HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes (Final) 8.11.25Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
August 11, 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
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.
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.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 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.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 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
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.
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.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 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.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 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 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 CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE 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.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 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.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 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 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 CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE 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.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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, 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 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.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 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 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 CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE 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.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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, 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.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the applicant.Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of theproject.Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom. Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Jennifer Oliva, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff.
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.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 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 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 CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE 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.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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, 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.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the applicant.Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of theproject.Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom. Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Jennifer Oliva, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 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 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the CouncilChamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.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 tospeak. 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 topof 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
8/11/2025