Item 18 - Appeal Application Nos. 2023-02 and 2023-03 for Cabrillo Town Center project

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stories and higher would be encouraged within the Active Urban district. Per the general design principals provided for the Overlay Zone, development on sites throughout the Overlay Zone would encourage connections and linkages to other sites in the Overlay Zone area and surrounding community amenities, while individual building typologies and unit designs would facilitate pedestrian activity and visual connectivity with surrounding development through active sidewalks. To establish interaction between the properties and reinforce the long-term development of the Overlay Zone area as a pedestrian -friendly mixed -use urban village, community- and neighborhood -serving commercial uses would be permitted along Fourth Street and Cabrillo Park Drive in the area specifically designated to establish a pedestrian linkage between First and Fourth Street. These linkages would be enhanced throughout the district by a strong emphasis to provide on -site publicly accessible open spaces and amenities. To further establish human scale and interest and a sense of urban variety and liveliness, architectural diversity with regard to unit types, building types, massing, forms and styles would be strongly encouraged. One of the primary intents of the Overlay Zone is to guide new development that enhances the overall image of the Overlay Zone area as an exciting destination for visitors and residents. Pedestrian activity would be encouraged, and new development would include public open spaces and increased or improved landscaping. Urban design concepts include small urban plazas, street closing for special events, upgrading alleys as paseos, and dedicating portions of wide sidewalks for social and recreational uses. All new development is expected to be sensitive to existing places and character in the Overlay Zone and surrounding area. In addition, as discussed above under Scenic Vistas, the Overlay Zone includes a gateway and entries concept to further define entries to and definition of, the Overlay Zone area. The incorporation of new landscaping within the Overlay Zone would provide an additional visual enhancement to the Santa Ana area. New landscaping will occur as new developments are implemented throughout the Overlay Zone and serve to soften and buffer views of the proposed structures. New landscaping features would include potted plants, mature trees, turf surfaces, outdoor furniture, decorative lighting, and other amenities intended to add variety and contribute to a sense of human scale. Plantings would include both new, mature specimen trees, and relocated trees. Other design guidelines and requirements in the Overlay Zone will help ensure maximum compatibility of design, minimization of light and glare, promote pedestrian -friendly entries and uses, and promote the use of compatible exterior materials. In general, the new development projects that would be introduced would serve to improve the aesthetic character of the Overlay Zone given the architectural design guidelines required for the new developments, the use of design elements, such as landscaped view corridors, and walkways; and the new landscape features to be implemented. Additionally, supporting infrastructure, such as telecommunications equipment and utility lines, will be appropriately screened from view or placed underground. In general, implementation of the Overlay Zone would enhance the visual character of the area through the guidelines and standards described above. Although future development could result Cabrillo Town Center City of Santa Ana Technical Memorandum August 2023 City Council 18 — 492 10/3/2023