200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite 162
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5139
Fax: (714) 765-5280
www.anaheim.net
ITEM NO. 2
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
City of Anaheim
PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
DATE: MARCH 11, 2024
SUBJECT: THE DISNEYLANDFORWARD PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NO. 2021-00069
LOCATION: The Project Site encompasses the approximate 1,078- acre portion of the City known as The Anaheim Resort®, located generally west of the U.S. Interstate 5 corridor, south of Vermont Avenue, east of Walnut Street, and north of Chapman Avenue, and two adjacent roadway segments (the planned extensions of Gene Autry Way between Harbor Boulevard and Haster Street and Clementine Street between Katella Avenue and Orangewood Avenue, portions of which are outside The Anaheim Resort).
The Project Site is located in areas governed by the Disneyland Resort Specific Plan (DRSP) No. 92-1 and Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (ARSP) No. 92 -2. The Project Site encompasses The Disneyland Resort®, including the existing DRSP Theme Park, Hotel, Parking and Future Expansion Districts, and the properties within the ARSP owned or leased by Disney or other subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company (Disney ARSP Properties), which are listed as follows:
• 1515 S. Manchester Avenue (currently used as the Manchester Cast Member Lot); • 1585 S. Manchester Avenue (currently occupied by an office building and also used as the Manchester Cast Member Lot);
• 1530 S. Harbor Boulevard (currently used as the Manchester Cast Member Lot); • 1900 S. Harbor Boulevard (currently used as the Toy Story Parking Lot); • 333 W. Ball Road (currently used as the Harbor Cast Member Lot); and • 1717 S. Disneyland Drive (Paradise Pier Hotel , recently renamed Pixar Place Hotel).
To the extent the Project would update The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program, The Anaheim Resort Identity Program and the Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map, the Project Site includes the entire Anaheim Resort (inclusive of the ARSP, DRSP, and Hotel Circle Specific Plan No. 93-1 (HCSP)).
APPLICANT/PROPERTY OWNER: The applicant is Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, U.S., Inc. (Disney).
REQUEST: The applicant requests approval of the proposed DisneylandForward Project (Project) to provide for continued, long-term growth of The Disneyland Resort including allowing the transfer of uses permitted under the previously approved Disneyland Resort Project to other Disney Properties in the DRSP and the ARSP, an increase of 4,376 theme park-related parking spaces on Disney Properties in the ARSP, and future administrative
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review by the City of Disney’s development projects on Disney Properties. This request requires Planning Commission review and City Council approval of the recommended Project Actions below.
AUTHORITY: The Anaheim Municipal Code (Code) permits amendments to the General Plan, Specific Plans and Title 18 (Zoning), pursuant to Zoning Code Chapter 18.68 (General Plan Amendments), Section 18.72.040 (Procedures) for Specific Plan Amendments and Chapter 18.76 (Zoning Amendments) for Zoning Code text amendments. Amendments to Development Agreements are permitted by City Council Resolution No. 82R -565 ( Development Agreement Procedures Resolution) and Section 6.7 of Development Agreement No. 96- 01. Although not specified in the Code, amendments to the Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program and The Anaheim Resort Identity Program have been processed in the same manner as the documents were initially adopted, with Planning Commission review and recommendation to the City Council and then City Council consideration of the amendments.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission take the following Project Actions:
1. Approve the attached resolution recommending City Council approval and certification of Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report No. 352 (FSEIR No. 352) to FEIR No. 311 and Supplemental FEIR No. 340, adoption of Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) No. 387, and that City Council determine that FSEIR No. 352 and MMP No. 387 have been prepared for the Project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are adequate to serve as the appropriate environmental documentation for the Project and that no further environmental documentation need be prepared for CEQA for the Project (Attachment No. 1);
2. Approve the attached resolution recommending City Council approval of a n amendment to the General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements and the City’s Bicycle Master Plan (Attachment No. 2);
3. By motion, recommend that the City Council introduce and adopt a draft ordinance approving Amendment No. 9 to T he Disneyland Reso rt Specific Plan (DRSP) No. 92- 1 and the DRSP Zoning and Development Standards (Chapter 18.114 of Title 18) (Attachment No. 3);
4. By motion, recommend that the City Council introduce and adopt a draft ordinance approving Amendment No. 17 to the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (ARSP) No. 92-2 and the ARSP Zoning and Development Standards (Chapter 18.116 of Title 18) (Attachment No. 4);
5. By motion, recommend that the City Council introduce and adopt a draft ordinance approving a Zoning Code Amendment to Title 18 relating to Section 18.40.080 (Structural Height Limitations – Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area), including amending the Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map, of Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards) (Attachment No. 5);
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6. Approve the attached resolution recommending City Council approval of Amendment No. 6 to The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program (Attachment No. 6);
7. Approve the attached resolution recommending City Council approval of Amendment No. 4 to The Anaheim Resort Identity Program (Attachment No. 7); and,
8. Approve the attached resolution recommending City Council approval of the First Amended and Restated Development Agreement No. 96-01 between Walt Disney World Co. (renamed Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, U.S., Inc. in 2009) and the City of Anaheim (Attachment No. 8).
BACKGROUND: The City of Anaheim General Plan designates the approximately 1,078- acre Anaheim Resort for Commercial Recreation land uses, which is intended to provide for tourist , convention and entertainment -related uses, such as theme parks, hotels, tourist -oriented retail, movie theaters, and other visitor -serving facilities. The Commercial Recreation designation is implemented by three specific plans, the DRSP, ARSP and HCSP.
Project Site and Vicinity Map
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On June 29, 1993, the C ity Council adopted the DRSP to provide for the development of an international multi- day vacation destination resort encompassing approximately 489.7 acres of The Anaheim Resort. The DRSP permits development of Disney California Adventure Park, additional hotels and entertainment areas ( such as Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa and Downtown Disney), Disney administration offices, new parking facilities, an internal transportation system and ongoing modifications of the Disneyland theme park with new attractions and other improvements, all in four planning Districts (Theme Park, Hotel, Parking and Future Expansion). The DRSP also permits development of other hotels, entertainment and visitor- serving uses in District A, the C -R Overlay and the Anaheim GardenWalk Overlay. Since the adoption of the DRSP, the City Council has adopted eight amendments and 13 zoning code adjustments. In conjunction with the approval of the DRSP, the City Council certified EIR No. 311 and adopted the Anaheim Commercial Recreation Maximum Structural Height Map in Section
18.40.080 of the Anaheim Municipal Code. This Height Map regulates the height of structures within The Anaheim Resort.
Existing DRSP Districts
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On August 16, 1994, the City Council adopted the HCSP, applicable to 6.8 acres within The Anaheim Resort. This specific plan allows for the development of up to 969 hotel rooms; 818 of which have been developed.
On September 20, 1994, the City Council adopted the ARSP to provide a long- range comprehensive plan for future development of approximately 549.5 acres surrounding the DRSP and HCSP . The ARSP permits the development of hotel, convention, retail, and other visitor - serving uses in the Commercial Recreation (C-R) District and the Public Recreation (PR) District.
The ARSP also provides development standards for mobilehome parks in the Mobilehome Park (MHP) Overlay and pr ovides for the incorporation of residenti al uses into hotel developments when such uses are fully integrated into a minimum 300 -room full-service hotel in the Anaheim Resort Residential Overlay . In conjunction with the approval of the DRSP, the City Council certified Master Environmental Impact Report (MEIR) No. 313 on September 20, 1994. Since the adoption of the ARSP, the City Council has adopted 14 amendments and 13 zoning code adjustments, which have expanded the total acreage of the ARSP to 581.3 acres.
ARSP Districts
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Each Specific Plan includes a land use plan, zoning and development standards, design guidelines, and a public facilities plan, intended to maximize the area’s potential, guide future development, and ensure a balance between growth and infrastructure.
In conjunction with the approval of the ARSP, the City Council also adopted The Anaheim Resort Identity and Public Realm Landscape Programs. The Anaheim Resort Identity Program contains specific recommendations for the location and design of gateways, directional signs, banners, light fixtures, and street furniture for The Anaheim Resort. This document has been amended three times. The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program includes landscape concepts proposed for the public streets within The Anaheim Resort and provides a general overview of the different landscape treatments that will help create a unifying resort identity . This document has been amended five times.
PROPOSAL:
To allow continued, long- term growth of The Disneyland® Resort, Disney proposes DisneylandForward, which would allow the transfer of uses permitted under The Disneyland Resort Project to other Disney Properties in the DRSP and the ARSP. These areas would be considered to be part of The Disneyland Resort Project , as modified by the DisneylandForward Project.
The Project would not increase the amount of development square footage or hotel rooms currently allowed in the DRSP and analyzed in Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No. 311, which the City of Anaheim (City) certified in 1993, or the number of hotel rooms currently allowed in the ARSP and analyzed in Supplemental Environmental Impact Report No. 340, which the City certified in 2012. However, the Project would permit an increase of 4,376 theme park employee- related parking spaces in the ARSP. The Project also would provide for future administrative review by the City of Disney’s development projects on Disney Properties.
The Project objectives include three additional objectives as well as the ongoing implementation of Disneyland Resort Project and ARSP Project objectives which were in place when the City approved The Disneyland Resort Project and the ARSP Project (Attachment No. 14) . The three additional objectives include:
1. To support the continued reimagination of The Disneyland Resort to meet and exceed evolving guest expectations for immersive entertainment and technological advances in theme park and other resort experiences.
2. To continue to fulfill the following vision of Walt Disney: “Disneyland will never be completed…It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
3. To allow the expansion of theme park and parking uses to Disney ARSP Properties to support the continued success and vitality of The Anaheim Resort, including The Disneyland Resort.
The DRSP and the ARSP currently allow the uses for the Disney Properties as shown in Table 1.
The Project would modify the limits of the existing Theme Park and Hotel District boundaries within the existing DRSP perimeter, rename Districts within the DRSP, and establish Overlays for Disney’s ARSP Properties. The Project’s densities (maximum allowable development) for Disney Properties are shown in Table 2 for the updated DRSP and ARSP areas.
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TABLE 1
USES CURRENTLY ALLOWED UNDER DRSP/ARSP
FOR DISNEY PROPERTIES
Disney DRSP
Property
Maximum Allowable
Development Under
DRSP Existing Development1 Remaining Entitlement 1
Hotel District Uses (97 acres)
Hotel Rooms 5,600 hotel rooms 2,342 hotel rooms2 3,258 hotel rooms Hotel
Retail/Restaurant 300,000 sf 159,549 sf 140,451 sf
Hotel Meeting Space 200,000 sf 161,220 sf 38,780 sf
Parking Spaces 9,930 spaces 5,885 spaces 4,045 spaces
Theme Park District (292 acres)
Theme Park 6,850,000 sf 3,192,885 sf3 3,657,115 sf
Administration Building 475,000 sf 305,430 sf 169,570 sf Administration Building
Parking 2,300 spaces 1,545 spaces 755 spaces
Parking District (57.1 acres)
East Parking Area 17,600 spaces 2,179 spaces4 15,421 spaces West Parking Area 16,700 spaces 16,298 spaces 402 spaces Future Expansion District (24.7 acres)
Parking Area 5,100 spaces 2,529 spaces 2,571 spaces
Disney ARSP
Properties
Maximum Allowable
Development Under
ARSP Existing Development1 Remaining Entitlement1
C-R District Uses (75.4 acres)
1515 S. Manchester
Ave
1585 S. Manchester
Ave
1530 S. Harbor Blvd
(14.88 acres)
1,116 hotel rooms (75
rooms per gross acre or 75
rooms per lot or parcel,
whichever is greater)
Cast Member parking
(1,261 spaces – temporary
parking lot initially
approved on May 8, 2019,
and an approximately
67,424-square foot office
building
1,116 hotel rooms
1900 S. Harbor Blvd
(44.66 acres)
3,348 hotel rooms (75
rooms per gross acre or 75
rooms per lot or parcel,
whichever is greater)5
Toy Story Parking Lot
(4,635 spaces-temporary
parking lot approved
through June 26, 2024)
3,348 hotel rooms
333 W. Ball Road
(10.69 acres)
534 hotel rooms (50 rooms
per gross acre or 75 rooms
per lot or parcel, whichever
is greater)
Cast Member parking
(1,324 spaces) 534 hotel rooms
1717 S. Disneyland
Drive
(5.15 acres)
564 hotel rooms (50 rooms
per gross acre or 75 rooms
per lot or parcel, whichever
is greater)6
Paradise Pier Hotel (489
rooms and approximately
17,619 square feet in
ancillary commercial uses)
45 hotel rooms
1 These numbers are as of the date of the Notice of Preparation, October 21, 2021; over the course of this environmental review process, these numbers may change due to ongoing development efforts based on current entitlements. 2 Hotel rooms include existing Vacation Ownership Resort (VOR) units at the Grand Californian Hotel and VOR units at the Disneyland Hotel under construction as of NOP.
3 This amount includes the existing 246,702 sf of retail, dining and entertainment in Downtown Disney as of the NOP. The DRSP allows up to 350,000 sf of retail, dining and entertainment sf in either the Theme Park or Hotel District. 4 This amount includes the existing 842 spaces in the Ball Cast Member Lot. The DRSP allows up to 5,000 parking spaces identified for the East Parking Area to be located in the Theme Park District. 5 Acreage for density excludes ultimate public right-of-way for Clementine Street and Gene Autry Way. 6 The Paradise Pier Hotel property is comprised of two parcels: a 4.48-acre parcel that includes 489 hotel rooms and a
0.67-acre property that is allowed 75 hotel rooms.
Source: City of Anaheim 2021.
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TABLE 2
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY FOR DISNEY PROPERTIES
Disney DRSP Property Maximum Allowable Development Under DRSP Theme Park District – 389 acres
Hotel Rooms Up to 5,600 hotel rooms3
Hotel Retail/Restaurant Up to 300,000 sf
Hotel Meeting Space Up to 200,000 sf
Parking for Hotel Uses Up to 9,930 spaces
Theme Park District Retail Entertainment Up to 350,000 sf1 Theme Park and Back-of-house Uses Up to 6,850,000 sf1,5 Administration Building 475,000 sf
Administration Building Parking 2,300 spaces
Theme Park Parking 5,000 spaces2
Parking District – 57.1 acres
East Parking Area (30.1 acres) Up to 17,600 spaces2
West Parking Area (27 acres) Up to 16,700 spaces
Southeast District – 24.7 acres
Theme Park Up to 390,000 sf5
Hotel Rooms Up to 1,852 hotel rooms3
Parking 5,100 spaces
Total Maximum Allowable Development
7,825,000 sf
5,600 rooms
51,630 spaces
Disney ARSP Properties8 Maximum Allowable Development Under ARSP Parking Overlay4 – 25.57 acres
1515 S. Manchester Ave
1585 S. Manchester Ave
1530 S. Harbor Blvd
A portion of the parking spaces allocated to the East Parking Area of the DRSP and up to 1,116 hotel rooms
333 W. Ball Road Up to 5,700 parking spaces and up to 534 hotel rooms6 Theme Park East Overlay – 52.6 acres7
1900 S. Harbor Blvd Up to 840,000 sf of theme park uses and up to 3,348 hotel rooms5 Theme Park West Overlay – 5.15 acres
1717 S. Disneyland Drive Up to 80,000 sf of theme park uses and up 564 hotel rooms5 Notes:
1 Up to 350,000 sf of the theme park and back-of-house sf may be developed as Retail, Dining and Entertainment sf. 2 Up to 5,000 parking spaces may be constructed within the Theme Park District; however, an equivalent number of potential parking spaces would be removed from the allotment for the East Parking Area. 3 Up to 1,852 hotel rooms may be constructed in the Southeast District; however, an equivalent number of potential hotel rooms would be removed from the allotment for the Theme Park District, such that the maximum number of hotel rooms would not exceed 5,600.
4 For any square footage for back-of-house uses or limited retail, dining and entertainment uses, the traffic generation characteristics of said uses shall not exceed those associated with the otherwise permitted hotel/motel (including accessory uses) density as determined by the City Traffic and Transportation Manager prior to approval of building plans. Further, the proposed development shall not result in infrastructure impacts greater than those associated with the property's permitted hotel/motel density, unless such impacts are duly analyzed and mitigated pursuant to subsequent environmental review (such impacts shall be determined through a sewer and traffic impact analysis to be submitted to the City Engineer).
Additional infrastructure studies may be required as determined by the Planning Director. 5 Theme park sf may be constructed in the Southeast District, the Theme Park East Overlay and the Theme Park West Overlay; however, an equivalent number of potential theme park sf would be removed from the allotment for the Theme Park District, such that the maximum theme park sf would not exceed 6,850,000 sf. The amount of restaurant sf in the Southeast District and the Theme Park East Overlay shall be further limited to up to 20 percent of the allotted theme park square footage in the District/Overlay.
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TABLE 2
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY FOR DISNEY PROPERTIES
Disney DRSP Property Maximum Allowable Development Under DRSP 6 Up to 5,700 parking spaces includes the number of existing spaces (1,324 spaces) plus additional spaces (4,376 spaces). 7 The planned extensions of Clementine Street and Gene Autry Way are proposed to be removed as part of the Project; therefore, the total acreage for the Theme Park East Overlay has been adjusted to include the acreages associated with these street rights-of-way; however, the maximum intensity of up to 3,348 hotel rooms would not change. 8 Actual acres for hotel density to be determined by a licensed Civil Engineer/Land Surveyor.
Source: WDI 2021.
Disney is not seeking additional square footage for theme park uses or retail entertainment uses or additional hotel rooms within The Disneyland Resort as part of this Project. Instead, the Project would allow Disney to move the existing approvals to other areas governed by the DRSP and ARSP.
Within the ARSP, the Project would create a Theme Park East Overlay for the existing Toy Story Parking Lot , a Theme Park West Overlay for the existing Paradise Pier Hotel , and a Parking Overlay.
Within The Disneyland Resort, the Project proposes to reallocate allowable land uses within the Theme Park District (389 acres), the Parking District (57.1 acres), and the Southeast District (24.7 acres). The Project would allow Disney to move a portion of the unused approved theme park square footage to the existing Hotel District, which would become part of the new expanded Theme Park District of the DRSP. The Project would allow Disney to move a portion of the unused approved theme park square footage to the existing Future Expansion District, which would become the Southeast District of the DRSP, and to the proposed Theme Park East and West Overlays of the ARSP.
Under the Project, Disney could develop up to 6,850,000 previously approved square feet in the expanded DRSP Theme Park District if all theme park square footage were developed in the expanded Theme Park District. Disney could also develop a portion of this previously approved theme park square footage in the newly renamed DRSP Southeast District (up to 390,000 square feet), in the proposed ARSP Theme Park East Overlay (up to 840,000 square feet), and in the proposed ARSP Theme Park West Overlay (up to 80,000 square feet). If theme park square footage is developed in the Southeast District and Theme Park East and West Overlays, an equivalent amount of theme park square footage would be removed from the allotment for the Theme Park District, such that the max imum theme park square footage would not exceed 6,850,000 square feet.
Similarly, the Project would allow Disney to move the unused portion of the hotel room approvals from the existing Hotel District to the existing Theme Park District or the existing Future Expansion District, the newly renamed Southeast District. Under the Project, Disney could develop a combination of up to 5,600 previously approved hotel rooms in the expanded Theme Park District if all hotel rooms were developed in the expanded Theme Park District and up to 1,852 previously approved hotel rooms in the newly renamed Southeast District.
The Theme Park Overlay would allow Disney to develop theme park uses on these properties concurrently with the development of theme park uses on the expanded Theme Park District or the Southeast District of the DRSP. With the Project, Disney could develop up to 840,000 square feet Development Application No. 2021-00069
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of previously approved theme park uses within the Theme Park East Overlay and up to 80,000 square feet of previously approved theme park uses within the Theme Park West Overlay for a cumulative total of up to 920,000 square feet of previously approved them e park uses in these Overlays. The Anaheim Municipal Code currently allows theme park uses in these Overlay areas with approval of a conditional use permit.
The Parking Overlay is within the ARSP and applies to the Disney ARSP Properties located at 1515 S. Manchester Avenue, 1585 S. Manchester Avenue, 1530 S. Harbor Boulevard, and 333 W.
Ball Road. The Project would increase the number of permitted theme park employee parking spaces in the Parking Overlay at 333 W. Ball Road, permitting up to 5,700 employee parking spaces (this includes 1,324 existing spaces , currently used by employees, plus 4,376 additional spaces). The Parking Overlay would permit development of the same type of parking and transportation facilities allowed under Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.114.080 for the East Parking Area of the DRSP Parking District, and the same type of back-of-house uses, limited retail, and dining and entertainment uses allowed under Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.114.060 for the Theme Park District of the DRSP. Parking facilities in the Parking Overlay would be architecturally treated through use of terraced structures; landscaped buffers and berms; noise attenuation louvers along the openings on the lower levels and solid walls with landscaped planters on the upper levels; and additional landscaping in the setbacks.
Disney could also develop hotel rooms in the Theme Park East and Theme Park West Overlays and the Parking Overlays as permitted by the existing ARSP.
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Existing DRSP and ARSP Districts (ARSP in purple)
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Proposed DRSP Districts and ARSP Overlays
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Public Right-of-Way Improvements: The Project includes a variety of improvements to, and within, the public right-of-way, including the following:
1. Installation of a pedestrian signal on Walnut Street at Magic Way;
2. Installation of Class I Bike Path s, comprised of a single two -way, off-street, shared-use pathway for pedestrians and bicycles along the east side of Walnut Street from Ball Road to Katella Avenue; along the north side of Disney Way between Anaheim Boulevard and Clementine Street; and along the west side of Clementine Street between Disney Way and the future bike parking facility in the East Parking Area and/or Parking Overlay;
3. Installation of traffic signal control at the existing driveway to the Southeast District on Haster Street , south of Katella Avenue and at the intersection of Manchester Avenue/Clementine Street and Alro Way;
4. Construction of at least one and up to three pedestrian bridges over Harbor Boulevard north of Disney Way and south of Manchester Avenue with public access to/from the sidewalk on Harbor Boulevard;
5. Widening of Katella Avenue to four westbound lanes along Disney’s property adjacent to the Theme Park District from Disneyland Drive to approximately 800 feet west of Harbor Boulevard, and to four eastbound lanes along Disney’s property adjacent to the Southeast District;
6. Implementation of intersection improvements at:
a. Harbor Boulevard and Disney Way, to add a westbound left turn, restripe the westbound through lane to a shared westbound through/right turn lane, and eliminate the north leg crosswalk;
b. Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue, to reprogram the traffic signal to double - service the westbound left turn lane to reduce westbound left queuing; c. Harbor Boulevard and Orangewood Avenue, to add a northbound left turn lane and a southbound left turn lane;
d. Clementine Street and Katella Avenue, to add a southbound left turn lane; and e. Anaheim Boulevard/Haster Street and Katella Avenue, to lengthen the southbound left turn and westbound left turn pockets to accommodate queues.
Approval of the Project would include amendments to the City of Anaheim General Plan, Bicycle Master Plan, DRSP, ARSP, Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program, Anaheim Resort Identity Program and Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map as further described below . No changes are proposed to District A, or the Anaheim GardenWalk, or C-R Overlays, of the DRSP or HCSP.
General Plan Amendment: The applicant requests an amendment to the General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements and the City’s Bicycle Master Plan , to revise maps, figures, text, and tables throughout the General Plan to conform to the following proposed changes:
a. Land Use Element - Amend the descriptions of The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan and the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan in Table LU -4 (General Plan Density Provisions for Development Application No. 2021-00069
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Specific Areas of the City) to reflect the amended District names and new Overlays and associated density proposed as part of the DisneylandForward Project.
b. Circulation Element - Remove the planned future extensions of Clementine Street between Katella Avenue and Orangewood Avenue and Gene Autry Way between Harbor Boulevard and Haster Street; and, reclassify Disney Way between Anaheim Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard from a six-lane Major Arterial to a four-lane Primary Arterial (with no change to the width of the ultimate public right-of-way).
c. Circulation Element - Reflect the following intersection lane configurations: (1) at Harbor Boulevard and Convention Way, provide two left-turn lanes, one shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right -turn lane on the eastbound approach and one left -turn lane, one shared through/right -turn lane, and one exclusive right -turn lane on the westbound approach (consistent with existing configuration); and (2) at Haster Street & Gene Autry Way, provide a single shared left -turn/through/right-turn lane for the eastbound approach and three left -turn lanes and two right -turn lanes for the westbound approach. The northbound approach would be equipped with a right -turn signal overlapping with the westbound left-turn signal phase.
d. Circulation Element and the City’s Bicycle Master Plan - Remove the Class I Bike Path in the Southern California Edison right -of-way (“ROW”) between Harbor Boulevard and Anaheim Boulevard and add a Class I Bike Path on the north side of Disney Way between Clementine Street and Anaheim Boulevard; add a Class I Bike Path on the west side of Clementine Street between Alro Way and Disney Way (limits subject to change based on final location of bike parking facility); and, modify the classification of the planned bike facility on Walnut Street between Katella Avenue and Ball Road from Class II Bike Lanes to a Class I Bike Path on the east side of Walnut Street.
Amendment to the Disneyland Resort Specific Plan and Zoning and Development Standards: The applicant requests an amendment to the Specific Plan document and Zoning and Development Standards (Chapter 18.114 of the Anaheim Municipal Code ) to comprehensively update text, graphics, and imagery throughout the documents to reflect the proposed DisneylandForward Project. The revised Disneyland Resort Specific Plan is included as Attachment No. 3a; a summary of changes to the document is included within Attachment No. 11.
Since the Project would allow potential theme park uses closer to public streets and residential areas, the amended Specific Plan would require new criteria called 360 -Degree Architectural Treatment for new theme park uses visible from the public right -of-way or abutting residential zones, which would include enhanced
architectural treatments at varying heights while utilizing new and existing wall and landscape buffers . Development standards would also be modified to address the new residential adjacency with respect to setbacks and height. For example, on Walnut Street, across from residential uses, the Project proposes a building setback increase from 30 feet to 50 feet and increased stepback, referred to as “a sky exposure plane” in the Zoning Code, for the taller portions of a building. A redlined document showing the changes proposed to Chapter
18.114 (Disneyland Resort Specific Plan No. 92-1) is included as Attachment No. 3b; a summary of changes to the document is included within Attachment No. 11.
The applicant also proposes to amend the Zoning Code to streamline review of future development on Disney Properties . While most development in the DRSP is currently permitted by right , Development Application No. 2021-00069
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specific uses in certain areas require discretionary review by either the Planning Director or Planning Commission. For example, the Zoning Code currently requires Planning Director consideration of development of a parking facility in the East Parking Area. As part of the Project, the Zoning Code would be updated to allow for administrative review of all development. Staff would confirm that development is in conformance with the Specific Plan, Zoning Code, Conditions of Approval included as Attachment No. 3c, M itigation Measures included as Attachment No. 1c, and development agreement terms prior to issuing building permits.
Additionally, existing tree and plant selection matrices within the DRSP will be removed, updated with an expansive list of attractive, low water species, and provided as a standalone Planning Standard Detail referenced in both the DRSP and ARSP . Planning Standard Detail No. 10 is included as Attachment No. 12.
Amendment to the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan and Zo ning and Development Standards: The applicant requests an amendment to the Specific Plan document and Zoning and Development Standards (Chapter 18.116 of the Anaheim Municipal Code ) to comprehensively update text, graphics, and imagery throughout the documents to reflect the proposed DisneylandForward Project, including approval of the Theme Park East Overlay, the Theme Park West Overlay and the Parking Overlay. The Zoning Code would include new sections to provide regulations for these new overlays, which would incorporate many of the same provisions as the corresponding Theme Park and Parking Districts in the DRSP , including administrative review, which are described above. The revised Anaheim Resort Specific Plan is included as Attachment No. 4a ; a redlined document showing the changes proposed to Chapter 18.116 ( Anaheim Resort Specific Plan No. 92-2) is included as Attachment No. 4b; a summary of changes to the document s are included within Attachment No. 11.
As described above, existing tree and plant selection matrices will be removed from the ARSP and provided as a standalone Planning Standard Detail referenced in both the A RSP and DRSP .
Planning Standard Detail No. 10 is included as Attachment No. 12.
Zoning Code Amendment : The applicant requests an amendment to Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to amend the Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map (Anaheim Municipal Code Section
18.40.080 (Structural Height Limitation – Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area)) to provide for the DRSP to regulate building heights within a larger portion of the DRSP Theme Park District and the Southeast District and the ARSP to regulate building heights within the ARSP Theme Park East and Theme Park West Overlays. The DRSP and ARSP would allow for taller heights in some areas than are currently allowed; it would also reduce the allowed heights in other areas. These changes would not affect allowed heights on non-Disney properties.
Amendment to The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program: The applicant requests an amendment to The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program to comprehensively update text, graphics and imagery throughout the document to reflect current conditions in The Anaheim Resort; expand The Anaheim Resort planting palette to include additional plantings that are more climate appropriate, low water using, disease and pest resistant, and native to Southern California; and, include information pertaining to pedestrian bridges/crossings and pedestrian and bicycle paths to reflect the proposed DisneylandForward Project. The revised The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program is included as Attachment No. 6a ; the summary of changes to the document is included within Attachment No. 11.
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Amendment to The Anaheim Resort Identity Program: The applicant requests an amendment to The Anaheim Resort Identity Program to comprehensively update text, graphics and imagery throughout the document to reflect current conditions in The Anaheim Resort and include information pertaining to Arrival Gateways, Pedestrian Bridge/Crossings and Minor Pedestrian Directional and Informational Signs to reflect the proposed DisneylandForward Project . The revised The Anaheim Resort Identity Program is included as Attachment No. 7a; the summary of changes to the document is included within Attachment No. 11.
First Amended and Restated Development Agreement No. 96-01: The applicant requests approval to amend the Development Agreement between the City of Anaheim and Walt Disney World Co. (renamed Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, U.S., Inc. in 2009) to provide continued certainty to Disney to facilitate growth and investment in The Disneyland Resort and specified benefits to the City.
A Development Agreement is a contract between the City and a property owner that provides certainty to the developer that the approved project will be exempt from future changes to zoning laws. In exchange for that certainty, a Development Agreement requires the developer to provide benefits to the city beyond what would otherwise be required by existing regulations and ordinances. The property owner is also required to submit annual reports to the City demonstrating compliance with the terms of the Agreement. State law allows cities and project applicants to enter into a development agreement for their mutual benefit.
The existing Agreement pertains to the development and implementation of The Di sneyland Resort project which includes development of a second theme park (Disney California Adventure), additional hotel rooms (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa), entertainment areas (Downtown Disney), administrative office facilities, back -of-house facilities, new public and private pa rking facilities, an internal transportation system, and the ongoing maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of The Disneyland Resort. The existing Agreement has a 40 -year term that expires in 2036. The Agreement covers land owned or controlled by Disney within the DRSP; the Agreement does not cover properties that Disney owns or controls outside of the boundaries of the DRSP.
The existing Agreement also requires implementation of seven public benefits, referred to in the Agreement as “obligations .” Four of the obligations were completed prior to the 2001 Opening Day project of Disney California Adventure theme park, Downtown Disney, and the Grand California Hotel. The fifth obligation pertaining to right -of-way acquisition and dedication was completed by 2007. The last two obligations concern the ongoing development of remaining theme park, hotels and entertainment area and parking facilities in accordance with the development limits set forth in the DRSP and the implementation of an Anaheim Jobs program.
The proposed amendment to the Development Agreement would govern the development of the updated Disneyland Resort P roject proposed as part of the DisneylandForward Project. The Agreement would include property owned or leased by Disney or subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company in the DRSP and in the ARSP (“Disney Properties”). The Draft First Amended and Restated Development Agreement No. 96-01 is included as Attachment No. 8a.
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The amended Agreement provides for:
• A new 40 -year term from the effective date of the agreement, anticipated to be through 2064;
• A minimum $1.9 billion investment by Disney in theme park, lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining within 10 years;
• $30 million from Disney for affordable housing within five years of approval; • $8 million from Disney for Anaheim parks within first year of approval; • $40 million from Disney for street and transportation improvements; • $10 million from Disney for sewer improvements along Katella Avenue; • Disney continues workforce programs serving up to 10,000 Anaheim residents annually; • Public Safety Agreements for Police and Fire;
• Staff reimbursement agreement for increased staff and service costs for enhanced plan check, permitting and inspection services; and
• Streamlined process for Disney Vacation Club projects and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Revenue Neutrality Agreement providing equivalent TOT revenues to comparable hotels.
The Planning Commission’s role is to look at the land use aspects of the proposed amendment to the Agreement, specifically whether to recommend to the City Council that the Agreement is consistent with the General Plan and the Specific Plan s and whether it is compatible with the development of the surrounding area. The City Council will consider the financial aspects of the implementation of the Agreement.
Related Actions: In addition to the above applications, the Project includes other related requests that will be considered by the respective approval authority, including:
1. Request for City Council approval of the abandonment of the public right-of-way in Magic Way between Walnut Street and Disneyland Drive, in Clementine Street between Katella Avenue and the southern property line of the proposed Southeast District of the DRSP, previously dedicated by Disney to the City, and in Hotel Way north of Disney Way. An Operational Traffic Analysis for the DisneylandForward Project was included as Appendix J-2 to Draft Subsequent EIR No. 352. Analysis of Project traffic included the modifications to existing and planned public roadways, including the abandonment of Magic Way and its subsequent closure at the westerly intersection with Walnut Street. The Analysis concluded that the Project would have no discernible effect on traffic patterns in the study area. In response to public comments regarding use of Magic Way, a Supplemental Analysis has been prepared and reviewed by the City Traffic Engineer and is included as Attachment No. 17. The Supplemental Analysis confirms that approximately 80% of the Magic Way trips use the easterly intersection at Disneyland Drive which will remain open Development Application No. 2021-00069
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following abandonment. The remaining trips, the majority of which either originated or had a destination at a Disney property, would relocate to an alternative route, consistent with the conclusions of the Operational Traffic Analysis.
2. Request for City Council approval of an encroachment agreement for at least one and up to three pedestrian bridge(s) over Harbor Boulevard and up to two additional pedestrian bridge(s) or crossings over Disneyland Drive.
3. Request for Public Works staff approval of a Discretionary Exemption to establish the timing of Street and O ther Right-of-Way Dedication and Improvement (Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.40.060 Dedications and Improvements) in support of the Project. Public Works staff has reviewed and approved these exemption requests. An approval letter from Public Works staff is included as Attachment No. 10.
4. The City of Anaheim made a request to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for an amendment to the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) to remove the planned extensions of Gene Autry Way between Harbor Boulevard and Haster Street and Clementine Street between Katella Avenue and Orangewood Avenue, which are planned through the Southeast District of the DRSP and the adjacent existing Toy Story Parking Lot in the ARSP; and to reclassify Disney Way between Anaheim Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard from a six- lane Major Arterial to a four lane Primary Arterial.
On February 5, 2024, the City’s amendment request was recommended for conditional approval by OCTA at the OCTA Regional Transportation Planning Committee and was ultimately conditionally approved. The amendment request also required conditional approval by the OCTA Board, and was conditionally approved at the February 12, 2024 OCTA Board Meeting. The amendment to OCTA’s MPAH is contingent upon the City’s approval of the General Plan Amendment to amend its Circulation Element removing these segments of Clementine Street and Gene Autry Way as arterial highways and redesignating Disney Way from a Major Arterial to a Primary Arterial.
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS:
General Plan Amendment:
Before the Planning Commission may approve a General Plan Amendment, it must make a finding of fact that the evidence presented shows that all of the following conditions exist:
1) The proposed amendment maintains the internal consistency of the General Plan;
2) The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the City; and,
3) The proposed amendment would maintain the balance of land uses within the City.
The proposed General Plan Amendment to the Land Use and Circulation Elements and the City’s Bicycle Master Plan maintains the internal consistency of the General Plan, as the proposed modifications to the General Plan are consistent with the General Plan goals and policies, as Development Application No. 2021-00069
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described in detail in Table 5.10-1 (Consistency of the Project with the General Plan) (Attachment No. 13.
The proposed General Plan Amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City because the proposed amendment would result in and support the continued development of General Plan Commercial Recreation land uses envisioned for The Anaheim Resort, the implementation of new bike facilities in and around The Anaheim Resort, and the implementation of public right -of-way improvements needed to support the Project, as described in detail in Final SEIR No. 352.
The proposed General Plan Amendment would maintain the balance of land uses within the City because the Project ’s land use densities and uses would continue to be compatible with the Commercial Recreation land use designation; allow for continued development of the currently entitled land uses including a mix of theme park, hotel uses and parking areas plus the development of additional parking spaces for theme park employees, allow the ability to transfer currently entitled land uses on DRSP Disney Properties to other Disney Properties within the DRSP and the ARSP, and the Project has been designed to continue to be compatible with and complementary to the surrounding land uses; and
The proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element would not modify the boundaries of the Commercial Recreation land use designation or change the Land Use Plan (Figure LU-4 of the General Plan).
Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the amendments to the General Plan to the City Council.
Specific Plan Amendment (Amendment No. 9 to the DRSP and Amendment No. 17 to the ARSP) and Zoning Code Amendment (Chapters 18.114 and 18.116 of the Anaheim Municipal Code ):
Before the Planning Commission may approve a Specific Plan Amendment, it must make a finding of fact that the evidence presented shows that all of the following conditions exist:
1) That the property proposed for the specific plan has unique site characteristics, such as topography, location or surroundings, that are enhanced by special land use and development standards;
2) That the specific plan is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan, and with the purposes, standards and land use guidelines therein;
3) That the specific plan results in development of desirable character that will be compatible with existing and proposed development in the surrounding neighborhood;
4) That the specific plan contributes to a balance of land uses throughout the City; and
5) That the specific plan respects environmental, aesthetic and historic resources consistent with economic realities.
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The property proposed for the amendments to the DRSP and ARSP Specific Plan documents and Zoning and Development Standards ( Chapters 18.114 and 18.116 of the Anaheim Municipal Code) has unique site characteristics, such as topography, location or surroundings that are enhanced by special land use and development standards . The DRSP and ARSP is located in an area of the City known as The Anaheim Resort, which is designated on the City of Anaheim General Plan for Commercial Recreation land uses. The Commercial Recreation designation is implemented by three Specific Plans, in cluding the DRSP and the ARSP, and is intended to provide for tourist and visitor -serving uses. The proposed amendment would not change the boundaries of the existing DRSP or ARSP.
The proposed amendments to the DRSP and the ARSP are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Project provides for a mix of tourist and visitor -serving uses, including theme park, retail, restaurant, entertainment, hotels, and parking uses . The proposed DRSP and ARSP amendments are consistent with , and implements, the existing goals and policies of the General Plan and with the purposes, standards and land use guidelines therein. The proposed amendments would also be consistent with t he goals and policies of the General Plan fol lowing the approval of the General Plan Amendment, now pending, to the Land Use and Circulation Elements and the City’s Bicycle Master Plan . The Project’s consistency with the General Plan i s described in detail in Table 5.10-1 (Consistency of the Project with the General Plan) (Attachment No. 13).
The proposed amendments to the DRSP and the ARSP would result in development of desirable character that would continue to be compatible with existing and proposed development in the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed amendment s provide for continued development of theme park, hotel, parking and other visitor -serving uses consistent with the General Plan Commercial Recreation land use designation. The proposed amendment s also include amended zoning and development standards and design guidelines for these uses, including, but not limited to, building heights, setbacks and screening requirements, which have been designed to be compatible with surrounding uses, implement the General Plan, and will enhance and preserve the general welfare, as described in detail in the proposed amended DRSP and ARSP.
The proposed amendments to the DRSP and the ARSP would continue to contribute to a balance of land uses throughout the City by encouraging tourist and entertainment related industries in an area of the City specifically designated for this type of development. The proposed amendment s would allow for the transfer of previously approved theme park square footage and parking spaces from the DRSP to Disney Properties in the DRSP and ARSP to permit greater flexibility in the development of these uses. In the DRSP, this inclu des the potential addition of theme park and hotel uses in the Southeast District (former Future Expansion District) and in the expanded Theme Park District. It also includes the potential transfer of DRSP theme park uses to the proposed new ARSP Theme Park East and Theme Park West Overlays and the potential transfer of parking uses from the DRSP Parking District to the adjacent p roposed new ARSP Parking Overlay. It would also permit an increase of 4,376 theme park employee parking spaces in the new ARSP Pa rking Overlay north of Ball Road. The proposed amendment would not increase the overall maximum development square footage or hotel rooms currently allowed by the ARSP and the DRSP.
The proposed amendments to the DRSP and ARSP would continue to respect environmental, aesthetic and historic resources consistent with economic realities . All potential environmental Development Application No. 2021-00069
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impacts associated with the Project have been analyzed in Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report No. 352 for the Project and the Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations and applicable mitigation measures have been established in Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 387, as discussed in other sections of this report.
Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the amendments to the DRSP and the ARSP Specific Plan documents and Zoning and Development Standards (Chapters 18.114 and 18.116 of the Anaheim Municipal Code) to the City Council.
Zoning Code Amendment: The requested Zoning Code amendment would modify Section
18.40.080 (Structural Height Limitations – Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area), including the Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map (Height Map), of Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards) to implement the Project.
The Zoning Code may be amended upon a finding that the action is necessary to implement the General Plan and will enhance and preserve the general welfare. The proposed Zoning Code change is consistent with the proposed amendments to the General Plan, the DRSP and the ARSP.
The current building height requirements for these properties were designed to protect views of uses on these properties from the Theme Park District. With the potential for theme park and mixed-uses to be developed on these properties in the future, there would be less concern for visual intrusion into the Theme Park District by non-themed architecture. This amendment would allow these areas to be regulated by more detailed DRSP and ARSP zoning and development standards and design guidelines which would provide more flexibility to develop theme park and hotel uses, while minimizing visual intrusion to neighboring properties by design elements including m ore site specific height limits, minimum building setbacks, landscape, screening and architectural treatments.
Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the requested Zoning Code Amendment.
Development Agreement: In 1982, the City Council approved a resolution establishing procedures and requirements for the consideration of development agreements and amendments thereto. The resolution identifies four items necessary for the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council. These items are:
1) The proposed Development Agreement is consistent with the General Plan and an y applicable specific plan;
2) The proposed Development Agreement is compatible with the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the applicable zoning district(s) in which the project is and will be located;
3) The proposed Development Agreement is compatible with the orderly development of property in the surrounding area; and
4) The proposed Development Agreement is not otherwise detrimental to the health and safety of the citizens of the City of Anaheim.
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The First Amended and Restated Development Agreement No. 96 -01 (proposed amendment to the Development Agreement ) is consistent with the goals, policies, programs, objectives , purposes, standards and land use guidelines specified in the General Plan and any applicable specific plan . T he Project continues to provide for a mix of theme park, hotels, retail and entertainment uses, and parking as provided for the Commercial Recreation land use designation.
It would also permit the transfer of uses permitted under the previously- approved DRSP to an expanded Theme Park District and the Southeast District in the DRSP and to new Theme Park East and Theme Park West Overlays and Parking Overlays in the ARSP to provide flexibility for development of these uses. It would also provide for implementation of appropriate right-of-way improvements and bike facilities to support the Project and surrounding community. A detailed description of the Project ’s consistency with the General Plan is provided in Table 5.10-1 (Consistency of the Project with the General Plan) (Attachment No. 13).
The proposed amendment to the Development Agreement is compatible with the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the zoning district(s) applicable to the Property, as proposed for amendment, as a mix of theme park, hotels, retail and entertainment uses , and parking is permitted within the DRSP and ARSP Zones and the Project would provide for additional flexibility for development of these uses.
The proposed amendment to the Development Agreement is compatible with the orderly development of property in the surrounding area as the Project would continue to implement a mix of theme park, hotels, retail and entertainment uses , and parking consistent with the Commercial Recreation land use designation, at a density that is consistent with the maximum density allowed for the DRSP and ARSP, and with zoning and development standards designed to be compatible with the surrounding commercial and residential land uses in the vicinity.
The proposed amendment to the Development Agreement is not otherwise detrimental to the health and safety of the citizens of the City of Anaheim in that it provides for extensive public benefits as described previously in this report. Further, the proposed amendment to the Development Agreement constitutes a lawful, present exercise of the City’s police power and authority under, is entered into pursuant to, and is in compliance with the City’s charter powers, the requirements of Section 65867 of California Government Code and the Procedures Resolution.
Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the amended Development Agreement to the City Council.
Amendments to The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program and The Anaheim Resort Identity Program : The proposed amendments to these Programs would be consistent and compatible with the amendments to the DRSP and ARSP and would provide for updated planting palettes that are more climate appropriate and updated arrival gateways, pedestrian bridge/crossings and pedestrian and informational signs to support the Project.
Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of amendments to these Programs to the City Council.
Community Outreach: The Disney project team indicates they have conducted over 100 individual and group briefings of neighboring residents, businesses, stakeholders located within or near the Project Site over the last t hree years. They have also briefed the City of Anaheim, the City of Buena Park, a variety of local and regional public agencies, and federal, state, county and local Development Application No. 2021-00069
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elected officials. This proactive engagement included reaching more than 100,000 households via mail with over 2,000 Anaheim residents expressing interest in the project, 13 community coffees reaching nearly 800 community members, and over 100 touchpoints in the community. Further, they have maintained a project website to share project information. Attachment No. 15 provides the applicant’s community outreach summary.
As of this writing, staff has received almost 700 communications from the public about this agenda item, which are included as Attachment No. 16.
Environmental Impact Analysis: Development of the Project Site has been the subject of previously certified environmental impact reports and approved addenda. In particular, the City analyzed the impacts of The Disneyland Resort Project in EIR No. 311, which the City certified in 1993, and the City analyzed the impacts of the ARSP Project in Master EIR No. 313, which the City certified in 1994, and Supplemental EIR No. 340, which the City certified in 2012. The City determined the Project required preparation of a Subsequent EIR as it has determined the Project’s changes to The Disneyland Resort Project and the ARSP Project may create new or substantially more severe significant impacts than those identified in EIR No. 311, Master EIR No. 313 and/or SEIR No. 340 (the Prior EIRs).
A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for Subsequent EIR No. 352 and the project’s initial study were distributed to the public on October 21, 2021 for a public review period which ended on November 29, 2021. The City held a public scoping meeting on November 4, 2021, to provide members of the public with an opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions and provide comments about the scope and content of the information to be addressed in the Draft Subsequent EIR.
Draft Subsequent EIR (SEIR) No. 352, included as Attachment No. 1d, has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was circulated for a 45-day public review period from September 14, 2023 through October 30, 2023.
The Notice of Availability (NOA), which also included noticing for a Planning Commission Workshop on October 9, 2023, was sent to a list of interested persons, agencies and organizations, as well as property owners in the Project Site a nd within a 1,000- foot radius of the Project Site.
The Notice of Completion (NOC) was sent to the State Clearinghouse in Sacramento for distribution to public agencies. The NOA was posted at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s office on September 14, 2023. Copies of the DSEIR were made available for public review at the Planning Department and at the Anaheim Central Library, Euclid Branch Library and Ponderosa Joint Use Branch Library. The DSEIR was also made available for download via the City’s website.
During the public review period, the City received comments from 85 agencies and interested parties and oral testimony from 31 individuals during the Planning Commission Workshop (see Attachment No. 1a). These comments and associated responses have been documented in Section
2.0 in the Final SEIR, along with document modifications to text, tables, or exhibits that is neither new information nor a change to the analysis or conclusions, provided in Section 3.0 of the Final SEIR, and the Mitigation Monitoring Program provided in Section 4.0 of the Final SEIR . The comments and responses did not raise any issues that triggered any requirement for recirculation of the document under CEQA . The Final SEIR, including written responses to the written comments received during the public review period, was released to the public and commenting agencies and individuals at least ten days prior to this Planning Commission meeting on February 29, 2024.
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The primary purpose of Draft SEIR No. 352 is to reevaluate the analysis in EIR No. 311 for The Disneyland Resort Project, and the analysis in Master EIR No. 313 and SEIR No. 340 for the ARSP Project, to determine if the changes proposed by the DisneylandForward Project would create new significant impacts or substantially increase the severity of significant impacts identified in the Prior EIRs or trigger any of the other standards for supplemental review under CEQA. As further discussed in Section 3.0, Project Description, of Draft SEIR No. 352, the Project would allow the transfer of previously approved theme park, hotel and other retail, dining and entertainment uses, and parking to other areas of the DRSP and Disney ARSP Properties within the Project Site. For each environmental topic discussed, the Draft Subsequent EIR analyzes how the impacts associated with the transfer of previously approved uses to other Disney Properties in the Project Site compare to those impacts discussed and analyzed in the Prior EIRs and determines if the Project would create a new or substantially more severe significant impact than determined in the Prior EIRs. Draft SEIR No. 352 provides mitigation measures, where applicable, to reduce these impacts. This mitigation includes mitigation measures from EIR No. 311 and Supplemental EIR No. 340 and new mitigation measures intended to reduce new impacts or impacts not previously addressed. In addition, staff has reviewed and modified the measures to reflect current development requirements and procedures. These changes, as well as the new mitigation measures, are identified in Chapter 5: Impact Analysis of Draft SEIR No. 352. The mitigation measures for the Project are also identified in the attached Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 387 (Attachment No. 1c).
Examples of mitigation measures include the following. The full text of each referenced measure can be found in Attachment No. 1c:
• Noise
o Use of noise barriers along Disney property lines (MM NOI-9, MM NOI-10, MM NOI-21, MM NOI-24)
o Position buildings to minimize impacts to neighbors (MM NOI-15, MM NOI-20, MM NOI-22, MM NOI-23, MM NOI-24)
o No aerial firework shows west of Disneyland Drive or southeast of Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard; some low -level fireworks lower than 50 feet allowed in compliance with city noise ordinance (MM NOI-3)
o 200-foot setback from noise sensitive receptors to the center of an indoor thrill or family ride with separation by a 30-foot high building or other noise barrier (MM NOI-22)
o 400-foot setback from noise sensitive receptors to the center of a family outdoor ride or smaller show with separation by a 30 -foot high building or other noise barrier (MM NOI-24)
o 550-foot setback from noise sensitive receptors to the center of an outdoor thrill ride 50 feet or higher or a parade or large show within a 30-foot high building or other noise barrier (MM NOI-23)
• Transportation
o Transportation demand management plan encouraging ridesharing, bicycling, shuttles and other transit options (MM TRA-8, MM AQ-10) o Public right-of-way improvements described in the Proposal section above (MM TRA-1)
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• Construction
o Limited construction hours (SR NOI-1)
o Noise monitoring (MM NOI-12)
o No pile driving during construction of parking structures (MM NOI-19) o Barriers during construction and grading (MM AES-5, MM NOI-10) o Watering, other dust control (MM AQ-5, SR AQ-1)
o Street sweeping (MM AQ-5)
o No truck idling (MM AQ-5)
Even with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, based on the analysis presented in DSEIR No. 352, the Project would result in significant unavoidable impacts related to air quality, cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise. Therefore, a Draft Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations document that would support certification of the Final SEIR has been prepared for the Project . The document summarizes the significant impacts of the Project, describes how these impacts are to be mitigated and discusses alternatives to the Project . The Statement of Overriding Considerations presents the justification for the significant impacts related to the project that cannot or have not been mitigated or resolved. It also states that the decision -making body has balanced the benefits of the Project against its unavoidable significant environmental effects and has determined that the benefits of the Project outweigh the adverse effects and, therefore, the adverse effects are considered to be acceptable.
Staff proposes the following as benefits to override the significant and unavoidable impacts.
The Project would:
• Provide economic benefits to the City: The Disneyland Resort is the largest employer in the City of Anaheim . As one of the main entities supporting the City’s economy, the DisneylandForward Project is expected to generate additional revenue to the City that will increase the City’s General Fund to be used for a wide variety of public benefits, including funding police and fire personnel and resources, local school districts, parks, libraries, and capital improvements.
• Provide jobs: The DisneylandForward Project will require local workers to fill construction and skilled labor jobs over the 40-year buildout period. These jobs will be available to local workers and will include hotel, theme park, retail, dining, and other service industry work.
• Sustainability and efficiency: The DisneylandForward Project will incorporate key sustainability features exceeding federal, State and local environmental requirements , including the following: high- efficiency lighting and other electrical equipment; water efficient landscaping and irrigation systems; water saving fittings, fixtures, and equipment; incorporation of electric vehicle chargers; use of recycled paper products; and recovery and recycling of materials.
• Increased pedestrian safety: The DisneylandForward Project will increase pedestrian circulation and safety throughout The Anaheim Resort. This will be implemented through new and enhanced pedestrian linkages between land uses and areas of the Project Site, including landscaped walkways, promenades, and plazas. The Project also includes grade- Development Application No. 2021-00069
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separated pedestrian bridges or crossings to reduce potential pedestrian/vehicular conflicts and improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation in The Anaheim Resort; specifically, the Project will include construction of at least one and up to three pedestrian bridges over Harbor Boulevard north of Disney Way and south of Manchester Avenue, improving pedestrian connectivity and safety within The Disneyland Resort. The Project may also construct two additional pedestrian bridges or crossings over Disneyland D rive between Magic Way and Katella Avenue.
• Bicycle circulation: The DisneylandForward Project will install bicycle facilities, throughout the Project Site and will dedicate right-of- way and contribute in- lieu fees to fund proposed Class II bicycle lanes on Ball Road east of Walnut Avenue and on Haster Street south of Katella Avenue.
• Vehicle Trip Reduction: The DisneylandForward Project will continue to implement trip reduction measures, including those that directly support alternative means of transportation like transit, bicycle travel, and pedestrian movement through Disney’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that includes: bicycle parking and amenities; online ride -matching and carpool/vanpool program; guaranteed return trip program; incentives for using alternative travel modes; flex schedule and telecommuting; electric vehicle parking and incentives; shuttle services; and promotions, marketing and education to make employers and employees aware of the various programs and benefits offered. The Project will also implement specific improvements to reduce vehicle miles traveled, including use of the East Esplanade Transportation Center and construction of pedestrian bridges or crossings within The Anaheim Resort.
• Structural height and setbacks: The DisneylandForward Project will implement modified height restrictions and a Sky Exposure Plane to limit heights and require buildings to step back from the property line along certain roadways to reduce visual exposure from adjacent, off-site uses. The Project would 1) permit more natural light to reach the street or property line adjacent to a proposed building or structure, and 2) reduce the apparent bulk and mass of any building.
Staff has determined that the preceding benefits outweigh the environmental impacts of the Project; and therefore, recommends that the Planning Commission recommend City Council certification of Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report No. 352, including the adoption of Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 387 for the Project.
CONCLUSION: The Project, including the recommended project actions, would provide more flexibility to develop a wider range of attractions, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, which would facilitate investment to support the long-term growth of The Disneyland Resort and enhance the success and vitality of The Anaheim Resort.
The Project, including the updated Disneyland Resort Project, complies with and implements the goals and policies of the General Plan . The proposed amendments to the General Plan , DRSP, ARSP, the Zoning Code, The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program and The Anaheim Resort Identity Program, are implementation actions of the Project, which would further the goals and objectives of the General Plan.
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Staff believes that the Project would continue to implement the vision of The Anaheim Resort as a nationally recognized tourist, convention and recreation center and recommends that the Planning Commission:
• Recommend City Council certification of Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report No. 352 and adoption of Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 387;
• Recommend City Council approval of the proposed amendments to the General Plan, The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program and The Anaheim Resort Identity Program; and,
• Recommend City Council introduction and adoption of ordinances to amend The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan, the Zoning Code pertaining to The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan, the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan , the Zoning Code pertaining to the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan , the Anaheim Commercial Recreation Areas Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map, and to amend the Development Agreement.
Prepared by, Submitted by,
Elaine Thienprasiddhi, AICP Heather Allen, AICP
Principal Planner Deputy Planning and Building Director
Attachments:
1. Draft CEQA Resolution
a. FSEIR No. 352 (including Responses to Comments and Corrections, Clarifications and Additions to the Draft Subsequent EIR)
b. Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations
c. Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) No. 387
d. Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report No. 352
2. Draft General Plan Amendment Resolution
3. Draft City Council Ordinance Approving DRSP Specific Plan and Zoning and Development Standards Amendment
a. Draft Disneyland Resort Specific Plan No. 92-1
b. Draft Redlined Chapter 18.114 (Disneyland Resort Specific Plan No. 92-1) c. Draft DisneylandForward Conditions of Approval
4. Draft City Council Ordinance Approving ARSP Specific Plan and Zoning and Development Standards Amendment
a. Draft Anaheim Resort Specific Plan No. 92-2
b. Draft Redlined Chapter 18.116 (Anaheim Resort Specific Plan No. 92-2)
5. Draft City Council Ordinance Approving Zoning Code Amendment (Structural Height Limitation – Anaheim Commercial Recreation Area)
6. Draft The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program Amendment Resolution a. Draft The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program
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7. Draft The Anaheim Resort Identity Program Amendment Resolution a. Draft The Anaheim Resort Identity Program Amendment
8. Draft Development Agreement Amendment Resolution
a. Draft First Amended and Restated Development Agreement No. 96-01
9. Applicant’s Letter of Request
10. Public Works Discretionary Exemption Approval
11. Summary of Amendments to the Disneyland Resort Specific Plan (DRSP), and Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (ARSP), The Anaheim Resort Public Realm Landscape Program, and The Anaheim Resort Identity Program
12. Draft Planning Standard Detail No. 10 – Tree and Shrub Selection Matrices
13. Table 5.10-1 (Consistency of the Project with the General Plan)
14. Disneyland Resort Project and ARSP Project Objectives
15. Applicant Community Outreach Summary
16. Public Correspondence
a. Anaheim Resident Support Letters
b. Non-Anaheim Resident Support Letters
17. Supplemental Analysis for Magic Way Traffic Redistribution
18. Vicinity Map and Aerial