HomeMy WebLinkAbout75B - SUPERSTORES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
JANUARY 16, 2007
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT NO. 2006-03 TO AMEND
CHAPTER 41 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW
REGULATIONS FOR SUPERSTORE RETAIL
USES
APPROVED
o As Recommended
o As Amended
o Ordinance on 15t Reading
o Ordinance on 2nd Reading
o Implementing Resolution
o Set Public Hearing For
Ck
OJ;7~
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental Review
No. 2006-74.
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-03.
BACKGROUND
On August 7, 2006, the City Council reviewed an ordinance for the
regulation of Superstore retail uses. After discussion, a motion was
made to continue the ordinance for 30 days. The motion failed, and
another motion was made to place the ordinance on first reading and
authorize its publication. This motion also failed by a vote of 2:4
(Solorio and Garcia in favor, Pulido absent). On January 2, 2007, the
City Council requested that this ordinance, and associated environmental
documents, be brought back for Public Hearing on January 16, 2007.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On July 24, 2006, the Planning Commission recommended that the City
Council approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental
Review No. 2006-74 and adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance
Amendment No. 2006-03 by a vote of 3:1 (Leo opposing, Gartner and Lutz
absent) to amend Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code to establish
new regulations for Superstore retail uses. The Planning Commission made
no changes to the modifications outlined in the attached staff report
(Exhibit A) .
758-1
Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-03
January 16, 2007
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
~c~e~i~~ctor
Planning & Building Agency
HS:rb
hs\big~box\zoa06-03.cC2
758-2
REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
AUGUST 7, 2006
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT NO. 2006-03 TO AMEND
CHAPTER 41 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW
REGULATIONS FOR SUPERSTORE RETAIL
USES
APPROVED
o As Recommended
o As Amended
D Ordinance on 151 Reading
o Ordinance on 2nd Reading
o Implementing Resolution
o Set Public Hearing For
~\
a~{2"
CITY MANAGER
CONTINUED TO
-
FILE NUMBER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental Review
No. 2006-74.
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-03.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On July 24, 2006, the Planning Commission recommended that the City
Council approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental
Review No. 2006 -74 and adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance
Amendment No. 2006-03 by a vote of 3:1 (Leo opposing, Gartner and Lutz
absent) to amend Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code to establish
new regulations for Superstore retail uses. The Planning Commission made
no changes to the modifications outlined in the attached staff report
(Exhibit A) .
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
~.
Ja M. Trevino
E cutlve Dlrector
Planning & Building Agency
HS:rb
hs\big_box\zoa06-03.cc
758-3
REQUEST FOR
Planning Commission Action
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE:
JULY 24, 2006
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
NO. 2006-03 TO AMEND CHAPTER 41 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW
REGULATIONS FOR SUPERSTORE RETAIL USES
APPROVED
o As Recommended
o As Amended
o Set Public Hearing For
DENIED
o Applicant's Request
o Staff Recommendation
CONTINUED TO
Prepared by Hally Soboleske
mcutive Director
~ ~---
. .Plannin/Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental Review
No. 2006-74.
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-03.
DISCUSSION
Background
Numerous cities in California are adopting ordinances regulating
"Superstore" retail stores due to the potential of local negative impacts.
At City Council request, research was conducted and work study sessions
held with the Planning Commission at its March 13, 2006 meeting and with
the City Council at its March 20, 2006 meeting to discuss the potential of
amending the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) by adopting regulations for
Superstore retail. Current provisions of SAMC do not address the
potential impacts associated with these establishments.
Analysis of the Issues
Superstore retail establishments are a relatively recent trend in local
economies and are not wi thout controversy. Al though there are several
posi ti ve effects related to their presence, such as the generation of
sales tax and employment, there are also concerns related to the
environmental and economic impacts, such as business displacement,
stemming from their operation. Concerns include increased traffic and air
quality impacts, as well as the preservation of existing community
commercial establishments that serve the local neighborhood.
EXHIBIT A
758-4
/
Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-03
July 24, 2006
Page 2
Superstore retail is not conducive to a pedestrian environment due to
typical bulk-type purchases, as well as the size of the building with the
resulting size of the parking lot to accommodate the use. However, there
are areas within the city that are well-suited to Superstore retail such
as those areas located along arterial roads. There are several such
businesses presently operating within the City's boundaries in commercial
zones, and although the SAMC differentiates between various types of
retail sectors (e.g., community commercial versus arterial commercial), it
does not specifically address Superstore retail uses. Additionally, staff
reviewed for context the "Shils Report" (1997) by Edward B. Shils, Ph.D.,
and "Impact of Big Box Grocers on Southern California" (1999) by the
Orange County Business Council. These reports discuss the economic
impacts associated with Superstores.
The proposed ordinance defines Superstore retail as any retail use that
utilizes 120,000 square feet or more of gross floor area (Exhibit 1), and
uses more than 10 percent of sales floor area for non-taxable merchandise.
"Sales floor area" is defined as interior space only devoted to the sales
of merchandise and does not include restrooms, office space, storage
space, automobile or personal service area, open-air retail or garden
area, or restaurant area. Superstore retail shall be defined in SAMC
Chapter 41. Parking requirements of 5:1000 for typical retail uses would
also be applicable to Superstore retailers. To address the compatibility
of Superstore retail with other nearby uses, it is proposed that it be
conditionally permitted in C1, C2, C4 and C5 zones. Superstore retailers
would not be a permitted use in the Central Business, Commercial-Museum
District, Commercial South Main, Central Business-Artist Village or
Residential Commercial zones where the unique retailer and pedestrian
environment are essential to the purpose of the zone. This would allow
the City to assess any potential impacts on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, the application will include an economic impact analysis
report to examine the potential impacts on existing businesses in a three-
mile buffer area. Any such report shall be completed by a pre-approved
list of consultants selected by the City and funded by the applicant.
Superstore retailers already in possession of a valid Certificate of
Occupancy will not be subject to this new ordinance, if adopted.
In concert with the City's economic development goals established by the
City's Economic Development Element of the General Plan to maintain and
enhance diversity of the local economic base, and Goals 1, 2 and 5 of the
Land Use Element, it is recommended that the Planning Commission recommend
that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2006-03 (Exhibits
2 and 3) .
758-5
Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-03
July 24, 2006
Page 3
CEQA Compliance
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Negative
Declaration Environmental Review No. 2006-74 has been prepared for this
project (Exhibit 4) .
HS:jm
hs\big_box\zoa06-03.pc
Associate Planner
758-6
bk/7 -20-06
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING SECTIONS 41-27.5,
41-646.5,41-1361, AND AMENDING SECTIONS 41-
365.5, 41-377.5, 41-412.5 AND 41-424.5 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICPAL CODE RELATING TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERSTORES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines and declares as follows:
A. [Findings to follow after public hearing.]
Section 2. Section 41-27.5 is added to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code to read in full as follows:
Sec. 41-27.5. Superstore.
A Superstore is any retail use that sells from the premises goods and
merchandise, primarily for personal and household use, and whose total
interior space exceeds 120,000 square feet, and which devotes more than
ten percent (10%) of its total interior space to the sale of merchandise
which are not subject to State sales tax. For purposes of determining total
interior space, restrooms, office space, storage space, and service areas
(e.g., automobile service, doctor or dental service, or restaurant/fast food
service) shall be excluded, but the aggregate space of adjacent stores that
share common check stands, management, operation, controlling
ownership, or warehouse or distribution facilitates shall be included.
Section 3. Section 41-365.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
7~~~1
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 1 of 8
Sec. 41-365.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit in the C1
district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C1 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Clubs.
(b) Outdoor and indoor recreational or entertainment uses other
than those set forth in section 41-365.
(c) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, care homes, fraternity
houses and sorority houses.
(d) Thrift shops, purchase and loan, pawn shops.
(e) Eating establishments with drive-through window service.
(f) Eating establishments open at any time between the hours
of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and located within one hundred fifty
(150) feet of residentially zoned or used property, measured from
property line to property line.
(g) Laundromats, subject to the development and performance
standards set forth in section 41-199.
(h) Retail markets having less than twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of floor area which are open at any time between the
hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
(i) Check cashing facilities, as defined by section 41-42.7 of this
Code.
U) Banquet facilities, subject to development and operational
standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
(k) Banquet facilities as an ancillary use, subject to development
and operational standards setforth in section 41-199.1.
(I) Adult day care facilities.
(m) Superstores.
Section 4. Section 41-377.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 2 of 8
758-8
Sec. 41-377.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit
in the C2 district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C2 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Any use which may be permitted subject to the issuance of a
conditional use permit in the C1 district pursuant to section 41-365.5.
(b) Open-air car washes.
(c) Trailer parks and camps.
(d) Thrift shops, food distribution centers, and counselling
service establishments operated by nonprofit or government-subsidized
organizations or by public agencies.
(e) Indoor swap meets, bulk merchandise stores, and home
improvement warehouse stores.
(f) Superstores.
Section 5. Section 41-412.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Sec. 41-412.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit in the C4
district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C4 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, care homes, fraternity
houses and sorority houses.
(b) Indoor swap meets, bulk merchandise stores, and home
improvement warehouse stores.
(c) Eating establishments with drive-through window service.
(d) Eating establishments open at any time between the hours
of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and located within one hundred fifty (150) feet
of residentially zoned or used property, measured from property line to
property line.
758-9
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 3 of 8
(e) Laundromats, subject to the development and performance
standards set forth in section 41-199.
(f) Retail markets having less than twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of floor area which are open at any time between the hours of
12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
(g)
Code.
Check cashing facilities, as defined by section 41-42.7 of this
(h) Banquet facilities, subject to development and operational
standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
(i) Banquet facilities as an ancillary use, subject to development
and operational standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
U) Adult day care facilities.
(k) Superstores.
Section 6. Section 41-424.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Sec. 41-424.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit in the C5
district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C5 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, care homes, fraternity
houses, and sorority houses.
(b) Dwelling units when erected above the ground floor of a
commercial structure when the ground floor is devoted exclusively to
nonresidential uses.
(c) Hospitals.
(d) Public utility structures, including electric distribution and
transmission substations.
(e)
service.
Eating establishments with drive-through or walk-up window
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 4 of 8
758-10
(f)
(g)
enclosed.
Service stations and automobile servicing.
Car wash establishments, provided they are wholly
(h)
Laundries.
(i) Indoor swap meets, bulk merchandise stores, and home
improvement warehouse stores.
G) Eating establishments open at any time between the hours
of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and located within one hundred fifty (150) feet
of residentially zoned or used property, measured from property line to
property line.
(k) Laundromats, subject to the development and performance
standards set forth in section 41-199.
(I) Retail markets having less than twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of floor area which are open at any time between the hours of
12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
(m) Banquet facilities, subject to development and operational
standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
(n) Banquet facilities as an ancillary use, subject to development
and operational standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
(0) Adult day care facilities.
(p) Superstores.
Section 7. Section 41-646.5 is added to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code to read in full as follows:
Sec. 41-646.5. Findings for Conditional Use Permits related to
Superstores.
a. Findings. In making the findings otherwise required by this article
for approval of a conditional use permit, prior to approval of a Superstore
the Planning Commission or City Council, as appropriate, may take into
consideration of all economic benefits and costs to the city, and as
relevant, the region, of the proposed use based upon information
758-11
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 5 of 8
contained in an economic impact analysis, as provided below, and any
additional information submitted by staff or the public.
b. Procedure. An application for a conditional use permit for a
Superstore shall follow the procedures otherwise required by this chapter,
and in addition the applicant shall prepare and submit an economic impact
analysis report as defined herein. The analysis, at a minimum, shall
identify the benefits and costs to the city of the proposed Superstore on
grocery or retail shopping centers within a three-mile radius. The city
manager or designee (I) shall approve in advance the individual or firm
preparing the report; which approval may, at the city's option, be satisfied
by use of an individual or firm identified on a pre-approved list; and
(ii) such list may designate additional information on benefits and cost that
shall be included in the analysis.
Section 8. Section 41-1361 is added to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code to read in full as follows:
Sec. 41-1361. Superstores.
The minimum off-street parking required for Superstores is one (1) space
for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area.
Section 9. No Superstore which is legally operating in the city as of the
effective date of this ordinance shall be affected by the adoption of this
ordinance, unless it loses its legal nonconforming status pursuant to the
provisions of Article VI of Chapter 41 of the Code.
Section 10. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information
contained in the initial study and the negative declaration prepared with respect to
this Ordinance. The City Council has, as a result of its consideration and the
evidence presented at the hearings on this matter, determined that, as required
pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the State CEQA
Guidelines, a Negative Declaration adequately addresses the expected
environmental impacts of this Ordinance. On the basis of this review, the City
Council finds that there is no evidence from which it can be fairly argued that the
project will have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The City Council
hereby certifies and approves negative declaration for Environmental Review
No. 2006-74 and directs that the Notice of Determination be prepared and filed with
the County Clerk of the County of Orange in the manner required by law.
Pursuant to Title XIV, California Code of Regulations ("CCR") 9 735.5(c)(1),
the City Council has determined that, after considering the record as a whole, there
is no evidence that the proposed project will have the potential for any adverse
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 6 of 8
758-12
effect on wildlife resources or the ecological habitat upon which wildlife resources
depend. The proposed project exists in an urban environment characterized by
paved concrete, roadways, surrounding buildings and human activity. Therefore,
pursuant to Fish and Game Code 9711.2 and Title XIV, CCR 9735.5(a)(3), the
payment of Fish and Game Department filing fees is not required in conjunction
with this project.
ADOPTED this
day of
,2006
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
By:
Benjamin Kaufman
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Council members
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
758-13
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 7 of 8
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify that
the attached Ordinance No. NS-XXX to be the original ordinance adopted by the
City Council of the City of Santa Ana on , and that said
ordinance was published in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 8 of 8
758-14
I
I
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
I
The goals and policies presented by the Element offer the framework for the
Policy Plan and the Implementation Plan. The following list of goals and
policies has evolved along with the demographic and business characteristics
of the community since adoption of the current General Plan sixteen (16)
years ago.
I
I
Economic Development Goals
I
Goal 1
Increase employment opportunities for local residents.
Goal 2
Maintain and enhance the diversity of the City's economic base.
I;
Goal 3
Increase Santa Ana's share of the regional economy.
I'
Goal 4
Expand the tax base of local government to improve and
maintain the level of public services.
I
GoalS
Promote a "business friendly" atmosphere by keeping taxes and
fees at a fair level competitive with those of comparable
communities, and by assisting desirable business growth.
I
Goal 6
Establish numerical benchmarks for measuring the success of
economic development program activities, as well as analyzing
various economic trends.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
7m:T1t
POLICY PLAN
The City's first industrial zonin
district was created in 1953 on
Harbor Boulevard on property
owned by the Segerstrom
family.
.
OF NT
ANNW
LAND USE ELEMENT
Land Use Policies
Goal 1.0 Promote a balance of land uses to address basic community
needs.
Policy 1 . 1
Policy 1.2
Policy 1.3
Policy 1 .4
Policy 1 .5
Policy 1.6
Policy 1.7
Policy 1.8
Policy 1.9
Policy 1 . 1 0
Policy 1.11
Promote medium density housing in and around the
downtown area.
Support high density residential development within the
City's District Centers as a part of master-planned mixed
use development.
Encourage high intensity office development to attract
major tenants that will contribute to cultural and business
activities of the central city.
Support development of single-family residential lots on
a minimum area of at least 6,000 square feet.
Maintain and foster a variety of residential land uses in
the City.
Support "live/work" opportunities within specifically
defined areas.
Support open space in under served areas.
Encourage the development of commercial and nonprofit
recreational facilities and services.
Coordinate street and parkway designs that are
attractive, functional, and compatible with adjacent on-
site development.
Encourage the location of commercial centers at arterial
roadway intersections in commercial districts.
Support the location of regional governmental facilities in
the downtown and Civic Center areas.
mf~T1t
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal 2.0 Promote land uses which enhance the City's economic and
fiscal viability.
Policy 2.1
Policy 2.2
Policy 2.3
Policy 2.4
Policy 2.5
Policy 2.6
Policy 2.7
Policy 2.8
Policy 2.9
Policy 2.10
Policy 2.11
Policy 2.12
Discourage the intrusion of commercial land uses in
industrial areas.
Support commercial land uses in adequate amounts to
accommodate the City's needs for goods and services.
Encourage the location of child care facilities within
employment centers.
Support pedestrian access between commercial uses
and residential neighborhoods which are in close
proximity.
Balance the economic and fiscal benefits of commercial
development with its impacts on the quality of life in the
City.
Encourage the creation of new employment opportunities
in developments which are compatible with surrounding
land uses, and provide a net community benefit.
Support projects that contribute to the redevelopment
and revitalization of the central city urban areas.
Promote rehabilitation of commercial properties, and
encourage increased levels of capital investment.
Support developments that create a business
environment that is safe and attractive.
Support new development which is harmonious in scale
and character with existing development in the area.
Create Class A office space suitable for acquisition of
major, high profile tenant in the Downtown Development
Area.
Encourage large-scale office development with ancillary
retail in the proximity of the Civic Center Complex,
Downtown and Midtown urban areas.
7 5B~17
The comer of Fourlh StIeet
and Main Street was the
first commercial lot sold in
the city (the lot sold for
$15.00).
ANT
' . I
i i
'iTv !' f
,-,.., .. J. ..
~N' ""'.:
'~. "~-;,"
r. "..
, 1 j : .-"
.
.
.
.
,
.
.
.
,
.
,
,
,
I
,
,
I
I
I
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal 5.0 Ensure that the impacts of development are mitigated.
Policy 5.1 Promote development which has a net community
benefit, and enhances the quality of life.
Policy 5.2 Protect the community from incompatible land uses.
Policy 5.3 Minimize the impact of future right-of-way expansion on
existing development and neighborhoods through the
use of transportation system management programs and
traffic demand management to relieve traffic congestion.
Policy 5.4 Support land uses which are consistent with the Land
Use Plan of the Land Use Element.
Policy 5.5 Encourage development which is compatible with, and
supportive of surrounding land uses.
Policy 5.6 Discourage access to commercial and industrial areas by
way of residential streets.
Policy 5.7 Anticipate that the intensity of new development will not
exceed available infrastructure capacity.
Policy 5.8 Encourage the placement of educational facilities in
close proximity to public parks.
Policy 5.9 Encourage development which provides a clean and safe
environment for the City's residents, workers, and
visitors.
Policy 5.10
Support a circulation system which is responsive to the
needs of pedestrians and vehicular travel.
Policy 5.11
Encourage development which does not generate
obnoxious fumes, toxins, or hazardous materials.
Policy 5.12
Provide appropriate permanent measures to reduce storm
water pollutant loads in storm water from a development
site.
.r ANI
AlN'1';f;i
I' '""<C..'"
, !,' P~.~\'
1
75~18
REQUEST
The proposed project is a request to amend the City of Santa Ana
Municipal Code to establish an ordinance to define and regulate
"Big Box" retail uses.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed amendment to the Municipal Code would establish a
definition and regulations for the operation of "Big Box" retail
uses. The regulations would establish location criteria as a
conditionally permitted use. Below are the standards for the
proposed bail bonds ordinance.
"Big Box" Retail Use Proposed Regulations
Item
Recommendation
Definition
Big Box retail store shall mean any retail use that utilizes
gross floor area of 120,OOOsf or more)
CI, C2, C4 and C5 with a Conditional Use Permit
Retail use: 5: 1000
Standards a I for all new retail uses lar er that 120,000sf
Focus on impacts on case by case basis
Zones Permitted
Parkin
o erational Standards
Typical Conditions of
A roval
Nonconformance
Grandfather only those businesses that were legally operating at the time
of the ordinance.
RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
The following is an analysis of potential environmental impacts
associated with the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance to regulate Big Box retail uses. The
analysis is based upon the City of Santa Ana Environmental Check
List. The analysis focuses on impacts associated with approval
of the proposed amendment to the municipal code.
I. AESTHETICS
A. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
B. Damage scenic resources, including but not limited to
trees, rock outpourings and historic buildings within a
State highway?
m~T19
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not result in adverse impacts to any scenic vista, or
scenic resource, in that future Big Box retail uses implemented
under the proposed ordinance would not be located in areas that
contain scenic vistas. Additionally, Big Box retail uses would
not be located within State Highways.
C. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the site and its surroundings?
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not degrade the visual character of the City, in that the
proposed ordinance would establish criteria to help minimize
potential visual impacts associated with location and operation
of Big Box retail uses. Through the conditional use permit
process, proposed Big Box retail uses would be subject to site
plan review to ensure compliance with the standards established
in the proposed ordinance as well as evaluated for potential
aesthetic impacts.
D. Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which
would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
No Impact
The proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to regulate Big Box
retail uses would not introduce substantial amounts of new light
and glare impacts, in that the proposed ordinance would
establish criteria to regulate onsite lighting. Additionally,
Big Box retail uses permitted under the proposed ordinance would
typically be located in areas with onsite or nearby street
lighting.
II. AGRICULTURE
A. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of
Statewide Importance to non-agriculture use?
B. Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture use or a
Williamson Contract?
75B'Il20
C. Involve other changes in the existing environment, which,
due to their location or nature, could individually or
cumulatively result in loss of Farmland, to non-agriculture
use?
No Impact
According to the California Department of Conservation Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program, the City of Santa Ana contains a
limited amount of Prime and Unique Farmlands. Approval of the
proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to regulate Big Box
retail uses would not result in impacts to agriculture
resources, in that the proposed ordinance would not permit Big
Box retail uses in areas that contain Prime Farmlands or Unique
Farmlands.
III. AIR QUALITY
A. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of applicable Air
Quality Attainment Plan or congestion Management Plan?
No Impact
The City of Santa Ana is included within the South Coast Air
Quality Management District and subject to the requirements of
the Clean Air Act at both the Federal and State level. The South
Coast Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is the primary planning
document to monitor if air quality standards and objectives are
being achieved in the South Coast Air Basin. The air quality
objectives in the AQMP are based upon population and growth
projections provided in regional planning programs and local
general plans. A project could be in conflict with the AQMP if
it results in population and growth impacts beyond those
identified in regional planning programs and local general
plans. The proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to regulate
Big Box retail uses would not have any effect on the growth
projections in the City's General Plan. Therefore, approval of
the proposed ordinance would not be in conflict with the South
Coast AQMP.
B. violate any stationary source air quality standard or
contribute to an existing or proposed air quality
violation?
C. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-
attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard?
75B'!l21
D.
Expose sensitive
concentrations?
Create objectionable
of people?
receptors
to
substantial
pollutant
E.
odors affecting a substantial nUIllber
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not result in any short-term construction related or long-
term operational air quality impacts or odor impacts, in that
approval of the proposed ordinance would not involve any
activities that would emit long-term or short-term air quality
emissions or odor pollutants. Through the conditional use permit
process future Big Box retail uses implemented under the
proposed ordinance would be evaluated for potential long-term
and short-term air quality impacts and odor impacts.
III. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
A. Have a substantial adverse impact, either directly or
through habitat modifications, on any species identified as
a candidate, sensitive or special status species in local
or regional plans, policies or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and game or U. S. Fish and
wildlife Services?
B. Have a substantial adverse impact on any riparian habitat
or natural community identified in local or regional plans,
policies, and regulations or by the California Department
of Fish and game or U.S. Fish and wildlife Service?
C. Adversely impact federally protected wetlands either
individually or in combination with the known or probable
impacts of other activities through direct removal, filling
hydrological interruption, or other means?
D. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting
biological resources, such as tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
No Impact
According to the City's Updated General Plan Land Use Element
EIR and the California Department Fish and Game Natural
Diversity Data Base, there is a limited amount of sensitive
biological resources wi thin the Ci ty . Approval of the proposed
amendment to the Municipal Code to establish an ordinance for
the regulation of Big Box retail uses would not result in any
adverse impacts to any sensi ti ve biological resources, in that
75Bll22
the proposed ordinance would not be permit Big Box retail uses
in areas that contain sensitive biological resources.
IV. CULTURAL RESOURCES
A. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a
historical resource as defined in Section 15064.5?
B. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a
unique archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
C. Directly or indirectly disturb or destroy a unique
pa1eontogica1 resource or site?
D. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries.
No Impact
According to the City's General Plan Land Use Element EIR, the
City of Santa Ana is known to contain known cultural resources.
Additionally, according to the General Plan Land Use Element EIR
there is high probability that unknown cultural resources may
exist in the City. Approval of the proposed amendment to the
Municipal Code to establish an ordinance for the regulation of
Big Box retail uses would not result in impacts to any cultural
resource, in that approval of the proposed ordinance would not
involve any activities that would disturb known or unknown
cultural resources. Through the conditional use permit process,
future Big Box retail uses implemented under the proposed
ordinance would be evaluated for potential impacts to known and
unknown cultural resources.
V. GEOLOGY/SOILS
A-1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the
most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a known fault?
A-2. Strong Seismic Ground shaking?
A-3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?
A-4. Landslides
No Impact
According to the City's General Plan Land Use Element EIR there
are no active earthquake faults, Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Zones
or landslides within the City. However, several active faults
are located within fifty miles of the City. In the event a
moderate to high earthquake occurs along one of these faults,
75a~23
portions of the City could experience moderate seismic shaking
impacts. However, the seismic risks in Santa Ana are similar to
other areas in the southern Californian region. Additionally,
according to the General Plan Land Use Element EIR, the
potential for liquefaction hazards within the City ranges from
very low to very high.
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not increase the potential for seismic impacts, and
liquefaction impacts, in that the approval of proposed ordinance
would not involve the development of any structures that would
be subject to seismic shaking impacts or liquefaction hazards.
Through the conditional use permit process, future Big Box
retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance would be
evaluated for potential seismic risks.
B. Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the
loss of topsoil?
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not result in or increase the potential for soil erosion
or sedimentation impacts, in that the approval of the proposed
ordinance would not involve any activities that would disturb
soils. Through the conditional use permit process, future Big
Box retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance would
be evaluated for potential soil erosion impacts and would be
subject to the City's erosion control requirements.
c. Would the project result in the loss of a unique geological
feature?
No Impact
According to the City's General Plan Land Use Element EIR there
are no known geological hazards or unique geologic features in
the City. Therefore, approval of the proposed amendment to the
Municipal Code to establish an ordinance for the regulation of
Big Box retail uses would not result in the loss of any unique
geologic features.
D. In the project located on strata or soil that is unstable
or that would become unstable as a result of the project
75B~24
and potentially result in on-or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
E. Where sewers are not available for the disposal of
wastewater is the soil capable of supporting the use of
septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems?
No Impact
According to the City's General Plan Land Use Element EIR, Santa
Ana contains a wide variety of soil types and associated
geotechnical constraints. Approval of the proposed amendment to
the Municipal Code to establish an ordinance for the regulation
of Big Box retail uses would not involve the construction of any
structures that would be subject to geotechnical constraints.
Through the conditional use permit process, future Big Box
retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance would be
evaluated for potential soil constraints. Additionally, future
Big Box retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance
would be required to use sewer systems.
VI. HAZARDS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
A. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use or disposal
of hazardous materials?
B. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substance or waste within one-quarter
mile of an existing or proposed school?
C. Be located on a site which is located on a list of
hazardous material sites compiles pursuant to Government
Code Section 659662.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the environment?
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not result in the creation of or increase the potential of
any significant hazardous material impacts to the public, in
that the approval of the proposed ordinance would not involve
any activities that would include the handling, storage or
distribution of hazardous materials or emit hazardous emissions.
Future Big Box retail uses implemented under the proposed
ordinance could involve the handling of incidental amounts of
hazardous materials such as paints and solvents. However, the
7S6'1l25
Big Box retail uses would be subject to local, state and federal
regulations regarding the handing of hazardous materials.
D. For a project located within an airport land use plan or
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles
where a public airport or public use airport, would the
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
No Impact
According to the City's General plan Land Use Element EIR and
the Orange County Airports Environs Land Use Plan, Santa Ana is
not located within any aircraft accident potential zones.
Additionally, there are no private airstrips in the City.
Therefore, approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal
Code would not increase the potential for safety hazards for
people residing in or working within the City.
VII. HYDROLOGY/WATER QUALITY
A. Violate Regional Water Quality Control Board water quality
standards or waste discharge requirements?
E. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
I. Result in an increase in pollutant discharges to receiving
waters?
N. Tributary to an already impaired water body, as listed on
the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list. If so, can it
result in an increase in any pollutant of which the body is
already impaired?
R. Cause or contribute to an exceedance of applicable surface
or groundwater receiving water quality objectives or
degradation of beneficial uses?
No Impact
The City of Santa Ana is included within four watersheds; San
Diego Creek, Santa Ana River, Talbert and Westminster. Each of
these watershed areas are under the jurisdiction of the Santa
Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and subject to the
objectives, water quality standards and Best Management Practice
requirements established in the Santa Ana River Basin Plan and
Orange County Drainage Area Management Plan.
75~6
The City of Santa Ana does not contain any impaired water
bodies, as defined by Section 303 of the Clean Water Act.
However, the City does contain several drainage facilities that
convey surface water runoff into bodies of water that are
classified as impaired.
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not directly involve routine waste discharges that would
be in conflict with water quality standards established by the
State Regional Water Quality Control Board, in that the approval
of the proposed ordinance would not involve any long term
operations or construction activities that would involve the
discharge of water. Through the conditional use permit process,
future Big Box retail uses implemented under the proposed
ordinance would be evaluated for potential water quality impacts
and would be subject to the City's storm water protection
requirements.
B. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that there
would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of
the local groundwater table level.
Q. Have a potentially significant adverse impact on
groundwater quality?
No Impact
The City of Santa Ana receives 66% of its water from underground
water supplies. The underground water basin in the City ranges
from -50-feet to +40-feet above sea level. Presently, the City
pumps underground water from 21 water wells. Fourteen of the
water wells pump ground water into small surface reservoirs. The
remaining seven water wells pump underground water into the
City's distribution system.
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not result in adverse impacts to underground water
supplies or prevent the recharge of underground water supplies,
in that approval of the proposed ordinance would not involve any
activities that would impact underground water supplies or
provide impervious surfaces that would prevent the recharge of
underground water supplies. Additionally, Big Box retail uses
7~~7
would not be permitted in areas where underground water recharge
occurs.
C. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of stream or river, or substantially increase the
rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner, which would
result in flooding on or off-site?
D. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the
capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage
systems or provide substantial additional sources of
polluted run-off?
L. Result in increased impervious surfaces and associated runoff?
M. Create a significant adverse environmental impact to drainage
patterns due to changes in runoff flow rates or volumes.
No Impact
The City of Santa Ana has a Master Plan of Drainage to guide the
construction of adequate drainage facilities in the City. The
facilities include a series of underground storm drain systems,
open storm drain systems, catch basins and natural drainages. A
significant drainage impact can occur when existing rates of
surface water runoff are increased and existing drainage
facilities are unable to accommodate the additional rates of
runoff. Existing rates of surface water runoff can increase
through the introduction of additional amounts of impervious
surfaces, or through changes to existing drainage patterns.
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not alter existing drainage patterns or increase existing
rates of surface water runoff, in that approval of the proposed
ordinance would not introduce additional impervious surfaces or
involve the development of any activities that would impact
existing drainage patterns. Through the conditional use permit
process, future Big Box retail uses implemented under the
proposed ordinance would be evaluated for potential drainage
impacts.
F. Place housing within a 100-year floodplain, as mapped on a
federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map
or other flood hazard delineation map?
G. Place within a 100-year floodplain structures which would
impede or redirect flood flows?
75Br28
H. Place housing within a 100-year floodplain, as mapped on a
federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map
or other flood hazard delineation map?
No Impact
The City's General Plan identifies that portions of Santa Ana
are within the lOO-year flood Zone. Approval of the proposed
amendment to the Municipal Code to establish an ordinance for
the regulation of Big Box retail uses would not facilitate
development within areas subject to lOO-year flood risks.
J. Result in significant alteration of receiving water quality
during or following construction.
K. Could the proposed project result in increased erosion
downstream?
No Impact
Erosion refers to the removal of soil from exposed bedrock
surfaces by water or wind. The effects of erosion are
intensified with an increase in slope, the narrowing of runoff
channels and by the removal of groundcover, which leaves the
soil exposed. Approval of the proposed ordinance would not
result in erosion impacts, in that the proposed amendments would
not involve any construction activities that would disturb or
uncover soils to facilitate erosion impacts. Through the
conditional use permit process, future Big Box retail uses
implemented under the proposed ordinance would be evaluated for
potential soil erosion impacts and would be subject to the
City's erosion control requirements.
o. Tributary to other environmentally sensitive areas? If so,
can it exacerbate already existing sensitive conditions?
P. Have a potentially significant environmental impact or
surface water quality to either marine, fresh or wetland
waters?
s. Impact aquatic, wetland or riparian habitat?
No Impact
According to the City's General Plan Land Use Element EIR, there
are no sensitive marine waters, fresh waters or wetlands in the
City. However, the City does contain several drainage systems
75B~9
that convey drainage flows to sensitive marine resources.
Pollutants conveyed through these drainage systems could
adversely impact sensitive marine resources. Approval of the
proposed ordinance would not result in any activities that would
discharge pollutants into sensitive downstream marine resources.
Through the conditional use permit process, future Big Box
retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance would be
evaluated for potential water quality impacts and would be
subject to the City's storm water protection requirements.
VIII. LAND USE/PLANNING
A. Physically divide an established community?
No Impact
The proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to establish an
ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses would
provide location criteria and operational standards to ensure
that Big Box retail uses would not encroach into or physically
divide any established communities or neighborhoods in Santa
Ana. No adverse land use impacts would be associated with the
approval of the proposed ordinance.
B.
Conflict with
regulation of
adopted for
environmental
any applicable land use plan, policy, or
an agency with jurisdiction over the project
the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
effect?
No Impact
The proposed project would amend the City's Municipal Code by
establishing an ordinance that provides criteria for the
location and operation of Big Box retail uses. Approval of the
proposed ordinance would not be in conflict with the City's
General Plan or any other relevant planning program in the City.
C. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or
natural community plan?
No Impact
According to the City's General Plan Land Use Element EIR, there
are no habitat conservation plans or natural community
conservation plans established within the City of Santa Ana.
Therefore, approval of the proposed ordinance would not be in
75B~0
conflict with any habitat conservation or natural community
conservation plan.
IX. MINERAL RESOURCES
A. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
No Impact
The City's General Plan Land Use Element ErR identifies that
there are no areas in Santa Ana that contains Significant
Mineral Aggregate Resource Areas. Therefore, approval of the
proposed ordinance would not result in adverse impacts to any
significant mineral resource.
X. NOISE
A. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in
excess of standards established in local general plan or
noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies.
B. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
the project vicinity above levels existing without the
project.
C. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.
D. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without project.
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not result in any long-term noise or ground borne
vibration impacts, in that the proposed ordinance would not
involve any activities that would emit long term operation noise
impacts or short term construction related noise impacts.
Through the conditional use permit process, future Big Box
retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance would be
evaluated for potential noise impacts and would be subject to
the City's noise standards.
E. For a project located within an airport land use plan or
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of
75B~1
a public airport or public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working in the proj ect area to
excessive noise levels?
No Impact
According to the Orange County Airport Environs Land Use Plan
portions of Santa Ana are impacted by aircraft noise. Approval
of the amendment to the Municipal Code to establish an ordinance
for the regulation of Big Box retail uses would not facilitate
development within areas impacted with aircraft noise. Through
the conditional use permit process, future Big Box retail uses
implemented under the proposed ordinance would be evaluated for
potential aircraft noise impacts and would be subject to the
City's noise standards.
XI. POPULATION/HOUSING
A. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either
directly or indirectly through extension of roads or other
infrastructure.
B. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere.
C. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
No Impact
The proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to establish an
ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses would not
induce substantial growth in the City or displace substantial
numbers of existing housing or population, in that approval of
the proposed ordinance would not involve any activities that
would generate additional population or displaces homes and/or
population.
XII. PUBLIC SERVICES
Fire Protection, Police Protection, Schools, Parks, Other Public
Facilities
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not increase the demand for additional public services
75Bm32
over current levels of service being provided in the City, in
that the approval of the proposed ordinance would not involve
any activities that would substantially increase the demands for
public services. Through the conditional use permit process,
future Big Box retail uses implemented under the proposed
ordinance would be evaluated for potential public service
impacts.
XIII. RECREATION
A. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood
and regional parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of the facility
would occur or be accelerated?
B. Does the project include recreational facilities or require
the construction or expansion of recreational facilities,
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
enviromnent.
No Impact
Approval of the proposed ordinance would not increase the use of
any recreational facilities or result in the significant need
for additional recreational facilities, in that the proposed
ordinance would not involve any activities that would increase
the demands for recreational facilities. No adverse impacts to
recreation facilities would be associated with the approval of
proposed ordinance.
XIV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
A. Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in
relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the
street system?
B. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of
service standard established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or highways?
C. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, inCluding
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
P. Substantially increase hazards to a design feature
E. Result in inadequate emergency access
F. Result in inadequate parking capacity
G. Conflict with adopted policies supporting alternative
transportation
7561'l33
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not have an impact on traffic volumes, roadway
configurations, parking capacities, emergency access or level of
services established in the County of Orange Congestion
Management Plan, in that the proposed ordinance would not
involve any activities that would generate additional traffic or
parking needs. Through the conditional use permit process,
future Big Box retail uses implemented under the proposed
ordinance would be evaluated for potential traffic, circulation
and parking impacts.
XV. UTILITIES/SERVICE SYSTEMS
A. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable
Regional Water Quality Control Board?
B. Require or result in the construction of new water or
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
C. Require or result in the construction of new storm water
drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,
the construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
D. Are sufficient water supplies available to serve the
project from existing entitlements and resources or are new
or expanded entitlements needed?
E. Result in the determination by the wastewater treatment
provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand
in addition to the providers existing commitments.
F. Is the project served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
G. Comply with federal, state and local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
No Impact
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to
establish an ordinance for the regulation of Big Box retail uses
would not increase the demand for additional utilities and
service systems over current levels of service being provided in
the City, in that the proposed ordinance would not involve any
activities that would increase the demands for utility systems.
755;34
Through the conditional use permit process, future Big Box
retail uses implemented under the proposed ordinance would be
evaluated for potential impacts to utility service systems.
XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
A. Poes the project have the potential to degrade the quality
of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten
to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number
or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or
animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods
of California history or prehistory.
No Impact
The proposed ordinance would not have a direct impact on any
plant or wildlife species or historical property in Santa Ana,
in that the proposed ordinance would not involve any activities
that would impact plant, wildlife or historic resources or
degrade the quality of the environment.
B. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited
but cumulatively considerable?
No Impact
Approval of the proposed ordinance would not result in any
significant cumulative impacts, in that the proposed ordinance
would not involve any activities that would result in cumulative
impacts to the environment.
c.
Does the proj ect have environmental
cause substantial adverse effects on
directly or indirectly?
effects, which will
human beings either
No Impact
Approval of the proposed ordinance would not cause any
substantial adverse effects on human beings, in that the
proposed ordinance would not involve any activities that would
result in adverse effects to human beings or the environment.
XVIII. DETERMINATION
75~5
Based upon the evidence in light of the whole record documented
in the above evaluation and cited references, I find that the
proposed project would not have a significant impact on the
environment and a Negative Declaration has been prepared.
XVIV. REFERENCES
City of Santa Ana General Plan, 1997
City of Santa Ana, General Plan EIR, 1997
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines
California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program
South Coast Air Quality Management District Air Quality
Management Plan
California Department of Fish and Game Natural Diversity Data
Base
Orange County Airport Environs Land Use Plan
XX. PRE PARER
Hally Soboleske, Assistant Planner II, City of Santa Ana
75Se36
bk/8-01-06
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING SECTIONS 41-27.5,
41-646.5,41-1361, AND AMENDING SECTIONS 41-
365.5, 41-377.5, 41-412.5 AND 41-424.5 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SUPER STORES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES ORDAIN AS
IFOLLOWsl:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines and declares as follows:
A. Numerous studies and published court opinions have determined
that the establishment of a superstore, as defined herein, in a
community offers unique challenges and special concerns to the
residents of that community. Such studies and opinions include:
1. 'The Potential Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Supercenters
in San Diego: A Critical Analysis" (2000) published by the San
Diego County Taxpayers Association.
2. "The Impact of Big Box Grocers on Southern California:
Jobs, Wages and Municipal Finance" (1999) published by the
Orange County Business Council.
3. "The Potential Impact of Big Box Stores in New York City"
(2005) prepared by New York City Economic Development
Committee
4. "Measuring the Economic and Sociological Impact of the
Mega-Retail Discount Chains on Small Enterprise in Urban,
Suburban and Rural Communities" (aka "The Shils Report") (1997)
published by The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
5. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., et. al. v. City of Turlock, 138 Cal. App.
4th 273, 41 Cal. Rptr. 3d 420 (2006), review denied 2006 Cal.
LEXIS 8623, 2006 DAR. 9169 (July 12, 2006).
758-37
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 1 of _
6. Wal-Marl Stores, Inc., etc., et al. v. City of Turlock, 2006
U.S. Dist. LEXIS 47924 (E.D. Cal. 2006).
7. "California Responses to Supercenter Development: A
Survey of Ordinances, Cases and Elections" (2004) published by
Public Law Research Institute at Hastings College of the Law.
8. "Regulating Discount Superstores: Ordinances Restricting
Big Box Retailers with Grocery Departments" (2004) presented at
the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
These reports, studies and cases, true and correct copies of which
are on file with the Executive Director of the Planning and Building
Agency, are incorporated herein as though fully set forth.
B. In adopting this ordinance, the City Council expressly relies upon
and incorporates herein the findings, conclusions and opinions set
forth in the reports, studies and cases included above.
C. The City's General Plan, including but not limited to Goal Number
2.0 of the Economic Development Element, and Goal Numbers 1.0,
2.0 and 5.0 of the Land Use Element, provides for maintenance of
and enhancement of the City's economic base by promoting a
balance of land uses designed to address community needs and
which enhance the City's economic and fiscal viability by, in part
ensuring that impacts of development in the City are fully mitigated.
D. Adoption of this ordinance is in furtherance and implementation of
the City's General Plan.
E. It is advisable and necessary that Chapter 41 of the City's Code be
amended to regulate superstores appropriately and to afford them
adequate review.
F. It is the intent of the City Council that superstores proposed to be
established in Special Development Districts in the City which
permit retail land uses be subject to similar review as that provided
for herein.
G. All provisions of the Santa Ana Municipal Code which are repeated
herein are repeated solely in order to comply with the provisions of
section 418 of the Charter of the City of Santa Ana. Any such
restatement of existing provisions of the Code is not intended, nor
shall it be interpreted, as constituting a new action or decision of
the City Council, but rather such provisions are repeated for
tracking purposes only in conformance with the Charter.
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 2 of
758-38
Section 2. Section 41-27.5 is added to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code to read in full as follows:
Sec. 41-27.5. Superstore.
A Superstore is any retail use that sells from the premises goods and
merchandise, primarily for personal and household use, and whose total
interior space exceeds 120,000 square feet, and which devotes more than
ten percent (10%) of its total interior space to the sale of merchandise
which are not subject to State sales tax. For purposes of determining the
total interior space, restrooms, office space, storage space, and service
areas (e.g., automobile service, doctor or dental service, or restauranUfast
food service) shall be excluded, but the aggregate space of adjacent
stores that share common check stands, management, operation,
controlling ownership, or warehouse or distribution facilitates shall be
included.
Section 3. Section 41-365.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Sec. 41-365.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit in the C1
district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C1 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Clubs.
(b) Outdoor and indoor recreational or entertainment uses other
than those set forth in section 41-365.
(c) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, care homes, fraternity
houses and sorority houses.
(d) Thrift shops, purchase and loan, pawn shops.
(e) Eating establishments with drive-through window service.
(f) Eating establishments open at any time between the hours
of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and located within one hundred fifty
(150) feet of residentially zoned or used property, measured from
property line to property line.
758-39
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 3 of _
(g) Laundromats, subject to the development and performance
standards set forth in section 41-199.
(h) Retail markets having less than twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of floor area which are open at any time between the
hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
(i) Check cashing facilities, as defined by section 41-42.7 of this
Code.
U) Banquet facilities, subject to development and operational
standards setforth in section 41-199.1.
(k) Banquet facilities as an ancillary use, subject to development
and operational standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
(I) Adult day care facilities.
(m) Superstores.
Section 4. Section 41-377.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Sec. 41-377.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit
in the C2 district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C2 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Any use which may be permitted subject to the issuance of a
conditional use permit in the C1 district pursuant to section 41-365.5.
(b) Open-air car washes.
(c) Trailer parks and camps.
(d) Thrift shops, food distribution centers, and counselling
service establishments operated by nonprofit or government-subsidized
organizations or by public agencies.
(e) Indoor swap meets, bulk merchandise stores, and home
improvement warehouse stores.
(f) Superstores.
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 4 of
758-40
Section 5. Section 41-412.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Sec. 41-412.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit in the C4
district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C4 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, care homes, fraternity
houses and sorority houses.
(b) Indoor swap meets, bulk merchandise stores, and home
improvement warehouse stores.
(c) Eating establishments with drive-through window service.
(d) Eating establishments open at any time between the hours
of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and located within one hundred fifty (150) feet
of residentially zoned or used property, measured from property line to
property line.
(e) Laundromats, subject to the development and performance
standards set forth in section 41-199.
(f) Retail markets having less than twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of floor area which are open at any time between the hours of
12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
(g)
Code.
Check cashing facilities, as defined by section 41-42.7 of this
(h) Banquet facilities, subject to development and operational
standards setforth in section 41-199.1.
(i) Banquet facilities as an ancillary use, subject to development
and operational standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
U) Adult day care facilities.
(k) Superstores.
758-41
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 5 of _
Section 6. Section 41-424.5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add Superstores as a permitted use subject to a conditional use permit such
that it reads as follows (new language in bold for tracking purposes only):
Sec. 41-424.5. Uses subject to a conditional use permit in the C5
district.
The following uses may be permitted in the C5 district subject to the
issuance of a conditional use permit:
(a) Hotels, motels, lodging houses, care homes, fraternity
houses, and sorority houses.
(b) Dwelling units when erected above the ground floor of a
commercial structure when the ground floor is devoted exclusively to
nonresidential uses.
(c) Hospitals.
(d) Public utility structures, including electric distribution and
transmission substations.
(e)
service.
Eating establishments with drive-through or walk-up window
(f)
(g)
enclosed.
Service stations and automobile servicing.
Car wash establishments, provided they are wholly
(h)
Laundries.
(i) Indoor swap meets, bulk merchandise stores, and home
improvement warehouse stores.
0) Eating establishments open at any time between the hours
of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and located within one hundred fifty (150) feet
of residentially zoned or used property, measured from property line to
property line.
(k) Laundromats, subject to the development and performance
standards set forth in section 41-199.
(I) Retail markets having less than twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of floor area which are open at any time between the hours of
12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 6 of
758-42
(m) Banquet facilities, subject to development and operational
standards setforth in section 41-199.1.
(n) Banquet facilities as an ancillary use, subject to development
and operational standards set forth in section 41-199.1.
(0) Adult day care facilities.
(p) Superstores.
Section 7. Section 41-646.5 is added to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code to read in full as follows:
Sec. 41-646.5. Findings for Conditional Use Permits related to
Superstores.
a. Additional Findings. In making the findings otherwise required by
this article for approval of a conditional use permit, prior to approval of a
Superstore the Planning Commission or City Council, as appropriate take
into consideration of all economic benefits and costs to the city, and as
relevant, the region, of the proposed use based upon information
contained in an economic impact analysis, as provided below, and any
additional information submitted by staff or the public.
b. Procedure. An application for a conditional use permit for a
Superstore shall follow the procedures otherwise required by this chapter,
and in addition the applicant shall prepare and submit an economic impact
analysis report as defined herein. The analysis, at a minimum, shall
identify the benefits and costs to the city of the proposed Superstore on
grocery or retail shopping centers within a three-mile radius. The city
manager or designee (i) shall approve in advance the individual or firm
preparing the report; which approval may, at the city's option, be satisfied
by use of an individual or firm identified on a pre-approved list; and
(ii) such list may designate additional information on benefits and cost that
shall be included in the analysis.
Section 8. Section 41-1361 is added to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code to read in full as follows:
Sec. 41-1361. Superstores.
The minimum off-street parking required for Superstores is one (1) space
for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area.
758-43
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 7 of _
Section 9. No Superstore which is legally operating in the city as of the
effective date of this ordinance shall be affected by the adoption of this
ordinance, unless it loses its legal nonconforming status pursuant to the
provisions of Article VI of Chapter 41 of the Code.
Section 10. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information
contained in the initial study and the negative declaration prepared with respect to
this Ordinance. The City Council has, as a result of its consideration and the
evidence presented at the hearings on this matter, determined that, as required
pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the State CEQA
Guidelines, a Negative Declaration adequately addresses the expected
environmental impacts of this Ordinance. On the basis of this review, the City
Council finds that there is no evidence from which it can be fairly argued that the
project will have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The City Council
hereby certifies and approves negative declaration for Environmental Review
No. 2006-74 and directs that the Notice of Determination be prepared and filed with
the County Clerk of the County of Orange in the manner required by law.
Pursuant to Title XIV, California Code of Regulations ("CCR") 9 735.5(c)(1),
the City Council has determined that, after considering the record as a whole, there
is no evidence that the proposed project will have the potential for any adverse
effect on wildlife resources or the ecological habitat upon which wildlife resources
depend. The proposed project exists in an urban environment characterized by
paved concrete, roadways, surrounding buildings and human activity. Therefore,
pursuant to Fish and Game Code 9711.2 and Title XIV, CCR 9735.5(a)(3), the
payment of Fish and Game Department filing fees is not required in conjunction
with this project.
Section 11. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion
of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the
decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the
validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of
Santa Ana hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the
fact that anyone or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or
portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 8 of
758-44
ADOPTED this
day of
,2006
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
By:
Benjamin Kaufman
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
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 that
the attached Ordinance No. NS-XXX to be the original ordinance adopted by the
City Council of the City of Santa Ana on , and that said
ordinance was published in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
758-45
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Page 9 of _
758-46