Item 31 - Density Bonus Agreement No. 2023-02: Residential Development (322 N Harbor Blvd.)

Home Browse Search

SPR No. 2023-02 and DBA No. 2023-02 (322 N Harbor Blvd.) September 25, 2023 Page 8 Specific Plan area and the region. The overall design, massing, features, and materials of the new construction will be compatible with, but differentiated from the existing neighborhood. Furthermore, the City's Development Review Committee (DRC) has reviewed the project and finds that it is in compliance with the majority of development standards contained within SP2, with the exception of the noted request for concessions/incentives and waivers to allow deviation from the code requirements aforementioned. General Plan Consistency The proposed project is located in the Urban Neighborhood -Medium High (UN-50) land use designation of the General Plan, which allows for development of semi -urban villages that are well connected to schools, parks, and shopping centers. Additionally, projects in the UN- 50 are in areas that are accessible by multiple modes of transportation, have lively and pedestrian -friendly streetscapes and are designed to foster community interaction. The land use designation allows a mix of uses, including medium and medium -high density apartments, townhomes, garden- or motor -court homes, and neighborhood- serving commercial. Moreover, approval of the SPR will be consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan. Specifically, goals 1, 3, and 4 of the Land Use Element. Goal 1 of the Land Use Element (LU) encourage responsible growth by providing a land use plan that improves the quality of life and respects the existing community. Policy 1.1 of the LU asks that new projects foster compatibility between land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy life styles. Policy 1.2 and 1.5 of the LU encourage innovative development policies to expand homeownership opportunities at all income levels and quality infill residential development that provide a diversity of housing type for all income levels and age groups. Policy 1.8 of the LU encourages development tradeoff to ensure that new development project provide a net community benefit. Goal 3 of the LU encourages the preservation and improvement of the character and integrity of the existing neighborhoods and districts. Policy 3.1 of the LU supports new development that provides a net community benefit and contributes to the neighborhood character and identity. Goal 4 supports a sustainable Santa Ana through improvements to the built environment. Policy 4.1 of the LU encourages the promotion of complete neighborhoods by encouraging a mix of complementary uses, community services, and people places within a walkable area. Lastly, Policy 4.6 supports diverse and innovative housing types that improve living conditions and promote a healthy environment. Approval of the requested entitlements would contribute towards the City's rental housing stock to serve the needs of diverse and underserved populations. Moreover, the construction of this project will contribute toward an economically balanced community by providing housing for different demographic and income levels in an area rich with employment opportunities, commercial development, and market -rate housing. Lastly, approval of the requested entitlements would promote residential development, 9/25/2023 Planning Commission 2-8