HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-27 - ORDINANCES - ADOPTING A NEGDEC AND APPROVING MC # 19-002 CONSIS (2)ORDINANCE NO. 19-4
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING MASTER
CASE NO. 19-002, CONSISTING OF ZONE CHANGE 19-001, UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
CODE AMENDMENT 19-001, AND SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 19-002, FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOBS CREATION OVERLAY ZONE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following
findings of fact:
A. The City of Santa Clarita (City) periodically prepares updates to the Unified
Development Code (UDC);
B. The City periodically prepares updates to the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan
(ONSP);
C. The City periodically prepares zone changes for the creation of overlay zones:
D. The City's General Plan identifies various goals, objectives, and policies to
enhance the creation of employment opportunities throughout the City;
E. The Land Use Element of the General Plan identifies a goal of creating two new
jobs for each housing unit for projects approved since 2011;
F. The Land Use Element of the General Plan identifies a goal of creating 1.5 jobs
for each housing unit within the City overall;
G. The Economic Development Element of the General Plan indicates that 53
percent of Santa Clarita residents commute outside of the City to their places of employment;
H. The proposed project, Master Case No. 19-002, would create a new overlay zone
within the UDC called the Jobs Creation Overlay Zone (JCOZ). The purpose of the JCOZ is to
incentivize qualifying office and industrial development projects that maximize employment
opportunities and attract businesses within the City's key sectors, including the film and
television, biomedical, aerospace, and technology industries;
I. The JCOZ would be located within eight specific areas of the City and include the
following underlying zones: Regional Commercial (CR), Business Park (BP), Community
Commercial (CC), Mixed -Use Corridor (MX -C), Specific Plan (SP), and Public Institution (PI);
J. The JCOZ would affect properties that are subject to pre-existing Development
Agreements, including the Lockheed Rye Canyon Business Park (Southern California Innovation
Park) and Gate King Business Park (The Center at Needham Ranch);
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K. On May 21, 2019, a duly noticed Public Hearing was held before the City of
Santa Clarita Planning Commission at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 23920
Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA;
L. At this Public Hearing, the Planning Commission considered the staff report, staff
presentation, applicant presentation, and public testimony, and recommended by a vote of 4-0
(with one absence) that the City Council adopt Master Case No. 19-002;
M. At this Public Hearing, as part of the Planning Commission's motion, the
Planning Commission recommended extending the appeal period for decisions by the Director of
Community Development (Director) for qualifying JCOZ projects from 15 days to 21 days;
N. On July 9, 2019, a duly noticed Public Hearing was held before the Santa Clarita
City Council at 6:00 p.m., or later, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA;
O. At this Public Hearing, the City Council considered a staff presentation, staff
report, and public testimony on project.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based
upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration for this project have been prepared in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
B. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comments by affected
governmental agencies and the public, and all comments received, if any, have been considered.
The Negative Declaration was posted and advertised on April 30, 2019, in accordance with
CEQA. The public review period was open from April 30, 2019, through May 21, 2019;
C. There is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on
the environment. The Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment of the City of
Santa Clarita;
D. The location of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of
proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is based is the Master Case No. 19-002
project file within the Community Development Department and is in the custody of the
Director;
E. The City Council, based upon the findings set forth above, hereby finds that the
Negative Declaration for this project has been prepared in compliance with CEQA.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENTS. Unified Development Code Section 17.38.015 (Jobs
Creation Overlay Zone) is added to read as follows:
UDC Section 17.38.015 — Jobs Creation Overlay Zone (JCOZ)
A. Purpose: The purpose of the JCOZ is to support the General Plan objective of
promoting the creation of strong regional and local economies via the implementation of
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strategic land use planning policies. Specifically, the JCOZ will: 1) attract and promote the
creation of high quality jobs within the City's four targeted industries, which include aerospace,
biomedical, entertainment, and technology, and other industries at the discretion of the Director;
2) enhance the City's overall jobs/housing balance; and 3) provide greater employment
opportunities throughout the entire City.
B. Applicability: The JCOZ applies only to the construction of office and industrial
buildings within the defined overlay zone areas. Office projects must have a minimum height of
three stories, and industrial projects must have a minimum height of greater than 35 feet. All
other building types that are not office or industrial buildings, including, but not limited to,
hotels, hospitals, residential buildings, and vertical mixed-use buildings, are not applicable under
the JCOZ.
C. Design Standards: The following standards shall apply to any development under
the JCOZ in addition to the requirements of the underlying zone.
1. Height.
a. Office Buildings. Construction of office buildings between three and five
stories in height shall be permitted without obtaining a Conditional Use
Permit and be subject to Development Review.
b. Industrial Buildings. Construction of industrial buildings between 35 feet, 1
inch and 55 feet in height shall be permitted without obtaining a Conditional
Use Permit and be subject to Development Review.
c. Additional Height. Office and industrial buildings exceeding the maximum
thresholds defined by this section shall require the approval of a Conditional
Use Permit. At the discretion of the Director, architectural treatments may
exceed the maximum height thresholds defined by this section without a
Conditional Use Permit provided that: 1) the addition does not exceed 10 feet
in height; 2) the allowance would be compatible with the architectural design;
and 3) the allowance would provide additional architectural articulation and/or
screening of rooftop equipment that could not otherwise be achieved within
the height thresholds defined by this section.
d. The total height of the structure shall be measured from the lowest point of the
structure to the highest point of the structure. Loading docks that extend
below the grade of the finished floor shall not be counted as the lowest point.
2. Incentives. At the discretion of the Director, any or all of the following incentives
may be applied to applicable projects within the JCOZ:
a. A maximum reduction of required on-site parking of 20 percent;
b. Issuance of a Sign Review permit at no fee;
c. Development Review of on-site structured parking, provided the structured
parking does not exceed the height of the proposed office or industrial
building associated with the structured parking; and
d. Stealth -mounted Wireless Communications Facilities mounted on an office or
industrial building would require a Minor Use Permit. This level of review
applies to Wireless Communications Facilities proposed as part of. any formal
submittal for a qualifying office or industrial building project, or at any time
after such a formal submittal has been received and/or approved by the City.
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Stealth -mounted Wireless Communications Facilities must be incorporated
into the overall building architecture and be completely concealed from public
view.
3. Architecture. As part of the formal submittal, the applicant shall provide full
three-dimensional architectural renderings for the proposed office or industrial
building project.
a. Architecture shall be in conformance with the Community Character and
Design Guidelines.
b. 360 degree architectural treatments shall be included.
c. All renderings shall be in color.
d. Renderings shall demonstrate the building from northern, southern, eastern,
and western elevations, plus other elevations deemed necessary by the
Director.
e. Renderings shall demonstrate the proposed office or industrial building with
associated landscaping at the time of building completion, and at maturity 10
years after the time of building completion.
D. Notification. A public notice shall be provided in compliance with this section.
1. Notice Content. The notice shall include the following information:
a. Action Information.
i. The date action was taken by the Director;
ii. A general description of the City's procedure concerning the conduct of
the action;
iii. A statement that any interested person or authorized agent may file an
appeal of the Director's decision to the Planning Commission; and
iv. The phone number, street address, and website of the City, where an
interested person can call or visit to obtain additional information.
b. Project Information.
i. The name of the applicant;
ii. The application number(s);
iii. A general description of the project and location of the subject property;
and
iv. A statement that the review authority considered the project's
environmental document, if applicable.
2. Distribution. Notice shall be provided as follows:
a. Mailing. Notice shall be delivered on the day action is taken on the project to
the following:
i. Owner(s) and Applicant. The owner(s) of the subject property, the
Applicant, and the applicant's agent, if one has been provided;
ii. Surrounding properties. Unless otherwise indicated in this code, all
owners of property located adjacent to, and directly across the street from,
the exterior boundaries of the subject property, as shown on the County of
Los Angeles' last equalized assessment roll, shall be noticed. If the project
site is located within a multiple tenant commercial or industrial center, all
tenants or property owners, if different, within the center shall also be
mailed the notice.
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iii. Persons requesting a notice. A person who has filed a written request for
notice with the Director within one year prior to the action.
3. Additional Notification Requirements.
a. A written notice shall be transmitted to the City Council and Planning
Commission.
b. Additional requirements as determined by the Director.
4. Failure to Receive Notice. The failure of any person or entity to receive notice
provided in compliance with this section, or with the State Government Code,
shall not invalidate the actions of the review authority.
5. Appeals. If a written request for an appeal to the Planning Commission is received
prior to the close of business on the 21" day after the notice is dated, a Public
Hearing with the Planning Commission shall be scheduled. Appeals shall be
conducted consistent with UDC Section 17.07.040 of this code. If the request for
a Public Hearing is rescinded prior to the noticing of the Public Hearing, no
Public Hearing will be required.
E. Permitted Uses. Permitted land uses shall be in accordance with the underlying
zone for the parcel, as defined by this code. Height, and other design requirements, shall be in
accordance with UDC Section 17.38.015.C.
SECTION 4. AMENDMENTS. Amendments to Chapter 4 of the ONSP are made to
include the following:
ONSP Section 4.2.0103 — Zones Established
5. The Creative District (CD) zone is applied to properties along Pine Street,
southerly of Newhall Avenue, that offer significant potential for a mixture of creative
businesses and business incubation, in addition to current light industry. This zone
benefits from Newhall Avenue access and its adjacency to the future industrial area to the
east. Allowable architectural types emphasize office and/or shop buildings, which may be
served by enclosed yards for outdoor activity. Streetscapes are of urban character, planted
primarily to soften the appearance of industrial structures, activities, and traffic. The
entire CD zone is located within the JCOZ. Projects that qualify for the JCOZ shall
comply with UDC Section 17.38.015.
ONSP Section 4.2.070 — Creative District (CD)
A. Intent. The CD zone is applied to properties along Pine Street, southerly of
Newhall Avenue, that offer significant potential for a mixture of creative businesses and
business incubation, in addition to current light industry. Typical uses include those
commonly found in the Business Park zone. As buildings are designed for their industrial
or commercial function, defined ONSP building and architectural types do not (or may
not) apply. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the ONSP, provisions in the City's
Community Character and Design Guidelines shall guide industrial/commercial
development in the CD zone. The entire CD zone is located within the JCOZ. Projects
that qualify for the JCOZ shall comply with UDC Section 17.38.015. This zone benefits
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from Newhall Avenue access and its adjacency to the future industrial area to the east.
Streetscapes are of urban character, planted primarily to soften the appearance of
industrial structures, activities, and traffic. Parking is accommodated onsite in well
landscaped parking lots that are screened from adjacent streets.
C3. Parking Requirements
• Residential: 2 spaces per unit plus 1/2 space guest parking per unit
• Live/Work: 2 spaces per unit plus required commercial/non-residential parking
• Non -Residential: see UDC
• Qualifying JCOZ projects: see UDC Section 17.38.015
D. Building Profile and Type
1. Building Height
(a) Maximum height: 35'
(b) Where an entire block is to be developed, the maximum height of the
development/structures shall not exceed 55', permitted by right, not including
architectural features.
(c) Qualifying JCOZ projects see UDC Section 17.38.015
3. Frontage Types (See ONSP Section 4.3.020 for definitions and design standards)
None required
SECTION 5. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE NO. 19-002. Based on the
foregoing facts and findings for Master Case No. 19-002, the City Council hereby finds as
follows:
A. That the proposal is consistent with the General Plan;
The JCOZ is consistent with the General Plan including, but not limited to, the following
objectives and policies:
1. Policy LU 1.1.5 -Increase infill development and re -use of under-utilized sites
within and adjacent to developed urban areas:
The JCOZ would encourage infill and redevelopment within existing urbanized areas.
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades, and incentives would
apply to construction of qualified projects on existing improved properties within
urbanized areas.
2. Objective LU 4.1 - Promote the creation of strong regional economies:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction. The proposed JCOZ would incentivize qualifying
projects within its area to develop to their highest and best use. Projects contemplated
by the JCOZ are consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter
buildings and would meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial
market.
Page 6of16
3. Objective LU 4.2 - Promote job creation, focusing on employment generators in
the technical and professional sectors:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction, including the film and television, biomedical,
aerospace, and technology industries. Projects contemplated by the JCOZ are
consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter buildings and would
meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial market.
4. Policy LU 4.2.2 - Achieve a balanced ratio of jobs to housingwith ith a goal of at
least 1.5 jobs per household:
The JCOZ would enhance high-quality employment opportunities throughout the City
by attracting companies within the City's key sectors for business attraction. Because
the JCOZ does not provide incentives for residential projects or commercial land use
that generate employment less intensively, the JCOZ would maximize the City's
ability to improve its ratio of jobs to housing. However, all future qualifying projects
would comply with density requirements of the underlying zone.
5. Objective LU 4.3 - Enhance older commercial and industrial areas:
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades. The incentives
provided would apply to construction and redevelopment of qualified projects on
existing improved properties within urbanized areas.
B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with
all other applicable provisions of the UDC;
The JCOZ would create incentives to enhance high-quality employment opportunities
throughout the City. The JCOZ would be located in the City's most intensive commercial
zone, including Regional Commercial (CR), Business Park (BP), Community
Commercial (CC), Mixed -Use Corridor (MX -C), and the Creative District (CD) within
the Specific Plan zone (SP) of the ONSP. Future qualifying projects within the JCOZ
would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and underlying zone, including
requirements for maximum floor area ratio (FAR).
C. The proposal will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to
the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially
detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity
and zone in which the property is located; and
The creation of the JCOZ includes no new development. As a result, it will not endanger,
jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest,
safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements,
persons, property, or uses in the vicinity and zone in which the property is located. Future
qualifying projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ
and underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a
project -by -project basis.
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D. The proposal is physically suitable for the site. The factors related to the
proposal's physical suitability for the site shall include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for
the proposed use;
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and
underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a
project -by -project basis. The location of proposed areas within the JCOZ were based
on criteria that would incentivize projects that are consistent with the existing
urbanized context and minimize visual impacts from surrounding land uses.
2. The highways or streets that provide access to the site are of sufficient width and
are improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such proposal
would generate;
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and
underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a
project -by -project basis. Future qualifying projects would be subject to maximum
FAR requirements of the underlying zone. The location of proposed areas within the
JCOZ were based on criteria that would incentivize projects that are consistent with
the existing urbanized context. Each area has access to local freeways and major
arterial roadways for purposes of efficient access and goods movement.
3. Public protection services (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc.) are
readily available; and
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and
underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a
project -by -project basis.
4. The provision of utilities (e.g., potable water, schools, solid waste collection and
disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.) is
adequate to serve the site. All areas within the JCOZ are currently equipped with
utilities or access to utilities.
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to all requirements of the JCOZ and
underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a
project -by -project basis.
SECTION 6. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR UDC AMEMNDMENT 19-001. Based
on the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case No. 19-002, the City Council hereby finds as
follows:
Page 8 of 16
A. The amendment is consistent with the adjacent area(s), if applicable;
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying projects
within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and requirements of
the underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA review on
a project -by -project basis.
The location of proposed areas within the JCOZ were based on criteria that would
incentivize projects that are consistent with the existing urbanized context and minimize
visual impacts from surrounding land uses. Specifically, JCOZ areas would be in
commercial locations that minimize proximity to residential uses and are separated from
residential uses by existing topography, distance, landscaping or other natural features,
and/or grade separation.
B. The amendment is consistent with the principles of the General Plan;
The JCOZ is consistent with the General Plan including, but not limited to, the following
objectives and policies:
1. Policy LU 1.1.5 -Increase infill development and re -use of under-utilized sites
within and adjacent to developed urban areas:
The JCOZ would encourage infill and redevelopment within existing urbanized areas.
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades, and incentives would
apply to construction of qualified projects on existing improved properties within
urbanized areas.
2. Obiective LU 4.1 - Promote the creation of strong regional economies:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction. The proposed JCOZ would incentivize qualifying
projects within its area to develop to their highest and best use. Projects contemplated
by the JCOZ are consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter
buildings and would meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial
market.
3. Obiective LU 4.2 - Promote iob creation, focusing on emnlovment generators in
the technical and professional sectors:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction, including the film and television, biomedical,
aerospace, and technology industries. Projects contemplated by the JCOZ are
consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter buildings and would
meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial market.
4. Policy LU 4.2.2 - Achieve a balanced ratio of jobs to housing with aog al of at
least 1.5 iobs per household:
The JCOZ would enhance high-quality employment opportunities throughout the City
by attracting companies within the City's key sectors for business attraction. Because
Page 9 of 16
the JCOZ does not provide incentives for residential projects or commercial land use
that generate employment less intensively, the JCOZ would maximize the City's
ability to improve its ratio of jobs to housing. However, all future qualifying projects
would comply with density requirements of the underlying zone.
5. Objective LU 4.3 - Enhance older commercial and industrial areas:
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades. The incentives
provided would apply to construction and redevelopment of qualified projects on
existing improved properties within urbanized areas.
C. That approval of the amendment will be in the interest of public health,
convenience, safety, and the general welfare, and will be in conformity with good zoning
practices;
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development and, as such, does not conflict with
the public health, convenience, safety, and the general welfare of the public. Because
future qualifying development would be subject to the requirements of the underlying
zone and require CEQA review on a project -by -project basis, the JCOZ is in conformity
with good zoning practices.
D. The amendment is consistent with other applicable provisions of this code; and
The JCOZ is consistent with all applicable provisions of the General Plan, as indicated in
response Section 5B. The JCOZ proposes no new development. However, future
qualifying projects under the JCOZ would be consistent with applicable provisions of the
UDC, as they would be subject to the requirements of the underlying zone.
E. That it is necessary to implement the General Plan and/or that the public
convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practices justifies such an action.
The JCOZ would create incentives within its area to enhance high-quality employment
opportunities throughout the City. This would enhance the City's ability to comply with
the General Plan goal of two new jobs for every new housing unit built since 2011, and
1.5 new jobs for every unit within the City overall. It would also serve to reduce the
number of residents commuting out of the City for employment.
SECTION 7. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
19-002. Based on the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case No. 19-002, the City Council
hereby finds as follows:
A. That the proposal is consistent with the General Plan,
The JCOZ is consistent with the General Plan including, but not limited to, the following
objectives and policies:
Page 10 of 16
1. Policy LU 1.1.5 - Increase infill development and re -use of under-utilized sites
within and adjacent to developed urban areas:
The JCOZ would encourage infill and redevelopment within existing urbanized areas.
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades, and incentives would
apply to construction of qualified projects on existing improved properties within
urbanized areas.
2. Obiective LU 4.1 - Promote the creation of strong regional economies:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction. The proposed JCOZ would incentivize qualifying
projects within its area to develop to their highest and best use. Projects contemplated
by the JCOZ are consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter
buildings and would meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial
market.
3. Obiective LU 4.2 - Promote iob creation, focusing on emplovment generators in
the technical and professional sectors:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction, including the film and television, biomedical,
aerospace, and technology industries. Projects contemplated by the JCOZ are
consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter buildings and would
meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial market.
4. Policy LU 4.2.2 - Achieve a balanced ratio of iobs to housing with a goal of at
least 1.5 jobs per household:
The JCOZ would enhance high-quality employment opportunities throughout the City
by attracting companies within the City's key sectors for business attraction. Because
the JCOZ does not provide incentives for residential projects or commercial land use
that generate employment less intensively, the JCOZ would maximize the City's
ability to improve its ratio of jobs to housing. However, all future qualifying projects
would comply with density requirements of the underlying zone.
5. Obiective LU 4.3 - Enhance older commercial and industrial areas:
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades. The incentives
provided would apply to construction and redevelopment of qualified projects on
existing improved properties within urbanized areas.
B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with
all other applicable provisions of the UDC;
The JCOZ would create incentives to enhance high-quality employment opportunities
throughout the City. The JCOZ would be located in the City's most intensive commercial
zones including Regional Commercial (CR), Business Park (BP), Community
Commercial (CC), Mixed -Use Corridor (MX -C), and the Creative District (CD) within
Page 11 of 16
the Specific Plan zone (SP) of the ONSP. Future qualifying projects within the JCOZ
would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and underlying zone, including
requirements for maximum FAR.
C. The proposal will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to
the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially
detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity
and zone in which the property is located; and
The creation of the JCOZ includes no new development. As a result, it will not endanger,
jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest,
safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements,
persons, property, or uses in the vicinity and zone in which the property is located. Future
qualifying projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ
and underlying zone in which they are located. Future qualifying projects would be
subject to CEQA on a project -by -project basis.
D. The proposal is physically suitable for the site. The factors related to the
proposal's physical suitabilityfor the site shall include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for
the proposed use;
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and
underlying zone in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a
project -by -project basis. The location of proposed areas within the JCOZ were based
on criteria that would incentivize projects that are consistent with the existing
urbanized context and minimize visual impacts from surrounding land uses.
2. The highways or streets that provide access to the site are ofsufficient width and
are improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such proposal
would generate;
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. Future qualifying projects within
the JCOZ would be subject to the requirements of the JCOZ and underlying zone in
which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a project -by -project basis.
Future qualifying projects would be subject to maximum FAR requirements of the
underlying zone. The location of proposed areas within the JCOZ were based on
criteria that would incentivize projects that are consistent with the existing urbanized
context. Each area has access to local freeways and major arterial road ways for
purposes of efficient access and goods movement.
3. Public protection services (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc.) are
readily available; and
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to the JCOZ and requirements of the
underlying zone in which they are located. Future qualifying projects would also be
Page 12 of 16
subject to CEQA on a project -by -project basis.
4. The provision of utilities (e.g., potable water, schools, solid waste collection and
disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.) is
adequate to serve the site. All areas within the JCOZ are currently equipped with
utilities or access to utilities.
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development. However, future qualifying
projects within the JCOZ would be subject to all requirements of the underlying zone
in which they are located, and would be subject to CEQA on a project -by -project
basis.
SECTION 8. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR ZONE CHANGE 19-001. Based on the
foregoing facts and findings for Master Case No. 19-002, the City Council finds as follows:
A. That the modified conditions warranted a revision in the zoning map as it pertains
to the area(s) under consideration;
The JCOZ would apply to eight areas within the City and would assist in achieving goals
and policies identified in the General Plan. In order to preserve the existing urban
context, minimize impacts on residential zones, and provide for efficient goods
movement, areas within the JCOZ were selected by applying five distinct criteria.
Although JCOZ areas would be subject to requirements of the underlying zone, it would
amend these requirements with new incentives for qualifying projects. These incentives
are not applicable to projects that do not qualify, nor are they applicable to projects
outside of the JCOZ. As such, the creation of an overlay zone is warranted.
B. That a need for a proposed zone classification exists within such area(s); and
The JCOZ would apply to eight areas within the City and would assist in achieving goals
and policies identified in the General Plan. In order to preserve the existing urban
context, minimize impacts on residential zones, and provide for efficient goods
movement, areas for the JCOZ were selected by applying five distinct criteria. Although
JCOZ areas would be subject to requirements of the underlying zone, it would amend
these requirements with new incentives for qualifying projects. These incentives are not
applicable to projects that do not qualify, nor are they applicable to projects outside of the
JCOZ. As such, the need for a proposed overlay zone within such areas is warranted.
C. That the particular properties under consideration are a proper location for said
zone classification within such area:
1. That the placement of the proposed zone at such locations will be in the interest of
public health, safety and general welfare, and in conformity with good zoning
practice; and
The proposed JCOZ includes no new development and, as such, does not conflict
with the public health, convenience, safety, and the general welfare of the public.
Because future qualifying development would be subject to the requirements of the
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underlying zone and would require CEQA review on a project -by -project basis, the
JCOZ is in conformity with good zoning practices.
2. That the proposed zone change is consistent with the adopted General Plan for
the areas unless a General Plan amendment is filed concurrently and approved with
said zone change.
The JCOZ is consistent with the General Plan including, but not limited to, the
following objectives and policies:
a. Policy LU 1. 1.5 - Increase infill development and re -use of under-utilized
sites within and adjacent to developed urban areas:
The JCOZ would encourage infill and redevelopment within existing urbanized
areas. The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties
to their highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ
include commercial development that has been in existence for decades and
incentives would apply to construction of qualified projects on existing improved
properties within urbanized areas.
b. Obiective LU 4.1 - Promote the creation of strong regional economies:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment with the City's key
sectors for business attraction. The proposed JCOZ would incentivize qualifying
projects within its area to develop to their highest and best use. Projects
contemplated by the JCOZ are consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate
headquarter buildings and would meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office
and industrial market.
C. Objective LU 4.2 - Promote job creation, focusingoployment
generators in the technical and professional sectors:
The proposed JCOZ would attract high-quality employment within the City's key
sectors for business attraction, including the film and television, biomedical,
aerospace, and technology industries. Projects contemplated by the JCOZ are
consistent with the scale and footprint of corporate headquarter buildings and
would meet the facilities' needs of an evolving office and industrial market.
d. Policy LU 4.2.2 - Achieve a balanced ratio of jobs to housing with a goal
of at least 1.5 jobs per household:
The JCOZ would enhance high-quality employment opportunities throughout the
City by attracting companies within the City's key sectors for business attraction.
Because the JCOZ does not provide incentives for residential projects or
commercial land use that generate employment less intensively, the JCOZ would
maximize the City's ability to improve its ratio of jobs to housing. However, all
future qualifying projects would comply with density requirements of the
underlying zone.
e. Objective LU 4.3 - Enhance older commercial and industrial areas:
The proposed JCOZ provides incentives to develop commercial properties to their
highest and best use. Several of the areas within the proposed JCOZ include
commercial development that has been in existence for decades. The incentives
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provided would apply to construction and redevelopment of qualified projects on
existing improved properties within urbanized areas.
SECTION 9. LOCKHEED RYE CANYON BUSINESS PARK (Ord. 96-22) AND
GATE KING BUSINESS PARK (Ord. 03-10) DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS.
A. Notwithstanding the provisions of these Development Agreements, properties
subject to these agreements may be developed consistent with the provisions of this ordinance,
provided that they are otherwise consistent with the terms of the governing Development
Agreements. Any such development shall not require a further amendment of such Development
Agreements.
SECTION 10. If any portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid, that portion shall be
stricken and severed, and the remaining portions shall be unaffected and remain in full force and
effect.
SECTION 11. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days from its passage
and adoption.
SECTION 12. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall
cause the same to be published as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 27th day of August, 2019.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
DATE:
MAYOR
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 19-4 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a
regular meeting of the City Council on the 9`h day of July 2019. That thereafter, said Ordinance
was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 27th day of August
2019, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miranda, Smyth, Weste, Kellar, McLean
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance No. 19-4
and was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806).
CITY CLERK
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