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Page 4 of 6 minimum of the total proposed open space. There can be one or more park and/or open spaces on the site as long as the total size of all the park and open space is at least three acres. To accommodate the desired residential density, the stormwater facilities serving the housing can be located in the park and/or open space area.”  As described below, in its review the Planning Commission, while supportive of the overall amendment, also wished to ensure the open space adjacent to Vineyard Avenue was of adequate size to ensure a visual buffer and consistent character with adjacent properties. The Planning Commission’s recommendation included specifying that the open space adjacent to Vineyard Avenue constituted at least 60% of the total open space acreage, as reflected in the above amendments. With respect to the amendment to Housing Element Page 51, it is noted that as a separate City Council item staff is bringing forward a series of recommended amendments to the VACSP to align the specific plan with the amended land uses permitted for Area 27 in the Housing Element. While no amendment to the VACSP is technically required to permit residential development, the City is required to maintain consistency among its various planning regulations, including between a Specific Plan and the General Plan. Under State law, the General Plan’s land use designation that permits housing on this site is the overriding regulation with respect to allowable land use. The proposed text amendments would clarify language in the Housing Element that implies amendment of the VACSP is required to permit housing on Area 27. Other amendments to Page 51 are to mirror the intent of the amendment to Land Use Element Policy 12. DISCUSSION The proposed amendments are internally consistent with General Plan goals, policies and programs in that the amount of park and open space on the site will remain the same, while allowing greater community input in the provision of the facilities. There is no change in the allowable density of the site or any other standard governing the site’s development, which must continue to remain consistent with the adopted Objective Design Standards for Housing Element Sites and other applicable standards. Splitting the park/open space will maintain a landscape buffer that is in keeping with the development along Vineyard Avenue, while providing park facilities adjacent to an existing walking and bicycling trail on Old Vineyard Avenue, a location with less adjacent traffic and potentially more in keeping with the desired environment for a neighborhood park. General Plan and Land Use Consideration The proposed General Plan amendment would maintain the amount of park/open space provided on the site, but would allow the applicant to provide park and/or open space facilities in a more flexible manner that may better meet the needs of the community. The General Plan also provides policies and programs that encourage the evaluation of land use changes and the provision of community facilities, with which the amendment would be consistent: General Plan - Land Use Element • Goal 2: Achieve and maintain a complete well-rounded community of desirable Page 20 of 749