2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

Home Browse Search

HOUSING CONSTRAINTS The Zoning Code does not allow second units as a by -right use in areas designated as deficient in public open space, as shown on the map entitled "Areas of Open Space Deficiency" on file with the clerk of the council. In park- deficient areas, the property owner may secure a second unit permit by applying for a minor exception. Three exceptions have been processed in recent years for second units in an Area of Open Space Deficiency. Since 2009, ten second units have been built in Santa Ana, thus adding incrementally to the number of affordable housing units in the city. Farmworkers The Health and Safety Code (Section 17021.6) declares that it is the policy of the state that each city permit and encourage the development and use of sufficient numbers and types of employee housing facilities as are commensurate with local needs. Section 17021.5 requires that employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees shall be deemed a single - family structure with a residential land use designation, treated as a residential use of property, and that the use not be subject to any regulations or fees not otherwise required of a single - family residence within the same zone. The City's Al (General Agricultural) Zone allows one single - family dwelling, a detached guest home, and employees' quarters, all of a permanent character in this zone. The density is limited to one dwelling unit for each 6,000 square feet of lot area, provided the lot has an area of one -half acre or less. Despite the limited number of farmworkers in the community and the built -out nature of the Al zone, the City allows employee housing (for farmworkers) consistent with Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6. Mixed Use As a major employment and transit center in Orange County, the City of Santa Ana recognizes the importance of providing a broad range of housing, such as mixed use and live -work. Santa Ana General Plan allow areas like the Transit Zoning Code Industrial Overlay to accommodate industrial and residential uses to coexist and transition in the Lacy and Logan neighborhoods. Live -work lofts were also built in an industrial area near the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. These opportunities are also offered through District Centers. The General Plan facilitates a variety of mixed -use housing opportunities in District Center. In these areas, residential development is permitted at up to 90 units per acre when it is a component of a mixed -use, master planned project, and located near a major transit corridor. The allowable floor area ratio (FAR) for District Centers ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 FAR. Additionally, the Urban Neighborhood General Plan designation allows primarily a mixture of residential uses (7 to 30 du /acre) with pedestrian oriented commercial uses. The SD zone is one implementing tool that allows flexible standards that facilitate these uses. Some examples of these types of mixed -use development opportunities are: MacArthur Place, City Place, Metro East, and other focused areas. The Transit JA�L - Zoning Code district also provides additional opportunities for mixed -uses. B -10 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT