HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm Reports/1979/07/25 AGENDA
City Planning Commission
Chula Vista, California
Wednesday, July 25, 1979 - 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - SILENT PRAYER
APPROVAL OF IIINUTES - Meeting of July 11, 1979
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. PUBLIC HEARING: a. Conditional Use Permit PCC-79-21 - Request to operate
auto repair garage in the C-? zone, 696 Broadway -
Hoffman and Salganick
b. Variance PCV.-79-7 - Request for reduction of side yard
from 25' to zero, 696 Broadway, Hoffman and Salganick
2. PUBLIC HEARING: a. Conditional Use Permit PCC-79-22 - Request for gasoline
sales in conjunction with retail sales, 895 Broadway,
The Southland Corporation
b. Variance PCV-79-8 - Request for reduction of rear
setback from 25' to zero, 895 Broadway, The Southland
Corporation
3. PUBLIC HEARING: ?CA-79-13 - Consideration of amendment to ~unicipal Code
to allow senior citizens' housing developments as
conditional uses in certain residential and commercial zones
ORAL COMMUNICAIIO~IS
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
COMMISSION CO~IMENTS
To: City Planning Commission
From: D.J. Peterson, D~rector of Planning
Subject: Staff report on agenda items for Planning Commission
Meeting of July 25, 1979
1. PUBLIC HEARING: a. Conditional Use Permit PCC-79-21 - Request to operate
auto repair ~ara~e in the C-T zone, 696 Broadway -
Hoffman and Salganick
b. Variance PCV-79-7 - Request for reduction of side yard
from 25' to zero, 696 Broadway, Hoffman and Salganick
A. BACKGROUND
1. The applicant has filed an application for a conditional use permit to
locate and operate a minor automobile and transmission repair facility at
696 Broadway in the C-T zone. The applicant has also filed a variance applica-
tion requesting a reduction in the side yard requirement adjacent to an R-1 zone
from 25 feet to zero in order to construct a new single story, 2200 sq. ft. commer-
cial building on the north property line. For the purpose of brevity the two
requests have been included in this one staff report with separate findings and
recommendations.
2. An Initial Study, IS-79-65, of possible adverse environmental impacts of
the project was considered by the Environmental Review Coordinator on July 2,
1979, who concluded that there would be no significant environmental effects and
issued a Conditional Negative Declaration.
B. RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Negative Declaration on IS-79-65 and find that this project
will have no significant environmental impact.
2. Based on the findings contained in Section E (1) of this report, adopt
a motion to approve the conditional use permit, PCC-79-21, to locate and operate
a minor automobile and transmission repair facility at 696 Broadway, subject to
the following conditions:
a. All service operations shall be conducted entirely within the
enclosed building.
b. The service bays shall be oriented toward the south.
c. A trash enclosure shall be provided in accordance with the ordinance
standards.
d. Storage of vehicles outside the building on the site or on the
adjoining service station site shall be limited to periods not to
exceed 48 hours.
e. The business hours shall be limited to the hours between 7:30 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
f. The site plan, including landscaping, signs, architecture, colors and
materials for the new building shall be subject to Zoning Administrator
approval.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 2
g. The existing driveway shall be relocated to the south side of the
lot frontage and the street tree and tree well relocated to the
north side.
h. Identification of the proposed use shall not be allowed on the
adjacent service station site.
3. Based on the findings in Section E (2) of this report, adopt a motion
to approve the variance request, PCV-79-7, for a reduction in the required side
yard setback from 25 feet to zero.
C. DISCUSSION
1. Adjacent zoning and land use.
North R-l* and C-T Single family dwelling and con~nercial
South C-T Service station
East C-T Commercial
West R-1 Single family dwellings
*The adjacent parcel to the north of the subject property is a wedge shaped
lot which fronts on East Manor Drive. The parcel is split zoned with the rear
(easterly) 60 feet zoned C-T and the remainder zoned R-1. Because of the shape of
the lot, it does not have frontage on Broadway (see locator.)
2. Existing site characteristics.
The subject property is a rectangular 50' x 150' paved vacant parcel, which
has until recently been used as the site of a vehicle leasing operation approved
by the Planning Commission on January 11, 1978 under the conditional use permit
procedure (PCC-78-18). (See Exhibit A.) Prior to that conditional use permit
the property was physically part of the adjoining service station to the south.
The two parcels are under the same ownership. Aside from the asphalt paving, the
only improvements on the site are a 6 foot concrete block wall along the north and
west property lines and a vacant landscape planter area. Access to the site is
provided by a 30 ft. wide driveway located near the north end of the parcel.
Portions of the underground storage tanks for the service station encroach into the
subject property.
3. Proposed use.
The applicant proposes to construct a single story (12 ft. high) 2200 sq. ft.
(25' x 88') concrete block building along the north property line for the purpose
of operating a minor automobile and transmission repair facility. The building
will set back 20 feet from the front property line, 42 feet from the west property
line and approximately 25 feet from the south property line (see Exhibit B). The
building will be divided into five service bays open to the south and an office.
Four offstreet parking spaces are provided at the rear of the building with a fifth
space located at the northwest corner of the service station site. According to
the applicant the proposed use will be allowed identification on an existing free-
standing sign located at the southeast corner of the service station site.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 3
D. ANALYSIS
1. The properties lying between East Manor Drive and Broadway are through
lots and are split zoned. The split zoning has created an almost insoluble
problem in the commercial development of these properties. The setbacks estab-
lished between the commercial and residential zone are designed to provide adequate
separation between uses. When properties are split zoned as in the case of the
properties adjacent on the north, the shallow depth creates a problem. Usually
the solution is to place the property in one zone, however, because the properties
have been developed commercially on the Broadway frontage and residentially on
the East Manor frontage, it is not practical to rezone the properties. To
accommodate commercial development with a 60 ft. depth, it has been necessary to
grant relief from the setback requirements of the code.
2. The subject property abuts what is essentially a rear lot line for the
parcel to the north. The dwelling is located approximately 30 feet away from
the lot line and the proposed commercial structure would be 12 feet in height.
The separation between the buildings and the limited height of the commercial
building will minimize any significant loss of light and air to the residential
property. ~ith the orientation of the re~air bays to the south, the existing
zoning wall will minimize the potential for any noise problems from the commercial
operation.
3. The proposed use is located in the vicinity of other automotive uses on
Broadway and should provide an opportunity for an expanded choice for patrons
seeking this particular type of service.
4. While the staff is in favor of keeping freestanding signs to a minimum,
the applicant's proposal to provide identification for the proposed use on the
existing sign on the service station site is not permitted. Because the sign is
on a separate parcel, any identification for the proposed use would constitute
offsite signing which is defined as a billboard and is not allowed in the C-T
zone. Should the applicant desire to retain the entire corner of "J" Street as
one lot the service station would require upgrading to comply with city standards.
5. The applicant's site plan proposes using the existing driveway for ingress
and egress. This driveway is offset from the building by an angle of nearly 45°.
The staff had previously allowed the location of a planter near the driveway set
at approximately a 30° angle when the site operated as a sales and truck rental.
That use was viewed as temporary since no buildings were involved; however, the
present application, involving the construction of a new commercial building,
will necessitate the relocation of the driveway to align with the southerly
access paralleling the building (see Exhibit C). The building should be moved
forward 10 feet to allow all of the required parking to be accommodated onsite
at the rear of the building. The Engineering Division has suggested that the
relocated driveway and the northerly driveway of the service station site be
combined into one driveway, thus eliminating the small gap between driveways.
This would require a reciprocal access agreement, which is possible since both
properties are under one ownship. Although the combined driveway would be
desirable, the staff cannot require that this be accomplished.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 4
E. FINDINGS
1. Conditional use permit.
a. That the proposed use at the particular location is necessary or
desirable to provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general
well being of the neighborhood or the community.
The proposed use is located in the vicinity of other automotive uses and
will provide an expanded choice of service for residents of the community.
b. That such use will not, under the circumstances of the particular
case, be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing
or working in the vicinity, or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity.
The service bays of the proposed use will be oriented away from the residential
use and the proposed structure is only one story high, and therefore should not
be detrimental or injurious to adjoining properties.
c. That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions
specified in the code for such use.
The structure will be constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building
Code and Municipal Code.
d. That the granting of this conditional use will not adversely affect
the general plan of the city or the adopted plan of any governmental agency.
The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan designation of
Commercial Thoroughfare for this area.
2. Variance.
a. That a h~rdship peculiar to the property and not created by any act
of the owner exists. Said hardship my include practical difficulties in
developing the property for the needs of the owner consistent with the regulations
of the zone; but in this context, personal, family or financial difficulties, loss
of prospective profits, and neighboring violations are not hardships justifying a
variance. Further a previous variance can never have set a precedent, for each
case must be considered only on its individual merits.
The subject property abuts a parcel which is split zoned, requ~ring different
setbacks from each zone. Effective use of the property is precluded by the
imposition of different setbacks on a small property.
b. That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment
of substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same zoning
district and in the same vicinity, and that a variance, if granted, would not
constitute a special privilege of the recipient not enjoyed by his neighbors.
Other properties in the immediate vicinity have been granted variances from
the code in order to bring them into parity with similar properties in the
same zone.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 5
c. That the authorizing of such variance will not be of substantial
detriment to adjacent property, and will not materially impair the purposes of
the code or the public interest.
The granting of this request will enable the applicant to orient the
proposed use away from the residential uses.
d. That the authorizing of such variance will not adversely affect the
general plan of the City or the adopted plan of any governmental agency.
The General Plan is not affected by the granting of this request.
I,%
NOR'
P~¢-l'g -~1
AUTO REI:'AI~ SHOP' IN
THE C-T ZONE B REDUCTION
SIDE SETBAC~ FROM ~5'
~XIS~.
COMM~f~¢IAL
"J" STREET
d ~o' ~o' JEXHIBI~.A J
IPCC-78 ~8 I
ISALES ~ RENTALS O~ J
J TRUC~S~ MOTOF~HO~.S J
~OMMEHCIA £ BL DS.
"J" STREET
o' 2o' 4o' I~XHIBIT B I
~ APPLICANT'S PROPOSAL 1PCC-79-21 E~ I
IPCV-79-7 I
m AUTO REPAIR SHOP IN
raTHE C-TZONE 8, REDUCTI_O, Nm
L.TO o. j
~XIST,
~OMMERCIAt
B~DGo ·
'b" STREET
o' ~o' ,~~' IEXHIBI~' C I
STAFF RECOMMENDATION I PCC-79-.:P..I
I PCV-79 7
! AUTO RF.PAIR
J THE C-TZONF. 8 RF. DUCTI_O, NI
[,TO O.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 6
2. PUBLIC HEARING: a. Conditional Use Permit PCC-79-22 - Request for §asoline
sales in conjunction with retail sales, 895 Broadway -
The Southland Corporation
b. Variance PCV-79-8 - Request for reduction of rear
setback from 10' to zero, 895 Broadway - The Southland
Corporation ...
A. BACKGROUND
1. The applicant has submitted an application for a conditional use permit
to locate and operate a self service gasoline station at the northeast corner of
Broadway and "L" Street in the C-T zone. In addition, a variance is requested
on this 27,300 sq. ft. site for a reduction in the rear yard setback from 10 feet
to zero in order to construct a single story (16 feet high), 4,800 sq. ft. commer-
cial building (for a 7-Eleven and auto parts store) on the east property line
adjacent to the alley. Since both requests are for the same site, they will be
consolidated into one report with separate findings and recommendations.
2. An Initial Study, IS-80-1, of possible adverse environmental impacts of
the project was conducted by the Environmental Review Committee on July 12, 1979.
The Committee concluded that there would be no significant environmental effects
and recommended that the Planning Commission adopt the Negative Declaration.
B. RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Negative Declaration on IS-80-1 and find that this project will
have no significant environmental impact.
2. Based on the findings contained in section E.1 of this report, adopt a
motion to approve the variance request, PCV-79-8, to reduce the rear yard setback
from 10 feet to zero.
3. Based on the findings contained in section E.2 of this report, adopt a
motion to deny the conditional use permit, PCC-79-22, to locate and operate a
self service gas station at the northeast corner of Broadway and "L" Street.
C. DISCUSSION
1. Adjacent zoning and land use:
North C-T Commercial
South C-T Service station
East R-1 Alley (East Park Lane) and single family dwellings
West C-T Service station
2. Existing site characteristics.
The subject property is a level rectangular (156' x 175') 0.62 acre parcel
located at the northeast corner of Broadway and "L" Street. The site is presently
developed as a gasoline service station and has been unoccupied for some time. The
property is also bounded on the east side by a 30 foot wide alley (East Park Lane).
Access to the site is provided by four driveways, two on Broadway and the other
two on "L" Street.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 7
3. Proposed development
The applicant proposes to remove the existing structures on the site and
construct a single story, 4800 sq. ft. (40' x 120') commercial structure on
the east property line adjacent to the alley. The building will be divided into
two equal 2400 sq. ft. (40' x 60') retail stores proposed for occupancy by an
auto parts store and quick service food market. In addition, a self-service
gasoline station is proposed on the westerly portion of the site, consisting of
two pump islands (10 pumps) covered by a single canopy with a 6' x 15' attendant
kiosk located under the canopy. The pump island closest to the street is located
20 feet from and parallel to Broadway. A total of 25 parking spaces are provided
onsite. Eight spaces are proposed adjacent to the northerly property line and
14 spaces in front of the building. Access to the parking will be provided by
three of the four existing driveways. The most easterly driveway on "L" Street
will be removed and replaced with curb, gutter and sidewalk. The remaining three
spaces are located at the north end of the building with access from the alley.
(The trash enclosure is located in this same area.) The three spaces are not
acceptable as depicted on the plan due to the location of a 6 ft. high wall
required by the State Department of Aocoholic Beverage Control.
4. Architecture.
The proposed architecture is of contemporary design utilizing a mansard style
roof, stucco exterior and wood panels and trim. The mansard roof on the building
will be only on the front elevation facing Broadway, whereas the roof will be
carried onto all sides of the kiosk and pump island canopy. Air conditioning
units are proposed atop the building which will be required to be architecturally
screened.
5. Signing.
A 4' x 12' facia sign on the mansard is proposed over the entrance to the
auto parts store and the food market. The signs are incorporated into the mansard
itself. The only other sign proposed is a 36 sq, ft. (6' x 6'), 7 foot high
monument sign located within the landscape planter at the southwest corner of the
property. The sign will identify the three uses on the site.
D. ANALYSIS
1. Staff is concerned about the intensity of activity and the high traffic
turnover that could occur with 10 gas pumps, a 7-Eleven store and an auto parts
store on 27,000 sq. ft. The onsite circulation for the service station has a
large potential for interferring with traffic patronizing the 7-Eleven and auto
parts stores. If traffic should queue up for the gas pumps, circulation to the
7-Eleven and auto parts stores would be blocked. Similarly, 7-Eleven and auto
parts store patrons backing out of parking stalls would tend to block automobiles
trying to enter or exit the gas pump area. In severe cases, this blockage could
result in cars backing up into Broadway and "L" Streets. In staff's judgment this
amount of activity with the potential for cars backing into the street at this
very busy intersection is unacceptable.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page 8
2. Being rectangular and level, the site poses somewhat of a difficult
question regarding the variance request to loca~the main structure adjacent
to the alley. The zoning ordinance specifies a standard 25 ft. rear yard
setback for commercial buildings abutting residential zones. The purpose of
the ordinance is to insure that residential areas will enjoy adequate light and
air when located adjacent to commercial developments. In this case the 30 ft.
alley between the commercial and residential area essentially accomplishes the
required separation. Without the alley the residential structure could be built
within 10 feet of the rear property line and the commercial building within 25
feet, for a total separation of 35 feet. With the commercial building located
at the edge of the alley, the closest adjoining single family dwelling will be
35 feet away. In addition, the commercial building located directly north of
the subject property is existing with a zero setback from the alley. Any setback
required from the alley would be detrimental to the site plan and would serve
no useful purpose.
E. FINDINGS
1, Variance.
a. That a hardship peculiar to the property and not created by any act
of the oWner exists. Said h~rdship may include practical difficulties in develop-
ing the property for the needs of the owner consistent with the regulations of
the zone; but in this context, personal, feonily or financial difficulties, loss
of prospective profits, and neighboring violations are not hardships justifying a
variance. Further, a previous variance can never ~ve set a precedent, for each
case must be considered only on its individual merits.
The purpose of the increased setback for C~T zones which are adjacent to
residential zones is to provide for increased distances between potentially
incompatible uses. In cases where a 30 ft. public alley separates the two
zones, the prupose is fulfilled and the additional setback is superfluous.
The hardship to the property owner if the variance is not granted would be
the relinquishment of 3900 sq. ft. of building area when such is not
required to fulfill the purpose of the zoning ordinance.
b. That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of
substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same zoning
district and in the same vicinity, and that a variance, if granted, would not
constitute a special privilege of the recipient not enjoyed by his neighbors.
There are other commercial properties in the immediate vicinity which
enjoy a zero setback on the alley.
c. That the authorizing of such variance will not be of substantial
detriment to a~'acent property, and will not m~terially impair the purposes of
the zoning ordinance or the public interest.
The adjoining residence is a minimum of 40 feet from the proposed structure
and will not be adversely affected.
d. That the authorizing of such variance will not adversely affect the
general plan of the City or the adopted plan of any government agency.
The General Plan is not affected by the approval of this variance.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 page 9
2. Conditional Use Permit.
a. That the proposed use at the particular location is necessary or
desirable to provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general
well being of the neighborhood or the community.
Three other service stations are in operation at the intersection of
Broadway and "L" to serve motorists in this area. The fact that the
service station formerly operating on this site went out of business
is an indication that a fourth station at this intersection may not
be necessary to serve the area. The congestion which the proposed
self-service station would cause in combination with the other two
uses would not contribute to the well being of the neighborhood or
community.
b. That such use will not, under the circumstances of the particular
case, be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing
or working in the vicinity, or injurious to property or improvements in the
vicinity.
The provision of 10 gas pumps in addition to two retail sales uses on
a 27,300 sq. ft. site represents a very high activity level at this
busy intersection. The conflict in traffic movements between automobiles
entering and exiting the site for gasoline service and those entering
and exiting the other two retail sales uses could cause traffic to back
up into "L" Street and Broadway creating undesirable congestion and hazard
at this high volume intersection.
c. That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions
specified in the code for such use.
The proposed structures will be required to comply with all regulations
and conditions.
d. That the granting of this conditional use will not adversely affect the
general plan of the city or the adopted plan of any governmental agency.
The granting of this request does not affect the General Plan.
NO~TH
I00'
GAS SALES 8 REAR
SETBACK REDUCTION
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Page l0
3. PUBLIC HEARING: PCA-79-13 - Consideration of amendment to Municipal Code to
allow senior citizens' housi~ developments as conditional
uses in certain residential and commercial zones
A. BACKGROUND
1. On May 22, 1979 the City Council adopted the proposed omnibus amendment
to the Chula Vista General Plan. This amendment contains the following statement
of policy:
"The residential areas designated 'Very High Density' or 'High Density'
and the commercial areas designated 'Retail' or 'Professional and Adminis-
trative' should be considered as potential sites for senior housing. Where
such housing is proposed, the standard density for these areas could be
increased substantially, provided that such density were compatible with
surrounding land use, bulk and height patterns, and would not adversely
affect ambient residential enjo~ent, traffic circulation, environmental
quality, or the 9eneral order and amenity of the community. The senior
housing established under the escalated density standard discussed in this
paragraph should be situated in areas which are served by nearby commercial,
medical, public transportation, recreational and governmental services. This
policy is predicated upon the growing need for senior housing and the recog-
nition that the average population density of senior dwelling units is sub-
stantially less than those occupied by families."
2. Prior to the adoption of the said omnibus amendment, the City Council
adopted and enacted interim legislation, Ordinance No. 1869, which listed "Senior
citizens' housing developments" as subsection "P" of Section 19.54.020 of the
Chula Vista Municipal Code. This listing established the subject housing develop-
ments as unclassified uses, thus allowing them in several zoning districts under
the conditional use permit procedure.
The interim ordinance also added Section 19.58.390 to the Chula Vista
Municipal Code. This section reads:
"Section 19.58.390 Senior citizens~ housing developments.
"Pursuant to Section 19.54.020, housing developments for senior citizens
may be allowed in any zone except the R-l, R-2 and industrial zones. Because
the residents of such developments have characteristics which differ from those
of families and younger persons, it is not appropriate to apply all of the
normal zoning standards to such developments. Accordingly, pursuant to the
processing of a conditional use permit for such developments, as required by
Section 19.54.020 P, the Planning Commission may make exceptions to the
density, offstreet parking, minimum unit size, open space, and such other
requirements as may be appropriate. The Planning Commission may also adjust
required setbacks, building height, and yard areas as appropriate to provide
an adequate living environment both within the development and on nearby
properties. Any exceptions and adjustments shall be subject to the condition
that the development will be available for occupancy by senior citizens only."
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meetin§ of July 25, 1979 Page ll
3. The proposed amendment to the Municipal Code is designed to implement the
above statement of General Plan policy by defining "senior housing developments,"
and by creating permanent zonal regulations which would govern their location
and establishment. The amendment constitutes a refinement and restatement of
interim ordinance No. 1869.
4. An Initial Study, IS-79-66, of possible adverse environmental impacts of the
project was conducted by the Environmental Review Committee on July 12, 1979.
The Committee concluded that there would be no significant environmental effects
and recommended that the Planning Commission adopt the Negative Declaration.
B. RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Negative Declaration on IS-79-66, and find that the subject
project will have no significant environmental impact.
2. Approve the following addenda to the Municipal Code and recommend that
the City Council enact such into ordinance:
a. In Chapter 19.04 DEFINITIONS add section:
19.04.201 Senior housing development
"Senior Housing Development" means a residential project which
may exceed the maximum densi, ty permitted for families in the zones
in which it is located, and which is established and maintained for
the exclusive use of low or moderate income senior residents.
b. In Chapter 19.54 UNCLASSIFIED USES, under Section 19.54.020, add
subsection:
P. Senior housing developments: See Section 19.58.390.
c. In Chapter 19.58 USES add section:
19.58.390 Senior housing developments.
Pursuant to Section 19.54.020, housing developments for seniors,
as defined in Section 19.04.201, may be allowed in any zone except the
R-l, R-2, C-V, C-T and industrial zones. Because the residents of
such developments have dwelling characteristics which differ from those
of families and younger persons, it is not appropriate to apply all of
the normal zoning standards thereto. Accordingly, pursuant to the
processing of a conditional use permit for such developments, as required
by Section 19.54.020 P, the Planning Commission and City Council may
make exceptions to the density, offstreet parking, minimum unit size,
open space, and such other requirements as may be appropriate. The
Planning Commission and City Council may also adjust required setbacks,
building height, and yard areas as appropriate to provide an adequate
living environment both within the development and on nearby properties.
Any exceptions and adjustments shall be subject to the condition that
the development will be available for occupancy by seniors only.
City Planning Commission
Agenda Items for Meeting of July 25, 1979 Pagel2
C. ANALYSIS
1. The various city committees which have studied housing needs in recent
years have identified major needs for seniors. The requirements of seniors differ
from those of families and younger persons, so that the various provisions of the
zoning ordinance pertaining to such things as density, offstreet parking, minimum
unit size, etc., are not really appropriate for senior citizens developments. From
a procedural standpoint the conditional use permit process is superior to the
variance process which has been used in the past for these types of developments
because of the findings required in order to approve a variance. Accordingly, the
proposed amendment to Chapter 19.54 lists senior housing developments as unclass-
ified uses so they may be allowed by conditional use permit in a variety of zones.
A corollary amendment to Chapter 19.58 is necessary to allow some relief from the
normal requirements of the zoning ordinance for such developments.
2. The low and moderate income senior residents of the San Diego region,
confronted by inflation and fixed incomes, are unable to compete for decent housing.
In the Chula Vista Planning Area, the high demand for housing and the minuscule
vacancy factor have made it difficult for seniors to participate in the free housing
market.
3. Notwithstanding the general shortage of housing in the region, and the
particular housing problems of senior residents of the Planning Area, there are
certain Federal programs, such as the Section 8 and Section 202, which can provide
a partial, but substantial, remedy. These programs, however, entail considerable
investment and a continuing commitment on the part of the private developer, but
produce a modest return per unit. Developers, therefore, are primarily interested
in large "very high density" projects.
4. Actually, the zoning regulations' standard measurement of density--dwelling
units per acre--is more responsive to suburban residential projects than it is to
senior housing, and does not accurately reflect "population density." The average
number of residents in a senior dwelling unit is substantially lower than the
average number of residents in a family-oriented dwelling unit. Therefore, even
though the dwelling unit yield of a senior housing development might be very high,
the development's population density might be only medium high in character.
5. The proposed amendment would be beneficial to both the community and its
senior residents. Its requirements would protect the order, amenity, environmental
quality, and circulation of those areas in which senior housing developments are
established.
D. CONCLUSION
The proposed amendment would promote the production of decent low and moderate
income housing for the senior residents of the Chula Vista Planning Area without
adversely affecting the physical quality thereof.