The purpose of the Planned Development Overlay District (–PD) is to provide for detailed and substantial review of development that warrants special review and deviations from underlying development standards. This overlay district is also intended to provide opportunities for creative development approaches that will achieve superior design solutions to that which would be possible if the project were built in full compliance with the required standards of the base district, and will not cause a significant adverse impact on residences to the side, rear, or directly across a street with respect to solar access, privacy and compatibility.
(Ord. 1598)
The approval of a planned development plan, and amendment thereto and the corresponding amendment to the official zoning map to create or amend the "–PD" Planned Development Overlay District are legislative acts. See also Chapter 11.5.15: Legislative Actions.
A. 
Land Use and Density Regulations. The land use and density requirements within a –PD Planned Development Overlay District shall be those of the underlying base district.
B. 
Process. An application for a planned development and any amendment to the plan shall be processed in accordance with the procedure for conditional use permits set forth in Chapter 11.5.10: General Procedures and Chapter 11.5.20: Development Permits. Any corresponding amendment to the official zoning map shall be processed concurrently in accordance with the procedure for zone changes set forth in Chapter 11.5.10: General Procedures and Chapter 11.5.15: Legislative Actions.
C. 
Modification of Standards. The city council may approve a planned development plan that deviates from the minimum lot area, yard requirements, building heights, and other physical development standards defined in the base district, while ensuring compliance with the land use and density requirements of the base district. Physical development standards may be modified if the planned development plan includes examples of superior community design, environmental preservation and/or public benefit amenities, and the city council makes the findings required by Section 11.3.10.020: Required Findings.
(Ord. 1598)
A. 
Required Pre-Application Study Session. Prior to submitting an application for a planned development plan an applicant proposing a project over 1 acre in gross area or that includes publicly-owned land shall schedule a pre-application study session with the planning commission to discuss the general acceptability of the project proposal, issues that need to be addressed, and the need, if any, for any interagency coordination. Such preliminary consultations shall be considered advisory in nature and shall not constitute a recommendation of approval.
B. 
Supplemental Application Material. The applicant shall submit additional information as required by the director including the following items:
1. 
Project Boundaries. A map showing the proposed project boundaries, the perimeter of the ownership, location and dimensions of any existing property lines and easements within the site, the location of buildings, roads, parking, trees and open areas designated for retention or removal, and the locations and capacities of existing utilities in the vicinity of the site and any proposed extensions to the site. A tentative map may be substituted for this requirement if the applicant proposes to subdivide the property. Any tentative map shall comply with the provisions of Title 10: Subdivisions; Chapter 10.20: Tentative Map Filing and Processing.
2. 
Topographic Map. A topographic map showing the existing and proposed changes in topography of the site with contours at not more than 2-foot intervals, including the degree of land disturbance, the location of drainage channels or water courses, and the direction of drainage flow.
3. 
Site Plan. A site plan showing the precise dimensions and locations of proposed structures, buildings, streets, parking, yards, pathways, open spaces, and other public or private facilities. The site plan shall also indicate all proposed uses or activities to be conducted on the site, with related floor area or calculations of site area to be devoted to such uses.
4. 
Architectural Concepts. Plans showing architectural concepts of the proposed building including heights, design, exterior materials of proposed buildings, other structures, fencing, and signage.
5. 
Development Schedule. A preliminary development schedule, indicating the sequence and timing of development and the priorities of any phased development.
6. 
Open Space Plan. A proposed open space plan including landscape concept and type of plant materials, recreation area, parking, service and other public area used in common on the property, and a description of intended improvements to the open space areas of the proposed planned development.
7. 
Preliminary Engineering Plans. Preliminary engineering plans showing site grading, and amount of cut and fill, including finished grades, and proposed water retention/drainage facilities.
8. 
Statement Regarding Compliance with Findings. Written statement and illustrations to demonstrate how the planned development will fulfill the intent of the zoning code and the general plan, meet the required findings and provide superior community design, environmental preservation, and/or public benefit amenities.
9. 
Other Information. Any other information deemed necessary by the director to ascertain if the project meets the required findings for a planned development plan.
(Ord. 1598)
The city shall approve a –PD Overlay District zoning map amendment and planned development plan only if all of the following findings are made:
A. 
The project meets all of the findings required for a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 11.5.20.020: Required Findings and the finding that the approved plan is consistent with the purposes of the district where it is located and conforms in all significant respects with the general plan and any specific plan.
B. 
Development within the –PD Overlay District is demonstratively superior to the development that could occur under the standards applicable to the underlying base district and will achieve superior community design, environmental preservation, and/or substantial public benefit. In making this determination, the following factors shall be considered:
1. 
Appropriateness of the use(s) at the proposed location.
2. 
The mix of uses, housing types, and housing price levels.
3. 
Provision of units affordable to persons and families of low and moderate income or to lower income households.
4. 
Provision of infrastructure improvements.
5. 
Provision of open space.
6. 
Compatibility of uses within the development area.
7. 
Quality of design, and adequacy of light and air to the interior spaces of the buildings.
8. 
Overall contribution to the enhancement of neighborhood character and the environment of Seal Beach in the long term.
9. 
Creativity in design and use of land.
(Ord. 1598)
In approving a planned development plan, the city may impose any reasonable conditions to:
A. 
Ensure that the proposal conforms in all significant respects with the Seal Beach General Plan and with any other applicable specific plans.
B. 
Achieve the general purposes of this zoning code or the specific purpose of the zoning district in which the project is located.
C. 
Achieve the findings for a planned development listed in Section 11.3.10.020: Required Findings.
D. 
Mitigate any potentially significant impacts.
(Ord. 1598)
Planned development plans become effective on the day the ordinance adopting the plan becomes effective. The code provisions relating to amendments and modifications in Chapter 11.5.10: General Procedures applicable to specific plans apply to planned development plans subject to the following limitations:
A. 
Tentative Map. Where a tentative map has been approved in conjunction with a –PD Overlay District project, the planned development plan shall expire upon the expiration of the tentative map pursuant to the provisions of Title 10: Subdivisions.
B. 
Phased Development. In the event that the city approves phased development, the planned development plan shall remain in effect so long as not more than 1 year lapses between the end of a phase and the beginning of the next phase.
(Ord. 1598)