HomeMy WebLinkAbout75A - 617 E. 17TH ST.
REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
~
~
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL NO. 2005-03
(VARIANCE NO. 2005-09) TO PERMIT
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 50-FOOT TALL
FLAGPOLE AT 617 EAST SEVENTEENTH
STREET - ST KRIEGER APPLICANT
APPROVED
o As Recommended
o As Amended
o Ordinance on 151 Reading
o Ordinance on 2nd Reading
o Implementing Resolution
o Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
t
CITY(MANAGER
FILE NUMBER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Deny Appeal No. 2005-03.
2. Adopt a resolution denying Variance No. 2005-09.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On June 13, 2005, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution denying
Variance No. 2005-09 by a vote of 6:0 (Leo absent) to allow a 50-foot
tall flagpole in the Arterial Commercial (C5) zoning district at 617 East
Seventeenth Street (Exhibit A) .
DISCUSSION
The Planning Commission held a public hearing to review a proposed 50-
foot tall flagpole at an existing service station at 617 East Seventeenth
Street. This request required approval of a variance for exceeding the
35-foot height limit in the Arterial Commercial (C5) zoning district. The
Commission noted that the 35-foot height limit would adequately allow the
prominent display of a flag and denied the variance request based on the
determination that no overriding circumstances existed that warranted
exceeding the height limit and concerns about the flagpole being utilized
as an additional marketing tool for the service station.
The applicant is appealing the Planning Commission's decision to deny
Variance No. 2005-09 (Exhibit B). The applicant contends that because of
the site's physical constraints, it requires a 50-foot flagpole to be
able to properly display and view a flag from the surrounding areas.
Additionally, the applicant feels that the proposed flagpole would not
set a precedent for future requests of 50-foot tall flagpoles or have a
negative aesthetic impact either to the immediate residential vicinity or
the City of Santa Ana.
75A-1
Appeal No. 2005-03 (Variance No. 2005-09)
September 6, 2005
Page 2
The site's physical location and the applicant's interest in displaying
the American flag was considered by the Planning Commission. The
Commission noted that first amendment protections prevent the City from
requiring that only an American flag be displayed. Thus the current or
subsequent property owners are entitled to display any flag. The
Commission further noted that the 35-foot height limit would adequately
allow the prominent display of the flag, and felt that the excessive
height proposed by the applicant represented an attention-getting device.
It is therefore recommended that Appeal No. 2005-03 be denied.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
~
J Y M Trevino
E tive Director
Planning & Building Agency
PG:rb
pg\reports\vaOS-09.cc-appeal
75A-2
REQUEST FOR
Planning Commission Action
i!W'r1
k~/~:
/GAU~auoll 1.."'-""
..~:.
-" ~-
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE:
JUNE 13, 2005
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE NO. 2005-09
FILED BY STEVE KRIEGER TO PERMIT THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A 50-FOOT TALL FLAGPOLE
AT 617 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET
APPROVED
D As Recommended
D As Amended
D Set Public Hearing For
DENIED
D Applicant's Request
D Staff Recommendation
CONTINUED TO
Prepared by Pedro Guillen
~ ~~~;ector
~~~er
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution denying Variance No. 2005-09.
DISCUSSION
Request of Applicant
Mr. Steve Krieger is requesting approval of a variance to allow the
construction of a 50-foot tall flagpole at an existing service station at
617 East Seventeenth Street.
Property Description
The development site is a semi-rectangular shaped lot that is
approximately 1.6 acres in size and is located on the northwest corner of
Seventeenth Street and Santiago Avenue. The property is located in the
Arterial Commercial (C5) zoning district and has a General Plan land use
designation of General Commercial (GC). The existing site has a Union 76
Service Station that includes a mini-market, a car wash building and a 35-
foot freestanding sign. The surrounding land uses consist of single-
family residences immediately to the north, commercial and multi-family
residential to the east and the Interstate 5 Freeway (Santa Ana Freeway)
to the south and west (Exhibits 1 and 2) .
Project Description
The proposed project involves the construction of a 50-foot tall flagpole
that will display an American flag measuring 10-feet by 15-feet, totaling
150 square feet (Exhibit 3).
EXHIBIT A
75A-3
Variance No. 2005-09
June 13, 2005
Page 2
The flagpole is proposed to be located near
building, at the end of an existing landscaped
modified to accommodate the flagpole (Exhibit 4) .
the existing
planter that
car wash
will be
Analysis of the Issues
In September 2004, the applicant applied for a variance to allow a 100-
foot flagpole at an existing service station. After receiving public
testimony on the request on October 25, 2004, the Planning Commission
denied Variance No. 2004-12. The Planning Commission denied the variance
due to the fact that the existing 35-foot height limit would adequately
allow the prominent display of an American flag and that the excessive
height proposed by the applicant represented an attention-getting device.
After filing an appeal of the Planning Commission decision, on January 18,
2005 the City Council denied the appeal due to similar concerns that the
Planning Commission had identified. The applicant has submitted a new
proposal to construct a 50-foot tall flagpole that will again display the
American flag. Because the property is lower in elevation than the Santa
Ana Freeway, the applicant wants the 50-foot tall flagpole to be
identified with his business and serve as a new landmark for the City of
Santa Ana.
Staff has identified several concerns with the proposal that have resulted
in recommending denial of the variance application. First, the Santa Ana
Municipal Code establishes a height limit of 35-feet for structures
located in the C5 zone and within 140-feet of any property zoned or used
for residential purposes. The proposed flagpole exceeds the height limit
by 15-feet and is immediately adjacent to single-family residences.
Second, the City's General Plan designates the Santa Ana Freeway and
Seventeenth Street as primary and secondary street corridors. One of the
goals of the General Plan is to discourage the intrusion of excessive
signage or structures that create obstructions to views within and from
these corridors, such as this flagpole.
Third, approval of this variance would set a precedent for similar types
of requests, such as signage, for other businesses located along any
freeway in Santa Ana seeking greater visibility.
Finally, the existing service station is situated at a prominent business
location on Seventeenth Street, directly north of the freeway off-ramp and
immediately adjacent to the freeway on-ramp. Due to this high visibility
location, there is no need for additional signage or identification of the
premises.
75A-4
Variance No. 2005-09
June 13, 2005
Page 3
Staff has considered the immediate surroundings, specifically the freeway
and the adjacent residential uses, in reviewing the applicant's request.
Staff performed a height survey of the most prominent structures in the
surrounding area. The subject property has an existing 35-foot tall
freestanding sign that was approved in 1995. The top of the freeway sound
wall immediately to the west of the property measures approximately 35-
feet above street level. Guaranty Chevrolet, to the east, has a 50-foot
tall freestanding sign. The Santa Ana Water Tower, which is designated as
a historic landmark, is located on the opposite side of the freeway and
measures 130-feet above street level (Exhibits 5 through 7) .
Additionally, recently approved flagpoles in the City range in height from
20 feet to 35 feet. It has been determined that a need for such a great
disparity in height is not warranted when considering the property's close
proximity to the freeway on and off-ramps and prominent location on
Seventeenth Street. Additionally, the residential uses to the north would
be in direct view of the proposed flagpole and its flag.
Based on code requirements and attached findings, no special circumstances
warrant relief from the municipal code for constructing a 50-foot tall
flagpole and exceeding the maximum allowable height (Exhibit 8). Based on
the above analysis, staff recommends that the Planning Commission deny
Variance No. 2005-09.
CEQA Compliance
In accordance with the
recommended action is not
environmental documentation
California
considered
is required.
Environmental Quality Act,
a CEQA proj ect . Therefore,
the
no
~\\~
Pedro Guili'en
Assistant Planner I
PG:JM
pg\reports\va05~09.pc
75A-5
R1
i
R1 R1
R1
R1
R1
R1 -
R1
c
R1C
,,,. !
o
5D-21
Rl R1
o Ml R3 R3
M2
r----> ,.--
A1
-B
C-SM
C1 .
C1-MD
C2
C3
C3-A
C4
C5
GENERAL AGRICULTURAL
PARKING MODIFICATION
COMMERCIAL SOUTH MAIN
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL
COMM. COMMERCIALJMUSEUM DISTRICT
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
CENTRAL BUSINESS
CENTRAL BUSINESS-ARTIST VILLAGE
PLANNED SHOPPING CENTER
ARTERIAL COMMERCIAL
CR
GC
M1
M2
MO
o
P
PCD
PRO
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL
GOVERNMENT CENTER
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
MILITARY OPERATIONS
OPEN SPACE
PROFESSIONAL
PLANNED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
R1
R2
R3
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE
MULTIPLE DENSITY MULTIPLE
FAMILY RESIDENCE
SUBURBAN APARTMENTS
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE
SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT
SPECIFIC PLAN
R4
RE
SO
SP
1m
~~
VA 05-9
STEVE KRIEGER II
617 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET
A
rPY'
- = 500 FEET
1" = 1000 FEET
P LAN N
N G
AND BU LD
EXHIBIT 1
75A-6
N G
AGE N C Y
I- l
w
w
..... II: NINETEENTH ST.
~ <( I-
en =2: w
tE =2: Lu Lu ::J
9 t::I Z
t::I <t) <t) W
Lu >- Lu ~
ex: LIJ
~ Lu ex:
:::! ~ >-
<( >-
l.C c( ..... ~
..... ~ ~
~ lJ..
W lJ..
lJ.. en Lu COMMERCIAL
Z Lu
0 ..... \:l
c..
STREET
1S\-1.
~~
4f
4f-ff.
"'1~
~~~
~~
~
~
VA 05-9
STEVE KRIEGER II
617 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET
PLANNING
AND
BUILDING
AGE N C Y
EXHIBIT 2
75A-7
COM.
A
r9('
-- - -
I
t .
II ,I
'I -_.
I" IIi I
11~lh ,...1
1.lulll
u
I
, j
l
,
!
.....,\".,."""'.....~
~ 1
~. .... .-.
,
I..
~
r i
~
.._-,,~~'-", ;"..
;
! . -\
t, 1
j ;-4P-'
r:..i-
~- "',tt--
r.:~.-~---:
I-!
~ \
ril',
, --. .-
,
t
j
I
~,
,
,-... .
i ~_J ~:tf,'
'iT! ....
W-_M~)
'"
/'
-i.",~1>
1"
",l'
/"
1----'-.
~
I
l I
I .
,1111
I I ..
I
!
!
,
'\
",
.
I
I
.... T.. j
.::>
.0
j
i ~ ~
1 [--~...._.,.,."'._.-r-..1
.....--.,~,~,,~,'.--~~-"...._,~~.....----<.._~
--
-I
.... .~
....
~-
,.. '/IIIfI//IIII-
-- rr -
...,-
--
nM.w 8NfJW
ItnIU ...,
ww Y.lM'S .JO J.JD
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
~- -----'
..... --
[)::(JJ [1:;:,~:J
~I
n;;:tii,I"-lril' ,:~[l
-, .~Jf-.,....,.f ...'
~
I
I
~
I
,
I
i
,
'i.l;.,.-,<-,.,.,.,....,
. ""'.
~.
.,r.
C)::J:![! [if:;::i]
."..
.'J-- I
.~~e-;~~~.i
I
I
i
J .
I I
I
I
,
I
i
i
,
!
,
)
"'"""
~~,
-""""'"
Y/4. 05-9
75AillHIBIT 3
__tNU
_10 __
~__! 7"
----,.,
,
I
I
I
li~i~
75~~i 4
~
,..
-,...
~ ~
c.;>
o ~
-~
~,..
,.. ~
eJ ~
~ -
e~ ,..
..cOO
= ~
00 ;>
= 0
o..c
=<
~,..
eJlllllll 0
00 0
~~
= I
eJlllllll I/)
~~
= I
= ~
~ =
~ ~
~ ~
- ~
~ -
=~
= =
~ =
,..<
o
o =
~,..
I =
I/) =
~OO
~ ~
VA 05-9
1SABIf 0
.......
o
o
~
I
=
If')
.......
QJ
- =
e ell
>- .-
QJrJ'J.
~ ell
U .::
~~
.......= =
~
~.......
.. \I.)
~ QJ
= QJ
~~
75~Jli6
*
*
7~\~
~
~
~
~
.....-
~
~
~
I
=
~
~
I
.
~ ~ ~
~ .....- =
OeJ<
~.~ ~
. ~.....-
~ = =
.....-oo.~
~~oo.
~~a
~ {I:J 0
=~~
<~{I:J
~ .....- {I:J
.....- = 0
= 0 ·
~ 00. eJ
00. '-" <
I
,-....
... ~
~~
.....- ~
. ~
~ ~
Q...
e~
variance 2005-09
June 13, 2005
Page 1 of 2
Findings of Fact
A. 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
variance with the intent and purpose of the provisions of this
chapter.
There are no special circumstances applicable to the subject
property where the strict interpretation of the zoning ordinance
is found to deprive the subj ect property of privileges not
otherwise at variance with the intent and purpose of the
provisions of the zoning code.
The existing service station is situated at a prominent business
location, directly north of the freeway off-ramp and immediately
adj acent to the freeway on-ramp. Addi tionally, Seventeenth
Street is a major arterial street and provides a large volume of
traffic in this area. In addition, there is an existing 35-foot
freestanding pole sign on the southeast portion of the site that
provides additional identification to the site. Therefore,
there is no need for additional signage or identification
symbols on the premises.
This is a typical lot with no unique site features that warrant
a structure to exceed the maximum allowable height limit within
the zone.
B. That the granting of a variance is necessary for the preservation and
enjoyment of one or more substantial property rights.
The denial of the variance should not significantly impact the
right of the property owner to enjoy the use of their property.
Seventeenth Street is a major arterial in the City and has a
high traffic volume. The construction of a 50-foot tall
flagpole will not guarantee any greater enj oyment or business
attraction permitted by code.
VA 05-..i.
75_us
Variance 2005-09
June 13, 2005
Page 2 of 2
C. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to
the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property.
The granting of a variance may be detrimental and aesthetically
incompatible to the surrounding residential uses, when
considering that no other structure is similar in height to the
proposed structure and the residential uses located immediately
to the north of this site, which are considered a sensitive land
use.
D. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the General
Plan of the City.
The Santa Ana Freeway is designated as a primary street
corridor and Seventeenth Street is designated as a secondary
street corridor and major arterial in the City's General Plan.
The General Plan discourages the intrusion of unsightly
signage and other similar structures, such as the proposed 50-
foot tall flagpole, which impact the visual and aesthetic
qualities of these corridors.
75A-14
KO -6/20/05
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DENYING VARIANCE NO.
2005-09 SEEKING TO ALLOW A 50-FOOT TALL
FLAGPOLE AT AN EXISTING SERVICE STATION AT 617
EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines and declares as follows:
A. The applicant is requesting approval of Variance No. 2005-09 to allow a
50-foot tall flagpole at an existing service station at 617 East Seventeenth
Street.
B. Variance No. 2005-09 came before the Planning Commission of the City
of Santa Ana for a duly noticed public hearing on June 13, 2005.
C. Applicant is seeking a variance from Santa Ana Municipal Code Section
41-602(c)(2), which establishes a height limit of 35-feet for structures that
are located in the C5 zone and within 140-feet of any property zoned or
used for residential purposes.
1. As defined in the municipal code, a structure is "anything
constructed or erected which requires permanent location on the
ground, or attached to something having permanent location on the
ground, including signs and billboards".
2. The flagpole exceeds the maximum allowable height for this zone
by 15-feet, and is immediately adjacent to single-family residences.
D. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41-638 authorizes the Planning
Commission to grant a variance upon making certain findings. The
Planning Commission determines that the findings necessary to grant the
variance have not 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
variance with the intent and purpose of the provisions of this
chapter.
i. There are no special circumstances applicable to the subject
property where the strict interpretation of the zoning
ordinance is found to deprive the subject property of
75A-15
Resolution No. 2005-17
Page 1 of 4
privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent and
purpose of the provisions of the zoning code.
ii. The existing service station is situated at a prominent
business location, directly north of the freeway off-ramp and
immediately adjacent to the freeway on-ramp. Additionally,
Seventeenth Street is a major arterial street and provides a
large volume of traffic in this area. In addition, there is an
existing 35-foot freestanding pole sign on the southeast
portion of the site that provides additional identification to the
site. Therefore, there is no need for additional signage or
identification symbols on the premises.
iii. This is a typical lot with no unique site features that warrant
a structure to exceed the maximum allowable height limit
within the zone.
2. That the granting of a variance is necessary for the preservation
and enjoyment of one or more substantial property rights.
The denial of the variance will not significantly impact the
right of the property owner to enjoy the use of their property.
Seventeenth Street is a major arterial in the City and has a
high traffic volume. The construction of a 50-foot tall
flagpole will not guarantee any greater enjoyment or
business attraction permitted by code.
3. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to
the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property.
The granting of a variance will be detrimental and
aesthetically incompatible to the surrounding residential
uses, when considering that no other structure is similar in
height to the proposed structure and the residential uses
located immediately to the north of this site, which are
considered a sensitive land use.
4. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the General
Plan of the City.
The Santa Ana Freeway is designated as a primary street
corridor and Seventeenth Street is designated as a
secondary street corridor and major arterial in the City's
General Plan. The General Plan discourages the intrusion
of unsightly signage and other similar structures, such as the
proposed 50-foot tall flagpole, which impact the visual and
aesthetic qualities of these corridors.
E. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, this is not a
project; no environmental documentation is necessary for this project.
75A-16
Resolution No. 2005-17
Page 2 of 4
Section 2. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana, after
conducting the public hearing, hereby denies Variance Permit No. 2005-09. This
decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the abovesaid hearing, which
includes, but not is not limited to: the Request for Planning Commission Action dated
June 13, 2005 and exhibits attached thereto; and the public testimony written and oral,
all of which are incorporated herein by this reference
ADOPTED this 13th day of June, 2005 by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6)
NOES: Commissioners: None (0)
ABSENT: Commissioners: Leo (1)
ABSTENTIONS: Commissioners: None (0)
Glenn Mondo
Chairperson
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
By:
Kylee O. Otto
Assistant City Attorney
75A-17
Resolution No. 2005-17
Page 3 of 4
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, MARTHA RAMIREZ, Clerk of the Planning Commission, do hereby attest to and
certify the attached Resolution No. 2005-17 to be the original resolution adopted by
the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana on June 13, 2005.
Date:
Clerk of the Planning Commission
City of Santa Ana
75A-18
Resolution No. 2005-17
Page 4 of 4
Planning and Building Agency
Planning Division
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 1988 (M-20)
Santa Ana, CA 92702
(714) 647-5804
APPEAL APPLICATION
:!:ii::
I. OWNER/APPLICANT
ApplicantS~'\7~~ ~\.-\~<;"~{L
1\--, c:.. s Full na':l,e of Person, Firm, or Corporation >.._-1\ \ "? <0<;::)
\l) ~ c..,. e'\)c.=..,,-,\~~~~ S'\ R.~~\ (1)'1-)-5 ::::L -QO 03
Mailing AC\?\ess ',). '. Area Code Phone No.
Legal Owner Name: '\( ","\)'L"''--.(L\~~~(L ~"->\~R_.~~,-\S '=-S .~ '\'J~ -
J
Legal Owner Address~ \'\ 'C._ S(::.~~~~~~~$iT 1l.E.~"\
,
S~~~ ~~~ ,cz.~ ~1.l()\
,
Phone No.: n\~ ~~ \~J~2, Fax: (
Location i\
~~\)
II.
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
III. REASON FOR REQUEST
In the following provided space, please clearly specify and explain the error(s) of decision or
requirement upon which you are basing this appeal. (If additional space is needed, please attach
additional comments to the back of this application.)
s;:~X- '"'"' ~c....~~D ~~~,~\~
cmlcntr-frm\appeal
5/00
Date:\;- ).0 - ~/
APPEAL APPLICATION NO. fA... PP l- - d DO!? . 3 - A ? c..
EXHIBIT B
Applicant's Signature:
75A-19
We do not believe the display of an American flag on our property would aesthetically impact
either the local community in the immediate vicinity of the site or the City of Santa Ana. We do
not understand how the American flag is considered to be unsightly. The sole purpose of this
variance request is to display an American flag that can be properly seen by the local
community. The flagpole needs to be 50 feet in height to overcome the physical constraints of
the site such as the 35' canopy, freeway sound wall and existing mature trees. We feel the
Planning Commission did not take into account the physical constraints associated with our site,
which requires us to provide a 50-foot flagpole for the American flag to be appropriately
displayed. Our property has physical constraints that occurred after our project was constructed
and prevents clear views of the site from the surrounding areas. A 35-foot flagpole, which is the
maximum height limit for the site would not allow the American flag to be visible due to these
existing physical constraints. The constraints are due largely to the noise walls along the east
side of the Santa Ana Freeway. These noise walls are adjacent to and south and west of our
property. The noise walls block direct views of our site of motorists traveling northbound on the
Santa Ana freeway. Northbound motorists cannot see our site until after they've passed the 17fu
Street freeway off-ramp. A 35-foot flagpole would not allow northbound motorists to see the
site until after passing the off-ramp exit. A 50-foot flagpole would be visible to northbound
freeway motorists before they approach the off-ramp, allowing them time to safely exit the
freeway at 17fu Street. We do not feel the approval of this variance request would set a precedent
for additional 50-foot flagpoles throughout Santa Ana because other sites do not have the
physical constraints that impact our property. Our site has physical constraints and in
conjunction with the 35-foot height restriction severely limits site visibility that can only be
solved with a 50-foot flagpole.
75A-20
KO -8/23/05
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-079
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA DENYING VARIANCE NO. 2005-09 (APPEAL
NO. 2005-03) SEEKING TO ALLOW A 50-FOOT TALL
FLAGPOLE AT AN EXISTING SERVICE STATION AT 617
EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
A. The applicant is requesting approval of Variance No. 2005-09 to allow a
50-foot tall flagpole at an existing service station at 617 East Seventeenth
Street.
B. On June 13, 2005, Variance No. 2005-09 came before the Planning
Commission of the City of Santa Ana for a duly noticed public hearing.
The Planning Commission denied Variance No. 2005-09 by a vote of 6:0
(Leo absent).
C. On June 20, 2005, the applicant appealed the Planning Commission
decision, Appeal No. 2005-03.
D. Applicant is seeking a variance from Santa Ana Municipal Code Section
41-602(c)(2), which establishes a height limit of 35-feet for structures that
are located in the C5 zone and within 140-feet of any property zoned or
used for residential purposes.
1. As defined in the municipal code, a structure is "anything
constructed or erected which requires permanent location on the
ground, or attached to something having permanent location on the
ground, including signs and billboards".
2. The flagpole exceeds the maximum allowable height for this zone
by 15-feet, and is immediately adjacent to single-family residences.
E. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41-638 authorizes the City Council to
grant a variance upon making certain findings. The City Council
determines that the findings necessary to grant the variance have not
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
variance with the intent and purpose of the provisions of this
chapter.
Resolution No. 2005-079
Page 1 of 4
75A-21
i. There are no special circumstances applicable to the subject
property where the strict interpretation of the zoning
ordinance is found to deprive the subject property of
privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent and
purpose of the provisions of the zoning code.
ii. The existing service station is situated at a prominent
business location, directly north of the freeway off-ramp and
immediately adjacent to the freeway on-ramp. Additionally,
Seventeenth Street is a major arterial street and provides a
large volume of traffic in this area. In addition, there is an
existing 35-foot freestanding pole sign on the southeast
portion of the site that provides additional identification to the
site. Therefore, there is no need for additional signage or
identification symbols on the premises.
iii. This is a typical lot with no unique site features that warrant
a structure to exceed the maximum allowable height limit
within the zone.
2. That the granting of a variance is necessary for the preservation
and enjoyment of one or more substantial property rights.
The denial of the variance will not significantly impact the
right of the property owner to enjoy the use of their property.
Seventeenth Street is a major arterial in the City and has a
high traffic volume. The construction of a 50-foot tall
flagpole will not guarantee any greater enjoyment or
business attraction permitted by code.
3. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to
the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property.
The granting of a variance will be detrimental and
aesthetically incompatible to the surrounding residential
uses, when considering that no other structure is similar in
height to the proposed structure and the residential uses
located immediately to the north of this site, which are
considered a sensitive land use.
4. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the General
Plan of the City.
The Santa Ana Freeway is designated as a primary street
corridor and Seventeenth Street is designated as a
secondary street corridor and major arterial in the City's
General Plan. The General Plan discourages the intrusion
of unsightly signage and other similar structures, such as the
proposed 50-foot tall flagpole, which impact the visual and
aesthetic qualities of these corridors.
Resolution No. 2005-079
Page 2 of 4
75A-22
F. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, this is not a
project; no environmental documentation is necessary for this project.
Section 2. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana, after conducting the
public hearing, hereby denies Variance No. 2005-09 (Appeal No. 2005-03). This
decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the abovesaid hearing, which
includes, but not is not limited to: the Request for City Council Action dated September
6, 2005 and exhibits attached thereto; and the public testimony written and oral, all of
which are incorporated herein by this reference
Section 3. This decision rendered by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana
is final and is subject to judicial review pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure
section 1094.6. The Clerk of the Council shall give direct notice to the applicant of the
Council's decision and these findings.
ADOPTED this
day of September, 2005
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
By:
Kylee O. Otto
Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Council members
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the
attached Resolution No. 2005-079 to be the original resolution adopted by the City
Council of the City of Santa Ana on
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
Resolution No. 2005-079
Page 3 of 4
75A-23
75A-24