MEMORANDUM
To:
HonorableMayor, Mayor ProTem, and
Membersof theCity Council Date: November19, 2024
Minh Thai, ExecutiveDirector
From: PlanningandBuilding Agency
Subject:
CITY RESPONSESTO COMMENTS RECEIVED ON APPEAL NO. 2024-01 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2221N. HELIOTROPE DRIVE
Prior to theCity Councilmeetingof Tuesday, November19, 2024, theCity hadreceivedeight commentson AppealNo. 2024-01 for theaccessorystructureproposedat 2221N. Heliotrope Drive. TheCity hasprepareda responseto eachcommentto addressthespecifictopic(s) raised by eachcomment. Noneof thecommentsraiseanynewinformationor bringforwardanynew informationof substancethathasnot alreadybeenaddressedby thestaffreportpreparedfor theCity Council’s considerationof theappeal.
TheCity’s responsesto thesecommentsis includedin this packet, in orderof receiptof comment. Theresponseswill alsobeuploadedto theonlinepacketto form partof theproject record.
Enclosures:
1. PublicCommentsReceived (8), with NumberingAnnotations
2. City Responses
www.santa-ana.org
H- 1
LH-2
LH-3
LH-4
City Responses to Public Comments on APPL No. 2024-01
H- 5
H- 1
JH-2
JH-3
JH-4
JH-5
N- 1
N- 1
MN-2
MN-3
MN-4
T- 1
Z- 1
K- 1
EK-2
EK-3
EK-4
EK-5
EK-6
K- 1
SK-2
SK - 4
SK-3
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
CITYRESPONSETOCOMMENTSRECEIVED
LaurenHartshorne
LH-1:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
Moreover, the useisnot consistentwith the underlyinggeneralplanlandusedesignationof Low- DensityResidential (LR-7).
LH-2:
The installation of the pavilion would not result in any physicalalterations to the historic structure. As such, the building will continue to retain all of its character-defining features.
Moreover, the proposedstructure would not impact any of the view shedsto the Maharajah Housealongany public perspectives. Proposedchanges, which would be confinedto the back yard, alsowould not affectthe historicalintegrityof the FloralParkHistoricDistrictasa whole.
LH-3:
Thepavilionwould be confinedto the backyardandwould not affect the historicalintegrity of the FloralParkHistoricDistrictasawhole. Asproposed, bamboowouldbeplantednearthe north propertylineto obscurethe proposedpavilionfrom viewfrom the publicrights-of-wayon Santa ClaraAvenueand HeliotropeDrive. While the new bamboowould be clearlyvisiblefrom the rights-of-way, its appearancealongsidethe existingwall would be consistentwith the internal setting of the Floral Park Historic District, which is characterizedin part by its variety of landscaping.
In addition, the pavilion and bamboowould be confined to an area correspondingto a very limited portion of the property’s northern frontage, approximately100 linear feet. Becauseof the limited physicalscaleof the changes, the projectwouldbepartiallyvisibleonlyfrom veryfew public vantagepoints, further reducingits visualeffectsto the internal setting of the historic district.
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
LH-4:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
LH-5:
Theapprovalof the proposedstructureisnot a precedent. Futurerequestsfor similarstructures will continued to be evaluatedon a case-by-casebasisby the appropriate review authority, subjectto the requirementsoutlined in Section41-638of the SAMC. Moreover, anyaccessory structure, whether administrativeor discretionary (i.e., requiring review and approvalof the Planning Commissionand/or City Council) is reviewed against the relevant development standards, Citydesignguidelines, andhistoriccompatibility (asappropriate).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
JennyHartshorne
JH-1:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
Moreover, the useisnot consistentwith the underlyinggeneralplanlandusedesignationof Low- DensityResidential (LR-7).
JH-2:
The installation of the pavilion would not result in any physicalalterations to the historic structure. As such, the building will continue to retain all of its character-defining features.
Moreover, the proposedstructure would not impact any of the view shedsto the Maharajah Housealongany public perspectives. Proposedchanges, which would be confinedto the back yard, alsowould not affectthe historicalintegrityof the FloralParkHistoricDistrictasa whole.
JH-3:
Thepavilionwould be confinedto the backyardandwould not affect the historicalintegrity of the FloralParkHistoricDistrictasawhole. Asproposed, bamboowouldbeplantednearthe north propertylineto obscurethe proposedpavilionfrom viewfrom the publicrights-of-wayon Santa ClaraAvenueand HeliotropeDrive. While the new bamboowould be clearlyvisiblefrom the rights-of-way, its appearancealongsidethe existingwall would be consistentwith the internal setting of the Floral Park Historic District, which is characterizedin part by its variety of landscaping.
In addition, the pavilion and bamboowould be confined to an area correspondingto a very limited portion of the property’s northern frontage, approximately100 linear feet. Becauseof the limited physicalscaleof the changes, the projectwouldbepartiallyvisibleonlyfrom veryfew public vantagepoints, further reducingits visualeffectsto the internal setting of the historic district.
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
JH-4:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
JH-5:
Theapprovalof the proposedstructureisnot a precedent. Futurerequestsfor similarstructures will continued to be evaluatedon a case-by-casebasisby the appropriate review authority, subjectto the requirementsoutlined in Section41-638of the SAMC. Moreover, anyaccessory structure, whether administrativeor discretionary (i.e., requiring review and approvalof the Planning Commissionand/or City Council) is reviewed against the relevant development standards, Citydesignguidelines, andhistoriccompatibility (asappropriate).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
KevinNguyen
KN-1:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
MasonNakamura
MN-1:
Thestructurewouldbeancillaryandsubordinatethe mainsingle-familyresidence. Theheightof the proposedstructure in comparisonto the main residenceis illustrated on the architectural plansprovidedin the project staff report. Theheightof the existingresidenceis approximately 25 feet while the tallest point of the pavilion (pavilionroof peak) is proposedto be a maximum of 23’-4”. Therefore, the structurewouldbe of anappropriatescaleandmassing.
Moreover, the structure is built in a traditional Vietnamesedesignsharinga similar design, materials, andculturalcharacteristicsasvariousother structuresonthe site, includinganexisting gardenhouse. Thus, the proposedstructure would be harmoniouswith the surroundingbuilt environment.
Theexistinglandscapingandmaturetreesarenot proposedto beremovedor altered. Toensure that the existinglandscapingconditionsaremaintained, aconditionof approvalisrecommended requiring that the trees be preservedand protected in place. Also includedis a condition of approvalrequiringthat the applicantplant additionalbamboobehindthe existingsix-foot high stuccowall, to helpscreenanydeficientareas.
It'snotedthat the sitewill berequiredto maintainthe existingandaddedlandscapingwhile the pavilionremainson the site. If the propertyownerfailsto abidebyall conditionsof approval, the CUPmaybe subjectto revocationasoutlinedin Section41-651of the SAMC.
MN-2:
Theapprovalof the proposedstructureisnot a precedent. Futurerequestsfor similarstructures will continued to be evaluatedon a case-by-casebasisby the appropriate review authority, subjectto the requirementsoutlined in Section41-638of the SAMC. Moreover, anyaccessory structure, whether administrativeor discretionary (i.e., requiring review and approvalof the Planning Commissionand/or City Council) is reviewed against the relevant development standards, Citydesignguidelines, andhistoriccompatibility (asappropriate).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
MN-3:
Pursuantto Section41-232.5 of the SantaAnaMunicipalCode (SAMC), accessorybuildingsmore than fifteen feet in height, or morethan onestoryrequire, approvalof a CUP.
CUPsmaybe grantedwhenit canbe shownthat the proposedprojectwill not adverselyimpact the community. If thesefindingscanbemade, thenit isappropriateto grantthe CUP. Conversely, the inabilityto makethesefindingswould resultin a denial.
Thepurposeof regulatingthe heightof accessorystructureswithin single-familyresidentialzones is to minimizeimpactsto surroundingareasand ensurethe structureswill provide a positive contribution to neighborhoodcharacterand identity. Thesetypesof applicationsare reviewed onacase-by-casebasisbythe appropriatereviewauthority, subjectto the requirementsoutlined in Section41-638of the SAMC. In their approval, the PlanningCommissiondeterminedthat the structurewouldnot be detrimental, asproposed.
MN-4:
Thecommentisnotedbut doesnot raiseanyspecificpointsthat necessitatea response.
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
PatriciaTornell
PT-1:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
MichaelZachan
MZ-1:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
EllenKoldewey
EK-1:
Commentnoted.
EK-2:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
EK-3:
The proposedstructure is not physicallyaltering or changingthe exterior of the Maharajah House. Therefore, the proposedprojectisnot considereda modification, asdefinedby Chapter 30 of the SAMC, and no additional review by the HRCis required for this project. Moreover, pursuantto the SAMCSections2-350.2 and41-630, the proposedCUPisa landuseapplication within the purviewandreviewauthority of the PlanningCommission, not the HRC.
EK-4:
Culturaland/or museumusesarenot a permitted usein the single-familyresidential (R1) zone.
To ensurethat the proposedpavilionwill not negativelyaffect the neighborhoodcharacteror identity, a conditionof approvalhasbeenincludedprohibitingthe useof the structureandthe sitefor anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc.
The site will be required to remain and operate as a single-family residential site, or the conditionalusepermit maybe subjectto revocationasoutlined in Section41-651of the Santa AnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
EK-5:
TheCityhasno recordof anyregisteredcomplaintsrelatedto landuseviolationssuchaswhat hasbeendescribed. Furthermore, culturaland/or museumusesare not a permitted usein the single-family residential (R1) zone. Moreover, the use is not consistentwith the underlying generalplan landusedesignationof Low-DensityResidential (LR-7). Anyuseof the property in violationof the SAMCor the City’sGeneralPlanwould besubjectto codeenforcementaction.
As it relates to the proposedCUP, and for added clarity, a condition of approvalwas added prohibitingthe useof the structureandthe site for anycommercialpurposes, includingbut not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc., that the PlanningCommissionapprovedon August 26, 2024. Therecommendedconditionof approvalreadsasfollows:
The pavilion shall remain a structure for private use and enjoymentby the private property owners, therebypreservingthe communitycharacter. Thepavilionshall not be designedor be intendedfor publicaccessor viewing, or useby membersof the generalpublic. Theuseof the structureandthesubjectpropertyshallbeprohibitedfrom usefor commercialpurposes, including but not limited to, tours, museumuse, festivals, etc. Thesite will be requiredto remain and operate as a single-family residentialsite, or the conditional use permit may be subject to revocationasoutlinedin Section41-651of the SantaAnaMunicipalCode (SAMC).
EK-6:
Thecommentisnotedbut doesnot raiseanyspecificpointsthat necessitatea response.
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
StaceyKato
SK-1:
Thepavilionwould be confinedto the backyardandwould not affect the historicalintegrity of the FloralParkHistoricDistrictasawhole. Asproposed, bamboowouldbeplantednearthe north propertylineto obscurethe proposedpavilionfrom viewfrom the publicrights-of-wayon Santa ClaraAvenueand HeliotropeDrive. While the new bamboowould be clearlyvisiblefrom the rights-of-way, its appearancealongsidethe existingwall would be consistentwith the internal setting of the Floral Park Historic District, which is characterizedin part by its variety of landscaping.
In addition, the pavilion and bamboowould be confined to an area correspondingto a very limited portion of the property’s northern frontage, approximately100 linear feet. Becauseof the limitedphysicalscaleof the changes, the projectwouldbepartiallyvisibleonlyfrom veryfew public vantagepoints, further reducingits visualeffectsto the internal setting of the historic district.
SK-2:
Commentnoted. Commentdiscussespreviousactionsby the property owner and havebeen resolved. Assuch, they arenot germaneto the publichearingconsideration.
SK-3:
Apreviouslypermittedone-storypoolhouse/cabana (built in 1955) wassignificantlyalteredcirca 2021. OnMay4, 2022, PlanningandBuildingAgencystaffconductedasitevisit/inspectionof the structureafter receivinga publiccomplaintandconfirmedthe existentof unpermittedwork.
Sincethen, the propertyownerhastakennecessaryactionsto rectify the unpermittedwork and come into compliancewith all PBAbuilding permitting requirements. Thesesteps include meeting with the Building Office and senior planning staff to identify building and site deficiencies, submitting the required planning applications, plans, and fees, and officially submittingthroughthe plancheckprocessfor permit issuance.
PUBLICHEARINGITEMNO. 34 –
APPEALAPPLICATIONNO. 2024-01
SK-4:
The proposedstructure is not physicallyaltering or changingthe exterior of the Maharajah House. Therefore, the proposedprojectisnot considereda modification, asdefinedby Chapter 30 of the SAMC, and no additional review by the HRCis required for this project. Moreover, pursuantto the SAMCSections2-350.2 and41-630, the proposedCUPisa landuseapplication within the purviewandreviewauthority of the PlanningCommission, not the HRC.