2019-040 - Mainplace Mall Transformation

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City of Santa Ana Addendum to the MainPlace Mall Transformation Proiect Fashion Square Commercial Center Final EIR 5.9 SHADE/SHADOW, SOLAR GLARE, ILLUMINATION Summary of Impacts Identified in the 1983 EIR The 1983 EIR described that the proposed location and heights of the buildings were unknown. However, buildings of varying in height could cast shadows on 3 surrounding residential areas and that an analysis for each building would have to be prepared when plans are submitted to determine if shadow impacts would occur. This requirement was included as mitigation. The 1983 EIR concluded that the Originally Approved Plan could have significant and unavoidable shade/shadow impacts, based on the fact that there was "no absolute height limit" applicable to the development and because no plans were submitted. The 1983 EIR also described that depending on the type of building exterior, solar reflection impacts could occur. At certain angles, solar reflections could cause blind spots for motorists and annoyances to residents. Thus, mitigation was included to require non -reflective building exteriors be used, which would reduce impacts to a less than significant level. The 1983 EIR also describes that the Originally Approved Plan would require additional security and aesthetic lighting that could create increased sources of illumination. Therefore, mitigation was included to require that onsite lighting be shielded and directed downward, and that low intensity lighting be used in parking areas to reduce impacts to a less than significant level. Summary of Impacts Identified in the 1996 Addendum The 1996 Addendum described the buildings onsite as no higher than 3 stories and determined that they pose no shade/shadow impacts to offsite structures. The 1996 proposed commercial expansion was also proposed at a maximum of 3 stories. The Addendum determined that the new 3-story structures would blend with the existing structures and would not result in any adverse impacts to shade/shadow. The Addendum also determined that the proposed expansions would not be constructed with reflective surfaces and no impacts related to solar glare was anticipated. Regarding illumination, the Addendum determined that the proposed modifications represented a small percentage of the already existing structures on the site. Therefore, no differential in illumination would result from the proposed additions and impacts would not occur. Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project No New Impact. Shade/Shadow The MainPlace Specific Plan includes a development plan with development standards that address building heights, setbacks, and building placement standards. These standards restrict buildings fronting Main Street to a maximum of 20 stories, and buildings on all other portions of the Project site to a maximum of 10 stories. 125