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 Signal Hill village specific plan provide for the development of the site with single-family, detached dwelling units some of which will be restricted for sale to households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent of the median income for Los Angeles County.
The Signal Hill village 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 the Specific Plan. The specific plan area is an area of about 2.75 acres generally located along Pacific Coast Highway between the former Pacific Electric Railroad right-of-way to the west and Junipero Avenue to the east. The boundaries of the area are more specifically set forth in Exhibit A, 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-8, Signal Hill village specific plan, include the following:
1. Assure that a particular segment of the population, households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent of the median income for Los Angeles County, has access to adequate and affordable housing opportunities;
2. Encourage the development of privately sponsored housing developments which include dwelling units intended to be occupied by households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent of the median income for Los Angeles County;
3. 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; and
4. Maintain continuity in character with the adjacent existing neighborhood and present variety in architectural style.
(Ord. 96-09-1210 § 1 (Exh. C (part)))