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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN-15-00004 Negative DeclarationCity of Downey FUTURE UNLIMITED FA INITIAL STUDY FOR NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 1. INTRODUCTION: 1. Project Title: 2. 3. 9 6. 7. 8. 9. PLN -15 -00004 (Tentative Tract Map No. 72028, Site Plan Review, General Plan Amendment, and Zone Change from R -1 to R -3) Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Downey Community Development Department, Planning Division 11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 Contact person and phone number: William E. Davis, City Planner -- (562) 904 -7153 Project Location: 10361 Foster Road, Downey Applicant and Property Owner: Property Owner: Mr. David Golban 11444 Acacia Avenue Unit -A Hawthorne, CA 90250 General Plan Designation: LDR (Low Density Residential) Zoning: R -1 (Single - Family Residential) Description of project: PLN -15 -00004 — A request to subdivide the existing property into fourteen (14) condominiums and a private driveway. The proposal includes architectural review of the proposed dwellings, a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation of the property from Low density Residential to Medium - Density Residential), and a zone change from R -1 (Single Family Residential) to R -3 (Multiple - Family Residential. Description of project site (as it currently exists): The subject property comprises 112,871 square feet of land (2.41 acres), on the north side of Foster Road. It is an irregular- shaped lot that is relatively flat and vacant. It is approximately 137 feet wide along the street frontage and narrows to a width of approximately 80 feet at its northerly portion. Several easements encumber the site: a twenty -five foot wide easement to the County of Los Angeles exists along the frontage of the property for road purposes; a Los Angeles County CEQA INITIAL STUDY — PLN -15 -00004 (GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE CHANGE, TENTATIVE MAP N0.72028, AND SITE PLAN REVIEW 1.0 - INTRODUCTION Flood Control District easement of varying widths exists along the east side of the site for flood control channel purposes; an easement to the City of Downey exists along the frontage for bicycle trail purposes; and a twenty -five foot wide Cal Trans easement traverses the center of the site for flood control purposes. Chain -link fences surround the subject property. 10. Description of surrounding properties: The subject property exists in the southernmost section of the City of Downey. It is located on the north side of Foster Road, which marks the border between the cities of Downey and Bellflower, and is surrounded by public utilities. Vacant land abutting the north end of the subject property is an underdeveloped extension of the Caltrans easement. The San Gabriel River Flood Control Channel, which includes a paved levee that serves as a bicycle trail and a pedestrian path, borders the east side of the property. A nearby bridge goes across the flood control panel at this point and provides pedestrian and bicycle access to the City of Norwalk. A Southern California Edison easement with electrical transmission towers exists along the west boundary. Single - family residences adjoin the westerly side of the Edison easement. The Edison easement extends across Foster Road, where it was developed into a City Park (Byron Zinn Park). A self - storage facility and the park are located on the south side of Foster Road in Bellflower. 11. City Characteristics: The City of Downey is 12.8 square mile community that is located in the southeastern part of Los Angeles County. According to the State of California Department of Finance estimates, on January 1, 2016, the population of the City of Downey is 114,181 persons. The City of Downey is located about 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is bounded by the Rio Hondo River on the west; Telegraph Road on the north; the San Gabriel River on the east; and Gardendale Street and Foster Road on the south. Cities bordering Downey include Pico Rivera on the north and Santa Fe Springs on the northeast, Norwalk on the east, Bellflower and Paramount on the south, South Gate on the southwest and west and Commerce on the northwest. Regional access to and from the City of Downey is provided by the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway; Glen Anderson Freeway (1 -105) Freeway; the San Gabriel River Freeway (1 -605) Freeways; and the Long Beach Freeway (1 -710); and MTA Green Line Light Rail passenger train services at the Lakewood Boulevard station. 12. Other public agencies whose approval is required: (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement.) None City of Downey Page 2 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE CHANGE, TENTATIVE MAP N0.72028, AND SITE PLAN REVIEW 2.0 - ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST II. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED ISSUES: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist in section III. ❑ Aesthetics Land Use and Planning ❑ Agriculture Resources j Mineral Resources ❑ Air Quality L-1 Noise ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Population and Housing ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Public Services ❑ Geology and Soils ❑ Recreation ❑ Hazards & Hazardous Materials ❑ Transportation /Traffic ❑ Hydrology & Water Quality ❑ Utilities & Service Systems ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: aj I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. E` I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. LI I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact' or "potentially significant unless mitigated ". An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. 1 find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measuTt's fjiat are imposed upon the proposed project. Signature:. City of A'n r Planner d Date: A. City of Downey Page 3 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) G FNF.RAi Pi Am AMFNpAAFmT ANN) ZOWF CHANGE) 3.0 - ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION, III. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION This section analyzes the potential environmental impacts which may result from the proposed project. For the evaluation of potential impacts, the questions in the Initial Study Checklist are stated and answers are provided according to the analysis undertaken as part of the Initial Study. They outline the following issues: 1. Aesthetics 10. Mineral Resources 2. Agriculture Resources 11. Noise 3. Air Quality 12. Population and Housing 4. Biological Resources 13. Public Services 5. Cultural Resources 14. Recreation 6. Geology and Soils 15. Transportation and Traffic 7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials 16. Utilities and Service Systems 8. Hydrology and Water Quality 17. Mandatory Findings of Significance 9. Land Use and Planning The analysis considers the project's short-term impacts (construction - related), and its operational or day - to -day impacts. For each question, there are four possible responses. They include: 1. No Impact. Future development arising from the project's implementation will not have any measurable environmental impact on the environment and no additional analysis is required. 2. Less Than Significant Impact. The development associated with project implementation will have the potential to impact the environment; these impacts, however, will be less than the levels or thresholds that are considered significant and no additional analysis is required. 3. Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigated. The development will have the potential to generate impacts which will have a significant effect on the environment; however, mitigation measures will be effective in reducing the impacts to levels that are less than significant. 4. Potentially Significant Impact. Future implementation will have impacts that are considered significant, and additional analysis is required to identify mitigation measures that could reduce these impacts to less than significant levels. City of Downey Page 4 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE ) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact 1. AESTHETICS. Would the project: ❑ ❑ a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not ❑ ❑ 11 21 limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality ❑ of the site and its surroundings? d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which l� would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Response: (a and b): The City of Downey is an urban environment with no scenic vistas or scenic highways. (c): Although the project site is zoned R -1, (Single - Family Residential) zone, it is unsightly due to its barren condition and proximity to the flood control channel and the utility easement. Approval of the project will facilitate construction of a new fourteen -unit condominium development, which will enhance the streetscape on Foster Road. No impact is expected since the project will upgrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. (d): The project will add new lights to the site; however, it is not anticipated that the amount of light from the site would affect views in the area. Nevertheless, the City of Downey Municipal Code Section 9520.06 prohibits the lights from illuminating other properties or the public right -of -way. Since the Municipal Code provides these restrictions, no additional mitigation is needed. 2. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a h Williamson act contract? c. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non - agricultural use? City of Downey Page 5 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Analysis Is Mitigation required lilcorporaled 4.0 - EXHIBITS Less Than Significant No Impact Impact Response: (a through c): The City of Downey is an urbanized area that is mostly built out with only infill development potential. There are no agricultural lands within the City's boundaries. Furthermore, the City's General Plan (Vision 2025) does not include provisions for agricultural uses in the future. While the City has a variety of zoning districts, in which agricultural uses are only allowed in the Open Space (O -S) zone. This property does not serve as agriculture land or contain Open Space zoning._ 3. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non- 1 ❑ attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air Li quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant D [ .f Q ❑ concentrations? e. Create objectionable odors? -' I_j ❑ Response: (a through c): Short term air quality impacts can be anticipated from construction equipment operating on the site and dust created during grading operations. Nevertheless, these impacts are considered less than significant due to the short term nature of the construction, construction equipment is already required to comply with the California Air Resource Board's (CARB) regulations, and all construction activity is subject to the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) regulations regarding fugitive dust. Furthermore, the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) that was prepared for the Downey Vision 2025 Comprehensive General Plan Update (SCH #2004031159), which was certified on January 25, 2005, includes several mitigation measures intended to reduce air quality impacts from construction. Since these mitigation measures are already required on the construction, no additional mitigation is required. The most recent AQMP outlines emission strategies and programs designed to bring the region into attainment or maintain attainment with federal and state ambient standards of ozone, carbon monoxide, dioxide and particulate matter. Also, fourteen dwelling units will not generate long term air quality impacts, since the only source of air pollution will arise from an increase in vehicle trips from the site. The project will create fourteen (14) units on the subject site, which should create approximately 80.5 vehicle trips per day This amount is not significant considering the relatively low number of vehicles that travel on this segment of Foster Road daily. (d): Sensitive receptors include day care centers (adult & child), schools, hospitals, churches, rehabilitation centers, and long -term care facilities (i.e. assisted living facilities). A review of the area shows that there are sensitive receptors, including a school (Old River Elementary), a church (Fa -Kwang Temple) and a golf course Los Amigos Golf Course) within % mile of the subject site. While short -term construction impacts can occur to City of Downey Page 6 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact the sensitive receptors, the FEIR for the General Plan Update contains several mitigation measures intended to reduce these types of air quality impacts. Since these mitigation measures are already required on the construction, no additional mitigation is required. (e): The proposed project will not create objectionable odors beyond those normally associated with residential uses. No mitigation measures are necessary. 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or 01 0 0 Eli regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or 13 0 11 regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act 17 i I (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources? (i.e. tree preservation ordinance). f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan? Response: (a through f): The City of Downey is an urbanized area that is mostly built out with only infill development potential. According to the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) that was prepared for the Downey Vision 2025 Comprehensive General Plan Update (SCH #2004031159), which was certified on January 25, 2005, there are no known species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species; no known wetlands; and no known native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or native wildlife nursery sites within the City. Furthermore, the City of Downey does not have any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, nor is there any adopted Habitat Conservation, Natural Community Conservation, or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plans. City of Downey Page 7 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: 4.0- EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a ❑ ❑ historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines 5064.85? the most recent Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning ❑ b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of 0 Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines ❑ ❑ ❑ on other substantial evidence of a known fault? 5064.5? c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological £.! ❑ ill ❑ resource or site or unique geologic feature? Strong seismic ground shaking? d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside 01 ❑ L.._i ❑ of formal cemeteries? 0 3) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction? Response: (a through d): The subject area does not contain any known archaeological or paleontological resources or any known human remains. Given the developed nature of the site with existing easements to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for flood control channel purposes and to Cal Trans for a storm drain, traversing the length of the subject property, ground disturbing activities associated with construction of the proposed project are unlikely to uncover previously unknown archaeological resources. Nevertheless, if Native American skeletal remains are uncovered during construction activities, project contractors are required by law to stop work and contact the County coroner. California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5, requires that if human remains are discovered in any placeother than a dedicated cemetary, no further disturbance or excavation of the site or nearby area reasonably suspected to contain human remains shall occur until the County coroner has examined the remains. Furthermore, if the coroner determines or has reason to believe the remains are those of a Native American, the coroner must contact the California Native American Heritage Commission within 24 hours (California Health and Safety Code 7050.5c(, and the California Native American Heritage Commission will notify the Most Likely Descendant. The Most Likely Descendant may recommend means of treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and items associated with Native Americans. Therefore, if Native American remains were uncovered during construction activities associated with the proposed project site, compliance with existing regulations would ensure that the appropriate authorities are notified and that discovered remains are treated with the appropriate respect and dignity. As such, impacts would be less than significant. 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: 1) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning ❑ ! 0 Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? ❑ 2) Strong seismic ground shaking? L.._i 171 0 3) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction? ❑ 0 0 F:1 4) Landslides? b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? C L City of Downey Page 8 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0- EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and C ❑ F potentially result in on -or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in the California ❑ Building Code, creating substantial risks to life or property? e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of ❑ septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of water? Response: (a1 though a3): The City of Downey is not located within an Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. Nevertheless, the City, like much of Southern California, is located in an area that is considered seismically active. The nearest known fault to the City is the Whittier fault, which is approximately 5 miles from the City's boundaries. According to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center, the maximum probable earthquake that can be generated by the Whittier Fault is a magnitude 7.2. This impact is considered to be less than significant since, the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) that was prepared for the Downey Vision 2025 Comprehensive General Plan Update (SCH #2004031159), which was certified on January 25, 2005, includes a mitigation measure that requires all construction is required to be designed and built to the seismic safety standards set forth in the Building Code, which will minimize the risk of loss, injury, or death due to seismic activity. No additional mitigation measures are required. (a4): The City of Downey is relatively flat with no landslides being anticipated. (b): Long term loss of topsoil and /or soil erosion is not expected since the entire site will be improved with the dwelling units, streets, or landscaping. Moreover, construction activities are required to incorporate Best Management Practices (BMP's) to prevent soil erosion during construction. (c and d): Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant is required to submit a soil and geological report. Said report shall demonstrate how the project will mitigate any soil stability issued, including lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, and expansive soils. (e): The City of Downey is an urban area that is served by a sanitary sewer system. New septic tanks are prohibited within the City. 7. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Would the project: a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment 21 through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous (s materials? b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident ❑ L1 conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely F1 07 City of Downey Page 9 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE ) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No reauired Incorporated Impact Impact hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one - quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code 17 ❑ ❑ El Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of ® ❑ a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the l ❑ ❑ ❑ project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wild land fires, including where wild 0 ❑ lands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wild lands? Response: (a and b): The project site is not listed as a hazardous materials site and is not expected to create significant hazard other than those associated with residential uses. Transportation and storage of hazardous materials is not associated with residential uses typically. Any storage of hazardous materials at the site requires the applicant/property owner to notify the City of Downey Fire Department for evaluation and approval. (c): No elementary schools exist within % mile of the project site. Nevertheless, the residential uses proposed by the project proponent are not expected to emit or involve hazardous emissions. (d): The project site is not listed as a hazardous materials site and is not expected to create significant hazard other than those associated with residential uses. Transportation and storage of hazardous materials is not associated with residential uses typically. Any storage of hazardous materials at the site requires the applicant/property owner to notify the City of Downey Fire Department for evaluation and approval. (e and f): The City of Downey is not located within an airport land use plan nor is it within two miles of an airstrip. (g): Project implementation will not interfere with an adopted emergency response or evacuation plan. (h): The City of Downey is within an urbanized area in the southeast portion of Los Angeles County. There are no wild lands within the vicinity. 8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? 11 11 ❑ E, City of Downey Page 10 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the ❑ ❑, local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre- existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of stream ❑ ❑ ❑ t1 or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site? d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a ® ❑ ❑ R stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off -site? e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the 0 ID 0 capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ �� g. Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h. Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which ❑ ❑ I��!# would impede or redirect flood flows? i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, ED ® ❑ injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? J. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 0 ® ❑ it Response: (a through fl: The proposed project, as with all construction within the City of Downey, is required to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This includes retaining storm water from the impervious areas created by the project and allowing it to recharge into the ground. By retaining the water on site, there will be no violations to water quality standards, no additional impact to the storm water system, and no alterations to existing drainage patterns from the site and surrounding area. (g and h): Pursuant to Flood Zone Map No. 0606450005A, as revised on January 11, 2002, the subject site is in Zone X, which is a 500 -year flood zone. Accordingly, impacts from a 100 -year flood event are not anticipated. (i): The subject site, as with most of the City, is located between the San Gabriel River and the Rio Hondo Channel. According to the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) that was prepared for the Downey Vision 2025 Comprehensive General Plan Update (SCH #2004031159), which was certified on January 25, 2005, both City of Downey Page 11 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0- EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact of these flood control channels have been designed to meet or exceed the discharge capacity for a 100 -year flood. Furthermore, the FEIR notes that there are no concerns with a potential levee break on either channel. 0): The City of Downey is relatively flat and is not located near a dam, lake, or ocean. As such, impacts from a seiche, tsunami, or mudflow are not anticipated. 9. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a. Physically divide an established community? l_I b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project 11 0 0 Ole (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or 0 Ll EJ El natural community conservation plan? Response: (a): The subject site is within an area of the City of Downey comprised of a utility easement, a flood control channel, a self- storage facility, a park, and single - family residential land uses. The construction of the fourteen units will not create an impediment to the surrounding community and will not block access to the surrounding sites. No physical changes to surrounding properties are necessary for project implementation. As such, no impact is anticipated. (b): The proposal will not conflict with the goals, policies and programs of the Downey General Plan since it will help the City achieve the following objectives: Policy 1.1: The City shall encourage owner - occupied housing developments. Policy 2.1: Provide adequate sites and zoning to encourage and facilitate a range of housing to address the regional fair share allocations. Policy 2.2: Encourage infill development and recycling of land to provide adequate residential sites. (c): The City of Downey is an urbanized area that is fully developed with only a few sites for infill development available. No habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans have jurisdiction over the area. City of Downey Page 12 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0-EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact 10. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource ifl I� Iii that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral ® 0 �! resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Response: (a and b): There are no known mineral resources on the site. Accordingly, approval of the project will not result in the loss of any mineral resources with local, regional, or State -wide importance. 11. NOISE. Would the project result in: a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in (_ 1 excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground R 0 borne vibration or ground borne noise levels? c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient j�.l D 21 n noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of 11 U f_{ a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Response: (a through d): During the grading and construction phase of the project, increases in noise are anticipated. These increases are considered less than significant due to the short term nature of the impact. Nevertheless, project conditions should limit the hours of construction from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, thereby avoiding the noise impacts to residences in the vicinity on the weekend. Even though, long term noise impacts are not anticipated from the homes, all noise generated from the site is subject to the restrictions set forth in Municipal Code Section 4600 et. Seq. (e and f): The City of Downey is not located within an airport land use plan, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, or within the vicinity of a private airstrip. City of Downey Page 13 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE ) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially impacts associated with the provision of new or physically Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required _ f Incorporated Impact Impact 12. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and ❑ 10 2 ED businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ❑ 0 ❑ h necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the ❑ 0 ❑ construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Response: (a): The project proposes to construct fourteen (14) new homes on the subject property. According to the 2010 Census, the average household size for the City of Downey is 3.48 persons per unit. The potential population growth that may result by this project should not exceed 50 people, which is not a substantial growth in a city with a population of over 100,000 persons. As such, any potential impact is considered less than significant. (b and c): The subject site is currently vacant. 13. PUBLIC SERVICES. a. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: 1) Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ R] 2) Police protection? ❑ 0 ❑ C] 3) Schools? ❑ ❑ S ❑ 4) Parks? ® ❑ a ❑ ❑ ❑ a ❑ 5) Other public facilities? City of Downey Page 14 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Imp Response: (a1): The Downey Fire Department provides fire and paramedic services for the City, while the Downey Police Department provides police protection for the City. The project proposes fourteen units, which may result in a slight increase in calls for police and fire services; however, the existing fire and police departments have sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed project and will not require new or altered facilities.. Downey Fire requires the project proponent to install a Knox key switch at the security gate proposed at the front of the site to ensure access to emergency services. The project provides a standard fire engine turnaround area as specified by the Downey Fire Department. (a2): Police protection in the area is provided by the City of Downey Police Department, who has reviewed the project. It was the determination that the existing police services have sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed project and will not require new or altered facilities. Downey Police requires the project proponent to install a Knox key switch at the security gate proposed at the front of the site to ensure access to emergency services. (a3): An insignificant amount of growth will occur because of the construction of the 14 units, and as such is not expected to increase the demand on the school system significantly. Nevertheless, the developer is required to pay school impact fees, which the school district has adopted to mitigate any unknown impacts. No additional mitigation is required. (a4): The project proposes to construct fourteen (14) residential dwellings. The project site is located in a fully developed area of the City of Downey. All other public facilities are in place and have sufficient capacity to accommodate any minimal growth resulting from the project. a5): Several easements encumber the site: a twenty -five foot wide easement to the County of Los Angeles exists along the frontage of the property for road purposes; a Los Angeles County Flood Control District easement of varying widths exists along the east side of the site for flood control channel purposes; an easement to the City of Downey exists along the frontage for bicycle trail purposes; and a twenty -five foot wide Cal Trans easement traverses the center of the site for flood control purposes. The project proponent has designed the project in consideration of those facilities. Due to the proximity of the Southern California Edison power lines, the California Public Utilities Commission requires a horizontal clearance of at least fifteen feet. The proposed project avoids locating buildings above the Cal Trans easement; however, Downey Fire expressed concerns that the weight of fire trucks could affect the structural integrity of the flood control (box culvert) storm drain. According to the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, the flood control storm drain is designed to HS- 20 Highway Loading, as specified in the Standard Specification for Highway Bridges of the American Association of State Highways. The Los Angeles County Flood Control District does not object to the work that is proposed outside the District's easement, since the berm is to remain untouched. The City of Downey's public utilities end approximately 350 feet east of the subject site. The project proponent has contacted the water service provider for the adjacent City to provide water service to the subject site and the City of Downey has no objection to this service connection. The project proponent does not anticipate sewer connection problems, citing plans to connect to an existing 8" sewer line in front of the property or connecting to a sewer line on the opposite side of the street in Bellflower. The proposed plan must adhere to SUSMP and NPDES requirements. City of Downey Page 15 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0 - EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact uses (e.g., farm equipment)? 14. RECREATION. a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that ❑ ❑ ❑ C1. substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b. Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which ® ❑ juji might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Response: (a and b): The project proposes to construct fourteen dwelling units on the subject site. Although Byron Zinn Park exists in Bellflower and on the Southern California Edison easement directly across the street from the project site, no physical deterioration of this facility will occur as a result of this project because the anticipated growth is not substantial. Therefore, no mitigation measures are necessary. 15. TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC. Would the project: a. Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system ❑ ❑ (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service ❑ standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results ® 11 in substantial safety risks? d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., 13 11 13 sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e. Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ f. Result in inadequate parking capacity? ® ❑ g. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting ❑ ❑ © Q alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? Response: (a and b): The Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) stipulates rates for each dwelling unit of "residential condominium townhouse" at 5.86 trips on average weekdays, 0.44 trips during the AM peak hour and 0.55 trips during the PM peak hour. Applying these rates for the 14 dwelling units at the project site suggests the project will generate 82 trips on average per week day, four during the AM peak hour and five during the PM peak hour. The fourteen units the project proposes will not result in a substantial increase in traffic impacts. City of Downey Page 16 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0- EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact (c): The project will not alter existing air traffic patterns or create additional air traffic. (d): The fourteen -unit project will exist at the end of Foster Road where very little vehicular traffic occurs. The proposed project will not increase hazards due to its design or incompatible use. (e): Emergency access to the site will be provided via Foster Road. The Downey Fire Department has reviewed the access points and on site circulation and has determined that access to the site will be adequate for emergency vehicles. (f): Parking requirements for multi - family dwelling units is two spaces for each unit and'/ parking space per unit for guest parking. The fourteen units require 35 parking spaces; whereas, the project proposes 60 spaces off- street parking spaces, which exceeds the minimum requirement. The project proposes two -car garages for each of the fourteen units, resulting in 28 spaces within enclosed garages; it designates eight guest parking spaces; and it provides twenty -foot long driveways in front of twelve units, which provides sufficient parking areas for 24 cars. (g): The design of the proposed project included all required dedication along the Foster Road right -of -way; therefore, the project is not expected to impact adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation. 16. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable ❑ 0 Pi >"V Regional Water Quality Control Board? b. Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing ❑ [,�l facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c. Require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ expanded entitlements needed? e. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to EJ 1-3 0 accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? City of Downey Page 17 June 8, 2016 CEQA INITIAL STUDY— PLN -15 -00004 (TENTATIVE MAP No. 72028, SITE PLAN REVIEW, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE) 4.0- EXHIBITS Potentially Potentially Significant Significant Impact - EIR Unless Less Than Analysis Is Mitigation Significant No required Incorporated Impact Impact Response: ' (a and g): The proposed project is within a fully developed urban community. All water, sewer, storm water, and solid waste services are provided directly or through contracts by the City of Downey. The existing systems are in place and have sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed 46 unit development. 17. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self - sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant orl [.Wi animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? "Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are 0 Ii 13 C considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c. Does the project have environmental effects which will j cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Response: (a): The City of Downey is an urbanized area that is mostly built out with only infill development potential. According to the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) that was prepared for the Downey Vision 2025 Comprehensive General Plan Update (SCH #2004031159), which was certified on January 25, 2005, there are no known species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species. Additionally, there are no known wetlands, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, within the City. As such, the proposed project will not degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. (b and c): Based on the analysis contained within this initial study, the proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant impact. When considered with past, current, and other proposed projects in the City, it is unlikely that the project will contribute towards any cumulative impact. Therefore, the project will not cause a substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly City of Downey Page 18 June 8, 2016