Item 37 - Appeal No. 2023-07 Denial of CUP No. 2023-18 Anchor Stone Christian Church: 2938 S. Daimler Street

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City Response to Anchor Stone Christian Church Appeal No. 2023-07 all applicable laws, including RLUIPA and made its recommendations and proposed findings in accordance with the Santa Ana Municipal Code and all other applicable laws. The commission adhered to the applicable land use regulations, zoning ordinances, and broader city planning considerations. In accordance with California Government Code Section 65300 and 65800, local jurisdictions have the power and responsibility to adopt general plans and zoning ordinances that are designed to facilitate and regulate the safe, orderly, and sustainable development of their communities. The focus is primarily on how the proposed assembly use aligns with the established zoning and land use policies. The land use decisions were made in accordance with the pertinent local regulations and guidelines, maintaining the integrity of the City's planning and development process. Comment 5: The City is continuing its unlawful "pattern and practice" of violating RLUIPA. Response 5: The land use decisions made during the Planning Commission meeting on September 11, 2023, were meticulously rooted in the examination of the proposed assembly land use for the existing office building only. It is essential to emphasize that the Applicant's proposed religious assembly use played no role in the Planning Commission's determination nor in staff's analysis of land use inconsistencies as it relates to the City's general plan. The primary focus of the Planning Commission's deliberations was the compatibility of the proposed land use (i.e., assembly use) with the zoning and land use regulations set forth by the city. The Planning Commission emphasized its commitment to impartiality in the decision -making process based solely on the proposed assembly use. The emphasis was placed squarely on evaluating the assembly use's conformity with local zoning ordinances and land use policies, ensuring that it would seamlessly integrate into the existing and future development without introducing any religious or institutionalized aspects that might trigger RLUIPA-related concerns. This approach not only upholds the integrity of the City's land use regulations but also marks the importance of considering land use decisions within the context of the local planning framework, allowing for judicious and consistent urban development.