AELUP. Airport Environs Land Use Plan (a land use compatibility plan referred to in Public Utilities Code Section 21675).
Accessibility. Accessibility refers to the ability to reach destinations. While mobility focuses on how to get to a particular destination, accessibility focuses on where you are going. For transportation purposes, accessibility also refers to the limitations of individuals to get to a particular destination.
Accommodate. To make room for or provisions for something that is specifically intended to occur.
Action. An activity, program, or initiative undertaken by the City or another stakeholder, typically to implement a policy or goal of the General Plan.
Active transportation. Transportation conducted purely through direct human movement, such as walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating, or skateboarding. An active transportation system refers to the pedestrian and bicycling paths that provide opportunities for human-powered transportation.
Advocate. To openly support and promote an action, objective, or goal; also to speak on behalf of an individual or group.
Adaptive reuse. A method by which a building is adapted/modified to a different use from its original use, while its general physical form is retained. See also historic rehabilitation for historical buildings.
Agency. A governmental entity, department, office, or administrative unit responsible for carrying out regulations.
Agriculture. Use of land for the production of food and fiber, including the growing of crops and/or the grazing of animals on natural prime or improved pasture land.
Air basin. One of 14 self-contained regions in the United States, minimally influenced by air quality in contiguous regions. Santa Ana is located in the South Coast Air Basin.
Air pollutants. Any airborne substance that could, in high enough concentration, harm animals, humans, vegetation, and/or materials. With respect to circulation, air pollutants fall into two main groups: (1) those emitted from identifiable sources (such as vehicles) and, (2) those formed in the air by interaction between pollutants and weather conditions.
Air pollutant emissions. Discharges into the atmosphere, usually specified in terms of weight per unit of time for a given pollutant. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has identified primary pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulates (PM10), reactive organic gases, and sulfur dioxide.
Air pollution control district (APCD). A single-or multi-county agency with legislative authority to adopt and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to control non-vehicular sources of air pollutants in its area. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the designated APCD for the South Coast Air Basin.
Air quality standard. A health-based standard for air pollution established by the federal government and the State. Santa Ana is located in the South Coast Air Basin which is considered a non-attainment area for ozone and a number of other pollutants.
Airport. Any public or military airport, air station, or air facility.
Allow. To be open to something occurring but without any particular effort to make it happen.
ALUC. Airport Land Use Commission.
Ambient air quality. The quality of the air at a particular time and place.
Ambient noise level. The composite of noise from all sources near and far. In this context, the ambient noise level constitutes the normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). A federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Titles II and III of the ADA Act of 1990 include enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The standards set minimum requirements for state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities
Annexation. The means by which an incorporated city or town extends its corporate boundaries. Annexation of unincorporated land into an incorporated city or town is initiated by a petition of affected land owners or registered voters, or by resolution from the incorporated city or town. The process of annexation is overseen by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
Analyze. To methodically examine the desirability or feasibility of something, with a view toward letting the evidence determine the appropriate level of commitment.
APZ. Accident Potential Zone (zones established around some airports based on accident histories and operational characteristics).
Arcade. An arched roof or covered passageway.
Architectural character. The characteristic given to buildings by prominence derived from distinctive and attractive attributes in its architecture and ornamental detailing.
Architectural feature. A prominent or significant part or element of a building, structure, or site,
Architectural style. The characteristic form and ornamental detail of buildings of a particular period.
Arterial street. A major street carrying the traffic of local and collector streets to and from freeways and other major streets, with controlled intersections that generally provide direct access to properties. Please refer to Master Plan of Arterial Highways for a detailed description.
Articulation. Clear and distinct separation between design elements.
Aspire. To direct one’s ambitions toward achieving something.
Attractive. Having qualities that arouse interest and pleasure in the observer.
Augment. To add to something that is already in place to make it more desirable, functional, or beneficial.
Automatic aid. Automatic aid is assistance that is dispatched automatically by a contractual agreement between two emergency service departments, communities, or districts when an emergency occurs. It differs from mutual aid, which is arranged on an as-needed and requested basis.
Avoid. To not enable something that will lead to an undesirable outcome.
Backlit. Illuminated internally or from the inside.
Bay window. A window projecting outward from the main wall of a building.
Berm. A raised form of earth to provide screening or to improve the aesthetic character.
Bollard. A vertical, freestanding, short post used as a barrier to vehicles.
Bracket. A support element under overhangs; often more decorative than functional.
Bicycle facilities. A general term used to describe all types of bicycle-related infrastructure, including linear bikeways and other provisions to accommodate or encourage bicycling, such as bicycle racks and lockers, bikeways, and showers at employment destinations. On- and off-street spaces delineated for safe use by bicycles, designated in one of four classes:
Class I (shared use or bike path). A bikeway physically separated from any street or highway. Shared Use Paths may also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers, and other non-motorized users.
Class II (bike lane). A portion of roadway that has been designated by striping, signaling, and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists.
Class III (bike route). A generic term for any road, street, path, or way that in some manner is specifically designated for bicycle travel regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles, or are to be shared with other transportation modes.
Class IV (cycle track or separated bikeway). A bikeway for the exclusive use of bicycles and includes a required separation between the bikeway and the through vehicular traffic. The separation may include, but is not limited to, grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible posts, inflexible barriers, or on-street parking.
Bikeway. A generic term for any road, street, or path that is designed for bicycle travel, regardless of whether it is designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or is to be shared with other transportation modes. A bikeway network refers collectively to all types of bikeways and facilities.
Buffer / buffer zone. An area of land, structure, feature, or design treatment separating two uses that acts to soften or mitigate the effects of one use on the other
Building envelope. The three dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot. This space is defined with respect to such development regulations as height, setback requirements, floor area ratio, lot coverage, and intensity standards.
Business Improvement District (BID). A a type of special assessment district in which business owners collectively choose to be assessed, with the proceeds then used by local business organizations to improve and promote the business district.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A state law (California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.), requiring state and local agencies to regulate activities with consideration for environmental protection. If a proposed activity has the potential for a significant adverse environmental impact, an environmental impact report (EIR) must be prepared and certified as to its adequacy before taking action on the proposed project.
California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The governor-appointed nine-member commission charged with identifying and cataloging places of special religious or social significance to Native Americans and known graves and cemeteries of Native Americans on private lands. The NAHC also performs other duties regarding the preservation and accessibility of sacred sites and burials and the disposition of Native American human remains and burial items.
Cantilever. A beam or architectural element projecting beyond a wall line without support from below.
Capital Improvements Program (CIP). A program, administered by a city or county government that schedules permanent improvements, usually for a minimum of five years in the future, to fit the projected fiscal capability of the local jurisdiction. The CIP is generally reviewed annually for conformance to and consistency with the Policy Plan.
Capacity. The ability to provide a service or fulfill an obligation in the desired manner or at a desired level of service.
Circulation system. The entire system of streets, bikeways, transit routes, truck routes, railroad, pedestrian paths, and other routes that people use for driving, walking, bicycling, and moving throughout a city.
Cohesiveness. Unity of composition between design elements of a building or a group of buildings and the landscape development.
Collaborate. To intentionally, willingly work together toward a common objective or goal.
Community assets. Public libraries, public museums, arts and cultural facilities, community/senior centers, and similar facilities open to and for the benefit of the public.
Community character / community identity. The history, culture(s), natural features, and human-built features that a community’s residents value and wish to celebrate and maintain. Community character can also be defined as the sum of attributes and assets that make a community unique and establish a sense of place for its residents. Some attributes and assets are tangible, like a unique main street area, while others are intangible, like a general sense of tranquility associated with the natural environment.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL). The-average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels in the night before 7 A.M. and after 10 P. M.
Community Revitalization Investment Authority. Community Revitalization & Investment Authorities (CRIAs) are a tool to fund economic development projects within a geographic boundary utilizing tax increment financing. Eligible areas for a CRIA include those that are disadvantaged based on several determinations.
Compatible. In relation to use, the ability for two or more uses to coexist without conflict, with minimal conflict that can be mitigated, or in a beneficial manner. When used in relation to a structure, indicates that the structure is built so that its appearance is similar to that of the principal unit to which the structure is accessory or to the general character of the neighborhood or community with regards to color, materials, construction, lighting, signs, or the emission of sounds, noises and vibrations. See also incompatible.
Complete streets. A transportation facility that is planned, designed, operated, and maintained to provide safe mobility for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit vehicles, truckers, and motorists, appropriate to the function and context of the facility.
Complete streets network. A system of on- and off-street facilities (e.g., sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails), that enable all users of all ages and abilities to navigate within or through a community area, with an emphasis on mobility focus areas. The system can consist of one or more facility type based on the intended users and access requirements. Individual facilities may overlap or not, serve all or just some users, and be contiguous or disconnected. Complete streets facilities and improvements are subject to physical constraints presented by the local context and financial feasibility limitations.
Comply with. To follow specified existing ordinances, regulations or procedures.
Complement / complementary. Combining or coexisting (e.g., two buildings or land uses) in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other.
Concurrent. Services, facilities, activities or other things that are provided or are occurring at the same time as something else.
Congestion management program (CMP). Required by law for every county to address the impact of local growth on the regional transportation system. Required to receive Measure M2 funds.
Conservation. The management of natural resources to prevent waste, destruction, or neglect.
Consider. To remain open to and evaluate a range of possible actions or outcomes as part of a decision.
Consistent. To be or act in harmony or aligned with something; see also inconsistent.
Consolidate. To bring together aspects, features, or components of a system or locale that can serve better in a combined, merged, or integrated form.
Construct. To build something: buildings, roads, channels, etc.
Context. Local or regional environmental, social, and economic conditions.
Context-sensitive. An approach, design, standard, or practice that is sensitive to and varies according to the local or regional environmental, social, and economic conditions.
Context-sensitive solutions. The planning, design, and implementation of transportation and/or building infrastructure that is in scale and character with surrounding land uses, minimizes negative effects, and adds value to adjacent land uses through design, aesthetics, and other techniques.
Continue. To maintain and/or resume an action.
Cooperate. To work in a positive effort with another entity toward a mutually beneficial end. Such work may take the form of direct action, passive support, or even inaction.
Coordinate. To work in a positive effort with another entity in the process of conducting individual actions or initiatives that relate to each other and that can benefit from concurrent or cooperative activity.
Critical and essential facilities. Public safety and services sites, structures and institutions that, if impacted by an emergency, could exacerbate the problem, reduce a (generally public) entity’s ability to respond, or present a significant secondary problem or a problem greater than the original emergency.
dB(A). A-weighted sound pressure level or A-level is the sound pressure level that has been filtered or weighted to quantitatively reduce the effect of the low frequency noise. It was designed to approximate the response of the human ear to sound. A-level is measured in units of decibels.
Decibel (dB). A unit for describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micro Newtons per square meter).
Dedicate. To offer or set aside for a specific program, action, or use; when in the context of land dedication, the land is generally set aside for public ownership, use, and/or operation or maintenance.
Density. Dwelling units per acre; a measure of residential development.
Design. To conceive in advance the size, shape, qualities, appearance, open space and other attributes of a proposed development, building and related improvements, generally rendered in graphic forms that communicate the anticipated outcome.
Determine. To calculate in advance the nature or outcome of an anticipated action, situation, or proposal.
Discourage. To openly deter (or attempt to deter) an individual, group, or organization from doing something.
Discretionary. An action taken by a governmental agency that calls for the exercise of judgment in deciding whether to approve and/or how to carry out a project.
District. Broad portions of the city that have consistent design features and/or a similar character.
Dwelling unit. A room or group of rooms (including sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation facilities, limited to one kitchen), which constitutes an independent housing unit, occupied or intended for occupancy by one household on a long term basis.
Earthquake fault zone. Regulatory zone around active faults created through the Alquist-Priolo Act. Displayed as polygons that encompass mapped fault traces, typically about one-quarter mile in width.
Edge. A break, an interruption or a simple change in the continuity of form in the built environment or open space, or a barrier along the predominant line of sight. A threshold where change occurs which can have the effect of separating or joining.
Encourage. To promote, support, or champion a concept or action; such support may be in terms of political support and coordination, staff resources, and/or financial resources.
Enhance. To improve existing conditions in quality, value, or characteristic.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts. Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) are financed through tax increment generated from the growth in property taxes collected from within a designated district boundary. EIFDs work by freezing the property tax revenues that flow from a designated project area to the city, county, and other taxing entities at the “base level” in the current year.
Environmental Justice Area or Community. The City uses a mapping tool from CalEPA called CalEnviroScreen (CES) to identify the most vulnerable and disadvantaged areas in Santa Ana (in the context of SB 1000). The CES tool measures indicators for every census tract in California related to people’s exposure to pollution and quality of life. The results for each census tract are combined and measured against every other census tract, producing a composite score that ranks census tracts from the least impacted to the most impacted. Those ranked in the top 25 percent—shown with values between 75 and 100 percent—are considered and referred to as an environmental justice area, environmental justice community, or disadvantaged community.
A disadvantaged community, as defined by Government Code Section 65302(h)(4)(A), is a low-income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation, or an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code, as amended from time to time respectively.
Equitable. A condition or treatment that is fair and impartial.
Erosion. The process by which soil and rock are detached and moved by running water, wind, ice, and gravity.
Establish. To bring something into being that does not currently exist.
Explore. To search for or examine the nature of a possibility before a commitment is made. Similar to analyze.
Expand. To increase in detail, extent, number, volume, or scope.
Facilitate. To make an action or process easier or to help bring about.
Fair share. An allocation of resources, costs, or fees considered equitable and proportional to the needs, impacts, or activity of an existing or proposed project.
Fault / active fault. A fracture in the crust of the earth along which rocks on one side have moved relative to those on the other side. Most faults are the result of repeated displacements over a long period of time. A fault trace is the line on the earth’s surface defining the fault. For the purposes of the Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, an active fault is one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. See earthquake fault zone.
Fault. A fracture in the earth’s crust forming a boundary between rock masses that have shifted. A fault is considered to be an active fault if it has exhibited movement within the last 11,000 years and can be expected to move within the next 100 years. A potentially active fault is a fault that last moved within the Quaternary Period before the Holocene Epoch (the last 2,000,000 to 11,000). An inactive fault which shows no evidence of movement in recent geologic time and no potential for movement in the relatively near future.
Feasible. Capable of being done, executed, or managed successfully taking into consideration social, physical, environmental, and/or economic factors.
Feasible, technically. Capable of being implemented because the industrial, mechanical, or application technology exists.
Feature. A noticeable or important characteristic, attribute, or aspect of something.
Fenestration. The arrangement and design of windows in a building.
Finding(s). The result(s) of an investigation and the basis upon which decisions are made. Findings are used by government agents and bodies to justify action taken or a decision made by the entity.
Fiscal sustainability. The city’s capacity to operate and maintain public facilities and to provide public services with a reasonable level of service using the revenue generated for the service or facility or revenue generated by the users or beneficiaries of the service or facility. Fiscal sustainability exists when the city has the financial capacity to operate and maintain public facilities and to provide public services in the short term and over the long term.
Fixed guideway. A transportation system technology, such as a streetcar, that runs along rails that are embedded in pavement in either a dedicated lane of a street or a lane that is shared with other vehicles.
Flood. Refers to the rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land that is often caused by storm events or breaches of flood control infrastructure. Urban flooding is caused when heavy rainfall creates a flood independent of an overflowing water body, such as when intense rain overwhelms the capacity of an urban drainage system.
Flood zone / flood hazard area. The Policy Plan displays and/or refers to the following simplified categories on flood hazard maps and in policies:
FEMA 100-year flood zone. An area mapped on a flood insurance rate map (FIRM) where a storm with a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year can cause flood conditions. FIRMs are mapped under the Federal Agency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
DWR 100-year flood zone. An area mapped by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) that identify 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures. These floodplains are identified simply as flood prone areas without specific depths and other flood hazard data; they are not FEMA regulatory floodplain maps. The state conducts an Awareness Floodplain Mapping project to identify all pertinent flood hazard areas for areas that are not mapped under FEMA’s NFIP, and to provide the community and residents an additional tool in understanding potential flood hazards currently not mapped as a regulated floodplain.
FEMA 200-year flood zone. An area mapped (currently in limited areas) by DWR where a storm with a 0.5 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year can cause flood conditions
FEMA 500-year flood zone. An area mapped on a FIRM where a storm with a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year can cause flood conditions. FIRMs are mapped under FEMA’s NFIP.
Flood insurance rate map (FIRM). The official map on which FEMA has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. Flood hazard areas identified on the FIRM are identified as a special flood hazard area (SFHA). SFHAs are defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent annual chance flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood.
Floor-area-ratio (FAR). A measurement used to identify nonresidential land use intensity. The FAR is the ratio of the total gross floor area of all buildings on a lot compared to the total area of that lot. FAR calculations exclude structured park square footage.
Focus areas. Areas targeted for more specific land use planning and design guidance based on their ability to provide new housing options, encourage a range of businesses, promote access and linkages to leisure amenities, preserve industrial land, and concentrate development along transit corridors.
Focus intersections. Urban spaces with intense activity at the encounter point of two paths. A local apex or points where paths meet and appear like peaks.
Food insecurity. The state of being without reliable access to sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Fund. To make money available for a prescribed purpose; may be a one-time, periodic, or ongoing commitment.
Funding and financing mechanism. A legislatively authorized public revenue tool covering a distinct geographical area in which revenues may be generated by properties to fund various public facilities and services. Many of these mechanisms also allow for the issuance of debt. Examples of funding and financing mechanisms can include: assessment district, contractual assessment district, business improvement district, community facility district, community services district, multifamily housing district, lighting and landscaping maintenance district, parking district, community revitalization and investment authority, and enhanced infrastructure finance district.
