HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140623_2014-13_317NJacksonStROH — 06/23/14
RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -13
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING VARIANCE NOS.
2013 -06, 2013 -07, AND 2014 -02 AS CONDITIONED TO
ALLOW REDUCTIONS IN THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE,
STREET FRONTAGE, AND OFF - STREET PARKING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
317 NORTH JACKSON STREET
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines and declares as follows:
A. Applicant is requesting approval of: Variance No. 2013 -06 to allow a
reduction in the minimum lot size; Variance No. 2013 -07 to allow a
reduction in required street frontage; and, Variance No. 2014 -02 to allow a
reduction in the minimum off - street parking as conditioned for a new
single - family residence on a 3,750 square foot lot at 317 North Jackson
Street.
B. Variance Nos. 2013 -06, 2013 -07, and 2014 -02 came before the Planning
Commission of the City of Santa Ana for a duly noticed public hearing on
June 23, 2014, to consider all testimony, written and oral.
C. Variance No. 2013 -06 has been filed with the City of Santa Ana seeking to
allow a reduction in the minimum lot size for a single - family residence.
1. Section 41- 247.6(a) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code requires a lot
containing one (1) dwelling unit in the R2 district to have an area of
at least 6,000 square feet.
2. The lot was legally subdivided in 1925 which was prior to the
establishment of minimum standards for a lot, and the size and width
configuration is therefore legal nonconforming and is consistent with
other lots in the neighborhood.
3. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41 -638 authorizes the Planning
Commission to grant a variance upon making certain findings:
i. That because of special circumstances applicable to the
subject property, including size, shape, topography, location
or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning ordinance
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 1 of 10
is found to deprive the subject property of privileges not
otherwise at variance with the intent and purpose of
provisions of this Chapter.
The project site has special circumstances related to
its size, shape and surroundings. The lot was created
in 1925 prior to the establishment of development
standards for lots in the City. The lot was legally
subdivided, and is therefore legally nonconforming,
and is consistent with other lots in the neighborhood.
The lots on either side of the subject site are
developed at this time so there is no potential for this
lot to become larger.
ii. That the granting of a variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of one or more substantial
property rights.
The granting of this variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of substantial property
rights. Without the approval of the requested
variances the developable area would be so restricted
as to become infeasible for development and would
remain vacant. The proposed project maximizes the
developable area while minimizing any impacts to any
adjacent single - family residences. The lot was legally
subdivided in 1925 to a size and width configuration
that is legal nonconforming and is consistent with other
lots in the neighborhood.
iii. That the granting of a variance will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding
property.
The granting of this variance will not be detrimental to
the public or surrounding properties. The project has
been designed to meet the applicable development
standards for the front yard setback to minimize the
visual impact on the street. Given these property
restrictions, the proposed residence is consistent in
size with other homes in the neighborhood.
iv. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the
General Plan of the City.
The granting of this variance will not adversely affect
the General Plan. The project has been designed to
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 2 of 10
be architecturally integrated with other single - family
homes in the area and is consistent with the Land Use
Element's Policies 2.10 and 3.5 that supports new
development which is harmonious in scale and
character with existing development in the area. The
development of a single - family residence on this
previously vacant parcel also supports Policy 1.3 of the
Housing Element, which promotes a complementary
mix of land uses that improves the character and
stability of neighborhoods.
D. Variance No. 2013 -07 has been filed with the City of Santa Ana seeking to
reduce the required street frontage in the R1 district. Section 41 -237 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code requires fifty (50) feet of street frontage
measured from the back of the front yard setback in the R1 district.
1. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41- 247.7(a) requires at least fifty
(50) feet of street frontage for lots containing one (1) dwelling unit in
the R2 district.
2. The lot was legally subdivided in 1925 which was prior to the
establishment of minimum standards for a lot, and the size and width
configuration is therefore legal nonconforming and is consistent with
other lots in the neighborhood.
3. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41 -638 authorizes the Planning
Commission to grant a variance upon making certain findings:
i. That because of special circumstances applicable to the
subject property, including size, shape, topography, location
or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning
ordinance is found to deprive the subject property of
privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent and
purpose of the provisions of this chapter.
The project site has special circumstances related to
its size, shape and surroundings. The lot was created
in 1925 prior to the establishment of development
standards for lots in the City. The lot was legally
subdivided, and is therefore legally nonconforming,
and is consistent with other lots in the neighborhood.
The lots on either side of the subject site are
developed at this time so there is no potential for this
lot to become larger.
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 3 of 10
E.
ii. That the granting of a variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of one or more substantial
property rights.
The granting of this variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of substantial property
rights. Without the approval of the requested
variances the developable area would be so restricted
as to become infeasible for development and would
remain vacant. The proposed project maximizes the
developable area while minimizing any impacts to any
adjacent single - family residences. The lot was legally
subdivided in 1925 to a size and width configuration
that is legal nonconforming and is consistent with
other lots in the neighborhood.
iii. That the granting of a variance will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding
property.
The granting of this variance will not be detrimental to
the public or surrounding properties. The project has
been designed to meet the applicable development
standards for the front yard setback to minimize the
visual impact on the street. Given these property
restrictions, the proposed residence is consistent in
size with other homes in the neighborhood.
iv. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the
General Plan of the City.
The granting of this variance will not adversely affect
the General Plan. The project has been designed to
be architecturally integrated with other single - family
homes in the area and is consistent with the Land
Use Element's Policies 2.10 and 3.5 that supports
new development which is harmonious in scale and
character with existing development in the area. The
development of a single - family residence on this
previously vacant parcel also supports Policy 1.3 of
the Housing Element, which promotes a
complementary mix of land uses that improves the
character and stability of neighborhoods.
Variance No. 2014 -02 has been filed with the City of Santa Ana seeking to
allow a reduction in required off - street parking.
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 4 of 10
1. Section 41- 1320(a)(1) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code requires four
(4) parking stalls for a single - family residence, with two (2) stalls
within a garage and two (2) stalls in the driveway.
2. The applicant is proposing to provide a two -car garage with access
from an existing alley.
3. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41 -638 authorizes the Planning
Commission to grant a variance upon making certain findings:
i. That because of special circumstances applicable to the
subject property, including size, shape, topography, location
or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning
ordinance is found to deprive the subject property of
privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent and
purpose of the provisions of this chapter.
The project site has special circumstances related to
its size, shape and surroundings. The smaller lot size
significantly limits the project's ability to meet all
development requirements and provide adequate
parking and open space area. An analysis of
development options concluded that a project meeting
all the development standards in the R2 zone would
restrict development on the parcel to a residence that
is not viable.
ii. That the granting of a variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of one or more substantial
property rights.
The granting of this variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of substantial property
rights. Without the approval of the requested
variance the developable area of the site would be so
restricted as to become infeasible for development
and the site would remain vacant. The proposed
project allows development on a substandard parcel
while minimizing any impacts to any adjacent single -
family residences. The size of the rear yard would be
reduced if the driveway complied with code. Since
private open space is related to overall livability, a
reduction in parking is a legitimate concession rather
than losing additional open space. The lot was legally
subdivided in 1925 and is legal nonconforming as to
lot size as are many of the lots in this neighborhood.
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 5 of 10
iii. That the granting of a variance will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding
property.
The granting of this variance will not be detrimental to
the public or surrounding properties. The project has
been designed to meet the applicable development
standards for setbacks to minimize the visual impact
on the street. Additionally, the garage is positioned
nearest the eastern property line to maintain the
required 20 -foot front yard setback and maximize
open space between the detached garage and house.
Several residences on Jackson Street were
constructed in a similar configuration without a major
impact to the neighborhood.
iv. That the granting of a variance will not adversely affect the
General Plan of the City.
The granting of this variance will not adversely affect
the General Plan. The project has been designed to
be architecturally integrated with other single - family
homes in the area and is consistent with Policies 2.10
and 3.5 of the Land Use Element that supports new
development which is harmonious in scale and
character with existing development in the area. The
development of a single - family residence on this
previously vacant parcel also supports Policy 1.3 of
the Housing Element that promotes a complementary
mix of land uses that improves the character and
stability of neighborhoods.
F. This project was reviewed in accordance with the Guidelines for the
California Environmental Quality Act. The recommendation is exempt
from further review pursuant to Section 15303. A Class 3 exemption
allows for the construction of new, in -fill single - family residence in a zone
which permits residential land uses. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. 2013 -51 will be filed for this project.
Section 2. The Planning Commission, after conducting the public hearing, hereby
approves: Variance No. 2013 -06, as conditioned in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
incorporated herein, to allow a reduction in the minimum lot size; Variance No. 2013-
07, as conditioned in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein, to allow a
reduction in required street frontage; and, Variance No. 2014 -02, as conditioned in
Exhibit "C" attached hereto and incorporated herein, to allow a reduction in the minimum
off - street parking, for a new single - family residence at 317 North Jackson Street. This
decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the above said hearing, which
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 6 of 10
includes, but is not limited to: the Request for Planning Commission Action dated June
23, 2014, and exhibits attached thereto; and the public testimony, all of which are
incorporated herein by this reference.
ADOPTED this 23rd day of June, 2014.
AYES: Commissioners: Alderete, Bacerra, Bauer, Gartner, Mill, Nalle,
Yrarrazaval (7)
NOES: Commissioners: None (0)
ABSENT: Commissioners: None (0)
ABSTENTIONS: Commissioners: None (0)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. C41valho, City Attorney
By:
Ryan O. Hodfc
Assistan City
Chairman
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, ROSA BARELA, Acting Commission Secretary of the Planning Commission, do
hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2014 -13 to be the original
resolution adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana on June 23,
2014.
Date: Uql f`( .11149�
Acting Commission Secretary of the
Planning Commission
City of Santa Ana
Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 7 of 10
Conditions for Approval for Variance No. 2013 -06
Variance No. 2013 -06 is approved subject to compliance, to the reasonable satisfaction of
the Planning Manager, with all applicable sections of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the
California Administrative Code, the California Building Standards Code and all other
applicable regulations.
The applicant must comply in full with each and every condition listed below prior to
exercising the rights conferred by this variance.
The applicant must remain in compliance with all conditions listed below throughout the life
of the variance. Failure to comply with each and every condition may result in the
revocation of the variance.
A. Planning Division
1. The project shall remain in compliance with Site Plan Review DP No. 2013-
23.
2. Any amendment to this variance must be submitted to the Planning Division
for review. At that time, staff will determine if administrative relief is
available or the variance must be amended.
3. Submit a landscape plan for review prior to entering building plan check.
Such plan shall be approved prior to issuance of any building permit.
4. A minimum of one 24" box canopy tree shall be planted in the rear yard.
5. All planting areas must be designed with an automatic irrigation system. A
pop -up sprinkler type irrigation system shall be provided for all yards for
each residential unit. Drip, bubbler, or other low gallonage systems may be
used in buffer areas and narrow strips.
6. The use of "xeriphytic" or dry climate type plant materials is encouraged.
Irrigation systems may require special fittings to properly water dry climate
plantings.
7. All irrigation systems shall be equipped with a controller capable of dual or
multiple station programming.
8. Paving in the rear yard shall be a permanent, decorative material. A
sample shall be submitted to the case planner prior to building permit
issuance.
Exhibit A Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 8 of 10
Conditions for Approval for Variance No. 2013 -07
Variance No. 2013 -07 is approved subject to compliance, to the reasonable satisfaction of
the Planning Manager, with all applicable sections of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the
California Administrative Code, the California Building Standards Code and all other
applicable regulations.
The applicant must comply in full with each and every condition listed below rip or to
exercising the rights conferred by this variance.
The applicant must remain in compliance with all conditions listed below throughout the life
of the variance. Failure to comply with each and every condition may result in the
revocation of the variance.
A. Planning Division
1. The project shall remain in compliance with Site Plan Review DP No. 2013-
23.
2. Any amendment to this variance must be submitted to the Planning Division
for review. At that time, staff will determine if administrative relief is
available or the variance must be amended.
3. Submit a landscape plan for review prior to entering building plan check.
Such plan shall be approved prior to issuance of any building permit.
4. A minimum of one 24" box canopy tree shall be planted in the rear yard.
5. All planting areas must be designed with an automatic irrigation system. A
pop -up sprinkler type irrigation system shall be provided for all yards for
each residential unit. Drip, bubbler, or other low gallonage systems may be
used in buffer areas and narrow strips.
6. The use of "xeriphytic" or dry climate type plant materials is encouraged.
Irrigation systems may require special fittings to properly water dry climate
plantings.
7. All irrigation systems shall be equipped with a controller capable of dual or
multiple station programming.
8. Paving in the rear yard shall be a permanent, decorative material. A
sample shall be submitted to the case planner prior to building permit
issuance.
Exhibit B Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 9 of 10
Conditions for Approval for Variance No. 2014 -02
Variance No. 2014 -02 is approved subject to compliance, to the reasonable satisfaction of
the Planning Manager, with all applicable sections of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the
California Administrative Code, the California Building Standards Code and all other
applicable regulations.
The applicant must comply in full with each and every condition listed below rip or to
exercising the rights conferred by this variance.
The applicant must remain in compliance with all conditions listed below throughout the life
of the variance. Failure to comply with each and every condition may result in the
revocation of the variance.
A. Planning Division
1. The project shall remain in compliance with Site Plan Review DP No. 2013-
23.
2. Any amendment to this variance must be submitted to the Planning Division
for review. At that time, staff will determine if administrative relief is
available or the variance must be amended.
3. Submit a landscape plan for review prior to entering building plan check.
Such plan shall be approved prior to issuance of any building permit.
4. A minimum of one 24" box canopy tree shall be planted in the rear yard.
5. All planting areas must be designed with an automatic irrigation system. A
pop -up sprinkler type irrigation system shall be provided for all yards for
each residential unit. Drip, bubbler, or other low gallonage systems may be
used in buffer areas and narrow strips.
6. The use of "xeriphytic" or dry climate type plant materials is encouraged.
Irrigation systems may require special fittings to properly water dry climate
plantings.
7. All irrigation systems shall be equipped with a controller capable of dual or
multiple station programming.
8. Paving in the rear yard shall be a permanent, decorative material. A
sample shall be submitted to the case planner prior to building permit
issuance.
Exhibit C Resolution No. 2014 -13
Page 10 of 10