Arcadia City Council
December 17, 2024

BACKGROUND

The City adopted its Housing Element update in 2022, and received certification from Housing and Community Development (HCD) in February 2024, following an extensive rezoning effort. California law requires cities to update the Safety Element and, where applicable, an Environmental Justice Element, in conjunction with the Housing Element update. The updates are required to ensure compliance with recent changes to State law and to address concerns regarding climate vulnerability, community safety, and environmental justice. These updates are essential to maintaining a comprehensive and legally compliant General Plan that reflects the community’s needs and priorities.

The Safety Element is one of the seven (7) required elements of the General Plan, designed to protect the community from risks such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other hazards. Recent legislative changes require the integration of climate adaptation, resilience strategies, and evacuation planning into this element. This is largely the result of catastrophic wildfires that have impacted urban and suburban locations throughout the State in recent years. For communities with disadvantaged populations as defined by Senate Bill 1000, the development or integration of an Environmental Justice (EJ) Element is also required. This element aims to address health inequities and environmental burdens that disproportionately affect low-income communities.

The City contracted with Dudek in March 2022 to prepare a Safety Element update.

Simultaneous with the preparation of the Safety Element review , staff investigated whether the City would be required to prepare an EJ Element. After consultation with the Attorney General’s office, it was determined that the City is required to prepare an EJ Element. The agreement with Dudek was therefore amended in mid-2023 to also include the preparation of an Environmental Justice Element and a Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for both elements.

ANALYSIS

The City has prepared an update of the Safety Element, a new E nvironmental Justice Element, and associated updates to the Implementation Plan of the General Plan. These changes and updates have been prepared in response to State requirements.

Safety Element Update
The City’s Safety Element was most recently updated in 2010 as part of the comprehensive General Plan update, undertaken at that time. In 2018, SB 1035 went into effect, which requires the City’s General Plan Safety Element to be updated in conjunction with the Housing Element update, to address new requirements and incorporate updated information.

The Safety Element of a General Plan aims to protect communities from risks associated with natural and human -made hazards. It identifies potential dangers such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and climate-related impacts, and outlines policies and progr ams to

General Plan Amendment No. GPA 24-01
November 26, 2024

reduce these risks. By addressing hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, and community resilience, the Safety Element ensures public safety, infrastructure reliability, and environmental protection, fostering a sustainable and secure future for all residents.

The City’s draft updated Safety Element (Attachment No. 2) includes updated and new policies and goals which have been prepared to comply with the following State law requirements:

• SB 379 (201 5): Requires the City to address climate adaptation and resiliency through the preparation of a vulnerability assessment or reliance on a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan that addresses climate adaptation risks and vulnerabilities. • AB 747 (2020): Mandates that the City include an analysis of evacuation routes in the Safety Element. The analysis must assess the capacity, safety, and viability of existing and proposed evacuation routes under a range of emergency scenarios, such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and hazardous material incidents. • SB 99 (2020): Requires the Safety Element to identify residential developments in any hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.

In response to this suite of bills that have been adopted in recent years, the Safety Element has been updated to include:

• Three (3) new goals addressing resilience to environmental hazards such as debris flows and extreme heat , to reduce the potential for loss of life, i njury, and property damage during such events;
• Two (2) new policies on earthquake preparedness and evacuation route planning with the aim of reducing loss of life and property damage resulting from earthquakes and other geological hazards;
• One (1) new policy on developments in flood areas to minimize risks and to prevent isolation from essential services and facilities during a flood event; • Four (4) new policies and various other updated policies on reducing the impacts of wildfire. These changes aim to reduce the impacts from wildland and urban fires through ongoing maintenance, appropriate building location and design, vegetation management, and by ensuring ongoing adequate water supply; • Five (5) new policies on effective emergency and disaster response preparedness.

The new policies aim to improve resilience in the community through education, interagency coordination, and maintaining essential public facilities and infrastructure needed during emergencies; and
• Various other updates and text cleanups to improve readability, provide current information and statuses on programs and projects, and to comply with the various State bills.

The Development Services Staff worked closely with the City’s Fire Department in the update to the Safety Element, as much of the new law and policy is directly related to fire protection. In addition, pursuant to State law, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reviews Safety Element updates. On October 31, 2023, Cal Fire

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verified that the City’s Safety Element update included all required information. For the full text of the updated Safety Element, see Attachment No. 2.

Environmental Justice Element
In 2016, the California Legislature passed SB 1000, which aims to improve the health of local jurisdictions in California through adoption of an environmental justice element. This made EJ a mandatory topic for the City to address in its General Plan. An Environmental Justice Element must identify disadvantaged communities in the City and is required to incorporate objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in those disadvantaged communities, promote civic engagement in the public decision - making process, and prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of the disadvantaged communities.

A “disadvantaged community” is an area that is low income, and which has high levels of environmental pollution. Disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.

The City of Arcadia has one disadvantaged community as mapped on CalEnviroScreen – a portion of Census Tract 4325, shown below. Although this area technically meets the criteria to be identified as a disadvantaged community, within Arcadia, the census tract is entirely zoned for light industrial uses. The remainder of Census Tract 4325 is within the City of El Monte and comprises a residential neighborhood (refer to Figure 1) . SB 1000 does not take into account the number of residents when defining a disadvantaged community. Since Census Tract 4325 is a disadvantaged community, the City is required to prepare an EJ Element.

As part of the preparation of the EJ Element, the City was required to undertake community consultation. The City held a virtual community meeting on October 11, 2023.

The community meeting included a discussion on seven different environmental justice topics, which attendees provided comments on. These workshop discussions were then used to inform the preparation of the EJ Element in conjunction with staff research and established City priorities.

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Figure 1: Arcadia zoning and the boundary of census tract 4325 (red dashed line).

The draft EJ Element includes a discussion on seven areas of environmental justice, as required by SB 1000. They are:

• Active and public transportation
• Climate change
• Healthy Food
• Parks and Public Facilities
• Pollution
• Safe and Sanitary Housing
• Community Engagement

From these areas of discussion, four goals and 11 policies were included in the draft EJ Element which respond to the unique and specific circumstances found within Arcadia.

These goals and policies primarily amend or enhance existing programs already implemented in the City by prioritizing environmental justice goals. For example, Policy

1.6 is to “c ontinue to update truck route maps that minimize exposure to sensitive land uses.” This policy ensures that when the City’s truck route maps are updated, that new routes take sensitive land uses into consideration with the aim of reducing pollution on

General Plan Amendment No. GPA 24-01
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those uses. New implementation actions are included in the General Plan Implementation Plan to effectuate the new EJ policies. For the full text of the new EJ Element, please see Attachment No. 3.

Implementation Plan

The Safety Element section of the Implementation Plan has been updated to reflect the new and revised goals and policies prepared as part of this amendment. Three (3) new programs have been included, and eight (8) existing programs have had substantive changes made to reflect the new goals and policies within the draft Safety Element update. In addition, e ight (8) new programs are included to implement the goals and policies of the new EJ Element. In addition to the updates necessary to implement the Safety and EJ Elements, minor clean -ups throughout the document have been undertaken for improved readability, and internal consistency.

The draft updated Safety Element, draft EJ Element, and draft updated Implementation Plan can be found as Attachments 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

FINDINGS
Pursuant to Development Code Section 9108.03.060, the General Plan Amendment may be approved if all the following findings can be satisfied.

General Plan Amendment Findings:

1. The amendment is internally consistent with all other provisions of the General Plan.

Facts in Support of the Finding: The City’s General Plan Safety Element focuses on identifying and avoiding or mitigating hazards present in the environment that may adversely affect property and lives. The Safety Element update will further strengthen this aim by addressing the increasing risks associated with climate change, and by updating information on Very High Fire Hazard Areas, and evacuation routes. These updates serve to bring the Safety Elemen t into compliance with State law and also reflect changes that have occurred in the City and environment over the past decade since the Safety Element was previously adopted. Changes and updates to the Safety Element’s goals and policies are consistent with the other elements in the General Plan.

The new Environmental Justice Element will be consistent with all other provisions of the General Plan. The new policies, and implementation actions have been prepared to enhance existing policies and programs contained within the General Plan by prioritizing or emphasizing environmental justice goals. The Environmental Justice Element also recognizes that many existing policies within other elements already support environmental justice goals. These existing policies have been identified within the Environmental Justice Element. Therefore, the Safety Element

General Plan Amendment No. GPA 24-01
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update and the Environmental Justice Element are consistent with the goals of the General Plan and with all other provisions within other elements.

2. The proposed amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or general welfare of the City.

Facts in Support of the Finding: The proposed amendments are in the public’s interests by furthering the General Plan’s goals of creating a safe, healthy and resilient community. The updated Safety Element includes new and revised policies and goals which will improve safety, and reduce risk from hazards in the City. In compliance with State law, the new goals and policies will focus on managing the impacts of a changing climate, improving resilience in the community, and ensuring adequate and safe evacuation routes for all the City’s communities.

The new Environmental Justice Element aims to improve environmental equity throughout the City by implementing new policies and goals to promote and prioritize environmental justice . The E nvironmental Justice Element promotes equitable access to clean air, safe housing, and reliable transportation, improving overall quality of life, which supports the health, safety, and general welfare of the City’s residents.

In addition to furthering the public’s interest, the proposed amendments were analyzed to ensure that no impacts to the public’s health, safety or welfare of the City would result from the changes . In accordance with CEQA guidelines, a Negative Declaration was prepared. The Negative Declaration concluded that no significant impacts would result from the updated Safety Element and new Environmental Justice Element . Therefore, the proposed General Plan amendment would not be detrimental to the public’s health, safety or welfare and is in the public’s interest.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

The proposed GPA has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines. An Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) has been prepared for the GPA for the City, as the lead agency. The IS/ND was prepared consistent with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on the basis that there was no substantial evidence that there may be significant environmental impacts on specific environmental areas – refer to Attachment No. 5. In fact, the entire basis for the updating of the Safety Element, and the creation of the EJ element, is to ensure that policies and programs are protecting the environment and the health, safety, and welfare of residents, which is one of the overarching goals of CEQA.

The IS/ND was made available for public review from October 24, 2024, to November 25, 2024. A Notice of Intent to adopt the IS/ND was published in the newspaper on October

General Plan Amendment No. GPA 24-01
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24, 2024, posted on the City’s webpage, and posted at the L.A. County Clerk’s office on October 24, 2024. A copy of the IS/ND was made available on the City’s webpage, at the Planning Division office, and at the library. During this time period, public agencies, organizations, and the public in general were afforded the opportunity to review the Draft IS/MND, and submit written comments regarding the documents and the proposed project. As of November 22, 2024, t he City had received one comment letter from t he office of the Attorney General acknowledging preparation of the Environmental Justice Element – refer to Attachment No. 5.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 2161 (Attachment No. 1) to recommend approval of General Plan Amendment No. GPA 24-01 to the City Council, based on the findings listed in this staff report, and the Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

If any Planning Commissioner or other interested party has any questions or comments regarding this matter prior to the November 26, 2024, hearing, please contact Planning Services Manager, Fiona Graham , at (626) 574-5442, or by email at [email protected].

Approved:

on behalf of

Lisa L. Flores
Deputy Development Services Director

Attachment No. 1: Resolution No. 2017
Attachment No. 2: Draft Safety Element Update
Attachment No. 3: Draft Environmental Justice Element
Attachment No. 4: Draft Implementation Plan Update
Attachment No. 5: Environmental Document – Draft Negative Declaration including the comment letter received.

Attachment No. 6

Attachment No. 6
Errata Sheet and Draft Implementation
Plan Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Page Number Before After
6-7 All references to Environmental Justice
Goals and Policies are in the format:
“Goal X”
“Policy X.XX”
All references to Environmental Justice
Goals and Policies are updated to be
consistent with the Environmental Justice
Element, in the following format (new text
in red):
“Goal EJ-X”
“Policy EJ-X.XX”

Initial Study/Negative Declaration
City of Arcadia General Plan
Amendment: Safety Element
Update and Environmental
Justice Element - DRAFT
OCTOBER 2024
Prepared for:

CITY OF ARCADIA
240 W Huntington Drive
Arcadia, California 91007
Contact: Fiona Graham
Prepared by:

605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024

Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled material.

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Table of Contents

SECTION PAGE
Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................ iii 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 California Environmental Quality Act Compliance ................................................................................ 1

1.3 Initial Study Checklist ............................................................................................................................. 2 2 Project Description ............................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Safety Element Update .......................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Environmental Justice Element ............................................................................................................. 5 3 Initial Study Checklist........................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Aesthetics ............................................................................................................................................ 14

3.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources ................................................................................................... 15

3.3 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 16

3.4 Biological Resources ........................................................................................................................... 17

3.5 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................................. 18

3.6 Energy .................................................................................................................................................. 19

3.7 Geology and Soils ................................................................................................................................ 20

3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ................................................................................................................ 22

3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ..................................................................................................... 22

3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................................................... 24

3.11 Land Use and Planning ....................................................................................................................... 26

3.12 Mineral Resources .............................................................................................................................. 27

3.13 Noise .................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.14 Population and Housing ...................................................................................................................... 29

3.15 Public Services .................................................................................................................................... 29

3.16 Recreation ............................................................................................................................................ 30

3.17 Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 31

3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources .................................................................................................................... 32

3.19 Utilities and Service Systems .............................................................................................................. 33

3.20 Wildfire ................................................................................................................................................. 34

3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance ................................................................................................... 35 4 References and Preparers ................................................................................................................................ 37

4.1 Initial Study/Negative Declaration References Cited ........................................................................ 37

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Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym/Abbreviation Definition
BMP Best Management Practice
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CGS California Geologic Survey
City City of Arcadia
dB Decibel
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EJ Environmental Justice
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GPA General Plan Amendment
IS Initial Study
MRZ Mineral Resource Zones
ND Negative Declaration
NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
SCAB South Coast Air Basin
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans

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1 Introduction

1.1 Project Overview
The purpose of the proposed project is to update the City of Arcadia’s (City’s) General Plan by providing updates to the Safety Element and provide a new Environmental Justice Element. The City’s General Plan provides the policy framework for the long -range planning of physical development in the community and consists of the following elements: Land Use and Community Design Element, Economic Development Element, Circulation and Infrastructure Element, Housing Element, Resource Sustainability Element, Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Element, Safety Element, and Noise Element. This project involves an amendment to the General Plan in order to adopt, as required by State Law, an updated Safety Element and a new Environmental Justice Element.

The Safety Element of the General Plan is intended to address public safety planning by identifying natural or human-made hazards present in the City and identifying strategies to avoid or mitigate these hazards. Government Code Sections 65302(g) and 65302(f) identify several issues to consider in such planning efforts, as does California Health and Safety Code Section 56050.1. The proposed Safety Element update would integrate the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) into the Safety Element, and all future updates to the L HMP by reference. The proposed project would also update the Safety Element to address potential hazards as a result of climate change.

The new Environmental Justice (EJ) Element includes policies to reduce the “unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities,” “promote civic engagement in the public decision-making process,” pursuant to Per California Government Code Section 65302(h). The primary focuses of the EJ Element are reducing pollution exposure, preparing for the effects of climate change, promoting active and public transportation, improving parks and public facilities, and promoting safe and sanitary housing.

1.2 California Environmental Quality Act Compliance
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a statewide environmental law described in California Public Resources Code, Sections 21000– 21177, applies to most public agency decisions to carry out, authorize, or approve actions that have the potential to adversely affect the environment. The overarching goal of CEQA is to protect the physical environment. To achieve that goal, CEQA requires that public agencies identify the environmental consequences of their discretionary actions and consider alternatives and mitigation measures that could avoid or reduce significant adverse impacts when avoidance or reduction is feasible. It also gives other public agencies and the public an opportunity to comment on the information. If significant advers e impacts cannot be avoided, reduced, or mitigated to below a level of significance, the public agency is required to prepare an environmental impact report (EIR) and balance the project’s environmental concerns with other goals and benefits in a statement of overriding considerations.

The City’s Planning Division of the Development Services Department directed and supervised the preparation of this Initial Study (IS)/Negative Declaration (ND). Although prepared with assistance from the consulting firm Dudek, the content contained within and the conclusions drawn by this IS/ND reflect the independent judgment of the City.

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1.3 Initial Study Checklist
The following Environmental Checklist (i.e., IS) was prepared per CEQA Guidelines Sections 15063 –15065. The CEQA Guidelines include a suggested checklist to indicate whether a project would have an adverse impact on the environment. The checklist is found in Section 3 of this document. Following the Environmental Checklist, Sections

3.1 through 3.21 include an explanation and discussion of each significance determination made in the checklist for the project.

For this IS/ND, the following four possible responses to each individual environmental issue area are included in the checklist:

Potentially Significant Impact
Less-than-Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated Less-than-Significant Impact
No Impact
The checklist and accompanying explanation of checklist responses provide the information and analysis necessary to assess relative environmental impacts of the project. In doing so, the City will determine the extent of additional environmental review, if any, for the project.

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2 Project Description
This project involves an amendment to the General Plan to adopt an update to the Safety Element and a new EJ Element (proposed project). The Safety Element of the General Plan is intended to identify, evaluate, and address local and regional safety issues, establishes goals, policies, and actions that will reduce loss of life, injuries, property loss or damage, environmental damage, and social and economic disruption from natural and human -caused disasters. The vision for the Safety Element includes minimizing exposure of residents to hazards and incorporating public safety considerations into the planning and decision-making processes. The intention of the EJ Element is to address potential health risks or safety risks of disadvantaged communities and seek to create healthy and safe communities for all, focusing on correcting disproportionate health impacts.

2.1 Safety Element Update
Background
The Safety Element is one of the General Plan elements required by State law. Government Code Sections 65302(g) and 65302(f) identify several issues to consider in such planning efforts, as does California Health and Safety Code Section 56050.1. Per Section 65302(g), the safety element must address the following hazards:
 Seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure  Tsunami, seiche, and dam failure
 Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides  Subsidence
 Liquefaction
 Other seismic hazards identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body  Flooding
 Wildland and urban fires
 Climate change
In accordance with provision of Assembly Bill (AB) 2140, General Plans: Safety Element (Government Code 65302.6), a city may adopt with its safety element a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) which is specified in the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Adopting the LHMP with the safety element provides an avenue for implementation of the LHMP. As of 2015, it is also now required by state law (Senate Bill [SB] 379 and Government Code Section 65302(g)(4)) that a local jurisdiction update the safety element to addres s climate adaptation and resiliency strategies. These updates are required to occur either upon the next revision of a LHMP on or after January 1, 2017, or if the jurisdiction does not have an adopted LHMP, beginning on or before January 1, 2022. The updates should include a climate change vulnerability assessment, and a set of goals, policies, and objectives that address resiliency, hazard mitigation and emergency response strategies. The proposed Safety Element update would adopt the LHMP by reference and would implemented in tandem with the LHMP to address hazards.

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Proposed Project
The proposed project includes updates to Chapter 8: Safety Element of the Arcadia General Plan to include a Climate Change section. This section addresses the emergency events that are associated wit h climate change, including; extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire. The Climate Change section addresses vulnerabilities specific to climate change, including vulnerable populations and built environments . The proposed project also updates the Fire Hazards section to address water resources and recent wildfire ev ents, the Emergency Services section to update existing conditions, and the Emergency Preparedness section to update critical and non -critical facilities and provide additional policies to address emergency and disaster response preparedness.

The proposed project adds new policies and revises existing policies to address the climate change-related hazards that are identified and provide guidance for future actions of the City to mitigate these hazards. The new goals and policies are as follows:

Policy S-1.1: Support policies and programs to incentivize/encourage improving resilience to local infrastructure networks vulnerable to increasingly extreme weather events.

Policy S-1.2: Support policies and programs to engage with residents, including non -English speaking communities, making them aware of the risks of extreme events and providing information on ways to preserve health.

Policy S-1.3: Explore potential grants, programs, and partnerships to reduce cost burdens related to households addressing changing hazards
Policy S-2.1: Maintain a healthy urban forest to reduce extreme heat.

Policy S-2.2: Adopt policies and standards for the built environment that reduce the urban heat island effect.

Policy S-3.1: Review the performance of culverts and other flood-related infrastructure in recent debris flow events to determine a list of potential improvements required for hazard mitigation.

Policy S-3.2: Continue to provide alert/emergency notification processes and provide public information and awareness materials for those who live in debris flow hazard areas, as determined by fire risk, slope, and past debris flow events.

Policy S-4.7: Periodically conduct and evaluate Emergency Operations Center exercises to ensure readiness for earthquakes and/or seismic related events.

Policy S-4.8: Ensure access and egress routes are planned appropriately to and from identified hazard areas relative to the type of development in these areas.

Policy S-5.5: Ensure that developments located within the County’s Flood Hazard Zones are located and designed to avoid isolation from essential services and facilities in the event of flooding.

Policy S-6.8: Require redevelopment located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone to comply with the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code. Encourage post -fire CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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redevelopments located outside of a Fire Hazard Severity Zone to comply with the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code.

Policy S-6.9: Reduce the impacts of wildfire by meeting minimum State Fire Safe regulations for fire- resistant building materials, vegetation management, fire-adapted landscaping, fuel modification, and other fire hazard reduction programs.

Policy S-6.10: Ensure long-term maintenance of all fire hazard reduction projects, including community fire breaks and private road and public road clearance.

Policy S-6.11: Maintain water supply and infrastructure to meet the water needs of the Arcadia Fire Department.

Policy S-9.7: Create resilience centers throughout Arcadia to ensure frontline communities are equipped to respond, recover, and rebuild after a hazard event.

Policy S-9.8: Support policies that promote education and resilience awareness about the effects of climate change- induced hazards and ways to adapt and build resiliency to climate change.

Policy S-9.9: Coordinate with other County and public agencies, such as transportation agencies and health care providers, on emergency planning, response activities, evacuation planning, and recovery resources. Focus recovery resources toward the most vulnerable households and populations (e.g. elderly individuals, individuals with disabilities, etc.).

Policy S-9.10: Ensure that essential public facilities are maintained during disasters.

Policy S-9.11: Pursue development impact fees to set aside funding for solutions to address future needs related to emergency response time in the City. This would ensure adequate fire protection for new developments and may include staffing, station coverage, apparatus, equipment, and infrastructure such as a preemption system integrated with City traffic lights Additional clarifications and revisions are also made to a handful of goals and policies for clarity and consistency with the new policies.

The Safety Element Update is available at the City website https://www.arcadiaca.gov/ generalplan and is incorporated by reference hereafter.

2.2 Environmental Justice Element
Background
Through the passage of Senate Bill 1000, local governments across California are required to assess if any disadvantaged communities exist within their boundaries. If there is a disadvantaged community identified, environmental justice must be added as a c omponent of the general plan. Per California Government Code Section 65302(h), this environmental justice component must include policies to reduce the “unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities,” “promote civic engagement in the publi c decision - CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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making process,” and “prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.” An assessment of Arcadia determined there is a census tract identified as a disadvantaged community on the southeastern tip of Arcadia. However, this census tract is largely outside of Arcadia, and where inside Arcadia consists solely of Industrial and Public/Institutional zoned lots. It does, however, include non - conforming residential uses. Therefore, this element focuses on citywide needs to b est promote the long -term environmental justice concerns.

There are also two low-income Census Tracts in Arcadia (see Figure EJ-2, Low Income Communities). These Census Tracts were not determined to have unique or compounded health risks as determined by HPI. As a result of the limited residential presence in Arcadia’s only disadvantaged community, the City has primarily taken a citywide approach to addressing environmental justice concerns. Th e Environmental Justice Element evaluates environmental justice-related topics throughout Arcadia and includes a policy matrix based on these findings and input gathered from community members.

Proposed Project
The Environmental Justice Element contains a summary of the existing conditions related to six main subjects, as follows; Active and Public Transportation, Climate Change, Healthy Food, Parks and Public Facilities, Pollution, and Safe and Sanitary Housing. The existing conditions are followed by the goals and policies set forth by the Environmental Justice Element, which the intent to provide the vision and steps to work towards a more equitable Arcadia. The proposed additional goals and policies are as follows:

Goal EJ-1: A community where walking and biking is safe and enjoyable Policy EJ-1.1: Work with community members to identify high -priority streets and intersections for improvements to sidewalks, bike lanes, and other bike and pedestrian infrastructure via the City’s capital improvement program.

Policy EJ-1.2: Seek a State and Federal grant opportunities for active transportation corridors, including the California Transportation Commission’s Active Transportation Program.

Policy EJ-1.3: Create and maintain a network of Cool Streets with increased tree canopy, reflective pavements, and other interventions to mitigate extreme heat and reduce the heat island effect, prioritizing transit corridors and routes to school.

Policy EJ-1.4: Seek to provide a variety of parks and facilities are provided which cater to a diverse population.

Policy EJ-1.5: Mitigate noise and air pollution impacts to parks and public facilities adjacent to freeways, major roads, and rail corridors with protective fencing, landscaping, and/or walls.

Goal EJ-2: A community with reduced transportation-related air pollution.

Policy EJ-2.1: Continue to update truck route maps that minimize exposure to sensitive land uses.

Goal EJ-3: A community where everyone has a high-quality, affordable home.

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Policy EJ-3.1: Promote home weatherization and in-home/portable air conditioning units to better insulate homes and mitigate the effects of extreme heat in residences.

Policy EJ-3.2: Continue to explore temporary housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness in Arcadia, as well as grant funding opportunities for constructing and managing them.

Goal EJ-4: A community where public health is enhanced and heat-related illnesses and fatalities are reduced.

Policy EJ-4.1: Expand the number of cooling amenities in parks and other public spaces such as trees, water refill stations, and water features for children to play in.

Policy EJ-4.2: Expand cooling center amenities as necessary and increase awareness of cooling centers through public education materials and events.

Policy EJ-4.3: Educate residents about personal emergency preparedness and the emergency resources that the City provides to them.

The Environmental Justice Element is available at the City website https://www.arcadiaca.gov/generalplan and is incorporated by reference hereafter.

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3 Initial Study Checklist

1. Project title:

City of Arcadia General Plan Amendment: Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element

2. Lead agency name and address:

City of Arcadia
Development Services Department
Planning Division
240 W. Huntington Drive
P.O. Box 60021
Arcadia, California 91066

3. Contact person and phone number:

Fiona Graham, Planning Manager
240 West Huntington Dr.

Arcadia California 91066
626.574.5442

4. Project location:

Citywide.

5. Project sponsor’s name and address:

City of Arcadia
Development Services Department
Planning Division
240 W. Huntington Drive
P.O. Box 60021
Arcadia, California 91066

6. General plan designation:

Various; Not Applicable for Adoption of Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element.

7. Zoning:

Various; Not Applicable for Adoption of Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element.

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8. Description of project. (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its implementation. Attach additional sheets if necessary):

The proposed General Plan Amendment (GPA) would amend the City of Arcadia General Plan with updates to the Safety Element and a new Environmental Justice Element.

9. Surrounding land uses and setting (Briefly describe the project’s surroundings):

The City of Arcadia is located in central Los Angeles County, at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The majority of the City is built-out, dominated with residential uses. Recreational, industrial, and commercial uses are also scattered throughout the City. The surrounding land uses are predominantly urban and suburban. The City is bordered by the City of Monrovia to the east and northeast, the Angeles National Forest and the City of Sierra Madre to the north, the City of Pasadena to the northwest, unincorporated Los Angeles County to the west, Temple City to the southwest, and unincorporated County to the southeast.

10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement):

There are no other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement) for the proposed Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element.

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. ? The project is subject to compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 52 California Native American tribal representatives. All California Native American tribal representatives (that have requested notification) who are traditionally or culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project were sent letters from the City on November 9, 2023 . No tribal representatives responded or requested consultation regarding the project.

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Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact,” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics Agriculture and
Forestry Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology and Soils Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality Land Use and
Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise Population and
Housing
Public Services
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources Utilities and Service Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of Significance

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Determination (To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:

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 le gal 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 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applic able standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Signature

10/23/2024

Date

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Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). 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).

All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.

Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. “Potentially Significant Impact” is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more “Potentially Significant Impact” entries when the determination is made, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the 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 (mitigation measures from “Earlier Analyses,” as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced).

Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a. Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b. Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c. Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “ Less T han Significant With Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.

Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a ref erence to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.

Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.

This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project’s environmental effects in whatever format is selected.

The explanation of each issue should identify:
a. The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b. The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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3.1 Aesthetics

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
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 of 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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–d: No Impact.

The Safety Element update includes updated existing conditions information to provide an accurate account of the conditions within the City, as well as updated goals and policies related to natural and human -caused hazards.

These goal and policy updates are procedural and will not result in physical changes to the environment such that aesthetics or visual character would change. The goals and policies also provide a framework for future actions the City intends to implement to continue provided adequate public safety. Further, the proposed Environmental Justice Element contains goals and policies that would be adopted and enacted by the City to strive towards a more equitable City, by reducing negative effects on citizens, as well as expand opportunities and access to more citizens.

The goals and policies provide guidelines and parameters for future development, and for the City’s consideration and approval of future development projects. These proposed actions do not include physical development or land use changes that would have a substantial adverse effect on aesthetics resources. Rather, they provide guidelines and requirements that future City or applicant development would be required to comply with. As such, no aesthetic impacts would occur from the adoption of this policy document.

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3.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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 Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown 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?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code section 12220(g)),
timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code section 51104(g))?

d) Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
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 or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–e: No Impact.

According to the Department of Conservation California Important Farmland Finder, the City consists entirely of Urban Built Up Land (DOC 2022) . The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element do not propose any policies or actions that would result in negative impacts to agricultural and forestry resources, as there is no land within the City that is designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance.

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Therefore, updates to the Safety Element and the Environmental Justice Element would have no impacts upon agricultural and forestry resources.

3.3 Air Quality

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
III. AIR QUALITY – Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district 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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–c: Less Than Significant Impact. d: No Impact.

The City lies within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the regional government agency that monitors and regulates air pollution within the SCAB and is responsible for measuring the air quality of the region. The SCAB is designated as a nonattainment area for federal and state O3 standards and federal and state PM 2.5 standards. The SCAB is designated as a nonattainment area for state PM10 standards; however, it is designated as an attainment area for federal PM10 standards. The SCAB is designated as an attainment area for federal and state CO standards, federal and state NO2 standards, and federal and state SO2 standards. While the SCAB has been designated as nonattainment for the federal rolling 3- month average lead standard, it is designated attainment for the state lead standard . The updates to the General Plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the State Implementation Plan by the SCAQMD because the proposed new goals and policies would not induce growth of the population of the City. The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation, nor would they result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard, because the goals and policies would not propose specific development projects that may result in air emissions. Additionally, with the adoption of the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element, goals and policies are included therein to protect residents from exposure to pollutant concentrations. Policy 3.6 CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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would mitigate noise and air pollution impacts to parks and public facilities adjacent to freeways and major roads, and Policy 4.6 requires the City to continue to update truck route maps that minimize exposure to sensitive land uses. Lastly, because the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element do not affect land uses that are typically associated with the creation of objectionable odors (such as rendering plants, landfills, treatment plants, etc.), its adoption would have no impact from odors.

Based on the above, the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would have a less than significant impact on air quality.

3.4 Biological Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

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?

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–f: Less than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element contain a framework of policies but would not result in land use changes or physical development as a result of adoption. The goals and policies are related to City programs and the continued provision of public services and facilities, all within urbanized areas where little or no native vegetation exists and where little potential exists for the occurrence of sensitive species habitat, riparian habitat, a sensitive natural community, federally protected wetlands, or wildlife corridors or nursery sites. In the event that any biological resources, habitat or trees would be affected, proper mitigation would be implemented, on a project-by-project basis.

Therefore, Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts to biological resources.

3.5 Cultural Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES – Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource
pursuant to §15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5?

c) Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of dedicated
cemeteries?

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Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–c: Less than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents that establish the City’s goals, policies and actions related to risk and hazards associated with climate change, and the expansion of resources for a more equitable City for all citizens. These proposed goals and polices would be implemented City- wide, and would not have the potential to affect any particular site or location. However, certain policies may indirectly result in development of a facility or project in the future, particularly Policy 5.6. However, all future project development would require project-level environmental assessment which would include assessment of potential existence of cultural resources, and analysis and mitigation of possible environmental impacts. Further, all future projects would be required to comply with General Plan policies and Municipal Code regulations related to cultural resources. The proposed goals and policies would not conflict with the implementation of the existing policy framework. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, result in land use changes or p hysical development that would disturb cultural resources, and produce environmental impacts. Therefore, impacts are less than significant.

3.6 Energy

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–b. No Impact.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents that establish the City’s goals, policies and actions related to risk and hazards associated with climate change, and the expansion of resources for a more equitable City for all citizens . The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element does not propose any policies or actions that would result in impacts to energy. However, future development would be required to adhere to all state and/or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency.

As such, the proposed project would result in less than significant impacts associated with energy.

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3.7 Geology and Soils

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact W ith
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 waste water disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of waste water?

f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–f: Less than Significant Impact.

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Areas with seismic (earthquake) hazards are identified by earthquake fault zones as established by the Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone Act of 1972. The California Geological Survey (CGS; formerly the California Division of Mines and Geology [CDMG]) cl assifies faults as active, potentially active, or inactive according to standards developed for implementation of the Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone Act. A fault that has exhibited surface displacement within the Holocene Epoch (the last 11,000 years ) is defined as active. A fault that has exhibited surface displacement during Quaternary time (i.e., within the past 1.6 million years) but that cannot be proven to have moved or not moved during Holocene time is defined as potentially active. a) According to the City’s existing Safety Element, located along the southern slope of the San Gabriel Mountains, Arcadia is situated within a very seismically active area of Southern California. There are currently five documented faults, fault zones, or groundwater barriers that may be faults that underlie Arcadia. In addition to these local faults, another 20 faults have been identified within a 35-mile radius of City Hall. Earthquake activity at any of the faults in and around the City could result in gro und shaking within the City limits. Further, ground shaking could cause landslides or liquefaction in certain areas within the foothills that are present in the City. The existing Safety Element contains several goals and policies to alleviate risk related to earthquakes and better project the City’s residents from seismic hazards. The proposed new Safety Element policies as well as the proposed edits and revisions to the element would be consistent and would not interfere with the implementation of policie s meant to reduce earthquake risk. Additionally, the potential for significant adverse impacts to result from these phenomena would be substantially reduced through adherence to requirements specified in the Alquist –Priolo Act, the Uniform Building Code, Title 24 of the California Building Code, and all development regulations of the City. Compliance with these building standards would minimize impacts associated with seismic hazards. b–e: Most lowland areas with relatively level ground surface are not prone to landslides. Other forms of slope instability are also unlikely to occur except along stream banks and terrace margins. The foothill areas are more susceptible to slope instability. The strong ground motion that occurs during earthquakes is capable of inducing landslides and debris flow (mudslides). These types of failure generally occur where unstable slope conditions already exist. T he City has in place geologic review procedures to address these hazards. Hillside areas with landslide potential are of particular concern, and slope stability requires appropriate treatment of vegetative cover during and after residential development. The City's General Plan and zoning Code contain policy and regulation to minimize potential impacts from developing on geologically hazardous land or resulting in substantial soil erosion.

City regulations and policies cover landslides, seismic shaking, surface rupture, seiches, liquefaction, subsidence, expansive soils, and soil erosion. All new development is required to be consistent with these regulations. f: Depending on the location, future development in the City has the potential to directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. The existing General Plan contains policies for the protection of paleontological resources, and all new development must be consistent with these policies. The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would not change or alter these policies.

Based on the above, the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would result in less than significant impacts associated with geology and soils.

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3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–b: Less Than Significant Impact.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the result of burning fossil fuels, most commonly from vehicles and other gas-powered equipment. The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element contain goals and policies meant to guide the City’s land use decisions and future development within the City. Although the adoption of the document would not result in any physical development, the policies seek to expand pedestrian- and bicycle- oriented facilities, which would reduce new vehicle trips in exchange for pedestrian and bicycle resulting in a reduction of GHG emissions. Further, any future new development projects associated with the new policies, such as affordable housing units, w ould be required to comply with the Green Building Code, which also reduces GHG emissions.

3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact 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?

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one-quarter
mile of an existing or proposed school?

d) Be located on a site that 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 or
excessive noise 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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–c and e–g: No Impact. d: Less Than Significant Impact.

As defined in Chapter 6.95 of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 25501(o), a hazardous material is “…any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, and any material which a handler or the administering agency has a reasonable basis for believing that it would be injurious to the heal th and safety of persons or harmful to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment.”
a–c: The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents, and therefore, adoption would not, in itself, result in potential impacts from hazards and hazardous material that may endanger residents or the environment. Implementation of the goals and policies would also not result in the routine use, transport, or disposal of hazardous materials or generate significant quantities of hazardous materials.

Implementation of Policy 5.1 which states the City would adopt an inclusionary housing ordinance, and Policy 5.5, which states the City would continue to explore a Tiny Homes project, could indirectly result in development of CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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additional housing units in the future. However, these policies are guidelines for City action, they would not guarantee any future development. All future development would be subject to project-level environmental analysis, and would be subject to local, state, and federal regulations related to handling hazards and hazardous materials.

Further, the existing Safety Element includes goals and policies specifically designed to reduce impacts from human-caused hazards to City residents and the environment. As such, no negative impacts would occur. d: The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents and adoption will not, in itself, result in negative environmental impacts. Implementation of the policies could indirectly result in development in the future; however, the proposed policies would not change land use designations or zoning, or result in new land uses that are not already existing. All sites of future development would be evaluated using appropriate databases including the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database which, pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, lists Federal Superfund, State Response, Voluntary Cleanup, School Cleanup, Hazardous Waste Permit, and Hazardous Waste Corrective Action sites. The potential impacts related to any listed hazardous materials sites associated with any specific future development would be assessed at the time the projects are actually proposed. As such, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would result in less than significant impacts.

e–g: There are no public or private airports in the City of Arcadia. The airport nearest the City is the El Monte Airport.

The City does not fall within the safety hazard overlay zone for the El Monte Airport. Future development in the southern section of the City could extend into navigable airspace of the El Monte Airport, and would be required to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77 and all other applicable local regulations. The proposed goal and policy updates would not result directly in physic al development and would not result in incompatible land uses.

Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Based on the above, the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would result in no negative impact on hazards or hazardous materials.

3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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
Impact 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 off site;

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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a, c–d: Less than Significant Impact. b and e: No Impact.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents, specifically related to risks associated with climate change and environmental justice issues. Therefore, adoption of these updates would not, in itself, result in physical development that would produce negative environmental impacts. Certain proposed policies, such as Policy 5. 6 could result in development of projects in the future. Future residential development are expected to be located on infill sites in urbanized areas and the City has procedures and regulations in place to ensure that there would be no significant impacts associated with hydrology and water quality. a: Construction of future development projects would be subject to compliance with applicable local, regional, state and federal regulations designed to protect water resources, including those regulations requiring implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs), preparation of Stormwater Pollutio n Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), and submittal of Erosion Control Plans in compliance with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) provisions. Consistency with this regulatory framework would adequately ensure that su ch impacts would be CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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avoided or reduced to less than significant. As such, the proposed policies would not generate a significant impact on water quality over current projections for population and housing units. b: Adoption of the General Plan Amendment for the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would not affect the City’s ability to implement the water goals outlined within the Resources Element of the General Plan as no physical development is current proposed. Potential future development could involve impervious surfaces, which prevent the absorption of water into the groundwater basin. However, other future development could include parks, which would include pervious surfaces which wo uld encourage groundwater recharge.

Implementation of the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would not deplete groundwater supplies.
c–d: There are no areas in the City that lie within a 100-year floodplain. However, storm flooding and flooding due to dam inundation related to the Santa Anita Dam do present potential risk to the City. The existing Safety Element addresses risk associated with flooding.

Seiche and mudflow risk would also be negligible, as the City is not located near a large contained body of water or downslope from an unstable hillside. With regard to tsunami risk the City is not located in an area with high risk due to its elevation and distance from the ocean (Arcadia 2010). The proposed policies would not conflict with the existing policy framework established in the Safety Element to mitigate flood risk. e: The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents that establish the City’s goals, policies and actions related to climate change related hazards expanding equitable resources within the City.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element does not propose any policies or actions that would result in negative impacts related to hydrology and water quality, and would not propose goals and policies that would conflict with the policy framework established to manage the water system and reduce impacts to water quality.

Based on the above, Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would have a less than significant impact on hydrology and water quality.

3.11 Land Use and Planning

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

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Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a: No Impact. b: Less than Significant.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents that establish the City’s goals, policies and actions related to the climate change related risks and the expansion of equitable resources across the City. The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element do not propose any policies or actions that would result in physically dividing an existing community. Additionally, the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update would not conflict with General Plan policy or Municipal Code regulations, adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. The intended purpose of the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element is to guide land use decisions in such a way that climate change related risks and environmental justice concerns are avoided to the maximum extent feasible, especially in disadvantaged areas. Therefore, the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would have a less than significant impact on land use and planning.

3.12 Mineral Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–b: No Impact.

The City has identified Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs, Categories 1–3) as defined by the State Mining and Geology Board (Arcadia 2010). Of the areas designated as a MRZ, one area contains the Livingston-Graham sand and gravel extraction site. The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element does not contain any goals or policies that would prevent the extraction of mineral resources in the future. Further, the proposed goals and policies would not conflict with existing policies in the Resource Sustainability Element of the General Plan meant to protect mineral resources. The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element do not propose any polices that would result in the loss of mineral resources; therefore, there would be no impact associated with adoption of the Element.

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3.13 Noise

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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 applicable
standards of other agencies?

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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–b: Less Than Significant Impact. c: No Impact.

Noise varies with time, geographic location, proximity to the source, and duration of the noise event. The effects of noise are considered in several ways: how a proposed project may increase existing noise levels and how those noise levels would affect surrounding land uses. Certain land uses are considered more sensitive to ambient noise levels than others, due to the amount of noise exposure and the types of activities involved.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents, and therefore, adoption would not, in itself, result in potential impacts related to elevated noise levels that would affect residents or the environment. Implementation of the goals and policies would also not result in land uses that would create conflicts of uses due to ambient noise. Implementation of Policy 5.6, which states the City would continue to explore a Tiny Homes project, could indirectly result in development of additional housing units in the future. However, these policies are guidelines for City action, they would not guarantee any future development. All future development would be subject to project-level environmental analysis, and would be subject to the policies of the Noise Element, and requirements and regulations of the Municipal Code related to allowable ambient noise levels, and noise mitigation. The proposed goals and policies would not conflict with the compliance if future projects to the existing regulatory framework. As such, no negative impacts would occur.

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3.14 Population and Housing

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

a–b: Less Than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element are policy documents that establish the City’s goals, policies and actions related to mitigating risk related to climate change, and continued and expanded distribution of equitable resources across the City. T he Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element do not propose any policies that would induce growth or population of the City, or displace people or housing. The proposed policies, especially the policies related to environmental justice issues associated with housing, would reduce potential impacts to citizens related to the provision of housing and other services in the City. As such, the proposed goals and policies would not result in impacts related to population and housing.

3.15 Public Services

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:

Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?

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Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a(i–v): Less Than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element are policy documents, and therefore, adoption would not, in itself, result in physical development nor in land use changes that would create conflicts of land uses.

The proposed policies would not induce population growth which would result in an increased demand on public services. All future development would be subject to project-level environmental analysis, and would be subject to the policies of the Land Use Element, and the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Element , as well as requirements and regulations of the Municipal Code related to park facilities or other public service facilities, and noise mitigation. The proposed goals and policies would not conflict with the compliance if future projects to the existing regulatory framework. Therefore, the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element do not propose any policies or actions that would 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.

3.16 Recreation

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a-b: Less Than Significant Impact.

The proposed new Environmental Justice Element addresses mitigating air and noise pollution at new or existing parks, however does not include any new goals and policies that would result in the development of specific recreational facilities or the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment . Goals and policies would help shape the type of future recreation-related facilities.

Proposed goals and policies would not induce growth in the City that could result in increased demand on existing recreational facilities.

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Based on the above, the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would have a less than significant impact on recreational facilities.

3.17 Transportation

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact 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) 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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–d: Less Than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element are policy documents that establish the City’s goals, policies and actions related to mitigating risk related to climate change, and continued and expanded distribution of equitable resources across the City. The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element do not propose any policies that would induce growth of population or jobs within the City, which would as a result have the potential to impact transportation systems. The proposed goals and policies would not result directly in physical development, but would shape the planning and implementation of development in the City. Specifically, proposed Environmental Justice policies focus on the provision of accessible and safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Future development associated with implementation of the proposed goals and policies would be expected to generate fewer vehicle miles traveled and more multi -modal trips than conventional development. Potential traffic impacts related to increased transportation system demands associated with specific future residential projects would be assessed at the time the projects are proposed using the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) methodology, consistent with state guidelines. Mitigation measures would then be adopted as necessary, in conformance wi th CEQA. The proposed goals and policies would not increase hazards due to a design feature, result in inadequate emergency access, or conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation. Based on the above, the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would result in a less than significant impact on transportation/traffic.

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3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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), or

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 Resource Code
Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall
consider the significance of the resource to
a California Native American tribe?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–b: Less Than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element are policy document s, no actual physical development are proposed as part of the project. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts. Further, the implementation would not change or alter policies established to protect tribal cultural resources.

The City completed the tribal consultation process, consistent with the requirements of Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. All California Native American tribal representatives (that have requested notification) who are traditionally or culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project were sent letters from the City on November 9, 2023. No tribal representatives responded or requested consultation regarding the project.

Based on the outcome of the notification process, the Safety Element Update and the Environmental Justice Element would result in less than significant impacts to tribal cultural resources.

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3.19 Utilities and Service Systems

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–c and e: No Impact; d: Less than Significant Impact.

Generally, increased demand on utilities and service systems would occur as a result of increased density, development, or induced growth. The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element are policy documents, consisting of goals and policies and no physical development would occur as part of implementation of the project. Further, none of the proposed goals and policies would result in indirect growth, increased development, or density. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, result in impacts to the provision of utilities and service systems. The proposed goals and policies would not conflict with other policies or regulations related to the provision of utilities and service systems. As such, the impact would be less than significant.

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3.20 Wildfire

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–d: Less Than Significant Impact.

The Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element are policy documents, related to mitigating risk associated with climate change, and continued and expanded distribution of equitable resources across the City.

The Safety Element Update includes additional discussion of climate-change related wildfire and urban fire risks, and proposed new policies intended to mitigate potential risk. Specifically, the following policies are related to wildfire and would implementation of these policies would reduce impacts related to wildfire events.

Policy S-6.5: Prohibit new subdivisions in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones unless the new subdivision is generally surrounded by existing built or entitled development or is located in an existing approved specific plan and meets secondary egress route requirements and the level of capacity of adjoining major highways and street networks can accommodate evacuation. Discourage new subdivisions in all other Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Policy S-6.8: Encourage rebuilds and additions to comply with fire mitigation guidelines.

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Policy S-6.9: Reduce the risk of wildfire hazards by meeting minimum State regulations for fire- resistant building materials, vegetation management, fire smart landscaping, fuel modification, and other fire hazard reduction programs.

Policy S-6.10: Ensure long-term maintenance of all fire hazard reduction projects, including community fire breaks and private road and public road clearance.

Because these policies would reduce risk and potential impacts related to wildfire events, the implementation of the proposed goals and policies would result in less than significant impacts related to wildfire.

3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
Impact 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?

Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a–c: Less Than Significant Impact.

As discussed throughout the above portions of the Initial Study/Negative Declaration, the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element are policy documents and adoption of these updates alone would not produce CITY OF ARCADIA GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

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environmental impacts. Although implementation of the proposed goals and policies could indirectly result in development of public facilities or other projects in the future, implementation of the General Plan Amendment to adopt the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would not permit or allow specific development projects. The proposed goals and policies would guide the vision and requirements of future development in the City. Therefore, the adoption of the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would not have the potential to result in environmental impacts, either limited or cumulative, affecting habitat; plant or animal communities; rare, endangered or threatened species; historic resources; or human beings. As discussed in Sections 3.1 through 3.20 of this Initial Study/Negative Declaration, impacts associated with the adoption of the Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element would either result in no negative impacts, or less than significant impacts.

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4 References and Preparers

4.1 Initial Study/Negative Declaration References Cited City of Arcadia. 2010. Arcadia General Plan. November 2010. https://www.arcadiaca.gov/shape/ development_services_department/planning___zoning/general_plan.php#outer-446. Accessed January 2024.

California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2022. California Important Farmland Finder. Available at https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/. Accessed January 2024.

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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK