City Council
March 12, 2024
Land Use and Circulation
Study Session
Study session purpose
Give Council an opportunity to shape draft policy
Share update on land use engagement
Land use and circulation are closely related as topics and in state law Lancaster CA street transformation. Photos from CNU
Draft Place Type Map
Areas of Use Change
Draft Place Type Map
Current Land Use
Land Use Engagement
1,300+ postcards
100+ letters to businesses that may become nonconforming Follow-up direct canvassing
Three virtual information sessions
Feedback
Concerns over if the change would directly force anyone to move (no) Current nonconforming use regulations are too strict
Positive comments on increased flexibility
Legal Nonconforming Uses
Current zoning code - Legal non‐conforming businesses can continue to operate normally unless the property owner decides to change the use or if the use stops for more than 180 days, in which case the previous non‐conforming use cannot resume. They cannot expand the nonconforming use.
Draft action LUI-1.6.6: Create a more flexible nonconforming use policy to protect existing businesses in areas transitioning from light-industrial or commercial to a form of mixed use.
Draft Place Types are intended to be more context-sensitive and flexible, to create less nonconforming uses while allowing new ones.
Land Use and Infrastructure Policies
Goal LU-1:- Support a balanced, diverse, and equitable land use pattern that provides a wide range of jobs, housing, recreation, and services.
Policies promoting mixed use and new housing, coordinating investment on underserved corridors, and economic development through land use.
Goal LU-2: Ensure that above- and below-ground infrastructure meets the existing and future community needs.
Policies on maintaining/improving flood, sewer, wastewater systems, and other infrastructure.
Goal LU-3: Support the development and continued evolution of the Salinas Municipal Airport.
Policies encouraging development, safety, and compatibility of the airport.
Circulation recurring themes
Significant road and sidewalk maintenance needs throughout the city.
Safety for all modes of tranport.
Traffic congestion is lowering quality of life.
Need to make it more convenient and safer to use alternative modes of transportation.
Circulation and freight movement is a major infrastructure concern for ag industry, particularly Abbott Street condition and Hwy 101 access.
Circulation Element Background
Transportation vision and policies
Identifies major transportation routes and facilities
Defines roadway classifications and what they should look like
Changes to state law
AB 32 (2006) – Global Warming Solutions Act
SB 743 (2013)
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Change from level of service (LOS) Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) AB 1358 (2008) Complete Streets Act
SB 1000 (2016) Environmental Justice
Bypasses infeasible financially and sustainably
Mitigation costs nearly equal to construction
Outside of current boundaries
Land acquisition costs/additional mitigation for loss of farmland Politically would have to get landowners, County, LAFCO, TAMC, and state on board Environmental harm
Induced demand
Vehicle Miles Traveled Projections
Proposed land use changes help mitigate VMT growth per capita, but we will still have to find ways to bring overall numbers down
2019 vs 2040 Volume to Capacity
VMT Mitigation options
Circulation Element Draft Policies
Goal C-1: Provide and maintain a safe and integrated circulation system that meets the current and future needs of the community for all modes of travel.
Policies to implement Vision Zero and other safety measures, improve congestion and connectivity.
Goal C-2: Create and support sustainable and healthy transportation options that encourage a reduction in single-occupancy vehicle commuting and overall Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
Policies for improving and investing in active transportation and transit and coordinating with regional partners such as MST and TAMC.
Goal C-3: Support the local economy through a circulation system that moves products safely and efficiently.
Policies to support logistics, improve access to 101 and maintenance of truck routes.
2024 Upcoming Engagement and Review
General Plan Open House and Climate Action Plan Webinar in Spring 2024 City Council and Planning Commission study sessions
Draft General Plan early summer, draft EIR and CAP late summer
Questions & Comments