Physical Character

Urban Design Element

  • GOAL UD-1: Physical Character
    Improve the physical character and livability of the City to promote a sense of place, positive community image, and quality environment.
  • Policy UD-1.1
    Design Quality
    Ensure all developments feature high quality design, materials, finishes, and construction.
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  • Policy UD-1.2
    Public Art
    Require public art as part of major developments and the public realm improvements.
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  • Policy UD-1.3
    Delineation of Public Spaces
    Encourage site design that clearly defines public spaces through building placement and orientation.
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  • Policy UD-1.4
    Safety through Design
    Incorporate public safety design features into private and public developments to prevent loitering, vandalism, and other undesirable activities.
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  • Policy UD-1.5
    Attractive Public Spaces
    Encourage community interaction through the development and enhancement of plazas, open space, people places, and pedestrian connections with the public realm.
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  • Policy UD-1.6
    Active Transportation Infrastructure
    Support the creation of citywide public street and site amenities that accommodate and promote an active transportation-friendly environment.
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  • Policy  UD-1.7
    Visual Clutter
    Promote the beautification and accessibility of the public realm through the undergrounding of utility lines and aboveground equipment.
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Mobility Element

  • Policy M-4.5
    Land Use Development Design
    Ensure that building placement and design features create a desirable and active streetscape, by prioritizing pedestrian access directly from the street and placing parking lots to the rear of a development site.
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  • Policy M-5.1
    Enhanced Street Design
    Improve the beauty, character, and function of travelways with amenities such as landscaped parkways and medians, bike lanes, public art, and other amenities.
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  • Policy M-5.4
    Green Streets
    Leverage opportunities along streets and public rights-of-way to improve water quality through use of landscaping, permeable pavement, and other best management practices.
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  • Policy M-5.5
    Street Design
    Design and retrofit streets based on their combined land use context and road function to achieve safety objectives.
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Public Services Element

  • Policy PS-1.1
    Maintenance and Design
    Provide and maintain public facilities that reinforce community identity through high quality design.
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  • Policy PS-2.1
    Public Safety Agencies
    Collaborate with the Police Department and the Fire Authority to promote greater public safety through implementing Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPETD) principles for all development projects.
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Open Space Element

  • Policy OS-2.9
    Safety through Design
    Create a safe environment through implementation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in public spaces.
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  • Policy OS-2.14
    ADA Accessibility
    Design new and renovate existing parks, recreation facilities, and trails to provide access to residents of varying abilities, including people with special needs.
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Land Use Element

  • Policy LU-3.7
    Attractive Environment
    Promote a clean, safe, and creative environment for Santa Ana’s residents, workers, and visitors.
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  • Policy LU-4.2
    Public Realm
    Maintain and improve the public realm through quality architecture, street trees, landscaping, and other pedestrian-friendly amenities.
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Housing Element

  • Policy HE-1.1
    Housing Conditions
    Support the rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of single-family, multiple-family, and mobile homes.
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  • Policy HE-1.3
    Complete Neighborhoods
    Improve neighborhood quality by locating or providing access to complementary services and public facilities, including the integration of community gardens and access to healthy food options in neighborhoods.
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  • Policy HE-1.5
    Infrastructure and Public Services
    Provide quality community facilities, physical infrastructure, traffic management and parking control, and other public services to promote the livability, safety, and vitality of neighborhoods.
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  • Policy HE-1.8
    Public Safety
    Support efforts to improve neighborhood safety through environmental design, housing maintenance, rent stabilization, community-oriented policing, youth diversion activities, traffic safety, and other violence-prevention measures.
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Historic Preservation Element

  • Policy HP-1.1
    Architectural and Design Standards
    Preserve unique neighborhoods and structures in Santa Ana through implementation of the Citywide Design Guidelines and historic preservation best practices.
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  • Policy HP-2.2
    Educational Awareness
    Provide educational opportunities to foster community awareness and pride in Santa Ana’s history.
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