ANAHEIM : Disneyland Area Zoning to Be Topic

The City Council will hold a public hearing tonight to discuss zone changes and new design guidelines for the commercial recreation area around Disneyland and the Convention Center.

A proposed ordinance details which types of businesses will be allowed in the area in the future and provides guidelines for developing those businesses to meet the city’s new standards for the area.

Developments such as strip-style shopping malls and mini-malls will no longer be allowed, nor will convenience stores or drive-through restaurants.

In addition, certain types of signs will also no longer be allowed, such as sandwich board-style signs.

Existing buildings and those whose plans have already been approved will not be subject to the new guidelines. But all signs must conform to the new ordinance, if it is approved, within 15 years.

The city has been studying the area for the past year, hoping to come up with a development scheme that will help renovate the prosperous tourist spot.

A building freeze on the area expires Sept. 10 unless it is renewed or amended.

The 1,040-acre area is bounded roughly by the Santa Ana Freeway, Orangewood Avenue, Ball Road and Walnut Street.

The council is expected to vote on the design guidelines tonight and on the zone changes next week.