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 needs, the concepts, regulations and conditions set forth in the special purpose housing specific plan, area one, provide for the development of the site as housing for persons with physical disabilities. The city does not contemplate development of a facility which provides extensive social and rehabilitation services. Rather, the project is intended to expand the housing opportunities available to persons with disabilities.
The special purpose specific plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the State Government Code (Section 64540 through 65507) and addresses all of the issues and topics specified in that Code.
B. Location and Boundaries of Area One. The specific plan area is an area of about 1.23 acres generally located at the northeast corner of Gaviota and Alamitos Avenues. The boundaries of the area are more specifically set forth in Figure 1, attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and on file in the office of the city clerk.
C. Goals and Objectives. Goals for the development within the SP-7, special purpose housing specific plan, include the following:
1. Assure that a specialized population, persons with disabilities, has access to adequate and affordable housing opportunities;
2. Support development of dwelling units expressly designed for the special needs of disabled persons;
3. Encourage the development of privately sponsored housing developments intended to be occupied by special needs populations;
4. Apply design standards which result in the highest quality development and achieve streetscapes with pedestrian scale and ambiance consistent with Signal Hill's small town character;
5. Provide architectural diversity and avoid uniformity of appearance; and
6. Enhance aesthetic considerations and minimize view impacts by maintaining finished grades at or below existing grades as identified on the Official 1960 Topographic Map.
(Ord. 98-12-1243 § 4 (part); Ord. 98-09-1240 (part): Ord. 94-10-1186 § 1 (part))