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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Agenda Statement (2)ATTACHMENT 1 BACKGROUND REPORT Specific Plan Amendment and Mitigated Negative Declaration 2010-23 SPA IS Amendment/Project Description The amendment would add approximately 3.69 acres to the Downtown Specific Plan and includes three half -blocks consisting of 13 parcels totaling approximately 1.95 acres. The area is currently zoned Light Manufacturing/Residential (MLR), which allows single family residential or low intensity industrial uses including light manufacturing, warehousing, and automotive uses. The amendment would allow mixed uses including mid -rise multi -family residential, street -oriented retail, office, and hospitality uses. The proposed development zone (DZ-12B) would allow a floor area ratio (FAR) of 4:1 and building height of 65-feet. The current MLR zone allows an FAR of 2:1 and a building height of 35-feet. The proposed development zone (DZ-12B) would be adjacent to the existing development zone (DZ-12) to the east, which allows for the same uses at a greater intensity (FAR 5:1 and 90-feet). Development zone (DZ-12) would be renamed development zone (DZ-12A) to differentiate it from development zone (DZ-12B). The proposed development zone (DZ-12B) would be adjacent to the Westside Specific Plan west of Roosevelt Avenue. The adjacent zones in the WSP are Mixed Use Commercial —Residential 1 and 2 (MCR-1 and MCR-2), which allow mixed uses including multi -family residential, retail and service commercial, and office uses up to a maximum FAR of 0.6:1. The MCR-1 zone allows a maximum height of 50-feet and 24 units per acre. The MCR-2 zone allows a maximum height of 65-feet and 45 units per acre. The amendment would apply to one of the few remaining areas zoned MLR and would create a common boundary between the Downtown and Westside Specific Plans. The MLR zone has been problematic since incompatible uses can occur when residential and industrial uses are located in close proximity without adequate buffering or operational controls. The MLR zone has been eliminated from the Westside Specific Plan. Project Analysis The proposed land use and development regulations for DZ-12B would create an appropriate transition between the existing DZ-12 (12A) to the east and the MCR-1 and MCR-2 zones to the west. Mixed use (emphasizing multi -family residential) would replace single-family/light industrial as permitted uses within the amendment area, which would be consistent with the mixed uses permitted in the adjacent zones. Maximum building heights would step down from east to west: 90-feet in DZ-12A, 65-feet in DZ-12B and MCR-2, and 50-feet in MCR-1. The maximum FAR in DZ-12B would be 20-percent Tess than DZ-12A. Page 1 of 4 1 The potential development that could occur within DZ-12A and DZ-12B is discussed in the environmental checklist (initial study) prepared for the proposed amendment. The study illustrates one example of the building intensity that could occur if development is maximized in both zones along with the 45 units proposed by the applicant. The study shows that the proposed regulations for DZ-12B would result in an appropriate transition in scale from the Downtown Specific Plan to the Westside Specific Plan. The proposed land use and development regulations would be appropriate for the area. The adoption of the Downtown and Westside Specific Plans resulted in the three half - blocks remaining with MLR zoning that is incompatible with the land uses allowed in the two adjacent specific plans. The amendment would eliminate the planned land use incompatibility and allow future development to occur with an appropriate mix of uses relative to the two adopted specific plans. The amendment would be consistent with the General Plan and the Downtown Specific Plan, which encourage the revitalization of the downtown through the introduction of higher intensity residential and mixed land uses to create housing opportunities, pedestrian activity, commerce, and other compatible and supporting uses. Environmental Review An environmental checklist (initial study) and related studies were prepared and a determination made that the amendment/project would not result in a significant effect on the environment with the recommended mitigation measures. A mitigated negative declaration (MND) is recommended, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program has been prepared to address the following areas: Air quality, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, noise, public services, transportation/traffic, and utilities and service systems. Development Zone 12B The proposed text for Development Zone 12B would read as follows: DEVELOPMENT ZONE #12B EAST SIDE OF ROOSEVELT AVENUE BETWEEN CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 16TH STREET Development Intensity Floor Area Ratio: 4:1 Maximum Height: 65' General Guidelines: Page 2 of 4 This zone has frontage along the east side of Roosevelt Avenue from Civic Center Drive to 16th Street and extends one-half block to the east. This zone is adjacent to and west of Development Zone 12A, which fronts on National City Boulevard across from Kimball Park and the Library. The police station is to the north, and the Westside Specific Plan area is to the west and south. Proposed land uses in this zone are multifamily residential, office or hotel. Retail, office or service uses may be provided at grade, but these uses should not dilute street -level pedestrian retailing in the heart of the Downtown core. Preferred Land Uses: Multifamily residential, street -oriented retail, office or hospitality. Restricted or Prohibited Land Uses: Total retail uses should not exceed 20% of the total development. Design Guidelines: • Parking shall be underground, "encapsulated" within the development site or in structures adjacent to these sites to the west. Placement of parking areas, blank walls or service areas along Roosevelt Avenue is prohibited. • Where full -block developments are proposed, a breakdown of building massing and significant articulation of dwelling units should be employed to avoid a monolithic, institutional appearance. Map Amendment The Downtown Specific Plan map would be amended to reflect the proposed boundary as shown in the following exhibit: 3 Page 3 of 4 1 ATTACHMENT 2 RESOLUTION 24-2010 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL CITY DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN TO ADD THE AREA GENERALLY BOUNDED BY NATIONAL CITY BOULEVARD, ROOSEVELT AVENUE, CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, AND 16T11 STREET AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF DETERMINATION APPLICANT: LIBRARY VILLAGE SOUTH, INC. CASE FILE NO. 2010-23 SP IS APN 360-063-01, -02, -03, -04, -05; 560-064-01, -02, -03, -04, -05; 560-014-01, -05, -11 WHEREAS on December 6, 2005 the City Council of the City of National City initiated proceedings for the amendment of the National City Downtown Specific Plan in accordance with procedures of the Land Use Code; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of National City considered a Specific Plan Amendment application to amend the Downtown Specific Plan to add three half -blocks at a duly advertised public hearing held on September 20, 2010 at which time oral and documentary evidence was presented; and, WHEREAS, at said public hearing the Planning Commission considered the staff report contained in Case File No. 2010-23 SP, IS, which is maintained by the City and incorporated herein by reference, along with evidence and testimony at said hearing(s); and WHEREAS, the area proposed to be added to the Downtown Specific Plan is currently zoned Light Manufacturing/Residential (MLR), which is not compatible with the land use and development regulations of the adjacent Downtown Specific Plan and Westside Specific Plan, and WHEREAS, the amendment would create a development zone that is compatible with and an appropriate transition between the Downtown Specific Plan and Westside Specific Plan, and WHEREAS, the Downtown Specific Plan would be amended by amending Development Zone 12 to read as follows: Development Zone 12A WHEREAS, the Downtown Specific Plan would be amended by adding Development Zone 12B to read as follows: S Development Zone 12B East Side of Roosevelt Avenue Between Civic Center Drive and 16th Street Development Intensity Floor Area Ratio: Maximum Height: 4:1 65' General Guidelines: This zone has frontage along the east side of Roosevelt Avenue from Civic Center Drive to l6th Street and extends one-half block to the east. This zone is adjacent to and west of Development Zone 12A, which fronts on National City Boulevard across from Kimball Park and the Library. The police station is to the north, and the Westside Specific Plan area is to the west and south. Proposed land uses in this zone are multifamily residential, office or hotel. Retail, office or service uses may be provided at grade, but these uses should not dilute street -level pedestrian retailing in the heart of the Downtown core. Preferred Land Uses: Multifamily residential, street -oriented retail, office or hospitality. Restricted or Prohibited Land Uses: Total retail uses should not exceed 20% of the total development. Design Guidelines: • Parking shall be underground, "encapsulated" within the development site or in structures adjacent to these sites to the west. Placement of parking areas, blank walls or service areas along Roosevelt Avenue is prohibited. • Where full -block developments are proposed, a breakdown of building massing and significant articulation of dwelling units should be employed to avoid a monolithic, institutional appearance. WHEREAS, this action is taken pursuant to all applicable procedures required by State law and City law; and WHEREAS, the action recited herein is found to be essential for the preservation of public health, safety, and general welfare. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of National City, California, that the testimony and evidence presented to the Planning Commission at the public hearing(s) held on September 20, 20010, support the following findings: Page 2 of 4 RECOMMENDED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN I. The amendment is consistent with General Plan policy ILA., which emphasizes the downtown, as the City's heart, civic center, and commercial hub through the implementation of a specific plan to encourage more intensive commercial, residential, and mixed uses and pedestrian -oriented development with taller structures and higher densities. 2. The amendment is consistent General Plan dolicy V.K. and V.J., which encourage mixed use development, and policy V.8., which encourages mixed uses to expand local economic markets. 3. The amendment is consistent with the Downtown Specific Plan, which encourages the revitalization of the downtown through the introduction of residential and mixed land uses to increase housing opportunities, pedestrian activity, commerce, and other compatible and supporting uscs in the downtown. 4. The amendment is in the public interest since it would increase the viability of the redevelopment of an area that is under -developed with a variety of incompatible and disjointed land uses, and would facilitate land uses that are appropriate and compatible with the adjacent mixed -use zones in the Downtown and Westside Specific Plans. 5. The amendment is an appropriate buffer and transition in land use and development intensity between the more intensive Downtown Specific Plan and the less intensive Westside Specific Plan. 6. The amendment is consistent with the General Plan, which encourages the implementation of design guidelines and development standards to achieve high quality development, which would occur through the development review process of the Downtown Specific Plan. RECOMMENDED FINDINGS FOR ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION The proposed mitigated negative declaration together with any comments received during the public review period have been considered by the Planning Commission in making its recommendation. 2. Based on the whole record, including the initial study and any comments received, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed mitigated negative declaration reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis. Page 3 of 4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the amendment to the Downtown Specific Plan and file a Notice of Determination. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the amendment to the Downtown Specific Plan.. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be transmitted forthwith to the applicant and to the City Council for public hearing before the City Council. CERTIFICATION: This certifies that the Resolution was adopted by the Planning Commission at their meeting of September 20, 2010, by the following vote: AYES: DeLaPaz, Farias, Alvarado, Baca, Pruitt, Reynolds, Flores NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: CHAIRm�.N Page 4 of 4 ATTACHMENT 3 Pir5oRii.ct?a#R NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA APPLICATION for: Specific Plan X Amendment of a Specific Plan Make checks payable to the City of National City File application with the: National City Planning Department 1243 National City Boulevard National City, California 91950 (619) 336-4310 PLEASE DO NOT USE BLUE INK WHEN COMPLETING THIS FORM FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY Case Number SP-2005-3 Filing Fee $ 7,019.00 Receipt No. 32/1521 Date Received 11/01/05* By E.A.F. Required X Fee $ 1,283.00 Related Cases IS-2005-3 1 - 4/ `b2 *Revised Application Received on: 9-/1-219j SEE FILING INSTRUCTIONS AND CHAPTER 18.112 OF THE NATIONAL CITY MUNICIPAL CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION. I/We hereby request the National City Planning Commission to set a public hearing to consider a Specific Plan or an Amendment of Specific Plan No. N/A , Ordinance No. N/A or Resolution No. 2005-6 to accomplish the following: Amendment of the Downtown Specific Plan to realign the specific plan boundary by adding the westerly three half -blocks east of Roosevelt Avenue, west of National City Boulevard, south of Civic Center Drive, and north of 16th Street to the plan area (Initiated by City Council action on December 6, 2005). The proposed added area would be designated as Development Zone 12B with all of the attributes of the adjacent Development Zone 12, but with a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 4:1 and a maximum height of 65-feet. Development Zone 12 (maximum FAR of 5:1 and maximum height of 90-feet) is proposed to be designated Development Zone 12A to differentiate between the two zones. Two conceptual development projects are proposed within the proposed 12B zone. Specific Plan or Amendment of a Specific Plan Application Revised December, 1998 Page 1 9 This request for a public hearing for a Specific Plan or Amendment of a Specific Plan is being requested for the following reason(s): The westerly three half -blocks east of Roosevelt Avenue, west of National City Boulevard, south of Civic Center Drive, and north of 16th Street are located between the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) and the proposed Westside Specific Plan (WSP). The underlying zone, Light Manufacturing Residential (MLR), is no longer appropriate for the area and is proposed to be phased out within the proposed Westside Specific Plan. The subject property should be included within the boundary of the Downtown Specific Plan to avoid creating a spot zone with the obsolete remnant MLR zone and to create a logical boundary between the DSP and WSP. PROPERTY OWNER(S) of all property included in this application: (Attached extra sheets if necessary). Name: {V `rwrV-N S G\Nvvn c Name: Signature Signature (Signature acknowledges that this (Signature acknowledges that this application is being filed) application is being filed) Address: crl iAcc -`be`r\-- - CA-e a‘U Address: Phone No. g5c. - l - p S Fax No. ' ' k S2a Date: 6 —r1'CSr Phone No. Fax No. Date: Note: All owners of property within the boundaries of the existing and proposed Specific Plan must sign their consent. Attach an ownership list with consent signatures for more than one ownership. Specific Plan or Amendment of a Specific Plan Application Revised December, 1998 Page 2 leo APPLICANT Name: Library Village South, Inc. (Please type or print) Signature: (Signature certifies that the information submitted with this application is true and accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge). Address: 9948 Hibert Street, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 91131 Phone No. (858) 271-0582 (619) 688-1557 Fax No. (858) 271-0740 Date: *For Responses: John L. Smaha 7860 Mission Center Court, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 ATTACHMENTS: Land Use Code Section 18.112.090 California Government Code Section 65461 Specific Plan or Amendment of a Specific Plan Application Revised December, 1998 Page 3 Attachment 4 Mitigated Negative Declaration Idt.