GENERAL PLAN
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
REPORTING YEAR 2023
2 | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................3 COMPLIANCE WITH OPR GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES ...........................................................4
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN........................................................................................................................................6 GENERAL PLAN PROGRESS .................................................................................................................7 3 | P a g e
INTRODUCTION
The City of Anaheim was founded in 1857 and has grown from a small 1.8 square-mile farming community to Orange County’s most populous city at approximately 50 square miles. Anaheim’s General Plan was initially adopted in 1963 and its Charter in 1964. The City of Anaheim has placed a high value on making the community a great place to live, work, and visit. The vision, goals, and policies identified in City’s General Plan reflect the need for growth within the City, while also preserving open space and other natural resources. This General Plan Annual Progress Report (GP- APR) documents the City’s progress on implementing the General Plan for calendar year 2023 while also forecasting anticipated element updates and detailing compliance with statutory requirements.
While the Anaheim General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 2004, the General Plan is a living document that is often updated to reflect policy changes and statutory requirements. Since 2004, the City of Anaheim has approved approximately 80 General Plan Amendments, 2 updated Housing Elements, and various Municipal Code amendments to advance the vision, goals, and policies of the General Plan. Many of these approved General Plan Amendments have increased the capacity and the ability of the market to generate additional housing (including adding additional density). In 2023, the Anaheim City Council approved 3 General Plan Amendments, which included a new Safety Element, updates to the Circulation Element, and updates to the Land Use Element to allow for additional housing.
The City of Anaheim’s General Plan, including a list of General Plan Amendments, is accessible on the City’s website at: https://www.anaheim.net/712/General-Plan. 4 | P a g e
COMPLIANCE WITH OPR GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES
The City of Anaheim comprehensively updated the Anaheim General Plan in May 2004. Since that time, the state has adopted new required elements through direct (statute) or indirect means (such as requiring new elements for funding/grant opportunities). The below table provides a summary of the City’s compliance with OPR’s General Plan Guidelines and indicates which elements are currently being updated.
State
Elements
City Elements Status Notes
Circulation Circulation Update in
process
The City’s Circulation Plan was adopted in
2004 and is currently being updated to
accommodate changes in transportation needs,
new technologies, and other projects such as the
City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element. The City
Council is anticipated to review the revised
element later in 2024.
Conservation Green Element Compliant
The City is compliant with Conservation
Element requirements.
Environmental
Justice/Air
Quality
Environmental
Justice
Update in
process
In compliance with Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000),
the City is in the process of creating the
Environmental Justice Element. Within the City
of Anaheim, 51 out of 75 census tracts fall
under the designation of a disadvantaged
community. The draft Environment Justice
Element is currently available for public review
and comment. The City Council is anticipated to
review the element later in 2024.
Housing Housing
Update in
process
The City is currently updating the Housing
Element (6th Cycle).
Land Use Land Use Update in
process
Through the update of the City’s Housing
Element, an update to certain sections of the
Land Use Element will be conducted to allow
for additional housing opportunities. These
sections include the Land Use Plan, Land Use
Implementation Zones, and the residential and
non-residential buildout estimates. The Land
Use Element is otherwise compliant with
element requirements. The City Council is
anticipated to review the revised element later
in 2024.
Noise Noise Compliant
The City is compliant with Noise
element requirements.
Open Space Green Element Compliant
The City is compliant with Open Space Element
requirements.
5 | P a g e
Safety Safety Compliant
The City Council adopted the updated Safety
Element on January 10, 2023, which is
compliant with State law requirements and
ensures eligibility for other State funding.
Not required Public Services and
Facilities Element
The City’s optional Public Services and
Facilities element ensures that equitable,
sustainable, and efficient growth occurs within
the City. This includes addressing level of
service issues related to service providers
(water, sewer, trash, etc.), public safety, and
physical facilities.
Not required Growth Management
Element
This optional element was required for the City
to receive funds for transportation
improvements under Measure M. The element
also implements applicable goals of the Orange
County Congestion Management Plan.
Not required Economic
Development
Element
The Economic Development Element is not a
State-mandated element, but the City of
Anaheim has long recognized the importance
economic development plans in helping to
ensure the quality of life within its community.
This element is related to the Land Use,
Circulation, Public Services and Facilities, and
Green Elements, and has provided a business-
friendly blueprint that allows small and large
businesses to flourish in Anaheim.
Not required Community
Design Element
The City’s optional Community Design
Element provides guidance for development in
the City and creates a strong community
identity for a large and diverse area. The City is
currently reviewing this element for guidance in
drafting Objective Design Standards for projects
that are subject to streamlined review.
6 | P a g e
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN
Environmental Justice
According to the below map generated by CalEPA, the City of Anaheim does contain SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities. As the City updates the General Plan, the City will comply with updated Environmental Justice requirements. The Draft Environmental Justice Element is available for public review and comment with an anticipated review by the City Council later in 2024.
SB535 Disadvantaged Communities
Figure: California Climate Investments to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities | CalEPA Military Lands and Facilities
There are no Military Lands or Facilities within Anaheim city limits.
Consultation with Native American Tribes
The City of Anaheim completes a full tribal consultation process consistent with State law during the approval process for development projects to identify locations that may contain archeological and tribal resources.
7 | P a g e
GENERAL PLAN PROGRESS
Project Progress
The City continues to implement the Anaheim General Plan. The below projects demonstrate General Plan progress and provide specific excerpts of goals and policies that are complementary to the projects. This list is not meant to be exhaustive or all inclusive.
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
TO ACCOMMODATE RESIDENTIAL UNITS
Orange Avenue Townhomes (DEV2021-00195): A General Plan Amendment to amend the underlying General Plan Land Use designation of the project site from Residential-Corridor to Low-Medium Density Residential.
Status: Approved
MAJOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
APPROVED IN 2023
Orange Avenue Townhomes: In February 2023, the City Council approved a General Plan amendment, conditional use permit with modified development standards, a tentative tract map, and related environmental document (MND) for the development of 24 single-family attached townhome units on a 2.4-acre property. This project included 3 moderate-level affordable units.
Status: Approved
Platinum Triangle, A-Town Development Areas C & D: Final Site Plans for Development Areas C & D of the Platinum Triangle Master Land Use Plan were approved by the Planning Commission in March 2023. Development Area C consists of a mixed-use project with 253 for-rent residential units and 17,277 square feet of ground floor commercial space with 972 square feet of accessory outdoor dining space. Development Area D consists of a multiple-family development with 255 for-rent residential dwelling units.
Status: Approved
Vermont Apartments: In April 2023, the Planning Commission approved an application for a 4-unit apartment project on a 7,576 square foot site (currently developed with one single-family unit).
Status: Approved
Nolin II: In December 2023, the Planning Commission approved an application to develop 44 townhomes with five moderate-level units on a 1.68-acre site previously vacant commercial buildings).
Status: Approved
General Plan Progress—Goals and Policies for Housing
1. Land Use Element
Goal 2.1: Continue to provide a variety of quality housing opportunities to address the City’s diverse housing needs.
Policy 2.1.1: Facilitate new residential development on vacant and underutilized infill parcels.
Policy 2.1.2: Facilitate new residential development in The Platinum Triangle and Downtown.
Policy 2.1.3: Facilitate the conversion of the City’s underutilized strip commercial areas into new housing opportunity sites.
Policy 2.1.4: Encourage a mix of quality housing opportunities in employment-rich and transit accessible locations.
8 | P a g e
Policy 5.1.2: Facilitate the development of residential land uses into mixed-use areas to provide a consumer and employment base for commercial and office uses.
Policy 5.1.4: Promote development that is efficient, pedestrian-friendly, and served by a variety of transportation options.
Goal 6.1: Enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in Anaheim through strategic infill development and revitalization of existing development.
Goal 7.1: Address the jobs-housing relationship by developing housing near job centers and transportation facilities.
Policy 7.1.3: Promote new residential development within Downtown, The Platinum Triangle, and other mixed-use districts, in accordance with the Land Use Plan.
2. Growth Management Element
Goal 1.1: Provide a balance of housing options and job opportunities throughout the City.
Policy 1.1.4: Facilitate the transition of underutilized mid-block strip commercial development to residential or other appropriate land uses.
Policy 1.4.2: Encourage high density and/or mixed-use development along major transit corridors and/or at transit stops.
3. Community Design Element
Goal 1.1: Create an aesthetically pleasing and unified community appearance within the context of distinct districts and neighborhoods.
Policy 3.1.3: Require new and infill development to be of compatible scale, materials, and massing as existing development.
Policy 3.1.11: Encourage a variety of architectural style, massing, floor plans, façade treatment and elevations to create visual interest.
Goal 4.1: Multiple-family housing is attractively designed and scaled to complement the neighborhood and provides visual interest through varied architectural detailing.
4. Economic Development Element
Goal 6.3: Create major, mixed-use regional center in The Platinum Triangle providing employment, shopping, entertainment, and housing for residents, employees, and visitors.
Policy 6.3.3: Introduce large-scale residential development to provide a market for growing retail and office uses in the area.
Policy 6.4.3: Encourage mixed-use development incorporating ground-floor retail and high quality architecture that is consistent with the historic nature of the area.
OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS
COMPLETED IN 2023
Commercial Center Improvements at North Euclid Street and West La Palma Avenue: In August 2023, the Planning Commission approved an application for the addition of two drive-through buildings in an existing shopping center located at 1010-1098 North Euclid Street. This shopping center is currently undergoing a façade renovation for the in-line tenants and will feature a new grocery store as the anchor tenant.
Related Goals/Policies:
Community Design Goal 6.1: Focus activity centers at the intersections of selected major corridors to provide a convenient and attractive concentration of retail and office uses.
Community Design Policy 11.1.3: Ensure that the scale, materials, style, and massing of new development is consistent with its surroundings and any larger vision for an area.
Economic Development Goal 2.2: Enhance the quality of commercial development along major corridors.
Economic Development Policy 2.2.3: Ensure that the development of new commercial centers provide for quality design, pedestrian amenities, convenient access, and distinctive architecture.
Green Element Policy 11.1.5: Encourage a diverse use of retail uses within commercial centers to 9 | P a g e
encourage one-stop shopping.
Disneyland Hotel Vacation Ownership Tower: In 2023, construction was completed on the new vacation ownership tower at The Disneyland Hotel. This new hotel, The Villas at The Disneyland Hotel, features 332 vacation ownership units, a new pool area, and updated common area for hotel guests.
Related Goals/Policies:
Land Use Goal 5.1: Create and enhance dynamic, identifiable places for the benefit of Anaheim residents, employees, and visitors.
Land Use Policy 9.1.5: Maintain and enforce development standards and Community Design Element policies and guidelines that promote high quality development.
Tampico Hotel at State College and Lincoln Avenue: The City Council authorized the release of funds for the Tampico Hotel to be converted to affordable housing for young people who are facing homelessness or have just been released from foster care. This project will bring the City’s total to 38 complete affordable communities and five communities that offer a mix of affordability.
Related Goals/Policies:
Economic Development Goal 5.1: Expand housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community.
Growth Management Goal 1.1: Provide a balance of housing options and job opportunities throughout the City.
EV Charging: The City Council approved funds for the construction of new EV charging stations throughout the City to be available for public use.
Related Goals/Policies:
Green Element Goal 12.1: Continue to be a county leader in the use of electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
Green Element Goal 13.1: Expand citizen and business outreach programs relating to policies that improve air quality.
Public Services and Facilities Policy 3.1.3: Encourage the development and use of renewable energy resources.
Sidewalk Removal and Replacement: The Public Works Department continued the removal and replacement of arterial sidewalks at various locations throughout the City.
Related Goals/Policies:
Circulation Goal 3.1: Provide a well-maintained street system.
Circulation Policy 3.1.3: Prioritize maintenance and reconstruction projects.
Circulation Goal 8.1: Protect and encourage pedestrian travel.
Circulation Policy 8.1.1: Encourage and improve pedestrian facilities that link development to the circulation network and that serve as a transition between other modes of travel.
Finamore Place Apartments: In 2023, construction was completed on the Finamore Place affordable housing project. This 100% affordable project features 102 units, as well as on-site healthcare and childcare services for low-income families.
Related Goals/Policies:
Economic Development Policy 1.1.2: Continue to market and promote redevelopment project areas and business districts throughout the City.
Growth Management Policy 1.3.2: Focus redevelopment and/or revitalization efforts in areas conducive to current or future employment and/or housing opportunities as appropriate and continue to provide incentives for private investment in those areas.
Land Use Element Policy 5.1.2: Facilitate the development of residential land uses into mixed-use areas to provide a consumer and employment base for commercial and office uses.
Land Use Element Policy 7.1.3: Promote new residential development within Downtown, The Platinum Triangle, and other mixed-use districts, in accordance with the Land Use Plan. 10 | P a g e
Park Improvements: Various parks throughout the community received improvements to the play structures and other recreational activities including new play equipment at Peter Marshall Park and continued development of a new park named Center Greens located in downtown.
Related Goals/Policies:
Economic Development Policy 2.1.4: Continue to provide civic uses—parks, libraries, and community centers— which provide key services for residents.
Green Element Goal 18.1: Provide sufficient indoor and outdoor park, recreation, and community service opportunities for existing and future residents and employees.
Green Element Policy 19.1.1: Provide a wide variety of recreational facilities, in both active and passive areas of parks, to satisfy diverse needs and activities.
Green Element Policy 19.1.2: Design and redesign parks to reflect the latest recreational features, responsive to population trends and community needs.
FY 2023-2024 City Budget: The City’s approved budget includes funding for the enhancement and development of City parks, expansion of public library hours, funding for new police officers and firefighters, tree trimming in public rights-of-way and City-owned property, and various Capital Improvement Projects including replacement of sidewalks, coordination of traffic signals Citywide, and improved landscaping.
Related Goals/Policies:
Circulation Policy 1.1.8: Continue Capital Improvement Program funding processes for transportation improvement based on the most recent level of service and traffic accident data to balance safety, mobility, and access.
Noise Element Policy 2.1.4: Maintain roadways so that the paving is in good condition to reduce noise- generating cracks, bumps, and potholes.
Public Services and Facilities Goal 1.1: Provide sufficient staffing, equipment, and facilities to ensure effective fire protection, emergency medical and rescue services, permitting and fire inspection, and hazardous material response services that keep pace with growth.
Public Service and Facilities Policy 1.1.1: Maintain adequate resources to enable the Fire Department to meet response time standards, keep pace with growth, and provide high levels of service.
ADUheim: The City created a streamlined approval process for detached accessory dwelling units by providing a catalogue of pre-approved ADU plans that have been approved by all applicable City departments, allowing property owners to apply for and obtain a Building Permit in one day. It is estimated that this program could save homeowners around $30,000 in additional design costs.
Related Goals/Policies:
Economic Development Element Policy 1.3.2: Continue to enhance user-friendly permit assistance activities.
Economic Development Goal 5.1: Expand housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community.
Code Streamlining and Online Plan Review: The Planning Department continues to conduct an annual review of the Zoning Code to ensure that all Code requirements are compliant with State law and proposes changes to certain Code requirements to ensure consistency throughout all City documents. In 2023, the City updated the Code for recent changes to State law in relation to ADUs, as well as modified some of the zoning requirements to streamline housing development. The Building Department has also expanded the online permitting system, allowing applicants to submit additional plans online (previously only solar and small residential projects) and have staff review and provide comments electronically.
Related Goals/Policies:
Economic Development Element Policy 1.3.2: Continue to enhance user-friendly permit assistance activities.
Economic Development Element Policy 1.3.3: Periodically review and update Zoning Code provisions to address the latest development trends.
11 | P a g e
FEMA Community Rating System: In fall 2023, staff submitted re-verification documentation of the City’s participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) Program to FEMA. This program allows property owners to receive a reduction in flood insurance if the City maintains a certain rating based on community programs, outreach, Code requirements, review of development plans in the Special Flood Hazard Areas, maintenance of flood channels, etc.
Related Goals/Policies:
Green Element Policy 7.1.1: Ensure compliance with Federal Clean Water Act requirements for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, including developing and requiring the development of WQMPs for all new development and significant redevelopment in the City.
Green Element Policy 7.1.6: Provide public education information and outreach materials regarding proper materials handling practices to assist residents and businesses in complying with surface water quality regulations and to increase awareness of potential impacts to the environment resulting from improper containment or disposal practices.
Safety Element Policy 3.1.2: Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Safety Element Policy 3.1.4: Encourage properties prone to flooding or creating new flooding conditions to incorporate flood safe design elements and appropriate setbacks to reduce flood damage potential.