ATTACHMENT 2
Planning Commission
Agenda Report
June 26, 2024
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: John P. Ramirez, AICP, Director of Community Development BY: Gabriel R. Salazar, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-01 to amend various sections of Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) as it relates to Specific Plan Area No. 1 (SPA 1). Environmental: Consider and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). SPA 1 encompasses an area of approximately 20 acres bounded on the west by Norwalk Boulevard and the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5), to the south by the Santa Ana Freeway and Dace Street, to the east by Volunteer Avenue and to the north by Civic Center Drive.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-02 to recommend approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2024-01; and
2. Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), where it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the activity in question may have significant effect of the environment.
AUTHORITY
Section 65855 of the California Government Code states that the Planning Commission shall make a written recommendation on the adoption or amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
Norwalk Planning Commission Page 2
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7 Section 17.02.260.D of the NMC stipulates that the Planning Commission render its recommendation on a Zoning Text Amendment, including the reasons for the recommendation, to the City Council.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The SPA 1 was adopted by Ordinance No. 1267 in 1987, in order to establish objectives, policies, regulations, development standards and review criteria for the implementation of a compatible blend of mutually supporting land uses consisting of a multi-story hotel, a wide array of professional offices and retail commercial uses, complementary commercial entertainment uses and residential condominiums.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The request consists of ZTA No. 2024-01 to amend various sections of Title 17 (Zoning) of the NMC as it relates to Article 1, SPA 1.
The proposed text amendments to SPA 1 will allow for up to two (2) hotels, modify the list of allowable uses to include billboards and other uses, include minor text amendments to include references to wayfinding and building identification signage, remove subsection outlining roles and procedures for the final decision-making authority to streamline the entitlement process and promote economic development.
ANALYSIS
SPA 1 is an area of critical importance to the long-term future of Norwalk due to its location, size, ownership and potential where maximum effort is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities. The proposed project is consistent with the objective of SPA 1 and anticipated to expand development opportunities in the area. The proposed text amendments are necessary in effectuating and facilitating such opportunities by updating the list of uses, allowing for certain signage, and streamlining the entitlement process within SPA 1.
Zoning Text Amendment
The text amendment consists of the following components:
•Allow for a second hotel. Currently, SPA 1 limits the number of hotels to only one. The inclusion of a second hotel provides greater flexibility and allows for additional development opportunities.
•Expand the allowable uses to include, but not limited to: billboards, arcades, bowling alley, entertainment venues, museums, outdoor events, restaurants, lounges and clubs.
Currently, SPA 1 prohibits billboards. The proposed language will allow for a billboard Norwalk Planning Commission Page 3
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7 and include new uses that complement the existing establishments within SPA 1 and will enhance the appeal and attraction of the area for economic development opportunities. •The proposed text amendment will update the list of prohibited uses to remove uses that are outdated or inconsistent with the objective of SPA 1. These uses include: collection agencies, credit services, detective and protective services, manufacturing and commercial services, security and commodity brokers, dealers and exchanges, tax consultation, and telephone answering service.
•Minor text amendments will include references to wayfinding (directional) and building identification signage. Wayfinding and modifications to on premise and off premise wayfinding signage will be allowed through the Director Approval Request (DAR) process. •The proposed text amendment will simplify and streamline the entitlement process by modifying the roles and procedures for final decision-making authority which will further facilitate development.
Public Notification
Notice of this public hearing was published in The Norwalk Patriot and posted at the City’s three designated posting sites and the city website on June 14, 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), where it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the activity in question may have significant effect of the environment.
SUMMARY
The proposed ZTA, which involves modifying SPA 1 and related provisions from the NMC, will allow for a second hotel, allow for a billboard and additional compatible uses, remove outdated uses, delineate an approval process for wayfinding signage and streamline the entitlement approval process to encourage healthy development in a timely manner. SPA 1 is of critical importance to the long-term viability of Norwalk whereby it is critical to continue to facilitate and encourage economic development opportunities in the area. Therefore, Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the project to City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
Norwalk Planning Commission Page 4
Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-01 June 26, 2024
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7 A. Resolution No. 24-02 (Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-01), including Exhibit “A” Draft Ordinance
B. Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-01 Legislative Draft