;.G asarere?erved
J,,,ggyglilyl4acres are reserved ax; lusMeiy fo-rresitlentinl davelopmentat a min imumtlensity of 20 unds9er
cars,
12. The Houdna OaoodunitvOrdinance coolies to the adustdal omoertinwa in the TZO area d awn atad vith in the
evertro zone.
15
75A -115
75A -116
ROH - 02/04/14
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA APPROVING THE SANTA ANA GENERAL
PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT UPDATES (GPA NO. 2013 -01)
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
A. The California Government Code requires every city to adopt a General
Plan. The Plan consists of seven elements, one of which must be a Housing
Element.
B. Given the priority to address California's critical housing needs, the
Housing Element was made the only general plan element required to
now be updated every eight years. State law requires that the housing
element include "identification and analysis of existing and projected
housing needs and a statement of goals, policies and quantified
objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement
and development of housing."
C. Assembly Bill 162 strengthens flood protections by requiring jurisdictions
to update flood - related information in its General Plan during the
mandatory revision to the Housing Element. Thus, the Public Safety
Element is also updated to include current floor hazard information.
D. Pursuant to state law, the Housing Element must include the following
provisions:
A review of previous element's goals, policies, programs and
objectives to ascertain their overall effectiveness;
An assessment of Housing Needs, as set forth by the Southern
California Association of Governments (SCAG) via its RHNA
process, and inventory of resources and constraints;
An analysis and program to preserve assisted housing
developments;
Resolution No. 2014 -XXX
75A -117 Page 1 of 4
• A statement of community goals, qualified objectives, and policies
relative to the maintenance, preservation, improvement and
development of housing; and
• A program which sets forth a schedule of actions that the city will
undertake to implement the plan's goals and policies.
E. The Draft Housing Element was initially circulated for public review on
November 4, 2013, and submitted to the State Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) for their required review. The City has
had preliminary conversations with HCD, as well as received comments
from other organizations, such as the Kennedy Commission. Revisions
have been made to the Draft Housing Element by City staff based on
these comments. Staff worked closely with HCD to address refinements
to the Draft Housing Element, and the City will be receiving a letter from
HCD confirming the City's Draft Housing Element is in compliance with
State law.
F. On December 9, 2013, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a
resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -01.
G. On February 4, 2014, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana held a duly
noticed public hearing and at that time considered all testimony, written
and oral.
H. All statements and findings contained in the Housing Element and the
Public Safety Element are incorporated herein by this reference as though
fully set forth.
Section 2. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information
contained in the initial study and the negative declaration for Environmental Review No.
2013 -98 prepared with respect to this Housing Element and Public Safety Element. The
City Council has, as a result of its consideration, and the evidence presented at the
hearings on this matter, determined that, as required pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act ( "CEQA ") and the State CEQA Guidelines, a Negative
Declaration adequately addresses the expected environmental impacts of the Housing
Element and Public Safety Element. On the basis of this review, the City Council finds
that there is no evidence from which it can be fairly argued that the project will have a
significant adverse effect on the environment. The City Council hereby certifies and
approves the negative declaration and directs that the Notice of Determination be
prepared and filed with the County Clerk of the County of Orange in the manner
required by law.
Pursuant to Title XIV, California Code of Regulations ( "CCR ") § 735.5(c)(1), the City
Council has further determined that, after considering the record as a whole, there is no
Resolution No. 2014 -XXX 75A -118
Page 2 of 4
evidence that the proposed project will have the potential for any adverse effect on
wildlife resources or the habitat upon which the wildlife depends. Therefore, pursuant to
Fish and Game Code § 711.2 and Title XIV, CCR § 735.5(a)(3), the payment of Fish
and Game Department filing fees is not required in conjunction with this project.
Section 3. The City Council hereby approves and adopts General Plan
Amendment No. 2013 -01. The Housing Element Update is attached hereto as Exhibit A
and incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set forth herein. The Public
Safety Element Update is attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by this
reference as though fully set forth herein. This decision is based upon the evidence
submitted at the above said hearing, which includes, but is not limited to: the Request
for Council Action dated February 4, 2014, and exhibits attached thereto, and the public
testimony written and oral, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
ADOPTED this _ day of 2014.
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
Ryan O. Hodge
Assistant City Attorney
AYES:
Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
Resolution No. 2014 -XXX
75A -119 Page 3 of 4
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, MARIA D. HUIZAR, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached
Resolution No. 2014 -XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the
City of Santa Ana on
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
Resolution No.2014 -XXX
Page 4 of 75A -120
Exhibit A
GPA NO. 2013 -01
Draft General Plan Housing Element Update
is available for review at the following:
Planning and Building Agency
Planning Counter, First Floor
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Main Library
Reference Desk
26 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
75A -121
75A -122
Exhibit B-
GPA NO, 2013 -01
Draft General Plan Public Safety Element Update
is available for review at the following:
http:// www .santa- ana.org /housinoelement /documents /Public Safety- 10- 31- 2013FINALDraft odf
Planning and Building Agency
Planning Counter, First Floor
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Main Library
Reference Desk
26 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
75A -123
75A -124