SR-400-01
F:/plan/admin/ccinfo/proj2001d Santa Monica, California
Council Meeting: January 23, 2001
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Update To Workload Priorities for Planning and Community Development
Department in FY 2000/01
Attached for Council review and approval is the status of the first and second quarter
priority projects for the Planning and Community Development Department (PCD) and
the priorities for the third and fourth quarters of FY 2000/01. The first and second
quarter priorities are based on Council direction, the third and fourth quarter priorities
are the rankings recommended by staff.
Development activity remains strong, currently exceeding estimates made in July 2000.
The level of permit activity draws staff away from the policy oriented projects. Since
permits must be processed according to local and State requirements, staff resources
have been dedicated to reviewing and issuing planning and building permits. As a
result of the high level of development activity, both development and policy projects
have been delayed.
Although some projects have been delayed, there are a number of significant
accomplishments. During the first two quarters of the fiscal year, some of those
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accomplishments include:
?
Identification and designation of meritorious signs
?
Planning Commission review of the Target Development Project
?
Planning Commission review of Transportation Yards Master Plan
?
Completion of the Santa Monica College Development Agreement
?
Completion of the RAND Development Agreement
?
Adoption of interim development standards for all multi-family districts
?
Adoption of interim ordinance reducing development review thresholds*
?
Appeal of SCAG’s Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) figures
?
Completion of proactive auto repair enforcement
?
Adoption of four new preferential parking districts
?
Completion of the Citywide speed survey
?
Implementation of coordinated parking management
?
Adoption of the Phase 2 crosswalk enhancement recommendations
*Added priority – not on original priority list
The first and second quarter workload projections were overly optimistic and the
number of projects exceeded staff capacity. The priorities for the third and fourth
quarter have been adjusted accordingly. During the next half of the fiscal year, there
will be staff vacancies and a parental leave. This may further impact the Division’s
ability to complete the workload. The proposed priorities are recommendations to the
Council. They are presented for Council feedback in an effort to manage the workload,
complete projects in a timely manner, and improve the quality of staff work.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
There are no budget/financial impacts associated with this report.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Council review and approve the priorities for the Planning and
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Community Development Department.
Prepared By: Suzanne Frick, Director
Andy Agle, Deputy Director
Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager
Ron Fuchiwaki, Traffic Operations Manager
Ellen Gelbard, Deputy Director
Tim McCormick, Building Officer
Jay Trevino, Planning Manager
Attachment A: List of Department Priorities
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City Planning Division
First Quarter Projects Status Second Quarter Projects Status Third Quarter Projects Fourth Quarter Projects Deferred Projects
Current Planning On-going Current Planning On-going Current Planning Current Planning Environmental for Library
Caseload Caseload Caseload Caseload Expansion
Permit Process Implementation Permit Process Underway Permit Process Permit Process R-1 standards for Sunset
Re-Design Underway implementation Redesign Redesign Park & North of Wilshire
Re-Design
Auto repair On-going Circulation Deferred to Circulation Element Child care nexus study Review Procedures
ordinance Element Update 3 rd Update for Airport projects
enforcement Quarter
Open Space Consultant delays Environmental Deferred to Environmental for Auto dealer standards Alcohol policy
rd
Parks & Rec. work scheduled for Pier Ramp 3 Quarter Pier Ramp
rd
Master Plan EIR 3 quarter
Historic PC review Breakwater EIR Deferred to Breakwater EIR Noise Ordinance Environmental for Beach
rd
Preservation in December 3 Quarter Amendments Improvement Group
Element CC review in
Feb/March
Update PC/CC review Sustainable Council Transportation Antenna Ordinance Main Street Incidental
Housing scheduled for Development approval in ROW Zoning Arts & Entertainment
Element February/March Guidelines December
MEA PC review Environmental for On-going Open Space Development Agreement
Update scheduled for Preferential Parking Parks & Rec Monitoring
February Master Plan
Environmental On-going Transportation Deferred to SM Blvd. Streetscape
rd
for Preferential ROW Zoning 3 Quarter
Parking
CEQA definition Council approval North of Wilshire Standards
of a “Project in November
Analyze rental Council review Montana Avenue Standards
housing scheduled in Feb
Development Review Threshold
Text Amendment for height
variance procedures in Ocean
Park
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Conservation Element Update
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CITY PLANNING DIVISION
Focus of Third and Fourth Quarter FY 2000/2001
AUTO REPAIR ORDINANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
In coordination with Code Enforcement Staff, provide Planning resources to assist in the
enforcement and implementation of the new auto repair standards.
STREAMLINE AND IMPROVE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS
Participate in an inter-departmental effort to revise the development permit process. The process
during the next six months will involve implementation of a new permit management approach
and identification of improvements to the planning permit process.
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 third and forth quarter the following projects will have completed environmental and
be reviewed by the Planning Commission, and if necessary, the City Council:
Lantana North and South
nd
McDonalds Development Project at 2 Street and Colorado
Housing Development Project at the Boulangerie site
th
5 Street Hotel Project
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT/PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Preparation of the Open Space Element of the General Plan and Parks and Recreation Master
Plan. Element and Master Plan have been conceptually approved by City Council. Environmental
Impact Report preparation underway.
UPDATE HOUSING ELEMENT
It’s anticipated the State will require an updated Element to be adopted by January 2001.
MEA UPDATE
Prepare update to the 1995/96 MEA. Planning Commission review winter, 2001, City Council
review spring 2001.
PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES
Preparation of appropriate environmental documentation in compliance with CEQA for
preferential parking zone requests.
ANALYZE RENTAL OF HOUSING UNITS
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Staff to analyze and propose appropriate measures to regulate and/or prohibit the rental of
housing units for use as short-term visitor accommodations.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE
Preparation of update to the City’s Circulation Element of the General Plan and associated
Environmental Impact Report
NEW ZONING DESIGNATION FOR THE TRANSPORTATION RIGHT OF WAY
Develop a new zoning district to address short term and long term uses along the MTA right of
way. Environmental review and recommendations to be presented to Planning Commission.
BREAKWATER EIR
Prepare EIR for proposed Santa Monica Bay Breakwater and present to City Council for
certification.
PIER RAMP EIR
Prepare EIR and NEPA clearance for vehicle ramp off the Santa Monica Pier to the 1550 parking
lot.
CHILD CARE AND PERCENT FOR ARTS NEXUS STUDY
Initiate “nexus” analysis to determine private developer obligation in providing childcare services
and facilities and public art contribution.
AMENDMENTS TO THE NOISE ORDINANCE
Staff to review and recommend amendments to the Noise Ordinance to address noise outside the
current noise standards. Anticipated to take approximately 15 months to complete.
REVIEW AND REVISE AUTO DEALER DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
In conjunction with residents and the automobile dealer representatives, develop
recommendations to address parking and development needs for existing dealers. This process
will begin once the auto dealers provide City staff with recommendations.
ANTENNA ORDINANCE
Update existing antenna ordinance to reflect current FCC regulations
PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES
Preparation of appropriate environmental documentation in compliance with CEQA for
preferential parking zone requests.
Projects deferred until completion of third and forth quarter work program.
NORTH OF WILSHIRE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ALL MULTI-FAMILY
DISTRICTS, CHANGES TO DEMOLITION ORDINANCE AND CONSTRUCTION RATE
PROGRAM
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Initiate process and begin environmental review to convert interim regulations to permanent
standards
CONSERVATION ELEMENT UPDATE
Preparation of an update to the City’s Conservation Element of the General Plan and associated
environmental work.
LIBRARY EXPANSION
Prepare environmental review and process planning approvals for the Library expansion project
REVISE SINGLE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SUNSET PARK AND
NORTH OF WILSHIRE
Initiate review of development standards for all R1 districts except North of Montana.
REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR AIRPORT RELATED PROJECTS
Development of procedures for the review of projects at the Santa Monica Airport. Draft
procedures developed with a subcommittee of Airport Commission and Planning Commission.
ALCOHOL POLICY
Interdepartmental effort to develop city alcohol policy. Information item provided to Council.
Defer Zoning Ordinance amendments for Planning Commission and City council review
BEACH IMPROVEMENT GROUP (BIG)
Preparation of EIR and initial study/negative declaration for federally funded portions of BIG
project. Final Section 106 report submitted to Caltrans for review.
MAIN STREET INCIDENTAL ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Per Council direction, performance of additional analysis to identify appropriate mechanism to
allow incidental arts and entertainment on Main Street. Information Item prepared and provided
to Council. Council report prepared and scheduled for action spring 1999. Action deferred at the
request of Main Street Merchants Association and OPCO.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT MONITORING
Ongoing monitoring of existing development agreements to ensure compliance of programs and
implementation of required policies.
REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (RCP)
Work with other westside cities and SCAG on issues tied to transportation in the westside and
region as a whole. Monitor SCAG initiatives. Work tasks include taxi-licensing initiatives, mixed
use development guidelines, LAX expansion monitoring, truck routes and loading issues, RTP,
Ongoing.
SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
After the design is complete for the downtown improvements, improvements will be designed for
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Santa Monica Boulevard between 7 Street and the eastern City limits.
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MONTANA AVENUE PERMANENT STANDARDS
Preparation of permanent standards for Montana Avenue.
TEXT AMENDMENT FOR HEIGHT VARIANCES IN OCEAN PARK DISTIRCT
At the request of a member of the public, Council directed staff to review, and if necessary
amend, the Zoning Ordinance to broaden applicability of height variances in the Ocean Park
District.
COURTYARD HOUSING
Develop standards to encourage development of new courtyard housing in muti-family districts
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW THRESHOLDS
Initiate the process to begin analysis and environmental review of permanent development review
thresholds.
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TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT DIVISION PROJECTS
Focus of Third and Fourth Quarters FY 2000/2001
DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS
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.
STREAMLINE AND IMPROVE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS
Participate in an inter-department effort to revise the development permit process. The process
during the next four months will involve extensive staff effort to analyze current systems, identify
improvements, and identify implementation strategies.
SPEED HUMP ALTERNATIVES
Testing and evaluation of rubber speed humps for designated streets. Initiate review and make
recommendations to Council on permanent installation.
DOWNTOWN CIRCULATION OPERATIONS
In conjunction with the Bayside District Corporation and downtown businesses and Police
Department, establish loading and unloading regulations, centralized valet, alley operational plans
and other management programs to assist with the implementation of the Transit Mall.
FINAL DETERMINARION ON LINCOLN/ASHLAND AND LINCOLN/HILL STREET
TRAFFIC BARRIERS
Prepare report to Council on recommendations to remove or retain the existing traffic barriers.
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.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
This is an on-going program to administer the City's Transportation Management Ordinance.
LINCOLN COORRIDOR TASK FORCE
Participate in an inter-agency committee and collect data as requested for on-going studies.
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ESTABLISH TWO HOUR PARKING RESTRCTIONS
Prepare ordinance enabling Police Department to better enforce two hour parking restrictions in
residential and commercial districts in the City.
SYNCHRONIZE/INTERCONNECT TRAFFIC SIGNALS
This project is a three-year program to upgrade and modernize the traffic signals in and around
the Special Office District. This would include a synchronization plan to better manage the traffic
flow. Developer traffic mitigation fees fund the project.
On-going through FY2001/2002.
NEW SIGNAL AT BERKELEY STREET AND SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
Design and prepare bid documents for installation of a new traffic signal at Berkeley Street and
Santa Monica Boulevard.
SHORT TERM MEASURES FOR PREFERENTIAL PARKING
Work with residents and auto dealer representatives and identify short tem term measures to assit
business with implementation of preferential parking.
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLANS
Program to 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.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
This is an on-going program to administer the City's Transportation Management Ordinance.
Projects Deferred Until Completion of Third and Fourth Quarter Projects
CONVERT SM PLACE STRUCTURES TO ATTENDANT PARKING
Work with Santa Monica Place to implement attendant parking in the Santa Monica Place parking
structures.
IMPLEMENT NIGHTTIME PERMIT PARKING PROGRAM IN CITY DOWNTOWN
PARKING STRUCTURES
Develop program and prepare implementing ordinances to establish nighttime permit parking
passes for residents in the downtown parking structures.
IMPLEMENT TRAFFIC MODIFICATIONS ON NEILSON WAY
Implement temporary test measures to reduce traffic speeds and improve pedestrian crossings.
Asphalt berm, median and left turn pockets installed summer, 1999. On street parking allowed
overnight on westside. Permanent improvements to be constructed with pedestrian crossing
improvements after completion of sewer repair work.
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TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DIVISION
Focus of Third and Fourth Quarter FY 2000/2001
DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS
The Division's primary responsibility is to 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.
COMPUTERIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES INVENTORY PROJECT
This is a project to develop and implement a computerized Traffic Control Devices Inventory
(TCDI). Beyond the inventory, the program will track the installation, maintenance and repair of
signs, curb zones, and pavement markings, and will assist with the management and control of
Division resources.
4TH STREET TRAFFIC PLAN
The Council approved the implementation of the 4th Street Traffic Plan in February 2000. The
traffic plan includes curb extensions, median modifications, entry islands, enhanced crosswalks
and a traffic circle. Within the second and fourth quarters, the design and construction contracts
will be awarded.
BROADWAY AND COLORADO MEDIANS (MID CITY TRAFFIC PLAN)
The final components of the Mid City Traffic Plan, are the design and construction of landscaped
medians on Broadway between 26th and Centinela, and Colorado between Stewart and Centinela.
The design and construction of this project is being coordinated with the 4th Street Traffic Plan,
since both projects are similar. Within the third and fourth quarter, design and bidding will be
completed.
CITYWIDE STRIPING AND PAVEMENT MARKERS
This is annual program to enhance and maintain the striping and raised reflectorized pavement
markers throughout the Citywide street system.
CITYWIDE SIGN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
This is a multi-year project to replace all of the traffic control signs throughout the City. The
program also includes the reduction of sign clutter whereever possible. The project is scheduled
to be completed in FY 2001/2002.
OPTICOM
This is a three-year project to install Opticom on the traffic signals throughout the City. Opticom
is a system the turns or maintains traffic signals green in the direction of Fire vehicles.
CONVERSION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS TO LED
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Retrofit approximately 1,800 red incandescent lights with LED lights over the next two years.
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BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION
Focus of Third and Forth Quarter FY 2000/2001
DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS
Review and approval of building plans; issue construction related permits; perform building
inspections; respond to citizen requests, questions and complaints; provide public counter
assistance; investigate and resolve zoning ordinance violations; conduct proactive enforcement of
restaurants and bar conditional use permit conditions of approvals; investigate and enforce after
hours valet parking permit conditions of approvals; implementation of interactive voice response
system for inspection requests; and enforce noise ordinance and construction noise restrictions.
STREAMLINE AND IMPROVE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS
Participate in an inter-department effort to revise the development permit process. The process
during the next four months will involve extensive staff effort to analyze current systems, identify
improvements, and identify implementation strategies.
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS AND AUTOMOBILE REPAIR ENFORCEMENT
Proactively enforce the second phase of the Zoning Ordinance requirements related to automobile
dealerships and auto repair businesses.
Projects Deferred Until Completion of Third and Fourth Quarter Projects
UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY REGULATIONS
Review and consideration of building regulations requiring universal accessibility for persons with
disabilities in new residential and commercial construction.
SIGN ENFORCEMENT
Initiate proactive enforcement of non-conforming signs that are required to be removed as of
April 2000. Delayed pending outcome of legal challenge.
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ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
Focus of Third and Fourth Quarter FY 2000/2001
During the third and fourth quarter, staff efforts will be dedicated to progress on the following
tasks. Other projects and activities will be deferred in order to focus on the work plan
CROSSWALK AND PEDESTRIAN POLICIES AND ENHANCEMENTS
Construct remaining Phase 1 improvements Montana Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Barnard Way and
Neilson Way. Develop construction drawings and specifications for Phase 2 improvements on
Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, Broadway and Ocean Park Boulevard.
DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT STUDY
This project will result in a comprehensive parking strategy for the downtown area to enhance the
availability of parking. An extensive public process, including a Council appointed working group,
will gather public input from users, stakeholder and residents on the future of downtown parking.
CIVIC CENTER PLANNING PROCESS
Initiate a community planning process to update the Civic Center Specific Plan to reflect new
opportunities associated with the Redevelopment Agency’s purchase of 11.3 acres of the RAND
property.
CITY HALL PARKING STRUCTURE
Initiate preliminary design and identify funding opportunities
.
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PROJECTS ACCOMPLISHED IN FIRST AND SECOND QUARTER
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT
Completed draft document, Approval by Landmark Commission and Planning Commission.
STUDY OF DEFINITION OF A “PROJECT” FOR PURPOSES OF CEQA
Council approval of interim regulations reducing development review thresholds.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Council approval of the environmental and permanent regulations.
SUMMER TRAFFIC INITIATIVE
Development and implementation of improvements facilitating vehicle traffic movement
throughout the downtown and coastal zone. Implementation occurred summer 2000.
PARKING STRUCTURE AND BEACH LOT MANAGEMENT
Council approval of a new parking operator and improved management and operation of City
parking facilities by centralizing management of off-street parking in Transportation Management
Division.
REVISE SPEED SURVEY FOR CITY SPEED LIMITS
Completed analysis of speed limits for City streets. Staff determined which streets require surveys
and issued an RFP for a consultant to complete the work. Also prepared for the Police
Department, documentation to support use of radar enforcement on all streets for which no
survey is required pursuant to the Vehicle Code.
RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT
Public workshop held related to red light enforcement.
SUNSET PARK AND MID CITY TRAFFIC PLANS
Completion of the Sunset Park and Mid City Traffic Plan consisting of curb extensions, medians
and channelizing islands.
REMODEL AND IMPROVE COUNTER SPACE
Implemented improvements to facilitate improved customer service at the Building and Safety and
Planning public counters.
IDENTIICATION AND NOTIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO
MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFITTING REQUIREMENTS
Completed list of all buildings subject to requirements based on type of structure.
RAND DEVLOPMENT AGREEMENT
Completed Planning Commission and City Council review and approval of the proposed
development agreement for RAND.
PHASE 2 CROSSWALK ENHACEMENTS
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Council approval of the Phase 2 crosswalk enhacements.
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