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ALUC-25-01 (City of Benicia’s Religious Institution Ordinance)
Determine that Application No. ALUC-25-01 (City of Benicia’s Religious Institution Ordinance), located within the Travis Air Force Base (AFB) Compatibility Zone D and E, is consistent with the Travis AFB Land Use Compatibility Plan
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RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution determining that Application No. ALUC-25-01 (City of Benicia’s Religious Institution Ordinance), located within the Travis Air Force Base (AFB) Compatibility Zone D and E, is consistent with the Travis AFB Land Use Compatibility Plan (LUCP).
Summary
Section 21676 (d) of the State Aeronautics Act requires the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) review of any general plan or zoning regulations amendments within an Airport Influence Area.
The City of Benicia proposes to amend the City's General Regulations Ordinance, adding to Benicia Municipal Code Section 17.70.470. The proposed amendments to Section 17.70.470 will implement the recently adopted Housing Element, Program 2.05 - To facilitate housing mobility, the City will establish a Religious and Institutional Facility Housing Overlay or similar zoning text amendment. The proposed amendments comply with California Government Code Section 65913.16
The City limits lie within Travis AFB Compatibility Zone D and E. Zone D and E do not restrict densities or intensities and require review of structural heights of objects and/or hazards related to bird attraction, electrical inference, glare, and other flight hazards. The proposed amendments do not conflict with the compatibility criteria.
DISCUSSION:
Proposed Project
According to City staff, the proposed amendments could allow for the construction of accessory dwellings and multifamily units (up to eight total units) on religious institution-owned and certain community institution-owned properties.
The multifamily and accessory dwelling units would be allowed in association with religious and community institutional uses that exist as of January 1, 2024, and in the following zoning districts:
• Residential (R) Districts. Single-Family Residential (RS), Medium-Density Residential (RM), and High-Density (RH).
• Commercial (C) Districts. Community Commercial (CC) and Office Commercial (CO), and General Commercial (CG).
• Public and Semipublic (PS) District.
• Downtown Mixed-Use Master Plan (DMUMP). Neighborhood General-Open (NG-O) and Town Core-Open (TC-O).
Examples of religious and community institutional uses include religious assembly uses; convalescent facilities; and emergency shelters. The proposed ordinance includes amendments to parking, design and review procedures. The proposed amendments are provided as Attachment C.
AIRPORT PLANNING CONTEXT & ANALYSIS
Zoning regulations amendments must undergo review by the ALUC for consistency with the applicable LUCPs (State Aeronautics Act section 21676). The proposed amendments would apply city-wide, which is located in Compatibility Zones D and E of the Travis AFB LUCP (Attachment B). Staff evaluated the City’s project using the Zone Compatibility criteria for Zone D and E of the Travis AFB LUCP. Staff analysis of the project is summarized in Attachment A.
Analysis Finding
Based on the review, staff finds that the proposed changes comply with the requirements of the zones to protect flight and are consistent with the Travis AFB Land Use Compatibility Plan (LUCP).
Attachments
Attachment A: Airport Compatibility Zones Criteria
Attachment B: City of Benicia and Compatibility Zones
Attachment C: City Draft Resolution and Amendments
Attachment D: Draft Resolution