HomeMy WebLinkAbout98-15 - Resolutions RESOLUTION NO. 98-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL CERTIFY THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 96-03B AND 97-01, AND VICTORIA •
COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT 96-01 AND 97-01 WITH A STATEMENT
OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND MAKING FINDINGS IN
SUPPORT THEREOF - APN: 227-091-41, 227-201-33, 227-351-65,
227-393-01 AND 02, AND 229-021-56.
A. Recitals.
1. A Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been presented to this Commission in
conjunction with the Commission's consideration of the General Plan Amendment 96-03B and 97-01
and Victoria Community Plan Amendment 96-01 and 97-01.
2. The Final EIR referred to in this Resolution consists of that document dated February 12,
1998, entitled "Final Environmental Impact Report General Plan Amendment 96-03B and 97-01 and
Victoria Community Plan Amendment 96-01 and 97-01."
3. The public comment period for the EIR was duly and lawfully closed on March 25, 1998,
following due notices to the public and all applicable public agencies.
4. On March 11, and continued to March 25, 1998, the Planning Commission of the City of
Rancho Cucamonga conducted duly noticed public hearings on the application.
5. 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 Planning Commission
of the City of Rancho Cucamonga as follows:
1. This Commission hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in the Recitals,
Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct.
2. Based upon substantial evidence presented to this Commission during the above-
referenced public hearing on March 11, and March 25, 1998, including written and oral staff reports,
together with public testimony, and the consideration of the contents of the Final EIR in reviewing
the approval of General Plan Amendment 96-03B and 97-01 and Victoria Community Plan
Amendment 96-01 and 97-01, this Commission hereby recommends that the City Council of the City
of Rancho Cucamonga take the following action with respect to the EIR:
a. Certify that the Final EIR has been prepared for General Plan Amendment 96-03B
and 97-01 and Victoria Community Plan 96-01 and 97-01 in accordance with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resource Code Sections 21000 et seq.
("CEQA") with the state and City Guidelines for implementing CEQA, and all other applicable laws
and regulations.
b. Adopt a Statement of Facts of Findings for the EIR and a Statement of Overriding
Considerations attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and "B" respectively, based on the following findings:
1) The facts and findings set forth in the Statement of Facts of Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations are supported by substantial evidence in the administrative
record and the Final EIR.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 98-15
EIR FOR GPA 96-03B & 97-01 AND VCPA 96-01 & 97-01
March 25, 1998
Page 2
2) The Final EIR has identified all significant environmental Impacts of the project
and there are no known potentially significant environmental impacts not addressed in the Final EIR.
3) All significant impacts identified in the Final EIR as a result of the project have
been mitigated, avoided or reduced to an acceptable level by the imposition of mitigation measures
on the project. These mitigation measures are attached hereto as part of the Mitigation Monitoring
Program and are incorporated herein by this reference.
4) The Final EIR has considered a reasonable range of alternatives to the
project. Potential mitigation or project alternatives have not been incorporated into the project
because they might impede on the project objectives or create other significant environmental,
economic, social impacts, or are determined to be infeasible based on the consideration set forth
in the Statement of Facts of Findings.
5) The cumulative impacts of the project in relation to other projects in the area
have been considered. Except for the one identified unavoidable impact described in the Statement
of Facts of Findings and the Final EIR, mitigation measures are incorporated into the project to
reduce such impacts to less than significant levels.
6) The unavoidable significant impact of the project as identified in the Statement
of Facts of Findings and the Final EIR is outweighed by the economic, social, and other benefits of
the project identified in the Statement of Overriding Considerations.
7) Pursuant to provisions of the Califomia Public Resources Code Section 21089
(b), this application shall not be operative, vested or final until the Notice of Determination (NOD) is
filed and posted with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Bernardino and all
required filing fees assessed pursuant to California Fish and Game Code Section 711.4, together
with any required handling charges, are paid to the County Clerk of the County of San Bernardino.
In the event this application is determined exempt from such filing fees pursuant to the provisions
of the California Fish and Game Code, or the guidelines promulgated there under, condition shall
be deemed null and void.
3. The Secretary to this Commission shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 25TH DAY OF MARCH 1998.
PLANNING C. u • OF THE[. OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
ton
E. Day • .
ATTEST:
Brad leI ecret-
I, Brad Buller, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, do hereby
certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced, passed, and adopted by the
Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, at a regular meeting of the Planning
Commission held on the 25th day of March 1998, by the following vote-to-wit:
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 98-15
EIR FOR GPA 96-038 & 97-01 AND VCPA 96-01 & 97-01
March 25, 1998
Page 3
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 96-03B AND 97-01, AND VICTORIA COMMUNITY PLAN
AMENDMENT 96-01 AND 97-01 WITH A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS, AND MAKING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF -
APN: 227-091-41, 227-201-33, 227-351-65, 227-393-01 AND 02, AND
229-021-56.
A. Recitals.
1. A Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been presented to this Council in
conjunction with the Council's consideration of the General Plan Amendment 96-03B and 97-01
and Victoria Community Plan Amendment 96-01 and 97-01.
2. The Final EIR referred to in this Resolution consists of that document dated February
12, 1998, entitled "Final Environmental Impact Report General Plan Amendment 96-03B and 97-01
and Victoria Community Plan Amendment 96-01 and 97-01."
3. The public comment period for the EIR was duly and lawfully closed on March 25, 1998,
following due notices to the public and all applicable public agencies.
4. On March 11, and continued to March 25, 1998, the Planning Commission of the City
of Rancho Cucamonga conducted duly noticed public hearings on the application and on March
25, 1998, adopted Resolution No. 98-15, recommending that the City Council certify the
Environmental Impact Report and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations.
5. On , 1998, the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga
conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the application.
6. 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. This Council hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in the Recitals, Part
A, of this Resolution are true and correct.
2. Based upon substantial evidence presented to this Council during the above-referenced
public hearing on , 1998, including written and oral staff reports, together
with public testimony, and the consideration of the contents of the Final EIR in reviewing the
approval of General Plan Amendment 96-03B and 97-01 and Victoria Community Plan Amendment
96-01 and 97-01, this Council hereby takes the following action with respect to the EIR:
a. Certify that the Final EIR has been prepared for General Plan Amendment 96-03B ,
and 97-01 and Victoria Community Plan 96-01 and 97-01 in accordance with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resource Code Sections 21000 et seq.
("CEQA") with the state and City Guidelines for implementing CEQA, and all other applicable laws
and regulations.
b. Adopt a Statement of Facts of Findings for the EIR and a Statement of Overriding
Considerations attached hereto as Exhibit"A"and"B" respectively, based on the following findings:
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO.
EIR FOR GPA 96-03B & 97-01 AND VCPA 96-01 & 97-01
, 1998
Page 2
1) The facts and findings set forth in the Statement of Facts of Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations are supported by substantial evidence in the administrative
record and the Final EIR.
2) The Final EIR has identified all significant environmental Impacts of the
project and there are no known potentially significant environmental impacts not addressed in the
Final EIR.
3) All significant impacts identified in the Final EIR as a result of the project
have been mitigated, avoided or reduced to an acceptable level by the imposition of mitigation
measures on the project. These mitigation measures are attached hereto as part of the Mitigation
Monitoring Program and are incorporated herein by this reference.
4) The Final EIR has considered a reasonable range of alternatives to the
project. Potential mitigation or project alternatives have not been incorporated into the project
because they might impede on the project objectives or create other significant environmental,
economic, social impacts, or are determined to be infeasible based on the consideration set forth
in the Statement of Facts of Findings.
5) The cumulative impacts of the project in relation to other projects in the area
have been considered. Except for the one identified unavoidable impact described in the
Statement of Facts of Findings and the Final EIR, mitigation measures are incorporated into the
project to reduce such impacts to less than significant levels.
6) The unavoidable significant impact of the project as identified in the
Statement of Facts of Findings and the Final EIR is outweighed by the economic, social, and other
benefits of the project identified in the Statement of Overriding Considerations. •
7) Pursuant to provisions of the California Public Resources Code Section
21089 (b), this application shall not be operative, vested or final until the Notice of Determination
(NOD) is filed and posted with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San
Bernardino and all required filing fees assessed pursuant to California Fish and Game Code
Section 711.4, together with any required handling charges, are paid to the County Clerk of the
County of San Bernardino. In the event this application is determined exempt from such filing fees
pursuant to the provisions of the California Fish and Game Code, or the guidelines promulgated
there under, condition shall be deemed null and void.
3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
ISA Associates,Inc.
EXHIBIT A
STATEMENT OF FACTS AND FINDINGS FOR THE GENERAL
PLAN AMENDMENTS 96-03B & 97-01 AND VICTORIA COMMU-
NITY PLAN AMENDMENTS 96-01 & 97-01/EDISON COMPANY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
INTRODUCTION
The following statement of findings and facts in support of findings is adopted
for each environmental impact identified in the FEIR as significant or potentially
significant. For a more detailed description of each impact, each mitigation
measure to be imposed, and the facts and data which support the conclusions
reached herein regarding the significance of each impact after mitigation, please
refer to the applicable sections of the FEIR and the technical appendices. The
City Council hereby adopts and incorporates the data and analysis set forth
therein as a part of this Resolution as though set forth here in full.
I Description of Project Objectives
The proposed project is an amendment to the City of Rancho Cucamonga
General Plan and Victoria Community Plan. The area of the proposed amend-
ments are designated as Utility Corridor. Southern California Edison, who owns
the property, is the applicant and proposes to change the Utility Corridor
designation to Regional-Related Commercial and Regional Center, and High
Residential, Medium High Residential, Medium Residential, Low-Medium
Residential, and Low Residential. There is no development proposed for the site
at this time.
Project Objectives
• To preserve the single family character of residential neighborhoods
within the City and provide a variety of housing types for various income
levels.
• To protect the neighborhood quality and residential nature of the
neighborhood to the east.
• To provide infill residential and commercial development within the
context of a planned community.
II. Evaluation of Alternatives
For purposes of analyzing potential environmental impacts,the EIR evaluated the
proposed project and four alternatives. The four alternatives evaluated are the
No Project Alternative (as required by CEQA), Open Space Park Greenbelt and
Trails System Alternative, Lower Density, and Off-Site Alternative.
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These Statement of Facts and Findings address the proposed project as the
alternative to be considered for approval by the City of Rancho Cucamonga,
pursuant to staffs recommendation. Characteristics of the preferred alternative
are provided herein.
The following is a brief description of the alternatives considered, see Section 6
of the FEIR for more detail.
Environmentally Superior Alternative
The No Project/No Development Alternative is an Environmentally Superior
alternative since no development would occur on the project site. Unlike the
proposed project or the project alternatives, the No Project/No Development
Alternative would not increase demand for public services, increase traffic
volumes, circulation,air emissions and noise levels (associated with construction
and operation of additional land uses), cause the additional need for recre-
ational facilities, or increase potential impacts to biological or cultural resources,
drainage, and aesthetics that may otherwise result from development of the
project site. Significant short-term construction emissions would be eliminated,
and significant unavoidable long-term CO, ROC, and NOx emissions would be
reduced with the No Project/No Development Alternative.
As required by CEQA(Section 15126(d)(4), if the No Project/No Development
Alternative is selected as the environmentally superior alternative, the EIR shall
also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alterna-
tives. Among the alternatives considered, the Open Space Greenbelt and Trails
System Alternative has the least damaging environmental impacts. Of the viable
alternatives, the open space/trails system alternative would result in fewer daily
and peak hour vehicle trips and contaminant emissions, and incremental
increases in ambient noise levels, and impacts on schools and parks. Potential
long-term local air quality impacts are considered significant unavoidable adverse
impacts under either the proposed project or the Lower Density and Off-Site
Alternatives. The Open Space Greenbelt and Trails System Alternative, however,
would result in reduced impacts to long-term air quality and is environmentally
superior to all other alternatives.
There are economic impacts to the City with the implementation of the Open
Space Greenbelt and Trails System Alternative. If the site is to be converted to
an open space/trails system, the City would have to 1) purchase the property, 2)
construct the trail system,and 3)provide long-term maintenance of a trail system
on the 84.15-acre site. The cost to purchase the property, and construct and
maintain the trails may cause an additional financial burden on City residents
depending on how the City chooses to provide funding. In light of Proposition
218,additional use taxes would have to go to City wide vote. Long-term funding
for a City trail system on this site is not certain.
No Project Alternative
Under the No Project/No Development Alternative, the project site would remain
in its existing vacant condition. The site could contain electric transmission
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towers in the future under the current zoning; however, for the purposes of the
"No Development Alternatives" analysis, the no development scenario is
analyzed.
Evaluation of the No Project Alternative
The No Project/No Development Alternative would reduce and/or
eliminate all potentially significant adverse environmental impacts of the
proposed project. In particular, significant adverse impacts related to
short-term construction emissions and long-term local CO, ROC, and
NOx that would exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District
thresholds for daily operations by a large margin (especially NOx),would
• not occur with this alternative. However, this alternative would result in
impacts by eliminating opportunities to provide housing and, thereby,
meet the goals of the City's General Plan Housing Element.
This alternative would fail to meet three important objectives of the
project and the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The first objective is to
preserve the single family character of residential neighborhoods within
the City and provide a variety of housing types for various income levels;
the second objective is to protect the neighborhood quality and
residential nature of the neighborhood to the east; the third objective is
to provide infill residential and commercial development within the
context of a planned community.
Open Space Park Greenbelt and Trails System Alternative
This alternative is a rational choice as a land use alternative for a long slender
84.15-acre parcel (330 feet wide by 10,756 feet long). This strip of land would
contain a landscaped parkway along the length of future Day Creek Boulevard
to enhance views of Mt. Baldy to the north and would also contain a trails system
that would connect the existing and future planned residential areas in the
Victoria Windrows area to the east and west of future Day Creek Boulevard
(south of Highland Avenue and north of Base Line Road) to the proposed
regional commercial area south of Base Line Road and north of I-15.
Evaluation of the Open Space Park Greenbelt and Trails System
Alternative
The Open Space Park Greenbelt and Trails System Alternative would have
less significant adverse environmental impacts than that of the proposed
project discussed in Section 5.0 in the FEIR. In particular, significant
unavoidable adverse impacts to local air quality would be reduced under
this alternative. All other impacts of the proposed project would also be
reduced under this alternative including impacts on public services,
traffic, potential exposure of residences to noise related impacts, and
aesthetics.
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Lower Density Alternative
Under the Lower Density Alternative, a General Plan and Victoria Community
Plan amendment would be proposed that would be the same as proposed with
the project between Highland Avenue and Base Line Road. However, the
densities would be limited to the lower range within each land use category(i.e., •
Low Density [2 units/acre], Low-Medium Density [4 units/acre], and Medium
Density [8 units/acre]). In the area south of Base Line Road, the land uses
proposed would include 10.4 acres of Low-Medium Density(4 units/acre) from
Base Line Road south to one-half the distance between Base Line Road and
Church Street and Medium Density(8 units/acre)on 10.4 acres from one-half the
distance between Base Line Road Church Street south to Church Street. The
27.7 acres south of Church Street would remain Regional Related Of-
fice/Commercial as proposed with the project. The intent of this alternative is
to potentially reduce the proposed project's impacts on public services,
specifically schools.
Evaluation of the Lower Density Alternative
The proposed project's impacts on air quality,traffic,fire,police,schools,
and parks would be reduced with implementation of the Lower Density
Alternative. There would be a slight reduction in vehicular traffic noise
impacts with this alternative. The proposed project's impacts on
drainage, biological resources, cultural resources, and aesthetics would
remain the same with Lower Density Alternative.
O -Site Alternative
Section 15126(d) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that an EIR consider only
those feasible alternatives that would avoid or substantially lessen any of the
significant impacts identified for the project alternative.
The General Plan Land Use Element of the City of Rancho Cucamonga allows
development of residential uses in a number of areas primarily within the
northerly portion of the City, in areas designated for a wide range of residential
densities similar to the proposed General Plan Amendments.
SCE owns utility corridor easements to the north and south of the proposed
project area that are actually an extension of the same utility easement as the
proposed project. Potentially, the area that contains the utility easement north
of Highland Avenue could be processed for a proposed General Plan Amendment
to allow a variety of residential densities similar to the proposed project.
Evaluation of the Off-Site Alternative
Overall,the proposed project's impacts on drainage,traffic, noise, public
services (fire, police, schools, and parks), biological resources, and
cultural resources would remain the same with this alternative site. The
significant unavoidable impacts on air quality would also be the same as
with the proposed project since the air quality impacts of the proposed
project are a result of operational vehicle emissions which would not be
reduced with this alternative.
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Biological resources studies conducted for the proposed project
concluded that no significant biological resources occur on site. It was
determined that the proposed project would not have a significant
impact on biological resources and no mitigation would be required.
The off-site alternative would require biological resource surveys be
conducted to determine whether the San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo
rat and/or the California gnatcatcher, both protected species occur on
site. This alternative does contain habitat of high quality that could
support both species. Because of the high quality habitat that could
support a protected species occurring on the off-site alternative, this
would have a greater impact on biological resources than the proposed
project.
Impacts on aesthetics may potentially be the same with this alternative
site. The alternative site is in the Etiwanda North Specific Plan which is
similar to the Victoria Community Plan and also has design guidelines
which protect and enhance aesthetics and view corridors.
In conclusion, an alternative site within an Edison utility corridor would
have the same impacts as the proposed project and would not reduce the
proposed projects' significant unavoidable long-term impact on air
quality.
EFFECTS DETERMINED NOT TO BE SIGNIFICANT OR MITIGATED TO
A LESS-THAN-SIGNIFICANT LEVEL
Drainage
Significant Effect No. 1
The proposed project would substantially increase the impervious surface
coverage, resulting in an increase in the total quantity and rate of water draining
from the site. Existing drainage systems to the east can not accommodate the
increase and stormwater flow. The proposed project has the potential to have
a significant impact on existing drainage facilities.
Finding No. 1
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 1
The potential impacts pertaining to the total quantity and rate of water draining
from the site have been eliminated or reduced to a level of less-than -significant
through implementation of the mitigation measures and project design described
within the Final EIR. Those measures will ensure that drainage from and
through the site will be conveyed in a safe manner in accordance with the City
of Rancho Cucamonga engineering standards.
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1. Any development proposed between Highland Avenue and Base Line
Road shall be conditioned to convey on-site drainage to the west to Day
Creek Channel by storm drain systems in Victoria Park Lane and Base
Line Road.
2. The developer shall amend the City's Final Master Plan of Drainage
Report prior to Final Map approval to account for the change in land use
from open space to residential uses.
3. The developer shall study the existing 96-inch RCP stubout, located
approximately 462 feet from Victoria Park Lane to determine its
adequacy. Improvements shall be installed as required.
Traffic and Circulation
Significant Effect No. 2-
Ten intersections are forecast to exceed the CMP LOS E standard under 2015
background plus project conditions in one or both peak hours. These are:
• Milliken Avenue/Foothill Boulevard
• Day Creek Boulevard/Highland Avenue
• Day Creek Boulevard/Base Line Road
• Day Creek Boulevard/Foothill Boulevard
• Etiwanda Avenue/Base Line Road
• Etiwanda Avenue/Foothill Boulevard
• I-15 southbound ramps/Base Line Road
• I-15 northbound ramps/Base Line Road
• I-15 southbound ramps/Foothill Boulevard
• East Avenue/Base Line Road.
Finding No. 2
Changes or alterations have been required'in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 2
The potential impacts pertaining to ten intersections exceeding the CMP LOS E
standard under 2015 background plus project conditions in one or both peak
hours have been eliminated or reduced to a level of less-than-significant through
implementation of the mitigation measures and project design described within
the Final EIR. The mitigation measures described below will enable the City to
implement its traffic fee program to fund off-site traffic improvements made as
a result of the project. The traffic fee program is the most practical and feasible
approach to funding traffic mitigation measures in the vicinity of the project.
1. The project proponent shall contribute a
traffic fee in accordance with
the City's adopted traffic fee program (Transportation Department
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Impact Fee Ordinance No. 445) for backbone infrastructure improve-
ments. In addition, the project proponent shall make a fair share
contribution to additional circulation improvements necessary to
maintain an acceptable level of service as identified in a Traffic Impact
Analysis. Both the traffic fee and the fair share contribution shall be paid
at the time of issuance of building permits. The additional circulation
improvements shall consist of the following:
• Milliken Avenue/Foothill Boulevard. Modify the eastbound and
westbound approaches be modified to include a third through
lane in each direction on Foothill Boulevard as well as convert
the eastbound right turn lane to a through plus right turn lane.
• Rochester Avenue/Highland Avenue. Signal phasing of the
existing traffic signal shall be upgraded to accommodate the
future traffic volumes.
• Rochester Avenue/Base Line Road. Signal phasing of the existing
traffic signal shall be upgraded to accommodate the future traffic
volumes.
• Rochester Avenue/Foothill Boulevard. Signal phasing of the
_existing traffic signal shall be upgraded to accommodate the
future traffic volumes.
• Day Creek Boulevard/Highland Avenue. The following is
recommended mitigation for this intersection:
Construction of a northbound left turn lane,
Addition of a second northbound through lane and a
shared through plus right turn lane,
Construction of a southbound left turn lane,
Addition of a second southbound through lane and a
shared through plus right turn lane,
Construction of eastbound left turn lane,
Addition of an eastbound through plus right turn lane,
Construction of a westbound left turn lane, and
Addition of a westbound through plus right turn lane.
• Day Creek Boulevard/Base Line Road. The following is recom-
mended mitigation for this intersection:
Construction of dual northbound left turn lanes,
Addition of second and third northbound through lanes,
Construction of a northbound right turn lane,
Construction of dual southbound left turn lanes,
Addition of second and third southbound through lanes,
Construction of a southbound right turn lane,
Construction of dual eastbound left turn lanes,
Addition of a third eastbound through lane,
Construction of an eastbound right turn lane,
Construction of dual westbound left turn lanes,
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Addition of a third westbound through lane, and
Construction of a westbound right turn lane.
• Day Creek Boulevard/Foothill Boulevard. The following is
recommended mitigation for this intersection:
Construction of dual northbound left turn lanes,
Addition of a second and third northbound through lanes,
Construction of a northbound free right turn lane,
Construction of dual southbound left turn lanes,
Addition of second and third southbound through lanes,
Construction of a free southbound right turn lane,
Construction of dual eastbound left turn lanes,
Addition of an eastbound through plus right turn lane,
Construction of a westbound left turn lane,
Addition of a fourth westbound through lane, and
Construction of a westbound free right turn lane.
• Etiwanda Avenue/Base Line Road. The eastbound and west-
bound approaches shall be modified to provide a third through
lane in each direction on Base Line Road.
• Etiwanda Avenue/Foothill Boulevard. Addition of a southbound
right turn lane and a third eastbound through lane.
• I-1S Southbound Ramps/Foothill Boulevard- Conversion of the
eastbound right turn lane to a free right turn lane to accommo-
date on-ramp traffic.
• East Avenue/Base Line Road-As mitigation for this intersection,
it is recommended that the westbound approach include a third
through lane.
2. Circulation improvements have been identified to achieve standards
levels of service (i.e., local jurisdiction and/or SANBAG) at study area
intersections. To address the timing, funding, and implementation of
these improvements, the following mitigation measure or condition of
General Plan Amendment approval is recommended:
• Prior to the approval of any tract map, a traffic study shall be
completed to determine whether the incremental increase in
traffic from the tract map area causes any of the intersections
under investigation to result in unsatisfactory levels of service. If
unacceptable levels of service result, this traffic analysis shall
determine the portion of the ultimate intersections' improve-
ments that are required, the phasing of the improvement, and the
funding source.
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Significant Effect No. 3
The proposed project will contribute to deficiencies along the following freeway
sections:
• I-15 between Jurupa Avenue and I-10
• I-15 between 4th Street and Foothill Boulevard.
Finding No. 3
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
•
Facts in Support of Finding No. 3
The potential traffic impacts of the proposed project pertaining to deficiencies
along the freeway section I-15 between Jurupa Avenue and I-10 and section I-15
between 4th Street and Foothill Boulevard. have been eliminated or reduced to
a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation
measures and project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation
measures described below will enable the City to collect fees on a fair share basis
for freeway lane additions. The traffic fee program is the most practical and
feasible approach to funding traffic mitigation measures in the vicinity of the
project.
1. The project shall contribute on a fair share basis to the cost of providing
the following freeway lane additions:
• I-15 between Jurupa Street and I-10-two lane mainline lanes in
each direction.
• I-15 between 4th Street and Foothill Boulevard - two mainline
lanes in each direction.
Air Quality
Significant Effect No. 4
Air quality impacts may occur during the site preparation including grading and
equipment exhaust as it is used onsite. Major sources of emissions during this
phase include exhaust emissions from construction vehicles and equipment and
fugitive dust generated as a result of construction vehicles and equipment
traveling over exposed surfaces, as well as soil disturbances by grading and
filling. Construction equipment emissions would exceed the SCAQMD daily
thresholds for the criteria pollutant of NOx,which is 2.5 tons per quarter or 100
pounds per day. Emissions of other criteria pollutants would be below the
standards during construction.
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Finding No. 4
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 4
The potential impacts pertaining to the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
during construction have been eliminated or reduced to a level of less-than-
significant through implementation of the mitigation measures and project
design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation measures are as follows:
1. The Construction Contractor shall select the construction equipment
used onsite based on low emission factors and high energy efficiency.
The Construction Contractor shall ensure that construction grading plans
include a statement that all construction equipment will be tuned and
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
2. The Construction Contractor shall utilize electric or diesel-powered
equipment in lieu of gasoline-powered engines where feasible.
3. The Construction Contractor shall ensure that construction grading plans
include a statement that work crews will shut off equipment when not
in use. During smog season (May through October), the overall length
of the construction period should be extended, thereby decreasing the
size of the area prepared each day, to minimize vehicles and equipment
operating at the same time.
4. The Construction Contractor shall time the construction activities so as
to not interfere with,peak hour traffic and minimize obstruction of
through traffic lanes adjacent to the site; if necessary, a flagperson shall
be retained to maintain safety adjacent to existing roadways.
5. The Construction Contractor shall support and encourage ridesharing
and transit incentives for the construction crew. The Construction
Contractor shall support and encourage ridesharing and transit incen-
tives for the construction crew.
Significant Effect No. 5
During grading activities dust emission would exceed the SCAQMD threshold of
150 pounds per day.
Finding No. 5
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment to the extent
feasible.
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Facts in Support of Finding No.5
The potential impacts pertaining to the emissions of dust during construction
have been eliminated or reduced to a level of less-than-significant through
implementation of the mitigation measures and project design described within
the Final EIR. The mitigation measures are as follows:
1. Dust generated by the development activities shall be retained on site
and kept to a minimum by following the dust control measures listed
below.
a. During clearing,grading, earth moving, excavation,or transporta-
tion of cut or fill materials,water trucks or sprinkler systems shall
be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust
after each day's activities cease.
b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be
used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to
prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would
include wetting down such areas in the later morning and after
work is completed for the day, and whenever wind exceeds 15
miles per hour.
c. After clearing,grading, earth moving, or excavation is completed,
the entire area of disturbed soil shall be treated immediately by
pickup of the soil until the area is paved or otherwise developed
so that dust generation will not occur.
d. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept
moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation.
e. Trucks transporting soil, sand, cut or fill materials and/or
construction debris to or from the site shall be tarped from the
point of origin.
Significant Effect No. 6
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions associated with architectural
coatings are not calculated because there is no sufficient information available
for emissions produced by the painting of residential and commercial facilities.
VOCs produced during construction may be a potentially significant impact.
Finding No. 6
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment to the extent
feasible.
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Facts in Support of Finding No. 6
The potential impacts pertaining to the emissions of Volatile Organic Com-
pounds (VOC) during construction have been eliminated or reduced to a level
of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation measures and
project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation measure is as
follows:
1. The Construction Contractor shall utilize as much as possible
precoated/natural colored building materials, water-based or low-VOC
coating, and coating transfer or spray equipment with high transfer
efficiency, such as high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray method, or
manual coatings application such as paint brush, hand roller, trowel,
spatula, dauber, rag, or sponge.
Sign{ftcant Effect No. 7
Vehicular trips associated with the proposed project would produce emissions
that would exceed the SCAQMD daily thresholds for the criteria pollutant of CO,
ROC, and NOx.
Findings No. 7
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment to the extent
feasible; however, impacts of the operation of the proposed project remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation. In accordance with the require-
ments of CEQA, the City Council adopted a Statement of Overriding Consider-
ations and made findings regarding the benefits of the proposed project.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 7
The potential impacts pertaining to the emissions of CO, ROC, and NOx have
been reduced to the extent feasible; however, even after implementation of the
mitigation measures and project design described within the Final EIR, the
impact is considered significant and unavoidable. Further mitigation is
technically and economically infeasible since, to some extent, any major
development project in the region will incrementally increase emissions. The
mitigation measures are as follows:
1. The project shall comply with Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations established by the Energy Commission regarding energy
conservation standards. The project applicant shall incorporate the
following in building plans:
• Planting trees to provide shade and shadow to building;
• Solar or low-emission water heaters shall be used with combined
space/water heater unit;
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• Refrigerator with vacuum power insulation;
• Double-pained glass or window treatment for energy conserva-
tion shall be used in all exterior windows; and
• Energy-efficient low-sodium parking lot lights shall be used.
2. Use of transportation demand measures (TDM) such as preferential
parking for vanpooling/carpooling,subsidy for transit pass or vanpooling/
carpooling, flextime work schedule, bike racks, lockers, showers, and
onsite cafeteria shall be incorporated in the design of the commercial
land uses.
3. The project proponent shall determine with the City and the electrical
purveyor if it is feasible to pre-wire houses for electrical charges for EV
cars and/or optic fibers for home offices. If feasible, install EV charges
and/or optic-fibers per the electrical purveyor's direction prior to
Certificate of Occupancy.
4. Install EV charges or electrical fuel stations/natural gas for community
wide use at key commercial and public location(s) such as park and ride
lots, Metrolink Station, and commercial centers.
5. The developer shall contract with a mitigation monitor to assure
•
compliance and implementation with the mitigation monitoring
program.
Noise
Significant Effect No. 8
Noise levels from grading and other construction activities for the proposed
project may range up to 91 dBA at the closest residences immediately to the east
of the northern part of the project site between Highland Avenue and Base Line
Road for very limited times when construction occurs near them.
Finding No. 8
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 8
The potential impacts pertaining to noise levels from grading and other
construction activities on nearby residences have been eliminated or reduced to
a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation
measures and project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation
measures are as follows:
1. During all project site excavation and grading on-site, the project
contractors shall equip all construction equipment, fixed or mobile, with
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properly operating and maintained mufflers consistent with manufactur-
ers standards.
2. The project contractor shall place all stationary construction equipment
so that emitted noise is directed away from sensitive receptors to the east
of the site.
3. The construction contractor shall locate equipment staging in areas that
will create the greatest distance between construction-related noise
sources and noise sensitive receptors to the east of the site during all
project construction.
4. During all project site construction, the construction contractor shall
limit all construction-related activities that would result in high noise
•
levels to between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday, unless such construction activities do not result in noise levels
exceeding 45 dBA at residences to the east of the site. No construction
shall be allowed on Sundays and public holidays.
Significant Effect No. 9
Increases in noise levels could result from project-related traffic on access roads
leading to the project site, especially given the ,higher noise generation
associated with trucks. Project-related long-term vehicular trip increases are
anticipated to be moderate. The incremental traffic noise level increases would
be less than significant. No significant traffic noise impacts on off-site sensitive
uses are anticipated. However, proposed on-site residential uses would
potentially be exposed to traffic noise levels exceeding the 60 dBA Ldn standard
recommended for residential uses.
Finding No. 9
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 9
The potential impacts pertaining to exposing on-site residential uses to noise
levels exceeding standards along area roadways have been eliminated or reduced
to a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation
measures and project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation
measures are as follows:
1. Noise studies shall be required to be submitted to the City for review and
approval prior to final map approval for residential units proposed within
the following areas:
• Within 408 feet of Base Line Road centerline.
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• Within 770 feet of Foothill Boulevard centerline.
• Within 337 feet of Day Creek Boulevard centerline between
Highland Avenue and Base Line Road.
• Within 438 feet of Day Creek Boulevard centerline between Base
Line Road and Church Street.
• Within 344 feet of Highland Avenue centerline.
Mitigation such as setback, concrete block wall, or earthen berm or their
combination along the property line, proper building orientation, building
facade upgrade, double-paned windows, and/or mechanical ventilation shall be
provided.
Public Services
Schools
Significant Effect No. 10
As a result of the overcrowding in the classrooms of the Etiwanda and Chaffey
School Districts, both districts have urged and continue to urge the City not to
approve development applications unless adequate school facilities are available
to serve the development project. Future development will generate more
students for the already impacted school districts. School mitigation plans
would be enacted between the ESD/CJUHSD and the project developer
providing for a per dwelling unit fee rate for the residential portion of the
project site.
Finding No. 10
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 10
The proposed project's impact on schools has been eliminated or reduced to a
level of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation measures
and project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation measures are
as follows:
1. A school mitigation plan shall be enacted between the ESD and the
developer to provide for a per dwelling unit fee rate for the residential
portion of the project site. The fees will offset the additional demand
placed on school district facilities by the residential portion of the project
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2. The developer shall join Chaffey School District Mello-Roos Community
Facilities District No.2 (CFD No. 2), in order to provide an alternative
method to finance the mitigation of school impacts of development.
3. The developer shall be required to execute an agreement with ESD and
CJUHSD to provide adequate mitigation. Such an agreement shall be
executed prior to Planning Commission approval for any residential
project within the General Plan Amendment area. Actual implementation
of the agreement by the payment of fees, dedication of sites or other
mitigation will take place as building permits are obtained.
4. In the event that the developer declines to execute a mitigation agree-
ment, the City shall require full mitigation as a condition of approval.
Full mitigation shall be accomplished by means of a requirement to form
a Mello-Roos Community Facilities district for school facilities. In order
to reduce the burden on the future homeowners, it is possible to
structure the community facilities district such that some of the special
taxes would be prepaid by the developer.
Parks and Recreation
Significant Effect No. 11
The residential portion of the proposed project would increase the demand for
active recreation facilities causing a significant impact to park facilities.
Finding No. 11
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 11
The proposed project's impact on parks has been eliminated or reduced to a
level of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation measures
and project design described within the Final EIR The mitigation measures are
as follows:
1. The developer shall be subject to Municipal Code, Chapter 16.32 set by
the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga to establish regula-
tions for dedication of land, payment of fees, or both, for park and
recreational land in subdivisions and planned communities. The
developer is responsible for 11.3 acres of parkland either by fee or by
dedication.
•
2. At the time of filing a tentative tract map or a minor subdivision plat for
approval, the City Park and Recreation Commission shall determine
whether dedication of property for 11.3 acres of park and recreational
purposes or in lieu of fees are necessary. If the City desires dedication,
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the area shall be designated on the tentative tract map when submitted
and a General Plan Amendment indicating the location of any park shall
be processed subject to Park and Recreation Commission review and
recommendation.
3. Where dedication is offered and accepted it shall be accomplished in
accordance with the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act. Where fees
are required, the same shall be deposited with the City prior to the
issuance of building permits.
Significant Effect No. 12
The residential and commercial areas proposed would increase the demand for
active recreational facilities causing a significant impact to trail use in the City.
Finding No. 12
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 12
The potential impacts of the proposed project on trails have been eliminated or
reduced to a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the
mitigation measures and project design described within the Final EIR. The
mitigation measure is as follows:
1. The parkway on the east side of"future" Day Creek Boulevard shall be
widened by 20 to 25 feet to provide a multi-use trail from Highland
Avenue south to terminate at the City's adult sports complex. Specific
design of the trail shall be determined by the City at the time develop-
ment plans are submitted for review and approval for any development
proposals adjacent to "future" Day Creek Boulevard. The specific design
shall tie in with the City's Day Creek Boulevard Master Plan design. The
trail shall be designed to connect to planned and existing trail systems in
the Etiwanda North Specific Plan and shall connect the residential areas
north and south of Base Line to the regional commercial areas adjacent
to Interstate 15.
Police
Significant Effect No. 13
The proposed project will result in a potentially significant impact as an increase
in demand for police services. An additional five police personnel would be
required for the proposed residential and commercial development.
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Finding No. 13
Changes of alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 13
The potential impacts of the proposed project on police have been eliminated
or reduced to a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the
mitigation measures and project design described within the Final EIR The
mitigation measure is as follows:
1. As stated in the General Requirements and Approvals for the Police
Department for the City, a signed consent and waiver form to join and/or
form the Law Enforcement Community Facilities District shall be filed
with City Engineering prior to final map approval or the issuance of
building permits, whichever occurs first for any projects within the
project area between Highland Avenue and I-15. Formation costs shall
be borne by the Developer.
Fire
Sign cant Effect No. 14
Impacts of the proposed project on fire service for the City of Rancho
Cucamonga are potentially significant. Based on the standard response time
threshold of five minutes, and the project's location relative to Stations 3, 4, and
5, the site is anticipated to fall within the five-minute response time criteria.
Finding No. 14
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 14
The potential impacts of the proposed project on fire services have been
eliminated or reduced to a level of less-than-significant through implementation
of the mitigation measures and project design described within the Final EIR
The mitigation measures are as follows:
1. The developer shall join the Mello-Roos Community Facilities District to
provide fire protection services to the site.
2. The City shall encourage cluster developments to provide for more
localized and effective fire protection measures such as consolidation of
fuel buildup and abatement, firebreak maintenance, firefighting
equipment access, and water service provisions.
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3. The developer shall install automated fire sprinkler systems in commer-
cial, industrial, and multi-family residential units in accordance with
Foothill(Rancho Cucamonga)Fire Protection District Ordinance No. 15 and
Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District Ordinance No. 22.
Aesthetics
Significant Effect No. 15
The proposed project would replace an 84.15-acre undeveloped, open space
corridor with residential and commercial uses, and would significantly alter
existing and future view corridors.
•
Finding No. 15
•
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 15
The potential visual impacts of the proposed project have been eliminated or
reduced to a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the
mitigation measures and project design described within the Final EIR. The
mitigation measures are as follows:
1. New buildings within 100 feet of future Day Creek Boulevard shall be
restricted to 35 feet in height to protect the view corridor of the
mountains for motorists traveling north. The City Planning Department
shall ensure that this condition is applied prior to approval of the
proposed development plans.
2. Noise walls along future Day Creek Boulevard shall be no more than
eight feet tall to avoid a sense of `visual enclosure" for this Scenic
Corridor, and should be set back an adequate distance to allow landscap-
ing on the road side of the sound wall. This requirement shall be
attached as a condition of approval by the City Planning Department
prior to approval of any development bordering future Day Creek
Boulevard.
3. The City Planning Department shall amend the Community Design
Criteria Part II of the Victoria Community Plan at the time of filing
tentative map or minor subdivision plat for its "recommended edge
conditions"for future Day Creek Boulevard to show a similar landscape
and setback treatment on both the east and west sides of Day Creek
Boulevard. While a row of palm trees is now recommended for the west
side of Day Creek Boulevard, this proposed landscaping shall be
enhanced by short and tall drought-tolerant shrubs adjacent to sound
walls to reduce the visual impacts of such walls.
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4. Landscape requirements shall be established for the far southern end of
the project site to screen new development from the view of motorists
along I-15 looking north. However, this landscaping should also allow
views north towards the mountains, using the view corridor provided by
the future Day Creek Boulevard. The City Planning Department shall
address such landscaping as a condition of approval for any development
in the area of I-15.
Significant Effect No. 16
New light and glare would be created by the addition of residences and
commercial establishments in an area previously proposed as a utility corridor.
The most significant glare would be generated by commercial uses at the
southern end of the project site, especially in association with outdoor parking
that may be lit at night and that would be visible from roadways such as the
future Day Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard, as well'as minor roads to
the east of the project site such as Victoria Loop, Church Street, and Day Creek
Boulevard East.
Finding No. 16
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 16
The potential visual impacts of the proposed project by the introduction of
additional light and glare into the project area have been eliminated or reduced
to a level of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation
measures and project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation
measure is as follows:
1. The Design Review process for commercial establishments shall ensure
that no significant light or glare impacts shall result from the proposed
project. Specific issues to be evaluated at the time of design review shall
include the following: proposed exterior lighting and landscaping of
parking areas to reduce visible lighting from outside these areas; use of
shielding on exterior lights to focus light onto the ground;and,proposed
architectural materials to ensure that reflective materials are minimized.
Significant Effect No. 17
The project could conflict with policies of the City's General Plan Community
Design Element and landscape recommendations found in the Victoria
Community Plan.
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Finding No. 17
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 17
The potential conflict of the proposed project with the policies of the City's
General Plan Community Design Element and landscape recommendations
found in the Victoria Community Plan have been eliminated or reduced to a level
of less-than-significant through implementation of the mitigation measures and
project design described within the Final EIR. The mitigation measures are as
follows:
1. Provisions shall be made to account for protection of viewsheds and
plant palette plans shown in the Victoria Community Plan for major
intersections along future Day Creek Boulevard. Such provisions may
include the following: building setbacks within the project site; varied
allowable heights with lower heights nearest the interchanges; clustering
of buildings; and, landscaping to complement the viewshed. These
issues shall be addressed by the City Planning Department as recommen-
dations for the Design Review process at the time of developing
conditions of approval for any projects within the proposed project
corridor.
2. To reduce potential conflicts with policies of the City's Community
Design Element, recommended mitigation measures found under 4.6.1
shall also be implemented.
3. The Community Design Criteria Part II of the Victoria Community Plan
shall be amended immediately following project approval to address new
uses proposed as part of the project. However, as part of this amend-
ment, some requirements shall be included to reduce visual impacts of
new development by inclusion of landscaping near major roads that
matches that proposed by the Victoria Community Plan. For example,
trees shall be planted along the site's property lines and along roadways
to screen new development from view. Within the site and adjacent to
major east-west corridors, the City shall designate areas for landscaping,
ensuring that land adjacent to the roads is planted with low-growing
vegetation to maintain a degree of visual open space on the project site.
Cultural Resources
Significant Effect No. 18
The potential for historic human burials may be present in the portion of the
project area that contains Site P1084-27H.
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Finding No. 18
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding No. 18
The potential impacts pertaining to disturbance of human remains during
construction have been eliminated or reduced to a level of less-than-significant
through implementation of the mitigation measures and project design described
within the Final EIR. The mitigation measure is as follows:
1. In conjunction with the submittal of applications for rough grading
permits, the applicant shall provide written evidence to the Community
Development Department that an archaeologist, listed on the County of
San Bernardino list of qualified archeologists, has been retained and will
be present on site during all rough grading and other significant ground
disturbing activities. The archeologist shall meet with the Community
Development Department to review procedures to be used during such
activities.
If cultural materials are found, construction activity in the vicinity of the
discovery shall be redirected until the archaeologist has assessed the
significance of the find. If the site appears potentially eligible for the
California Register of Historic Resources and, if impacts cannot be
avoided, a testing program may be necessary. Avoidance of the site by
capping may suffice as mitigation under some circumstances. Actual
mitigation will be dependent on the magnitude of proposed impacts to
intact significant deposits. If human remains are discovered during these
construction activities, the San Bernardino County Coroner will be
contacted within 24 hours to identify the bone and establish its relative
age. If the bone is prehistoric, a Native American representative will be
consulted to participate in the disposition of the remains.
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EXHIBIT B
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS 96-03B & 97-01 AND
VICTORIA COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENTS 96-01 & 97-
01/EDISON COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
INTRODUCTION
The following Statement of Overriding Considerations in connection with the
General Plan Amendments 96-03B & 97-01 and Victoria Community Plan
Amendments 96-01 & 97-01/Edison Company EIR, and related discretionary
actions (collectively referred to as the"Project") is hereby adopted by the Rancho
Cucamonga City Council ("Council") pursuant to the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et
sea• ("CEQA").
CEQA requires the decision-making agency to balance the economic,legal,social,
technological or other benefits of a project against its unavoidable environmental
risks when determining whether to approve the project. If the benefits of the
project outweigh the unavoidable adverse effects, those effects may be
considered acceptable (CEQA Guidelines section 15093[a]). CEQA requires the
agency to provide written findings (Exhibit A) supporting the specific reasons for
considering a project acceptable when significant impacts are unavoidable. Such
reasons must be based on substantial evidence in the FEIR or elsewhere in the
administrative record (CEQA Guidelines section 15093[b]). Those reasons are
provided in this Statement of Overriding Considerations.
The EIR has identified significant and unavoidable adverse impacts that would
result from the implementation of the proposed project. Operational emissions
of the proposed project would result in a total of 851 lbs./day of CO, 64 lbs./day
of ROC, 136 lbs./day of NOx, 15 lbs./day of SOx, and 19 lbs./day of PM10.
Among them, the emissions for CO, ROC, and NOx would exceed the South
Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds for daily operations by a large
margin (especially NOx). Even after implementation of the mitigation measures
identified in the Final EIR, it is not guaranteed that the emissions would be
reduced to below the significance thresholds. Therefore, the project's impact on
air quality during daily operations would remain significant and unavoidable.
The Council finds that the economic, social or other benefits of the Project
outweigh all of the Project's significant and unavoidable impacts discussed in the
Statement of CEQA Findings and Facts in Support of Findings and any other
remaining significant effects found to be unavoidable including but not limited
to the project's impacts on air quality. In making this finding, the Council has
balanced the benefits of the Project against its unavoidable impacts and has
indicated its willingness to accept those adverse impacts. The Council finds that
each of the following benefits of the Project, independent of the other benefits,
would warrant approval of the Project notwithstanding the unavoidable impacts
of the Project.
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OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
1. All feasible mitigation has been proposed to reduce or avoid potentially
significant impacts identified in the FEIR, and no additional feasible
mitigation is available to further reduce all potentially significant impacts
to a level of insignificance.
2. The adoption of the General Plan Amendments 96-0313 & 97-01 and
Victoria Community Plan Amendments 96-01 & 97-01/Edison Company
are necessary to provide for the orderly growth and development of the
area by providing policies, regulations, and guidelines that will guide
further development in a manner consistent with the policies of the City
of Rancho Cucamonga General Plan and the desires of the community,
• and ensure provision of infrastructure improvements that are necessary
to provide for adequate circulation, delivery of utilities, control of
drainage, and disposal of wastewater.
3. The General Plan Amendments 96-03B&97-01 and Victoria Community
Plan Amendments 96-01 &97-01/Edison Company are necessary for the
City to adequately control and regulate orderly development and help
ensure that new development is consistent with the goals and policies of
the City of Rancho Cucamonga General Plan.
4. The General Plan Amendments 96-03B&97-01 and Victoria Community
Plan Amendments 96-01 &97-01/Edison Company provides a circulation
system which incorporates bicycle, pedestrian, and automotive consider-
ations resulting in a balanced transportation system within the project
area. The trails will connect the residential neighborhoods with the
commercial regional areas within the community.
5. The General Plan Amendments 96-03B&97-01 and Victoria Community
Plan Amendments 96-01 & 97-01/Edison Company provides for health,
safety, and welfare through proper siting of public buildings/facilities,
and by incorporating federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to
seismic safety design and construction.
6. Although air quality impacts can be anticipated with any large-scale
development of the subject property, the FEIR imposes feasible mitiga-
tion measures that will reduce those impacts to the extent feasible in
both the short and long-term.
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