SR-400-001 (3)
F:/plan/admin/ccreport/2003-04prioritiesstaffreport
Council Meeting: June 17, 2003 Santa Monica, California
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Workload Priorities for Planning and Community Development
Department in FY 2003/04 and Response to Related Budget Study
Session Questions
INTRODUCTION
Attached for Council review are the FY 2002/03 accomplishments and FY
2003/04 work priorities for the Planning and Community Development
Department (PCD).
BACKGROUND
The Council reviewed the PCD priorities at the May 28, 2003 budget study
session and asked what changes have been made to the workload priorities in
Planning since last reviewed by Council and also what other projects would be
deferred if the Landmarks Ordinance update and Streamlining for Buildings
Exceeding Green Building Requirements projects were to move up in the
priorities. Answers to these questions are discussed below.
DISCUSSION
The following priority-related questions were raised by Council during the May
27, 2003 budget study session:
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What Changes were made to the workload priorities since last reviewed by
Council?
Since the City Council defined priorities in June 2002 and reconfirmed the
priorities in February, 2003, the following projects were or are about to be
completed:
?
Interim Ordinance for Development Review thresholds in
Downtown
?
Interim Ordinance for Design Compatibility Permits and
Construction Rate requirements with permanent ordinance
?
EIR for Main Library
?
Environmental for and adoption of the Historic Preservation
Element
?
Text Amendment for building height variances in Ocean
Park
?
Update to Noise Ordinance
?
R1 Interim Ordinance for Sunset Park and North of
Wilshire neighborhoods
?
Text Amendment for ARB notification
?
Landmarks Ordinance amendments
?
Text Amendment for rebuilding structures following a
disaster (denied by the Planning Commission)
The following highlights the most significant changes on the priority chart
from the last year:
Corporate/Short Term Housing (5) – The schedule for this
project was compressed to ensure that permanent
regulations are in effect prior to the expiration of the Interim
Ordinance (expires 6/19/04).
Downtown Design Guidelines (6) – This new priority was
added as a follow up to the adoption of Interim Ordinance
2060 lowering the Development Review thresholds in the
Downtown to 7500 square feet.
Environmental for California Incline Reconstruction (9P) –
This project was advanced by six months in FY 03-04 in
order to preserve federal grant funding administered through
the State’s HBRRP program.
Montana Avenue Corridor Standards (11) – This project was
shifted to begin five months later, in fall of 2003. The
schedule was also compressed. The project will be
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completed so that new regulations will be in effect prior to
the expiration of the Interim Ordinance (expires 2/27/04).
Environmental for Palisades Bluff Improvements (14P) –
This project was advanced by three months to facilitate
these improvements. The project has a funding commitment
of approximately $6 million through a congressional
appropriation.
Development Agreement Monitoring (15P) – This project will
begin four months earlier in FY 03-04.
Environmental for City Yards Master Plan (16P) – This
project was advanced to begin three months earlier.
Revise Procedures for Enacting Interim Ordinances (17P) –
The City Attorney’s office has prepared an ordinance
addressing this issue, which will be presented for Council
review on June 24, 2003.
Streamline Review for Projects Exceeding Green Building
Requirements (18P) – This project was advanced to begin
five months earlier, in FY 04-05.
Main Street Incidental Arts & Entertainment (19P) – This
project was advanced to begin six months earlier, in FY 04-
05.
Update to Landmarks Ordinance (20P) – This project was
advanced to begin nine months earlier in FY 04-05 based on
community, Landmarks Commission and Council input.
Antenna Ordinance (21P) – This priority was shifted to begin
twenty-nine months later pursuant to Council discussion
regarding priorities at the meeting on October 22, 2002. The
project will begin in FY 04-05
R1 Ordinance (22P) – The Council discussion regarding
priorities on October 22, 2002 also led to shifting this priority
to begin twenty-six months later, in FY 04-05. An Interim
Ordinance was adopted in January 2003 in order to provide
temporary protections for these neighborhoods until the
permanent regulations can be enacted.
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Conservation Element Update (25P) – This project was
shifted to begin twelve months later, in late FY 04-05 due to
cuts in the Department’s professional services budget.
Breakwater (27P) – This project was shifted to begin twenty-
six months later based upon uncertainty of full funding for
the project. The project will begin in FY 05-06.
Santa Monica Boulevard Streetscape (28P) – This project
was shifted to begin five months later, in late FY 04-05.
If the Landmarks Ordinance Update were to move up in the priorities,
what other projects would be deferred?
As noted earlier, the proposed priorities chart shows this project
advancing by nine months so that it would begin in September 2004,
rather than in June 2005. If the Council wanted to advance it further still,
presumably within FY 03-04, the project could be switched with one of the
following projects:
?
Transportation ROW Zoning/Environmental (10P)
?
Circulation Element (12P)
?
Text Amendment/Environmental for Housing in LMSD (13P)
?
Palisades Bluff Improvements (14P)
?
Revise Procedures for Enacting Interim Ordinances (17P)
(This project is underway and will be completed ahead of schedule.
It is tentatively scheduled for the June 24, 2003 Council meeting.)
If the green buildings streamlining ordinance were to move up in the
priorities, what other projects would be deferred?
Before efforts are made to streamline approvals for any category of
projects it is essential to meet appropriate levels of service in processing
projects of all types. The proposed priorities chart advances this item to
begin five months earlier than indicated last year. This project could be
switched with one of the projects listed above provided the overall service
levels improve.
The attached Information Item has not been modified since original distribution to
Council on May 23, 2003.
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BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACTS
There are no budget impacts associated with adoption of the priorities
.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the priorities as submitted.
Prepared by: Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning and Community Development
Andy Agle, Assistant Director
Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager
Ellen Gelbard, Assistant Director
Timothy P. McCormick, Building Officer
Jay Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Lynn Wolken, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Attachment: May 23, 2003 Information Item
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F:/plan/admin/ccreport/2003-04 priorities.doc
May 23, 2003 Santa Monica, California
INFORMATION ITEM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Workload Priorities for Planning and Community Development
Department in FY 2003/04
Attached are the accomplishments and Department Priorities for FY 2003/04 for the
Planning and Community Development Department (PCD). The attached information
outlines the Department accomplishments for FY 2002/03, the Department priorities for
FY 2003/04 and priorities requested by the Planning Commission, Landmarks
Commission and Architectural Review Board.
Budget reductions will result in the deferral of policy projects, restrict the Department’s
ability to absorb new projects or Council initiatives and reduce the number of
transportation and neighborhood traffic studies that can be initiated. Additionally,
reductions may impact permit processing timeframes and increase response times for sign
and striping installation. The work program presented for FY 2003/04 is a realistic
projection in light of the budget reductions and limited resources.
Permitting Process
Although the general regional and state economy is weak, development and real estate
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activity has not diminished in Santa Monica. As a result, during the last fiscal year,
department resources were largely dedicated to assisting the public and processing
permits. The Department processed over 190 administrative and discretionary permits,
reviewed and approved 1,407 construction plans, issued 1,945 construction related
permits, answered over 110,000 phone calls, and helped over 25,000 persons at the public
counter. This trend is expected to continue into FY 2003/04 with slight increases in plan
checks, administrative and discretionary applications and public meetings. Efforts to
improve the permit process and provide informational handouts and materials will
continue as a top priority in the Department. In addition, the Department has
implemented structural changes and new business practices in an effort to provide
predictability and improve timeliness in the permit process. Progress is being made,
since February 2002 when the Council approved ordinance amendments streamlining the
environmental review process, all initial studies and EIRs have been completed within
the mandatory time period of six months or one year respectively.
During the last fiscal year the Department experienced high turnover in staff resulting in
numerous vacancies. This impacted permit processing timelines and completion of
policy projects. In general, Department responsiveness suffered. Although a citywide
hiring freeze has been implemented, key positions for regulatory control and core
functions will be filled. In the next fiscal year the vacant positions will be filled thereby
improving Department functions.
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Special Projects
As outlined in Attachment C, sixteen policy projects will be completed or initiated by
City Planning in the next fiscal year. Due to budget reductions, the Conservation
Element and artist live/work development standards have been shifted to FY 2005/06.
The Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) has been eliminated due to difficulties in
maintaining accurate and relevant information. Instead of preparing an MEA policy
document every three years, staff will provide updated background information to
consultants preparing environmental documents and conduct annual traffic counts to
ensure accurate information.
Mobility continues to be a high priority. Next year the Department will complete
synchronization of the downtown signal system, start preparation of a citywide signal
communications master plan, complete the Fourth Street traffic improvements and
complete installation of the Opticom signal priority system for the Fire Department.
With a reduced capital improvement budget, less neighborhood traffic management plans
and calming devises will be designed and installed.
Code Compliance
During the last fiscal year staff vacancies impacted responsiveness and proactive
enforcement. This is anticipated to improve during the next fiscal year. Nevertheless, the
Department conducted proactive enforcement in the areas of after hour construction activity
and outdoor merchandise. Over 1500 new complaints were filed, yet staff issued 715
compliance orders, notices of violations and administrative citations and closed 1300 cases.
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New enforcement efforts such as noise enforcement and proactive monitoring of
discretionary permits will be challenging in the current fiscal climate. Although these are
important priorities, funding is not available for new staff. Enforcement in these areas
will be absorbed by existing staff and integrated into current enforcement priorities. Staff
is developing strategies on how to best enforce these new regulations and will provide
more information when Council considers the issues.
Summary
Although the Planning and Community Development Department budget has been
reduced, the work plan for FY 2003/04 is significant and will continue to improve the
quality of life for residents in Santa Monica.
Prepared By: Suzanne Frick, Director
Andy Agle, Assistant Director
Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager
Ellen Gelbard, Assistant Director
Timothy P. McCormick, Building Officer
Jay Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Lynn Wolken, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Attachment A: PCD 2002/03 Department Accomplishments
Attachment B: PCD 2003/04 Department Priorities
Attachment C: City Planning Priorities Flow Chart
Attachment D: Recommended Priorities from Planning Commission and Architectural
Review Board
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ATTACHMENT A
DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2002-2003:
Customer Service
Improve Permit Process. Participated in a continuing inter-department effort to revise the
development permit process. Conducted interdivisional staff cross training. Made further
process refinements based on ongoing staff evaluation and input gained by improved
outreach to users of the system.
Day-to-Day Operations. Responded to citizen requests, questions and complaints;
provided public counter assistance; provided residential building reports and other
records; investigated and resolved zoning, building and housing code violations; and
enforced noise ordinance and construction noise restrictions.
Hand-Held Inspection Devices. Developed use of hand-held inspection recording
devices to promptly notify permit holders of inspection results through wireless
technology. Developed list of permits that can be issued over the Internet.
Oversize Load Permits. Implemented mail or fax-in applications for oversize load
permits.
Implemented numerous web site improvements: interactive preferential parking map,
valet parking ordinance/applications, “Know Before You Go” information on TMD
construction projects and updated parking availability map.
Blue Curb Zones. Initiated annual review of blue curb zones.
New Handouts. Created handouts on various development issues.
Parking Debit Cards. Made available stored-value cards to downtown users.
Permit Processing
City Planning: Projected to review and approve 1,850 Business Licenses;
process 430 Home Occupation Permits, 40 Administrative Approvals, 130 Zoning
Administrator Cases, 6 Development Review Permits, 14 Conditional Use
Permits; attend 107 public meetings; answer approximately 40,000 telephone
calls and provide public counter assistance to 8,700 persons.
Process Current Planning Caseload. Ongoing processing of current planning cases
including, Administrative Approvals, Variances, Temporary Use Permits, Use Permits,
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Conditional Use Permits, Development Review Permits. The following major projects
were completed during FY 2002-2003:
?
Lantana North and South Production Offices
?
1540 Second Street McDonald’s/Retail/Office Development
?
212 Marine Street Mixed Use Development
th
?
834-838 16 Street Condominiums
th
?
28 Street Condominiums
th
?
1544 7 Street Condominiums (June 2003)
Building and Safety: Projected to review and approve 1,407 building plans; issue
1,945 construction related permits; perform 13,000 building inspections;
investigate 1,951 code violations and perform 4,108 related enforcement
inspections; answer approximately 70,000 phone calls and provide public counter
assistance to 15,000 persons.
Transportation Management: Projected to review 800 applications for development
permits; review 400 applications for use of public right-of-way; respond to approximately
450 service requests; implement preferential parking near Montana Avenue and renew
approximately 25,000 preferential parking permits.
Special Projects
Civic Center Specific Plan. During 2002-2003, the Draft Civic Center Specific Plan was
prepared and released for public review. The CEQA process was also initiated with the
release of a Notice of Preparation and a Public Scoping Meeting was held.
Civic Center Parking Structure. During 2002-2003, preliminary design was conceptually
approved by the City Council, the Environmental Impact Report was completed and
certified, and a Development Review Permit was granted by the City Council
Promenade Uses Task Force. During 2002-2003, the Promenade Uses Task Force hosted
a series of public meetings and a weekend workshop, concluding with a series of
recommendations in March 2003. The City Council is scheduled to review the
recommendations in June 2003.
th
4 Street Neighborhood Traffic Improvements. Water Main replacement and repaving
project ready to bid.
Outdoor Dining Barrier Prototype. Follow-up to adoption of Transit Mall outdoor dining
standards approved December 2002.
Interim Ordinance Amending Development Review Threshold in Downtown. Establish a
7,500 square foot development review threshold which included preparation of a
constraint analysis of the impact of the above ordinance on housing production. Adopted
by Council, November 2002.
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Design Compatibility Permit/Construction Rate Program Ordinance. Adopted by
Council, October 2002.
Main Library Reconstruction Environmental Review and Development Permits.
Approved by Planning Commission, February 2003.
Historic Preservation Element. Adopted by City Council, November 2002.
Height Variance Ordinance. Adopted by City Council, October 2002.
ARB Notification Requirements Ordinance. City Council hearing, June 2003.
Interim Ordinance modifying the R-1 Standards for Sunset Park and North of Wilshire
Neighborhoods. Adopted by City Council, February 2003.
Landmark Designations. Designations processed for 2525 Main Street (Merle Norman
thth
Building), 954 5 Street (turn of the century cottage), 918 5 Street (Deodar Cedar Tree),
Barnum Hall, 317 Georgina Avenue (A. McFadden Residence), 507-17 Wilshire
Boulevard (Streamline Moderne commercial building), and 502 Raymond (Craftsman
residence).
thth
Mills Act Contracts. Four Mills Act Contracts approved for 2402 4 Street #2, 310 10
rd
Street, 2612 3 Street, and 211 Alta Avenue.
Ordinance to allow accessory auto rental in the M1 and LMSD districts. Adopted by City
Council, April 2003.
Landmarks Ordinance Amendments. Adopted by City Council, January 2003.
Standards for Rebuilding Structures. Standards for the rebuilding of structures after a
disaster were prepared but denied by the Planning Commission.
Sidewalk dining Standards. Prepared recommendations for Council consideration on
sidewalk dining standards, portable landscaping and benches within the public right of
way.
Building Code Amendments. Updated existing municipal code requirements for building
regulations as required for cities and counties due to State amendments.
Undergrounding of Utilities: Revised municipal code requirements to expand the required
undergrounding of utilities for new buildings.
Universal Accessibility Regulations: Continued work on study of possible building code
modifications for visitability of single-family dwellings. Adjusted projected timetable
based on new state law requiring state enactment first.
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Development Related Fees. Completed fee study. Adopted fees as directed to fully
recover the cost of City services to process development related permits.
Code Compliance
New Approach to Code Enforcement. Implemented use of administrative citations and
penalties for violation of Municipal Code. Conducted interdepartmental training.
Developed uniform policies and procedures, systems for tracking and billing and appeal
process in conjunction with Finance and the City Attorney’s office. Increased use of
automation and information systems technology to improve efficiency of field staff.
Tenant Protection During Construction. Revised municipal code requirements to provide
protection for any residential tenant in any type of residential building or mobile home
park.
Bootlegged Unit Policy. Developed for Council review and approval a policy on
legalizing bootlegged multi-family residential units.
Use of Public Way Enforcement. Conducted proactive enforcement along main
thoroughfares that have historically used the public sidewalk for the display of
merchandise or signage.
Construction Hours Enforcement. Conducted proactive enforcement of early and late
hours for current construction projects. Created public handout for permits holders.
Mailed information materials to all existing permit holders prior to enforcement sweeps.
Enforcement of Conditions of Approval. Initiated construction inspections by planning
staff of all permits related to discretionary approvals, including Planning Commission
and Architectural Review Board.
Mobility
Crosswalk Improvements. Improvements adjacent to Virginia Avenue Park incorporated
into Virginia Avenue Park Bid Package.
Crosswalks. Managed construction of Phase II Crosswalks on Broadway, Santa Monica
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Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, 26 Street, Ocean Park Boulevard and 17th and Pearl.
Traffic Database. Updated traffic counts and methodology used to assess traffic impacts
of proposed development projects.
Signal Improvements. Designed improvements for Ocean Park Boulevard signals, Ocean
th
Avenue signals, 4 Street/Olympic Drive and Central control system. Contracted for
preparation of communications masterplan for signal system. Replace pedestrian push
th
buttons and some pedestrian indications with LED indicators. Upgraded 17 and Pico
signal.
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Downtown Signal Synchronization. System selected and Council review anticipated to
occur before the end of the fiscal year.
Lincoln Corridor Task Force. Participated in an on-going effort to develop projects that
improve Lincoln Boulevard and are mutually acceptable to the Cities of Los Angeles and
Santa Monica, as well as the County of Los Angeles and Caltrans.
Redesign of Parking Signs. Inventory of signs and identification of sign categories that
need to be changed completed. Selection of design consultant to occur end by end of the
fiscal year.
Parking Operations. Redistributed monthly parkers so that spaces are available in most
City garages at most days and times. Installed signage to direct motorists to downtown
parking facilities. Developed centralized valet concept with Bayside District
Corporation. Concept was not implemented due to the need for a subsidy.
Oversize Load Permits. Implemented mail or fax-in application and approval process for
oversize load permits.
Driveway Parking Ordinance. Developed Ordinance to maximize use of available street
parking.
Parking Meter Rate Increase/New Meters. Recommended parking meter rate increase
and planned procurement of upgraded meters.
Maintenance and Operations
Traffic Operations repaired, replaced, installed or removed 5,500 traffic signs,
5,500 pavement markings, 25,000 parking meters and serviced 500 traffic
signals.
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ATTACHMENT B
FY 2003/04 Priorities
Planning and Community Development Department
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CITY PLANNING/BUILDING & SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Permit processing continues to be a top priority. However, Department budget cuts may
result in approximately a 7% increase in processing times. Efforts will continue to focus
on improvements to the permit process. Efforts will consist of participation in an
interdepartmental effort to continuously improve the timeliness and customer service
within the permit, inspection and code enforcement process. The current focus is on
public educational materials, staff training, continuous feedback systems and effective
monitoring of progress.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Day-to-Day Operations. Continue responsiveness to citizen requests, inquiries and
complaint; school area traffic safety; public counter plan checks and inquiries from the
public, engineers, architects and developers; oversize, overweight, housing moving
permits; traffic control plan checks; review of street and encroachment permits; traffic
signal operations (signal timing and minor improvements); assist City Attorney’s office
with traffic related lawsuits; annual/regular updates of traffic count, speed, etc
information; process parking lot permits; maintain on-street meters; issue on-street meter
permits; manage employee parking lot, permits and keycards; issue and enforce valet
parking permits; issue temporary parking permits; review traffic studies/environmental
impact reports; install, maintain and repair all traffic control devices along the City's
street system, including signs, striping and pavement markings, curb zones, parking
meters and traffic signals. This includes approximately 160 traffic signals, 25,000 traffic
signs, and 6,000 parking meters. In emergency situations the Division also provides
personnel and materials to assist with emergency traffic control, including providing and
installing road barricades and traffic signs, and the after-hours repair of traffic signals.
PERMIT PROCESSING
CITY PLANNING
Process Current Planning Caseload. Ongoing processing of current planning cases
including Administrative Approvals, Variances, Temporary Use Permits, Use Permits,
Conditional Use Permits, Development Review Permits. During the first and second
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quarter the following projects will be going through environmental review and public
hearings:
?
New Roads School/Educational Village
?
Hornburg Jaguar Repair and Dealership Expansion
?
Lantana Development Agreement
?
145 Multi-family Residential Development at 2834 Colorado
?
Artist Studios and Production Offices at 1630 Stewart Street
BUILDING AND SAFETY
Review and approval of building plans; issue construction related permits; perform
building inspections
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Provide Transportation Review on Current Planning Caseload. Including timely
comments on 800 plans and comments on transportation and parking issues of 8
Environmental Impact Reports. Continue to review and revise forms and procedures
related to development process.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ADMINISTRATION
Civic Center Specific Plan. During 2003-2004, a Draft Environmental Impact Report
will be released for public review and comment, followed by consideration of a final
recommendation by the Civic Center Working Group and Planning Commission,
culminating with consideration of final adoption by the Council. Initial implementation
steps for the Village area will occur during 2003-2004. Development Agreement
negotiations regarding redevelopment of Santa Monica Place will be pursued.
Civic Center Parking Structure. During 2003-2004, design development will be
completed, a guaranteed maximum price will be established, and construction documents
will be completed prior to commencement of construction.
Pedestrian Extension to Downtown Transit Mall. Select design team and manage process
ndth
for streetscape improvements on 2 and 4 Streets between Wilshire and Colorado.
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CITY PLANNING (in priority order)
1.Study Alley, Setbacks & Density in Multi-Family Zones. (In Progress -
Estimated completion: October 2003) Analyze the housing constraint potential of
eliminating the provision to count ½ of the alley for purposes of determining
density; evaluate the definition of substantial remodel; evaluate whether alleys
should be used for purposes of measure setbacks, but not density; analyze
potential exemptions for 100% affordable housing projects.
2.Child Care & Arts Nexus Study. (In Progress - Estimated completion: October
2003.) Preparing nexus analysis to determine private developer obligation in
providing childcare services and facilities in new development projects.
3.Auto Dealer Standards. (In Progress – Estimated completion: January 2004)
Develop recommendations to address both the neighborhood concerns and
parking and development needs for existing automobile dealerships.
4.Environmental for Pier Ramp. (In Progress – Estimated completion: November
2003) Continue preparing Pier Bridge EIR and NEPA documents for Pier Bridge
seismic strengthening and vehicle ramp off the Santa Monica Pier to the1550
parking lot.
5.Short-Term/Corporate Housing. (In Progress – Estimated completion: October
2003) Establish permanent regulations related to short-term/corporate housing to
replace current interim ordinance, which enacted a moratorium.
6.Downtown Design Guidelines. (In Progress – Estimated completion: January
2004) Conduct public process and prepare design guidelines to shape
development in downtown and create a streamlined and predictable review
process.
7.North of Wilshire Standards & Amendments to Multi-Family Development
Standards. (In Progress - Estimated completion: June 2004) Prepare permanent
standards to replace interim ordinance, which expanded applicability of the North
of Wilshire overlay standards to other multi-family zones. Also, amend the multi-
family zoning standards to enable adjustments to the building envelope standards
in multi-family zones in appropriate cases when an existing structure is remodeled
or expanded.
8.Development Review Threshold. (In Progress - Estimated completion: January
2004) Prepare ordinance and environmental review to establish permanent
development review thresholds citywide (excluding downtown).
The following projects listed with a number and P (for pending) will be initiated
upon completion of the top priorities listed above and in the following order:
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9P. Environmental for California Incline Reconstruction. (Estimated time to
complete: 10 Months.) Prepare environmental document for the
reconstruction of the California Incline.
10P. Transportation Right-of-Way Zoning and Environmental.
(Estimated time to complete: 6 months) Develop a new zoning
district to address short term and long term uses along the
Exposition right-of-way.
11P. Montana Avenue Standards. (Estimated time to complete: 4 months.)
Prepare permanent standards to replace interim ordinance for Montana
Avenue.
12P. Circulation Element Update. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.)
Update the City’s Circulation Element of the General Plan and associated
environmental analysis.
13P. Text Amendment/Environmental to Evaluate Housing in the Light
Manufacturing and Studio District (LMSD). (Estimated time to complete:
14 months.) Evaluate changing the Zoning Ordinance to allow housing in
the Light Manufacturing Studio District.
14P. Environmental for Palisades Bluff Improvements. (Estimated time to
complete: 12 months.) Prepare environmental document for Palisades
bluff improvements.
15P. Development Agreement Monitoring. (Estimated time to complete: 6
months to develop tracking system and then ongoing.) Monitoring of
existing development agreements to ensure compliance of programs and
implementation of required policies.
16P. Environmental for City Yard Master Plan. (Estimated time to complete:
12 months.) Prepare environmental document for City Yard Master Plan.
17P. Revise Procedures Related to Enacting Interim Ordinances. (Estimated
time to complete: 9 months.) Prepare ordinance amendments related to
the procedures for adopting interim ordinances.
18P. Streamline Permit process for Projects Exceeding Green Building
Requirements. (Estimated time to complete: 12 months.) Streamline the
planning and permitting process for projects that exceed green building
requirements.
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19P. Main Street Incidental Arts and Entertainment. (Estimated time to
complete: 12 months.) Analyze appropriate mechanism to allow
incidental arts and entertainment on Main Street.
20P. Update Landmarks Ordinance. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.)
Conduct public process and prepare comprehensive update to landmarks
ordinance and prepare associated environmental document.
21P. Antenna Ordinance Update. (Estimated time to complete: 9 months)
Update wireless antenna ordinance to reflect existing neighborhood
conditions and current FCC regulations.
22P. R-1 Standards for Sunset Park and North of Wilshire Neighborhoods.
(Estimated time to complete: 18 months.) Initiate review of development
standards for all R1 districts in Sunset Park and North of Wilshire areas.
23P. Alcohol Policy. (Estimated time to complete: 9 months.) Develop
citywide alcohol policy related to location, permitting, licensing,
concentration, and enforcement.
24P. Review Procedures for Airport Projects. (Estimated time to complete: 12
months.) Develop procedures for the review of projects at the Santa
Monica Airport. Draft procedures developed with a subcommittee of
Airport Commission and Planning Commission.
25P. Conservation Element Update. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.)
Update the City’s Conservation Element of the General Plan and prepare
the associated environmental document.
26P. Artist Live/Work Housing. (Estimated time to complete: 13 months.)
Conduct review of existing live/work opportunities, study regulatory
approaches and incentives in other communities, review existing codes
and requirements, develop new regulations and procedures for live/work
housing and prepare associated environmental document.
27P. Environmental for Breakwater. (Estimated time to complete: 12 months)
Preparing EIR for proposed Santa Monica Bay Breakwater and present to
City Council for certification.
28P. Santa Monica Boulevard Streetscape. (Estimated time to complete: 18
th
months.) Design improvements for Santa Monica Boulevard between 7
Street and the eastern City limits.
BUILDING AND SAFETY:
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Visitability Ordinance: State legislation authorizes local jurisdictions to enact mandatory
standards after January 2005. In the interim, staff will prepare recommended practices
that can be implemented on a voluntary basis.
Improved Property Maintenance Standards: Propose improved property maintenance
standards for nuisance properties and substandard dwellings.
CODE COMPLIANCE
BUILDING AND SAFETY:
Ongoing Code Enforcement. Continue responding to new cases and working to reduce
the backlog of complaints. It is anticipated approximately 1900 new cases will be filed in
addition to the 800 pending cases. Staff is expected to close approximately 1700 cases in
FY 2003/04 resulting in a continuing backlog of close to 1,000 cases.
Special Enforcement. In addition to responding to complaints, proactive efforts will
focus on the final phase of auto repair enforcement, obstructions and signage in the
public right of way, monitoring of discretionary review permits, noise, after hour
construction and seismic retrofitting.
MOBILITY
ADMINISTRATION:
Exposition Bikeway Grant. Procure and manage design process for Exposition Bikeway
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from Centinela to 17 Street.
Downtown Parking Study. Complete programmatic EIR for Downtown Parking Task
Force recommended parking program for the downtown area. Update cost and revenue
analysis of implementation plan.
Colorado Medians (Mid City Traffic Plan). The final components of the Mid City Traffic
Plan are the design and construction of landscaped medians on Colorado between Stewart
and Centinela. The Colorado improvements will be coordinated with the Colorado
crosswalk enhancement study. Complete design and obtain Council adoption.
East-West Corridor Parking Study. Conduct Task Force process and develop
recommendations.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT:
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Neighborhood Traffic Management Plans. Develop and implement traffic management
plans for residential and neighborhood areas throughout the City. The program includes
the use of traffic calming devices to manage the speed and volume of traffic on
residential streets. This effort will be significantly scaled back and only improvements
currently funded or improvements in areas with critical safety hazards will be
implemented. Currently funded improvements will be installed on Highland
Avenue/Marine Street and Wilson Place.
Transportation Management Program. This is an on-going program to administer the
City's Transportation Management Ordinance and encourage employees to use alternative
transportation.
Preferential Parking Program. This is an on-going program to improve the administration
and implementation of the City's preferential parking program, including the processing
of requests, the establishment of parking zones and the sales and administration of
parking permits. The number of permits and households requiring permits has continued
to grow sharply. Division staff continue to keep costs in check through mail-only
renewal period and streamlining of permits. During this fiscal year we anticipate
renewing over 31,000 permits.
Crosswalk Improvements. Complete construction of Phase II crosswalks (Wilshire,
th
Ocean Park, Santa Monica, 26 Street).
Downtown Parking. Complete Council review of Downtown parking management
program and begin program implementation. Continue to manage upgrade and
refurbishment projects in parking structures.
Downtown Signal Synchronization. Complete installation of signal hardware and begin
operation of signal control equipment.
Traffic Signal Upgrades. Prepare designs for upgrades of signal equipment and
communications at priority intersections. Complete installation of Opticom emergency
vehicle signal priority system at funded locations.
Convert S.M. Place Structures to Attendant Parking. Work with Santa Monica Place to
implement attendant parking in the Santa Monica Place parking structures.
Circulation Element. In cooperation with Planning Division, prepare draft update of
General Plan Circulation Element.
Summer Traffic Counts. Take new summer traffic counts and update the traffic database
of summer weekend traffic conditions.
Library Construction. Continue to assist implementation of construction mitigation
program.
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Speed Hump Alternatives. Review and make recommendations to Council on permanent
installations.
Sign Redesign. With assistance from sign design consultant, complete designs for new
parking signage and begin installation of new signs throughout the City.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
Budget reductions will result in increased response times for sign and striping
installation.
Consolidated Parking Operations. Efforts will focus on improving auditing and
accountability and maintaining minimum service levels despite staffing cuts. Operations
staff will continue to support new library design/construction.
Citywide Sign Replacement Program. Replace non-standard regulatory signs, such as
parking and preferential parking signs throughout the City.
Computerized Traffic Control Devices Inventory Project. Work with ISD to develop a
citywide sign and street-marking database.
Parking Meter Replacement. Install new and upgraded meters. With Treasury, improve
coordination and control over meter collections.
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ATTACHMENT C
PLANNING PRIORITIES CHART
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ATTACHMENT D
RECOMMENDED PRIORITIES FROM
PLANNING COMMISSION AND ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW BOARD
Planning Commission:
?
Alcohol Policy
?
Update of Citywide Traffic Counts
?
Code Enforcement
(a)Pro-active CUP enforcement
(b)Over height front yard fences
?
Ordinance amendment to require conformance with all prior approvals
prior to approval of any new CUP application.
?
Ordinance amendment to change compact parking stall size to
universal parking stall size.
Architectural Review Board:
?
Modification to Neighborhood Outreach, Public Notification, and Posting
Requirements.
?
Code Enforcement
?
Training Workshops for Board members
?
Audio/visual improvements within Council Chambers
?
Santa Monica Design Awards Program
?
Lincoln Boulevard South Corridor Study
?
Professional conference budget for Board members
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