A. Application of the Specific Plan Concept. A specific plan and its function may be described by comparison with the general plan. The general plan expresses in very broad terms the city's planning of its future environment, generally on a long-term basis. Adopted by the city as a legislative act, the general plan may be amended as required by changing circumstances. The specific plan, on the other hand, is a device used to implement the general plan by focusing on a particular parcel or parcels. The specific plan sets standards against which development can be judged and imposes controls on the use of the subject parcels. The specific plan is more detailed than a general plan and can be viewed as a bridge between the general plan and individual project submittals. The intent and purpose of this chapter is to establish a specific plan to guide the physical development of a particular geographic area within the city. In an effort to accommodate the city's diverse housing, commercial and industrial needs, the concept, regulations and conditions set forth in the Pacific Coast Highway specific plan provide for the development of projects that will stimulate the economic vitality of the project area. The Pacific Coast Highway specific plan document and Chapter 20.30 are implementation documents, consistent with the adopted goals and policies of the city of Signal Hill general plan and prepared in conformance with California Government Code Sections 65450 through 65457.
B. Location and Boundaries of the Specific Plan. The specific plan area encompasses an approximately one-mile stretch along the north side of Pacific Coast Highway, located within the incorporated border of Signal Hill; extending from the alley just east of Junipero Avenue to Reservoir Drive. Major intersecting streets include Stanley, Molino, Temple, Orizaba, Freeman, Obispo, Coronado and Redondo Avenues.
C. Goals and objectives of the Pacific Coast Highway specific plan define the intended focus of the document. Future amendments to this specific plan will be consistent with the goals and objectives stated as follows:
1. Enhance the visual image and livability of the residential neighborhoods adjoining Pacific Coast Highway by assuring that new commercial uses do not infringe upon the peace, quiet and security of the neighborhood;
2. Improve the appearance and economic vitality of Pacific Coast Highway by establishing consistent design themes for public and private improvements including enhanced paving, landscaping, community walls, entry points, street furniture, lighting, building architecture, signage, awnings, banners, etc.;
3. Provide opportunities for development of limited commercial uses compatible with adjacent residential uses;
4. Encourage the development of residential uses along Pacific Coast Highway as a means of consolidating and recycling substandard size commercial parcels, and providing a customer base for Pacific Coast Highway commercial uses;
5. Establish precise zoning areas and land use designations for permitted, prohibited and conditional land uses, and allow opportunities for the reuse of existing commercial and industrial buildings;
6. Encourage lot consolidation and comprehensively planned commercial, industrial, residential or mixed-use development projects by providing development incentives and facilitating the entitlement process;
7. Encourage mixed-use type development adjacent to PCH transit corridor facilities;
8. Establish an implementation program with funding strategies and achievable near and long-term objectives.
(Ord. 99-02-1247 § 3 (part))