Archives: FAQs

Volume 1. Services & Infrastructure

  Community Element The Community Element reinforces the City’s values of recreation, culture, education, and health and wellness, and cultivates opportunities for improved quality of life for all residents. The goals and policies of this element can be made operational through partnerships with local agencies and organizations on facilities, activities, and events throughout Santa Ana. … Continued

How to Use the General Plan

City Decision Makers & Staff The City Council, Planning Commission, other advisory entities, and City staff will use the General Plan when considering land use and planning-related decisions, in administering regulations, and when considering investments of time, money, or other resources. All decisions made by City decision makers and staff is to be consistent with … Continued

What topics are covered in the General Plan?

The elements in the Santa Ana General Plan address topics required by state law and a number that are optional, but of importance to the Santa Ana community. Some topics are discussed entirely within a single element while others are touched on throughout multiple elements. The list below includes general guidance on which elements include … Continued

What is a General Plan?

It’s a policy document. A General Plan sets forth the City’s long-range planning policies that reflect the aspirations and values of residents, land owners, businesses, and organizations within the community. The City Council and Planning Commission use the General Plan when considering land use and planning-related decisions, and City staff use the General Plan in … Continued

A Shared Vision

A vision statement is the expression of our community’s past, present, and future; our aspirations and dreams; and is only bound by the limits of our ambition. The following vision was created through a collaborative process that included community comments, the General Plan Advisory Group, and the City Council. This vision guides the General Plan’s … Continued

Our Core Values

HEALTH The people of Santa Ana value a physical environment that encourages healthy lifestyles, a planning process that ensures that health impacts are considered, and a community that actively pursues policies and practices that improve the health of our residents. EQUITY Our residents value taking all necessary steps to ensure equitable outcomes, expanding access to … Continued

Purpose of the Community Element

The Community Element reinforces the City’s values of recreation, culture, education, and health and wellness, and cultivates opportunities for improved quality of life for all residents. The goals and policies of this element can be made operational through partnerships with local agencies and organizations on facilities, activities, and events throughout Santa Ana. This element works … Continued

Community Element Introduction

Building and maintaining an active and thriving community requires the careful cultivation and equitable distribution of diverse recreational, cultural, educational, and health and wellness events, facilities, and systems. Santa Ana is home to a range of cultural amenities, community attractions, and public facilities, including the Downtown, Bowers Museum, Discovery Science Center, and the Santa Ana … Continued

GOAL LU-3: Compatibility of Uses

Preserve and improve the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods and districts. Policy LU-3.1 Community Benefits Support new development which provides a net community benefit and contributes to neighborhood character and identity. Policy LU-3.2 Empower Community Facilitate community engagement and dialogue in policy decisions and outcomes affecting land use and development, with supplemental opportunities for … Continued

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