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INTRODUCTION <br />Urban design is the process of shaping the physical <br />characterand organization of the city and definingthe <br />relationship between people and their environment. <br />It respects the history of a place, considers existing <br />organizational patterns and theform and character of <br />existing buildings, supports healthy outdoor spaces, <br />and is mindful of the natural environment. These <br />considerations unite to define a distinct visual quality <br />and sense of place that reflects community values. <br />Santa Ana's urban environment has continuously <br />evolved since its establishment in 1869 (and later <br />incorporation in 1886). The Urban Design Element <br />identifies key components that define the city's <br />visual form and provides a broad framework to <br />guide the continued evolution of Santa Ana's visual <br />vocabulary, ensuring it is respectful of the existing <br />built environment and cultural heritage, reflective of <br />local identity, and consistent with community values. <br />. Historic French Park <br />The design direction in this element is implemented <br />by adopted design guidelines and standards, including <br />the Citywide Design Guidelines, Heninger Park <br />Architectural Design Guidelines, Historic French Park <br />Design Guidelines, Hotel and Motel Design Standards, <br />North Broadway Corridor Design Standards, and <br />Residential Building Design and Materials Standards. <br />The Santa Ana Municipal Code, specifically Chapter <br />41 (Zoning Code), also implements portions of this <br />element. <br />The various design guidelines contain specific <br />guidance that expounds upon the general goals and <br />policies in this element, providing supplementary <br />design guidance for issues not explicitly stated in the <br />Santa Ana Municipal Code. <br />A view of the French Park neighborhood looking southwest toward Downtown Santa Ana. The neighborhood, first marketed as "Santa Ana East," <br />was plotted in 1877 in anticipation of the railroad line extension. The streets in the original 160-acre tract were laid out parallel to the railroad <br />tracks and at an angle to both the original townsite and the majority of susequent development in the city. Areas where the two street patterns <br />meet result in irregularly shaped blocks, like the triangular French Park, pictured above. <br />^,i CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN <br />