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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - METROWALK SP ORD (2)Agenda Item: 4 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: �1 DATE: April 13, 2021 SUBJECT: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM BUSINESS PARK TO SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE METROWALK SPECIFIC PLAN DEPARTMENT: Community Development PRESENTER: Erika Iverson RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council conduct second reading and adopt an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 20-001 (MASTER CASE 20-045) TO AMEND THE CITY'S ZONING MAP AND CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 2840- 004-009 FROM BUSINESS PARK TO SPECIFIC PLAN." BACKGROUND On March 23, 2021, the City Council conducted a Public Hearing to consider Master Case 20- 045, to allow for the establishment of the MetroWalk Specific Plan, consisting of a 498-unit multi -family development at the southeastern corner of Lost Canyon Road and Harriman Drive. After closing the Public Hearing, the City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution to: 1) certify the Final Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment; 2) approve Master Case 20-045 (General Plan Amendment 20-001, Tentative Tract Map 83087, Development Review 20-005, and Architectural Design Review 20-007) and the MetroWalk Specific Plan Document for the development of the MetroWalk Specific Plan; and 3) added a Condition of Approval that the CC&Rs for the development shall include a provision to limit the number of allowable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to the extent possible under the law, and include a provision that any ADU constructed as permitted under the law, shall conform to the same age -restrictions as the lot upon which the ADU is constructed. Page 1 Packet Pg. 26 0 In addition, the City Council voted unanimously to pass to a second reading an ordinance changing the zoning designation from Business Park to Specific Plan to permit the establishment of the MetroWalk Specific Plan. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT There are no direct fiscal impacts anticipated with this project. ATTACHMENTS Ordinance Page 2 Packet Pg. 27 4.a ORDINANCE NO. 21- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 20-001 (MASTER CASE 20-045) TO AMEND THE CITY'S ZONING MAP AND CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 2840-004-009 FROM BUSINESS PARK TO SPECIFIC PLAN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. An application for Master Case 20-045, the MetroWalk Specific Plan Project, was filed by the project applicant, Blumax Santa Clarita, LLC (the "applicant"), with the City of Santa Clarita (City) on April 3, 2020, for the establishment of the MetroWalk Specific Plan, consisting of 498 residential units, associated recreational facilities and privately maintained park. The entitlement requests (collectively "Entitlements") include: 1. General Plan Amendment 20-001 to amend the General Plan Land Use Map in order to designate the MetroWalk Specific Plan Project site as Specific Plan (SP). cc 2. Zone Change 20-001 to amend the zoning map in order to designate the MetroWalk Specific Plan Project site as SP. 0 3. Tentative Tract Map 83087 to subdivide the 20.4-acre MetroWalk Specific Plan Project site into six lots. In addition, lots designated for multi -family housing may be further subdivided for condominium purposes. U 4. Development Review 20-005 to allow for the construction of a multi -family residential development in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Unified Development o Code (UDC), the General Plan, the MetroWalk Specific Plan, and other applicable a� requirements. E U 5. Architectural Design Review 20-007 for the review of the project architecture to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of the UDC, the General Plan, MetroWalk Q Specific Plan, and other applicable requirements. 6. MetroWalk Specific Plan Document for the establishment of the MetroWalk Specific Plan consisting of 498 residential units, community park, and associated site improvements. B. The approximately 20.4-acre MetroWalk Specific Plan Project (Project) site is located at the southeast corner of Lost Canyon Road and Harriman Drive, a private street, and is located within the Business Park (BP) zone and General Plan land use designation. The easternmost portion of the site is within the Santa Clara River Significant Ecological Area (SEA), designated by Los Angeles County and included in the City's SEA Overlay Zone. Page 1 of 8 Packet Pg. 28 4.a C. The current BP land use and zoning designation does not permit the development of multi- family residential units. Therefore, the applicant is seeking a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to allow for the establishment of the MetroWalk Specific Plan. D. Zone Change 20-001 will change the zoning designation of APN 2840-004-009 from BP to SP. E. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA;" Public Resources Code, §21000 et seq.), the City is the lead agency and the City Council is the decision -making body for the Project. F. The City determined that a Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCEA) could be prepared for the Project. The City determined that the following areas must be addressed in the SCEA for the Project: aesthetics, agriculture and forestry resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use, mineral and energy resources, noise, population and housing, parks and recreation, fire protection, police protection, schools, library services, traffic and circulation, solid waste, tribal resources, wastewater and water supply, and wildfire. G. The City prepared a Draft SCEA for the Project. The Draft SCEA was circulated for review a� and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public, in compliance with CEQA. _ Specifically, the Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft SCEA was fled, posted, and advertised on December 22, 2020, and the 30-day public review period ended on January 21, Ix 2021, at 5:00 p.m., in accordance with CEQA. Comments received on the Draft SCEA have c been fully responded to and those comments received after the Planning Commission's review of the Project have been fully responded to prior to certification and approval of the project by �- the City Council, if granted. U H. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed hearing on Master Case 20-045 on February 16, 2021. At the close of the public hearing, the Planning Commission, in a 5-0 vote, O recommended the City Council certify the SCEA prepared for the proposed Project and a approve Master Case 20-045 and its associated entitlements. t I. The City Council held a duly noticed hearing on Master Case 20-045 on March 23, 2021. At a the close of the public hearing, the City Council certified the SCEA prepared for the Project and approved Master Case 20-045 with associated entitlements for the Project. The City Council approved, and passed the ordinance to a second reading on April 13, 2021. SECTION 2. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 20-045. Based on the above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Project SCEA, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports, and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and the City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and the City Council, the City Council finds as follows: Page 2 of 8 Packet Pg. 29 4.a A. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan; The Project is consistent with the Goals and Policies of the General Plan of the City. More specifically, the Project is consistent with the following portions of the General Plan: Urban Form Goal LU1: An interconnected Valley of Villages providing diverse lifestyles, surrounded by a greenbelt of natural open space. The Project is consistent with Goal LU1 as a project that proposes to develop a multi -family project in a transit -oriented and urban portion of the City. The City's General Plan identified properties in the City that were either underutilized or appropriately situated for mixed -use development to concentrate orderly development in an urban environment, while preserving natural open spaces. The Project site is located immediately adjacent to the Vista Canyon Specific Plan area which has development potential of up to 1,100 residential units and 950,000 square feet of commercial floor area, and proximate to the future Vista Canyon Multi -Modal Center with local and regional public transit opportunities. It is largely surrounded by existing residentially developed land. The site is currently vacant, previously disturbed by agricultural activities, and has little remaining vegetation. Development of the site will allow for a residential project consistent with the surrounding properties, providing a variety housing types. Developing the disturbed site will further preserve rural portions of the City and Santa Clarita Valley, concentrating uses in the urbanized area supported by necessary infrastructure. Mixed Land Uses Goal LU2: A mix of land uses to accommodate growth, supported by adequate resources and maintaining community assets. The Project includes 498 residential units in a range of housing types, including for -rent apartment units, townhomes for sale, as well as senior apartments and deed -restricted CO affordable senior apartments, to provide a variety of living options for existing and future residents of the City. The Project site is within walking distance of the future Vista Canyon o Multi -Modal Center with public bus and rail transit opportunities. In addition, the site is located adjacent to the Town Center planning area of the Vista Canyon Specific Plan, which E will offer commercial and retail services within walking distance of the planned residential U development. The pedestrian connectivity to public transit and commercial services will Q reduce vehicle trips to other portions of the City. Healthy Neighborhoods Goal LU3: Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods for all residents. As previously discussed, the Project will provide a mix of residential housing types to serve the diverse housing needs of the existing and future City residents. The Project incorporates a network of pedestrian paths and a community park, providing a walkable and safe pedestrian environment, creating connections to public transportation options and commercial services, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits consistent with the General Plan. Page 3 of 8 Packet Pg. 30 4.a Mobility Goal LU5: Enhanced mobility through alternative transportation choices and land use patterns. The Project locates higher density housing adjacent to the Multi -Modal Vista Canyon Center, which includes a seven -bay bus transfer station and future Vista Canyon Metrolink Station. The Project incorporates a network of pedestrian paths to provide connectivity to transit opportunities and adjacent commercial service opportunities being developed as part of the Vista Canyon Specific Plan. Adequate Sites Goal H1: Provide adequate sites to accommodate the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of new housing units between 2013 and 2021. The RHNA for the City is mandated by State Housing Law and used by local jurisdictions in land use planning to assist in determining how to address existing and future housing needs. The Project site would provide 498 housing units, including age -restricted senior apartments and affordable senior apartments, contributing to the City's RHNA targets for market -rate and affordable housing units. Assist in the Development of Affordable Housing Goal H2: Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low, very low, low- and moderate -income households. The Project provides 49 deed -restricted affordable senior apartments to be rented to low- income households at or below 65 percent of the Area Median Income. The Project conditions require the applicant to enter into an Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement governing and encumbering the Project to ensure long-term affordability of the low-income senior apartments. Equal Housing Opportunities Goal H6: Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability. The Project provides a variety of housing types, including market -rate apartments, senior apartments, affordable senior apartments, and for -sale townhomes. The mix of housing types serves to provide units for the diverse housing needs in the community. Multi -Modal Circulation Network Goal CI: In interconnected network of circulation facilities that integrates all travel modes, provides viable alternatives to automotive use and confirms with regional plans. The Project locates higher density housing adjacent to the Multi -Modal Center with local and regional public bus and rail transportation opportunitie$. This offers residents a convenient and viable alternative to automotive use. Page 4of8 Packet Pg. 31 G 4.a Pedestrian Circulation Goal C7: Walkable communities in which interconnected walkways provide a safe, comfortable and viable alternative to driving for local destinations. The Project is designed with a network of pedestrian connections throughout the site and to adjacent Vista Canyon Specific Plan trails and walkways. The pedestrian paths provide linkages to the Vista Canyon Multi -Modal Center and the planned Town Center area of Vista Canyon that will provide commercial services. B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this code; The Project requires the approval of entitlements consisting of a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tract Map, Development Review and Architectural Design Review, in accordance with the City's UDC. Section 17.37.030 of the UDC establishes the Specific Plan zoning designation. Allowable uses, density, and development standards would be determined by the adopted Specific Plan. With approval of the General Plan Amendment, Zone Change to SP, and the approval of the associated entitlements, the proposed Project would follow the underlying zone and all other applicable provisions of the UDC. 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 Project has been evaluated in accordance with the UDC, as well as the City's General o Plan. The Project has been designed to be in keeping with the provisions of the UDC, as well as the goals and policies of the City's General Plan. The Project has been designed to S complement the surrounding development, specifically the Vista Canyon Specific Plan development immediately north and east of the site. Pedestrian connectivity to the adjacent Vista Canyon development has been incorporated into the Project to promote walkability by providing direct links to public transit and commercial services and reduce vehicle trips. o Finally, the Project has been designed to be consistent with all applicable requirements for law enforcement and emergency services for the site. Therefore, the Project will not impact E the public health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity of the Project site. a 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 Project proposes the establishment of a Specific Plan which will determine the allowable uses, density, and development standards for the site. The Project has been designed to be consistent and compatible with the adjacent Vista Canyon Specific Plan, specifically to provide linkages to the Vista Canyon Multi -Modal Center, as well as to the existing and planned pedestrian trails through Vista Canyon Specific Plan area. With Page 5 of 8 Packet Pg. 32 4.a the Conditions of Approval, the Project will be suitable for the site and the uses entitled with the Project. 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; A detailed traffic analysis was completed to evaluate the impacts of the Project. The traffic analysis has identified signalization and other roadway improvements to ensure the public roadways are sufficiently improved to support the additional Project traffic. The Project Conditions of Approval require the applicable improvements prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. 3. Public protection services (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc) are readily available; and The Project site is located in an established, urban environment that is serviced by existing law enforcement and fire protection services. The applicant will pay applicable fees to the law enforcement and fire protection agencies to assist in offsetting any impacts to the services necessary to properly service the Project. 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. The Project is in a portion of the City that is surrounded by developed communities with access to the necessary utilities to service the site. The Specific Plan includes an o infrastructure development plan to identify necessary on -site and off -site infrastructure improvements to connect to existing supply and support the future development. In addition, a hydraulic analysis was completed for the Project determining that adequate water is available to meet the needs of the Project site. SECTION 3. ZONE CHANGE FINDINGS FOR ZONE CHANGE 20-001. Based on the E L O above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Project SCEA, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, E reports and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and the City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and the City Council, the Q City Council finds as follows: A. Principles and Standards for Zone Changes. The Council shall approve a Zone Change only after the applicant substantiates all of the following required findings: 1. That modified conditions warrant a revision in the zoning map as it pertains to the area under consideration; The Project site is located immediately south and west of the Vista Canyon Specific Plan area. The Vista Canyon Specific Plan has a development potential of 1,100 residential units, 950,000 square feet of commercial floor area, and includes the Vista Canyon Multi -Modal Center with a seven -bay bus transfer station and future Vista Page 6 of 8 Packet Pg. 33 4.a Canyon Metrolink Station. While the Project site was not included as part of the Vista Canyon Specific Plan area, its situation, east of Lost Canyon Road and north of the Metrolink rail line, is contiguous with Vista Canyon. As such, the Project site warrants consideration of a revision to the zoning map as shown on the Zone Change Exhibit (Exhibit A). 2. That a need for the proposed zone classification exists within such area; The proposed change to the zone classification is necessary to allow for the development of the transit -oriented community where higher density housing will be located proximate to local and regional public transportation opportunities. The approval of the Vista Canyon Specific Plan in 2011 has changed the land use in the immediate vicinity, such that the current BP zoning designation on the Project site is out of character with the surrounding land uses. 3. That the particular property under consideration is a proper location for said zone classification within such area: a. That placement of the proposed zone at such location will be in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare, and in conformity with good zoning practice; and The proposed Zone Change would permit the multi -family residential project that is consistent with the surrounding land uses and supports the goals and objectives of the General Plan as described above in Section 2. As such, the proposed Zone Change is in conformance with good zoning practice. b. That the proposed change is consistent with the adopted General Plan for the area N unless a General Plan Amendment is filed concurrently and approve with said zone change. c co A General Plan Amendment has been filed concurrently with the Zone Change request. For the reasons provided above, the Planning Commission can recommend 0 the City Council make this finding. d E SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves this ordinance to allow for a Zone Change for the MetroWalk Specific Plan as described herein and shown on Exhibit A. Q SECTION 5. The list of specific plans found in Section 17.28.110(J) of the Unified Development Code is amended to include reference to the MetroWalk Specific Plan. SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from its passage and adoption. SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law. Page 7 of 8 Packet Pg. 34 4.a PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 131h day of April, 2021. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK DATE 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. 21-_ was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 23`d day of March 2021. That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 13d' day of April, 2021, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the forgoing is the original of Ordinance No. 21- and was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806). CITY CLERK Page 8 of 8 Packet Pg. 35 d U C f6 C_ L 0 .: C d E U M 21 (ueld ayloads MI.M.�I.W O-W-a Pu... S) a.ueulP'p :lua 4-11tl m_ 2 w J W CD 0 000 W z 2i N N d U z 4 `\ . IN, �5 0 I I �1 1 I I I i I I I I 1 1 II I 1 1 l \ �1 �\-------- at I 1 I� II