Table 4.11-2: General Plan Consistency
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Land Use Element
Goal 1.1: Preserve and enhance the quality and character of Anaheim’s mosaic of unique neighborhoods.
Policy 1: Actively pursue development
standards and design policies to
preserve and enhance the quality and
character of Anaheim’s many
neighborhoods.
Consistent. The Project includes detailed
development standards and a set of design
guidelines within the Specific Plan Amendment
that implement the Community Design Element
of the General Plan. Standards include building
height, building setbacks, floor area ratio, open
space, signage, façade designs, and building
materials. The Project proposes a contemporary
Mediterranean architectural design with an
articulated façade and decorative accents (i.e.,
gables, tile, and light fixtures). The Project
includes similar design features and
architectural elements that would be consistent
with other residential and mixed-use
developments in the area. Therefore, the Project
includes development standards and design
policies that preserve and enhance the quality
and character of Anaheim’s neighborhoods,
consistent with Goal 1.1 and Policy 1.
Policy 2: Ensure that new development
is designed in a manner that preserves
the quality of life in existing
neighborhoods.
Consistent. The Project includes detailed design
guidelines that are intended to assist in achieving
a high-quality appearance, direct aesthetic
character, and form, and create a centerpiece for
the surrounding community. Consistent with the
design guidelines outlined in the Specific Plan,
the Project’s character, including dining,
entertainment, residential, lodging, and office
uses, would be compatible with the level of
quality of, and complementary to, the
surrounding residential neighborhoods.
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Therefore, the Project would be designed in a
manner that preserves the quality of life in
existing neighborhoods and is consistent with
Goal 1.1 and Policy 2.
Policy 3: Encourage future development
to provide functional public spaces that
foster social interaction.
Consistent. The Specific Plan Amendment
would provide for future enhancements to the
wayfinding, signage, and pathways within the
existing commercial areas and would also
include connecting passageways between the
proposed mixed-use residential zone (DA 5) and
the commercial uses north of the site (DA 1-3).
These measures to improve the streetscape and
pedestrian circulation within the Specific Plan
area would encourage non-motorized
transportation (i.e., walking/biking) within the
area. As shown in Table 2.6-3: Open Space
Summary, the Project proposes 103,639 square
feet of private recreational-leisure area or 232
square feet per dwelling unit in DA 5. The Project
proposes to include 88,828 square feet of
outdoor common open space and 8,899 square
feet of indoor common open space. Private open
space totals 5,912 square feet and would be
limited to balconies (that would meet the
required minimum dimensions) attached to each
residential unit. Overall, the Project provides for
improvements to enhance the pedestrian
experience with public spaces and is consistent
with Goal 1.1 and Policy 3.
Goal 2.1: Continue to provide a variety of quality housing opportunities to address the City’s diverse housing needs
Policy 1: Facilitate new residential
development on vacant or underutilized
infill parcels.
Consistent. The Project would add 447 multiple-
family residential units to the City’s housing
inventory. The Project would demolish an existing
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Policy 3: Facilitate the conversion of the
City’s underutilized strip commercial
areas into new housing opportunity sites.
building containing a closed movie theater to
accommodate the new residential uses.
Therefore, the Project would facilitate residential
development on an underutilized parcel in the
City, consistent with Goal 2.1 - Policy 1 and
Policy 3.
Policy 6: Ensure quality development
through appropriate development
standards and by adherence to related
Community Design Element policies and
guidelines.
Consistent. See response to Land Use Element
Goal 1.1, Policies 1 through 3.
Goal 4.1: Promote development that integrates with and minimizes the impacts to surrounding land uses.
Policy 1: Ensure that land uses develop
in accordance with the Land Use Plan
and Zoning Code in an effort to attain
land use compatibility.
Consistent. The Project would be consistent
with the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code
after approval of the requested entitlements
related to the General Plan Amendment and
Specific Plan Amendment. As discussed above,
the Project would amend the land use
designation from Regional Commercial to Mixed-
Use Medium for DA 5 to allow for residential
uses. The Specific Plan Amendment would
amend the current Specific Plan to allow for
mixed-use land uses in DA 5 and would include
other clarifying text amendments related to
signage, permitted uses, and development
standards. The Specific Plan Amendment would
be consistent with the goals and policies
outlined in the City’s General Plan. Furthermore,
the Specific Plan would have zoning controls
such as development standards and design
guidelines that would help facilitate the
residential development. The Project would be
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
designed and developed to maintain land use
compatibility with the existing surrounding area.
Therefore, the Project would be consistent with
the Land Use Plan and Zoning Code after
entitlement approvals and is therefore
consistent with Goal 4.1 and Policy 1.
Policy 2: Promote compatible
development through adherence to
Community Design Element policies and
guidelines.
Consistent. The Project includes development
standards and a set of design guidelines in the
Specific Plan Amendment that implement the
Community Design Element of the General Plan.
Standards include building height, building
setbacks, floor area ratio, open space, signage,
façade designs, and building materials.
Therefore, the Project would be compatible with
the surrounding area through adherence to
Community Design Element policies and
guidelines and is consistent with Goal 4.1 and
Policy 2.
Policy 3: Ensure that developers
consider and address project impacts
upon surrounding neighborhoods during
the design and development process.
Consistent. The Specific Plan is located within
the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone. The Project
would not impact any specimen trees as defined
under AMC Section 18.18.040. Further, the
Project has been designed with a contemporary
architectural style that is similar to and
compatible with the existing character of the
surrounding area. The Project’s outdoor parking
area lighting would be subject to compliance
with AMC Sections 18.42.090.030.0301 and
18.42.090.030.302, which require a minimum
lighting measurement of one foot-candle with a
minimum 15:1 uniformity ratio and mandate that
light be arranged to reflect the light away from
adjoining residential premises and prevent
lighting from exceeding 12 feet in height. In
addition, the City’s Planning and Building
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Department would review any proposed lighting
to ensure conformance with the California
Building Code, Title 24 (California Code of
Regulations), as well as the California Green
Building Standard Code (Part 11 of Title 24,
California Code of Regulations), such that only
the minimum amount of lighting is used, and no
light spillage occurs. Therefore, the Project has
considered and addressed impacts on
surrounding neighborhoods and is consistent
with Goal 4.1 and Policy 3.
Policy 4: Require new or expanded uses
to provide mitigation or buffers between
existing uses where potential adverse
impacts could occur
Consistent. The Project site currently includes a
mix of different commercial, retail, and
residential uses. Project implementation would
introduce residential uses to DA 5, which would
be compatible with the existing residential uses
on the Project site. Further, the Project has been
designed to minimize impacts to surrounding
uses through appropriate setbacks and
landscaped areas, which provide enhanced
screening and privacy. Therefore, the Project
would be compatible with the existing uses on
the Project site and is consistent with Goal 4.1
and Policy 4.
Policy 6: Require landscape and/or open
space buffers to maintain a natural edge
for proposed private development
directly adjacent to natural, public open
space areas.
Consistent. Deer Canyon Park Preserve is
located west of the Project site and is designated
as Open Space (OS). However, DA 5 is located
directly adjacent to the existing senior
apartments located south of Festival Drive within
DA 4, which serves as a buffer between DA 5 and
Deer Canyon Park Preserve. Therefore, the
Project would not require landscape and/or open
space buffers to maintain a natural edge directly
adjacent to public open space areas, and the
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Project would be consistent with Goal 4.1 and
Policy 6.
Goal 5.1: Create and enhance dynamic, identifiable places for the benefit of Anaheim residents, employees, and visitors.
Policy 4: Promote development that is
efficient, pedestrian-friendly, and served
by a variety of transportation options.
Consistent. As further discussed in Section 2.0:
Project Description, the Project site is accessible
by personal vehicle and by rideshare via South
Festival Drive and Santa Ana Canyon Road. The
Project would include pedestrian facilities to
connect the residential development in DA 5 to
other portions of the Anaheim Hills Festival
Shopping Center. A pedestrian corridor linking
the commercial land uses within DA 2 and the
proposed multiple-family development in DA 5 is
proposed at the northwest corner of DA 5.
Additional pedestrian connectivity is provided
along the proposed residential building’s
perimeter and Festival Drive. The existing
sidewalks would be enhanced and modified with
new landscaping. Further, as discussed in
Section 4.17, Transportation, there are Class II
bicycle lanes on Santa Ana Canyon Road north of
the Project site, and public transit service would
continue to be provided by the Orange County
Transportation Authority. Therefore, the Project
would place development that is efficient,
pedestrian-friendly, and served by transportation
options, and is consistent with Goal 5.1 and
Policy 4.
Goal 7.1: Address the jobs-housing relationship by developing housing near job centers and transportation facilities.
Policy 2: Develop housing that
addresses the needs of the City’s diverse
employment base.
Consistent. The Project would include 447
multiple-family dwelling units, helping to
increase housing availability in the City. Further,
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
of the 447 proposed units, 45 units would be
designated as affordable housing for moderate-
income levels, which would further the City’s
Goal 7.1 and Policy 2 to develop housing that
addresses the needs of the City’s diverse
employment base.
Goal 6.1: Enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in Anaheim through strategic infill development and revitalization of existing development Policy 5: Maintain on-going relationships
with businesses, property owners and
residents to facilitate quality infill
development.
Consistent. The City and the Applicant have
participated in community meetings to solicit
input and feedback on the Project. The City
conducted a scoping meeting during the Notice
of Preparation to request input regarding the
scope and content of the environmental
information that should be analyzed as part of
the DEIR. Nearby property owners and residents
were informed of the Scoping Meeting for the
Project and were provided opportunities to
engage with the Project. Therefore, the Project
would be consistent with Goal 6.1 and Policy 5.
(Community Policy Area – The Hill and Canyon Area)
Goal 8.1: Preserve natural, scenic and recreational resources; continue to ensure residential neighborhoods are safe, well-maintained, places to live; and continue to provide necessary community services and facilities.
Policy 1: Encourage the preservation of
scenic vistas and views through Green
Element Policies and Zoning Code
development standards.
Consistent. The General Plan identifies major
scenic features in the City, including the
Anaheim Hills and Canyon Area in the City’s
eastern part. The Project site is located within
the Anaheim Hills neighborhood and has distant
views of the Anaheim Hills to the east and south.
The proposed development area also contains
distant views of the Anaheim Hills to the east and
southeast; however, views are obstructed by the
existing retail land uses, mature ornamental
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
landscaping and trees, and engineered slopes to
the south. Under existing conditions, views of
scenic vistas are limited due to intervening
development and land uses. Project
implementation would demolish the existing
movie theater and develop a multiple-family
residential development, which would have a
maximum height of 57 feet. Under Project
implementation, views of the Anaheim Hills from
these units would be obstructed. However, these
views are not protected views of the public, and
the Project would be developed consistent with
the City’s permitted building regulations (e.g.,
Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone and Specific Plan
Development Standards) that govern scenic
quality, such as height, massing, and setback,
and impacts would not be considered potentially
significant. Therefore, the Project would be
consistent with Policy 1.
Policy 3: Provide adequate passive and
active park and recreational resources
through the goals and policies of the
Green Element.
Consistent. DA 5 would provide a mix of open
spaces and landscaped areas that would be
accessible to residents of the mixed-use
community and to the public. The parks and
plaza areas planned for DA 5 are illustrated in
Figure 3-3, DA 2 and DA 5 Plaza and Park Plan
within the Specific Plan. Therefore, the Project
would provide adequate passive and active park
and recreation resources and is consistent with
Goal 8.1 and Policy 3.
Policy 4: Ensure quality development
through the policies and guidelines of the
Community Design Element and Zoning
Code development standards.
Consistent: As discussed above, the Project
would be consistent with the policies and
guidelines of the Community Design Element.
Further, the Specific Plan includes detailed
development standards and a set of design
guidelines that implement the Community
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Design Element of the General Plan. The Specific
Plan’s amended development standards would
be integrated into the City’s Zoning Code upon
Project approval. Therefore, the Project would
ensure quality development through the policies
and guidelines of the Community Design
Element and Zoning Code development
standards and is consistent with Goal 8.1 and
Policy 4.
Goal 9.1: Establish and maintain a uniquely identifiable well-balanced community that is an attractive and safe place to live, work, visit, learn and retire, supported by quality, family-oriented neighborhoods and businesses.
Policy 5: Maintain and enforce
development standards and Community
Design Element policies and guidelines
that promote high quality development.
Consistent: See response to Community Design
Element, Goal 4.1.
Circulation Element
Goal 1.1: Provide a comprehensive multimodal transportation system that facilitates current and long-term circulation of people and goods in and through the City.
Policy 3: Require that major new
development proposals include traffic
analysis that identify measures and
financing to mitigate traffic impacts.
Consistent. Consistent with these policies, a
Traffic Impact Analysis report has been prepared
for the Project to evaluate the potential
circulation system deficiencies that may result
from the development of the Project and, where
necessary, recommends improvements to
achieve acceptable operations consistent with
General Plan level of service goals and policies;
see Appendix 4.17-1. The traffic study has been
prepared in accordance with the City of
Anaheim’s Criteria for Preparation of Traffic
Impact Studies and consultation with City staff
during the traffic study scoping process. The
Policy 6: Ensure the provision of needed
transportation improvements through
the site plan and environmental review
process.
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Project would construct a new driveway
(Driveway 2) on Festival Drive and would install a
stop control on the southbound approach and a
shared left-right turn lane. Further, the Project
would include improvements to curb-and-gutter,
sidewalks, and landscape along the frontage as
necessary, and accommodating improvements
to facilitate site access at the driveways. The
Project would also be required to pay fair share
fees and to participate in pre-existing fee
programs consistent with the City’s
requirements. Therefore, the Project would be
consistent with Goal 1.1, Policy 3, and Policy 6.
Goal 2.1 Maintain efficient traffic operations on City streets and maintain a peak hour level of service not worse than D at street intersections.
Policy 3: Install new warranted signals as
funding permits, with minimum preferred
spacing of 1,000 feet apart.
Consistent. Consistent with Goal 2.2, the
Project’s Traffic Impact Analysis report included
a level of service analysis for 12 roadway
segments that were selected in consultation with
City Staff. As shown in Appendix 4.17-1, Table 5-
2, Santa Ana Canyon Road, from Imperial
Highway to Anaheim Hills Road, is anticipated to
operate at an unacceptable LOS based on the
daily roadway capacity thresholds and minimum
LOS criteria under General Plan Buildout With
Project traffic conditions. The high volume of
through vehicles is attributable to vehicles
bypassing the SR-91 Freeway when the SR-91 is
congested. At the City’s request, a peak hour
roadway segment analysis was conducted for
this roadway segment to determine if there is a
Project impact. As shown in Appendix 4.17-1,
Table 5-4, the roadway segment is anticipated to
operate at an acceptable LOS based on the peak
hour roadway capacity thresholds and minimum
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
LOS criteria. As such, the Project would not
cause a peak hour LOS worse than D at street
intersections. Further, consistent with Policy 3,
the Traffic Impact Analysis included a traffic
signal warrant analysis, which concluded that
there are no unsignalized study area
intersections anticipated to meet a traffic signal
warrant under both General Plan Buildout
Without Project and With Project traffic
conditions. Therefore, the Project would not
conflict with Policy 3.
Goal 2.2: Provide a safe circulation system.
Policy 1: Promote the principle that
streets have multiple uses and users and
protect the safety of all users.
Consistent: As discussed in Section 4.17,
Transportation, and in Section 3.3: Circulation
Plan of the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan,
the roadway system for the Anaheim Hills
Festival Development Plan is consistent with the
Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan.
The Circulation Plan (Figure 3-13, Circulation
Plan in the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan)
sets forth the general alignments and widths of
roadways within and adjacent to the Specific
Plan area. Further, the Project would include the
construction of sidewalks, planting of canopy
street trees, sitting areas, and clearly defined
pedestrian routes. The Project includes a mixed-
use residential community with pedestrian-
oriented streetscapes to ensure a pedestrian-
friendly design. Therefore, the Project would
promote the principle that streets have multiple
uses and users, protect the safety of all users,
and be consistent with Goal 2.2 and Policy 1.
Policy 2: Discourage high speed, through
traffic on local streets with appropriate
traffic calming measures (e.g., traffic
Consistent. As detailed in the Specific Plan and
described further in Section 2.0, Project
Description, the Project would include the
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
enforcement, bulb-outs, lane striping,
chokers, etc.)
installation of new internal streets that would not
permit high speeds by vehicles. Through traffic is
not anticipated to be an issue for the Project,
given its location, and as the Project’s streets
would not provide any time savings between
routes. See Section 4.17, Transportation, for
additional information and analysis in this
regard.
Policy 5: Minimize disruptions to traffic
and pedestrian/bicycle flow.
Consistent. Project construction would result in
a temporary increase in traffic on local roadways
related to construction employees, material
deliveries, and haul trucks when compared to
existing conditions. Project construction may
require temporary lane closures for utility
hookups and the loading of large equipment.
However, no full lane closures are anticipated,
and any closures would be temporary and done
in coordination with the City. To minimize
potential effects on local circulation and
emergency response times, a Construction
Management Plan would be developed during
the final design and implemented during
construction, which shall specify the methods by
which traffic would be maintained along
surrounding roadways throughout the Project’s
construction process. During Project operation,
the Project’s residents and visitors would cause
additional vehicular traffic and delays on local
roadways when compared to conditions without
the Project. However, this additional traffic would
not result in any effects requiring mitigation
based on the City’s thresholds. The Project,
which consists primarily of new residential
development, would not impact any existing or
future bikeways or pedestrian facilities.
Therefore, the Project would minimize
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
disruptions to traffic and pedestrian/bicycle flow
and is consistent with Policy 5.
Policy 7: Implement street design
features that discourage through traffic
intrusion on residential streets.
Consistent. As detailed in the Specific Plan and
described further in Section 2.0, the Project
would provide adequate access from three
driveways along Festival Drive. Also, through
traffic is not anticipated to utilize the roads in the
Project site, given its location, and because the
roads within the Project site would not provide
any time savings.
Policy 10: Provide adequate sight
distances for safe vehicular movement
on roadways, at intersections, and at
driveways.
Consistent. Site distance has been incorporated
into the Project’s design, and as part of the
development review process, each access point
would be reviewed with respect to standard
California Department of Transportation and City
of Anaheim sight distance standards at the time
of preparation of final grading, landscape, and
street improvement plans. Therefore, the Project
would provide adequate sight distances for safe
vehicular movement, consistent with Policy 10.
Goal 5.1: Promote bus service and paratransit improvements.
Policy 3: Support transit supportive land
uses in new development.
Consistent. The Project, which would be located
on an infill site within City limits near major
transportation corridors and existing
infrastructure, would support transit by providing
a mix of land uses at a greater density of
development than some nearby properties have
been developed to. The new residents would be
potential users for existing and future transit
routes near the Project site. The closest OCTA
transit routes (Route 30 and 38) run north of SR-
91, with the nearest bus stop located at Imperial
Highway and La Palma Avenue. Therefore, the
Project would be consistent with Policy 3.
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Goal 8.1: Protect and encourage pedestrian travel.
Policy 1: Encourage and improve
pedestrian facilities that link
development to the circulation network
and that serve as a transition between
other modes of travel.
Consistent. The Project would include
pedestrian facilities to connect the residential
development to other portions of DA 5 and the
Anaheim Hills Festival Shopping Center. A
pedestrian corridor linking the commercial land
uses within DA 2 and the Project site is located at
the northwest corner. The corridor would include
decorative sidewalks and pavement, a small
plaza with seating and water features, and
landscaping. Additional pedestrian connectivity
is provided along the residential building
perimeter and Festival Drive. Sidewalks are
proposed along Festival Drive. Therefore, the
Project provides for pedestrian connections to
the surrounding area and is consistent with Goal
8.1 and Policies 1 and 2.
Policy 2: Improve pedestrian and bicycle
connections from residential
neighborhoods to retail activity centers,
employment centers, schools, parks,
open space areas, and community
centers.
Policy 6: When appropriate, walkways
should include pedestrian amenities
such as shade trees and/or plantings,
trash bins, benches, shelters, and
directional kiosks.
Consistent. The Project includes enhanced
pedestrian paving and ornamental landscaping
at the pedestrian connection between DA 2 and
DA 5. A proposed tree-lined walkway would
provide ample shade to the pedestrian-focused
environment. Further, benches and bike racks
are proposed at various locations within the
Project site. Therefore, the Project is consistent
with Goal 9.1 and Policy 6.
Policy 7: Ensure that streets and
intersections are designed to provide
visibility and safety for pedestrians.
Consistent. The Specific Plan Amendment
includes design guidelines and development
standards, which regulate the design of vehicle
entrances, driveways, parking, service areas,
pedestrian entrances, walkways, and lighting.
The Project would not include any incompatible
land uses or design features that would create
pedestrian hazards. Therefore, the Project would
ensure that streets and intersections are
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
designed to provide visibility and safety for
pedestrians and are consistent with Goal 9.1 and
Policy 7.
Goal 12.1: Ensure adequate parking is made available to City residents, visitors, and businesses.
Policy 1: Assess the adequacy of existing
or proposed on- and off-street parking as
needed, especially in urban and
commercial areas, to ensure that an
adequate supply of parking is provided.
Consistent. A Parking Demand Study was
prepared for the proposed mixed-use
development within DA 5. The Parking Demand
Study determined that the Project would provide
adequate parking for the proposed mix of uses.
Therefore, the Project has assessed the
adequacy of the proposed parking to ensure that
an adequate supply of parking is provided and is
consistent with Goal 12.1 and Policy 1.
Policy 5: Encourage the use of well-
designed, aesthetically enhancing
parking structures as an alternative to
large, expanses surface parking lots.
Consistent. As detailed in the Specific Plan and
described further in Section 2.0, Project
Description, the Project would include a well-
designed, aesthetically enhanced wrapped five-
level parking structure with one subterranean
parking level for the proposed multiple-family
residential development. Therefore, the Project
would be consistent with Policy 5.
Green Element
Goal 7.1: Reduce urban run-off from new and existing development Policy 1: Ensure compliance with the
Federal Clean Water Act requirements
for National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permits,
including developing and requiring the
development of Water Quality
Management Plans for all new
development and significant
redevelopment in the City.
Consistent. The Project would not involve the
alteration of a waterway. The Project would
comply with the NPDES General Construction
Permit and, through the preparation of a SWPPP ,
would minimize potential runoff impacts. This
would ensure that the runoff water volume would
not exceed the existing capacity of the
stormwater drainage system. The Project would
also provide various nonstructural and structural
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
source-control BMPs, as described in the
Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan
(PWQMP). Therefore, the Project would be
consistent with Goal 7.1 and Policies 1, 2, and 4.
Policy 2: Continue to implement an
urban runoff reduction program
consistent with regional and federal
requirements, which includes requiring
and encouraging the following:
• Increase permeable areas and install
filtration controls (including grass lined
swales and gravel beds) and divert flow
to these permeable areas to allow more
percolation of runoff into the ground;
• Use natural drainage, detention ponds,
or infiltration pits to collect runoff; and,
• Prevent rainfall from entering material
and waste storage areas and pollution-
laden surfaces.
Refer to the response under Goal 7.1, Policy 1
above.
Policy 4: Require new development and
significant redevelopment to utilize site
preparation, grading, and best
management practices that provide
erosion and sediment control to prevent
construction-related contaminants from
leaving the site and polluting waterways.
Refer to the response under Goal 7.1 Policy 1
above.
Goal 9.1: Reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Policy 3: Encourage use of vanpools and
carpools by providing priority parking
through the project design process.
Consistent. Consistent with this policy, the
Project would include priority parking for
vanpools and carpools.
Goal 11.1: Encourage land planning and urban design that support alternatives to the private automobile, such as mixed-use, provision of pedestrian amenities, and transit-oriented development.
Policy 3: Encourage retail commercial
uses in or near residential areas and
employment centers to lessen vehicle
trips.
Consistent. As further described in Section 2.0,
Project Description, the Project would create a
new DA within the existing Specific Plan
boundaries to allow for the development of
residential uses mixed in with the existing
commercial development. Therefore, the Project
would be consistent with Policy 3 and would
place residential uses near retail commercial,
which would lessen vehicle trips between the
two uses.
Goal 15.2: Continue to encourage site design practices that reduce and conserve energy.
Policy 1: Encourage increased use of
passive and active solar design in
existing and new development (e.g.,
orienting buildings to maximize exposure
to cooling effects of prevailing winds and
locating landscaping and landscape
structures to shade buildings).
Consistent. The Project would require energy
during construction and operations. The Project
would be required to reduce and conserve
energy through compliance with the applicable
State of California’s Title 24 Building Standards
and CALGreen Code Standards and other
applicable laws and regulations. For example,
the latest building standards incorporate the
CEC’s building energy efficiency standards,
which would reduce energy consumption
compared to buildings constructed under older
building standards. The Project would also be
required to include renewable energy generation
and electric vehicle charging infrastructure,
which is more energy efficient than gasoline or
diesel-fueled passenger vehicles. Because the
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Project complies with the latest energy efficiency
standards, the Project would not conflict with or
obstruct a State or local plan for renewable
energy or energy efficiency. Therefore, the Project
would be consistent with Policy 1.
Growth Management Element
Goal 1.1: Provide a balance of housing options and job opportunities throughout the City
Policy 3: Ensure a balance of retail,
office, industrial, and residential land
uses to enhance the economic base of
the City when considering land use
changes.
Consistent. The proposed multiple-family
development would be developed adjacent to
commercial uses, which would enhance the
City’s economic tax base through property tax
and sales tax revenue. Therefore, the Project
would be consistent with Policy 3.
Goal 1.4: Develop land use strategies and incentives to reduce the amount of vehicle miles traveled within the City.
Policy 1: Promote the location of housing
near and/or within employment centers
to enable shorter commutes and
encourage transit-oriented, home-to-
work mobility.
Consistent. As described in the Specific Plan,
the vision for Anaheim Hills Festival is to create a
mixed-use center within the City that offers a mix
of residential, commercial, and open spaces.
The Specific Plan’s objectives include
contributing to the balance of land uses within
the City by providing residential opportunities in
a mixed-use setting to help fulfill a portion of the
City’s housing requirements and provide
employment opportunities, including
retailing/financial/business services, offices,
lodging, and entertainment. The Project would
create a new DA within the existing Specific Plan
boundaries to allow for the development of
residential uses mixed in with the existing
commercial development. Therefore, the Project
would promote the location of housing near
employment centers to enable shorter
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
commutes and encourage transit-oriented,
home-to-work mobility.
Policy 2: Encourage higher density
and/or mixed-use development along
major transit corridors and/or at transit
stops.
Consistent. The Project would be consistent
with this policy by increasing the City’s housing
inventory and providing new housing
opportunities for existing and future residents of
the City in a mixed-use setting near a major
transportation corridor with transit access.
Goal 2.2: Evaluate the traffic-related impacts of proposed developments and/or intensification of existing land uses and address said impacts.
Policy 1: Continue to review
development projects to ensure traffic-
related impacts are addressed properly.
Consistent. Consistent with these policies, a
Traffic Impact Analysis report was prepared for
the Project.
Policy 4: Prior to issuing building permits
for new development forecast to
generate 100 or more peak hour (morning
or evening) trip ends, require traffic
impact analyses be completed that
identify arterial and intersection
improvements that may potentially be
needed to provide not worse than LOS E
along Interstates/State Routes/Smart
Streets (unless current operation is LOS
F), and not worse than LOS D along the
balance of the arterials on the City’s
Circulation Element that are measurably
impacted by the new development and
are under the City’s jurisdiction.
Policy 5: Require development projects
that exceed LOS standards beyond
acceptable levels to provide necessary
improvements and/or funding to mitigate
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
said impacts, if determined necessary by
the City.
Community Design Element
Goal 4.1: Multiple-family housing is attractively designed and scaled to complement the neighborhood and provides visual interest through varied architectural detailing.
Policy 1: Reduce the visual impact of
large-scale, multiple-family buildings by
requiring articulated entry features, such
as attractive porches, and detailed
facade treatments, which create visual
interest and give each unit more
personalized design.
Consistent. The Project would incorporate a
contemporary Mediterranean architectural style,
a variety of rooflines, wall articulation, balconies,
window treatments, and varied colors and
building materials on all elevations. Therefore,
the Project would reduce the visual impact of the
proposed multiple-family development by
creating visual interest, and is consistent with
Goal 4.1 Policies 1 and 2. Policy 2: Discourage visually monotonous, multiple-family residences
by incorporating different architectural
styles, a variety of rooflines, wall
articulation, balconies, window
treatments, and varied colors and
building materials on all elevations.
Policy 4: Reduce the visual impact of
parking areas by utilizing interior
courtyard garages, parking structures,
subterranean lots, or tuck-under, alley-
loaded designs.
Consistent. The proposed multiple-family
residential community would consist of a four-
story building wrapped around a five-level
parking structure with one subterranean level.
The visibility of perimeter parking areas would be
screened from Santa Ana Canyon Road by
landscaping and berms. Therefore, the Project
would reduce the visual impact of parking areas
and is consistent with Goal 4.1 and Policy 4.
Policy 6: Provide usable common open
space amenities. Common open space
should be centrally located and contain
amenities such as seating, shade, and
play equipment. Private open space may
Consistent. The Project proposes to include
88,828 square feet of outdoor common open
space and 8,899 square feet of indoor common
open space. Outdoor common open space
would be accessible to residents and guests only
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
include courtyards, balconies, patios,
terraces, and enclosed play areas.
and is proposed to include two pool courtyards,
two courtyards, a park, and a public dog park.
Indoor common open space is proposed to
include two clubhouses, a fitness center, a
fitness mezzanine, a co-working area, and an
Uber lounge. In addition, the Project includes
5,912 square feet of private open space (i.e.,
balconies). Therefore, the Project would provide
common and private open space amenities
consistent with Goal 4.1 and Policy 6.
Goal 11.1: Architecture in Anaheim has diversity and creativity of design and is consistent with the immediate surroundings.
Policy 1: In areas of diverse character,
encourage project design that represents
architectural elements of the
neighborhood or surrounding
commercial areas.
Consistent. The Project would be designed with
a contemporary Mediterranean architecture style
with various building materials. The Project
would include various elements such as varied
roof heights and architectural façade treatments
to prevent building massing. The proposed
design and architecture would be consistent with
the surrounding areas and with Goal 11.1 and
Policy 1.
Policy 2: Encourage architectural
designs that are visually stimulating and
varied, yet tasteful, containing rich
contrasts and distinctive architectural
elements
Consistent. The Project would incorporate a
contemporary Mediterranean architectural style,
a variety of rooflines, wall articulation, balconies,
window treatments, and varied colors and
building materials on all elevations. Therefore,
the Project would encourage architectural
designs that are visually stimulating and varied
and is consistent with Goal 11.1 and Policy 2.
Policy 3: Ensure that the scale,
materials, style, and massing of new
development is consistent with its
surroundings and any larger vision for an
area
Consistent. The Specific Plan Amendment
would include design and guiding principles
under Section 4: Design Guidelines of the
Specific Plan. The Specific Plan Amendment
would include design guidelines that aim to
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
achieve a consistent and compatible
development with the existing surrounding area.
Building height, material choice, and
architectural elements are included in the design
guidelines.
Policy 5: Encourage energy and
environmental efficiency – such as
“Green Development Standards” (see
Green Element) – in the design and
approval of new projects.
Consistent. The Project would incorporate green
building materials that would reduce energy and
resource consumption and would promote long-
lasting development. Window technologies,
such as tinting or insulated daylighting panels,
would decrease the energy costs associated with
cooling buildings during most of the year, and
water-conserving appliances would be used.
Therefore, the Project encourages energy and
environmental efficiency in the design and
approval of new projects and is consistent with
Goal 11.1 and Policy 5.
Goal 21.1: Preserve the Hill and Canyon Area’s sensitive hillside environment and the community’s unique identity.
Policy 1: Reinforce the natural
environment of the area through
appropriate landscaping and the
preservation of open space.
Consistent. As discussed in detail in the Specific
Plan and in Section 2.0, Project Description, the
Project proposes 103,639 square feet of private
recreation-leisure area throughout the proposed
development. Further, as shown in Figure 2-7,
Conceptual Landscape Plan, the Project would
include a tree grove lining the enhanced
vehicular and pedestrian paved roadway and a
central water feature. A mix of different tree
species and palm trees is proposed, along with
shrubs and ground cover throughout the
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
development area. Therefore, the Project would
incorporate appropriate landscaping and provide
open space consistent with Policy 1.
Policy 2: Require compliance with the
Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone to
reinforce quality development standards
and guidelines compatible with the
hillside area.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 4.1,
Aesthetics, the Project would comply with the
City’s Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone
requirements and is therefore consistent with
Policy 2.
Policy 4: Encourage the siting of housing
development below the existing
ridgelines to preserve unimpeded views
of existing natural contours.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 4.1, the
proposed Project would be developed consistent
with the City’s permitted building regulations and
the scenic corridor overlay development
standards under Anaheim Municipal Code
Section 18.18.070 that govern scenic quality,
such as height, massing, and setbacks.
Policy 5: Use grading techniques that
incorporate rounded slopes or curved
contours to minimize disturbance to the
site and to blend with the existing
topography.
Consistent. In accordance with Policy 5, the
Project’s grading plan incorporates grading
techniques to minimize disturbance to the site
and to blend with the existing topography.
Policy 6: Where grading has occurred,
revegetate primarily with drought-
tolerant native species to control erosion
and create a more environmentally
sound condition.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 4.7,
Geology and Soils, during construction, the
Project would be required to comply with erosion
and siltation control measures outlined in
Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 17.04,
Grading, Excavation, Fills, and Watercourses.
Additionally, the Project would be subject to
compliance with the NPDES General Permit for
Stormwater Discharges Associated with
Construction and Land Disturbance Activities,
which includes erosion-control and sediment-
control BMPs. Landscaping would also be
required to comply with the City’s Guidelines for
Implementation of the City of Anaheim
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Landscape Water Efficiency Ordinance. See
Sections 4.7 and 4.10 for additional information
and analysis in this regard.
Public Services and Facilities Element
Goal 3.1: Generate electricity in a manner that is reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Policy 2: Ensure that adequate electricity
capacity exists for planned development.
Consistent. The Project’s electricity demands
during construction and operations were
calculated as part of the Project’s overall energy
analysis within Section 4.6, Energy, of this Draft
EIR. The Project would be required to ensure
adequate electricity capacity to serve its
proposed uses. Therefore, the Project would be
consistent with Policy 2.
Goal 5.1: Provide a safe and effective sewer system that meets the needs of the City’s residents, businesses, and visitors.
Policy 1: Ensure that appropriate sewer
system mitigation measures are
identified and implemented in
conjunction with new development
based on the recommendations of prior
sewer studies and/or future sewer
studies that may be required by the City
Engineer.
Consistent. Consistent with this policy, a sewer
study specific to the proposed Project was
conducted to evaluate the future sewer demand
and identify infrastructure improvements as
needed as a result of Project implementation.
The sewer analysis concluded that the additional
sewer demand from the proposed Project, under
all study scenarios, would not create hydraulic
deficiencies in downstream sewer pipes. No
mitigation measures are required. Therefore, the
Project would be consistent with Policy 1.
Goal 6.1: Maintain a storm drain system that will adequately protect and enhance the health, safety and general welfare of residents, visitors, employees, and their property.
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
Policy 3: Minimize the amount of
impervious surfaces in conjunction with
new development.
Consistent. As described further in Section
4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality, the Project
would not increase the amount of impervious
surfaces within the Project site. Therefore, the
Project would be consistent with this Policy.
Goal 7.1: Minimize, recycle and dispose of solid and hazardous waste in an efficient and environmentally sound manner.
Policy 2: Reduce the volume of material
sent to solid waste sites in accordance
with State law by continuing source
reduction and recycling programs and by
ensuring the participation of all residents
and businesses.
Consistent. Projects requiring any building,
construction, or demolition permits must comply
with all applicable laws and regulations,
including, without limitation, AB 939, SB 1016,
and the CALGreen Code. Diversion through
reuse, recycling, and/or composting of
construction and demolition materials at City-
approved facilities or by Republic Services can
achieve compliance. To meet these demands,
the Project would be required to meet
CALGreen’s Construction and Demolition (C&D)
recycling requirement, which requires that all
new construction projects divert at least 65
percent of the construction materials generated
during the project. During the operation of the
Project, the Project would include recycling
collection points for residents and employees to
accommodate the solid waste generated during
Project operation. See Section 4.19, Utilities
and Service Systems, for additional information
and analysis.
Goal 10.1: Improve the City’s appearance by mitigating the visual impacts of utility equipment and facilities.
Policy 2: Use a combination of
architectural enhancements, equipment
undergrounding, screen walls and
landscaping to reduce or eliminate
Consistent. As detailed in the Specific Plan, all
roof-mounted mechanical or utility equipment
shall be screened from views at the pedestrian
level with architectural features that seamlessly
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
visibility of utility equipment and
facilities, whenever feasible.
integrate with the rest of the building design.
Therefore, the Project would be consistent with
Policy 2.
Safety Element
Goal 1.1: A community prepared and responsive to seismic and geologic hazards.
Policy 2: Minimize the risk to life and
property through the identification of
potentially hazardous geologic areas.
Consistent. A Geotechnical Report was
prepared for the Project to document the
environmental setting for the Project site and
identify design-related recommendations. As
described in Section 4.7, Geology and Soils, the
Project Site has been evaluated for geologic
issues, including seismicity, expansion,
landslides, liquefaction, etc., and the Project has
been determined to be geotechnically feasible by
the Project’s geotechnical engineer following
compliance with the recommendations outlined
in the Geotechnical Report, which is required as
MM GEO-1. The Geotechnical Report did not
identify any evidence of ancient landslides or
slope instabilities at the Project site and
concluded that the potential for landslides to
occur on the Project site is negligible.
Policy 3: Require geologic and
geotechnical investigations in areas of
potential seismic or geologic hazards as
part of the environmental and/or
development review process for all
structures.
Policy 4: Enforce structural setbacks
from faults and other geologic hazards
identified during the development review
process.
Policy 5: Enforce the requirements of
the California Seismic Hazards Mapping
and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Acts when siting, evaluating, and
constructing projects within the City.
Policy 6: Require that engineered slopes
be designed to resist earthquake-
induced failure.
Policy 9: Require new construction,
redevelopment, and major remodels
located within potential landslide areas
be evaluated for site stability, including
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
the potential impact to other properties,
during project design and review.
Goal 2.1: A community protected and prepared for urban and wildland fires.
Policy 2: Effectively enforce City and
State regulations within the VHFHSZ and
incorporate new techniques and best
practices as they become available to
reduce future risks to existing and new
developments.
Consistent. As further discussed in Section 4.9,
Hazards and Hazardous Materials, according to
the 2025 CALFIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
for Orange County, of the 16.2-acre development
area, approximately 8.26 acres are within a
VHFHSZ, and 2.17 acres on the eastern portion
of the site are designated as a High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone. The Project would be required to
adhere to all applicable laws and regulations as
well as plans and programs, including those set
forth in the Building, Fire and CALGreen Codes,
the General Plan, the Municipal Code, the City’s
Emergency Operations Plan, the Be Ready
Anaheim Plan, and the City’s Know Your Way
initiative. The 2022 California Fire Code includes
regulations regarding fire-resistance-rated
construction, fire protection systems such as
alarm and sprinkler systems, fire services
features such as fire apparatus roads, means of
egress, fire safety during construction and
demolition, and wildland-urban interface areas,
which the Project complies with. See Sections
4.9 and 4.20 for additional analysis concerning
wildfire and evacuation.
Policy 4: Minimize urban and wildland
fire exposure for residents, business
owners, and visitors by incorporating Fire
Safe Design into existing and new
developments.
Goal 7.1: A city that can effectively respond and evacuate during hazard events.
Policy 9: Ensure all new development
and redevelopment projects provide
adequate ingress/egress for emergency
access and evaluation.
Consistent. As part of the development review
process, Anaheim Fire & Rescue would review
the proposed site plan to ensure emergency
access is adequate. Further, the Project would be
required to adhere to all applicable laws and
regulations as well as plans and programs,
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
including those set forth in the Building, Fire and
CALGreen Codes, the General Plan, the
Municipal Code, the City’s Emergency
Operations Plan, the Be Ready Anaheim Plan,
and the City’s Know Your Way initiative. See
Sections 4.9 and 4.20 for additional information
and analysis in this regard.
Noise Element
Goal 1.1: Protect sensitive land uses from excessive noise through diligent planning and regulation.
Policy 2: Continue to enforce acceptable
noise standards consistent with health
and quality of life goals and employ
effective techniques of noise abatement
through such means as a noise
ordinance, building codes and
subdivision and zoning regulations.
Consistent. As described in detail in Section
4.13, Noise, the Project would comply with the
applicable provisions of the City’s noise
ordinance, building codes, and subdivision and
zoning regulations and would not exceed the
City’s established acceptable noise standards.
Therefore, the Project would be consistent with
Policy 2.
Policy 3: Consider the compatibility of
proposed land uses with the noise
environment when preparing, revising or
reviewing development proposals.
Consistent. As described in detail in Section
4.13, Noise, the noise level increases resulting
from the Project were evaluated based on the
State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G at the closest
sensitive receiver locations. Under CEQA,
consideration must be given to the magnitude of
the increase, the existing baseline ambient noise
levels, and the location of noise-sensitive
receivers to determine if a noise increase
represents a significant adverse environmental
impact. As concluded in Section 4.13, the
Project’s construction and operational noise
impacts to nearby sensitive receptors would be
less than significant. Therefore, the Project has
considered the compatibility of the proposed
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
land uses with the surrounding noise
environment, consistent with Policy 3.
Policy 5: Encourage proper site planning
and architecture to reduce noise
impacts.
Consistent. As concluded in Section 4.13,
Noise, as designed, the Project would not result
in any noise impacts. Therefore, the Project is
consistent with Policy 5.
Policy 7: Require that site-specific noise
studies be conducted by a qualified
acoustic consultant utilizing acceptable
methodologies while reviewing the
development of sensitive land uses or
development that has the potential to
impact sensitive land uses.
Consistent. As required by Policy 7, a site-
specific noise study was prepared by Urban
Crossroads, a qualified acoustic consultant, that
utilized acceptable methodologies to evaluate
the potential impact to nearby sensitive land
uses. The noise study is provided as Appendix
4.13-1: Noise Impact Analysis of this Draft EIR.
Therefore, the Project is consistent with Policy 7.
Goal 2.1: Encourage the reduction of noise from transportation-related noise sources such as motor vehicles, aircraft operations, and railroad movements.
Policy 3: Require that development
generating increased traffic and
subsequent increases in the ambient
noise level adjacent to noise-sensitive
land uses provide appropriate mitigation
measures.
Consistent. As discussed above, the Project
would result in temporary construction noise and
operational noise from both mobile and
stationary sources. Noise analyses have been
conducted for the Project, which has determined
that the Project would not result in any significant
noise effects to nearby residences or other
receptors. More information on Project noise
impacts is provided in Section 4.13, Noise.
Goal 3.1: Protect residents from the effects of “spill over” or nuisance noise emanating from the City’s activity centers.
Policy 3: Enforce standards to regulate
noise from construction activities.
Particular emphasis shall be placed on
the restriction of the hours in which work
other than emergency work may occur.
Discourage construction on weekends or
Consistent. As discussed above, the Project
would result in temporary construction noise and
operational noise from both mobile and
stationary sources. Noise analyses have been
conducted for the Project, which has determined
that the Project would not result in any significant
General Plan Policy Project Analysis
holidays except in the case of
construction proximate to schools,
where these operations could disturb the
classroom environment.
noise effects to nearby residences or other
receptors. More information on Project noise
impacts is provided in Section 4.13, Noise.
Policy 4: Require that construction
equipment operate with mufflers and
intake silencers no less effective than
originally equipped.
Policy 5: Encourage the use of portable
noise barriers for heavy equipment
operations performed within 100 feet of
existing residences or make applicant
provide evidence as to why the use of
such barriers is infeasible.