HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08 - Adopting General Plan Amendment GP-00-02, Specific Plan Amendment SP-00-01 (South Coast Plaza Town Center)RESOLUTION NO. 01-8
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT GP -00-02 AND NORTH COSTA MESA
SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT SP -00-01 TO CHANGE THE
LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM URBAN CENTER
COMMERCIAL TO CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, AND OTHER
RELATED AMENDMENTS FOR SOUTH COAST PLAZA
TOWN CENTER.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa adopted the 1990
General Plan by Resolution No. 92-27 on March 16, 1992, and the North Costa Mesa
Specific Plan by Resolution No. 94-67 in July, 1994; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan is a long-range, comprehensive document which
serves as a guide for the orderly development of Costa Mesa, and the North Costa
Mesa Specific Plan provides additional planning guidelines and standards for several
large development areas located in northern Costa Mesa; and
WHEREAS, by their very nature, the General Plan and North Costa Mesa
Specific Plan need to be updated and refined to account for current and future
community needs; and
WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment GP -00-02 amends the 1990 General Plan
text and figures to create a new land use designation of Cultural Arts Center with a
maximum floor area ratio of, 1.77 and applies it to the South Coast Plaza Town
Center. The trip budget for the project area also increases to 5,143 a.m. peak hour
trips and 6,587 p.m. peak hour trips. South Coast Plaza Town Center, comprising 54
acres, is bordered by Sunflower Avenue to the north, the San Diego Freeway to the
south, Avenue of the Arts to the east, and Bristol Street to the west; and
WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment GP -00-02 also amends the 1990 General
Plan Master Plan of Highways to delete a portion of Town Center Drive between
Bristol Street and Avenue of the Arts; and
WHEREAS, Specific Plan SP -00-01 amends the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan
text relative to Area 4- South Coast Plaza Town Center to reflect the new Cultural
Arts Center land use designation, maximum floor area ratio, maximum trip budget,
maximum building height, and the preservation of the California Scenario Garden; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on August
14, 2000, September 25, 2000, October 9, 2000, October 23, 2000 and November
13, 2000, and by the City Council on December 4, 2000, January 15, 2001, and
February 5, 2001, in accordance with Section 65355 of the Government Code of the
State of California, with all persons having been given the opportunity to be heard
both for and against said General Plan Amendment GP -00-02 to the General Plan,
and said Amendment SP -00-01 to the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, on August 14, 2000, September 25, 2000, October 9, 2000,
October 23, 2000, and November 13, 2000, the Planning Commission also conducted
public hearings and found that Draft Program Environmental Impact Report No. 1047,
comments and responses, and errata, that collectively constitute Final Program
Environmental Impact Report No. 1047, have been reviewed and considered, and by
adoption of Resolution PC -00-68, the Planning Commission recommended its
certification to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, by adoption of Resolution PC -00-69, the Planning Commission
recommended to the City Council that said amendments to the General Plan and North
Costa Mesa Specific Plan be adopted; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2000, January 15, 2001, and February 5, 2001,
the City Council also conducted public hearings and found that Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No. 1047 and comments and responses, and errata
that collectively constitute Final Program (EIR) No. 1047, have been reviewed and
considered, and, by separate resolution, the City Council certified Final Program EIR
No. 1047; and
WHEREAS, by separate resolution, the City Council recommends that mitigation
measures be placed as conditions of approval on Preliminary Master Plan PA -00-38
that minimize anticipated impacts to a level of insignificance where possible as
identified in Final Program EIR No. 1057; and
WHEREAS, the environmental impact report for the project was processed in
accordance with the requirement of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Costa Mesa Environmental Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, this City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the City that
said amendments to the General Plan and the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan be
adopted;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Costa Mesa City Council that the
General Plan is hereby amended by adoption of General Plan Amendment GP -00-02,
amending the text and figures of the General Plan as set forth in Exhibit "A", and does
hereby adopt Specific Plan SP -00-01 as set forth in Exhibit "B", which are attached to
this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Costa Mesa City Council also considered
and found that the benefits of the project outweigh the unavoidable adverse impacts
that remain after mitigation and does hereby adopt the Statement of Facts and
Findings, and the Statement of Overriding Considerations set forth in attached Exhibit
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 5"' day of February, 2001.
ATTEST:
Deputy Cit Jerk of the City of Costa Mesa
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF COSTA MESA )
a r of the City of Costa Mesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM
�'?c�
CITY ATTORNEY
I, MARY T. ELLIOTT, Deputy City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council
of the City of Costa Mesa, hereby certify that the above and foregoing
Resolution No. 01-8 was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City
Council at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 5' day of February, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of
the City of Costa Mesa this 2r day of March, 2001.
1
Deputy City Jerk and ex -officio Clerk of
the City Co n it of the City of Costa Mesa
1990 General Plan Amendments
TABLE 56t LAND USE DESIGNATIONS (4994200:181:
Land Use
Residential Density
Floor Area Ratio
Acres
:Acres,
Total Acres
% of City
Designation
DU/Acre*
Developed
Undevelbped
Low Density
<8
Same as Neighborhood
2,268.0
1.0
2,269.0
28.0
Residential
Commercial
Medium Density
:512
Same as Neighborhood
774.9
43.3
818.2
10.1
Residential
Commercial
High Density
<< 0**
Same as Neighborhood
809.2
46.0
855.2
10.6
Residential
Commercial
Commercial-
<_17.4
0.20/High Traffic
47.2
0.0
47.2
0.6
Residential
0.30/Moderate Traffic
0.40/Low Traffic
Neighborhood
0.15/High Traffic
50.05
0.5
51.0
0.6
Commercial
0.25/Moderate Traffic
0.35/Low Traffic
0.75/Very Low Traffic
General Commercial
:5 0
0.20/High Traffic
582.5
15.6
598.1
7.4
0.30/Moderate Traffic
0.40/Low Traffic
0.75/Very Low Traffic
Commercial Center
<_20
0.25/High Traffic
38.0
3.0
41.0
0.5
0.35/Moderate Traffic
0.45/Low Traffic
0.75/Very Low Traffic
Regional Commercial
:520
0.652/0.89***
115.0
0.0
115.0
1.4
Urban Center
« 0
0.50 Retail
431-5 82.5
84476.7
2413 159.2
2:61_9
Commercial
0.60 Office
0.79 Site-specific FAR for South
Coast Metro
Center/Experian****
Cultural Arts Center
-
1.77
49
5
54
0.7
Industrial Park
<< 0
0.20/High Traffic
674.5
69.0
743.5
9.2
0.30/Moderate Traffic
0.40/Low Traffic
0.75/Very Low Traffic
Light Industry
:520
0.15/High Traffic
381.4 f
6.0
387.4
4.8
0.25/Moderate Traffic
0.35/Low Traffic
0.75/Very Low Traffic
Public and Semi-
-
0.25
970.9
334.0
1,304.9
16.1
Public
Golf Course
-
<0.01
502.0
0.0
502.0
6.2
Fairgrounds
<0.10
150.0
0.0
150.0
1.9
TOTAL
7,495.5
600.1
8095.6
100.0
* Within the Medium and High Density Residential designation, existing residential units legally built in excess of the dwelling units per acre standard may
be rebuilt at the same higher density subject to other zoning code standards. The allowable density or number of units to be redeveloped would
be limited to the 1990 General Plan density with a 25% incentive bonus for Medium Density or a 50% incentive bonus for High Density; or
the existing number of units, whichever is less.
** See High Density Residential text regarding an area in North Costa Mesa where the density allowance is 25 to 35 DU/acre.
*** See Regional Commercial text.
**** See Urban Center Commercial text.
346-1
Project Lot Area shall mean the total area of a project after all required dedications or reservations for public
improvements, including but not limited to streets, parks, schools, flood control channels, etc., unless
otherwise noted in this General Plan.
Project shall mean a development proposal submitted under a single ownership or control at the time of the
initial plan submittal and approval. A project may be subdivided or developed in phases by subsequent
multiple owners. However, the initial building intensity established by the initial project approval shall be
maintained throughout the development of the entire project.
Trip shall mean a one-way vehicular journey either to or from a site, or it may be a journey totally within the
site. The latter is usually referenced to as an internal trip. Each trip will have two trip ends, one at the
beginning and the other at the destination.
Trip Budget shall mean the maximum number of AM and PM peak hour trips allocated to a project site.
The trip budget shall be derived by multiplying the project area by the allowable floor area ratio and by the
AM and PM peak hour trip generation rates for the applicable land use classification.
Trip Rate shall mean the anticipated number of trips to be generated by a specific land use type or land use
classification. The trip rate shall be expressed as a given number of trips for a given unit of development
intensity (i.e., trip per unit, trip per 1,000 sq.ft., etc.). Trip rates used in the calculation of trip budgets under
the provisions of this section of the Land Use Element shall be those rates established by City Council resolu-
tion. Trip rates for determining Low, Moderate and High Traffic uses are those contained in the 4th Edition
Trip Generation Manual published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
The General Plan contains thirteen land use designations dividing the City's net area into four basic types of
uses. The General Plan designates three residential densities, five types of commercial areas, two industrial
districts, and three public or semi-public type uses. The Land Use classifications are discussed in this section.
Residential
Costa Mesa's 3,960 residential acres are divided into the Low, Medium, and High Density Residential
designations.
Low Density Residential:
Low Density Residential areas are intended to accommodate single-family residences on their own parcels,
attached housing which provides a greater portion of recreation or open space than typically found in multi-
family developments, and clustered housing
385
Development within this designation is largely characterized by multi -story enclosed commercial
space and parking structures. Maximum allowable floor area ratio for the Crystal Court site shall be
0.89 and the maximum floor area ratio for the original South Coast Plaza site located between
Bristol Street and Bear Street shall be 0.652. In addition to these building intensities, future
expansion or redevelopment of the original plaza site is also governed by the trip budget standards
established in the Land Use/Circulation Coordination section of this element. Since the FAR for
Crystal Court represents the existing conditions, no further development would be permitted on this
site.
Complementary residential uses within this designation may be allowed through the Planned
Development Zone process. The maximum allowable density within this designation shall be 20
dwelling units per acre. In order to reach the maximum allowable intensity and density, future
projects within this designation must exhibit excellence in design, site planning and integration into
the surrounding community; provide a. balance of jobs and housing opportunities, including the
provision of low- and moderate -income housing; provide open space in excess of the minimum
standards contained in the zoning ordinance.
Compatible zones include Cl -S and PDC.
Urban Center Commercial:
The Urban Center Commercial designation is intended to allow intensely developed mixed commercial uses
within a very limited geographic area. Developments within this designation can range from one- and two-
story office and retail buildings to mid- and high-rise buildings of four to fifteen stories. Appropriate uses
include offices, retail shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Allowable floor area ratio (FAR) standards for this designation are 0.50 for retail uses and 0.60 for office uses
with the exception of South Coast Metro Center which has a site-specific FAR of 0.72 for combined office
and retail uses. Since the trip budgets and the General Plan Traffic Model are based upon the office trip
generation rate, it is unlikely that any property within this designation can fully develop as retail uses at the
maximum FAR standard. However, given the nature of the area and past planning efforts on these properties,
this type of development is not anticipated. The retail FAR would apply to retail or commercial components
within larger scale mixed use projects.
The following peak hour rates from the Costa Mesa General Plan Traffic Model for projects in this
classification: 1.60 AM and 1.91 PM. These rates shall be applied to the allowable office FAR standard.
The Urban Center Commercial designation includes the Automobile Club processing center site located west
of Fairview Road, between South Coast Drive and Sunflower Avenue, the Metro Pointe project located north
of the San Diego Freeway, west of Bear Street, and most of the northeast portion of the City located north of
the San Diego Freeway and east of Bristol Street, including ceut_h r^ -ac* Plaza TA;vn Conten. South Coast
Metro Center and the vacant Sakioka lot 2.
The Automobile Club of Southern California processing center site contains two parcels totaling 39.2 acres.
The primary site contains 29.5 acres and is located west of Fairview Road, between South Coast Drive and
Sunflower Avenue. The second parcel contains approximately 9.7 acres and is located across the adjacent
flood control channel to the west, just north of South Coast Drive. The site is currently developed with
467,000 sq.ft. of office and support service uses. An additional 500,000 sq._ft. of development is allowed
pursuant to a development agreement, for a maximum building intensity standard of 0.56 FAR. The future
construction will be developed in phases during the 30 -year term of the agreement. Based upon the unique
traffic generation characteristics of the Automobile Club operations, the site's trip budget is based upon actual
driveway counts from a traffic study dated November 1992. The AM trip budget is 881 trips, while the PM
trip budget is 697 trips. Based on an expected employment population of 2.574 employees, the
394
population density standard for the site would be approximately 66 employees per acre.
Metro Pointe includes two office building sites located north of South Coast Drive at its intersection
with Greenbrook Drive and approximately 30 acres of land located south of South Coast Drive
along the San Diego Freeway. Future development of the Metro Pointe project is governed by a
previous General Plan Amendment, two vesting tract maps and a development agreement. Building
intensities authorized under these previous approvals exceed the allowable floor area ratios of the
Urban Center Commercial designation. If the vesting maps and/or development agreements are
abandoned, expire, or are terminated then the Urban Center Commercial FARs and trip rates shall
govern the future development of the site. The vacant/unvested Phase 4 will be governed by the
Urban Center Commercial FAR limits and trip budget limits of 245 AM peak hour trips and 292
PM peak hour trips. The General Plan Trak Model establishes a trip budget of 2,771 AM peak
hour trips and 2,821 PM peak hour trips for Metro Pointe Phases 1-4. Using the employment
generation rates in Table 63, this results in an allowable population density standard of up to 150
employees per acre.
The 44.72 acre South Coast Metro Center/Experian sites include nearly 750,000 square feet of
office development. The trip budget for the South Coast Metro Center/Experian sites is 2,260 AM
peak hour trips and 2,223 PM peak hour trips. The anticipated population density standard is up to
90 employees per acre. GP -99-06 created a site-specific FAR of 0.79 for the combined South Coast
Metro Center and Experian sites while maintaining the established trip budget.
The 33 -acre Sakioka lot 2 is vacant except for the farmhouse and farm operation facilities. The trip
budget for Sakioka lot 2 is 1,588 AM peak hour trips and 1,562 PM peak hour trips. The
anticipated population density standard for Sakioka lot 2 is up to 90 employees per acre.
Complementary residential uses within this designation may be allowed through the Planned
Development Zone process. The maximum allowable density within this designation shall be 20
dwelling units per acre. In order to reach the maximum allowable intensity and density, future
projects within this designation must exhibit excellence in design, site planning and integration into
the surrounding community; provide a balance of jobs and housing opportunities, including the
provision of low -and moderate -income housing; provide open space in excess of I the minimum
standards contained in the zoning ordinance.
For mixed-use projects which include separate or distinct components, the nonresidential floor area
ratio standard and the residential density standard shall apply to each of the respective components,
not the entire project site; For mixed-use projects which do not include distinct elements or which
include mixed-use buildinas, the overall level of intensity shall be governed by the allowable
nonresidential floor area ratio. In both uses, developments must also comply witK the established
trip budget standards.
Facilities that transfer, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes that areenerated at another source
(off-site are most appropriately located in the Industrial Park and Light Industry land use
designations; however, a facility with a purpose and scale of operation that is compatible with this
commercial designation may be allowed pursuant to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.
395
a .
Mill
�. - •
.
„
•,,RKM
IMUL 13W
'nug ugg
g-
The 44.72 acre South Coast Metro Center/Experian sites include nearly 750,000 square feet of
office development. The trip budget for the South Coast Metro Center/Experian sites is 2,260 AM
peak hour trips and 2,223 PM peak hour trips. The anticipated population density standard is up to
90 employees per acre. GP -99-06 created a site-specific FAR of 0.79 for the combined South Coast
Metro Center and Experian sites while maintaining the established trip budget.
The 33 -acre Sakioka lot 2 is vacant except for the farmhouse and farm operation facilities. The trip
budget for Sakioka lot 2 is 1,588 AM peak hour trips and 1,562 PM peak hour trips. The
anticipated population density standard for Sakioka lot 2 is up to 90 employees per acre.
Complementary residential uses within this designation may be allowed through the Planned
Development Zone process. The maximum allowable density within this designation shall be 20
dwelling units per acre. In order to reach the maximum allowable intensity and density, future
projects within this designation must exhibit excellence in design, site planning and integration into
the surrounding community; provide a balance of jobs and housing opportunities, including the
provision of low -and moderate -income housing; provide open space in excess of I the minimum
standards contained in the zoning ordinance.
For mixed-use projects which include separate or distinct components, the nonresidential floor area
ratio standard and the residential density standard shall apply to each of the respective components,
not the entire project site; For mixed-use projects which do not include distinct elements or which
include mixed-use buildinas, the overall level of intensity shall be governed by the allowable
nonresidential floor area ratio. In both uses, developments must also comply witK the established
trip budget standards.
Facilities that transfer, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes that areenerated at another source
(off-site are most appropriately located in the Industrial Park and Light Industry land use
designations; however, a facility with a purpose and scale of operation that is compatible with this
commercial designation may be allowed pursuant to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.
395
The Conditional Use Permit process shall comply with the procedures and siting criteria established
by the Orange County Hazardous Waste Management Plan, the City of Costa Mesa's ordinance
provisions for these type of facilities, and other State legislation, as appropriate.
Compatible zones are PDC and TC.
Cultural Arts Center:
As part of GP -00-02, the Cultural Arts Center designation was applied to the 54 acres that
comprise South Coast Plaza Town Center. This area is generally bounded by Sunflower Avenue
to the north, Bristol Street to the west, Avenue of the Arts to the east, and the San Diego (I-405)
Freeway to the south. This designation is limited to this geographical area, and it is not intended
to be applied to other locations in the city.
The Cultural Arts Center designation allows intensely developed mixed commercial and cultural
uses within a limited area. The intended uses within this designation include mid to high-rise
offices, hotels, restaurants, retail and cultural uses (theater, art museum or academy, etc.). It
serves as the cultural center of the community and provides a focus to the arts -related uses, with
the complement of nearby employment and shopping opportunities.
The overall allowable floor area ratio (FAR) standard for this designation is 1.77. Included in
this FAR calculation is the land dedicated or reserved in 2000 for the Avenue of the Arts off -
ramp and associated flood control channel improvements. The 1.77 FAR may be exceeded on
individual parcels within South Coast Plaza Town Center provided that over the entire 54 -acre
site the 1.77 FAR is not exceeded. The General Plan Traffic Model establishes a trip budget of
5,143 AM peak hour trips, and 6,587 PM peak hour trips. Further delineation of the allocation
within South Coast Plaza Town Center of the floor area ratio and trip budget is provided in the
North Costa Mesa Specific Plan. Based on the employment generation analysis contained in
Final Program EIR No. 1047 prepared for South Coast Plaza Town Cerner, the anticipated
population density is 275 employees per acre.
Anticipated new development projects include the following:
• A 32,500 square -foot expansion of the South Coast Repertory Theater;
• A new 140,000 square --foot art museum or academy;
• A new 2,500 seat, 301,145 square -foot symphony hall;
• An expansion to the Orange County Performing Arts Theater of 1,000 seats and 65,000
square feet;
• Several new office buildings totaling approximately 655,000 square feet; and
• A new 186,000 square -foot hotel.
Compatible zone is TC.
Tnrinctrial
Two industrial designations apply to Costa Mesa's over 1,000 industrial acres. Over 96 percent of
the City's industrial area is concentrated in three districts as described in the Land Use inventory
section.
Industrial Park:
The Industrial Park designation is intended to apply to large, distinct districts which contain a wide
variety of industrial and compatible office and support commercial uses. Industrial Parks are
characterized by large parcels and landscaped setbacks which lend to the creation of a spacious
environment. Industrial Parks must have proximity to freeways and other major transportation
routes in order to provide the accessibility they require. An internal circulation system consisting of
lesser highways is also necessary to accommodate the vehicle demands created. Industrial Parks
have major physical separations from areas designated for other uses in order to maintain their
distinctiveness and avoid potential land use incompatibilities.
Typically, development within this designation would consist of one- and two-story buildings.
Additional height could be permitted where compatible with adjacent development and uses or
consistent with other constraints such as height limits near John Wayne Airport. The Industrial Park
portion of the Home Ranch site may include buildings up to five stories in height near the center of
the development. The allowable floor area ratios (FAR) are 0.20 for high traffic generating uses,
0.30 for moderate traffic generating uses, 0.40 for low traffic generating uses, and 0.75 for very low
traffic generating uses. Criteria for determining the traffic generation characteristics of very low,
low, moderate and high traffic generating uses are contained in the Land Use/Circulation
Correlation section of this element.
The exception to the above FAR standards is the 60 -acre Segerstrom Home Ranch site. This site is
governed by the maximum allowable FAR standard (0.40) and a trip budget as described in the
Land Use/Circulation Correlation section of this element. The trip budget for this site is 827 AM
peak hour trips and 855 PM peak hour trips.
Anticipated population densities are dependent upon the particular mix of uses within a given
project. However, based upon the standards provided in Table 63, the population density would be
an average of 40 employees per acre. An office development would have a population density of 58
employees per acre.
Commercial uses within this designation may be allowed provided that the commercial use is
determined to be complementary to the industrial area and is within the allowable floor area ratio
standards of the designation. Commercial recreational uses may also be appropriate in this industrial
designation under these same condition. Institutional uses may also be appropriate in this industrial
designation provided that land use compatibility and
K•.
1 *04 111 RIM 8
North Costa Mesa Specific Plan Amendments
Existing Genera/ Plan and Zoning Designations
Figure 3 indicates the General Plan land use designations for the area of the City
north of the 1-405, and Figure 4 indicates the accompanying zoning designations.
Table 1 summarizes the development parameters of the General Plan land use
designations, and the compatible zoning districts.
As shown in Table 1, the 1990 General Plan established Floor Area Ratios (FARs) for
all land use designations. The FAR is used to determine the maximum amount of
building that is allowed on a lot or parcel. Several land use categories in the plan area
contain stepped FARs which are tied to the traffic characteristics of the proposed
land use. Trip budgets have also been established for properties in the plan area
designated as eider Urban Center Commercial Cultural Arts Center or Regional
Commercial in the plan area. The industrial portion of Home Ranch also has a trip
budget. When applicable, the FAR and trip budget work in concert to ensure that
building intensity and trip generation do not exceed the capacity of the circulation
system in the plan area. The trip budget for individual properties is given in Section
3.
The lowest FARs are found in the Neighborhood Commercial designation as well as in
the residential, industrial and public -semi public land use designations. The highest
FARs are allowed in the Regional Commercial, Cultural Arts Center and Urban Center
Commercial land use designations. The General Plan does not allow the established
floor area ratio to be exceeded in any instance.
Trip budgets are calculated on a square footage basis for commercial, industrial and
institutional land uses. As with FARs, trip budgets cannot be exceeded. The 1990
General Plan, however, does allow for the transfer of trip budgets in the plan area in
the following circumstances:
1. The combination and/or transfer of trips shall only be allowed in the
area of the City that is north of the 1-405 and east of Harbor Boulevard,
and shall be limited to parcels within a one -mile radius of each other.
2. Trip budget transfers shall be evaluated in the review and approval of a
planned development or master plan project. Sufficient conditions of
approval shall be applied to the master plan or development plan to
ensure long-range control over subsequent phases of development.
3. The combination and/or transfer of trips shall not result in any greater
impacts on the surrounding circulation system then would occur if each
Traffic Analysis' Zone (TAZ) was developed independently. (See
Appendix A for a figure depicting TAZs)
4. For the combination and/or transfer of trips between TAZs, such
combination and/or transfer of trips shall not exceed the total trip
budget of all parcels involved if each were developed independently
VA
Table 2- Maximum Building Heights
North Costa Mesa Specific Plan
SUB -AREA
MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT'
NOTES
AREA 1
60 feet (approx. 4 stories)
None
Home Ranch
75 feet only in center of site (approx. 5 stories)
AREA 2
30 feet -north of South Coast Drive (approx. 2 stories)
Current development agreement
Metro Pointe
90 feet -south of South Coast Drive (approx. 6 stories)
allows buildings up to 15 stories.
Building above 173 feet in height will
require approval by the FAA.
AREA 3
85 feet (approx. 4 stories)
None
South Coast Plaza
and Crystal Court
AREA 4
240 feet ef PaF'( oente 16 SteFies)•
Buildings above 173 feet in heigh
will
SCP Town Center
315 feet east of Pa* G^^+^- (approx. 21 stories)
require approval by the FAA.
AREA 5
Residential -90 feet (approx. 6 stories)
None
The Lakes
Commercial -1 10 feet (approximately 11 stories)
AREA 6
180 feet (approx. 12 stories)
Buildings above 173 feet in height will
South Coast Metro
require approval by the FAA.
Buildings which encroach into the
setback for Anton cannot exceed 30
feet (approx. 2 stories) within the
setback area.
AREA 7
60 feet (approx. 4 stories)
Buildings which encroach into the
Sakioka Lot 1
setback for Anton Blvd. and/or Sakioka
Dr. cannot exceed 30 feet (approx. 2
stories) within the setback area.
AREA 8
North of collector street- 60 feet (approx. 4 stories)
Buildings above 173 feet in height will
Sakioka Lot 2
South of collector street- 180 feet (approx. 12 stories)
require approval by the FAA.
Buildings which encroach into the
setback for Anton cannot exceed 30
feet (approx. 2 stories) within the
setback area.
1. All building height measurements reference the height above grade- not mean sea level.
17
10,11'"o=
San Diego Fwy
N
0
SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
Legend
Low Density Residential
®
Urban Center Commercial
Medium Density Residential
®
Cultural Arts Center
High Density Residential
I
General Commercial
®
25-35 Dwelling Units per Acre
Industial Park
Regional Commercial
:'� ;:" ��
Public Use
F�
Fire Station
(D
10 JULY 2000
GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
NORTH COSTA MESA SPECIFIC PLAN
Nonconformity
The 1990 General Plan resulted in the establishment of new lower FARS and density
limits on development citywide. The General Plan recognized that the new FARS for
commercial and industrial uses would be lower than existing development in many
cases, therefore Policy 114 was included. This policy states that in the event of
unintentional damage or destruction, the City would allow any legal conforming use
in existence at the time of adoption of the 1990 General Plan in a nonconforming
development to be rebuilt to its original building intensity as long as such rebuilding
would not increase the development's nonconformity. This policy was then codified
in the zoning code to state that reconstruction of development destroyed to more
than 50% of the market value may occur to its original FAR if all other development
Standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, open space, etc.) are met. The
City's zoning code also states that in cases of unintentional destruction of up to and
including 50% reconstruction could occur without meeting current development
standards.
In terms of residential uses, the General Plan recognizes development legally built at
higher densities. Such existing units may be rebuilt to the same density subject to
other standards of the zoning code. In the High Density Residential designation in the
plan area (i.e., The Lakes), the allowable density or number of units to redeveloped
would be limited to the 1990 General Plan density plus a 50% density incentive
bonus or the existing number of units, whichever is less.
The following table identifies existing commercial and effiee hotel development in the
plan area that is nonconforming due to its existing FAR.
Table 4- Floor Area Ratio Nonconformities Table 4- Floor Area Ratio Nonconformities
PROJECT NAME
TAZ(s)
GP FAR LIMITS
EXISTING FAR
NOTES
Seuth Geast Plaza
Tewn Sente
12, 16
17, 18
�60 el
+ carr
69 effic$
�
e,4, The stir CAD elud-r'u
Fawn hetel OF equiYalent. The -
existing zoning is TG whieh
few set standaFds.
Metro Pointe
26
.50 retail
Only partially developed to date
The Development Agreement
Phases 2 & 3
.60 office
allows 1.01 FAR for Phases 2 &
3, if built -out it will become
nonconforming but it will be
protected by the Development
Agreement for the remainder of
the agreement's term.
The Lakes
10
.25 retail
Wyndham Garden Hotel- 2.08
The intensity of the two hotels
.35 office
(3350 Ave. of the Arts)
exceeds the allowable levels.
Marriott Hotel- 1.3
(500 Anton)
The other major developments in the plan area are within the allowable FAR and would not be considered nonconforming.
26
There are two different redevelopment scenarios to consider in regards to FAR
nonconformity, i.e., reconstruction after unintentional destruction and reconstruction
after voluntary destruction.
Unintentional Destruction
As shown in Table 4, the nonconformity is limited to a -few one major projects in the
plan area. For the newer high rise buildings in North Costa Mesa, it should not be
difficult to meet the current standards and reconstruct in case of unintentional
destruction, and the General Plan and zoning code have adequate protection for
rebuilding nonconforming development that is unintentionally destroyed.
Voluntary Destruction
A major concern for SGP Tewn GenteF and The Lakes is that if a property owner
chooses to demolish a building to redevelop, the new development would need to
meet the FAR limit and current development code standards. In most cases this
would mean considerably less development than what exists. Therefore, it is the
intent of this plan to indicate how to calculate the amount of new development that
would be allowed if a building is voluntarily demolished.
The General Plan states that the FAR is determined on a project -planning basis rather
than a parcel -specific basis. Therefore, a strict interpretation of the General Plan in
regards to rebuilding after voluntary destruction requires that the FAR be calculated
over the entire acreage of the master planned project. But, if such a project were
evaluated on a master planned basis in the instance of the Seuth Geast Plaza Town
�'�r-The Lakes, it is very likely that it would result in the inability to reconstruct
anything, since on a project -wide basis both developments would most likely still
exceed the General Plan FAR limits even with the removal of an existing building.
However, the General Plan also states that development could be evaluated at a
parcel -specific level if the project is or can be developed on a single lot and not
subdivided at a later date. So although beth SGP Town GenteF and The Lakes is a
aye large planned developments, the FAR for the new development can be based on
the size of the individual lot. It is reasonable to allow redevelopment either up to the
General Plan intensity level for the land use designation or up to the pre-existing
development level, whichever is less, in cases where a development on a single
parcel is voluntarily demolished. Tis-appreaeh is pFaetueal fE)F the SGP Town Center
aFea whieh is the oldest development and is split amengst Fnany individt a! pare -els
and prepeFty owners. The Lakes has also been subdivided so that the apartment
complex, two hotels and retail center each occupy their own parcel. Restrictions
should be made that indicate that the major open space features of this these twe
planned developments shall always remain as open .space, and that the individual
parcels may not be further subdivided.
27
Parks and Recreation
As shown on Figure 10, north of the 1-405 and east of Harbor Boulevard there are two
publicly owned parks and three privately owned and maintained open space areas. They are
Wakeham and Wimbledon Parks and the California Scenario, Town Center, and The Lakes
sites. There are no school sites, community centers or golf courses in the plan area and none
are planned.
Wakeham Park is 9.91 acres in size and Wimbledon Park is 3.36 acres. Both are located
inside residential tracts. Located south of Anton Boulevard and east of Bristol Street,
California Scenario sculpture garden is a 1.6 -acre private plaza which consists of a blend of
hardscape, landscaping, sculptures and water features. It is open to the public and is used for
passive recreation gatherings summer concerts and as a backdrop for photography and
commercials. It occupies an area between high-rise office buildings, retail
establishments and parking structures. In conjunction with the approval of GP -00-02 for
South Coast Plaza Town Center, the property owner is to preserve and maintain the
California Scenario sculpture garden substantially in accordance with its existing
configurations and function commencing immediately and continuing for the useful life of the
existing office buildings adjacent to the garden. Tt —isopen to the—ptbf^ and is used fOF
^^^^,^•^W The 3 -acre Town Center site is an open space easement located between the
South Coast Plaza Hotel, South Coast Repertory Theater and Town Center high rise buildings.
It, too, is open to the public and is used for concerts, various promotions for the arts,
seasonal gatherings, passive recreation and as pedestrian access between the buildings. The
easement area boundaries were slightly modified in 2001 but were not decreased in size. is
the easement beyond 2001. Located within a mixed use project east of Avenue of the Arts,
The Lakes development contains a large apartment complex, two high-rise hotels and retail
buildings. Central to these uses is a 3.3 acre permanent public open space easement which
includes a lake, walkways, plaza area and landscaping. The walkways connect to public
pathways at Avenue of the Arts, the various uses in the block and the public sidewalk on
Sakioka Drive.
Planning Area 5, as defined in the City's draft Parks Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
(January 19963), is the entire area of the City that is located north of the 1-405.
Although the boundaries of the plan area do not coincide directly with Planning Area 5,
information is provided regarding Sakioka Farms Lot 1. A detailed summary of the findings of
the study are included in Appendix C.
The study concluded that the plan area has adequate parkland currently, however, the anticipated
residential development of Sakioka Lot 1 will create additional demand for a neighborhood park.
Additionally, the parkland needs cannot be easily met in the surrounding area. As can be noted on
Figure 10, there is not a public park located east of Bristol Street which could serve the Sakioka
property. The subdivision of this residential area will require dedication of parkland or the payment of
in lieu fees; therefore, if a subdivision is proposed, then the project should meet its neighborhood park
dedication requirement onsite. Consideration should also be given to locating the private recreational
areas of this planned development in proximity to the public park area. It should be noted that the
City's Park and Recreation Dedication ordinance does allow privately developed, owned and
maintained open space to be credited against the parkland dedication requirement.
AREA 4- SOUTH COAST PLAZA TOWN CENTER
Existing Land Uses
This 54- 62 acre area is commonly referred to as South Coast Plaza (SGP) Town
Center S( CPTC), and it contains a variety of commercial, entertainment, and high-rise
office uses, including the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The approval of
GP -00-02 resulted f develepFn ^+tetals
2,802,250_4 161 813 square feet. In 2000, there was heFe is only one vacant
parcel (5 acres). This aFea is i multiple ewneFship
The primary entry street into hewn GenteFSCPTC is Anton Boulevard, which
also serves as the circulation backbone. Many of the existing developments along
Anton Blvd. between Bristol Street and Sakioka Drive are oriented to the pedestrian,
thereby encouraging walking. An extensive greenbelt/pathway system within the
SGP Te.w n Genter'sSCPTC's core also links the various buildings and uses. In order
to facilitate foot traffic to and from South Coast Plaza, a pedestrian bridge has been
constructed across Bristol Street.
General Plan and Zoning
This site is designated WFban GenteF GemmeFeial Cultural Arts Center by the General
Plan and the corresponding zoning is TC. The maximum FAR is 1.77 for the entire
project areaG.60 feF Fetail and 0.60 fOF effiee us ; this corresponds to a maximum
building square footage of 4,161,813. 2,873,110. The trip budget for this area is
5,1434 -87 a.m. peak hour trips and 6,5876,243 p.m. peak hour trips. The FAR for
specific developments or ownership parcels may exceed the maximum of 1.77,
provided that the maximum allowable FARs shown in Table 5A for each sub -area are
not exceeded. See following Sub -areas discussion.
Sub -areas
The SCPTC was divided into three sub -areas in conjunction with the approval of GP -
00 -02. These three sub -areas are under separate ownership. Provided in Table 5A is
a statistical summary of the maximum floor area ratio, building square footage, and
trip budgets for each subarea. Figure 14A illustrates the boundaries of the sub -areas.
To facilitate flexibility within a subarea, building square footages may be
transferred, provided that the total building square footage, floor area ratio, and trip
budget for the affected subarea are not exceeded as delineated in Table 5A.
Transfers between any of the sub -areas are not permitted.
KW,
Table 5B and Figure 14A provide further detail of the anticipated development within each of
the three sub -areas. Precise building uses locations and square footages will be determined
in conjunction with final master plan approvals for the SCPTC.
Land Use Compatibility/Integration
The remaining five—acre parcel located. adjacent to Avenue of the Arts is in a well defined
urban area. The Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory and Plaza
Tower are in the immediate vicinity. Future development should be complementary to these
surrounding developments, and where possible, linked physically by sidewalks and open
space/greenbelts. Anticipated development for this area is detailed in Table 5B and Figure
14A. Street level and pedestrian appeal should also be taken into account during site design.
The site design should also consider The Lakes apartments located across Avenue of the
Arts, so as to not cause shade or shadow impacts.
Pedestrian -oriented directional signage should be added within the existing 3 -acre open space
easement in Town Center. Signage should be placed at key entry points, particularly
adjacent to the hotel, to guide pedestrians to the various attractions.
Building Heights
Building heights shall be limited to 240feet 16—ste 'west of PaFk Genze.
and 315 feet (approximately 21 stories), east of Park renteF. Buildings above 173 feet in
height will require approval by the FAA.
Chi
jIW
SEE nGURE 8 FOR
URBAN RAIL INFORMATION
AREA 4
1-405
AREA A - SOUTH COAST PLAZA TOWN CENTER
Development Summery
Total Area:
54 acres
General Plan:
Cultural Arts Center
Zoning:
TC
Maximum Intensity:
1.77 Floor Area Ratio
Maximum Square Footage:
4,161, 813 sq, ft.
Trip Budget:
5, 143 a.m. peak hour trips
,_rar
6, 587 a.m. peak hour trips
Maximum Building Height:
21 stories/ 315 feet
a■■■I
SAN DIEGO FREEWAY
Legend
as
NOTE: The Information provided in graphic form is intended to be illustrative and Is not Intended to be interpreted as the
precise location for future land uses or structures, unless so specified In Section 4.0 Development Standards
AREA 4
NORTH COSTA MESA SPECIFIC PLAN
rev.5sep2K
Existing Town Center Park/ Greenbelt
Future Bike Underpass
v ..» .,
Pedestrian Zone
n its n ■
Existing Bikeway
Pedestrian Directional Signage
♦.►♦
Future Bikeway
0000
Pedestrian Overpass
,_rar
Future Collector
�i
Pedestrian Linkage
■ ■ ■ ■
Future 1-405 On -Ramp/ Off Ramp
California Scenario Plaza
NOTE: The Information provided in graphic form is intended to be illustrative and Is not Intended to be interpreted as the
precise location for future land uses or structures, unless so specified In Section 4.0 Development Standards
AREA 4
NORTH COSTA MESA SPECIFIC PLAN
rev.5sep2K
Effne •T'
1
- M
Parking
Structure
• '
O
•
•
�'
►�♦fit
• - e ti
Imperial Bank Building
.,
oil
••
• . - ..
��♦� � �.� ►�♦�♦�
►♦�♦♦♦♦♦♦
��1♦♦♦�♦�♦� >♦
►.:ice:'
�,�►,+n
.,
Parking
Structure
Plaza
Tower
Westin South
J
O
� O
.
L
Town
Centererstrom
Center,
•��♦•�
r he Arts
Segerstrom Town Center
NNNN � 250 125 0 252 FIGURE 14A
7Cll�c o
❑ 0 _-__ SCALE IN FEET
McbrlBnndmanAssodares 41_2 SCP'TC Project Components
00800014.7/2000 SOUTH COAST PLAZA TOWN CENTER EIR
Table 5B
STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF SCPTC COMPONENTS
Overall Net
Previously increase
Unbuilt Slated for New (Unentitled
Building Land Use Entitlements Demolition Construction Uses He! ht/Sto
A. Segerstrom 0 (84,025 sq. ft.) 339,025 sq. ft. 255,000 sq. ft. 315 ft./21
Office office
;
B.
OCPAC
Expansion
65,000 sq. ft.
0
65,000 sq. ft.
0
160 ft./3
(1,000 seats)
(1,000 seats)
C.
SCR Theater
0
0
32,500 sq. ft.
32,500 sq. ft.
160 ft./2
(140 seats)
D.
Symphony
Hall
0
0
301,145 sq. ft.
301,145 sq. ft.
130 ft./5
(2,500 seats)
(2,500 seats)
E.
Art Museum/
0
0
140,000 sq. ft.
140,000 sq. ft.
80 ft./4
Academy
F.
Hotel/
Restaurant
186,000 sq. ft.
(15,300 sq. ft.)
186,000 sq. ft.
0
210 ft./12
(186 room hotel)
(restaurant)
(186 room hotel)/
15,300 sq. ft.
(restaurant)
G.
Two Town
Center
Parking
Structure #1
0
0
300 spaces
300 spaces
60 ft./4
H.
Two Town
Center Office
0
0
100,000 sq. ft.
100,000 sq. ft.
150 ft./10
Building
1_
Two Town
Center
Parking
Structure #2
0
(19,200 sq. ft.)
756 spaces
Note: 19,200 sq.
756 spaces
75 ft./5
theater
ft. of theater to be
recreated as
office- Building J.
J.
Two Town
Center
Office/Retail/
0
(28,700 sq. ft.)
328,700 sq. ft.
280,800 sq. ft.
175 ft./11
(restaurant)
Restaurant
K.
South Coast
0
02,000 sq. ft.)
12,000 sq. ft.
0
40 ft./2
Plaza Cinema
theater
theater
TOTAL:
251,000 sq. ft.
(159,225 sq. ft.)
1,519,670 sq. ft.
1,109,445 sq.
-ft.
Sq. ft. = square feet
"Overall net increase" equals "new construction" minus "previousiy unbuilt entitlements" and/or "slated for demolition."
Source: City of Costa Mesa, January 2001
41-3
Circulation
The street network for this subarea is in place_, However, the Master Plan of Bikeways indicates a
new bikeway on Avenue of the Arts and SunfleWeF AvenueSakioka Drive. The n.,enue, of the, AFtS
bikeway eenReets with a future 1 406 undeFpass feF bikes.
The widening of the Bristol Street interchange with the 1-405 is completed °°ff^^tl �^'^^`^^
Figure 9 indicates Leone urban rail alignment to the east of the project sitealteMatives that tFaveFse
this site.
NoneenfOFR ty
in the event Of VGIURtaFy demolition of an existing building on a single paFeel, the PFOpeFty owner Fnay
be allowed tO Fedevelep eitheF up te the GeneFal Plan intensity level fer LJFban GeRteF GoFnMeFeial OF
subdivided fWtheF. The open spaee/oFeenbeit aFea shall also r Fi spaee.
Parks and Recreation
As stated in Section 2, Development Setting, the 3 -acre open space/greenbelt easement boundaries
were reconfigured and slightly expanded in 2001. is due to expiFe in 2001, In addition, a it was
secured as part of GP -00-02 as a permanent private open space area-. Also, in conjunction with the
approval of GP -00-02 the property owner is to preserve and maintain the California Scenario
sculpture garden substantially in accordance with its existing configurations and function,
commencing immediately and continuing for the useful life of the existing office buildings adjacent
to the garden.-_
an integral and impertant featWe of the SGP Town Genter.
Theater and Arts District Plan
A Theater and Arts District (TAD) Plan shall be established in conjunction with the development of
Town Center. The TAD plan shall be incorporated into the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan, and
shall include development guidelines and standards for lighting public art street furniture signage
landscaping pedestrian and vehicle circulation pedestrian and vehicular streetscapes, as well as an
implementation plan Entry and monument signs display banners and other signs identifying the
Theater and Arts District shall prominently include the name of the City. The TAD plan shall be
submitted to the City for review and approval —within 18 months of the approval of the SCPTC
preliminary master plan- The plan will also address hours of operation public access and parking
fee restrictions for SCPTC parking structures for patrons of the cultural arts facilities and
alternative financing mechanisms for public street amenities.
Parking
Although the project area is comprised of multiple ownerships the parking demand for SCPTC has
always considered the project as a single proiect Specifically, parking need not be located on the
same parcel as the building for which it is required; all parking facilities are to be available to
employees and visitors of all South Coast Plaza Town Center uses. Consistent with the historical
analysis of parking demand for this project, any future parking studies need to continue to examine
the South Coast Plaza Town Center as a single proiect.
Persons who are residents of the City of Costa Mesa attending a cultural arts venue during
evenings (after 6 p.m.) or on weekends shall be provided a discount of fifty percent (50%) off the
price for parking otherwise applicable to the general public.
41-4
AREA 5- THE LAKES
Existing Land Uses
This 27 acre area contains two hotels (492 rooms), The Lakes apartment complex
(770 units), and The Lakes retail center (20,400 square feet). This area, located
adjacent to the SCP Town Center, is in multiple ownership and is nonconforming in
terms of what is allowed by the 1990 General Plan. A prominent feature of this
development is the lake, which is centrally located. The lake is surrounded by
pedestrian paths which are linked to the public sidewalks.
General Plan and Zoning
This site is designated High Density Residential by the General Plan and is zoned
PDR -HD. The maximum density is 20 dwelling units per acre.
Land Use Compatibility/Integration
No additional development of this area is anticipated by the General Plan; however,
any future redevelopment of the retail portion of this property should be oriented to
pedestrian traffic on Avenue of the Arts and Anton Boulevard, while maintaining
internal pedestrian linkages to other developments in the block. Pedestrian -oriented
directional signage should be placed in proximity to the two hotels (one on Avenue of
the Arts and the other on Anton Boulevard).
M
38. A Theater and Arts District (TAD) Plan shall be established in conjunction with the
development of Town Center. The TAD plan shall be incorporated into the North Costa Mesa
Specific Plan and shall include development guidelines and standards for lighting public art
street furniture signage landscaping pedestrian and vehicle circulation, pedestrian and
vehicular streetscapes as well as an implementation plan Entry and monument signs display
banners and other signs identifying the Theatre and Arts District shall conform to the
regulations in the TAD Plan The name of the Theatre and Arts District shall prominently
include the name of the City. The TAD plan shall be submitted to the City for review and
approval within 18 months of the approval of the SCPTC preliminary master plan The plan
will also address hours of operation public access, and parking fee restrictions for SCPTC
parking structures for patrons of the cultural arts facilities, and alternative financing
mechanisms for public street amenities.
in the event of voluntary demolition of an exi5ting builditM
on a single pareel in either The hakes or sep Town 6enter�,
the property owner may be allowed to redevelop either up to
the General pl:an inten5ity Ievel f of the land use
designattion or tip to the pre existing development -
whichever is less. Parcels, ht)wever, may not be subdivi
furthef in order to obtain additional development potential=
38A. Prior to any final master plan approval a parking study shall be submitted and approved by
the City that demonstrates the provision of sufficient parking for each project component.
Consistent with the historical analysis of parking demand for this proiect, the parking study
will examine the South Coast Plaza Town Center as a single project for calculating parking
demand. Specifically, parking need not be located on the same parcel as the building for
which it is required; all parking facilities are to be available to employees and visitors of all
South Coast Plaza Town Center uses. Persons who are residents of the City of Costa Mesa
attending a cultural arts venue during evenings (after 6 p.m.) or on weekends shall be
provided a discount of fifty percent (50%) off the price for parking otherwise applicable to
the general public.
39. The major open space features of the SCP Town Center and The Lakes shall remain as
permanent open space.
40. Appropriate measures should be taken to permanently secure the existing open space
easement in South Coast Plaza Town Center. "The California Scenario" sculpture garden
shall be preserved and maintained substantially in accordance with its existing
configurations and function commencing with the approval of GP -00-02 and continuing for
the useful life of the existing office buildings adiacent to the garden. Any proposed
changes to the sculpture garden shall require an amendment to the South Coast Plaza Town
Center Master Plan and the amendment shall require City Council review and approval.
Prior to any final master plan approval for Two Town Center/Downey Savings, a declaration
of land use restriction for the sculpture garden shall be submitted to the City of Costa Mesa
andthe City's approval shall be obtained and the land use restriction shall be recorded by
the Orange County Clerk -Recorder.
Also see #32 and #34.
Area 5 -The Lakes
41. Future redevelopment of the retail portion of this property should be oriented to pedestrian
traffic on Avenue of the Arts and Anton Boulevard while maintaining internal pedestrian
linkages to other developments in the block. Pedestrian -oriented directional signage is
encouraged to be located in proximity to the hotels.
64
41 A In the event of voluntary demolition of an existing building on a single parcel in The Lakes, the
property owner may be allowed to redevelop either up to the General Plan intensity Level for
the land use designation or up to the pre-existing development level, whichever is less.
Parcels however, may not be subdivided further in order to obtain additional development
potential.
See also #32, #34, #38 and #39.
Area 6- South Coast Metro Center
42. New commercial and office buildings are encouraged to be located along the Anton Boulevard
frontage.
43. Encroachment into the building setback area may be allowed on Anton Boulevard for
pedestrian -serving commercial or mixed-use building(s). Parking areas shall not be allowed to
encroach into the street setback, unless it is tucked under the commercial or mixed-use
building(s).
44. The internal pedestrian paths shall be conveniently linked to Anton Boulevard, and pedestrian -
oriented directional signage is encouraged to be located along Anton Boulevard.
45. Parking lots/structures shall be located along the southern, western, and eastern edges of the
site adjacent to the 1-405 and on and off ramps, and not adjacent to Anton Boulevard.
46. If residential uses are considered for this site, they are encouraged to be located towards the
eastern portion of the property.
64-1
STATEMENT OF FACTS AND FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF
OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
South Coast Plaza Tour Center EIR — FaxlvV and Statanmt of Owmdmg Considerations
FINDINGS OF FACT IN SUPPORT OF FINDINGS FOR SIGNIFICANT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
OF THE
SOUTH COAST PLAZA TOWN CENTER PROJECT
AND
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Public Resources Code Section 21081, and the CEQA
Guidelines Section 15091(a) provide that:
"No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact
report has been certified which identifies one or more significant effects on the environment
that would occur if the project is approved or carried out unless the public agency makes one
or more of the following findings:
a. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
b. Those changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another
public agency and have been, or can and should be, adopted by that other agency.
C. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provisions of employment opportunities for highly -trained workers, make infeasible
the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final environmental
impact report."
The City of Costa Mesa has prepared a Final Program EIR for the project in accordance with CEQA and
CEQA Guideline requirements. The Final Program EIR was subject to review, and the Planning
Commission recommended its certification to the Costa Mesa City Council by separate resolution.
Because the South Coast Plaza Town Center (SCPTC) project Final Program Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) #1047 identified significant effects that may occur as a result of the project, and in
accordance with the provisions of CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, the City of Costa Mesa hereby adopts
these findings as part of the approval of the SCPTC project and related applications.
R/Client/0080/00800014YND.doe January 17, 2001 1 Findings
South C.aast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Findings and Statonmt ofOuy vidmg Considerations
2.0 FINDINGS OF FACT IN SUPPORT OF FINDINGS FOR SIGNIFICANT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
MITIGATED ADVERSE IMPACTS
Final Program EIR #1047 analyzed the following areas of potential environment impact: land use and
related planning programs; transportation and circulation; air quality; noise; geology and soils; hydrology
and water quality; population, employment, and housing; public services and utilities, and energy
consumption; and aesthetics. The potentially significant impacts identified in the Final Program EIR, but
which can be mitigated to levels of less than significant through implementation of project design features,
standard conditions, or mitigation measures are set forth below. The following section sets forth the
City's findings with respect to each of the significant impacts, the facts in support of those findings, and
those changes and alterations that have been made to the project to reduce or eliminate potentially
significant effects to levels of less than significant.
The potential significant adverse impacts that would be mitigated are listed in the following sections.
The Costa Mesa City Council finds that these potential adverse impacts would be mitigated to a level
that is considered less than significant after implementation of the project design features, standard
conditions and requirements, and recommended mitigation measures.
LAND USE AND RELATED PLANNING PROGRAMS
Significant Impact
Portions of the project site are within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notice Area for John
Wayne Airport. The SCPTC project would not be expected to impact airport operations or
existing/future navigation systems. Pursuant to FAR Part 77 (AC70/7460-2J), the proposed project does
require FAA notification. A finding of consistency with the Airport Land Use Plan is expected because
the project's onsite land uses would not penetrate any imaginary surfaces.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by
inclusion of standard conditions and requirements and adoption of the following mitigation measures as
identified in the Final Program EIR.
HICienr/0080/00800014YND.doc January 17, 2001 2 Findmg5
South Coast Plaza Town Center EIR - Findings and Statanmt of Oayndkg Considerations
Standard Conditions and Requirements
The proposed project will be subject to all of the applicable conditions and regulations set forth in the
North Costa Mesa Specific Plan, the City of Costa Mesa zoning ordinance, and all requirements and
enactments of federal, state, county, city and other governmental entities with jurisdiction. All such
requirements and enactments of these agencies will become conditions of project implementation.
Mitigation Measures
1-1. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for any structure located within the FAA Notice AREA
for John Wayne Airport, the project applicant shall submit a Notice of Proposed Construction to
the FAA. The ALUC will review the project for consistency with the Commission's AELUP.
The project shall comply with the provisions and restrictions imposed by the FAA and the
ALUC. This condition shall be included in the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan and the final
project -specific master plans, and shall be verified by the Costa Mesa Planning Division.
1-2. The City of Costa Mesa will review the final site plans for development within the SCPTC project
area for consistency with any adopted plans for the area.
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
Significant Impact
At buildout, the SCPTC project will generate 10,000 average daily trips, with 1,200 a.m. and 1,050 p.m.
peak hour trips.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by
virtue of the following project design features, standard conditions and requirements, and the adoption of
mitigation measures as identified in the Final Program EIR:
Project Design Features
These are circulation features or improvements that are included as part of the proposed project, and are
included in the traffic impact analysis prior to mitigation. The only design feature that falls into this
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 3 Findings
South Caast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Findings and Staonmt of Omvdmg Cau derations
category is the proposed street vacation of a portion of Town Center Drive between Park Center Drive
and Avenue of the Arts (with related amendment to the City's Master Plan of Highways).
Standard Conditions and Requirements
The long-range general plan improvements within the City of Costa Mesa that are assumed in the
background conditions will be funded mostly by an areawide circulation system funding mechanism such
as the City Traffic Impact Fee Program or special benefit district fees. The proposed SCPTC project will
be responsible for the payment of fees to the City of Costa Mesa as set forth below.
• The project applicants shall participate in the implementation of Master Plan of Highways
improvements through the payment of traffic impact fees. The payment of traffic impact fees shall be
submitted to the City of Costa Mesa Planning Division for the mitigation of offsite traffic impacts
based on the average daily trips generated by the development and payable at the time of issuance of
certificates of occupancy. The required fee shall be paid pursuant to the prevailing schedule of charges
adopted by the City Council in effect at the time of issuance of certificates of occupancy.
• The project applicants shall be responsible for the payment of fees in accordance with the San Joaquin
Hills Transportation Corridor Fee Ordinance. Fees shall be paid to the Costa Mesa Planning Division
prior to the issuance of building permits.
• The project applicants shall comply with the Transportation Demand Management (IDM)
requirements of the City of Costa Mesa TDM Ordinance (Costa Mesa Municipal Code S 13-880
through 13-888) through the provision of one or more improvements set forth in Costa Mesa
Municipal Code 8 13-884.
Significant Impact
As a result of project -related traffic, ten intersections would be significantly impacted: Bristol
St./Sunflower Ave., Fairview Rd./South Coast Dr., Bristol St./Paularino Ave., Bristol St./Segerstrom
Ave., Bristol St./MacArthur Blvd., Flower St./MacArthur Blvd., SR -55 NB Ramps/MacArthur Blvd.,
Main St./MacArthur Blvd., and Main St./Sunflower Avenue. Project -related traffic impacts on eight of
these ten intersections would be reduced to less than significant levels. The intersections of Main
St./MacArthur Blvd., and Main St./Sunflower Ave, located in the City of Santa Ana, will operate at Level
of Service F under future build -out conditions, with or without the project (see "Significant Unavoidable
Adverse Impacts" section).
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
HIClient/0080/00800014YND.doc January 17, 2001 4 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Findings and Statonou of Ownidmg Considerations
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be
adopted by such agency.
Facts in Support of Finding
The significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by
adoption of the following mitigation measures:
2-1. As the subsequent phases of the SCPTC project are submitted to the City of Costa Mesa, the
project traffic study area intersections' performance shall be monitored against the City's Annual
Development Phasing and Monitoring Report to determine when future improvements are
required.
2-2. The project applicants shall be required to fund all costs and/or implement intersection
improvements to the following intersections in Costa Mesa: Bristol St./Sunflower Ave., Fairview
Rd./South Coast Dr., Bristol St./Paularino Ave., Park Center Dr./Sunflower Ave. The following
intersection improvements shall be completed pursuant to the indicated schedule:
Intersection
Recommended Improvement
Schedule
Bristol Street & Sunflower
Convert Yd northbound through lane to a
Complete prior to issuance of
Avenue
shared through/right-turn lane (provide 2NBL,
first Certificate of Occupancy
2 NBT, 1 shared NBT/NBR, and 1 NBR).
in the South Coast Plaza
Town Center area.
Fairview Road & South
Convert 2nd eastbound through lane to shared
Complete prior to issuance of
Coast Drive
through/right-turn lane (provide 1 EBL, 1
first Certificate of Occupancy
EBT, 1 shared EBT/EBR, and 1 EBR).
in the South Coast Plaza
Town Center area.
Bristol Street & Paularino
Add a second northbound left -turn lane; add a
Complete prior to issuance of
Avenue
second westbound left -turn lane instead of a
final Certificate of Occupancy
second right -turn lane.
in the South Coast Plaza
Town Center area.
Park Center Drive &
Convert northbound through lane to a shared
Complete prior to issuance of
Sunflower Avenue
left/through lane. Convert southbound left -turn
final Certificate of Occupancy
lane to a shared left/through lane and convert
in the South Coast Plaza
southbound through lane to a right -turn lane.
Town Center area.
Implement split phasing for north/south
direction (provide 1 NBL, 1 shared
NBL/NBT/NBR, 1 shared SBL/SBT, and 1
SBR).
2-3 The project applicants shall pay their respective pro -rata share of the costs of the planned
improvements, as identified in Final Program EIR # 1047, at the intersections in the City of Santa
Ana listed below. The terms for these payments, including payment calculation and timing, shall
be determined by the Director of Development Services, in order to coordinate with the City of
Santa Ana.
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 5 Findmg5
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Fi zcbV and Stao7uu of Omndxg Considerations
The following intersection improvements are required:
a. Bristol St./Segerstrom Ave.: General Plan Improvements: Add a second left turn for each
approach, 3rd and 4th eastbound through lanes, 31d westbound through lane, and right -turn
lanes for each approach. Non -General Plan Improvements: Add a 4th westbound through
lane.
b. Bristol St./MacArthur Blvd.: General Plan Improvements: Add right turn lanes for
southbound, eastbound, and westbound approaches. Non -General Improvements: Add 4th
eastbound and westbound through lanes, add right turn overlap for westbound right turn
lanes.
c. Flower St./MacArthur Blvd.: General Plan Improvements: None. Non -General Plan
Improvements: Add northbound and westbound right turn lanes.
d. SR -55 NB Ramps and MacArthur Blvd.: General Plan Improvements: None. Non -General
Plan Improvements: Add 3rd northbound right turn lanes.
NOISE
Short -Term Construction Noise
Significant Impact
Noise generated from construction and/or demolition equipment, including trucks, graders, bulldozers,
concrete mixers, and portable generators can reach high levels. An existing hotel is located approximately
150 feet from the nearest construction/demolition activities and may experience significant short-term
noise impacts.
There are residences located across the Avenue of the Arts from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
portion of the project. These residences would be located approximately 100 feet from the nearest
construction site and 250 feet from the furthest construction activity. Noise generated from construction
activities represents a short-term noise impact.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the potential significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following standard conditions and requirements as identified in the Final
Program EIR.
HICHent/0080/00800014YND.doc January 17, 2001 6 Finc&lg5
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Fan &gs and Statanaat of 0awid ng Considerations
Standard Conditions and Requirements
• Local Control of Construction Hours - The most effective method of controlling construction noise
is through local control of construction hours. The City of Costa Mesa has adopted a Noise
Ordinance that excludes control of construction activities during the hours between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
All noise generating construction activities within 500' of residential areas should be limited to these
hours.
Truck Routes - Truck routes in general should be steered away from residential areas.
In addition to the above measures, temporary noise barriers should be used during the construction of the
hotel portion of the project adjacent to the existing hotel. The barriers should be a combination of walls
along the edge of the construction site as well as movable barriers to be used with more stationary sources
of noise such as jackhammers.
Long -Term Off-site Impacts
Significant Impact
No off-site impacts are expected from the project therefore, no mitigation measures are required. There is
a slight possibility that uses at the project that have not yet been identified will generate noise levels that
may exceed the noise criteria at nearby residences.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by the inclusion of the following standard conditions and requirements, and the adoption of
mitigation measures as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
All activities on the project site are required to comply with the City of Costa Mesa Noise Ordinance.
Mitigation Measures
4-1. All activities on the project site will be required to conform to the noise ordinance. Any potential
noise -generating uses should be located away from residential areas, if possible.
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 7 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Firrdmgs and Staten" of aenidmg Cavideratzom
Long -Term On-site Impacts
Significant Impact
The proposed hotel located (Building F) along Bristol Street may experience interior noise levels in the
guest rooms that exceed" 45 CNEL.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by the adoption of the following mitigation measure as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Mitigation Measures
4-2. Prior to issuance of building permits for the new hotel (Building F) an acoustical study should be
prepared by a qualified acoustical consultant and submitted to the City. This study should predict
the future ultimate noise levels impacting the building and calculate the outdoor -to -indoor noise
reduction provided by the structure. Compliance with the 45 CNEL standard should be
demonstrated with any required building component upgrades. The required noise reduction is
only slightly greater than what would typically be expected. The 45 CNEL standard is achievable
and any measures required to meet the 45 CNEL standard would not be significant.
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Significant Impact
Project implementation could result in differential settlement from compacted soils beneath building
foundations settling over time due to earthquakes or other natural occurrences. The project site contains
expansive soils. Significant impacts from differential settlement can be mitigated through standard
building design and engineering techniques required for compliance with the Uniform Building Code.
Typically, removal and recompaction of compressible soils provides suitable mitigation for settlement -
related impacts where relatively low-rise structures are constructed. For medium -to high-rise office
buildings, specialty foundation designs, pilings, or caissons can address the potential effects from
differential settlement.
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 8 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Findings and Stawnmt of Omnding Considerations
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following standard conditions and requirements and the adoption of
mitigation measures as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
Compliance with Uniform Building Code provisions and standard subdivision engineering requirements,
as specified in the city's conditions of approval, will satisfactorily address the geotechnical issues described
in this section of the Final Program EIR.
Mitigation Measures
5-1. All future development on the SCPTC site shall be designed to comply with all applicable
geological and seismic safety requirements of the Uniform Building Code and mitigation as
defined in the Public Resources Code Section 2693(c). Verification of such compliance will be
confirmed during the City's plan review and building permit issuance processes.
5-2. Grading and foundation plans, including foundation loads, shall be reviewed by a registered soils
engineer, and approved by the City of Costa Mesa Building Safety Division.
5-3. All grading and earthwork shall be performed under the observation of a registered geotechnical
engineer in order to achieve proper sub -grade preparation, selection of satisfactory materials, and
placement and compaction of all structural fill.
5-4. Prior to approval of each grading plan by the City of Costa Mesa, the property owner/developer
shall submit a soils and geological report for the area to be graded, based on proposed grading
and prepared by registered soils engineer and approved by the City of Costa Mesa Building Safety
Division.
5-5. Prior to issuance of each building permit by the City of Costa Mesa, the property
owner/developer shall submit for review and approval by the City of Costa Mesa Building Safety
Division, a detailed foundation design information for the subject building(s), prepared by a
registered civil engineer, based on recommendations by a geotechnical engineer.
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 9 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Findings and Statanazt of Or midmg Cauii eratiom
5-6. Prior to issuance of each building permit by the City of Costa Mesa, the property
owner/developer shall submit plans showing that the proposed structure has been analyzed by a
registered civil engineer for earthquake loading and designed according to the most recent seismic
standards in the Uniform Building Code adopted by the City of Costa Mesa.
5-7. If a permit is required for discharge of perched groundwater encountered during excavation for
site improvements, the applicant shall acquire such permits) from the applicable agency(ies) (e.g.,
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, County Flood Control or County Sanitation
District) and provide evidence of permit issuance to the Costa Mesa Building Safety Division
prior to initiating any such discharge.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Significant Impact
Due to the increase of impermeable surfaces from the proposed project, the volume and rate of runoff
from the site will be nominally increased over the existing condition. Degradation of storm water runoff
quality is possible associated with the introduction of urban land uses to the site.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be
adopted by such agency.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by the inclusion of the following project design features, standard conditions and requirements,
and the adoption of mitigation measures as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Project Design Features
The project incorporates the following design features related to hydrology, flood hazard, and water
quality:
• Construction of structural BMPs as identified in the SWPPP, and required by the NPDES
Stormwater Permit issued to the project site by the County of Orange/City of Costa Mesa to
capture urban runoff contaminants from developed areas prior to discharge to onsite storm
drain facilities.
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 10 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — F hlzW and Statanmt ofOzt mdmg Considerations
Standard Conditions and Requirements
Compliance with Uniform Building Code provisions and standard subdivision engineering requirements,
as specified in the city's conditions of approval, will satisfactorily address the hydrology and drainage
issues described in this section of the Final Program EIR
Mitigation Measures
6-1. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the applicant shall obtain an NPDES Stormwater Permit
from the County of Orange. Applicable BMP provisions shall be incorporated into the NPDES
Permit.
PUBLIC SERVICES, UTILITIES, AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Significant Impact
Buildout of the project will contribute to the need for a new fire station/substation, by increasing the
number of calls to the service area. According to the Costa Mesa Fire Department, the water system has
adequate fire flow. However, until actual building plans are submitted, specific fire flow requirements
cannot be determined.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following project design features and standard conditions and requirements
as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Project Design Features
A water delivery system designed to provide adequate fire flows to the project site and
maintain a roadway system to provide adequate access to and through the site are a part of
the design of the project.
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 11 Finc&V
South Coast Plaza Tmn C uer EIR - Fzndmgs and Statonort ofOrxTnding Considerations
Standard Conditions and Requirements
• Concurrent with the issuance of building permits the applicants shall pay the North Costa Mesa Fire
Fee in effect at that time, as applicable.
• Each final master plan for the project site shall provide sufficient capacity for fire flows required by
the Costa Mesa fire Department.
• Vehicular access to all fire hydrants must be provided and maintained throughout construction.
Police Services
Significant Impact
The Costa Mesa Police Department has indicated that the SCPTC project may require additional
personnel and/or equipment. Additional personnel could include police officer positions and/or support
personnel.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following standard conditions and requirements and the adoption of
mitigation measures as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
• As final building plans are submitted to the City of Costa Mesa for review and approval, the
Police Department shall review all plans for the purposes of ensuring that the proper design
features are incorporated into the building plans to increase safety.
• Environmental design considerations shall be incorporated into the development and
maintenance of the proposed project to deter such criminal activity as burglary and robbery.
• All buildings shall be well marked with names and addresses to enhance rapid response, rooftops
shall be marked for building identification by police helicopter, and there shall be designated
emergency vehicle parking areas close to buildings.
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 12 Findings
South Gast Plaza Tour Center EIR - Findings and Stata'nou of Owrdxg Camderatiow
Mitigation Measures
8-1. Prior to the initiation of grading, a construction security service shall be established at the
construction site. Initially, the service shall ensure that no unauthorized entry is made into the
construction area. For the duration of each phase of construction, the project applicant shall
provide sufficient onsite security personnel on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis, to patrol all
areas of construction and prohibit unauthorized entry.
8-2. Private on-site security is to be provided by the project applicant, as the project is developed and
operational.
Solid Waste
Significant Impact
The project is expected to generate 6,276 tons of solid waste annually.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following project design features as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Project Design Features
1. In accordance with the requirements of AB 939, construction contractors shall reuse construction
forms where practicable or applicable, attempt to balance soils on the site, minimize over cutting of
lumber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping where feasible, and reuse landscape containers to the
extent feasible.
2. Recycling bins for glass, metals, paper, wood, plastic, green waste, and cardboard'shall be placed on
the construction sites for use by construction workers.
3. In construction specifications and bid packages, require building materials made of recycled materials,
to the extent feasible and economically practical.
4. As a part of the ongoing operations of the SCPTC project, the following measures shall be integrated
into project design:
• Source reduction, source separation and recycling measures shall focus on paper goods, yard
waste, plastic, wood waste, and glass;
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 13 Finc&rgs
South Coast Plaza Town Center EIR - Findings and Staten" of amiding Considerations
• "Buy -recycled" policies, such as price references for recycled products;
• Source reduction policies;
• In-house recycling;
• Drop-off sites;
• Employee education;
• Customer education; and,
• Manufacturing design modification to promote source reduction or recycling.
Wastewater
Significant Impact
The project would generate more wastewater flows than were projected by the Orange County Sanitation
District for the site. The proposed project would generate approximately 174,000 additional gallons per
day of wastewater to be treated.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be
adopted by such agency.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following project design features and standard conditions and requirements
as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Project Design Features
• All onsite wastewater sewer lines will be provided and ties to the existing sewer line system.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
• Prior to the issuance of building permits, a letter shall be obtained from the CMSD and the OCSD
verifying that there is sufficient capacity in the receiving trunk lines to serve the proposed project.
• Prior to the issuance of connection permits(s), the applicant shall pay all applicable fees.
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 14 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tour Center EIR — Fmdmgs and Statanent of OaTndmg Considerations
Water
Significant Impact
The project area is served by a water system that has adequate water pressure and volumes to serve the
project site. Improvements to this system would be determined upon submittal of detailed building plans.
The proposed project would increase potable water consumption by approximately 43,890 gallons per day.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be
adopted by such agency.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following project design features and standard conditions and requirements
as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Project Design Features
• All onsite irrigation lines for recycled water would be identified so as to avoid connection
with potable water lines.
• Design requirements would be specified to the City for potable and recycled water -plumbing
systems within proposed buildings.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
• Prior to the issuance of an Application Permit the Application Plan Check/Inspection Fee
and Performance Guarantee Bond shall be paid by the applicant to the MCWD.
• Prior to the approval of plans or the execution of a service agreement, a development impact
fee shall be collected by the MCWD from the applicant.
Water conservation plans as required by the State of California shall be incorporated into
building plans for the project. The measures to be implemented include, but are not limited
to:
- Low -flow fittings, fixtures, and equipment, including low flush toilets and urinals (Health
and Safety Code 17921.3)
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 15 FincbV
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Findmgs and Statanmt of OaTndmg Considerations
- Use of self-closing valves for drinking fountains and lavatory faucets in public facilities
(Government Code Section 7800)
- Insulation of water pipes and water heating systems. (Title 24, California Administrative
Code, Section 25352)
Use of low flow sprinkler heads in irrigation systems (California Conservation in
Landscaping Act, AB 325).
AESTHETICS
Significant Impact
The project allows a 21 -story office building. This exceeds the current height limitation of 16 stories that
is designated west of Park Center Drive, as specified in the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan.
In addition, glare from sunlight reflected from the proposed office buildings could pose a potentially
significant visual impact to motorists traveling northbound and southbound on 1-405.
The project is demolishing existing buildings and introducing buildings in an established area; thereby
creating the potential for incompatibility with surrounding development.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The potential significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than
significant by inclusion of the following project design features and standard conditions and requirements
as identified in the Final Program EIR.
Project Design Features
The project incorporates the following design features related to aesthetics and visual resources:
• The proposed SCPTC project will incorporate signage, landscaping, and exterior lighting that
comply with applicable city requirements.
• The size, height, building materials, and orientation of structures associated with the SCPTC
project will comply with City requirements.
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 16 FinAV
South Caast Plaza Tozen Gmw EIR - Fmdmgs and Statonent of Omndmg Considerations
Standard Conditions and Requirements
The SCPTC project will be required to comply with Uniform Building Code provisions, standard
subdivision engineering requirements, and applicable provisions of the Costa Mesa General Plan and
North Costa Mesa Specific Plan (as amended) as specified in the city's conditions of approval.
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 17 Findings
South Goast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Fmdmgs and Stawnmt ofOayyzdmg Considerations
SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
The potential significant adverse impacts associated with the implementation of the SCPTC project are
listed below. The Costa Mesa City Council finds that these potential significant adverse impacts would be
reduced with the implementation of the project -related design features and recommended mitigation
measures; however, the impacts cannot be reduced to a level less than significant. The Costa Mesa City
Council is, therefore, adopting a Statement of Overriding Consideration per Section 15093 of the CEQA
Guidelines.
TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
Long -Range Condition
Significant Impact
As a result of project -related traffic, 10 intersections would be significantly impacted. Of these 10
intersections, impacts at the intersections at Main Street and MacArthur Boulevard and Main Street and
Sunflower Avenue, both located in the City of Santa Ana, will operate at Level of Service F under future
build -out conditions, with or with out the project; this level of service is significant and unavoidable.
Finding
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. These changes will mitigate the project impacts, however, the two
intersections' operations will remain at Level of Service F. Such changes have been adopted by such
agency or can and should be adopted by such agency.
Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the project alternatives identified in the
Final Program EIR.
Facts in Support of Findings
Implementation of the following mitigation measures will serve to lessen project impacts in the City of
Santa Ana and improve traffic operations; however, the impacts will remain significant as both the
intersection at Main Street and MacArthur Boulevard and Main Street and Sunflower Avenue are
forecasted to operate at LOS F with or without project improvements. The No Project/No Development
Alternative would completely avoid the significant and unavoidable adverse traffic impacts associated with
the project, however, both of these intersections will still operate at LOS "F" in 2020 conditions. The No
Project and Reduced Intensity would both result in reduced traffic impacts compared to the proposed
project while the Alternate Location would result in similar traffic impacts. However, Main
Street/MacArthur Boulevard and Main Street/Sunflower Avenue, will still operate at LOS "F".
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 18 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Comer EIR — Findings and Statan" ofOrerridmg Considerations
2.3 The project applicants shall pay their respective pro -rata share of the costs of the planned
improvements, as identified in Final Program EIR # 1047, at the intersections in the City of Santa Ana
listed below. The terms for these payments, including payment calculation and timing, shall be
determined by the Director of Development Services, in order to coordinate with the City of Santa
Ana.
The following intersection improvements are required:
a. Main St./MacArthur Blvd. Provide right -turn overlap signal phasing for northbound and
southbound right turns.
b. Main St./Sunflower Ave.: Convert Yd southbound lane to a right turn lane with overlap phasing.
The overriding social, economic, and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding
Considerations and in the Findings Regarding Alternatives provide additional facts in support of these
findings. Any remaining, unavoidable significant effect after available mitigation is implemented is
acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth therein.
AIR QUALITY
Short -Term Construction -Related Emission
Significant Impact
Short-term construction -related emissions would result in significant particulate mater (PM10) and
nitrogen oxide (NOx) air quality impacts.
Finding
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. These changes will serve to lessen the project impacts, however, the
impacts will remain significant. Such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be
adopted by such agency.
Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the project alternatives identified in the
Final Program EIR.
Facts in Support of Finding
Implementation of the following standard conditions and requirements and project will serve to lessen
project impacts; however, the impacts would remain significant. The No Project/No Development
Alternative would completely avoid the significant and unavoidable adverse air quality impacts associated
HIClient/0080/00800014.FND.doe January 17, 2001 19 Findings
South Cazst Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Fuwly s and Stmt of Owmdmg Considerations
with short-term construction activities, but would not meet any of the project objectives. The No Project
and Reduced Intensity would both result in reduced air quality impacts compared to the proposed project
while the Alternate Location would result in similar air quality impact, but none would meet all of the
project objectives.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
All construction contractors shall comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
regulations, including Rule 402, the Nuisance Rule, and Rule 403, Fugitive Dust. Prior to the issuance of a
grading permit where grading permit will occur on more than 50 acres at one time (not expected for the
SCPTC project), the applicant shall submit a grading plan or grading contingency plan to the SCAQMD in
accordance with Rule 403. All grading (regardless of size) shall apply best available control measures for
fugitive dust in accordance with Rule 403. To ensure that the project is in full compliance with applicable
SCAQMD dust regulations and that there is no nuisance impact off the site, the contractor will implement
each of the following:
a. Develop a project grading plan or contingency plan and submit the plan to the
SCAQMD consistent with the provisions of Rule 403. (Note: only applicable where
more than 50 acres are graded).
b. Moisten soil not more than 15 minutes prior to moving soil or conduct whatever
watering is necessary to prevent visible dust emissions from exceeding 100 feet in any
direction.
C. Apply chemical stabilizers to disturbed surface areas (completed grading areas) within
five days of completing grading or apply dust suppressants or vegetation sufficient to
maintain a stabilized surface.
d. Water excavated soil piles hourly or cover with temporary coverings.
Water exposed surfaces at least twice a day under calm conditions. Water as often as
needed on windy days when winds are less than 25 miles per day or during very dry
weather in order to maintain a surface crust and prevent the release of visible emissions
from the construction sites.
f. Wash mud -covered tires and under -carriages of trucks leaving construction sites.
g. Provide for street sweeping, as needed, on adjacent roadways to remove dirt dropped by
construction vehicles or mud, which would otherwise be carried off by trucks departing
project sites.
h. Securely cover loads with a tight fitting tarp on any truck leaving the construction sites to
dispose of debris.
Cease grading during periods when winds exceed 25 miles per hour.
The overriding social, economic, and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding
Considerations and in the Findings Regarding Alternatives provide additional facts in support of these
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 20 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozm Center EIR — Fmdmgs and Staowu of Om-ndmg Considerations
findings. Any remaining, unavoidable significant effect after available mitigation is implemented is
acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth therein.
Long -Term Regional Air QualitX
Significant Impact
Operational -related emissions would result in significant carbon monoxide (CO), reactive organic gas
(ROG), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) air quality impacts
Finding
Such changes or alteration are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not
the agency making the finding. These changes will serve to lessen the project impacts, however, the
impacts will remain significant. Such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be
adopted by such agency.
Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project
alternatives identified in the Final Program EIR.
Facts in Support of Finding
Implementation of the following standard conditions and requirements and project will serve to lessen
project impacts; however, the impacts would remain significant. The No Project/No Development
Alternative would completely avoid the significant and unavoidable adverse air quality impacts associated
with long-term operational activities, but would not meet any of the project objectives. The No Project
and Reduced Intensity would both result in reduced air quality impacts compared to the proposed project
while the Alternate Location would result in similar air quality impacts. None of the alternatives would
meet all of the project objectives.
Standard Conditions and Requirements
To reduce emissions from project -related vehicle trips, the project applicant shall adhere to the City of
Costa Mesa Municipal Code §13-880 through 13-888 (Transportation Demand Management) and the
South Coast Air Quality Management District Regulation XV to reduce vehicle traveled to the maximum
extent feasible. The code includes measures such as:
• Preferential parking for carpool vehicles;
• Bicycle parking and shower facilities;
• Information provided to employees on transportation alternatives;
R/Client/0080/00800014YND.doe January 17, 2001 21 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Fincivzgs and Statanmt of Ownchng Considerations
• Rideshare vehicle loading areas;
• Vanpool vehicle accessibility; and
0 Bus stop improvements.
To reduce emissions from the power plant providing electricity to the site, prior to the issuance of
building permits, the project applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City of Costa Mesa
Building Safety Division that the project shall adhere to Title 24 of the California Code, which requires
new development to use energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems.
The overriding social, economic, and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding
Considerations and in the Findings Regarding Alternatives provide additional facts in support of these
findings. Any remaining, unavoidable significant effect after available mitigation is implemented is
acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth therein.
POPULATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND.HOUSING
Si;Anificant Impact
The SCPTC project would result in an increase in employment in excess of local and regional growth
projections. Considering that the projected growth in employment from the project and in the local area
will occur at a faster pace than housing development, there is a the potential for a significant impact to
housing availability in the area.
Finding
Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project
alternatives identified in the Final Program EIR.
Facts in Support of Finding
There is no feasible project specific mitigation to reduce this impact to a less than significant level. The
No Project/No Development Alternative would completely avoid the significant and unavoidable adverse
housing impacts, but would not meet any of the project objectives. The No Project and Reduced
Intensity would both result in reduced housing impacts compared to the proposed project while the
Alternate Location would result in similar housing impacts. None of the alternatives would meet many of
the project objectives.
The overriding social, economic, and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding
Considerations and in the Findings Regarding Alternatives provide additional facts in support of these
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 22 Findings
South Coast Plaza Town Center EIR - Findings and Statanmt of Oamdmg Considerations
findings. Any remaining, unavoidable significant effect after available mitigation is implemented is
acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth therein.
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 23 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tour Center EIR - Fmdmgs and Staten" of OM7idmg Camderatiom
3.0 FINDINGS REGARDING PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE/GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT
The proposed "No Project Alternative" assumes development of the site with land uses permitted under
the Urban Center Commercial designations. This includes total development of the site with
approximately 2,713,750 square feet of office; 5,140 square feet of retail; 80,130 square feet of restaurant;
590 hotel rooms; 1,862 seats of movie theater, 7,308 seats of performance theater; and 140,000 square feet
of museum uses. This project alternative would not require amendments to the City's General Plan or
North Costa Mesa Specific Plan with respect to land use. A General Plan Land Use Element amendment
and the other related amendment (e.g., Circulation Element) would not be required under this alternative
for the project site. Implementation of this alternative would occur consistent with the vehicular trip
budget established for the SCPTC site in the 1990 Costa Mesa General Plan and North Costa Mesa
Specific Plan. No modifications to height restrictions for the project site are assumed.
The City hereby finds that specific economic, social or other considerations make this alternative
infeasible for the following reasons:
1. The "No Project Alternative" would reduce some of the project specific impacts, but would not
address the objectives of the proposed project as described in Section 3.3 of the Final Program
EIR.
2. Implementation of this alternative would not preclude development of the approximate 54 -acre
project site.
3. With this alternative, the City may not be able to realize all of the cultural arts benefits of the
project, increase the size and make permanent the existing open space easement, or provide for or
guarantee the maintenance and public accessibility of the Noguchi California Scenario Outdoor
Sculpture Garden for an extended period of time.
4. This alternative would not result in the creation of 2,324 new jobs within the City.
5. This alternative does not resolve the existing nonconformity issues in respect to the floor area
ratio.
6. The Findings of the Proposed Project set forth in this document and the overriding social,
economic and other issues set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide
support for the Proposed Project and the elimination of this alternative from further
consideration.
R/Client/0080/00800014YND.doc January 17, 2001 24 Findings
South Caast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Findings and Statanmt of Owrdmg Gmnderatzons
NO PROJECT/NO BUILD ALTERNATIVE — RETENTION OF SITE IN EXISTING
CONDITIONS
The "No Project/No Build Alternative" assumes that the SCPTC project site would remain in its existing
condition which includes 2,058,750 square feet of office; 5,140 square feet of retail; 80,130 square feet of
restaurant; 404 hotel rooms; 3,562 seats of movie theater; and 3,668 seats of performance theater uses.
The existing mixed-use development would remain, in addition to the approximately 5 -acre vacant parcel.
This alternative does not require any of the discretionary actions that would be needed to approve the
proposed project (i.e., General Plan and Specific Plan amendments, Master Plan amendments, street
vacations, etc.).
The City hereby finds that specific economic, social or other considerations make this alternative
infeasible for the following reasons:
1. The "No Project/No Build Alternative" would avoid project specific impacts, but would not
address the objectives of the proposed project as described in Section 3.3 of the Final Program
EIR.
2. Implementation of this alternative would not preclude development of the 186 -room hotel
(186,000 square feet) and the Orange County Performing Arts Expansion (1,000 seats).
3. With this alternative, the City would not be able to construct all of the cultural arts benefits of the
project, increase the size and make permanent the existing open space easement, or guarantee or
provide for the maintenance and accessibility of the Noguchi California Scenario Outdoor
Sculpture Garden for an extended period of time.
4. This alternative would not result in the creation of 2,324 new jobs within the City.
5. This alternative does not resolve the existing nonconformity issues in respect to the floor area
ratio.
6. The Findings of the Proposed Project set forth in this document and the overriding social,
economic and other issues set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide
support for the Proposed Project and the elimination of this alternative from further
consideration.
REDUCED INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE
The "Reduced Intensity Alternative" would implement the proposed SCPTC project with the same land
uses proposed as part of the project, but at reduced development intensity. More specifically, the
Reduced Intensity Alternative assumes an overall decrease in 30 percent of office uses in the Two Town
H:/Client/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 25 Findings
South Co" Plaza Town Center EIR — Findings and Statan" of aM7ding Considerations
Center and Balance of Town Center components (15% each) of the SCPTC proposed project. This
reduction would result in the development of 458,500 square feet of office space compared to 655,000
square feet under the proposed project. The proposed elements of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
(SCA) project component will remain the same as under the proposed project. This would allow for total
buildout of the project site with 2,517,250 square feet of office; 5,140 square feet of retail; 81,300 square
feet of restaurant; 590 hotel rooms; 1,862 seats of movie theater; 7,300 seats of performance theater, and
140,000 square feet of museum uses. The mix of land uses considered as part of the project would be
retained and would use the same planning area boundaries developed for the proposed project.
The City hereby findings that specific economic, social or other considerations make this alternative
infeasible for the following reasons:
1. The "Reduced Intensity Alternative" would reduce some of the project specific impacts, but
would not address the objectives of the proposed project as described in Section 3.3 of the Final
Program EIR.
2. Implementation of this alternative would not preclude development of the approximate 54 -acre
project site.
3. With this alternative, the City may not be able to improve visibility of, or guarantee public
accessibility to the Noguchi California Scenario Outdoor Sculpture Garden for an extended
period of time.
4. This alternative would result in the creation of 1,734 full time jobs within the City, rather than
2,324 new jobs under the project.
5. This alternative would not meet the design and planning objectives of the Town Center area for
the southeast corners of Bristol Street/Sunflower Avenue and Park Center Drive/Anton
Boulevard.
7. The Findings of the Proposed Project set forth in this document and the overriding social,
economic and other issues set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide
support for the Proposed Project and the elimination of this alternative from further
consideration.
R/Client/0080/00800014IND.doc January 17, 2001 26 Findings
South Caw Plaza Town Center EIR — Findings and Swan" ofavid ng Considerations
ALTERNATIVE LOCATION
The City of Costa Mesa has identified one location in the City, Sakioka Lot 2, where a SCPTC project
could be implemented. As depicted on Exhibit 6-1 in Final Program EIR #1047, Saldoka Lot 2 is bound
to the north by Sunflower Avenue, to the southeast and east by the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR -55), to the
southwest by South Coast Metro Center, and to the west by Anton Boulevard and Sakioka Lot 1.
Sakioka Lot 2 is approximately 33 acres and is designated for Urban Center Commercial uses. Lot 2 is in
agricultural production, and contains two single-family residences located along Sunflower Avenue. The
existing General Plan and zoning designations for Lot 2 would allow for the development of up to
863,000 square feet of office and retail uses. The North Costa Mesa Specific Plan anticipated that Lot 2
would be developed with mid -rise to high-rise office buildings and support commercial uses. Because the
site's zoning permits residential development, if Lot 2 were developed as a mixed-use project with
residential development, a maximum of 660 residential units could be constructed on the site.
Implementation of this alternative assumes that the cultural arts uses (SCR theater and OCPAC
expansion, symphony hall, and art museum/academy uses) would still be developed within the SCPTC
portion of the project. However, it is assumed that the office and restaurant/retail uses associated with
Two Town Center and office uses and previously entitled hotel associated with the Balance of Town
Center component of the SCPTC project would be developed on the 33 -acre Sakioka Lot 2.
Implementation of the proposed SCPTC development on Sakioka Lot 2 would not require a General Plan
amendment to change the land use designation from Urban Center Commercial to the proposed Cultural
Arts Center designation. Similarly, Lot 2 would not require a rezone from PDC (Planned Development
Commercial), to Town Center District (TC). Maximum building heights and a vehicular trip budget
would need to be established. Consequently, retaining the existing development restrictions for Lot 2
under the proposed project, this alternative site would allow the development of office land uses identified
for the SCPTC project.
The City hereby finds that specific economic, social or other considerations make this alternative
infeasible for the following reasons:
1. The "Alternative Location" would reduce some of the project specific impacts, but would not
address the objectives of the proposed project as described in Section 3.3 of the Final Program
EIR.
2. Implementation of this alternative would not preclude development of the approximate 54 -acre
project site.
3. With this alternative, the City may not be able to improve visibility of, or guarantee public
accessibility to the Noguchi California Scenario Outdoor Sculpture Garden for an extended
period of time.
K/Client/0080/00800014YND.doc January 17, 2001 27 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Fvxbr gs and Siatanazt of Oa"dmg Considerations
3. This alternative would not be feasible, inasmuch as it would require agreement from other
landowners to provide development rights, which is beyond the control of the project applicant.
4. The Findings of the Proposed Project set forth in this document and the overriding social,
economic and other issues set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide
support for the Proposed Project and the elimination of this alternative from further
consideration.
H:/C1ient/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 28 Findings
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR - Findings and Statonmt ofOzt nchng Considerations
4.0 STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires the lead agency to balance the benefits of a
proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks in determining whether to approve the
project. The City of Costa Mesa proposes to approve the SCPTC project although unavoidable adverse
traffic, air quality, and housing demand impacts have been identified in the Final Program EIR. Even
though these adverse impacts are not reduced to a level considered less than significant, the Costa Mesa
City Council finds that those impacts are outweighed by the benefits of the SCPTC project. Further, the
alternatives that were identified in the Final Program EIR would not provide the project benefits, as
summarized below, to the same extent as the proposed project:
1. The project will promote and enhance the City of Costa Mesa's image of the "City of the Arts",
by creating new venues in the performing arts complex that will rival centers in New York,
Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Denver. Similarly, upon the completion of the new
symphony hall, two of the ten best orchestral performance venues in the world will exist in the
City of Costa Mesa.
2. Direct cultural benefits to the City of Costa Mesa have occurred from two recent donations by
C.J. Segerstrom and Sons/South Coast Plaza: the grant of a six -acre parcel to the Orange County
Performing Arts Center, and the personal commitment of Henry Segerstrom to contribute $40
million to the design and construction of a new symphony hall on that land. These gifts allow the
following:
0 Expansion of South Coast Repertory Theater;
• Construction of a 2,500 -seat symphony hall;
• Creation of a third arts -related venue at some time in the future, with the site improved
as a public park until that construction occurs; and
0 Creation of exterior plazas, promenades, and assembly areas associated with the both
South Coast Repertory theater and the new symphony hall;
3. The project shall provide for the preservation, maintenance, and public accessibility of the
Noguchi California Scenario Sculpture Garden in accordance with its existing configurations and
function, commencing immediately and continuing for the useful life of the existing office
buildings adjacent to the garden. In addition, through the redesigned architecture of the new
office building proposed for the southeast corner of Anton Boulevard and Park Center Drive, the
visibility of the garden from the street and public access to the garden will be improved.
4. The existing open space easement will be increased in size and made permanent instead of
temporary.
5. The project applicants shall create and implement a Theater and Arts District Plan. This plan
shall address landscaping, surface treatment of pedestrian areas, street paving, individual
sculptures placed temporarily or permanently for the enjoyment of the public, benches, lighting
standards, and banner mounting poles, and other street furniture. Entry and monument signs,
H:/C1ient/0080/00800014.FND.doc January 17, 2001 29 Statement ofOmrldingCawderatums
South Coast Plaza Tozen Center EIR — Findings and Statawa ofOzymi ing Camderamm
display banners, and other signs identifying the Theatre and Arts District shall prominently
include the name of the City. The project applicants shall cooperate in funding mechanisms for
the thematic improvements in the public rights-of-way throughout SCPTC.
6. The property owner of Two Town Center shall commit to the direct construction of new project
improvements in Two Town Center on public art to be incorporated into the project area. This
public art will be created by an artist or artists selected by the property owner of Two Town
Center.
7. The property owner of Two Town Center shall commit to the installation of enhance site
improvements in Two Town Center. These improvements include site markers, special paving,
enhanced perimeter improvements, Park Center Drive enhancements, additional or enhanced
landscaping at the project perimeter and/or adjacent to the freeway, new signage and common
area lighting and similar improvements designed to enhance the image, reputation and/or
aesthetic appeal of the project and the Cultural Arts District.
8. The property owner of Two Town Center has donated land (valued at $1,100,000) at the request
of the City to accommodate the construction of the Avenue of the Arts freeway off ramp.
9. The project applicants shall develop a comprehensive parking plan that addresses the needs of the
entire project area. Persons who are residents of the City of Costa Mesa attending a cultural arts
venue during evenings (after 6 p.m.) or on weekends shall be provided a discount of fifty percent
(50%) off the price for parking otherwise applicable to the general public attending cultural arts
events in South Coast Plaza Town Center
Therefore, the Costa Mesa City Council, having reviewed and considered the information contained in the
Final Program EIR and the public record, adopts the Statement of Overriding Considerations that has
been balanced against the unavoidable adverse impacts in reaching a decision on this project.
R/Client/0080/008000141ND.doc January 17, 2001 30 Statema2tofOr mdzngCamderations