Agenda Packet 6.18.25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minor Exception Nos. 2025-01 and 2025-02 OCERS Headquarters (1200 N. Tustin Avenue) June 18, 2025 Page 4 5 0 9 4 application (DP No. 2024-25) in November 2024 for the subject project. Since then, the Applicant worked with Planning staff and the Public Works Agency to ensure the project complied with applicable plans, programs, policies, ordinances, and standards. The Applicant concluded the development project review process in May 2025. Project Analysis Pursuant to Sections 41-631, 41-632(a)(3), and 41-638 of the SAMC, the Zoning Administrator may grant approval of a minor exception to obtain a waiver or modification of certain zoning requirements and when it appears that all of the following have been established: 1. That because of special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning ordinance is found to deprive the subject property of privileges not otherwise at minor exception with the intent and purpose of the provisions of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the SAMC; 2. That the granting of a minor exception is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of one (1) or more substantial property rights; 3. That the granting of a minor exception will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property; and 4. That the granting of a minor exception will not adversely affect the general plan of the City. Conversely, the inability to make these findings would result in denial. In analyzing the applicant’s request, staff believes that the following analysis warrants staff’s recommendation of approval of the requested minor exceptions. Minor Exception No. 2025-01 for Building Height Increase Pursuant to Section 41-632(a)(3)(d) of the SAMC, the Zoning Administrator may grant a minor exception to increase building height by no more than twenty-five percent of the maximum height permitted. Staff has reviewed the applicant’s request for a building height increase from 35 feet to 43 feet and nine-inches and the following analysis warrants staff’s recommendation of approval. The project site exhibit’s special circumstances related to its location and surroundings. The project is within an established office corridor. Strict application of the thirty-five foot maximum height would prevent development of a modern, efficient office building with appropriate clear height (i.e., the height from finished floor to the lowest hanging structural or mechanical element) needed to accommodate evolving workplace needs and essential mechanical equipment. This restriction would deprive the property of a development