Staff Report
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Anaheim, CA 92805
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ITEM NO. 2
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
City of Anaheim
PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
DATE: JANUARY 17, 2024
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NO. 2023-00047 (ANNUAL
CODE UPDATE), AMENDING TITLE 18 (ZONING CODE)
OF THE ANAHEIM MUNICIPAL CODE AND
ADJUSTMENT NO. 7 TO THE BEACH BOULEVARD
SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 2017-1
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT: City of Anaheim
REQUEST: This is a City-initiated request to amend various sections of Title 18 (the
“Zoning Code") of the Anaheim Municipal Code to provide clarity, create consistency
of terms and definitions, streamline approval processes, comply with changes in State
law to existing regulations, and amend Zoning Code requirements to reflect current
market trends. The proposed Zoning Code Amendment includes an adjustment to the
Beach Boulevard Specific Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission, by
motion, determine that the proposed actions are not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA
Guidelines; and recommend City Council approval of amendments to Title 18
(Zoning) and Adjustment No. 7 to the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1.
BACKGROUND: In 2004, the City comprehensively updated its Zoning Code.
Since that time, the City has amended the Zoning Code on an as-needed basis as the
result of the staff’s periodic review of the Zoning Code. These periodic amendments
have evolved into the Planning and Building Department’s award-winning annual
code update. This program strategically evaluates and amends the Zoning Code on a
continuous basis in response to new State laws and market and business trends. Past
amendments included the consolidation and streamlining of the regulatory permit
process, reduction in the level of review required for several land uses, creation of an
administrative permit process for reviewing requests for shared parking, and the
creation of a Minor Conditional Use Permit.
PROPOSAL AND ANALYSIS: Staff continually reviews existing requirements and
permitting practices to identify potential changes to further streamline the entitlement
and development review process, including maintaining regulations consistent with
State law. The Zoning Code includes the Zoning and Development Standards for the
City’s specific plans, and the modifications to these specific plan chapters are Specific
Plan Adjustments. There is one proposed adjustment to the Beach Boulevard Specific
Plan.
Development Application No. 2023-00047
January 17, 2024
Page 2 of 2
Similar to previous amendments, this request includes modifications to permitted land uses,
development standards, procedures, and definitions contained in the Zoning Code. Attachment 1 to
this staff report shows the redlined changes to Title 18; Attachment 2 provides a description and
corresponding analysis of each amendment.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission find that
the proposed ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This
determination is pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. Pursuant to this section,
the proposed amendments and adjustment fit within the general rule that CEQA only applies to
projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The proposed
amendments and adjustment would provide clarity, create consistency of terms and definitions,
streamline approval processes, comply with changes in State law to existing regulations, and amend
Zoning Code requirements to reflect current market trends. Thus, the proposed amendments and
adjustment will not have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject
to CEQA.
CONCLUSION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend approval to City
Council, for the reasons set forth in Attachment No. 2, which in summary are to provide staff,
decision makers, and members of the public with clear requirements, procedures, and definitions.
Prepared by, Submitted by,
Nicholas Barrera Heather Allen, AICP
Assistant Planner Deputy Planning and Building Director
Attachments:
1. Draft Redline Ordinance
2. Summary of Amendments