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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - MC 13-096 SOLEDAD CORRIDOR PLN (2)Agenda Item: 11 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Q) . AGENDA REP T PUBLIC HEARING City Manager Approval: (91 Item to be presented by: Mike shall DATE: January 13, 2015 SUBJECT: MASTER CASE NO. 13-096, ZONE CHANGE 13-004, FOR THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN DEPARTMENT: Community Development RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council adopt a resolution adopting a Negative Declaration and approving Master Case 13- 096 with the Planning Commission's recommended amendments, and introduce and pass to second reading an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE MASTER CASE 13-096 CONSISTING OF ZONE CHANGE 13-004 APPROVING THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN." BACKGROUND In June 2011 the City Council adopted the new General Plan which provided a vision that will guide future development. In June 2013 the City Council adopted the first comprehensive update to the Unified Development Code (UDC). The new UDC established the creation of Corridor Plans (17.28.110 UDC). The purpose of Corridor Plans is to facilitate development within the City in accordance with the General Plan by permitting greater flexibility and, consequently, more creative and imaginative designed projects. In August 2013 the City Council adopted the first Corridor Plan for the Lyons Avenue Corridor. Immediately following the adoption of the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan, the City initiated the corridor planning process for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (SCRCP). PLANNING COMMISSION The proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan was considered by the Planning Commission on November 18, 2014. In addition to the staff recommendation presented, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council consider the following: 1) require that the height of landscaping at commercial entrances be limited to reduce visual obstructions and increase safety; 2) require building setbacks for 2nd story and above to be consistent with the character established in the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan; and 3) require that all water features be A I -I- ion Ordinance passed to Second reading Page 1 Packet Pg. 59 recirculating to promote water conservation practices. By a 4-0 vote, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending the City Council adopt a Negative Declaration and approve the staff recommendation for the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan, along with the Commission's recommendations. PROJECT SUMMARY The SCRCP directly responds to, and implements the goals and policies of, the Santa Clarita General Plan and supplements the Unified Development Code (UDC). The General Plan has established maximum floor area ratios and maximum lot coverage requirements for the planning area; therefore, no project shall be permitted to go above the thresholds defined in the General Plan. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area incorporates properties located adjacent to Soledad Canyon Road west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road as detailed on page 3 of the attached SCRCP. The project area embraces 181 acres and more than 1.4 million square feet of 1-2 story commercial buildings including retail centers, medical office buildings, and gas stations. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is surrounded primarily by single family and multi -family residences though none are located within the planning area itself There are nearly 2,300 dwelling units within a five-minute walk of Soledad Canyon Road and more than 3,000 units within a ten-minute walk. With thousands of residential units located so close to Soledad Canyon Road, there is tremendous potential to create walkable environments where people can shop, eat, and gather. The SCRCP will help realize this potential by addressing the relationship between buildings and public spaces such as plazas, squares, and open space. The regulations and standards in this plan are presented in both words and clearly drawn diagrams and other visual exhibits. The result is a document that provides clear expectations for property owners that promote high quality development as a result of a comprehensive community outreach process. More specifically, the SCRCP will: 1. Create a clear identity for the commercial core of Canyon Country and serve as a document that will facilitate community enhancement into the future; and 2. Create development standards that are consistent with existing policies while providing flexibility in building placement, architectural standards, and sign standards that encourage property owners to propose projects that result in an enhanced visual aesthetic. DATA GATHERING & PUBLIC OUTREACH A comprehensive public outreach process and data collection phase was conducted prior to drafting the SCRCP. The contents of this plan are the result of site visits, stakeholder interviews, community workshops, and the implementation of an interactive blogging website (SantaClaritaCorridorPlan.com) originally created for the Lyons Avenue corridor planning effort. This website was utilized to initiate the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning process on September 3, 2013, and functioned as a means to communicate with and solicit feedback from Page 2 Packet Pg. 60 those within the community that were unable to attend the public outreach meetings. To begin the outreach effort, staff sent notices to all 70 property owners and over 400 business owners within the planning area. This notice informed property and business owners about the initiation of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning effort, acquainted them with the corridor website, and gave them the opportunity to meet with staff about their thoughts and concerns in regards to future zoning regulations. This step in the process also provided insight to City staff about how they could make a more business friendly document while still maintaining the high standards that residents of the City of Santa Clarita expect. Two interactive workshops were held within the planning area early in the planning process at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Public Library. In anticipation of the community outreach meetings, staff sent out over 2,300 postcards to property owners and business owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area, aired a This Week in Santa Clarita video that played on the local television network, posted articles in the local newspaper, and utilized social media applications such as Twitter and Facebook. Nearly 100 participants provided feedback at the two outreach meetings conducted. This information was tabulated and the results were shared on the corridor -planning website. A full list of all outreach meetings and presentations on the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan has been summarized in the attached Timeline of Events and Information Sessions. Throughout the initial community outreach process, staff consistently heard three primary messages from the community including: 1. Property owners, business owners, and residents are largely content with the development standards detailed in the UDC update of 2013; 2. Stakeholders support the creation of a plan that clearly identifies the commercial core of Canyon Country with the understanding that it be a document that can be modified as the needs of the community evolve; and 3. The community enjoys the variety of retail and service land uses available throughout the corridor but also recognizes the need for aesthetic improvements. Following the release of the public draft of the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan on October 15, 2014, staff conducted an additional outreach meeting on October 29, 2014, to summarize the proposed SCRCP for the community. A summary of the comments received by staff are provided below: 1. Allow for flexible development standards to encourage property owners to improve their properties; 2. Seek out opportunities to provide property owners with economic incentives to encourage property owners to improve their properties; 3. Improve the visual aesthetic of the Soledad Canyon Road corridor by improving street facing building facades; and Page 3 Packet Pg. 61 4. Allow the document to be amended into the future to facilitate the desires of the community. Once this process was complete, staff provided a memo to City Council with a draft document on October 30, 2014. Further, staff met with the Development Subcommittee on October 7, 2014. PROJECT COMPONENTS The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan has been organized into nine chapters, which include the following: ■ Chapter 1: Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor ■ Chapter 2: Purpose and Applicability ■ Chapter 3: Regulating Plan and Transect Zones ■ Chapter 4: Zones and Development Standards ■ Chapter 5: Frontage Type Standards ■ Chapter 6: Building Type Standards ■ Chapter 7: Architectural Standards ■ Chapter 8: Sign Standards ■ Chapter 9: Street and Streetscape Standards The attached Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan details each of these chapters. However, for the City Council's reference, staff has provided a brief summary outlining the plan's tiered system that facilitates the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. A tiered system (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3) has been established to provide incentives for property owners and developers to enhance the aesthetics and use of previously developed properties within the corridor planning area. Only if and when a property owner chooses to modify their property do the development standards of this code apply. Tier 1 projects are those projects consisting of a proposal for a new land use or tenant improvement within an existing building with no proposed physical expansion or exterior modification. The SCRCP does not provide incentives for Tier 1 projects. Further, Tier 1 projects must comply with all of the existing UDC regulations in addition to the sign standards established within Section 17.51 of the UDC. Tier 2 projects include the refacade of an existing building or the physical expansion of up to 50% of the existing, permitted building square footage. For a project to be considered a Tier 2 compliant site, the project must be consistent with the architectural guidelines established within the Community Character and Design Guidelines approved by the City Council in April 2009. As an incentive to develop a Tier 2 project, applicants are granted the benefit of complying with Chapter 8 of the plan which allows for greater flexibility in sign types. Tier 3 projects consist of new development projects or those that propose an expansion of more than 50% of the permitted building square footage. Tier 3 projects shall be consistent with the Rustic Californian architectural style as described in Chapter 7 and all portions of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. As an incentive to develop a Tier 3 project, buildings may be placed Page 4 Packet Pg. 62 as close as one foot from the front property line and shall be granted the benefit of complying with Chapter 8 of the plan which allows for greater flexibility in sign types. SUMMARY In summary, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan creates a clear identity for the commercial core of Canyon Country and serves as a document that will facilitate community enhancement into the future. Further, the SCRCP will create architectural standards for Tier 3 projects that are consistent with existing guidelines while providing greater flexibility for Tier 2 projects that shall be consistent with the Community Character and Design Guidelines for the community of Canyon Country. Finally, the SCRCP differs from existing standards established within the UDC for Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects which are granted flexibility in sign types and Tier 3 projects which are granted options for building placement. CEQA AND PUBLIC NOTICING An Initial Study was prepared for this project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The initial study determined that all impacts related to the proposed project are considered to be less than significant. Therefore, a Negative Declaration was prepared in accordance with Section 15070 of CEQA. The Negative Declaration and Initial Study have been made available during a twenty-one public review period from October 28, 2014, to November - 18, 2014. Documents were posted in the Permit Center at the City of Santa Clarita City Hall, and the City of Santa Clarita Public Library, Valencia Branch. All noticing requirements for a public hearing have been completed as required by Section 17.01.100 of the Unified Development Code. A 1/8th page advertisement was placed in The Signal newspaper on December 23, 2014. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact as a result of this item. ATTACHMENTS Public Notice Timeline of Events and Information Sessions Ordinance Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Resolution Exhibit A of Resolution: Negative Declaration and Initial Study Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Staff Recommendation Zoning Map Planning Commission Staff Report available in the City Clerk's Reading File Planning Commission Resolution P-18 available in the City Clerk's Reading File Page 5 Packet Pg. 63 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ' 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION APPLICATION: Master Case No. 13-096 Zone Change 13-004; Initial Study 14-006 PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita PROJECT LOCATION: Soledad Canyon Road west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Santa Clarita is updating its zoning regulations within the Unified Development Code (UDC) to be consistent with the General Plan adopted in June 2011. As part of this effort, corridor plans are being developed to focus on the unique character of each community corridor. This project consists of a proposed corridor plan that focuses on Soledad Canyon Road, east of Solamint Road and west of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan, as proposed, takes an approach that addresses the relationship between the buildings themselves and public spaces. The result would be a plan that ensures that all future development is pedestrian friendly and aesthetically compatible with the character of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. More specifically, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will create two new distinct zones, will create street and streetscape standards, and will provide development and architectural standards for all future development within the planning area. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: A DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION has been prepared for this proposed project and was made available for a public review period beginning at 12:00 p.m. on October 28, 2014, and ending at 12:00 p.m. on November 18, 2014. During the public review period, a copy of the Negative Declaration and all supporting documents was located at the Permit Center located in the City Hall Building at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 140, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. A copy of the draft Negative Declaration (without all supporting documents) was posted at the Santa Clarita Library, Valencia Branch during the public review period noted above. The City of Santa Clarita City Council will conduct a public hearing on this matter on the following date: DATE: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 TIME: At or after 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall, Council Chambers 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91355 If you wish to challenge the action taken on this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clarita at, or prior to, the public hearings. If you wish to have written comments included in the materials the Planning Commission receives prior to the public hearing, it must be submitted to the Community Development Department by Friday, January 2, 2015. For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact the project planner at the City of Santa Clarita, Permit Center, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 140, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Telephone: (661) 255- 4330. Website: www.santa-clarita.com/planning. Send written correspondence to: 23920 Valencia Blvd., Packet Pg. 64 Suite 302, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Project Planner: Mike Marshall, Assistant Planner II, mmarshall@santa-clarita.com. Jeff W. Hogan, AICP Planning Manager Dated: December 23, 2014 Posted: Santa Clarita City Hall Permit Center, Santa Clarita Public Library (Valencia Branch) Published: The Signal, December 23, 2014 Packet Pg. 65 Timeline of Events and Information Sessions September 3, 2013: Letters sent to Property Owners and Initial Blog entry September 23, 2013: Letters to Business Owners October 9, 2013: Postcards sent to property owners within 1,000 -foot radius of the plan area October 22, 2013: This Week in Santa Clarita, Video October 23, 2013: Community Outreach Workshop I November 14, 2013: Presentation at SVC Chamber of Commerce January 2, 2014: Postcards sent to business owners and property owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the plan area January 15, 2014: Community Outreach Workshop II October 7, 2014: City Council Development Subcommittee Meeting October 15, 2014: Draft release of Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan October 29, 2014: Community Outreach Workshop III November 18, 2014: Planning Commission Public Hearing January 13, 2015: City Council Public Hearing 17.b Packet Pg. 66 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE MASTER CASE 13-096 CONSISTING OF ZONE CHANGE 13-004 APPROVING THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HERBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. The City of Santa Clarita General Plan requires the implementation of the City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code (UDC) to be in compliance with the Government Code of the State of California; B. On September 3, 2013, the City of Santa Clarita (the "Applicant") initiated an application (Master Case 13-096 and Zone Change 13-004) to create the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (SCRCP) (the "Project") to 1) create a clear identity for the commercial core of Canyon Country and serve as a document that will facilitate community enhancement into the future; 2) create development standards that are consistent with the existing policies while providing flexibility in building placement, architectural standards, and sign standards that encourage property owners to propose projects that result in an enhanced visual aesthetic. A complete copy of the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan is incorporated to this ordinance as "Exhibit A;" C. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan has been created in response to comments consistently received from the community identifying a desire for improved development throughout the Soledad Canyon Road planning area; D. On June 14, 2011, the City Council adopted the Santa Clarita General Plan by adoption of Resolution No. 11-63. The General Plan provides a vision that will guide future development in the City of Santa Clarita through a set of goals, objectives, and policies; E. On July 9, 2013, the City Council adopted the City's first corridor plan for the Lyons Avenue Corridor, by adoption of Ordinance No. 13-11; F. Following adoption of the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan in July 2013, the City of Santa Clarita (the "Applicant" or "City") initiated the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (the "project" or "SCRCP"); G. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is located within the City of Santa Clarita in the County of Los Angeles on Soledad Canyon Road, west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road; 4 Packet Pg. 67 a Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 2 of 8 H. The City of Santa Clarita's proposed project consists of Zone Change (ZC) 13- 004 to update the zoning map to ensure consistency with the General Plan; I. The City Council Development Subcommittee held a duly -noticed meeting on October 7, 2014, in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The meeting was held at City Hall, Orchard Room, located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita; J. The Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing on November 18, 2014, in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The project was advertised in The Signal newspaper on October 28, 2014. The hearing was held at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:00 p.m.; K. At the November 18, 2014, hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered the staff report, staff presentation, and public testimony on the proposal and in a unanimous 4-0 vote approved Resolution P14-18, recommending the City Council adopt a Negative Declaration and approve Master Case 13-096; L. On January 13, 2015, the City Council held a duly -noticed public hearing in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The public hearing was advertised in The Signal newspaper on December 23, 2014. The public hearing was held at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:00 p.m.; M. At the City Council meeting of January 13, 2015, the City Council received a staff presentation summarizing the proposed project, opened the public hearing, received public testimony regarding the project, received further staff comment and answers to questions, and closed the public hearing; and N. The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon 0 which the decision of the City Council is based is the Master Case No. 13-096 project file which is located in the Community Development Department, the file E record being specifically in the custody of the Director of Community Development. ;°a SECTION 2. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR ZONE CHANGE 13-004. Based on the above findings of facts, recitals, and the entire record, including, without limitation, 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. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan: The project is consistent with the General Plan because the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan carries out a number of General Plan policies and Packet Pg. 68 Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 3 of 8 objectives. Specifically, the Land Use Element of the General Plan dictates that the City work to promote business development that upgrades and revitalizes older commercial corridors in a manner that reflects each community's character, architecture and history. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan provides incentives for property and business owners to invest in upgrading and revitalizing older commercial centers. The proposed plan is also consistent with Land Use Policy 2.1.2 by promoting healthy, walkable communities. This is achieved by providing and appropriate mix of residential and service uses in proximity to one another. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan further implements the General Plan by applying distinctive community character guidelines to the planning area through the use of frontage types, building types, and architectural styles. B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of the UDC; The zone change proposed would not change the character or nature of commercial development within the plan area or adjacent residential areas and would allow the established land use patterns to continue, thus supporting the 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 Nothing contained in the proposed Soledad Corridor Plan would endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public because the plan document does not result in the disturbance of land or the physical development of any property and would be consistent with the provisions of the UDC and General Plan. 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 Packet Pg. 69 Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 4 of 8 readily available; 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 proposal is physically suitable for the site in terms of location, shape, size, and operating characteristics. The Soledad Corridor Plan is a zoning document that does not supersede but rather enacts the provisions of the General Plan. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan does not propose land uses that would generate traffic volumes in excess of that anticipated in the General plan and further does not propose changes to the existing highways or streets that provide access to sites throughout the planning area. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan area is currently served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, both of which provide adequate service levels. The project area is likewise served by all applicable utilities. Nothing in the proposed zone change would increase the need for fire or police protection services, nor would the plan increase demand for utilities. SECTION 3. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR ZONE CHANGE 13-004. Based on the above findings of facts, recitals, and the entire record, including, without limitation, 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 for Zone Change 13-004 in accordance with Unified Development Code Section 17.28.120.H: A. C. That modified conditions warrant a revision in the zoning map as it pertains to the area under consideration; That a need for the proposed zone classification exists within such area; That the particular property under consideration is a proper location for said zone classification within such area: i. 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 ii. That the proposed zone change is consistent with the adopted General Plan for the area unless a General Plan amendment is filed concurrently and approved with said zone change. The General Plan envisions Corridor Plans for certain commercial areas of the City, including the Soledad Canyon Road corridor. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan establishes development standards that would guide future Packet 57K] Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 5 of 8 development and does not include a proposal for physical development. The need for the proposed zone classification is demonstrated by the lack of a cohesive aesthetic quality and instances of functional obsolescence throughout the planning area. The plan would serve the interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the public by promoting business development and revitalizing older commercial centers that provide for healthy and walkable communities. The project is consistent with the General Plan because it would carry out a number of General Plan policies and objectives. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan further implements the General Plan by applying distinctive community character guidelines to the planning area through the use of frontage types, building types, and architectural styles. Further, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan area is currently adequately served by applicable emergency services, utilities and the proposed zone change would not increase the demand for these services. SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR ZI Based on the above findings of facts, recitals, and the entire without limitation, 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 for Zone Change 13-004, in accordance with Unified Development Code Section17.28.120.I: A. B. C. D. E. The amendment is consistent with the adjacent area, if applicable; The amendment is consistent with the principles of the General Plan; Approval of the amendment will be in the interest of public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare and in conformity with good zoning practice; The amendment is consistent with other applicable provisions of this code; and Is necessary to implement the General Plan and/or that the pubic convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action. The proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan creates a zoning document for the affected planning area and implements all provisions of the General Plan and would therefore be consistent with the areas adjacent to the plan area. The project is consistent with the General Plan because it would cavy out a number of General Plan policies and objectives. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan further implements the general plan by applying distinctive community character guidelines to the planning area through the use of frontage types, building types, and architectural styles. Further, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan area is currently adequately served by applicable emergency services, utilities and the proposed zone change would not increase the demand for these services. The plan would serve the interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the public by promoting business development and revitalizing older commercial Q Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 6 of 8 centers that provide for healthy and walkable communities. The proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan creates development standards that would enact the provisions of the General Plan and affect the aesthetic quality of the planning area upon the approval of a project that is consistent with the development standards detailed within the code. Those standards do not address existing roadways, street medians, USMP and/or SUSMP requirements, stormwater runoff requirements, fire access requirements, California Building Code requirements, or subdivision requirements and therefore would be consistent with all other provisions of the UDC. The Land Use Element of the General Plan dictates that the City work to promote business development that upgrades and revitalizes older commercial corridors in a manner that reflects each community's character, architecture, and history. The approval of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan would result in a document that would guide development into the future in a manner that is consistent with the intent of the General Plan and would therefore be justified by serving the general welfare of the public and serve as good zoning practice. SECTION 5. The City Council conduct a second reading and adopt an ordinance approving the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan to reformat the plan to 1) create a clear identity for the commercial core of Canyon Country and serve as a document that will facilitate community enhancement into the future; and 2) create development standards that are consistent with the existing policies while providing flexibility in building placement, architectural standards and sign standards that encourage property owners to propose projects that result in an enhanced visual aesthetic. A complete copy of the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan is incorporated to this ordinance as "Exhibit A." 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. Packet Pg.72 Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 7 of 8 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this IP day of January, 2015. e •t ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )Ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Kevin Tonoian, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance 15-_ was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 13th day of January 2015. That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 27th day of January 2015 by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance and was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806). CITY CLERK SAMIPLANNING DIVISIOMCURREN7112013\13-096 (ZC13.004 Soledad Corridor Planl\City Council\13-096 Ordinance doc Packet Pg. 73 Q Master Case 13-096 Ordinance 15 - January 13, 2015 Page 8 of 8 "EXHIBIT A" OF ORDINANCE 15 - ZONE CHANGE 13-004 1100 t '7' 17 7:r X7"1 AWgl xflUlmW" Packet Pg. 7471 PHOTOS ON FRONT COVER: WHITES CANYON BRIDGE AT SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD, 1988 SOLEMINT STORE AT SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD AND SIERRA HIGHWAY, 1946 SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD AND SIERRA HIGHWAY, 1962 Packet Pg. 76 Ell ACKNOWLEDMENTS CITY COUNCIL: Marsha McLean, Mayor Bob Kellar, Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste TimBen Boydston Dante Acosta PLANNING COMMISSION: Diane Trautman, Chair Dennis Ostrom, Vice -Chair Tim Burkhart Charles Heffernan Lisa Eichman ADMINISTRATION: Kenneth Striplin, City Manager Joe Montes, City Attorney Greg Murphy, Assistant City Attorney Tom Cole, Community Development Director Robert Newman, Director of Public Works PROJECT TEAM: Jeff Hogan, Planning Manager Mike Marshall Assistant Planner II Mike Ascione, Assistant Planner II Jamie Peltier, Planning Intern SUPPORT STAFF: Ian Pari, Senior Traffic Engineer Jessica Frank, Associate Planner Ben Jarvis, Associate Planner Kristina Jacob, GIS Specialist El Packet Pg. 77 Attachment: Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (1120 : Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan) TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR ............... 1 CHAPTER2: PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY...................................................... 14 CHAPTER 3: REGULATING PLAN AND TRANSECT ZONES ...................................... 19 CHAPTER4: ZONES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ......................................... 24 CHAPTER S: FRONTAGE TYPE STANDARDS.......................................................28 CHAPTER 6: BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS 34 CHAPTER7: ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS....................................................... 47 CHAPTERB: SIGN STANDARDS.....................................................................60 CHAPTER9: STREET AND STREETSCAPE STANDARDS ........................................... 76 7l Packet Pg. 79 Attachment: Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (1120 : Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan) F CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE SOLEDAD CORRIDOR PLAN This subpart of Title 17 of the City of Santa Clarita Municipal Code shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Development Code" or may be cited simply as the "Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan". References to "Code" or "Development Code" within the text of this Code are references to this Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, e.g., references to the "Municipal Code" mean the City of Santa Clarita Municipal Code; references to the "Government Code" are to the California State Government Code, and so on. The Land Use Section of the General Plan describes how the physical setting and history of the Santa Clarita Valley have combined to create several distinctive communities, each with its own GENERAL special character, development patterns, and lifestyles. The theme PLAN of the general plan is creating a "Valley of Villages," in recognition of the various communities and neighborhoods within the Santa Clarita Valley that wish to maintain their own distinctive character, The physical setting and while at the same time recognizing their place in the "big picture" history ofthe Santa Clarita Plan for development within the entire General Plan area. Included Valley have combined among these "Villages" is the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor located to create distinctive within the Canyon Country community. This Soledad Canyon communities, each with Road Corridor Plan carries out the policies of the General Plan by its own special character, classifying and regulating the types and intensities of development developmentpatterng and land uses within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning and &festyles. The Soledad area, ensuring that they are consistent with, and in furtherance of, Canyon Corridor is one of the policies and objectives of the General Plan. The Soledad Canyon these distinctive Road Corridor Plan is adopted to protect and promote the public communities. health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. More specifically, the purpose of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan is to: - A. Ensure that development is of human scale, pedestrian -oriented, and designed to create attractive streetscapes and pedestrian spaces; B. Moderate vehicular traffic by providing for a mixture of land uses, pedestrian -oriented development, compact community form, safe and effective traffic circulation, and appropriate parking facilities; C. Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor that will assist in protecting and enhancing the community identity; D. Ensure that proposed development and new land uses conserve energy and natural resources; E. Facilitate the development and redevelopment of walkable, complete neighborhoods; and F. Provide for compatibility between different types of development and land uses through effective urban and architectural design. Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Packet Pg. 81 a 0 p c 0 0 V v 0 0 c 0 T C m U v m a d 0 rn 0 N r INTRODUCTION TO THE SOLEDAD CANYON CORRIDOR The Soledad Canyon Corridor planning area (Exhibit 1) is located within the City of Santa Clarita in the community of Canyon Country on Soledad Canyon Road between the Santa Clara River and east of Solamint Road. The planning area encompasses 181 acres, with 1,453,000 square feet of commercial building area. There are 115 parcels and 70 property owners within the planning area. HISTORY PLAN AREA Soledad Canyon Road is a main arterial through Canyon Countrywithin the The planning area includes City of Santa Clarita. Historically, the road was a vital transit link between 181 acres consisting of Los Angeles and the Central Valley. From the Gold Rush era up until the 1,453, 000 square feet Ridge Route was completed over the Tehachapi Mountains, Soledad Canyon of building space along Road was an important road between Northern and Southern California. Soledad Canyon Road In 1856, surveyors from the Southern Pacific Railroad explored the Santa between Camp Plenty Road Clarita Valley in an effort to find a rail connection between Los Angeles and and Solamint Road. San Francisco. They discovered Soledad Canyon and found the grades were suitable for the rail line. The rail line was completed in 1876, with the lines linking up at Lang Station, just east of the present day Santa Clarita City limits. With a rail link in place, for the first time in history, people could easily travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The rail line also provided the means to move goods and materials into Southern California. A Mexican -American War veteran, Colonel Mitchell, came to find his fortune and settled on a 160 acre ranch with his wife. There they opened Santa Clarita's first school: Sulphur Springs Elementary School. Established in 1872, Sulphur Springs Elementary is the oldest school in Santa Clarita and became the first school in the Sulphur Springs School District when it was organized in 1878. To accommodate the needs of local residents and passing travelers, the Solemint General Store opened in 1938 at the corner of Soledad Canyon and Sierra Highway. This landmark intersection became known as Solemint Junction, taking its name from the convergence of Soledad and Mint Canyons. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 82 S nr f '- ,r ` '°• ~-' c Y ' SdF .'� . F .... NII !a %'w + rt.;-i-'�• i '° � .'ass e.� ii4WY p'�A .a:,i 1� �+ 5 � y �, / rA.'« ! �; n" �,.. .'. -- � RAV �e, ems.: -t i.. � a.� � I� �3£� 41•,• �""i .{f ""�5��� $r' �t S� `p �, t •,: >. -r.-. r7 i � ":'Jws p.. .- j`_ `_ .": .a ). s(S.a� ` � ,.1 i-flo'—O 'S�• _�1 �� i�'i, LS Bas � ks� r • S I 5'< �.. � ' .YM Glt LS � RpI �Lpay @t � .: a "� S � ,... ., ff �r ,..... 91 w}ra R% � �i±11Y�1M ,tw�lga��d' IYN. ./'.•M. � �•.'i.�'" Sr �ir ` ,,�I tl 4$+7 Vii!'' �`-'� ,P r :,'+►,.-�}`.. r - :z.. �pr ' 7"� woft an •_' t �a.� as cr��►44%. .1 �♦N�t�MI/, >c �'�c •C tP .♦ r i JM� aN aR'a fi • s lilitNJ-� l�°s�.Y ss��� c�uxw', Qw�[ Y4,F In 1946, near the comer of present day Soledad Canyon Road and Whites Canyon Road, an airport opened. The airport was used as an intermediate strip for planes that were diverted from their Planned destination. After World War II, a rapid growth of the area occurred, much like most of the United States. In 1961, following the owner's death, J.H. Snyder acquired the airport and built the North Oaks development. When the North Oaks housing tract was built, the area established an identity of its own breaking away from the Saugus community. In 1968, the name Canyon Country became official, attributed to the US Postal Service. American Beauty Residential Development, South of Soledad Canyon Road and Whites Canyon Road in 1986 (Looking Northwest) As the Valley continued to grow through the 60s and 70s, California State Route 14 (SR -14 or the Antelope Valley Freeway) was built to provide a vehicular connection between Los Angeles, the Antelope Valley, mountain areas, desert communities, and points north and east. Today, Canyon Country is the largest and most populous community within Santa Clarita. 'Ihe area has changed significantly since Colonel Mitchell first arrived, but Soledad Canyon Road has remained an important transportation link in the east Santa Clarita Valley. Soledad Canyon Road is the primary commercial corridor for Canyon Country and it plays a critical role in supporting a vibrant economy while providing an alternate transportation option for residents. Soledad Canyon Road is the back bone of Canyon Country's commercial district and is the main connector between Canyon Country and other communities in Santa Clarita. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan contains 15 major shopping centers with three supermarkets, two gas stations, a movie theater, carwash, and numerous other retail and service establishments. Soledad Canyon Road is still a place that caters to small businesses that are locally owned and that provide services to the local community. Unlike other areas in Santa Clarita, there was no single developer or property management association to guide the development along Soledad Canyon Road. This has resulted a robust diversity of buildings and development that, while reflecting the needs and desires of individual property owners, has not created a cohesive character for the corridor. Whites Canyon Road in 1946 Solemint Store at Soledad Canyon Road and Sierra Highway in 1950 Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Packet Pg. 84 0 T c m U 9 A d 0 y 0 N r r c m a `o `o U a 0 0 o: c 0 T C m U a m a a 0 N PROPERTIES SURROUNDING THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor consists of commercial development, single family residential, and multi -family residential units. There are nearly 2,000 residential units within a five minute walk of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor and more than 3,300 residential units within a ten minute walk (Exhibit 2). Since there are thousands of homes located in close proximity to Soledad Canyon Road, the potential for a walkable commuity that meets the needs of residents is highly desierable. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will encourage a more pedestrian friendly environment where residents and visitors can WALKABLE feel comfortable walking or biking to shops, restaurants, COMMUNITY and other services within the corridor. Even for residents who do not live within walking distance, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will allow for better urban design. Whether residents drive, bike or walk, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will encourage higher quality development in Santa Clarita's largest community, everyone will benefit from enhanced pedestrian access, more thoughtful site layout, and improved aesthetics. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Nearly 2, 000 residential units are within a five minute walk, and over 3,300 residential units are within a ten minute walk of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. Packet Pg. 85 7 .t O a C n O 7 O S (U 0 O (D a a a n a 7 0 0 7 0 0 a a n 0 a � o d z co CD EXHIBIT 2: 5 AND 10 MINUTE WALK TO THE CORRIDOR Attachment: Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (1120 : Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan) Li SANTA CLARITA GENERAL PLAN The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan directly responds to and implements a variety of significant policies of the Santa Clarita General Plan. Specific goals and policies of the General Plan have been highlighted in the form of notes throughout this plan for reference. More specifically, the General Plan Land Use Map (Exhibit 3) classifies parcels within the corridor planning area as Community Commercial (CC) and Mixed Use Corridor (MX -C). Typical development and uses within the CC and MX -C designated parcels include the following: The Community Commercial (CC) designation is intended for businesses providing retail and service uses which primarily serve the local market. Representative uses include restaurants, clothing stores, hardware and auto parts stores, grocery markets, pharmacies, banks and financial services, specialty retail, theaters and nightclubs, day care centers, and WHAT I S A medical services. These areas are typically located along arterial streets or at the intersections of high traffic corridors. GENERAL The Mixed Use Corridor (MX -C) designation is intended along specified PLAN? commercial corridors in which revitalization of underutilized parcels or aging buildings is desired, as shown on the Land Use Map, subject to the applicable requirements of the zoning ordinance. Mixed -uses along corridors may be either vertical or horizontal, provided that residential units in these areas should be protected from adverse impacts of high- volume arterial streets, and will typicallybe located an appropriate distance from the roadway. Portions of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan are located within the General Plan Mixed Use Overlay. This designated overlay identifies commercial areas that may be suitable for mixed residential and commercial development. The purpose of the Mixed Use Overlay Zone is to provide a development alternative to the underlying commercial land use designation. The General Plan is a comprehensive long-term plan for the physical development of the City. In this sense, it is a "Nue print"for the future of the City of Santa Clarita. r W E L U A r Q Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Packet Pg. 87 J p N d a n - a 0 A ••.xSAYIM CIARUA _ © Soledad Corridor CL_ Plan OMX Y m EXHIBIT 3: GENERAL PLAN MAP Of THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR r Co fl Attachment: Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (1120: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan) SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD PLAN PREPARATION PROCESS AND OUTREACH The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan was created to foster future development and assist in enhancing current development. There was an in-depth public process and data collection phase to evaluate the plan area. The evolution of this plan is the result of site visits, reviewing documents including the goals and policies of the General Plan, interviews, meetings, community workshops, and an interactive blogging website. City staff began the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning process by collecting information about the current built environment and overall conditions of the Plan area. EVALUATION The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor was divided into 23 sections that were evaluated on a parcel -by - parcel basis. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor was divided into 23 study sections that were evaluated on a parcel -by -parcel basis (Exhibit 4). The intent of the exercise was to create manageable images and areas that could be studied and analyzed both during the staff evaluation and public outreach process. City staff photographed each structure in its current form, documented building heights, noted the landscape conditions within public domain, and other unique site characteristics. WiAs a part of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning effort, staff sent notices to all 70 property owners and over 400 business managers/owners within the plan area. The purpose of these notices was to inform property and business owners about the kickoff of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning effort, acquaint them with the corridor website and to give them the opportunity to share their thoughts with staff regarding future zoning regulations. By reaching out to businesses and property owners, city staff gained insight as to what the owners want for the future of their businesses and the corridor. The plan was then written to be business friendly and to encourage economic development, while maintaining the high standards that Santa Clarita residents expect. 0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 89 R CL CL C !1 R 0 0 T 0 0_ o. a a n a 0 0 m 0 a a n 0 0 v o w x v 0 Attachment: Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (1120 : Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan) COMMUNITY OUTREACH WEBSITE WITH INTERACTIVE BLOG The website (SantaClaritaCorridorPlan.com) was created and launched for the new corridor planning effort for the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan planning process. The website is now used as a resource for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. The intent of this website was to keep interested parties informed about upcoming meetings and draft documents as they became available. The website also acted as a platform to gather comments and feedback through an interactive blog and survey feature. During the corridor planning process, the website proved to be a valuable source for community members interested in obtaining information about upcoming events as well as giving them the opportunity to provide feedback. This proved to be vital for those unable to attend the outreach meetings. The website also proved to be a great way for City staff to answer questions from members of the community about the planning and outreach process. The graph below (Exhibit 5) is an example of the survey sent out to the community online through Facebook and Twitter. This was one of the many forms of communication to get the word out to the community. The chart below (Exhibit 5) shows the results of a survey question that was posted on the corridor planning website. This survey question asked participants to provide their opinion ofwhat architectural style they would like to see along the Soledad Canyon Road corridor. Soledad Carryon Road Corridor Survey 2 Q1 What architectural style would you prefer for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor? Nixwernd.119 Sklppena GIIMN,n �® Cr,bm,n view.. . CW W,1. sv�+,ere11„t,n Mo6emIGM,mpo -.. my 0% 10% 20% 30% a0% 50% 60% 70% 60% 90% 100% Amwer ChoirYep . Rudic Calelomian 62.10% Creegnan 20.17% Mctonan 6.40% Colonial 6.72% Spani9JMi5non ftm.1 7.56% MoeemlGntempomry 7.56% Te l R"panLnb:110 EXHIBIT 5: SURVEY RESULTS Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Packet Pg. 91 PUBLIC OUTREACH MEETINGS The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan is a community driven document, and therefore, outreach meetings were an important component to the process. The purpose of these workshops was for the community to discuss the current and potential future conditions within the planning area. City staff began the process by informing the community about the first workshop that occured at the Canyon Country Library on October 23, 2013. To inform residents and business owners, City staff utilized a number of outreach methods including sending over 1,800 postcards to all property owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area, participating in This Week in Santa Clarita videos that played on the local television network, purchased advertising in local newspapers, and posting on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. The meeting was also published through articles in the local newspaper. The information gathered was tabulated and the results were shared on the corridor planning website and displayed at the second public outreach meeting held on January 15, 2014. The information obtained from these workshops was used to draft the document. • so a wrsnox z: xacxnmrvaT • • • • o, • • • • '90 • • OUEfTION3:9U1LO1NGPL UMENf • • • QUESTION a:ON-STraACUtATION • • •• •0 : *-1* • InSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan • • 1 We're Listening Below are your opinions about the ezinng ARCHITECTURE from the first Soledad Carryon Road Corridor Outreach Meeting Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Architecture imimiiuin nii111rr rvillm1F nrr■ ® S;MXQL,RM Packet Pg. 92 0 N a— a— OTHER FORMS OF OUTREACH DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS Below is a comprehensive timeline of the important events and information session that were held to get the word out about the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning process: September 3, 2013: Letters sent to Property Owners and Initial Blog entry (SantaClaritaCorridorPlans.com) September 23,2013: Letters to Business Owners October 9,2013: Postcards sent to property owners within 1,000 -foot radius of the plan area October 22,2013: This Week in Santa Clarita, Video I October 23,2013: Community Outreach Workshop I November 14, 2013: Presentation at SVC Chamber of Commerce January 2, 2014: Postcards sent to business owners and property owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the plan area January 15,2014: Community Outreach Workshop II October 15,2014: Draft release of Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan October 29,2014: Community Outreach Workshop III November 18,2014: Planning Commission Public Hearing January 13,2015: City Council Public Hearing 1 January 27,2015: City Council Public Hearing 2 February 27,2015: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan in effect Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Packet Pg. 93 CHAPTER 2 APPLICABILITY 2.1.010 AUTHORITY This development code is adopted under the authority granted to the City of Santa Clarita by the California Government Code Section 65800 et seq. and 66410 et seq. 2.1.020 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION The standards and other requirements of this Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan shall be administered and enforced by the City of Santa Clarita, Planning Commission and City Council in the same manner as the provisions of the City's Unified Development Code. All findings, approvals, determinations, or other exercises of discretionary judgment or any other delegation of authority pursuant to this code by the director his successors or designees, or any other decision making authorities, shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan, the Unified Development Code, the City of Santa Clarita Municipal Code, the City's General Plan, and the orderly development of the City. 2.1.030 APPLICABILITY GENERAL PLAN 7lie physical setting and history of the Santa Clarita Palley have combined to create several distinctive communities, each with its own special character, development patterns, and Proposed development, subdivisions, and newland uses within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. A. REGULATING PLAN The Regulating Plan in Chapter 3 defines the zones within the planning area that differentiate standards for building placement, design, and use; and identifies the parcels included within each zone. B. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The development standards in Chapter 4 regulate the features of buildings that affect the public realm. The urban standards regulate building Placement, height, and £made design, and vary according to the zone for the parcel applied by the Regulating Plan. Proposed development and land uses shall comply with all applicable standards. C. LAND -USE STANDARDS. Chapter 4 identifies the land -use types allowed by the City in each of the zones established by the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. Each parcel shall be occupied only by land uses identified as allowed within the applicable zone subject to the type of approval required by the Unified Development Code (for example, Minor Use Permit, Conditional Use Permit, etc.). ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 94 D. ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS The Architectural Standards in Chapter 7 regulate the architecture of buildings, appurtenances, and site elements within the Soledad Canyon Corridor Planning Area. Proposed development shall comply with all applicable standards to the satisfaction of the approval authority. E. SIGN STANDARDS Chapter 8 identifies the sign type standards required within the Soledad Canyon Corridor planning area. Only those existing or proposed projects deemed a Tier 2 or Tier 3 compliant project pursuant to Section 2.1.040 of this plan shall adhere to the standards set forth in Chapter 8 of the Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan. All other properties not deemed consistent shall comply with Section 17.51.080 of the Unified Development Code. F. STREET AND STREEWPE STANDARDS Chapter 9 identifies the street and streetscape standards required within the Soledad Corridor planning area to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for character and quality of the public realm of streets, parkways, and sidewalks. G. RELATIONSHIP TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE The Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan is intended to supplement, and in some cases, supersede the o requirements of the City's Unified Development Code, Title 17 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code. the provisions of the Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan may supersede regulations in the Unified Development Code on the same, or similar topics, but otherwise applicable requirements c of the Unified Development Code that are not covered by this Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan shall a. apply to development within the planning area as noted. If a conflict occurs between a requirement vo of this Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan and the Unified Development Code, the provisions of this o Corridor Plan shall control. The definitions of Chapter 17.11 of the Unified Development Code a apply to the Soledad Corridor Planning area unless otherwise stated in this document. c M H. EFFECT ON EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USES C Development and land uses that were lawfully established, and exist within the Soledad Canyon Corridor planning area as of the effective date of this Corridor Plan are affected. as follows: Existing development and land uses that comply with all applicable requirements of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan shall continue to operate provided that any alterations or replacements are also compliant with the Plans described under Tiered Projects (2.1.040). Development or land uses that do not comply with the requirements of the Soledad Canyon c Corridor Plan may continue to operate, and may be sold or otherwise transferred in compliance a with the City's regulations for legal nonconforming uses or structures in Unified Development Code o Chapter 17.05 (Legal nonconforming Uses, Lots and Structures). An example of this circumstance Q would be a lawfully established existing land use that is not allowed by this Corridor Plan in an o applicable zone, or an existing building that does not comply with the setback requirements or x height limits of this Corridor Plan. W Applicability Packet Pg. 95 2.1.040 TIERED PROJECTS A tiered system has been established to provide clarification to property owners and developers that will result in the enhancement of the aesthetics and use of previously developed properties within the corridor planning area. Each tier has specific requirements and some have incentives in place to achieve this goal. A. TIER 1 PROJECTS A Tier 1 project consists of a proposal for a new land use or tenant improvement within an existing building with no proposed physical expansion or exterior modifications. TIER 1 REQUIREMENTS • Tier 1 projects shall comply with required land use approvals as identified in Chapters 17.43-17.49 of the Unified Development Code. • Tier 1 projects shall comply with the sign standards established in Section 17.51.080 of the Unified Development Code. B. TIER 2 PROJECTS 0 Expansion or modificiation projects up to 50% of the existing, permitted building square footage is subject to the appropriate entitlement determined by the Director and must meet Tier 2 requirements. The Director may designate a property as a Tier 2 site with the approval A of a Development Review or Architectural Design Review Permit. Section D below details a how a property owner is to use the code to develop a Tier 2 project. To be considered a Tier 2 v° project, the project must comply with the following items. C TIER 2 REQUIREMENTS N Tier 2 projects shall comply with the City of Santa Clarita Community Character and Design Guidelines. • Tier 2 projects shall comply with Chapter 8 Sign Standards of this plan. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 96 C. TIER 3 PROJECTS All new development projects that include complete redevelopment, or over a 50% expansion of the permitted building square footage, is considered a Tier 3 project. Tier 3 projects must meet the intent of the Soledad Corridor Plan and comply with the following items. TIER 3 REQUIREMENTS • Tier 3 projects shall comply with the Santa Clarita Community Character and Design Guidelines. Tier3 projects shallfullycomplywiththe Soledad Canyon Road CorridorPlanincluding,butnotlimitedto, Chapter 8 Sign Standards and the Rustic California architectural style indentifiedin Chapter 7 ofthis code. 0 N r r- 0 0 v 0 U v m K Appl icability Packet Pg. 97 D. How To USE THIS CODE Tier 1 New use in an existing building. No proposed refacade, expansion, or ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Chapter 3: Regulating Plan and Transect Zones SC-Ul and SC -UC Chapter 17.43-17.49 Unified Development Code: Permitted, Minor Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit Verify Parking Requirements Chapter 4: Zones and Development Standards; Chapter 5: Frontage Types; and Chapter 6: Building Types Chapter 7: Architectural Standards The Santa Clarita Community Character and Design Guide- lines can be found online at santa-clarita.com/planning Chapter 9: Street and Streetscape Standards Required roadway dedication. Sidewalk and Parkway build out. Chapter 17.51.080 ( Tier 1 Projects) Chapter 8: Sign Standards (Tier 2 and Tier 3 Projects) Consult the application submittal checklist and fee sheet for appropriate fees and items to submit. Packet Pg. 98 G CHAPTER 3 REGULATING PLAN AND TRANSECT ZONES 3.1.010 PURPOSE This Section establishes the zones applied to properties within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Planning Area. 3.1.020 REGULATING PLAN AND TRANSECT ZONES A. ZONES ESTABLISHED The Transect is a broad categorization system that organizes the built environment into zones on a scale from natural to urban core. The area within the Soledad Canyon Corridor is subject to this Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan, and shall be divided into Transect Zones that implement the City of Santa Clarita General Plan Section 3.1.030. The Corridor Specific Transect Zones described in Section 3.1.040 are hereby established, and shall be shown on the Regulating Plan for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. B. INTERPRETATION ZONE BOUNDARIES If there is uncertainty about the location of any zone boundary shown on the Regulating Plan, the location of the boundary shall be determined by the Director as follows: 1. Where a zone boundary approximately follows a lot line, alley, or street line, the lot line, street or alley centerline shall be construed as the zone boundary, as applicable; and 2. Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the property that was formerly in the street or alley shall be included within the zone of the adjoining property on either side of the vacated or abandoned street or alley. Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan® Packet Pg. 99 3.1.030 TRANSECT ZONE DESCRIPTIONS TABLE A: Transect Zone Descriptions This table provides the Transect definitions for the City of Santa Clarita. A detailed description of the Transect refinements used in this Development Code is located in Section 3.1.040. (N) NATURAL Natural Zone consists of lands approximating or reverting to a wilderness condition, including lands unsuitable for settlement due to topography, hydrology or vegetation. (R) RURAL Rural Zone consists of sparsely settled lands in open or cultivated states. These include woodland, agricultural land, grassland, and irrigable desert Typical buildings arefarmhouses, agricultural build- ings, cabins, and villas. (SU) SUB -URBAN Sub -Urban Zone consists of low density residential areas, adjacent to higher zones with some mixed use. Home occupations and out- buildings are allowed. Planting is naturalistic and setbacks are relatively deep. Blocks may be large and the roads irregular to accommodate natural conditions. (U) URBAN UrbanZoneconsists ofmixed uses, but primarily commercial. It may haveawiderangeofbuildingtypes. single, sideyard, and rowhouses. Setbacks and landscaping are variable. Streets with curbs and sidewalks define medium-sized blocks. ® (UC) URBAN CENTER Building Placement: Urban Center Zone consists of Frontage Types: higher densitymixed use buildings Typical Building Height that accommodate retail, offices, Type of Civic Space: rowhouses and apartments. It _ has a tight network of streets, with Typical GP Designation: wide sidewalks, steady street tree --- -- planting and buildings set close to ` a -AM the sidewalks. (UCR)URBAN CORE Urban Core Zone consists of the highest density and height, with the greatest variety of uses, and civic buildings of regional importance. It may have larger blocks; streets have steady street tree planting and buildings are set close to wide sidewalks. Typically only large towns and cities have an Urban Core Zone. General Character: Natural landscape with some agricultural use Building Placement: Not applicable Frontage Types: Not applicable Typical Building Height Not applicable Type of Civic Space: Parks, Greenways Typical GP Designation: Open Space, National Forest General Character: Primarily agricultural with woodland & wetland and scattered General Character: buildings Building Placement: Variable Setbacks Frontage Types: Not applicable Typical Building Height: 1- to 2 -Story Type of Civic Space: Parks, Greenways Typical GP Designation: Non -Urban 4, Non -Urban 5, Urban Residential 1 General Character: Lawns,andlandscapedyardssurmmdingdetachedsingle-family Civicandculturaluses.Attachedbuildingsformingacontinuom houses; pedestrians occasionally Building Placement Large and variable front and side yard Setbacks Frontage Types: Porches, fences, naturalistic tree planting Typical Building Height 1- to 2 -Story with some 3 -Story Type of Civic Space: Parks, Greenways Typical GP Designation: Urban Residential 2, Urban Residential 3 General Character: Townhouses & small Apartment buildings within Mixed Use Civicandculturaluses.Attachedbuildingsformingacontinuom Development, with substantial commercial activity; balance street wall; treeswithin the Public right-of-way; highestpedestrian between landscape and buildings; presence of pedestrians Building Placement: Shallow to medium front and side yard Setbacks Frontage Types: Porches, fences, Dooryards Typical Building Height: 2- to 3 -Story Type of Civic Space: Squares, Greens Typical GP Designation: Urban Residential 4, Urban Residential 5, Community Com- Parks, Plazas and Squares; median landscaping mercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Regional Commercial General Character: Building Placement Frontage Types: Typical Building Height: Type of Civic Space: Typical GP Designation: General Character: Building Placement: Frontage Types: Typical Building Height Type of Civic Space: Typical GP Designation Shops mixedwith Townhouses, largerApartmenthouses, OBces, workplace, and Civic buildings; predominantly attached build- ings; trees within the public right-of-way; substantial pedestrian activity Shallow Setbacks or none; buildings oriented to street defining a street wall Stoops, Shopfronts, Galleries 3- to 5 -Story with some variation Parks, Plazas and Squares, median landscaping Business Park, Industrial, Mixed Use -Corridor, Mixed Use - Urban Village Medium to high -Density Mixed Use buildings, entertainment, Civicandculturaluses.Attachedbuildingsformingacontinuom t street wall; treeswithin the Public right-of-way; highestpedestrian x W and transit activity Shallow Setbacks or none; buildings oriented to street, defining c a street wail N Stoops, Dooryards, Forecourts, Shopfronts, Galleries, and Arcades L 4 -plus Story with a few shorter buildings to Parks, Plazas and Squares; median landscaping .�. Not applicable Q Note: N, R, SU and UCR are shown above for reference, and are not applied to the Soledad Canyon Road corridor area by this Development Code. ®Regulating Plan and Transect Zones Packet Pg. 100 I Soledad Canyon Road and Whites Canyon Road 3.1.040 CORRIDOR SPECIFIC TRANSECT ZONES Of the six base zones as described in Section 3.1.030, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan utilizes two subzones of the Urban and Urban Center base zones. The two subzones of the Urban General base zone are described below as Soledad Canyon Urban 1 (SC-Ul) and Soledad Canyon Urban Center (SC -UC). The primary uses within these subzones are commercial and may include a mix of commercial and residential uses in the SC-Ul zone. 'Ihe Soledad Canyon Urban Center (SC -UC) zone is the only subzone of the Urban Center base zone within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. The SC -UC zone is characterized by mixed use development including both commercial and residential use types. Soledad Canyon Road and Shangri La Drive A. SOLEDAD CANYON URBAN 1(SC-Ul) The SC-Ul zone is subzone of the largerUrban Transect zone and is applied to large parcels that can accommodate larger commercial structures. A majority of the SC-Ul zone is located along Soledad Canyon Road at the intersections with Whites Canyon Road and Sierra Highway. Setbacks within this zone may be as minimal as 1 foot along Soledad Canyon Road. The SC-Ul zone allows for building heights up to two stories. Typical uses within this zone include medical office, commercial office, retail, and services. Soledad Canyon Road and Camp Plenty Road Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan® Packet Pg. 101 B. SOEEDAD CANYON URBAN CENTER (SC -UC The SC -UC zone is a subzone of the larger Urban Center Transect Zone. The design intent of the SC -UC zone is to encourage high quality, higher density commercial and residential opportunities within the areas mapped on the Regulating Plan and to achieve the goals of the City of Santa Clarita General Plan. The SC -UC zone is characterized by a mixture of residential and commercial uses with structures set close to the sidewalk. Ground floor commercial uses are common with outdoor amenities such as plazas and outdoor dining spaces. Upper floors consist of higher density housing and/or office uses. The SC - UC zone is considered to be a major destination location for people to gather, work and live. Parcels within the SC -UC designation are typically on larger lots allowing the flexibility, for below grade or structured parking. The SC -UC zone differs from the other zone within the Planning area by emphasizing mixed use developments with a residential component. Illustrative Rendering Illustrative Rendering ®Regulating Plan and Transect Zones Illustrative Rendering Packet Pg. 102 3.1.050 REGULATING PLAN The Regulating Plan is the coding key for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. w I J� t T kA II LLJ fj r — - '1TTFM_ rsC —_ FJ --- q , req / �f -JJ r t m S J i �y s N, Soledad Coffidor �1 /J PropwN Zongq rrapw�.et nkerzmFp Attachment: Exhibit A of Ordinance: Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (1120 : Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan) F CHAPTER 4 ZONES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 4.1.010 THE SOLEDAD CANYON URBAN 1 ZONE (SC -U1) A. BUILDING PLACEMENT 1. PRIMARY BUILDINGS A primary building shall be placed on a lot in compliance with the following requirements, within the hatched area as shown in the diagram below, unless specified otherwise by the standards for an allowed building type in Chapter 5 (Frontage Type Standards) or Chapter 6 (Building Type Standards). There shall be no maximum setbacks. Front Setback (a) 1st and 2nd Story 3rd Story and above Rear Setback (b) Side Yard Setback (c) Side Street Setback (d) Rear Alley Setback (e) 1st Story 2nd Story and above Setback from Residential Zone or Use 1st Story 2nd Story 1' minimum 5'minimum; minimum 5' increasing increments per story 0' 0' 0' 0' 5' 10' minimum 15' minimum; 5' increasing increments per story 2. OUTDOOR DINING ENCROACHMENTS Outdoor dining may encroach into the required setbacks but in no circumstance enroach into the public right-of-way. Side Diagram A: Building Placement ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 104 e Side Diagram C: Parking Placement B. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Ii Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of nonresidential uses 0.75 Maximum lot coverage 80% Maximum density (units per gross acre) 18 Minimum density (units per gross acre) N/A Maximum height of a structure without a CUP 35' C. PARKING AND SERVICES 1. PARKING, SERVICES & ACCESSORY STRUCTURE PLACEMENT Diagram B: Building Profile Off-street parking, services and accessory structures shall be placed on a lot in compliance with the following requirements, within the hatched area shown on the GENERAL PLA N diagram above. a. Street Setback:l0'minimum b. Side Street Setback: 5' minimum c. Side Yard Setback: 5' minimum d. Rear Setback: 5' minimum Policy C 7.1.6: Encourage placement of building entries in locations accessible to public sidewalks and transit. Subterranean parking may extend beyond building footprint, and may extend to a height of 3' maximum above finished grade, provided that the garage perimeter wall aligns with the face of the building. 2. PARKING REQUIREMENTS Each site shall provide off-street parking in compliance with Sections 17.41-17.49 of the UDC. D. BUILDING TYPES 1. Only the following building types are allowed in the SC-Ul zone. Each allowed building type shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 6 (Building Type Standards). a. Commercial Pad b. Shopfront Commercial c. Commerical Block -Commercial E. ALLOWED LAND USES 1. Only a land use identified as permitted or conditionally permitted within the Community Commercial (CC) zone in Sections 17.41-17.49 of the UDC shall be established on a lot in the SC-Ul zone. Zones and Development Sta Packet Pg. 105 4.1.020 THE SOLEDAD CANYON URBAN CENTER ZONE (SC -UC) Side Diagram A: Building Placement A. BUILDING PLACEMENT 1. PRIMARY BUILDINGS Diagram B: Building Profile A primary building shall be placed on a lot in compliance with the following requirements, within the hatched area as shown in the diagram above, unless specified otherwise by the standards for an allowed building type in Chapter 5 (Frontage Type Standards) or Chapter 6 (Building Type Standards). There shall be no maximum setbacks. Front Setback (a) 1st and 2nd Story 3rd Story and above Rear Setback (b) Side Yard Setback (c) Side Street Setback (d) Rear Alley Setback (e) 1st Story 2nd Story and above Setback from Residential Zone or Use 1st Story 2nd Story 1' minimum 5' minimum; minimum 5' increasing increments per story 0' 0' 0' 0' 5' 10' minimum 15' minimum; 5' increasing increments per story 2. OUTDOOR DINING ENCROACHMENTS Outdoor dining may encroach into the required setbacks but in no circumstance encroach into the public right-of-way. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 106 if Q i I Side Diagram c: Parking Placement B. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Maximum density (units per gross acre) 30 Minimum density (units per gross acre) 11 Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of nonresidential component 1.0 Minimum floor area ratio (FAR) of nonresidential component 0.25 Surface -level parking setback from major/secondary highway (in feet) 10/5 Structure setback from neighboring residential zones or uses (in feet) 25 Maximum height of building/structure without a CUP (in feet) 50 C. PARKING AND SERVICES 1. PARKING, SERVICES & ACCESSORY STRUCTURE PLACEMENT Off-street parking, services and accessory structures shall be placed on a lot in compliance with the following requirements, within the hatched area shown on the diagram above. a. Street Setback: 10' minimum b. Side Street Setback: 5' minimum c. Side Yard Setback: 5' minimum d. Rear Setback: 5' minimum Subterranean parking may extend beyond building footprint, and may extend to a height of 3' maximum above finished grade, provided that the garage perimeter wall aligns with the face of the building. 2. PARKING REQUIREMENTS Each site shall provide off-street parking in compliance with Sections 17.41-17.49 of the UDC D. BUILDING TYPES 1. Only the following building types are allowed in the SC -UC zone. Each allowed building type shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 6 (Building Type Standards). a. Commercial Block Mixed Use E. ALLOWED LAND USES 1. Only a land use identified as permitted or conditionally permitted within the Mixed Use -Commercial (MXC) zone in Sections 17.35.010(B) of the UDC shall be established on a lot in the SC -UC zone. Zones and Development Sta Packet Pg. 107 CHAPTERS FRONTAGE TYPE STANDARDS 5.1.010 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY A. PURPOSE Frontage types are architectural elements that are attached to a building volume and provide a transition between the outside and the inside of a building. Frontage types, when continuously arrayed, will provide Soledad Canyon Road a continuity that gives distinctive character to the street while also contributing to the specific form of each building. Frontage types are the means of access into buildings and visually reinforce their human scale. Frontage types add individuality to the massing of buildings and create variety on the street as a whole. This section identifies the frontage types allowed within the Soledad Canyon Road corridor and provides design standards to ensure that buildings relate to the street frontage and form a clear boundary between the public and private realm. B. APPLICABILITY Each proposed building shall be designed to incorporate a frontage type designed in compliance with the standards of this section for the applicable type. C. ALLOWABLE FRONTAGE TYPES BY ZONE A lot may be developed only with a building having a frontage type allowed by Chapter 4 in the zone applicable to the lot. 5.1.020 FRONTAGE SUMMARY AND DEFINITIONS The character and arrangement of the private frontage is regulated by the standards herein, and shall be applied to each zone to create a particular and appropriate transitional relationship between the private and public realm. This relationship between the private and public realm is what collectively defines the nature of the streetscape. Frontage types are required for all buildings within each zone as shown in Table C. Frontage types represent a range of extensions of the basic £made of the building. While the urban standards of this Code provide a range of frontage types permitted within each zone, the actual choice and review of a type shall be dictated by individual building designs and, ultimately, the Director's discretion. MSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan 17.d Packet Pg. 708 0 N Table C a. Gallery: a frontage type that includes a colonnade supporting a roof or balcony overlapping the pedestrian walkway. The gallery shall be no less than 10 feet wide and may overlap any portion of the on-site pedestrian a W walkway within 2 feet of the curb. The gallery shall not extend intothe public I M right-of-way. b. Arcade: a frontage type that includes a colonnade supporting habitable space above the pedestrian walkway. The arcade shall be no less than 10 feet wide and may overlap any portion of the on-site pedestrian walkway to within 2 feet of the curb. The arcade shall not extend into the public right-of-way, t I c. Shopfront and Awning: a frontage wherein the facade is aligned closetothe frontage line with the building entrance at sidewalk grade. This type is conventional for retail use. It has a substantial glazing on the sidewalk level and an awning y yf that may overlap the sidewalk to the i maximum extent possible. , 11A Frontage Type Sta grin rds Packet Pg. 109 5.1.030 GALLERY A. DESCRIPTION Galleries are attached colonnades supporting a roof or balcony. B. DESIGN STANDARDS 1. Galleries shall be no less than 10' wide clear in all directions with a maximum of 2' between curb face and gallery eave. 2. Galleries are not permitted in the public right of way. 3. Along primary frontages, the gallery shall correspond to storefront openings. 4. Primary frontage storefront openings shall be at least 65% of the linear width of the tenant space and not have opaque or reflective glazing. 5. Placement: Single story galleries only. Examples of gallery frontage on Soledad Canyon Road Illustrative Diagram Examples of gallery frontage on Soledad Canyon Road Illustrative Diagram C A IL 0 v 0 v v 0 0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg.110 5.1.040 ARCADE A. DESCRIPTION Arcades are facades with an attached colonnade that is covered by upper stories or upper facades. B. DESIGN STANDARDS 1. Arcades shall be no less than 10' wide clear in all directions. 2. Along primary frontages, the arcade shall correspond to storefront openings. 3. Arcades are not permitted in the public right of way. 4. Primary frontage storefront openings shall be at least 65% of the first floor wall area and not have opaque or reflective glazing. Illustrative Diagram Example of Illustrative Diagram Example of arcade frontage at the Canyon Center on Soledad Canyon Road Frontage Type Sta Packet Pg. 117 5.1.050 SHOPFRONT AND AWNING A. DESCRIPTION The Shopfront and Awning frontage type applies to storefronts along the corridor. Storefronts are facades placed at or close to the right-of-way line, with the entrance at sidewalk. They are conventional for retail frontage and are commonly equipped with cantilevered roofs or awnings. Recessed storefronts are also acceptable. B. DESIGN STANDARDS 1. Storefronts are like small buildings with their own base, "roofline", and pattern of window and door openings. 2. Storefront assemblies (the doors, display Illustrative Diagram windows, bulkheads and associated framing) should not be set back into the Shopfront openings more than 2'maximum, so that passing pedestrians have a clear view of the shop interior. 3. Base: A panel of special material is recommended below display windows. Materials recommended for walls are generally suitable. Base materials should be the same or "heavier" materials visually than walls. a. Brick and wood should only be used if the rest of the wall surface is the same material; neither material should be used exclusively. b. Ceramic tile is frequently used as a storefront base. Dark tile with light stucco is an effective combination. Different colors and sizes of tile may be used for decorative effect. 4. Display windows: Storefront windows along the primary frontage shall be at least 65% of the width of the first floor building width, and not have opaque or reflective glazing. Where privacy is desired for restaurants and professional services, etc., windows should be divided into smaller panes. Illustrative Diagram ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan iple of Shopfront frontage at Soledad Canyon Road and Solamint Road Packet Pg. 112 5. Recessed Entries are recommended. 6. Recommended treatments for building facades include: a. Special paving materials such as ceramic tile; b. Ornamental ceilings such as coffering; and c. Decorative light fixtures. 7. Doors should be substantial and well detailed. "They are the one part of the storefront that patrons will invariably touch and feel. Doors should match the materials, design and character of the display window framing. Aluminum framed doors are not recommended. 8. Cornices should be provided at the second floor (or roofline for a one-story building) to differentiate the storefront from upper levels of the building and to add visual interest; this also allows the storefront to function as the base for the rest of the building. 9. Awnings, signs, and related fixtures shall be located 8 feet minimum above the adjacent sidewalk. 10. Awnings shall only cover Storefronts and/ or window openings, so as not to cover the entire facade. Illustrative Rendering Illustrative Rendering Frontage Type StageJaret Packet Pg. 113 CHAPTER 6 BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS 6.1.010 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY A. PURPOSE This section identifies the building types allowed within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Planning Area, and provides design standards for each type, to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for building form, character, and quality. B. APPLICABILITY Each proposed building shall be designed in compliance with the standards of this section for the applicable building type, except for public and institutional buildings, which, because of their unique disposition, and application are not required to comply with building type requirements. C. ALLOWABLE BUILDING TYPES BY ZONE A lot may be developed pursuant to building type allowed by Chapter 4 in the zone applicable to the lot. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 114 6.1.020 COMMERCIAL PAD A. DESCRIPTION A building may be designed for a single occupant or multiple occupants. A commercial pad building design is appropriate for corporate chain restaurants or similar commercial type uses. A commercial pad building may be located upon a qualifying lot as defined in Chapter 4. B. ACCESS & PARKING 1. The main pedestrian entrance shall directly face the primary street elevation. 2. On a corner lot, parking shall be accessed from Soledad Canyon Road. 3. There shall be no more than one driveway to any one street for each development site, unless otherwise approved by the Director. 4. Reciprocal ingress and egress, circulation and Example of commercial pad on Soledad Canyon Road and Lost Canyon Road Example of commercial pad on Soledad Canyon Road and Whites Canyon Road parking arrangements shall be encouraged where possible to limit unnecessary driveways. 5. Required parking may be at -grade, structured, or subterranean. If structured parking is provided, the facade of the structure shall be consistent with the colors, materials and character of the primary structure. C. SERVICES 1. Above -ground equipment and trash enclosures shall be located at least 10 feet behind the A facade of the building and be screened from public view with landscaping or decorative fence to the satisfaction of the Director. O 2. Utility, trash, recycling, food waste and service equipment, including satellite receiving 46 Q dishes, transformers, and backflow devices, shall be located away from streets and enclosed or screened from view by landscaping, fencing or other architectural means. Satellite dishes x and wireless facilities shall comply with provisions set forth with UDC Section 17.69. w Y 3. Rooftop equipment shall be screened from view on all sides, and integrated into the overall :_ E building design. m 4. Trash facilities and recycling containers must always be within covered enclosures to the a satisfaction of the Director. Building Type Standards Packet Pg. 115 5. Trash enclosures shall be setback 10 feet from Soledad Canyon Road and shall be landscaped or screened from public view. Access shall be conveniently located and causes a minimum number of parking spaces to be blocked while a refuse truck is present. 6. Electrical vehicle charging stations shall be required for new commercial developments in compliance with State law. D. 0uTm DINING/PUBLR 5ffia 1. Outdoor dining/public space shall he integrated into the overall project design. A minimum of 250 square feet of dining space/public space shall be required. 2. Under no circumstance shall outdoor dining/public space areas encroach into the public right-of-way, however these areas may encroach into required front setbacks. Areas utilized for outdoor dining that encroach into the front setback shall not count toward the 250 square foot minimum outdoor dinning requirement. 3. Outdoor dining/public space shall be landscaped to the satisfaction of the Director. E. BUILDING SIZE AND MASSING 1. To reduce massing, all elevations shall include articulation consistent with the c architectural design of the main elevation. 2. The visibility of elevators, staircases, and exterior corridors shall be incorporated into r the massing of the building. Exterior staircases, corridors, etc may be apporved subject a to a Minor Use Permit. `o 0 3. Buildings on corner lots shall be designed with street -facing facades ofequal architectural expression with interior facades that are consistent with the architectural standards of U this code. M 0 4. Where appropriate, buildings shall include varying heights to create visual interest and to reduce massing and provide visual cues for access into the buildings. 0 E DME -THROUGH 1. Each drive-through lane shall be separated from the circulation routes necessary for ingress or egress from the property, or access to any parking space. 2. Each drive-through lane shall be distinctly delineated with a raised curb. 3. Drive-through reader and orderboards shallbe obscured from public viewbylandscaping and/or architectural features and shall have a minimum 10 foot setback. 4. A former bank drive-through that does not met the minimum regulations for a food Q use may be converted to a restaurant drive-through with the issuance of a MUP. a 5. The vehicle stacking capacity for uses containing drive-through facilities shall be as K follows: w a. Drive -Through Restaurant: Stacking shall be a minimum of 80 feet between c 0 the order board and the pick-up window and a minimum of 120 feet behind the t order board. m s; a b. Bank Drive -Through Stacking shall be a minimum of 100 feet for each window or automated teller machine. If multiple bays are proposed stacking shall be to the satisfaction of the director. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 116 C. Auto uses, such as self-service car washes, oil change facilities and similar uses: Staclu 11.d shall be a minimum of 60 feet free and clear to all drive aisles and parking areas. d. The stacking requirement for drive-through uses not listed above shall be determined by the Director of Community Development. G. LANDSCAPE All projects shall be developed in accordance with section 17.51.030 of the UDC unless otherwise detailed below: 1. Public landscaping shall be incorporated as a part of all proposed projects subject to Section 9.1.030 of this corridor plan. 2. All parcels abutting residentially zoned parcels shall provide buffer landscaping to screen and minimize building mass as determined by the Director. 3. Landscape shall not obscure the visibility of ground floor storefronts. 4. Landscaping shall be used to screen trash enclosures, shopping cart returns, above -ground utilities, and other appurtenant and accessory structures and/or services. 5. All landscaping shall be no more than 30" in height within the clear sight line setback zone defined as eight (8) feet from curb line at the centerline of the driveway, diminishing to the curb line measured fifty (50) feet from the centerline of the driveway in both directions. Building Type Standards Packet Pg. 117 6.1.030 SHOPFRONT COMMERCIAL A. DESCRIPTION A budding or block designed for multiple store fronts within the same structure. A Shopfront Commercial building is designed to accommodate a variety of retail and service uses that create a vibrant walkable community. A Shopfront Commercial building may be located upon a qualifying lot defined in Chapter 4. B. ACCESS & PARKING 1. There shall be a minimum of two pedestrian entrances, one located along the primary street elevation and a second through the rear elevation. Example of shopfront commercial Example of shopfront commercial 2. Parking shall be accessed through a secondary street, where possible. 3. Reciprocal ingress and egress, circulation and parking arrangements shall be required where possible and feasible to facilitate ease of vehicular movement between adjoining properties and to limit unnecessary driveways. 4. Parking entrances to subterranean garages and/or driveways shall be located as close as possible to the side or rear of each lot. 5. Services and/or loading areas shall not face public streets. 6. Pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods, other commercial project, and the street edge shall be provided. 7. Access between transit stops and building entrances shall be clearly defined. 8. On-site pedestrian circulation systems shall be directly connected to off-site public sidewalks. 9. Planted islands and pedestrian walkways shall be provided to connect parking and building entries. 10. Required parking may be at -grade, subterranean or structured. C. SERVICES 1. Services, above ground equipment, and trash enclosure areas shall be setback 10 feet from property line on Soledad Canyon Road. 2. Above ground equipment and trash enclosures shall be located at least 10 feet behind the facade of the building and be screened from public view with landscaping or a fence. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 118 f 3. Utility, trash, recycling, food waste and service equipment, including satellite receiving dis e transformers, and backflow devices, shall be located away from streets and enclosed or screened from view by landscaping, fencing or other architectural means. Satellite dishes and wireless facilities shall comply with provisions set forth with UDC Section 17.69. 4. Rooftop equipment must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from building walls, screened from view on all sides, and integrated into the overall building design. 5. Trash enclosure location and access shall be designed to the satisfaction of the Director. Such access shall be conveniently located and causes a minimum number of parking spaces to be blocked while a refuse truck is present. 6. Trash facilities and recycling containers must always be within covered enclosures to the satisfaction of the Director. 7. Electrical vehicle charging stations shall be required for new commercial developments in compliance with State law. D. DUrDDDR DINING/PUBLIC SPACE 1. Outdoor dining/public space shall be integrated into the overall project design. A minimum y of 250 square feet of dinning/public space shall be required. m 2. Outdoor dining/public space areas may encroach into front setbacks. However, area utilized o for outdoor dining that encroaches into the front setback shall not count towards the 250 r square foot minimum outdoor dinning/public space requirement. c 3. Outdoor dining/public space shall be enclosed with a fence and landscaped subject to the a discretion of the Director. `o E. BUILDING SIZE AND MASSING 1. To reduce massing, all elevations shall include articulation consistent with the architectural design of the main elevation. 2. The visibility of elevators, staircases, and exterior corridors shall be incorporated into the massing of the building. Exterior staircases, corridors, etc may be apporved subject to a Minor Use Permit. 3. Buildings on comer lots shall be designed with street -facing facades of equal architectural expression with interior facades that are consistent with the architectural *standards of this code. 4. Where appropriate, buildings shall include varying heights to create visual interest. E DRIVE-THRDUGH 1. Drive-throughs are prohibited as a part of Shopfront Commercial building types. Building Type Standards ' Packet Pg. 119 G. LANDSCAPE All projects shall be developed in accordance with section 17.51.030 of the UDC unless otherwise detailed below: Public landscaping shall be incorporated as a part of all proposed projects subject to Section 9.1.030 of this corridor plan. 2. All parcels abutting residentially zoned parcels shall provide buffer landscaping to screen and minimize building mass as determined by the Director. 3. Landscape shall not obscure the visibility of ground floor storefronts. 4. Landscaping shall be used to screen trash enclosures, shopping cart returns, utilities, and other appurtenant and accessory structures and/or services. 5. All landscaping shall be no more than 30" in height within the clear sight line setback zone defined as eight (8) feet from curb line at the centerline of the driveway, diminishing to the curb line measured fifty (50) feet from the centerline of the driveway in both directions. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 120 6.1.040 COMMERCIAL BLOCK -COMMERCIAL Example of commercial block -commercial A. NscitipTwN Example of commercial block -commercial A building designed for occupancy by retail, service, and/or office uses on the ground floor street frontage, with upper floors configured for office use. A Commercial Block -Commercial building may be located upon a qualifying lot defined in Chapter 4. B. ACCESS & PARNING 1. The main pedestrian entrance to each ground floor area shall be directly from and face the street. 2. Where applicable, elevator access shall be provided between the subterranean garage and each level of the building. 3. Pedestrian circulation on upper floors shall not be exposed to street frontage. 4. On a corner lot without access to an alley, parking shall be accessed from the side street through the building. 5. Parking entrances to subterranean garages and/or driveways shall be located as close as possible to the side or rear of each lot. 6. Reciprocal ingress and egress, circulation and parking arrangements shall be required where possible and feasible to facilitate ease of vehicular movement between adjoining properties and to limit unnecessary driveways. 7. Services and/or loading areas shall not face public streets. 8. Pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods, other commerdal project, and the street edge shall be provided. 9. Access between transit stops and building entrances shall be clearly defined. 10. On-site pedestrian circulation systems shall be directly connected to off-site public sidewalks. 11. Planted islands and pedestrian walkways shall be provided to connect parking and building entries. 12. Required parking may be at -grade, structured, or subterranean. If structured is provided, the fariade of the structure shall be consistent with the colors and materials and character of the primary structure. Building Type Standards Packet Pg. 121 C. SERVICES 1. Above ground equipment and trash enclosures shall be located at least 10 feet behind the facade of the building and be screened from public view with landscaping or a fence. 2. Utility, trash, recycling, food waste and service equipment, including satellite receiving dishes, transformers, and backflow devices, shall be located away from streets and enclosed or screened from view by landscaping, fencing or other architectural means. Satellite dishes and wireless facilities shall comply with provisions set forth with UDC Section 17.69. 3. Rooftop equipment must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from building walls, screened from view on all sides, and integrated into the overall building design. 4. Trash/recycling enclosures and other facilities serviced by trucks should be strategically placed to minimize blockage of street traffic during servicing. 5. Trash facilities and recycling containers shall always be within covered enclosures. 6. Electrical vehicle charging stations shall be required for new commercial developments in compliance with State law. D. BUILDING SIZE AND MASSING On larger lots, new structures should be clustered to create plazas or pedestrian malls in order to prevent long rows of buildings. 2. To reduce massing, all elevations shall include articulation consistent with the architectural design of the main elevation. 3. The visibility of elevators, staircases, and exterior corridors shall be incorporated into the massing of the building. Exterior staircases, corridors, etc may be apporved subject to a Minor Use Permit. 4. Buildings on corner lots shall be designed with street -facing facades of equal architectural expression with interior facades that are consistent with the architectural standards of this code. Prominent architectural features should be located near corners and intersections. 5. Where appropriate, buildings shall include varying heights to reduce massing. E. OPEN SPACE 1. Courtyard and open space areas may be located on the ground or upper floors. 2. Open space shall equal a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of lot area. 3. Open space requirement may be accomplished through the incorporation of outdoor dining and public gathering areas. 4. Outdoor dining areas may encroach into front setbacks. However, area utilized for outdoor dining that encroaches into the front setback shall not count toward the fifteen percent (15%) minimum open space requirement. 5. Outdoor dinning/public space shall be enclosed and landscaped to the discretion of the Director. F. LANDSCAPE All projects shall be developed in accordance with section 17.51.030 of the UDC unless otherwise detailed below: 1. No private landscaping is required in front of the building if built to property line. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 122 2. Public landscaping shall be incorporated as a part of all proposed projects subject to Section 9.1.030 of this corridor plan.. 3. All parcels abutting residentially zoned parcels shall provide buffer landscaping to screen and minimize building mass as determined by the Director. 4. Courtyards located over garages should be designed to avoid the appearance of forced podium hardscape through the use of ample landscaping. 5. Landscape shall not obscure the visibility of ground floor storefronts. 6. Where applicable, landscape shall not be used to separate a front yard from the front yards on adjacent parcels. 7. Landscaping shall be used to screen trash enclosures, shopping cart returns, utilities, and other appurtenant and accessory structures and/or services. 8. All landscaping shall be no more than 30" in height within the clear sight line setback zone defined as eight (8) feet from curb line at the centerline of the driveway, diminishing to the curb line measured fifty (50) feet from the centerline of the driveway in both directions. Building Type Standards Packet Pg. 123 6.1.050 COMMERCIAL BLOCK -MIXED USE Illustriatve rendering of commercial block -mixed use A. DESCRIPTION Illustriatve rendering of commercial block -mixed use A building designed for occupancy by retail, service, and/or office uses on the ground floor street frontage, with upper floors configured for dwelling units. A Commercial Block -Mixed Use building may be located upon a qualifying lot defined in Chapter 4. Residential units shall comply with the City's Multifamily Residential Standards found in UDC Section 17.57.030. B. ACCESS & PeRRING 1. The main entrance to each ground floor area shall be directly from, and face the street. 2. Entrance to the residential and/or non-residential portions of the building above the ground floor shall be through a street level lobby. 3. Where applicable, elevator access shall be provided between the subterranean garage and each level of the building. 4. Pedestrian circulation on upper floors shall not be exposed to street frontage 5. Parking entrances to subterranean garages and/or driveways shall be located as close as possible to the side or rear of each lot. 6. Parking shall be accessed from the side street through the building. 7. Services and/or loading areas shall not face public streets. 8. Pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods, other commercial projects, and the street edge shall be provided. 9. Access between transit stops and building entrances shall be clearly defined. 10. On-site pedestrian circulation systems shall be directly connected to off-site public sidewalks. 11. Planted islands and pedestrian walkways shall be provided to connect parking and building entries. 12. Required parking may be at -grade, structured, or subterranean. If structured parking is provided, the facade of the structure shall be consistent with the colors and marterials and character of the primary structure. 13. Dwellings may have indirect access to their parking stalls. mSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 124 C. SERVICES 1. Above ground equipment and trash enclosures shall be located at least 10 feet behind the facade of the building and be screened from public view with landscaping or a fence. 2. Utility, trash, recycling, food waste and service equipment, including satellite receiving dishes, transformers, and backflow devices, shall be located away from streets and enclosed or screened from view by landscaping, fencing or other architectural means. Satellite dishes and wireless facilities shall comply with provisions set forth with UDC Section 17.69. 3. Rooftop equipment must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from building walls, screened from view on all sides, and integrated into the overall building design. 4. Trash/recycling enclosures and other facilities serviced by trucks should be strategically placed to minimize blockage of street traffic during servicing. 5. Trash facilities and recycling containers shall always be within covered enclosures. 6. Electrical vehicle charging stations shall be required for new commercial developments in compliance with State law. D. BUILDING SIZE AND MASSING 1. On larger lots, new structures should be clustered to create plazas or pedestrian malls in order to prevent long rows of buildings. 2. To reduce massing, all elevations shall include articulation consistent with the architectural design of the main elevation. 3. The visibility of elevators, staircases, and exterior corridors shall be incorporated into the massing of the building. Exterior staircases, corridors, etc may be apporved subject to a Minor Use Permit. 4. Buildings on corner lots shall be designed with street -facing facades of equal architectural expression with interior facades that are consistent with the architectural standards of this code. 5. Where appropriate, buildings shall include varying heights to reduce massing. E. OPEN SPACE Courtyard and open space areas may be located on the ground or upper floors. Required residential open space 1. Required yard open space shall be provided for each residential unit as follows: a. Studio units- fifty (50) square feet. b. One bedroom units- seventy-five (75) square feet. C. Two (or more) bedroom units- one hundred (100) square feet. 2. Required recreational facility area shall be provided for each residential unit as follows: a. Studio units- one hundred (100) square feet. b. One bedroom units- one hundred and fifty (150) square feet. c. Two (or more) bedroom units- two hundred (200) square feet. 3. Required recreational facilities shall be provided in one or more of the following manners to the satisfaction of the Director: a. Landscaped park -like quiet area. Building Type Standards Packet Pg. 125 3. All parcels abutting residentially zoned parcels shall provide buffer landscaping to screen and minimize building mass as determined by the Director. 4. Courtyards located over garages shall provide multiple, well placed landscape areas that are integrated into both the design of the building and the courtyard it is located within. 5. Landscape shall not obscure the visibility of ground floor storefronts. 6. Where applicable, landscape shall not be used to separate a front yard from the front yards on adjacent parcels. 7. Landscaping shall be used to screen trash enclosures, shopping cart returns, utilities, and other appurtenant and accessory structures and/or services. 8. All landscaping shall be no more than 30" in height within the clear sight line setback zone defined as eight (8) feet from curb line at the centerline of the driveway, diminishing to the curb line measured fifty (50) feet from the centerline of the driveway in both directions. mSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 126 11.d b. Childreds play area. c. Fitness facility. d. Family picnic area. e. Swimming pool with cabana or patio cover. Required non-residential/commercial open space 1. Non-residential open space shall equal a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of net lot area. c a 2. The non-residential open space requirement may be accomplished through the incorporation `00 of outdoor dining and public gathering areas. 3. Outdoor dining areas may encroach into front setbacks. However, area utilized for outdoor 0 v dining that encroaches into the front setback shall not count toward the fifteen percent (15%) o minimum open space requirement. M F. LANDSCAPE c 0 '` C All projects shall be developed in accordance with section 17.51.030 of the UDC unless W otherwise detailed below: v m 0 1. No private landscaping is required in front of the building if built to propertyline. y •• 2. Public landscaping shall be incorporated as a part of all proposed projects subject to Section 0 N v 9.1.030 of this corridor plan. c 3. All parcels abutting residentially zoned parcels shall provide buffer landscaping to screen and minimize building mass as determined by the Director. 4. Courtyards located over garages shall provide multiple, well placed landscape areas that are integrated into both the design of the building and the courtyard it is located within. 5. Landscape shall not obscure the visibility of ground floor storefronts. 6. Where applicable, landscape shall not be used to separate a front yard from the front yards on adjacent parcels. 7. Landscaping shall be used to screen trash enclosures, shopping cart returns, utilities, and other appurtenant and accessory structures and/or services. 8. All landscaping shall be no more than 30" in height within the clear sight line setback zone defined as eight (8) feet from curb line at the centerline of the driveway, diminishing to the curb line measured fifty (50) feet from the centerline of the driveway in both directions. mSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 126 CHAPTER? ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS 7.1.010 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY A. PURPOSE The standards in this section provide direction for the design of buildings, appurtenances, and site elements within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Planning Area. The materials, methods, and forms herein are recommended. Other materials, methods, and dM^ QI C forms will require explicit approval from the review authority, based on a finding that they conform to the design intent of this Code. B. APPLICABILITY The intent of these guidelines is to retain and encourage architectural variety, promote quality development, and ensure that both existing and new development: ?he overarching objective of these flrchitectural Standards is to establish a distinguishable character unique to the community. Is compatible in size, scale, and appearance with the character of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan; Is attractive and an asset to the community; Preserves and enhances natural features of a site; Incorporates quality articulation, community character features, multiple building forms, desirable building details, and other elements that display excellence in design; Provides pedestrian -oriented design to enrich the pedestrian experience; Promotes the use of high quality materials; and Incorporation of green building components. Architectural Stan Packet Pg. 127 7.1.020 GENERAL DESIGN A. PROJECT ENTRY DESIGN Project entries shall be easily identifiable and aesthetically pleasing. Entries shall be designed to complement the overall style of the project. 1. The following accent features shall be incorporated into the project entry, subject to the discretion of the Director: a. Ornamental plantings; b. Planted driveway medians (minimum seven feet wide); c. Recirculating water features; d. Architectural monuments; e. Decorative walls; c to f. Enhanced paving (colored, textured, and c permeable); and g. Accent lighting. B. PUBLIC PLAZA SPACES Specialized, defined public outdoor space shall be incorporated into the overall building and project design per the allowed building and frontage type, subject to the discretion of the Director. 1. Pedestrian oriented squares, courtyards, arcades, atriums, verandas, balconies, and roof terraces, shall be placed and designed to encourage attention and the presence of people day and night. 2. Outdoor spaces shall have clear, recognizable shapes that reflect careful planning and not be a result of "left over" areas between structures. 3. Site amenities, such as benches, drinking fountains, provisions for bicyclists, water features, and public art should be utilized and should complement the project's architectural character. 4. Shade trees, umbrellas, and shade bars that provide relief from the sun should be incorporated within public outdoor spaces where appropriate. Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg.128 C. GRT RETURN, LOADING & DELIVERY Service and loading areas shall be located and designed for convenient access by tenants, for easy access by service vehicles, and to minimize circulation conflicts with other uses on site. 1. Cart return facilities shall be consistent with the design of the project and building architecture. Similar or the same materials shall be used on the return as the buildings. 2. Cart returns within the parking lot shall be designed with a minimum of three (3) foot landscape planters on each side. 3. Service, utility, and loading areas shall be carefully designed, located, and integrated into the site plan. These areas shall be located and designed for easy access by service vehicles, for convenient access by each tenant and to minimize circulation conflicts with other site uses. these critical functional elements shall not detract from the public view shed area or create a nuisance for adjacent property owners. 4. Loading areas shall be located in the rear of the site. Loading areas located near a side street shall be adequately screened from public view. 5. Loading and delivery space shall be provided for all development subject to the discretion of the Director. D. PARKING LOT SCREENING All parking lots shall be adequately screened with walls, berms, and landscaping to prevent headlight and visual impacts to public streets and surrounding properties. 1. A landscaping buffer shall be provided between the parking area and public right- of-way. The buffer may be designed to provide stormwater retention through wet or dry swales, sumps, etc. 2. A 36 -inch to 42 -inch high berm, headlight hedge, or aesthetically pleasing masonry wall shall be provided to screen any parking area at the street periphery. 3. When walls are used to screen parking, breaks should be provided to allowpedestrian circulation. 0 N T Architectural Stan Packet Pg. 129 E. WALLS AND FENCES Walls and fences shall be designed to blend with the site's architecture. Landscaping shall be used in combination with walls to soften the appearance and to aid in the prevention of graffiti. 1. The use of chain link fence is prohibited. 2. Wrought iron fences should have iron posts and/or brick or stone piers. 3. Both sides of perimeter walls shall be architecturally treated and shall blend with the site's architecture. A minimum of a three (3) foot landscape planter is required adjacent to any wall or fence. 4. Garden walls, and retaining walls exposed to public view, should be made of a natural material, brick, stone, or stucco compatible with the design of the principal building. 5. Uses adjacent to residentially zoned property or property developed with a residential use, shall provide a minimum six (6) foot high masonry wall along all common lot lines. In addition, fifteen (15) gallon trees shall be installed and maintained along the inside of the wall in a minimum five (5) foot wide planter. The trees shall be located a maximum of twenty (20) feet apart for the length of the common lot line or to the satisfaction of the Director. 6. Patio walls shall be no taller than 36 inches. Walls shall have a minimum of a two (2) foot planter around all wall faces. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 130 F. GENERAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES Projects shall be designed to integrate the following design principles. the following are general design principles that apply to all new development to ensure that projects possess quality design attributes. 1. Richness of material surface and texture. 2. Muted earth tone colors (such as off-whites, ochres, umbers, beiges, tans, browns, or other similar subdued colors) for primary building surfaces, with more intense colors limited to accents. 3. Significant wall articulation (insets, canopies, wing walls, trellis features, arches, colonnades). 4. Full -sloped roofs, multi -planed roofs (combination of pitched and flat roofs). r 5. Window configurations compatible with the design of the building. 0 c 6. Articulated building mass and form. A '0 7. Landscape elements, which include plantings and hardscape, that complement the type M 0 of architecture, enhance building and site design, and are integrated into the surrounding in context. c N 8. Plazas, landscaped areas, fountains, public art, textured pavement, and vertical building features should be combined to create focal points and identity. 9. Functional and aesthetic vehicular and pedestrian connections to adjacent sites should be a considered during site plan development. 00 10. Dead end drive aisles shall be avoided. 0 U 11. Pedestrian links shall be provided between buildings on the same site, public open spaces, c and parking areas and should be visually emphasized through the use of landscaping or trellis c features, lighting, walls, and/or distinctive paving. Pedestrian links should be consistent with 0 Title 24 California Building Code of Regulations accessibility requirements. Architectural Stan Packet Pg. 131 ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan G. DESIRABLE ELEMENTS OF A PROJECT DESIGN In addition to the elements previously listed, all projects shall possess the following: 1. Comprehensive sign program integrated with the building, site, and landscape design. 2. Visually distinctive, inviting, and identifiable site and building entrances. 3. Clear vehicular access and circulation. 4. Safe and practical access for pedestrians. 5. Parking areas that are landscaped and screened from public view. 6. Architecturally integrated and concealed mechanical equipment. H. UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS OF A PROJECT DESIGN 'Me following elements shall be avoided: 1. Large blank, unarticulated wall surfaces. 2. Exterior materials that are inconsistent with the architectural design or style of the project. 3. Exposed, untextured concrete precision block walls. 4. Highly reflective surfaces. 5. Visible outdoor storage, loading, and equipment areas. 6. Disjointed parking areas and complex circulation patterns. 7. Large parking areas visible to major thoroughfares. 8. Large, out -of -scale signs. Packet Pg. 132 7.1.030 ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC STYLES A. SME PRECEDENTS "This section identifies the Rustic Californian architectural style allowed within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. This style was selected by the community during the public outreach effort and also reflects the style of recent buildings that have been constructed within the corridor and surrounding area. 'Ihe standards listed in this section seek to achieve two purposes: 1) to create high-quality projects whose designs will create a sense of place both on their immediate property as well as along the length of Soledad Canyon Road; and 2) to simplify the development review and approval process by laying out clear, specific design criteria and expectations. 'Ihe standards listed in this section provide a broad overview of the Rustic Californian style, but are not comprehensive. Designers and applicants are encouraged to create projects that use not only the design elements listed, but also other elements that are appropriate and in keeping with the respective style. The standards listed serve as a development framework and practical style manual with the understanding that each building or project must fit the context of its specific site and surroundings. While projects shall comply with the standards for the applicable building types listed in this section, designers do have flexibility in the kinds of style elements they choose to use and how they apply the respective style to their projects. Creative designs are encouraged and expected. B. CONFLICTING REQUIREMENTS Notwithstanding the encouragement for creativity and a project's individual styling, should a conflict arise in the application of site/ building elements, appurtenances, materials, configurations, etc., the general standards for the Rustic Californian style shall control. In such instances, the approving authority shall have the final word in what is and what is not consistent with the standards for the Rustic Californian style. Architectural Stan Packet Pg. 133 7.1.040 RUSTIC CALIFORNIAN A. (HARACTER `The required architectural style for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor is `Rustic Californian", which is a mix of the architectural elements found in Mission Revival, Arts and Crafts, Craftsman, and Ranch styles. The utilization of commonly recognized elements authentic to each of these architectural styles, coupled with the introduction of natural materials such as stone veneer, exposed timbers, and selective accents typically employed with these styles helps to create a cohesive design with a contemporary appeal. Although the following items are considered the most typical character defining features of Rustic Californian architecture, not all of these will apply to each Rustic Calfornian-style building. Each building must be addressed individually and is subject to the discretion of the Director or other approval body. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RUSTIC CALIFORNIAN • OPEN TIMBER TRELLISES • STONE VENEER • COVERED WALKWAYS • SIMPLE EARTHY COLORS • DECORATIVE KNEE BRACING Packet Pg. 134 B. WALL ARTICULATION Since the "Rustic Californian" style takes its cues from several architectural styles, the elevations should be well articulated with several elements. A combination of roof forms and wall planes should be used to articulate the building. Typical elements that could be incorporated include: 1. Tower elements. M a 2. Covered walkways. v_° 'E 3. Open trellises. 0 U C. ROOF ELEMENTS A single building design may be composed of several W c roof forms such as: T c 1. Low-pitched gabled. M v 2. Shed or compound shed. V cc 3. Low-pitched hip roofs. in 4. Exposed overhangs with timber elements. r 5. Prominent roof design. D. OPENINGS c n 1. Doors and windows typically detailed with trim accent. 2. Combination of arched and flat head window and door styles. 3. Enhanced entries with roof and wall articulation elements. E. AtTACHED ELEMENTS Attached elements should include connections that take into consideration the detailing that was utilized in the Mission Revival, Arts and Crafts, Craftsman, and Ranch styles including but not limited to: 1. Open timber trellises. 2. Limited metal/wrought iron detailing. F. VENTS 1. Attic vents are often found on gable ends and have a simple trim surround. 2. May be grouped with small accent windows. Sometimes found as decorative grills. 3. Awnings supported by wood or metal members that tie back to the main structure. Architectural Stanoarck Packet Pg. 135 G. ACCENTS Trim, color accents, and materials are to be complementary to each other and reminiscent of Mission Revival, Arts and Crafts, Craftsman, and Ranch styles. Typical accents include: 1. Knee bracing at gable end 2. Roof overhang detailing 3. Siding enhancement 4. Iron or metal work 5. Exposed wood members and attachments 6. Integration of natural materials H. WALL SURFACE MATERIALS Appropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to: 1. Native stone veneer 2. Cement plaster stucco 3. Smooth and hand -troweled stucco 4. Tile 5. Rustic masonry 6. Wood siding or wood shingles 7. Cement/fiber siding (6-12 inch horizontal siding) S. Brick Inappropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Simulated materials such as cement brick T-111 siding Metal siding Slump stone Precision block Highly polished materials "Spanish lace" or knock down stucco Mirror glass and heavily tinted glass Corrugated fiberglass MSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 136 c m a `o .L 0 Q a 0 0 a: c 0 C to U 0 v m 0 N N r I. WALL DETAILS AND ACCENTS Appropriate wall materials, details, and accents include, but are not limited to: 1. Accent tile 2. Stucco corbels, lintels, and sills 3. Heavy wood beams 4. Exposed timber rafter tails 5. Clay tile vents 6. Wood vents 7. Recessed niches 8. Arches 9. Colonnades 10. Deep overhangs 11. Wrought iron 12. Wood trellises/shading devices 13. Decorative knee bracing 14. Wood casement or fixed windows (multi -lite) 15. Wood doors with wood trim Inappropriate wall materials, details, and accents include, but are not limited to: 1. Chrome 2. Plastic 3. Aluminum windows or highly polished materials El Architectural Stangarrig Packet Pg. 137 J. ROOFING MATERIALS Appropriate roofing materials, forms, and accents include, but are not limited to: 1. Cement tiles 2. Dimensional asphalt/composite shingles 3. Standing seam/metal roofing 4. "Cool roof" built-up roofing 5. Traditional two-piece tapered, multi- colored terra cotta or clay barrel tiles with an approximate 20 percent grounded concrete boost in the field tiles 6. Barrel tile caps at roof hips 7. Double tiles or boosted tiles at eaves Inappropriate roofing materials, forms, and accents include, but are not limited to: 1. Simulated clay or concrete roofing tiles 2. Wood shingles/shakes 3. Corrugated metal/fiberglass panels 4. S -tiles c IL 0 v 0 0 U v 0 0 0 0 T c m U a A v a, 0 0 N r 2 ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 138 K. COLORS The following items are intended to promote well -coordinated color palettes that integrate with the other exterior gestures of a building: 1. Light, subtle earth tones such as tan, beige, sand, and cream, used in conjunction with bold, rich complementary accents, are appropriate color choices. 2. Simple color schemes involving a maximum of three colors are recommended. 3. Bright colored walls are discouraged. 4. Certain materials, such as stone and brick, have distinct coloring in their natural state and should be thought of as an element of the color palette used. These materials should not be painted. 5. Brighter colors should be used as accents. Architectural Stan Packet Pg. 139 CHAPTER 8 SIGN STANDARDS 8.1.010 PURPOSE This section contains standards and guidelines for signage to ensure that signs installed throughout the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor are consistent with the overall quality and character of new development. Please refer to the Unified Development Code for all sign related information or regulations not specifically addressed in this section of the Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan. 8.1.020 APPLICABILITY The provisions of this Section apply to proposed development and land uses in addition to all other applicable requirements of the base zone. In the event of a conflict between a requirement in this section and the base zone, the requirement in this section shall control. a. The sign standards determine the allowed type and size, material, design, and maintenance requirements for signage located throughout the Soledad Canyon Corridor planning area. In the event of a conflict between this Section and any other City code, the provisions of this Section shall apply. b. All issues not specifically addressed herein shall be addressed pursuant to the City of Santa Clarita Municipal Code. c. The replacement of signs due to tenant changes is exempt from this section if no other exterior alterations are proposed. d. Only those existing or proposed projects deemed consistent with Chapter 7 of this plan shall adhere to the standards set forth in this section of the Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan. All other properties not deemed consistent shall comply with Section 17.51.080 of the Unified Development Code. 8.1.030 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS A. INDIVIDUAL SIGNS The Director shall have the authority to review and approve all signs complying with the standards of this Article except as otherwise noted. Any sign requests not complying with these standards shall require Sign Variance approval. B. SIGN PLAN REQUIREMENTS 1. A master sign plan shall be required for: a. A new project with five or more tenants; b. A project consisting of major rehabilitation work on an existing project with five or more tenants, that involves exterior remodeling, and/or the application proposes modification to 50 percent or more of the existing signs on the site within a 12 -month period. For the purposes of this Chapter, major rehabilitation includes those projects requiring an Architectural Design Review or Development Review as detailed in Chapter 17.23 of the UDC. Each sign installed or replaced shall comply with the approved master sign plan. MSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 140 C. STANDARDS 1. For each business establishment, the total sign area permitted shall be three (3) square feet of total sigr area for each linear foot of primary frontage facing a street or internal pedestrian walkway. Sign area foi monument signs shall not count towards this requirement. 2. For multi -tenant buildings, each establishment shall be calculated individually. For corner establishments the fafade facing Soledad Canyon Road shall be considered the primary elevation. 3. Signage on secondary elevations shall count towards the total sign area permitted for each establishment 4. The method of sign attachment to the building should be integrated into the overall sign design. 5. Signs should not cover up windows or important architectural features. 6. Flush mounted signs should be positioned within architectural features, such as the window or pane above the storefront or flanking the doorways. 7. Flush mounted signs should align with other signs in the project center to maintain the existing pattern 8. External illumination of signs and awnings is preferred. 9. Lighting of all exterior signs should be directional to illuminate the sign without producing glare or pedestrians autos, or adjacent residential units. 10. Electrical connections should not be visible on signs. 11. To conserve energy, there should be a standard shut-off time for illuminated signs for businesses that do not operate at night. 12. A single development with more than five users should provide a unifying sign theme through a sign program. All signs should be consistent with each other in the following ways: a. Type of construction materials b. Letter size c. Method of sign support d. Configuration of sign area e. Shape of total sign and related components 13. Illumination should consist of incandescent, halogen, neon, LED, and metal halide light sources only High pressure sodium, low pressure sodium, and fluorescent lighting are strongly discouraged. 14. Contrasting colors should be used between the color of the background and the letters of symbols used Light letters on a dark background or dark letters on a light background are most legible. 15. Colors or color combinations that interfere with the legibility of the sign copy should be avoided. 16. Sign design, including color, should be appropriate to the establishment, conveying a sense of what typ< of business is being advertised. 17. The location of all permanent signs should be incorporated into the architectural design of the building Placement of signs should be considered part of the overall facade design. Sign locations should b< carefully considered, and align with major architectural features. 18. Storefront signage should help create architectural variety from establishment to establishment. In multi - tenant buildings, signage should be used to create interest and variety. 19. All signs (including temporary signs) should present a neat and aligned appearance. 20. All signs (including temporary signs) should be constructed and installed utilizing the services of a professional sign fabricator. 21. All master Sign Plans shall comply with the standards of this section. 8.1.040 SIGN TYPE STANDARDS & GUIDELINES For the purposes of this plan, the following Sign Types are established and permitted per the requirements: A. MONUMENT SIGNS B. GRAND PROJECTING SIGNS C. MARQUEE SIGNS D. WALL SIGNS E. BLADE SIGNS F. AWNING FACE SIGNS G. RECESSED ENTRY SIGNS N. WINDOW SIGNS (. BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGNS J. TEMPORARY BANNER SIGNS K. PORTABLE SIGNS L. DIRECTIONAL/ INFORMATIONAL SIGNS M. INCIDENTAL BUSINESS SIGNS N. REAL ESTATE SIGNS 0. FUEL PRICING SIGNS P. FUEL SALES CANOPY SIGNS NSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 142 A. MONUMENT SIGN Monument signs are permitted in all zones: subject to the following regulations: 1. Number a. Only one monument sign may be permitted on any lot or parcel of land having a minimum of one hundred (100) feet of continuous street or highway frontage. For the purposes of calculating frontage on a corner lot, frontage shall include the total linear distance of such lot(s) on each of the streets. b. In the event of any lot or parcel of land having continuous street frontage exceeding one hundred (100 feet, one additional monument sign shall be permitted for each additional four hundred (400) feet o continuous frontage. In no event, however, shall a monument sign be located closer than two hundrec fifty (250) feet from any other monument or freestanding sign on the same property or center. c. In order to reduce the number of nonconforming signs within the City, no parcel of land whereor there exists any legal nonconforming pylon sign shall be allowed a monument sign unless at least one existing legal nonconforming pylon sign or billboard of equal or greater sign area is first removed. 2. Area and Height a. A maximum area of fifty-four (54) square feet per sign face, including the base, shall be permitted. b. Larger centers of three (3) or more acres or where visibility constraints justify a monument sign ma} have an area exceeding fifty-four (54) square feet per sign face, including the base, and a maximurr height of up to eight (8) feet pursuant to a sign review for enhanced signing per Section 17.23.190 o the UDC. c. A monument sign shall have no more than two (2) sign faces. d. A maximum height of six (6) feet shall be permitted. 3. Address and Content a. Monument signs shall clearly show the property address with letter sizes not to exceed eight (8) inches in height. b. Only name and/or symbol of retail/office center (or name of retail/office center and on-site businesses or organizations) and addresses may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. 4. Multiple -Tenant Monument Signs a. Displaying five (5) or more tenants per sign face are permitted pursuant to a master sign plan. EmPLE OF MONUMENT SIGN c m CL 0 '3 0 U v AS 0 c 0 T c m U v m v m 0 U) 0 N c �o CL 0 a 0 U v 0 a c i. c sa U so v m 0 U) m u c m c 'v O 0 0 a_ r X w c m E r u sa Sign Standards Packet Pg. 143 B. GRAND PROJECTING SIGNS Grand Projecting Signs are tall, large, vertically oriented signs which project from the building perpendicular to the fafade and which are structurally integrated into the building. 1. Number a. Only one (1) Grand Projecting Sign shall be permitted per establishment. 2. Area, Height and Width a. The area of Grand Projecting Signs shall count towards the total sign area permitted based on the Linear Frontage Ratio. b. The maximum sign area of Grand Projecting Signs shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet. A maximum sign area of forty-eight (48) square feet may be approved pursuant to an enhanced Sign Review. c. Grand Projecting Signs shall be at least twelve (12) feet and no more than thirty (30) feet in height from the bottom -most part of the sign to the tallest part of the sign. d. Letter width shall not exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the sign width. 3. Location a. Including the attachment apparatus, Grand Projecting Signs shall project no more than three (3) feet from the £made of the building. Grand Projecting Signs may project up to four (4) feet from the facade of the building pursuant to an enhanced Sign Review. b. Grand Projecting Signs shall not encroach into the public right of way. c. No portion of a Grand Projecting Sign shall be lower than twelve (12) feet above the level of pedestrian walkways. d. No portion of a Grand Projecting Sign shall extend above the roofline. 4. Lighting a. Grand Projecting Signs may not use animation, chase lights or flashing lights. b. Grand Projecting Signs shall be illuminated by halo illumination or exposed incandescent bulb illumination only. 5. Content a. Letters shall be oriented right-side-up and stacked in a single upright row with the first letter being at the top of the sign and the last letter being at the bottom. b. Only name and/or symbol of retail/office center (or name of retail/office center and on-site businesses or organizations) and addresses may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, gm�o��Mlp , F 91 ® Soledad Canyon Road VAKE OF GRAND PROJECTING SIGN prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. n Packet Pg. 144 C. MARQUEE SIGNS Marquee signs for approved movie and live performance/theater uses are permitted in all approved zones subjec to the following regulations: 1. Number a. Only one (1) Marquee Sign shall be permitted per establishment. 2. Area and Height a. Signs shall be proportional in sign area to the structure on which they are located. a `0 b. Signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. V C 0 3. Location U v a. Marquee signs shall be located no closer than two hundred -fifty (250) feet from another existin€ a'00 marquee sign. 0 4. Lighting c m U a. Signs may be internally or externally lighted. -0 ca b. No electronic copy or digital media shall be permitted. d 0 5. Content W a Name of movie or live performance theater may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers N web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement arc prohibited. m EXAMPLE OF MARQUEE SIGN Sign Standards Packet Pg. 145 D. WALL SIGNS Wall Signs are signs that are located on, and parallel to, a building wall are subject to the following regulations: 1. NumberandArea a. Ground -Floor Establishments i. Each ground -floor establishment with a separate entrance shall be permitted one primary wall sign along the main elevation with a primary entrance, facing a street, on-site parking area or internal pedestrian walkway. A maximum of one and one-half (1.5) square feet of wall sign area for each one linear foot of building or tenant frontage shall be permitted. ii. Each ground -floor establishment with a separate entrance shall be permitted secondary wall signs along up to two (2) other elevations (including the rear) with a secondary entrance, facing a street, on-site parking area or internal pedestrian walkway. A maximum of one-half (1/2) the allowable area of the primary wall sign shall be permitted. iii. A ground -floor retail establishments with two (2) entrances along the main elevation may be permitted two (2) primary wall signs along the main elevation, pursuant to a sign review for enhanced signing and the following regulations: (1) the main elevation shall have a minimum frontage of one hundred and fifty (150) feet, and a minimum gross floor area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet. (2)1he combined area of all signing along the main elevation shall not exceed one and one- half (1.5) square feet of wall area for each one linear foot of building or tenant frontage. (3) The wall signs shall have the same design and shall be located adjacent to or above the building entrances. iv. Larger ground -floor retail establishments may be permitted up to four (4) supplemental wall signs along the main elevation to advertise services provided or sub -tenants, pursuant to a sign review for enhanced signing and the following regulations: (1) The main elevation shall have a minimum frontage of one hundred and fifty (150) feet, and a minimum gross floor area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet. (2) The combined area of all signing along the main elevation shall not exceed one and one- half (1.5) square feet of wall area for each one linear foot of building or tenant frontage. (3) The combined area of all supplemental signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the area of all signing along the main elevation. b. Shared Entrances i. Any building containing establishments that front only an interior mall having a limited number of entrances shall be considered a single establishment for the purpose of computing the number and area of wall signs permitted on the exterior walls of such building. ii. Each first- and second -floor establishment that does not have a separate entrance or does not front a street or on-site parking area shall be permitted a maximum sign area of two (2) square feet oriented facing the street, entrance or on-site parking area. c. Second Floor Establishments i. For each second floor establishment with a separate entrance facing a street or on-site parking area, one wall sign with a maximum area of ten (10) square feet shall be permitted. A maximum area of up to twenty (20) square feet may be permitted, pursuant to a sign review for enhanced signing. ii. A maximum three (3) wall signs shall be permitted per ground floor establishment with a separate entrance and a maximum one wall sign shall be permitted per elevation of each ground - floor establishment. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Packet Pg. 14671 2. Height a. A maximum height of up to two (2) feet and two vertical lines of text shall be permitted. For initia capital letters or logos, a maximum height of up to two and one-half (2-1/2) feet shall be permitted. b. A maximum height of up to eight (8) feet and three (3) or more vertical lines of text may be permitted pursuant to a sign review for enhanced signing. 3. Width a. The maximum width of seventy-five (75) percent of the building or tenant frontage shall be permitted 4. Location a. Wall signs shall not extend above eave line or parapet on the lowest point on the sloping roof of tht building on which it is located. b. Wall signs shall be located approximately parallel to the plane of the building and shall not projec more than eighteen (18) inches from the building face. 5. Lighting a. Wall signs may be internally or externally lighted. No exposed neon is permitted. 6. Content a. Only individual letters of a business name or individual letters and adjacent logo may be permitted Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes tht sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. Supplemental wall signs along the main elevation advertising services provided or sub -tenants, may be permitted pursuant to a sign review permit. EumPLE OF WALL SIGN Sign Standards Packet Pg. 147 c m CL 0 v 0 U v to 0 C 0 C 0 U cc tv v m 0 U) 0 N r E. BLADE SIGNS Blade Signs are oriented perpendicularly to the building fagade and which are suspended under a bracket, armature, or other mounting device. Blade Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the following regulations: 1. Number a. Only one blade sign shall be allowed per establishment with an entrance fronting onto either a public or private pedestrian walkway. 2. Area, Height and Width a. No Blade Sign shall exceed six (6) square feet in size. b. 'Me height of the blade sign shall be no more than two (2) feet. c. The width of a blade sign shall be no more than three (3) feet. 3. Location a. Blade Signs shall project no more than three (3) feet from the facade of the building including attachment apparatus. b. No portion of a Blade Sign shall be lower than eight (8) feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public right-of-way over which it projects. c. Blade Signs shall only be mounted on the wall area below the second floor. d. No portion of the blade sign shall encroach into the public right-of-way. e. Blade signs may be located underneath awnings. 4. Lighting a. Blade signs shall be unlit or externally lit. 5. Content a. Only individual letters of a business name or individual letters and adjacent logo may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. Supplemental wall signs along the main elevation, advertising services provided or sub -tenants, may be permitted pursuant to a sign review permit. EXAMPLE OF BLADE SIGN 0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan 0 7 7.d 0 N Packet Pg. 148 F. AWNING FACE SIGNS Awning Face Signs are signs applied to the primary face of an awning, including sloped awning faces ane vertical "box" awning faces. Awning Face Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the followin€ regulations: 1. Number a. Only one Awning Face Sign per establishment shall be permitted. 2. Area, Height and Width a. No Awning Face Sign shall exceed twenty percent (20%) of the area of the awning face. b. The height of the Awning Face Sign shall not exceed eighteen (18") inches in height when incorporates with a Wall Sign at the same entryway or twenty-four (24") inches when not incorporated with a Wal Sign at the same entryway. c. The width of the Awning Face Sign shall not exceed seventy-five (75%) of the width of the awning. 3. Location a. Awning Face Signs shall project no farther from the building than its associated awning. b. No portion of an Awning Face Sign shall be less than eight (8) feet above the level of the sidewalk of other public right-of-way over which it projects. 4. Lighting a. Awning Face Signs shall be unlit or illuminated by external illumination only. 5. Content a. Only individual letters of a business name or individual letters and adjacent logo may be permitted Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. Supplemental wall signs along the main elevation advertising services provided or sub -tenants, may be permitted pursuant to a sign review permit. b. The sign copy of Awning Face Signs should consist of the same material, vinyl or paint applied direct13 to the awning. EXAMPLE OF AWNING FACE SIGN c eo IL 0 E U v A 0 c c eo U 10 A M m 0 y 0 N r r Sign Standards Packet Pg. 149 G. RECESSED ENTRY SIGNS Recessed Entry Signs are signs that are oriented parallel to the building fagade and which are suspended over a recessed entry. Recessed Entry Signs Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the following regulations: 1. Number a. No more than one (1) Under Awning Sign shall be permitted per establishment per fa5ade. b. In no circumstance shall a Recessed Entry Sign be incorporated at the entryway of an establishment that utilizes a Wall Sign at the same entryway. 2. Area, Height and Width a. No Recessed Entry Sign shall exceed twenty (20) square feet in size. b. The height of a Recessed Entry Sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24") inches in height. c. The width of a Recessed Entry Sign shall not exceed ten (10') feet or seventy-five (75%) of the establishment frontage, whichever is less. 3. Location a. Recessed Entry Signs shall not project beyond the fagade of the building. b. No portion of a Recessed Entry Sign shall be lower than eight (8) feet above the level of the sidewalk. 4. Lighting a. Recessed Entry Signs should be illuminated by external illumination only. 5. Content a. Only individual letters of a business name or individual letters and adjacent logo may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. Supplemental wall signs along the main elevation, advertising services provided or sub -tenants, may be permitted pursuant to a sign review permit. am II EXAMPLE OF RECESSED ENTRY SIGN ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Y Q Packet Pg. 150 H. WINDOW SIGNS 1. Guidelines a. Window signs are permitted in all zones; provided, that such signs do not exceed twenty five (25) percent of the area of any single window or of adjoining windows on the same frontage. 'This provision is not intended to restrict signs utilized as part of a window display of merchandise when such signs are incorporated within such display. 2. Content a. Business name business logos, and services incidental to the business may be permitted. Telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. EXAMPLE OF WINDOW SIGN Sign Standards Packet Pg. 151 I. BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGNS Building Identification Signs are signs which are mounted to the front fascia of an awning or on and parallel to a building wall that announces the name of a building. Building Identification Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the following regulations: 1. Number a. Only one Building Identification Sign shall be allowed for each multi -tenant building. b. Under no circumstance shall both a Building Identification Wall Sign and a Building Identification Awning Sign be permitted for the same building. 2. Location a. Building Identification Signs located upon the front fascia of a canopy shall be contained completely within that fascia and oriented parallel to the building wall surface. b. Building Identification Awning Signs shall be located only on the fascias of an awning above the primary building entrance and shall be located entirely within the canopy fascia. c. Building Identification Awning Signs shall project no farther from the building than its associated canopy. d. No portion of a Building Identification Awning Signs shall be less than eight (8) feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public right-of-way over which it projects. e. Building Identification Wall Signs shall project no more than one (1) foot from the facade of the building. f. Building Identification Wall Signs shall be located only on the frieze, cornice, or fascia area of storefront level; frieze, cornice, fascia, parapet of the uppermost floor; or above the entrance to main building lobby. 3. Lighting a. Building Identification Awning Signs should be illuminated by external illumination only. b. Building Identification Wall Signs should be illuminated by external illumination or halo illumination only. 4. Content a. Building Identification Awning Signs should consist of vinyl or paint applied to canopy, or may be inscribed into the canopy. b. Only individual letters of a business name or individual letters and adjacent logo may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. Supplemental wall signs along the main elevation, advertising services provided or sub -tenants, may be permitted pursuant to a sign review permit. EXAMPLE OF BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan c M CL 0 �o 0 v cc f0 0 z c >. c M U a) m 0 0 N al Packet 57 15271 17.d J. TEMPORARY BANNER SIGNS Temporary Banner Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the following regulations: 1. Time Limits a. Signs shall be limited to sixty (60) days per calendar year for each establishment. 'This time may be utilized in any combination of duration; however, the number of special events shall not exceed five (5) per calendar year. 2. Height and Area a. Signs shall be limited to three (3) feet in height and sixty (60) square feet in area and may not include prices, telephone numbers, leasing information, name brands or specific items for sale. The sign area of Temporary Banner Signs shall not count towards the total allowable sign area for each establishment. 3. Location a. Signs shall be affixed wholly to the structure or site associated with the special event, shall not extend above the roofline and shall not encroach into the public right-of-way. 4. Content a. Name of business and/or a unique event, happening, action, or occasion permitted to occur on-site may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers, web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are prohibited. 5. Construction Activity a. A business located within a commercial center, undergoing construction, with an active building permit, may be permitted one temporary banner in lieu of a wall sign, during the period of construction. EmmPLE OF TEMPORARY BANNER SIGN Sign Standards Packet Pg. 153 K. PORTABLE SIGNS A portable sign is a sign that is self-supporting, designed to be moveable and not structurally attached to the ground, a building, a structure or another sign. Portable signs include, but are not limited to, sandwich board signs, A -frame signs, and other similar signs. 1. Number a. One (1) Portable Sign shall be permitted for each establishment with an entryway directly accessed from an internal pedestrian walkway or the pubic right-of-way. Portable Signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way. 2. Area, Height and Width a. The maximum allowable sign area shall be six (6') feet for each of a total of two (2) permitted sign faces. b. The maximum allowable height of a Portable Sign shall be three (3') as measured from the grade of the walkway upon which it is located. c. The maximum allowable width of a Portable Sign shall be two (2) feet. The maximum width shall be measured as a part of the entire Portable Sign structure. 3. Location a. Portable Signs may be located on private property and are prohibited within any drive internal drive aisle or any portion of the public right-of-way. b. Portable Signs shall be only be located directly adjacent to the associated establishment. c. Hand-held portable signs are prohibited. 4. Lighting a. Portable signs shall remain unlit. 5. Content a. Business name business logos, and services incidental to the business and prices may be permitted. Telephone numbers, web addresses are prohibited. U ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan I I tt -- EXAMPLE OF PORTABLE SIGN Packet Pg. 154 L. DIRECTIONALANFORMATIONAL SIGNS Directional/Information signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (j) of the UDC and shall not coun' towards the total permitted sign area. M. INCIDENTAL BUSINESS SIGNS Incidental Business signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (k) of the UDC and shall not coun towards the total permitted sign area. c N. REAL ESTATE SIGNS aN Real Estate signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (o) of the UDC and shall not count towards thl .00 total permitted sign area. o O. FUEL PRICING SIGNS U m Fuel Pricing signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (p) of the UDC and shall not count toward; the total permitted sign area. 0 P. FUEL SALES CANOPY SIGNS C l0 C) Fuel Sales Canopy signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (p) of the UDC and shall not coun v co towards the total permitted sign area. 0 rn 0 N r 16.1 1L 1GJL� C N CL 1:) L�ClID 1� v DIRECTIONA✓ANFORMATION SIGN FUEL SALES CANOPY SIGN INCIDENTAL BUSINESS SIGN REAL ESTATE SIGN Sign Standards Packet Pg. 155 CHAPTERS STREET AND STREETSCAPE STANDARDS 9.1.010 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY A. PURPOSE This section identifies the street and streetscape types allowed within the Soldad Canyon Road Corridor Planing Area, and provides design standards to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for the character of the public realm of the street. These standards also establish an environment that encourages and facilitates pedestrian activity. The proposed street network is based on projected development permitted by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. B. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE 1. Make Soledad Canyon Road a walkable community by retrofitting pedestrian connections and facilities into existing development where needed, and by promoting healthy streets in new development. 2. Upgrade streets that are not pedestrian -friendly due to lack of sidewalk connections, safe street crossing points, vehicle sight distance, or other design deficiencies. 3. Establish safe and aesthetically pleasing environments that encourage and facilitate pedestrian and non -motorized activity. 4. Create walkable communities in which interconnected walkways provide a safe, comfortable and viable alternative to driving for local destinations. 5. Provide multi -modal circulation systems that move people and goods efficiently while protecting environmental resources and quality of life. ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan CITY OF SANTA CLARITA GENERAL PLAN The Santa Clarita Valley circulation system provides vital connections linking neighborhoods, services, and employment centers throughout the community and the region. A comprehensive transportation network of roadways, multi -use trails and bike paths, bus transit, and commuter rail provides mobility options to valley residents and businesses. Planning far the ultimate location and capacity of circulation improvements will also enhance economic strength and quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley. Packet Pg. 156 6. Provide adequate facilities for multi -modal travel, including but not limited to bicycle parking and storage. 7. Encourage providing right-of-way for non -vehicular transportation modes so that walking and bicycling are the easiest, most convenient modes of transportation available for short trips. 8. Enhance community appearance through landscaping, street lighting, street funiture, bus shelters and benches, and other aspects of streetscape design within the right-of-way. 9. Provide provisions for equipment and facilities to support the use of bicycles as an alternative means of transportation. c A a 0 a .L L 0 U f0 0 C 0 c m U a A a d 0 N 0 N r r C R a. 0 0 U CU O M Street and streetscape StagdArcis Packet Pg. 157 9.1.020 SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD- EXISTING A. EIIBTING CONDITION From approximately Camp Plenty Road to Solamint Road, Soledad Canyon Road is defined by its functionality as a vehicular corridor for surrounding residential neighborhoods and primarily consists of one story commercial buildings. Many ofthese buildings were constructed in the 1960s - 1970s and reflect a style that lacks distinctive architectural character. The buildings are reminiscent of the development patterns of the era, with buildings located to the rear of the property with parking fields in the front. Soledad Canyon Road is an urban thoroughfare consisting of six traffic lanes and partially landscaped medians throughout. The existing right-of-way varies between approximately 116 and 120 feet in width and provides a pedestrian experience limited by obstructions such as newspaper stands and a lack of landscape elements, street furniture and inviting storefronts. - ,, EXHIBIT A EXHIBIT B ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Exhibit A shows the typical condition of Soledad Canyon Road looking west toward Camp Plenty Road. This photo shows the partially landscaped medians, six lanes of traffic and development patterns typical of the 1970s, including an uninviting pedestrian experience and surface parking lots immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way when development was focused on automobiles, not pedestrians. Pedestrian linkages and amenities were not included in typical projects of the era. Shopping centers and strip commercial buildings were designed with large, sparsely landscaped parking lots located adjacent to the street, with the building store fronts set back far from the sidewalk. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan works to improve mobility and the livability of the community by encouraging pedestrian access and amenities, as well as improving the streetscape and signage for drivers. Many of the pedestrian spaces in the planning area are constrained by above ground appurtenances obstructing pedestrian and bicycle traffic as demonstrated in Exhibit B. These same appurtenances may reduce sight -lines for drivers and/or obstruct signage and visibility. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan encourages the development of the public Packet Pg. 158 realm to create environments that are inviting and adequately suited to pedestrian and bicycle traffic, as well as improve the overall look and functionality of Soledad Canyon Road. Some portions of the sidewalk along Soledad Canyon Road are no more than 4 feet in width while other segments are in excess of 10 feet wide and contain obstructions such as utility boxes and news racks. This situation is shown in Exhibits C and D. Sidewalk width is important, particularly between crosswalks, bus stops, and storefronts because these are the paths that connect pedestrians with the services they need. Minimum, unobstructed width is also important for pedestrians who use wheelchairs, scooters, or other personal mobility devices. While wide sidewalks allow for better pedestrian mobility, other elements are also important such as landscaping, benches, bicycle parking, etc. A coordinated effort is required to ensure the various amenities do not conflict with each other. A primary objective of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan is to significantly improve the existing condition by incorporating landscaping and street furniture to encourage a Pleasant pedestrian environment. EXHIBIT C EXHIBIT D Street and Streetscape Stargiarris Packet Pg. 159 9.1.030 FUTURE CONDITIONS A. THE STREET The General Plan designates Soledad Canyon Road as a Major Highway with an ultimate buildout right-of- way of 116 feet with three traffic lanes in each direction. Exhibit E details each of these lanes, the center landscape median, the parkways, and pedestrian and bike oriented sidewalks. It should be noted that the extra wide sidewalks and parkways help create a buffer between the street and the public walkable realm. With the exception of Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects, all construction projects shall be required to build out the ultimate right- of-way along their property frontage. Changes from Existing Conditions: • As illustrated in Exhibit E, increase the sidewalk to 10' on each side. • As illustrated in Exhibit E, add a 5' landscaped parkway. As illustrated in Exhibit F, add street trees to the parkway spaced at a distance of 30' on center. • As illustrated in Exhibit F, provide areas within the parkway for benches, newsstands, and bike racks. GENERAL PLAN POLICY LAND USE SECTION 3.4.9 Encourage street cross-sections that locate landscaped parkways between the curb and the sidewalk to create a visually pleasing streetscape and provide pedestrian protecton. EXHIBIT E: SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD ROADWAY CROSS SECTION IE ® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan PacketPg. 160 B. THE PARKWAY AND SIDEWALK The 5 foot wide parkway along Soledad Canyon Road shall have canopy shade trees (street trees) every 30 linear feet on center as shown in Exhibit F, subject to the discretion of the Director or approval body. Applicants are required to plant 24 inch box trees. The variety and tree/plant species shall be determined by the Director. All other unpaved area within the parkway shall be planted with ground cover, flowers, and/or bushes to the satisfaction of the Director. Refer to the Corridor Guidelines on file with the Planning Division for a list of approved amenities and plant species. di 5 EXHIBIT F: PLAN VIEW SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PARKWAY AND SIDEWALK 71.d Street and Streetscape StageJarris Packet Pg. 161 C. PARKWAY AMENITY- BENCH, BIKE RACKS, NEWSSTANDS As shown below in Detail A, parkway amenities have been established to keep benches, bike racks, and newsstands out of the sidewalk area. The applicant shall refer to the Corridor Guidelines on file with the Planning Division for a list of approved amenities and plant species. At time of project submittal, the Director shall determine what parkway amenities are appropriate and consistent with the Guidelines for the proposed location. This will be determined by the distance to the nearest amenity on adjacent parcels. Parkway amenities shall not generally be located less that 50' from each other. DETAIL A Example of a bench and bike parking sutable for the planning area B�r� R, a� ca.Tfrzrwmve RM MSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Parke! Pg. 162 RESOLUTION NO. 15- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AS SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED "EXHIBIT A" AND APPROVE MASTER CASE 13-096 CONSISTING OF ZONE CHANGE 13-004 FOR THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD PLAN. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. On June 14, 2011, the City Council adopted the Santa Clarita General Plan by adoption of Resolution No. 11-63. The General Plan provides a vision that will guide future development in the City of Santa Clarita through a set of goals, objectives, and policies; B. On July 9, 2013, the City Council adopted the City's fust corridor plan for the Lyons Avenue Corridor, by adoption of Ordinance No. 13-11; C. Following adoption of the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan in July 2013, the City of Santa Clarita (the "Applicant" or "City") initiated the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (the "project" or "SCRCP"); D. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is located within the City of Santa Clarita in the County of Los Angeles on Soledad Canyon Road, west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road; E. The City of Santa Clarita's proposed project consists of Zone Change (ZC) 13-004 to update the zoning map to ensure consistency with the General Plan; F. The City Council Development Subcommittee held a duly -noticed meeting on October 7, 2014, in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The meeting was held at City Hall, Orchard Room, located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita; al G. The Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing on November 18, 2014, in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The project was advertised in The Signal newspaper on October 28, 2014. The hearing was held at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:00 p.m; H. At the November 18, 2014, hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered the staff report, staff presentation, and public testimony on the proposal and in a unanimous 4-0 vote approved Resolution P14-18, recommending the City Council adopt a Negative Declaration and approve Master Case 13-096; Packet Pg. 163 Resolution 15 - Master Case 13-096 January 13, 2015 Page 2 of 5 I. On January 13, 2015, the City Council held a duly -noticed public hearing in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The public hearing was advertised in The Signal newspaper on December 23, 2014. The public hearing was held at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:00 p.m.; At the City Council meeting of January 13, 2015, the City Council received a staff presentation summarizing the proposed project, opened the public hearing, received public testimony regarding the project, received further staff comment and answers to questions and closed the public hearing; K. At the January 13, 2015, hearing described above the City Council introduced a separate ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA `o TO APPROVE MASTER CASE 13-096 CONSISTING OF ZONE CHANGE 13-004 APPROVING THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN" and passed said 0 ordinance to a second reading on January 27, 2015; and r 0 L. The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is based is the Master Case No. 13-096 project file which is located in the Community Development Department, the file record being specifically in the custody of the Director of Community Development. <0 SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based N upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby find as follows: c 0 A. An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration for this proj ect have been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); B. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public, and all comments received have been considered. The Negative Declaration was advertised on October 28, 2014, and posted on November 4, 2014, in accordance with CEQA. The public review period was open from October 28, 2014, through November 18, 2014; 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 documents and other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is made is the Master Case No. 13-096 project file, located within the Community Development Department and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; and Packet Pg. 164 Resolution 15 - Master Case 13-096 January 13, 2015 Page 3 of 5 E. The Planning Commission, 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. The City Council hereby adopts the Negative Declaration (Exhibit A) prepared for the project and approves Master Case 13-096, consisting of Zone Change 13-004, approving the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and certify this record to Packet Pg. 165 Resolution 15 - Master Case 13-096 January 13, 2015 Page 4 of 5 be a full, complete, and correct copy of the action taken. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of January, 2015. MAYOR 0 ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: S'\CWPLANNING DIVISION\CIIRRENT12013\13-096(ZC13-0045ledadCorridor PI 1\C'tyC 'I\13096 City CoweitRe 1 fi nd Packet Pg. 766 v ATTEST: 0 v W 0 CITY CLERK o c m U STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. d CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) c°n 0 N r I, Kevin Tonoian, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing r Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 13u' day of January, 2015, by the following vote: ' 0 N AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: d d NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: E r U ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: S'\CWPLANNING DIVISION\CIIRRENT12013\13-096(ZC13-0045ledadCorridor PI 1\C'tyC 'I\13096 City CoweitRe 1 fi nd Packet Pg. 766 Resolution 15 - Master Case 13-096 January 13, 2015 Page 5 of 5 "EXHIBIT A" OF RESOLUTION 14 - NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND INITIAL STUDY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Packet Pg. 167 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NEGATIVEDECLARATION [X] Proposed [] Final MASTER CASE NO: Master Case No. 13-096 PERMIT/PROJECT NAME: Zone Change 13-004 APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 PROJECT LOCATION: Soledad Canyon Road west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area consists of 181 acres of and more than 1.4 million square -feet of commercial building space. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will update the City of Santa Clarita zoning regulations and zoning map for the Soledad Canyon Road corridor. The project will result in a plan document that guides future development within the planning area and does not include an actual proposal for development of any kind. Based on the information contained in the Initial Study prepared for this project, and pursuant to the requirements of Section 15070 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Santa Clarita [ ] CityCouncil [X] Planning Commission [ ] Director of Community Development finds that the project as proposed or revised will have no significant effect upon the environment, and that a Negative Declaration shall be adopted pursuant to Section 15070 of CEQA. Mitigation measures for this project [X] Are Not Required [ ] Are Attached [ ] Are Not Attached JEFF HOGAN, AICP PLANNING MANAGEI( Prepared by: L Approved Public Revie�re,116d Fi Public Notice Given On Mike Marshall, Assistant Planner 11 (Name/Title) Jeff Hogan. AICP. Plannine Manaeer (Name/Title) [X] Legal Advertisement [ ] Posting of Properties [ ] Written Notice CERTIFICATION DATE: SXD\CURREN1P013113-096 (ZC13-004 Soledad Corridor Plan)\Environmenlaffinal Neealive Declerelion doc 1f.f Packet Pg. 168 Initial Study Page 1 of 41 INITIAL STUDY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Project title/master case number: Lead agency name and address: Contact person and phone number: Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Initial Study 14-006 City of Santa Clarita Community Development Department 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Mike Marshall Assistant Planner II (661)286-4045 Project location: The Soledad Corridor project area is located within the City of Santa Clarita, in the County of Los Angeles, on the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor, east of Solamint Road and west of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road. Applicant's name and address: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 General Plan designation: Community Commercial (CC) and Mixed Use Corridor (MXC) Zoning: Community Commercial (CC) and Mixed Use Corridor (MXC) Packet Pg. 169 c a. 0 v 0 U N 0 tY c 0 T C m U m a d 0 W Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 2 of 41 Description of project and setting: In July, 2013, the City of Santa Clarita completed a comprehensive update to the Unified Development Code (UDC or Code) to be consistent with the General Plan that was adopted on June 14, 2011. One element of this Code update was the creation of "Corridor Plans" that guide development/redevelopment within a specific "corridor" or "planning area" in the City where specific development requirements will assist in creating a look and feel consistent with the vision of the General Plan. In August, 2013, the City adopted its first corridor plan for the Lyons Avenue Corridor. This initial study shall serve as the environmental analysis in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the second "Corridor Plan" known as the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (SCRCP). Proposed Project This project involves a Zone Change (ZC 13-004) to change the zoning designations on 70 parcels from Community Commercial (CC) and Mixed Use- Commmercial (MX -C) to Corridor Plan (CP) within a 181 -acre planning area. The SCRCP will serve as a planning tool, guiding future development within the plan area addressing architecture, frontage types, building types, sign standards and streetscape improvements. The project does not propose an actual physical development of any kind. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor project area is located within the City of Santa Clarita in the County of Los Angeles on Soledad Canyon Road, west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road. Soledad Canyon Road is commonly known as the primary major highway connecting the communities of Canyon Country and Valencia. Today, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor consists of retail centers, medical office buildings and gas stations that total more than 1.4 million square feet of commercial building space. Surface parking is common, particularly on properties that were developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and building heights range from one to two stories. The Santa Clara River lies just outside the project boundary while two existing mobile home parks currently zoned for mixed- use development are located just inside the project 4 Packet Pg. 170 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 3 of 41 boundary area adjacent to the eastern project boundary. Most properties on Soledad Canyon Road contain single -story, "strip mall' buildings that reflect typical commercial construction from the 1960s through the late 2000s. This type of development largely consists of large -lot, multi -tenant, stucco buildings, with parking situated between the store fronts and the street. Newer projects, including a commercial building and a dental office building, at the corner of Whites Canyon Road and Soledad Canyon Road, were built with a higher level of design with the intent to create a better street presence. The newer projects were designed to avoid the visual blight of large parking lots adjacent to the street and to create as much leasable space as possible under the zoning code. Future development within the Soledad Canyon Road corridor will further improve the appearance of the street and will help create an environment that is more conducive to commerce and economic vitality. The SCRCP will be an integral part of this process. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is surrounded primarily by single family and multi- family residences, though none are located within the planning area itself. There are nearly 2,300 dwelling units within a five minute walk of Soledad Canyon Road and more than 3,000 units within a ten minute walk. With thousands of homes and multi -family units located so close to Soledad Canyon Road, there is potential to create a walkable environment where people can shop, eat, and gather. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will help realize this potential while meeting the needs of residents and visitors alike, regardless if they reach the corridor by automobile, bicycle, walking, or other means of transportation. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan has been proposed to protect and promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. More specifically, the purpose of this Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan is to: 9 Packet Pg. 171 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 4 of 41 A. Ensure that development is of human scale, pedestrian -oriented, and designed to create attractive streetscapes and pedestrian spaces; B. Moderate vehicular traffic by providing for a mixture of land uses, pedestrian -oriented development, compact community form, safe and effective traffic circulation, and appropriate parking facilities; C. Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor that will assist in protecting and enhancing the community identity of the corridor; D. Ensure that proposed development and new land uses conserve energy and natural resources; E. Facilitate the development and redevelopment of walkable, complete neighborhoods with a variety of housing types to serve the needs of a diverse population; and F. Provide for compatibility between different types of development and land uses through effective urban and architectural design. The SCRCP, as proposed, will take an approach similar to that used in the creation of form -based codes. This type of code addresses the relationship between the buildings themselves and public spaces for the entire planning area. Form -based codes create environments that highlight the importance of outdoor public spaces such as plazas, squares, and open space, while looking at the connectivity of streets and blocks. The regulations and standards in this form -based code are presented in both words and clearly drawn diagrams and other visual exhibits. The result will be a document that provides clear development standards for property owners and business owners, as well as, a community engaged plan that promotes high quality development and uses. More specifically, the SCRCP will achieve these goals by: A. Creating the Corridor Plan (CP) zone on the City of Santa Clarita zoning map. Further, within the CP, two new distinct zones will be created including the Soledad Canyon Urban 1 (SC-Ul), and Soledad Canyon Urban Center (SC -UC) zones. Typical uses 19 Packet Pg. 172 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 5 of 41 within these zones include medical office, commercial office, retail and services. A mixture of residential and commercial uses are permitted in the SC -UC zone with the appropriate entitlement and within the SC -UI zone pursuant to the standards established in the UDC for the mixed use overlay zone. Building heights in all zones range from 1-2 stories. The SC -UC zone is characterized by mixed use development including both commercial and residential use types. The zoning types mentioned will ensure that properties along the corridor planning area are maintained and redeveloped in context to parcel size and based on adjacent uses. B. Creating a street and streetscape standard plan that identifies the street and strectscape types allowed within the Soledad Canyon Corridor planning area to promote walking, biking, and other alternative modes of transportation. This section provides right-of-way design standards to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for the character of the public realm of the street. This section is also based on projected development permitted by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The ultimate right- of-way width under the City's General Plan is 116 feet. Though the majority of the planning area is built out to the ultimate right-of-way width, the SCRCP will require all future development to build -out the ultimate right-of-way to include a ten -foot (10'-0") sidewalk and a five-foot (5'-0") landscaped parkway. The "curb -to -curb" pavement portion of the right-of-way is already built -out to ultimate width and would not change under the proposed plan. C. Providing architectural standards, which currently include Rustic Californian architecture for all future development and modifications to existing development. Other architectural styles could be included as deemed appropriate by the City Council, or its designee. These standards provide direction for the design of buildings, appurtenances, and site elements within the planning area. The intent of these standards is to retain and encourage architectural variety, promote quality development, and ensure that both existing and new development is compatible in size, scale, and appearance with the character of the SCRCP. D. Creating standards for building types and frontage types allowed within the planning area, and providing 5 Packet Pg. 173 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 6 of 41 design standards for each type, to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for building form, character, and quality. Frontage types will provide the planning area a continuity that gives distinctive character to the street while also contributing to the specific form of each building. The frontage and building types will also ensure that buildings are oriented directly adjacent to the street and provide opportunities for outdoor dining and sitting areas. Surrounding land uses: The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area a includes a mixture of Urban Residential and Commercial o land uses on all sides of the Soledad Canyon Road �!? Corridor. N Other public agencies whose N/A T approval is required: a M. Packet Pg. 174 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 7 of 41 San :ms Obispo Santa Mara Fe: Lnmpoe Couto Plan Neoonal Mununwnl Santa Barbara ChamxJ lslarxls N,tlwnal Part FIGURE 1— REGIONAL LOCATION samaivula ror ama'F,larii . 0llndrd Noorna:M Nanawl Thousand 01�LosAngeles Oaks n Sana Momca Torrance' 7 C Hesperia Ana m SanClemerne n 1 1'acraNaaey��'Y Palm Springs 'a Hemel JosMa 7w tndiu Nal"Wa4 e Palm Oeseil, a Omwa A 8u1 Packet Pg. 175 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 8 of 41 WO \ q a FIGURE 2 — PROJECT LOCATION WOO NM/n. ,.y L ""ViqyxARA 0 �'R"t"N 9. 9 5 SAMUS > q� OW -l! Y "'yeti a taco' r K ��a MAwnR "EYE u y^M Santa Clarita ��� ,yC�� NfWNALt noCsmi 4` 1` ��d�onPo1 t� � \ Lyat{AVB ��� "h�WCarywW n c A a 0 Ja\\CiEVM' O U 9 W O <Y G O T C A U N a m 0 ch c N Packet Pg. 176 P-: d i i iG°l-•.y�F split to -fes Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 10 of 41 A. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact' or "Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation' as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. [ ] Aesthetics [ ] Agriculture and Forestry [ ] Air Quality Resources [ ] Biological Resources [ ] Cultural Resources [ ] Geology /Soils [ ] Greenhouse Gas [ ] Hazards & Hazardous [ ] Hydrology/Water Quality Emissions Materials Land Use/Planning [ ] Mineral Resources [ ] Noise Population/Housing [ ] Public Services [ ] Recreation Mandatory Findings of Transportation/Traffic [ ] Utilities/Service Systems [ ] Significance 10 Packet Pg. 178 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 11 of 41 B. DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: [X] I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. [ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. [ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. [ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect (I) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. [ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Signature �� \ ��_ —"s;0` d / / LA Mike ZA'ant Planner II Date Signature / h p� Je Hogan, A (Cl PI nning Manager Date U J 11 Packet Pg. 179 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 12 of 41 C. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact I. AESTHETICS - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] but not limited to, primary/secondary ridgelines, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? e) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] IL AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES — In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] a Williamson Act contract? 12 Packet 57 180 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 13 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning [ ] [ ] [] [X] of, forestland (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forestland or conversion of [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] forestland to non -forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use or conversion of forestland to non -forest use? I11. AIR QUALITY — Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of [ } [ ] [ ] [X] any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] number of people? fj Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 13 Packet Pg. 181 0 N Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 14 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special -status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally [] [] I [X] protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance, including oak trees? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? 14 Packet Pg. 182 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 15 of 41 Less Than Significant 2 Potentially Impact Less Than a Significant With Significant No `o Impact Mitigation Impact Impact a c g) Affect a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) or Significant Natural Area (SNA) as identified on the [ ] (] [ ] [X] .° City of Santa Clarita ESA Delineation Map? c tY g) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] C , V. CULTURAL RESOURCES — Would the project: c M a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the ( ] [ ] [ ] (X] .o o significance of a historical resource as defined in �!? Section 15064.5? N b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] T significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? m c) Directly or indirectly destroy or impact a unique [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? m c 0 d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] M M outside of formal cemeteries? 0 e) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] > VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS — Would the project: ° m z a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] E ° adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or o death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] w ° a delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the r State Geologist for the area or based on other w substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special E Publication 42. U R ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] a 15 Packet Pg. 183 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 16 of 41 iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction? Less Than Significant Potentially impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact [] [] [] [X] iv) Landslides? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] b) Result in substantial wind or water soil erosion or the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] loss of topsoil, either on- or off-site? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, [ J or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- [ ] 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the [] use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? [] [X1 [] [1 [X] [] [1 [X1 f) Result in a change in topography or ground surface [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] relief features? g) Result in earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] cubic yards or more? h) Involve development and/or grading on a slope [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] greater than 10% natural grade? i) Result in the destruction, covering, or modification [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] of any unique geologic or physical feature? j) Other [ 1 [ ] [ 1 [ ] 16 Packet Pg. 184 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 17 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS — Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emission, either directly or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation [ ] [ ] [ I [XI adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS — Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving explosion or the release of hazardous materials into the environment (including, but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals, fuels, or radiation)? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or [] [] I [X] acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? 17 Packet Pg. 185 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 18 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact e) For a project located within an airport land use plan [ ] or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, [ ] would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere [ ] with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of [ ] loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? i) Expose people to existing sources of potential health [ ] hazards (e.g., electrical transmission lines, gas lines, oil pipelines)? j) Other [ ] IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY — Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? LF: [X] C d E r U M G Packet Pg. 186 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 19 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of [] [ ] [] [X] the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or oft -site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off- site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] k) Result in changes in the rate of flow, currents, or the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] course and direction of surface water and/or groundwater? 1) Other modification of a wash, channel creek, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] river? 19 Packet Pg. 187 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 20 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact m)Impact stormwater management in any of the [ ] following ways: i) Potential impact of project construction and [ J project post -construction activity on stormwater runoff? ii) Potential discharges from areas for materials [ ] storage, vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or equipment maintenance (including washing), waste handling, hazardous materials handling or storage, delivery areas or loading docks, or other outdoor work areas? iii) Significant environmentally harmful increase in [ ] the flow velocity or volume of stormwater runoff? iv) Significant and environmentally harmful [ ] increases in erosion of the project site or surrounding areas? v) Stormwater discharges that would significantly [ ] impair or contribute to the impairment of the beneficial uses of receiving waters or areas that provide water quality benefits (e.g., riparian corridors, wetlands, etc.)? vi) Cause harm to the biological integrity of [ ] drainage systems, watersheds, and/or water bodies? vii) Does the proposed project include provisions [ ] for the separation, recycling, and reuse of materials both during construction and after project occupancy? co [X] [X] c m a `o 0 U v 0 0 tY C 0 c U U v v0 d 0 N 0 N a Packet Pg. 188 Mastet Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 21 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact X. LAND USE AND PLANNING — Would the project: a) Disrupt or physically divide an established [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] community (including a low-income or minority community)? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] plan, natural community conservation plan, and/or policies by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? XI. MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES — Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? c) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] inefficient manner? 21 Packet Pg. 189 c m a o` 0 U 0 0 c 0 >, c m U v m v d 0 0 N r Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 22 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XH. NOISE — Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels [] in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive [ ] groundbome vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise [) levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in [ ] ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan [ ] or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, [ ] would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING — Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, [ ] either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? 22 Packet Pg. 19071 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 23 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere (especially affordable housing)? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES — Would the project result in: a) Substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i) Fire protection? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] ii) Police protection? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] iii) Schools? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] iv) Parks? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] v) Other public facilities? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] XV. RECREATION — Would the project: a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Include recreational facilities or require the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? 23 Packet Pg. 191 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 24 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC — Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non -motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] program, including, but not limited to, level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS — Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? 24 Packet Pg. 192 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 25 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact b) Require or result in the construction of new water or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] regulations related to solid waste? XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE: a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? 25 Packet 5719T] Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 26 of 41 Less Than Significant Potentially Impact Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact b) Does the project have impacts that are individually [] [J [] [XJ limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.) c) Does the project have environmental effects which [ ] [ ] [ ] [X] will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? XIX. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE "NO EFFECTS DETERMINATION" FINDING a) Will the project have an adverse effect either [ ] individually or cumulatively, on fish and wildlife resources? Wildlife shall be defined for the purpose of this question as "all wild animals, birds, plants, fish, amphibians, and related ecological communities, including the habitat upon which the wildlife depends for its continued viability." 26 Packet Pg. 194 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 27 of 41 D. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND/OR EARLIER ANALYSIS Section and Subsections I Evaluation of Impacts I. AESTHETICS a.) No Impact: The City of Santa Clarita is located within Southern California's Santa Clarita Valley, which is bound by the San Gabriel Mountains to the south and east, the Santa Susana Mountains to the southwest, and the mountains of the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests to the north. The surrounding natural mountains and ridgelines, some of which extend into the City, provide a visual backdrop for much of the City. Other scenic resources within or visible from the City include the Santa Clara River corridor, forested/vegetated land, and a variety of canyons and natural drainages in portions of the City. The proposed SCRCP is not located on, or in proximity to any, scenic vistas in the City. The project would create a "form -based" code for the portion of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor starting at the Santa Clara River on the western edge of the project area, to Solamint Road on the eastern boundary of the project area. No development would be approved with the adoption of the SCRCP, rather the SCRCP would provide the framework for future development/redevelopment within the planning area. Based on the analysis completed with the EIR for the General Plan and the proposed SCRCP, no impact to scenic vistas is anticipated and no further analysis is required. b.) No Impact: The SCRCP is located along the Soledad Canyon Road corridor between the Santa Clara River and Solamint Road. The SCRCP planning area does not include any General Plan designated ridgelines as it is located in a relatively flat portion of the City. Development in this area in the future would likely continue to maintain the topography of the existing development patterns. Since no General Plan designated ridgelines are located within the planning area, no impacts to these scenic resources are anticipated. Oak trees exist within the SCRCP planning area. However, the proposed SCRCP does not allow for any further impact to oak trees. The City's Unified Development Code includes provisions for the removal, encroachment, and pruning of oak trees in the City. Impacts to oak trees will be evaluated on a project by project basis as impacts are identified. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated to oak trees with the approval of the SCRCP. In January 2013, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita adopted the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect historic resources in the City. The Ordinance allowed property owners to "opt -in" to place the historic designation on their property. In 27 Packet Pg. 19571 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 28 of 41 addition eight properties were designated as "historic" under the ordinance as well. However, none of the properties designated as historic are located within the SCRCP planning area. The proposed SCRCP will not impact the Historic Preservation Ordinance and will allow property owners within the SCRCP to opt -in and request that a property be designated as historic. c) No Impact: The SCRCP will guide the orderly developmenOredevelopment of property within the SCRCP planning area. The SCRCP designates that future development/redevelopment within the planning area utilize one specific architectural theme including the Rustic Californian style. Further, the SCRCP designates the building and frontage types permitted within the planning area. Designating the frontage and building types clearly defines the street scene that is desired along the Soledad Canyon corridor in order to get more orderly development consistent with the vision for the corridor. The Soledad Canyon Corridor has been predominantly developed with parking and small outbuildings located on the street - side of each lot, with the buildings located along the rear portions of the project. The SCRCP would allow each new development/redevelopment of a project site to bring the buildings out to the street, tucking the parking either behind the building, or within structured parking as appropriate. The changes to the street scene will change upon development/redevelopment. However, the clear prescriptions provided by the SCRCP will ensure the orderly design and development to ensure that the appropriate street scene is accomplished. Therefore, no impact related to visual character or quality of the site and surroundings is anticipated with the adoption of the SCRCP. I.) No Impact: The SCRCP does not propose to regulate any lighting within the planning area. The City's Unified Development Code addresses lighting, providing regulations that require that all lights are directed downward and are screened from neighboring properties. In addition, the UDC requires that there is no spill-over of light onto sensitive biological areas or neighboring properties. Development/redevelopment in the SCRCP area will likely create new sources of light, however structured parking in mixed use areas will likely reduce the need for unenclosed lighting structures in parking areas. Since no development is proposed at this time, lighting impacts are too speculative to analyze at this time and must be evaluated on a project -by -project basis. However, compliance with the provisions of the UDC is anticipated to reduce all impacts relating to light in the SCRCP area to less than significant levels. R-1 Packet Pg. 1 66 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 29 of 41 29 Packet Pg. 197 The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the General Plan analyzed the potential impact of aesthetics in Section 3.6 of the General Plan EIR. The EIR determined that all impacts relating to aesthetics were anticipated to be less than significant with the build- out of the General Plan and no mitigation measures were required for aesthetics. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan proposed at this time, no impact to aesthetics is anticipated and no further analysis is required. II. AGRICULTURE a. -e.) No Impact — There is no farmland of any kind located within AND FORESTRY the SCRCP planning area. The SCRCP planning area is RESOURCES predominantly developed with a mixture of residential, commercial, and service related uses. The creation of a form -based code to guide development/redevelopment in the planning area will therefore not impact any farmland, forest areas, or other agricultural uses. The EIR prepared for the General Plan discusses agricultural resources in section 3.5 of the EIR. The General Plan EIR identifies that there would be a significant impact to Important Farmlands due to areas in the City's Sphere of Influence being converted to Urban Land Use designations and a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) was adopted for agricultural resources. No mitigation measures were identified that would reduce impacts as a result of the conversion of farmland described above. However, none of these Important Farmland areas are located within the current City boundary, its recently annexed areas, or the SCRCP, and will therefore not be impacted with the creation of the SCRCP. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan proposed at this time, no impact to agricultural, farmland, or forest resources is anticipated and no further analysis is required. III. AIR QUALITY a. -e.) No Impact: The City of Santa Clarita is within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which is bounded by the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. The air quality in the SCAB is managed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The SCAB has a history of recorded air quality violations and is an area where both state and federal ambient air quality standards are exceeded. Because of the violations of the California Ambient Air 29 Packet Pg. 197 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 30 of 41 Quality Standards (CAAQS), the California Clean Air Act requires triennial preparation of an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The AQMP analyzes air quality on a regional level and identifies region -wide attenuation methods to achieve the air quality standards. These region -wide attenuation methods include regulations for stationary -source polluters; facilitation of new transportation technologies, such as low -emission vehicles; and capital improvements, such as park-and-ride facilities and public transit improvements. The most recently adopted plan is the 2007 AQMP, adopted on June 1, 2007. This plan is the South Coast Air Basin's portion of the State Implementation Plan (SIP). This plan is designed to implement the California Clean Air Act and in turn implement the Federal Clean Air Act administered by the EPA. The AQMP accommodates population growth and transportation projections based on the predictions made by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Thus, projects that are consistent with employment and population forecasts are consistent with the AQMD. The creation of the SCRCP will not alter any of the aforementioned measures. The General Plan for the City outlined the land use designations in the City, including the establishment of commercial and residential densities within the various zones in the City. The SCRCP is a form -based code that will set parameters for the development of property within the SCRCP planning area and ensure that they consistent with the densities envisioned in the General Plan. The form -based code for the SCRCP provides clear direction on the types of buildings, the design of the frontages along the public right- of-way, and the architectural style of the buildings within the planning area. These parameters will provide the clear direction for future development/redevelopment within the planning area, encouraging the mixing of uses in the corridor to create a walkable, pedestrian community that will reduce vehicle miles traveled by providing the necessary services in close proximity to existing and future residential uses. There are over 2,000 residential units within a five (5) minute walk of the planning area and over 3,300 residential units within a 10 minute walk of the planning area. Providing a well balanced mix of uses along the corridor will encourage further pedestrian connectivity, reducing vehicle trips in the corridor. The EIR prepared for the General Plan discusses air quality impacts in Section 3.3 of the EIR. The EIR identifies that there would be impacts to air quality that require mitigation for both construction - related and operations -related air quality. The EIR proposes the implementation of mitigation measures MM 3.3-1 to MM 3.3-9 to 30 Packet Pg. 198 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 31 of 41 mitigate any potential air quality impacts associated with the implementation of the General Plan. The General Plan EIR determined that with the implementation of these mitigation measures, the impacts to air quality will likely be significant and unavoidable, and an SOC for air quality was adopted. Since the SCRCP is implementing the General Plan by providing the form - based framework for the development/redevelopment of the planning area, no further mitigation would be required for the proposed amendments to the UDC. Future projects developed under the SCRCP would be subject to appropriate CEQA analysis to determine project -specific impacts, if any, to air quality to ensure compliance with the General Plan and the required mitigation measures established in the General Plan EIR. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP proposed at this time, no further impact to air quality is anticipated with the proposed amendments and no further analysis is required. IV. BIOLOGICAL a. -g.) No Impact — The SCRCP is located in an urban enviromnent RESOURCES that is predominantly developed and therefore does not include any habitat identified by the Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Therefore, the creation of the SCRCP is not anticipated to impact any special status species of flora or fauna. The SCRCP is intended to guide the development/redevelopment of property within the planning area and will not entitle any construction activity. The creation of the SCRCP will implement the General Plan, by creating a form -based code that will prescribe the building types, frontage types, and architectural styles for development/redevelopment of property within the planning area. Any development in the planning area is speculative at this time, however must be consistent with the densities outlined in the General Plan for both residential and commercial land uses. All future projects under the SCRCP would be required to be analyzed under CEQA to determine any project specific impacts to biological resources as a result of the project would exist. The EIR prepared for the General Plan discusses possible impacts to biological resources in Section 3.7 of the EIR. The EIR identifies that potential impacts related to biological resources would exist as a result of the implementation of the General Plan including impacts to special status species of flora and fauna, impacts to possible "blueline" streams, and possible impacts to conservation plans in the City. However, the extent of these potential impacts cannot be identified at this time and will require further analysis on a project by project basis. The General Plan incorporated mitigation measures MM 3.7-1 to MM 3.7-3 to address the possible impacts to biological 31 0 N v Y N Packet Pg. 199 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 32 of 41 resources. However, these mitigation measures are not anticipated to address the potential impacts to biological resources and an SOC was adopted for biological resources. The creation of the SCRCP proposed at this time is a regulatory act and is not development specific. The Mitigation Measures identified in the General Plan will address project specific impacts requiring additional studies at the time development is proposed in the City. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, the proposed UDC amendments are not anticipated to have an impact to biological resources and no further analysis is required. V. CULTURAL a. -d.) No Impact — The General Plan identifies resources of historic RESOURCES significance to the City of Santa Clarita, as well as resources that have historical significance to the State of California. To further protect these resources, as well as provide for regulations for the treatment of historical structures in the City, the City Council adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance on January 8, 2013. The SCRCP planning area is located in a portion of the City that is urbanized with a mixture of commercial, residential and service related uses. None of the resources identified in the General Plan, or the Historic Preservation Ordinance are located within the SCRCP planning area, and would therefore, not be impacted as a result of the creation of the SCRCP. Historic resources within the SCRCP would still be subject to the Historic Preservation Ordinance for any properties that are designated as historic resources in the future. Further, impacts associated with historical resources were considered in Section 3.8 of the EIR prepared for the General Plan. The creation of the SCRCP will not have any further impact on cultural resources in the City of Santa Clarita as it will not alter any unique geological feature, paleontological resource, any human remains or affect any historical or archeological resource. However, as identified in mitigation measures MM 3.8-1 to MM 3.8-7 of the General Plan EIR, further studies on a project specific basis will be required to determine if any possible historical resources or unique paleontological resources exist on a project site. Should any resources be identified in any future studies or found during any construction activities, the proper authorities would be notified to ensure that the proper measures are taken to preserve all identified resources. With the mitigation measures outlined in the General Plan EIR, all impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to archeological, historical or cultural resource is anticipated and no further analysis is required. 32 Packet Pg. 200 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 33 of 41 VI. GEOLOGY AND a. -i.) No Impact — Southern California has numerous active and SOILS potentially active faults that could affect the City. As stated in the City's General Plan, the City is susceptible to geologic hazards in the event of a major earthquake (magnitude 8.3) along the San Andreas Fault. This could result in ground failure and liquefaction. However, the creation of the SCRCP would not change the requirements of future development to follow all state and City building codes/regulations. The proposed corridor plan will implement the General Plan by establishing code language to guide future development in the SCRCP planning area. The SCRCP planning area is located in a portion of the City that is urbanized with a mixture of commercial, residential and service related uses. Although no construction is proposed at this time, any future construction would be required to address the geologic and/or soils conditions on their project site prior to the issuance of any permits on the project site. The creation of the SCRCP proposed at this time is regulatory in nature to further implement the General Plan. The EIR prepared for the General Plan evaluated the potential impacts to geology and soils in Section 3.9 of the EIR. Mitigation measures MM 3.9-1 to MM 3.9- 9 were identified and are anticipated to reduce any impacts associated with future development to less than significant impact levels. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact related to geology and soils is anticipated and no further analysis is required. VII. GREENHOUSE a. -b,) No Impact — "Greenhouse gases" (so called because of their GAS EMISSIONS role in trapping heat near the surface of the earth) emitted by human activity are implicated in global climate change, commonly referred to as "global warming." These greenhouse gases contribute to an increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere. The principal greenhouse gases (GHGs) include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide. Collectively GHGs are measured as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Fossil fuel consumption in the transportation sector (on -road motor vehicles, off-highway mobile sources, and aircraft) is the single largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for approximately half of GHG emissions globally. industrial and commercial sources are the second largest contributors of GHG emissions with about one- fourth of total emissions. California has passed several bills and the Governor has signed at least three executive orders regarding greenhouse gases. GHG statues and executive orders (EO) include Assembly Bill (AB) 32, Senate Bill (SB) 1368, Executive Order (EO) S-03-05, EO S-20-06 and EO S-01-07. 33 Packet Pg. 201 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 34 of 41 AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, is one of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation that California has adopted. Among other things, it is designed to maintain California's reputation as a "national and international leader on energy conservation and environmental stewardship." Most notably AB 32 mandates that by 2020, California's GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels. The EIR prepared for the General Plan analyzed the impacts related to global climate change in Section 3.4 of the General Plan EIR. The analysis in the General Plan EIR determined that mitigation measures MM 3.4-1 to MM 3.4-16 were required to reduce impacts to global climate change. With these mitigation measures, the impacts to global climate change were considered to be significant and unavoidable, and a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted related to global climate change. However, Policy C08.1.1 of the Conservation Element of the General Plan required that a Climate action Plan (CAP) be adopted within 18 months of the certification of the City's General Plan to ensure that the City will be able to achieve California's State -mandated targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. On August 28, 2012, the City of Santa Clarita adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in compliance with the General Plan policy. The CAP used the baseline year of 2005 in comparison to the impacts associated with the General Plan land use designations to establish the mitigation measures required to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. The CAP determined that projects in compliance with the General Plan are consistent with the CAP. The proposed SCRCP is a planning document for the Soledad Canyon Road corridor that is in compliance with the land use designations outlined in the General Plan and therefore would be in compliance with the CAP. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, the CAP prepared for the City, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact related to greenhouse gas emissions is anticipated and no further analysis is required. VIII. HAZARDS AND a. -i.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP would not directly HAZARDOUS expose people to health hazards or hazardous materials, interfere with MATERIALS any emergency response plans, or any land use within 2 miles of an airport, airfield, or otherwise impact any airport land use plan. The SCRCP will implement the goals and policies of the General Plan and will not have an impact on the environment other than what was previously analyzed under the General Pian EIR. The General Plan EIR analyzed the impacts to hazards and hazardous material in Section 3.11 of the EIR and did not identify any mitigation measures 34 Packet Pg. 202 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 35 of 41 to hazards or were Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact related to hazards and hazardous materials is anticipated and no further analysis is required. IX. HYDROLOGY a. -I.) No Impact — The City of Santa Clarita has an interconnected AND WATER system of waterways that lead to the Santa Clara River. Development QUALITY in the City is required to reduce the alteration of flows, impeding flows, and further changing flows of water that would impact properties and resources both up and/or down -stream. Prior to the installation of any improvements, developers must demonstrate that the improvements will not have an impact on the path or velocity of water flow off of the site. Further, development in the City must comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) having the responsibility to ensure that water is properly treated prior to leaving a project site and discharging into any stormwater drainage facility. The proposed SCRCP is not changing any development standards that would impact these requirements. The EIR for the General Plan evaluated the potential impacts to hydrology and water quality in Section 3.12 of the EIR. The EIR determined that there could be impacts associated with hydrology and water quality, and required that mitigation measures MM 3.12-1 to MM 3.12-5 be incorporated to mitigate all potential impacts. With these mitigation measures, all impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels, requiring all development to demonstrate compliance with the NPDES standards prior to the issuance of any permits for development on a project site. Further, prior to any permits, development would also be required to demonstrate that there would be no impact to any floodway, water way, or other drainage course as a result of the proposed project. The creation of the SCRCP is a regulatory act and is not anticipated to change any of these standards as they currently exist in the UDC or in the Municipal Code of the City of Santa Clarita. The SCRCP will not result in direct impacts on hydrology and water quality. Further, the SCRCP is not anticipated to impact any 100 -year flood hazard area, tsunami, drainage pattern, or runoff of Stormwater Management systems. Any construction related activity within the City would comply with the zoning codes in place at the time that revisions are requested, including any additional CEQA review if required. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to hydrology and water quality is anticipated and no further analysis is required. 35 Packet Pg. 203 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 36 of 41 X. LAND USE AND a. -c.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP is implementing the PLANNING General Plan by creating a plan for future development/redevelopment along the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. The planning area is predominantly developed with commercial, residential, and service -related uses. Future development along the corridor will not impact any established community that would be disrupted or physically divided due to the proposed amendments, and therefore, no impact is anticipated. Further, the creation of the SCRCP will implement the General Plan adopted by the City on June 14, 2011, including the following objectives and policies of the General Plan encouraging the creation of similar plans for revitalization of communities in the City: Objective LU 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, including but not limited to the following: Objective LU 4.3 Enhance older commercial and industrial areas. 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 each area's character, architecture, and history. As described above, the creation of the SCRCP will create provisions for the development/redevelopment within the planning area consistent with the land use designations approved in the City's General Plan, promoting infill development and re -use of existing sites. The ETR prepared for the General Plan comprehensively analyzes the Goals and Policies of the Land Use Element of the General Plan in Section 3.1 of the EIR. Implementation of the Goals and Policies of the General Plan is anticipated to address any potential impacts associated with Land Use and Planning and no further mitigation measures are necessary. The proposed SCRCP will not affect current City standards regarding habitat conservation plans, natural community preservation plans, and/ or the policies of agencies with jurisdiction over resources and resource areas within the City since no development is proposed at this time. All future development would be subject to the standards established by the City, at the time development is proposed. 36 Packet Pg. 204 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 37 of 41 37 0 N Packet Pg. 205 Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to land use and planning is anticipated and no further analysis is required. XI. MINERAL AND a. -c.) No Impact — Gold mining and oil production historically have ENERGY been the principal mineral extraction activities in and around the RESOURCES Santa Clarita Valley. Other minerals found in the General Plan planning area include construction aggregate, titanium, and tuff. Mineral resources and extraction areas are shown in Exhibit CO -2 of the City's General Plan. There are no current extraction operations within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area. There are significant portions of the planning area along Soledad Canyon Road that are identified as being in a Zone 2 (Aggregate) Mineral Resource Zone. However, these areas are developed and do not have any mining operations. Therefore, the creation of the SCRCP is not expected to affect mineral resources in the planning area, or the City. Should any aggregate or oil extraction be expanded or introduced in the planning area, additional review under CEQA will be required to determine if any project specific impacts exist. The EIR prepared for the General Plan evaluates the impacts to mineral and energy resources in Section 3.10 of the EIR. The EIR did not identify the need for any mitigation measures as all impacts were anticipated to be less than significant relating to mineral and energy resources. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to mineral and energy resources is anticipated and no further analysis is required. XII. NOISE a. -f.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP will not expose persons to the generation of a significant increase in noise levels, groundborne vibration, or increase ambient noise. The SCRCP is a planning document that will serve as the code for the development/redevelopment within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area. The SCRCP will serve as a regulatory document and does not propose any development at this time and therefore, there would not be a direct impact to noise levels in the city. Further, the SCRCP does not propose to alter any noise standards in the Unified Development Code, or the City's Municipal Code that would impact development/redevelopment along the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area. The EIR prepared for the General Plan evaluated the impacts associated with noise in Section 3.18 of the EIR. The EIR determined that the impacts associated with construction and operations -related noise impacts will be significant and unavoidable, even with the mitigation proposed under mitigation measure MM 3.18-1 to limit the use of pile driving activities during construction, and an SOC was adopted for noise. Since the creation of the SCRCP is implementing the General Plan and is not proposing any alterations to 11.44 of the 37 0 N Packet Pg. 205 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 38 of 41 KW Packet Pg. 206 Municipal Code regarding noise standards in the City, no impacts to noise are anticipated. The proposed SCRCP is consistent with the General Plan and will not require any further analysis under CEQA. However, all future development will be subject to CEQA and would be required to analyze possible project specific noise impacts and incorporate all feasible mitigation measures to reduce any identified impacts. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to noise is anticipated and no further analysis is required. XIII. POPULATION a. -c.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP is not anticipated to AND HOUSING induce substantial population growth in the Santa Clarita Valley beyond what was considered as a part of the General Plan. The SCRCP will implement the General Plan by creating a development code for the future development/redevelopment along the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor to encourage redevelopment along the corridor. The EIR prepared for the General Plan evaluated the impacts related to population and housing in Section 3.19 of the EIR. The EIR determined that there would be no impacts related to population and housing and no mitigation measures relating to population and housing were required. The creation of the SCRCP is a regulatory act and will not include any development activity at this time. Therefore, the creation of the SCRCP would not alter the City's population projections and would be consistent with the City's General Plan. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to population and housing is anticipated and no further analysis is required. XIV. PUBLIC A )i. -iv No Impact — The proposed SCRCP will not directly increase SERVICES the need for additional fire, police, schools, or libraries. However, any future development/redevelopment along the Soledad Canyon Road corridor would be subject to any applicable development fees, which are established to compensate for growth. The creation of the SCRCP would implement the General Plan by creating a plan for the future development/redevelopment along the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. Further, the EIR prepared for the General Plan analyzed the impacts associated with public services in Section 3.15 of the EIR. The EIR found that mitigation measures including mitigation measures MM 3.15-1 to MM 3.15-4 which will require individual development applications to pay the applicable development impact fees associated with their development prior to the applicable timeline established by the jurisdiction responsible for the regulatory fee. With the payment of the applicable development impact fees im acts to ublic services would be mitigated to less than significant KW Packet Pg. 206 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 39 of 41 M Packet P9. 207 levels. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to public services are anticipated and no further analysis is required. XIV. RECREATION a. -b.) No Impact — The proposed SCRCP will not have any impact on recreational amenities within the City of Santa Clarita. The SCRCP will implement the General Plan by creating a planning document for the future development/redevelopment along the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor. The General Plan EIR evaluated the impacts associated with recreation in Section 3.16 of the EIR. The EIR determined that there would be no impact to recreation facilities and no mitigation measures were required for recreational facilities. The proposed project does not include any development activities at this time and all subsequent approvals would be required to comply with the Open Space and Conservation Element in the City's General Plan and would be subject to the City's park impact fees. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to recreation is anticipated and no further analysis is required. XVI. a. -g.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP is regulatory in nature TRANSPORTATION/ and is not anticipated to have direct developmental impacts that alter TRAFFIC traffic load or capacity on street systems. As previously discussed, Land Use Objective LU 1.2, Policy LU 1.2.1, Objective LU 4.3, and Policy LU 4.3.4 of the General Plan seek to encourage the revitalization of the Soledad Canyon Road corridor and further revitalize existing, older communities in the City, implementing of the General Plan. The SCRCP will create development standards for the development/redevelopment of property within the planning area, providing standards for the building types, frontage types, and architectural types for all future projects along the Soledad Canyon Road corridor. The General Plan prescribed the land uses permitted along the corridor, including the introduction of the Mixed Use land use designation and the Mixed Use Overlay zone designation. Any subsequent development under the SCRCP would be regulated by the City's UDC, General Plan, and transportation policies and would be subject to additional CEQA review to determine the specific project - related impacts. The EIR prepared for the General Plan analyzed the potential impacts related to traffic and transportation in Section 3.2 of the EIR. The EIR determined that all impacts related to transportation and traffic in the City would be less than significant with the incorporation of three mitigation measures including MM 3.2-1 to MM 3.2-3. These measures will require the City to work with CalTrans as additional infrastructure is required on the regional hi hwa s nei hboring the City, and to analyze traffic impacts on a M Packet P9. 207 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 40 of 41 project -by -project basis. Since no new development is proposed at this time, no further study is required regarding traffic and transportation. Therefore, based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to traffic and transportation is anticipated and no further analysis is required. XVII. UTILITIES AND a. -g.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP does not include any SERVICE SYSTEMS new development at this time. The SCRCP would implement the General Plan by creating a planning document to guide the future development/redevelopment of the Soledad Canyon Road corridor, consistent with the land use designations of the General Plan. Therefore, the project would not directly result in the construction of new water facilities, expansion of existing electric or natural gas facilities, affect drainage patterns, water treatment services, and furthermore, no impacts to landfill capacity would occur beyond what was analyzed in the General Plan EIR. The EIR prepared for the General Plan evaluated the impacts to utilities and service systems in Section 3.17 of the EIR. The EIR determined that there would be significant and unavoidable impacts related to solid waste even with the incorporation of mitigation measures MM 3.17-1 to MM 3.17-8, and an SOC was adopted for solid ware. These mitigation measures require that future development be required to provide the appropriate facilities at the time they are developed, in coordination with the applicable City/County agency. Water availability was extensively analyzed in the General Plan EIR in Section 3.13. Water facilities, including adequacy of water supplies, groundwater recharge, and perchlorate contamination, will be adequate for areas within the Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) service area and the east subbasin. However, water facilities for areas outside the CLWA service area and east subbasin would be unavoidably significant even with the mitigation measures identified in the General Plan EIR and an SOC was adopted for water. The General Plan incorporates mitigation measures MM 3.13- 1 to MM 3.13-46. Any subsequent development would be required to comply with the City's General Plan and the requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board and all applicable utility purveyors. Compliance with these requirements would ensure all federal, state and local statutes and imposed regulations are met. Since the SCRCP is implementing the General Plan, no further impact to utilities and services are anticipated. based on the EIR prepared for the General Plan, and the 40 Packet Pg. 208 Master Case 13-096 Zone Change 13-004 Page 41 of 41 41 Packet Pg. 209 creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to utilities and service s stems is antici ated and no further analysis is required. XPIH. MANDATORY a. -c.) No Impact — The creation of the SCRCP will not have a FINDINGS OF significant impact on the environment that would lead to a substantial SIGNIFICANCE reduction in habitat of a fish or wildlife species, or reduce or restrict the number of rare, threatened or endangered species. The SCRCP planning area consists of urbanized development along a commercial corridor in the City. Since the SCRCP being considered at this time is implementing the General Plan, no further impacts beyond those considered under the EIR prepared for the General Plan are anticipated. XVII. DEPARTMENT a.) No Impact — The legislative intent of the Department of Fish and OFFISH AND GAME Game `De Minimus' Finding is "to extend the current user -based NO EFFECTS funding system by allocating the transactional costs of wildlife DETERMINATION protection and management to those who would consume those resources through urbanization and development..." (AB 3158, Chapter 1706, Statutes of 1990, effective January 1, 1991, Section 1(c)). However, the creation of the SCRCP would not entitle any new development; and any future development proposal seeking discretionary approval would remain subject to CEQA and the CDFG Code. Since, the creation of the SCRCP implements the General Plan, no further impacts beyond those considered under the EIR prepared for the General Plan are anticipated and no significant adverse effect either individually or cumulatively are anticipated to fish and wildlife resources. Therefore, the project's impacts on fish and wildlife are de minimus. 41 Packet Pg. 209 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA STAFF REPORT THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN MASTER CASE NO. 13-096 ZONE CHANGE 13-004 INITIAL STUDY 14-006 DATE: November 18, 2014 TO: Chairperson Trautman and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Jeff Hogan, AICP, Planning Manager CASE PLANNER: Mike Marshall, Assistant Planner II APPLICANT: The City of Santa Clarita LOCATION: The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is located within the City of Santa Clarita in the County of Los Angeles on Soledad Canyon Road, west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road. Soledad Canyon Road is commonly known as the primary major highway connecting the communities of Canyon Country and Valencia. The planning area embraces 181 acres of commercial development consisting of 1.4 million square feet of building space. REQUEST: This is a request to update the City of Santa Clarita's zoning regulations and zoning map for the Soledad Canyon Road corridor planning area to ensure consistency with the General Plan, as required by State Law. BACKGROUND In June, 2011, the City Council adopted the new General Plan which provided a vision that will guide future development. The new General Plan established many goals and policies to promote urban form, community design, and beautification strategies that unify and enhance the Valley, increase quality of life and provide a distinctive sense of place. In June, 2013, the City Council adopted the first comprehensive update to the Unified Development Code (UDC). The new UDC established the creation of Corridor Plans (17.28.110 UDC). The purpose of Corridor Plans is to facilitate development within the City in accordance with the General Plan by permitting greater flexibility and, consequently, more creative and imaginative designed projects. Further, Corridor Plans are intended to achieve the continued implementation of policies and goals set forth in the General Plan relating to the preservation of community characteristics by implementing appropriate urban principles that emphasize pedestrian orientation and the integration of a mix of land uses. In August, 2013, the City Council adopted the first Corridor Plan for the Lyons Avenue Corridor. Immediately following Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 2 of 8 the adoption of the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan, the City initiated the corridor planning process for the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (SCRCP). PROJECT SUMMARY The SCRCP directly responds to, and implements the goals and policies of the Santa Clarita General Plan and supplements the Unified Development Code (UDC). The General Plan has established maximum floor area ratios and maximum lot coverage requirements for the planning area; therefore, no project shall be permitted to go above the thresholds defined in the General Plan. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area incorporates properties located adjacent to Soledad Canyon Road west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road as detailed on page 2 of the attached SCRCP. Soledad Canyon Road is commonly known as the primary major highway connecting the communities of Canyon Country and Valencia. The project area embraces 181 acres and more than 1.4 million square feet of commercial buildings including retail centers, medical office buildings and gas stations. Surface parking is common, particularly on properties that were developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and building heights range from one to two stories. The Santa Clara River lies just outside the western project boundary while two existing mobile home parks currently zoned for mixed-use development are located just inside the project boundary area adjacent to the eastern project boundary. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is surrounded primarily by single family and multi -family residences though none are located within the planning area itself. There are nearly 2,300 dwelling units within a five-minute walk of Soledad Canyon Road and more than 3,000 units within a ten-minute walk. With thousands of residential units located so close to Soledad Canyon Road, there is tremendous potential to create walkable environments where people can shop, eat, and gather. The SCRCP will help realize this potential by addressing the relationship between buildings and public spaces such as plazas, squares, and open space. The regulations and standards in this plan are presented in both words and clearly drawn diagrams and other visual exhibits. The result is a document that provides clear expectations for property owners that promote high quality development as a result of a comprehensive community, outreach process. More specifically, the SCRCP will: 1. Create a clear identity for the commercial core of Canyon Country and serve as a document that will facilitate community enhancement into the future; and 2. Create development standards that are consistent with existing policies while providing flexibility in building placement, architectural standards and sign standards that encourage property owners to propose projects that result in an enhanced visual aesthetic. Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 3 of 8 DATA GATHERING & PUBLIC OUTREACH A comprehensive public outreach process and data collection phase was conducted prior to drafting the SCRCP. The contents of this plan are the result of site visits, stakeholder interviews, community workshops, and the implementation of an interactive blogging website. City staff began the corridor planning process by collecting information about the current built environment and overall conditions of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area. This was done by dividing the corridor into 24 study sections that were surveyed and documented on a parcel -by -parcel basis. The intent of this exercise was to create a database of images that could be presented for study and analysis both during the staff evaluation and the public outreach process. A website (SantaClaritaCorridorPlan.com) originally created for the Lyons Avenue corridor planning effort was utilized to initiate the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning process on September 3, 2013. The website functioned as a means communicate with to solicit feedback from those within the community that were unable to attend the public outreach meetings. To begin the outreach effort, staff sent notices to all 70 property owners and over 400 business owners within the planning area. This notice informed property and business owners about the initiation of the Soledad Canyon Road, Corridor planning effort, acquainted them with the corridor website, and gave them the opportunity to meet with staff about their thoughts and concerns in regards to future zoning regulations. This step in the process also provided insight to City staff about how they could make a more business friendly document while still maintaining the high standards that residents of the Santa Clarita Valley expect. Two interactive workshops were held within the planning area early in the planning process at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Public Library. In anticipation of the community outreach meetings, staff sent out over 2,300 postcards to property owners and business owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area, aired a This Week in Santa Clarita video that played on the local television network, posted articles in the local newspaper, and utilized social media applications such as Twitter and Facebook. Nearly 100 participants provided feedback at the two -outreach meetings conducted. This information was tabulated and the results were shared on the corridor -planning website. A full list of all outreach meetings and presentations on the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan has been summarized in the attached Timeline of Events and Information Sessions. Throughout the initial community outreach process, staff consistently heard three primary messages from the community including: I. Property owners, business owners, and residents are largely content with the development standards detailed in the UDC update of 2013; 2. Stakeholders support the creation of a plan that clearly identifies the commercial core of Canyon Country with the understanding that it be a document that may be modified as the Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 4 of 8 needs of the community evolve; and 3. The community enjoys the variety of retail and service land uses available throughout the corridor but also recognizes the need for aesthetic improvements. Following the release of the public draft of the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan on October 15, 2014, staff conducted an additional outreach meeting on October 29, 2014 to summarize the proposed SCRCP for the community. A summary of the comments received by staff are provided below: Allow for flexible development standards to encourage property owners to improve their properties; 2. Seek out opportunities to provide property owners with economic incentives to encourage property owners to improve their properties; 3. Improve the visual aesthetic of the Soledad Canyon Road corridor by improving street facing building facades; and 4. Allow the document to be amended into the future to facilitate the desires of the community. PROJECT COMPONENTS The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan can be categorized into nine chapters, which include the following: • Chapter 1: Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor • Chapter 2: Purpose and Applicability • Chapter 3: Regulating Plan and Transect Zones • Chapter 4: Zones and Development Standards ■ Chapter 5: Frontage Type Standards • Chapter 6: Building Type Standards • Chapter 7: Architectural Standards • Chapter 8: Sign Standards • Chapter 9: Street and Streetscape Standards Each of these project components are discussed in detail below. Chapter 1: Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor This section highlights the data gathering and public outreach process. An overview of the history of Soledad Canyon Road and surrounding community is also introduced. Many photos and charts document the data gathering and public outreach processes. Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 5 of 8 Chapter 2: Purpose and Applicability This section defines the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plans relationship to the Unified Development Code and establishes how to use the code. A tiered system (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3) has been established to provide incentives for property owners and developers to enhance the aesthetics and use of outdated properties within the corridor planning area. Only if and when a property owner chooses to modify their property do the development standards of this code apply. Tier 1 projects are those projects consisting of a proposal for a new land use or tenant improvement within an existing building with no proposed physical expansion or exterior modification. The SCRCP does not provide incentives for Tier 1 projects. Further, Tier 1 projects must comply with the sign standards established within Section 17.51 of the UDC. Tier 2 projects include the refacade of an existing building or the physical expansion of up to 50% of the existing, permitted building square footage. For a project to be considered a Tier 2 compliant site, the entire site must be consistent with the architectural guidelines established within the Community Character and Design Guidelines approved by City Council in April, 2009. As an incentive to develop a Tier 2 project, applicants are granted the benefit of complying with Chapter 8 of this code which allows for greater flexibility in sign types. Tier 3 projects are all new development projects or those that propose an expansion of more than 50% of the permitted building square footage. Tier 3 projects shall be consistent with the Rustic Californian architectural style as described in Chapter 7 and all portions of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. As an incentive to develop a Tier 3 project, buildings may be placed as close as one foot from the front property line and shall be granted the benefit of complying with Chapter 8 of this code which allows for greater flexibility in sign types. Chapter 3: Regulating Plan and Transect Zones This section establishes two zones which are consistent with the existing zoning and General Plan designations in terms of allowable land uses, building heights, and floor area ratios. These zones include the Soledad Canyon Urban I (SC-Ul), and Soledad Canyon Urban Center (SC - UC). The proposed zoning map reflects and implements the General Plan Land Use Map. Chapter 4: Zones and Development Standards This section identifies and establishes development standards for the two established zones identified in the plan that are consistent with the current underlying zone in terms of allowable land uses, building heights, and floor area ratios. The development standards in this chapter only differ from those established in the UDC in terms of allowable setbacks for Tier 3 projects which are granted the flexibility of allowing the placement of buildings as close as one -foot from the front property line. Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 6 of 8 Chapter 5: Frontage Type Standards This section creates standards for frontage types applicable only to Tier 3 projects only. Tier 2 projects shall only be consistent with the Community Character and Design Guidelines for the community of Canyon Country. The allowable frontage types for Tier 3 projects include Gallery, Arcade, and Shopfront and Awning frontage types and ensure that Tier 3 projects are consistent with the City's goals for building form, character, and quality. Chapter 6: Building Type Standards This section creates standards for building types applicable to Tier 3 projects only. Tier 2 projects shall only be consistent with the Community Character and Design Guidelines for the community of Canyon Country. The allowable building types for Tier 3 projects include Commercial Pad, Shopfront Commercial, Commercial Block -Commercial, and Commercial Block -Mixed Use. The building types allowed for Tier 3 projects ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for building form, character, and quality. The building type standards differ from those established within the UDC only for Tier 3 projects that are allowed to place buildings as close as one -foot from the front property line. Chapter 7: Architectural Standards The architectural standards established in this chapter provide design elements that require Rustic Californian architecture for all Tier 3 projects. Tier 2 projects shall only be consistent with the Community Character and Design Guidelines for the community of Canyon Country. The incorporation of Rustic California architectural standards for Tier 3 projects will encourage architectural character, promote quality development, and ensure that Tier 3 projects are compatible in size, scale, and appearance with the character of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. Chapter 8: Sign Standards This section contains standards and guidelines for signage to ensure that signs installed throughout the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor are consistent with the overall quality and character of new development. The provisions of this chapter allow for a variety of signs not currently permitted in the UDC to allow for greater visibility while still ensuring the high quality standards that the community expects. Only projects described as a Tier Two or Tier Three projects can qualify to use the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan sign code. All Tier 1 projects are required to use the sign requirements established in Section 17.51 of the UDC. Chapter 9: Street and Streetscape Standards This section establishes a street and streetscape standards that are consistent with the General Plan while requiring the placement of street furniture for Tier 3 projects. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will require all future development to build -out the ultimate right-of-way to include a 10 foot sidewalk and a 8 foot landscaped parkway. Curb -to -curb is already built -out to Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 7 of 8 ultimate width and would not change under the proposed plan. SUMMARY In summary, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan creates a clear identity for the commercial core of Canyon Country and serves as a document that will facilitate community enhancement into the future. Further, the SCRCP will create architectural standards for Tier 3 projects that are consistent with existing guidelines while providing greater flexibility for Tier 2 projects that shall be consistent with the Community Character and Design Guidelines for the community of Canyon Country. Finally, the SCRCP differs from existing standards established within the UDC for Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects which are granted flexibility in sign types and Tier 3 projects which are granted building placement flexibility. CEOA AND PUBLIC NOTICING An Initial Study was prepared for this project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The initial study determined that all impacts related to the proposed project are considered to be less than significant. Therefore, a Negative Declaration was prepared in accordance with Section 15070 of CEQA. The Negative Declaration and Initial Study have been made available during a twenty-one public review period from October 28, 2014, to November 18, 2014. Documents were posted in the Permit Center at the City of Santa Clarita City Hall, and the City of Santa Clarita Public Library, Valencia Branch. All noticing requirements for a public hearing have been completed as required by Section 17.01.100 of the Unified Development Code. A 1/8th page advertisement was placed in the Signal Newspaper on October 28, 2014. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1) Open the public hearing; 2) Receive testimony from the public; 3) Provide comments and direction to staff; 4) Close the public hearing; and 5) Adopt Resolution P14-18, that recommends that the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration prepared for the project and approve the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan, which includes Master Case No. 13-096, Zone Change 13-004, consisting of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (Exhibit A), and Zoning Map (Exhibit B). ATTACHMENTS Draft Negative Declaration/Initial Study for the Draft Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Resolution Attachment A- Draft Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan Master Case 13-096 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan November 18, 2014 Page 8 of 8 Attachment B- Draft Zoning Map Timeline of Events and Information Sessions RESOLUTION NO. P14-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT AND APPROVE MASTER CASE NO. 13-096 (ZONE CHANGE 13-004), AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE BY CREATING THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The Planning Commission does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. On June 14, 2011, the City Council adopted the Santa Clarita General Plan by adoption of Resolution No. 11-63. The General Plan provides a vision that will guide future development in the City of Santa Clarita through a set of goals, objectives, and policies; B. On July 9, 2013, the City Council adopted the City's first corridor plan for the Lyons Avenue Corridor, by adoption of Ordinance No. 13-11. C. Following adoption of the Lyons Avenue Corridor Plan in July 2013, the City of Santa Clarita (the "Applicant" or "City") initiated the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (the "project" or "SCRCP"); D. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning area is located within the City of Santa Clarita in the County of Los Angeles on Soledad Canyon Road, west of Solamint Road and east of the Santa Clara River near Camp Plenty Road; E. The City of Santa Clarita's proposed project consists of Zone Change (ZC) 13-004 to update the zoning map to ensure consistency with the General Plan; F. The City Council Development Subcommittee held a duly -noticed meeting on October 7, 2014, in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The meeting was held at City Hall, Orchard Room, located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita; G. The Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing on November 18, 2014, in accordance with the City's noticing requirements. The project was advertised in The Signal newspaper on October 28, 2014. The hearing was held at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:00 p.m; Master Case 13-096 Resolution P14-18 November 18, 2014 Page 2 of 7 H. That at this public hearing, the Planning Commission received staffs presentation summarizing the proposed project, opened the public hearing, received public testimony regarding the project, provided comments to staff and closed the public hearing. Staff presented the necessary approval documents (resolution and associated attachments), and the Planning Commission took action on the resolution of recommendation to the City Council; Based upon the staff presentations, staff reports, and public comments and testimony, the Planning Commission finds that the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan will not adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing in the area; nor will the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan jeopardize, endanger or otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety, or general welfare; and J. The location of the documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is based for the Master Case No. 13-096 project file is with the Community Development Department; the record specifically is in the custody of the Director of Community Development. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby find 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 comment by affected governmental agencies and the public, and all comments received have been considered. The Negative Declaration was advertised on October 28, 2014, and posted on November 4, 2014, in accordance with CEQA. The public review period was open from October 28, 2014, through November 18, 2014; 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 documents and other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is made is the Master Case No. 13- 096 project file, located within the Community Development Department and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; and E. The Planning Commission, based upon the findings set forth above, hereby finds that the Negative Declaration for this project has been prepared in compliance with CEQA. Master Case 13-096 Resolution P14-18 November 18, 2014 Page 3 of 7 SECTION 3. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE NO. 13-096. Based on the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case No. 13-096, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby find as follows: A. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan; The project is consistent with the General Plan because the proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan carries out a number of General Plan policies and objectives. Specifically, the Land Use Element of the General Plan dictates that the City work to promote business development that upgrades and revitalizes older commercial corridors in a manner that reflects each community's character, architecture and history. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan provides incentives for property and business owners to invest in upgrading and revitalizing older commercial centers. The proposed plan is also consistent with Land Use Policy 2.1.2 by promoting healthy, walkable communities. This is achieved by providing and appropriate mix of residential and service uses in proximity to one another. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan further implements the general plan by applying distinctive community character guidelines to the planning area through the use of frontage types, building types, and architectural styles. B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of the UDC; The zone change proposed would not change the character or nature of commercial development within the plan area or adjacent residential areas and would allow the established land use patterns to continue, thus supporting the 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 Nothing contained in the proposed Soledad Corridor Plan would endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public because the plan document does not result in the disturbance of land or the physical development of any property and would be consistent with the provisions of the UDC and General Plan. 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; Mester Case 13-096 Resolution P14-18 November 18, 2014 Page 4 of 7 3. Public protection service (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc.) are readily available; 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 proposal is physically suitable for the site in terms of location, shape, size, and operating characteristics. The Soledad Corridor Plan is a zoning document that does not supersede but rather enacts the provisions of the General Plan. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan does not propose land uses that would generate traffic volumes in excess of that anticipated in the General plan and further does not propose changes to the existing highways or streets that provide access to sites throughout the planning area. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan area is currently served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, both of which provide adequate service levels. The project area is likewise served by all applicable utilities. Nothing in the proposed zone change would increase the need for fire or police protection services, nor would the plan increase demand for utilities. SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR ZONE CHANGE 13-004 (ZONE CHANGE). Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for Zone Change 13-004, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby find as follows: A. That modified conditions warrant a revision in the zoning map as it pertains to the area under consideration: B. That a need for the proposed zone classification exists within such area: C. That the particular property under consideration is a proper location for said zone classification within such area i. 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 ii. That the proposed zone change is consistent with the adopted General Plan for the area unless a General Plan amendment is filed concurrently and approved with said zone change. The General Plan envisions Corridor Plans for certain commercial areas of the City, including the Soledad Canyon Road corridor. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan establishes development standards that would guide future development and does not include a proposal for physical development. The need for the proposed zone classification is demonstrated by the lack of a cohesive aesthetic quality and instances of functional obsolescence throughout the planning area. The plan would serve the interest Master Case 13-096 Resolution P14-18 November 18, 2014 Page 5 of 7 of the health, safety and general welfare of the public by promoting business development and revitalizing older commercial centers that provide for healthy and walkable communities. The project is consistent with the General Plan because it would carry out a number of General Plan policies and objectives. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan further implements the General Pian by applying distinctive community character guidelines to the planning area through the use of frontage types, building types, and architectural styles. Further, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan area is currently adequately served by applicable emergency services, utilities and the proposed zone change would not increase the demand for these services. SECTION 5. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR ZONE CHANGE 13-004 (ZONE AMENDMENT). Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for Zone Change 13-004, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby find 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; 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 pubic convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action. The proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan creates a zoning document for the affected planning area and implements all provisions of the General Plan and would therefore be consistent with the areas adjacent to the plan area. The project is consistent with the General Plan because it would carry out a number of General Plan policies and objectives. The Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan further implements the general plan by applying distinctive community character guidelines to the planning area through the use of frontage types, building types, and architectural styles. Further, the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan area is currently adequately served by applicable emergency services, utilities and the proposed zone change would not increase the demand for these services. The plan would serve the interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the public by promoting business development and revitalizing older commercial centers that provide for healthy and walkable communities. The proposed Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan creates development standards that would enact the provisions of the General Plan and affect the aesthetic quality of the planning area upon the approval of a project that is consistent with the development standards detailed within the code. Those standards do not address existing roadways, street medians, USMP and/or SUSMP requirements, stormwater runoff requirements, fire access requirements, California Building Code requirements, or subdivision requirements and therefore would be consistent with all other provisions of the UDC. The Land Use Element of the General Plan dictates that the City work to promote business development that upgrades and Master Case 13-096 Resolution P14-19 November 18, 2014 Page 6 of 7 revitalizes older commercial corridors in a manner that reflects each community's character, architecture and history. The approval of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan would result in a document that would guide development into the future in a manner that is consistent with the intent of the General Plan and would therefore would be justified by serving the general welfare of the public and serve as good zoning practice. SECTION 6. The Planning Commission hereby recommends the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration prepared for the project and approve the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan, which includes Master Case No. 13-096, Zone Change 13-004, consisting of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan (Exhibit A), and Zoning Map (Exhibit B). SECTION 7. The Planning Commission Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and certify this record to be a full, complete, and correct copy of the action taken. Master Case 13-096 Resolution P14-18 November 18, 2014 Page 7 of 7 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 18`s day of November, 2014. DIANE TRAUTMAN, CHAIRPERSON PLANNING COMMISSION ATTEST: JEFF W. HOGAN, SECRETARY PLANNING COMMISSION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss CITY OF SANTA CLARIfA ) I, Jeff W. Hogan, Planning Commission Secretary of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 18'h of November, 2014, by the following vote of the Planning Commission: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: TRAUTMAN, HEFFERNAN, OSTROM, EICHMAN NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: BURKHART PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY SACD\CURRENT%12013\13-096 (ZC13-004 Soledad Corridor Plan)\Planning Commission\I3-096 PC Resolution.doc