The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About5. PLN-15-00121 - General Plan Report STAFF REPORT PLANNING DIVISION DATE: JULY 1, 2015 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVIEWED BY: WILLIAM E. DAVIS, CITY PLANNER PREPARED BY: KEVIN NGUYEN, ASSISTANT PLANNER SUBJECT: 2014 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (PLN-15-00121) LOCATION: CITY OF DOWNEY SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION The 2014 General Plan Annual Progress Report has been prepared in compliance with California Government Code Section 65400(a)(2), which mandates that the Planning Commission annually submit to the City Council, State Office of Planning and Research, and the Department of Housing and Community Development the status of the General Plan and the progress the City has made on implementing the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Annual Report summarizes the City’s progress with regards to implementation of the goals, policies and programs of the City’s General Plan. It also summarizes the activities of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Department from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. In 2014, the City experienced the continuation of the recovery in the national economy. As a result, counter activity in the Planning Division slightly increased from the previous year with 6,608 people assisted at the public counter. In 2013, Planning staff assisted 6,320 people. During the year, the Planning Division accepted and processed 256 Administrative, Planning Commission, and legislative applications to the City Council. The Planning Commission conducted 17 meetings and considered 41 items in 2014. A majority of the items considered by the Planning Commission were Special Event and Conditional Use Permits. Some of the larger projects that the Planning Commission considered in 2014 include: • Chick-fill-A and Habit Burger Grill Restaurants (former Verizon building). • New 15,945 sq. ft. showroom/office area for Champion Dodge automobile dealership. In 2014, the Building and Safety Division issued 1,901 permits for a total construction valuation of $86,185,576. This represents an increase in both permits issued and valuation of permits above 2013 (1,874 permits issued with valuation of $44,470,061 in 2013). These permits are for new construction, residential additions, and other minor improvements such as electrical, re-roof, plumbing, and window change-out, which do not require plan check review. Agenda Page 1 2014 General Plan Annual Report July 1, 2015 - Page 2 A copy of the 2014 General Plan Annual Progress Report is attached hereto for the Planning Commission’s consideration. The report is broken into three major sections, an introduction, a review of the department activities, and a review of the General Plan policies that have been implemented in 2014. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Staff has reviewed the General Plan Annual Progress Report for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, staff determined that this request is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15306 (Class 6, Information Collection). Categorical Exemptions are projects, which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which have been exempted from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Class 6 consists of projects which solely encompass information collecting and reporting, such as the annual report. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve and forward the 2014 General Plan Annual Progress Report to the City Council. H:\Community Development\Nguyen\GP Annual Report\2014 Annual Report\Staff Report PC.docx Agenda Page 2 Community Development Department 2014 General Plan Annual Report 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA Agenda Page 3 ii City of Downey 11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 City Council (at the Ɵme of adopƟon) Luis H. Marquez, Mayor District 1 Alex Saab, Mayor Pro‐Tem District 5 Sean Ashton District 2 Roger C. Brossmer District 3 Fernando Vasquez District 4 Planning Commission (at the Ɵme of adopƟon) Hector Lujian, Chairperson District 1 MaƟas Flores, Vice‐Chairperson District 4 Patrick Owens District 2 Louis Morales District 3 Jim Rodriguez District 5 Agenda Page 4 iii City Staff City AdministraƟon Gilbert A. Livas City Manager John Oskoui Assistant City Manager Community Development Department Aldo E. Schindler Director of Community Development William E. Davis City Planner Mark Sellheim, AICP Principal Planner David Blumenthal Senior Planner/ Building & Safety Supervisor Jessica Flores Associate Planner Kevin Nguyen Assistant Planner Bob Weinrich Senior Code Enforcement Officer Ed Velasco Housing Manager Jose Vazquez Housing AdministraƟve Aide Rik Hobbie Building Official Kim Sodetani ExecuƟve Secretary Mary Cavanagh Secretary Fernando Herrera Planning Intern Agenda Page 5 iv Table of Contents IntroducƟon Page No. XI ExecuƟve Summary Background InformaƟon Report Acceptance Date Community Development Updates Page No. XVII Planning Division Building and Safety Division Code Enforcement Unit Housing Division Economic Development Division General Plan ImplementaƟon Status Page No. XXXIII Chapter 1: Land Use Chapter 2: CirculaƟon Chapter 3: Housing Chapter 4: ConservaƟon Chapter 5: Safety Chapter 6: Noise Chapter 7: Open Space Chapter 8: Design Chapter 9: Economic Development Agenda Page 6 This Page Was Intentionally Left Blank v Agenda Page 7 vi Introduction Agenda Page 8 vii Introduction ExecuƟve Summary The General Plan Annual Progress Report summarizes the City of Downey’s progress towards implemenƟng the goals, policies and programs of Vision 2025, the City’s General Plan. It covers the period from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014. The report also reviews the acƟviƟes of the Community Development Department including the Planning, Building and Safety, Economic Development, and Housing divisions. This report is prepared in compliance with California Government Code SecƟon 65400(b), which mandates that all ciƟes and counƟes submit to the State Office of Planning and Research an Annual Report on the status and implementaƟon of the General Plan. Agenda Page 9 viii Downey is 12.8 square miles in area. Its topography is relaƟvely level. The City is located in the southeastern part of Los Angeles County, about 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is bounded by: the Rio Hondo River channel to the west; Telegraph Road to the north; the San Gabriel River channel to the east; and Garden‐ dale Street and Foster Road to the south. CiƟes bordering Downey include Pico Rivers, Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, Bellﬂower, Paramount, South Gate, and Commerce. The City of Downey is provided regional access by four interstate highways: the I‐605 Freeway, the I‐5 Freeway, the I‐105 Freeway, and the I‐710 Freeway. These freeways provide access to major employment centers including downtown Los Angeles and employment centers in Orange County. The city of Downey has matured from its farming roots and its founding in 1873 to become the premier city in the southeast area of Los Angeles County. Downey is one of the larger suburban ciƟes in the region with a populaƟon of over 112,873 residents (Source: quickfacts.census.gov). In spite of these larger numbers the City has retained its small town character. The issues addressed by Downtown Vision 2025 will work towards achieving this vision by adhering to the values providing excellent housing, educaƟon, employ‐ ment, and recreaƟon opportuniƟes plus the mission of providing a safe, convenient, and aƩracƟve community for those that live, work, or visit Downey. Acceptance Date The 2014 General Plan Annual Progress Report was reviewed by the Planning Com‐ mission on July 1, 2015, and accepted by the City Council on July 14, 2015. Background InformaƟon Agenda Page 10 This Page Was Intentionally Left Blank ix Agenda Page 11 x Community Development Department Updates Agenda Page 12 xi Community Development Department Updates Planning Division This secƟon outlines the acƟviƟes of the Planning Division from January 2014, through December 2014. The day‐to‐day planning acƟviƟes include: AdministraƟng the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Development Code) Answering public inquiries on the telephone and over the public counter Processing planning applicaƟons for the Planning Commission Reviewing and approving business license applicaƟons for zoning compliance Preparing reports for the City Council Reviewing development plans for compliance with City standards (Plan Checks) Agenda Page 13 xii Counter AcƟvity Counter acƟvity represents the number of counter visits recorded in the Planning Divi‐ sion. Records of counter visits are kept and tracked on a monthly basis. In 2014, the total counter visits were 6,608. Historically, counter acƟvity has been greater during the spring and summer, while lower in the winter. However, in 2014, September was the busiest month in counter acƟvity with 646 visits. 495 528 532 609 580 538 559 585 646 598 449 489 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 JFMAMJJASOND Co u n t e r V i s i t s Month Monthly Counter Activity 2014 10,368 10,968 11,397 9,612 7,996 7,489 6,881 6,729 6,662 6,320 6,608 ‐ 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014 Co u n t e r Vi s i t s Year Yearly Counter Activity (2004‐2014) Agenda Page 14 xiii Planning ApplicaƟons Planning applicaƟons in 2014, including AdministraƟve, Planning Commission, and legislaƟve items to the City Council, totaled 254. Records indicate that Planning applicaƟons decreased slightly in 2014 from the previous years with only 21 condiƟonal use permits, 4 variances, and 58 parking lot sale and ﬁreworks permits. In addiƟon to the above applicaƟons, Planning staff reviewed business licenses and conducted plan check review to ensure the proposed business, improvement and new construcƟon are in compliance to Zoning Code. Planning Commission The planning commission conducts public hearings on most enƟtlements, including new buildings, condiƟonally permiƩed uses, variances, etc. On legislaƟve items such as General Plan Amendments (GPA), Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and Zoning Changes, the Planning Commission acts as an advisory body to the city council. In 2014, the Planning Commission conducted 17 meeƟngs, during which they considered 41 items. Street Faire Community Development staff parƟcipated in the annual Street Faire on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Code Enforcement and Economic Development staff members were on hand to provide informaƟon on City programs, policies and answer general quesƟons in regards to development in the City. Cases by Type (2014) CondiƟonal Use Permits (CUP) 21 Special Events (SE) 13 Site Plan Reviews (SPR) 7 Zone Variances (VAR) 4 Lot Line Adjustments (LLA)/Lot Merger 6 Planned Sign Programs (SIGN) 3 CerƟﬁcate of Compliance 1 TentaƟve/Final Maps 7 Code Amendments (CA) 2 Minor Site Plan Reviews 3 General Plan Amendments 1 Minor ModiﬁcaƟons 10 Permanent Sign Permits 39 Temporary Signs/Banners 62 Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Lots 10 Parking Lot/Sidewalk Sales & Fireworks 58 Second Unit Development (ResidenƟal) 2 TOTAL 256 Miscellaneous AcƟon & RV Parking 8 Minor CondiƟonal Use Permits 1 Agenda Page 15 xiv Economic Development Division Economic Development staff conƟnues to work acƟvely with the Planning and Building & Safety Divisions to facilitate several key development projects in Downey. The Promenade at Downey (aka: Tierra Luna Marketplace) The 77‐acre site is in its construcƟon process and is expected to be complete in the winter of 2015. It consists of 1.1 million square feet of retail commercial area, 300,000 square feet of office space and 116,000 square feet of hotel space (150 rooms). Downey CollecƟon Townhomes The vacant site was formally used for motor vehicle sales, repair, and storage. Redevelopment of the site has brought 46 townhomes within seven buildings on the site. It offers three ﬂoor plans with sizes ranging from 1,464 square feet to 2,173 square feet. In all three plans, the units consist of a garage on the ﬁrst ﬂoor, the general living area on the second ﬂoor, and sleeping area on the third ﬂoor. The project was completed and all units have been occupied in the fall of 2014. Chick‐ﬁll‐A and Habit Burger Grill Restaurants Located at 8613 Firestone Boulevard, the new 4,711 square foot Chick‐ﬁll‐A Restaurant will feature an outdoor dining area and a dual drive‐thru lane. Located adjacent to the Chick‐ﬁll‐A Restaurant, Habit Burger Grill Restaurant offers a 2,600 square foot dining and kitchen area with a 665 square foot outdoor seaƟng area. Both projects were completed and opened for business in November 2014. Agenda Page 16 xv La Barca Restaurant Located at 8649 Firestone Blvd, the former Sambi’s Restaurant is being converted into a La Barca Restaurant. The project proposes to add a new outdoor dining area and provide a new façade for the building. The building will have an eclecƟc Spanish style architecture. The new restaurant will expand the banquet room, reconﬁgure the dining room, and convert the former raised planters along the south and west sides of the building into the outdoor dining areas. The project is under construcƟon and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2015. El Sushi Loco Restaurant The former restaurant is located at 11837 Downey Avenue. The new 2,200 square foot restaurant has been undergoing a comprehensive exterior and interior remodel. The exterior improvements include new stucco façades with a variety of ﬁnish treatments to give the building a modern look. The project was completed and opened for business in the spring of 2015. Champion Dodge Automobile Dealership Located adjacent to the Chick‐ﬁll‐A Restaurant, Habit Burger Grill Restaurant offers a 2,600 square foot dining and kitchen area with a 665 square foot outdoor seaƟng area. The project was completed and opened for business in November 2014. Agenda Page 17 xvi Housing Division The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) provides the City of Downey (“City”) with its annual enƟtlement of Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and Home Investment Partnership (“HOME”) grants. These two federal grants are available to the City for a variety of community development acƟviƟes including affordable housing acƟviƟes, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public faciliƟes, and support for needed public services. The CDBG and HOME grants can be used for a wide range of eligible acƟviƟes, which primarily beneﬁt low‐ and moderate‐income households. The City is required to update its 5‐Year Consolidated Plan (“ConPlan”) every ﬁve years and prepare an Annual AcƟon Plan (“AcƟon Plan”) every year. AddiƟonally, every three years, HUD requires that the City conduct and prepare a new Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (“A.I.”) Report to evaluate access to equal housing opportuniƟes. The 5‐Year Consolidated Plan is a comprehensive report which serves as a planning guide for the expenditure of the federal grants over the next ﬁve‐year period. The ConPlan consists of several HUD required secƟons, including an assessment of the City’s needs for housing and supporƟve services for low‐ and moderate‐income residents. The ConPlan includes a 5‐year strategic plan with established goals and realisƟc objecƟves, and a one‐year expenditure plan that outlines the speciﬁc projects and acƟviƟes for the available resources. The AcƟon Plan is a standalone component of the ConPlan, and serves as the City’s annual applicaƟon for both the CDBG and HOME grants during the period beginning July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. The AcƟon Plan, provides HUD with speciﬁc projects and acƟviƟes that the City will undertake and fund with the federal funds. The AI supplements the City's 5‐Year Consolidated Plan and addresses HUD’s requirement that the City affirmaƟvely furthers fair housing and carry out acƟons to promote or address potenƟal impediments to fair housing. Agenda Page 18 xvii Code Enforcement Division Code Enforcement acƟvity for the year of 2014 involved approximately 1,331 cases for various property violaƟons (i.e. commercial, residenƟal, public street, park and recreaƟonal). Similar to 2013, July had the highest number of code violaƟon acƟviƟes with 161 cases. In addiƟon to conduct property violaƟon inspecƟons, Code Enforcement Officers conducted inspecƟons on yard sale permits and were proacƟve in issuing administraƟve and parking citaƟons. During ﬁscal year 2014‐15, the Housing Division offered a home improvement Rebate and Grant incenƟve which encouraged a higher leveraging of public funds with private investment. The Rebate Program was offered to households who fell within the 80 percent of the Annual Median Income (“AMI”) as deﬁned by HUD. The Grant Program was offered to households who fell within the 50 percent AMI as deﬁned by HUD. Both incenƟve programs were available to owner‐occupied single family residenƟal properƟes with the goal of processing between 20 and 30 projects during the ﬁscal year. The Housing Division will complete twenty home improvement projects and a working case load of another 20 projects underway or in process. During the reporƟng period, the Housing Division co‐hosted two (2) CerƟﬁcate Management Training workshops with the Fair Housing FoundaƟon. The training was available to landlords, managers, property owners, aƩorneys, realtors, and management companies at Downey’s City Library in the Cormack room. The training was a cerƟﬁcate program that covered general guidelines, lead disclosure, rental process guidelines, people with disabiliƟes, modiﬁcaƟons and accommodaƟons, rules for tenants with minor children, occupancy standards, adverƟsing guidelines, prohibited pracƟces, and sexual harassment and hate crimes. The workshop will end with a Fair Housing Training Exam. Agenda Page 19 xviii Building and Safety Division The Building and Safety Division is responsible for a variety of tasks that include issuing permits, processing plan check submiƩals, and inspecƟons. The Building and Safety Division reviews all plans and permits for compliance with the 2014 California Building Code. New building construcƟon and a majority of tenant improvements require plan check review for Zoning and Building Code compliance. These plan checks are reviewed by the Building and Safety Division, the Planning Division, the Fire Department, and the Engineering Division. The total number of building permit applicaƟons accepted by the Building and Safety Division in 2014 was 2,134 and the City issued 1,905 permits. These applicaƟons include all construcƟon related projects and installaƟon of mechanical and uƟlity equipment. There were a total of seven new single‐family dwellings constructed in 2014. In addiƟon, the Building & Safety Inspectors have conducted 9,894 inspecƟons. In addiƟon to reviewing plans, the Building and Safety Division also issues permits for small projects. These types of permits include all construcƟon related projects, paƟo addiƟons, rooﬁng, installaƟon of mechanical and uƟlity equipment (i.e. water & heater unit, pool equipment, solar panel), construcƟon of walls and fences, and add or replace concrete driveways and walkways. Also, the Building & Safety Inspectors conducted 380 business license inspecƟons for commercial and industrial businesses. 2916 3169 3171 2756 2179 2204 1976 2131 1932 1994 1905 0500100015002000250030003500 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 Amount of Permits Issued Year Building Permit Issued (2004-2014) Agenda Page 20 This Page Was Intentionally Left Blank xix Agenda Page 21 xx General Plan Implementation Status Agenda Page 22 xxi General Plan Implementation Status This secƟon outlines the progress the City has made from January 2014, through December 2014, to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan. Agenda Page 23 xxii The Land Use chapter establishes the policies for determining where certain land uses, such as residenƟal, commercial, and industrial acƟviƟes, are most desirable. The Land Use Chapter deﬁnes the physical areas in the City serving the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Updates: ConƟnue the revitalizaƟon of commercial and industrial corridors (Program 9.1.1.5.). The addiƟons of the Chick‐ﬁll‐A, Habit Burger Grill, Dunkin’ Donuts and La Barca restaurants, Firestone Boulevard between Brookshire Avenue and Woodruff Avenue signiﬁes new retail acƟvity in the Firestone commercial corridor. In addiƟon, the Promenade at Downey commercial project will be a major addiƟon that revitalizes the area north of Steve Horn Way, between Lakewood Boulevard and Bellﬂower Boulevard. Promote Downtown Downey as a desƟnaƟon draw for entertainment and dining uses (Program 1.1.5.2.). The View Housing project and the Club DB Lounge projects will promote Downtown Downey as a desƟnaƟon. AddiƟonally, the Annual Food FesƟval on Downey Avenue adds a lively atmosphere to the Downtown area. Convert paper‐based informaƟon to digital‐based formats to facilitate integraƟon into interdepartmental informaƟon networks (Program 9.4.2.4.) The Community Development Department conƟnues to scan all permits and approved enƟtlements into Laserﬁche digital system formats. The technology allows various City Departments (City Clerk, Finance, Public Works Engineering, Fire and Community Development) easy access to archived City documents. Expand the use of the city internet web site for public informaƟon (Program 9.4.2.5.) The Community Department conƟnues to monitor and update the Department’s webpage to provide new and important documents to the public. Also, the Department conƟnues to provide PDF versions of Planning Commission minutes, agendas, and staff reports on the City webpage (www.downeyca.org). This allows public access to informaƟon on various projects in the City. A link to the Department’s documents can be found on the Community Department’s webpage. Chapter 1 ‐ Land Use Element Agenda Page 24 xxiii The safe and efficient movement of people and goods through ciƟes is provided by a circulaƟon system ranging from sidewalks to roadways. As populaƟon and economic growth conƟnue, ciƟes have the challenge of improving the circulaƟon system to deal with increased demands. PopulaƟon and economic growth also impact the infrastructure needed to provide uƟliƟes and other services for those who live, work, and visit Downey. Traffic CongesƟon Maintain intersecƟons and street segments at acceptable service levels and not worsen those intersecƟons and street segments currently operaƟng at unacceptable levels (Program 2.1.1.1.). The Bellﬂower Boulevard at Imperial Highway IntersecƟon Improvement Project involves the following: widening each of the four approaches of the intersecƟon; construct addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the southbound and northbound direcƟons; and construct exclusive right‐turn lanes in the eastbound, southbound and northbound direcƟons. These improvements will maintain an acceptable level‐of‐service at this intersecƟon during peak hours into the future. Project compleƟon is anƟcipated by April 2015. The Paramount Boulevard at Firestone Boulevard IntersecƟon Improvement Project will involve the widening of the east and west approaches of the intersecƟon to facilitate construcƟon of addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in each of the four direcƟons and an exclusive right‐turn lane and addiƟonal through lane in the eastbound direcƟon in order to maintain an acceptable level‐of‐service at this intersecƟon into the future. The project is scheduled to commence in July 2015 and be complete by December 2016. The Lakewood Boulevard Improvements Project ‐ Phases 3B and 3C will extend previously‐completed phases of the Lakewood Boulevard Improvements Project northerly from Florence Avenue to GallaƟn Road (Phase 3B) and from GallaƟn Road to Telegraph Road (Phase 3C). This project will involve the widening of Lakewood Boulevard to provide three lanes in each direcƟon. The Phase 3B project was completed in May 2015. Project compleƟon of Phase 3C is anƟcipated in 2016. Chapter 2 ‐ CirculaƟon Element Agenda Page 25 xxiv The Lakewood Boulevard/ Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road IntersecƟon Improvement Project will involve the widening of the east, west, and south approaches of the intersecƟon, to conduct addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the eastbound, westbound, and northbound direcƟons and an exclusive right‐turn lane in the eastbound direcƟon. This project was completed in March 2015. Develop a signal system master plan to promote state‐of‐the‐art intelligent transportaƟon system (ITS) improvements to beƩer service on‐going traffic condiƟons. (Program 2.1.1.3.). Over the past several years, the City has conƟnued to expand the traffic signal control system incrementally. IniƟally, the Traffic Management Center (TMC) was implemented at City Hall and the ﬁrst ﬁber‐opƟc traffic signal communicaƟons systems were installed along the Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard corridors. AddiƟonal systems have since been implemented in the ﬁeld and the City is currently in the process of upgrading the system soŌware and other elements of the TMC to maintain pace with technologies and replace obsolete hardware and soŌware. A project that involved upgrading of the video detecƟon systems at 15 signalized intersecƟons was completed in April 2015. The upgrading of the video detecƟon systems has enhanced the operaƟonal efficiency of the intersecƟons. The Paramount Boulevard Traffic Signal CommunicaƟon System Project—Phase 2, involved the expansion of the City’s traffic signal communicaƟon system on Paramount Boulevard between Lubec Street and Gardendale Street. This project was completed in April 2015. The Imperial Highway Traffic Signal CommunicaƟon System will involve the expansion of the City’s traffic signal communicaƟon system along Imperial Highway between Woodruff Avenue and Old River School Road. This project is currently in the design phases and is expected to complete by April 2016. Los Angeles County is proceeding with the Countywide Video DistribuƟon System (VDS) Project, which involves the integraƟon of video detecƟon and Closed‐Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras owned and operated by various agencies in Los Angeles County such that video images can be shared by all agencies via internet for informaƟon sharing and coordinaƟon purposes. The project is currently in the ﬁnal design phase and implementaƟon of the project is scheduled for summer 2015. Agenda Page 26 xxv Encourage appropriate turn lanes and other operaƟonal improvements at major arterial intersecƟons idenƟﬁed as congested (Program 2.1.1.6.). Major capacity improvements were added to the following intersecƟons: ConstrucƟon of the Paramount Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard IntersecƟon Improvement Project is underway to add addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes on each of the four (4) approaches at the intersecƟon. The project will add an addiƟonal through‐lane and an exclusive right‐turn lane in the eastbound direcƟon. The project is anƟcipated to complete by September 2015. ConstrucƟon of the Bellﬂower Boulevard at Imperial Highway IntersecƟon Improvement Project is underway to add addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the northbound and southbound direcƟons as well as exclusive right‐turn lanes in the eastbound, southbound and northbound at the intersecƟon. The project compleƟon is anƟcipated by September 2015. The City is in the process of implemenƟng operaƟonal improvements at several intersecƟons involving traffic signal upgrades, including proposed upgrades at eight (8) intersecƟons along Paramount Boulevard between Lubec Street and Gardendale Street. The City also received funding through the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) (Cycle 5) to upgrade and implement operaƟonal improvements to the exisƟng traffic signals at six (6) addiƟonal intersecƟons. In addiƟon, the City received HSIP funding (Cycle 6) to upgrade and implement operaƟonal improvements to the exisƟng traffic signals at three addiƟonal intersecƟons. The proposed traffic signal upgrades at these nine (9) intersecƟons are currently in the design phase. Establish a development recovery fee program to require new developments and expansions of exisƟng developments to pay the cost of circulaƟon improvements (Program 2.1.2.1.). The Public Works Department collects developer fees on a case‐by‐case basis by the Public Works Department through the development plan review process. Over the last eight (8) years, approximately $435,000 has been collected. In addiƟon, the City parƟcipated in a pilot study sponsored by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan TransportaƟon Authority (Metro) involving a proposed countywide developer fee which, if established, would provide the mechanism for collecƟng fees from developers in order to miƟgate their traffic impacts on a countywide basis. Agenda Page 27 xxvi Ensure the miƟgaƟon of off‐site traffic impacts by development projects to the maximum extent feasible, including the installaƟon or upgrade of traffic signals at intersecƟons and/or contribuƟon of its fair‐share towards miƟgaƟng impacts (Program 2.1.2.2.). The Public Works Department conƟnues to monitor land development projects on a case‐by‐case basis for the potenƟal traffic generaƟon. If trip generaƟon thresholds in accordance with the LA County CongesƟon Management Program of 50 vehicle trips during either AM or PM peak hour are exceeded, a traffic impact analysis study is required which will determine miƟgaƟon measures necessary to offset the impacts created by the development or the amount of development fee to be collected. For example, traffic studies were recently completed for the proposed retail developments at the southeast and southwest corners of Lakewood Boulevard and GallaƟn Road and a proposed residenƟal development on the east side of Paramount Boulevard between FiŌh Street and Seventh Street. Promote site designs, street paƩerns, and street signalizaƟon that discourage the use of local streets as through routes (Program 2.1.2.4.). The intersecƟon improvement projects included under Programs 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.6 are intended to increase capacity at these intersecƟons in order to encourage through traffic on arterial streets and minimize intrusion through residenƟal neighborhoods. In addiƟon, the Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project Phase 3C will involve the widening of the facility to provide three (3) through lanes in each direcƟon between Florence Avenue and GallaƟn Road in order to increase the capacity and mobility along this roadway to minimize intrusion through residenƟal neighborhoods. Truck Traffic Co‐ordinate with local, regional, and state agencies involved in miƟgaƟng truck traffic impacts in the region (Program 2.3.1.2.). The Public Works Department conƟnues issuing overload permits to ensure that the correct haul routes are uƟlized through the City and that proper arrangements have been made in advance. In addiƟon, the City is partnering with the City of Pico Rivera for the implementaƟon of truck circulaƟon improvements at the Lakewood Boulevard/ Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersecƟons. Truck circulaƟon improvements will be made to major intersecƟons, including the two intersecƟons referenced in Programs 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.6. Agenda Page 28 xxvii Widen street right‐of‐way to accommodate truck turning movements (Program 2.3.1.3.). The two intersecƟon improvement projects referenced in Programs 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.6 will include the reconstrucƟon of the curb returns at each of the four corners of the two intersecƟons to provide larger turn radii (40’‐50’) in order to accommodate truck turning movements at the two intersecƟons. In addiƟon, the Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project Phase 3D will involve similar improvements at the Telegraph Road intersecƟon along Lakewood Boulevard in order to facilitate truck turns at this intersecƟon. Discourage truck parking on public streets (Program 2.3.2.1.). Downey Municipal Code SecƟon 3185 (b) prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles exceeding 6,000 lbs. manufacturer’s unladed weight or 84 inches in height or width on all public streets with the excepƟon of those streets located within areas zoned industrial, the vehicle is involved with the servicing of the adjacent property or for a period not to exceed eight hours if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or is disabled. The Public Works Department conƟnued to implement parking prohibiƟons of large commercial vehicles on public streets where transient parking of these vehicles has been observed. Maintain landscape islands on and/or adjacent to truck routes with mature specimen fully grown landscape screens to minimize noise, dust, and visual impacts (Program 2.3.2.2.). The Firestone Boulevard (West) Improvement Project included the construcƟon of new landscaped median islands with irrigaƟon between Old River School Road and Paramount Boulevard. The project was completed in March 2015. In addiƟon, the Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project Phases 3B involved the planƟng of shrubbery within the islands adjacent to the frontage roads along this porƟon of Lakewood Boulevard in order to replace the large shrubbery which was removed as part of the project. Ensure that land uses generaƟng high amounts of truck traffic provide compensaƟon to the City for projected pavement wear of public streets (Program 2.3.2.4.). The City conƟnues to receive up to $5 million annually from the Capital Improvement Program for the rehabilitaƟon and reconstrucƟon of the City’s arterial, collector, and local streets. In addiƟon, developers are assessed fees on a case‐by‐case, pro rata share basis towards pavement rehabilitaƟon of arterial streets designated as truck routes. Agenda Page 29 xxviii Regional Traffic Coordinate with CalTrans, MTA, SCAG, Gateway CiƟes COG and other agencies to promote mulƟ‐modal improvement strategies to improve the regional transportaƟon network (Program 2.4.1.1). The Public Works Department con‐ Ɵnues to work with Caltrans, Metro, SCAG and Gateway CiƟes COG through dis‐ creƟonary funding processes and other programs such as the CongesƟon Man‐ agement Program, Highway Performance Monitoring Survey (HPMS) on an on‐ going basis to promote mulƟ‐modal improvement strategies to improve the re‐ gional transportaƟon network. In addiƟon, staff conƟnued to work with the I‐5 Joint Powers Authority (JPA) on the I‐5 Widening Project and with the Gateway CiƟes COG on the I‐710 Free‐ way, I‐605/I‐405/SR91 Corridors and the I‐605 Freeway CongesƟon Hot Spots Studies. The Gateway CiƟes COG has also iniƟated the preparaƟon of a com‐ prehensive transportaƟon study of the Gateway CiƟes sub‐region. This study will evaluate all modes of transportaƟon throughout the sub‐region, inclusive of transit and non‐motorized transportaƟon. Comply with provisions of the CongesƟon Management Plan, adopted by Los Angeles County (Program 2.4.1.4). The City complies with the L.A. County Con‐ gesƟon Management Plan (CMP) annually through the preparaƟon of the Local ImplementaƟon Report (Community Development Department) and Biennial Highway Monitoring (Public Works Department), as required by statute. In ad‐ diƟon, the City holds land developers accountable for their traffic impacts by requiring traffic impact analyses (TIA) to be completed in accordance with L.A. County CMP TIA guidelines. Furthermore, as menƟoned under Program 2.1.2.1, the City parƟcipated previously in a pilot study for a countywide developer fee program proposed by Metro. Agenda Page 30 xxix Infrastructure and Maintenance Promote the expansion of communicaƟon networks to meet the needs of city residents, businesses, and other land uses (Program 2.7.1.2.) The Public Works Department conƟnues to maintain and update the City’s traffic signal communicaƟon system on all major and primary arterials (i.e., Lakewood Boulevard, Firestone Boulevard, Paramount Boulevard, and Florence Avenue). The projects will integrate with water well sites, as they recently have with the Public Works Maintenance and UƟliƟes Yards, to enhance communicaƟons with City Hall in terms of speed, capacity, and reliability. Develop master plans to idenƟfy needs, prioriƟes, and cost for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades (Program 2.7.2.2). The Public Works Department conƟnues to update its Pavement Management InformaƟon System (PMIS) in the fall 2015, to reﬂect current pavement condiƟons on the City’s arterial, collector and local streets to comply with funding requirements and to provide the latest informaƟon in terms of pavement maintenance and rehabilitaƟon prioriƟes. Establish an impact recovery fee program so that new developments and expansions of exisƟng developments share the cost of providing infrastructure maintenance and upgrades necessary for the development (Program 2.7.2.6). As menƟoned under Program 2.1.2.1, the City recently parƟcipated in a pilot study for a countywide developer fee program proposed by Los Angeles County Metropolitan TransportaƟon Authority (Metro). Agenda Page 31 xxx The Housing Division administers a variety of community development acƟviƟes including affordable housing acƟviƟes, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public faciliƟes, and support for needed public services. The following pertains to Chapter 2 of the Housing Element goals administered by the Housing Division: 1. HOUSING REBATE & GRANT PROGRAM (PROGRAM 2) ObjecƟve: Address property, structural, and energy/water conservaƟon improvements for low‐income homeowners in the City. The City anƟcipates that 10 projects will be assisted annually based on funding availability. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: Approximately 20 rehabilitaƟon projects will be funded in during ﬁscal year 2014‐15, with a total of approximately $180,000 in improvements allocated to residenƟal properƟes occupied by low‐ or moderate‐income households. 2. MONITOR & PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING (PROGRAM 3) ObjecƟve: City staff will maintain a list of affordable units throughout the City including affordability informaƟon to ensure landlords are compliant with deed restricƟons and to preserve affordable units. The Housing Division will conƟnue to pursue partnership opportuniƟes with non‐proﬁts to preserve and expand affordable housing in the City. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: In a partnership with NaƟonal CORE, a non‐proﬁt agency, the development of a 50 unit affordable housing apartment complex was completed in the City’s downtown district to expand affordable housing to low‐ income households during ﬁscal year 2014‐15. Chapter 3 ‐ Housing Element Agenda Page 32 xxxi 3. MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (PROGRAM 8) ObjecƟve: ConƟnue ParƟcipaƟon and distribute ﬂiers and adverƟse program availability. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: During ﬁscal year 2014‐15, the City of Downey parƟcipated in the Community Development Commission of the Los Angeles County’s Mortgage Credit CerƟﬁcate (“MCC”) Program. The Housing Division adverƟsed the MCC Program by distribuƟng ﬂiers and publishing it on the City’s website. 4. SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE (PROGRAM 9) ObjecƟve: ConƟnue to provide assistance to households through conƟnued parƟcipaƟon in the Los Angeles County SecƟon 8 program and encourage rental property owners to register their units with the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACOLA). The Housing Division will conƟnue to monitor the number of residents accessing the program and units available for rent. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: During ﬁscal year 2014‐15, the City of Downey parƟcipated in the SecƟon 8 program offered by HACOLA to provide rental assistance to low‐income households; just over 630 SecƟon 8 vouchers were issued to Downey residents. 5. LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARTNERSHIP (PROGRAM 10) ObjecƟve: Increase resident awareness about housing programs offered by the County by adverƟsing them on the City’s website and by offering staff assistance at City Hall. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: On May 26, 2015, the City Council approved the new 5‐Year Consolidated Plan which covers the Ɵme period between 2015 through 2020. Agenda Page 33 xxxii 6. FAIR HOUSING (PROGRAM 21) ObjecƟve: ConƟnue to assist households through the Fair Housing FoundaƟon (“FHF”) and conƟnue to refer fair housing complaints to the FHF. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: During ﬁscal year 2014‐15, no less than 250 Downey residents were assisted by the FHF. 7. PRIORITIZE HOUSING PROGRAM ACTIVITIES (PROGRAM 15) ObjecƟve: IdenƟfy housing needs and prioriƟze housing program acƟviƟes to meet those needs through ﬁve (5) year updates to the City’s Consolidated Plan. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: On May 26, 2015, the City Council approved the new 5‐Year Consolidated Plan which covers the Ɵme period between 2015 through 2020. (This space leŌ intenƟonally blank) Agenda Page 34 xxxiii The City of Downey and the rest of southern California enjoy a temperate climate, access to both beaches and mountains and many other ameniƟes not found in many other parts of the world. The quality of life that the region offers its residents is one of the main reasons the region conƟnues to aƩract visitors and newcomers. However, southern California is a semi‐arid desert environment with limited natural resources. These limited resources, need to be preserved for conƟnued use by exisƟng residents and by future generaƟons. Water Supply ConƟnue providing informaƟon to the public promoƟng the beneﬁts of water conservaƟon (Program 4.1.1.1.). The Public Works Department conƟnues to provide public educaƟon on water use habits and drought tolerant landscaping via the Kid’s Day Environmental Fair, Street Fair, and smart gardening workshops; ConservaƟon educaƟon and coordinaƟon with CBWMD for the disseminaƟon of rebate incenƟve informaƟon to the City’s water customers. The Public Works Department has also developed handouts of key water conservaƟon Ɵps and State‐mandated restricƟons along with a more exhausƟve list of conservaƟon ideas which it has included on the City’s website along with rebate opportuniƟes. On June 9, 2015, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance to address water conservaƟon regulaƟons, and restricƟons. Develop, through the municipal water company ﬁnancial incenƟves for water users, to conserve water, including individual meters and a Ɵered billing structure that charges excessive water use at a higher rate (Program 4.1.1.2.). The City’s water rate structure has both a ﬁxed bi‐monthly water meter charge based on the size of the meter and a variable bimonthly water usage component based on metered bi‐monthly water use. The variable water usage charge makes up a greater porƟon of each customer’s total bi‐monthly bill. Therefore, reducing water usage can help conserve water while reducing the amount of money owed on a customer’s bill. The Public Works Department also requires developers of mulƟple unit residenƟal and business complexes to install separate meters for each unit thereby making the tenant of each unit responsible for their own water use. This method of making each tenant/ owner responsible for their own water use has been proven to promote water conservaƟon. Chapter 4 ‐ ConservaƟon Element Agenda Page 35 xxxiv Promote the conƟnued use of water conservaƟon methods at city‐owned faciliƟes, such as parks and golf courses (Program 4.1.1.3.). The City currently maintains 28 recycled water services/meters for use at City Park and golf course ponds, and for irrigaƟon of landscaping at parks, golf course, and medians/ parkways. The City conƟnues to look for addiƟonal opportuniƟes to expand its use of recycled water at City‐owned and other sites as recycled water becomes available. Some of the larger City locaƟons where recycled water is currently used include: Downey Cemetery, Independence Park, Rio San Gabriel Park, Wilderness Park, Rio Hondo Golf Course, Crawford Park, and Temple Park, as well as the new Columbia Memorial Space Center and Sports Park. Encourage the use of reclaimed water, or re‐use of water on‐site, for new and redevelopment projects (Program 4.1.1.4). The Public Works Department conƟnues to require developers to install recycled water services/piping and meters where recycled water is located in proximity to the development. AddiƟonally, to help promote the use of recycled water, the City sells recycled water to its customers at 85 percent of the potable water rate. Expand the availability of reclaimed water by extending the dual‐pipe water system (Program 4.1.1.5.). The City has taken the lead on the construcƟon of recycled water faciliƟes through several of its recent capital improvement projects and through development requirements allowing for extension of recycled water mains on several major streets over the past years including Lakewood Boulevard and Congressman Steve Horn Way. The most recent expansions were constructed in 2014, and included the extension of a 12‐inch recycled water main on Lakewood Boulevard from Florence Avenue to north of GallaƟn Road and an 8‐inch recycled water main on Firestone Boulevard east of Lakewood Boulevard to allow for use of recycled water for landscape irrigaƟon at City medians/parkways and future developments along this corridor. AddiƟonal expansions are currently planned in conjuncƟon with future Lakewood Boulevard as well as at the Downey Promenade development. Review periodically water service rates and fees to ensure that adequate funds are available for maintenance of the system (Program 4.1.2.3.). The recently adopted water rate structure (ﬁscal year 2011/ 2012) was designed to establish a self‐supporƟng Water Fund to recover the annual operaƟon and maintenance and capital improvement program costs of providing water service as the City’s Water Fund had fallen into a deﬁcit due to the lack of a water rate increase over the previous 16 years. Agenda Page 36 xxxv Stormwater Quality Provide treatment of runoff generated by properƟes on‐site before release into the storm drain system (Program 4.3.1.1.). During 2014, 24 development and redevelopment projects were approved for construcƟon with inﬁltraƟon systems to capture and store runoff to reduce pollutant transport and augment local water levels beneath the ground. As public, commercial and residenƟal projects are redeveloped, runoff control measures are implemented in the form of inﬁltraƟon resulƟng in a steady improvement in water quality and local water levels. Promote effecƟve street cleaning (Program 4.3.1.3.). Publically owned streets in the City of Downey are conƟnued to vacuum swept at least weekly by NaƟonwide Environmental Services. These streets are posted with “No Parking” signs during the appointed period and Parking Enforcement Officers accompany the sweeper vehicle. Residents uƟlizing a Street Sweeping Parking Permit are responsible for maintaining the street area that their vehicle prevents from being cleaned. The sweeper truck also cleans City parking lots weekly. Encourage Proper storage and handling of construcƟon materials to avoid the contact of pollutants with storm water runoff during construcƟon (Program 4.3.1.4.). Public Works, Code Enforcement, and Building and Safety staff shares responsibility for implemenƟng this program. Public Works focuses on construcƟon projects in the public right of way, preparaƟon and review of erosion control plans by developers, compliance by large state permiƩed construcƟon sites and responding to complaints of materials in the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), which includes streets, alleys and drains. Building and Safety is primarily responsible for on‐site or private property condiƟons, while Code Enforcement responds to resident complaints and provides more aggressive enforcement capabiliƟes to supplement other staff efforts. Preserve exisƟng naturally vegetated areas and encourage re‐vegetaƟon and soil restoraƟon where feasible (Program 4.3.1.5.). For many years there have been no “exisƟng naturally vegetated areas” within the City of Downey. Developers are required to include landscaping during redevelopment to encourage percolaƟon of storm water and urban runoff for water quality improvement and augmentaƟon of local water levels. Agenda Page 37 xxxvi Air Quality Support regional and sub‐regional efforts in strategically managing goods movements in order to reduce emissions from truck traffic (Program 4.5.1.2.) and reduce air parƟculate and other pollutants created by, but not limited to the operaƟon of diesel engine and increased truck traffic from marine and port operaƟons in the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports and City operaƟons, especially along the I‐710 freeway corridor (Program 4.5.1.3.). The Public Works Department and City Manager’s office conƟnue to coordinate with vari‐ ous regional agencies (i.e., Caltrans, Gateway CiƟes COG, I‐5 JPA, etc.) in the planning and implementaƟon process for the widening of the I‐710 and I‐5 Freeways. Both projects will provide improved mobility for trucks and a reduc‐ Ɵon in truck‐related emissions. Encourage alternaƟve modes of travel, such as walking and cycling, to vehicle use and alternaƟve modes of employment, such as telecommuƟng and home‐ based businesses, to reduce emissions associated with vehicle use (Program 4.5.1.4.). The City conƟnues to offer “Thumbs Up CommuƟng Program”, which provides incenƟves for those who use alternate modes of travel to get to work. This includes carpools, rapid transit, bicycling and walking. In addiƟon, with the recent funding received from Caltrans, the City hopes to make Downey more bike friendly and to educate drivers and riders alike on the proper rules of the road. Promote the use of alternaƟve fuel vehicles, including clean diesel, com‐ pressed natural gas, hydrogen, that result in reduced emissions, including in instances involving City operaƟons (Program 4.5.1.5.). With the growing num‐ ber of electric and hybrid vehicles, there have been several charging staƟons installed in public and private faciliƟes to promote the use of natural gas hybrid and pure electric vehicles. The Civic Center, has offered a charging staƟon free of charge to the public and city employees. Other automobile dealership such as Champion Fiat, has been offering charging staƟon to its customers for free of charge. Agenda Page 38 xxxvii Energy Resources Provide incenƟves for people to use renewal energy sources such as solar en‐ ergy (Program 4.6.1.1.). With the availability of State and Federal rebates and incenƟves programs, the City conƟnues to encourage the use of solar panels on residenƟal, commercial, industrial and public faciliƟes. With the excepƟon of residenƟal properƟes, however, the installaƟon of the solar systems on top of a newly constructed building may require the approval of a Site Plan Review ap‐ plicaƟon from the Planning Commission. This helps to ensure such solar panels and their equipment will not aestheƟcally impacts the surrounding properƟes. (This space leŌ intenƟonally blank) Agenda Page 39 xxxviii Natural and non‐natural hazards present a variety of risks to persons who live, work, and visit the City. The aim of the City is to reduce the potenƟal risk of death, injuries, property damage, and the economic and social dislocaƟon resulƟng from hazards. Disaster Response Maintain an emergency operaƟon plan to provide response to a variety of potenƟal hazards (Program 5.1.2.1.). In 2014, the Downey Emergency Prepar‐ edness CommiƩee (EPC) and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) distributed over 500 emergency storage water barrels to community members. The program is aimed at the biggest emergency preparedness prob‐ lem for most communiƟes, a lack of potable water immediately aŌer an emer‐ gency. Monitor the locaƟon, type of facility, and amount of hazardous materials kept at properƟes (Program 5.2.1.2.). The Fire Department conƟnues to moni‐ tor and inspect all faciliƟes that handle hazardous materials at or above the reportable quanƟƟes as set forth in the California Health & Safety Code (§25503.5). InspecƟons are conducted every other year to ensure compliance with both the Fire and Health & Safety Codes. These inspecƟons frequency exceed the State’s requirement for hazardous materials inspecƟon to occur once every three years. Promote public informaƟon regarding the types of hazardous materials, which may include common household items, and the proper method of dis‐ posal (Program 5.2.1.3.). The Downey Fire Department conƟnues to update its website to provide the up‐to‐date informaƟon on the safe handling and dis‐ posal of hazardous materials. The website’s Emergency Preparedness secƟon contains informaƟon on hazardous material awareness and safety, in addiƟon to educaƟonal informaƟon on ﬁre safety. Chapter 5 ‐ Safety Element Agenda Page 40 xxxix Hazardous Materials Ensure proper disclosure of amounts of hazardous materials by exisƟng uses and proposed uses, during the business review process (Program 5.2.1.4.). The Downey Fire PrevenƟon Division conƟnues to conduct inspecƟons during the business license applicaƟon process. This will ensure all new businesses handling hazardous materials to provide accurate disclosure of the hazardous substances, and the safe handling and storage of the materials. The faciliƟes are then entered into the Fire Department’s database, issued an operaƟonal permit, and placed on a rouƟne inspecƟon frequency. Ensure that properƟes involving hazardous materials dispose of waste properly (Program 5.2.2.1). The Downey Public Works Integrated Waste Coordinator conƟnues to monitor and manage hazardous waste disposal by residenƟal properƟes. Businesses handling hazardous waste are permiƩed and inspected by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health‐Hazardous Materials Division. Promote the convenient “drop‐off” collecƟon for the disposal of hazardous waste generated by residenƟal households and other land uses (Program 5.2.2.2). Over the years, the City of Downey offered programs that encourages residents to dispose hazardous waste materials to either the SanitaƟon Districts of Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste CollecƟon Program or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Safe Drug Drop‐off Program which accepts expired prescripƟon medicaƟons and sharps (i.e., needles). Adapt a code amendment to require a condiƟonal use permit for exisƟng and proposed faciliƟes with hazardous materials (Program 5.2.2.3). Downey Municipal Code conƟnues to require an approval of a condiƟonal use permit applicaƟon from the Planning Commission for all proposed faciliƟes handling hazardous materials (i.e. drive‐in service staƟons, automobile washing faciliƟes, ambulance storage and automobile/truck repair faciliƟes). Monitor conƟnually the natural gas pipelines for leaks (Program 5.2.2.4). Natural gas pipelines are regulated by the California State Fire Marshall. Agenda Page 41 xl Fire ProtecƟon Promote adequate widths on travel lanes along street and alleys to accommodate emergency vehicles (Program 5.3.1.2.). The Fire PrevenƟon Division personnel, under the direcƟon of the Fire Department Chief, conƟnues to diligently review plans to ensure emergency vehicle access through streets and alleys will be accommodated. Ensure that development projects install ﬁre hydrants, water mains, or otherwise contribute its fair share towards miƟgaƟng impacts on the ﬁre ﬂow system (Program 5.3.2.3.). Requirements for addiƟonal ﬁre hydrants are determined through the plan check process. In 2014, eight new ﬁre hydrants were installed at various locaƟons (private and public) throughout the City. Promote the use of ﬁre sprinklers for new, expanded, and remodeled developments (Program 5.3.2.4.). The Downey Fire PrevenƟon Division conƟnues to require sprinkler systems for new commercial development over 3,600 sq. Ō. and tenant improvements of commercial properƟes, whose permit valuaƟons exceed 50 percent of the value of the building. Ensure access for emergency vehicles through security pedestrian and vehicular gates (Program 5.3.2.6.). Many apartment complexes and mulƟ‐ residenƟal projects built prior to the adopƟon of the Zoning Code in 2008 did not meet this requirement. However, today’s Code SecƟon 9710.04 requires that all new mulƟ‐residenƟal developments shall provide vehicle access through security gates at not less than 20 feet in width for a two‐way driveway and a 40 feet in depth for stacking of two vehicles (measures from the street property line). Police ProtecƟon Maintain an acceptable response Ɵme for police emergency service calls (Program 5.4.1.2.). The Police Department conƟnues to maintain a swiŌ response Ɵme to high priority emergency calls that require immediate assistance to ensure the public’s safety. Keep crime rates and property loss rates at the lowest levels feasible (Program 5.4.1.1.). In an effort to keep crime and property loss rates low, the Police Department increased staffing by hiring three (3) Police Officers. In addiƟon, the Department added one Dispatcher and one Records Specialist. Agenda Page 42 xli Coordinate with Federal, State, and County agencies to address illegal acƟviƟes (Program 5.4.1.7.). The Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) conƟnues to work in conjuncƟon with the State’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to monitor and enforce applicable liquor laws at alcohol establishments throughout the City. Promote the increased visibility of police in neighborhoods (Program 5.4.2.1.). The Neighborhood PreservaƟon Unit conƟnues to proacƟvely patrol areas in need of upkeep and maintenance. The unit consists of officers and a Sergeant assigned to speciﬁc target areas of the City. The goal of the program is to assist the community with quality of life issues such as trash, graffiƟ, and abandoned vehicles. Support community organizaƟons and neighborhood awareness programs that promote crime prevenƟon, including prevenƟng gang acƟvity (Program 5.4.2.2.). The Department conƟnues to parƟcipate in awareness programs, such as Gangs Out of Downey, and promotes crime prevenƟon through its parƟcipaƟon in Neighborhood Watch. In addiƟon, the Department is involved in other programs such as School Resource Officers and Robbery & Burglary Suppression. These programs allow officers to work closely with school administrators dealing with various issues on campuses and provide extra support for patrol personnel. Earthquake Safety Monitor groundwater table levels as they relate to liquefacƟon hazards (Program 5.5.1.3.). Public Works regularly monitors ground water levels at well sites around the City of Downey. The ground water table is typically about 50’ below the soil surface, which limits the risk of liquefacƟon to residenƟal and typical commercial structures. Larger structures and those with signiﬁcant subterranean components may be requested to provide addiƟonal seismic evaluaƟons during the development process or as a condiƟon of Site Plan Review (SPR) approval. Ensure the placement of uƟlity lines underground (Program 5.5.1.6.). The Department of Public Works conƟnues to implement Underground UƟlity Districts. Office Engineering plan checks call for the use of vaults and pull boxes when appropriate, but many uƟliƟes assert the need to use above ground structures to protect their lines from the intrusion of moisture. Agenda Page 43 xlii Floods ConƟnue to parƟcipate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency ﬂood program (Program 5.6.1.1.). The City of Downey conƟnues to parƟcipate in the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Educate the public that the City is located in an “X” ﬂood zone where ﬂood insurance is no longer mandatory (Program 5.6.1.2.). Downey Public Works Engineering staff conƟnues to handout informaƟon regarding the current FIRM and ﬂood zoning. FIRM informaƟon can be found at www.fema.gov website. MiƟgate hazards from possible dam or levee failure, including the raising of bridges and levees along rivers, including in areas outside the City (Program 5.6.1.3.). City of Downey conƟnues to support efforts by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), FEMA, Caltrans and the County of Los Angeles, in reducing the ﬂood risk from dam or levee failure; however, maintenance and replacement of bridges, levees, and dams is primarily under the control and undertaken with funds provided by these agencies. Minimize increases in the amount of stormwater generated by exisƟng and proposed land uses (Program 5.6.2.1.). Downey Public Works Department conƟnues to enforce NaƟonal Pollutant Discharge EliminaƟon System (NPDES) requirements, during plan checks for new and redevelopment projects with 5,000 square feet or more of new or replacement impervious surfaces, which are generally required to provide inﬁltraƟon volume commensurate with an instantaneous 0.75” storm falling on the new or replacement impervious surface. Larger developments are required to prepare a Standard Urban Stormwater MiƟgaƟon Plan and demonstrate that no increase in peak runoff rate will be observed as a result of the development and that at least the instantaneous ﬁrst 0.75 inch of projected runoff can be inﬁltrated. Agenda Page 44 xliii Vehicular Traffic Require street lights for new developments (Program 5.7.1.2.). For certain developments, the City conƟnues to require developers to install new street lights adjacent to the development within the public‐right‐of‐way as a condiƟon of approval where streetlights currently do not exist. In addiƟon, as a condiƟon of approval through the development plan review process, applicants are required to give their consent to the annexaƟon of their property into the City of Downey LighƟng Maintenance District in accordance with Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code. Promote the parking and access agreements and parking consolidaƟon to reduce the number of driveway access points on streets (Program 5.7.1.6.). The City conƟnues to encourage the consolidaƟon of parking and imposes reciprocal access agreements upon adjacent developments through the plan review process, for the purpose of minimizing driveway curb cuts. Adopt a Master Plan for installaƟon of sidewalks for major arterials, secondary arterials, collector streets and school routes (Program 5.7.2.1.). Recently sidewalks have been constructed and/or reconstructed along major arterials, secondary arterials, collector streets and school routes on a prioriƟzed, as‐needed basis as funding will allow. Similar to previous years, priority is given to school routes. Encourage the installaƟon of sidewalks in new developments and major remodeling consistent with the sidewalk Master Plan (Program 5.7.2.2.). The City conƟnues to require the construcƟon of new sidewalks and the repair of exisƟng sidewalks and disabled ramps for new developments (i.e., The Promenade at Downey) as a condiƟon of approval through the development plan review process. Promote street intersecƟon design and signalizaƟon that are safe and convenient to pedestrians and bicyclists (Program 5.7.2.3.). Signalized and un‐signalized intersecƟons are designed to funcƟon in a safe and convenient manner for pedestrians and bicyclists to the extent possible through the implementaƟon of Capital Improvement Projects and through the Development Review CommiƩee and plan checking process when such improvements are constructed by private development. Agenda Page 45 xliv Chapter 6 ‐ Noise Element Noise can be deﬁned as unwanted sound and is known to have several adverse effects on people. The most criƟcal impact of noise exposure is hearing loss. Other effects are speech interference, sleep interference and annoyance. The City conƟnues to enforce noise ordinance under SecƟon 4600 of the Downey Municipal Code. (This space leŌ intenƟonally blank) Agenda Page 46 xlv Comparing to neighboring ciƟes, Downey has a limited amount of open space areas. Open space areas are important not only to provide recreaƟonal acƟviƟes for residents but also as a visual break from the built environment. Updates: Maintain an adequate level of recreaƟonal staffing at park faciliƟes (Program 7.2.2.1.). In 2014, the Parks and RecreaƟon Department added a new full‐Ɵme staff member that serves as an ASPIRE Supervisor managing the aŌer school program. In addiƟon, several part‐Ɵme posiƟons were added to provide an adequate level of service to the Department. Develop a Park Maintenance Master Plan to idenƟfy needed upgrades to exisƟng park faciliƟes (Program 7.2.2.2.). During the 2014‐2015 Fiscal Year, the City authorized funding towards the compleƟon of a Parks & RecreaƟon Master Plan that is currently underway. It should be completed by June 2015. Provide funding for park improvements in the upgrades to exisƟng park faciliƟes in the Capital Improvement Program (Program 7.2.2.3.). The Parks & RecreaƟon Department received $300,000 for an Apollo Park trail that was completed March 2015 and $300,000 for Furman Park trail that was completed in November 2014 . The Department completed a playground and trail project funded by a $135,000 grant from First 5 and LA ConservaƟon Corp in July 2014. In addiƟon, the Department received $200,000 for the compleƟon of the Wilderness Park Pond RestoraƟon project from the State of California through the compeƟƟve grant Habitant ConservaƟon Fund, Wetlands Habitat category. The restoraƟon project is expected to begin at the end of 2015. Develop an open space area or plaza in the downtown area (Program 7.3.1.3.). The City was awarded $217,950 non‐compeƟƟve funding from the Housing Related Park Grant to fund a porƟon of this Civic Center Park, a passive area adjacent to the City Library. No date is scheduled for the implementaƟon of this project. Chapter 7 ‐ Open Space Element Agenda Page 47 xlvi Most residents, visitors, and businesses in Downey recognize the City as the premiere City in the southeast area of Los Angeles County. However, others less familiar with the City’s history may not share this percepƟon and judge Downey solely on the physical appearance of the area. For this reason, it is important that the visual appearance of the community portray a posiƟve image and that the community image display the disƟnct and numerous resources it has to offer. Promote quality design for new, expanded, and remodeled construcƟon (Goal 8.1). The City conƟnues to implement the Site Plan Review process that requires Planning Commission review and approval of the architectural styles, exterior elements, materials and colors for new construcƟon and/or addiƟons to mulƟ‐residenƟal and commercial buildings in the City. Lack of property maintenance may exhibit a negaƟve image of the City (Issue 8.2). The Code Enforcement Division conƟnues monitoring and working with a signiﬁcant number of property owners, including residenƟal properƟes, commercial and industrial businesses, in an effort to keep these properƟes maintained. Promote compliance with code regulaƟons (Policy 8.2.1.). The Code Enforcement Division conƟnues to enforce citywide temporary sign (i.e. banner, window sign, streamer, real estate sign) enforcement program and conƟnues issuing noƟces of violaƟons. Chapter 8 ‐ Design Element Agenda Page 48 xlvii A strong community owes much to the spirit and involvement of its residents. Community pride and civic‐mindedness, however, are not enough for a city to provide all necessary and desired services to maintain the local quality of life. A city needs a variety of employment and shopping opportuniƟes to create balance, make it a desirable place to live, and enhance its image. Develop economic strategies for business aƩracƟon and retenƟon (Program 9.1.1.1.). City staff (Parks & RecreaƟon Department) worked with many local restaurants in the community to bring forth the annual “InternaƟonal Food FesƟval” experience that was launched on September 20, 2014, on Third Street in Downtown, between Second Street and Third Street. Approximately 15,000 residents and visitors of Downey enjoyed the tastes and live entertainment throughout the event. ConƟnue the revitalizaƟon of commercial and industrial corridors (Program 9.1.1.5.). The City conƟnues to promote façade modiﬁcaƟons along Firestone Boulevard in Downtown lately….expansion of Club DB Lounge and the Uptown Vogue retail projects have been catalysts to encourage other property owners to invest in their properƟes. Also, with the addiƟon of the Chick‐ﬁll‐A, Habit Burger Grill, Dunkin’ Donuts and La Barca restaurants, Firestone Boulevard will signify new retail acƟvity in the Firestone commercial corridor. Promote through public informaƟon the beneﬁts of businesses locaƟng in Downey (Program 9.1.1.7.). Economic Development staff conƟnues to update the “Opportunity Sites” and “Redevelopment Areas” web pages to facilitate development citywide at various locaƟons. It’s a great tool to help aƩract and retain quality businesses in Downey. The pages contain informaƟon materials for businesses coming to the City and includes a guide to start up a business and links to view maps of different redevelopment project areas. AddiƟonally, staff members are engaged in enƟtlement assistance to aƩract key businesses to Downey and acƟvely proﬁle and market the many opportunity sites located in Downey. Expand the use of the city Internet web site for public informaƟon (Program 9.4.2.5.). City Departments conƟnue to work toward improved customer service. The City established an on‐line business license approval process in 2014 which enables customers to submit business license renewals or applicaƟons for a new license. Another new service allows Downey residents to pay their water bills on‐line. In addiƟon, the City conƟnues to update it’s website periodically and provide more informaƟon to the public via the Internet. Chapter 9 ‐ Economic Development Element Agenda Page 49