SCH Number 2022120708

Project Info

Title

The City of Alhambra Zoning Code Update Project

Description

The proposed project is a comprehensive update to the City of Alhambra Zoning Code. Alhambra’s existing Zoning Code was adopted in 1986 and has been amended numerous times over the years in an attempt to keep up with various State law requirements. The existing Zoning Code contains 12 base zones, 2 overlay zones, and 10 specific plans. The state of the current Zoning Code is as follows: • It has not been comprehensively updated for several decades; • It is difficult to navigate as it is poorly organized and contains standards that are outdated, and difficult to administer; • It does not fully reflect changes resulting from legal decisions and recent changes to State laws, which are administered via staff-level policy; • It lacks the ability to address modern development trends and patterns; • It has an antiquated list of permitted/prohibited uses; • Some sections lack specificity or clarity, making enforcement difficult in some situations and; • It lacks tables and graphics that would improve readability. The updated Zoning Code will have a modern format to eliminate the need for cross-referencing between chapters to provide for easier document navigation and implementation. The Code will also standardize and simplify the development review process by creating a transparent, predictable, and consistent process through implementation of objective design standards and streamlining of processes. Areas will be rezoned, maximum residential densities will be increased, and residential and residential mixed-uses will be allowed in zones where such uses have not been previously allowed, in order to promote infill and mixed-use projects accommodating housing and affordable housing consistent with State planning goals and policies. Off-street parking standards will also be updated for all zones to promote housing development and to be business friendly. The work effort also necessitates a number of Zone Changes and General Plan Amendments to the City’s Zoning Map and General Plan Map. Applications for a General Plan Map Amendment AMD-23-07, General Plan Text Amendment AMD-23-08, Zoning Map Amendment AMD-23-09, and Zoning Text Amendment AMD23-10, are required to implement the proposed comprehensive update to the City of Alhambra Zoning Code.

3 documents in project