HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket 8.11.25Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 11, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.
Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/89870476760
Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 89870476760
Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 89870476760
*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 second
delay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during the
meeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.
For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions provided
at the end of this agenda.
To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the
right of the agenda title.
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for
Development Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,
for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/89870476760Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 89870476760Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 89870476760*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.
To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the
right of the agenda title.
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for
Development Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,
for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/89870476760Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 89870476760Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 89870476760*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to theright of the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for
Development Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,
for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/89870476760Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 89870476760Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 89870476760*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to theright of the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/89870476760Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 89870476760Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 89870476760*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to theright of the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FORTHE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WESTSUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South CoastPlaza (Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements tofacilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow theredevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet ofoffice space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 toestablish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning districtdesignation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, VestingTentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project siteinto six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms andconditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County AirportLand Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the AirportEnvirons Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve asan advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on theProject will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date. Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findingsof Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a MitigationMonitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposedProject would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology andSoils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remainsignificant and unavoidable after mitigation.Recommended Action:Recommend that the City Council:1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental ImpactReport No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adoptingEnvironmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerationsfor the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programfor the Project; and (4) approving the Project;2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/89870476760Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 89870476760Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 89870476760*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to theright of the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FORTHE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WESTSUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South CoastPlaza (Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements tofacilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow theredevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet ofoffice space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 toestablish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning districtdesignation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, VestingTentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project siteinto six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms andconditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County AirportLand Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the AirportEnvirons Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve asan advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on theProject will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date. Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findingsof Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a MitigationMonitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposedProject would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology andSoils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remainsignificant and unavoidable after mitigation.Recommended Action:Recommend that the City Council:1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental ImpactReport No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adoptingEnvironmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerationsfor the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programfor the Project; and (4) approving the Project;2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) andapproving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenuefrom Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land UseCommission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan isinconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,including supportive findings.*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSCOMMISSIONER COMMENTSADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the CouncilChamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.APPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appealperiod, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a publichearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearingand decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the PlanningCommission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filedwith the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the PlanningDepartment, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day toappeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appealshall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under CaliforniaGovernment Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for whicha public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (orsomeone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by thePlanning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.MEETING INFORMATIONIf you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.1. Connecting directly from your computer:Click on the link on top of this agenda ORGo to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID islisted at the top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish tospeak. You will have 3 minutes.2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
Planning Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
July 28, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,
contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting
documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes: Kim Fortun, Director of UCI EcoGovLab, raised concerns of the pending draft
Zoning Code Update and how the City plans on addressing the industrial/residential
interface.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 14, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Carl
Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review,
and Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed
within 10 days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic
Meeting Information page for more information). The Planning Commission
recommendation on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development
Agreements, Specific Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City
Council for final determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on
July 18, 2025 and notices were mailed on July 17, 2025.
1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1030 EAST FOURTH STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE
(SD84) ZONING DISTRICT, WITHIN THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (UN2)
SUBZONE.
Project Applicant: Extra Space Properties 103, LLC (Applicant and Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permit
(CUP) No. 202512 to allow the expansion of an existing selfstorage facility, including
modifications to the required landscaped yard standards. The applicant is making the
request pursuant to sections 412007 and 41650 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code,
which require Planning Commission review and approval of a CUP for the expansion of
an existing selfstorage facility and modifications to regulations set forth for the district
in which the facility is located.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
32, Section 15332 (InFill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical
Exemption ER No. 202422 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 AS CONDITIONED TO
ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING, LEGALLY ESTABLISHED SELF
STORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIRED
LANDSCAPED YARD STANDARDS AT 1030 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 398461
18)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202512 as
conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Danny Morris, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Sara Al Baqui, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Nabil Muallem, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Rose Bacinski, on behalf of various residents, provided various public comments via
email in favor of the project.
Resident, Amy Yuan, provided public comment via email in opposition to the project.
Commission proposed adding one new condition, which the applicant accepted.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve with added condition..
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 730
SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT NO. 40 (SD40) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Jeremy Cole (Applicant), representing Sonia Gonzalez (Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No. 2025
02 to allow an 85squarefoot rear addition to enlarge a bedroom and add a new
bathroom, exterior alterations, and an interior remodel to an existing singlefamily
residence.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical Exemption
ER No. 202557 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW A
MAJOR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING
SINGLEFAMILY HOME WITHIN THE HENINGER PARK SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT
(SD40) LOCATED AT 730 S. VAN NESS AVENUE (APN: 01020315)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202502 as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Jeremy Cole, on behalf of the applicant, spoke on the project.
Resident, Lourdes Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Javier Gonzalez, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Ginelle Hardy, provided public comment via email in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Karla Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
1 Planning Commission
7/28/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesJuly 28, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,
contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting
documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes: Kim Fortun, Director of UCI EcoGovLab, raised concerns of the pending draft
Zoning Code Update and how the City plans on addressing the industrial/residential
interface.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 14, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Carl
Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review,
and Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed
within 10 days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic
Meeting Information page for more information). The Planning Commission
recommendation on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development
Agreements, Specific Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City
Council for final determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on
July 18, 2025 and notices were mailed on July 17, 2025.
1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1030 EAST FOURTH STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE
(SD84) ZONING DISTRICT, WITHIN THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (UN2)
SUBZONE.
Project Applicant: Extra Space Properties 103, LLC (Applicant and Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permit
(CUP) No. 202512 to allow the expansion of an existing selfstorage facility, including
modifications to the required landscaped yard standards. The applicant is making the
request pursuant to sections 412007 and 41650 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code,
which require Planning Commission review and approval of a CUP for the expansion of
an existing selfstorage facility and modifications to regulations set forth for the district
in which the facility is located.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
32, Section 15332 (InFill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical
Exemption ER No. 202422 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 AS CONDITIONED TO
ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING, LEGALLY ESTABLISHED SELF
STORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIRED
LANDSCAPED YARD STANDARDS AT 1030 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 398461
18)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202512 as
conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Danny Morris, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Sara Al Baqui, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Nabil Muallem, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Rose Bacinski, on behalf of various residents, provided various public comments via
email in favor of the project.
Resident, Amy Yuan, provided public comment via email in opposition to the project.
Commission proposed adding one new condition, which the applicant accepted.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve with added condition..
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 730
SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT NO. 40 (SD40) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Jeremy Cole (Applicant), representing Sonia Gonzalez (Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No. 2025
02 to allow an 85squarefoot rear addition to enlarge a bedroom and add a new
bathroom, exterior alterations, and an interior remodel to an existing singlefamily
residence.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical Exemption
ER No. 202557 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW A
MAJOR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING
SINGLEFAMILY HOME WITHIN THE HENINGER PARK SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT
(SD40) LOCATED AT 730 S. VAN NESS AVENUE (APN: 01020315)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202502 as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Jeremy Cole, on behalf of the applicant, spoke on the project.
Resident, Lourdes Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Javier Gonzalez, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Ginelle Hardy, provided public comment via email in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Karla Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
2 Planning Commission
7/28/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesJuly 28, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSMinutes: Kim Fortun, Director of UCI EcoGovLab, raised concerns of the pending draftZoning Code Update and how the City plans on addressing the industrial/residentialinterface.CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 14, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, CarlBenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review,
and Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed
within 10 days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic
Meeting Information page for more information). The Planning Commission
recommendation on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development
Agreements, Specific Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City
Council for final determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter on
July 18, 2025 and notices were mailed on July 17, 2025.
1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1030 EAST FOURTH STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE
(SD84) ZONING DISTRICT, WITHIN THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (UN2)
SUBZONE.
Project Applicant: Extra Space Properties 103, LLC (Applicant and Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permit
(CUP) No. 202512 to allow the expansion of an existing selfstorage facility, including
modifications to the required landscaped yard standards. The applicant is making the
request pursuant to sections 412007 and 41650 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code,
which require Planning Commission review and approval of a CUP for the expansion of
an existing selfstorage facility and modifications to regulations set forth for the district
in which the facility is located.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
32, Section 15332 (InFill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical
Exemption ER No. 202422 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 AS CONDITIONED TO
ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING, LEGALLY ESTABLISHED SELF
STORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIRED
LANDSCAPED YARD STANDARDS AT 1030 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 398461
18)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202512 as
conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Danny Morris, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Sara Al Baqui, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Nabil Muallem, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Rose Bacinski, on behalf of various residents, provided various public comments via
email in favor of the project.
Resident, Amy Yuan, provided public comment via email in opposition to the project.
Commission proposed adding one new condition, which the applicant accepted.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve with added condition..
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 730
SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT NO. 40 (SD40) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Jeremy Cole (Applicant), representing Sonia Gonzalez (Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No. 2025
02 to allow an 85squarefoot rear addition to enlarge a bedroom and add a new
bathroom, exterior alterations, and an interior remodel to an existing singlefamily
residence.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical Exemption
ER No. 202557 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW A
MAJOR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING
SINGLEFAMILY HOME WITHIN THE HENINGER PARK SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT
(SD40) LOCATED AT 730 S. VAN NESS AVENUE (APN: 01020315)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202502 as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Jeremy Cole, on behalf of the applicant, spoke on the project.
Resident, Lourdes Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Javier Gonzalez, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Ginelle Hardy, provided public comment via email in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Karla Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
3 Planning Commission
7/28/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesJuly 28, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSMinutes: Kim Fortun, Director of UCI EcoGovLab, raised concerns of the pending draftZoning Code Update and how the City plans on addressing the industrial/residentialinterface.CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 14, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, CarlBenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review,and Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealedwithin 10 days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the BasicMeeting Information page for more information). The Planning Commissionrecommendation on Zoning and General Plan amendments, DevelopmentAgreements, Specific Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the CityCouncil for final determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter onJuly 18, 2025 and notices were mailed on July 17, 2025. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT1030 EAST FOURTH STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE(SD84) ZONING DISTRICT, WITHIN THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (UN2)SUBZONE.Project Applicant: Extra Space Properties 103, LLC (Applicant and PropertyOwner).Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permit(CUP) No. 202512 to allow the expansion of an existing selfstorage facility, includingmodifications to the required landscaped yard standards. The applicant is making therequest pursuant to sections 412007 and 41650 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code,which require Planning Commission review and approval of a CUP for the expansion ofan existing selfstorage facility and modifications to regulations set forth for the districtin which the facility is located.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class32, Section 15332 (InFill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines. CategoricalExemption ER No. 202422 will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2025XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANAAPPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 AS CONDITIONED TOALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING, LEGALLY ESTABLISHED SELFSTORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIREDLANDSCAPED YARD STANDARDS AT 1030 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 39846118)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202512 asconditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Danny Morris, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Sara Al Baqui, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Nabil Muallem, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Rose Bacinski, on behalf of various residents, provided various public comments via
email in favor of the project.
Resident, Amy Yuan, provided public comment via email in opposition to the project.
Commission proposed adding one new condition, which the applicant accepted.
Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve with added condition..
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
2.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 730
SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT NO. 40 (SD40) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Jeremy Cole (Applicant), representing Sonia Gonzalez (Property
Owner).
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No. 2025
02 to allow an 85squarefoot rear addition to enlarge a bedroom and add a new
bathroom, exterior alterations, and an interior remodel to an existing singlefamily
residence.
Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class
1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical Exemption
ER No. 202557 will be filed for this project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW A
MAJOR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING
SINGLEFAMILY HOME WITHIN THE HENINGER PARK SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT
(SD40) LOCATED AT 730 S. VAN NESS AVENUE (APN: 01020315)
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202502 as conditioned.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Jeremy Cole, on behalf of the applicant, spoke on the project.
Resident, Lourdes Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Javier Gonzalez, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Ginelle Hardy, provided public comment via email in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Karla Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
4 Planning Commission
7/28/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesJuly 28, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSMinutes: Kim Fortun, Director of UCI EcoGovLab, raised concerns of the pending draftZoning Code Update and how the City plans on addressing the industrial/residentialinterface.CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 14, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, CarlBenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review,and Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealedwithin 10 days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the BasicMeeting Information page for more information). The Planning Commissionrecommendation on Zoning and General Plan amendments, DevelopmentAgreements, Specific Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the CityCouncil for final determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter onJuly 18, 2025 and notices were mailed on July 17, 2025. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT1030 EAST FOURTH STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE(SD84) ZONING DISTRICT, WITHIN THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (UN2)SUBZONE.Project Applicant: Extra Space Properties 103, LLC (Applicant and PropertyOwner).Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permit(CUP) No. 202512 to allow the expansion of an existing selfstorage facility, includingmodifications to the required landscaped yard standards. The applicant is making therequest pursuant to sections 412007 and 41650 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code,which require Planning Commission review and approval of a CUP for the expansion ofan existing selfstorage facility and modifications to regulations set forth for the districtin which the facility is located.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class32, Section 15332 (InFill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines. CategoricalExemption ER No. 202422 will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2025XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANAAPPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 AS CONDITIONED TOALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING, LEGALLY ESTABLISHED SELFSTORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIREDLANDSCAPED YARD STANDARDS AT 1030 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 39846118)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202512 asconditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the applicant. Danny Morris, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.Resident, Sara Al Baqui, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Resident, Nabil Muallem, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Rose Bacinski, on behalf of various residents, provided various public comments viaemail in favor of the project.Resident, Amy Yuan, provided public comment via email in opposition to the project.Commission proposed adding one new condition, which the applicant accepted. Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove with added condition..YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 730SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT NO. 40 (SD40) ZONING DISTRICT. Project Applicant: Jeremy Cole (Applicant), representing Sonia Gonzalez (PropertyOwner).Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No. 202502 to allow an 85squarefoot rear addition to enlarge a bedroom and add a newbathroom, exterior alterations, and an interior remodel to an existing singlefamilyresidence.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical ExemptionER No. 202557 will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2025XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANAAPPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW AMAJOR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTINGSINGLEFAMILY HOME WITHIN THE HENINGER PARK SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT(SD40) LOCATED AT 730 S. VAN NESS AVENUE (APN: 01020315)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202502 as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Jeremy Cole, on behalf of the applicant, spoke on the project.
Resident, Lourdes Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Javier Gonzalez, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Resident, Ginelle Hardy, provided public comment via email in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Karla Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to the
project.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer Oliva
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
5 Planning Commission
7/28/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesJuly 28, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSMinutes: Kim Fortun, Director of UCI EcoGovLab, raised concerns of the pending draftZoning Code Update and how the City plans on addressing the industrial/residentialinterface.CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 14, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, CarlBenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review,and Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealedwithin 10 days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the BasicMeeting Information page for more information). The Planning Commissionrecommendation on Zoning and General Plan amendments, DevelopmentAgreements, Specific Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the CityCouncil for final determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Reporter onJuly 18, 2025 and notices were mailed on July 17, 2025. 1.CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT1030 EAST FOURTH STREET LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE(SD84) ZONING DISTRICT, WITHIN THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD (UN2)SUBZONE.Project Applicant: Extra Space Properties 103, LLC (Applicant and PropertyOwner).Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permit(CUP) No. 202512 to allow the expansion of an existing selfstorage facility, includingmodifications to the required landscaped yard standards. The applicant is making therequest pursuant to sections 412007 and 41650 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code,which require Planning Commission review and approval of a CUP for the expansion ofan existing selfstorage facility and modifications to regulations set forth for the districtin which the facility is located.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class32, Section 15332 (InFill Development Projects) of the CEQA Guidelines. CategoricalExemption ER No. 202422 will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2025XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANAAPPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 202512 AS CONDITIONED TOALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING, LEGALLY ESTABLISHED SELFSTORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIREDLANDSCAPED YARD STANDARDS AT 1030 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 39846118)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 202512 asconditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the applicant. Danny Morris, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.Resident, Sara Al Baqui, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Resident, Nabil Muallem, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Rose Bacinski, on behalf of various residents, provided various public comments viaemail in favor of the project.Resident, Amy Yuan, provided public comment via email in opposition to the project.Commission proposed adding one new condition, which the applicant accepted. Moved by Commissioner Escamilla, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove with added condition..YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass2.SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 730SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFICDEVELOPMENT NO. 40 (SD40) ZONING DISTRICT. Project Applicant: Jeremy Cole (Applicant), representing Sonia Gonzalez (PropertyOwner).Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of Site Plan Review No. 202502 to allow an 85squarefoot rear addition to enlarge a bedroom and add a newbathroom, exterior alterations, and an interior remodel to an existing singlefamilyresidence.Environmental Impact:Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Class1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. Categorical ExemptionER No. 202557 will be filed for this project.RESOLUTION NO. 2025XXA RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANAAPPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 202502 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW AMAJOR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTINGSINGLEFAMILY HOME WITHIN THE HENINGER PARK SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT(SD40) LOCATED AT 730 S. VAN NESS AVENUE (APN: 01020315)Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 202502 as conditioned.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Jeremy Cole, on behalf of the applicant, spoke on the project.Resident, Lourdes Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Resident, Javier Gonzalez, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Resident, Ginelle Hardy, provided public comment via email in opposition of theproject.Resident, Karla Flores, provided public comment via email in opposition to theproject.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 6 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Jennifer OlivaStatus: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff. ADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in theCouncil Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.APPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tendayappeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the dayfollowing the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision orrequirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, orgroup. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the requiredfiling fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of theCommission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observedholiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the nextday City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government CodeSec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a publichearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (orsomeone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received bythe Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
6 Planning Commission
7/28/2025
Planning and Building Agency
Item # XX
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Planning Commission Staff Report
August 11, 2025
Topic: Receive and File Related Bristol Specific Plan 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
(3600 S. Bristol Street)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No.
2023-02 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC, for the property located at
3600 S. Bristol Street.
DISCUSSION
Development Agreement (“DA”) No. 2023-02, associated with the Related Bristol Specific
Plan project (“Project”), between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC
(“Applicant”), for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street (“Project Site”), requires
the Applicant to submit an annual review in the form of an Annual Monitoring Report. The
report must include a progress report on the status of the implementation of the Project
and the new tax revenue generated by the Project, including, but not limited to, topics
including development and construction progress, reporting and tracking of existing and
new uses on the Project Site, economic projections, and tax revenue generation. The
specific contents and recommended formats are outlined in Section 6.1.2 of the DA, and
the requirements and procedures for annual review are specified in Section 6.3 of the
DA.
The Applicant submitted the Annual Monitoring Report by the annual July 1st deadline
this year. The report contains the information required by Section 6.1.2 of the DA and
there are no reportable activities the year. The submission of a complete Annual
Monitoring Report for 2025 is consistent with Section 6.3.1 of the DA and the Applicant
has complied with this requirement in good faith.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the recommended action
to receive and file is exempt from further CEQA analysis pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15060 (Preliminary Review), during which the City has determined that the
receive and file action does not involve the exercise of discretionary powers by a public
agency, and Section 15061 (b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects
which have a potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The action to
receive and file the Annual Monitoring Report does not have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment.
Receive and File Related Bristol 2025 Annual Monitoring Report (3600 S. Bristol Street)
August 11, 2025
Page 2
5
2
2
0
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBITS
1. 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
2.Development Agreement No. 2023-02
Submitted By:
Natalie Liu, Planning Technician
Approved By:
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP, Executive Director, Planning and Building Agency
Related Bristol: Annual Development Agreement Compliance Review
Reporting Period: 2025 – 1st Report
1. Background
2. Development and Construction Summary (Development Agreement 6.1.2.a)
Use Approved (SF/Units/Keys) Completed in Period Cumulative Total Completed Remaining to be Completed Status & Look Ahead
Residential 3,750 Units 0 Units 0 Units 3,750 Units
Hotel 250 Keys 0 Keys 0 Keys 250 Keys
Commercial (New)350,000 SF 0 SF 0 SF 350,000 SF
Senior Living 200 Units 0 Units 0 Units 200 Units
3. Additional Project Component Summary
Use Status & Look Ahead
Parking
Site Development
Public Infrastructure
Design Features
Community Benefits
Plaza
Education, Culture, Arts
4. Economic Projection Summary (Development Agreement 6.1.2.c)
Revenue Category Total for Period Cumulative to Date % Increase Over 2025 Base Year Status & Look Ahead
Property Tax $0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once first development has commenced.
Property Tax in-Lieu of VLF $0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once first development has commenced.
Sales Tax $0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once first retail use is completed and open.
TOT (HVT)$0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once hotel is completed and open.
Business Tax $0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once first development is completed.
Franchise Tax $0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once first development is completed.
Utility Users Tax (UUT)$0.00 $0.00 0% Anticipated to increase once first development is completed.
Reporting Period: 2025 – 1st Report
Reporting Period: 2025 – 1st Report
On November 15, 2024, RCR Bristol, LLC entered into a development agreement with the City of Santa Ana (Development Agreement No. 2023-02). As required by the agreement, ownership must submit an annual monitoring report detailing
the status of the development of Related Bristol and the new tax revenue generated by the project.
The Annual Review shall include a progress report on the status of the implementation of the project and the new tax revenue generated by the Project, including, but not limited to, the following: site development, public infrastructure, project
design features, community benefits, plaza, hotel, residential, commercial, office, parking, and philanthropic activities (Education, Culture, Arts).
Additional project components such as parking, site development, public infrastructure, etc. will be addressed with each Implementing Project.
As of March 10, 2025, RCR Bristol LLC has entered into a Ground
Lease for the Premises and is in compliance with Section 2.4.1 of
the Development Agreement. Additionally, the Project remains on
track and in compliance with timing requirements stipulated by
Section 3.5 in the Development Agreement. Project is currently
targeting to submit its first Implementing Project in 2026, subject
to market conditions.
1
Planning and Building Agency
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Planning Commission Staff Report
August 11, 2025
Topic: The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements and Development Agreement
(1561 W. Sunflower Avenue)
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 2025-01 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations for
the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the
Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2025-01 establishing
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and approving a zone
change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue from Specific
Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 2025-01;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 2025-06 (County
Map No. 2023-159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission’s
determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is inconsistent with the
Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport, including supportive
findings.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Justin McCusker, on behalf of South Coast Plaza, a California general partnership
(“Applicant” and “Property Owner”), is seeking approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the redevelopment of a 17.2-acre site into a mixed-use urban village (“Project”).
The Project site is located along the southern edge of the City of Santa Ana (“City”), on
the northeast corner of West Sunflower Avenue and South Bear Street, transected by
South Plaza Drive. The project site includes 11 addresses (1561, 1611, 1621, 1631, 1641,
and 1661 W. Sunflower Avenue; 3820, 3840, and 3951 S. Plaza Drive; and 3811 and
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 2
3851 S. Bear Street) and seven parcels (412-131-10, 412-131-20, 412-131-21, 412-451-
01, 412-451-02, 412-451-03, and 412-451-04), collectively referred to as 1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue (“Project Site”).
Project entitlements include Amendment Application (AA) No. 2025-01 to establish The
Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (SP-6) and to change the zoning district of the Project
Site from Specific Development No. 48 (SD-48) to SP-6; Vesting Tentative Tract Map
(VTTM) No. 2025-06 (County Map No. 2023-159) to subdivide the Project Site into six
buildable lots; and Development Agreement (DA) No. 2025-01 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project.
In addition, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the
Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR) No. 2025-01 (SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings of
Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Lastly, the Project requires overruling the
Orange County Airport Land Use Commission’s (ALUC) determination that the Project is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP) of John Wayne Airport
(JWA), including supportive findings.
Pursuant to sections 41-592 and 41-667 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC),
approval of a specific plan and a zone change is required by the City Council by ordinance
and the Planning Commission serves as an advisory body. In accordance with Section
65864 et seq. of the California Government Code (Gov. Code), the City Council is
authorized to enter into binding development agreements with persons having legal or
equitable interests in real property for the development of such property. In accordance
with Section 21676 of the Public Utilities Code (PUC), the City Council may overrule
ALUC’s determination by a two-thirds vote if it makes specific findings that the Project is
consistent with the purposes of the State Aeronautics Act. Lastly, pursuant to Section 34-
127 of the SAMC, the Planning Commission is authorized to review and approve tentative
tract maps; however, since the Project requires review of other entitlements by the City
Council, the Planning Commission will serve as advisory body on such matter.
Staff is recommending approval of the Applicant’s request because the Project is
consistent with the General Plan land use designation for the Project Site, implements
the goals and vision of the South Bristol Street Focus Area (SBSFA) of the General Plan,
and provides for a high-quality mixed-use urban village that will contribute community
benefits and new economic development opportunities for the City.
Table 1: Project Location Information and Applicable Code Sections
Item Information
Project Address and Council Ward 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue – Ward 4
Nearest Intersections West Sunflower Avenue and South Bear Street, transected
by South Plaza Drive
Existing General Plan District Center – High (DC-5)
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 3
Item Information
Existing Zoning Designation Specific Development No. 48 (SD-48)
Proposed Zoning Designation Specific Plan No. 6 (SP-6)
Surrounding Land Use
North Multi-family communities of Versailles on
the Lake and Saint Albans
East Commercial Center / Related Bristol
Specific Plan (SP-5)
West Village Creek condominium community in
the City of Costa Mesa
South South Coast Plaza in the City of Costa
Mesa
Property Size 17.2 acres
Existing Site Development
The Project Site is currently developed with the South Coast
Plaza Village commercial center, which consists of
approximately 164,049 square feet of retail shops,
restaurants, offices, and a cinema building. Other
improvements include surface parking and landscaping.
Use Permissions Mixed-use urban villages permissible by the DC-5 General
Plan land use designation.
Municipal Code Section Sections
Affected
Development
Standards
Appendix A, Table LU-A-1 (Interim
Development Standards) of the General
Plan Land Use Element.
Entitlements Sections 34-12, 41-592, and 41-667 of
the SAMC.
DISCUSSION
Project Description
The Project proposes to redevelop the Project Site with a mixed-use urban village on six
parcels. The Project would permit up to 1,583 residential units (encompassing
approximately 1,850,000 square feet of building space) with a projected population of
3,659 individuals (at a 95.9 percent occupancy rate), 80,000 square feet of commercial
space, 300,000 square feet of office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor
and recreation space (of which 7.5 acres will be publicly accessible open space). These
uses would occupy mixed-use, residential, and commercial buildings varying in height
from one to 25 stories. The Project’s focal point is a central commercial area that would
include a variety of commercial uses, such as restaurants, a market, and retail uses, with
additional commercial uses extending through the ground floor of adjacent residential
buildings creating an urban village design. The Project would provide parking to
accommodate residents and visitors by a combination of underground parking, above-
ground structure parking, and on-street parking adjacent to the commercial uses.
Should the Project be approved, construction of the Project would be implemented in five
phases to account for market conditions and to ensure that access, public facilities, and
infrastructure connections are appropriately installed to serve the Project. These phases
may overlap and completion of the Project may take up to 20 years, depending on market
factors. As the requested entitlements would establish a specific plan, individual Project
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 4
phases would be reviewed through the administrative Development Project Review
process, similar to what takes place in other master-planned areas of the City, such as
the MainPlace Mall and Harbor Mixed Use Transit Corridor specific plans, and as
approved for the Related Bristol Specific Plan (SP-5). If individual phases do not satisfy
the development standards and design review requirements of the City, they would be
remanded to the Planning Commission for review.
Table 2: Project Breakdown and Phasing Plan
Phase Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Total
Residential
(Units) 360 513 177 264 269 1,583
Commercial
(Square feet) 73,175 --- --- 6,825 --- 80,000
Office
(Square feet) --- --- --- 300,000 --- 300,000
Parking
(Number of Stalls) 797 719 248 1,298 377 3,439
Publicly
Accessible Open
Space
(Acres)
3.1 2.3 0.4 1.2 0.5 7.5
Proposed Circulation and Mobility
The Project would provide a pedestrian network allowing residents, visitors, and other
users to circulate from one space to another throughout the Project Site, with connections
to the SP-5 area as well. The Project would be designed with three tiers of pathways: (1)
sidewalks, (2) pedestrian paths, and (3) a fitness loop. Sidewalks would provide access
to and from the Project Site, and would allow residents and visitors to walk to nearby
destinations, such as South Coast Plaza. Sidewalks would be parallel to the existing
public roadways and will range in width from five to eight feet. Pedestrian paths would
form the core of the pedestrian network for the Project. All pedestrian paths would lead
to the central commercial area. The proposed fitness loop would be a unique Project
feature providing both a recreational amenity to residents and a functional component of
the pedestrian network. The fitness loop would consist of an outer loop around the
perimeter of the Project Site and an inner loop connecting to proposed gardens, open
space, and retail areas within the Project Site, enabling runners, pedestrians, and other
users to reach every corner of the Project Site.
The Project also proposes a network of bikeways that would enable residents and other
users to travel to and from the Project Site via bicycle. The bicycle network has been
designed in accordance with the planned bikeways identified in the Mobility Element (ME)
of the General Plan, and would include a new Class IV cycle track along West Sunflower
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 5
Avenue and a new Class I bike path along South Bear Street. The Project would also
include amenities throughout the Project Site for users to park their bicycles.
The proposed circulation network would consist of existing public roadways and a new
internal network of private streets and drives that would offer access throughout the
Project Site. Vehicular access to the Project Site would continue to be provided from three
existing public roadways: (1) Sunflower Avenue, (2) Plaza Drive, and (3) Bear Street. The
Project would improve Sunflower Avenue with a new Class IV cycle track, landscape
buffers, and enhanced sidewalks. Improvements to Plaza Drive would include a road
expansion from 64 to 80 feet to accommodate proposed loading zones, center medians,
sidewalks, and landscape buffers. In addition, two new traffic signals would be installed
along Plaza Drive. Improvements to Bear Street would include upgraded bicycle facilities
and a new traffic signal. To address community input during the outreach process, the
Project would also include a new traffic signal at the intersection of Bear Street and
Wakeham Place.
The Project would include a new internal network of private roadways to support mobility
throughout the Project Site. Private roadways fall under three roadway categories: (1)
private drives, (2) private streets, and (3) driveways. Private drives would support the
internal circulation of people and goods for the Project Site. Private streets would provide
the same functions as the proposed private drives but would also provide public entitles,
such as the City and utilities companies, access to the Project Site for utility purposes.
Proposed driveways would provide residents and businesses access to specific building
areas. Private drives and streets would be designed with one travel lane in each direction,
with planting and pedestrian paths on both sides. The private drives and streets would
also provide access to emergency vehicles for fire, ambulance, and police services.
Multiple loading zones are proposed to accommodate passengers and goods. These
include designated passenger loading zones that would create safe and comfortable
entries for passengers that are dropped off or picked up via ridesharing or other modes.
The designated passenger loading zones would be designed to prevent queuing in
vehicular travel lanes. The Project would also include commercial loading zones to
separate the movement of goods from the movement of people and to support businesses
throughout the Project Site.
The Project would provide parking to accommodate residents and visitors that drive to
and from the Project by a combination of underground parking, above-ground structure
parking, and on-street parking. Above- or below-ground structured parking would be
provided for each residential, mixed-use, or office building. Underground and on-street
parking would be provided adjacent to the proposed Village Plaza area, which would
include retail, food and beverage, among other uses. A portion of these parking spaces
would be designated and equipped with charging receptacles for electric vehicles for
residential and nonresidential uses in accordance with the California Green Building
Standards Code (CALGreen). Table 3 on the following page provides a breakdown of the
proposed vehicular and bicycle parking ratios being proposed by the Project.
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 6
Table 3: Proposed Vehicular and Bicycle Parking Ratios
Use Ratio
Vehicular Parking
Office 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet
Residential 1.4 parking spaces per unit (1)
Commercial 4 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet
Bicycle Parking
Residential Minimum of 10 bicycle parking spaces per multi-family building
Commercial 5 percent of the required vehicular parking
Notes:
(1) With Parking Management Plan strategies such as valet services, the Project can accommodate, if needed, a parking ratio
of 2 parking spaces per unit.
Proposed Open Space and Landscape Concept
The Project proposes open space and an immersive landscaping concept as essential
components of placemaking for the Project. At full buildout, the Project would provide a
combined 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space. Approximately
7.5 acres would be publicly accessible open space and 6.3 acres would be private outdoor
and amenity spaces for the residents.
Public open spaces would consist of active spaces, outdoor seating areas, garden
paseos, recreational lawns, and the fitness loop. Private open space amenities would
include outdoor balconies and patios, pools and spas, outdoor kitchens, and communal
gathering spaces. The Project would provide unique areas of active and passive open
space. Active areas would include walkways, programmable roadways, a promenade,
garden paseos, and the fitness loop, which would provide pedestrian and exercise
opportunities and connections to the proposed amenities and retail areas in the Project.
Passive open spaces would include recreation-ready spaces such as pocket parks, a dog
park, and gathering areas including a promenade suitable for outdoor programming, such
as outdoor yoga, fitness classes, gatherings, and outdoor movie nights. In addition, the
Project would be designed with private open space amenities throughout the buildings.
These spaces would provide residents with communal gathering spaces and intimate
gardens; opportunities for recreation; and amenity facilities including pools and spas,
outdoor kitchens, and socializing areas. Additionally, the residential areas would include
other private open space areas such as private balconies and patios.
The Project would include a number of planting zones with a variety of native and drought-
tolerant trees, plants, shrubs, and ground covers to create an immersive garden
experience. The planting zones would complement the architecture of the Project to
create a unique sense of place and foster community gathering.
Infrastructure, Utility, and Other Improvements
The Project would construct new private water mains and private fire hydrants within the
Project Site to service each proposed structure for domestic and fire water purposes. The
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 7
Project would include the construction of an onsite private sewer network that would
convey all sewer flows generated west of Plaza Drive to discharge to an existing Orange
County Sanitation District (OC San) trunk sewer main located along Sunflower Avenue.
Sewer flows generated east of Plaza Drive would connect to an existing OC San sewer
main along Plaza Drive as well as an existing City owned sewer main along Sunflower
Avenue to utilize available existing capacities in the system. The proposed Project
grading and storm drain network would be designed to match existing drainage and flow
patterns to best utilize the capacities available in the existing public storm drain system.
Development of the Project would include the construction of new public water mains, fire
hydrants, and meters. New domestic, irrigation, and fire water service connections for
each proposed structure would be made directly to the existing and proposed public water
mains.
While the Project Site has been fully developed with the current uses, the proposed
Project entails a greater intensity of uses compared with existing operations, and would
therefore require a greater demand on utility systems and public services. Utility
connections and extensions, distribution lines, and collection lines would be extended
and/or upgraded, as needed, from existing infrastructure locations and would be analyzed
during each phase of the Project.
Site and Project Background
Site History
Through the 1960s, uses in the Project vicinity remained mostly for agricultural uses. The
first major retail development in this rural setting occurred in 1967, when former lima bean
producers C.J. Segerstrom and Sons (“Segerstrom Family”) constructed the South Coast
Plaza mall on land just south of the Project Site. In 1973, the Segerstrom Family built the
South Coast Village, current Project Site development, providing an open-air pedestrian
center in the area. The Segerstrom Family still owns the Project Site and has maintained
a long-standing presence in the City and County of Orange since the 1890s.
General Plan Update (2022)
In April 2022, the City Council adopted the General Plan Update (GPU) that established
a long-term vision for the City. The GPU Land Use Element (LU) designates the Project
Site as DC-5 within the SBSFA. Development in the DC-5 designation is intended to
provide urban retail, residential, mixed-use, and employment centers with an intensity of
up to 5.0 floor area ratio (FAR) and 125 dwelling units per acre (du/acre). Mixed-use
projects may be vertical or horizontal with a maximum height of 25 stories.
The SBSFA serves as a prominent southern gateway to Santa Ana. The DC-5
designation envisions transforming traditional auto-oriented shopping plazas into vibrant,
urban villages that prioritize pedestrian, bike, and transit mobility. The SBSFA envisions
a built environment that includes:
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 8
1) New development that establish vibrant public outdoor space appropriately scaled
to the size and type of project;
2) Building designs that are dynamic and strong, creating a distinct impression; and
3) Office and mixed-use spaces of similar scale to those south of Sunflower Avenue.
Project Background
On August 7, 2023, the Applicant submitted the Project to the City for review by the
Development Review Committee (DRC). Since the initial submittal, the Applicant has held
numerous community meetings and has revised the Project to incorporate feedback
received from the community and comments provided by the DRC. Over the last year,
the Applicant worked with staff to finalize technical reports, including the final SEIR.
Project Analysis
Specific Plan No. 6
Pursuant to Section 41-592 of the SAMC, the approval and establishment of a specific
plan requires approval of an ordinance by the City Council, with the Planning Commission
serving as an advisory body. Furthermore, Gov. Code Section 65451 requires that a
specific plan include text and diagrams that specify:
1) The distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land, including open space, in
the area covered by the specific plan;
2) The proposed distribution, location, and extent and intensity of major components
of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal,
energy, and other essential facilities proposed within the area covered by the
specific plan and needed to support land uses described in the specific plan;
3) Standards and criteria by which development will proceed, and standards for the
conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, where applicable;
and
4) A program of implementation measures, including regulations, programs,
infrastructure projects, and financing measures necessary to execute the specific
plan.
The specific plan tool has been identified as the appropriate zoning tool for the Project in
order to implement the vision of the SBSFA of the GPU. The proposed SP-6 for the
Project contains the required components listed above (attached hereto as Exhibit 7). SP-
6 includes the following six chapters:
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 9
1) Introduction. Provides an overview of SP-6, including the Project setting and
background; purpose; authority; and relationship to other relevant plans,
programs, and regulations;
2) Vision and Guiding Principles. Describes the vision and guiding principles for the
Project, along with key features of the urban design and placement elements of
the Project;
3) Development Plan. Establishes the land use plan, buildout summary, and
permitted uses for the Project Site. It also describes the open space and landscape
concepts; pedestrian, bike, and vehicular circulation; and infrastructure such as
water, sewer, and storm drain;
4) Development Regulation. Provides permitted uses and development standards.
Standards include building form, setbacks, building orientation, and open space
requirements. It also includes maximum density and intensity for development,
parking standards, and signage regulations;
5) Design Guidelines. Complementary to Chapter 4, Chapter 5 contains guidelines
related to the design of the Project Site and buildings and information about
architectural materials and landscape inspiration, including a list of recommended
trees, plants, shrubs, and ground cover:
6) Administration and Implementation. Establishes the responsibility, enforcement,
and interpretation of the plan. It also includes processes for the review of phase
developments and modifications and amendments to the plan. This chapter also
covers financing for the Project.
In addition to these chapters, SP-6 also contains supporting appendices that include
governing definitions, summary of general plan consistency, economic and fiscal impact
analysis, traffic circulation analysis, parking management plan, and regulations pertaining
to alcohol sales.
SP-6 is consistent with and was guided by the goals and policies of the GPU.
Furthermore, the applicant is proposing a site plan, mix of uses, architectural design and
landscape concepts, and development regulations in the SP-6 that were informed and
guided by the following seven principles:
1) A Village Community. The Village Santa Ana will offer a unique setting for
shopping, dining, and accessing daily services. Unlike traditional commercial
centers dominated by surface parking, this neighborhood village will be the hub of
activity, designed within a parklike setting that creates an intimate and relaxing
environment.
2) Warm, Timeless, and Iconic Architectural Design. Through high-quality human-
scale design elements, selection of warm materials, four-sided architecture, and
The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan Entitlements & Development Agreement (1561 W.
Sunflower Avenue)
August 11, 2025
Page 10
places for terrace gardens and green walls, the design of the buildings will work
holistically with the landscaping and parklike village atmosphere.
3) Diversity of Outdoor Spaces and Activities at Multiple Levels. People who visit or
live at The Village will find a multitude of unique outdoor spaces for strolling,
reading, dining, meeting friends, exercising, and playing. The retail village common
areas may be programmed for recurring activities such as movie nights, seasonal
events, exercise options such as outdoor yoga, family nights, and other
opportunities for nearby residents. Ground level residential amenities in the
buildings surrounding the retail village will open to the village square and have
amenitized open space as their front yard. Rooftops, terraces, and balconies will
overlook the activities at the ground level and offer an array of amenities for
residents.
4) An Extension of the Arts. There is an array of indoor and outdoor art installations
on Segerstrom properties and others in the area that can virtually or physically
become part of an art walk (such as Noguchi’s California Scenario, Serra’s
Connector, and Perry’s The Ram). The Village Santa Ana will be an extension of
the art walk, showcasing art works in the form of landscaping, stand-alone art
pieces, and local artisan retail. Distinctive architecture and high-quality materials
will contribute to the character of The Village Santa Ana.
5) Activated Streets. Contrasted with the existing site layout, new residential and
commercial buildings will orient toward the streets and retail village and provide
easy access for pedestrians. The streetscape and building setbacks along
Sunflower Avenue, Plaza Drive, and Bear Street, and internal Project roads will be
designed with a cohesive palette of drought-tolerant plants with unique
characteristics, brightly colored flowers, and a mix of succulents and trees.
6) Sustainable Foundation. Planning, design, and development of The Village Santa
Ana is rooted in sustainability. Like prior generations, this new development will
aim to protect and care for the land. Best practices for reduced energy and water
consumption, sustainably sourced materials, and integration of pervious surfaces
along with thoughtful plant selection will support on-site water retention for this
green village community. All of these features and more will ensure a lasting,
sustainable development for generations to come.
7) Balance of Land Uses. The Village Santa Ana will contain a broad mix of land uses
serving regional, community, and local needs. This includes a mix of retail,
restaurant, and entertainment uses that complement South Coast Plaza and
contribute to the local Santa Ana economy. The Village Santa Ana will also help
meet the significant demand for additional housing in the community.
Table 4 on the following page provides an analysis of SP-6 that warrants staff’s
recommendation of approval of the requested action.
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August 11, 2025
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Table 4: Key Issues Analysis
Key Issue Analysis
Scale and Compatibility SP-6 is intended to produce a dynamic, mixed-use village that is integrated
into and respects the surrounding community. The GPU land use
designation of DC-5 for the Project Site allows developments up to 25
stories tall. SP-6 limits building heights to 25 stories and buildings adjacent
to the northern property line will be limited to 8 stories, which is consistent
with the GPU. Furthermore, through the City’s DRC process for each phase
and design guidelines contained in SP-6, new buildings will be reviewed and
designed to be compatible with the existing surrounding uses by including
upper story step-backs and other features to reduce upper story massing.
Density and Intensity The DC-5 designation of the GPU allows a density of up to 125 du/acre and
a maximum FAR of 5.0. SP-6 is consistent with the density and intensity of
the GPU. The Project, as designed, is proposing a density of 93 du/acre and
a FAR of 3.0, below what is permissible. Typical residential densities of
existing multiple-family communities in the area range from 16 to 25 du/acre;
however, SP-6 includes a variety of development standards, design
guidelines, and amenities designed not only to reduce the impact of higher-
density residential development, but to also enhance existing community-
wide amenities for existing residences surrounding the Project Site. The
Project’s density and FAR is comparable with the density of 91 du/acre and
FAR of 2.7 approved for SP-5.
The Project will feature 7.5 acres of publicly accessible open space, which
will be accessible to all Santa Ana residents and programmed with functions
to provide active and passive recreation. The Project also includes private
residential open space and amenity space that will ensure a livable
environment for residents.
Onsite Parking The Project will provide approximately 3,439 parking stalls and the parking
ratios are consistent with newer developments recently constructed and
with the parking ratios approved for the adjacent SP-5. Parking would be
provided through a combination of underground parking, above-ground
structure parking, and on-street parking. Above- or below-ground structured
parking would be provided for each residential, mixed-use, or office building.
Underground and on-street parking would be provided adjacent to the
proposed village plaza area, which would include retail, food and beverage,
among other uses. A portion of these parking spaces would be designated
and equipped with charging receptacles for electric vehicles for residential
and nonresidential uses in accordance with CALGreen.
A Parking Management Plan (PMP), attached hereto as Appendix E of
Exhibit 7, was prepared for the Project to ensure adequate parking is being
provided and managed properly for all residents, tenants, employees and
guests. The PMP identifies how parking stalls will be assigned, how gates
will be managed, and how access (keycard, access codes) for residents,
guests, employees, and the public will be provided. Based on the provided
PMP, sufficient parking will be provided to satisfy the parking demand for
residents, guests, patrons, and employees of the Project. Nevertheless, a
condition of approval requiring the Applicant to implement and enforce the
appropriate parking management strategies recommended in the PMP has
been included.
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August 11, 2025
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Key Issue Analysis
Affordable Housing and
Opportunity Creation
Ordinance (AHOCO)
The City’s inclusionary housing ordinance, known as AHOCO, generally
applies to housing projects proposing five or more units that are also
requesting an increase in allowable density or are located in certain sections
of the City that were “up-zoned,” such as through zone change or general
plan amendment to allow additional residential development after
November 28, 2011. As the Project is located in a section of the City that
meets this threshold (SBSFA), the Applicant’s request is subject to the
AHOCO requirements of production of affordable housing or payment of in-
lieu fees. Pursuant to Sections 41-1903 (Exempt Projects) and 41-1904
(Options to Satisfy Inclusionary Requirements) of the SAMC, the Applicant
has indicated intent to select the option to pay in-lieu fees at a rate of $5 per
square foot of habitable residential area through the requested development
agreement. Based on available figures for the Project and under the current
ordinance, staff’s analysis of the Project indicates the Project could
generate approximately $7,100,000 in in-lieu fees, based on 1,583 units
proposed, unit types/mix, and square footages. Any in-lieu fees generated
by the Project must be spent on production of affordable housing in the City
of Santa Ana.
Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA)
The State has placed an urgent emphasis on housing of all types. Santa
Ana’s RHNA for the current General Plan Housing Element cycle (6th Cycle),
which extends from 2021-2029, includes 3,137 housing units. This
allocation is for housing units to be constructed to support the anticipated
growth in the City over this period.
The City has a proven track record of not only planning for housing but
issuing building permits for the construction of housing at all affordability
categories as demonstrated by exceeding its 5th Cycle (2014-2021) RHNA
by over 2,300 percent. The City is also on pace to meet or well exceed its
affordable housing and other residential development requirements for the
6th Cycle, far outpacing any city in Orange County, as evidenced by issuing
4,441 permits for housing units across all affordability categories, as
detailed in the latest (2024) Housing Element Annual Progress Report,
fulfilling 100 percent of its RHNA for above moderate housing. However,
very-low, low, and moderate housing numbers have not been met and the
Project would assist with AHOCO in-lieu fees that can be utilized to target
the remaining housing categories. SP-6 would assist the City in achieving
its housing goals in a location where high intensity urban development is
both achievable and consistent with the current and envisioned surrounding
urban form.
Amendment Application No. 2025-01
Pursuant to Sections 41-659 through 41-667 of the SAMC, the approval of an amendment
application (zone change) requires approval of an ordinance by the City Council, with the
Planning Commission serving as an advisory body. Amendment applications may be
granted when it can be shown that the request is consistent with the intent and purpose
of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the SAMC, with previous amendments, and it is in substantial
conformance with the General Plan. The Applicant is requesting approval of AA No. 2025-
01 in order to change the zoning designation of the Project Site from SD-48 to SP-6 in
order to guide future development of the Project Site consistent with the GPU and SBSFA.
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Existing Zoning District Designation Proposed Zoning District Designation
The SD-48 zoning district for the Project Site was established in 1989 for the purposes of
facilitating the development of the South Coast Plaza Village. The SD-48 zoning district
does not allow for residential uses and does not provide the means to achieve the goals
and objectives of the Project or the General Plan land designation of DC-5 to produce a
dynamic mixed-use village with residential, commercial, and open space land uses.
Therefore, approval of the requested amendment application to establish SP-6 is required
to implement the vision of the Project and to establish consistency with the General Plan.
Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 2025-06
Subdivision requests are governed by Chapter 34 (Subdivisions) of the SAMC. Pursuant
to sections 66473.5 and 66474 of the California Subdivision Map Act (SMA), applications
for vesting tentative tract maps are approved when it can be shown that findings can be
made in support of the request. Specifically, findings related to the proposal need to be
made that find the project is consistent with the General Plan, the site is physically suitable
for the type and density of the proposed project, the proposed project will not cause
substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish and wildlife
or their habitat, the proposed project will not cause serious public health problems, or the
proposed project will not conflict with easements necessary for public access through or
use of the property, must be made. Using this information, staff has prepared the following
analysis, which, in turn, forms the basis for the recommendation contained in this report.
In analyzing the Applicant’s request, staff believes that the following analysis warrants
approval of VTTM No. 2025-06.
The Applicant is seeking approval of VTTM No. 2025-06 (County Map No. 2023-159) to
subdivide the Project Site into six lots, attached hereto as Exhibit 9. The subdivision will
allow the financing of individual components of the Project Site due to differences in
phasing and funding mechanisms for commercial, residential, mixed-use, service-
oriented, parking, and open space components of the Project. The map also details
roadway and utility improvements, as well as creation of new private roadways on the
Project Site in order to develop the Project Site as a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use urban
village. Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) will be adopted to define the
SP6
SP6
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August 11, 2025
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operating and maintenance requirements. They will also maintain a property owner’s
association responsible for maintenance and enforcement of the CC&Rs and will ensure
that parking and access can be shared throughout the entire Project Site.
In reviewing the Project, staff determined that the proposal, as conditioned, is consistent
with the various provisions of the GPU, SAMC, and SMA. The Project Site is physically
suitable for the type and density of the proposed Project, and the design and
improvements of the proposed Project will not cause substantial environmental damage
or substantially and avoidably injure fish and wildlife or their habitat. Lastly, the design
and improvements of the proposed Project will not cause serious public health problems,
and will not conflict with any easements necessary for public access through or use of the
property within the proposed Project. The Project is located in an urbanized area that is
proposed for redevelopment with additional urbanization in the form of commercial,
service, residential, and open space land uses, and the Project Site is already served by
infrastructure necessary and will be enhanced to support the proposed development.
General Plan Consistency
The Project implements the vision and objectives of the SBSFA by transforming an auto-
oriented shopping center to a walkable, bike-friendly, and transit-friendly urban village
that incorporates a mix of high-intensity office and residential living with experiential
commercial uses. The Project is consistent with the allowed intensity and density of the
DC-5 land use designation of the GPU. The Project also supports several goals and
policies of the GPU. Specifically, the Project is consistent with the following goals and
policies:
• Policy CM-1.6 (Recreation on Private Property) of the Community Element, of
promoting development and use of privately-owned recreation and entertainment
facilities that help meet the needs of Santa Ana residents as the Project would
include publicly accessible open space that would be made available to the general
public through a public access easement with the City and would remain in effect
through the life of the Project. Additional information regarding the required public
access easement is discussed further in the Development Agreement Section of
this report.
• Policy CN-1.6 (New and Infill Residential Development) of the Conservation
Element encourages development that is mixed use, pedestrian friendly, transit
oriented, and clustered around centers. The Project would introduce a mixed-use
urban village and encourage experiential commercial uses that are more walkable,
bike-friendly, and transit-oriented. The Project would create a commercial core
providing for sufficient local serving and destination retail uses, residential
opportunities, workplaces, and entertainment amenities to enable residents and
shoppers to reduce reliance on the automobile.
• Policy EP-3.4 (Complete Communities) of the Economic Prosperity Element
encourages the development of “complete communities” that provide a range of
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August 11, 2025
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housing, services, amenities, and transportation options that support the retention
and attraction of skilled workforce and employment. The Project would implement
the vision of the SBSFA of creating an urban village that includes a range of uses.
The Project would promote a business-friendly environment where businesses
thrive and would facilitate a “complete community” with a range of housing,
services, and amenities and transportation options to support the retention and
attraction of a skilled workforce and employment base.
• Policy HE-1.5 (Infrastructure and Public Services) of the Housing Element (HE)
encourages the development of quality community facilities, physical
infrastructure, traffic management and parking control, and other public services
to promote the livability, safety, and vitality of neighborhoods. The Project would
provide safe access points for pedestrians and bicyclists and would include new
traffic signals along Bear Street and Plaza Drive to improve traffic management.
The PMP would also assist in controlling parking impacts.
• Policy HE-2.6 (Housing Design) of the HE requires excellence in architectural
design through the use of materials and colors, building treatments, landscaping,
open space, parking, and environmentally sensitive (“green”) building and design
practices. One primary objective of SP-6 is to bring high quality design to the
Project Site, focusing on green standards, durable materials and visual integrity
and timeless architecture. The Project would incorporate quality design, from the
larger design of the commercial and residential structures to the small details of
materials, landscaping, pedestrian network, and communal gathering spaces.
• Policy LU-2.1 (Employment Opportunities) of the LU encourages a broad spectrum
of land uses and development that offer employment opportunities for current and
future Santa Ana residents. The Project would include a mix of land uses that will
serve as a catalyst for reinvestment, stimulate economic activity, commerce, and
new development opportunities in and around the SBSFA. The Project would also
have a positive contribution to the local economy through new capital investment,
the creation of jobs, and the expansion of the tax base through the Project’s long-
term investment and commitment to the City of Santa Ana.
• Policy LU-2.3 (Supportive Spaces) of the LU element encourages providing a
diversity of land uses that support residents, visitors, and businesses, such as
open space, areas for community gatherings, and outdoor entertainment venues.
One of the primary goals of the Project is to foster a neighborly environment where
residents can live, work, and recreate in a vibrant village community. The Project
would encourage walkability, safety, shopping and dining and would create
community centric spaces for residents of all ages and abilities.
• Policy LU-2.10 (Smart Growth) of the LU element emphasizes focusing high
density residential in mixed-use villages, designated planning focus areas,
downtown Santa Ana, and along major travel corridors. The Project is located with
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the SBSFA, a planned focus area. The Project would achieve the vision of the
SBSFA of creating high density housing within and along a mixed-use village that
would be the hub of activity, designed as a park-like setting that would create an
intimate and relaxing environment.
• Policy M-1.2 (Balanced Multimodal Network) of the M encourages providing a
balanced and equitable multimodal circulation network that reflects current and
changing needs. The Project would accommodate a variety of transportation within
and to/from the Project Site, including automobiles, walking, bikes, and rideshare.
The Project would include an internal pedestrian network providing multiple access
points along Bear Street, Sunflower Avenue, and Plaza Drive. Additionally, the
Project would include for new bike lanes through and around the Project Site and
bicycle parking stations.
• Policy OS-1.9 (New Development) of the Open Space (OS) Element requires all
new development to provide adequate parks and open space, including via
parkland dedication or development fees, in order to meet the City’s Park standard.
Ensure that new development includes pedestrian and multi-modal travel ways to
promote a quality living environment. For new development within park deficient
and environmental justice areas, prioritize the creation and dedication of new
public parkland over the collection of impact fees. The Project would provide
approximately 7.5 acres of publicly accessible open space, consisting of both
active and passive open space that would be open to the general public through a
public access easement with the City and would remain in effect through the life of
the Project. Additionally, the Project would require 90 square feet of private open
space and 100 square feet of active or passive open space per unit. The Project
also prioritizes open space as a key placemaking feature of the development.
• Policy OS-2.1 (Recreation Variety) of the OS element encourages a variety of
recreation facilities and activities to meet the diverse needs of the community. It
also encourages the need for indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well
as traditional and trending activities. The Project would feature key open space
areas. The Promenade has been designed to draw pedestrians from the residential
area west of Bear Street, South Plaza Drive, and beyond to create a distinct
destination along Sunflower Avenue. The Square is intended to be an intimate hub
for public gathering, events, and relaxation from day to night. Various seating
areas, water features, and experiential lighting and art are envisioned to activate
the Square. A Fitness Loop would encircle and thread through the Project Site and
include special markers to provide a continuous fitness path for residents and
neighbors. The Recreation Lawn has been designed as an area where the
community and their pets can gather and relax in a low-water-grass space.
Moreover, the Project is consistent with and supports Implementation Action No. LU-2.12
(Distinctive Districts) of the LU that requires the development and adoption of specific
plans or corridor plans for each of the five focus areas that establish regulations and
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August 11, 2025
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design standards. A full list of all applicable General Plan goals and policies that support
the Project are attached hereto as Appendix B of Exhibit 7.
Development Agreement No. 2025-01
The Applicant has requested approval of a development agreement, DA No. 2025-01.
Development agreements are contracts negotiated between project proponents and
public agencies, such as the City of Santa Ana, that govern the land uses that may be
allowed in a particular project (Gov. Code Section 65864 et seq.). Although a
development agreement is subject to negotiation, allowable land uses must be consistent
with the local planning policies formulated by the legislative body through its general plan
and consistent with any applicable specific plan, such as the proposed SP-6 (Gov. Code
Section 65867.5). In addition, approval of a development agreement, requires adoption
of an ordinance by the City Council.
To evaluate DA No. 2025-01 and identify priorities for agreement terms, the City Council
formed an Ad Hoc committee in March 2025 comprised of three City Council members.
The Ad Hoc committee met to review the Applicant’s proposed terms, identify community
priorities, and ensure that the final agreement addressed the Ad Hoc committee’s
priorities. While review of a development agreement is a private contractual process, the
extensive community engagement process and routine staff meetings with City Council
members ensured that community priorities were effectively communicated to the Ad Hoc
committee and informed the negotiation process.
DA No. 2025-01 contains an initial term (duration), extension process, community
benefits, indemnification, monitoring and reporting, inclusionary housing, open space,
infrastructure, modifications, and other relevant items, attached hereto for reference as
Exhibit 8. These terms have been crafted to ensure the Project is of high-quality with
positive financial impacts to the City. Table 5 below provides a summary of major deal
points in DA No. 2025-01.
Table 5: DA Major Deal Points
Deal Point Ad Hoc Committee
Recommendation
Proposed by DA
Term (Duration) and
Extension
One 20-year term, and one five-
year automatic extension.
Extension subject to
construction commencement of
no less than 50,000 square feet
of commercial area and 360
residential dwelling units.
Applicant has agreed to this term and
proposed agreement was modified to
capture this change.
Timing of
Development
No building permits for
residential units shall be issued
in excess of 360 residential units
until building permits are
obtained for at least 50,000
square feet of commercial
space.
Applicant has agreed to this term and
proposed agreement was modified to
capture this change.
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Deal Point Ad Hoc Committee
Recommendation
Proposed by DA
Community Benefit
Payments
Accept Community Benefit
Payment of $9,300,000 but
provide a larger upfront payment
and provide payments in less
intervals.
Applicant has revised the proposed
agreement to provide the Community
Benefit Payment in four payments instead
of five and increased Payment No. 1 by
$500,000. Payments will be provided as
follows:
• Payment No. 1 of $2,500,000 prior to
demolition permits being issued;
• Payment No. 2 of $3,600,000 prior to
permit issuance of Phase 2
• Payment No. 3 of $1,300,000 prior to
permit issuance of Phase 3
• Payment No. 4 of $1,900,000 prior to
permit issuance of Phase 4
Open Space Accept the construction of 7.5
acres of publicly accessible
open space to satisfy the City’s
park provision and fee
requirements. The developer
must enter into a public access
easement for the publicly
accessible open space, which
must be recorded against the
Property Site for the life of the
Project.
Applicant has agreed to these terms.
The SEIR prepared for the Project
identifies that the Project will result in a
demand for 11.4 acres of parkland, which
is 3.9 acres more than the 7.5 acres being
proposed. However, the Project will remain
consistent with the General Plan pursuant
to Table OS-3 (Open Space Element
Implementation) of the General Plan,
Action Nos. 1.7 and 1.10. Action No. 1.7,
which recognizes the challenges and
difficulty in creating new open space and
parklands in a built-out environment and
provides for a reduction in on-site open
space by giving credits for park land for
public use as an incentive toward
developer creation of open space areas
that are accessible to the public. Action
No. 1.10 encourages collaboration with
property owners to provide public access
and programming on private open space.
Inclusionary Housing
Fee
Accept payment of $5 per
square feet of habitable space
Applicant has agreed to these terms.
Pursuant to SAMC Section 41-1903(a), the
Applicant has proposed a development
agreement to comply with Section 41-1904
of the SAMC, allowing payment of in-lieu
fees. SAMC Section 41-1904 provides
options to satisfy the AHOCO, including
on-site units, off-site units, and payment of
in-lieu fees. For projects containing 20 or
more units, the in-lieu fee is as high as $15
per square feet, but may be as low as $5
per square feet if determined by a
development agreement or if using skilled
and trained workforce. The in-lieu fees for
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Deal Point Ad Hoc Committee
Recommendation
Proposed by DA
the Project are estimated to be
$7,100,000.
Overrule of Airport Land Use Commission’s Inconsistency Determination
Pursuant to Section 21676(b) of the PUC, on June 19, 2025, the ALUC for Orange County
held a public hearing on the Project and found the Project to be inconsistent with the
AELUP for JWA per:
• Section 2.1.3 of the AELUP for JWA which states that a Determination of No
Hazard to Air Navigation does not automatically equate to a Consistency
determination by the ALUC and that the Commission may find a project
Inconsistent based on an Obstruction determination; and
• Section 3.2.1 of the AELUP for JWA which states that “within the boundaries of the
AELUP, any land use may be found to be inconsistent with the AELUP which …
permits structures of excessive height in areas which would affect adversely the
continued operation of the airport; or permits activities or facilities that would affect
adversely aeronautical operations.”
As a final review authority on legislative acts, the City Council may, after a public hearing,
choose to overrule the ALUC's determination of inconsistency by following the procedure
established in PUC sections 21676 and 21676.5. As part of the GPU, the City Council
adopted a resolution on April 19, 2022, in accordance with the procedure established in
PUC sections 21676 and 21676.5 to overrule the ALUC’s finding that the GPU was
inconsistent with the AELUP for JWA. The action to overrule the ALUC’s decision on the
GPU was based on the desire to advance the vision for the South Bristol Street and 55
Freeway/Dyer Road focus areas, which envision a dynamic, mixed-use environment with
building heights and massing ranging from six to 25 stories.
At their July 15, 2025 meeting, City Council authorized staff to initiate the process for the
City Council to consider the Project and to propose overriding the determination made by
the ALUC by (1) issuing a Notice of Intent to Overrule and (2) giving notice to the ALUC
of its decision to overrule as required by PUC Section 21676(b). On July 16, 2025, the
Planning Division provided a Notice of Intent to Overrule the Commission’s determination
with findings to the ALUC and Caltrans Division of Aeronautics.
PUC Section 21676 permits the City Council, by a two-thirds vote of the members
constituting a quorum, to overrule the ALUC’s determination if it finds that the proposed
project is consistent with the purposes of the State Aeronautics Act. The Act states: “It is
the public interest to provide for the orderly development of each public use airport in this
State and the area surrounding these airports so as to promote the overall goals and
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objectives of the California noise standards…and to prevent the creation of new noise
and safety problems.”
Based on staff’s review of the Project, the Project will not adversely impact the operations
of the airport, the future development plans that exists for the airport, the approaches to
the airport runways, create noise concerns, or create public health, safety or welfare
concerns. Additionally, the Project falls within a level of acceptable risk considered to be
a community norm. Multiple taller structures than those proposed in the Project Site exist
closer to the airport and its runways, notably in the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, and
Newport Beach. Out of an abundance of caution and consistent with past practice, the
Applicant will be required to record an avigation/aviation easement with both the County
and the City to prevent claims, actions or lawsuits for nuisance or interference with the
use of the property against the City and JWA.
Community Engagement and Public Notification
Due to the complexity and scale of the Project, public outreach and notification were
conducted using a variety of manners to engage broad segments of the community.
Community engagement and public notification processes for the Project exceeded the
minimum requirements of the City. Upon submittal of the proposed Project to the City,
staff met with the Applicant to provide information about the various neighborhood
associations, business groups, and other communities surrounding the Project Site. Staff
and the Applicant routinely attended community meetings in the vicinity of the Project Site
to provide updates, receive feedback, and answer questions. Details of the public
engagement component of the Project is also documented within SP-6, attached hereto
as Exhibit 7.
Sunshine Ordinance Community Meetings and Additional Community Meetings
In accordance with Article II.II (Public Meetings for Certain Development Projects) of
Chapter 2 (Administration) of the SAMC, the Project hosted its first Sunshine Ordinance
community meeting on August 23, 2023. Approximately 150 people attended the meeting,
which was held at the Westin South Coast Plaza. The meeting was led by the Applicant’s
community liaison whom gave a presentation on the Project before opening the floor to
questions. The majority of the questions from attendees focused on traffic and parking.
There were also questions about rent versus for sale housing, how the Project would
address affordable housing, and the viability of office space. Questions were addressed
by the Applicant’s team. Meeting materials providing additional information on the Project
including location and history, circulation and parking, architecture and design,
infrastructure systems, land use, and vision and guiding principles were available
throughout the room. Participants were also able to provide comments and questions via
comment cards and sign up for email updates. Following the meeting, the meeting
materials were made available on the City’s Project webpage.
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The second required Sunshine Ordinance meeting was held on November 8, 2023.
Approximately 80 people attended the second meeting, which was held at the Westin
South Coast Plaza. The Applicant’s community liaison led the meeting and gave a
presentation on the Project before opening the floor for questions. The questions covered
topics regarding traffic and parking, project schedule and construction, affordable housing
and rents, and access to future amenities. Similar to the first meeting, participants were
able to provide comments and questions via comment cards and sign up for email
updates. The Project email and website were also promoted. Following the meeting, the
meeting materials were made available on the City’s Project webpage.
In addition to the required Sunshine Ordinance meetings, the Applicant has held and
attended over 100 community meetings, including attending and presenting at large and
small group meetings and individual one-on-one meetings. The Applicant has made
themselves available for feedback from the general public and has returned countless
phone calls, messages, and other correspondences. The Project has a dedicated
community liaison with relationships in the community who has provided and continues
to ensure up-to-date information is available to all members of the community. Lastly, City
staff have made themselves available on a regular basis to answer the community’s
questions about the Project through in-person and virtual meetings.
Online Content
As required by the Sunshine Ordinance, the City also established a Project webpage. The
webpage has been routinely updated with Sunshine Ordinance meeting materials, Project
information, key meeting dates, draft environmental documents, and the draft specific
plan. The webpage also contains the City’s contact information with a direct phone
number and email address to the Case Planner. In addition, the Applicant created a
Project website and email to provide a broad overview of the Project and gather input
from those who could not attend in-person meetings.
Planning Commission Work-Study Session
A Planning Commission work-study session was held on June 23, 2025, during which
members of the Planning Commission were provided a presentation on the Project, its
status at the time of the work-study session, and an opportunity to provide general
comments and pose questions. The public comment portion of the meeting was opened
to allow for any Project-related public comment on the Project.
Mandatory Public Hearing Notification Measures
Project notifications were posted, published, and mailed in accordance with City and State
regulations. Copies of the public notice, including a 2,000-foot notification radius map,
and the site posting are provided in Exhibit 11. In addition, even though the Project Site
is not located within the boundaries of any neighborhood association, staff contacted the
provided contacts for the Sandpointe, South Coast, Republic Homes, Metro Classic,
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Morning Sunwood, Thornton Park, Sunwood Central, and the Rosewood Baker
neighborhood associations to ensure they were aware of the Project and public hearings.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
GPU Final Program Environmental Impact Report (“Final PEIR”)
In April 2022, the City certified the GPU Final PEIR (SCH No. 2020029087) and adopted
the GPU. The GPU Final PEIR is a program environmental impact report that examines
the existing environment and the total scope of environmental effects that would occur as
a result of buildout of the GPU land uses. The GPU Final PEIR, comprehensively
evaluated the potential environmental impacts stemming from adoption of the GPU and
subsequent implementing projects. Moreover, this type of environmental document
allows subsequent implementing activities, such as the proposed Project, to be evaluated
through “tiering.” Tiering refers to the coverage of general matters in broader EIRs, such
as the GPU Final PEIR, with subsequent narrower EIRs or ultimately site-specific EIRs
incorporating by reference the general discussions and concentrating solely on the issues
specific to the EIR subsequently prepared, such as in the case of the Project’s
Supplemental EIR. Tiering is appropriate when the sequence of EIRs is (1) from a general
plan, policy, or program EIR to a program, plan, or policy EIR of lesser scope or to a site-
specific EIR, (2) from an EIR on a specific action at an early stage to a subsequent EIR
or a supplement to an EIR at a later stage.
The Project Site is located within the SBSFA and has a land use designation of DC-5,
which has a maximum FAR of 5.0, a maximum of 125 dwelling du/ac, and a maximum
height of 25 stories. This level of redevelopment was included in the GPU Final PEIR
buildout, and applicable mitigation measures were identified, as necessary, to reduce
impacts. A project is consistent with the GPU if the development density and intensity
does not exceed what was contemplated and analyzed in the certified GPU EIR and
complies with the associated standards applicable to that development density (State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15183(i)(2)).
Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR)
In compliance with CEQA, and as required by Public Resources Code (PRC) Section
21166 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, the City of Santa Ana has prepared a SEIR
that evaluates the potential of the proposed Project to result in new or substantially greater
environmental impacts than previously identified in the GPU Final PEIR. The City’s
certified PEIR examines the impacts associated with buildout of the Santa Ana General
Plan. Once a Program EIR is prepared, subsequent activities within the program or
changes to the program must be evaluated to determine whether additional CEQA
documentation needs to be prepared.
The Project Site is within the SBSFA and development of the site was analyzed in the
GPU Final PEIR at a programmatic level at 5.0 FAR and 125 du/ac assumption per the
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GPU DC-5 land use designation. The Project proposes a phased redevelopment of the
Project Site, consistent with the DC-5 land use designation, and the City conducted
project-level analysis to determine if the development of the Project would involve new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the impacts that were
previously identified in the GPU Final PEIR. Following this project-level analysis, the City
of Santa Ana prepared an SEIR that evaluated the potential of the proposed Project to
result in new or substantially greater impacts than previously identified; applied the
mitigation measures prescribed in the GPU FEIR; and where new or more significant
impacts were identified, included Project specific mitigation measures. In addition, where
impacts could not be mitigated to below a less than significant level, the SEIR made new
significant and unavoidable findings. The Project’s SEIR also provides information
regarding short-term, long-term, direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects of
the Project. It identifies feasible mitigation measures and alternatives that would minimize
or eliminate the potentially significant impacts associated with implementation of the
Project.
SEIR’s Notice of Preparation
On November 3, 2023, the City sent to the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
(LCI) and each responsible trustee agency a Notice of Preparation (NOP), stating that a
SEIR would be prepared for the Project. A total of nine comments were received during
the 30-day NOP review period which began on November 3, 2023, and ended on
December 3, 2023.
SEIR Scoping Meeting
Pursuant to PRC Section 21083.9 and CEQA Guidelines sections 15082(c)(1) and 15083,
the City hosted a public scoping meeting on November 15, 2023, to solicit comments on
the scope of the environmental review of the proposed Project. Approximately 15
residents attended the meeting and raised concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, and
construction noise and debris. These issues were addressed in the Draft SEIR. In
addition, participants were encouraged to submit comments on paper or via email to
ensure inclusion in the draft SEIR and environmental analyses.
Draft and Final SEIR Public Review and Availability
The City determined at the onset of review and preparation based on analyses, the GPU
Final PEIR, existing site conditions, setting, and responses to the NOP, that the Project
would have no impact or a less than significant impact on the following environmental
topic areas and that no further, detailed analysis of these topics was required in the SEIR:
Aesthetics, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Biological Resources, Mineral
Resources, and Wildfire. In particular, with respect to aesthetics, PRC Section 21099
provides that “aesthetic and parking impacts of a residential, mixed-use residential, or
employment center project on an infill site within a transit priority area shall not be
considered significant impacts on the environment.” Here, the proposed Project is located
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in a Transit Priority Area and therefore the SEIR did not include a detailed analysis of
aesthetics. However, a discussion on the topic is included in the Land Use and Planning
section of the SEIR.
For each topical area of potential significance, the SEIR evaluates impacts of the Project,
what was evaluated by the GPU Final PEIR, mitigation measures already in place and
adopted by the GPU Final PEIR’s MMRP, and project-specific mitigation measures.
Section 15126.2(b) of the CEQA Guidelines requires an EIR to describe “any significant
impacts, including those which can be mitigated but not reduced to a level of
insignificance.” Potential environmental effects of the proposed Project and mitigation
measures are discussed in detail throughout Chapter 4 of the Draft SEIR. The Draft SEIR
determined that mitigation measures were required to mitigate impacts to a less than
significant level for the following resource areas: air quality, cultural resources, geology
and soils, noise, and tribal cultural resources.
However, the Draft SEIR concluded that despite the incorporation of all feasible mitigation
measures, the proposed Project would nonetheless result in significant and unavoidable
impacts to recreation. The impacts do not increase the severity of the impacts identified
in the GPU Final PEIR. As detailed in Section 4.12 of the SEIR (Recreation), the City
currently has approximately 1.2 acres of public park and/or recreational space per every
1,000 residents, which is below the City’s parkland aspirational standard of three acres
of parkland per 1,000 residents. Based on the City’s parkland aspirational standard of
three acres of public park and/or recreational space per 1,000 residents, buildout of the
Project results in a need for approximately 11.4 additional acres of parkland to serve the
estimated 3,815 new residents of the Project Site. The 7.5 acres of publicly accessible
open space by the Project would be approximately 3.9 acres less than the City’s parkland
aspirational standard. Although the proposed Project and cumulative projects would be
required to provide park and recreational facilities, private open space, and/or pay in-lieu
fees as required by the SAMC, the impacts related to the amount of parkland within the
City would be cumulatively considerable and cumulative impacts related to parks and
recreational facilities would be significant.
The SEIR also evaluated the following alternatives to the proposed Project that would
feasibly avoid or lessen the proposed Project’s significant environmental impacts while
attaining most of the proposed Project’s objectives: Alternative 1 (No project/No build),
Alternative 2 (Reduced project alternative that reduces the commercial component to
50,000 square feet and eliminates the 300,000-square-foot office), and Alternative 3
(Reduced project alternative with no subterranean parking that would reduce the
proposed residential units to 1,000 units, reduce the commercial component to 25,000
square feet, and eliminate subterranean parking). A detailed analysis of environmental
impacts and feasibility of each alternative is included in the Final SEIR.
A MMRP has been prepared for the Project and is attached to the resolution certifying the
Final SEIR No. 2025-01. A Statement of Overriding Considerations will be necessary
should the City Council decide to approve the Project because of the significant and
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unavoidable impacts to recreation. The Statement of Overriding Considerations and
Findings for the Project is attached hereto as Exhibit A to Exhibit 1.
As required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15087(a), the City filed a Notice of Completion
with LCI, State Clearinghouse, indicating that the Draft SEIR had been completed and
was available for public review. On April 17, 2025, a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the
Draft SEIR was published and the Draft SEIR was circulated for a 52-day public review
and comment period from April 17, 2025, through June 29, 2025. During the public
comment period, copies of the Draft SEIR and technical appendices were available for
review and inspection at City Hall, on the City’s project webpage, and at the Southwest
Senior Center. The City received a total of eight comments from various individuals,
organizations, or government agencies during this period.
On August 8, 2025, the City released the Final SEIR, which contains the Draft SEIR, all
technical appendices prepared in support of the Draft SEIR, all written comment letters
received on the Draft SEIR, written responses to all written comment letters received on
the Draft SEIR, and errata to the Draft SEIR and technical appendices. In accordance
with PRC Section 21092.5, copies of the written responses to public agencies that
submitted comments during the 45-day review period will be forwarded to those agencies
at least 10 days prior to certification of the Final SEIR by the City Council, with copies of
the Final SEIR document. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15089(b), lead agencies
may provide an opportunity for review of the Final SEIR by the public or by commenting
agencies before a project is approved, but is not required to do so; the Final SEIR is
available for review on the City’s website at https://www.santa-ana.org/supplemental-
environmental-impact-report-the-village-santa-ana-specific-plan/, at the Southwest
Senior Center, and at City Hall.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council certify
the Final SEIR and adopt the MMRP for the Project, and adopt CEQA Findings of Fact
and Statement of Overriding Considerations. The entire Final SEIR and all required
components, including comments, responses, detailed analyses, and the MMRP, are
contained within Exhibit 6 of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
The GPU Land Use Element requires projects proposing a zone change, such as the
proposed project, to evaluate economic, fiscal, and community benefits impacts through
various analyses (Policy Nos. LU-2.4, LU-3.1, and Implementation Action No. LU-1.2). In
accordance with the GPU, the Applicant prepared a market, fiscal, and economic
analysis, attached hereto as Appendix C of Exhibit 7, that was peer-reviewed by a City
consultant. The analysis concludes that given the amenity-rich environment of the Project
Site, its location in a market area with higher than average rents, and the relatively low
vacancy rates of nearby mixed-use and multiple-family residential communities, the
Project’s residential, commercial, and office components could be absorbed by the
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market area. The other reports’ conclusions about the proposed Project and its impacts
are outlined in Table 6 below.
Table 6: Key Economic, Fiscal, and Community Benefits Findings
Topic Existing Site Proposed Project Net Change
Key Economic Benefit Findings
One-Time Impacts Not applicable 8,658 city-captured
jobs, including direct,
indirect, and induced
full- and part-time jobs;
$700 million city-
captured labor income;
and $1.1 billion city-
captured economic
output
Not
applicable
Recurring (Ongoing)
Impacts
Estimated 280 jobs 1,167 city-captured
jobs, including direct,
indirect, and induced
full- and part-time jobs;
$133 million city-
captured labor income;
and $119 million city-
captured economic
output
Increase of 887 jobs.
Jobs-Housing Balance 156,000 jobs city-wide;
83,005 housing units
city-wide; and 1.88
jobs-housing balance
157,167 jobs city-wide;
84,588 housing units
city-wide; and 1.86
jobs-housing balance
1,167 jobs resulting
from the project; 1,583
new housing units; 0.02
decline jobs-housing
balance, resulting in a
positive shift toward the
direction of a 1:1 job-
housing balance
Key Fiscal Impacts Findings
Total Annual Site
Revenues to the City’s
General Fund
$525,000 $5,493,100 $4,968,100
Total Annual Site
Expenditures from the
City’s General Fund
(Cost of Services)
$190,000 $2,824,500 $2,634,500
Net Annual Site
General Fund Fiscal
Impact to the City
$335,000 $2,668,600 $2,333,600
Land Residual Value Findings
Total Net Assessed
Value (NAV)
Not applicable $1,265,000,000 Not applicable
Total Costs
Not applicable $1,100,000,000 Not applicable
Excess of NAV over
Costs
Not applicable $165,000,000 Not applicable
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Topic Existing Site Proposed Project Net Change
Community Benefits Impacts Findings
Housing Construction None 1,583 units 1,583 units, assisting
the City with meeting its
RHNA allocations
Community Benefit
Payment
None $9.3 million $9.3 million for
community benefits that
the City Council can
determine how to utilize
Affordable Housing In-
Lieu Funds
None $7.1 million in in-lieu
fees
$7.1 million in in-lieu
fees that can be used
for the construction of
affordable housing in
the City
Publicly Accessible
Open Space
None 7.5 acres 7.5 acres of publicly
accessible open space
that will be made
available to the general
public through an
easement
Urban Design and
Image of the City
Traditional, suburban
shopping center with
surface parking
Contemporary, iconic
mixed-use urban village
with mid- and high-rise
structures, urban
village street network,
bicycle lanes, on-street
parking, outdoor dining
areas, and high-quality
furnishings
Enhancement of the
City at a key gateway
intersection (Bristol
Street and Sunflower
Avenue), capitalizing
on the success of
South Coast Plaza and
adjacency to the I-405
freeway
EXHIBITS
1. Resolution (1) certifying the Final SEIR No. 2025-01 (SCH No. 2020029087) for
the Project, (2) adopting Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of
Overriding Considerations for the Project, (3) adopting a MMRP for the Project,
and (4) approving the Project.
2. Ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2025-01 establishing The
Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and approving a zone change
for the Property Site from Specific Development No. 48 (SD-48) to Specific Plan
No. 6.
3. Ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 2025-01.
4. Resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 2025-06 (County Map No.
2023-159), as conditioned.
5. Resolution overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission’s
determination that the Project is inconsistent with the AELUP of JWA, including
supportive findings.
6. Link to Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
7. Link to The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan and Appendices
8. Development Agreement
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9. Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 2025-06
10. Link to Sunshine Ordinance Meeting Materials
11. Copy of Public Notices
Submitted By:
Jerry C. Guevara, AICP, Senior Planner
Approved By:
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP, Executive Director, Planning and Building Agency