HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-25 - RESOLUTIONS - APPROVE GP AMEND 22-003 TCSPRESOLUTION NO. 24-39
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 22-003 (MASTER CASE 22-105), FOR THE TOWN CENTER SPECIFIC
PLAN IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA,
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council makes the following findings of fact:
A. The City of Santa Clarita (City) included the Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) (Project)
as part of the Santa Clarita 2025 Plan on March 23, 2021.
B. The TCSP is a long -rang planning document that provides a framework for new
development within the specific plan area (SPA).
C. The TCSP includes the following entitlements:
1. General Plan Amendment 22-003 to amend the General Plan Land Use Map in order
to designate the entirety of the SPA as Specific Plan (SP).
2. Zone Change 22-001 to amend the zoning map in order to designate the entirety of
the SPA as SP.
3. Specific Plan 22-002 to create the TCSP document.
D. The SPA includes approximately I I I acres of largely urbanized land and is divided into
four distinct subareas. The SPA is approximately one mile east of the Interstate-5 freeway
and is generally bounded by Magic Mountain Parkway to the north, Valencia Boulevard to
the south and east, and McBean Parkway to the west, creating a roughly triangular project
site. The McBean Regional Transit Center is directly adjacent to the southwest corner of
the SPA.
E. The four subareas within the SPA include:
Valencia Town Center: Measuring approximately 68 acres in size, the Valencia Town
Center Subarea is the largest subarea within the SPA. The subarea is primarily
characterized by the existing Valencia Town Center Mall, The Patios lifestyle center,
and the eastern portion of Town Center Drive. The total complex includes
approximately one million square feet of retail and commercial space.
• Town Center East: Separated from the Valencia Town Center Subarea by Citrus Street,
the Town Center East Subarea is approximately 23 acres in size and primarily built out
with existing structures and surface parking. The subarea contains approximately
245,000 square feet of public services, office space, personal services, and retail space.
Primary uses include the Valencia Branch of the Santa Clarita Public Library, two
Page 1 of 9
private office buildings, and a small commercial/retail center. Other uses include the
former Santa Clarita Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los
Angeles County Fire Department Station 126, Santa Clarita Superior Court, and
government offices for Los Angeles County.
Town Center Drive: The Town Center Drive Subarea represents a transition from the
retail mall and lifestyle uses associated with the Valencia Town Center Subarea into a
total of 460,000 square feet of office space, entertainment, dining, personal services,
and specialty retail uses that front on Town Center Drive. Prominent land uses include
several office buildings measuring between four and six stories in height with ground -
floor retail, restaurants, and services, a twelve -theater Regal Cinema, several one and
two-story retail/office buildings, and two multi -level shared parking structures. The
subarea is primarily built -out and is approximately 16 acres in size.
McBean and Valencia: At approximately four acres, this is the smallest of the
subareas but occupies a prominent location on the northwest corner of Valencia
Boulevard and McBean Parkway. The majority of the property is vacant, but in 2016
the property was entitled for the construction of a five -story hotel and free-standing
restaurant.
F. The City conducted an extensive public outreach program, including meetings with the
general public, focus groups with the business and development community, in -person
interviews of businesses within the SPA, an online survey and also on the City's social
media platforms.
G. On June 14, 2011, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 11-61, adopting the City's
General Plan, and Resolution No. 11-62 certifying the Final Environmental Impact
Report analyzing the General Plan. The City's General Plan presently designates the
SPA as Regional Commercial (CR).
H. The entirety of the SPA has an underlying zoning designation of CR.
I. The SPA is entirely surrounded by the CR zone with land uses including major retail
centers, automobile dealerships, high -density residential developments, professional and
medical office buildings, and a fuel sales use. Land uses beyond the immediate boundaries
of the SPA include low- to moderate -density housing, and a private golf course.
J. The goals of the TCSP are as follows:
1. Define a Vision for Development: Create a timeless, long-term vision for
development within the SPA that is consistent with the City's General Plan and
Housing Element.
2. Provide a Balance of Land Uses: Create a balanced mix of retail, dining,
entertainment, hospitality, commercial, and residential opportunities to further
establish the SPA as a premier regional destination.
Page 2 of 9
3. Create Great Places: Create a distinct sense of place that is unique to the SPA via
creative use of urban design, iconic architecture, signature vistas, a vibrant public
realm, and gathering spaces.
4. Establish a Flexible Framework: Create a flexible framework for future development
that is practical, buildable, and fosters the potential for numerous development
possibilities.
K. The environmental impacts of the proposed TCSP were reviewed under the CEQA (Public
Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14
California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"). In accordance
with CEQA, the City of Santa Clarita is the lead agency and the City Council is the
decision -making body for the TCSP.
L. The City determined that a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be
prepared for the Project. The City determined that the following areas must be addressed
in the Draft Program EIR (DEIR) for the Project: aesthetics, air quality, cultural
resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous
materials, land use and planning, public services, transportation, tribal cultural resources,
and utilities and service systems.
M. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Project EIR was circulated to affected agencies,
_ pursuant to CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, for 30 days, beginning on December 6,
2023, and ending on January 8, 2024.
N. A duly noticed scoping meeting was held at City of Santa Clarita City Hall on
December 13, 2023 to obtain information from the public as to issues that should be
addressed in the EIR.
O. The City prepared a DEIR, for the TCSP, that addressed all issues raised in comments
received on the NOP. The DEIR was circulated for review and comment by affected
governmental agencies and the public, in compliance with CEQA. Specifically, the Notice
of Availability/Notice of Completion for the DEIR was advertised on March 5, 2024, for a
45- day public review period that ended on April 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in accordance with
CEQA. The comment period was subsequently extended through April 29, 2024. Staff
received written comments throughout the comment period as well as oral testimony at the
April 16, 2024, and May 21, 2024, Planning Commission meetings for the TCSP.
P. The Planning Commission public hearings for the Project were duly noticed in
accordance with the noticing requirements for each of the Entitlements. The Project was
advertised in The Signal newspaper, and through on -site posting 14 days before the
hearing. A courtesy notice was also sent to all property owners east of Citrus Street in
the Town Center East subarea.
Q. The Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public meeting on the Project on April 16,
2024. The Planning Commission opened the public hearing for the Project and received a
presentation from staff on the Project setting, requested Entitlements, and Project
Page 3 of 9
description. Staff also made a presentation on the Draft EIR, and the Planning Commission
received public testimony regarding the Project. The Planning Commission provided staff
with recommendations for minor amendments to the text of the TCSP, asked for additional
information on the California Green Building Code and continue the public hearing to their
regularly scheduled meeting on May 21, 2024.
R. At its duly notice meeting on May 21, 2024, the Planning Commission received a
presentation from staff on the follow-up items from the April 16, 2024 meeting,
and a summary of responses to comments on the DEIR.
S. The Draft Final EIR (DFEIR) includes the DEIR, comments on the DEIR, and the
following: responses to written comments on the DEIR. The DEIR was presented to the
Planning Commission on April 16, 2024, and May 21, 2024. On May 15, 2024, a copy of
the responses to comments from the Draft Final EIR was made available for public review
on the City of Santa Clarita's website.
T. The Draft Final EIR, including a Statement of Overriding Considerations for the
project prepared and circulated in compliance with CEQA.
U. After considering the matter, the Planning Commission by unanimous vote recommended
the City Council adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations for those impacts of the
TCSP that cannot be mitigated to less than significant levels, and recommends certification
of the DFEIR and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP), and approve
the Master Case 22-105 by Resolutions Nos. P24-009 and P24-010, adopted on May 21,
2024.
V. The City Council held a duly noticed hearing on the TCSP on June 25, 2024, and certified
the Final EIR prepared for the TCSP and approved Master Case 22-105 with associated
entitlements for the project.
W. The City Council adopted Zone Change 22-001 and Specific Plan 22-002 via a
separate ordinance.
X. The location of the documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings
upon which the decision of the City Council is based, for the Master Case 22-105 project
file, with the Community Development Department; the record specifically is in the
custody of the Director of Community Development.
SECTION 2. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 22-105. Based on the above
findings of fact and recitals and the entire administrative record, including, without limitation,
the entire TCSP DEIR, oral and written testimony, and other evidence received at the public
hearings, reports, and other transmittals from City staff to the City Council, and upon studies
and investigations made by the City Council, the City Council finds, as follows:
1. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan;
The TCSP is consistent with the following Goals, Policies and Objectives
Page 4 of 9
identified within the General Plan:
Policy LU 1.1.5: Increase infill development and re -use of underutilized sites within,
and adjacent to, developed urban areas to achieve maximum benefit from existing
infrastructure and minimize loss of open space, through re -designation of vacant sites
for higher density and mixed use, where appropriate.
Policy LU 1.2.2: In Valencia, promote business development, job creation, and
expansion of regional commercial, civic, cultural, and entertainment uses, to create a
vibrant Town Center serving as a community focal point for the entire Santa Clarita
Valley.
Policy LU 4.1.1: Promote expansion and enhancement of the Valencia Town Center
to provide a focal point for cultural, civic, educational, and shopping activities serving
the entire Santa Clarita Valley.
Policy LU 4.1.3: Direct business creation and expansion for larger companies within
and adjacent to existing and planned business centers and major transportation
corridors.
Policy LU 4.2.3: Encourage businesses to locate in all appropriate areas of
the community to encourage job creation in closer proximity to workforce
housing.
Policy C 1.2.1: Develop coordinated plans for land use, circulation, and transit
to promote transit -oriented development that concentrates higher density
housing, employment, and commercial areas in proximity to transit corridors.
Policy CO 1.5.5: Promote concentration of urban uses within the center of the Santa
Clarita Valley through incentives for infill development and rebuilding, in order to
limit impacts to open space, habitats, watersheds, hillsides, and other components of
the Valley's natural ecosystems.
2. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with
all other applicable provisions of this code;
The underlying General Plan Land Use and Zoning designation for the entirety of
the SPA is Regional Commercial (CR). The CR zone contemplates the highest
intensity of commercial and residential development in the City, with a maximum
floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.0 and a maximum of 50 residential units per acre,
respectively. All future development within the SPA will be consistent with the
_ specifications of the CR zone regarding unit density and FAR. As such, the TCSP is
consistent with the General Plan regarding the type and intensity of development
contemplated within the SPA.
Page 5 of 9
3. 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 TCSP provides a long-term vision for development within the SPA and
supersedes applicable portions of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (SCMC).
However, the TCSP will be consistent with specifications of the underlying zone for
both commercial floor area and residential density. The TCSP is consistent with the
level and development intensity contemplated by the General Plan. No new
construction is associated with the approval of the TCSP itself, and any future
development projects proposed within the SPA will be subject to both the
requirements and standards of the plan itself as well as the SCMC.
4. 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:
a. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for
the proposed use;
The underlying General Plan Land Use and Zoning designation for the entirety of
the SPA is Regional Commercial (CR). The CR zone contemplates the highest
intensity of commercial and residential development in the City, with a maximum
floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.0 and a maximum of 50 residential units per acre,
respectively. All future development within the SPA will be consistent with the
specifications of the CR zone regarding unit density and FAR. The TCSP is
consistent with the General Plan regarding the type and intensity of development
contemplated within the SPA.
b. 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;
Because the SPA is located within one-half of a mile of the McBean Regional
Transit Center, an identified major transit stop, and because the TCSP represents
a regulatory document that will create a mix of uses with emphasis on alternative
transportation within the urban center of Santa Clarita, the City's vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) ordinance screens out the project from further analysis. Hence,
the TCSP will not result in a significant impact to VMT.
Projects that propose new construction will be required to provide a traffic
analysis that identifies impacts to level of service (LOS). Mitigation measures
will be required on a project -by -project basis that may include, but not be limited
to, physical improvements to intersections, roadways, and/or adjustments to
traffic signal timing.
Page 6 of 9
c. Public protection services (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriffprotection, etc.) are
readily available; and
Impacts to public services were analyzed as part of the DEIR prepared for the
project and determined that they would be less than significant.
d. 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.
Impacts to the provision of utilities were analyzed as part of the DEIR prepared
for the project and determined that they would be less than significant.
SECTION 3. SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 22-105.
A text amendment to the General Plan and an amendment to the General Plan Land Use Map is
attached as Exhibit "A" and Exhibit `B", respectively, and incorporated by reference. Based on
the above findings and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire DEIR, oral and
written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports and other
transmittals from City staff to the City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by
the City Council, the City Council finds, as follows:
A. Properties which benefit from increased density or intensity of development resulting
from the General Plan Amendment shall fully mitigate their increased sewer impact at
the time that development occurs on the properties.
The TCSP is long-range planning document that provides a vision for future
development within the SPA. No new construction is included with the proposal. The
DEIR included an analysis of the provision of public utilities and determined that he
project would not create a significant impact. All new construction projects would be
required to complete all necessary technical studies and connect to the sanitary sewer
system on a case -by -case basis.
B. The proposed General Plan amendment is consistent with other elements of the
City's General Plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65300.5;
The General Plan identifies the Valencia Town Center area as a "major [center] of the
community" and "... a focal point for cultural, civic, educational, and shopping
activities serving the entire Santa Clarita Valley. "
The proposed General Plan amendment is consistent with the goals, policies and
objectives of other elements of the City's General Plan and will maintain integrated,
consistent and compatible policies. Specifically, as discussed in Section 2 above, the
Land Use Element, Circulation Element and Conservation Element include goals,
objectives, and policies that increase opportunities for infill development, a:omote
strengthening the local economy, promote the SPA as a regional destination. actively
direct and incentivize high quality employers to the SPA, encourage a mixture of
Page 7 of 9
residential and commercial uses that are transit and pedestrian oriented, and focus
development away from natural areas within the Santa Clarita Valley.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves Master Case 22-105, including
General Plan Amendment 22-003, for the Town Center Specific Plan.
SECTION 5. RELIANCE ON RECORD. Each and every one of the findings and
determinations in this resolution are based on the competent and substantial evidence, both
oral and written, contained in the entire record relating to the project. The findings and
determinations constitute the independent findings and determinations of the City Council in
all respects and are fully and completely supported by substantial evidence in the record as a
whole.
SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS. The City Council's analysis and evaluation of the project is
based on the best information currently available. It is inevitable that in evaluating a project
that absolute and perfect knowledge of all possible aspects of the project will not exist. One of
the major limitations on analysis of the project is the City Council's lack of knowledge of
future events. In all instances, best efforts have been made to form accurate assumptions.
Somewhat related to this are the limitations on the City's ability to solve what are in effect
regional, state, and national problems and issues. The City must work within the political
framework within which it exists and with the limitations inherent in that framework.
SECTION 7. SUMMARIES OF INFORMATION. All summaries of information in
the findings, which precede this section, are based on the substantial evidence in the
record. The absence of any particular fact from any such summary is not an indication that
a particular finding is not based in part on that fact.
SECTION 8. A copy of this resolution will be mailed to the Applicant and to any
other person requesting a copy.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and certify
this record to be a full, complete, and correct copy of the action taken.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 251h day of June, 2024.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK,
DATE:
MAYOR
Page 8 of 9
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 Resolution No. 24-39 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 251h day of June, 2024, by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
McLean, Weste, Gibbs, Miranda, Smyth
None
None
C
CITY CLERK
Page 9 of 9
EXHIBIT A:
.r
TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA GENERAL
PLAN
The following language would be included in the Land Use Element of the General Plan, under Item F,
Specific Plans, Approved Specific Plans:
The Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) was adopted in 2024 and encompasses
approximately 111 acres of land in the community of Valencia. The specific plan area is
bound by Magic Mountain Parkway to the north, Valencia Boulevard to the south and east,
and by McBean Parkway to the west, with a 3.7-acre portion of the TCSP area located
adjacent to the McBean Regional Transit Center.
The primary goals owe TCSP are to create_a balanced mix of residential, commercial, retail
dining, and entertainment uses with a robust jobs -to -housing balance, create a distinct sense
of place; create a flexible framework for future development that fosters the potential for
numerous development possibilities; and create a practical. timeless, and buildable plan that
is consistent with the General Plan and implements the Housing Element.
EXHIBIT B: LAND USE DESIGNATION
11 _,
Specific Plan (SP)
Land Use Designation
f
Z � ,
t, \
� i