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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-226 - Resolutions - (not approved) RESOLUTION NO. 01-226 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING THE 2001 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM, MAKING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND MAKING ADDITIONAL FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS AS REQUIRED BY LAW A. RECITALS. 1. The City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, in conformance with the requirements of State Law, adopted a complete General Plan and certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the General Plan on April 6, 1981, by the approval of Resolution No. 81-40. 2. After various amendments and partial updates, the City commenced the process of preparing a comprehensive update of its General Plan in 1999. The process of updating the General Plan has involved various departments of the City and included numerous meetings of a General Plan Task force, which was comprised of representatives from the City Council, Planning Commission, staff, and community members. As a result of that process, a draft General Plan Update has now been completed. 3. The General Plan Update was prepared pursuant to Section 65300 et seq. of the State Planning and Zoning Law (California Government Code) to provide the City with comprehensive, long-range policy guidelines for future growth and development which incorporates the mandated elements, including Land Use, Circulation (Transportation), Housing, Conservation (Environmental Resources), Open Space, Noise, and Safety (Public Health and Safety). In addition, the General Plan Update sets forth "The Rancho Cucamonga Vision" and includes additional provisions to address Public Facilities and Services, Community Design, Economic Development, and Air Quality. 4. An Initial Study was prepared for the General Plan Update (the "project") pursuant to Section 15063 of the State CEQA Guidelines by the Planning Department staff with the assistance of the City's environmental consultant, Michael Brandman Associates. The Initial Study, which was completed on May 22, 2000, identified that there was substantial evidence that the project may have a significant impact on several environmental resources and governmental services. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064 and 15081, a decision was made to prepare an EIR for the project. 5. On May 22, 2000, a Notice of Preparation was prepared and sent to the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research for the State of California and to other responsible agencies. The review period on the Notice of Preparation closed on July 7, 2000. Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 2 of 18 Cross Reference 01-237 6. On June 22, 2001, the Draft EIR was completed and made available for public review. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15085, the City prepared a Notice of Completion of the Draft EIR, which was filed with the State Office of Planning and Research. Public Notice of Availability of the EIR and of the comment period was provided pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21092 and a copy of the Notice was posted in the office of the County Clerk in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 21092.3. The EIR was circulated to interested agencies between June 22, 2001, and August 6, 2001, for a 45-day comment period pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15087. Comments were received and responses prepared and incorporated into the EIR. A copy of the Final EIR is on file in the Planning Division in the City. 7. On September 12, and continued to September 26, 2001, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Cucamonga conducted a duly noticed City initiated public hearing on the General Plan Update and Draft General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Notice of the time, place, and subject matter of the hearing was published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin in accordance with the requirements Government Code Section 65355 and 65090. 8. On September 19, and continued to October 3, 2001, and on October 17, 2001, the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga conducted a duly noticed City initiated public hearing on the General Plan Update and Draft General Plan EIR. Notice of the time, place, and subject matter of the hearing was published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin in accordance with the requirements of Government Code Section 65355 and 65090. 9. The Final EIR referred to in this resolution consists of that draft document dated June 2001, entitled Rancho Cucamonga General Plan Update, Draft Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number 2000061027), written comments on that draft report, and written responses thereto an addendum to the EIR submitted by the staff of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, attached as Exhibit "A" of the September 12, 2001 Planning Commission staff report for this item, and written testimony presented by the City's staff and the City's consultant during the hearings on the recommended adoption of said General Plan Update, insofar that the testimony pertained to environmental matters. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned documents will be referred to as "the Final EIR." 10.The General Plan Update was prepared in accordance with the General Plan Guidelines promulgated by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. In addition, the Noise Element was prepared consistent with the guidelines established by the Office of Noise Control in the State Department of Health Services, and the Circulation (Transportation) Element is consistent with the currently applicable Congestion Management Plan. NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01-237 Page 3 of 18 11. The City submitted the proposed General Plan Update to other public agencies for review as follows: a. The draft Housing Element was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. On August 14, 2001, HCD informed the City that only minor changes to the Element would be required to obtain its certification, which changes have now been made. b. The City consulted with the Division of Mines and Geology of the Department of Conservation and the Office of Emergency Services for the purposes of including information known by that Division into the General Plan as required by Government Code Section 65302 (g). In addition, the provisions that comprised the Safety Element were submitted to the same Division for review of seismic safety policies. c. The proposed General Plan Update was distributed for review and comment pursuant to Government Code Section 65352 to interested parties including, but not limited to, the County of San Bernardino, local school districts, water purveyors, and other interested parties. 12.All legal prerequisites prior to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred. B. RESOLUTION. NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined, and resolved by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga as follows: 1. The City Council specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in the Recitals of this Resolution are true and correct: 2. With respect to the potential significant environmental effects identified in the Final EIR, the City Council specifically makes the following findings: a. Soils and Geology (1) Modifications in topography will occur within the Sphere-of- Influence area. The modifications will result from cutting native slopes. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid this significant effect and the cumulative effects it will have on the environment. This significant effect and the cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that restrict upland areas to low density residential use, require continued enforcement of the Hillside Development Ordinance and Guidelines to ensure prudent development of properties that have a slope greater than 10% and preservation, as open space, properties that have a slope greater than 30%. Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 4 of 18 Cross Reference 01.237 (2) The proposed General Plan would allow the development of hillside residential uses within the northern portion of the Planning Area. This area includes geologic hazards such as potential slope failures, landslides, and erosion. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant effects and the cumulative effects this will have on the environment. The significant effects and the cumulative effects, have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that, among other things, require geologic engineering investigations for developments proposed in areas of potential geologic hazards, restrictions on development in areas with unsafe geological conditions, mitigation of private properties where City property or public right-of-way is threatened from slope instability or where considered appropriate and urgent by the City Engineer, Fire, or Police Departments, disaster recovery measures following severe winter storms, and a third-party review of geotechnical reports for private development projects. (3) Development occurring within the Planning Area and under the proposed General Plan could experience seismic hazards. These hazards include ground rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and the cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that include, but are not limited to, regulating the type and intensity of new development in potential seismic hazard areas, compliance with State regulations, including setbacks, for Special Study Zones, strengthening planned utilities, encouraging the retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings, and other measures. (4) Construction activities associated with the implementation of the proposed General Plan could result in short-term windblown sand impacts. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that include encouraging the preservation of existing wind rows (landscape NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01-237 Page 5 of 18 buffers which reduce impacts from windblown sand), the planting of protective landscape buffers on the eastern sides of proposed projects, review of architectural plans for structures to reduce "wind tunnel" effects, cooperating with neighboring jurisdictions in the reduction of windblown sand, and requiring the suspension of grading operations during high winds. b. Hydrology and Drainage (1) Grading activities associated with the implementation of the proposed General Plan will result in cut and/or fill activities for future land uses. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by a mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that requires the use of best management practices to minimize pollutant runoff. (2) Implementation of the proposed General Plan would result in the development of approximately 5,000 acres of urban land uses that would substantially increase potential storm water runoff from areas throughout the Planning Area. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that require storm water facilities to be constructed that are adequate to accommodate the surface water runoff generated by new development, the continued upgrade of the City's drainage system in conjunction with plans and funds provided by the County of San Bernardino Flood Control District, periodic review of the City's flood control fees to ensure adequate funding is available to construct the City's drainage system, and review and input into the level of development intensity and current conservation practices within the City's Sphere-of-Influence and the San Bernardino National Forest. (3) With an increase in stormwater runoff from future development under the proposed General Plan, there would also be the potential for an increase in pollutants from new land uses that are conveyed to creeks, spreading grounds and groundwater basins. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid these Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 6 of 18 Cross Reference 01-237 significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. These significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that will promote programs to protect water quality and conserve water supplies in coordination with the Cucamonga County Water District, protection of natural stream courses in the Planning Area from erosion and pollution from urban runoff, and implementation of best management practices to minimize pollutant runoff and percolation into the groundwater basin. This will include, where applicable, the preparation of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Programs (SWPPPs)to control runoff from construction sites. c. Biological Resources (1) Implementation of the proposed General Plan may potentially affect natural biological communities. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that include the City undertaking an inventory of remaining natural areas within City limits for the purpose of retaining important areas in their natural state, limiting encroachment of development into these natural areas that have biological significance such as the canyons in the existing Sphere-of-Influence area, requesting the County's planning officials to require expanded biological studies for all proposed developments within the City's Sphere-of-Influence. (2) Implementation of the proposed General Plan may potentially affect alluvial fan sage scrub, a sensitive plant community. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effects on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that include the establishment of a biological assessment/ clearinghouse to identify areas of potential impact, especially regarding rare or endangered species of flora and fauna, and the establishment of a conservation land use designation to preserve the existing alluvial fan sage scrub. This should include most of the remaining alluvial associations and all of the streamside woodland, designation of approximately 1,000 acres of open space within conservation areas in the Planning Area. NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01.237 Page 7 of 18 (3) Implementation of the proposed General Plan may affect threatened or endangered species. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that requires that any development that results in the potential take or substantial loss of occupied habitat for any threatened or endangered species will require formal consultation with the appropriate regulatory agency. (4) Implementation of the proposed General Plan may affect nesting habitat for migratory bird species. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that protect migratory birds and raptor nests, encourage the planting of vegetation that will provide new habitat, and the retention of specified windrows. (5) Implementation of the proposed General Plan may affect Big Horn Sheep. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that protect habitat areas designated as sensitive, or unique, or those that contain rare, threatened, or endangered species, against direct or indirect impacts. (6) Implementation of the proposed General Plan may affect jurisdictional waters of the U.S. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that restricts proposed development, including road development, in certain defined and documented riparian corridors, compliance with the USACE Nationwide Permit Program, Section 401 water quality certifications from the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Section 1603 streambed alteration agreements, as required. Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 8 of 18 Cross Reference 01-237 d. Land Use and Planning (1) An increase in development may result in potential land use incompatibilities. Incompatible land uses increase the potential for land use conflicts to create noise, visual, development intensity, and privacy impacts. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that, among other things, promote opportunities for mixed use development in carefully selected areas, restrict strip commercial development in favor of more focused commercial or mixed use centers, restricts the intensity of commercial concentrations at intersections other than town center and regional center locations, lowering residential intensities when adjacent to low density residential neighborhoods, restrict intensive uses and activities in areas where they would be threatened by man made hazards, concentrate heavy industrial uses to areas east of the electrical power plant, and allow medium and high density residential uses along transit routes in mixed-use areas and in the vicinity of activity centers. e. Traffic and Circulation (1) Implementation of the proposed General Plan as well as year 2020 traffic volumes from adjoining cities and areas will result in an approximately 128 percent (821,000 daily trips) increase over existing daily trips. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that include the required preparation of traffic impact studies in accordance with the San Bernardino Congestion Management Plan (CMP), preparation of site-specific access studies, annual traffic monitoring programs to ensure that funds from developers and development fees remain adequate to finance on-going circulation projects, implementation of changes in roadway classifications as identified, and the construction of the 6`" Street/1-15 interchange. NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01-237 Page 9 of 18 (2) The proposed General Plan will result in 18 intersections operating at LOS D or worse. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. These significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that require traffic studies for both interim and future conditions at such intersections in connection with future development projects, the preservation of sufficient right-of-way, and specified improvements at certain intersections. e. Noise (1) Any siting of sensitive land uses, such as schools, churches, and commercial office uses within the 60 and 65 dBA CNEL noise contours represents a potentially significant impact. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant noise effects and cumulative effects on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that include requiring project applicants to comply with increased setbacks, the use of site- specific noise studies, and then compliance with various sound mitigation measures and strategies as defined in the Final EIR. (2) The proposed General Plan includes the siting of general industrial uses immediately adjacent to residential land uses between Haven and Grove Avenues, south of Arrow Route. Resultant noise from these general industrial uses could exceed both the applicable 60 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime standards. This significant effect and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of a mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that precludes industrial facilities from being constructed within 500 feet of any commercial land uses or 2,800 feet of any residential land uses without the preparation of a noise analysis. g. Public Service and Utilities (1) Police Services. Development under the proposed General Plan will result in a demand for approximately 31 new police officers. This increased demand for police services is a significant impact. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid this Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 10 of 18 Cross Reference 01-237 significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provides that the City continue to adequately fund police services, regularly evaluate and adjust its crime prevention programs, maintain an average five-minute response time for emergency calls, encourage the use of physical site planning as a tool in crime prevention, the continued promotion of neighborhood watch and crime prevention programs, and the continued use of volunteer forces (e.g., reserves and citizen patrol) to assist with police duty. (2) Fire Services. Development under the proposed General Plan will require approximately six additional on duty fire fighters (or approximately 18 new fire fighters due to the three shifts that the Department has per day). Increased demand for fire protection and emergency medical services is a significant impact. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effect on the environment. The significant effect and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that the City will continue to support the reduction of Urban Wildland threats through fire prevention, public education, code compliance, internal fire sprinklers, vegetation medications and reduction, adequate water supplies, improved ingress and egress to development and adequately located, staffed, and equipped Fire District stations. In addition, the City will continue to support adequate funding of the Fire District and the provision of adequate fire flows by adequate water storage, among other measures. (3) Water. The proposed General Plan will result in the incremental demand for approximately 10.1 million gallons of water within the Planning Area. This increase in water demand represents an approximately thirty-five percent (35%) increase over existing demand within the Planning Area. This increase is considered substantial and would result in a significant impact and cumulative impact on existing water facilities. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effect have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that the City will coordinate with the Cucamonga County Water District and Inland Empire Utilities Agency to ensure NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01-237 Page 11 of 18 adequate water supplies and facilities, clustering of development in areas suitable for groundwater replenishment, integration of structures to retain precipitation and runoff into development designs, continued support of the Cucamonga County Water District's efforts to develop canyon water supply and to encourage water conservation, cooperation in efforts to expand the re-use of wastewater where feasible, and continued implementation of applicable provisions of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for municipal and private projects to protect ground water recharge areas from potential pollutant runoff. (4) Wastewater. The proposed General Plan will result in the incremental generation of approximately 4.0 million gallons per day of wastewater. This increase in wastewater represents an approximately thirty-one percent (31%) increase over the existing generation of wastewater within the Planning Area. This increase is considered substantial and would result in a significant impact on existing wastewater facilities. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. These significant effects and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by virtue of a mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that the City will coordinate with the Inland Empire Utility Agency and the Cucamonga County Water District to ensure adequate wastewater facilities are available to meet future growth. (5) Solid Waste. Development under the proposed General Plan will result in the generation of approximate 236 tons of additional solid waste. This increase represents an approximate eighty- seven percent (87%) increase over the amount of solid waste that is currently being generated within the Planning Area. This increase is considered substantial and would result in a significant impact and cumulative effect on existing solid waste facilities. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that the City will continue to implement waste reduction procedures consistent with AB 939, and that the City will coordinate with other public entities and solid waste haulers to ensure adequate services and facilities are available inside and outside the County to collect and dispose of solid waste. Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 12 of 18 Cross Reference 01-237 (6) Natural Gas. The proposed General Plan will result in an incremental demand for natural gas throughout the Planning Area. As shown in Table 5.9-9 of the Final EIR, there will be a demand for approximately 32.9 million therms of natural gas per year. This represents an approximate eighty-one percent (81%) increase in natural gas that is currently in demand throughout the Planning Area. This increase is considered substantial and would result in a significant impact and cumulative impact on existing natural gas facilities. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which mitigate or avoid the significant effects and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effect and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that the City will provide population projections to the Gas Company to ensure adequate planning for natural gas demands. (7) Electricity. The proposed General Plan will result in an incremental demand for electricity throughout the Planning Area. There will be a demand for approximately 659 million kilowatts of electricity per year. This represents an approximate 117% increase in electricity that is currently in demand throughout the Planning Area. This increase is considered substantial and would result in a significant impact and cumulative impact on existing electrical facilities. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. The significant effect and cumulative effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that the City will promote and pursue various specified strategies to decrease dependence on imported and non-renewable energy resources, promote circulation planning that will contribute to the reduction of operational energy requirements, promote use of energy efficient programs into commercial and industrial developments where feasible, promote strategies for a balance of housing and employment opportunities within the City and region, and provide population projections to Southern California Edison to ensure adequate energy planning. (8) Library Services. Implementation of the proposed General Plan would add approximately 13,524 residential units and approximately 30,680 people to the Planning Area compared to the residential units and population that existed in the Planning Area as of January 2000. This increase in residents will substantially increase the demand for library services. Based on a minimum standard of 0.5 square feet of library space per NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01-237 Page 13 of 18 person, the incremental increase of approximately 30,680 residents to the Planning Area would result in a demand for approximately 15,500 square feet of library space. The City does not have any currently planned library facilities within the Planning Area. Therefore, the residents associated with the future development of the proposed General Plan would significantly impact existing library services. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effect have been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by a mitigation measure as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provides that the City will provide a minimum of 15,500 square feet of library space within the Planning Area to serve future residents pursuant to the Library Master Plan. h. Aesthetics and Visual Resources (1) Build out of the proposed General Plan would result in a substantial increase in urban uses throughout the Planning Area. The proposed General Plan would allow replacement of existing uses: However, the majority of the new development is expected to occur on vacant land. New development will be expected to conform to the design guidelines established for residential, commercial, and industrial development. A high level of quality through design will be expected based on existing guidelines and the design review process conducted by staff and officials. Future development in accordance with the proposed General Plan in the Etiwanda Specific Plan and Sphere-of-Influence areas is expected to substantially alter open space views. This alteration is also expected to include obstructing existing panoramic views of the alluvial fan at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The conversion of open space to urban uses would result in the obstruction of existing open views as well as potentially obstructing distant panoramic views from existing development. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid this significant effect, and the cumulative effect on the environment. This significant effect and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that will preserve and enhance the special qualities of existing districts and neighborhoods through focused attention on land use, community design and economic development, establishment of entry monumentation as a means of stimulating community, district and neighborhood identity, continued implementation and updating of the City's comprehensive design guidelines, the Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 14 of 18 Cross Reference 01.237 establishment of transitions between developed and the natural (unbuilt) environment, the creation of strong landscape edges along roadways, the continued undergrounding of utilities, ensuring that communication towers blend into the surrounding environment, maintain the rural development patterns and character of the Etiwanda area through the Etiwanda Specific Plan, create urban centers at appropriate locations, ensure trees and structures are oriented to preserve views of key locations and obstruction of views is kept to a minimum, and protect and preserve windrows, vineyards and citrus groves where feasible and the re-establishment of these special landscape elements within the City. L Cultural Resources (1) Prehistoric Archaeological Resources. The impacts of future construction activity could adversely affect, have cumulative effects, or eliminate existing and potential archaeological resources. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid these significant and cumulative effects on the environment. The significant effect and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that provide that a qualified archaeologist perform necessary field surveys where evidence suggests the potential for prehistoric resources, communication with the Native American Heritage Commission as specified when there is the potential for discovery of sacred land resources, and compliance with various archaeological protocols as defined in the Final EIR. (2) Historic Archaeological Resources. The impacts of future construction activity could adversely affect or eliminate existing and potential historical landmarks and points of interest. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid this significant and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that require the City to conduct surveys, communicate with relevant historical preservation agencies and entities, and compliance with a variety of historic preservation protocols as defined in the Final EIR. (3) Paleontological Resources. Older alluvial deposits have a high sensitivity rating as they may yield highly significant vertebrate fossils, although no paleontological resources have been recorded from the area within the City of Rancho NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01.237 Page 15 of 18 Cucamonga and the Sphere-of-Influence. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid this significant effect and cumulative effect on the environment. This significant and cumulative effect has been eliminated or substantially lessened to a level that is less than significant by mitigation measures as identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project that require the City to conduct surveys, communicate with relevant paleontological preservation agencies and entities and compliance with a variety of paleontological preservation protocols as defined in the Final EIR. 3. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires the lead agency to balance the benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks in determining whether to approve the project. The City of Rancho Cucamonga proposes to approve the Rancho Cucamonga General Plan Update project although significant and unavoidable adverse impacts related to aggregate resources, prime farmland, short-term and long- term air quality, long-term noise, library services, and aesthetic and visual resources have been identified in the EIR. Even though these adverse impacts are not reduced to a level considered less than significant, the Planning Commission finds, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081 (c) that those impacts are outweighed by the benefits of implementing the Rancho Cucamonga General Plan Update because the General Plan Update will: a. Conserve valuable natural resources by establishing policies under a new conservation land use designation within the City and Sphere-of- Influence. b. Provide more efficient, pedestrian-friendly use patterns at key locations by establishing a new mixed use land use designation that is well-defined and would especially promote joint development of residential and commercial uses. c. Provide land use changes to the General Plan that would result in less overall traffic volumes than under the existing General Plan. d. Continue and augment the land use patterns and policy direction in the existing General Plan to the maximum extent possible because of their demonstrated effectiveness. e. Provide development and conservation direction for future annexation of the Sphere-of-Influence area. f. Continue to preserve a large portion of the Sphere-of-Influence as open space. g. Promote policies to ensure City compliance with recent changes in various federal and state laws (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act). Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 16 of 18 Cross Reference 01.237 In addition, the General Plan Update is itself a measure to mitigate potential adverse impacts of development on the existing community which would otherwise occur without a planned and comprehensive approach to future development. The General Plan Update includes current statistical information on the community and reflects changes in development policies as well as established policies incorporated in the General Plan at its adoption in 1981. The General Plan provides appropriate guidance for the establishment of zoning and development regulations to mitigate growth induced impacts. Consequently, the adoption of the General Plan Update will result in potential environmental effects that are substantially less significant in scope than would occur without General Plan guidance, including each alternative analyzed in the Final Environmental Impact Report. Therefore, the City Council, having reviewed and considered the information contained in the EIR and the public record, adopts these Statements of Overriding Considerations, which has been balanced against the significant unavoidable adverse impacts in reaching a decision on this project. 4. The City Council has reviewed and considered the alternatives to the project discussed in the Final EIR. Those alternative are: (1) the "No Project/No Development" alternative (EIR pages 7-2 - 7-3); (2) the "No Project/Development in Accordance with Existing General Plan Land Use Designations" alternative (EIR pages 7-3— 7-8); and (3) the "Higher Intensity" alternative (EIR pages 7-8 — 7-13). With respect to these alternatives to the project, the City Council finds, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081, that there are economic, social, and other considerations of the project that makes these alternatives infeasible as specifically set forth on pages 7-1 - 7-13 of the EIR which findings are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. In addition, the City Council finds that other than the "No Project" alternative, the proposed General Plan would result in less impacts compared to the existing General Plan alternative and the "Higher Intensity" alternative. Therefore, for the reasons indicated above, and for the reasons specified in Section 3 above, the proposed General Plan Update is considered the environmentally superior alternative. 5. The City Council has reviewed and considered the Mitigation Monitoring Program attached as Exhibit "A" to this resolution, and finds that the Program has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 and that such Program is designed to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures during project implementation. 6. The City Council finds that the City has reviewed the Housing Element Guidelines adopted by HCD pursuant to Section 50459 of the Health and Safety Code and finds that the housing goals, objectives, and policies stated in the revised Housing Element are appropriate for the City of Rancho Cucamonga and will contribute to the attainment of the state housing goal. The City Council further finds that the adoption of the revised Housing NOT APPROVED Resolution No. 01-226 Cross Reference 01-237 Page 17 of 18 Element will aid the City's efforts to assist in the development of housing for all economic and demographic segments of the community and that the Housing Element reflects the requirements of Government Code Section 65583 (b). The City Council has considered the findings made by the State Department of Housing and Community Development, and finds, pursuant to Government Code Section 65585 (e)(1), that the revised Housing Element has been changed to substantially comply with the comments of the State Department of Housing and Community Development and with the provisions of Article 10.6 of Title 7 of the California Government Code (Government Code Section 65580 et. seq.). 7. Based upon the findings contained herein, the City Council does hereby adopt the Mitigation Monitoring Program prepared for the General Plan Update and adopts the 2001 General Plan Update, as drafted, as the approved General Plan for the City of Rancho Cucamonga. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 17`h day of October 2001. AYES: ------------------------- NOES: ------------------------- ABSENT: ------------------------ ABSTAINED: ------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------- William J. Alexander, Mayor ATTEST: -------------------------------------------------------- Debra J. Adams, CMC, City Clerk Resolution No. 01-226 NOT APPROVED Page 18 of 18 Cross Reference 01-237 I, DEBRA J. ADAMS, CITY CLERK of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, California, at a Regular Meeting of said City Council held on the 17`h day of October 2001. Executed this 18`h day of October 2001, at Rancho Cucamonga, California. ------------------------------------------------------- Debra J. Adams, CMC, City Clerk