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Anaheim, CA 92805
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www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2024
FROM: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT: CEQA DETERMINATION FOR THE RIO VISTA SAFE
ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROJECT
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 16
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, determine that the Rio Vista Safe Routes to School Project (Project) is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, 15304, and 15319 of the California Code of Regulations.
DISCUSSION:
As part of an ongoing effort to enhance safety near schools, the Public Works Department applied for and received Active Transportation Program (ATP) Project Approval/Environmental Document (PAED) funding from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to analyze the environmental impacts of the Project. Prior to requesting the next phases of funding for design, right-of-way, and construction, an environmental determination pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is required. This ATP grant will be used to construct new sidewalks, reconstruct damaged sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters, upgrade existing crosswalks and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps, improve pavement, add and reconstruct speed lumps, and enhance the Class III bikeway on the streets surrounding Rio Vista Elementary School on East Dutch Avenue, South Jeanine Way, and North Park Vista Street.
The City of Anaheim is the lead agency for the design, right-of-way, and construction phases of the Project. The purpose of the ATP is to encourage and increase use of active modes of transportation with the following goals:
Increase the proportion of trips made by biking and walking, Increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users, Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals,
CEQA Determination for the Rio Vista Safe Routes to School Project October 29, 2024
Enhance public health, Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program, and
Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users
The Project includes installing new sidewalks to close an existing gap, reconstructing damaged sidewalks and driveways, and upgrading current ADA-compliant curb ramps and constructing a new ADA-compliant curb ramp. It also involves upgrading a 3,197-linear-foot Class III bikeway.
Further improvements include pavement repairs, new signage, and refreshed pavement markings.
Additionally, the Project will enhance five crosswalks, address curb and gutter issues that cause water accumulation after rainfall and reconstructing an existing speed lump. Lastly, a small portion of land will be acquired to accommodate the installation of the new curb ramp.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
In accordance with CEQA (Public Resources Code Sections 21000–21177) and pursuant to Title 14, Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, 15304, and 15319 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), the City of Anaheim, as Lead Agency, is required to determine if the Project is exempt from CEQA.
Upon review of the CCR, staff recommends that City Council determine that the Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Title 14, Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, 15304, and 15319 of the CCR. These sections allow for the replacement, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the Lead Agency’s determination. Additionally, the sections address minor alterations to land and the annexation of small parcels necessary for project implementation.
After determining that this Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA, the City of Anaheim will file a Notice of Exemption (NOE) with the County Clerk, which starts a 35-day statute of limitations for challenges of the decision.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no budgetary impact associated with the Categorically Exempt determination for this Project. Funding for this Project is provided from Active Transportation Program restricted funds in the Department of Public Works’ FY 2024/25 budget.
Respectfully submitted,
Rudy Emami
Director of Public Works
Attachments:
1. CEQA Notice of Exemption
2. Vicinity Map