2026-009 - Allowing a Place of Worship on West Hazard Avenue

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G. On January 23, 2023, the Applicant submitted a Development Project Review (DP) application for a subdivision to construct single-family residences and a place of worship. The application initiated the City's formal review process for the Project in accordance with applicable provisions of the SAMC. H. On January 5, 2026, the Applicant submitted an application for Conditional Use Permit No. 2026-03 to establish a place of worship on the Project Site. I. The Project proposes redevelopment of the Project Site through demolition of existing structures and is intended to allow for the construction of a two-story Cao Dai temple in conjunction with a residential subdivision. Related project approvals include Tentative Tract Map No. 2026-01 to subdivide the Project Site into 14 fee-simple lots and Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-02 amending Specific Development No. 53 (SD-53), all of which are under consideration by the City Council. J. The City Council finds that the public outreach requirements pursuant to Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) Section 2-153 (Sunshine Ordinance), have been satisfied, including required public notification, community meetings, and posting of meeting materials on the City's website. K. An Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) was prepared for the Project, The ISIMND's Notice of Intent(NOI)was posted to the County Clerk on January 12, 2026, for the required 30-day public comment period, between January 13, 2026, and February 12, 2026, The IS/MND was also made available for public view at the City Hall Planning counter, Santa Ana Southwest Senior Center and on the City website. L. On March 9, 2026, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on Conditional Use Permit No. 2026-03 and recommended that the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit, subject to conditions. M. The City Council finds that the following findings required for approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2026-03 pursuant to Specific Development No. 53 (SD-53) and Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41-638 are satisfied: 1. That the proposed use will provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well-being of the neighborhood or the community. The proposed place of worship provides a community-serving institutional use that contributes to the general well-being of the neighborhood by supporting the spiritual and cultural needs of area residents. The temple's scale, operational characteristics, and site design allow it to function in a manner compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. Approval of the Conditional Use Permit provides continued regulatory oversight of the use, ensuring ongoing compatibility over time. Accordingly, the proposed use offers a beneficial service to the community. Resolution No. 2026-009 Page 2 of 12