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General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 1 of 94
PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 2021-18
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW NO. 2021-01
(Initial Study/Negative Declaration)
Prepared By:
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
AUGUST 2021
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 4
A. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................... 4
B. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT ......................................................... 4
C. INTENDED USES OF INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION .................. 5
D. CONTENTS OF INITIAL STUDY ........................................................................................ 5
E. SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ...................................................................... 6
F. TIERED DOCUMENTS, INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE, AND TECHNICAL
STUDIES .............................................................................................................................................. 6
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 9
A. PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING ............................................................................... 9
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 9
III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST ........................................................................................... 10
A. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................... 10
B. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED ........................................ 33
C. DETERMINATION .............................................................................................................. 33
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 48
I. AESTHETICS ......................................................................................................................... 48
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES .............................................................. 50
III. AIR QUALITY ....................................................................................................................... 51
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................ 54
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................... 56
VI. ENERGY ................................................................................................................................. 58
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. ....................................................................................................... 58
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ....................................................................................... 62
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ................................................................... 65
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ............................................................................ 68
XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING .............................................................................................. 72
XII. MINERAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................................... 73
XIII. NOISE ..................................................................................................................................... 74
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING ........................................................................................... 79
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES ............................................................................................................... 80
XVI. RECREATION ........................................................................................................................ 83
XVII. TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................. 84
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES .................................................................................... 86
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS ................................................................................ 87
XX. WILDFIRES ............................................................................................................................ 89
V. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................................ 91
VI. PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED ............................................................... 92
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VII. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 92
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1, Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2021-2029 ........................................................................ 13
Table 2, Approved Projects Affordability Distribution ......................................................................... 13
Table 3, Vacant Land Inventory .............................................................................................................. 14
Table 4, Sites Inventory Summary .......................................................................................................... 18
Table 5, Noise and Land Use Compatibility Standards......................................................................... 75
Table 6, Interior and Exterior Noise Standards ..................................................................................... 76
Table 7, Human Response to Groundborne Vibration.......................................................................... 77
Table 8, Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment ........................................................... 78
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1, Regional Location ....................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 2, Vicinity Map ................................................................................................................................ 35
Figure 3, Sites Inventory Map .................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 4, Sites Inventory Map - HDR and RMU Sites ............................................................................... 37
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I. INTRODUCTION
A. PURPOSE
This document is an Initial Study for evaluation of environmental impacts resulting from
implementation of Planning Application 2021-18 (General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01) which
consists of an update to the City of Lake Elsinore’s Housing Element to cover the 2021-2019 period,
an update of the General Plan Safety Element contained in Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) of
the City’s General Plan and a new Environmental Justice Element, which is being incorporated into
Chapter 3.0. For purposes of this document, this application will be called the “proposed project”.
B. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
As defined by Section 15063 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, an
Initial Study is prepared primarily to provide the Lead Agency with information to use as the basis
for determining whether an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or Mitigated
Negative Declaration would be appropriate for providing the necessary environmental documentation
and clearance for any proposed project.
According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15065, an EIR is deemed appropriate for a particular
proposal if the following conditions occur:
$ The project has the potential to: substantially degrade the quality of the environment;
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species; cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels; threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community; substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare or
threatened species; or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history
or prehistory.
$ The project has the potential to achieve short-term environmental goals to the disadvantage of
long-term environmental goals.
$ The project has possible environmental effects that are individually limited but cumulatively
considerable.
$ The environmental effects of a project will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly.
According to CEQA Section 21080(c)(1) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15070(a), a Negative
Declaration can be adopted if it can be determined that the project will not have a significant effect
on the environment.
According to CEQA Section 21080(c)(2) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15070(b), a Mitigated
Negative Declaration can be adopted if it is determined that although the Initial Study identifies that
the project may have potentially significant effects on the environment, revisions in the project plans
and/or mitigation measures, which would avoid or mitigate the effects to below the level of
significance, have been made or agreed to by the applicant.
This Initial Study has determined that the proposed project will not result in potentially
significant environmental effects and therefore, a Negative Declaration is deemed the
appropriate document to provide the necessary environmental evaluations and clearance.
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This Initial Study and Negative Declaration are prepared in conformance with the California
Environmental Quality Act of 1970 , as amended (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.); the
State Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA
Guidelines”), as amended (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section
15000, et seq.); applicable requirements of the City of Lake Elsinore; and the regulations,
requirements, and procedures of any other responsible public agency or agency with jurisdiction by
law.
The City of Lake Elsinore is designated the Lead Agency, in accordance with Section 15050 of the
CEQA Guidelines. The Lead Agency is the public agency which has the principal responsibility for
carrying out or approving a project which may have significant effects upon the environment.
C. INTENDED USES OF INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION
This Initial Study and Negative Declaration are informational documents which are intended to
inform the City of Lake Elsinore decision-makers, other responsible or interested agencies, and the
general public of the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The environmental
review process has been established to enable public agencies to evaluate environmental
consequences and to examine and implement methods of eliminating or reducing any potentially
adverse impacts. While CEQA requires that consideration be given to avoiding environmental
damage, the Lead Agency and other responsible agencies must balance adverse environmental effects
against other public objectives, including economic and social goals (CEQA Guidelines Section
15021).
The City of Lake Elsinore City Council, as Lead Agency, has determined that environmental
clearance for the proposed project can be provided with a Negative Declaration. The Initial Study
and Notice of Availability and Intent to Adopt prepared for the Negative Declaration will be
circulated for a period of 30 days for public and agency review. Comments received on the document
will be considered by the Lead Agency before it acts on the proposed project.
D. CONTENTS OF INITIAL STUDY
This Initial Study is organized to facilitate a basic understanding of the existing setting and
environmental implications of the proposed project.
I. INTRODUCTION presents an introduction to the entire report. This section identifies City of
Lake Elsinore contact persons involved in the process, scope of environmental review, environmental
procedures, and incorporation by reference documents.
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION describes the proposed project. A description of discretionary
approvals and permits required for project implementation is also included.
III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM contains the City’s Environmental Checklist
Form. The checklist form presents results of the environmental evaluation for the proposed project
and those areas that would have either a potentially significant impact, a less than significant impact
with mitigation incorporated, a less than significant impact, or no impact.
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS provides the background analysis supporting each response
provided in the environmental checklist form. Each response checked in the checklist form is
discussed and supported with sufficient data and analysis. As appropriate, each response discussion
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describes and identifies specific impacts anticipated with project implementation. In this section,
mitigation measures are also set forth, as appropriate, that would reduce potentially significant
adverse impacts to levels of less than significance.
V. MANDATORY FINDINGS presents the background analysis supporting each response provided
in the environmental checklist form for the Mandatory Findings of Significance set forth in Section
21083(b) of CEQA and Section 15065 of the CEQA Guidelines.
VI. PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED identifies those individuals consulted and
involved in the preparation of this Initial Study and Negative Declaration.
VII. REFERENCES lists bibliographical materials used in preparation of this document.
E. SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
For evaluation of environmental impacts, each question from the Environmental Checklist Form is
stated and responses are provided according to the analysis undertaken as part of the Initial Study.
All responses will take into account the whole action involved, including offsite as well as onsite,
cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational
impacts. Project impacts and effects will be evaluated and quantified, when appropriate. To each
question, there are four possible responses, including:
1. No Impact: A “No Impact” response is adequately supported if the referenced information
sources show that the impact simply does not apply to the proposed project. A “No Impact”
answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general
standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a
project-specific screening analysis).
2. Less Than Significant Impact: Development associated with project implementation will
have the potential to impact the environment. These impacts, however, will be less than the
levels of thresholds that are considered significant and no additional analysis is required.
3. Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated: This applies where incorporation of
mitigation measures has reduced an effect from “Potentially Significant Impact” to a “Less
Than Significant Impact”. The Lead Agency must describe the mitigation measures and
briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level.
4. Potentially Significant Impact: There is substantial evidence that the proposed project may
have impacts that are considered potentially significant and an EIR is required.
F. TIERED DOCUMENTS, INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE, AND TECHNICAL
STUDIES
Information, findings, and conclusions contained in this document are based on the incorporation by
reference of tiered documentation and technical studies that have been prepared for the proposed
project which are discussed in the following section.
1. Tiered Documents
As permitted in CEQA Guidelines Section 15152(a) the analysis of general matters contained in a
broader EIR (such as one prepared for a general plan or policy statement) with later EIRs and
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negative declarations on narrower projects; incorporating by reference the general discussions from
the broader EIR; and concentrating the later EIR or negative declaration solely on the issues specific
to the later project.
Tiering is defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15385 as follows:
“Tiering” refers to the coverage of general matters in broader EIRs (such as on general plans or
policy statements) with subsequent narrower EIRs or ultimately site-specific EIRs incorporating
by reference the general discussions and concentrating solely on the issues specific to the EIR
subsequently prepared. Tiering is appropriate when the sequence of EIRs is:
(a) From a general plan, policy, or program EIR to a program, plan, or policy EIR of lesser scope
or to a site-specific EIR;
(b) From an EIR on a specific action at an early stage to a subsequent EIR or a supplement to an
EIR at a later stage. Tiering in such cases is appropriate when it helps the Lead Agency to
focus on the issues which are ripe for decision and exclude from consideration issues already
decided or not yet ripe.
Tiering also allows this document to comply with Section 15152(b) of the CEQA Guidelines, which
discourages repetitive analyses, as follows:
“Agencies are encouraged to tier the environmental analyses which they prepare for separate but
related projects including general plans, zoning changes, and development projects. This
approach can eliminate repetitive discussions of the same issues and focus the later EIR or
negative declaration on the actual issues ripe for decision at each level of environmental review.
Tiering is appropriate when the sequence of analysis is from an EIR prepared for a general plan,
policy or program to an EIR or negative declaration for another plan, policy, or program of lesser
scope, or to a site-specific EIR or negative declaration.”
Further, Section 15152(d) of the CEQA Guidelines states:
“Where an EIR has been prepared and certified for a program, plan, policy, or ordinance
consistent with the requirements of this section, any lead agency for a later project pursuant to or
consistent with the program, plan, policy, or ordinance should limit the EIR or negative
declaration on the later project to effects which:
(1) Were not examined as significant effects on the environment in the prior EIR; or
(2) Are susceptible to substantial reduction or avoidance by the choice of specific revisions in the
project, by the imposition of conditions or other means.”
For this document, the “City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Final Recirculated Program
Environmental Impact Report” certified December 13, 2011 (SCH #2005121019) serves as the
broader document, since it analyzes the entire City area, which includes the proposed project site.
However, as discussed, site-specific impacts, which the broader document (City of Lake Elsinore
General Plan Update Final Recirculated Program Environmental Impact Report) cannot adequately
address, may occur for certain issue areas. This document, therefore, evaluates each environmental
issue alone and will rely upon the analysis contained within the Lake Elsinore General Plan Final EIR
with respect to remaining issue areas.
2. Incorporation by Reference
An EIR or Negative Declaration may incorporate by reference all or portions of another document
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which is a matter of public record or is generally available to the public. Where all or part of another
document is incorporated by reference, the incorporated language shall be considered to be set forth
in full as part of the text of the EIR or Negative Declaration. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[a])
Incorporation by reference is a procedure for reducing the size of EIRs/MND and is most appropriate
for including long, descriptive, or technical materials that provide general background information,
but do not contribute directly to the specific analysis of the project itself. This procedure is
particularly useful when an EIR or Negative Declaration relies on a broadly-drafted EIR for its
evaluation of cumulative impacts of related projects (Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation v.
County of Los Angeles [1986, 177 Ca.3d 300]). If an EIR or Negative Declaration relies on
information from a supporting study that is available to the public, the EIR or Negative Declaration
cannot be deemed unsupported by evidence or analysis (San Francisco Ecology Center v. City and
County of San Francisco [1975, 48 Ca.3d 584, 595]).
When an EIR or Negative Declaration incorporates a document by reference, the incorporation must
comply with CEQA Guidelines Section 15150 as follows:
$ Where part of another document is incorporated by reference, such other document shall be
made available to the public for inspection at a public place or public building. The EIR or
Negative Declaration shall state where the incorporated documents will be available for
inspection. At a minimum, the incorporated document shall be made available to the public in
an office of the Lead Agency. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[b])
$ The incorporated part of the referenced document shall be briefly summarized where possible
or briefly described if the data or information cannot be summarized. The relationship
between the incorporated part of the referenced document and the EIR shall be described.
(CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[c])
$ This document must include the State identification number of the incorporated document
(CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[d]).
3. Documents Incorporated by Reference/Technical Studies
a. The following document(s) is/are incorporated by reference:
• City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Final Recirculated Program Environmental
Impact Report (“General Plan EIR”) (SCH #2005121019), certified December 13, 2011. The
General Plan EIR, from which this document is tiered, addresses the entire City of Lake
Elsinore and provides background and inventory information and data which apply to the
project site. Incorporated information and/or data will be cited in the appropriate sections.
b. The above-listed document is available for review at:
City of Lake Elsinore
Planning Division
130 S. Main Street
Lake Elsinore, California 92530
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Holidays
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
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II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING
Project Location
Located within western Riverside County, the City of Lake Elsinore bordered by the Elsinore Mountains
to the west, which is part of the Santa Ana Mountain Range. The City is surrounded by Wildomar to the
southeast, unincorporated Riverside County to the west and north, and Menifee and Canyon Lake to the
east. The City’s planning area (including its sphere of influence) encompasses approximately 72 square
miles. Figure 1, Regional Location and Figure 2, Vicinity Map illustrate the City’s location within
western Riverside County and its local context. The City of Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 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 update of the General Plan Safety Element and the new Environmental Justice Element will apply to
all properties within the City of Lake Elsinore.
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.
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed Project includes the following entitlements:
• City of Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 Housing Element and Amendment of City of Lake Elsinore
General Plan Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) including updates related to the Safety
Element and the addition of new Environmental Justice goals, policies and programs. (Planning
Application No. 2021-18/General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01).
The project consists of three components consisting of:
1. The adoption and implementation of the City of Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 Housing Element,
which represents an update of the City’s Housing Element. California law requires an update of the
Housing Element every eight years in order to remain relevant and reflective of the community’s
changing housing needs. California is now entering its sixth cycle, covering a period between 2021
and 2029. 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.
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
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2. An update of the General Plan Safety Element contained in Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) of the City’s General Plan pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302(g)(3)
which requires that upon he next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2014, the
safety element is required to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land
classified as State Responsibility Areas and land classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones.
3. A new Environmental Justice Element, which is being incorporated into Chapter 3.0 pursuant to
Government Code Section 65302 (h)(1) which requires upon the adoption or next revision of two or
more elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018 that the City adopt or review the
environmental justice element, or the environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives in other
elements.
III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. BACKGROUND
1. Project Title: City of Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 Housing Element and Amendment of City of Lake
Elsinore General Plan Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) including updates related to the Safety
Element and the addition of new Environmental Justice goals, policies and programs. (Planning
Application No. 2021-18/General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01)
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Lake Elsinore, 130 South Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Richard J. MacHott, Planning Manager, (951) 674-3124,
Extension 209
4. Project Location: Located within western Riverside County, the City of Lake Elsinore bordered by the
Elsinore Mountains to the west, which is part of the Santa Ana Mountain Range. The City is surrounded
by Wildomar to the southeast, unincorporated Riverside County to the west and north, and Menifee and
Canyon Lake to the east. The City’s planning area (including its sphere of influence) encompasses
approximately 72 square miles.
5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: City of Lake Elsinore
Planning Division
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, California 92530
6. General Plan 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.
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.
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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.
7. Zoning: 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)
8. Description of Project:
Housing Element Description
Housing Element provides the City of Lake Elsinore with a coordinated and comprehensive strategy for
promoting the production of safe, decent, and affordable housing for all community residents. The
Housing Element is a mandatory General Plan element. It identifies ways in which the housing needs of
existing and future residents can be met. California law requires an update of the Housing Element every
eight years in order to remain relevant and reflective of the community’s changing housing needs. The
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proposed project includes the Housing Element for the sixth cycle planning period covering a period
between 2021 and 2029.
Government Code Section 65583 requires that the housing element shall consist of an identification and
analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives,
financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of
housing. The housing element shall identify adequate sites for housing, including rental housing, factory-
built housing, mobilehomes, and emergency shelters, and shall make adequate provision for the existing
and projected needs of all economic segments of the community. The element shall contain all of the
following:
(a) An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting
of these needs.
(b) A statement of the community’s goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance,
preservation, improvement, and development of housing.
(c) A program that sets forth a schedule of actions during the planning period, each with a timeline for
implementation, that may recognize that certain programs are ongoing, such that there will be beneficial
impacts of the programs within the planning period, that the local government is undertaking or intends to
undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the housing element.
The Housing Element consists of:
• An introduction of the scope and purpose of the Housing Element
• An analysis of the City’s demographic and housing characteristics and trends
• A review of potential market, governmental, and environmental constraints to meeting the City’s
identified housing needs
• An evaluation of land, administrative, and financial resources available to address the housing
goals
• A review of past accomplishments under the previous Housing Element
• A Housing Plan to address the identified housing needs, including housing goals, policies, and
programs
Projected Housing Need (RHNA)
Housing Element law requires a quantification of each jurisdiction’s share of the regional housing need as
established in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Plan prepared by the jurisdiction’s
council of governments. HCD, in conjunction with the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG), determine a projected housing need for the region covered by SCAG: the counties of Riverside,
San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and Imperial. This share, known as the Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA), is 1,341,834 new housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period throughout
the SCAG region. SCAG has, in turn, allocated this share among its constituent jurisdictions, distributing
to each its own RHNA divided along income levels.
The City of Lake Elsinore has a RHNA of 6,681 housing units to accommodate in the housing element
period. The income distribution of those housing units is shown in Table 1, Regional Housing Needs
Allocation 2021-2029
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Table 1, Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2021-2029
Income Group
Total Housing
Units
Percentage
of Units
Extremely-/Very Low-Income (0-50% AMI)* 1,878 28%
Low-Income (51-80% AMI) 1,099 16%
Moderate-Income (80-120% AMI) 1,134 17%
Above Moderate-Income (121+% AMI) 2,570 38%
Total 6,681 100%
Notes:
AMI: Area Median Income
* Note: Pursuant to AB 2634, local jurisdictions are also required to project the housing needs of extremely low-
income households (0-30% AMI). In estimating the number of extremely low-income households, a jurisdiction can
use 50% of the very low-income allocation (939 units).
Residential Sites Inventory
State law requires that jurisdictions demonstrate in the Housing Element that the land inventory is
adequate to accommodate that jurisdiction’s share of the region’s projected growth. After accounting for
approved projects, the City has a remaining RHNA of 1,878 units in the very low-income category.
Throughout the city, various properties zoned for residential and mixed-use use collectively provide
sufficient capacity to meet and exceed identified housing needs for very low-income households, as well
as provide an inventory buffer for all income categories.
Approved residential development projects credited toward the 2021-2029 RHNA can accommodate
18,495 units (Table 2, Approved Projects Affordability Distribution) and address in full the low-,
moderate-, and above moderate-income RHNA. The City has a remaining RHNA of 1,878 units in the
very low-income (0-50% AMI) category to be addressed through site identification.
Table 2, Approved Projects Affordability Distribution
Affordability
Distribution
Ex./Very
Low (0-50%
AMI)
Low (50-80%
AMI)
Moderate
Income (80-
120% AMI)
Above
Moderate
Income
(120%+ AMI) Total
Tessera Development -- -- 90 -- 90
Specific Plans:
Single-family Units -- -- 4,754 4,753 9,507
Multi-family Units -- 2,533 2,533 -- 5,066
Multi-family Units in
Mixed-use
-- 1,915 1,915 -- 3,830
Specific Plan subtotal -- 4,488 9,202 4,753 18,403
Total -- 4,448 9,292 4,753 18,493
2021-2029 RHNA 1,878 1,099 1,134 2,570 6,681
Remaining RHNA:
Surplus/Remaining (+/-)
-1,878 +3,349 +8,158 +2,183 + 11,812
Source: City of Lake Elsinore, 2020
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The Housing Element Sites Inventory consists of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) projections and vacant
residential and mixed-use sites. Together, these sites ensure that the remaining RHNA can adequately be
accommodated during the planning period. The sites have no identified constraints that would prevent
development or reuse during the Housing Element period. Table 3, Vacant Land Inventory, summarizes
the sites inventory (see also Figure 3, Sites Inventory, and Figure 4, Sites Inventory Map - HDR and
RMU Sites.
ADU Projections
A projection of ADU development during the planning period is included in the site inventory. In 2019,
two ADUs were permitted; in 2020, six ADUs were permitted. The previous demand for ADUs in Lake
Elsinore has been minimal due to the availability of relatively affordable housing. Nonetheless with
recent, favorable ADU legislation which has created new incentives and streamlined processes to build
ADUs and the City’s efforts to publicize ADU development, demand for ADU development is expected
to increase. As part of Housing Element implementation, the City will work to encourage and facilitate
development of ADUs (Program 19). The City projects that during the planning period (8.3 years),
approximately 100 accessory dwelling units (ADUs) will be developed (12 per year).
The affordability assumptions for the ADUs are based on the Southern California Association of
Governments’ (SCAG) ADU affordability analysis for San Bernardino/Riverside County that have been
approved by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). (SCAG estimates an
affordability breakdown of ADUs in the San Bernardino/Riverside subregion as follows: 15% extremely
low-income, 8% very low-income, 35% low-income, 35% moderate-income, and 8% above moderate-
income. (6th Cycle Housing Element Update Technical Assistance – ADU Affordability Analysis, August
27, 2020.)
Vacant Sites
The vacant sites inventory includes 18 HDR/R-3 sites and 10 RMU sites totaling 104.7 acres; combined,
these sites yield a realistic capacity of 2,392 units. Table 3, Vacant Land Inventory, lists the sites and
provides detailed descriptions of each.
Table 3, Vacant Land Inventory
Site #
Size
(acres)
# of
APNs
Allowed
Density
Realistic
Capacity Notes
R3-1 1.97 1 19-24 du/ac 43 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Adjacent to a commercially zoned area
R3-2 1.50 6 19-24 du/ac 34 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (1.1 acres) of site under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
R3-3 3.60 17 19-24 du/ac 79 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Half (1.8 acres) of site under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
R3-4 0.54 3 19-24 du/ac 12 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
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Site #
Size
(acres)
# of
APNs
Allowed
Density
Realistic
Capacity Notes
R3-5 4.04 25 19-24 du/ac 85 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Most of site (3 acres) owned by two owners
Subject to AB 1397
R3-6 1.27 6 19-24 du/ac 29 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (1.1 acres) of site under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
R3-7 1.60 7 19-24 du/ac 34 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
R3-8 1.04 1 19-24 du/ac 23 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
R3-9 0.79 4 19-24 du/ac 17 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
R3-10 0.56 3 19-24 du/ac 11 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
R3-11 0.59 3 19-24 du/ac 13 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
2 owners including City of Lake Elsinore (0.21
acres)
Located adjacent to a mobile home park and a
new Specify Plan aimed at revitalization and
intensification.
Subject to AB 1397
R3-12 0.81 4 19-24 du/ac 18 units
Vacant
Half (0.47 acres) of site under common
ownership
Easily accessible from I-15 and near a future
commercial area
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
R3-13 1.21 1 19-24 du/ac 27 units
Vacant
Easily accessible from I-15 and near a future
commercial development
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
R3-14 4.55 4 19-24 du/ac 100 units
Vacant
Located adjacent to higher density residential
development and future commercial area
Under common ownership
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
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Site #
Size
(acres)
# of
APNs
Allowed
Density
Realistic
Capacity Notes
R3-15 4.35 1 19-24 du/ac 96 units
Vacant
Located adjacent to a mobile home park
Located across the street from a future 146-unit
condominium development.
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
R3-16 13.16 1 19-24 du/ac 290 units
Vacant
Located adjacent to a mobile home park
Located across the street from a future 146-unit
condominium development.
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
R3-17 3.47 1 19-24 du/ac 76 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
R3-18 14.31 1 19-24 du/ac 315 units
Vacant
Located along a major corridor (CA-74) for easy
access
Multi-family development opportunity located in
a single-family residential area and near a future
commercial area
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
MSHCP habitat set-aside required – 15.85 acre
site, only 14.31 acres developable
RMU-1 4.96 1 19-24 du/ac 119 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
RMU-2 5.03 3 19-24 du/ac 120 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
Subject to AB 1397
RMU-3 8.25 1 19-24 du/ac 198 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Subject to AB 1397
RMU-4 5.99 11 19-24 du/ac 144 units
Vacant
Located across the street from a high-density
residential development, next to Eastlake Specific
Plan mixed-use overlay area with capacity for 750
residential units and adjacent to the Downtown
Elsinore Specific Plan mixed-use area.
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (4.56 acres) of site under common
ownership
Subject to AB 1397
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Site #
Size
(acres)
# of
APNs
Allowed
Density
Realistic
Capacity Notes
RMU-5 3.26 25 19-24 du/ac 80 units
Vacant
Easily accessible from I-15 and near a future
commercial development
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (2.36 acres) of site under common
ownership
Subject to AB 1397
RMU-6 5.26 44 19-24 du/ac 126 units
Vacant
Easily accessible from I-15 and near a future
commercial development
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (3.91 acres) of site under common
ownership
Subject to AB 1397
RMU-7 1.08 9 19-24 du/ac 27 units
Vacant
Easily accessible from I-15 and near a future
commercial development
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (0.59 acres) of site under common
ownership
Adjacent to underutilized land for potential larger
site
RMU-8 8.76 9 19-24 du/ac 209 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Most (5.61 acres) of site under common
ownership
Located next to Eastlake Specific Plan mixed-use
overlay with capacity for 750 residential units and
adjacent to future commercial development.
RMU-9 0.56 3 19-24 du/ac 14 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Under common ownership
Located in residential areas across the street from
an R-3 residential area
RMU-10 2.21 1 19-24 du/ac 53 units
Vacant
Very low/low-income affordability
Located next to a mobile home park and a high-
density residential area. Across the street from a
commercial mixed-use area.
Total 104.71 196 2,392 units
Sites Inventory Summary
Table 4, Sites Inventory Summary, summarizes the sites available to address the 2021-2029 RHNA for
the City of Lake Elsinore. The approved projects and site inventory identify capacity for 20,987 units,
6,899 units of which are on sites suitable for development of lower-income housing. Overall, the City can
adequately accommodate—and has excess capacity for—the full RHNA for 2021-2029.
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Table 4, Sites Inventory Summary
Ex./Very
Low (0-50%
AMI)
Low (50-
80%
AMI)
Moderate
Income (80-
120% AMI)
Above
Moderate
Income
(120%+
AMI) Total
RHNA
2021-2029 Final RHNA 1,878 1,099 1,134 2,576 6,681
APPROVED PROJECTS (Specific
Plans)
Tessera Condominium Project** 0 0 90 0 90
Specific Plan Capacity** 0 4,448 9,202 4,753 18,403
subtotal 0 4,448 9,292 4,753 18,493
SITES INVENTORY:
1. ADU Production
Estimated ADU Production*** 23 35 34 8 100
2. Vacant Land
HDR Sites* 1,302 0 0 0 1,302
RMU Sites* 1,090 0 0 0 1,090
subtotal 2,392 0 0 0 2,392
TOTAL PROJECTS/SITES
Total 2,415 4,483 9,326 4,761 20,985
REMAINING RHNA
(+shortfall/-surplus) -537 -3,384 -8,192 -2,191
*Affordability based on density
** Affordability based on market prices
*** SCAG estimates an affordability breakdown of ADUs as follows: 15% extremely low-income, 8% very low-
income, 35% low-income, 35% moderate-income, and 8% above moderate-income. (6th Cycle Housing Element
Update Technical Assistance – ADU Affordability Analysis, August 27, 2020.}
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. The following is a
summary of the goals, policies, and implementation programs that represent the policy direction of the
proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Goal 1 Preservation, maintenance, and improvement of the existing housing stock, including the
affordable housing stock
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 Invest in neighborhoods that have aging and deteriorating housing and infrastructure.
Policy 1.5 Assist in the preservation of housing units at risk of converting from affordable housing to
market rate housing.
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Policy 1.6 Encourage energy conservation and sustainable building measures in new and existing homes
and the addition of energy conservation devices/practices in existing developments.
Program 1 Code Enforcement - As new projects, code enforcement actions, and other opportunities
arise, the City will investigate ways to meet its housing needs through rehabilitation and preservation of
existing units. The City will continue using code enforcement to identify housing maintenance issues and
to expedite rehabilitation of substandard and deteriorating housing by offering technical assistance or
assistance referrals to homeowners and occupants.
Program 2: Substandard and Abandoned Housing - Eliminate—through demolition—unsafe and
dilapidated housing units that cannot be rehabilitated. 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 or other circumstances to maintain or rehabilitate the properties.
Utilize CDBG or other funds, as available, to provide financial assistance for minor repairs of homes
owned and occupied by lower-income residents.
Program 3: Housing Rehabilitation Programs - Utilize CDBG or other funds, as available, to provide
financial assistance for minor repairs of homes owned and occupied by lower-income residents. Eligible
repairs include plumbing, electrical, painting, carpentry, roof repairs, and masonry work. Continue using
the Receivership Program to rehabilitate at-risk residential properties.
Program 4: Affordable Housing at Risk of Conversion - Based on City records and information from
the California Housing Partnership Corporation, in the next 10 years (2021-2031) no assisted units have
expiring affordability covenant. However, the City will continue to monitor the status of subsidized
affordable projects, rental projects, and mobile homes and provide technical and financial assistance,
when possible, to ensure long-term affordability. If affordable housing developments become at-risk of
converting to market rate housing, the City will maintain contact with local organizations and housing
providers who may have an interest in acquiring at-risk units. The City will keep track of and apply for
funding opportunities to preserve at-risk units and assist other organizations in applying for funding to
acquire at-risk units.
Program 5: Energy Conservation - Encourage and facilitate energy conservation and help residents
minimize energy-related expenses.
Goal 2 Diverse and high-quality housing opportunities to meet the needs of all economic
segments of the community
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
persons experiencing homelessness.
Policy 2.3 Continue to actively pursue and utilize federal and State subsidies, as well as partnerships and
City resources to the fullest extent possible, to assist in meeting the housing needs of lower-
income residents, including extremely low-income residents.
Policy 2.4 Discourage the conversion of existing apartment units to condominiums where such
conversion will diminish the supply of lower-income housing.
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Policy 2.5 Support local and regional efforts to address homelessness and programs that provide
emergency resources.
Policy 2.6 Provide information to residents and businesses about COVID-19 pandemic tenant,
homeowner, and small landlord protection programs assistance on the City website.
Policy 2.7 Promote coordination and cooperation between the City, developers, and neighborhood
residents early and throughout the process for affordable housing developments.
Policy 2. 8 As funding allows, explore opportunities to address existing housing problems and support
regional programs to assist prospective homebuyers.
Program 6: Density Bonus - Maintain an affordable housing density bonus ordinance that establishes
procedures for obtaining and monitoring density bonuses in compliance with state law. Update the City’s
density bonus ordinance to remain in compliance with Government Code §65915 or update the City’s
zoning regulations to cross reference the most recent State laws governing density bonus provision.
Include a copy of the Density Bonus Ordinance with Residential Design Review Applications.
Program 7: Affordable Housing Development - Make available on the City website and distribute to
interested developers and non-profit housing agencies a list of City-owned property suitable for
affordable housing projects and the Housing Element which includes a residential sites inventory. Update
the City-owned property list regularly. Annually consult with local affordable housing developers,
including offering letters of support for grant applications, advising on local zoning and code compliance,
and facilitating partnerships. Provide, when available and appropriate, developer incentives for units that
are affordable to lower-income households, including extremely low-income households. The City has
added incentives to encourage lot consolidation in the text of the Downtown Elsinore Specific Plan and
will considering expanding those incentives citywide.
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), and Habitat for Humanity. Endeavor to facilitate at least one affordable
housing project during the planning period.
Program 9: Downtown Lake Elsinore Residential Development - Incentivize infill development in the
City’s historic Downtown to establish an attractive, walkable streetscape with a mix of shopping
opportunities, restaurants, and housing in both well-maintained historic buildings and high-quality new
development and open spaces. Pursue land purchases for residential development and modifications to
residential development standards to facilitate development in Downtown, and identify funding sources to
invest in infrastructure and housing.
Program 10: Homeowner Assistance Programs - Continue to support first-time, home buyers in Lake
Elsinore by connecting interested residents and members of the public to the Mortgage Credit Certificate
(MCC) and First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program (FTHB) run by Riverside
County Economic Development Agency (EDA) and the First Time Home Buyer program, run by the
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Direct residents to national and regional mortgage
assistance programs, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside’s First-Time
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Homebuyer workshops, Homebuyer Pre-Purchase Consulting services, and Foreclosure Prevention/Loan
Modification Services. Coordinate with local service providers and other community-based organizations
to publicize these housing assistance programs. Provide information on these programs on the City’s
website and via social media, through flyers posted at City facilities, and via staff assistance at City Hall.
Program 11: Development Process Streamlining - Continue streamlining the project review process by:
• Reviewing, and if necessary, revising local review procedures to facilitate a streamlined review
process
• Accommodating SB 35 streamlining applications or inquiries by creating and making available to
interested parties an informational packet that explains the SB 35 streamlining provisions in Lake
Elsinore and provides SB 35 eligibility information
Program 12: Objective Design Standards - In compliance with SB 330, adopt objective design
standards to ensure that the City can provide local guidance on design and clearly articulate objective
design standards for by-right projects as allowed by state law.
Program 13: Rental Assistance - Continue to support the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program.
Direct eligible households to the Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program managed by the
Housing Authority of Riverside County. Provide information to landlords regarding participation in the
Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program.
Program 14: Special Needs Housing - Provide housing opportunities to meet the special housing needs
of special needs residents— including the elderly, disabled, developmentally disabled, large families, the
homeless, farmworkers, and extremely low-income households—by giving priority to development
projects that include a component for special needs groups in addition to other lower-income households.
Encourage non-profit organizations to pursue funding for the construction of elderly, disabled, or other
special needs housing. Provide referrals to federal programs such as the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. Assist in meeting
the housing needs for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, by
assisting developers who seek State and federal monies in support of housing construction and
rehabilitation targeted for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities and
providing regulatory incentives, when possible, to projects targeted for persons with disabilities, including
persons with developmental disabilities.
Program 15: Resources to Address 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. Continue working with non-profit organizations that address homelessness to aid
residents in need and provide technical support as needed. Continue cultivating a close relationship with
the Social Work Action Group (SWAG) to operate a safe and secure crisis stabilization housing complex
(The Anchor). Continue using the Lake Elsinore Homeless Task Force to further the City's efforts to
address homelessness and to engage key community leaders, businesses, and residents to join the City in
its efforts to reduce homelessness in our community.
Goal 3 Adequate sites for housing development to accommodate a range of housing by type, size,
location, price, and tenure
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.
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Policy 3.3 Maintain an inventory of vacant and underutilized land and make available to the
development community.
Policy 3.4 Provide avenues for the development of housing for extremely low-income and special needs
persons.
Policy 3.5 Require that new development pay the cost of providing needed facilities and an equitable
share of services and to mitigate negative impacts such as those to the transportation system.
Program 16: Adequate Sites - The City will maintain an inventory of available sites for residential
development and provide it to prospective residential developers upon request. The City will continue to
track the affordability of new housing projects and progress toward meeting the City’s RHNA. The City
is not responsible for the actual construction of these units. The City can, however, create a regulatory
environment that enable the private market to build these units. This includes the adoption and
implementation of General Plan policies, zoning and development standards, and/or incentives to
encourage the construction of various types of units.
Program 17: No Net Loss - Government Code Section 65863 stipulates that a jurisdiction must ensure
that its Housing Element inventory can accommodate its share of the RHNA by income level throughout
the planning period. If a jurisdiction approves a housing project at a lower density or with fewer units by
income category than identified in the Housing Element, it must quantify at the time of approval the
remaining unmet housing need at each income level and determine whether there is sufficient capacity to
meet that need. If not, the city or county must “identify and make available” additional adequate sites to
accommodate the jurisdiction’s share of housing need by income level within 180 days of approving the
reduced-density project.
Program 18: Consistency Zoning - When updates to the General Plan are made, complete zoning
actions necessary to bring Title 17 – Zoning of the Municipal Code consistent with the General Plan Land
Use Element.
Program 19: Accessory Dwelling Units - Promote the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
by adopting an ADU ordinance addressing the latest provisions in State law, including permit
streamlining processes. Provide technical resources to interested property owners. Promote development
of ADUs by providing written information at the City’s planning counter and website.
Program 20: Specific Plans - Promote development within existing and future specific plans to produce
planned community environments with a variety of housing types and densities.
Program 21: 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.
Goal 4 The removal of governmental and non-governmental constraints to the development,
improvement, and maintenance of housing
Policy 4.1 Periodically review residential development standards and regulations, ordinances, processing
procedures, and residential fees to identify and mitigate constraints that may impede the
development, improvement, and conservation of housing.
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Policy 4.2 Review projects in as timely a manner as possible, while maintaining adequate public
involvement and fulfilling the appropriate requirements of state and local laws.
Policy 4.3 Monitor State and federal housing-related legislation—and update City plans, ordinances, and
processes pursuant to such legislation—to remove or reduce governmental constraints.
Policy 4.4 Assist applicants navigating the development approval process; facilitate building permit and
development plan processing for residential construction.
Program 22: Compliance with Zoning Laws Review the Zoning Regulations and make changes to
ensure compliance with the Supportive Housing Streamlining Act (AB 2162) and AB 101 (Low-Barrier
Navigation Centers). Require that employee housing, including agricultural employees, be treated like
any other residential use in the same zone consistent with the Employee Housing Act.
Program 23: Residential Development Standards - Review developments standards for the residential
zoning districts to facilitate high-quality residential development in Lake Elsinore. The City will assess
the potential for residential density increases for most residential and mixed-use districts. Potential
changes will ensure that the City’s planning and design goals for residential and mixed-use projects are
met. Explore establishing prototype development plans for different residential types as a tool to
streamline and facilitate residential development. Prototype plans can also assist with grant funding
application for affordable or special needs housing as plans can be tailored to the funding application
requirements.
Program 24: Non-Government Constraints - Continue to monitor and evaluate development standards
and advances in housing construction methods. Although the City has limited influence over non-
governmental constraints, if non-governmental constraints are identified, the City will review, and if
necessary, revise, any development regulations or processes that can potentially lessen those constraints.
Goal 5 Affirmatively furthering equal and fair access to sound, affordable housing for all
persons
Policy 5.1 Affirmatively further fair housing related to the sale, rental, and financing of housing to avoid
discrimination based on race, religion, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color,
familial status, or disability, or any other arbitrary factor.
Policy 5.2 Assist in the enforcement of State and federal fair housing and anti-discrimination laws by
assisting organizations that receive and investigate fair housing allegations and refer possible
violations of fair housing laws to enforcing agencies.
Policy 5.3 Promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities and promote housing options
throughout the community for all persons.
Policy 5.4 Ensure that persons with disabilities have adequate access to housing and reasonable
accommodation in zoning and land use regulations.
Program 25: Affirmatively Further Fair Housing - The City promotes and affirmatively furthers fair
housing opportunities and promotes housing for all persons, including those protected by the California
Fair Employment and Housing Act and any other State and federal fair housing and planning laws. The
City will work to address housing choices and affordability in high opportunity areas, strategies for
preservation and revitalization, and displacement protection.
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Update of the General Plan Safety Element
Government Code Section 65302(g)(3) requires that upon the next revision of the housing element on or
after January 1, 2014, the safety element is required to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address
the risk of fire for land classified as State Responsibility Areas and land classified as Very High Fire
Hazard severity zones. For this reason, concurrent with the above-described update of the Housing
Element, the City is proposing updates to the Safety Element components of Chapter 3.0 of the City’s
General Plan. In addition to the Section 65302(g)(3) required revisions, other portions of Chapter 3.0 is
being updated to reflect current information and to incorporate policies contained in the Lake Elsinore
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex (LHMP) to the Riverside County Operational Area Multi-
Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan that was adopted by the Lake Elsinore City Council on
September 11, 2018.
The proposed Safety Element-related amendments to the General Plan do not change any land use
designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals.
The following is a summary of the revisions proposed for the Safety Element.
Section 3.3 (Hazards and Hazardous Materials)
Language regarding the Inland Empire Brine Line, previously referred to as The Santa Ana Regional
Interceptor (SARI) is updated and a figure showing the facility’s location was added. The following
policies from the LHMP are added:
Policy 3.6 - Comply with the Riverside County Underground Storage Tank Program, and Health and
Safety Code Sections 25280-25289 and ensure adequate leak detection, maintenance of
records, and reporting of spills.
Policy 3.7 - In the event of a petroleum or gas pipeline leak, the City shall ensure that all responsible
parties comply with the standards set by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife Office
of Spill Prevention and Response.
Section 3.4 (Wildfire Hazards)
Background information regarding wildfires updated and a new table and new figure added that show
fires that occurred within Lake Elsinore and its Sphere of Influence between 1950 and 2020 and the areas
burned. The High Fire Severity Zone Map (Figure 3-3) was updated and new figures showing how
existing and proposed land uses relate to the High Fire Severity Zone are added.
The following policies from the LHMP or to meet CAL FIRE’s content requirements are added or
amended:
Policy 4.5 Create emergency water supply procedures that identifies and maps existing and future
reservoirs, tanks, and water wells for fire suppression and that allows for immediate access to
those facilities when needed for fire suppression purposes.
Policy 4.6 Adhere to Chapter 7.1 of the Fire Code pursuant to adopted High Severity Zone Maps.
Identify and map the most current Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as described and mapped by
CAL FIRE, on an ongoing and as-needed basis.
Policy 4.7 Identify existing developed areas within the City that have reduced or limited circulation
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access and develop an evacuation plan, and recommended improvements to ensure adequate
evacuation capabilities.
Policy 4.7 Coordinate with fire protection and emergency service providers and the Elsinore Valley
Municipal Water District to reassess fire hazards and future availability of water supplies,
after wildfire events to adjust fire prevention and suppression needs, as necessary, for both
short- and long-term fire prevention needs.
Policy 4.9 To the extent feasible and appropriate, locate new essential public facilities (e.g., health care
facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency command centers, and emergency
communications facilities) outside of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. If new essential
public facilities are located in a State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Zone, the
facilities shall be constructed to meet or exceed the most current version of the California
Building Codes and California Fire Code requirements, as adopted by the City, to allow them
to continue to serve community needs during and after disaster events.
Implementation Program - The City will coordinate with the California Department of Forestry and the
County Fire Department supporting public fire education and prevention programs.
Implementation Program The City will work with developers to establish a Road and Bridge Benefit
District (RBBD) or other funding mechanism to construct extensions of Summerhill Drive,
and La Strada to provide secondary/emergency access to existing development.
Implementation Program The City will work with the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District to
maintain adequate water supply and fire flow, and identify areas lacking adequate water
service for firefighting, including capacity for peak load under a reasonable worst-case
wildland fire scenario, to be determined by CAL FIRE.
Goal 5 Minimize injury, loss of life property damage resulting from wildland fires.
Policy 5.1 Require development to contribute its fair share towards funding the provision of appropriate
Law Enforcement, Fire and Paramedic Services necessary to address the fiscal impacts of the
project on public safety operations and maintenance issues in the City.
Policy 5.2 Require that all new development located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
(VHFHSZ) or a State Responsibility Area (SRA), as most recently mapped by CAL FIRE,
comply with the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire
Code, as adopted by the City of Lake Elsinore.
Policy 5.3 Require all new development to have at least two access roads in order to provide for
concurrent safe access of emergency equipment and civilian evacuation.
Policy 5.4 If new development is located in a State Responsibility Area or in a Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone, require adequate infrastructure, including safe access for emergency response
vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies for fire suppression.
Policy 5.5 Require new development in VHFHSZs to prepare a Fire Protection Plan that minimizes risks
by:
• Assessing site-specific characteristics such as topography, slope, vegetation type, wind
patterns etc.;
• Siting and designing development to avoid hazardous locations (e.g. through fire breaks)
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to the extent feasible;
• Incorporating fuel modification and brush clearance techniques in accordance with
applicable fire safety requirements and carried out in a manner which reduces impacts to
environmentally sensitive habitat to the maximum feasible extent;
• Using fire-safe building materials and design features, consistent with the adopted
Municipal Code and Fire and Building Code standards;
• Using fire-retardant, native plant species in landscaping; and
• Complying with established standards and specifications for fuel modification, defensible
space, access, and water facilities.
Policy 5.6 Require new development within VHFHSZs to enter into a long-term maintenance agreement
for vegetation management in defensible space, fuel breaks, and roadside fuel reduction. The
agreement shall specify who is responsible for maintenance of these areas and the fire safe
standards that will be implemented. As a project condition of approval, a copy of the
executed agreement shall be provided to the City Fire Marshal and the Building and Safety
Department.
Policy 5.7 Require that all redevelopment of properties damaged or destroyed by a major wildfire
comply with the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire
Code, as adopted by the City of Lake Elsinore.
Policy 5.8 Perform an evaluation of fire-related development standards should a major wildfire require
portions of the City be rebuilt to ensure that redevelopment standards are as fire-safe as
reasonably possible.
Implementation Program - The City shall condition projects to comply with Fire Department
requirements.
Section 3.5 (Flooding and Floodplains)
A new Figure showing Floodplains is added and the following policies from the LHMP are added:
Policy 6.2 Continue to encourage floodway setbacks for greenways, trails, and recreation opportunities.
Policy 6.3 Reduce the risk of flooding by creating floodway setbacks for greenways, trails, and
recreation areas and by prohibiting development within the floodways.
Policy 6.4 Encourage that new developments within the floodplain fringe shall preserve and enhance
existing native riparian habitat.
Policy 6.5 Continue to require the construction of channel improvements to allow conveyance of the
100-year flow without extensive flooding.
Policy 6.6 Use FEMA regulations and mapping to ensure that flooding hazards are evaluated during the
Policy environmental review process, including placement of restrictions on development
within designated floodplain areas.
Policy 6.7 Promote drainage improvements that maintain a natural or semi-natural floodplain.
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Section 3.6 (Geologic and Seismic Hazards)
This section was renamed from “Seismic Activity” and additional background, including new subsections
regarding the regulatory setting and local plans added. This includes language concerning address
climate adaptation and resiliency strategies. A figure showing evacuation routes is added. The following
policy from the LHMP is added:
Policy 7.1 Continue to make every effort to reduce earthquake-induced fire as a threat.
Section 3.8 (Community Facilities and Protection Services)
Background information regarding the Fire and Police/Law Enforcement Baselines is updated.
Additionally, language regarding the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pump Storage (LEAPS) has been deleted.
The following policies from the LHMP or to meet CAL FIRE’s content requirements are added
Goal 10 Maintain an emergency response program consistent with State law, and coordinate
with surrounding cities, Riverside County and other emergency response providers.
Policy 10.1 Maintain participation in local, regional, state, and national mutual aid systems to ensure that
appropriate resources are available for response and recovery during and following a disaster.
Policy 10.2 Periodically review and test the City’s Emergency Operations Plan to address the City’s
growth in population and built environment, as well as, to note any deficiencies and to
incorporate new emergency response techniques.
Policy 10.3 Coordinate all emergency preparedness and response plans with neighboring cities, the
County of Riverside, local health care providers and utility purveyors, and the California
Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA).
Policy 10.4 Maintain a safe and secure, technologically advanced Emergency Operations Center allowing
for room to expand as the City grows.
Policy 10.5 Continue to train Emergency Operations Center and general city staff in our Emergency
Operations Plan and the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS),
the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the Incident Command System
(ICS).
Policy 10.6 Continue coordinated training for City Emergency Response Team members, Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers, and related response agency personnel.
Policy 10.7 Conduct public outreach to provide education programs and literature to Lake Elsinore’s
residents, business people and property owners on earthquake preparedness, fire safety,
flooding hazards, other emergencies and identified emergency access routes.
Policy 10.8 Incorporate the current Lake Elsinore Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex (LHMP) and the
Riverside County Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
this Chapter by reference.
Implementation Program The Emergency Services Division will maintain emergency preparedness
information and handouts at City Hall, the Senior Center and the Library, and will distributed
the information at community events. Additionally, the City’s website and other media
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resources shall be utilized to inform and educate residents and business owners on emergency
preparedness matters and emergency evacuation routes.
Implementation Program The Emergency Services Division will continue to coordinate training for
city staff and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers, and publicize
training sessions to the City’s residents and business owners.
Implementation Program The Emergency Services Division will review and update the Lake Elsinore
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) a
minimum of every 5 years to update emergency response, evaluation plans and evacuation
routes to reflect current conditions and community needs.
New Environmental Justice Element
Government Code Section 65302 (h)(1) requires that both cities and counties that have disadvantaged
communities incorporate environmental justice policies into their general plans, either in a separate
Environmental Justice element or by integrating related goals, policies, and objectives throughout the
other elements upon the adoption or next revision of two or more elements concurrently. According to
mapping prepared by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) using
the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 modeling, several census tracts that are completely or partially within the City
limits are identified as disadvantaged communities.
Therefore, concurrent with the above-described Housing Element and Safety Element, the City is
proposing environmental justice goals, policies and implementation programs as part of Chapter 3.0 of the
City’s General Plan. The proposed Environmental Justice Element-related amendments to the General
Plan do not change any land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development
proposals.
In addition to identifying existing policies in other parts of the City’s General Plan, the following is a list
of the new goals, policies and implementation programs that are being added to the General Plan to
address environmental justice.
Goal 15 Encourage meaningful participation in the public process by all members of the
community.
Policy 15.1 Encourage collaboration between the City, community, and community-based organizations,
as well as local stakeholders, and environmental justice focus groups in promoting
environmental justice.
Policy 15.2 Promote efforts to educate and involve traditionally underrepresented populations in the
public decision-making process.
Policy 15.3 Initiate outreach efforts as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Policy 15.4 Ensure that affected residents have the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their
health.
Policy 15.5 Seek feedback on public decisions through traditional and online forms of communication,
such as website, email, mobile phone apps, online forums, and podcasts.
Policy 15.6 Ensure that low income and minority populations have equal access and influence in the land
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use decision-making process through such methods as bilingual notices, posting bilingual
notices at development sites, and conducting public information meetings with interpreters.
Policy 15.7 Offer interpretation services at key meetings and workshops on issues affecting the
environment
Policy 15.8 Utilize multilingual staff personnel to assist in evacuation and short-term recovery activities
and meeting general community needs.
GOAL 16 Minimize the exposure of residents to pollution in the environment through sound
planning and public decision-making.
Policy 16.1 Ensure that zoning and other development regulations require adequate buffering between
residential and industrial land uses.
Policy 16.2 Encourage new development to reduce vehicle miles traveled to reduce pollutant emissions.
Policy 16.3 Promote reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by encouraging expanded multi-modal
facilities, linkages between such facilities, and services that provide transportation
alternatives, such as transit, bicycle and pedestrian modes.
Policy 16.4 Place adequate conditions on large construction projects to ensure they do not create noise,
dust or other impacts on the community to the extent feasible.
Policy 16.5 Require proposals for new sensitive land uses to incorporate setbacks, barriers, landscaping,
ventilation systems, or other measures to minimize exposure to unhealthful air and other
toxins.
Policy 16.6 New specific plans or existing specific plans that includes a substantial revision that are
within “disadvantaged communities,” as identified by CalEPA should address Environmental
Justice goals and include appropriate policies similarly to this section.
Policy 16.7 Promote new development that emphasizes job creation and reduction in vehicle miles
traveled in job-poor areas and does not otherwise contribute to onsite emissions in order to
improve air quality.
Policy 16.8 Periodically review the City’s truck routes to ensure they adequately direct trucks away from
residential areas and other areas with sensitive receptors.
Policy 16.9 Ensure that truck-dependent commercial and industrial uses incorporate the latest
technologies to reduce diesel emissions.
Policy 16.10 Require the conversion of mining operations into uses that are compatible with
surrounding areas in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act.
Policy 16.11 Require new commercial and industrial development to incorporate the latest
technologies to reduce diesel emissions.
Policy 16.12 Support traffic and highway techniques and technologies that reduce noise impacts of
vehicular traffic through traffic calming, noise barriers, pavement design, and other measures.
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Policy 16.13 Encourage public and private development to incorporate green building techniques, such
as construction waste management practices, optimization of energy efficiency measures, and
avoidance of toxic chemicals.
Policy 16.14 Monitor and maintain City facilities and the City’s vehicle fleet to maximize energy
efficiency and reduce emissions.
GOAL 17: Develop increased mobility and accessibility for all residents.
Policy 17.1 Support walking and bicycling by encouraging the development of complete streets that
provide safe mobility for all users (e.g. bike lanes, traffic-calming measures, sidewalks
separated from the roadway with tree planted landscaping), where feasible in the right-of-
way.
Policy 17.2 Facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access to parks and open space through infrastructure
investments and improvements.
Policy 17.3 Create land use patterns and public amenities that encourage people to walk, bicycle and use
public transit.
Policy 17.4 Encourage transit agencies to establish and maintain routes to jobs, shopping, schools, parks,
and healthcare facilities that are convenient to low-income and minority populations.
Policy 17.5 Encourage new specific plans, existing specific plans that includes a substantial revision, and
development projects be designed to promote pedestrian movement through direct, safe, and
pleasant routes that connect destinations inside and outside the plan or project area.
Policy 17.6 Work with the Lake Elsinore Unified School District to ensure that all schools have safe and
walkable routes to school.
Policy 17.7 Ensure that emergency preparedness and disaster response programs, including evacuation
routes, serve all parts of the City.
GOAL 18: Encourage the provision of healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food that is
readily available to all members of the community.
Policy 18.1 Encourage the development of healthy food establishments in areas with a high concentration
of fast food establishments, convenience stores, and liquor stores.
Policy 18.2 Establish regulations that allow farmers’ markets to operate in the City, where appropriate.
Policy 18.3 Encourage and simplify the process of developing community gardens within or adjacent to
neighborhoods and housing development sites.
Policy 18.4 Promote city-wide messaging about healthy eating habits and food choices through the
Healthy LE program.
Policy 18.5 Assist transit providers in the review of their transit routes to provide service to grocery
stores, markets, and healthy restaurants that provide healthy food options.
Policy 18.6 Promote community gardens for suitable public and private land as well as an amenity in
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required open space areas of new multi-family residential and mixed-use development
projects.
Policy 18.7 Educate the public on how to grow and maintain a private or community edible garden.
Implementation Program Review and as required amend the Zoning Code to facilitate the access to
healthy food by the City’s residents.
GOAL 19: Create healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all segments of the community.
Policy 19.1 Promote development that includes both affordable and market rate housing.
Policy 19.2 Provide ongoing infrastructure maintenance in existing residential neighborhoods through the
capital improvement program.
Policy 19.3 Assist in the preservation of housing units at risk of converting from affordable housing to
market rate housing.
Policy 19.4 Affirmatively further fair housing related to the sale, rental, and financing of housing to avoid
discrimination based on race, religion, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color,
familial status, or disability, or any other arbitrary factor.
Policy 19.5 Ensure that proposed new affordable housing projects meet the same standards of health and
safety as conventional market rate housing.
Policy 19. 6 In addition to the requirements of the Building Code, encourage the use of green, healthy
building materials that are toxin free in residential construction.
GOAL 20: Provide adequate and equitably distributed public facilities throughout the community.
Policy 20.1 Plan for the future public improvement and service needs of underserved communities.
Policy 20.2 Provide a park system that provides all residents with access to parks, community centers,
sports fields, trails and other amenities.
Policy 20.3 Review the location and extent of community recreational facilities to ensure maximum use
by children and adults and use that information to develop new recreational facilities and
opportunities for the community, including indoor and outdoor facilities.
Policy 20.4 Provide for the equitable distribution of public facilities and services, and where feasible,
prioritize new facilities in underserved areas.
Policy 20.5 Require that new development pay its fair share of public facilities and service costs, through
the payment of all applicable development impact and Community Facilities District (CFD)
fees.
Policy 20.6 Ensure that new public facilities are well designed, energy efficient and compatible with
adjacent land uses.
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9 Project Objectives
For the 2021-2029 planning period, the Housing Element’s goals, policies, and programs address housing
issues in Lake Elsinore and meet State law housing requirements. The City’s overarching objective is to
ensure development, revitalization, and preservation of a balanced inventory of housing to meet the needs
of present and future residents. In particular, the City looks to ensure that all residents have decent, safe,
sanitary, and affordable housing regardless of income. The goals, policies, and programs provide the
framework for the City’s overall housing program and aim to:
• Conserve and improve the condition of the existing housing stock.
• Assist in the development of housing for low- and moderate-income households.
• Identify adequate sites to encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all
income levels.
• Address and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental constraints to the
maintenance, improvement, and development of housing.
• Promote equal opportunities for all persons.
The objective of the amendments to General Plan Chapter 3.0 regarding the Safety Element Update is to
address the risk of fire for land classified as State Responsibility Areas and land classified as Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones and to minimize injury, loss of life property damage resulting from wildland
fires.
The objective of the new Environmental Justice Element provisions being added to General Plan Chapter
3.0 is to provide for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures,
incomes, and national origins, with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies within Lake Elsinore
10. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required:
The City Council must approve General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01 that incorporates the 2021-2029
Housing Element into the current General Plan and includes Safety Element amendments and new
Environmental Justice Element amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) of the General
Plan. Other agencies whose approval is required are:
• Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) – Reviews and approves the
Housing Element.
• State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection – Reviews the Safety Element and responds with
comments.
11. Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project
area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a
plan for consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to
tribal cultural resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.?:
In accordance with the requirements of Public Resources Code 21080.3.1, the City notified those Native
American Tribes that have requested notice of projects subject to review under CEQA. These tribes were
notified via certified mail. Three tribes requested consultation pursuant to AB 52.
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B. 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 Agricultural and Forestry
Resources Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Hydrology/Water Quality Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources
Noise Population/Housing Public Services
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities/Service Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of
Significance
C. 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.
Richard J. MacHott
Richard J. MacHott, Planning Manager
August 16, 2021
Date
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
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Figure 1, Regional Location
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Figure 2, Vicinity Map
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Figure 3, Sites Inventory Map
Figure 3
Sites Inventory Map
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
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Figure 4, Sites Inventory Map - HDR and RMU Sites
Figure 4
Sites Inventory Map - HDR and RMU Sites
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
I. AESTHETICS. Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the
project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway?
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade
the existing visual character or quality public
views of the site and its surroundings?
(Public views are those that are experienced
from publicly accessible vantage point). If
the project is in an urbanized area, would the
project conflict with applicable zoning and
other regulations governing scenic quality?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or
glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY 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 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 on the maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use, or a Williamson Act contract?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland
zoned Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion
of forest land to non-forest uses?
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland to non-agricultural use?
III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, significance criteria established by the applicable air
quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the
following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan?
b) 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?
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
d) Result in other emissions (such as those
leading to odors) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people?
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on
any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by
the California Department of Fish and Game
or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands (including, but
not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal,
etc.) through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines §15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15064.5?
c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
VI. ENERGY. Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of
energy resources, during project construction
or operation?
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan
for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause 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 based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division of Mines
and Geology Special Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
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
(1994), creating substantial direct or indirect
risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers
are not available for the disposal of
wastewater?
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project:
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?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous materials or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within one-
quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project result
in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury
or death involving wildland fires?
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise
substantially degrade surface or ground water
quality?
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies
or interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge, such that the project may impede
sustainable groundwater management of the
basin?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river or through the addition of impervious
surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) Result in substantial erosion or siltation on-
or off-site;
ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount
of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or offsite;
iii) Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff; or
iv) Impede or redirect flood flows?
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project
inundation?
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a
water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due
to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
avoiding or mitigating an environmental
effect?
XII. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan or other land use plan?
XIII. NOISE. Would the project result in:
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
the vicinity of the project in excess of
standards established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or other applicable
standards of other agencies?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
b) Generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project:
a) Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
people or housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for
new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response
times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
a) Fire protection?
b) Police protection?
c) Schools?
d) Parks?
e) Other public services/facilities?
XVI. RECREATION.
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational facilities
or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
XVII. TRANSPORTATION. Would the project:
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or
policy addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities?
b) Would the project conflict or be inconsistent
with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3,
subdivision (b)?
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g. sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses
(e.g. farm equipment)?
d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code
section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined
in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to
a California Native American tribe, and that is:
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k).
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in
its discretion and supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying
the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of
Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the
lead agency shall consider the significance of
the resource to a California Native American
tribe.
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project:
a) Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment or storm water
drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project and reasonably foreseeable
future development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider, which serves or may
serve the project that it has adequate capacity
to serve the project’s projected demand in
addition to the provider’s existing
commitments?
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or
local standards, or in excess of the capacity
of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair
the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
XX. WILDFIRE. If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high
fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby
expose project occupants to, pollutant
concentrations from a wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
c) Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines
or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk
or that may result in temporary or ongoing
impacts to the environment?
d) Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff,
post-fire slope instability, or drainage
changes?
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat
of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-
sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant
or animal community, substantially reduce
the number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects,
the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This section provides an evaluation of the impact categories and questions contained in the Environmental
Checklist. A complete list of the reference sources applicable to the following source abbreviations is contained
in Section VII, References, of this document.
I. AESTHETICS
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 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 that could encourage new housing
production, in particular within previously approved Specific Plans, 18 lots with existing R-3 (High Density
Residential) zoning and 10 lots with existing RMU (Residential Mixed Use) zoning. 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 approved Specific Plan, or lot with
existing R-3 or RMU zoning, 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 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. The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions do not change any 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway? 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. 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.
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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.
Mitigation Measures: (List mitigation measures. If none are required, state “No mitigation measures are
required.”)
(Sources: California Department of Transportation, State Scenic Highway Map, City of Lake Elsinore, General
Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality public views of
the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible
vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable
zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? 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. Development of housing pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element 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 General Plan’s citywide and district specific goals and policies for
residential development 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area? 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.
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Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? No Impact
Housing development pursuant to the Housing Element will primarily occur on undeveloped properties. The
California Department of Conservation does not identify any area within Lake Elsinore as being Prime
Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. The proposed Housing Element and the
General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and
the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations and do not propose
or anticipate any specific development proposals. 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program)
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact
The Riverside County Mapping Portal shows that no Williamson Act contracts are active for any area within
Lake Elsinore. 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 General Plan Chapter 3.0 amendments
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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: Riverside County Mapping Portal)
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined by Public Resources
Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code
section 51104(g))? No Impact.
Public Resources Code Section 12220(g) 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(g).
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. Portions of the City are designated as
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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 the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related
to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element beyond that which is currently
allowed. Therefore, this project will have no impact to any timberland zoning or loss of forest land.
Mitigation Measures: (No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: USDA Forest Service)
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest uses? No Impact.
Public Resources Code Section 12220(g) 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(g).
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. 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 proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to
the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions updates beyond that which is
currently allowed. All of the identified residential sites 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: USDA Forest Service)
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result
in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program, USDA Forest
Service)
III. AIR QUALITY
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? 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
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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.
The Housing Element identifies previously adopted specific plan, 18 lots with existing R-3 (High Density
Residential) zoning and 10 lots with existing RMU (Residential Mixed Use) zoning for future residential
development. The Census indicated that the City had a population of 51,821 in 2010 and 70,265 in 2020, which
would represent an approximately 24% increase. Based on a realistic estimation of density based on location
and site conditions (including limitations), the potential development sites identified in the Housing Element
would result in approximately 20,987 new dwelling units and 75,133 new residents (based on California
Department of Finance’s January 1, 2021 Population and Housing Estimates, 64,330 people in 17,949
households for 3.58 persons per household). SCAG provides population projection estimates. According to the
SCAG Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG estimates that the
City would have a population of 111,600 in 2045. 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 2045. In addition, the proposed Housing Element and
previously approved Specific Plans, 18 lots with existing R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning and 10 lots
with existing RMU (Residential Mixed Use) zoning 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 the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates, SCAG Connect SoCal
Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report, September 2020)
b) 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? 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).
New development facilitated by the Housing Element will be required to comply with SCAQMD rules and
regulations aimed at reducing construction-related pollutant emissions, including fugitive dust and other
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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 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
General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and
the new Environmental Justice Element provisions 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, SCAQMD, 2016
Final Air Quality Management Plan, US EPA, Nonattainment Areas for Criteria Pollutants (Green Book)
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less Than Significant Impact.
Common sensitive receptors include children, the elderly, 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 the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety
and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of
people? 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
proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element
update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
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IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Less Than Significant Impact
The City of Lake Elsinore has numerous sites that are vacant and undeveloped, including the identified 18 lots
with existing R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning and 10 lots with existing RMU (Residential Mixed Use)
zoning. The potential does exist for residential development pursuant to the proposed Housing Element policies
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. The proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan
amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions 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 Chapter 3.0 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 Chapter 3.0 amendments 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 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 or into Temescal Wash. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service’s National Wetlands Inventory, wetlands are present within the City primarily around Lake Elsinore, but
no riparian areas exist within the City. 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 the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter
3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions 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
Chapter 3.0 amendments 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
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(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, United States Fish
and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory.)
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited
to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or
other means? 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 or into Temescal Wash. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service’s National Wetlands Inventory, wetlands are present within the City primarily around Lake Elsinore, but
no riparian areas exist within the City. 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 the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter
3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions 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 Chapter 3.0 amendments 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, United States Fish
and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory.)
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites? 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 Chapter 3.0 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 amended Chapter 3.0 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 amended Chapter 3.0 with the implementation of these existing programs on individual
development projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
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e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance? Less Than Signficant 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.)
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore Municipal Code, Chapter 5.116)
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? 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. Individual development projects will
require review for sensitive species and habitat in accordance with the MSHCP.
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, Natural Community Conservation Plan area, 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: US Fish & Wildlife Services. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System, California
Department of Fish and Game, Summary of Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs), June 2021, City
of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011.)
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines §15064.5? 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. The proposed Housing Element and Chapter 3.0 amendments would
not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity of
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development in any area. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and Chapter 3.0 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines §15064.5? Less Than Significant Impact
As is noted in the City’s General Plan EIR, given the area’s previous habitation by the Luiseño 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 proposed General Plan
amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions 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 Chapter 3.0 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, including the Chapter 3.0
amendments, with the implementation of the mitigation measures of the General Plan EIR and General Plan
policies on individual development projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Less than
Significant Impact.
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 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
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VI. ENERGY
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? Less Than Significant
Impact.
The proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not
change any land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. Any
future housing projects developed pursuant to proposed Housing Element policies and programs would be
consume energy during construction. Potential impacts to energy resources of any would be assessed at the time
the projects are proposed. Mitigation measures would then be adopted as necessary, in conformance with
CEQA. The proposed Housing Element and Chapter 3.0 amendments would not result in potentially significant
environmental impacts due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during
project construction or operation. There will be less than significant impacts to energy resources.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: Proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety
and Welfare)
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? Less Than
Significant Impact.
The proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not
change any land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. Any
future housing projects developed pursuant to proposed Housing Element policies and programs would be
consume energy during construction. Potential impacts to energy resources of any would be assessed at the time
the projects are proposed. Mitigation measures would then be adopted as necessary, in conformance with
CEQA. The proposed Housing Element and Chapter 3.0 amendments would not conflict with or obstruct a state
or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. There will be less than significant impacts to energy
resources
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: Proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety
and Welfare)
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS.
a) Directly or indirectly cause 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 based on other substantial
evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. Less
Than Significant Impact.
Lake Elsinore is located in seismically active southern California and does contain Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
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Fault Zones and other identified faults associated with the Elsinore fault system. Future housing development
constructed pursuant to Housing Element policy 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California State Department of Conservation, City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update
Environmental Impact Report. 2011.)
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? 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. The proposed Housing Element and proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor
increase the intensity of development in any area. 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, 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 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 Housing Element and proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would
not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development, nor increase the intensity
of development in any area. 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
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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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code)
iv) Landslides? 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 proposed Policy 7.3 of the Geology and Seismic
Hazards section of General Plan Chapter 3.0 that generally require the consideration of geologic features and
hazards in proposed developments. The proposed Housing Element and proposed General Plan amendments to
Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions would not designate any sites that are not already designated for residential development; 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
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? Less Than Significant Impact.
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Impacts related to liquefaction and landslides are discussed above in Section VII.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 VII.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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? 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 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 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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Lake Elsinore
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Municipal Code)
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Less than Significant Impact.
As is noted in the City’s General Plan EIR, given the area’s previous habitation by the Luiseño 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 the proposed General
Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the
new Environmental Justice Element provisions 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 Chapter 3.0 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 measures of the General Plan EIR and General Plan policies on individual development
projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact
on the environment? Less Than Significant Impact.
Climate change is described as a significant and lasting change in the planet’s weather patterns over a long time
period. The science of global climate change is well-established. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the
observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the
amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.” Regional changes in climate, particularly
temperature increases and changing precipitation patterns, are already affecting natural systems worldwide, and
will have widespread impacts on water availability, food production, ecosystem biodiversity, and human health.
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon whereby GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere and regulate the
Earth’s temperature. This natural effect is responsible for maintaining a habitable climate, but over the last
century human activities have greatly increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. This increase
of human-generated GHG emissions, which has accelerated since the mid-20th century, is a primary cause of
climate change. Atmospheric concentrations of GHG emissions now far exceed the average of the past several
thousand years. Land use changes, burning of fossil fuels, and agricultural practices have all contributed to this
observed increase.
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
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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 (N2O), 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. By the end of the 21st Century,
GHGs in the atmosphere are expected to exceed known levels going back more than one million years. Climate
models cited by the IPCC predict that global surface temperature change for the end of the 21st century is
projected to likely exceed 1.5°C and is more likely than not to exceed 2°C.
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 its
related EIR. The General Plan EIR quantifies the 2020 and 2030 operational emissions that would occur based
on growth projections for the City. The analysis in the EIR is based on the baseline and forecasted emissions
and emission reduction strategies included in the City’s Climate Action Plan. Based on the implementation of
the Climate Action Plan and its emission reduction strategies, the EIR determined that the General Plan would
result in a less than significant impact from GHG emissions. Furthermore, GHG emissions will be evaluated
during the City’s standard environmental review process as required by CEQA to determine if GHG emissions
from individual projects will require mitigation. Since the Housing Element and the proposed General Plan
amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions would not alter any land use designations or growth projections that
would alter the quantified emissions presented in the EIR, no additional impacts beyond those analyzed in the
General Plan would occur. Therefore, no new or more significant impacts relative to GHG emissions would
result from implementation of the Housing Element and the Chapter 3.0 amendments than those analyzed in the
General Plan EIR.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, City of Lake
Elsinore Climate Action Plan, WRCOG Draft Subregional Climate Action Plan)
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases? No Impact
Significant impacts would occur if the proposed project conflicted with or interfered with implementation of any
existing greenhouse gas reduction plan that is projected to achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets. The two
primary reduction plans are California Air Resources Board (CARB) Scoping Plan and Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy
(RTP/SCS) as discussed below. In addition, the City of Lake Elsinore has adopted a Climate Action Plan that
determined the City’s baseline and forecasted GHG emissions and established GHG emission reduction
strategies to meet the City’s proportionate share of statewide emission reduction targets.
California Air Resources Board Scoping Plan (AB32)
The California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) of 2006 required statewide GHG emissions to be
reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. In 2016, the California State Legislature amended the Global Warming
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Solutions Act with the adoption of SB 32, establishing a new GHG emissions reduction target of 40 percent
below 1990 levels by 2030. A companion bill, AB 197, includes provisions to ensure the benefits of state
climate policies reach into disadvantaged communities. In response to SB 32 and the 2030 GHG reduction
target, CARB developed California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, adopted in December 2017. The 2017
Scoping Plan Update’s strategy for meeting the 2030 GHG target incorporates the full range of legislative
actions and state-developed plans that have relevance to the year 2030. These include extending the state Cap-
and-Trade Program through 2030; increasing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to 18 percent; improved
vehicle, truck and freight movement emissions standards; increasing renewable energy; improving energy
efficiency; and strategies to reduce methane emissions from agricultural and other wastes by using it to meet the
State’s energy needs.
As summarized above, the proposed Housing Element and proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions will not potentially conflict with Regional Transportation-Related GHG targets and would not
conflict with any of the other provisions of the Scoping Plan. The existing General Plan and proposed Housing
Element and proposed Chapter 3.0 amendments in fact support four of the action categories through energy
efficiency, green building, recycling/waste, and sustainable environment through these proposed and current
policies:
Connect SoCal Plan (2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy)
Connect SoCal, adopted in 2020, is SCAG’s latest Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities
Strategy (RTP/SCS), a long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with
economic, environmental and public health goals. Under SB 375, all of California’s MPOs must prepare an SCS
as a component of their RTP. The RTP serves as a long-range transportation plan that is developed and updated
by SCAG every four years. Connect SoCal provides a vision for the development of transportation facilities
throughout the region based on growth forecasts and economic trends through the year 2045. Connect SoCal
identifies areas within the region sufficient to house near-term and long-term growth, support a diverse economy
and can reach the regional GHGs from autos and light-duty trucks by 8 percent per capita by 2020, and 19
percent by 2035 (compared to 2005 levels). The proposed Housing Element and General Plan amendments to
Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions would, therefore, not contribute substantially to climate change impacts if they are
consistent with the regional and statewide climate change planning efforts.
As assumed in the RTP/SCS, based on current City boundaries, Lake Elsinore had an estimated populatopn pf
61,500 on 2016 and is forecast to grow to a total population of 111,600 by 2045. 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 2045. In addition, the
proposed Housing Element is 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 RTP/SCS. Therefore, the existing General Plan and proposed Housing Element and General Plan
amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions are consistent with the population growth forecasts of the RTP/SCS
because they provide the capacity for residential development to accommodate the projected population growth
and not direct growth elsewhere, which would interfere with implementation of the RTP/SCS.
The existing General Plan and proposed Housing Element will directly support the implementation of the
RTP/SCS in achieving mandated GHG reduction targets through its policies oriented towards improvements in
the region’s multimodal transportation system and coordinating land use patterns around high quality transit
corridors. These policies are intended to reduce reliance on automobile use and improve the jobs housing
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balance in more suburban communities to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), thus reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and General Plan Chapter 3.0 amendments would not
conflict with and would actually support the RTP/SCS in achieving its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
In addition to these state and regional plans, the Lake Elsinore General Plan contains various programs related to
energy conservation, improving air quality, reducing automobile use, and reduction of greenhouse gases. The
Housing Element includes a section discussing potential energy conservation opportunities. Additionally,
Southern California Edison offers various rebate programs for energy efficient appliances and makes available
to residents energy efficient kits at no cost. Housing implementation programs include efforts to promote
energy efficiency improvements to households, as well as energy efficient housing design and practices in City
ordinances. No impact will occur.
Lake Elsinore Climate Action Plan
The City’s Climate Action Plan forecasted emissions is based on the projected growth within the City as well as
the land use plan included in the General Plan. Since the proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element
amendments would not alter any land use designations, no changes from the forecasted emissions would occur.
In addition, implementation of the Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare), related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions, would not conflict with the reduction strategies included within the City’s Climate Action Plan
relative to transportation, energy, solid waste, community education and outreach, and the state-wide reduction
strategies previously discussed under CARB’s Scoping Plan.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, City of Lake
Elsinore Climate Action Plan, WRCOG Draft Subregional Climate Action Plan, SCAG Connect SoCal Plan,
SCAG, Connect SoCAl Technical Report, CARB 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan)
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials? No Impact
The Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 Housing Element is a policy and programmatic document intended to facilitate
maintenance of the existing housing stock and production of new housing to meet the targeted housing needs of
the community. Residential development does not require and is not expected to require the manufacturing, use,
transportation, disposal, or storage of dangerous quantities of hazardous materials. Residential uses do not
generate hazardous wastes or emissions, except for very small quantities of typical household cleaning agents,
automotive maintenance products, paints, pesticides, and herbicides. The proposed Housing Element update
and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not conflict with any hazardous
materials regulations and would not exempt any future housing from the City’s programs to control and safely
dispose of hazardous materials and wastes or to reduce the volume of wastes requiring landfill disposal. Thus,
no impact will result.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
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and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Less
Than Significant Impact.
Upon completion of construction, future residential development that may be facilitated by this Housing
Element update would not generate hazardous air emissions, and would not involve the handling of any acutely
hazardous substances or wastes.
The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations
and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. With regard to construction, development
pursuant to Housing Element policy may involve demolition of existing structures. SCAQMD Rule 1403
(Asbestos Emissions from Demolition/Renovation Activities) requires work practices that limit asbestos
emissions from building demolition and renovation activities, including the removal and disturbance of asbestos
containing materials (ACM). This rule is generally designed to protect uses and persons adjacent to demolition
or renovation activity from exposure to asbestos emissions. Rule 1403 requires surveys of any facility being
demolished or renovated for the presence of all friable and Class I and Class II non-friable ACM. Rule 1403
also establishes notification procedures, removal procedures, handling operations, and warning label
requirements, including HEPA filtration, the glovebag method, wetting, and some methods of dry removal that
must be implemented when disturbing appreciable amounts of ACM (more than 100 square feet of surface area).
All future developments will be subject to the City’s standard environmental review process for evaluation of
hazards. Considering implementation of existing policies and standards, impacts associated with asbestos
hazards will be less than significant.
Exposure of construction workers to lead-based paint during demolition activities is also of concern, similar to
exposure to asbestos. If lead contamination exists on future housing sites, Title 8 CCR Section 1532.1
(California Construction Safety Orders for Lead) is applicable to the demolition of all existing structures
requiring exposure assessment and compliance measures to keep worker exposure below action levels. The
project is also subject to Title 22 requirements for the disposal of solid waste contaminated with excessive levels
of lead. Impacts due to lead exposure and contamination will be less than significant with adherence to existing
regulations.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: South Coast Air Quality Management District. Rule 1403, Title 8 CCR Section 1532.1)
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials or acutely hazardous materials, substances,
or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? Less than Significant Impact.
There are approximately thirteen public schools located within the incorporated City boundaries, some of which
are located within ¼-mile of sites identified in the Housing Element. Residential development does not require
and is not expected to require the manufacturing, use, transportation, disposal, or storage of dangerous quantities
of hazardous materials. As discussed in Section IX.b, existing regulations address potential off-site construction-
related hazards associated with demolition of the existing onsite structures. Impact would be less than significant
with implementation of existing regulations listed in Section IX.b.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: Lake Elsinore Unified School District, South Coast Air Quality Management District. Rule 1403,
Title 8 CCR Section 1532.1)
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d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public
or the environment? Less Than Significant Impact.
According to the databases maintained as the ‘Cortese List’, the housing sites identified in the Housing Element
update are not known to be:
listed as a hazardous waste and substance site by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC),
listed as an open case leaking underground storage tank (LUST) site by the State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB),
listed as a hazardous solid waste disposal site by the SWRCB and CalEPA,
currently subject to a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) or a Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) as
issued by the SWRCB, or
developed with a hazardous waste facility subject to corrective action by the DTSC.
Any future development pursuant to the amended Housing Element policies will be subject to the City’s
standard environmental review that will include identification of any contaminated site possibly not already
identified and implementation of appropriate cleanup and disposal procedures; therefore, less than significant
impacts related to contaminated sites will occur. This is consistent with the policies of the proposed General
Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions, which do not change any land use designations and do not propose
or anticipate any specific development proposals and the Housing Element, which propose no changes to these
safety measures. Impacts will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: CalEPA, Cortese List Data Resources)
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard
for people residing or working in the project area? Less Than Significant Impact.
There are no public airports within two miles of Lake Elsinore. The nearest public airports are Perris Valley
Airport located approximately 7 miles to the northeast and Hemet-Ryan Airport and French Valley Airport
located both approximately 10 miles to the east and southeast respectively. No impact would result from any
public airport.
Skylark Field is a private airstrip located within the southeast portion of the City within the East Lake Specific
Plan. The airstrip is located approximately 2 miles from the RMU-8 site, but not within 2 miles of any other
identified Housing Element site. The area surrounding Skylark Field is primarily designated for residential,
action sports, tourism, commercial and recreation uses with a Light Industrial Overlay to the northeast and
industrial land uses along Mission Trail. Individual development projects would be required to analyze the
potential project specific impacts related to the hazards of the private airstrip pursuant to FAA standards and
guidelines for obstruction evaluation and any other pertinent standards and guidelines as is noted in the City’s
General Plan EIR. With the implementation of these existing standards and guidelines, impacts from this
airstrip would be less than significant to the RMU-8 site and any residential development within the vicinity of
the airstrip pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
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(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, East Lake Specific Plan and General Plan Update Environmental Impact
Report. 2011)
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan? Less Than Significant Impact.
The Housing Element update and amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not change or interfere with the
emergency response plans of the City and the project components do not propose any alteration to vehicle
circulation routes that could interfere with such plans. Additionally, the Safety Element update includes a new
discussion and map of evacuation routes and discusses climate-related hazards that affect those routes. In
accordance with City policies, including new policies being added to the Safety Element, the City will review all
development proposals to determine the possible impacts of each development on emergency services. Impacts
will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving wildland fires? Less Than Significant Impact.
A large portion of the City of Lake Elsinore is located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ)
pursuant to the latest maps prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE).
Construction of residences within Very High FHSZs will be required to comply with comply with the most
current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code, as adopted by the City of Lake
Elsinore. Additionally, proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related
to the Safety Element update will add new policies that add to the General Plan specific requirements applicable
to all new development located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) or a State Responsibility
Area (SRA), including specifying that all new development shall have at least two access roads in order to
provide for concurrent safe access of emergency equipment and civilian evacuation, These requirements will
minimize injury, loss of life, and property damage resulting from wildfires. Fire protection services would also
continue to be provided for residences in the City and is further discussed in Section XX. With the
implementation of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code, as adopted by the City of Lake
Elsinore and adequate fire protection services, impacts from wildfire on future residential development pursuant
to the policies of the Housing Element and in accordance with the proposed General Plan amendments to
Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Office of the State Fire Marshal, Proposed General Plan Chapter 3.0 amendments)
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground water quality? Less Than Significant Impact.
The project is a policy document that facilitates the production of housing and does not include any components
that would change or conflict with water quality regulations or any waste discharge standards. All new
development projects must comply with the City’s local procedures to control storm water runoff to prevent
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violations of regional water quality standards, in accordance with its co-permittee obligations under the
countywide municipal storm water permit program, a component of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program of the federal Clean Water Act. All future residential development must
connect to sewer or adequate septic system as appropriate; direct discharges of wastewater to surface or ground
waters would not be permitted. A less than significant impact will occur from development pursuant to the
Housing Element and Land Use Element with the implementation of these existing requirements and
procedures.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge,
such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? Less Than
Significant Impacts
If the project removed an existing groundwater recharge area or substantially reduced runoff that results in
groundwater recharge, a potentially significant impact could occur. The proposed project is composed of policy
documents that would not authorize any specific development project, nor would it install any groundwater
wells, and would not otherwise directly withdraw any groundwater. Future development is not anticipated to
substantially interfere with groundwater recharge, because the City requires that storm water run-off in excess of
existing conditions be directed to retention basins where the water will percolate into the ground, thereby
recharging subsurface aquifers. Impacts related to groundwater recharge and depletion will be less than
significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c.i) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? Less Than Significant Impact
A significant impact would occur if the proposed project substantially altered the drainage pattern of an existing
stream or river so that erosion or siltation would result. Various drainages traverse the City of Lake Elsinore
originating from the surrounding hillsides generally towards Lake Elsinore. The project would propose no
changes to any stream, river or other drainage path. With regard to future development projects proposed
pursuant to Housing Element policy, site drainage plans are required by the City of Lake Elsinore and would be
reviewed by the City Engineer. The final grading and drainage plans would be approved by the City Engineer
during plan check review. Erosion and siltation reduction measures would be required during construction
consistent with an approved Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), in order to demonstrate
compliance with the City’s NPDES permit. Development adherence to General Plan policies and NPDES and
construction and operational Best Management Practices (BMPs) will address and reduce impacts of potential
erosion. With the implementation of these existing regulations and practices, impacts will be less than
significant to drainage patterns and erosion.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
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c.ii). Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or offsite; Less Than Significant Impact
Development on vacant lands has the potential to substantially alter drainage patterns that could result in
flooding on- or off-site by increasing the rate of flow from the incorporation of impervious surfaces as well as
grading that may alter drainage patterns. These potential increases in runoff also have the potential to exceed
the capacity of storm drain facilities. Portions of the City are located within Riverside County Flood Control
and Water Conservation District’s (RCFCWCD) Sedco, Lakeland Village and West Elsinore Master Drainage
Plans (MDPs). These MDPs establish plans for flood control facilities that would be implemented as
development occurs. Requirement for these improvements to be implemented and payment of fees by
development is required by Chapters 16.34 and 16.72 of the City’s Municipal Code. These also address
necessary flood control and storm drain improvements where a MDP may not be adopted. Residential
development typically does not generate significant water pollutants through point discharges but does
contribute to water quality impacts due to community-wide and regional urban runoff. Implementation of
existing and future MDPs along with the requirements of the City’s municipal code will ensure that adequate
infrastructure is provided to serve future residential development pursuant to the policies of the Housing
Element and would thus result in a less than significant impact from on- or off-site flooding or exceeding the
capacity of storm drains.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code, Riverside County Flood Control)
c.iii). Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. Less Than
Significant Impact.
Less Than Significant Impact. Development on vacant lands has the potential to substantially alter drainage
patterns that could result in flooding on- or off-site by increasing the rate of flow from the incorporation of
impervious surfaces as well as grading that may alter drainage patterns. These potential increases in runoff also
have the potential to exceed the capacity of storm drain facilities. Portions of the City are located within
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s (RCFCWCD) Sedco and West Elsinore
Master Drainage Plans (MDPs). In addition, RCFCWCD is developing a new Lakeland Village MDP. These
MDPs establish plans for flood control facilities that would be implemented as development occurs.
Requirement for these improvements to be implemented and payment of fees by development is required by
Chapters 16.34 and 16.72 of the City’s Municipal Code. These also address necessary flood control and storm
drain improvements where a MDP may not be adopted. Residential development typically does not generate
significant water pollutants through point discharges but does contribute to water quality impacts due to
community-wide and regional urban runoff. Implementation of existing and future MDPs along with the
requirements of the City’s municipal code will ensure that adequate infrastructure is provided to serve future
residential development pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element and the Land Use Element and would
thus result in a less than significant impact from on- or off-site flooding or exceeding the capacity of storm
drains.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
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(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code, Riverside County Flood Control)
c.iv) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would impede or redirect flood flows? Less Than Significant Impact.
Development on vacant lands has the potential to substantially alter drainage patterns that could result in
flooding on- or off-site by increasing the rate of flow from the incorporation of impervious surfaces as well as
grading that may alter drainage patterns. These potential increases in runoff also have the potential to exceed
the capacity of storm drain facilities. Portions of the City are located within Riverside County Flood Control
and Water Conservation District’s (RCFCWCD) Sedco and West Elsinore Master Drainage Plans (MDPs). In
addition, RCFCWCD is developing a new Lakeland Village MDP. These MDPs establish plans for flood
control facilities that would be implemented as development occurs. Requirement for these improvements to be
implemented and payment of fees by development is required by Chapters 16.34 and 16.72 of the City’s
Municipal Code. These also address necessary flood control and storm drain improvements where a MDP may
not be adopted. Residential development typically does not generate significant water pollutants through point
discharges but does contribute to water quality impacts due to community-wide and regional urban runoff.
Implementation of existing and future MDPs along with the requirements of the City’s municipal code will
ensure that adequate infrastructure is provided to serve future residential development pursuant to the policies of
the Housing Element and the Land Use Element and would thus result in a less than significant impact from on-
or off-site flooding or exceeding the capacity of storm drains.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code, Riverside County Flood Control)
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? Less
Than Significant Impact.
Less than Significant Impact. Tsunami is not a hazard within Lake Elsinore due to topography, and distance
(over 20 miles) from the ocean. Canyon Lake is an open reservoir located to the northeast of the City.
Although portions of the City may be subject to dam inundation from this reservoir, due to the distance from the
reservoir and the relatively lower amount of water, impacts from potential inundation from seiche at the
reservoir would likely not occur. Mudflows require a slope, water, and unconsolidated soil to occur. Portions of
the City are located within or adjacent to areas of steep slopes. Standard requirements for grading design and
slope stability as well as for flood protection as previously discussed above would limit any potential mudflow
hazards that may be present on these areas or any other area within the City. Impacts from seiche and mudflow
would thus be less than significant with the implementation of these standard requirements.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan? Less Than Significant Impact.
The project is a policy document that facilitates the production of housing and does not include any components
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that would change or conflict with water quality regulations or any waste discharge standards. All new
development projects must comply with the City’s local procedures to control storm water runoff to prevent
violations of regional water quality standards, in accordance with its co-permittee obligations under the
countywide municipal storm water permit program, a component of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program of the federal Clean Water Act. All future residential development must
connect to sewer or adequate septic system as appropriate; direct discharges of wastewater to surface or ground
waters would not be permitted. A less than significant impact will occur from development pursuant to the
Housing Element with the implementation of these existing requirements and procedures.
If the project removed an existing groundwater recharge area or substantially reduced runoff that results in
groundwater recharge, a potentially significant impact could occur. The proposed project is composed of policy
documents that would not authorize any specific development project, nor would it install any groundwater
wells, and would not otherwise directly withdraw any groundwater. Future development is not anticipated to
substantially interfere with groundwater recharge, because the City requires that storm water run-off in excess of
existing conditions be directed to retention basins where the water will percolate into the ground, thereby
recharging subsurface aquifers. Impacts related to groundwater recharge and depletion will be less than
significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact
A significant impact would occur if the proposed project were sufficiently large or configured in such a way to
create a physical barrier within an established community. The proposed Housing Element, which relies on
existing land use designations for high density residential and mixed-use development, and the proposed
General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and
the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not create any sort of physical barrier within the
community. Rather, the mix of uses where allowed may serve to facilitate pedestrian connections in these areas.
Furthermore, project implementation would not provide for infrastructure systems such as new roadways or
flood control channels that would divide or disrupt neighborhoods or any other established community elements
in this previously developed and urbanized area. Therefore, no impact will occur.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? (Less Than
Significant Impact.
A significant impact would occur if the proposed project were inconsistent with applicable plans, policies, and
zoning designations. The proposed Housing Element update and proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter
3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions are consistent with existing General Plan goals and policies and the City’s adopted Land Use
Plan. In general, the intent of the goals and policies remains the same from the previous housing element. As
required by California Housing Element law, the update provides current data on housing in the community and
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an analysis of the land available to meet the community’s anticipated housing needs, as determined by HCD and
SCAG in the RHNA. The update also includes programs for providing housing assistance and facilitating
housing development. All sites and intensities identified to meet the City’s RHNA are consistent with the
existing Land Use Plan designations and all other pertinent policies of the General Plan and the Zoning Code.
There will be no significant impact on any plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. Impacts will be less than
significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code)
XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and
the residents of the state? Less Than Significant Impact.
Substantial mineral resources have been identified within the City of Lake Elsinore and are noted within the
City’s General Plan, in particular aggregate type mineral resources. These resource areas are primarily
designated as MRZ-2 pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) and California Mineral
Land Classification System Diagram based on available geological information. Areas located within MRZ-2
indicated the area is underlain by mineral deposits where geologic data shows that significant measured or
indicated resources are present. Some of these areas are currently being mined, such as the Pacific Clay
Products area that is located within the Alberhill Specific Plan. Other identified resource areas have already
been developed with residential land uses. The mining in this area is being phased out in accordance with
approved permits and ultimate reclamation of the area and would be developed eventually pursuant to adopted
specific plans. The phasing out of these mining operations and designation of alternate future land uses has
already occurred through adopted specific plans, as reflected in the City’s General Plan. The proposed Housing
Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the
Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not further alter these
designations or plans for phasing out existing mining operations. In addition, the City’s General Plan EIR
determined that impacts to mineral resources would be less than significant from implementation of the General
Plan and its designated land uses with its policies for protection of mineral resources. With the implementation
of these existing plans as well as General Plan policies to protect mineral resources in other areas of the City,
less than significant impacts will occur.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a
local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Less Than Significant Impact.
Substantial mineral resources have been identified within the City of Lake Elsinore and are noted within the
City’s General Plan, in particular aggregate type mineral resources. These resource areas are primarily
designated as MRZ-2 pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) and California Mineral
Land Classification System Diagram based on available geological information. Areas located within MRZ-2
indicated the area is underlain by mineral deposits where geologic data shows that significant measured or
indicated resources are present. Some of these areas are currently being mined, such as the Pacific Clay
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Products area that is located within the Alberhill Specific Plan and Alberhill Villages Specific Plan. Other
identified resource areas have already been developed with residential land uses. The mining is being phased
out in accordance with approved permits and ultimate reclamation of the area and would be developed
eventually pursuant to the specific plan. The phasing out of these mining operations and designation of alternate
future land uses has already occurred through the currently adopted specific plans and adopted General Plan.
The proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not
alter these designations or plans for phasing out existing mining operations. In addition, the City’s General Plan
EIR determined that impacts to mineral resources would be less than significant from implementation of the
General Plan and its designated land uses with its policies for protection of mineral resources. With the
implementation of these existing plans as well as General Plan policies to protect mineral resources in other
areas of the City, less than significant impacts will occur.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
XIII. NOISE
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of
the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or other
applicable standards of other agencies? Less Than Significant Impact.
The primary sources of noise affecting Lake Elsinore stem from various modes of transportation. Because the
City is divided by Interstate 15 and various arterial streets, most areas of the City are affected by traffic noise.
Noise can be defined as unwanted sound. Sound (and therefore noise) consists of energy waves that people
receive and interpret. Sound pressure levels are described in logarithmic units of ratios of sound pressures to a
reference pressure, squared. These units are called bels. In order to provide a finer description of sound, a bel is
subdivided into ten decibels, abbreviated dB. To account for the range of sound that human hearing perceives, a
modified scale is utilized known as the A-weighted decibel (dBA). Since decibels are logarithmic units, sound
pressure levels cannot be added or subtracted by ordinary arithmetic means. For example, if one automobile
produces a sound pressure level of 70 dBA when it passes an observer, two cars passing simultaneously would
not produce 140 dB. In fact, they would combine to produce 73 dBA. This same principle can be applied to
other traffic quantities as well. In other words, doubling the traffic volume on a street or the speed of the traffic
will increase the traffic noise level by 3 dBA. Conversely, halving the traffic volume or speed will reduce the
traffic noise level by 3 dBA. A 3 dBA change in sound is the level where humans generally notice a barely
perceptible change in sound and a 5 dBA change is generally readily perceptible.
Noise consists of pitch, loudness, and duration; therefore, a variety of methods for measuring noise has been
developed. According to the California General Plan Guidelines for Noise Elements, the following are common
metrics for measuring noise.
LEQ (Equivalent Energy Noise Level): The sound level corresponding to a steady-state sound level containing
the same total energy as a time-varying signal over given sample periods. LEQ is typically computed over 1-, 8-
, and 24-hour sample periods.
CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level): The average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-
hour day, obtained after addition of five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and
after addition of ten decibels to sound levels in the night from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
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LDN (Day-Night Average Level): The average equivalent A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour day,
obtained after the addition of ten decibels to sound levels in the night after 10:00pm and before 7:00am.
CNEL and LDN are utilized for describing ambient noise levels because they account for all noise sources over
an extended period of time and account for the heightened sensitivity of people to noise during the night. LEQ is
better utilized for describing specific and consistent sources because of the shorter reference period.
The Lake Elsinore General Plan identifies standards for land uses and noise compatibility, as summarized in
Table 5, Noise and Land Use Compatibility Standards. In addition, the General Plan establishes
additional interior and exterior noise standards as shown in Table 6, Interior and Exterior Noise Standards.
Table 5, Noise and Land Use Compatibility Standards
Land Use Categories Day-Night Noise Level (LDN)
Categories Uses <55 60 65 70 75 80>
Residential
Single, Family, Duplex, Multiple
Family A A B B C D D
Residential Mobile Homes A A B C C D D
Commercial Regional
District Hotel, Motel, Transient Lodging A A B B C C D
Commercial Regional
Village, District Special
Commercial, Retail, Bank,
Restaurant, Movie Theatre A A A A B B C
Commercial, Industrial
Institutional
Office Building, Research and
Development, Professional Offices,
City Office Building A A A B B C D
Commercial Regional,
Institutional Civic Center
Amphitheatre, Concert Hall,
Auditorium, Meeting Hall B B C C D D D
Commercial Recreation
Children’s Amusement Park,
Miniature Golf Course, Go-cart
Track, Equestrian Center, Sports
Club A A A B B D D
Commercial General,
Special Industrial
Institutional
Automobile Service Station, Auto
Dealership, Manufacturing,
Warehousing, Wholesale, Utilities A A A A B B B
Institutional General
Hospital, Church, Library, Schools,
Classroom A A B C C D D
Open Space Parks A A A B C D D
Open Space
Golf Course, Cemeteries, Nature
Centers, Wildlife Reserves,
Wildlife Habitat A A A A B C C
Agriculture Agriculture A A A A A A A
Interpretation
Zone A Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings
involved are of normal conventional construction without any special noise insulation
requirements.
Clearly
Compatible
Zone B New construction or development should be undertaken only after detailed analysis of
the noise reduction requirements are made and needed nose insulation features in the Normally
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Land Use Categories Day-Night Noise Level (LDN)
Categories Uses <55 60 65 70 75 80>
Compatible
design are determined. Conventional construction, with closed windows and fresh air
supply systems or air conditioning, will normally suffice.
Zone C New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction
or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of noise reduction requirements must
be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design.
Normally
Incompatible
Zone D
New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
Clearly
Incompatible
Table 6, Interior and Exterior Noise Standards
Land Use Categories
Energy
Average
LDN
Categories Uses Interior Exterior
Residential
Single Family, Duplex, Multiple Family
Mobile Homes 45 3, 5 60
Mobile Homes – 60 4
Commercial,
Institutional
Hotel, Motel, Transient Lodging 45 5 –
Hospital, School’s classroom 45 –
Church, Library 45 –
Interpretation
1. Indoor environment excluding: Bathrooms, toilets, closets, corridors.
2. Outdoor environment limited to: Private yard of single family, multi-family private patio or
balcony which is served by a means of exit from inside, Mobile Home Park.
3. Noise level requirement with closed windows. Mechanical ventilating system or other means
of natural ventilation shall be provided as of Chapter 12, Section 1205 of UBC.
4. Exterior noise level should be such that interior noise level will not exceed 45 CNEL.
5. As per California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part 6, Division T25, Chapter 1, Subchapter
1, Article 4, Section T25-28.
The primary contributor to ambient noise in the planning area is traffic, particularly from Interstate 15 and major
roadways. Since the proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions do not change any land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development
proposals, nor result in any substantial traffic or other noise sources as analyzed in the General Plan EIR, the
analysis included within the General Plan EIR would also apply to the proposed Housing Element and Chapter
3.0 amendments. Future developments the City are subject to the policies of the existing General Plan designed
to minimize noise impacts to residential properties. The General Plan EIR determined that existing and
proposed residential land use areas may be subject to noise levels higher than the acceptable levels based on
buildout conditions and projected future traffic conditions. The EIR determined that these impacts could result
in significant noise impacts on existing land uses. However, policies incorporated into the General Plan and
mitigation in the EIR would require new residential development to address potential noise, in particular traffic
noise, impacts on new dwelling units and residents and provide adequate mitigation where necessary on a
project specific basis. Since the Housing Element and the proposed Chapter 3.0 amendments would not increase
any of the impacts as analyzed in the General Plan EIR, with the implementation of the General Plan policies
and mitigation included in the EIR, impacts will be less than significant in potential exceedances of noise
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standards.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Department of Transportation. Technical Noise Supplement, City of Lake Elsinore, General
Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, OPR General Plan Guidelines 2017)
b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? Less Than Significant
Impact.
Vibration is sound radiated through the ground. The rumbling sound caused by the vibration of room surfaces is
called groundborne noise. As with noise, the perception of vibration is described by both its amplitude and
frequency. Amplitude may be characterized by displacement, velocity, and/or acceleration. Typically, particle
velocity (measured in inches or millimeters per second) and/or acceleration (measured in gravities) are used to
describe vibration. Vibration can be felt outdoors, but the perceived intensity of vibration impacts are much
greater indoors due to structural shaking. The most common sources of vibration in the Lake Elsinore planning
area are transit vehicles, construction equipment, and other large vehicles. Several land uses are especially
sensitive to vibration, and therefore have a lower vibration threshold. These uses include, but are not limited to
concert halls, hospitals, libraries, vibration-sensitive research operations, residential areas, schools, and offices.
Because the major causes of vibration within the planning area are vehicular, the major concern for vibration
impacts is along roadways; construction and mining sites can also serve as a temporary source of significant
vibration impacts
Construction activity can result in varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the equipment and
methods employed, distance to the affected structures and soil type. The operation of construction equipment
can cause ground vibrations that spread through the ground and diminish in strength with distance. Buildings in
the vicinity of the construction site respond to these vibrations, with varying results ranging from no perceptible
effects at the lowest levels, low rumbling sounds and perceptible vibrations at moderate levels, and slight
damage at the highest levels. Ground vibrations from construction activities do not often reach the levels that
can damage structures, but they can achieve the audible and feelable ranges in buildings very close to the site.
The construction activities that typically generate the most severe vibrations are blasting and impact pile-
driving.
Ground-borne vibration related to human annoyance is generally related to velocity levels expressed in decibel
notation (VdB). However, a major concern with regard to construction vibration is building damage.
Consequently, construction vibration is generally assessed in terms of peak particle velocity (PPV). The
general human response to different levels of groundborne vibration velocity levels is described in Table 7,
Human Response to Groundborne Vibration.
Table 7, Human Response to Groundborne Vibration
Vibration
Velocity Level
Human Reaction
65 VdB Approximate threshold of perception for many people.
75 VdB Approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly
perceptible. Many people find that transportation-related vibration at this level
annoying.
85 VdB Vibration tolerable only if there are an infrequent number of events per day.
Source: Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, Table 5-5, September 2018
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Various types of construction equipment have been measured under a wide variety of construction activities
with an average of source levels reported in terms of velocity as shown in Table 8, Vibration Source Levels for
Construction Equipment. Although the table gives one level for each piece of equipment, it should be noted that
there is a considerable variation in reported ground vibration levels from construction activities. The data
provide a reasonable estimate for a wide range of soil conditions.
Table 8, Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment
EQUIPMENT PPV AT 25 FT (INCHES/SECOND) VDB AT 25 FT
Pile Driver
(Impact)
upper range 1.518 112
typical 0.644 104
Pile Driver
(sonic)
upper range 0.734 105
typical 0.170 93
Large bulldozer 0.089 97
Caisson Drilling 0.089 97
Loaded trucks 0.076 86
Jackhammer 0.035 79
Small bulldozer 0.003 58
Source: Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, September 2018,, Table7-4
In general, groundborne vibration associated with construction activities attenuates rapidly with distance.
Vibration may be noticeable for short periods during construction, but it would be temporary and periodic and
would not be excessive. Additionally, construction activity would be required to comply with Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code Section 17.176.080(F) which prohibits construction and demolition activities between the
weekday hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time on weekends or holidays, such that the sound from
such activities creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line. Compliance
with this regulatory requirement would further minimize potential impacts due to construction-related vibration.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Department of Transportation, Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance
Manual,, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, General Plan
Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the
project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Less Than
Significant Impact.
There are no public airports within two miles of Lake Elsinore. The nearest public airports are Perris Valley
Airport located approximately 7 miles to the northeast and Hemet-Ryan Airport and French Valley Airport
located both approximately 10 miles to the east and southeast respectively. Therefore, the City is not anticipated
on being affected from noise generated from any public airport. No impact would occur.
Skylark Field is a private airstrip located within the southeast portion of the City within the East Lake Specific
Plan. The airstrip is located approximately 2 miles from the RMU-8 site, but not within 2 miles of any other
identified Housing Element site. The area surrounding Skylark Field is primarily designated for residential,
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action sports, tourism, commercial and recreation uses with a Light Industrial Overlay to the northeast and
industrial land uses along Mission Trail. Individual development projects would be required to analyze the
potential project specific impacts related to noise from the private airstrip pursuant to the City’s noise standards
as noted in General Plan policies and the General Plan EIR. With the implementation of these existing
standards and guidelines, impacts from this airstrip would be less than significant to the RMU-8 site and any
residential development within the vicinity of the airstrip pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, East Lake Specific Plan and General Plan Update Environmental Impact
Report. 2011)
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)? Less Than Significant Impact
The proposed Housing Element and General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare)
related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions will not directly
result in population growth. Population growth is a complex interaction between immigration, emigration, birth,
deaths, and economic factors. The proposed Housing Element is designed to guide and accommodate the
inevitable population growth the community will face over the short- and long-term. The proposed Housing
Element and Chapter 3.0 amendments do not change any applicable land use designations and do not propose or
anticipate any specific development proposals. The Census indicated that the City had a population of 51,821 in
2010 and 64,037 in 2020, which would represent an approximately 24% increase. According to the SCAG
Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG estimates that the City
would have a population of 111,600 in 2045.
The approved projects and sites inventory identified in the Housing Element would result in a net increase of
approximately 20,987 new dwelling units and 72,119 new residents (20,987 dwelling units at 3.58 persons per
household). This increase is adequate to accommodate the growth assumptions estimated by SCAG and
therefore will be adequate in accommodating future residential growth. In addition, the proposed Housing
Element and previously approved Specific Plans, 18 lots with existing R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning
and 10 lots with existing RMU (Residential Mixed Use) zoning 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.
Impacts will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: California Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimate, Southern California
Association of Governments. Demographics and Growth Forecast, Connect SoCal Technical Report,)
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere? Less Than Significant Impact.
The proposed Housing Element is designed to encourage and facilitate housing development and preserve and
enhance existing housing stock. The City is far from built-out and has numerous vacant properties that would
likely accommodate the vast majority of development pursuant to the Housing Element. Therefore, future
housing development constructed pursuant to the Housing Element update will have less than significant
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impacts on the displacing a substantial number of housing units. The proposed Chapter 3.0 amendments 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.
The proposed Housing Element will not displace any people because the project does not authorize the
demolition or conversion of any housing unit. In addition, the Housing Element does not authorize the
acquisition of any existing residential dwelling unit. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element will have a
less than significant effect on economic factors that could require the construction of new housing such as the
relocation of a large employment base to a different region. The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter
3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions 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. The impact will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
a) Fire protection? Less Than Significant Impact
The Lake Elsinore Housing Element update sets forth policies and programs to encourage housing development
consistent with adopted land use polices of the existing General Plan. Residential development constructed
pursuant to Housing Element policy will incrementally increase the need for fire protection. SCAG Connect
SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG estimates that the City would have a
population of 111,600 in 2045. The Housing Element’s goal to facilitate 6,681 very low to above moderate
income units by 2029 would increase the local housing stock from 19,306 as of January 2021 (California
Department of Finance) to 25,987 units and would increase the resident population by approximately 23,918
persons (6,681 dwelling units at 3.58 persons per household).
The General Plan EIR indicates that buildout of the land use plan would result in less than significant impacts to
fire services. The proposed Housing Element update and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions 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.
Additionally, the proposed Chapter 3.0 amendment related to the Safety Element update add additional policies
related to wildfire hazards and intended to minimize injury, loss of life property damage resulting from wildland
fires. The updated policies also relate to the review of development located in a State Responsibility Area or in
a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Future potential plans for development will be reviewed by City staff
to determine any impacts of development on emergency services and are also subject to review by Lake Elsinore
Fire Department for compliance with applicable standards and policies. Future potential plans for development
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are also subject to the updated policies of General Plan Chapter 3.0. Property taxes and other special taxes paid
by future property owners will also support the incremental expansion of public services as the population in the
City grows. Impacts to fire protection services will be less than significant with the implementation of these
impact fees and review of individual development projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011
b) Police protection? (Less Than Significant Impacts)
The Lake Elsinore Housing Element update sets forth policies and programs to encourage housing development
consistent with adopted land use polices of the existing General Plan. Residential development constructed
pursuant to Housing Element policy will incrementally increase the need for police protection. SCAG Connect
SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG estimates that the City would have a
population of 111,600 in 2045. The Housing Element’s goal to facilitate 6,681 very low to above moderate
income units by 2029 would increase the local housing stock from 19,306 as of January 2021 (California
Department of Finance) to 25,987 units and would increase the resident population by approximately 23,918
persons (6,681 dwelling units at 3.58 persons per household).
The General Plan EIR indicates that buildout of the land use plan would result in less than significant impacts to
police services. The proposed Housing Element update and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter
3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice
Element provisions 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.
Future potential plans for development will be reviewed by City staff to determine any impacts of development
on emergency services and are also subject to review by Lake Elsinore’s Police Department for compliance with
applicable standards and policies. Future potential plans for development are also subject to the policies of the
updated General Plan Chapter 3.0. The Public Safety and Welfare Element policies are designed to ensure
adequate provision of public services in response to long-term growth. Property taxes and other special taxes
paid by future property owners will also support the incremental expansion of public services as the population
in the City grows. Impacts to police protection services will be less than significant with the implementation of
these impact fees and review of individual development projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c) Schools? Less Than Significant Impacts
The Lake Elsinore Housing Element update sets forth policies and programs to encourage housing development
consistent with adopted land use polices of the existing General Plan. Residential development constructed
pursuant to Housing Element policy will incrementally increase the need for schools. SCAG Connect SoCal
Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG estimates that the City would have a
population of 111,600 in 2045. The Housing Element’s goal to facilitate 6,681 very low to above moderate
income units by 2029 would increase the local housing stock from 19,306 as of January 2021 (California
Department of Finance) to 25,987 units and would increase the resident population by approximately 23,918
persons (6,681 dwelling units at 3.58 persons per household).
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The General Plan EIR indicates that buildout of the land use plan would result in less than significant impacts
schools. The proposed Housing Element update and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions 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.
The provision of school services is completely mitigated through the payment of development impact fees
pursuant to the Leroy F. Green School Facilities Act.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
d) Parks? Less Than Significant Impacts
The Lake Elsinore Housing Element update sets forth policies and programs to encourage housing development
consistent with adopted land use polices of the existing General Plan. Residential development constructed
pursuant to Housing Element policy will incrementally increase the need for fire and police protection, schools,
and parks. SCAG Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG
estimates that the City would have a population of 111,600 in 2045. The Housing Element’s goal to facilitate
6,681 very low to above moderate income units by 2029 would increase the local housing stock from 19,306 as
of January 2021 (California Department of Finance) to 25,987 units and would increase the resident population
by approximately 23,918 persons (6,681 dwelling units at 3.58 persons per household).
The General Plan EIR indicates that buildout of the land use plan would result in less than significant impacts to
parks. The provision of parks is guided by the policies of General Plan Chapter 2.0 (Community Form) and
Parks and Recreation Master Plan that promotes additional parks to support the City’s growing population that
will ensure that adequate parks public services are provided. The proposed Housing Element update and the
proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element
update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any applicable land use
designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. The new Environmental
Justice provisions will assure that future public improvement service the needs of underserved communities.
Therefore, these amendments will not result in any impacts that were not addressed in the General Plan EIR.
Property taxes and other special taxes paid by future property owners will also support the incremental
expansion of public services as the population in the City grows. Impacts to public services will be less than
significant with the implementation of these impact fees and review of individual development projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
e) Other public services/facilities? Less Than Significant Impacts
The Lake Elsinore Housing Element update sets forth policies and programs to encourage housing development
consistent with adopted land use polices of the existing General Plan. Residential development constructed
pursuant to Housing Element policy will incrementally increase the need for fire and police protection, schools,
and parks. SCAG Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report (2020), SCAG
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estimates that the City would have a population of 111,600 in 2045. The Housing Element’s goal to facilitate
6,681 very low to above moderate income units by 2029 would increase the local housing stock from 19,306 as
of January 2021 (California Department of Finance) to 25,987 units and would increase the resident population
by approximately 23,918 persons (6,681 dwelling units at 3.58 persons per household).
The proposed Housing Element update and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public
Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions
do not change any applicable land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development
proposals. The new Environmental Justice provisions will assure that future public improvement service the
needs of underserved communities. Therefore, these amendments will not result in any impacts that were not
addressed in the General Plan EIR.
The City of Lake Elsinore is part of the Riverside County Library System. Section 16.34.060 in Chapter 16.34
(Required Improvements) of the City’s Municipal Code requires that prior to the issuance of a building permit,
the fees set forth in that section shall be paid. Paragraph B of Section 16.34.060 describes the City’s Library
Mitigation Fee and states that an in-lieu fee for future construction of library improvements shall be paid to the
City to assure the necessary library facilities are provided the community and meet the County of Riverside
library standards. Impacts will be considered incremental and can be offset through the payment of the
appropriate library mitigation fees. Therefore impacts related to libraries are less than significant.
Chapter 16.74 of the City’s Municipal Code establishes a program for the adoption and administration of
development impact fees by the City for the purpose of defraying the costs of public expenditures for capital
improvements (and operational services to the extent allowed by law) which will benefit new development.
Section 16.74.048 includes an “Animal shelter facilities fee” to mitigate the additional burdens created by new
development for animal facilities. In addition, the proposed development projects will be required to pay City
Hall & Public Works fees, Community Center Fees, and Marina Facilities Fees prior to the issuance of building
permits.
Property taxes and other special taxes paid by future property owners will also support the incremental
expansion of public services as the population in the City grows. Impacts to public services will be less than
significant with the implementation of these impact fees and review of individual development projects.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.”)
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011. Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code)
XVI. RECREATION
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
Less Than Significant Impact.
As discussed above, the project has the potential to result in the indirect need for recreational facilities due to the
promotion of housing development. However, Lake Elsinore requires development to either dedicate land or
pay a fee in lieu of dedication to offset incremental impacts of development on existing parks pursuant to
Municipal Code Chapters 16.12 and 16.34. Any future housing development will be required to pay
development impact fees in accordance with this existing regulation; thus deterioration of existing parks and
recreation facilities will be less than significant as a result of future housing development because parks and
recreation facilities will be incrementally expanded to meet future residential demand.
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Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011. Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code)
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational
facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Less Than Significant
Impact
The updated Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not
result in the direct construction of any recreation facilities. Future potential construction of recreation facilities
in response to incremental, long-term population increases will be subject to the City’s standard environmental
review process pursuant to CEQA. The new Environmental Justice provisions will assure that future public
improvement service the needs of underserved communities. Local recreation facilities typically do not result in
significant impacts. Impacts related to the potential construction of future recreation facilities will be less than
significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
XVII. TRANSPORTATION
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including
transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? Less Than Significant Impact
The proposed Housing Element and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions will not
directly result in construction of any development or infrastructure; however, future development supported by
the policies of the updated Housing Element will result in additional traffic. Since the Housing Element and the
proposed amendments to General Plan Chapter 3.0 would not alter any land use designations that would alter the
traffic impacts presented in the General Plan EIR, no additional impacts beyond those analyzed in the General
Plan would occur. The General Plan EIR found that with the recommended roadway and intersection
improvements that all roadways and intersections would have an acceptable Level of Service (LOS). Although,
since the improvements cannot be guaranteed the EIR determined that a potentially significant impact could
occur from buildout of the General Plan without all of the recommended improvements implemented and would
thus also potentially conflict with the Riverside County Transportation Commission Congestion Management
Plan for provision of adequate LOS. Individual residential development pursuant to the existing General Plan
and proposed Housing Element will be required to analyze their individual and cumulative traffic impacts and
provide for the necessary traffic improvements related to their individual project as recommended by the
General Plan and mitigation in the EIR. With the implementation of these, impacts from the Housing Element
and the amendments to Chapter 3.0 would not exceed those analyzed in the General Plan EIR determined to be
potentially significant and would thus be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
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b) Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Less Than Significant Impact
Senate Bill (SB) 743 was adopted in 2013 requiring the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to
identify new metrics for identifying and mitigating transportation impacts within the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). For land use projects, OPR identified Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the new metric
for transportation analysis under CEQA. The regulatory changes to the CEQA guidelines that implement SB 743
were approved on December 28, 2018 with an implementation date of July 1, 2020. The City of Lake Elsinore
adopted its revised Traffic Impact Analysis Guide on June 23, 2020. The document outlines guidelines for
CEQA analysis including screening criteria and requirements for VMT assessment of land use projects based on
the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Implementation Pathway Study issued in March
2019.
The proposed Housing Element update and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public
Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions
do not change any applicable land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development
proposals. 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, that have the potential to increase the average VMT per service
population (e.g. population plus employment) prepare a VMT analysis for projects. Impacts related to the
proposed Housing Element and General Plan Chapter 3.0 amendments will have less than significant impacts.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: OPR Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, City of Lake Elsinore
Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation Guide, 2020)
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? No Impact.
The project does not involve the construction of any roadway and would have no effect on the City’s street and
site design standards.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? Less Than Significant Impact
The project does not involve any road construction or any development activity and thus will not obstruct or
restrict emergency access to or through the City. The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update will facilitate the maintenance of emergency
access by requiring all new development to have at least two access roads in order to provide for concurrent safe
access of emergency equipment and civilian evacuation. Future housing development facilitated by
implementation of Housing Element policies will be subject to site plan review. In conjunction with the review
and approval of building permits, the Fire Department reviews all plans to ensure compliance with all applicable
emergency access and safety requirements. With continued application of project review procedures, impacts
involving emergency access will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
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(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Proposed Chapter
3.0 amendments)
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k). Less Than Significant
Impact
A variety of historical resources exists 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. The proposed Housing Element and proposed General Plan
amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations and do not propose or
anticipate any specific development proposals. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element and Chapter 3.0
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.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to
be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1.
In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. Less
Than Significant Impact
The proposed Housing Element update and the proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public
Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions
do not change any applicable land use designations and do not propose or anticipate any specific development
proposals. Development of housing pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element has the potential to cause a
substantial adverse change in the significance of a cultural resource; however, General Plan Chapter 4.0
(Resource Protection), which will not be modified by the proposed Housing Element or Chapter 3.0
amendments, contains goals and policies for the protection of cultural resources, including the following:
6.1 Encourage the preservation of significant archeological, historical, and other cultural resources located
within the City.
6.2 The City shall consult with the appropriate Native American tribes for projects identified under SB 18
(Traditional Tribal Cultural Places).
6.3 When significant cultural/archeological sites or artifacts are discovered on a site, coordination with
professional archeologists, relevant state and, if applicable, federal agencies, and the appropriate
Native American tribes regarding preservation of sites or professional retrieval and preservation of
artifacts or by other means of protection, prior to development of the site shall be required. Because
ceremonial items and items of cultural patrimony reflect traditional religious beliefs and practices,
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 87 of 94
developers shall waive any and all claims to ownership and agree to return all Native American
ceremonial items and items of cultural patrimony that may be found on a project site to the
appropriate tribe for treatment. It is understood by all parties that unless otherwise required by law,
the site of any reburial of Native American human remains or cultural artifacts shall not be disclosed
and shall not be governed by public disclosure requirements of the California Public Records Act.
6.4 If archeological excavations are recommended on a project site, the City shall require that all such
investigations include Native American consultation, which shall occur prior to project approval.
7.1 Consult with California Native American tribes prior to decision-making processes for the purpose of
preserving cultural places located on land within the City’s jurisdiction that may be affected by the
proposed plan, in accordance with State or Federal requirements.
All new development would be required to be consistent with these policies. Additionally, future development
will be required to follow the protocol pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 and Senate Bill 18 regarding notification
and consultation with Native American Tribes. The potential impacts to tribal cultural resources of any specific
future residential projects would be assessed at the time the projects are actually proposed. Mitigation measures
would then be adopted as necessary, in conformance with CEQA.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment
or stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or
relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Less Than Significant Impact
Future development will incrementally increase water demand and wastewater discharges. As determined by
the City’s General Plan EIR, less than significant impacts would occur to existing water and wastewater
treatment facilities. The proposed Housing Element and General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public
Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions
would not alter any land use that could increase development intensity that could potentially create a greater
impact than was already analyzed by the General Plan EIR. The City and EVMWD will continue to identify the
need for expansion of water and wastewater facilities, such as water and sewer mains, as needed, on a project-
by-project basis during its standard environmental review process. Any environmental impacts related to the
construction or expansion of water or wastewater facilities will be analyzed and mitigated for at the time of
development. Adherence to existing practices and procedures will result in impacts related to the expansion of
water and wastewater facilities that are less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? Less Than Significant Impact.
EVMWD is responsible for the production and distribution of domestic water and maintenance of the overall
water system facilities throughout the City. The City’s General Plan EIR determined that adequate existing
water entitlements would be adequate to serve the land uses anticipated by the General Plan land use plan. The
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 88 of 94
proposed Housing Element and General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to
the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not alter any land use
that could increase development intensity that could potentially create a greater impact than was already
analyzed by the General Plan EIR. The proposed Housing Element and Land Use Element amendments would
not result in any population growth or additional demand on water supplies but rather will guide development to
accommodate anticipated growth in the community through the year 2029; therefore, the proposed Housing
Element and Chapter 3.0 amendments would not result in the need for new or expanded water supplies and
impacts will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments? Less Than Significant Impact
Wastewater treatment requirements are established by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB). The City will review future housing development as part of their standard environmental review
process to determine adequate capacity to serve the discharge needs in comparison to treatment plant capacity.
Impacts related to wastewater treatment capacity are anticipated to be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? Less Than
Significant Impact.
Lake Elsinore is served by a number of landfills, including El Sobrante Landfill, Badlands landfill, and Lamb
Canyon Landfill. El Sobrante Landfill is expected to reach capacity by 2045. Badlands Landfill is expected to
reach capacity by 2024 and Lamb Canyon Landfill by 2021. Both Badlands and Lamb Canyon Landfills have
the potential to expand their facilities and capacity. Solid waste disposal is managed at the regional level;
therefore, generation of solid waste within the City and SOI is one part of a regional issue. Compliance with
City and County waste reduction programs and policies would reduce the volume of solid waste entering
landfills. Individual development projects within the City would be required to comply with applicable State
and local regulations, thus reducing the amount of landfill waste by at least 50 percent. Future development
would increase the volume of solid waste generated in the City that is diverted to existing landfills, thus
contributing to the acceleration of landfill closures or the use of more distant sites. The City will continue to
implement solid waste reduction programs in compliance with Section 40050 et seq. of the California Public
Resources Code. Each development will be required to comply with federal, State, and local statues and
regulations related to the disposal of solid waste. Impacts will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
g) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to
solid waste? No Impact
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 89 of 94
Waste collection in Lake Elsinore is disposed of in regional landfills, as described above. All new development
will be required to comply with State mandates and City regulations regarding reduction/recycling of household
waste. None of the proposed housing strategies inherent in the proposed Housing Element or Chapter 3.0
(Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element
provisions would have any effect upon or result in any conflicts with solid waste disposal regulations. No
impact will occur.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
XX. WILDFIRES
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (Less
Than Significant Impact.
The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations
and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. The Safety Element update includes a new
discussion and map of evacuation routes, discusses climate-related hazards that affect those routes and adds a
new Goal 10 to “Maintain an emergency response program consistent with State law, and coordinate with
surrounding cities, Riverside County and other emergency response providers.” There are eight proposed
policies and three new implementation programs that implement the new goal. In addition, in accordance with
City policies, including new policies being added to the Safety Element, the City will review all development
proposals to determine the possible impacts of each development on emergency services. Therefore, the
Housing Element update and amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions would not change or interfere with the
emergency response plans of the City. Impacts will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Proposed
Amendments to General Plan Chapter 3.0)
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a
wildfire? Less Than Significant Impact
The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations
and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. The Safety Element update includes an
existing Goal 4 that requires the City to “Adhere to an integrated approach to minimizing the threat of wildland
fires to protect life and property using pre-fire management, suppression, and post-fire management.” The
Safety Element update adds a new Goal 5 to “Minimize injury, loss of life property damage resulting from
wildland fires.” There are eight proposed policies and a new implementation program that implement the new
goal. Future development pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element will be reviewed for consistency with
fire protection development standards and hazard abatement. Specifically, individual projects would include
weed abatement, adequate emergency vehicle access, use of non-combustible building materials, and adequate
water pressure to ensure fire safety. The potential impacts related to wildland fire for any specific future
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 90 of 94
residential projects would be assessed at the time the projects are actually proposed. Project design features
would be included to ensure impacts related to wildfire would be less than significant.
With the implementation of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code, as adopted by the City of
Lake Elsinore and adequate fire protection services, impacts from wildfire on future residential development
pursuant to the policies of the Housing Element and in accordance with the proposed General Plan amendments
to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Proposed
Amendments to General Plan Chapter 3.0)
c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks,
emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in
temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? Less Than Significant Impact
The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations
and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. Future development pursuant to the
policies of the Housing Element will be reviewed for consistency with fire protection development standards
and hazard abatement. Specifically, individual projects would include weed abatement, adequate emergency
vehicle access, use of non-combustible building materials, and adequate water pressure to ensure fire safety. The
potential impacts related to wildland fire for any specific future residential projects would be assessed at the
time the projects are actually proposed. Project design features would be included to ensure impacts related to
wildfire would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Proposed
Amendments to General Plan Chapter 3.0)
b) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? Less Than
Significant)
The proposed General Plan amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety
Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations
and do not propose or anticipate any specific development proposals. Future development pursuant to the
policies of the Housing Element will be reviewed for consistency with fire protection development standards
and hazard abatement. Specifically, individual projects would include weed abatement, adequate emergency
vehicle access, use of non-combustible building materials, and adequate water pressure to ensure fire safety. The
potential impacts related to wildland fire for any specific future residential projects would be assessed at the
time the projects are actually proposed. Project design features would be included to ensure impacts related to
wildfire would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011, Proposed
Amendments to General Plan Chapter 3.0)
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 91 of 94
V. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
The following are Mandatory Findings of Significance in accordance with Section 21083 of CEQA and Section
15065 of the CEQA Guidelines.
a) Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce
the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Less Than Significant Impact
The results of the preceding analyses and discussions of responses in the preceding analysis have determined
that the proposed project would have no effect upon sensitive biological resources and would not result in
significant impacts to historical, archaeological, or paleontological resources. Impacts related to scenic
resources will be less than significant. The project is a policy document that will not have any direct
environmental impacts. All residential development facilitated by Housing Element policy will occur pursuant
to adopted General Plan land use policy and other General Plan policies intended to minimize environmental
impacts. Impact would be less than significant with the implementation of these existing General Plan policies.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable?
(“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when
viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)? Less Than Significant Impact
Cumulative impacts can result from the interactions of environmental changes resulting from one proposed
project with changes resulting from other past, present, and future projects that affect the same resources,
utilities and infrastructure systems, public services, transportation network elements, air basin, watershed, or
other physical conditions. Such impacts could be short-term and temporary, usually consisting of overlapping
construction impacts, as well as long term, due to the permanent land use changes involved in the project.
Overall, the long-term development of the Housing Opportunity sites is consistent with the growth projections
identified in the regional population growth forecast completed by SCAG. As such, the proposed Housing
Element update would not result in new or additional cumulative impacts. The proposed Housing Element and
the amendments to Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and Welfare) related to the Safety Element update and the new
Environmental Justice Element provisions do not change any land use designations set forth in the General Plan.
With the implementation of General Plan policies and mitigation included in the General Plan EIR at the
project-level, the cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly? Less Than Significant Impact)
Less Than Significant Impact. Based on the above nalysis of the project’s impacts in the responses to items I
to XX, there is no indication that this project could result in substantial adverse effects on human beings. The
analysis herein concludes that direct and indirect environmental effects will at worst require implementation of
existing General Plan policies and General Plan EIR mitigation measures to reduce to less than significant
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 92 of 94
levels. Under each environmental consideration addressed in the preceding analysis, the proposed project is
considered to have little or no adverse impacts on people and the environment.
(Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011)
VI. PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED
This section identifies those persons who prepared or contributed to the preparation of this document. This
section is prepared in accordance with Section 15129 of the CEQA Guidelines.
City of Lake Elsinore (Lead Agency)
Planning Division
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, California 92530
951-674-3124
• Richard J. MacHott, Planning Manager
VII. REFERENCES
The following documents were used as information sources during preparation of this document. Except as
noted, they are available for public review at the City of Lake Elsinore, Community Development Department,
130 South Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, ph. (951) 674-3124.
California Air Resources Board. Climate Change Scoping Plan. November 2017,
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/cc/scopingplan/scoping_plan_2017.pdf [Accessed
August 2, 2021.)]
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1532.1. Lead, https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/1532_1.html
[Accessed July 30, 2021.]
California Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the
State, 2011-2021 with 2010 Census Benchmark,
https://www.dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/ [Accessed July 29, 2021.
California Department of Fish and Game. Summary of Natural Community Conservation Plans
(NCCPs), June 2021. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Planning/NCCP [Accessed July 29, 2021]
California Department of Transportation, Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual,
April 2020. https://dot.ca.gov/programs/environmental-analysis/noise-vibration/guidance-manuals
[Accessed on July 30, 2021.)
California Department of Transportation. State Scenic Highway Map.
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and-community-livability/lap-liv-i-scenic-
highways [Accessed July 29 2021,]
California Department of Transportation. State Scenic Highway Map.
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 93 of 94
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and-community-livability/lap-liv-i-scenic-
highways [Accessed July 29 2021,]
California Department of Transportation. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis
Protocol: September 2013, https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-
analysis/documents/env/tens-sep2013-a11y.pdf [Accessed July 30, 2021.]
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). General Plan Guidelines. 2017,
https://www.opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/guidelines.html [Accessed August 3, 2021.]
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). Technical Advisory on Evaluating
Transportation Impacts in CEQA, December 2018, https://opr.ca.gov/ceqa/updates/sb-743/ [Accessed
August 3, 2021.]
California Office of the State Fire Marshal. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps.
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/wildfire-planning-engineering/wildland-hazards-building-codes/fire-
hazard-severity-zones-maps/ [Accessed July 30, 2021]
California State Department of Conservation. California Geological Survey, Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zone Maps, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/ [Accessed July 29, 2021.]
City of Lake Elsinore, East Lake Specific Plan, Adopted November 28, 2017 and Updated September 7,
2018, http://www.lake-elsinore.org/city-hall/city-departments/community-
development/planning/adopted-specific-plans [Accessed August 3, 2021.]
City of Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore Municipal Code, www.lake-elsinore.org [Accessed July 28, 2021.]
City of Lake Elsinore. Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation Guide, June 23, 2020, http://www.lake-
elsinore.org/city-hall/community-development/planning/traffic-impact-analysis-requirements [Accessed
August 3, 2021.]
City of Lake Elsinore. Climate Action Plan, December 13, 2011, http://www.lake-elsinore.org/city-
hall/city-departments/community-development/planning/lake-elsinore-climate-action-plan [Accessed
August 3, 2021.]
City of Lake Elsinore. General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. 2011. http://www.lake-
elsinore.org/city-hall/city-departments/community-development/planning/lake-elsinore-general-
plan/general-plan-certified-eir [Accessed August 3, 2021.]
Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, September
2018, https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-
and-vibration-impact-assessment-manual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf [Accessed July 30, 2021.],
Riverside County Flood Control. Area Drainage Plan and Master Drainage Plan,
http://content.rcflood.org/MDPADP/ [Accessed July 30, 2021.]
Riverside County Mapping Portal, Agricultural Preserves, https://gisopendata-
countyofriverside.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/agricultural-preserves/explore?location=33.717765%2C-
116.056900%2C9.54 {Accessed July 29, 2021.]
South Coast Air Quality Management District. Final 2016 Air Quality Management Plan. March 2017,
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01
Page 94 of 94
http://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/clean-air-plans/air-quality-mgt-plan/final-2016-aqmp# [Accessed
July 29, 2021.]
South Coast Air Quality Management District. Rule 1403: Asbestos Emissions from
Demolition/Renovation Activities. Amended October 5, 2007, http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-
source/rule-book/reg-xiv/rule-1403.pdf [Accessed July 30, 2021.]
Southern California Association of Governments, Connect SoCal Plan, September 2020,
https://scag.ca.gov/read-plan-adopted-final-plan [Accessed August 3, 2021.]
Southern California Association of Governments. Demographics and Growth Forecast, Connect SoCal
Technical Report, Adopted on September 3, 2020, https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/0903fconnectsocal_demographics-and-growth-forecast.pdf?1606001579 [Accessed July 29,
2021]
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, FSGeodata Clearinghouse, ESRI
geodatabase, Existing Vegetation: Region 5 - South Coast,
https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/edw/datasets.php [Accessed August 5, 2021.]
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Nonattainment Areas for Criteria Pollutants (Green
Book). https://www.epa.gov/green-book [Accessed July 29, 2021]
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Frequently Asked Questions About Global Warming
and Climate Change. Back to Basics. April 2009.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory.
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html [Accessed July 29, 2021]
US Fish & Wildlife Services. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/conservation-plans-type-region [Accessed July 29, 2021]
Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). Draft Subregional Climate Action Plan, May
2021.
Of erv,�
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Lead Agency: City of Lake Elsinore
ATTN: Richard J. MacHott
Address: 130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530
F I L E D / P O S T E D
County of Riverside
Peter Aldana
Assessor- County Clerk- Recorder
E- 2022100860
08/17/2021 11:41 AM Fee: $ 0.00
Page 1 of 3
Removed gll,Z1 By U Wep ty
Project Title
(SPACE FOR CLERK'S USE)
PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 2021 -18 /GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2021 -01
Filing Type
❑ Environmental Impact Report
❑ Mitigated /Negative Declaration
❑ Notice of Exemption
Other: NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND INTENT TO
ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Notes
ACR 323 (Est. 01/2021) Available in Alternate Formats
CITY OF ,��
LAKEL�
LSII`�OR E
��3`1 DREAM EXTREME
I.
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
Community Development Department
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
(951) 674 -3124
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND INTENT TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and Section
15072 of the State CEQA Guidelines, a Draft Initial Study/ Negative Declaration (IS /ND; Environmental Review
No. 2021 -01) has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the below -
referenced Project and is available for public review.
Project Name: City of Lake Elsinore 2021 -2029 Housing Element and Amendment of City of Lake Elsinore
General Plan Chapter 3.0 Public Safety and Welfare including updates related to the Safety Element and
the addition of new Environmental Justice goals, policies and programs. (Planning Application No. 2021-
1 a /General Plan Amendment No. 2021 -01)
Applicant: City of Lake Elsinore
Project Location: The Project encompasses the entire City of Lake Elsinore, California and its Sphere of
Influence, which are bordered by the Elsinore Mountains to the west, which is part of the Santa Ana Mountain
Range. The City is surrounded by Wildomar to the southeast, unincorporated Riverside County to the west
and north, and Menifee and Canyon Lake to the east. The City's planning area (including its sphere of
influence) encompasses approximately 72 square miles.
Project Description:
The project consists of three components consisting of:
The adoption and implementation of the City of Lake Elsinore 2021 -2029 Housing Element,
which represents an update of the City's Housing Element. California law requires an update of
the Housing Element every eight years in order to remain relevant and reflective of the
community's changing housing needs. California is now entering its sixth cycle, covering a period
between 2021 and 2029. 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.
• An update of the General Plan Safety Element contained in Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) of the City's General Plan pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302(g)(3)
which requires that upon he next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2014, the
safety element is required to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for
land classified as state responsibility areas and land classified as very high fire hazard severity
zones.
• A new Environmental Justice Element, which is being incorporated into Chapter 3.0 pursuant
to Government Code Section 65302 (h)(1) which requires upon the adoption or next revision of
two or more elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018 that the City adopt or review the
environmental justice element, or the environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives in other
elements.
Environmental Effects Anticipated as a Result of the Project
Pursuant to CEQA, the City proposes to adopt a Negative Declaration for the project. Staff has found that
the project will not have a significant effect on the environment on the basis of the Initial Study.
Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Sites
In accordance with the disclosure requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15072(g)(5), the housing sites
identified in the Housing Element update are not identified on any list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to California Government Code Section 65962.5.
Public Review Period
The City Lake Elsinore is the Lead ,Agency under CEQA for this project and is holding a 30 -day public review
period on the Draft IS /ND beginning on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 and ending on Friday, September,
17, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., during which time responsible agencies, the public, and interested parties are invited
to comment on the IS /ND for the proposed project.
The Draft IS /ND is available for review at the following locations:
• City of Lake Elsinore, Community Development Department, 130 South Main Street, Lake
Elsinore, CA 92530
• City of Lake Elsinore website at: http: / /www. lake- elsinore.or-q /city- hall /city-
departments /community- develo ment/ lanning/cega- documents- available- for- public-
review
Public Hearings
The Planning Commission and City Council hearings on the project will be separately noticed.
Written comments and any questions regarding the project should be directed to:
Richard J. MacHott, Planning Manager
Community Development Department
City of Lake Elsinore
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
951 - 674 -3124 Ext. 209
rmachott lake- elsinore.or
STATE OF CALIFORNIA -THE RESOURCES AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF FISHAND GAME
ENVIRONMENTAL FILING FEE CASH RECEIPT
Lead Agency: CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
CountyAgency of Filing: RIVERSIDE
Receipt #: 21- 397142
State Clearinghouse # (if applicable):
Date: 08/17/2021
LDcuwntNo: E- 202100860
Project Title: PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 2021 -18 /GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2021 -01
Project Applicant Name: CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
Project ApplicantAddress: 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET, LAKE ELSINORE. C 92530
Project Applicant: LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY
CHECKAPPLICABLE FEES:
❑ Environmental Impact Report
❑ Negative Declaration
❑Application Fee lVaterDiversion (State Water Resources Control BoardOnly)
❑ Project Subject to Certified RegulatoryPrograms
❑ CountyAdministrationFee
❑ Project that is exempt from fees (DFG No Effect Determination (Form Attached))
❑ Project that isexemptfrom fees (Notice ofExempt ion)
Signature and title ofperson receiving payment.
Notes:
ACR 533 (Est. 12/2013)
PlnneNwnben 951.674.3124 EXT 209
$0.00
Total Received $0.00
Deputy
Lead Agency:
Project Description: (please use a separate page if necessary)
Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Designation:
Economic/Jobs Public Services/Facilities Traffic/Circulation Other:
Drainage/Absorption Population/Housing Balance Toxic/Hazardous Cumulative Effects
Coastal Zone Noise Solid Waste Land Use
Biological Resources Minerals Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading Growth Inducement
Archeological/Historical Geologic/Seismic Sewer Capacity Wetland/Riparian
Air Quality Forest Land/Fire Hazard Septic Systems Water Supply/Groundwater
Agricultural Land Flood Plain/Flooding Schools/Universities Water Quality
Aesthetic/Visual Fiscal Recreation/Parks Vegetation
Project Issues Discussed in Document:
Water Facilities:Type MGD Other:
Recreational: Hazardous Waste:Type
Educational: Waste Treatment:Type MGD
Industrial:Sq.ft. Acres Employees Power:Type MW
Commercial:Sq.ft. Acres Employees Mining:Mineral
Office:Sq.ft. Acres Employees Transportation:Type
Residential:Units Acres
Development Type:
Community Plan Site Plan Land Division (Subdivision, etc.)Other:
General Plan Element Planned Unit Development Use Permit Coastal Permit
General Plan Amendment Master Plan Prezone Redevelopment
General Plan Update Specific Plan Rezone Annexation
Local Action Type:
Mit Neg Dec Other: FONSI
Neg Dec(Prior SCH No.) Draft EIS Other:
Early Cons Supplement/Subsequent EIR EA Final Document
CEQA:NOP Draft EIR NEPA:NOI Other:Joint Document
Document Type:
Airports: Railways: Schools:
Within 2 Miles:State Hwy #: Waterways:
Assessor's Parcel No.: Section: Twp.: Range: Base:
Longitude/Latitude (degrees, minutes and seconds): q c s N / 季季季季季q 季季季季季c 季季季季季s W Total Acres: 季季季季季
Cross Streets: Zip Code:
Project Location:County: City/Nearest Community:
City: Zip: County:
Mailing Address: Phone:
Contact Person:
Notice of Completion & EnvironmentalDocument Transmittal
Mail to:State Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3044, Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 (916) 445-0613
For Hand Delivery/Street Address:1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Project Title:
SCH #
Note: TheStateClearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for aproject (e.g. Notice of Preparation or
previous draft document) please fill in.
Revised 2010
Appendix C
PlanningApplicationNo.2021-18(GeneralPlanAmendmentNo.2021-01)
CityofLakeElsinore RichardJ.MacHott,PlanningManager
951.674.3124Ext.209130SouthMainStreet
LakeElsinore 92530 Riverside
Riverside LakeElsinore
Interstate15&Highway74 92530
33402.8 1171940.4 46,084
N/A
74LakeElsinore
Skylark ElsinoreValleyUnified
Various
TheproposedProjectincludesthefollowingentitlements:
•CityofLakeElsinore2021-2029HousingElementandAmendmentofCityofLakeElsinoreGeneralPlanChapter3.0(PublicSafetyandWelfare)includingupdatesrelatedto
theSafetyElementandtheadditionofnewEnvironmentalJusticegoals,policiesandprograms.(PlanningApplicationNo.2021-18/GeneralPlanAmendmentNo.2021-01).
Theprojectconsistsofthreecomponentsconsistingof:
Seeattachedpage.
Revised 2010
Reviewing Agencies Checklist
Lead Agencies may recommend State Clearinghouse distribution by marking agencies below with and "X".
If you have already sent your document to the agency please denote that with an "S".
Air Resources Board Office of Historic Preservation
Boating & Waterways, Department of Office of Public School Construction
California Emergency Management Agency Parks & Recreation, Department of
CaliforniaHighway Patrol Pesticide Regulation, Department of
Caltrans District # Public Utilities Commission
Caltrans Division of Aeronautics Regional WQCB #
CaltransPlanning Resources Agency
Central Valley Flood Protection Board Resources Recycling and Recovery, Department of
Coachella Valley Mtns. Conservancy S.F. Bay Conservation & Development Comm.
Coastal Commission San Gabriel & Lower L.A. Rivers & Mtns. Conservancy
Colorado RiverBoard San Joaquin River Conservancy
Conservation, Department of Santa Monica Mtns.Conservancy
Corrections, Department of State Lands Commission
Delta Protection Commission SWRCB: Clean Water Grants
Education, Department of SWRCB: Water Quality
Energy Commission SWRCB: Water Rights
Fish & Game Region # Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Food & Agriculture, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection, Department of Water Resources, Department of
General Services, Department of
Health Services, Department of Other:
Housing & Community Development Other:
Native American Heritage Commission
Local Public Review Period (to be filled in by lead agency)
Starting Date Ending Date
Lead Agency (Complete if applicable):
Consulting Firm: Applicant:
Address: Address:
City/State/Zip: City/State/Zip:
Contact: Phone:
Phone:
Signature of Lead Agency Representative: Date:
Authority cited: Section 21083, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 21161, Public Resources Code.
S
S
8
S
S 6
S
S
S 8
August18,2021September17,2021
N/A CityofLakeElsinore
130SouthMainStreet
LakeElsinore,CA92530
951.674.3124ext209
August16,2021Richard MacHott Digitally signed by Richard MacHott
Date: 2021.08.16 11:20:35 -07'00'
Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal
Page 3
1. The adoption and implementation of the City of Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 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. An update of the General Plan Safety Element contained in Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety and
Welfare) of the City’s General Plan pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302(g)(3)
which requires that upon he next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2014, the safety
element is required to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified
as State Responsibility Areas and land classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones.
3. A new Environmental Justice Element, which is being incorporated into Chapter 3.0 pursuant to
Government Code Section 65302 (h)(1) which requires upon the adoption or next revision of two or
more elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018 that the City adopt or review the environmental
justice element, or the environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives in other elements.
Planning Application No. 2021-18 (General Plan Amendment No. 20
21-01)
Summary
SCH Number 2021080295
Lead Agency City of Lake Elsinore
Document Title Planning Application No. 2021-18 (General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01)
Document Type NEG - Negative Declaration
Received 8/16/2021
Present Land Use Various
Document Description The project consists of three components consisting of:
• The adoption and implementation of the City of Lake Elsinore 2021-2029 Housing Ele
ment, which represents an update of the City’s Housing Element. California law require
s an update of the Housing Element every eight years in order to remain relevant and re
flective of the community’s changing housing needs. California is now entering its sixt
h cycle, covering a period between 2021 and 2029. The Housing Element is an integral c
omponent 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 Ele
ment serves as a tool for decision-makers and the public in understanding and meetin
g 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 communit
y address housing needs in its discretionary planning actions such as creating opportu
nities for housing in the land use plan and facilitating development through policies. T
o meet this goal, the Housing Element identifies existing vacant or underdeveloped are
as already designated by the General Plan Land Use Element to provide for the City’s pr
ojected housing needs.
• An update of the General Plan Safety Element contained in Chapter 3.0 (Public Safety
and Welfare) of the City’s General Plan pursuant to California Government Code Sectio
n 65302(g)(3) which requires that upon he next revision of the housing element on or af
ter January 1, 2014, the safety element is required to be reviewed and updated as nece
ssary to address the risk of fire for land classified as state responsibility areas and land
classified as very high fire hazard severity zones.
• A new Environmental Justice Element, which is being incorporated into Chapter 3.0 p
ursuant to Government Code Section 65302 (h)(1) which requires upon the adoption or
next revision of two or more elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018 that the
City adopt or review the environmental justice element, or the environmental justice g
oals, policies, and objectives in other elements.
Page 1 of 3Planning Application No. 2021-18 (General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01)
9/20/2021https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2021080295
Contact Information
Location
Notice of Completion
Name Richard J. MacHott, Planning Manager
Agency Name City of Lake Elsinore
Contact Types Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Address 130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA92530
Phone (951) 674-3124 ext. 209
Email rmachott@lake-elsinore.org
Coordinates 33°40'2.8"N 117°19'40.4"W
Cities Lake Elsinore
Counties Riverside
Cross Streets Interstate 15 & Highway 74
Zip 92530
Total Acres 46,084
State Highways California
Airports Skylark Airport
Schools Elsinore Valley Unified School District
Waterways Lake Elsinore
Township 5 ,6S
Range 4,5W
Base SBB&M
Review Period Start 8/18/2021
Review Period End 9/17/2021
Development Types Other (Not Applicable)
Local Actions General Plan Update, General Plan Amendment, General Plan Element
Project Issues Aesthetics, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultur
al Resources, Energy, Geology/Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards & Hazardous
Materials, Hydrology/Water Quality, Land Use/Planning, Mandatory Findings of Signific
Page 2 of 3Planning Application No. 2021-18 (General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01)
9/20/2021https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2021080295
Attachments
Disclaimer:The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or
accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the
contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via
phone at (916) 445-0613. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.
ance, Mineral Resources, Noise, Population/Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Trans
portation, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities/Service Systems, Wildfire
Reviewing Agencies California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Conservation (DOC), Cal
ifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6 (CDFW), California Dep
artment of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Housing a
nd Community Development (HCD), California Department of Parks and Recreation, Ca
lifornia Department of State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, California Depar
tment of Transportation, District 8 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Divi
sion of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transp
ortation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California G
overnor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Californ
ia Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency,
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Contro
l Board, Santa Ana Region 8 (RWQCB), California State Lands Commission (SLC), Depart
ment of Toxic Substances Control, Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resource
s Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, State Water Resources Control Board, Divisi
on of Water Quality, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights
Draft Environmental
Document [Draft IS,
NOI_NOA_Public
notices, OPR Summary
Form, Appx,]
Initial Study-Negative Declaration 8 Notice of Availability
Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal
SCH Summary Form
PDF 10175 K PDF 164 K
PDF 325 K
PDF 579 K
Page 3 of 3Planning Application No. 2021-18 (General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01)
9/20/2021https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2021080295