HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - MC 13-096 SOLEDAD CORRIDOR PLN (2)Agenda Item: 9
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA.
• AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE:
January 27, 2015
SUBJECT:
MASTER CASE 13-096; ZONE CHANGE 13-004 SOLEDAD
CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN, SECOND READING
DEPARTMENT:
Community Development
PRESENTER:
Mike Marshall
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a second reading and adopt 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
On January 13, 2015, the City Council conducted the public hearing for Master Case 13-096
regarding an ordinance to approve the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. At that public
hearing, the City Council voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution to adopt the Negative Declaration
prepared for the project approving Master Case 13-096, and also to introduce and pass to second
reading an ordinance to approve the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan. The ordinance is
attached to this agenda report.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance
Exhibit A to Ordinance (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
Adopted: W N l J -C( Page I
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Negative Declaration and Initial Study (available in City Clerk's Reading File)
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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
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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;
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Ordinance 15 -
January 13, 2015
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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
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.
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
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Ordinance 15 -
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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:
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
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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 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. 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 u
for the area unless a General Plan amendment is filed concurrently and
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approved with said zone change. a
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The General Plan envisions Corridor Plans for certain commercial areas of the w
City, including the Soledad Canyon Road corridor. The Soledad Canyon Road s
Corridor Plan establishes development standards that would guide future
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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 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.
SECTION 4. 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 Sectionl7.28.120.I:
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
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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.
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Master Case 13-096
Ordinance 15 -
January 13, 2015
Page 7 of 8
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27`h day of January, 2015.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
1, 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
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Master Case 13-096
Ordinance 15 -
January 13, 2015
Page 8 of 8
"EXHIBIT A" OF ORDINANCE 15 -
ZONE CHANGE 13-004
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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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
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
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR,,.,, ... 1.11". 1
CHAPTER I: PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY...................................................... 14
CHAPTER 3: REGULATING PLAN AND TRANSECT ZONES ...................................... 19
CHAPTER 4: ZONES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.........................................24
CHAPTERS: FRONTAGE TYPE STANDARDS .......................................................2E
CHAPTER 6: BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS........................................................ 34
CHAPTER 7: ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS.......................................................47
CHAPTER E: SIGN STANDARDS.....................................................................60
CHAPTER 9: STREET AND STREETSCAPE STANDARDS ........................................... 76
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
GENERA L
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 of the 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
developmentpatterns,
and land uses within the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning
and lifestyles. 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 0
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.
In
STORY
PLAN AREA ledad Canyon Road is a main arterial through Canyon Countrywithin the
The planning area includes ty of Santa Clarita. Historically, the road was a vital transit link between
181 acres consisting of s Angeles and the Central Valley. From the Gold Rush era up until the
1,453,000 square feet dge Route was completed over the Tehachapi Mountains, Soledad Canyon
of building space along ad was an important road between Northern and Southern California.
Soledad Canyon Road 1856, surveyors from the Southern Pacific Railroad explored the Santa
between Camp Plenty Roadarita Valley in an effort to find a rail connection between Los Angeles and
n Francisco. "They discovered Soledad Canyon and found the grades were
and Solamint Road. itable for the rail line. The rail line was completed in 1876, with the lines
king up at Lang Station, just east of the present day Santa Clarita City
mits. 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.
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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In 1946, near the corner 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 7
Oaks development. When the North Oaks
housing tract was built, the area established
an identity of its own breaking away from r'
the Saugus community. In 1968, the name �Ask
Canyon Country became official, attributed American Beauty Residential Development, South of Soledad Canyon Road
to the US Postal Service. 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. The 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
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 WA L KA B L E
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.
0 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.
Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor ®,..
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 W H AT 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
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 typically be 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.
PLAN?
The General Plan is a
comprehensive long-term
plan for the physical
development of the City.
In this sense, it is a
`blueprint"for the future
of the City of Santa
Clarita.
Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor
Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor
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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,
nterviews, meetings, community workshops, and an interactive blogging
SOLEDAD
ebsite. City staff began the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning process
y collecting information about the current built environment and overall
CANYON ( nditions of the Plan area.
ROAD
EVALUATION
The Soledad Canyon Road
Corridor was divided
into 23 sections that were
evaluated on a parcel -by -
parcel basis. �s a part of the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor planning effort, staff sent
otices 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.
Soledad Canyon Road Corridor was divided into 23 study sections that
evaluated on a parcel -by -parcel basis (Exhibit 4). The intent of the
;ise was to create manageable images and areas that could be studied and
yzed both during the staff evaluation and public outreach process. City
photographed each structure in its current form, documented building
'its, noted the landscape conditions within public domain, and other
ue site characteristics.
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor
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
planningwebsite."This survey question asked participants to provide their opinion ofwhat architectural
style they would like to see along the Soledad Canyon Road corridor.
Soledad Canyon Road Condor Surwy2
Q1 What architectural style would you
prefer for the Soledad Canyon Road
Corridor?
Mewered:119 Skipped.4
R tic
Calilnmien
Craftsman
Victorian
Colonial .
Spanis Mev
revival
MociernlConhmpc
ra ry
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% SD% 90% 100%
Mswer Choices
Ranic Califomien
CraRanan
Vlctoden
Colonial
SpaneloNlanion Revival
ModamlCorsamponny
Total Raspondaeb: 119
Raapvlees
62.19%
20.17%
ll' %
6-72%
7.56%
7.55%
I
Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor m
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 Ibis 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
As. ,.,....-:,1,,.- 1,,....:..,..,.ol.a.o ^isA A:....1,,..0,1 ^+ A,...o,.,...A ....1.1:,. ,.....- 1,
Cse
QUESTION Z. Qe
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avenlox z: ARCHITECTURE •00 • • •
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QUESTION 3: BUILDING PLACEMENT • •
• • •
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• •* • •0
QUESTION O: ON-SITE CIRCULATION • • •
00 •� •0
• • •
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
• !0 1 We're Listening
Below are your opinions
-- _ - about the existing
- ARCHITECTURE from the
first Soledad Canyon Road
Corridor Outreach Meeting.
Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Architecture
30
is
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is is
E 10
RWY All'
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
�. t
r7:1
Introduction to the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor
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
rr
GENERAL PLAN
the physical setting and history
of the Santa Clarita Valley
have combined to create several
distinctive communities, each
with its own special character,
developmentpatterns, and
lifestyles.
Proposed development, subdivisions, and new land 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 facade 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
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 STREETSCAPE 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
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
of the Unified Development Code that are not covered by this Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan shall
apply to development within the planning area as noted. If a conflict occurs between a requirement
of this Soledad Canyon Corridor Plan and the Unified Development Code, the provisions of this
Corridor Plan shall control. The definitions of Chapter 17.11 of the Unified Development Code
apply to the Soledad Corridor Planning area unless otherwise stated in this document.
H. EFFECT ON E%ISTING DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USES
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
Corridor Plan may continue to operate, and may be sold or otherwise transferred in compliance
with the City's regulations for legal nonconforming uses or structures in Unified Development Code
Chapter 17.05 (Legal nonconforming Uses, Lots and Structures). An example of this circumstance
would be a lawfully established existing land use that is not allowed by this Corridor Plan in an
applicable zone, or an existing building that does not comply with the setback requirements or
height limits of this Corridor Plan.
Applicability
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.
R. TIER 2 PROJECTS
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
of a Development Review or Architectural Design Review Permit. Section D below details
how a property owner is to use the code to develop a Tier 2 project. To be considered a Tier 2
project, the project must comply with the following items.
TIER 2 REQUIREMENTS
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
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.
•
Tier 3 projects shallfullycomplywith the SoledadCanyonRoadCorridorPlanincluding,butnotlimitedto,
Chapter8 Sign Standards and the Rustic Californiaarchitecturalstyle indentified in Chapter 7 ofthis code.
Applicability
D. How To USE THIS Coo
Tier 1
New use in an
existing building.
No proposed
refacade,
expansion, or new
development
Tier 2
Refacade or
expansion of less
than 50% of
existing floor area
Tier 3
Expansion in
excess of 50% of
existing floor area
or complete
redevelopment
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
Ihe 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.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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®
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.
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
(N) NATURAL
Natural Zone consists of lands
General Character: Natural landscape with some agricultural use
approximating or reverting to a
Building Placement: Not applicable
®.
wilderness condition, including
Frontage Types: Not applicable
-
lands unsuitable for settlement
Typical Building Height: Not applicable
due to topography, hydrology or
Type of Civic Space: Parks, Greenways
.fS G 09
vegetation.
Typical GP Designation_ Open Space, National Forest
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(R) RURAL
Rural Zone consists of sparsely
General Character: Primarily agricultural with woodland & wetland and scattered
settled lands in open or cultivated
states. These include woodland,
buildings
Building Placement: Variable Setbacks
agricultural land, grassland, and
desert. Typical buildings
Frontage Types: Not applicable
irrigable
Typical Building Height: 1- to 2-Story
r`j
a refarmhouses,agriculturalbuild-
Type of Civic Space: Parks, Greenways
y
v ?
ings, cabins, and villas.
Typical GP Designation: Non -Urban 4, Non -Urban 5, Urban Residential l
(SU)SUB-URBAN
Sub -Urban Zone consists of low
General Character: Lawns,andlandscapedyudssurroundingdetachedsingle-family
_
density residential areas, adjacent
houses; pedestrians occasionally
to higher zones with some mixed
Building Placement: Large and variable front and side yard Setbacks
use. Home occupations and out-
Frontage Types: Porches, fences, naturalistic tree planting
buildings are allowed. Planting
Typical Building Height: 1- to 2 -Story with some 3 -Story
is naturalistic and setbacks are
Type of Civic Space: Parks, Greenways
5�-
relatively deep. Blocks may be
Typical GP Designation: Urban Residential 2, Urban Residential
large and the roads irregular to
'-
accommodatenaturalconditions.
(U) URBAN
UrbanZoneconsistsofmixeduses,
General Character: Townhouses & small Apartment buildings within Mixed Use
but primarily commercial. It may
Development, with substantial commercial activity; balance
-
haveawiderangeofbuddingtypes:
between landscape and buildings; presence of pedestrians
AKA
single, sideyard, and rowhouses.
Building Placement: Shallow to medium front and side yard Setbacks
g D
Setbacks and landscaping are
Frontage Types: Porches, fences, Dooryards
variable. Streets with curbs and
Typical Building Height: 2- to 3 -Story
Q'
sidewalks define medium-sized
Type of Civic Space: Squares, Greens
blocks.
Typical GP Designation: Urban Residential 4, Urban Residential 5, Community Com-
mercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Regional Commercial
(UC) URBAN CENTER
General Character: ShopsmixedwithTownhouses,larguApartmenthouses,Otfices,
Urban Center Zone consists of
workplace, and Civic buildings; predominantly attached build-
higherdensitymixedusebuildings
ings; trees within thepublicright-of-way; substantial pedestrian
that accommodate retail, offices,
activity
rowhouses and apartments. It
Building Placement: Shallow Setbacks or none; buildings oriented to street defining
has alight networkof streets, with
astreet wall
wide sidewalks, steady street tree
Frontage Types: Stoops, Shopfronts, Galleries
planting and buildings set close to
Typical Building Height: 3 -toy -Story with some variation
the sidewalks.
Type of Civic Space: Parks, Plazas and Squares, median landscaping
Typical GP Designation: Business Park, Industrial, Mixed Use -Corridor, Mixed Use -
Urban Village
(UCR)URBAN CORE
General Character: Medium to high -Density Mixed Use buildings, entertainment,
Urban Core Zone consists of
Civic andcultumluses. Attachedbuddingsformingacontinuous
the high est density and height,
streetwall;treeswithinthepublicright-of-way;highestpedestrian
nth
the greatest variety of uses,
and transit activity
d civic buildings of regional
Building Placement: Shallow Setbacks or none; buildings oriented to street, defining
importance. It may have larger
a street wall
blocks; streets have steady street
Frontage Types: Stoops, Dooryards, Forecourts, Shopfmnts, Galleries, and Arcades
-
tree plantingand buildings are set
Typical Building Height: 4 -plus Story with a few shorter buildings
close to wide sidewalks. Typically
Type of Civic Space: Parks, Plazas and Squares; median landscaping
only large towns and cities have
Typical GP Designation: Not applicable
an Urban Core Zone.
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
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 -U1)
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. The 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 l (SC -U1)
The SC-Ul zone is subzone ofthe larger Urban
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®
B. SOLEDAD 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
®Regulating Plan and Transect Zones
Illustrative Rendering
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Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan®
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
1' minimum
3rd Story and above
5' minimum; minimum 5'
increasing increments per story
Rear Setback (b)
0'
Side Yard Setback (c)
0'
Side Street Setback (d)
0'
Rear Alley Setback (e)
1st Story
0'
2nd Story and above
5'
Setback from Residential Zone or Use
1st Story
10' minimum
2nd Story
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.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
Fina
Diagram A: Building Placement
� Side
Diagram C Parking Placement
B. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
9
Maximum
floor area ratio (FAR) of nonresidential uses
0.75
C_I
C_i
V
Maximum
density (units per gross acre)
18
yl
Ei
V
n
E
35'
e
d
`s
CeI
9
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 Y 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 Standards
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.
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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Ci
Ni
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ce
I
la
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.
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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 Standards
D
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 Standards
CHAPTER 5
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 SUMMARYAND 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 facade 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.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
Table C
a. Gallery: a frontage type that
includes 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
walkway within 2 feet of the curb. The
galleryshall not extend into the public
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.
i
c. Shopfront and Awning:
a frontage wherein the facade is
aligned close to thefrontage 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
that may overlap the sidewalk to the
maximum extent possible.
Frontage Type Standards 0
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
t
Examples of gallery frontage on Soledad Canyon Road
®i Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
Illustrative Diagram
Illustrative Diagram
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.
W
Illustrative Diagram
Example of
Illustrative Diagram
Example ofarcadefrontage atthe Canyon Center on Soledad Canyon Road
Frontage Type Standards
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
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
k
Example of Shopfront frontage at Soledad Canyon Road and Solamint Road
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 Standards
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
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.
Example of commercial pad on Soledad Canyon Road and Lost Canyon Road
4. Reciprocal ingress and Exam pleofcommercialpad onSoled adCanyon Road and Whites Canyon Road
egress, circulation and
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
facade of the building and be screened from public view with landscaping or decorative
fence to the satisfaction of the Director.
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 shall be screened from view on all sides, and integrated into the overall
building design.
4. Trash facilities and recycling containers must always be within covered enclosures to the
satisfaction of the Director.
Building Type Standards
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 white a refuse truck is
present.
6. Electrical vehicle charging stations shall be required for new commercial developments
in compliance with State law.
D. OUTDOOR DINING/PUBLIC SPACE
1. Outdoor dining/public space shall be 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
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
and to reduce massing and provide visual cues for access into the buildings.
F. DRIVE-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 shall be obscured from public view by landscaping
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
use may be converted to a restaurant drive-through with the issuance of a MUP.
5. The vehicle stacking capacity for uses containing drive-through facilities shall be as
follows:
a. Drive -Through Restaurant: Stacking shall be a minimum of 80 feet between
the order board and the pick-up window and a minimum of 120 feet behind the
order board.
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.
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
C. Auto uses, such as self-service car washes, oil change facilities and similar uses: Stacking
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
6.1.030 SHOPFRONT COMMERCIAL
A. DESCRIPTION
A building 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.
0 Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
3. 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.
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. OUTDOOR DINING/PUBLIC SPACE
1. Outdoor dining/public space shall be integrated into the overall project design. A minimum
of 250 square feet of dinning/public space shall be required.
2. Outdoor dining/public space areas may encroach into front setbacks. However, area utilized
for outdoor dining that encroaches into the front setback shall not count towards the 250
square foot minimum outdoor dinning/public space requirement.
3. Outdoor dining/public space shall be enclosed with a fence and landscaped subject to the
discretion of the Director.
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 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.
4. Where appropriate, buildings shall include varying heights to create visual interest.
F. DRIVE-THROUGH
1. Drive-throughs are prohibited as a part of Shopfront Commercial building types.
Building Type Standards
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, 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
6.1.040 COMMERCIAL BLOCK -COMMERCIAL
. r.
-0 1+
Example of commercial block -commercial Example of commercial block -commercial
A. DESCRIPTION
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 & PARKING
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 comer 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 commercial 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 fagade of the structure shall be consistent with the colors and materials and character of
the primary structure.
Building Type Standards
C. SERVICES
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.
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 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. 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
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.
Landscaping shall be used to screen trash enclosures, shopping cart returns, utilities, and
other appurtenant and accessory structures and/or services.
S. 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
6.1.050 COMMERCIAL BLOCK -MIXED USE
Illustriatve rendering of com mercial 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 & PARKING
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.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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.
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.
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.
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
b. Children's play area.
c. Fitness facility.
d. Family picnic area.
e. Swimming pool with cabana or patio cover.
Required non-residential/commercial open space
Non-residential open space shall equal a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of net lot area.
2. The non-residential open space requirement may be accomplished through the incorporation
of outdoor dining and public gathering areas.
3. 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.
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.
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 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.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
CHAPTER 7
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 GOALS
forms will require explicit approval from the
review authority, based on a finding that they
conform to the design intent of this Code. the overarching objective
of these Architectural
B. APPLICABILITY Standards is to establish a
The intent of these guidelines is to retain and distinguishable character
encourage architectural variety, promote quality
unique to the community.
development, and ensure that both existing and
new development:
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 Standards
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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;
f. Enhanced paving (colored, textured, and
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.
C. CART 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 allow pedestrian
circulation.
Architectural Standards
4�
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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.
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).
5. Window configurations compatible with the design of the building.
6. Articulated building mass and form.
7. Landscape elements, which include plantings and hardscape, that complement the type
of architecture, enhance building and site design, and are integrated into the surrounding
context.
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
considered during site plan development.
10. Dead end drive aisles shall be avoided.
11. Pedestrian links shall be provided between buildings on the same site, public open spaces,
and parking areas and should be visually emphasized through the use of landscaping or trellis
features, lighting, walls, and/or distinctive paving. Pedestrian links should be consistent with
Title 24 California Building Code of Regulations accessibility requirements.
Architectural Standards
® 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
The 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.
S. Large, out -of -scale signs.
7.1.030 ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC STYLES
A. STYLE 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. The 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.
The 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 Standards
7.1.040 RUSTIC CALIFORNIAN
A. CHARACTER
ESSENTIAL
CHARACTERISTICS
OF RUSTIC
CAI-IFORNIAN
• OPEN TIMBER TRELLISES
• STONE VENEER
• COVERED WALKWAYS
• SIMPLE EARTHY COLORS
• DECORATIVE KNEE BRACING
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
B. WALLARTICULATION
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.
2. Covered walkways.
3. Open trellises.
C. ROOF ELEMENTS
A single building design may be composed of several
roof forms such as:
1. Low-pitched gabled.
2. Shed or compound shed.
3. Low-pitched hip roofs.
4. Exposed overhangs with timber elements.
5. Prominent roof design.
O. OPENINGS
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 Standards
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)
8. 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
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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:
r
1. Chrome
2. Plastic
3. Aluminum windows or highly polished
materials
Architectural Standards
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
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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 Standards
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. Anew 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.
2. Each sign installed or replaced shall comply with the approved master sign plan.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
C. STANDARDS
1. For each business establishment, the total sign area permitted shall be three (3) square feet of total sign
area for each linear foot of primary frontage facing a street or internal pedestrian walkway. Sign area for
monument signs shall not count towards this requirement.
2. For multi -tenant buildings, each establishment shall be calculated individually. For corner establishments,
the £made 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 panel
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 on
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 type
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 be
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.
Sign Standards
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
H. WINDOW SIGNS
1. 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
MSoledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
A. MONUMENT SIGN
Monument signs are permitted in all zones: subject to the following regulations:
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 of
continuous frontage. In no event, however, shall a monument sign be located closer than two hundred
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 whereon
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 may
have an area exceeding fifty-four (54) square feet per sign face, including the base, and a maximum
height of up to eight (8) feet pursuant to a sign review for enhanced signing per Section 17.23.190 of
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.
E%AMPLE OF MONUMENT SIGN
Sign Standards
B. GRAND PROJECTING SIGNS
Grand Projecting Signs are tall, large, vertically oriented signs which project from the building perpendicular
to the fagade 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,
prices and other information which makes the sign
appear to be advertisement are prohibited.
ca
® Soledad Canyon Rodd Corfidot fAM OF GRAND PROJECTING SIGN
C. MARQUEE SIGNS
Marquee signs for approved movie and live performance/theater uses are permitted in all approved zones subject
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.
b.
Signs
shall not exceed fifteen
(15) feet in height.
3. Location
a. Marquee signs shall be located no closer than two hundred -fifty (250) feet from another existing
marquee sign.
4. Lighting
a. Signs may be internally or externally lighted.
b. No electronic copy or digital media shall be permitted.
5. Content
a. Name of movie or live performance theater may be permitted. Brand names, telephone numbers,
web addresses, prices and other information which makes the sign appear to be advertisement are
prohibited.
EXAMPLE OF MARQUEE SIGN
Sign Standards
U. WALL SIGNS
Wall Signs are signs that are located on, and parallel to, a building wall are subject to the following regulations:
1. Number and Area
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) 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 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
2. Height
a. A maximum height of up to two (2) feet and two vertical lines of text shall be permitted. For initial
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 maybe 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 the
building on which it is located.
b. Wall signs shall be located approximately parallel to the plane of the building and shall not project
more than eighteen (18) inches from the building face.
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 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 WALL SIGN
Sign Standards
E. BLADE SIGNS
Blade Signs are oriented perpendicularly to the building £made 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. The 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
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
F. AWNING FACE SIGNS
Awning Face Signs are signs applied to the primary face of an awning, including sloped awning faces and
vertical "box" awning faces. Awning Face Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the following
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 incorporated
with a Wall Sign at the same entryway or twenty-four (24") inches when not incorporated with a Wall
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 or
other public right-of-way over which it projects.
4. Lighting
a. Awning Face
Signs
shall be unlit or illuminated by external illumination
only.
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 directly
to the awning.
LIOL
EXAMPLE OF AWNING FACE SIGN
Sign Standards
EXAMPLE OF AWNING FACE SIGN
Sign Standards
G. RECESSED ENTRY SIGNS
Recessed Entry Signs are signs that are oriented parallel to the building facade 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
£made.
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 £made 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 maybe
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.
OE RECESSED ENTRY SIGN
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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
1. 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.
oil
WHE U0111M "090
ExAMPLE OF BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
T. TEMPORARY BANNER SIGNS
Temporary Banner Signs are permitted in all approved zones subject to the following regulations:
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.
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.
Construction Activity
a. A business located within a commercial center, undergoing construction, with an active building
permit, maybe permitted one temporarybanner in lieu of awall sign, during the period ofconstruction.
ExAMPLE OF TEMPORARY BANNER SIGN
Sign Standards
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.
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
W ON -
EXAMPLE OF PORTABLE SIGN
L. DIRECTIONALANFORMATIONAL SIGNS
Directional/Information signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (j) of the UDC and shall not count
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 count
towards the total permitted sign area.
N. REAL ESTATE SIGNS
Real Estate signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (o) of the UDC and shall not count towards the
total permitted sign area.
0. FUEL PRICING SIGNS
Fuel Pricing signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (p) of the UDC and shall not count towards
the total permitted sign area.
P. FUEL SALES CANOPY SIGNS
Fuel Sales Canopy signs may be approved subject to Section 17.51.080 (p) of the UDC and shall not count
towards the total permitted sign area.
FUEL SALES CANOPY SIGN
.•-0�
N
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Is
INCIDENTAL BUSINESS SIGN
REAL ESTATE SIGN
Sign Standards
CHAPTER 9
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 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 for the
ultimate location and capacity ofcirculation
improvements will also enhance economic
strength and quality of life in the Santa
Clarita Valley.
6. Provide adequate facilities for multi -modal travel, including but not limited to bicycle parking
and storage.
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.
Street and Streetscape Standards
9.1.020 SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD- EXISTING
A. ExisTING 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 of these 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.
6
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
r �! 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
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 Standards
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.
fo 1.1 S
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
protector.
S 1 10'
EXHIBIT E: SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD ROADWAY CROSS SECTION
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
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.
EXHIBIT F: PLAN VIEW SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD
CORRIDOR PARKWAY AND SIDEWALK
Street and Streetscape Standards
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.
MJL-k FL c ctU4f ..
DETAIL A
® Soledad Canyon Road Corridor Plan
Example of bench and bike parking sutable for the planning area
81K'E RACK- PL'(tiRHA'CIV�
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NEGATIVE D E CLARATI ON
[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 ofthe Santa Clara Rivernear
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
[ ] City Council [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: t�`
Approved
Public Revied ,yg
Public Notice Given
Mike Marshall. Assistant Planner 11
(Name/Title)
Jeff Hogan. AICP. Planning Manager
(Name/Title)
[X] Legal Advertisement [ ] Posting of Properties [ ] Written Notice
CERTIFICATION DATE:
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
0
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)
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
2
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 comer 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:
3
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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 -U1), and Soledad
Canyon Urban Center (SC -UC) zones. Typical uses
4
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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-Ul 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 streetscape 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
Master Case 13-096
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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
includes a mixture of Urban Residential and Commercial
land uses on all sides of the Soledad Canyon Road
Corridor.
Other public agencies whose N/A
approval is required:
Master Case 13-096
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FIGURE I - REGIONAL LOCATION
7
Master Case 13-096
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FIGURE 2 — PROJECT LOCATION
y
ti
i
S 10
lov
t
u.
'A ca Bl;d
a 0
i
r
=� Santa Clarita
'` e ils ft7A1 �.
v'dM
� st�lcn F� a mnu
oar. ksx �e
e-eaCan,o�•a
8
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FIGURE 3 - PROJECT BOUNDARIES
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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
[ j Transportation/Traffic [
] Utilities/Service Systems [ ]
Significance
10
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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 (1) 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
Mike Marshall, Assistant Planner II Date
Signature
Jeff Hogan, AICP, Planning Manager Date
11
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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
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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 [ ] [ ] [] IN
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?
III. 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?
f) Other [] [] [] []
13
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact
Significant With
Impact Mitigation
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Would the
project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance, including oak
trees?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat [ ]
conservation plan, natural community conservation
plan, or other approved local, regional, or state
habitat conservation plan?
14
Less Than
Significant No
Impact Impact
1X]
[X]
[X]
[X]
[X]
[X]
Master Case 13-096
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d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
outside of formal cemeteries?
e) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS — Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
15
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
Impact Less Than
Significant
With Significant No
Impact
Mitigation Impact Impact
g) Affect a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) or
Significant Natural Area (SNA) as identified on the [ ]
[ ] [] IN
City of Santa Clarita ESA Delineation Map?
g) Other [ ]
[ ] [ ] [ )
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES — Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the [ ]
[ ] [ ] [X]
significance of a historical resource as defined in
Section 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the j ]
[ ] [ ] [X]
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to Section 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy or impact a unique [ ]
[ ] [ ] [X]
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
outside of formal cemeteries?
e) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS — Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
15
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16
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Significant No
Impact
Mitigation
Impact Impact
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including [ ]
[]
[ ] [X]
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides? [ ]
[ ]
[ ] [X]
b) Result in substantial wind or water soil erosion or the [ ]
[ ]
[ ] [X]
loss of topsoil, either on- or off-site?
e) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, [ ]
[ ]
[ ] [X]
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- []
[ ]
[] [X]
1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the [ ]
[ ]
[ ] [X]
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
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 [ ]
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
16
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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 [ ] [ ]
indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation [ ] [ ]
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 [ ]
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
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
[X]
[X]
[X]
[X]
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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)?
W-1
[X]
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact
Significant With
Impact Mitigation
Less Than
Significant No
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
off-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 [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
course and direction of surface water and/or
groundwater?
1) Other modification of a wash, channel creek, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
river?
19
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact
Significant With
Impact Mitigation
m)Impact stormwater management in any of the [ ]
following ways:
i) Potential impact of project construction and [ ]
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?
20
Less Than
Significant No
Impact Impact
[X]
[X]
[X]
[X]
[X]
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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 []
community (including a low-income or minority
community)?
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
inefficient manner?
21
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact Less Than
Significant With Significant No
Impact Mitigation Impact Impact
XII. 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 []
groundborne vibration or groundbome 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
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact Less Than
Significant With Significant No
Impact Mitigation Impact Impact
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, [ ]
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere (especially affordable housing)?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, [ ]
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? [ ]
ii) Police protection? [ ]
iii) Schools? [ ]
iv) Parks? [ ]
v) Other public facilities? [ ]
XV. RECREATION — Would the project:
a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and [ ]
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 [ ]
construction or expansion of recreational facilities
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
23
[-XI
1X]
1X]
[X]
1XI
1X]
1X]
[X]
1X]
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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 [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
(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?
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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 [ ]
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 [ ]
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 [ ]
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater [ ]
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 [ ]
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and [ ]
regulations related to solid waste?
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE:
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the []
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?
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact Less Than
Significant With Significant No
Impact Mitigation Impact Impact
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
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."
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D. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND/OR EARLIER ANALYSIS
Section and Subsections' 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
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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
development/redevelopment 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.
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29
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
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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
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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 environment
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
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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 Clarity 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.
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VI. GEOLOGY AND aA.) 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.
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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 CO8.1.1
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 Plan 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
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to hazards or hazardous materials were required.
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.-1.) 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 ETR
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.
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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 EIR 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.
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37
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
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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
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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
highways neighboring the City, and to analyze traffic impacts on a
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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. iTI'ILITIES 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 wate. 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
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creation of the SCRCP, no further impact to utilities and service
systems is antici ated and no further analysis is required.
XVIIL 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.
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