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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 1 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 2 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 3 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 1 Conservation Element Update 2 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 3 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 4 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 th Santa Monica Boulevard between 7 Street and the eastern City limits. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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 9 Retrofit approximately 1,800 red incandescent lights with LED lights over the next two years. 10 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. 11 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 . 12 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 13 Council approval of the Phase 2 crosswalk enhacements. 14