Noise

Safety Element

• GOAL S-4: Aircraft Hazards
  Protect the safety of the general public from aircraft hazards.
• Policy S-4.1
  Structures Above 200 Feet
  For development projects that include structures higher than 200 feet above existing grade, the City shall inform the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) and submit materials to the ALUC for review. Proposed projects that would exceed a height of 200 feet above existing grade shall be required to file Form 7460-1 with the Federal Aviation Administration.
  
• Policy S-4.2
  Federal Aviation Regulation Part 77
  Do not approve buildings and structures that would penetrate Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 77 Imaginary Obstruction Surfaces, unless consistent with the California Public Utilities Code Section 21240, such building or structure is determined by FAA to pose “no hazard” to air aviation. Additionally, under this policy, applicants proposing buildings or structures that penetrate the 100:1 Notification Surface will be required to file a Form 7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration with FAA and provide a copy of the FAA determination to the City and the ALUC.
  
• Policy S-4.3
  Light, Glare, and Other Interference
  Minimize hazards to aeronautical operations by ensuring land uses do not emit excessive glare, light, steam, smoke, dust, or electronic interference in compliance with FAA regulations and the John Wayne Airport Environs Land Use Plan.
  
• Policy S-4.4
  Heliport/Helistop Approval and Requirements
  Any proposals for heliports/helipads within the City shall be submitted through the City to the Airport Land Use Commission for a consistency determination. Approve the development of a heliport or helistop only if it complies with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan for heliports. Ensure that each applicant seeking a conditional use permit or similar approval for the construction or operation of a heliport or helistop complies fully with the state permit procedure provided by law and with all conditions of approval imposed or recommended by the FAA, by Orange County Airport Land Use Commission, and by Caltrans/Division of Aeronautics. This requirement shall be in addition to all other City development requirements.
  
• Policy S-4.5
  Referral to ALUC
  Prior to the amendment of the City’s general plan or a specific plan, or the adoption or approval of a zoning ordinance or building regulation within the planning boundary established by the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), and pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 21676, the City shall first refer the proposed action to the ALUC.
  
• Policy S-4.6
  Deed Disclosure Notice
  Provide notice of airport in the vicinity where residential development is being proposed within the 60 dBA CNEL noise contours for the John Wayne Airport.
  

Noise Element

• GOAL N-3: Airport and Land Use Environs
  Protect sensitive land uses from airport related noise impacts.\
• Policy N-3.1
  Residential Development
  Residential development within the John Wayne Airport (JWA) 65 dB(A) CNEL Noise Contour or greater is not supported.
  
• Policy N-3.2
  Flight Paths
  Advocate that future flight path selection be directed away from existing noise sensitive land uses.
  
• Policy N-3.3
  Residential Mitigation
  Require all residential land uses in 60 dB(A) CNEL or 65 dB(A) CNEL Noise Contours to be sufficiently mitigated so as not to exceed an interior standard of 45 dB(A) CNEL.
  

Land Use Element

• Policy LU-1.1
  Compatible Uses
  Foster compatibility between land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
   
• Policy LU-3.4
  Compatible Development
  Ensure that the scale and massing of new development is compatible and harmonious with the surrounding built environment.
  
• Policy LU-3.8
  Sensitive Receptors
  Avoid the development of industry and sensitive receptors in close proximity to each other that could pose a hazard to human health and safety due to the quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics of the hazardous materials utilized, or the hazardous waste an operation may generate or emit.
  

Noise Element

• GOAL N-3 Airport and Land Use Environs
  Protect sensitive land uses from airport related noise impacts.
• Policy N-3.1
  Residential Development
  Residential development within the John Wayne Airport (JWA) 65 dB(A) CNEL Noise Contour or greater is not supported.
  
• Policy N-3.2
  Flight Paths
  Advocate that future flight path selection be directed away from existing noise sensitive land uses.
  
• Policy N-3.3
  Residential Mitigation
  Require all residential land uses in 60 dB(A) CNEL or 65 dB(A) CNEL Noise Contours to be sufficiently mitigated so as not to exceed an interior standard of 45 dB(A) CNEL.
  

Land Use Element

• Policy LU-1.1
  Compatible Uses
  Foster compatibility between land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
   
• Policy LU-3.8
  Sensitive Receptors
  Avoid the development of industry and sensitive receptors in close proximity to each other that could pose a hazard to human health and safety due to the quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics of the hazardous materials utilized, or the hazardous waste an operation may generate or emit.
  

Land Use Element

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 proposed planning activities within environmental justice area boundaries.
  
• Policy LU-3.3
  Enforcement of Standards
  Maintain a robust and proactive code enforcement program that partners with community stakeholders and is responsive to community needs.
  
• Policy LU-3.4
  Compatible Development
  Ensure that the scale and massing of new development is compatible and harmonious with the surrounding built environment.
  
• Policy LU-3.5
  Adaptive Reuse
  Encourage the preservation and reuse of historical buildings and sites through flexible land use policies.
  
• Policy LU-3.6
  Focused Development
  Facilitate the transformation of the transit corridors through focusing medium and high density pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development at key intersections.
  
• Policy LU-3.7
  Attractive Environment
  Promote a clean, safe, and creative environment for Santa Ana’s residents, workers, and visitors.
  
• Policy LU-3.8
  Sensitive Receptors
  Avoid the development of industry and sensitive receptors in close proximity to each other that could pose a hazard to human health and safety due to the quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics of the hazardous materials utilized, or the hazardous waste an operation may generate or emit.
  
• Policy LU-3.9
  Noxious, Hazardous, Dangerous, and Polluting Uses
  Improve the health of residents, students, and workers by limiting the impacts of construction activities and operation of noxious, hazardous, dangerous, and polluting uses that are in close proximity to sensitive receptors, with priority given to discontinuing such uses within environmental justice area boundaries.
  
• Policy LU-3.10
  Community Attractions
  Support the development of regional land uses that allow for entertainment, sports, and unique venues that benefit the local community and attract a wide range of visitors.
  
• Policy LU-3.11
  Air Pollution Buffers
  Work with the Environmental Justice Action Committee to develop and implement landscaping and other local land use and zoning buffer strategies, guided by the California Air Resources Board and Southern California Air Quality Management District best practices, to separate existing sensitive uses from rail lines, heavy industrial facilities, and other emissions sources. As feasible, apply more substantial buffers within environmental justice area boundaries.
  
• Policy LU-3.12
  Indoor Air Quality
  Require new sensitive land uses proposed in areas with high levels of localized air pollution to achieve good indoor air quality through landscaping, ventilation systems, or other measures.
  

Economic Prosperity Element

• Policy EP-1.9
  Avoid Conflict of Uses
  Avoid potential land use conflicts by prohibiting the location of sensitive receptors and noxious land uses in close proximity.
  

• Policy EP-2.3
  Complementary Businesses
  Encourage the development of mutually beneficial and complementary business clusters within the community.
  

Conservation Element

• Policy CN-3.3
  Development Patterns
  Promote energy-efficient development patterns by clustering mixed use developments and compatible uses adjacent to public transportation.
  

Noise Element

• Policy N-2.2
  Stationary Related Noise
  Minimize noise impacts from commercial and industrial facilities adjacent to residential uses or zones where residential uses are permitted.
  
• GOAL N-3: Airport and Land Use Environs
  Protect sensitive land uses from airport related noise impacts.
• Policy N-3.1
  Residential Development
  Residential development within the John Wayne Airport (JWA) 65 dB(A) CNEL Noise Contour or greater is not supported.
  
• Policy N-3.2
  Flight Paths
  Advocate that future flight path selection be directed away from existing noise sensitive land uses.
  
• Policy N-3.3
  Residential Mitigation
  Require all residential land uses in 60 dB(A) CNEL or 65 dB(A) CNEL Noise Contours to be sufficiently mitigated so as not to exceed an interior standard of 45 dB(A) CNEL.
  

Historic Preservation Element

• Policy HP-1.4
  Protecting Resources
  Support land use plans and development proposals that actively protect historic and cultural resources. Preserve tribal, archeological, and paleontological resources for their cultural importance to communities as well as their research and educational potential.
  
• Policy HP-1.8
  Reuse of Historic Buildings
  Support flexible land use standards to facilitate the adaptive reuse of historic buildings with a variety of economically viable uses, while minimizing impacts to the historic value and character of sites and structures.
  

Urban Design Element

• GOAL UD-2: Sustainable Environment
  Improve the built environment through sustainable development that is proportional and aesthetically related to its setting.
• Policy UD-2.2
  Compatibility and use with Setting
  Employ buffers and other urban design strategies to encourage the compatibility of new development with the scale, bulk, and pattern of existing development.
  
• Policy UD-2.3
  New Life for Old Buildings
  Encourage the preservation and reuse of historic and architecturally significant structures to maintain urban fabric and reduce overall energy consumption associated with new construction.
  
• Policy UD-2.5
  Relation to Surroundings
  Ensure new development exhibits a functional, comfortable scale in relation to its neighborhood.
  
• Policy UD-2.6
  Preserve Neighborhood Character
  Preserve the character and uniqueness of existing districts and neighborhoods.
  
• Policy UD-4.1
  Intentional Development
  Support development growth in nodes consistent with the City’s vision as the dynamic urban center of Orange County.
  

Land Use Element

GOAL LU-1: Growing Responsibly
Provide a land use plan that improves quality of life and respects our existing community.

• Policy LU-1.1
  Compatible Uses
  Foster compatibility between land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
   
• Policy LU-1.2
  Homeownership Opportunities
  Support innovative development policies to expand homeownership opportunities at all income levels.
  
• Policy LU-1.3
  Equitable creation AND Distribution of Open Space
  Promote the creation of new open space and community-serving amenities in park-deficient areas that keeps pace with the increase in multi-unit housing development, with priority given to those that are also within environmental justice area boundaries.
   
• Policy LU-1.4
  County Seat
  Support the location of new and enhanced regional, state, and federal governmental facilities in the Civic Center to reinforce Santa Ana as the county seat.
   
• Policy LU-1.5
  Diverse housing types
  Incentivize quality infill residential development that provides a diversity of housing types and accommodates all income levels and age groups.
   
• Policy LU-1.6
  Transit oriented development
  Encourage residential mixed-use development, within the City’s District Centers, Urban Neighborhoods, and adjacent to high quality transit.
  
• Policy LU-1.7
  Active Transportation Infrastructure
  Invest in active transportation connectivity between activity centers and residential neighborhoods to encourage healthy lifestyles.
     

• Policy LU-1.8
  Development Tradeoffs
  Ensure that new development projects provide a net community benefit.
   
• Policy LU-1.9
  Public Facilities and Infrastructure
  Evaluate individual new development proposals to determine if the proposals are consistent with the General Plan and to ensure that they do not compound existing public facility and service deficiencies.
   
• Policy LU-1.10
  Downtown Orange County
  Balance development within the downtown to continue to serve as a cultural and economic hub for existing and future residents.
   

Mobility Element

• GOAL M-4: Transportation, Land Use, and Design
  Coordinated transportation planning efforts with land use and design strategies that encourage sustainable development and achieve broader community goals.
• Policy M-4.1
  Intense Development Areas
  Program multimodal transportation and public realm improvements that support new development in areas along transit corridors and areas planned for high intensity development.
  

Economic Prosperity Element

• Policy EP-3.3
  Mitigate Impacts
  Promote the development of sustainable and equitable new land use plans that proactively reduces negative health and economic impacts on existing residents and businesses, especially in environmental justice communities.
  
• Policy EP-3.9
  Civic Culture and Community Service
  Facilitate a business culture that encourages community service and wellness programs for residents and employees.
  
• Policy EP-3.10
  Rethinking Strip-commercial
  Promote the creation of distinctive neighborhood serving districts through the renovation or redevelopment of existing strip-commercial development.
  

Public Services Element

• Policy PS-1.6
  Facility Locations
  Support land use decisions related to community facilities that preserve quality of life for the city’s residents and surrounding community.
  

Open Space Element

• Policy OS-1.8
  Land Acquisition and Equitable Distribution
  Acquire available lands for parks, open space, greenways and trail corridors, with priority given to sites that are within park deficient and environmental justice areas.
  

Noise Element

• Policy N-1.1
  Noise Standards
  Utilize established Citywide Noise Standards and guidelines to inform land use decisions and guide noise management strategies.
  
• Policy N-1.4
  Sensitive Uses
  Protect noise sensitive land uses from excessive, unsafe, or otherwise disruptive noise levels.
  

Safety Element

• Policy S-2.4
  Planning and Remediation
  Determine the presence of hazardous materials and/or waste contamination prior to approval of new uses and require that appropriate measures be taken to protect the health and safety of site users and the community.
  
• Policy S-2.6
  Existing Sensitive Uses
  Partner and collaborate with property owners, businesses, and community groups to develop strategies to protect and minimize risks from existing hazardous material sites to existing nearby sensitive uses, with priority given to discontinuing such uses within environmental justice area boundaries.
  

Noise Element

• GOAL N-1: Land Use Compatibility
  Ensure that existing and future land uses are compatible with current and projected local and regional noise conditions.
• Policy N-1.1
  Noise Standards
  Utilize established Citywide Noise Standards and guidelines to inform land use decisions and guide noise management strategies.
  
• Policy N-1.2
  Sound Design
  Encourage functional and attractive designs to mitigate excessive noise levels.
  
• Policy N-1.3
  Regional Noise Impacts
  Collaborate with local and regional transit agencies and other jurisdictions to minimize regional traffic noise and other sources of noise in the city.
  
• Policy N-1.4
  Sensitive Uses
  Protect noise sensitive land uses from excessive, unsafe, or otherwise disruptive noise levels.
  

Land Use Element

• Policy LU-1.1
  Compatible Uses
  Foster compatibility between land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
   
• Policy LU-3.8
  Sensitive Receptors
  Avoid the development of industry and sensitive receptors in close proximity to each other that could pose a hazard to human health and safety due to the quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics of the hazardous materials utilized, or the hazardous waste an operation may generate or emit.
  
• Policy LU-4.3
  Sustainable Land Use Strategies
  Encourage land uses and strategies that reduce energy and water consumption, waste and noise generation, soil contamination, air quality impacts, and light pollution.
  

Noise Element

• GOAL N-2: Noise Generators
  Reduce the impact of known sources of noise and vibration.
• Policy N-2.1
  Transportation Related Noise
  Reduce noise generated from traffic, railroads, transit, and airports to the extent feasible.
  
• Policy N-2.2
  Stationary Related Noise
  Minimize noise impacts from commercial and industrial facilities adjacent to residential uses or zones where residential uses are permitted.
  
• Policy N-2.3
  Temporary and/or Nuisance Noise
  Minimize the effects of intermittent, short‐term, or other nuisance noise sources.
  

Mobility Element

• Policy M-1.8
  Environmental Sustainability
  Consider air and water quality, noise reduction, neighborhood character, and street-level aesthetics when making improvements to travelways.
  
• Policy M-4.8
  Noise Mitigation
  Encourage physical and operational improvements to reduce noise levels around major roads, freeways, and rail corridors, in particular around sensitive land uses.
  
• Policy M-5.2
  Rail Corridors
  Coordinate with rail service providers to improve and maintain the aesthetics of rail corridors, reduce noise levels, and mitigate traffic conflicts and other environmental hazards.
  

Mobility Element

• GOAL M-2: Regional Mobility
  An integrated system of travelways that connects the city to the region, employment centers, and key destinations, making Santa Ana the leader in regional transportation.
• Policy M-2.1
  Interstate Freeways
  Support Caltrans and OCTA efforts to improve freeway safety, while addressing impacts to neighborhoods.
  
• Policy M-2.2
  Transit Services
  Support OCTA, Caltrans, and other regional and local transportation providers to enhance existing transit services to provide residents, workers and visitors with safe, affordable, accessible, convenient, reliable, and attractive transit services.
  
• Policy M-2.3
  Regional Transportation Center
  Continue to promote and develop the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC) as a major transportation hub linking Amtrak, Metrolink, the OC Streetcar, other regional systems, and first and last mile connections.
  
• Policy M-2.4
  Commuter Rail
  Support the expansion of commuter rail services and Santa Ana’s role as a destination along the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor.
  
• Policy M-2.5
  OC Streetcar
  Support development and expansion of the OC Streetcar project, connecting neighborhoods, employment centers, and Downtown Santa Ana to activity centers in Orange County.
  
• Policy M-2.6
  High frequency transit corridors
  Work with OCTA to support the improvement of transit opportunity corridors to facilitate high frequency transit (e.g., bus rapid transit and other modes) along designated corridors in Santa Ana.
  
• Policy M-2.7
  Regional Mobility Access
  Enhance access to regional transit, including first and last mile connections, to encourage the use of public transit.
  
• Policy M-2.8
  Grade Separations
  Encourage the installation and improvement of grade separations at rail crossings that minimize impacts to adjacent properties and nonmotorized users.
  
• Policy M-2.9
  Goods Movement
  Maintain a network of truck routes limited to arterial streets to allow for goods movement and protect residential neighborhoods from adverse impacts.
  

Conservation Element

• Policy CN-3.11
  Energy-Efficient Transportation Infrastructure
  Continue to support public and private infrastructure for public transportation such as bus routes, rail lines, and the OC Streetcar.
  

Noise Element

• Policy N-1.3
  Regional Noise Impacts
  Collaborate with local and regional transit agencies and other jurisdictions to minimize regional traffic noise and other sources of noise in the city.
  

Safety Element

• Policy S-2.3
  Transportation and Storage
  Coordinate with the County of Orange, the California Department of Transportation, and other relevant parties to enforce state and local laws regulating the storage and transport of hazardous materials within the City of Santa Ana, and limit truck routes through the city to arterials streets away from natural habitats and sensitive land uses.
  

Urban Design Element

• Policy UD-7.5
  Transit Corridor Beautification
  Improve transit and rail corridors and interfaces to create a welcoming experience for all travelers.