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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-10 - ORDINANCES - OTNSP AMEND 21-001ORDINANCE NO. 22-7 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE 21-089, CONSISTING OF SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 21-001, AMENDING THE OLD TOWN NEWHALL SPECIFIC PLAN, AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A. 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. Since the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan, which is now referred to as the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan (OTNSP), was adopted in December 2005, the City of Santa Clarita (City) has periodically amended the OTNSP, with the last revision in 2020; B. Since 2005, the OTNSP has been successful in guiding the redevelopment of the Newhall area and has seen substantial investment by the City and private companies that has transformed Main Street into the City's Arts & Entertainment District; C. In 2020, the City applied for and was awarded Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) grant funds. On February 23, 2021, the City awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Dudek for the preparation of updates to the OTNSP; D. The purpose of this amendment is to memorialize the substantial City investments and build upon what has already been accomplished for the next 15 to 20 years. The proposed 2022 OTNSP Update (2022 Update) will maintain the planning framework of the 2005 OTNSP and its subsequent amendments, while revising specific regulations and adopting new ones to reflect the economic and regulatory realities of 2022. The 2022 Update, included as Exhibit A, consists of the goals to assess and inventory the past public and private accomplishments and fine-tune all four chapters; E. On March 8, 2021, the City initiated Master Case 21-089, consisting of Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) 21-001, to update the OTNSP; F. The application was deemed complete on April 7, 2021; G. The preparation of the original OTNSP involved extensive public engagement, field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and design charrettes that occurred between 2004 to 2005. Input received and lessons learned from these activities shaped the 2005 OTNSP's policy framework. Building on the success of the 2005 outreach, extensive outreach was conducted for the 2022 Update as follows: 1. On May 5, 2021, staff met with the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan Ad Hoc Committee to discuss the proposed update. A second meeting was held on Page 1 of 8 January 5, 2022, to discuss the proposed revisions; 2. The first public outreach event was held on June 26, 2021, during the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market, and was structured as a walking tour and survey. Community members and stakeholders were able to experience first-hand the physical environment of Old Town Newhall through a family -friendly walkabout. Attendees joining on the walking tour were provided with a map directing them along the route. Approximately 95 participants engaged during the Farmers Market event and tour, with 29 surveys completed; 3. The second public outreach event was held during the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market on October 9, 2021, and was designed as an outdoor exhibition, with concepts, ideas, and questions related to goals forming the 2022 Update. These concepts were built on the input received during the first workshop and survey, and further explored ideas from the previous plan, while introducing new ideas that could be incorporated in the 2022 Update. Input and ideas from participants in the second workshop helped guide the OTNSP as it relates to arts and entertainment, street activations, development processes, linkages to the Metrolink station, and housing opportunities. Approximately 200 participants engaged during the Farmers Market open house/workshop and provided feedback on draft concepts exhibited during the half -day event; 4. Meetings were held with stakeholders to receive input and feedback, including with the Old Town Newhall Association, property owners, merchants, and City Councilmembers; H. The proposed amendment/2022 Update is attached as Exhibit A; I. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on March 15, 2022, at, or after, 6:00 p.m., at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; J. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed amendment, and in a 5-0 vote, recommended the City Council approve Master Case 21-089, consisting of Specific Plan Amendment 21-001, amending the OTNSP as shown in Exhibit A; K. The project was duly noticed in accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the Unified Development Code (UDC) and a one -eighth page advertisement was placed in The Signal newspaper on April 5, 2022; L. The City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on April 26, 2022, at, or after, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and 4. Page 2of8 M. At the hearing described above, the City Council considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed amendment. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. The Final EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2005021012) was certified by the City of Santa Clarita City Council on November 8, 2005, as part of the original OTNSP adoption, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); B. An Addendum to the EIR was prepared for Master Case 21-089 to analyze the proposed modifications to the originally approved OTNSP and its subsequent amendments, to determine whether implementation of the 2022 Update would result in any new significant environmental impacts not identified in the certified EIR, or whether any previously identified significant effects would be substantially more severe under the 2022 Update; C. The Addendum concludes that the 2022 Update does not require major revisions to the EIR because no new significant impacts or substantial increases in the severity of previously identified significant impacts would occur; D. The documents and other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is made is the Master Case 21-089 project file, located within the Community Development Department, and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; and E. The City Council, based upon the findings set forth above, hereby finds the EIR Addendum for this project has been prepared in compliance with CEQA. SECTION 3. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 21-089. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case 21-089, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan; The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan because the proposed amendment is contained entirely within the existing OTNSP area, which is called out on the City's General Plan map and is not proposed to be modified. The 2022 Update maintains the planning framework of the 2005 OTNSP and its subsequent amendments, while revising specific regulations and adding new ones to reflect the economic and regulatory realities of 2022. B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this code; No construction or development is associated with the proposed amendment and the revisions are considered minor. The proposed amendment does not require a consistency Page 3 of 8 finding with the existing development code because the project would amend/update the --- OTNSP. While no consistency finding is required, the 2022 Update would not alter any development densities. Updates to the zoning designations includes consolidating the two residential zones into one Neighborhood (N) zone and changing the names for what is now called the Arts & Entertainment (AE) and Creative/Business (CB) zones to be more reflective of the City's vision for those areas. The changes are in nomenclature and are considered to be minor in nature, making the proposed amendment consistent with these aspects of the development code. 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 Nothing contained in the 2022 Update would endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public. The proposed amendment consists of updates to the OTNSP and are intended to update the planning document to reflect recent laws, development trends, and to clarify portions of the code where there are inconsistencies or ambiguity. 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, 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; 3. Public protection service (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc.) are readily available; and 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. No development is proposed, or would be approved by this amendment, and any future development that may occur under the revised amendments would require development review and environmental analysis at the time the projects are submitted. The City currently receives adequate service from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The OTNSP area is likewise served by all applicable utilities. Nothing in the 2022 Update would increase the need for fire or police protection services or increase demand for utilities. Page 4 of 8 SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SPA) 21-001. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for SPA 21-001, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. The amendment is consistent with the adjacent area, if applicable, B. The amendment is consistent with the principles of the General Plan, The proposed amendment is consistent with the adjacent area and consistent with the principles of the General Plan. The 2022 Update would not alter the boundaries of the General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map, nor would the proposed amendment change development densities or population projections for the City. Specifically, the proposed amendments would implement the following objectives and policies of the General Plan: Objective L U 1.2: Maintain the distinctive community character of villages and neighborhoods throughout the planning area by establishing uses, densities, and design guidelines appropriate to the particular needs and goals of each area... Policy LU 1.2.1: In Newhall, provide opportunities for new business and housing by implementing the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan, provide incentives to promote infill development and re -use of underutilized sites, and continue to plan for the future development of North Newhall. Objective LU 4.3: Enhance older commercial and industrial areas. Policy LU 4.1.4.- Promote economic opportunity for all segments of the community, including small businesses and new businesses. Policy LU 4.3.4: Promote business development that upgrades and revitalizes older commercial corridors, including Lyons Avenue, Railroad Avenue/Newhall Avenue, Main Street and Soledad Canyon Road, in a manner that reflects reach area's character, architecture, and history. The proposed amendment is consistent with the objectives and policies listed above because it provides an updated planning document that is internally consistent, easier to read, and provides clearer direction. The 2022 Update consists of the goals to assess and inventory the past public and private accomplishments and fine-tune all four chapters. The result would be a more user-friendly Specific Plan for community members, property owners, developers, and staff. It maintains the planning framework of the 2005 OTNSP and its subsequent amendments and preserves the historic and unique character of Old Town Newhall. The updated language and tone reflect the City's vision/goal that Old Town Newhall is the City's Arts & Entertainment District. Page 5 of 8 C. Approval of the amendment will be in the interest of public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare and in conformity with good zoning practice, D. The amendment is consistent with other applicable provisions of this code; and E. Is necessary to implement the General Plan and/or that the public convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action. The proposed amendment supports the public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare of the community, and are in conformity with good zoning practice because the proposed amendment is consistent with the City's vision to preserve the historic and unique character of Old Town Newhall and encourages the growth of the vibrant Arts & Entertainment District. SECTION 5. ADDITIONAL OLD TOWN NEWHALL SPECIFIC PLAN FINDINGS FOR SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SPA) 21-001. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for SPA 21-001, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. OTNSP-1: That the proposed use or project is consistent with the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan; and B. OTNSP-2: That the proposed use or project meets the development requirements for the zone within which it is located including parking, architecture, and ground floor uses. The proposed amendment is consistent with the OTNSP. The updates to the zoning designations, which includes changing the names for what is now called the AE and CB zones, is minor as it does not rezone any properties or expand the OTNSP boundary. Other updates include changes to various uses in the land use matrix, renaming and consolidating building types, reformatting the architectural style guidelines, and providing new parking strategies. These updates resulted in a Specific Plan that preserves the historic and unique character of Old Town Newhall, encourages the growth of the vibrant Arts & Entertainment District, and is consistent with the City's vision. In 2017, the State of California signed SB 2 into law with the purpose of funding and providing technical assistance to all local governments to help cities and counties prepare, adopt, and implement plans and process improvements that streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production. Updates to Specific Plans are allowed by this grant. By consolidating two residential zones (Urban General 1 (UG-1) and Urban General 2 zones) into the N zone, it allows for more housing types. Previously, the only building type allowed in the UG-1 zoned properties was single-family house. With the 2022 Update, those same areas would now allow all types of residential building types; furthermore, it includes more streamlined language, clearer architectural guidelines, and simplified development standards. The revisions to the OTNSP are minor and do not substantially change the development vision of the OTNSP; therefore, the proposed amendments to the OTNSP are consistent with the findings listed above. Page 6 of 8 SECTION 6. Based upon the staff report, including the materials considered by and the recommendations made by the Planning Commission, the testimony at the public hearing, and the findings as set forth in this Ordinance, the City Council hereby approves Master Case 21-089, consisting of Specific Plan Amendment 21-001, amending the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan, as shown in Exhibit A. SECTION 7. 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 8. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days from its passage and adoption. SECTION 9. 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 I01h day May, 2022. ATTEST: CITY CLERK DATE: Page 7 of 8 MAYOR 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. 22-7 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 261h day of April 2022. That thereafter, said ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 1 Oth day of May 2022, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Gibbs, Miranda, Smyth, McLean NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None RECUSED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Weste AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance No. 22-7 and was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806). CITY CLERK Page 8 of 8 1 EXHIBIT A DRAFT 2022 OLD TOWN NEWHALL SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT https://oidtownnewhaii.comUplanupdate/resources/ .•."