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Home My WebLink About5. PLN-19-00055 2018 Gen Pln Progress ReportSTAFF REPORT PLANNING DIVISION DATE: MAY 15, 2019 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVIEWED BY: CRYSTAL LANDAVAZO, CITY PLANNER PREPARED BY: MADALYN WELCH, ASSISTANT PLANNER SUBJECT: 2018 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT REPORT SUMMARY The 2018 General Plan Annual Progress Report summarizes the City’s progress with regards to implementation of the goals, policies and programs of the City’s General Plan. It also summarizes the activities of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Department from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve and forward the 2018 General Plan Annual Progress Report to the City Council. DISCUSSION The report has been prepared in compliance with California Government Code Section 65400 et. seq., which mandates the Planning Commission annually submit to the City Council, State Office of Planning and Research, and the Department of Housing and Community Development the status of the General Plan and the progress the City has made on implementing the goals and policies of the General Plan. During 2018, 7,176 people were assisted at the Planning counter. During the year, the Planning Division also accepted and processed 205 applications including Administrative, Planning Commission, and legislative applications to the City Council. The Planning Commission conducted 20 meetings and considered 34 items. A majority of the items considered by the Planning Commission were Special Event and Conditional Use Permits. Some of the larger projects that the Planning Commission considered include: •Randy’s Donuts (8721 Firestone Blvd) – The new 1,500 square foot donut shop with a drive-thru, replaced the former Xpress Auto Sales. The project’s plans have been approved and permits are ready to be issued to begin construction. PC AGENDA PAGE 1 2018 General Plan Annual Report May 15, 2019 - Page 2 •Refurbishing of the former Avenue Theater (11022 Downey Ave) – The former Avenue Theater was approved in 2018 to be converted into three businesses. The new tenants will be a live music venue, a restaurant with live entertainment, and another restaurant with no live entertainment. The project also includes façade remodels. The project is currently in the plan check process to obtain approval and begin construction. •4th Street Apartments (8139 4th St) – The plans for the new two-story, 8-unit apartment complex with 12 parking spaces are currently in the plan check process to then begin construction. The new residential property is located in the Downtown Downey Specific Plan and supports the General Plan by providing living spaces in the Downtown area. In 2018, the Building and Safety Division issued 1,761 permits for a total construction valuation of $101,140,134.25. These permits are for new construction, residential additions, and other minor improvements such as electrical, re-roof, plumbing, and window change-outs. A copy of the 2018 General Plan Annual Progress Report is attached hereto for the Planning Commission’s consideration. The report is broken into three major sections, an introduction, a review of the department activities, and a review of the General Plan policies that have been implemented in 2018. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Staff has reviewed the General Plan Annual Progress Report for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, staff determined that this request is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15306 (Class 6, Information Collection). Categorical Exemptions are projects, which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which have been exempted from the requirements of CEQA. Class 6 consists of projects which solely encompass information collecting and reporting, such as the annual report. PC AGENDA PAGE 2 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 2018 General Plan Annual Report Community Development Department PC AGENDA PAGE 3 2 City of Downey 11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 City Council (at the Ɵme of adopƟon) Rick Rodriguez, Mayor District 3 Blanca Pacheco, Mayor Pro‐Tem District 1 Sean Ashton District 2 Claudia Frometa District 4 Alex Saab District 5 Planning Commission (at the Ɵme of adopƟon) Steven Dominguez, Chairperson District 3 Miguel Duarte, Vice‐Chairperson District 1 Nolveris Frometa District 5 Patrick Owens District 2 Jimmy Spathopoulos District 4 PC AGENDA PAGE 4 3 City Staff City AdministraƟon Gilbert A. Livas City Manager John Oskoui Assistant City Manager Community Development Department Aldo E. Schindler Director of Community Development Crystal Landavazo City Planner Jessica Flores Economic Development & Housing Manager Richard Hicks Building Official Carrie Rios Senior Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Nguyen Assistant Planner PC AGENDA PAGE 5 4 IntroducƟon Page 5 ExecuƟve Summary Background InformaƟon Report Acceptance Date Community Development Updates Page 7 Planning Division Building and Safety Division Code Enforcement Unit Economic Development & Housing General Plan ImplementaƟon Status Page 15 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 Table of Contents PC AGENDA PAGE 6 5 ExecuƟve Summary The City of Downey’s 2018 General Plan Annual Progress Report is prepared by the Community Development Department with input from various City Departments including Public Works, Fire, Police, Parks and RecreaƟon. The report is indented to provide informaƟon on the measurable outcomes and acƟons associated with the implementaƟon of all of the General Plan elements. It also reviews the acƟviƟes of the Community Development Department including the Planning, Building and Safety, Economic Development & Housing, and Code Enforcement. The City of Downey General Plan is a long range comprehensive plan that will control and regulate land uses and development in the City. The individual Elements (land use, circulaƟon, housing, conservaƟon, open space, noise, safety, design, and economic development) of this General Plan contain policies and programs that will guide future development in the City. California Government Code SecƟon 65400 et seq. requires the City to annually review the General Plan. An annual report should be prepared for review and approval by the Planning Commission/City Council and forwarded to the State Office of Planning and Research and the State Housing and Community Development office. Introduction PC AGENDA PAGE 7 6 Background InformaƟon 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 Gardendale Street and Foster Road to the south. CiƟes bordering Downey include Pico Rivera, 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 from 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 113,832 residents (Source: Finance Department, City of Downey Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year—ended June 30, 2018. The issues addressed by 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, convenient, and aƩracƟve community for those that live, work, or visit Downey. Department OrganizaƟonal Chart Acceptance Date The 2018 General Plan Annual Progress Report was reviewed by the Planning Commission on May 15, 2019, and accepted by the City Council on May 28, 2019. PC AGENDA PAGE 8 7 Community Development Department Accomplishments PC AGENDA PAGE 9 8 The Planning Division maintains and implements the Downey Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, and prepares other specialized planning documents. The division reviews development requests for conformance with the City's planning policies and standards, and conducts environmental review under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The list below outlines the acƟviƟes of the Planning Division from January 2018 through December 2018. 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 enƟtlement applicaƟons for the Planning Commission and City Council Reviewing and approving business license applicaƟons for zoning compliance Reviewing development plans for compliance with City standards (Plan Checks) Counter AcƟvity Counter acƟvity represents the number of counter visits recorded in the Planning Division. Records of counter visits are kept and tracked on a monthly basis. Historically, counter acƟvity has been greater during summer, while lower in the winter. In 2018, the total counter visits were 7,176. August was the busiest month of counter acƟvity with 732 visits. Planning Division 601 567 585 624 651 650 625 732 607 617 484 433 0 200 400 600 800 Monthly Counter Activity 2018 PC AGENDA PAGE 10 9 Planning ApplicaƟons Planning applicaƟons in 2018, including AdministraƟve, Planning Commission, and legislaƟve items to the City Council, totaled 205. Also, Planning staff reviewed business licenses and conducted plan check review to ensure the proposed business, improvement and new construcƟon were in compliance with the zoning code. Accessory Dwelling Units In 2018, the Planning Department completed a Zone Text Amendment that allowed the construcƟon of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) on residenƟally zoned properƟes within the City of Downey. The Amendment was adopted May 22, 2018 and added regulaƟons to provide a mechanism for accommodaƟng ADUs in appropriate residenƟal areas and govern the creaƟon of ADUs within the City. Biomedical Overlay Zone The City of Downey established new regulaƟons and development standards to coincide with the updated Hospital‐Medical Arts (H‐M) zone. The Biomedical Overlay Zone provides opportunity and aƩracts more medical related uses to the City of Downey. Imperial Highway Plan Staff worked with consultants to develop a strategic plan that contains economic development goals and strategies, as well as an implementaƟon plan outlining the Ɵming, anƟcipated cost and potenƟal funding Planning ApplicaƟons Temporary Signs 19 Sign Permits 54 CondiƟonal Use Permits 21 Sidewalk/ Parking Sales 24 Fireworks Stands 17 Christmas tree Lots / Pumpkin Patches 3 Special Events 14 Minor ModiﬁcaƟons 8 Zone Changes 2 TentaƟve Parcel/ Tract Maps 1 Planned Sign Program 5 Temporary Roof Mounted Balloon 1 Searchlight for Special Event 1 CerƟﬁcate of Compliance 2 NegaƟve DeclaraƟon 1 Code Amendments 5 Lot Line Adjustments 2 Miscellaneous AcƟons 4 Minor CondiƟonal Use Permit 3 Variances 4 Site Plan Review 8 Temporary Use of Land Permit 1 Minor Site Plan Review 1 Final Tract/ Parcel Map 4 Street Faire Community Development staff parƟcipated in the 25th annual Street Faire on May 5, 2018, which occurred on Brookshire Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and 5th Street. Staff members were presented throughout the day to provide informaƟon on City programs, policies and answer general quesƟons in regards to development in the City. PC AGENDA PAGE 11 10 Rancho South Campus The City of Downey was awarded a grant that has been uƟlized to create a speciﬁc plan for the Rancho South Campus area in coordinaƟon with future plans to develop a staƟon for the future Eco‐Rapid line. Los Angeles County is in the environmental scoping process. Metro is also in their environmental review phase aŌer holding scoping meeƟngs to gain input from the community regarding the environmental process for this project. Planning Commission The Planning Commission conducts public hearings on most enƟtlements, including new commercial and mulƟ‐family residenƟal buildings, condiƟonally permiƩed uses, variances and similar land use requests. 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 2018, the Planning Commission conducted 20 meeƟngs during which they considered 34 items. Below is a list of some of the major projects that were approved by the Planning Commission: Randy’s Donuts (8721 Firestone Blvd) ‐ A new 1,500 square foot donut shop with drive‐thru, was approved on the subject site and will replace the former Xpress Auto Sales. The project’s plans were reviewed through the building plan check process and have been approved. Building per‐ mits are ready to be issued to begin construcƟon. 4th Street Apartments (8139 4th St) – A new two‐story, 8‐unit apartment complex with 12 parking spaces was approved and is currently in the Building plan check process to obtain approval and begin construcƟon. The new residenƟal development is located in the Downtown Downey Spe‐ ciﬁc Plan and supports the General Plan by providing living spaces in the Downtown area. Refurbishing of former Avenue Theater (11022 Downey Ave) ‐ The former Avenue Theater was approved to be converted into three businesses. A live music venue, a restaurant with live enter‐ tainment, and another restaurant with no live entertainment. The project also includes façade remodels. The project is currently under review in the Building plan check process to obtain ap‐ proval and begin construcƟon. PC AGENDA PAGE 12 11 The Economic Development and Housing Division oversees and is responsible for facilitaƟng the growth of the local economy in Downey. More importantly, the Division works with City staff, local business entrepreneurs, developers, contractors, and the Downey Chamber of Commerce, to aƩract and retain quality development projects in Downey. In 2018, the Economic Development Division staff facilitated several key projects in Downey. Counter AcƟvity In 2018, the total counter visits for Economic Development and Housing Divisions were 516. August was the busiest month of counter acƟvity with 66 visits. (This space left intentionally blank) Economic Development & Housing PC AGENDA PAGE 13 12 The primary goal of the Economic Development & Housing Division is to facilitate and encourage economic growth and meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. These objecƟves are achieved through the implementaƟon of long‐term goals and short‐term policies established in the City of Downey’s Housing Element. In 2018, the economic development division assisted in the formaƟon of the Downtown Downey Community Beneﬁt District. An iniƟaƟve that can raise nearly $232,385 annually to be reinvested into improvements within the City’s Downtown. Also accomplished in 2018 was the reallocaƟon of funds to be used towards the development of the proposed ﬁve‐acre Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Sports Field Complex. This investment is a total of $3 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) SecƟon 108 Loan Guarantee Program. In 2018, the Housing Division conƟnued to offer the “Housing RehabilitaƟon Grant Program”. The grant program was offered to households who fell within the 50 percent Annual Median Income as deﬁned by HUD. This was made available to owner‐occupied single family residenƟal properƟes with the goal of processing approximately 10 projects during the ﬁscal year. A total of 13 home improvement projects were completed with an investment of $457,770 in grant money received by HUD. The primary funding source comes from The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (“HUD”) annual allocaƟon of the 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. Economic Development & Housing PC AGENDA PAGE 14 13 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. In 2018, the total counter visits for Code Enforcement Unit were 1,082. October was the busiest month with 138 cases. Code Enforcement acƟvity for the year of 2018 involved 5,841 cases for various property violaƟons (i.e. commercial, residenƟal, public street, park and recreaƟonal). July had the highest number of new cases generated with 628 cases. In addiƟon to conduct property violaƟon inspecƟons, Code Enforcement Officers conducted inspecƟons on yard sale permits and were proacƟve in issuing administraƟve citaƟons. Code Enforcement Unit 336 316 404 472 400 550 628 592 549 563 573 458 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Code Cases by Month 2018 PC AGENDA PAGE 15 14 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 Zoning and Building regulaƟons. The 2016 California Building Standards Code (California Code of RegulaƟons, Title 24) was adopted and went into effect on January 1, 2017. In 2018, the Building and Safety Division accepted 2,000 permit applicaƟons and issued 1,761 building permits. The total valuaƟon for all permits issued was $101,140,134.25. These applicaƟons include all construcƟon related projects and installaƟon of mechanical and uƟlity equipment. Also, there were a total of 69 new residenƟal dwellings constructed in 2018. In addiƟon, the Building & Safety Inspectors have conducted 11,579 inspecƟons. Building & Safety’s counter acƟvity has always been busy during summer. In 2018, the total counter visits were 11,595. August was the busiest month of counter acƟvity with 1,136 visits. Building and Safety Division 975 956 1,013 943 1,069 1,026 951 1,136 931 1,004 885 706 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Monthly Counter Activity 2018 PC AGENDA PAGE 16 15 General Plan Implementation Status PC AGENDA PAGE 17 16 The Land Use chapter establishes the policies for determining where certain land uses, such as residenƟal, commercial, industrial, are most desirable. The Land Use chapter deﬁnes the physical areas in the City serving the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Promote housing projects and mixed use projects that include housing within areas designated for the downtown area, transit‐oriented developments, and areas in the vicinity of the Downey Landing project (Program 1.1.2.3.). In 2018, a new 8‐unit apartment complex was completed in the Downtown Downey Zone. This addiƟon is a two‐story complex with 12 parking spaces. The addiƟon of these housing units is expected to increase nighƫme acƟviƟes and pedestrian traffic in the Downtown. Promote the Downtown area as a desƟnaƟon point for entertainment, dining, civic, and other acƟviƟes (Program 1.2.2.1.). Downtown Downey conƟnues to support and encourage community events including outdoor events for businesses such as the annual Downey Street Faire, St. George Greek FesƟval, Veteran and Memorial Day Events at Bastards Canteen restaurant. These type of events have drawn large crowds to the downtown area and created a lively environment for the community. Adjust the codes, policies, and regulaƟons in response to changes in land use trends (Program 1.3.2.2.) Staff requested that City Officials iniƟate a Zone Amendment to consider updaƟng the Municipal Code to allow a bio‐medical overlay zone to encourage medical land uses in the City of Downey. The bio‐medical industry not only includes medical offices and care faciliƟes, but also includes all support services such as manufacturing, research, development, educaƟon, and pharmaceuƟcal. Discourage residenƟal construcƟon not in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood (Program 1.4.2.1.) Staff conƟnued to monitor and promote residenƟal construcƟon projects that ensure the architecture and general appearance of the building would be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Chapter 1 Land Use Element PC AGENDA PAGE 18 17 The safe and efficient movement of people and goods through ciƟes is provided by a circulaƟon system ranging from sidewalks to roadways. As populaƟon and economic growth conƟnue, ciƟes have the challenge of improving the circulaƟon system to deal with increased demands. PopulaƟon and economic growth also impact the infrastructure needed to provide uƟliƟes and other services for those who live, work, and visit Downey. Traffic CongesƟon Maintain intersecƟons and street segments at acceptable service levels and not worsen those intersecƟons and street segments currently operaƟng at unacceptable levels (Program 2.1.1.1.). The Lakewood Blvd. Improvements Project – Phase 3C extends previously‐completed phases of the Lakewood Blvd. Improvements Project from GallaƟn Road northerly to Telegraph Road. This project involved the widening of Lakewood Blvd. in order to provide three lanes in each direcƟon and was completed in October 2018. The city is also in the process of iniƟaƟng improvements at the following intersecƟons in order to maintain an acceptable level‐of‐service, increase mobility and enhance safety at these locaƟons: Lakewood Blvd. at Florence Ave. – this project will add addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the northbound and southbound direcƟons on Lakewood Blvd. as well as add an exclusive right ‐turn lane in the westbound direcƟon on Florence Ave. The city is in the process of selecƟng a consultant to complete the environmental and design phases of the project. ConstrucƟon is esƟmated to commence in summer 2021. Lakewood Blvd. at Firestone Blvd. ‐ this project will add addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the northbound and southbound direcƟons on Lakewood Blvd. The city is in the process of selecƟng a consultant to complete the environmental and design phases of the project. ConstrucƟon is esƟmated to commence in summer 2020. Lakewood Blvd. at Imperial Hwy. ‐ this project will add addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the eastbound and westbound direcƟons on Imperial Hwy. The city is in the process of selecƟng a consultant to complete the environmental and design phases of the project. ConstrucƟon is esƟmated to commence in summer 2021. Paramount Blvd. at Imperial Hwy. ‐ this project will add addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the southbound and westbound direcƟons on Imperial Hwy. The city is in the process of selecƟng a consultant to complete the environmental and design phases of the project. ConstrucƟon is esƟmated to commence in fall 2021. Chapter 2 CirculaƟon Element PC AGENDA PAGE 19 18 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 been incrementally expanding the traffic signal control system. IniƟally, the Traffic Management Center was implemented at City Hall in 2005 and the ﬁrst ﬁber‐opƟc traffic signal communicaƟons systems were installed along the Lakewood Blvd. and Firestone Blvd. corridors. AddiƟonal systems have since been implemented along Florence Avenue, Paramount Boulevard, Bellﬂower Boulevard, Imperial Hwy and Telegraph Road. The City will be further expanding the ﬁber‐opƟc communicaƟons networks along the Woodruff Ave., Stewart & Gray Rd. and Old River School Rd. corridors. In addiƟon, the city is currently in the process of upgrading the system soŌware and other elements of the TMC to maintain pace with current technology and replace obsolete hardware and soŌware. CompleƟon of this task is anƟcipated in December 2019. The Woodruff Avenue Traffic Signal CommunicaƟon System will involve the expansion of the city’s traffic signal communicaƟon system along Woodruff Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Foster Road. The design phase of this project is complete. The esƟmated compleƟon date for the construcƟon phase of this project is spring 2020. The Stewart & Gray Road Traffic Signal CommunicaƟon System will involve the expansion of the city’s traffic signal communicaƟon system along Stewart & Gray Road between Old River School Road and Woodruff Avenue. This project is currently in the design phase. The esƟmated compleƟon date for the construcƟon phase of this project is fall 2020. The Old River School Road Traffic Signal CommunicaƟon System will involve the expansion of the city’s traffic signal communicaƟon system along Old River School Road between Imperial Highway and Firestone Boulevard. This project is currently in the design phase. The esƟmated compleƟon date for the construcƟon phase of this project is spring 2020. Encourage appropriate turn lanes and other operaƟonal improvements at major arterial intersecƟons idenƟﬁed as congested (Program 2.1.1.6.). Major capacity improvements were recently completed on Lakewood Blvd. between GallaƟn Rd. and Telegraph Rd. and are proposed at four intersecƟons as described in Program 2.1.1.1. The city received funding through the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) (Cycle 7) to upgrade and implement operaƟonal improvements to the exisƟng traffic signals at six (6) intersecƟons along Paramount Boulevard as well as ﬁve (5) intersecƟons along Stewart & Gray Road. In addiƟon, the city received HSIP funding (Cycle 8) to upgrade and implement operaƟonal improvements to the exisƟng traffic signals at three (3) intersecƟons along Imperial Highway. The proposed traffic signal upgrades at the intersecƟons along Paramount Boulevard, Stewart & Gray Road and Imperial Highway are currently in the design phase. The esƟmated compleƟon dates for implementaƟon of the traffic signal upgrades along Chapter 2 CirculaƟon Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 20 19 Paramount Blvd. and Stewart & Gray Rd. is fall 2020. The esƟmated compleƟon date for the implementaƟon of the traffic signal upgrades along Imperial Hwy. is spring 2021. 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.). Developer fees are collected on a case‐by‐case basis by the Public Works Department through the development plan review/enƟtlement process. Approximately $1 million is collected from developers each year. In addiƟon, the city is proposing to complete a transportaƟon impact developer fee nexus study in conjuncƟon with the next General Plan CirculaƟon Element update. 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.). Land development projects are reviewed on a case‐by‐case basis for potenƟal traffic impact. 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 on any designated CMP faciliƟes or the amount of development fee to be collected. For example, traffic studies are currently under preparaƟon in conjuncƟon with the environmental documents being prepared for the proposed redevelopment of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Speciﬁc Plan as well as the Eco Rapid Transit Line. 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 and operaƟonal efficiency at these intersecƟons in order to encourage through traffic on arterial streets and minimize intrusion through residenƟal neighborhoods. In addiƟon, the recently‐completed Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project Phase 3C involved the widening of the major arterial to provide three through lanes in each direcƟon between GallaƟn Rd. and Telegraph Rd. in order to increase the capacity and mobility along Lakewood Blvd. to minimize intrusion through residenƟal neighborhoods. Furthermore, the traffic signal communicaƟon system projects menƟoned in Program 2.1.1.3 will improve mobility along the Woodruff Ave., Stewart & Gray Rd. and Old River School Rd. corridors which will also minimize intrusion through residenƟal neighborhoods. In addiƟon, the city’s Traffic Calming Program provides a framework for discouraging through traffic on local streets through a series of traffic calming measures which are applied to local residenƟal streets as appropriate in response to complaints submiƩed by residents. Chapter 2 CirculaƟon Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 21 20 Travel AlternaƟves  Encourage the use of bicycling as a form of transportaƟon for employment commuƟng and business purposes, in addiƟon to recreaƟonal purposes (Program 2.2.2.1.). Bike lanes have been installed throughout various major streets in Downey. These bike lanes provided a healthy opƟon to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each bike on the road means one less car. Also, bike lanes have a “traffic calming "effect, meaning roads that appear narrow result in slower vehicular speeds improving safety and increasing driver’s reacƟon Ɵmes.  Promote home‐based businesses (Program 2.2.3.4.). In 2018, the city issued 96 business licenses for home‐based business. This allows people who live in residenƟal zoned properƟes an opportunity to work from home. The majority of the licenses are on‐line sale and real estate businesses. Truck Traffic Co‐ordinate with local, regional, and state agencies involved in miƟgaƟng truck traffic impacts in the region (Program 2.3.1.2.). The City of Downey Public Works Department issues 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, truck circulaƟon improvements will be incorporated in the various proposed intersecƟon improvements as referenced in Program 2.1.1.1. Discourage truck parking on public streets (Program 2.3.2.1.). The Public Works Traffic Division conƟnued to implement parking prohibiƟons of large commercial vehicles on public streets. DMC SecƟon 3185 (b) prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles exceeding 6,000 lbs. manufacturer’s unladed weight or 84 inches in height or width on all public streets with the excepƟon of those streets located within areas zoned industrial, the vehicle is involved with the servicing of the adjacent property or for a period not to exceed eight hours if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or is disabled. The Downey Police Department’s Traffic Unit conƟnued to monitor and issue citaƟons for those in violaƟon. Chapter 2 CirculaƟon Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 22 21 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). Approximately $5 million annually is programmed in the city’s Capital Improvement Program for the rehabilitaƟon and/or 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. The City collects $1.5 million annually from its trash collecƟon company which is applied towards the rehabilitaƟon of the City’s residenƟal streets. Regional Traffic Coordinate with CalTrans, METRO, SCAG, Gateway CiƟes COG and other agencies to promote mulƟ‐modal improvement strategies to improve the regional transportaƟon network (Program 2.4.1.1). City staff conƟnued to parƟcipate in the development of the West Santa Ana Branch (WSAB) Transit Corridor Project. It is a new 20‐mile light rail transit line that would connect downtown Los Angeles to southeast LA County, serving the ciƟes and communiƟes including Downey. Metro has formally iniƟated the DraŌ Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) phase. In response to comments received during the scoping period and ongoing technical analysis, Metro has been studying new potenƟal alignments in addiƟon to the original four Northern Alignment OpƟons (alignment between downtown Los Angeles and City of HunƟngton Park). 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 City continues to use the customer service check‐in kiosk system to better expedite service at the public counters. This new system allows staffs to provide an effective and efficient service to our customers and to enhance communicaƟons between various City Departments in terms of speed, capacity and reliability. This system also allows Staff to reﬂect on raƟngs of services to ensure customer service is excepƟonal. Promote alternaƟve funding sources for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades (Program 2.7.2.1.). In an effort to conƟnue to advance the recreaƟonal faciliƟes, the city obtained $3,000,000 through HUD funding and $2,200,000 will be used towards the three (3) syntheƟc turf soccer ﬁelds as part of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Sports Fields project. Also, Measure S went into effect in April 2017 and expected to generate approximately $9 million per year to protect and enhance the quality of services to the community. Chapter 2 CirculaƟon Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 23 22 The California State Legislature has idenƟﬁed the “AƩainment of a decent home and suitable living environment for every ciƟzen”, as the State’s major housing goal. Accordingly, the State of California mandates that each county and city maintain a Housing Element in their General Plan. SecƟon 65583 of the Government Code sets forth the speciﬁc components to be contained in a community’s housing element, including the City’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). In addiƟon to providing assistance and guidance for the City’s Housing Element, the Housing Division administers a variety of community development acƟviƟes including affordable housing acƟviƟes, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public faciliƟes, and support for needed public services. The following is in regards to Chapter 2 (Housing Plan) of the 2014‐2021 Housing Element goals administered by the Housing Division: Program 2 – The Housing Rebate and Grant Program 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. Status: A total of $457,770 in funds were granted to 13 separate property owners of low to moderate income households for various eligible residenƟal improvements. Program 3 – Monitor and Preserve Affordable Housing ObjecƟve: City staff conƟnued to maintain a list of affordable housing 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 nonproﬁts to preserve and expand affordable housing in the City. Status: An inventory of the City's affordable housing units is kept and maintained by the City's Community Development Department. Currently, 197 affordable units exist in the city. ConƟnued educaƟon is provided to property owners in an effort to maintain compliance with deed restricƟons. Standards, beneﬁts, and incenƟves related to affordable housing are also shared with any persons interested in the construcƟon of a residenƟal development. Chapter 3 Housing Element PC AGENDA PAGE 24 23 Program 5 – Housing Opportunity Sites ObjecƟve: Staff will conƟnue to facilitate the redevelopment of underuƟlized sites through various outreach methods to the development community through an updated inventory available throughout the 2014‐2021 City of Downey 2014 ‐ 2021 Housing Element 25 planning cycle. Provide informaƟon to interested developers and on the City’s website about potenƟal residenƟal opportunity sites. Status: The City conƟnues to encourage and advocate for the construcƟon/ redevelopment of underuƟlized parcels as an ongoing effort. In 2018, one applicaƟon was submiƩed as an enƟtlement that (if approved) will maximize that parcel's allowed density. In addiƟon, single family lots have also created accessory dwelling units (ADU) in areas that were not previously allowed to do so. A total of three ADUs were approved in 2018. Program 9 – SecƟon 8 Rental Assistance 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. Status: In 2018, there were 548 total units within the City parƟcipaƟng in the SecƟon 8 program. The Housing Authority operates the program and is responsible for issuing vouchers. Program 16 – Planning and Development Fees ObjecƟve: ConƟnue to conduct annual reviews of planning and development fees. Status: In 2018, fees were adjusted and raised for the majority of development applicaƟons. Changes were made in an effort to recover cost for services, yet total cost for service sƟll remains higher than the applicable fee. Change in fees remains appropriate and consistent with surrounding communiƟes. Chapter 3 Housing Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 25 24 Program 21 – Fair Housing Objective: Staff continued to assist households through the Fair Housing Foundation (“FHF”) and continue to refer fair housing complaints to the FHF. Status: In 2018, at least 250 Downey residents were assisted by the FHF. Regional Housing Need AllocaƟon (RHNA) Each local government in California is required to adopt a Housing Element as part of its General Plan that shows how the community plans to meet the exisƟng and projected housing needs of people at all income levels. The Regional Housing Need AllocaƟon (RHNA) is the state‐mandated process to idenƟfy the total number of housing units (by affordability level) that each jurisdicƟon must accommodate in its Housing Element. In 2018, City of Downey issued 87 building permits for the construcƟon of new homes. The State Housing Report is aƩached to this report as an appendix to provide addiƟonal details pertaining to the Housing Element’s plans and accommodaƟons to housing needs within the City of Downey. Chapter 3 Housing Element conƟnued RHNA AllocaƟon by Income PC AGENDA PAGE 26 25 The City of Downey, like 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. Extreme drought condiƟons conƟnued through much of 2016, making conservaƟon criƟcal. Water Supply ConƟnue providing informaƟon to the public promoƟng the beneﬁts of water conservaƟon (Program 4.1.1.1.). The Public Works Department conƟnued to provide public educaƟon on water use habits and drought tolerant landscaping via the Street Faire, NaƟonal Night Out, Ride & Stride event, and landscaping workshops. In addiƟon, staff conƟnued to provide samples of syntheƟc turf at the Community Development Department Planning counter. Residents were encouraged to work with Planning staff for addiƟonal informaƟon regarding installaƟon and materials. 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 conƟnued 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, Columbia Memorial Space Center, and Sports Park. The City currently maintains 35 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. 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 conƟnued to require contractors and developers to install recycled water services/piping and meters where recycled water is located in proximity to the development projects. Expand the availability of reclaimed water by extending the dual‐pipe water system (Program 4.1.1.5.). The recycled water facility at the Downey Promenade Shopping Center allows the use of recycled water for landscape irrigaƟon at medians/parkways along Lakewood Boulevard, Bellﬂower Boulevard and future construcƟon projects along these corridor. Chapter 4 ConservaƟon Element PC AGENDA PAGE 27 26 Stormwater Quality Provide treatment of runoff generated by properƟes on‐site before release into the storm drain system (Program 4.3.1.1.). 47 development and redevelopment projects were approved for construcƟon with inﬁltraƟon systems to capture and store runoff to reduce pollutant transport and augment local water levels beneath the ground. As public, commercial and residenƟal projects are redeveloped, runoff control measures are implemented in the form of inﬁltraƟon resulƟng in a steady improvement in water quality and local water levels. Promote effecƟve street cleaning (Program 4.3.1.3.). The NaƟonwide Environmental Services conƟnued to vacuum‐swept the city streets weekly. These streets are posted with “No Parking” signs during the appointed period and Parking Enforcement Officers accompany the sweeper vehicles. Residents uƟlizing a Street Sweeping Parking Permit are responsible for maintaining the street area adjacent to their properƟes as a condiƟon of being exempted from the posted parking restricƟons. 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 conƟnued to share responsibility for implemenƟng Program 4.3.1.4 of the City Vision 2025 General Plan. Public Works focused 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. Tree PreservaƟon Promote the installaƟon of new trees when damaged or dying trees are removed (Program 4.4.1.3.). The Public Works Department conƟnued to work with property owners to ensure that the removal of damaged trees and the placement of new trees comply with City’s Tree Ordinance. Public Works Department is responsible to review and approve all proposed landscaping plans within the public right‐of‐ways and street medians. SecƟon 7605 of the Downey Municipal Code speciﬁes that, “Any public street tree removed shall be replaced if a replacement is deemed appropriate and if it is mutually agreed to by both the City and the property owner.” Chapter 4 ConservaƟon Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 28 27 Air Quality 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 previously menƟoned in Program 2.2.2.1., the City had been implemenƟng the recently adopted Bicycle Master Plan (BMP). This including the addiƟon of bike lanes on various primary and secondary arterials. These bike lanes provided a healthy opƟon to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each bike on the road means one less car. Promote the use of alternaƟve fuel vehicles, including clean diesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, that result in reduced emissions, including in instances involving City operaƟons (Program 4.5.1.5.). With the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles, addiƟonal charging staƟons have been installed in public and private faciliƟes (City Library, Promenade at Downey, Stonewood Mall, and The Commons Commercial Center) to promote the use of natural gas and pure electric vehicles. Energy Resources Ensure the installaƟon of energy efficient street lights and traffic signals (Program 4.6.2.1.). The City uƟlizes light‐emiƫng diode (LED) vehicle and pedestrian indicaƟons at all signalized intersecƟons owned and maintained by the City. In addiƟon, the City uƟlizes LED technology at all City‐owned and maintained street and pedestrian lights. Chapter 4 ConservaƟon Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 29 28 Natural and non‐natural hazards present a variety of risks to persons who live, work, and visit the City. The aim of the City is to reduce the potenƟal risk of death, injuries, property damage, and the eco‐ nomic and social dislocaƟon resulƟng from hazards. Disaster Response Coordinate emergency preparedness with the federal, state, school district and other local agencies (Program 5.1.2.3.). The Office of Emergency Management throughout the year, has coordinated with the federal, state, and neighboring local agencies’ in preparing for response and recovery efforts in the event of disasters. This was done through planning, training and exercising; the goal is to minimize the loss of lives and property. Monitor the locaƟon, type of facility, and amount of hazardous materials kept at properƟes (Program 5.2.1.2.). The Fire Department conƟnues to monitor 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 com‐ pliance with both the Fire and Health & Safety Codes. The frequency of these inspecƟons ex‐ ceed the State’s minimum requirement that hazardous materials inspecƟons 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 disposal (Program 5.2.1.3.). The Downey Fire Department conƟnued to update its website to provide up‐to‐date informaƟon on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. The website’s Emergency Prepared‐ ness secƟon contains informaƟon on hazardous material awareness and safety, in addiƟon to educaƟonal informaƟon on ﬁre safety. 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 Bureau conƟnued to conduct inspecƟons during the business license applicaƟon process. Once idenƟﬁed as a handler of hazardous materials, these businesses receive an inspecƟon from Downey Fire Department’s Hazardous Material SecƟon to ensure 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. Chapter 5 Safety Element PC AGENDA PAGE 30 29 Hazardous Materials 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). The City conƟnued to offer programs that encourages residents to dispose hazardous waste materials (i.e. electronic devices) to both the SanitaƟon Districts of Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste CollecƟon Program and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Safe Drug Drop‐off Program, which accepts expired prescripƟon medicaƟons and sharps (i.e., needles). The Downey Police Department and Downey C.E.R.T members parƟcipated in the annual NaƟonal PrescripƟon Drug‐Take Back IniƟaƟve. Downey residents had an opportunity to drop off expired, unused and unwanted prescripƟon drugs. All of the collected items were turned over to the D.E.A for disposal. Fire ProtecƟon Promote adequate widths on travel lanes along street and alleys to accommodate emergency vehicles (Program 5.3.1.2.). The Fire PrevenƟon Bureau personnel, under the direcƟon of the Fire Chief, conƟnued to review plans diligently to ensure emergency vehicle access through private driveways, public streets, and alleys will be accommodated. This review is completed early in the Planning applicaƟon process to ensure proper site layout is achieved. 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.). The Fire and Public Works Departments conƟnued to enforce the requirements for addiƟonal ﬁre hydrants for development projects through the plan check process. The Community Development Department conƟnued to conduct Development Review CommiƩee (DRC) meeƟngs to allow various City Departments to offer comments and condiƟons for a proposed project. Promote the use of ﬁre sprinklers for new, expanded, and remodeled developments (Program 5.3.2.4.). The Fire PrevenƟon Bureau conƟnued 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.). The Fire PrevenƟon Bureau conƟnued to require emergency lighƟng, exit signs, Knox box, and 2A‐10BC ﬁre exƟnguishers for all commercial and industrial projects. Chapter 5 Safety Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 31 30 Police ProtecƟon 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 conƟnued to work closely with the community by providing crime prevenƟon Ɵps and educaƟon through the 219 Neighborhood Watch Groups, along with various social media plaƞorms. In addiƟon, to conƟnue the high level of service to the community, the Department hired 13 Police Officers, 4 Dispatchers, 5 Police Aides, 3 Office Assistants, 3 Records Specialists, 1 Forensic Specialist, and 1 Forensic Intern. Maintain an acceptable response Ɵme for police emergency service calls (Program 5.4.1.2.). The Police Department conƟnued to maintain a swiŌ response Ɵme to high priority emergency calls that require immediate assistance to ensure the public’s safety. Promote the use of technology as tools to improve staff producƟvity (Program 5.4.1.5.). The Police Department conƟnued to expand its use of technology through the growth of its social media presence. In addiƟon, ciƟzen’s will soon be able to ﬁle various types of police reports online. Progress was also made towards upgrading the Department’s radio system, along with the Computer Automated Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS, to provide beƩer service to the residents and those that visit the city. Coordinate with Federal, State, and County agencies to address illegal acƟviƟes (Program 5.4.1.7.). The Department conƟnued to receive both state and federal funding (grants) to provide directed enforcement and educaƟon to residents pertaining to traffic safety, along with alcohol and tobacco related criminal behavior. The Special Enforcement Team conducted several operaƟons funded by the State’s Alcohol Beverage and Control grant to target various individuals and businesses found selling alcohol to minors. In addiƟon, educaƟonal classes were held to provide instrucƟon to employees regarding the sales of alcohol. Funding from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, allowed the Department to conduct several checkpoints and specialized patrols, targeƟng those found operaƟng motor vehicles under the inﬂuence of alcohol and/or drugs. Chapter 5 Safety Element PC AGENDA PAGE 32 31 Support community organizaƟons and neighborhood awareness programs that promote crime prevenƟon, including prevenƟng gang acƟvity (Program 5.4.2.2.). The Department conƟnued to parƟcipate in awareness programs such as Gangs Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) and promoted crime prevenƟon through its Neighborhood Watch Program, which expanded from 214 groups to 219. In addiƟon, the Police Department dedicated 2 Police Officers to work closely with Clinicians from the Los County Department of Mental Health to provide outreach and services to those in need. The Mental EvaluaƟon Team (M.E.T.) members receive specialized training to beƩer assist those with challenges caused by various types of mental illness. Promote coordinaƟon between schools and the City to address juvenile crime in a proacƟve and prevenƟve manner (Program 5.4.2.5.). The Police Department Expanded the Department’s internet presence with the creaƟon of a “Social Media Team”, responsible for interacƟng with the public via social media, while also producing public advisory videos. The department also hosted monthly Safe Schools meeƟngs with DUSD administrators and parƟcipated in the School Resource Officer Program and Gangs Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) meeƟngs in collaboraƟon to provide a safer environment for the city’s students and educators. Earthquake Safety Monitor groundwater table levels as they relate to liquefacƟon hazards (Program 5.5.1.3.). Public Works conƟnued to regularly observe ground water levels at well sites around the City. The ground water table is typically greater than 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 approval. Ensure the placement of uƟlity lines underground (Program 5.5.1.6.). The Public Works Department conƟnued to implement Underground UƟlity Districts for all development projects. In addiƟon, Southern California Edison Company conƟnued to prohibit the use of vaults installed above ground to protect the equipment and electrical lines from the intrusion of moisture. Chapter 5 Safety Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 33 32 Floods Educate the public that the City is located in an “X” ﬂood zone where ﬂood insurance is no longer mandatory (Program 5.6.1.2.). The Public Works Department conƟnued to provide handouts at the public counter regarding the current FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) and ﬂood zoning . FIRM informaƟon can be found at www.fema.gov website. Minimize increases in the amount of stormwater generated by exisƟng and proposed land uses (Program 5.6.2.1.). The Public Works Department conƟnued to enforce NaƟonal Pollutant Discharge EliminaƟon System (NPDES) requirements, during plan check review 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 85th percenƟle within 24‐hour runoff event (whichever is greater) 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 85th percenƟle or 0.75 inch in a 24‐ hour event (whichever is greater) of projected runoff can be inﬁltrated. Vehicular Traffic Require street lights for new developments (Program 5.7.1.2.). The City conƟnued to require developers to install new street lights adjacent to the new developments 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, properƟes are annexed into the City of Downey LighƟng Maintenance District in accordance with Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code. Encourage the installaƟon of sidewalks in new developments and major remodeling consistent with the sidewalk Master Plan (Program 5.7.2.2.). The City requires land developers and property owners to construct new sidewalk where it doesn’t exist through the enƟtlement process in conjuncƟon with new on‐site construcƟon involving the adjacent property. The City is currently undertaking the development of a Citywide Pedestrian Plan which will serve as a blueprint for the gradual development of the City’s circulaƟon system over Ɵme. In addiƟon, the City is compleƟng a project which will involve the construcƟon of approximately 6,750 linear feet of new sidewalk in the proximity of ﬁve elementary schools in the southern porƟon of the City. The City is currently in the process of retaining a consultant to complete the design phase of the project. ConstrucƟon is esƟmated to be complete by winter 2020. Chapter 5 Safety Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 34 33 Promote street intersecƟon design and signalizaƟon that are safe and convenient to pedestrians and bicyclists (Program 5.7.2.3). The safety and convenience of pedestrians and bicyclists are taken into consideraƟon in the designs of intersecƟons as well as signalizaƟon. IntersecƟons are designed to be accessible to pedestrians in compliance with the Americans with DisabiliƟes Act (ADA). In addiƟon, the Citywide Pedestrian Plan will recommend a series of projects featuring innovaƟve pedestrian treatments and ameniƟes to be deployed at intersecƟons such as curb extensions. Furthermore, the City completed a citywide safety lighƟng retroﬁt in 2018 which involved the conversion of all city‐owned safety lights at intersecƟons to LED luminaires. Traffic signal installaƟons and upgrades also take pedestrian and bicycle safety and convenience into consideraƟon through the use of pedestrian countdown indicaƟons and pedestrian accessible pushbuƩons (a few of which are audible for the blind). The City’s traffic signals are also Ɵmed to provide sufficient Ɵme for pedestrians to cross the street in accordance with state guidelines. DetecƟon systems at signalized intersecƟons are also required to detect the presence of bicycles. Lastly, the City will be iniƟaƟng a project involving the installaƟon of Class II bike lanes on eight of the City’s minor arterial streets as recommended by the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. A consultant is currently being retained to complete the environmental and design phases for this project, with the design phase esƟmated for compleƟon by fall 2020 and the compleƟon of construcƟon esƟmated by winter 2021. 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. Ensure that exisƟng land uses that are generaƟng noise beyond the acceptable levels reduce noise levels to acceptable levels (Program 6.3.1.2.). The City conƟnued to enforce it’s noise ordinance (SecƟon 4600 of the Downey Municipal Code). This involves the permiƩed hours for construcƟon. For projects that involved ampliﬁed music, the City conƟnued to strictly enforce businesses to miƟgate noise impacts by imposing condiƟons of approval through a condiƟonal use permit applicaƟon process. Also, the Downey Police Department Special Enforcement Team conducted IMPACT inspecƟons to ensure businesses are operaƟng at an acceptable noise level. In addiƟon, the City conƟnued 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 the enƟtlement process. Chapter 5 Safety Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 35 34  Discourage the placement of air condiƟoning equipment, electric generators, or other noise‐ generaƟng equipment in close proximity to adjacent properƟes (Program 6.3.1.6.). The City conƟnued to impose condiƟons of approval for outdoor events and carnivals that involved the use of temporary electric generators to miƟgate potenƟal impacts to the public. This includes limiƟng the number of generators, requiring minimum separaƟon from generator to buildings and property lines, and requiring the use of generators that generaƟng minimal noise. Typical of most communiƟes located within mature urbanized seƫngs, 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.). The Parks & RecreaƟon Department conƟnued to monitor recreaƟon staffing to ensure adequate levels of recreaƟon staffing at park faciliƟes. Full‐Ɵme and part‐Ɵme staffs were hired as needed to ﬁll vacancies throughout the year. Secure alternaƟve means of funding, such as grants, donaƟons, user fees and public/private partnerships, for park upgrades (Program 7.2.2.5.). As menƟoned under Program 2.7.2.1., Measure S improvements to protect and enhance the quality of services to the community, including enhancing police services, ensuring adequate funding for public parks, and improving public streets began with improvements at the Rio Hondo Event Center and futsal courts at Independence Park. Park enhancement phases are set to begin in May 2019. Promote the creaƟon of new parks, especially in areas of the city in the greatest need of addiƟonal parks (Program 7.3.1.1.). City staff conƟnues to work with the County of Los Angeles on a sports complex project (soccer ﬁelds) on the south side of the Rancho Los Amigos campus, which includes ten acres that the county approved for recreaƟonal use. We are also monitoring California Prop 68 and LA County Measure A funds that are in the iniƟal allocaƟon stages. Chapter 7 Open Space Element Chapter 5 Safety Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 36 35 AcƟvely work with private, non‐proﬁt and public community services organizaƟons to provide educaƟonal and community services including child care, English translaƟon, aŌer school programs and recreaƟonal acƟviƟes (Program 7.4.1.5.) Parks and RecreaƟon staff and the Downey Uniﬁed School District (DUSD) conƟnued to administer a State grant to provide the “AŌer School Program InformaƟon RecreaƟon EducaƟon” (ASPIRE) at Alameda, Carpenter, Gauldin, Griffiths, Lewis, Old River, Stauffer, Sussman, Price, Unsworth, Ward and Williams Schools. The goal of the program is to provide a fun, posiƟve, and safe learning environment. The program operates on school days from school dismissal unƟl 6:00 p.m. Also, the Department conƟnued to use contracted instructors to bring recreaƟonal classes and programs to the community. Lastly, Parks and RecreaƟon staff conƟnued to support TLC (True LasƟng ConnecƟons) organizaƟon, a branch of DUSD that supports children and their families including access to child care, English translaƟon, programs, and other necessiƟes. With the ongoing support from local donors (i.e. First BapƟst Church, Kaiser Permanente of Downey, FoundaƟon for Life, The Downey Promenade, and Planet Fitness), TLC were able to conƟnue to help families in need. Chapter 8 Design Element 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 conƟnued to contract Architectural Peer Review Services to provide technical review and a comprehensive range of integrated design services for a variety of buildings. In addiƟon, the City conƟnued to implement the Site Plan Review process that requires Planning Commission review and approval of site plans, landscaping, lighƟng (except single family homes and apartments) for new construcƟon and addiƟons to townhome, commercial, and industrial projects in the City.  Lack of property maintenance may exhibit a negaƟve image of the City (Issue 8.2). The Code Enforcement Division conƟnued 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. Support the Keep Downey BeauƟful programs (Program 8.2.2.3.). City staff, business owners, and volunteers parƟcipated in the monthly event “Keep Downey BeauƟful” that help improve community environments. The program focus is not only to keep Downey beauƟful but also to have a safe and clean environment. Chapter 5 Safety Element conƟnued PC AGENDA PAGE 37 36 A strong community owes much to the spirit and involvement of its residents. However, community pride and civic‐mindedness 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 attraction and retention (Program 9.1.1.1.). Biomedical Overlay Zone—With the fast growing jobs in the bio‐medical industry, Staff worked with consultants to evaluate and develop a biomedical overlay zone to enhance the exisƟng Zoning Code and provide a catalyst to increasing biomedical businesses in Downey.  Continue the revitalization of commercial and industrial corridors (Program 9.1.1.5.). The City conƟnued to work on the Imperial Highway Strategic Plan, a corridor assessment that includes ﬁve (5) components: A Strengths, Weaknesses, OpportuniƟes and Threats (SWOT) analysis, an implementaƟon plan, performance metrics, development opportunity sites analyses, and a summary of research ﬁndings. The analysis assisted in idenƟfying six major goals to revitalize the Imperial Highway corridor, which are supported by strategies, acƟon steps, and performance metrics within the plan, providing a roadmap for enhancing economic development and the growth of the corridor.  Promote through public information the benefits of businesses locating in Downey (Program 9.1.1.7.). Staff has revamped the Economic Development web pages to assist in the aƩracƟon and retenƟon of quality businesses. The pages contain informaƟon and materials for businesses coming to the City and include informaƟon on the various business start‐up steps and even links to a site locator and opportunity sites. AddiƟonally, the city has included a business tool‐kit, to further help businesses locate regional, state and federal resources. Maintain the high level of standards for quality of staff and work produced (Program 9.4.1.3.). City designed and implemented the customer service check‐in kiosk system to better expedite service at the public counters. This new system allows staffs to provide an effective and efficient service to our customers.  Expand the use of the city Internet web site for public information (Program 9.4.2.5.). City Departments continue to work toward improved customer service by maintaining the on‐line business license application process, which enables customers to submit business license renewals or applications for a new license and to allow Downey residents to pay their water bills on‐line. In addition, the City continues to update its website periodically and provide more information to the public via the Internet. The Planning Department also uses social media to inform the community of Planning Commissions or any community meetings. 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