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Home My WebLink About3. 2014 General Plan Annual ReportAgenda Page 1 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 Lujan, 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 YveƩe M. Abich Garcia Adria Jimenez City AƩorney City Clerk Community Development Department Aldo E. Schindler Director of Community Development William E. Davis City Planner Mark Sellheim, AICP Principal Planner Jessica Flores Associate Planner Kevin Nguyen Assistant Planner Ed Velasco Housing Manager Rik Hobbie Building Official David Blumenthal Senior Planner/ Building & Safety Supervisor Agenda Page 5 iv Table of Contents IntroducƟon Page No. VI ExecuƟve Summary Background InformaƟon Community Development Updates Page No. IX Planning Division Economic Development Division Housing Division Code Enforcement Division Building and Safety Division General Plan ImplementaƟon Status Page No. XVII 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 v Introduction Agenda Page 7 vi 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, Code Enforcement, 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 8 vii 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 Rive‐ ra, 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 113,242 residents (Source: quickfacts.census.gov). The issues addressed by the General Plan Vision 2025 will work towards achieving this vision by adhering to the values providing excellent housing, educaƟon, employment, and recreaƟon opportuniƟes plus the mission of providing a safe, con‐ venient, 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 August 5, 2015, and accepted by the City Council on August 11, 2015. Background InformaƟon Agenda Page 9 viii Community Development Department Updates Agenda Page 10 ix 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 enƟtlements 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 11 x 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. Note that aŌer a seven year trend of decline, we saw an increase of counter visits over last year. 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 12 xi Planning ApplicaƟons Planning applicaƟons in 2014, including AdministraƟve, Planning Commission, and legislaƟve items to the City Council, totaled 260. Records indicate that submiƩal of 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. Below is a list of some of the major projects that were approved by the City: Champion Dodge Automobile Dealership Habit Burger Restaurant Penske Toyota Automobile Dealership Uptown Vogue Shoes Store Dunkin Donuts Restaurant 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 260 Miscellaneous AcƟon & RV Parking 12 Minor CondiƟonal Use Permits 1 Agenda Page 13 xii Economic Development Division The Economic Development Division oversees and responsible for the growing of local economy in Downey. More importantly, the Division works with City staff, business entrepreneurs, developers, contractors, and the Downey Chamber of Commerce, to aƩract and retain quality development projects in Downey. In 2014, the Economic Development Division staff facilitated several key projects in Downey: Tools for Business A new on‐line tools for business was created to assist local businesses and entrepreneurs. This new tool allows businesses to conveniently access local, state and federal resources, all under one locaƟon. Through this new site, businesses can also access informaƟon regarding hiring, training, sustainability, ﬁnancing, security, and government regulaƟon issues. The Tools for Business site can be accessed at hƩp://downey.toolsforbusiness.info Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Downey Art Vibe Together with City Staff, Stay Gallery, which is operated by the Downey Art Vibe, has craŌed a strategic markeƟng and creaƟve public relaƟons services for Downey. Under the direcƟon of the City, the Downey Art Vibe implemented a plan that includes promoƟng, markeƟng and execuƟng the City’s markeƟng strategy while creaƟng new public events that aƩract a diverse populaƟon and promote pedestrian acƟvity within the Downtown Downey District. Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with New City America, Inc. With the rapid growth of Downtown Downey, staff found an increase in the demand for certain services in the area, including street sweeping, steam cleaning, security, public art. It is important that alternaƟve sources be studied to provide conƟnued funding for special services the downtown requires to maintain its vitality. OperaƟng Covenant Agreement for Benihana Restaurant Staff has successfully negoƟated with Benihana to locate its restaurant within the Promenade shopping center. The company was founded in 1964 in New York City, Benihana is a leading Asian‐themed restaurant chain that started as a family business and pioneered the communal dining concept. Opening a Benihana restaurant in the Promenade at Downey not only provide jobs and sƟmulate economic growth, but also enhance the enƟre Promenade development. Agenda Page 14 xiii Housing Division The Housing Division is responsible in providing programs and services designed to improve Downey neighborhoods and the community supply’s of affordable housing for all residents. Using mulƟple funding sources, the division offers a variety of improvement programs that residents can use to improve their homes. Some of the programs are included but not limited to grants and loans to single and mulƟ‐family residences for home improvements. In addiƟon, the division works with the Los Angeles County SecƟon 8 program to provide rental assistance to qualiﬁed households. 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 Housing Division has completed updaƟng its Consolidated Plan (“ConPlan”) and prepared an Annual AcƟon Plan (AcƟon Plan). AddiƟonally, per HUD requirement every three years, the Housing Staff conducted and prepared a new Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (“A.I.”) Report to evaluate access to equal housing opportuniƟes. The 5‐Year Consolidated Plan as described above 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. Agenda Page 15 xiv Code Enforcement Division The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the Downey Municipal codes that relate to residenƟal and business property maintenance standards, including business licensing. Code Enforcement also enforces building, health and safety standards related to environmental protecƟon and neighborhood preservaƟon. The Division works in close cooperaƟon with all City departments and the City Prosecutor to educate the public and gain the willing compliance of violators. 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. In 2014, The Housing Division completed nineteen home improvement projects 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 workshops were ended with a Fair Housing Training Exam. Agenda Page 16 xv 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 2013 California Building Code. New building construcƟon and a majority of tenant improvements require plan check review for Zoning and Building Code compliance. The total number of building applicaƟons accepted and permits issued by the Building and Safety Division in 2014 was 1,901. 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, the Building and Safety Inspectors conducted 380 business license inspecƟons for commercial and industrial businesses. Below is a list of some of the major projects that were inspected in 2014: The Promenade at Downey* 17‐unit condominium project at 9100‐9126 Florence Avenue 9‐unit townhouse project at 7634 Stewart & Gray Road Habit Burger Grill Restaurant at 8619 Firestone Boulevard Penske Toyota façade renovaƟon at 9136 Firestone Boulevard* Uptown Vogue façade renovaƟon at 8315 Firestone Boulevard * Projects sƟll under construcƟon 2916 3169 3171 2756 2179 2204 1976 2131 1932 1994 1901 0500100015002000250030003500 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 Amount of Permits Issued Year Building Permit Issued (2004-2014) Agenda Page 17 xvi General Plan Implementation Status Agenda Page 18 xvii 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 19 xviii 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 new restaurants and retail stores (Chick‐ﬁll‐A, Habit Burger Grill, Dunkin’ Donuts, Uptown Vogue) along Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard at GallaƟn Road revitalized commercial acƟviƟes in the Firestone and Lakewood corridors. 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.). AƩracƟon of new restaurants 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 Development 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 digital 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 20 xix 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.). Constructed began on Bellﬂower Boulevard at Imperial Highway IntersecƟon Improvement Project. The project involved 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. ConstrucƟon conƟnued on Paramount Boulevard at Firestone Boulevard IntersecƟon Improvement Project. It involved 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. Phases 3B and 3C of the Lakewood Boulevard Improvements Project extended the 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 involves the widening of Lakewood Boulevard to provide three lanes in each direcƟon. The Lakewood Boulevard/ Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road IntersecƟon Improvement Project was completed involving 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. Chapter 2 ‐ CirculaƟon Element Agenda Page 21 xx 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. Encourage appropriate turn lanes and other operaƟonal improvements at major arterial intersecƟons idenƟﬁed as congested (Program 2.1.1.6.). 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 22 xxi 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.). In 2014, the Public Works Department issued 15 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 partnered 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 have been made to major intersecƟons, including the two intersecƟons referenced in Programs 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.6. Agenda Page 23 xxii Widen street right‐of‐way to accommodate truck turning movements (Program 2.3.1.3.). The reconstrucƟon of the curb returns at each of the four corners of the two intersecƟons (referenced in Programs 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.6) was completed to provide larger turn radii (40’‐50’) in order to accommodate truck turning movements at the two intersecƟons. In addiƟon, the compleƟon of the Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project Phases 3B and 3D involved similar improvements at the Florence Avenue and Telegraph Road intersecƟons along Lakewood Boulevard in order to facilitate truck turns at these intersecƟons. Discourage truck parking on public streets (Program 2.3.2.1.). Municipal Code SecƟon 3185(b) prohibits 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, vehicles involved with the servicing of the adjacent property or for a period not to exceed eight (8) hours if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or is disabled. The Traffic Division and Code Enforcement Division conƟnues 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.). New landscaped median islands and irrigaƟon have been constructed along Firestone Boulevard (West) between Old River School Road and Paramount Boulevard. AddiƟonal landscaped median islands were installed along Paramount Boulevard, between Florence Avenue and Telegraph Road. In addiƟon, construcƟon was completed for the installaƟon of masonry walls along the median islands adjacent to the frontage roads along this porƟon of Lakewood Boulevard in order to replace the large shrubbery, which currently screens the adjacent residenƟal neighborhood from noise, dust and visual impacts created by the busy Lakewood Boulevard corridor. 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 received 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 24 xxiii 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 25 xxiv 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. In addiƟon, the Community Development Department processed seven condiƟonal use permit applicaƟons for the modiﬁcaƟon and installaƟon of wireless faciliƟes throughout the City. The projects have enhanced the communicaƟon systems and provided beƩer services for people in the area. 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 26 xxv 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. According to the 2014‐2021 Housing Element, Assembly Bill 1233 requires City of Downey to idenƟfy available sites to accommodate Regional Housing Needs AllocaƟon (RHNA) from the previous planning period (2008‐2014) for a total of 1,201 housing units. This includes low income, low, moderate, and above moderate income. However, by the end of 2014, only 190 units were approved and/or developed. 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: 19 rehabilitaƟon projects were 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 27 xxvi 3. MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (PROGRAM 8) ObjecƟve: ConƟnue ParƟcipaƟon and distribute ﬂiers and adverƟse program availability. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014‐2021. Status: During calendar year 2014‐15, the City 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 calendar year 2014‐15, the City 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. 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 calendar year 2014‐15, more than 250 Downey residents were assisted by the FHF. Agenda Page 28 xxvii 6. 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: In 2014, 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 29 xxviii 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. 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 30 xxix 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. Agenda Page 31 xxx 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. In addiƟon, all redevelopment projects in Downey must adhere to the “Low Impact Development” ordinance that was adopted by the City Council in April 2014, related storm water and urban runoff polluƟon and conveyance controls. 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. Agenda Page 32 xxxi 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 have provided improved mobility for trucks and a re‐ ducƟon 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.). As menƟoned during last year report, the City hopes to make Downey more bike friendly and to educate drivers and riders alike on the proper rules of the road. As part of the public outreach effort, in 2014, the City worked with the Fehr & Peers Team to assist with the preparaƟon of the Bicycle Master Plan. The Study Team also held two special events and three community work shop throughout the City to ensure input was obtained from all sectors of the com‐ munity. The public outreach effort kicked‐off with a special event at the Tour de Downey on June 14th, and conƟnued with three addiƟonal community work‐ shops held to obtain feedback on the draŌ and ﬁnal Bicycle Master Plan. Com‐ munity input received at these events and workshops was used to prepare the Plan that will ulƟmately be considered by City Council. Also, the City conƟnues to offer “Thumbs Up CommuƟng Program”, which pro vides incenƟves for those who use alternate modes of travel to get to work. 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, many automobile dealerships such as Cham‐ pion Fiat and Nissan have been offering charging staƟons to its customers for free of charge. In 2014, the Building & Safety Division issued permits for the installaƟon of a charging staƟon located at the Stonewood Shopping Center. Agenda Page 33 xxxii 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. However, the installa‐ Ɵon of the solar systems on top of residenƟal, commercial and industrial build‐ ings will require Building permits. This helps to ensure the electrical wiring sys‐ tem and their equipment will aestheƟcally screened from public view. (This space leŌ intenƟonally blank) Agenda Page 34 xxxiii Natural and non‐natural hazards present a variety of risks to persons who live, work, and visit the City. It’s the City’s goal 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. In December 2014, Andrew Stevens was hired as the City of Downey’s Emer‐ gency Manager. The task of Emergency Manager is to ensure Downey is pre pared to respond to a wide variety of natural, man‐made and technological disasters, and resilient enough to recover quickly. 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.). Together with the Emergency Manager, the Hazard‐ ous Materials SecƟon conƟnues to update its website to provide the up‐to‐ date informaƟon on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. The website’s Emergency Preparedness secƟon contains informaƟon on haz‐ ardous material awareness and safety, in addiƟon to educaƟonal informaƟon on ﬁre safety. Chapter 5 ‐ Safety Element Agenda Page 35 xxxiv 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). In 2014, the City facilitated two 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). Adopt 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). In 2014, the Planning Division accepted and possessed a CUP applicaƟon for the expansion of an exisƟng car wash facility. Agenda Page 36 xxxv 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 37 xxxvi 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. Southern California Edison Company requires the use of vaults and transformers be installed above ground to protect the equipment from the intrusion of moisture. However, the City of Downey requires all electrical wiring be installed below grade. Agenda Page 38 xxxvii Floods 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. In April 2014, The City of Downey parƟcipated in a joint Groundbreaking event with the City of Norwalk to kick‐off the construcƟon of the Firestone Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project. The project involves the replacement of the exisƟng Firestone Boulevard Bridge at the San Gabriel River in its enƟrety with a new bridge to meet current standards with wider sidewalks, center median and shoulders. The same number of travel lanes (six) will be provided on the new bridge. The City of Norwalk is the lead agency on the project. 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. In April 2014, the City Council adopted an ordinance amending the applicability of the exisƟng pollutant source reducƟon requirements; thus imposing runoff Low Impact Development (LID) strategies on projects that require building, grading, and construcƟon permits. The ordinance sƟpulates that the project’s owner and/or occupant must adhere to Best Management PracƟces (BMP) requirements in order to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to achieve water quality standards. Agenda Page 39 xxxviii 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.). Sidewalks have been constructed and/or reconstructed along major arterials such as Firestone Boulevard between Myrtle Street and Dolan Avenue. 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. In addiƟon, sidewalks have been constructed and/or reconstructed along major arterials such as Firestone Boulevard between Myrtle Street and Dolan Avenue. 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 40 xxxix 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 involves the permiƩed hours for construcƟons. In addiƟon, the City conƟnues to require projects that involve live entertainment acƟviƟes and projects that have the potenƟal to generate noise from machinery equipment or ampliﬁed music to comply with City’s noise ordinance. This can be regulated by imposing condiƟons of approval through a condiƟonal use permit process. (This space leŌ intenƟonally blank) Agenda Page 41 xl 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. 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 42 xli 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, commercial, and industrial buildings in the City. The City conƟnues to work with Studio One Eleven Company as a peer review commiƩee to facilitated key projects such as the Downey Gateway. 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. In 2014, Code Enforcement Officers issued 916 citaƟons that involved lack of property maintenance. 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. In 2014, Code Enforcement Officers issued 187 noƟces of violaƟon to businesses and residences regarding illegal and unpermiƩed signs. Chapter 8 ‐ Design Element Agenda Page 43 xlii 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. In addiƟon, a new on‐line tools for business was created to assist local businesses and entrepreneurs. This new tool allows businesses to conveniently access local, state and federal resources, all under one locaƟon. ConƟnue the revitalizaƟon of commercial and industrial corridors (Program 9.1.1.5.). The City conƟnues to promote façade modiﬁcaƟons of Club DB Lounge and the Uptown Vogue businesses. The new façades have 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. 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 44