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Home My WebLink AboutCC Reso No 2013-056 City Council ResoRESOLUTION NO. 2013 -056 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 2013 -01 PREPARED FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2013- 02. WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elsinore prepared a Draft 5th Cycle Housing Element for the 2014 -2021 period which has been found in compliance with State law by the Department of Housing and Community Development; and WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65302.10(b) requires cities to update the Land Use Element of their General Plan in order to describe unincorporated "island" or "fringe" communities within or adjacent to the city's sphere of influence concurrent with adoption of the Housing Element; and WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 (the "Project ") incorporates the 5t" Cycle Housing Element for the 2014 -2021 period and the appropriate Land Use Amendments as required by State law; and WHEREAS, the Project is subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.: "CEQA ") and the State Implementation Guidelines for CEQA (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000 et seq.: "CEQA Guidelines ") because the Project involves an activity which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment; and WHEREAS, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15063, the City completed an Initial Study to determine if the Project would have a significant effect on the environment; and the Initial Study showed that the Project will have either "No Impact" or "Less than Significant Impacts" for all applicable environmental issues; and WHEREAS, based upon the results of the Initial Study, and based upon the standards set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15070, it was determined that it was appropriate to prepare Negative Declaration No. 2013 -01 for the Project (the "Negative Declaration ") ; and WHEREAS, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15072, the City duly issued a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration on August 7, 2013; and WHEREAS, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15073, the Negative Declaration was made available for public review and comment for a period of twenty (20) days beginning on August 7, 2013, and ending on August 27, 2013; and WHEREAS, on July 16, 2013, at a duly noticed public hearing, the Planning Commission of the City of Lake Elsinore considered evidence presented by the City Council Resolution No. 2013 -056 Page 2 of 3 Community Development Department with respect to this item and made its recommendation in favor of Negative Declaration No. 2013 -01 by unanimously adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 2013 -01 recommending to the City Council adoption of Negative Declaration No. 2013 -01; and WHEREAS, on August 27, 2013 at a duly noticed public hearing, the City Council has considered the recommendation of the Planning Commission as well as evidence presented by the Community Development Department and other interested parties with respect to this item. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, does hereby resolve as follows: SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated into these findings by this reference. SECTION 2. The City Council has evaluated all comments, written and oral, received from persons who have reviewed the Negative Declaration. The City Council hereby finds and determines that all public comments have been addressed. SECTION 3. The City Council hereby determines that the Negative Declaration for the Project is adequate and has been completed in accordance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City's procedures for implementation of CEQA. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained in the Negative Declaration and finds that the Negative Declaration represents the independent judgment of the City. SECTION 4. The City Council further finds and determines that none of the circumstances listed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5 requiring recirculation of the Negative Declaration are present and that it would be appropriate to adopt the Negative Declaration as proposed. SECTION 5. The City Council hereby makes, adopts, and incorporates the following findings regarding the Negative Declaration: 1. The Project avoids the effects to the environment to a point where clearly no significant effects would occur. Based upon the Initial Study conducted for the Project, there is substantial evidence determining that all potential impacts to the environment resulting from the Project are at less than significant levels. 2. There is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the agency, that the Project may have significant effects on the environment. Pursuant to the evidence received, and in light of the whole record presented, the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment. 2 City Council Resolution No. 2013 -056 Page 3of3 SECTION 6. Based upon the evidence presented, both written and testimonial, and the above findings, the City Council adopts Negative Declaration No. 2013 -01. SECTION 7. This Resolution shall take effect from and after the date of its passage and adoption. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th of August 2013. Robert E. Magee, Mayo 0 Virginia J. Bloorn,1City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ara Z, Leiboy,`City Attorney 3 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss. CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE ) I, Virginia J. Bloom, City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, hereby certify that Resolution No. 2013 -056 was adopted by the City Council of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, at a regular meeting held on the 27 day of August 2013, and that the same was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Member Tisdale, Council Member Manos, Council Member Hickman, Mayor Pro Tern Johnson and Mayor Magee NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None A Virginia( Bl000,lCity Clerk General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 Proposing 2014 -2021 Housing Element and Land Use Element Amendments to District Plans Section of the General Plan Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2013 -01 Prepared for: City of Lake Elsinore Planning Division 130 South Main Street Lake Elsinore, California 92530 CITY OF LAI-E L L DREAM EXTREME Prepared by: MIG I Hogle- Ireland 1500 Iowa Avenue, Suite 110 Riverside, California 92507 k og10- froland June 2013 - This document is designed for double -sided printing - Table of Contents 1 Introduction ........................................................................... ..............................1 1.1 - Purpose of CEQA ...................................................... ............................... 1 1.2 - Public Comments ...................................................... ............................... 3 1.3 - Availability of Materials .............................................. ............................... 3 1.4 - Approach ................................................................ ............................... 3 2 Project Description ................................................................. ..............................5 2.1- Project Title ............................................................. ............................... 5 2.2- Lead Agency Name and Address ................................. ............................... 5 2.3 - Contact Person and Phone Number ............................. ............................... 5 2.4- Project Location ....................................................... ............................... 5 2.5- Project Sponsor's Name and Address ........................... ............................... 5 2.6- General Plan Land Use Designation ............................. ............................... 5 2.7- Zoning District ......................................................... ............................... 6 2.8- Project Description ................................................... ............................... 7 2.9- Project Objectives ...................................................... .............................16 2.10- Surrounding Land Uses .............................................. .............................16 2.11 - Environmental Setting ................................................ .............................19 2.12- Required Approvals .................................................... .............................20 2.13 - Other Public Agency Whose Approval is Required ........... .............................20 3 Determination ....................................................................... .............................53 3.1 - Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ........... ......... .............................53 3.2 - Determination ........................................................... .............................53 4 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts .................................... ............................:55 4.1- Aesthetics ................................................................ .............................55 4.2- Agriculture and Forest Resources ................................. .............................57 4.3- Air Quality ............................. ............................... . .............................59 4.4- Biological Resources .................................................. .............................62 4.5- Cultural Resources ..................................................... .............................65 4.6- Geology and Soils ...................................................... .............................67 4.7- Greenhouse Gas Emissions ......................................... .............................71 4.8- Hazards and Hazardous Materials ................................. .............................77 4.9- Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................ .............................81 4.10- Land Use and Planning ........., ..................................... .............................85 4.11 - Mineral Resources ..................................................... .............................87 4.12- Noise ....................................................................... .............................88 4.13 - Population and Housing ............................................. .............................94 4.14- Public Services ..... ....................................................... ,.......................... 96 4.15- Recreation ................................................................ .............................98 4.16- Transportation and Traffic ........................................... .............................99 4.17- Utilities and Service Systems .................................. ............................... 102 4.18- Mandatory Findings of Significance ........................... ............................... 105 5 References 107 5.1 - List of Preparers .................................................... ............................... 107 5.2 - Notes ................................................................... ............................... 108 General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 i Table of Contents List of Tables Table 2 -1 Lake Elsinore RHNA ............................................... ............................... 9 Table 2 -2 Focus Areas Summary ............................................ .............................10 Table 2 -3 Focus Areas Land Inventory .................................... .............................11 Table 2 -4 Focus Areas Surrounding Land Uses ......................... .............................17 Table 4.12.1 Human Response to Groundborne Vibration ........... .............................90 Table 4.12.2 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Standards ......... .............................90 Table 4.12.3 Interior and Exterior Noise Standards ................... .............................91 Table 4.12.4 Common Construction Vibration ........................... .............................92 List of Exhibits Exhibit 2 Focus Area 1 .......................................................... .............................23 Exhibit3 Focus Area 2 .......................................................... .............................25 Exhibit4 Focus Area 3 .................................................. ............ a..,..,................. 27 Exhibit 5 Focus Area 4 ......................................................... .............................29 Exhibit6 Focus Area 5 ......................................................... .............................31 Exhibit7 Focus Area 6 ......................................................... .............................33 Exhibit8 Focus Area 7 ......................................................... .............................35 Exhibit 9 Focus Area 8 ......................................................... .............................37 Exhibit 10 Focus Area 9 ....................................................... .............................39 Exhibit 11 Focus Area 10 ...................................................... .............................41 Exhibit 12 Focus Area 11 ..................................................... .............................43 Exhibit 13 Focus Area 12 ..................................................... .............................45 Exhibit 14 Warm Springs Community ..................................... .............................45 Exhibit 15 Lakeland Village Community .................................. .............................49 Exhibit 16 Meadowbrook Community ..................................... .............................51 ii Initial Study 1 Introduction The City of Lake Elsinore (Lead Agency) completed a draft Housing Element update to comply with State law requiring an update to the Housing Element to occur for the 2014 -2021 planning period. In addition, the City is amending its District Plans Section of the General Plan to address three unincorporated communities (Lakeland Village, Meadowbrook, and Warm Springs) in order to comply with State Law (California Government Code Section 65302.10). The Housing Element and District Plan updates constitute a project that is subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 1970 (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.), and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Section 15000 et. seq.). This Initial Study has been prepared to assess the short-term, long -term, and cumulative environmental impacts that could result from the proposed 2014 -2021 Housing Element and District Plan Section amendments. This report has been prepared to comply with Section 15063 of the State CEQA Guidelines, which sets forth the required contents of an Initial Study. These include: • A description of the project, including the location of the project (See Section 2); • Identification of the environmental setting (See Section 2.11); • Identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or other methods, provided that entries on the checklist or other form are briefly explained to indicate that there is some evidence to support the entries (See Section 4); • Discussion of ways to mitigate significant effects identified, if any (See Section 4); • Examination of whether the project is compatible with existing zoning, plans, and other applicable land use controls (See Section 4.10); and • The name(s) of the person(s) who prepared or participated in the preparation of the Initial Study (See Section 5). 1.1 - Purpose of CEQA The body of state law known as CEQA was originally enacted in 1970 and has been amended a number of times since then. The legislative intent of these regulations is established in Section 21000 of the California Public Resources Code, as follows: The Legislature finds and declares as follows: a) The maintenance of a quality environment for the people of this state now and in the future is a matter of statewide concern. b) It is necessary to provide a high - quality environment that at all times is healthful and pleasing to the senses and intellect of man. c) There is a need to understand the relationship between the maintenance of high - quality ecological systems and the general welfare of the people of the state, including their enjoyment of the natural resources of the state. d) The capacity of the environment is limited, and it is the intent of the Legislature that the government of the state take immediate steps to identify any critical thresholds for the health and safety of the people of the state and take all coordinated actions necessary to prevent such thresholds being reached. e) Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment. f) The interrelationship of policies and practices in the management of natural resources and waste disposal requires systematic and concerted efforts by public and private interests to enhance environmental quality and to control environmental pollution. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 1 Introduction g) It is the intent of the Legislature that all agencies of the state government which regulate activities of private individuals, corporations, and public agencies which are found to affect the quality of the environment, shall regulate such activities so that major consideration is given to preventing environmental damage, while providing a decent home and satisfying living environment for every Californian. The Legislature further finds and declares that it is the policy of the State to: a) Develop and maintain a high - quality environment now and in the future, and take all action necessary to protect, rehabilitate, and enhance the environmental quality of the state. b) Take all action necessary to provide the people of this state with clean air and water, enjoyment of aesthetic, natural, scenic, and historic environmental qualities, and freedom from excessive noise. c) Prevent the elimination of fish or wildlife species due to man's activities, insure that fish and wildlife populations do not drop below self - perpetuating levels, and preserve for future generations representations of all plant and animal communities and examples of the major periods of California history. d) Ensure that the long -term protection of the environment, consistent with the provision of a decent home and suitable living environment for every Californian, shall be the guiding criterion in public decisions. e) Create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony to fulfill the social and economic requirements of present and future generations. f) Require governmental agencies at all levels to develop standards and procedures necessary to protect environmental quality. g) Require governmental agencies at all levels to consider qualitative factors as well as economic and technical factors and long -term benefits and costs, in addition to short -term benefits and costs and to consider, alternatives to proposed actions affecting the environment. A concise statement of legislative policy, with respect to public agency consideration of projects for some form of approval, is found in Section 21002 of the Public Resources Code, quoted below: The Legislature finds and declares that it is the policy of the state that public agencies should not approve projects as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects, and that the procedures required by this division are intended to assist public agencies in systematically identifying both the significant effects of proposed projects and the feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures which will avoid or substantially lessen such significant effects. The Legislature further finds and declares that in the event specific economic, social, or other conditions make infeasible such project alternatives or such mitigation measures, individual projects may be approved in spite of one or more significant effects thereof. 2 Initial Study Introduction 1.2 - Public Comments Comments from all agencies and individuals are invited regarding the information contained in this Initial Study. Such comments should explain any perceived deficiencies in the assessment of impacts, identify the information that is purportedly lacking in the Initial Study or indicate where the information may be found. All comments on the Initial Study are to be submitted to: Richard MacHott, Planning Manager City of Lake Elsinore Planning Division 130 South Main Street Lake Elsinore, California 92530 951 - 674 -3124 x209 rmachott @flake- elsinore.ora All comments received will be considered by the City of Lake Elsinore prior to adoption. 1.3 - Availability of Materials All materials related to the preparation of this Initial Study are available for public review. To request an appointment to review these materials, please contact: Richard MacHott, Planning Manager City of Lake Elsinore Planning Division 130 South Main Street Lake Elsinore, California 92530 951 - 674 -3124 x209 1.4 - Approach The environmental analysis contained in this Initial Study is based on the following assumptions: 1. General Plan Consistency: The Housing Element is consistent with the land use policies and all other elements of the City of Lake Elsinore General Plan. As the General Plan is updated and /or amended, the City will ensure that such updates and amendments do not prevent implementation of the policies contained in the Housing Element. 2. Project Specific Environmental Review: In the City of Lake Elsinore, all housing development proposals that are considered "projects" under CEQA are subject to an environmental review process to determine the level of impact and to impose appropriate mitigation measures, if needed, to avoid significant impacts. Purpose of Environmental Review: This project would not authorize any plans for construction of new homes or other land uses, or redevelopment of any properties to produce new homes or other land uses. No direct environmental impacts, therefore, would occur. This Initial Study is limited to assessment of potential environmental impacts resulting from the cumulative effects of potential development facilitated by Housing Element policy and amendments to the General Plan's District Plans section, in accordance with the City's land use policies as set forth in the General Plan and as adjusted through General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 3 Introduction the proposed Housing Element. The purpose of the environmental assessment is to determine whether there are any peculiar types of impacts that could occur as an indirect result of adoption of the proposed General Plan Amendment. 4 Initial Study Project Description 2 Proiect Description 2.1 - Project Title General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 2.2 - Lead Agency Name and Address City of Lake Elsinore Planning Division 130 South Main Street Lake Elsinore, California 92530 2.3 - Contact Person and Phone Number Richard MacHott, Planning Manager 951 - 674 -3124 x209 2.4 - Project Location The City of Lake Elsinore 2014 -2021 Housing Element applies to all residential and mixed -use zoning districts and all General Plan land use designations that allow residential or mixed -use development within the municipal boundaries of the City of Lake Elsinore. The proposed amendments to Chapter 10.0 (North Peak District), Chapter 13.0 (Lakeland Village Sphere District) and Chapter 15.0 (North Central Sphere District) of the District Plans Section of the General Plan recognize the existing unincorporated communities of Meadowbrook, Lakeland Village and Warm Springs. Located within western Riverside County, the City of Lake Elsinore is bounded by the City of Canyon Lake to the east and the City of Wildomar to the southeast and the remaining area consisting of unincorporated Riverside County. The City's planning area (including its sphere of influence) encompasses approximately 72 square miles. Exhibit 1 (Regional Location and Vicinity Map) illustrates the City's location within western Riverside County and its local context. 2.5 - Project Sponsor's Name and Address City of Lake Elsinore Planning Division 130 South Main Street Lake Elsinore, California 92530 2.6 - General Plan Land Use Designation The residential and mixed -use land use designations that support housing development within the City of Lake Elsinore consist of the following: Hillside Residential (0.0 -1.0 DU /Acre): This category of residential use is primarily intended for low- density single - family residential development and small -scale agricultural uses in areas of steep slopes. Minimum lot size is dependent on the average slope of an individual subdivision between one -acre for under 15% slope up to ten -acre minimum for 35% slope and above. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 5 Project Description Lakeside Residential (0.0 -4.0 DU /Acre): This category is primarily intended for custom single - family homes on properties that are oriented and have accessibility to Lake Elsinore. Densities are limited to 1 dwelling unit per 10,000 net square foot lot for new subdivisions. Low Density Residential (1.0 -3.0 DU /Acre): This category of residential use is primarily intended to provide for the development of traditional single - family subdivisions with one dwelling permitted per lot at a density between 1 to 3 dwelling units per acre. Low - Medium Density Residential (1.0 -6.0 DU /Acre): This category of residential use is also primarily intended to provide for the development of traditional single - family subdivisions with one dwelling permitted per lot, but with an increased density allowance between 1 to 6 dwelling units per acre. Medium Density Residential (7.0 -18.0 DU /Acre): This category of residential use allows for moderate density housing either as attached or detached single - family or attached multi - family units between 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre. High Density Residential (19.0 -24.0 DU /Acre): This category of residential use allows for a broad range of dwelling unit types that may be either attached single- or multi - family residential units between 19 to 24 dwelling units per acre. Commercial Mixed Use 7.0 -18.0 DU /Acre): This category provides for a mix of residential and non - residential uses within a single development with an emphasis on retail, service, civic, and professional office uses. Residential uses are also allowed as subordinate to non - residential uses at a density between 7 to 18 dwelling units per acre. Residential Mixed Use (19.0 -24.0 DU /Acre): This category also provides for a mix of residential and non - residential uses within a single development with an emphasis on high density residential uses. Residential uses are allowed at a density between 19 to 24 dwelling units per acre. 2.7 - Zoning District The Lake Elsinore Zoning Code presently provides for eight primary residential zoning classifications. The densities of the zones range from 0.1 dwelling units per acre (10 acre minimum lot size) to 24 dwelling units per acre depending on development type as well as affordable and senior housing density bonuses. Each of the classifications is listed below: • Rural Mountainous Residential (R -M -R) • Rural Residential (R -R) • Estate Single - Family Residential (R -E) • Hillside Single - Family Residential (R -H) • Single - Family Residential (R -1) • Medium Density Residential (R -2) • High Density Residential (R -3) • Mobilehome Community (MC) • Residential Mixed Use (RMU) • Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) 6 Initial Study Project Description 2.8 - Project Description The Housing Element and the Land Use Element comprise two of the seven General Plan Elements mandated by the State of California, as expressed in Sections 65580 to 65589.8 of the California Government Code. California State Law requires that the Housing Element consist of "identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. As required by State Housing Law, the City of Lake Elsinore must plan for its share of the region's new housing needs in the five state - defined income categories by identifying an adequate supply of land zoned at appropriate densities to accommodate needs in each income category. The RHNA goals do not explicitly require the City to construct the identified housing need, but rather seek to ensure the City has, or plans to add polices, programs and regulations that will accommodate new housing growth. The proposed Project includes the following entitlements: General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 - Adoption and implementation of the City of Lake Elsinore 2014 -2021 Housing Element; and adoption of amendments to the City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Land Use Element's District Plans Section in order to comply with State Law (California Government Code Section 65302.10) that adds language regarding the unincorporated Meadowbrook Community to Chapter 10.0 (North Peak District), regarding the unincorporated Lakeland Village Community to Chapter 13.0 (Lakeland Village Sphere District) and regarding the unincorporated Warm Springs Community to Chapter 15.0 (North Central Sphere District). The project consists of two components consisting of: The adoption and implementation of the City of Lake Elsinore 2014 -2021 Housing Element, which represents an update of the City's Housing Element. The Housing Element is an integral component of the City's General Plan as it addresses existing and future housing needs of all types for persons in all economic segment groups within the City. The Housing Element serves as a tool for decision - makers and the public in understanding and meeting housing needs in Lake Elsinore. While the law does not require local governments to actually construct housing to meet identified needs, it does require that the community address housing needs in its discretionary planning actions such as creating opportunities for housing in the land use plan and facilitating development through policies. To meet this goal, the Housing Element identifies existing vacant or underdeveloped areas already designated by the General Plan Land Use Element to provide for the City's projected housing needs. 2. The identification of each unincorporated community within or adjacent to the City's sphere of influence. Pursuant to Section 65302.10(b) of the California Government Code the City is required to update its Land Use Element to identify each unincorporated "island" or "fringe" community within its sphere of influence and include an analysis of water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and structural needs or deficiencies and financing alternatives that could make the extension of services to identified communities financially feasible. This update of the Land Use Element consists of the above - identified amendments to the District Plans Section of the General Plan. Statutory Requirements State law requires the Housing Element be updated at least every eight years, on a timeline consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan, unless extended by the legislature. Article 10.6, Section 65580 - 65589.8, Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code sets forth General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 7 Project Description the legal requirements for a housing element and encourages the provision of affordable and decent housing in suitable living environments for all communities to meet statewide goals. This 2014 -2021 Housing Element update is a policy document by the City of Lake Elsinore regarding its current and projected future housing needs (as identified by the State Housing and Community Development Department [HCD] and the Southern California Association of Governments [SCAG]), and the City's goals, policies, and programs to address those identified needs. Government Code Section 65583 requires that housing elements include the following main components: • An assessment of housing needs (including the needs of special needs groups), analysis of constraints to housing development, and an inventory of resources related to the meeting of these needs. • A review of the previous Housing Element's goals, policies, programs, and objectives to ascertain the effectiveness of each of these components, as well as the overall effectiveness of the programs in the previous Housing Element. • A Statement of community goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing. • Actions that the City is undertaking or intends to undertake, in implementing the policies set forth in the Housing Element. Government Code Section 65302.10 requires the City to address "Fringe" and "Island" communities that are either within its sphere of influence or adjacent to it within its Land Use Element upon its next adoption of its Housing Element. State law requires that the City's Land Use Element address existing and planned water, wastewater, flood control, and fire protection services within these communities and potential funding mechanisms that may be utilized for expansion of each of these services. Housing Needs The Lake Elsinore 2014 -2021 Housing Element profiles key community demographics and examines the related housing needs of various groups, including owners versus renters, lower - income households, overcrowded households, elderly households, special needs groups, and homeless persons, among others. This information is detailed in the Housing Element. California housing element law requires that each city and county develop local housing programs designed to meet their "fair share" of housing needs for all income groups, based on projected population growth. HCD Housing Policy Division develops the Regional Housing Needs Assessments (RHNA) for each region of the State, represented by councils of governments. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) determines the housing allocation for each city and county within its six - county jurisdiction. SCAG has assigned Lake Elsinore a housing allocation of 4,929 units for the 2014 -2021 planning period. Lake Elsinore previously adopted an updated element for the 2008 -2014 planning period. Table 2 -1 (Lake Elsinore RHNA) identifies the total projected housing needs for the 2014 -2021 Housing Element. 8 Initial Study Project Description Table 2 -1 Lake Elsinore RHNA Income Group 0/6 of County Area Median Income AMI) 2012 Total Housing Units Allocated Percent of Units Very Low' 0 -50% 1,196 24% Low >50 -80% 801 16% Moderate >80 -120% 897 18% Above Moderate 120 %+ 2,035 41% Tota I - -- 4,929 100% Source: Southern California Association of Governments, 2012 'State law allows local jurisdictions to use 50 percent of the very low income category to represent households of extremely low- income (less than 30 percent of the AMI). State law requires that a community provide an adequate number of sites to allow for and facilitate production of the City's regional share of housing. To determine whether the City has sufficient land to accommodate its share of regional housing needs for all income groups, the City must identify "adequate sites." Under State law (California Government Code Section 65583.c.1), adequate sites are those with appropriate zoning and development standards, with services and facilities, needed to facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of housing for all income levels. Land considered suitable for residential development includes the following: • Vacant residentially zoned sites; • Vacant non - residentially zoned sites that allow residential uses (such as mixed - use); • Underutilized residentially zoned sites that are capable of being developed at a higher density or with greater intensity; and • Non - residential zoned sites that can be redeveloped for, and /or rezoned for, residential use (via program actions). Focus Areas An important component of the Lake Elsinore Housing Element is the identification of sites and future housing development opportunities for the 2014 -2021 planning period. Since Lake Elsinore has a sufficient amount of undeveloped land, the majority of what is identified in the Sites Inventory section focuses on vacant sites zoned for residential or mixed -use. Underutilized sites are also analyzed. Opportunities for residential development in the City fall into one of these categories: • Vacant land that is designated for residential or mixed -use • Underutilized sites that permit residential or mixed -use where the current use of the property is less than the maximum allowed by the general plan designation, and where infrastructure needs for additional development can be met by existing or proposed systems The sites identified are locations determined to be ideal for accommodating future housing, including affordable housing. Analyses based on potential environmental constraints, infrastructure, and realistic development capacity calculations are discussed. Also included is an analysis of non - vacant and underutilized lands. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 9 Project Description The sites inventory includes properties within the Commercial Mixed Use, High Density, and Residential Mixed Use designations, as well as two specific plan areas. A total of 823.17 acres of vacant and underutilized land has been identified as most suitable for accommodating the City's remaining housing need, in twelve Focus Areas. The twelve focus areas have a potential combined capacity for 5,925 dwelling units. Table 2 -2 Focus Areas Summary Land Use Density Acres Density Dwelling Units' Range (DU /AC) High Density 19 -24+ 84 24 1,598 Residential Mixed Use 19 -24+ 43 24 825 Commercial Mixed Use 7 -18 238 18 1,501 Alberhill Ranch - Brighton Specific Varies 400 Varies 1,401 Plan Diamond Specific Plan <18 87 <18 600 Total 5,925 1. Acreage reduced to 80- percent and multiplied by density to calculate total dwelling units in High Density and Residential Mixed Use Designations; Median density utilized for Commercial Mixed Use; Specific Plan unit count pursuant to adopted Specific Plans and maps For the purposes of this Initial Study and the Housing Element, these twelve focus areas are specifically identified. The proposed project would not permit any additional allowance for commercial space or residential units beyond that which is currently permitted under existing development regulations. The sites presented below represent the most realistic opportunities for recycling to residential uses based on underutilized character of the site, developer interest, ease of access from major roads, size of sites, and location near transit and services. Sites are detailed below and summary information is included in Table 2 -3 (Focus Areas Land Inventory). Sites are further illustrated in Exhibits 2 through 13. To calculate the number of potential residential units, an expected maximum residential density of per each land use designation has been applied to all areas based on recent approved mixed -use and high density residential development projects within the City that have achieved or exceeded these densities. 10 Initial Study Project Description Table 2 -3 Focus Areas Land Inventory Focus Area Land Use Designation Residential Density Range Estimated Density_ Vacant Acreage Under- utilized Acreage Capacity w/o density bonus' Lake Elsinore Hills District 19 -24 du /ac 24 3.93 1.66 107 1 Commercial Mixed Use 7 -18 du /ac 18 143.64 1.96 923 2 Lake View District 7 Residential Mixed Use 19 -24 du /ac 24 18.24 -- 350 Lake Edge /Lake View District 19 -24_ du /ac 24 2.30 -- 44 J 3 High Density Residential 19 -24 du /ac 24 9.62 -- 185 Commercial Mixed Use 7 -18 du /ac 18_ 39.93 1.22 257 Lake Edge /Lake View District 7 -18 du /ac 18 1.86 -- 23 4 High Density Residential 19 -24 du /ac 24 26.38 2.82 561 Commercial Mixed Use 7 -18 du /ac 18 28.37 18.65 294 5 Riverview District 10 High Density Residential 19 -24 du /ac 24 9.85 °- 189 Historic District 6 High Density Residential 19 -24 du /ac 24 5.24 1.00 120 Residential Mixed Use 19 -24 du /ac 24 3.93 1.66 107 Commercial Mixed Use 7 -18 du /ac 18 0.62 -- 4 Historic District 7 High Density Residential 19 -24 du /ac 24 5.06 4.57 185 Residential Mixed Use 19 -24_ du /ac 24 2.30 -- 44 J 8 Historic District Residential Mixed Use 19 -24 du /ac 24 8.91 -- 170 Commercial Mixed Use 7 -18 du /ac 18 1.86 -- 23 9 Business District High Density Residential 19 -24 du /ac 24 18.57 -- 356 Business District 10 Residential Mixed Use 19 -24 du /ac 24 8.7 156 Alberhill Ranch - Brighton 11 Specific Plan 5 -30 du /ac_ varies 400 -- 1,401 Diamond Specific Plan 12 Mixed Use max 24 du <18 87 _ -- 600 TOTAL: - 791.3 31.87 5,925 The Focus Areas will serve as the primary basis for environmental impact analysis in this Initial Study. This is based on the fact that specific policies and direction within the proposed Housing Element are guiding these parcels to be developed or recycled and therefore could lead to a future physical change in the environment. Constraints to Housing Production The housing constraints section of the Housing Element analyzes barriers that may hinder the City's ability to achieve its housing objectives or to obtain the necessary resources to assist in the production, maintenance, and improvement of the overall housing stock. A number of different dynamics that include governmental, market, infrastructure, and environmental factors may constrain the provision of adequate and affordable housing in a city. Consequently, State law requires that Housing Elements analyze potential and actual governmental and non - governmental constraints to the production, maintenance, and improvement of housing for persons of all income levels and disabilities. In instances where barriers exist, State law requires the local jurisdiction to demonstrate efforts to remove, where General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 11 Project Description appropriate and legally possible, governmental constraints that hinder the achievement of housing goals. The City has established a goal within the Housing Plan to remove governmental constraints on to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing. State and Federal regulations, which are beyond local jurisdiction control, can also add to governmental constraints. Regulations related to environmental protection, building codes, and other topics have significant, often adverse, impacts on housing costs and availability. Although Federal and State agencies play a role in the imposition of governmental constraints, the actions of these agencies are, for the most part, beyond the influence of local government and are therefore not addressed in this document. Housing Plan The Housing Plan is established to guide the development and preservation of a balanced inventory of housing to meet the needs of present and future residents of the City. To achieve this goal, the Housing Plan identifies long -term housing goals and shorter -term policies to address the identified housing needs. The goals and policies are then implemented through a series of housing programs. Programs identify specific actions the City plans to undertake toward achieving each goal and policy. The following goals, policies, and implementation programs represent the policy direction of the 2014 -2021 Housing Element. Goal Preservation, maintenance, and improvement of the existing housing stock to provide decent housing opportunities and a satisfying living environment for the residents of Lake Elsinore. Policy 1.1 Continue to enforce building, land use, and property maintenance codes. Policy 1.2 Facilitate the removal or rehabilitation of housing units that pose serious health and safety hazards to residents and adjacent structures. Policy 1.3 Continue programs directed at preserving the physical quality of housing and neighborhood environments and maintaining compliance with established standards. Policy 1.4 Encourage the incorporation of energy conservation features in the design of all new housing developments and the addition of energy conservation devices /practices in existing developments. Program 1: Code Enforcement - Enforce City codes to remedy unsightly or hazardous conditions in residential neighborhoods. Provide information and technical assistance to property owners regarding housing maintenance. Program 2: Removal of Substandard Housing - Eliminate, through demolition, unsafe and dilapidated housing units that cannot be rehabilitated. Program 3: Abandoned Properties - Enforce the City's Abandoned Residential Property Registration Program (Ordinance 1252), and encourage owners of houses and properties that become vacant and abandoned due to foreclosure to maintain or rehabilitate the properties. Program 4: Housing Rehabilitation Programs CDBG Home Repair Program: Utilize CDBG or other funds, as available, to provide financial assistance for minor repairs of homes owned and occupied by 12 Initial Study Project Description lower- income residents. Eligible repairs include plumbing, electrical, painting, carpentry, roof repairs, and masonry work. Provide assistance to approximately 10 -15 very low- and low- income households. In -Lieu Fee Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program: Institute a pilot housing rehabilitation program funded with in -lieu fees received, providing loans and /or grants up to $5,000 for exterior improvements. Provide assistance to approximately 10 very low- and low- income households. Program 5: Energy Conservation - Implement the Climate Action Plan (CAP) to reduce local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with State law. Carry out the housing related strategies and measures identified in the CAP to meet GHG emissions targets over the next two decades. Goal The provision of affordable housing to accommodate the local housing needs. Policy 2.1 Preserve and expand the City's supply of affordable (low- and /or moderate - income) rental and ownership housing for lower- income households. Policy 2.2 Use incentives and regulatory concessions to promote the development of housing for lower- income persons and those with special needs including, but not limited to, large families, persons with physical or developmental disabilities, families with children, the elderly, and the homeless. Policy 2.3 Encourage partnerships to maximize resources available for the provision of affordable housing. Policy 2.4 Actively pursue federal and state housing program funds to provide housing assistance and to support the development of housing affordable to lower - income households. Policy 2.5 Discourage the conversion of existing apartment units to condominiums where such conversion will diminish the supply of very low, low- and moderate - income housing. Policy 2.6 Promote coordination and cooperation between the City, developers, and neighborhood residents early and throughout the process for affordable housing developments. Program 6: Density Bonus - Encourage the use of the Density Bonus Ordinance to obtain higher densities in residential developments and increase the availability of affordable housing units in exchange for exceptional architecture and amenities. A copy of 'the Density Bonus Ordinance shall be attached to Residential Design Review Applications. Program 7: Affordable Housing Sites - Make available on the City website and distribute to interested developers a list of City -owned property suitable for affordable housing projects and the Housing Element which includes a Residential Sites Inventory and Site Suitability Analysis. Update the City - owned property list annually. Provide Habitat for Humanity - Inland Valley with information on residential sites suitable for affordable housing development. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 13 Project Description Program 8: Affordable Housing Partnerships - Work with agencies and organizations to increase affordable housing activities such as construction, rehabilitation, or financial assistance to renters and owners. Provide a link to available housing programs for residents and developers on the City website. Partnerships and programs to continue and /or pursue include but are not limited to: County of Riverside Housing Authority (City /County Mortgage Revenue Bonds), County of Riverside Economic Development Agency (First Time Home Buyer and Mortgage Certificate Program), California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), Habitat for Humanity. Endeavor to facilitate at least one affordable housing project during the planning period. Program 9: Rental Assistance - Continue to support the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Direct eligible households to the Section 8 rental assistance program managed by the Housing Authority of Riverside County. Provide information to landlords regarding participation in the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. Program 10: Special Needs Housing Partnerships - Encourage non - profit organizations to pursue funding for the construction of elderly, disabled, or other special needs housing. Provide referrals to programs such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and the California Department of Mental Health /CaIHFA Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program. Program 11: Homeless Need - Consistent with available funding, address the needs of at -risk and homeless individuals and families through assistance to non- profits serving the homeless population. Goal 3 Adequate sites to accommodate the City's housing need. Policy 3.1 Use the City's General Plan, Municipal Code, other land use and development plans, and the development process to provide housing sites that meet the identified local need. Policy 3.2 Promote a balance of housing types, including mixed -use development, to meet the needs of the community. Policy 3.3 Maintain an inventory of vacant and underutilized land and make available to the development community. Policy 3.4 Promote the provision of housing for special needs households. Program 12: Consistency Zoning - Continue with subsequent phases of the Consistency Zoning Project to bring zoning consistent with the General Plan Land Use Designations, in accordance with the Compatibility Matrix shown in Appendix B of the General Plan. As part of Zoning Code amendments, incorporate a matrix of permitted uses in residential zones into Title 17 - Zoning of the Municipal Code to facilitate understanding of allowed uses. 14 Initial Study Project Description Program 13: Specific Plans - Promote development within existing and future specific plans to produce planned community environments with a variety of housing types and densities. Program 14: Development Agreements - Work toward the incorporation of a wide range of housing types (including special needs housing), densities, and affordability levels during the negotiation or renegotiation of development agreements with residential developers. Encourage developers to construct a percentage of affordable housing concurrently with market rate housing in each phase of development. During the Development Agreement process, facilitate and incentivize, as feasible, the development of housing projects on small sites, lot consolidation of adjacent small sites, and development of large parcels sizes that facilitate multi - family developments affordable to lower income households. Goal Remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing. Policy 4.1 Periodically review residential development standards and regulations, ordinances, processing procedures, and fees to identify and mitigate constraints that may impede the development, improvement, and conservation of housing. Policy 4.2 Provide avenues for the development of housing for extremely low- income and special needs persons. Program 15: Special Needs and Extremely Low - Income Housing - Support the housing needs of special needs households by prioritizing projects that include special needs housing or housing for extremely /very low- income households and by referring residents to the Inland Regional Center for housing and services available for persons with developmental disabilities. Review the Zoning Code to ensure compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(5) relating to transitional and supportive housing as a residential use of property, subject to only those restrictions applicable to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. Goal 5 Equal access to housing for all residents. Policy 5.1 Continue to enforce fair housing laws prohibiting discrimination in the building, financing, selling, or renting of housing on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, familial status, source of income, sexual orientation, or any other arbitrary factor. Program 16: Fair Housing - Work towards ensuring fair housing choices for all residents by advertising resident rights under federal and State fair housing laws and providing access to local fair housing service providers. Make this information available on the City website. Amend Title 17 of the Municipal Code to revise or remove the definition of family to be flexible for a variety of household types, consistent with State and federal laws. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 15 Project Description Program 17: Reasonable Accommodation - Adopt a process to address requests for reasonable accommodation, and develop procedures regulating siting, funding, development and use of housing for people with disabilities. Amendments to District Plans Section of General Plan As required by Government Code Section 65302.10, the City has identified existing "fringe" and "island" communities that are either within its sphere of influence or adjacent to it. Communities that meet the Government Code Section 65302.10 definition of "Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities" (DUCs) were previously identified by the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as being communities that are below 80% of the State Median Household Income (MHI) based on the latest census data. Three communities meeting this definition were identified in or adjacent to the City of Lake Elsinore and its sphere of influence. The Warm Springs and Lakeland Village communities are located within the City's sphere of influence and the community of Meadowbrook is adjacent to the City's sphere of influence. The amendment to the General Plan's District Plan component of the Land Use Element addresses existing and planned water, wastewater, flood control, and fire protection services within these communities and potential funding mechanisms that may be utilized for expansion of each of these services pursuant to State law; based on already existing plans for expansion of these services and does not make any specific obligation or expansion of existing plans to extend these services to these communities. The proposed amendments to the District Plans do not change any applicable land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. 2.9 - Project Objectives The goals, policies, and programs within the Housing Plan build upon the identified housing needs in the community, constraints confronting the City, and resources available to address the housing needs. This Plan will guide City housing policy through the 2014 -2021 planning period. Lake Elsinore's housing goals, policies, and programs as noted above address the following five major areas: 1. Conserve and Improve Existing Housing Stock; 2. Remove Barriers to Housing Development; 3. Provision of Adequate Housing Sites; 4. Assist in the Development of Affordable Housing; and 5. Promote Fair Housing Practices. 2.10 - Surrounding Land Uses The Focus Areas identified in the Housing Element each have specific surrounding land uses that must be noted because those conditions will serve as a portion of the baseline for environmental analysis in this Initial Study. The existing surrounding land uses for each site are summarized in Table 2 -4 (Focus Areas Surrounding Land Uses). 16 Initial Study C O Z CL �L u !0 u v O L a J C N C O L H � N 14 C R a R L C ro 3 a) E y� m C, E f0 Y m C c E •2 Y m C c E `0 Y m C C Y C E f0 Y m C C y 'U C w m z i C Y C Y C E E Y C C c y LL LL a. � v m 'O � v m � v m m U- a) m E N m m m LL m N L Y c N Ol N 01 rn >m N U 5 En > N & N > > N of L 1 > > E 7 U > f00 > rub > _'0 r!1 > Z. 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U i� U) in in C a+ ? O c T TYO 3 m T— Y C u m > R C L +' C J aLi a-i C Ln T +� C C C C > Lu rE0 LL m U fE0 LL m fE0 LL LL LL m m fEu LL m m m v c° vv ° v Q) -2 m> 3��> > > m E > O) a) L CU C 01 !n > C) lT C� C m C v a) N rn�> C v 3 N O Z In j tY iT) !Y U U l/, T T T v -Y m Y c O m L U a) OL C v _ 01 m m Y m U Y c u f0 s C m C fE0 ' C (EO J L) C> U) T y C >. C > C.. > ci t u LL v U- u'� NY c LL U— TE Q) u °J, E� E a u E Z > rnn v� m oN> aJ� �'�m j, c aJ °c m m� m 3LL n> c m•– Em�v m > m 3 E C U U) C v U) CK C OJ rUp In > m u O C LL L a) U v O U U> a1 a) ° U > U LL c R d L M V Lr') �o n OD Oi CD N 7 u 0 LL N 14 C R a R L C c O CL •L U O 0 U Gl O L CL V �o 'c co rl Project Description 2.11 - Environmental Setting The City of Lake Elsinore is located in southwestern Riverside County. The City lies on either side of Interstate 15 and is pocketed by the surrounding hillsides, including the Cleveland National Forest to the west. Interstate 15 provides access to the regional highway network. The City has seen substantial development in the past twenty years, however large amounts of vacant areas still exist within the City. The topography of the City varies between flat areas amongst the core and downtown areas of the City north and east of Lake Elsinore and transitions to steeper terrain elsewhere in the City. The Focus Areas identified in the Housing Element each have specific environmental settings that must be noted because those conditions will serve as the primary baseline for environmental analysis in this Initial Study. The existing environmental settings on these sites are summarized in Table 2 -5 (Focus Areas Existing Conditions). Table 2 -5 Focus Areas Existing Conditions Focus Area Existing Land use vacant Zoning/GP Designation CMU RMU 1 2 vacant, industrial 3 vacant HDR, CMU 4 5 vacant HDR, CMU HDR vacant 6 single family residential, vacant HDR, RMU, CMU 7 single family residential, vacant HDR, RMU 8 vacant RMU CMU 9 single family residential vacant HDR 10 vacant RMU _ _ 11 12 mining, vacant SP SP vacant, parking lot The Warm Springs community generally consists of rural residential land uses typically on lot sizes 1/2 -acre or greater, with some smaller size lots. Commercial land uses exist to the south of the community along Central Avenue and Temescal Canyon High School is located to the west of the community. Areas to the southeast and east between the community and Central Avenue contain a mix of vacant and similar rural residential development. Areas to the north of the community generally consist of vacant land or lower density rural residential. The area is generally relatively flat, sloping downward to the south, with some steeper terrain as it transitions to the hillsides to the north. The Lakeland Village community generally consists of rural residential development with 1/2- acre or larger size lots with some minor commercial or light industrial land uses. The community lies between Lake Elsinore on the northeast and hillsides to the northwest that transition into the Cleveland National Forest. Areas to the northwest and southeast generally consist of single - family residential land uses. Areas to the southwest and partially to the south of the Meadowbrook community consist of recent single family residential developments and the remaining areas to the west, north, east, and south generally consist of either similar rural residential or vacant hillside areas. The topography in the community is relatively flat generally sloping downward to the south and east along State Highway 74, with some isolated areas with steep slopes and where it General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 19 Project Description transitions to the surrounding hillsides to the north, west, and southeast that generally border the community. 2.12 - Required Approvals The City Council must approve General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 that incorporates the 2014 -2021 Housing Element into the current General Plan and includes Land Use Element amendments to Chapter 10.0 (North Peak District), Chapter 13.0 (Lakeland Village Sphere District) and Chapter 15.0 (North Central Sphere District) of the District Plans Section of the General Plan. 2,13 - Other Public Agency Whose Approval is Required The State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development will review the Housing Element for compliance with State law and indicate whether the adopted Element is consistent with State Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code). However, no permits are required from that department. 20 Initial Study Exhibit I Regional Context-Vicinity Regional Context Map O.W ACjti:& Lake Osivary ` ~ � • • e A 'k Vicinity Map 13 W-M Regional/Vicinity Map T754 City of Lake Elsinore, California General Plan Amendment No. 2013-02 21 Project Description 22 Initial Study c O CL •L u IA Gl 0 41 u O L. 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IT . a Til n d+n N O M rl O N O Z _ 0 wC W a C m a L a� a� c� U) V � N C co E w N u c� 0+ rn C� E rn 4 c ai sa Q U O `N Z) D n ka 0) 0 y o m C L U w U C � 000 � . n d+n N O M rl O N O Z _ 0 wC W a C m a L a� a� c� �o 'c c O '++ CL .r U IA G1 d O L a c 0 'Z; 06 4--J C) U) r) Cf) Cl) (D C: at 0 rn 0') ul x LU a) 0 L- U. < Ct) 0 LL ru iQtbv E CD ce) <D 0 cm) 75 U) C'4 C:) CD 0 Y- L) rm w cl D E 0 CD E 0 v CD 0 N 0 1 M T4 0 O Z 41 E E c m c O CL .L U ul O O O L a �o 'c O c 0 CL IA 0 L. IL 0 74 T4 V4 4w L. :3a .c X LU 0 LL CD 4r-- a) cu 0 LL fee N 'ON 't kle I I 1 91. 7H D C> r 0 0 (D w D w C1 � E 9 c J < 5. E se 14 RT O O O Z +a c Q E lu E 4 C m c 0 w �o �o 'c c O a U 41 U N O L IL C O M .c u ul O D v O �O L a 74 rl 10 4W i �a = 3 K u W O LL V C13 Q I �!J LL I 'l 'f Q3 C (0 Q r w N f0 0 v* 4 LL M d' c O +1 CL �L V y Q G a.+ V Gl O L IL a V H /Q wY W .O IL N rl as 's FA K W U C W f WA y +: t + r c d3� o b o coo 0 w o i°l• o a o 00 G Z7 ' c 2- _ o d mC3 L d d Ln V N O M O N O Z c 0 E M c 0) Q c m �a d C c 0 a v a� D v a� 0 L a 'o m w !t c 0 CL M v a� D v a� 'o L a r c 3 E O t c K 'i W a U) L 10 3 Q C c �Fn E w E U J Ln 0 s� P% le N O i M rl O N O Z C Gl C d Q C 10 a L a� a� c� ri a P% le N O i M rl O N O Z C Gl C d Q C 10 a L a� a� c� m 'c c O a �L U ul W U O O L a c O + � CL M u ul a� D u a� L IL Ln x W r c E E O U d O O C 10 dJ Y f0 J i:l w a u I L? 4-J C a of E w E U J CU O +j j C fC3 N fu J w e", .i CA 4T N O A rl O N O Z c d E v c 0 E a c �a a �a L C M �a I 'c c 0 41 ILL •L v a� D v a� 0 L IL c 0 CL L u IA d D 4a u Q .0 L a ._ E _0 .0 0 X L W 0 V 10 Cy C E w E iU 0 U J -':e ,�— Q 4 00 -0 fu w I.1 E 4. r Q C l � rt T4 In 'c c 0 +.1 EL 'i v aj G 41 v a� •r, 0 L a 3 Determination 3.1 - Environmental Factors Potentially Affected 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 on the following pages. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology /Soils Greenhouse Gas Hazards & Hazardous Hydrology /Water ❑ Emissions ❑ = Materials it Quality ❑ Land Use/ Planning ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise i ❑ Population / Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation Transportation /Traffic Utilities / Service Mandatory Findings ❑ ❑ Systems ❑ of Significance 3.2 - Determination I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. 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 revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ 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'potentially significant impact' or 'potentially significant unless mitigated' impact 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. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. f Name: Richard-J. MacHott, Planning Manager C ?#te General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 53 Determination 54 Initial Study 4 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 4.1 - Aesthetics Would the project: ................................ a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) C) d) Potentially Less Than Significant with Less Than No Significant Mitigation Significant Impact Impact Incorporation Impact Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within view from a state scenic highway? Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? Create a new source of substantial light or glare whi, would adversely affect day o nighttime views in the area? a) Less than Significant Impact. Scenic vistas can be impacted by development in two ways. First, a structure may be constructed that blocks the view of a vista. Second, the vista itself may be altered (i.e., development on a scenic hillside). The primary scenic vistas in the City of Lake Elsinore are of the surrounding hillsides and Lake Elsinore. In some cases, these views of the hillsides and in particular the lake are generally obstructed by trees, utility poles, and other buildings. The proposed project would adopt and implement housing policies which could encourage new housing production, in particular within the identified Focus Areas. The Focus Areas generally are not considered to be within or to comprise a portion of a scenic vista. Development of vacant sites with potential future housing developments guided by the policies of the Housing Element update would have no significant effect on a scenic vista. The City of Lake Elsinore has identified certain scenic areas within the City and has adopted the Scenic Overlay Zone, Lakeshore Overlay Zone, and Hillside Planned Development Overlay for the purposes of preserving these individual recognized scenic vista and viewshed areas. Each of these overlays provides certain additional use and /or development standards restrictions specific to each vista or viewshed overlay area. Application of these overlay restrictions, whether as applied directly to any Focus Area that may be located within an overlay or to any other housing development pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element, would ensure that these recognized vistas and viewsheds would continue to be preserved through the development review process and would thus result in a less than significant impact to scenic vistas. In addition, as determined by the City of Lake Elsinore's General Plan EIR, development pursuant to the General Plan would result in less than significant impacts to scenic vistas with the implementation of existing General General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 55 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Plan policies requiring or encouraging the preservation of scenic vistas and viewsheds and General Plan EIR mitigation requiring the preparation of visual simulations for development located within the scenic viewshed of Interstate -15. 1 The proposed Land Use Element amendments to the District Plans do not change any applicable land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. Therefore, these amendments will not result in any impacts that were not addressed in the General Plan EIR. b) Less Than Significant Impact. No designated state scenic highways or eligible state scenic highways, as identified on the California Scenic Highway Mapping System, are located in the City of Lake Elsinore.z However, Interstate 15 and State Highway 74, both of which are located within the City are listed as eligible (but not designated) state scenic highways. Although no designated scenic highways would be impacted, the eligible state scenic highways could be designated in the future when development may occur and be impacted then. Impacts related to potentially designated state scenic highways would be analyzed on an individual project basis and would utilize the applicable Corridor Protection Program, including land use density, site planning, landscaping, and structure appearance if these were to be adopted as designated state scenic highways. With the implementation of this program to protect the local scenic resources if these were to be designated state scenic highways, a less than significant impact will occur. c) Less Than Significant Impact. Development of the proposed project could result in a significant impact if it resulted in substantial degradation of the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. Degradation of visual character or quality is defined by substantial changes to the existing site appearance through construction of structures such that they are poorly designed or conflict with the site's existing surroundings. Future housing development could change the on- and off -site visual character of the area in which it is constructed. The proposed Focus Areas could potentially change vacant or already developed land for residential or mixed -use development. This type of development and buildings and architecture typically associated are generally similar in visual character as what currently exists in Lake Elsinore. Implementation of these City -wide and district specific goals and policies for residential development within each Focus Area or any residential development pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element or within the Warm Springs, Lakeland Village and Meadowbrook communities will ensure that the visual character of the City and each Land Use District is addressed through the development review process. Adherence to these existing General Plan goals and policies will result in a less than significant impact on the visual character and quality of the City and individual Land Use Districts related to future housing constructed pursuant to the Housing Element. d) Less Than Significant Impact. Future housing development would result in new sources of lighting. Typical light sources from a single - family home would be outdoor security lighting. Multiple - family residential and mixed -use developments would generally include outdoor security lighting and parking lot lights, depending on the type of development. Review of lighting associated with future housing development will be required through the development review process. Light spillover and glare is typically prevented by requiring lights to be designed to prevent the light from shining directly onto surrounding property. Compliance with existing City practices, procedures, and policies for lighting will ensure that lighting and glare impacts associated with potential new development are less than significant. 56 Initial Study Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 4.2 - Agriculture and Forest 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 Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown ( the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resource Agency, to non - agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Ac contract? ._ ....... c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined I Government Code section 51104 (g d) Result in loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non -for use? ........................ e) Involve other changes in the existir environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non- agricultural use or conversion of for land to non - forest use? Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation Incorporation a) No Impact. Housing development pursuant to the Housing Element will primarily occur on undeveloped properties. The map of Important Farmland in California (2010) prepared by the Department of Conservation does not identify any area within Lake Elsinore as being Prime General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 57 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance.3 Therefore, there will be no conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Statewide Importance to a non- agricultural use as a result of this project. No impact will occur. b) No Impact. The California Department of Conservation indicates that no Williamson Act contracts are active for any area within Lake Elsinore.4 The Lake Elsinore General Plan does not identify any specific designation for agricultural uses, but does note that small scale agricultural uses may be appropriate in the Hillside Residential land use designation. The Lake Elsinore Zoning Code does not contain any agricultural zones or any zone that principally allows agricultural uses. The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element updates do not propose any changes to uses allowed or development standards within the General Plan or Zoning Code related to agricultural uses. Therefore, there will be no conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract. No impact will occur. c -d) No Impact. Public Resources Code Section 12220(8) identifies forest land as land that can support 10- percent native tree cover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for management of one or more forest resources, including timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and other public benefits. No area within Lake Elsinore is currently being managed or used for forest land as identified in Public Resources Code Section 12220(8). The USDA Forest Service vegetation maps identify most of the city as urban, herbaceous, or shrub type indicating that it is not capable of growing industrial wood tree species.s Portions of the City are designated as hardwood forest /woodland. These areas of vegetation are primarily located within drainage, hillside, and other similar areas within the City. No new development opportunities to these areas would be facilitated due to the Housing Element and Land Use Element updates beyond that which is currently allowed. All of the identified Focus Areas are located entirely or primarily within areas designated as urban, herbaceous, or shrub type. Therefore, this project will have no impact to any timberland zoning or loss of forest land. e) No Impact. There are no agricultural operations or timberland production operations within the City. The project does not propose any changes to land use policies or zoning that protects hillside areas. No impact related to the conversion of agricultural lands or forest land could occur. 58 Initial Study Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 4,3 - 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) No Impact. The City of Lake Elsinore is located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District ( SCAQMD). SCAQMD and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) are responsible for formulating and implementing the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the SCAB. The AQMP is a series of plans adopted for the purpose of reaching short- and long -term goals for those pollutants. The SCAB is designated as a `nonattainment' area because the District does not meet Federal and /or State Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS). To determine consistency between the project and the AQMP, the project must comply with all applicable District rules and regulations, comply with all proposed or adopted control measures, and be consistent with the growth forecasts utilized in preparation of the Plan.b The Housing Element identifies twelve Focus Areas for future residential development. The Census indicated that the City had a population of 28,930 in 2000 and 51,821 in 2010, which would represent an approximately 79% increase. Based on a realistic estimation of density based on location and site conditions (including limitations), the Focus Areas identified in the Housing General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 59 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporation 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 © © El violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or ❑ © state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant ❑ Eif ❑ concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of ❑ El 0 people? a) No Impact. The City of Lake Elsinore is located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District ( SCAQMD). SCAQMD and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) are responsible for formulating and implementing the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the SCAB. The AQMP is a series of plans adopted for the purpose of reaching short- and long -term goals for those pollutants. The SCAB is designated as a `nonattainment' area because the District does not meet Federal and /or State Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS). To determine consistency between the project and the AQMP, the project must comply with all applicable District rules and regulations, comply with all proposed or adopted control measures, and be consistent with the growth forecasts utilized in preparation of the Plan.b The Housing Element identifies twelve Focus Areas for future residential development. The Census indicated that the City had a population of 28,930 in 2000 and 51,821 in 2010, which would represent an approximately 79% increase. Based on a realistic estimation of density based on location and site conditions (including limitations), the Focus Areas identified in the Housing General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 59 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Element would result in approximately 5,925 new dwelling units and 20,145 new residents (based on 2010 Census 51,821 people in 15,239 households for 3.4 persons per household). SCAG provides population projection estimates in five -year increments from 2005 to 2035. According to the latest Growth Forecast (2012), SCAG estimates that the City would have a population of 70,500 in 2020 and a population of 93,800 in 2035.' Buildout of the General Plan would result in a total of 94,616 dwelling units for a total buildout population of 321,694 persons, which provides for a substantially higher capacity than actual estimated population by SCAG for either 2020 or 2035. In addition, the proposed Housing Element and Focus Areas are projected to meet the City's allocated Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), which is a function of the City's projected long -term growth. Therefore, by complying with the RHNA, the Housing Element is contributing short-term towards consistency with long -term growth projections and the 2012 AQMP. The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element updates do not propose densities higher than is already permitted in the existing General Plan that could result in a greater increase in population and households over that contemplated in the RTP and AQMP. These increases are within the growth assumptions estimated by SCAG and therefore would not result in a substantial conflict with or obstruction of the AQMP. Impacts will be less than significant. b) Less than Significant Impact. Because the proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element updates do not authorize any development project or land altering activity that would involve construction of new or redevelopment housing it will not result in any direct emissions that could contribute to an existing or potential violation of an air quality standard. The Housing Element and Land Use Element updates would have no effect on the City's rules and procedures governing assessment or control of air pollutant emissions. The proposed Housing. Element and Land Use Element update will not directly result in construction of any development or infrastructure; however, future residential development supported by the policies of the updated Housing Element and Land Use Element will result in short-term criteria pollutant emissions. Short-term criteria pollutant emissions will occur during site preparation, grading, building construction, paving, and painting activities associated with new development. Emissions will occur from use of equipment, worker, vendor, and hauling trips, and disturbance of onsite soils (fugitive dust). Pursuant to CEQA, short-term, project specific construction - related emissions will be analyzed as development proposals are submitted. Mitigation will be applied, where necessary, and typically includes requirements for use of low - VOC paints, installation of diesel particulate filters on older construction equipment, and limitations on hauling distances and or daily trips. To address operational emissions from a typical development project, an air quality modeling analysis is typically performed to determine if a project could regionally or locally cause a violation of any air quality standard. This analysis has already been performed associated with the City's current General Plan and EIR. The EIR quantifies the operational emissions that would occur from the buildout of the General Plan Land Use Plana Although the operational emissions from buildout of the General Plan would exceed SCAQMD thresholds, the EIR determined as a program level analysis these thresholds are not applicable and that implementation of General Plan policies, requirement for development air quality analysis, as well as SCAQMD implemented pollutant control measures would ensure that development that occurs pursuant to the General Plan would analyze the individual impacts of projects. However, the EIR determined that no mitigation is available to guarantee that operational emissions anticipated with buildout of the General Plan would not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation and found that a potentially significant impact could occur. Since the Housing Element and Land Use Element update would not alter any land use designations that would alter the quantified emissions presented in the EIR or the determination of a potentially 60 Initial Study Evaluation of Environmental Impacts significant impact, no additional impacts beyond those analyzed in the General Plan would occur. Therefore, no new or more significant impacts relative to air quality standards would result from implementation of the Housing Element and Land Use Element updates than those analyzed in the General Plan EIR. c) Less Than Significant Impact. The SCAQMD has prepared an Air Quality Management Plan to set forth a comprehensive and integrated program that will lead the Basin into compliance with the federal 24 -hour PM2.5 air quality standard, and to provide an update to the Basin's commitments toward meeting the federal 8 -hour ozone standards. The SCAB is currently in non - attainment for State and Federal criteria pollutants Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10).9 New development facilitated by the Housing Element and Land Use Element updates will be required to comply with SCAQMD rules and regulations aimed at reducing construction - related pollutant emissions, including fugitive dust and other particulates, as well as reactive organic compounds and other ozone precursors found in paints and a variety of coatings. Considering that the proposed Housing Element and the Land Use Element updates are consistent with the development projections of the Lake Elsinore General Plan and the breadth of existing standards and regulations, implementation of the proposed housing policies and implementation programs of the Housing Element update and the proposed Land Use Element update would not change or otherwise interfere with the regional pollutant control strategies of the AQMP. The project's impact on cumulative levels of regional ozone or particulates is therefore less than significant. d) Less Than Significant Impact. Common sensitive receptors include children under age 14, the elderly over age 65, athletes, and people with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. The project promotes development of housing for single - family households as well as the elderly; however the Housing Element and Land Use Element updates do not authorize construction or redevelopment of any housing units. Through its standard development review process that includes review pursuant to State CEQA statutes and guidelines, the City will ensure that any future housing projects developed pursuant to proposed Housing Element policies and programs provide adequate protection for project residents from any local air pollution sources. The project's impacts on sensitive receptors would be less than significant. e) Less than Significant Impact. Residential land uses typically do not create objectionable odors. Objectionable odors are typically associated with agricultural and heavy- manufacturing activities. A common potential source of odor from residential development projects comes from outdoor solid waste disposal bins. In accordance with current practices, all residential waste will be disposed of in covered receptacles and routinely removed, thereby limiting the escape of odors to the open air. No new odor sources would result from adoption of the Housing Element or the amendments to the Land Use Element because they do not authorize construction of any new housing project or redevelopment of existing housing. Furthermore, the updated elements would not authorize any relaxation or elimination of current requirements for proper waste storage and disposal for housing - related development projects. Therefore, the potential for the project to create objectionable odors is considered less than significant. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 61 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 4.4 - Biological Resources Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effe either directly or through habit modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status spec in local or regional plans, polici or regulations, or by the Califor Department of Fish and Game U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effe on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or I the California Department of Fi and Game or US Fish and Wildl Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effe on federally protected wetlandE defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pc coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native reside or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established nati resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies c ordinances protecting biologics resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinano Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporation 62 Initial Study 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? a Evaluation of Environmental Impacts u El i a) Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Lake Elsinore has numerous sites that are vacant and undeveloped, including the identified Focus Areas. The potential does exist for residential development pursuant to the proposed Housing Element policies and the Land Use Element to impact sensitive species or sensitive species habitat. As was analyzed in the City of Lake Elsinore's General Plan EIR, these impacts are potentially significant, but would be reduced to a less than significant level with the implementation of existing federal, State, regional, and local habitat and species protection programs as well as the policies of the General Plan and mitigation included in the EIR that would require analysis of development impact on sensitive species and habitat.1() The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity of development in any area. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not increase any impacts on sensitive species or habitat beyond what was already analyzed in the City's General Plan EIR. Less than significant impacts will result from the Housing Element and overall General Plan with the implementation of these existing programs and policies, most importantly the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) which will require project- specific analysis of plant and wildlife impacts and habitat impacts. b -c) Less Than Significant Impact. A variety of drainages cross the City of Lake Elsinore originating from the surrounding hills and generally draining towards Lake Elsinore. 'According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, wetlands are present within the City primarily around Lake Elsinore, but no riparian areas exist within the City." However, no wetlands are located within or near the identified Focus Areas. These impacts were analyzed in the City of Lake Elsinore's General Plan EIR and were determined to be less than significant with the implementation of existing Federal and State programs, in particular Sections 401 and 404 of the U.S. Clean Water Act and Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code. The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity of development in any area. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not increase any impacts on riparian habitat or wetlands beyond what was already analyzed in the City's General Plan EIR. Less than significant impacts will result from the Housing Element and overall General Plan with the implementation of these existing programs on individual development projects. d) Less Than Significant Impact. Given the location of Lake Elsinore within the City, there are a variety of birds that migrate seasonally through the City on the Pacific flyway as well as certain birds that permanently reside locally. Pursuant to the Migratory Birds Treaty Act (MBTA) any construction that occurs during breeding season (between February 15 and August 15) would require surveys for MBTA species and other special status species to determine if any such species exist on an individual development site and appropriate mitigation measures if deemed necessary. These impacts were previously analyzed by the City's General Plan EIR and determined to be less than significant with the implementation of this program, formalized as mitigation measures in the EIR. The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity of development in any area. Therefore, the proposed General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 63 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Housing Element and amended Land Use Element would not increase any impacts on migration beyond what was already analyzed in the City's General Plan EIR. Less than significant impacts will result from the Housing Element and overall General Plan with the implementation of these existing programs on individual development projects. e) Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Lake Elsinore does have a local palm tree preservation program. However, its purpose is primarily for preservation of aesthetic and City character. The City does not have any other local policies protecting biological resources. Continued implementation of the palm tree preservation program on individual projects would ensure that future housing developed pursuant to Housing Element policy would not conflict with any local policies and less than significant impacts will occur. f) Less Than Significant Impact. As previously noted, the City is located within and is a co- permittee to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The plan is intended to conserve biological resources within the western Riverside County region by establishing a network of conservation areas. This network would comprise lands already publicly owned and set aside for conservation as well as additional lands identified for conservation on individual development projects located within conservation Criteria Cells. Any development located within MSHCP conservation Criteria Cells will require review for determining if conservation is required within the project area to contribute to the conservation network. In addition, as discussed previously in sections 4.4.a, individual development projects will require review for sensitive species and habitat in accordance with the MSHCP. Focus Areas 1, 8, 10, 11, and 12 and the Meadowbrook community are all located partially or entirely within MSHCP conservation Criteria Cells. The City is also located partially within the Stephens' Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan (SKR HCP), which is intended to preserve habitat for the federally - listed endangered species and state - listed threatened species. The plan requires development specific analysis for presence of the species or habitat and the payment of an impact mitigation fee for properties located within the SKR HCP area. No other Habitat Conservation Plan,12 Natural Community Conservation Plan area, 13 or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan are located within the City. With the continued implementation of the MSHCP by the City through the development review process, less than significant impacts will occur. 64 Initial Study Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 4.5 - Cultural Resources Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporation a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical ❑ 0 �' ❑ resource as defined in '15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to ❑ a '15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or El site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, =_ including those interred outside of 171 El formal cemeteries? a) Less Than Significant Impact. A variety of historical resources exist within the City as identified in the City's General Plan EIR. As is analyzed in the EIR, development pursuant to the General Plan would result in less than significant impacts with implementation of existing federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to historical resources as well as policies included within the General Plan.14 The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity of development in any area. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not increase any potential impacts on historical resources beyond what was already analyzed in the City's General Plan EIR. Less than significant impacts will result from the Housing Element and overall General Plan with the implementation of these existing programs and policies on individual development projects. b -d) Less than Significant Impact. As is noted in the City's General Plan EIR, given the area's previous habitation by the Luiseno people and geological conditions, there is a moderate to high likelihood for both archaeological and paleontological resources to exist within undeveloped areas within the City. The analysis in the EIR notes that less than significant impacts would occur from development pursuant to the General Plan with the implementation of existing policies and programs as well as mitigation included in the EIR and policies of the General Plan, which generally require surveying of sites for archaeological and paleontological resources and mitigation if appropriate for individual development projects. The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity of development in any area. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would not increase any potential impacts on archaeological or paleontological resources beyond what was already analyzed in the City's General Plan EIR. Less than significant impacts will result from the Housing Element and overall General Plan with the implementation of the mitigation General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 65 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts measures of the General Plan EIR and General Plan policies on individual development projects. It is possible that unknown human remains could be located in undeveloped areas that could be unearthed by development. If proper care is not taken during future housing project construction completed pursuant to Housing Element and Land Use Element policies, particularly during excavation activities, damage to or destruction of these unknown remains could occur. To ensure that any such materials or human remains, if found, are properly identified (and the resource recovered, if necessary), before grading or other earthmoving activities proceed in that immediate area, the City's General Plan EIR provides mitigation for halting grading activities and proper notification pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 would occur. With the implementation of this existing regulation and General Plan EIR mitigation measure, impacts to buried remains would be less than significant. 66 Initial Study Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 4.6 - Geology and Soils Would the project: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Mitigation Impact Incorporation a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects,. including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or El based on other substantial evidence ❑ of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? El iii) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction? ❑ ❑ ❑ iv) Landslides? El El b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ❑ El ❑ c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- ❑ or off -site landslide, lateral ❑ ❑ spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), ❑ creating substantial risks to life or ❑ [� property? General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 67 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal F systems where sewers are not ❑ I ❑ V ❑ available for the disposal of waste water? a.i) Less Than Significant Impact. Lake Elsinore is located in seismically active southern California and does contain Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones and other identified faults associated with the Elsinore fault system.ls Future housing development constructed pursuant to Housing Element policy and the Land Use Element would be subject to all applicable City, State, and local building regulations, including the California Building Code (CBC) seismic standards as approved by the Lake Elsinore Building & Safety Division. Impacts will be less than significant with the implementation of the CBC. a.ii) Less Than Significant Impact. Ground shaking can vary greatly due to the variation in earth properties. The City is subject to strong ground shaking, as is the entirety of southern California. Various strands of the Elsinore fault underlie the City as previously noted. These faults, in addition to other regional faults, are likely to produce earthquakes during the life of the project. All future projects would be susceptible to ground shaking during a seismic event and could expose persons and structure to potentially medium to strong seismic ground motion. As such, all future projects could result in a potentially significant impact with respect to strong ground shaking. Nonetheless, as discussed above in Section VI(a)(i), all future projects would be designed and constructed in compliance with all applicable City and State codes and requirements, including those established in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Volume 2. The CBC regulations are designed to protect building occupants and limit the damage sustained by buildings during seismic events. Use of these requirements is further supported by policies in the General Plan. Application of these codes and policies reduce impacts to residential development due to strong ground shaking to a less- than - significant level. a.iii) Less Than Significant Impact. Liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs when soil undergoes transformation from a solid state to a liquefied condition due to the effects of increased pore -water pressure. This typically occurs where susceptible soils (particularly the medium sand to silt range) are located over a high groundwater table. Affected soils lose all strength during liquefaction and foundation failure can occur. Portions of the City with high groundwater are noted as being rated very high and high for susceptibility to possible ground failure due to liquefaction hazards as noted in the City's General Plan with other areas rated as moderate to very low. The City recognizes the potential impacts to housing and therefore Municipal Code Chapters 17.28 and 17.32 require site specific studies for liquefaction potential and analysis of site specific design measures to limit liquefaction potential to an acceptable level in accordance with the CBC. The proposed Focus Areas and identified communities are located in areas with liquefaction susceptibility rated between very low to moderate. However, if analysis on a specific site determines liquefaction may be potential, appropriate measures that reduce the ground- shaking and liquefaction effects of earthquakes are identified in the CBC. The project does not itself involve new construction in any area of the City. All future developments will be subject to the City's standard environmental review process for evaluation of liquefaction potential and other geologic hazards. Considering implementation of existing policies and standards, impacts associated with liquefaction or other ground failure will be less than significant. f8 Initial Study Evaluation of Environmental Impacts a.iv) Less than Significant Impact. Portions of the City are susceptible to landslides since a substantial portion is located on slopes of 30 percent or greater. Landslides have historically occurred during rainstorms and earthquakes, causing steep slopes to fail. Slope failure can cause damage to structures above and below the toe of a slope. Residential development on slopes is subject to Policy 3.1 of the Land Use section and Policy 6.2 of the Seismic Activity section of the General Plan which generally require the consideration of geologic features and hazards in proposed developments. No land use changes or additional density allowances are proposed by the Housing Element or as a result of the Land Use Element amendments; let alone in the hillside areas where landslides are identified as a risk. Implementation of existing California Building Code and City practices and policies related to landslides during the environmental review process will assure that appropriate design measures and mitigation is incorporated where necessary. Implementation of these existing regulations and policies would reduce potential landslide impacts to be less than significant. b) Less Than Significant Impact. Topsoil is used to cover surface areas for the establishment and maintenance of vegetation due to its high concentrations of organic matter and microorganisms. The project does not propose or authorize any particular housing development. All future residential projects are subject to environmental and engineering review, including assessment and mitigation of soil erosion. During construction activities of housing proposed pursuant to Housing Element policy or of development in accordance with the Land Use Element, there is the potential to expose surficial soils to wind and water erosion during construction activities. Wind erosion is required to be minimized through soil stabilization measures required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust), such as daily watering. Water erosion will be prevented through the City's standard erosion control practices required pursuant to the California Building Code and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), such as silt fencing or sandbags. Impacts related to soil erosion would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations. c) Less Than Significant Impact. Impacts related to liquefaction and landslides are discussed above in Section 4.6.a. Lateral spreading is the downslope movement of surface sediment due to liquefaction in a subsurface layer. The downslope movement is due to gravity and earthquake shaking combined. Such movement can occur on slope gradients of as little as one degree. Lateral spreading typically damages pipelines, utilities, bridges, and structures. As discussed in Section 4.6.a.iii, future development within the City would be subject to less than significant impacts from liquefaction and other settlement hazards due to the requirement for geotechnical engineering and soils reports for future development. The CBC includes a requirement that any City- approved recommendations contained in a development's soil report be made conditions of the building permit. Standard engineering techniques are required, as appropriate, to guard against seismic - related hazards. Such techniques include excavation of collapsible soils and import of suitable fill material and foundation design methods that remain stable under settlement conditions. Impacts related to soil instability will be less than significant with the continued implementation of these regulations and practices. d) Less Than Significant Impact. The CBC requires special design considerations for foundations of structures built on soils with expansion indices greater than 20. Presence of such soils, and identification of measures to eliminate this constraint such as removal and replacement with suitable engineered materials, will be determined through site - specific geotechnical evaluations to be conducted as part of the City's routine development review procedures. Such routine procedures will apply to all future development projects including residential projects. Compliance with CBC requirements would limit hazards related to expansive soil to less than significant, and no mitigation is required. General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 69 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts e) Less Than Significant Impact. Lake Elsinore has been developed with urban uses for many years, and a sewer system has been integrated into the infrastructure of much of the City. However, some more rural portions of the City are currently served by individual septic systems. Development in the Focus Areas at the intensities allowed by the General Plan would require that these projects connect to and utilize public sewer systems. Other lower density residential development pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element and the Land Use Element may develop in areas where sewer service is not readily available and would utilize individual septic systems as appropriate. These septic systems would be required to meet City requirements for septic systems as included in Chapters 16.24, 16.34, and 16.56 of the City's Municipal Code. Thus, less than significant impacts relative to the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems will result. 70 Initial Study 4,7 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions ._ ............. a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Potentially Significant Impact Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation Less Than No Significant Impact Impact 0 E a) Less Than Significant Impact. Climate change is the distinct change in measures of climate for a long period of time. Climate change is the result of numerous, cumulative sources of greenhouse gas emissions all over the world. Natural changes in climate can be caused by indirect processes such as changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun or direct changes within the climate system itself (i.e. changes in ocean circulation). Human activities can affect the atmosphere through emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and changes to the planet's surface. Human activities that produce GHGs are the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas for heating and electricity, gasoline and diesel for transportation); methane from landfill wastes and raising livestock, deforestation activities; and some agricultural practices. 16 Greenhouse gases differ from other emissions in that they contribute to the "greenhouse effect." The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence that helps regulate the temperature of the planet. The majority of radiation from the Sun hits the Earth's surface and warms it. The surface in turn radiates heat back towards the atmosphere, known as infrared radiation. Gases and clouds in the atmosphere trap and prevent some of this heat from escaping back into space and re- radiate it in all directions. This process is essential to supporting life on Earth because it warms the planet by approximately 60° Fahrenheit. Emissions from human activities since the beginning of the industrial revolution (approximately 250 years ago) are adding to the natural greenhouse effect by increasing the gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, thereby contributing to an average increase in the Earth's temperature. Greenhouse gases occur naturally and from human activities. Greenhouse gases produced by human activities include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Since 1750, it is estimated that the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere have increased over 36 percent, 148 percent, and 18 percent, respectively, primarily due to human activity. Emissions of greenhouse gases affect the atmosphere directly by changing its chemical composition while changes to the land surface indirectly affect the atmosphere by changing the way the Earth absorbs gases from the atmosphere. A summary of short- and long -term emissions and the analysis for each are included below. Short-Term Emissions Future development projects will result in construction. Greenhouse gas emissions will t grading, paving, and other building construction short-term greenhouse gas emissions from e released by equipment used for demolition, activities. GHG emissions will also result from General Plan Amendment No. 2013 -02 71