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P25-0192, Industrial Zoning Text Amendments Planning Commission <br />12 of 14 <br />for improving the regulatory process. The first step would be the Zoning updates discussed <br />and proposed in this report, and the second step would be a General Plan Amendment to <br />examine the FAR density requirements for industrial uses. Unlike the proposed Zoning update, <br />a General Plan Amendment will be a longer process and, depending on the nature of the <br />changes, may involve CEQA analysis. This could be pursued during the next 12-24 months. <br /> <br />Similarly, these amendments reflect relatively modest adjustments to the PMC. Staff believes <br />there is a substantial need for updating and revising other key sections of the PMC, particularly <br />the Design Review chapter, to better align it with economic development goals, make the <br />process more clear and effective for applicants, staff, and decision-makers, and reduce the <br />administrative burden of processing relatively minor design changes. <br /> <br />General Plan Consistency <br />The support and development of IBBs are consistent with the goals and policies of the General <br />Plan, which encourages sustainable economic growth, diversification of the local economy, <br />and the advancement of technology and education . The proposed revisions are also consistent <br />with the General Plan’s General and Limited Industrial General Plan land use category, which <br />is implemented by the I-P and I-G zoning districts, and which allows a broad range of industrial <br />uses, of which IBB is a subcategory. The amendments would also be consistent with the intent <br />of the Retail/Highway/Service Commercial Business and Professional Of fice Land Use and <br />Business Park designations, since IBBs are low-impact commercial uses with characteristics in <br />keeping with the range of permitted and conditionally permitted uses in this district . By <br />fostering an environment conducive to innovation , such as providing flexible zoning, <br />streamlined development review processes, and objective design standards , the City would be <br />more attractive to, and be able to retain, high-value industries and businesses. This would not <br />only create high-paying jobs but also contribute to environmental stewardship through the <br />development of clean technologies and resource-efficient practices. Encouraging innovation <br />aligns with long-term goals for economic resilience, competitiveness, and quality of life. <br /> <br />Staff concludes the proposed text amendments would also be consistent with the General Plan <br />Land Use Policies and Programs listed below: <br /> <br />Sustainability <br /> <br />Program 2.2: Encourage the reuse of vacant and underutilized parcels and buildings <br />within existing urban areas. <br /> <br />Program 2.4: Require higher residential and commercial densities in the proximity of <br />transportation corridors and hubs, where feasible. <br /> <br />Program 2.5: Assure that new major commercial, office, and institutional centers are <br />adequately served by transit and by pedestrian and bicycle facilities. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Overall Community Development <br /> <br />Page 77 of 674