SAMC Title 41 layers specific plans over base zoning in districts including Downtown, Metro East Mixed-Use Overlay, and Harbor Mixed-Use, customizing density, design, and use rules beyond standard citywide zoning.
Specific plans are stand-alone zoning instruments adopted under California Government Code Section 65450. Santa Ana applies them to areas where the General Plan envisions different development patterns than base zoning would allow. Notable examples include the Metro East Mixed-Use Overlay along Grand Avenue, the Harbor Mixed-Use Transit Corridor, and the Transit Zoning Code along the Santa Ana Streetcar route. Within these, allowed uses, parking ratios, and design standards override SAMC Chapter 41 citywide rules.
Projects out of conformance face denial, redesign, or appeal to the Planning Commission and City Council per Title 41 procedures.
See how other cities in Orange County handle specific plans overview.
See how Santa Ana's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
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