June 29, 2022
CITY OF CORONA
NOTICE OF PREPARATION
Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program TO: Reviewing Agencies and Other Interested Parties
FROM: City of Corona, Lead Agency
PROJECT TITLE: City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update APPLICANT: City of Corona
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: July 1, 2022 through August 1, 2022 The purpose of the NOP is to notify reviewing agencies, including Responsible and Trustee Agencies that the City of Corona, as the Lead Agency will be preparing a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update for the City’s adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element Update.
The City is requesting comments on the scope and content of the Supplemental EIR from Responsible and Trustee agencies, interested public agencies, organizations and the general public pursuant to State of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15082. The City will need to know the views of your agency as to the scope and content of the environmental information, which is germane to your agency’s statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed Project. The project description, location, and the probable environmental effects are contained in the Initial Study, which can be accessed at www.CoronaCA.gov/GPUpdate.
Scoping Meeting: As part of the notice of preparation process, the City will hold a public scoping meeting on the future preparation of the Supplemental EIR to the General Plan EIR to receive public comments and suggestions on information that should be included in the environmental analysis for the Project as it relates to the California Environmental Quality Act. The public scoping meeting will be held on July 20, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Corona City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room at 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, CA 92882.
Public comments can also be submitted in writing and emailed to [email protected] or mailed to CITY OF CORONA, CITY HALL, Planning and Development Department, 400 South Vicentia Avenue Corona, California 92882.
Project Location: The Project is located in the City of Corona (Corona), which is in northwestern Riverside County (County). The City is generally bordered by the City of Norco and the City of Riverside to the north and northeast, the City of Chino Hills and the City of Yorba Linda to the northwest, the City of Anaheim to the west, the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains to the southwest, and NOP – Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update SEIR
June 29, 2022
unincorporated Riverside County along the remaining City borders, as shown in Figure 1. The Project is interspersed throughout the City, which has a land area of approximately 40 square miles, as shown in Figure 2. The Project would affect specific parcels within the City, by proposing to rezone parcels to accommodate high density residential uses or an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone in order to plan for additional affordable housing units.
Project Description: The City’s 2021-2029 Draft Housing Element Update was adopted by the City Council on November 3, 2021 and has been reviewed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The City is continuing to work with HCD on obtaining Housing Element compliance.
The General Plan Update EIR certified on June 30, 2020, anticipated an additional 5,494 residential units; however, the State’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for the Housing Element Update now exceeds the City’s housing unit projection for Year 2040 in the General Plan Update. The City’s total RHNA allocation is 6,088 units with 3,888 allocated to low- and moderate-income housing units, consisting of 2,792 units and 1,096 units, respectively. Currently, the City’s RHNA allocation of 6,088 exceeds its projected housing growth by 594 units, in addition to accommodating an additional buffer.
As such, the City is now proposing a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of low- and moderateincome households as required by the state’s RHNA allocation for the City. These additional 594 housing units from the RHNA were not known at the time the General Plan Update EIR was prepared, potentially resulting in additional impacts that were not evaluated in the General Plan Update EIR. Therefore, supplemental environmental evaluation pursuant to CEQA is required to address the potential impacts from growth that could occur as a result of Project implementation.
The proposed Project is ultimately implementing the General Plan. As such, the General Plan Update EIR is incorporated by reference herein, as the evaluations of potential environmental impacts associated with adoption of the General Plan include mitigation measures and consistency evaluations which are directly applicable to the proposed Project.
The City’s Housing Element Update includes an inventory of properties that are intended to be rezoned to high density residential or an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone in order to plan for potential sites to accommodate the RHNA allocation of units that would also be suitable for low- and moderate-income units. The AHO zone is a new zone being proposed by the City to establish by-right development standards for affordable housing projects. The AHO zone will cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The overlay zone will allow current uses to remain but would allow property owners the option to develop per the underlying General Plan and zoning or the AHO zone. The City is proposing to create development standards (i.e., criteria for building setbacks, parking, building height, landscaping, open space amenities, lot coverage, etc.) and architectural design guidelines for the AHO zone.
In addition to the RHNA allocation, a buffer is necessary to ensure that if one or more of the identified candidate sites are developed at lower densities or with non-housing uses, there would be remaining capacity to ensure an ongoing supply of sites for housing during the eight-year-cycle of the Housing Element. If there were no buffer provided, then the City could be obliged to identify new sites and amend the Housing Element if an identified site were developed with a non-housing project or developed at a density less than that anticipated in the Housing Element. The need for a substantial buffer is even more important during this cycle because of new rules in the Housing Accountability Act’s “no net loss” NOP – Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update SEIR
June 29, 2022
provisions. Senate Bill (SB) 166 (2017) requires that the land inventory and site identification programs in the Housing Element always include sufficient sites to accommodate the unmet RHNA.
Table 1 City of Corona RHNA Allocation & Sites Inventory Lower Income Moderate
Income
Above Moderate
Income
Total
RHNA Allocation 2,792 1,096 2,200 6,088
Planned and Approved Units 0 92 2,110 2,202
ADUs Anticipated for
Development
46 28 6 80
Remaining RHNA Units
Required After Credits
2,746 976 84 3,806
Vacant Units 164 24 562 750
Nonvacant Units 82 115 255 452
Potential Rezone 149 219 0 368
Affordable Housing Overlay
(60 du/ac maximum)
3,442 930 279 4,651
Total Units 3,837 1,288 1,096 6,221
Percent Buffer of Remaining
Needs after Credits
39.5% 32%
Total Unit Surplus 1,091 312 1,012 2,415
Anticipated approvals include, but are not limited to:
1) General Plan Amendment
2) Change of Zone
3) Amendment to Title 17, Zoning Code of the Corona Municipal Code 4) Amendment to various specific plans
5) Adoption of Design Guidelines
Public comments on the Initial Study are invited to be submitted in writing before August 1, 2022.
The document is available for review on the city’s website at www.CoronaCA.gov/GPUpdate. The document is also available at Corona City Hall in the Planning and Development Department. Comments should be sent to:
CITY OF CORONA, CITY HALL
Planning and Development Department
400 South Vicentia Avenue
Corona, California 92882-2187
Contact: Joanne Coletta, Director
Email: [email protected]
(951) 736-2434
NOP – Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update SEIR
June 29, 2022
Figure 1 Vicinity Map
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NOP – Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update SEIR
June 29, 2022
Figure 2 City of Corona Boundary and Sphere of Influence ::.-:.-:---··'"-•--·--·
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Notice of Preparation 1 FORM “G”
NOTICE OF PREPARATION
TO:
☒ Reviewing Agencies, Interested Parties, and
Organizations
California Department of Planning and Research
Via Electronic Submittal
FROM: Name: City of Corona, Lead Agency
Address: 400 S. Vicentia Avenue
Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
Telephone: (951) 736-2434
SUBJECT: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report.
The City of Corona will be the Lead Agency and will prepare an environmental impact report for the project identified below. We need to know the views of your agency as to the scope and content of the environmental information which is germane to your agency's statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed project. Your agency will need to use the EIR prepared by our agency when considering your permit or other approval for the project.
The Project description, location, and the potential environmental effects are contained in the attached materials. ☒ A copy of the Initial Study IS attached.
☐ A copy of the Initial Study IS NOT attached.
☒ The proposed project IS considered a project of statewide, regional or areawide significance. ☐ The proposed project IS NOT considered a project of statewide, regional or areawide significance. ☐ The proposed project WILL affect highways or other facilities under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Transportation.
☒ The proposed project WILL NOT affect highways or other facilities under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Transportation.
☒ A scoping meeting WILL be held by the Lead Agency.
☐ A scoping meeting WILL NOT be held by the Lead Agency.
If the project meets the criteria requiring the scoping meeting, or if the agency voluntarily elects to hold such a meeting, the date, time and location of the scoping meeting are as follows:
Date: July 20, 2022 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Corona City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room, 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, CA 92882
Due to the time limits mandated by State law, your response must be sent at the earliest possible date, but not later than 30 days after receipt of this notice.
Please send your response to Joanne Coletta, Planning & Development Director at the address shown above or email at [email protected]. We will need the name of a contact person in your agency.
Project Title: City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project
Project Location – Specific: Identify street
address and cross street or attach a map
showing project site (preferably a U.S.G.S.
15’ or 7 ½’ topographical map identified by
quadrangle name):
City of Corona, California
Notice of Preparation 2 FORM “G”
Project Description: The City is proposing a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of low and moderate income households as required by the state’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for the City. The City’s Housing Element Update includes an inventory of properties that are intended to be rezoned to high density residential or an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone in order to plan for potential sites to accommodate the RHNA allocation of units that would also be suitable for low- and moderate-income units. The AHO zone is a new zone being proposed by the City to establish by-right development standards for affordable housing projects. The AHO zone will cover existing properties in the City that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The overlay zone will allow current uses to remain but would allow property owners the option to develop per the underlying General Plan and zoning or the AHO zone. The City is proposing to create development standards (i.e., criteria for building setbacks, parking, building height, landscaping, open space amenities, lot coverage, etc.) and architectural design guidelines for the AHO zone.
Project Applicant (if any): City of Corona
California Environmental Protection Agency
Hazardous Waste List (if applicable):
Click to enter text
Date: June 29, 2022
Signature: Joanne Coletta
Name: Joanne Coletta
Title: Planning and Development Director
Telephone: (951) 736-2434
Consulting firm retained to prepare draft EIR (if applicable):
Name: Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Address: 290 Conejo Ridge Avenue
City/State/Zip: Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Contact Person: Christine Abraham
Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 14, (CEQA Guidelines) Sections 15082(a), 15103, 15375.
General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program
Summary
SCH Number
Lead Agency
Document Title
Document Type
Received
Present Land Use
Document Description
Contact Information
Name
Agency Name
Job Title
Contact Types
Address
Phone
Email
2022060732
City of Corona
General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program
NOP - Notice of Preparation of a Draft EIR
6/30/2022
Varied land uses across the City of Corona
The City is proposing a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of low and moderate income households as required by the state's Regiona l Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for the City. The City's Housing Element Update includes an inventory of properties that are intended to be rezoned to high density residential or an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone in order to plan for potential sites to accommodate the RHNA allocation of units that would also be suitable for low- and moderateincome units. The AHO zone is a new zone being proposed by the City to establish byright development standards for affordable housing projects. The AHO zone will cover existing properties in the City that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The overlay zone will allow current uses to remain but would allow property owners the option to develop per the underlying General Plan and zoning or the AHO zone.
The City is proposing to create development standards (i.e., criteria for building setbacks, parking, building height, landscaping, open space amenities, lot coverage, etc.) and architectural design guidelines for the AHO zone.
Joanne Coletta
City of Corona Planning and Development Department
Planning and Development Director
Lead/Public Agency
400 S. Vicentia Avenue Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
(951) 736-2434 1
[email protected]
1/3
Location
Cities
Counties
Regions
Cross Streets
Parcel#
State Highways
Railways
Schools
Notice of Completion
State Review Period
Start
State Review Period End
State Reviewing
Agencies
State Reviewing Agency
Comments
Development Types
Local Actions
Project Issues
Attachments
Corona
Riverside
Citywide
Multiple sites across the City of Corona
Multiple APNs listed
1-15, SR-91
Metrolin k
Corona USD campuses and private schools
7/1/2022
8/1/2022
California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Transportation, District 8 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPU(), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region 8 (RWQCB), California State Lands Commission (SLC), Department of Toxic Substances Control, Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, District 20, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Quality, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights, California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6 (CDFW) California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6 (CDFW)
Residential (Maximum residential units with buffer for planning purposes){Units 2415, Acres 111.45)
General Plan Amendment, General Plan Element, Specific Plan, Rezone, Redevelopment
Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Energy, Geology/ Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use/ Planning, Mineral Resources, Noise, Public Services, Transportation, Tribal Cultural Resources
2/3
Draft Environmental
Document [Draft IS,
NOI_NOA_Public
notices, OPR Summary
Form, Appx,]
Notice of Completion
[NOC] Transmittal form
State Comment Letters
[Comments from state
reviewing agencies]
Corona_Rezone_AHO_lnit1al_Study £ml ml3
Corona_Rezoning_AHO_NOP ID ml3
NOC_Corona_Rezone_AHO £ml EIJ3
2022060732_CDFW Comment Letter ID ml3
2022060732_NAHC Comment £ml ml3
Disclaimer: The Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact t he lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at [email protected] or via phone at (9JJiH15:9J;il.J. For more information, please visit QE'B'_s_M~_g_i~Lblli_ty_S.[tf;. 3/3
SENT VIA E-MAIL: July 26, 2022
[email protected]
Joanne Coletta, Director
City of Corona
Planning and Development Department
400 South Vecentia Avenue
Corona, California 92882
Notice of Preparation of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update (Proposed Project)
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) staff appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above-mentioned document. Our comments are recommendations on the analysis of potential air quality impacts from the Proposed Project that should be included in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR). Please send a copy of the Draft SEIR upon its completion and public release directly to South Coast AQMD as copies of the Draft SEIR submitted to the State Clearinghouse are not forwarded. In addition, please send all appendices and technical documents related to the air quality, health risk, and greenhouse gas analyses and electronic versions of all emission calculation spreadsheets, and air quality modeling and health risk assessment input and output files (not PDF files). Any delays in providing all supporting documentation for our review will require additional review time beyond the end of the comment period.
CEQA Air Quality Analysis
Staff recommends that the Lead Agency use South Coast AQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook and website1as guidance when preparing the air quality and greenhouse gas analyses. It is also recommended that the Lead Agency use the CalEEMod2land use emissions software, which can estimate pollutant emissions from typical land use development and is the only software model maintained by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association.
South Coast AQMD has developed both regional and localized significance thresholds. South Coast AQMD staff recommends that the Lead Agency quantify criteria pollutant emissions and compare the emissions to South Coast AQMD’s CEQA regional pollutant emissions significance thresholds3and localized significance thresholds (LSTs)4to determine the Proposed Project’s air quality impacts. The localized analysis can be conducted by either using the LST screening tables or performing dispersion modeling.
The Lead Agency should identify any potential adverse air quality impacts that could occur from all phases of the Proposed Project and all air pollutant sources related to the Proposed Project. Air quality impacts from both construction (including demolition, if any) and operations should be calculated. 1 South Coast AQMD’s CEQA Handbook and other resources for preparing air quality analyses can be found at:
http://www.aqmd.gov/home/rules-compliance/ceqa/air-quality-analysis-handbook. 2 CalEEMod is available free of charge at: www.caleemod.com. 3 South Coast AQMD’s CEQA regional pollutant emissions significance thresholds can be found at:
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/ceqa/handbook/scaqmd-air-quality-significance-thresholds.pdf. 4 South Coast AQMD’s guidance for performing a localized air quality analysis can be found at:
http://www.aqmd.gov/home/regulations/ceqa/air-quality-analysis-handbook/localized-significance-thresholds.
J1it1 South Coast ~ Air Quality Management District
mJm 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 9 1 765-4 I 78
r.l.!ltLl!J (909) 396-2000 , www.aqmd.gov
Joanne Coletta 2 July 26, 2022
Construction-related air quality impacts typically include, but are not limited to, emissions from the use of heavy-duty equipment from grading, earth-loading/unloading, paving, architectural coatings, off-road mobile sources (e.g., heavy-duty construction equipment) and on-road mobile sources (e.g., construction worker vehicle trips, material transport trips, and hauling trips). Operation-related air quality impacts may include, but are not limited to, emissions from stationary sources (e.g., boilers and air pollution control devices), area sources (e.g., solvents and coatings), and vehicular trips (e.g., on- and off-road tailpipe emissions and entrained dust). Air quality impacts from indirect sources, such as sources that generate or attract vehicular trips, should be included in the analysis. Furthermore, emissions from the overlapping construction and operational activities should be combined and compared to South Coast AQMD’s regional air quality CEQA operational thresholds to determine the level of significance.
If the Proposed Project generates diesel emissions from long-term construction or attracts diesel-fueled vehicular trips, especially heavy-duty diesel-fueled vehicles, it is recommended that the Lead Agency perform a mobile source health risk assessment5.
Sensitive receptors are people that have an increased sensitivity to air pollution or environmental contaminants and include schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, elderly care facilities, hospitals, and residential dwelling units. The Proposed Project may include residential units located in close proximity to freeways or other sources of air pollution like railroad tracks, and to facilitate the purpose of an EIR as an informational document, it is recommended that the Lead Agency perform a mobile source health risk assessment5to disclose the potential health risks6.
The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective7is a general reference guide for evaluating and reducing air pollution impacts associated with new projects that go through the land use decision-making process with additional guidance on strategies to reduce air pollution exposure near high-volume roadways available in CARB’s technical advisory8.
The South Coast AQMD’s Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning9includes suggested policies that local governments can use in their General Plans or through local planning to prevent or reduce potential air pollution impacts and protect public health. It is recommended that the Lead Agency review this Guidance Document as a tool when making local planning and land use decisions.
Mitigation Measures
In the event that the Proposed Project results in significant adverse air quality impacts, CEQA requires that all feasible mitigation measures that go beyond what is required by law be utilized to minimize these impacts. Any impacts resulting from mitigation measures must also be analyzed. Several resources to assist the Lead Agency with identifying potential mitigation measures for the Proposed Project include South Coast AQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook1, South Coast AQMD’s Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for the 2016 Air Quality Management Plan10, and Southern California Association of 5 South Coast AQMD’s guidance for performing a mobile source health risk assessment can be found at:
http://www.aqmd.gov/home/regulations/ceqa/air-quality-analysis-handbook/mobile-source-toxics-analysis. 6 Ibid.
7 CARB’s Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective can be found at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/handbook.pdf.
8 CARB’s technical advisory can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/landuse.htm. 9 South Coast AQMD. 2005. Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning.
Available at: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/planning/air-quality-guidance/complete-guidance-document.pdf. 10 South Coast AQMD’s 2016 Air Quality Management Plan can be found at: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/defaultsource/Agendas/Governing-Board/2017/2017-mar3-035.pdf (starting on page 86).
Joanne Coletta 3 July 26, 2022
Government’s Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy11.
Health Risk Reduction Strategies
Many strategies are available to reduce exposures, including, but are not limited to, building filtration systems with MERV 13 or better, or in some cases, MERV 15 or better is recommended; building design, orientation, location; vegetation barriers or landscaping screening, etc. Enhanced filtration units are capable of reducing exposures. However, enhanced filtration systems have limitations. For example, in a study that South Coast AQMD conducted to investigate filters12, a cost burden is expected to be within the range of $120 to $240 per year to replace each filter panel. The initial start-up cost could substantially increase if an HVAC system needs to be installed and if standalone filter units are required. Installation costs may vary and include costs for conducting site assessments and obtaining permits and approvals before filters can be installed. Other costs may include filter life monitoring, annual maintenance, and training for conducting maintenance and reporting. In addition, because the filters would not have any effectiveness unless the HVAC system is running, there may be increased energy consumption that the Lead Agency should evaluate in the Draft SEIR. It is typically assumed that the filters operate 100 percent of the time while residents are indoors, and the environmental analysis does not generally account for the times when the residents have their windows or doors open or are in common space areas of the project.
These filters have no ability to filter out any toxic gases. Furthermore, when used filters are replaced, replacement has the potential to result in emissions from the transportation of used filters at disposal sites and generate solid waste that the Lead Agency should evaluate in the Draft SEIR. Therefore, the presumed effectiveness and feasibility of any filtration units should be carefully evaluated in more detail prior to assuming that they will sufficiently alleviate exposures to diesel particulate matter emissions.
South Coast AQMD staff is available to work with the Lead Agency to ensure that air quality, greenhouse gas, and health risk impacts from the Proposed Project are accurately evaluated and mitigated where feasible. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Michael Morris
Michael Morris
Planning and Rules Manager, CEQA IGR
Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources
MM
RVC220712-02
Control Number
11 Southern California Association of Governments’ 2020-2045 RTP/SCS can be found at:
https://www.connectsocal.org/Documents/PEIR/certified/Exhibit-A_ConnectSoCal_PEIR.pdf. 12 This study evaluated filters rated MERV 13 or better. Accessed at: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/defaultsource/ceqa/handbook/aqmdpilotstudyfinalreport.pdf. Also see 2012 Peer Review Journal article by South Coast AQMD:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ina.12013.
August 1, 2022
Joanne Coletta, Director
City of Corona, Planning and Development Department
400 South Vicentia Avenue
Corona, California 92882
Phone: (951) 736-2434
E-mail: [email protected]
RE: SCAG Comments on the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program [SCAG NO. IGR10678]
Dear Joanne Coletta,
Thank you for submitting the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program (“proposed project”) to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for review and comment. SCAG is responsible for providing informational resources to regionally significant plans, projects, and programs per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to facilitate the consistency of these projects with SCAG’s adopted regional plans, to be determined by the lead agencies.1
Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 375, SCAG is the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency under state law and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) including the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). SCAG’s feedback is intended to assist local jurisdictions and project proponents to implement projects that have the potential to contribute to attainment of Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) goals and align with RTP/SCS policies. Finally, SCAG is the authorized regional agency for Intergovernmental Review (IGR) of programs proposed for Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development activities, pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 12372.
SCAG staff has reviewed the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program in Riverside County. The proposed project includes an update to the City's Housing Element to add a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of low- and moderate-income households.
When available, please email environmental documentation to [email protected] providing, at a minimum, the full public comment period for review.
If you have any questions regarding the attached comments, please contact the Intergovernmental Review (IGR) Program, attn.: Annaleigh Ekman, Associate Regional Planner, at (213) 630-1427 or [email protected]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Frank Wen, Ph.D.
Manager, Planning Strategy Department
1 Lead agencies such as local jurisdictions have the sole discretion in determining a local project’s consistency with the 2020 RTP/SCS (Connect SoCal) for the purpose of determining consistency for CEQA. ••• •I•• ---
INNOVATING FOR A BETTER
--~
TOMORROW ™
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
900 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90017
T· (213) 236-1800
www.scag.ca.gov
REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICERS
President
Jan C. Harnik, Riverside County
Transportation Commission
First Vice President
Carmen Ramirez, County of Ventura
Second Vice President
Art Brown, Buena Park
Immediate Past President
Clint Lorimore, Eastvale
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Executive/Administration
Jan C. Harnik, Riverside County
Transportation Commission
Community, Economic &
Human Development
Frank Yokoyama, Cerritos
Energy & Environment
Deborah Robertson, Rialto
Transportation
Ray Marquez, Chino Hills
August 1, 2022 SCAG No. IGR10678
Joanne Coletta Page 2
COMMENTS ON THE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A
DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE
CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE REZONING PROGRAM [SCAG NO. IGR10678]
CONSISTENCY WITH CONNECT SOCAL
SCAG provides informational resources to facilitate the consistency of the proposed project with the adopted 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS or Connect SoCal). For the purpose of determining consistency with CEQA, lead agencies such as local jurisdictions have the sole discretion in determining a local project’s consistency with Connect SoCal.
CONNECT SOCAL GOALS
The SCAG Regional Council fully adopted Connect SoCal in September 2020. Connect SoCal, also known as the 2020 – 2045 RTP/SCS, builds upon and expands land use and transportation strategies established over several planning cycles to increase mobility options and achieve a more sustainable growth pattern. The long-range visioning plan balances future mobility and housing needs with goals for the environment, the regional economy, social equity and environmental justice, and public health. The goals included in Connect SoCal may be pertinent to the proposed project.
These goals are meant to provide guidance for considering the proposed project. Among the relevant goals of Connect SoCal are the following:
SCAG CONNECT SOCAL GOALS
Goal #1: Encourage regional economic prosperity and global competitiveness Goal #2: Improve mobility, accessibility, reliability and travel safety for people and goods Goal #3: Enhance the preservation, security, and resilience of the regional transportation system Goal #4: Increase person and goods movement and travel choices within the transportation system Goal #5: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality Goal #6: Support healthy and equitable communities
Goal #7: Adapt to a changing climate and support an integrated regional development pattern and transportation network
Goal #8: Leverage new transportation technologies and data-driven solutions that result in more efficient travel Goal #9: Encourage development of diverse housing types in areas that are supported by multiple transportation options
Goal #10: Promote conservation of natural and agricultural lands and restoration of habitats For ease of review, we encourage the use of a side-by-side comparison of SCAG goals with discussions of the consistency, non-consistency or non-applicability of the goals and supportive analysis in a table format. Suggested format is as follows:
August 1, 2022 SCAG No. IGR10678
Joanne Coletta Page 3
SCAG CONNECT SOCAL GOALS
Goal Analysis
Goal #1: Encourage regional economic prosperity and global competitiveness
Consistent: Statement as to why;
Not-Consistent: Statement as to why;
Or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why;
DEIR page number reference
Goal #2: Improve mobility, accessibility, reliability and travel safety for people and goods
Consistent: Statement as to why;
Not-Consistent: Statement as to why;
Or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why;
DEIR page number reference
etc. etc.
Connect SoCal Strategies
To achieve the goals of Connect SoCal, a wide range of land use and transportation strategies are included in the accompanying twenty (20) technical reports. Of particular note are multiple strategies included in Chapter 3 of Connect SoCal intended to support implementation of the regional Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) framed within the context of focusing growth near destinations and mobility options; promoting diverse housing choices; leveraging technology innovations; supporting implementation of sustainability policies; and promoting a Green Region. To view Connect SoCal and the accompanying technical reports, please visit the Connect SoCal webpage.
Connect SoCal builds upon the progress from previous RTP/SCS cycles and continues to focus on integrated, coordinated, and balanced planning for land use and transportation that helps the SCAG region strive towards a more sustainable region, while meeting statutory requirements pertinent to RTP/SCSs. These strategies within the regional context are provided as guidance for lead agencies such as local jurisdictions when the proposed project is under consideration.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND GROWTH FORECASTS
A key, formative step in projecting future population, households, and employment through 2045 for Connect SoCal was the generation of a forecast of regional and county level growth in collaboration with expert demographers and economists on Southern California. From there, jurisdictional level forecasts were ground-truthed by subregions and local agencies, which helped SCAG identify opportunities and barriers to future development. This forecast helps the region understand, in a very general sense, where we are expected to grow, and allows SCAG to focus attention on areas that are experiencing change and may have increased transportation needs. After a year-long engagement effort with all 197 jurisdictions one-on-one, 82 percent of SCAG’s 197 jurisdictions provided feedback on the forecast of future growth for Connect SoCal. SCAG also sought feedback on potential sustainable growth strategies from a broad range of stakeholder groups – including local jurisdictions, county transportation commissions, other partner agencies, industry groups, community-based organizations, and the general public. Connect SoCal utilizes a bottomup approach in that total projected growth for each jurisdiction reflects feedback received from jurisdiction staff, including city managers, community development/planning directors, and local staff. Growth at the neighborhood level (i.e., transportation analysis zone (TAZ) reflects entitled projects and adheres to current general and specific plan maximum densities as conveyed by jurisdictions (except in cases where entitled projects and development agreements exceed these capacities as calculated by SCAG). Neighborhood level growth projections also feature strategies that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from automobiles and light trucks to achieve Southern California’s GHG reduction target, approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in accordance with state planning law. Connect SoCal’s Forecasted Development Pattern is utilized for long range modeling purposes and does not supersede actions taken by elected bodies on future development, including entitlements and development agreements. SCAG does not have the authority to implement the plan -- neither through decisions about what type of development is built where, nor what transportation projects are ultimately built, as Connect August 1, 2022 SCAG No. IGR10678
Joanne Coletta Page 4
SoCal is adopted at the jurisdictional level. Achieving a sustained regional outcome depends upon informed and intentional local action. To access jurisdictional level growth estimates and forecasts for years 2016 and 2045, please refer to the Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report. The growth forecasts for the region and applicable jurisdictions are below.
Adopted SCAG Region Wide Forecasts Adopted City of Corona Forecasts Year 2020 Year 2030 Year 2035 Year 2045 Year 2020 Year 2030 Year 2035 Year 2045 Population 19,517,731 20,821,171 21,443,006 22,503,899 166,904 174,061 177,702 185,073 Households 6,333,458 6,902,821 7,170,110 7,633,451 47,358 49,407 50,437 52,444 Employment 8,695,427 9,303,627 9,566,384 10,048,822 81,271 84,480 85,547 92,776
MITIGATION MEASURES
SCAG staff recommends that you review the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Final PEIR) for Connect SoCal for guidance, as appropriate. SCAG’s Regional Council certified the PEIR and adopted the associated Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations (FOF/SOC) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) on May 7, 2020 and also adopted a PEIR Addendum and amended the MMRP on September 3, 2020 (please see the PEIR webpage and scroll to the bottom of the page for the PEIR Addendum). The PEIR includes a list of project-level performance standards-based mitigation measures that may be considered for adoption and implementation by lead, responsible, or trustee agencies in the region, as applicable and feasible. Project-level mitigation measures are within responsibility, authority, and/or jurisdiction of project-implementing agency or other public agency serving as lead agency under CEQA in subsequent project- and site- specific design, CEQA review, and decision-making processes, to meet the performance standards for each of the CEQA resource categories.
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION
On March 4, 2021 SCAG’s Regional Council adopted the 6
th cycle Final Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation Plan which covers the planning period October 2021 through October 2029. The 6th cycle Final RHNA allocation for the applicable jurisdiction is below.
SCAG 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation for City of Corona Income Category RHNA Allocation (Units)
Very low income 1752
Low income 1040
Moderate income 1096
Above moderate income 2200
Total RHNA Allocation 6088
Sixth cycle housing elements were due to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by October 15, 2021. SCAG encourages jurisdictions to adopt a housing element in compliance with State housing law as determined by review from HCD. Jurisdictions that do not have an adopted compliant housing element may be ineligible for certain State funding and grant opportunities and may be at risk for legal action from stakeholders or HCD.
SCAG staff would like to call your attention to SCAG’s HELPR 2.0, a web-mapping tool developed by SCAG to help local jurisdictions and stakeholders understand local land use, site opportunities, and environmental sensitivities for aligning housing planning with the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) 6th cycle housing element requirements.
From: Abraham, Christine
To: Abraham, Christine
Subject: FW: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 8:38:17 AM
Attachments: image004.png
image005.png
From: Joanne Coletta <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 2:09 PM
To: Vega, Jaqueline <[email protected]>; GPUpdate <[email protected]> Cc: Rull, Paul <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program Jaqueline,
Thank you for your response to the city’s Housing Element Rezoning Program. I would like to provide clarification as it relates to Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area.
The city updated its General Plan in 2020 and the ALUC on March 12, 2020 determined the city’s General Plan to be consistent with the 2004 Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Attached is the letter the city received from the ALUC.
The city is proposing a housing overlay zone to existing properties to meet its Regional Housing Needs Assessment identified in the General Plan Housing Element. The overlay zone will not change the underlying zoning of the property. For example, if a property is zoned C-3/AHO, it means the C-3 uses can continue, but the site can be redeveloped to accommodate affordable housing. Additionally, the letter from the ALUC indicates that the city is only subject to ALUC review if changes are proposed within the Airport Influence Area.
The below exhibits show the Corona Airport Influence Area and the properties within the city that are being rezoned to have an affordable housing overlay zone. The subject properties are outside the AIA, except for one property located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Railroad Avenue (APN 118-210-041). The zoning of this property will remain C-3 (General Commercial), but will have an affordable housing overlay zone should the owner in the future be interested in redeveloping the site with affordable housing.
The city is on a compressed timeline to meet the state’s rezoning deadline by October 15, 2022. Therefore, the review of this one parcel by the ALUC will likely overlap with the city’s process or occur afterwards. Therefore, the city can hold off adopting the rezoning on this one parcel until its reviewed by the ALUC.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Thank you.
Joanne
From: Vega, Jaqueline <[email protected]>
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From: Joanne Coletta
To: Rull, Paul
Cc: Vega, Jaqueline
Subject: RE: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program Attachments: image001.png
image003.png
image004.png
ALUC Application Letter.pdf
Hello, Paul.
The City of Corona put together an application package for a non-impact legislative review. The application package will be sent FedEx to your office along with a check for the application fee.
Attached is a copy of the cover letter (without attachments) that is included as part of the application package.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions during your review of the material.
Thank you.
Joanne
From: Rull, Paul <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 1:16 PM
To: Joanne Coletta <[email protected]>
Cc: Vega, Jaqueline <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program [CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Thank you for the conversation Joanne.
As a recap, ALUC staff will wait for your application (see attached) submittal sometime near the end of August when your consultant has finished the working document.
The project will be reviewed administratively by ALUC as a “non-impact legislative” case with a fee amount of $420, and review can be completed in a couple of days.
Thank you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Paul Rull
ALUC Director
From: Rull, Paul
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 2:49 PM
To: Joanne Coletta <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program Thank you Joanne for your comments.
As you are aware, ALUC review is required under PUC Section 21676 for any GPA or zoning amendment within an AIA. Based on your summary, it appears that one parcel of the overall project (APN 118-210-041) is located within Zone D of the Corona AIA, and therefore the City’s Housing Element update would be subject to ALUC review. In addition, any future rezoning of the property would also require ALUC review.
If timing is of a particular concern, there is the potential that this project “could” be reviewed by ALUC as a non-impact legislative case which does not require a public hearing and can be expediated quickly, but in order to determine this, additional information would be needed regarding the “affordable housing overlay” for this parcel (as it relates with the underlying compatibility Zone D).
I will be in the office tomorrow if you would like to discuss the matter further.
Paul Rull
ALUC Director
l g l
From: Joanne Coletta <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 2:09 PM
To: Vega, Jaqueline <[email protected]>; GPUpdate <[email protected]> Cc: Rull, Paul <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program CAUTION: This email originated externally from the Riverside County email system. DO NOT click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Jaqueline,
Thank you for your response to the city’s Housing Element Rezoning Program. I would like to provide clarification as it relates to Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area.
The city updated its General Plan in 2020 and the ALUC on March 12, 2020 determined the city’s General Plan to be consistent with the 2004 Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Attached is the letter the city received from the ALUC.
The city is proposing a housing overlay zone to existing properties to meet its Regional Housing Needs Assessment identified in the General Plan Housing Element. The overlay zone will not change the underlying zoning of the property. For example, if a property is zoned C-3/AHO, it means the C-3 uses can continue, but the site can be redeveloped to accommodate affordable housing. Additionally, the letter from the ALUC indicates that the city is only subject to ALUC review if changes are proposed within the Airport Influence Area.
The below exhibits show the Corona Airport Influence Area and the properties within the city that are being rezoned to have an affordable housing overlay zone. The subject properties are outside the AIA, except for one property located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Railroad Avenue (APN 118-210-041). The zoning of this property will remain C-3 (General Commercial), but will have an affordable housing overlay zone should the owner in the future be interested in redeveloping the site with affordable housing.
The city is on a compressed timeline to meet the state’s rezoning deadline by October 15, 2022. Therefore, the review of this one parcel by the ALUC will likely overlap with the city’s process or occur afterwards. Therefore, the city can hold off adopting the rezoning on this one parcel until its reviewed by the ALUC.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Thank you.
Joanne
• I
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2022 10:54 AM
To: GPUpdate <[email protected]>
Cc: Rull, Paul <[email protected]>
Subject: City of Corona General Plan Housing element rezoning program [CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
To whom this may concern,
Thank you for transmitting the above referenced project to ALUC for review. Please note that the proposed project is located Citywide within Corona Municipal AIA, and review by ALUC is required because of the legislative action.
Please see attached our application.
Please contact me for any questions.
Jackie Vega
Urban Regional Planner I
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County of Riverside California
Riverside County .,Airport Land Use Commission
4080 lemon Street. 14 floor
Riverside, Ci, 9250 1
(95 1) 955-0982
Javegn@BJVCO OBG
www-rc:aruc om
L-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:
1 August 30, 2022
Paul Rull, ALUC Director
Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission
County Administrative Center
4080 Lemon Street, 14th Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
CC: Via Email [email protected]
RE: Non-Impact Legislative Review by ALUC Director
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Zone Change and General Plan Amendment on APN 118-210-041 Dear Mr. Rull:
The City of Corona is proposing an Affordable Housing Overlay Zone on several properties within the City to meet its Regional Housing Needs Assessment identified in the General Plan Housing Element. One property is located within the boundary of Corona Municipal Airport Compatibility Zone D, which requires review by the ALUC.
The subject property is located at 1065 Railroad Street (APN 118-210-041). The zoning of the property is C3 (General Commercial) and the General Plan is GC (General Commercial). The zone change will apply an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) to the property. The existing C-3 zone will remain on the property, but the overlay zone will allow residential uses, which is not currently allowed in the C-3 zone. The General Plan will also be amended to change the land use from GC to Mixed Use 1, which will allow for commercial and residential.
The AHO zone is for high density residential development with a density range between 36 to 60 dwelling units to the acre. The density range meets the minimum residential density of 5 dwelling units to the acre required by Airport Compatibility Zone D.
The proposed change to the City’s General Plan Land Use Element Table is provided as part of the application. The exhibit describes the density allowed in the MU1 designation if the property includes an AHO zone. The property location is also included for reference. 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, California 92882
P (951) 736-2262
www.CoronaCA.gov
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
“Promoting and Sustaining Quality Development”
2 The proposed change in land use is consist with Corona General Plan Land Policy 23.4, which is to Review proposed projects within the airport influence area of the Corona Municipal Airport for consistency with applicable airport land use compatibility plan policies adopted by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission and City of Corona.
The AHO zone and MU1 General Plan land use designation allows a residential density range of 36 to 60 du/ac which exceeds the minimum density of 5 du/ac for Airport Land Use Compatibility Zone D.
The proposed change in land use is consist with Corona General Plan Land Policy 23.8, which is to Prior to the adoption or amendment of the general plan or any specific plan, or the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or building regulation within the airport influence area of any airport land use compatibility plan, refer such proposed actions to the ALUC for review and determination as provided by the airport land use law.
The AHO zone and MU1 General Plan land use designation is compatible with Airport Land Use Compatibility Zone D and falls within the scope of a non-impact legislative review by the ALUC.
Sincerely,
Joanne Coletta
Joanne Coletta
Planning & Development Director
Attachments
CHAIR
Steve Manos
Lake Elsinore
VICE CHAIR
Russell Betts
Desert Hot Springs
COMMISSIONERS
Arthur Butler
Riverside
John Lyon
Riverside
Steven Stewart
Palm Springs
Richard Stewart
Moreno Valley
Gary Youmans
Temecula
STAFF
Director
Simon A. Housman
John Guerin
Paul Rull
Barbara Santos
County Administrative Center
4080 Lemon Sl,14th Floor.
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
March 26, 2020
Ms. Joanne Coletta, Community Development Director
City of Corona
400 S. Vicentia Avenue
Corona, CA 92882
RE: AIRPORT LANO USE COMMISSION (ALUC) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW File No.:
Related File Nos.:
APNs:
Dear Ms. Coletta:
ZAP1012CO20
City of Corona General Plan 2040/General Plan Technical Update
Citywide
On March 12, 2020, the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) found the proposed City of Corona General Plan 2040/General Plan Technical Update, as amended to include the Notes specified below, CONSISTENT with the 2004 Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
This determination of consistency is contingent upon action by the City Council of the City of Corona adopting this General Plan Update with the Notes specified below, with only such additional changes (if any) as may be reviewed by the ALUC Director and determined to be de minimis relative to airport compatibility. Any other changes to the proposed text and/or mapped designations of land within the Airport Influence Area will require subsequent review and additional hearing(s) by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission.
Riverside, CA 92501
(951 i955_5132 Add a Note 3 to Table LU-1 applicable to the Low Density Residential designation stating www.rcaluc.org
as follows: "Within Airport Compatibility Zone D, new development must have a density of at least 5 dwelling units per acre."
Add a Note 4 to Table LU-1 applicable to the General Commercial, Office Professional, General Industrial, and Light Industrial designations stating as follows: "Permissible intensity levels [maximum FARs] are lower within Airport Compatibility Zones C and D of the Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area, where limitations on the number of persons per acre apply."
Supporting documentation, including but not limited to the entire text of the proposed General Plan as submitted on January 14, 2020, was provided to the Airport Land Use Commission and is available on line at www.rcaluc.org , click Agendas, click 03-12-20 Agenda, Bookmark Agenda Item 3.1.
If you have any questions, please contact John Guerin, ALUC Principal Planner, at (951) 955- 0982.
Sincerely,
RIVERSIDE cou7;PORT : D us~ COMMISSION
Simo~ o,---
cc: Curtis Showalter, Manager, Corona Municipal Airport Y:\AIRPORT CASE FILES\Corona\ZAP1012CO20\ZAP1012CO20.L TR.doc 2 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: 3.1
HEARING DA TE: March 12, 2020
CASE NUMBER: ZAP1012CO20 - City of Corona (Representative: Joanne Coletta, Community Development Director}
APPROVING JURISDICTION: City of Corona
JURISDICTION CASE NO: General Plan 2040 - General Plan Technical Update LAND USE PLAN: 2004 Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan a. Airport Influence Area: Corona Municipal Airport
b. Land Use Policy: all Airport Compatibility Zones (A, Bl, B2, C, D, and E) c. Noise Levels: From below 55 CNEL to above 65 CNEL (within airport grounds)
MAJOR ISSUES: Although most of the land area in Compatibility Zone Dis designated for nonresidential uses, portions of the northeasterly area of Zone D are designated Low Density Residential (3 to 6 dwelling units per acre). For most of this area, the designation reflects the density of existing built-out neighborhoods. However, to the extent that this designation would permit subdivision of larger parcels in a manner that would result in net densities less than five dwelling units per acre, this would conflict with the Zone D prohibition of intermediate densities. To resolve this potential conflict, ALUC staff is recommending adding a Note stating that new Low Density Residential development within Zone D must have a density of at least 5 dwelling units per acre.
In 2004, Mead & Hunt noted that nonresidential intensities in Compatibility Zones C and D were potentially inconsistent with Compatibility Plan criteria. To resolve this potential conflict, ALUC staff is recommending adding a Note stating that permissible intensity levels (maximum FARs) are lower within Compatibility Zones C and D of the Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area, where limitations on the number of persons per acre apply.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Provided that the Notes referenced above and specified on page 5 of this report are added to the General Plan document, staff recommends that the proposed City of Corona General Plan 2040/General Plan Technical Update be found CONSISTENT with the Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
Staff Report
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Corona proposes to adopt an updated General Plan ("General Plan 2040"), including the following elements: Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Noise, Public Safety, Environmental Resources (including Conservation and Open Space), Healthy Community (including Environmental Justice), Infrastructure and Utilities, Community Design, Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts, and Education, Economic Development, and Historic Resources.
An Introduction chapter is also included.
PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide (Note: Except for objects 200 feet or greater in height, the jurisdiction of the Airport Land Use Commission is limited to the portions of the City within the Airport Influence Area of Corona Municipal Airport.)
BACKGROUND:
2004 CONSISTENCY REVIEW OF 2003 DRAFT GENERAL PL.Ai~: At the time of preparation of the 2004 Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan ( .. CMALUCP"), Plan consultant Mead & Hunt conducted a preliminary consistency review of the City's 2003 Draft General Plan and cited concerns relating to nonresidential intensities in Compatibility Zones C and D, allowance for residential development in areas subject to noise levels exceeding 60 dB CNEL, Citywide height limit of 55 feet, and failure to acknowledge ALUC coordination.
AIRPORT LAND USE COMPATIBILITY REFERENCES IN GENERAL PLAN TEXT:
Land Use Element: The proposed Land Use Element includes a discussion of Corona Municipal Airport on page LU-57, and the following page specifies the City's goal and policies.
Goal LU-23 is to "Maintain and improve the Corona Municipal Airport as a general aviation facility consistent with its approved master plan and all applicable county, state, and federal regulations and local ordinances."
Policy LU-23 .2 states as follows: "Work cooperatively with the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission in periodically refining, implementing, and protecting airport influence zones around the Corona Municipal Airport."
Policy LU-23 .3 states that the City will "Work to limit the encroachment of uses that potentially pose a threat to continued airport operations, including intensification of residential, commercial, and industrial facilities within the airport safety zone and areas impacted by airport noise." Policy LU-23.4 states that the City will "Review proposed projects within the airport influence area of the Corona Municipal Airport for consistency with applicable airport land use compatibility plan policies adopted by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission and City of Corona." Policy LU-23.5 states that the City will "limit building heights and land use intensities beneath airport approaches and departure paths to protect public safety, comply with the Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, and applicable state and federal regulations." Staff Report
Policy LU-23.8 states that "Prior to the adoption or amendment of the general plan or any specific plan, or the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or building regulation within the airport influence area of any airport land use compatibility plan, [ the City will J refer such proposed actions to the ALUC for review and determination as provided by the airport land use law." Safety Element: The proposed Safety Element includes a discussion of airport hazards on page PS27, a description of our airport zones and a small map of the zones on page PS-28, and the following page specifies the City's goal and policies.
Goal PS-4 is to "hnplement land use restrictions and review procedures that encourage adequate protection of the community, its residents, and business from airport land use and flight-related hazards."
Policy PS-4.3 states that the City will "Ensme that review by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission for projects within the airport influence area occurs within the early stages of the development review process by the City and prior to project approval by the City." Policy PS-4.6 states that the City will "Periodically monitor the potential for wildlife hazards to the flights and operations of the Corona Municipal Airport emanating from the Prado Basin, retention basins, golf courses, Santa Ana River, or other areas. Comply with federal wildlife strike hazards regulations if hazard exists."
Policy PS-4.7 states that the City will "Periodically consult with the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission in matters affecting the operation of the Corona Municipal Airport and in regard to proposed development within the Influence Area that affect the safety and operations of the airport." LAND USE DESIGNATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY ZONES:
Compatibility Zones Bl and B2: All of the land in Compatibility Zones A and B2, and almost all of the land in Compatibility Zone B 1 is designated Open Space- General. Table LU-1 on page LU-8 states that this designation "accommodates lands permanently committed or protected for open space due to value as habitat, topography, scenic quality, public safety (e.g., flood control channels), or comparable purpose." The entire airport is located within this designation. Table LU-1 indicates that density/intensity is not applicable in this designation. These areas are entirely under public ownership- the federal government, the City of Corona, and Orange County Flood Control District.
Compatibility Zone C - Residential: There are no residentially designated parcels within Compatibility Zone C.
Compatibility Zone C - Nonresidential: Properties in Compatibility Zone Care designated General Industrial, Open Space-General, Parks and Open Space Recreational, and Public and InstitutionalUtility. Intensity is listed as "Not applicable" within the Open Space-General and Parks and Open Space Recreational designations and "Based on implementing zone" within the Public and Institutional designation.
Staff Report
Page4 of 5
The General Industrial designation allows industrial development with an anticipated floor-area ratio (FAR) of 0.5. This translates as a building of 21,780 square feet on each acre. If we assume manufacturing use at one person per 200 square feet, this would result in potential occupancy by 109 persons, which would be inconsistent with the Compatibility Zone C allowance of75 persons per acre. Using the same assumption, the Compatibility Zone C allowance of 75 persons per acre would only allow for one 15,000 square foot industrial building, which translates as a FAR of0.34.
Compatibility Zone D-Residential: The CMALUCP does not include any Additional Compatibility Policies specific to the Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area. Therefore, the compatibility criteria for Compatibility Zone D are those of the Countywide Plan, which allows residential development at either rural densities not exceeding one dwelling unit per five acres or at urban densities of five or more dwelling units per acre, but which prohibits intermediate densities greater than one dwelling unit per five acres and less than five dwelling unit per net acre.
Residential land use designations in Compatibility Zone D range from Low Density Residential through Low Medium Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, and High Density Residential. The minimum listed density within the Low Medium Density Residential and the Medium Density Residential designations is six dwelling units per adjusted gross acre, and the minimum listed density within the High Density Residential designation is fifteen dwelling units per adjusted gross acre, so these designations are clearly consistent within Compatibility Zone D.
The Low Density Residential designation provides for densities of 3 to 6 dwelling units per acre.
Much of this area (primarily developed in the 1980s) is built out, but there remain a few parcels at least 0.40 acre in area that could potentially be divided into smaller lots. The designation is not totally in conflict with Compatibility Zone D criteria, since there is some overlap between the range of 3 to 6 dwelling units per acre and the Zone D criteria of 5 or more dwelling units per acre.
However, ALUC staff is recommending the addition of a footnote applying to the Low Density Residential designation stating as follows: "Within Airport Compatibility Zone D, new development must have a density of at least 5 dwelling units per acre." Compatibility Zone D - Nonresidential: Properties in Compatibility Zone Dare designated Light Industrial, General Industrial, General Commercial, and Office Professional.
The Light Industrial and General Industrial designations allow industrial development with an anticipated FAR of 0.5. This translates as a building of 21,780 square feet on each acre. If we assume manufacturing use at one person per 200 square feet, this would result in potential occupancy by 109 persons, which would be inconsistent with the Compatibility Zone D allowance of 100 persons per acre. Using the same asswnption, the Compatibility Zone D allowance of 100 persons per acre would only allow for one 20,000 square foot industrial building, which translates as a FAR of 0.45.
The General Commercial designation allows commercial development with an anticipated FAR of
0.5. This translates as a building of21,780 square feet on each acre. Ifwe assume general retail use (not restaurants or theaters, which would have much higher occupancy levels) at one person per 60 Staff Report
square feet, this would result in potential occupancy by 363 persons, which would be inconsistent with the Compatibility Zone D allowance of 100 persons per acre. Using the same assumption, the Compatibility Zone D allowance of 100 persons per acre would only allow for 6,000 square feet of retail building space per acre, which translates as a FAR of 0.13.
The Office Professional designation allows office and compatible uses with an anticipated FAR of
2.0. This translates as a building of87,120 square feet on each acre. Ifwe assume office use at one person per 200 square feet, this would result in potential occupancy by 436 persons, which would be inconsistent with the Compatibility Zone D allowance of 100 persons per acre. Using the same assumption, the Compatibility Zone D allowance of 100 persons per acre would only allow for one 20,000 square foot office building, which translates as a FAR of 0.45.
Most of the City of Corona is not located within areas subject to intensity limitations, so it is not necessary for the City to reduce allowable F ARs Citywide. However, ALUC staff expressed concern that readers of the General Plan could conclude that the listed F ARs would be allowable regardless of a site's Compatibility Zone designation. Therefore, ALU C staff is recommending the addition of a footnote to Table LU-1 applying to the General Commercial, Office Professional, General Industrial, and Light Industrial designations stating that "Permissible intensity levels (maximum FARs) are lower within Airport Compatibility Zones C and D of the Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area, where limitations on the number of persons per acre apply." Noise Element: The proposed Noise Element does allow residential development in areas subject to average noise levels in the 60-65 CNEL range. Countywide Policy 4.1.4 states that "the maximum CNEL considered normally acceptable for new residential land uses in the vicinity of the airports covered by this Plan is 60 dB .... " However, the intent of this policy is in relation to aircraft noise.
The projected 60 dB CNEL noise contour for Corona Municipal Airport does not extend into any areas designated for residential use on the General Plan Land Use Map. All areas subject to average aircraft noise levels above 60 dB CNEL are designated Open Space - General and owned by public entities (City of Corona, Orange County Flood Control District, and the federal government).
CONDITIONS: The following text amendments shall be incorporated into the General Plan document that is ultimately adopted by the Corona City Council.
1. Add a Note 3 to Table LU-1 applicable to the Low Density Residential designation stating as follows: "Within Airport Compatibility Zone D, new development must have a density of at least 5 dwelling units per acre."
2. Add a Note 4 to Table LU-1 applicable to the General Commerci~ Office Profession~ General Industrial, and Light Industrial designations stating as follows: "Permissible -- . intensity levels [ maximum F ARs] are lower within Airport Compatibility Zones C and D of the Corona Municipal Airport Influence Area, where limitations on the number of persons per acre apply."
Y:\AIRPORT CASE FlLES\Corona\ZAP1012CO20\ZAP1012CO20sr.doc State of California – Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director Inland Deserts Region
3602 Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite C-220
Ontario, CA 91764
www.wildlife.ca.gov
Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870
July 29, 2022
Sent via email
Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program
State Clearinghouse No. 2022060732
Dear Ms. Coletta:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) from the City of Corona (City) for the General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program (Project) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines.1 Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding those activities involved in the Project that may affect California fish and wildlife. Likewise, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under the Fish and Game Code.
CDFW ROLE
CDFW is California’s Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources, and holds those resources in trust by statute for all the people of the State. (Fish & G. Code, §§ 711.7, subd. (a) & 1802; Pub. Resources Code, § 21070; CEQA Guidelines § 15386, subd. (a).) CDFW, in its trustee capacity, has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. (Id., § 1802.) Similarly, for purposes of CEQA, CDFW is charged by law to provide, as available, biological expertise during public agency environmental review efforts, focusing specifically on projects and related activities that have the potential to adversely affect fish and wildlife resources.
1 CEQA is codified in the California Public Resources Code in section 21000 et seq. The “CEQA Guidelines” are found in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing with section 15000.
Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
CDFW is also submitting comments as a Responsible Agency under CEQA (Pub.
Resources Code, § 21069; CEQA Guidelines, § 15381.). CDFW expects that it may need to exercise regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code. As proposed, for example, the Project may be subject to CDFW’s lake and streambed alteration regulatory authority. (Fish & G. Code, § 1600 et seq.) Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Project as proposed may result in “take” as defined by State law of any species protected under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & G.
Code, § 2050 et seq.), the Project proponent may seek related take authorization as provided by the Fish and Game Code.
PROJECT LOCATION
The Project involves the rezoning of 100 parcels located in the City of Corona, which covers approximately 40 square miles in northwestern Riverside County. The City is generally bordered by the Cities of Norco and Riverside to the north and northeast, the Cities of Chino Hills and Yorba Linda to the northwest, the City of Anaheim to the west, the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains to the southwest, and unincorporated Riverside County along the remaining City borders.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Project will rezone 100 parcels throughout the City of Corona for commercial, retail, industrial, surface parking, storage and vacant purposes and to accommodate the planning of low- and moderate-income households. The parcels subject to rezoning are described in Table 2 of the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Initial Study.
COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CDFW offers the comments and recommendations below to assist the City in adequately identifying and/or mitigating the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, direct and indirect impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources. The comments and recommendations are also offered to enable the City to adequately review and comment on the proposed Project with respect to the Project’s consistency with the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) in the forthcoming DEIR.
CDFW recommends that the forthcoming DEIR address the following:
Assessment of Biological Resources
Section 15125(c) of the CEQA Guidelines states that knowledge of the regional setting of a project is critical to the assessment of environmental impacts and that special emphasis should be placed on environmental resources that are rare or unique to the region. To enable CDFW staff to adequately review and comment on the Project, the DEIR should include a complete assessment of the flora and fauna within and adjacent to the Project Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
footprint, with particular emphasis on identifying rare, threatened, endangered, and other sensitive species and their associated habitats.
CDFW recommends that the DEIR specifically include:
1. An assessment of the various habitat types located within the Project footprint, and a map that identifies the location of each habitat type. CDFW recommends that floristic, alliance- and/or association-based mapping and assessment be completed following The Manual of California Vegetation, second edition (Sawyer et al. 20092). Adjoining habitat areas should also be included in this assessment where site activities could lead to direct or indirect impacts offsite. Habitat mapping at the alliance level will help establish baseline vegetation conditions.
2. A general biological inventory of the fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species that are present or have the potential to be present within each habitat type onsite and within adjacent areas that could be affected by the Project. CDFW’s California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) in Sacramento should be contacted at (916) 322-2493 or [email protected] or
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-Data to obtain current information on any previously reported sensitive species and habitat, including Significant Natural Areas identified under Chapter 12 of the Fish and Game Code, in the vicinity of the proposed Project.
CDFW’s CNDDB is not exhaustive in terms of the data it houses, nor is it an absence database. CDFW recommends that it be used as a starting point in gathering information about the potential presence of species within the general area of the Project site.
3. A complete, recent inventory of rare, threatened, endangered, and other sensitive species located within the Project footprint and within offsite areas with the potential to be affected, including California Species of Special Concern (CSSC) and California Fully Protected Species (Fish & G. Code, § 3511). Species to be addressed should include all those which meet the CEQA definition (CEQA Guidelines § 15380). The inventory should address seasonal variations in use of the Project area and should not be limited to resident species. Focused species-specific/MSHCP surveys, completed by a qualified biologist and conducted at the appropriate time of year and time of day when the sensitive species are active or otherwise identifiable, are required.
Acceptable species-specific survey procedures should be developed in consultation with CDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where necessary. Note that CDFW
2 Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. 2009. A manual of California Vegetation, 2nd ed. California Native Plant Society Press, Sacramento, California. http://vegetation.cnps.org/ Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
generally considers biological field assessments for wildlife to be valid for a one-year period, and assessments for rare plants may be considered valid for a period of up to three years. Some aspects of the proposed Project may warrant periodic updated surveys for certain sensitive taxa, particularly if the Project is proposed to occur over a protracted time frame, or in phases, or if surveys are completed during periods of drought.
4. A thorough, recent, floristic-based assessment of special status plants and natural communities, following CDFW’s Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (CDFW 20183).
5. Information on the regional setting that is critical to an assessment of environmental impacts, with special emphasis on resources that are rare or unique to the region (CEQA Guidelines § 15125[c]).
6. A full accounting of all open space and mitigation/conservation lands within and adjacent to the Project.
Analysis of Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Impacts to Biological Resources The DEIR should provide a thorough discussion of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts expected to adversely affect biological resources as a result of the Project. To ensure that Project impacts to biological resources are fully analyzed, the following information should be included in the DEIR:
1. A discussion of potential impacts from lighting, noise, human activity (e.g., recreation), defensible space, and wildlife-human interactions created by zoning of development projects or other Project activities adjacent to natural areas, exotic and/or invasive species, and drainage. The latter subject should address Project-related changes on drainage patterns and water quality within, upstream, and downstream of the Project site, including: volume, velocity, and frequency of existing and post-Project surface flows; polluted runoff; soil erosion and/or sedimentation in streams and water bodies; and post-Project fate of runoff from the Project site.
2. A discussion of potential indirect Project impacts on biological resources, including resources in areas adjacent to the Project footprint, such as nearby public lands (e.g., National Forests, State Parks, etc.), open space, adjacent natural habitats, riparian ecosystems, wildlife corridors, and any designated and/or proposed reserve or
3 CDFW, 2018. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities, State of California, California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife: March 20, 2018 (https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=18959&inline) Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
mitigation lands (e.g., preserved lands associated with a Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other conserved lands).
3. An evaluation of impacts to on-site and adjacent open space lands from both the construction of the Project and any long-term operational and maintenance needs.
4. A cumulative effects analysis developed as described under CEQA Guidelines section 15130. The DEIR should analyze the cumulative effects of the plan’s land use designations, policies, and programs on the environment. Please include all potential direct and indirect Project related impacts to riparian areas, wetlands, vernal pools, alluvial fan habitats, wildlife corridors or wildlife movement areas, aquatic habitats, sensitive species and other sensitive habitats, open lands, open space, and adjacent natural habitats in the cumulative effects analysis. General and specific plans, as well as past, present, and anticipated future projects, should be analyzed relative to their impacts on similar plant communities and wildlife habitats.
Alternatives Analysis
CDFW recommends the DEIR describe and analyze a range of reasonable alternatives to the Project that are potentially feasible, would “feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the Project,” and would avoid or substantially lessen any of the Project’s significant effects (CEQA Guidelines § 15126.6[a]). The alternatives analysis should also evaluate a “no project” alternative (CEQA Guidelines § 15126.6[e]).
Mitigation Measures for Project Impacts to Biological Resources The DEIR should identify mitigation measures and alternatives that are appropriate and adequate to avoid or minimize potential impacts, to the extent feasible. The City of Corona should assess all direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts that are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Project and its long-term operation and maintenance. When proposing measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts, CDFW recommends consideration of the following:
1. Fully Protected Species: Fully protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time. Project activities described in the DEIR should be designed to completely avoid any fully protected species that have the potential to be present within or adjacent to the Project area. CDFW also recommends that the DEIR fully analyze potential adverse impacts to fully protected species due to habitat modification, loss of foraging habitat, and/or interruption of migratory and breeding behaviors. CDFW recommends that the Lead Agency include in the analysis how appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures will reduce indirect impacts to fully protected species.
2. Sensitive Plant Communities: CDFW considers sensitive plant communities to be imperiled habitats having both local and regional significance. Plant communities, alliances, and associations with a statewide ranking of S-1, S-2, S-3, and S-4 should Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
be considered sensitive and declining at the local and regional level. These ranks can be obtained by querying the CNDDB and are included in The Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009). The DEIR should include measures to fully avoid and otherwise protect sensitive plant communities from Project-related direct and indirect impacts.
3. California Species of Special Concern (CSSC): CSSC status applies to animals generally not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act or the CESA, but which nonetheless are declining at a rate that could result in listing, or historically occurred in low numbers and known threats to their persistence currently exist. CSSCs should be considered during the environmental review process. CSSC that have the potential or have been documented to occur within or adjacent to the Project area, including, but not limited to: burrowing owl, northern harrier, loggerhead shrike, and yellow warbler.
4. Mitigation: CDFW considers adverse Project-related impacts to sensitive species and habitats to be significant to both local and regional ecosystems, and the DEIR should include mitigation measures for adverse Project-related impacts to these resources.
Mitigation measures should emphasize avoidance and reduction of Project impacts.
For unavoidable impacts, onsite habitat restoration and/or enhancement, and preservation should be evaluated and discussed in detail. Where habitat preservation is not available onsite, offsite land acquisition, management, and preservation should be evaluated and discussed in detail.
The DEIR should include measures to perpetually protect the targeted habitat values within mitigation areas from direct and indirect adverse impacts in order to meet mitigation objectives to offset Project-induced qualitative and quantitative losses of biological values. Specific issues that should be addressed include restrictions on access, proposed land dedications, long-term monitoring and management programs, control of illegal dumping, water pollution, increased human intrusion, etc.
If sensitive species and/or their habitat may be impacted from the Project, CDFW recommends the inclusion of specific mitigation in the DEIR. CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4, subdivision (a)(1)(8) states that formulation of feasible mitigation measures should not be deferred until some future date. The Court of Appeal in San Joaquin Raptor Rescue Center v. County of Merced (2007) 149 Cal.App.4th 645 struck down mitigation measures which required formulating management plans developed in consultation with State and Federal wildlife agencies after Project approval. Courts have also repeatedly not supported conclusions that impacts are mitigable when essential studies, and therefore impact assessments, are incomplete (Sundstrom v.
County of Mendocino (1988) 202 Cal. App. 3d. 296; Gentry v. City of Murrieta (1995) 36 Cal. App. 4th 1359; Endangered Habitat League, Inc. v. County of Orange (2005) 131 Cal. App. 4th 777).
CDFW recommends that the DEIR specify mitigation that is roughly proportional to the level of impacts, in accordance with the provisions of CEQA (CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15126.4(a)(4)(B), 15064, 15065, and 16355). The mitigation should provide long-term Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
conservation value for the suite of species and habitat being impacted by the Project.
Furthermore, in order for mitigation measures to be effective, they need to be specific, enforceable, and feasible actions that will improve environmental conditions.
5. Habitat Revegetation/Restoration Plans: Plans for restoration and revegetation should be prepared by persons with expertise in southern California ecosystems and native plant restoration techniques. Plans should identify the assumptions used to develop the proposed restoration strategy. Each plan should include, at a minimum: (a) the location of restoration sites and assessment of appropriate reference sites; (b) the plant species to be used, sources of local propagules, container sizes, and seeding rates; (c) a schematic depicting the mitigation area; (d) a local seed and cuttings and planting schedule; (e) a description of the irrigation methodology; (f) measures to control exotic vegetation on site; (g) specific success criteria; (h) a detailed monitoring program; (i) contingency measures should the success criteria not be met; and (j) identification of the party responsible for meeting the success criteria and providing for conservation of the mitigation site in perpetuity. Monitoring of restoration areas should extend across a sufficient time frame to ensure that the new habitat is established, self-sustaining, and capable of surviving drought.
CDFW recommends that local onsite propagules from the Project area and nearby vicinity be collected and used for restoration purposes. Onsite seed collection should be initiated in advance of Project impacts in order to accumulate sufficient propagule material for subsequent use in future years. Onsite vegetation mapping at the alliance and/or association level should be used to develop appropriate restoration goals and local plant palettes. Reference areas should be identified to help guide restoration efforts. Specific restoration plans should be developed for various Project components as appropriate.
Restoration objectives should include protecting special habitat elements or recreating them in areas affected by the Project; examples could include retention of woody material, logs, snags, rocks, and brush piles.
6. Nesting Birds and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Please note that it is the Project proponent’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws related to nesting birds and birds of prey. Fish and Game Code sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 afford protective measures as follows: Fish and Game Code section 3503 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation made pursuant thereto.
Fish and Game Code section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3513 makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird as designated in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or any part of such migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Treaty Act.
Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
CDFW recommends that the DEIR include the results of avian surveys, as well as specific avoidance and minimization measures to ensure that impacts to nesting birds do not occur. Project-specific avoidance and minimization measures may include, but not be limited to: Project phasing and timing, monitoring of Project-related noise (where applicable), sound walls, and buffers, where appropriate. The DEIR should also include specific avoidance and minimization measures that will be implemented should a nest be located within the Project site. If pre-construction surveys are proposed in the DEIR, the CDFW recommends that they be required no more than three (3) days prior to vegetation clearing or ground disturbance activities, as instances of nesting could be missed if surveys are conducted sooner.
7. Moving out of Harm’s Way: To avoid direct mortality, CDFW recommends that the lead agency condition the DEIR to require that a CDFW-approved qualified biologist be retained to be onsite prior to and during all ground- and habitat-disturbing activities to move out of harm’s way special status species or other wildlife of low or limited mobility that would otherwise be injured or killed from Project-related activities.
Movement of wildlife out of harm’s way should be limited to only those individuals that would otherwise by injured or killed, and individuals should be moved only as far a necessary to ensure their safety (i.e., CDFW does not recommend relocation to other areas). Furthermore, it should be noted that the temporary relocation of onsite wildlife does not constitute effective mitigation for the purposes of offsetting Project impacts associated with habitat loss.
8. Translocation of Species: CDFW generally does not support the use of relocation, salvage, and/or transplantation as mitigation for impacts to rare, threatened, or endangered species as studies have shown that these efforts are experimental in nature and largely unsuccessful.
California Endangered Species Act
CDFW is responsible for ensuring appropriate conservation of fish and wildlife resources including threatened, endangered, and/or candidate plant and animal species, pursuant to CESA. CDFW recommends that a CESA Incidental Take Permit (ITP) be obtained if the Project has the potential to result in “take” (California Fish andGame Code Section 86 defines “take” as “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill”) of State-listed CESA species, either through construction or over the life of the Project. It is the policy of CESA to conserve, protect, enhance, and restore Statelisted CESA species and their habitats.
CDFW encourages early consultation, as significant modification to the proposed Project and avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures may be necessary to obtain a CESA ITP. The California Fish and Game Code requires that CDFW comply with CEQA for issuance of a CESA ITP. CDFW therefore recommends that the DEIR addresses all Project impacts to listed species and specifies a mitigation monitoring and reporting program that will meet the requirements of CESA.
Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan CDFW issued Natural Community Conservation Plan Approval and Take Authorization for the Western Riverside County MSHCP per Section 2800, et seq., of the California Fish and Game Code on June 22, 2004. The MSHCP establishes a multiple species conservation program to minimize and mitigate habitat loss and provides for the incidental take of covered species in association with activities covered under the permit.
Compliance with approved habitat plans, such as the MSHCP, is discussed in CEQA.
Specifically, Section 15125(d) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that the CEQA document discuss any inconsistencies between a proposed Project and applicable general plans and regional plans, including habitat conservation plans and natural community conservation plans. An assessment of the impacts to the MSHCP as a result of this Project is necessary to address CEQA requirements. To obtain additional information regarding the MSHCP please go to: https://www.wrc-rca.org/.
The proposed Project occurs within the MSHCP area and is subject to the provisions and policies of the MSHCP. To be considered a covered activity, Permittees need to demonstrate that proposed actions are consistent with the MSHCP, the Permits, and the Implementing Agreement. The City of Corona is the Lead Agency and is signatory to the Implementing Agreement of the MSHCP. To demonstrate consistency with the MSHCP, as part of the CEQA review, the City shall ensure the Project implements the following:
1. Pays Local Development Mitigation Fees and other relevant fees as set forth in Section 8.5 of the MSHCP.
2. Demonstrates compliance with the HANS process or equivalent process to ensure application of the Criteria and thus, satisfaction of the local acquisition obligation.
3. Demonstrates compliance with the policies for 1) the Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools, set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP; 2) the policies for the Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Urban/Wildlands Interface Guidelines as set forth in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP; 4) the policies set forth in Section 6.3.2 and associated vegetation survey requirements identified in Section
6.3.1; and 5) compliance with the Best Management Practices and the siting, construction, design, operation and maintenance guidelines as set forth in Section 7.0 and Appendix C of the MSHCP.
Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools The MSHCP, Section 6.1.2, identifies that information necessary for the assessment of riparian/riverine and vernal resources includes identification and mapping of riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools. The assessment shall consider species composition, topography/ hydrology, and soil analysis, where appropriate. The Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
assessment may be completed as part of the CEQA review process as set forth in Article V of the State CEQA Guidelines.
The documentation for the assessment shall include mapping and a description of the functions and values of the mapped areas with respect to the species listed above, under “Purpose.” Factors to be considered include hydrologic regime, flood storage and floodflow modification, nutrient retention and transformation, sediment trapping and transport, toxicant trapping, public use, wildlife habitat, and aquatic habitat. The functions and values assessment will focus on those areas that should be considered for priority acquisition for the MSHCP Conservation Area, as well as those functions that may affect downstream values related to Conservation of Covered Species within the MSHCP.
The MSHCP identifies that for mapped riparian/riverine and vernal pool resources that are not included in the MSHCP conservation area, applicable mitigation under CEQA, shall be imposed by the Permittee (in this case the City). Further, the MSHCP identifies that to ensure the standards in Section 6.1.2 are met, the Permittee shall ensure that, through the CEQA process, Project applicants develop Project alternatives demonstrating efforts that first avoid, and then minimize direct and indirect effects to the wetlands mapped pursuant to Section 6.1.2. If an avoidance alternative is not Feasible, a practicable alternative that minimizes direct and indirect effects to riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools and associated functions and values to the greatest extent possible shall be selected. Those impacts that are unavoidable shall be mitigated such that the lost functions and values as they relate to Covered Species are replaced as through the Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation. The City is required to ensure the Applicant completes the Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation process prior to completion of the DEIR to demonstrate implementation of MSHCP requirements in the CEQA documentation.
The following are covered species that are conserved under the MSHCP based on the location of the Project site:
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
The Project site has the potential to provide suitable foraging and/or nesting habitat for burrowing owl. Take of individual burrowing owls and their nests is defined by Fish and Game Code section 86, and prohibited by sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513. Take is defined in Fish and Game Code section 86 as “hunt, pursue, catch, captureor kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill.”
CDFW recommends that the City of Corona follow the recommendations and guidelines provided in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFG 20124).
4 California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2012. Staff report of burrowing owl mitigation. State of California, Natural Resources Agency. Available for download at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=83842&inline.
Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
The Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, specifies three steps for Project impact evaluations: 1) a habitat assessment, 2) surveys, and 3) an impact assessment.
As stated in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, the three progressive steps are effective in evaluating whether a project will result in impacts to burrowing owls, and the information gained from the steps will inform any subsequent avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. Habitat assessments are conducted to evaluate the likelihood that a site supports burrowing owl. Burrowing owl surveys provide information needed to determine the potential effects of proposed projects and activities on burrowing owls, and to avoid take in accordance with Fish and Game Code sections 86, 3503, and 3503.5. Impact assessments evaluate the extent to which burrowing owls and their habitat may be impacted, directly or indirectly, on and within a reasonable distance of a proposed CEQA project activity or non-CEQA project.
Additionally, CDFW recommends that the City review and follow requirements for burrowing owl outlined in the MSHCP, specifically Section 6.3.2 (Additional Survey Needs and Procedures) and Appendix E (Summary of Species Survey Requirements).
Appendix E of the MSHCP outlines survey requirements, actions to be taken if survey results are positive, and species-specific conservation objectives, among other relevant information.
Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan
The Project occurs within the Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) Habitat Conservation Plan (SKR HCP) fee area boundary. The SKR HCP plan area map is available here: https://rchca.us/DocumentCenter/View/200/SKR-Plan-Area. State and federal authorizations associated with the SKR HCP provide take authorization for Stephens’ kangaroo rat within its boundaries, and the MSHCP provides Take Authorization for Stephens’ kangaroo rat outside of the boundaries of the SKR HCP, but within the MSHCP area boundaries. The DEIR should identify if any portion of the Project will occur on SKR HCP lands, or on Stephens’ kangaroo rat habitat lands outside of the SKR HCP, but within the MSHCP. Note that the SKR HCP allows for encroachment into the Stephens’ kangaroo rat Core Reserve for public projects, however, there are no provisions for encroachment into the Core Reserve for privately owned projects. If impacts to Stephens’ kangaroo rat habitat will occur from the proposed Project, the DEIR should specifically identify the total number of permanent impacts to Stephens’ kangaroo rat core habitat and the appropriate mitigation to compensate for those impacts.
Lake and Streambed Alteration Program
Based on review of material submitted with the NOP, drainage features may traverse some of the parcels within the Project’s scope. Depending on how the Project is designed and constructed, it is likely that the Project applicant will need to notify CDFW per Fish and Game Code section 1602. Fish and Game Code section 1602 requires an entity to Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
notify CDFW prior to commencing any activity that may do one or more of the following:
substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow of any river, stream, or lake; substantially change or use any material from the bed, channel or bank of any river, stream, or lake; or deposit debris, waste or other materials that could pass into any river, stream, or lake.
Please note that "any river, stream or lake" includes those that are episodic (i.e., those that are dry for periods of time) as well as those that are perennial (i.e., those that flow year-round). This includes ephemeral streams, desert washes, andwatercourses with a subsurface flow.
Upon receipt of a complete notification, CDFW determines if the proposed Project activities may substantially adversely affect existing fish and wildlife resources and whether a Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreement is required. An LSA Agreement includes measures necessary to protect existing fish and wildlife resources.
CDFW may suggest ways to modify your Project that would eliminate or reduce harmful impacts to fish and wildlife resources.
CDFW’s issuance of an LSA Agreement is a “project” subject to CEQA (see Pub.
Resources Code § 21065). To facilitate issuance of an LSA Agreement, if necessary, the DEIR should fully identify the potential impacts to the lake, stream, or riparian resources, and provide adequate avoidance, mitigation, and monitoring and reporting commitments.
Early consultation with CDFW is recommended, since modification of the proposed Project may be required to avoid or reduce impacts to fish and wildlife resources. To submit a Lake or Streambed Alteration notification, please go to https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/EPIMS.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
To ameliorate the water demands of this Project, CDFW recommends incorporation of water-wise concepts in Project landscape design plans. In particular, CDFW recommends xeriscaping with locally native California species, and installing water-efficient and targeted irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation). Native plants support butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, bees, and other pollinators that evolved with those plants, more information on native plants suitable for the Project location and nearby nurseries is available at CALSCAPE: https://calscape.org/. Local water agencies/districts and resource conservation districts in your area may be able to provide information on plant nurseries that carry locally native species, and some facilities display droughttolerant locally native species demonstration gardens (for example the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District in Riverside). Information on drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient irrigation systems is available on California’s Save our Water website:
https://saveourwater.com/ .
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e).) Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director
City of Corona
July 29, 2022
Accordingly, please report any special status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Information can be submitted online or via completion of the CNDDB field survey form at the following link: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data . The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-and-Animals.
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW.
Payment of the fee is required in order for the underlying Project approval to be operative, vested, and final. (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & G. Code, § 711.4; Pub.
Resources Code, § 21089.).
CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the NOP of a DEIR for the General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program (SCH No. 2022060732) and recommends that the City of Corona address the CDFW’s comments and concerns in the forthcoming DEIR. Questions regarding this letter or further coordination should be directed to Katrina Rehrer, Environmental Scientist, at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Heather Pert
Acting Environmental Program Manager
ec: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Cindy Castaneda, Acting Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisory [email protected]
Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority Tricia Campbell
[email protected]
State Clearing House
Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse, Sacramento [email protected]
~ DocuSigned by:
l!~4~~
APPENDIX B
Vehicle Miles Traveled Evaluation Memorandum
DRAFT Memo
lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx To: Christine Abraham From: Maria Morris / Cathy Lawrence Los Angeles, CA 38 Technology Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
File: 2042636700 Date: August 11, 2022
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation
The City of Corona certified the General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in 2020. The certified EIR contains fewer low- and moderate-income housing units than required by the State’s Housing and Community Development Department mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for the City. To comply with the RHNA, parcels for rezoning and affordable housing overlay (AHO) have been identified, and a supplemental EIR to the General Plan Update EIR is being prepared. This memorandum summarizes the potential transportation impacts for the AHO and rezoned parcels required for the Supplemental EIR.
Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) mandated that transportation impacts in environmental documents be evaluated based on vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has provided a Technical Advisory (December 2018)1 that recommends specific VMT significance thresholds that may constitute a significant transportation impact, and lead agencies have the discretion to set or apply their own thresholds of significance. OPR recommends use of a per-capita measurement of VMT for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis based on average VMT per resident for evaluation of residential development. Alternatively, for evaluation of land use plans a measurement of VMT per service population can be used. The City of Corona has similarly adopted thresholds of significance consistent with the OPR recommendation2. Certain types of development, such as locally serving retail, development within a half-mile of an existing major transit stop, and development in low VMT areas can generally be presumed to have less than significant impacts3.
The proposed project consists of an update to the City’s Housing Element to rezone parcels or add overlay zones to accommodate the planning of low- to moderate-income housing. Most of the additional housing is anticipated to be located along major transit corridors also known as Transit Priority Areas (TPA). OPR and City guidelines state that projects located along TPA may be assumed to cause a less than significant transportation impact on VMT because they may improve jobs-housing balance and/or otherwise generate less VMT. OPR guidelines also recognize that projects with a high percentage of affordable housing may be a basis to find a less than significant impact on VMT; however, the City of Corona does not currently include affordable housing as a screening criteria. Since research indicates that low-income earners generate less household VMT overall, affordable housing is more likely to be found to have a less than significant transportation impact.
1 Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, State if California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, December 2018.
2 Draft City of Corona CEQA Assessment – VMT Analysis Guidelines, January 11, 2019. 3 Table 1 in City of Corona VMT Analysis Guidelines 2019. () Stantec
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx Project Evaluation
A list of the proposed AHO candidate sites is summarized in Table 1 and rezone candidate sites in Table 2 (attached). Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has identified the TPA in the City.
Figure 1 (attached) shows the proposed overlay and rezone parcels in relation to the City’s TPA. All but three of the AHO and rezone parcels are located within the TPA and can be presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact.
The City’s VMT guidelines also require that projects that are within a TPA complete a secondary screening step to verify the proposed project’s consistency with the assumptions from the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS).
Consistency with SCAG’s RTP/SCS – The project is consistent with the following Connect SoCal Goals:
• Increase person and goods movement and travel choices within the transportation system • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality • Support healthy and equitable communities
• Encourage development of diverse housing types in areas that are supported by multiple transportation options
Furthermore, the proposed AHO and rezone parcels are consistent with General Plan Goal CE-3 which states: “Maximize the efficiency of the circulation system through the use of transportation system management strategies. Reduce total vehicular miles traveled in Corona through the development and improvement of alternative transportation modes, the reduction in the number of trips generated, and the reduction in trips distances.” The proposed AHO and rezone parcels are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan by improving the jobs-housing balance.
The three remaining AHO and rezone parcels outside of the TPA would replace commercial, low-density housing, and agricultural uses with high density low- or moderate-income housing. These candidate parcels were assessed based on three qualitative aspects:
1. The OPR recommends that affordable housing can be presumed to have a less than significant impact4. The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) also utilizes affordable housing as one of their screening criteria5 consistent with OPR recommendations, although the City’s VMT guidelines do not specifically address affordable housing projects. Based on the OPR recommendation and WRCOG VMT Calculator Tool, the candidate parcels outside of the TPA would qualify to be screened out of VMT analysis and are presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact.
2. Affordable housing tends to generate lower VMT. The OPR recommends a Caltrans study (Affordable Housing Trip Generation Strategies and Rates, 2018) which concludes that low-income households in general own fewer vehicles, make fewer vehicle trips, and generate fewer vehicle miles than other residential units. The OPR recommends that a lead agency may find that affordable housing projects may be presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact. Based on the research, the 4 Page 14 ibid.
5 VMT Calculator Tool (Spreadsheet), Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), https://www.wrcog.us/310/SB-743.
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx candidate parcels outside of the TPA would generate fewer vehicle miles and are presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact.
3. WRCOG has an online VMT Screening Tool to determine whether land use projects are located within low VMT generating traffic analysis zones (TAZ) and, therefore, would meet the low VMT area screening threshold and would be presumed to have a less than significant impact. The VMT Screening Tool includes TAZs within the City of Corona and identifies TAZs which generate total VMT per service population below the jurisdictional average6. The City’s VMT guidelines recognize that projects located within low VMT generating TAZs are presumed to have a less than significant VMT impact. The three parcels outside of the TPA fall within areas of low VMT per service population and are presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact.
Conclusions
The AHO and rezone parcels are needed to satisfy the RHNA for low- and moderate-income households in the City of Corona. To satisfy the RHNA, the City has identified candidate parcels to be rezoned to high density residential or an AHO zone suitable for low- and moderate-income units. The majority of these parcels are located within a TPA which are exempt from VMT analysis due to an assumption of a less than significant transportation impact.
The remaining AHO and rezone parcels are recognized by the OPR and WRCOG as screened out of VMT analysis, are presumed to generate less household VMT than the uses being replaced, and are located within low VMT generating TAZs; therefore, they are likely to have a less than significant transportation impact.
The candidate AHO and rezone parcels identified in the Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project are presumed to have a less than significant VMT impact.
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Maria Morris AICP, PTP Cathy Lawrence PE
Senior Transportation Planner Transportation Engineer
Phone: 949 923 6072 949 923 6064
[email protected] [email protected]
Attachment: Table 1 Proposed Affordable Housing Overlay Sites Table 2 Proposed Rezone Sites
Figure 1 Corona AHO Zones and Rezone Parcels in Relation to Transit Priority Areas c. file
6 WRCOG VMT Screening Tool (Web-based), RIVTAM TAZ with total VMT per service population below jurisdictional average under 2012 base year model, https://apps.fehrandpeers.com/WRCOGVMT/ Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx Table 1 Proposed Affordable Housing Overlay Sites
ID
No.
Site
Address or
Street
Assessor’s
Parcel
Number
(APN)
Existing On-Site Use(s) Acres
General Plan
Land Use
Designation
Proposed
General
Plan
Current
Zoning
Proposed
Zoning
1 211 S Joy
Street
117122002 Vacant 0.20 MU1 -- TC TC (AHO)
2 904 S
Ramona
Avenue
117238005 Vacant 0.17 MU1 -- CS CS (AHO)
3 912 S
Ramona
Avenue
117238012 Vacant 0.20 OP MU1 CS CS (AHO)
4 901 S
Ramona
Avenue
117238006 Vacant 0.21 OP MU1 CS CS (AHO)
5 615 S
Sherman
Avenue
110040023 Commercial Use: Car wash,
small lot in use, existing
utilities available
0.39 OP MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
6 510 W 6th
Street
117172002 Commercial: Retail Existing
utilities available
0.53 MU1 -- TC TC (AHO)
7 1065
Railroad
Street
118210041 Commercial: Unoccupied
building, existing utilities
available
1.86 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
8 514 W 6th
Street
117172001 Vacant 0.54 MU1 -- TC TC (AHO)
9 904 S
Ramona
Avenue
117238004 Vacant 0.17 OP MU1 CS CS (AHO)
10 S Main
Street
117238007 Vacant 0.20 OP MU1 CS CS (AHO)
11 915 S Main
Street
117238016 Vacant 0.16 OP MU1 CS CS (AHO)
12 Railroad
Street
117042010 Vacant 0.35 LI MU2 M1 M1 (AHO)
13 6th Street 110020018 Vacant 0.22 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
14 905 W 6th
Street
118283011 Parking lot 1.50 MU1 -- CS CS (AHO)
15 901 W 6th
Street
118283026 Commercial: Retail (Crown
Vacuum and Sewing),
existing utilities available
0.16 MU1 -- CS CS (AHO)
16 507 S
Vicentia
Avenue
117340022 Commercial: Settlement
House, existing utilities
available
0.40 MU1 -- CS CS (AHO)
17 511 S
Vicentia
Avenue
117340023 Commercial: Residential 0.32 MU1 -- CS CS (AHO) 18 852 W 6th
Street
110101012 Commercial: Retail
(Enterprise Auto Rental),
existing utilities available
0.35 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 19 844 W 6th
Street
110101011 Commercial: Retail (Flower
Shop with small parking lot),
existing utilities available
0.20 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
20 836 W 6th
Street
110101010 Commercial: Retail (Tire
shop and parking lot),
existing utilities available
0.38 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
21 832 W 6th
Street
110101009 Commercial: Dentist Offices,
two separate structures and
a parking lot, existing
utilities available
0.15 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
22 828 W 6th
Street
110101027 Commercial: Retail
(Cosmetic Implants and
Dentist office, separate
structures and a parking
lot), existing utilities
available
0.18 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
23 826 W 6th
Street
110101007 Commercial: Barber Shop,
existing utilities available
0.11 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
24 820 W 6th
Street
110101006 Commercial: Residential
home adjacent to empty
plot, existing utilities
available
0.21 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
25 816 W 6th
Street
110101005 Commercial: Retail (Mower
shop building and small
parking lot), existing utilities
available
0.18 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
26 812 W 6th
Street
110101004 Vacant 0.18 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
27 808 W 6th
Street
110101003 Commercial: Building and
parking spot, existing
utilities available
0.15 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
28 802 W 6th
Street
110101001 Commercial: Retail
(Insurance agencies, one
building, small parking lot),
existing utilities available
0.10 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
29 612 S
Vicentia
Avenue
110101002 Commercial: Residential
home, existing utilities
available
0.10 MU1 -- GC GC (AHO)
30 229 Grand
Boulevard
117091022 Commercial: Residential,
existing utilities available
1.10 GC MU1 CS CS (AHO)
31 1341 W 6th
Street
118130013 Vacant 0.92 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
32 1335 W 6th
Street
118130014 Vacant 1.02 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
33 1338 W 6th
Street
110030004 Commercial: Retail (Firearm
shop, two structures and
small parking lot), existing
utilities available
0.24 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
34 1334 W 6th
Street
110030003 Commercial: Large parking
lot, existing utilities
available
0.48 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
35 1330 W 6th
Street
110030008 Commercial: Retail (Bar,
small building), existing
utilities available
0.28 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 36 1865 W 6th
Street
102270015 Commercial: Retail
(Restaurant, large,
underutilized parking lot),
existing utilities available
0.77 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
37 1180 W 6th
Street
110040039 Commercial: Strip mall,
partially unoccupied with
large parking lot, slight
disrepair, existing utilities
available
0.69 GC MU1 C C (AHO)
38 1210 W 6th
Street
110040042 Commercial: Retail (Strip
mall and parking lot),
existing utilities available
1.46 GC MU1 C C (AHO)
39 1201 E 6th
Street
115690013 Commercial: Retail, existing
utilities available
2.96 MU2 -- BP BP (AHO)
40 Circle City
Drive
111290040 Industrial: No built
structures, industrial storage
(i.e., trucks)
0.44 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
41 Circle City
Drive
111290039 Industrial: No built
structures, industrial storage
(i.e., trucks)
1.71 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
42 Circle City
Drive
111290021 Vacant 1.08 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
43 Circle City
Drive
111290022 Vacant 0.77 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
44 Circle City
Drive
111290023 Vacant 0.47 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
45 E 6th
Street
115090024 Industrial: No built
structures, industrial storage
(i.e., trucks)
2.66 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
46 E 6th
Street
115090021 Industrial: No built
structures, industrial storage
(i.e., trucks)
1.17 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
47 E 5th
Street
117331006 Industrial: one structure and
large parking spaces
0.74 MU2 -- BP BP (AHO)
48 Pleasant
View
Avenue
118130031 Vacant 0.49 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
49 W 6th
Street
110030030 Vacant 0.43 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
50 Yorba
Street
102290010 Industrial: Parking lot space
adjacent to used car
dealership
0.17 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
51 W 6th
Street
110040041 Commercial: Retail (parking
lot adjacent to strip mall)
1.16 GC MU1 C C (AHO)
52 6th Street 110020008 Vacant 0.61 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
53 E 6th
Street
117332015 Vacant 0.27 MU2 -- GC GC (AHO)
54 E 6th
Street
117332016 Vacant 0.33 MU2 -- GC GC (AHO)
55 E Blaine
Street
119311019 Vacant 0.27 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
56 E Blaine
Street
119311018 Vacant 0.17 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 57 E Blaine
Street
119311017 Vacant 0.07 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
58 E Blaine
Street
119311016 Vacant 0.07 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
59 E Blaine
Street
119311043 Vacant 0.10 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
60 E Blaine
Street
119311042 Vacant 0.10 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
61 E Blaine
Street
119311041 Vacant 0.10 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
62 100 E
Harrison
Street
119311025 Commercial: Retail
(Bar/Pub), existing utilities
available
1.09 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
63 E Blaine
Street
119311015 Commercial: Industrial
(Warehouse/Office), existing
utilities available
0.07 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
64 E Blaine
Street
119311014 Commercial: Industrial
(Warehouse/Office), existing
utilities available
0.07 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
65 E Blaine
Street
119311013 Commercial:
Industrial/Vacant, existing
utilities available
0.04 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
66 320 E
Harrison
Street
119311005 Commercial: Retail (Auto
Shop), existing utilities
available
0.53 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
67 280 E
Harrison
Street
119311004 Commercial: Industrial
(Warehouse/Office)
0.35 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
68 240 E
Harrison
Street
119311003 Commercial: Industrial
(Warehouse/Office), existing
utilities available
0.27 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
69 122 E
Harrison
Street
119311002 Commercial: Industrial
(Warehouse/Office), existing
utilities available
0.97 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
70 E Blaine
Street
119311040 Commercial 0.20 MU1 -- MU MU (AHO)
71 S Smith
Avenue
110020012 RV Storage: parking spots
adjacent to structure
0.50 HDR UDR R3 R3 (AHO)
72 1362 W 6th
Street
110030015 RV Storage with large
parking lot
3.60 HDR UDR R3 R3 (AHO)
73 1553 Yorba
Street
118050020 Storage 0.64 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
74 1549 Yorba
Street
118050019 Commercial: Retail (Painting
and Wall covering), large
back lot, near residential
uses, existing utilities
available
0.43 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
75 1545 Yorba
Street
118050018 Commercial: Retail (Auto
Repair Shop), existing
utilities available
0.65 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
76 1539 Yorba
Street
118050017 Commercial: Retail (Used
Auto Sale), existing utilities
available
0.95 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 77 1535 W 6th
Street
118050016 Commercial: Retail (Alex
Furniture, building with
parking lot), existing utilities
available
0.99 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
78 W 6th
Street
102290020 Commercial: Retail (Truck
and Van Repair, building
with large parking lot),
existing utilities available
4.56 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
79 1625 W. 6th
Street
102290017 Commercial: Retail (Used
Car Dealership, large
parking lot), existing utilities
available
1.62 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
80 1541 W 6th
Street
103280001 Commercial: Retail (Auto
Repair Shop building, large
parking lot), existing utilities
available
0.99 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
81 1210 E 6th
Street
115080002 Parking lot 0.38 MU2 -- BP BP (AHO)
82 1210 E 6th
Street
115080041 Parking lot 0.62 MU2 -- BP BP (AHO)
83 1210 E 6th
Street
115080012 Commercial: Retail (Auto
Shop), existing utilities
available
1.82 MU2 -- BP BP (AHO)
84 W. 8th
Street
110040054 Vacant 0.46 HDR UDR MP R3 (AHO)
85 W 8th
Street
110061005 Vacant 0.88 HDR UDR R3 R3 (AHO)
86 W 8th
Street
110040010 Vacant 0.20 HDR UDR MP R3 (AHO)
87 1203 Circle
City Drive
111280005 Vacant 1.05 HDR UDR R3 R3 (AHO)
88 1154 E 6th
Street
111280001 Vacant 2.13 MU2 -- GC GC (AHO)
89 6th Street 111280004 Vacant 0.90 MU2 -- GC GC (AHO)
90 n/a 111290036 Commercial: Industrial
(large Warehouse/Office
and parking lot), existing
utilities available
2.31 MU2 -- M1 M1 (AHO)
91 S Sherman
Avenue
118101014 Vacant 1.51 HDR UDR R3 R3 (AHO)
92 1910
Frontage
Road
102250054 Three story hotel, surface
parking
1.27 GC MU1 C2 C2 (AHO)
93 E 3rd Street 117122003 Vacant, City water well 0.54 MU1 -- TC TC (AHO) 94 1434 W 6th
Street
110020005 Two commercial buildings 0.94 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO) 95 Pleasant
View
Avenue
118130022 Vacant 1.42 LDR MU1 R1-7.2 R3 (AHO)
96 400 E
Rincon
Street
119280070 Office building (potential
residential development)
3.00 LI MU1 BP BP (AHO)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 97 400 E
Rincon
Street
119280071 Vacant building pad and
parking lots
3.00 LI MU1 BP BP (AHO)
98 1833 W 6th
Street
102270014 Commercial building and
parking lot
0.82 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
99 1833 W 6th
Street
102270013 Parking lot 0.22 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
100 526 Railroad
Street
117041001 Small buildings, mostly
outside storage
2.45 LI MU2 M1 M1 (AHO)
I Source: City of Corona Planning Division (2022)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx Table 2 Proposed Rezone Sites
ID
No.
Site
Address or
Street
Assessor’s
Parcel
Number
(APN)
Existing On-Site
Use(s) Acres
General Plan
Land Use
Designation
Proposed
General
Plan
Current
Zoning
Proposed
Zoning
1 2550 S Main
Street
113310005 Industrial: Church
complex, very large
parking lot, and
industrial land
4.00 MDR -- A R2
2 777 S
Temescal
Street
107050034 Vacant 1.80 GC HDR C2 MP
3 820 S
Victoria
Avenue
117232002 Residential: Occupied,
existing utilities
available
0.17 LDR MDR SF MFR
4 822 S
Victoria
Avenue
117232001 Residential: Home
adjacent to large empty
grass area, occupied,
existing utilities
available
0.18 LDR MDR SF MFR
5 801 S
Victoria
Avenue
117233008 Residential: Occupied,
existing utilities
available
0.17 LDR MDR SF MFR
6 724 Barth
Street
111042031 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.50 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
7 730 Barth
Street
111042024 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.50 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
8 802 Barth
Street
111042025 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.51 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
9 808 Barth
Street
111042026 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.50 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
10 814 Barth
Street
111042027 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.52 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
11 813 Ford
Street
111042013 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.51 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
12 807 Ford
Street
111042014 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.50 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
13 801 Ford
Street
111042015 Residential: Home,
occupied, back lot house
with large yard, existing
utilities available
0.51 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
14 779 Ford
Street
111042016 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.50 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 15 716 Barth
Street
111042021 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.32 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
16 801 Quarry
Street
117281007 Residential: Occupied,
large front and back lot,
existing utilities
available
0.25 LDR MDR SF R2
17 805 Quarry
Street
117281008 Residential: Occupied,
existing utilities
available
0.24 LDR MDR SF R2
18 901 Quarry
Street
117281010 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.23 LDR MDR SF R2
19 907 Quarry
Street
117281012 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.21 LDR MDR SF R2
20 911 Quarry
Street
117281013 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.22 LDR MDR SF R2
21 915 Quarry
Street
117281014 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.23 LDR MDR SF R2
22 919 Quarry
Street
117281015 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.22 LDR MDR SF R2
23 923 Quarry
Street
117281016 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.22 LDR MDR SF R2
24 1001 Quarry
Street
117282005 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.84 LDR MDR SF R2
25 1019 Quarry
Street
117290019 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.20 LDR MDR SF R2
26 1023 Quarry
Street
117290020 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.20 LDR MDR SF R2
27 1025 Quarry
Street
117290021 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.20 LDR MDR SF R2
28 S Merrill
Street
117133004 Recreational 0.51 LDR MDR SF MFR
29 Ford Street 111042019 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.29 LDR MDR R1-7.2 R2
30 Quarry
Street
117281009 Vacant 0.24 LDR MDR SF R2
31 Quarry
Street
117281011 Vacant 0.23 LDR MDR SF R2
32 6th Street 118283033 Parking lot 0.42 MDR HDR MF1 MF 33 6th Street 115080001 Vacant 0.27 MU 2 -- BP BP(AHO)
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 34 44 E Grand
Boulevard
117080003 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.18 GC HDR GB MF
35 116 N
Victoria
Avenue
117080004 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.17 GC HDR GB MF
36 110 N
Victoria
Avenue
117080005 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.18 GC HDR GB MF
37 108 N
Victoria
Avenue
117080018 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.17 GC HDR GB MF
38 115 N
Victoria
Avenue
117080009 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.21 GC HDR GB MF
39 111 N
Victoria
Avenue
117080022 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.16 GC HDR GB MF
40 101 S
Sheridan
Street
117070004 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.24 GC HDR GB MF
41 103 N
Sheridan
Street
117070003 Vacant 0.17 GC HDR GB MF
42 114 N Belle
Avenue
117070006 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.17 GC HDR GB MF
43 110 N Belle
Avenue
117070007 Residential: Occupied
home, potentially vacant
plot separate from
fenced-in backyard,
existing utilities
available
0.17 GC HDR GB MF
44 49 W Grand
Boulevard
117070013 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.21 GC HDR GB MF
45 45 W Grand
Boulevard
117070014 Residential: Home,
occupied, existing
utilities available
0.14 GC HDR GB MF
46 E 8th
Street
117232006 Vacant 0.16 LDR HDR SF MF
47 E 8th
Street
117232005 Vacant 0.18 LDR HDR SF MF
48 312 S Merrill
Street
117092007 Commercial: Youth
Organization (YMCA
Youth Center at Merrill,
single building with
outdoor recreation area)
0.52 LDR HDR SF MF
49 1220 W
Ontario
Avenue
113020015 Institutional: Church
building with large
parking lot, adjacent to
field
2.00 LDR HDR R1-9.6 R3
Design with community in mind
August 11, 2022
Christine Abraham
Reference: Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project – Supplemental EIR VMT Evaluation lc u:\2042636700\traffic_trans\reports\mem_gp_supplemental_housing_vmt-draft_20220812.docx 50 551 S Joy
Street
117165020 Commercial bldg. with
parking lot, existing
utilities available
0.52 MU1 -- RO MF
51 1410 E 6th
Street
107020002 Mobile home park 3.82 MU2 HDR BP HDR
52 1108 E 5th
Street
117332005 Mobile home park 0.5 MU2 MU1 GC MF
53 6th Street 117332006 Mobile home park 0.5 MU2 MU1 GC MF 54 1111 E 6th
Street
117332004 Mobile home park 0.67 MU2 MU1 GC MF
55 5th Street 117332003 Mobile home park 0.32 MU2 MU1 GC MF 56 6th Street 117332007 Mobile home park 0.17 MU2 MU1 GC MF 57 6th Street 117332008 Commercial:
Unoccupied building,
existing utilities
available
0.17 MU2 MU1 GC MF
I Source: City of Corona Planning Division (2022)
Design with community in mind
Transit Priority Areas
Corona Affordable Housing Overlay Sites and Rezone Parcels in Relation to Transit Priority Areas Figure 1
14 u:\2042636700\drawing\exhibit_files\corona_housing_update-fig_1-tpa.dwg
CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE PROJECT
SUPPLEMENTAL EIR VMT EVALUATION
II
N 1: 1.2so
C) O~Oft
0 0
City Limits
E2222l Affordable Housing Overlay Sites
C=:J Rezone Parcels
Existing Zoning
Commercial
Commercial/Office
Flood Control
- High Density Residential
Low Density Residential
Light Industrial
Mixed Use
Quasi Public
Agriculture
APPENDIX C
Tribal Correspondence
June 7, 2022
RE: AB 52 AND SB18 CONSULTATION REQUEST ON THE PREPARATION OF A SUPPLEMENTAL EIR TO THE CITY OF CORONA’S GENERAL PLAN EIR FOR AN
AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN AND CERTAIN SPECIFIC PLANS FOR THE CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM FOR PLANNING PERIOD 2021-2029.
This is an invitation for your participation to consult on the City’s preparation of a Supplemental EIR to the Corona General Plan EIR and on the amendment to the General Plan and certain specific plans for the City’s General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program for Planning Period 2021-2029.
Public Resources Code § 21080.3.1 allows California Native American tribes to request consultation with the city on the preparation of the Supplemental EIR to the General Plan EIR if written notice is provided to the city within 30 days of receipt of this notice.
Government Code § 65352.3(a)(2) allows California Native American tribes 90 days from the date of receipt of this notice to request consultation with the City regarding the amendment to the General Plan and certain specific plans for the Housing Element Update Rezoning Program.
Corona’s Housing Element Update was adopted on November 3, 2021. Pursuant to Program 7 of the General Plan Housing Element, the city is required to rezone certain properties to a higher density to plan for low and moderate-income housing units based on the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The rezoning program entails an amendment to the City’s General Plan and to certain specific plans to allow higher density residential on certain properties and to amend the Mixed-Use land use designations in the General Plan to allow 100% residential uses on sites that have an Affordable Housing Overlay Zone. Although certain sites have been identified by the city to be rezoned, the amendment does not involve the review of specific housing projects. The amendment to the General Plan and certain specific plans is a planning application to allow higher density residential should a project be proposed in the future.
It is worth noting that the city recently adopted a comprehensive update to its General Plan in 2020 for which an EIR was certified. A Supplemental EIR to the General Plan EIR is being prepared for the Housing Element Rezoning Program. The General Plan EIR covered potential impacts to tribal cultural resources and included applicable mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts. The General Plan Historic Resources Element includes policies regarding archeological resources and the preservation of those resources. For reference purposes, the previous mitigation is attached to this letter to further assist the tribe in deciding if additional consultation regarding the amendment to the General Plan and certain specific plans is necessary.
Should you have any questions regarding this Project or would like to consult with the City, please contact me at (951) 736-2267 or via email at [email protected]. 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, California 92882
Phone: (951) 736-2262
www.coronaca.gov
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
“Promoting and Sustaining Quality Development”
Sincerely,
Joanne Coletta
Joanne Coletta
Planning & Development Director
Table 1 Miti ation Monitorin Re uirements
Mi · ation Measure
TRANSPORTATION
T-1 The City shall oonsider the followw,g implementation programs to reduce city>Mde VMT:
• VMT exchange program. VMT generators c.an select from a pre-approved list of mitigation projects that may be located within the same jurisdiction or possibly from a larger area. The intent is lo match the project's needed VMT redl.dion with a specific mitigation project of matchl'lg size and to provide evide nee that the VMT reduction wil reasonably occur.
VMT Mitigation Bank. A mitigation bank is intended to serve as anI entity or organization that pools fees from development projects across multiple jurisdictions to spend on larger scale rmigation projecls. Th~ concept differs from the more
cooventional inpacl: fee program approach desaibed above in that the fees are directed to a few larger projects that have the potential for a ma-e signific.ant reduction in VMT and the program is regional in nature.
TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
TCR-1 Tribal Cultural Resources Monitoring. The project archaeologist, in consultation with interested tribes, 1he developer and the City of Corona, shall develop an Archae<>ogical Monrtoring Plan {AMP) to address the detals, timing and responsibilrfy of archaeological and cutttral activities that will occur on the pr~ecl: site. Details in the AMP shall include· 1 Project-related ground dishrbance (including, but not limited to, brush deamg, grading, lrenclling, etc.) and development scheduling;
2 The development of a rotatng or simultaneous schedule in coordination \\1th the developer and the project arclle<>ogist for designated Native American Tribal Monitors from 1he consUting tribes during gracing, excavation and ground
disturbing activities on the site: including the scheduling, safetv remi rements duties soooe of work and Native
Mauh2020
CORONA G ENERAL PLA N TECHNICAL UPDA TE MITIG ATION MONITORING ANO REPORTING PROGRAM
CITY O F COR ONIA
Responsibility for
Im lementation
City of Corona Public
Works Department
. AMP:Qualified
Archaeologist in
coordination with the
Project Applicant and
the City of Corona
Planning Division
. Tribal Monitoring:
Construction Con~aclor
in coordination with
Native American T rib.al
Monitor
Timi
Or,-going
. AMP: Prior to Issuance of
a Gracing Perrrit
. Tribal Monrtoring: 30-<lays
Prior to Issuance of a
Grading Pennit and Dll'ing
Ground Disturbing
Activities
2. Mitigation Monitoring Requirements
Responsibility for
Monitori
City of Corona Public
Works Department
City of Corona Community
Development Department
Monitor
(Signature Required)
Date of Com liance
Pag, 2 1
CORONA G ENERAL PLAN TECHNICAL UPDATE MITIGATION MONITOR ING ANO REP ORTI NG PROGRAM
CI TY O F CORONA
2. Mitigation Monitoring Requirements
T ab I e 1 Mit1' gation M onitoring R equirements
Responsibility for
Mitioation Measure lmolementation
American Tribal Monitors' au1hority to stop and redirect grading activities in coordination with all project
archaeologists (if ihe tribes cannot come to an agreement on the rotating or simUtaneous schedule of tribal monitoring, the Native American Heritage Commission shall designate the schedule for ihe onsite Native American Tribal Monitor for the proposed pr~ect);
3. The protocols and stipulatioos that the developer, City, T nbes and ?'Oieci archaeologist will follow in the event of inadvertent cultural resources discoveries, including any newly
discovered cultural resource deposits that shall be subject to a cultural resources evaluation
Al least 30-<lays prio< lo applicalioo fo, a gradr,g permit and before any brush clearance, grading, excavatioo and/or ground disturbing activities on the site take place, the M ure developer shall retain a tribal cultural monitC¥' to mon~C¥' all grOll'lddisturbing activities in an effort to identify any unknCJNn archaeological resources_
Pursuant to the AMP, a tribal moritor from the consulting tribe (e.g., Pechanga Band of luiseiio Indians, Soboba Band of l uiserio Indians, or Gabrielerio Band of Mission lndians- Kizh Natioo) shall be present during the initial grading activities. If tribal resources are found during grubbing activities, the tribal mooncring shall l:e present during site grading activnies.
Timina
TCR-2 Treatment and Disposition of Cultural Resources. In the event Qualified Archaeologist in 011ing Ground Disturbing that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently coordinatioo with ihe Activities discovered during the ccx.rse of any groood disturbing activities, Project Applicant and the including but not limited to brush clearance, grading, trendiing, etc. grading for the proposed J'Oiecl, the following procedtxes will applicable Native American
Tribe
be carried out for treatment and disposition of the discoveries:
Pa!,f28
Monitor
Responsibility for {Signature Required)
Monitorina £Date of Comoliance)
City of Gaona Coomunity
Developmenl Oeparlmenl
Plau Work.r
T ba l e 1 M1
T 1ga r 10n M om ·1 ormg R equ1rernen s
Mitioation Measure
1. Temporary Ct.ration and Storage: D..lring the coorse of coostruction, aa discovered rescxrces shall be temporarily ctJ'ated in a secure location onsite or at the offices of the project archaeologisl The removal of any artifacts from the project site will need to be thorooghly inventoried with tribal monitor oversite of the process; and
2. Treatment and Final Disposition: The landowner(s) shall relinquish ownership of all cultu'al resources, inducing sacred items, burial goods, and aJI archaeological artifacts and nonAuman remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to cultural resources. The applicant shall relinquish the artifacts tt-rough one or more of the following methods and provide the Qty of Corona with evidence of same·
a. Accommodate the process for onsile reburial of the
discovered items w,11, the consulting Native American
tribes °' bands. This shall include measures and
provisions to protect the future reburial area from any future impacts. Reblrial shall not occur unti all
cataloguing..._ basic analysis, and other analyses as
recorrmended by fue project archaeologist and approved
by consutti,g tribes and basic recadation have been
completed; all doo.mentatoo shoold be at a level of
slalldard professiooal praciice lo allow the writing of a report of professional quality:
b. A curation agreement w,11, an appropriate qualified
repository 'Mthil San Bernardino County that meets
federal standards per 36 CFR Part 79 and theref0<e
would be professionally rurated and made available lo
other archaeologists/researchers ior hsther stud'j. The collections and associia1ed records shall be transferred, including title, 1o an appropriate curation facility within San Bernardino Coumy, to be a~nied by payment
of the fees necessary for pennanent curation;
C. For purposes of conflict resolution, if more than one Native American tribe or band is involved with the nrnieci:
March2020
CORONA GENERAL PLAN TE CHNICAL UPDATE MITI GATION MONITORI NG ANO REP ORTI NG PROGRAM
CITY OF CORONA
2. Mitigation Monitoring Requirements
Monitor
Responsibility for Responsibility for (Signature Required) Im lementation Timina Monitorioo IOate of Comoliance)
Pag'29
Table 1 Mitiaation Monitorina Reauirements
Mitioation Measure
1 Tempcr~CLratioo and Storage: During the course of
cmstruction, an discovered reSOll"Ces shall be tempaarily Cll'ated in a secure location onsite or a1 the offices of the project archaeologist The removal of any artifacts from the ~oject site •ill need to be thoroug~y inventcried with lribal monitor oversite of the process; and
2. Treatment and Final Disposition: The landowner(s) shalt relinquish cmnership of all cultu'al resources, includng saaed items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and nonhuman remains as part of the requred rTitigaOOrl for impacts to cultural resources. Tlhe applicant shall relinquish the artifacts ttrough one or more of the following methods and provide the City of Corona v.i1h evidence of same:
a. Accommodate the process for onsite reburial of the
discovered items with the oonsulting Native American
tribes or bands. Ttws shall ..dude measures Mid
pr<Msions to protect the future reburial area from arr; futll'e impacts. Reblrial shall not occur unti all
cataloguing,_ basic analysis, and other analyses as
recoomended by the project archaeologist and approved
by coosultilg bi bes and basic reccrdation have been
completed; all docunentation should be at a level of
standard professional p,a-to ak:Mf lhe writing of a
report of ~fess.ional <JJality;
b. A curation ag-eernent with an appropriate qualified
repository withrl San Bernardino County that meets
federal standcr'ds per 36 CFR Part 79 and therefore
would be professionally curated and made available to other archaeologists/researchers for firller study. The colleclions and associated records shall be transferred, including title, lo an appropriate curaoon facility lNithin San Bernardino County, to be accompanied by payment
of the fees necessary for permanent curatx>n;
C. For purposes of confltci: resolution, if more than one Native American tribe or band is involved with the p(tject Marth2020
CORONA GENERAL PLAN TE CHNICAL UPDA TE MITIGATION MON ITORING ANO REPORTI NG PROGRAM
CITY OF CORONA
2. Mitigation Monitoring Requirements
Monitor
Responsibility for Responsibility for (Signature Required) lmolementation Timina Monitorin.o /Date of Com liance l Pa,gt29
r;;_P..ICAf\J ,y'8
~ ~...>,.
..s
{:::
([
z . h
c.i '
1-
bj~
CHAIRPERSON
Loura Miranda
Luiseno
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Reginald Pagoling
Chumash
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Russell Attebery
Karuk
SECRETARY
Sora Dutschke
Miwok
COMMISSIONER
William Mungory
Paiute/White Mountain
Apache
COMMISSIONER
Isaac Bojorquez
Ohlone-Costanoan
COMMISSIONER
Buffy McQuillen
Yokayo Pomo, Yuki,
Nomlaki
COMMISSIONER
Wayne Nelson
Luisefio
COMMISSIONER
Stanley Rodriguez
Kumeyaay
EXECUTIVE SECRET ARY
Raymond C.
Hitchcock
Miwok/Nisenan
NAHC HEADQUARTERS
1550 Harbor Boulevard
Suite 100
West Socramenfo.
California 95691
(916) 373-3710
nohc,:§:nohc .co.gov
NAH<. r.n nnv
STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom Governor
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
July 1, 2022
Joanne Coletta
City of Corona
400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
RECEIVED
[ JUL 1 4 1012 l
('()\ l\\L:\ITY DE\'FLOP:--\E~T DFl'T
Re: 2022060732, General Plan ,Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project, Riverside County
Dear Ms. Coletta:
The Native American .Heritage Commission (NAHC) has received the Notice of Preparation (NOP), Draft Environ,me'ntal Impact Report (DEIR) or Early Consultation for the project referenqid above. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Resources Code § 21000 et seq.), specifically Pvblic Resources Code § 21084. 1, states that a project that may cause a substantial adver~e change in the significance of a historical resource, is a project that may have a significant effect on.the environment. (Pub. Resources Code§ 21084.1; Cal. Code Regs., tit.14, § 15064.5 (b) (CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5 (b)). If there is substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before a iead agency, that a project may hove a significant effect on the environmerit, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) shall be prepared. (Pub. Resources Code §21080 (d); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 5064 subd.(o)(l) (CEQA Guidelines§ 15064 (o)(l)).
In order to determine whether a project will cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, a lead agency will need to determine whether there are historical resources within the area of potential effect (APE).
CEQA was amended significantly in 2014. Assembly Bill 52 (Gatto, Chapter 532, Statutes of 2014) (AB 52) amended CEQA to create a separate category of cultural resources, "tribal cultural resources" (Pub. Resources Code §21074) and provides that a project with on effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. (Pub. Resources Code §21084.2) . Public agencies shall', when feasible, avoid damaging effects to any tribal cultural resource. (Pub. Resources Code §21084.3 (a)). AB 52 applies to any project for which a notice of preparation, a notice of negative declaration, or a mitigated negative declaration is filed on or after July 1, 2015. If your project involves the adoption of or amendment to a general plan or a specific plan, or the designation or proposed designation of open space, on or after March 1, 2005, it may also be subject to Senate Bill 18 (Burton, Chapter 905, Statutes of 2004) (SB 18).
Both SB 18 and AB 52 have tribal consultation requirements. If your project is also subject to the federal National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.) (NEPA), the tribal consultation requirements of Section 106 of the National Histpric PreseNotion Act of 1966 ( 154 U.S.C. 300101, 36 C.F.R. §800 et seq.) may also apply.
The NAHC recommends consultation with California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of your proposed project as early as possible in order to avoid inadvertent discoveries of Native American human remains and best protect tribal cultural resources. Below is a brief summary of portions of AB 52 and SB 18 as well as the NAHC's recommendations for conducting cultural resources assessments.
Consult your legal counsel about compliance with AB 52 and SB 18 as well as compliance with any other applicable laws.
AB 52 has added to CEQA the additional requirements listed below, along with many other requirements:
1. Fourteen Day Period to Provide Notice of Completion of an Application/Decision to Undertake a Project:
Within fourteen ( 14) days of determining that an application for a project is complete or of a decision by a public agency to undertake a project, a lead agency shall provide formal notification to a designated contact of, or tribal representative of, traditionally and culturally affiliated California Native American tribes that have requested notice, to be accomplished by at least one written notice that includes:
a. A brief description of the project.
b. The lead agency contact information.
c. Notification that the California Native American tribe has 30 days to request consultation. {Pub.
Resources Code §21080.3.1 {d)).
d. A "California Native American tribe" is defined as a Native American tribe located in California that is on the contact list maintained by the NAHC for the purposes of Chapter 905 of Statutes of 2004 (SB 18). {Pub. Resources Code §21073).
2. Begin Consultation Within 30 Days of Receiving a Tribe's Request for Consultation and Before Releasing a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Report: A lead agency shall begin the consultation process within 30 days of receiving a request for consultation from a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally. affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project. {Pub. Resources Code §21080.3. 1, subds. {d) and (e)) and prior to the release of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration or Environmental Impact Report. {Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 (b)). a. For purposes of AB 52, "consultation shall have the same meaning as provided in Gov. Code §65352.4 (SB 18). (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 (b)).
3. Mandatory Topics of Consultation If Requested by a Tribe: The following topics of consultation, if a tribe requests to discuss them, are mandatory topics of consultation:
a. Alternatives to the project.
b. Recommended mitigation measures.
'c. Significant effects. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (a)).
4. Discretionary Topics of Consultation: The following topics are discretionary topics of consultation:
a. Type of environmental review necessary.
b. Significance of the tribal cultural resources.
c. Significance of the project's impacts on tribal cultural resources. d. If necessary, project alternatives or appropriate measures for preservation or mitigation that the tribe may recommend to the lead agency. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (a)).
5. Confidentiality of Information Submitted by a Tribe During the Environmental Review Process: With some exceptions, any information, including but not limited to, the location, description, and use of tribal cultural resources submitted by a California Native American tribe during the environmental review process shall not be included in the environmental document or otherwise disclosed by the lead agency or any other public agency to the public, consistent with Government Code §6254 (r) and §6254.10. Any information submitted by a California Native American tribe during the consultation or environmental review process shall be published in a confidential appendix to the environmental document unless the tribe that provided the information consents, in writing, to the disclosure of some or all of the information to the public. ( Pub. Resources Code § 21082.3 ( c) ( 1)).
6. Discussion of Impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources in the Environmental Document: If a project may have a significant impact on a tribal cultural resource, the lead agency's environmental document shall discuss both of the following:
a. Whether the proposed project has a significant impact on an identified tribal cultural resource. b. Whether feasible alternatives or mitigation measures, including those measures that may be agreed to pursuant to Public Resources Code §21082.3, subdivision (a), avoid or substantially lessen the impact on 1he identified tribal cultural resource. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (b)).
7. Conclusion of Consultation: Consultation with a tribe shall be considered concluded when either of the following occurs:
a. The parties agree to measures to mitigate or avoid a significant effect, if a significant effect exists, on a tribal cultural resource; or
b. A party, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (b)).
8. Recommending Mitigation Measures Agreed Upon in Consultation in the Environmental Document: Any mitigation measures agreed upon in the consultation conducted pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.3.2 shall be recommended for inclusion in the environmental document and in an adopted mitigation monitoring and reporting program, if determined to avoid or lessen the impact pursuant to Public Resources Code §21082.3, subdivision (b), paragraph 2, and shall be fully enforceable. [Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (a)).
9. Required Consideration of Feasible Mitigation: :If mitigation measures recommended by the staff of the lead agency as a result of the consultation process are n,ot included in the environmental document or if there are no agreed upon mitigation measures at the conclusion of consultation, or if consultation does not occur, and if substantial evidence demonstrates that a project-will cause a significant effect to a tribal cultural resource, the lead agency shall consider feasibl~ mitigation pursuant to Public Resources Code §21084.3 (b). (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 [e)).
10. Examples of Mitigation Measures That, If Feasible:; May Be Considered to Avoid or Minimize Significant Adverse Impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources:
a. Avoidance and preservation of the resources in place, including, but not limited to:
i. Planning and constructidn to avoid the resources and protect the cultural a nd natural context.
ii. Planning greenspace, parks, or'pther open space, to incorporate the resources with culturally appropriate protection and management criteria.
b. T(eating the resource with culturally bppropriate dignity, taking into account the tribal cultural values and meaning of the resource, including, but not limited to, the following:
i. Protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource. ii. Protecting the traditional use of the resource.
iii. Protecting the confidentiality of the resource.
c. Permanent conservation easements or other interests in real property, with culturally appropriate management criteria for the purposes of preserving or utilizing the resources or places. d. 1 Protecting the resource. (Pub. Resource Code §21084.3 [b)). e. Please note that a federally recognized California Native American tribe or a non-federally recognized California Native Americcin tribe:that is on the contact list maintained by the NAHC to protect a California prehistoric, archaeological, cultural, spiritual, or ceremonia l place may acquire and hold conservation easements if the conservation easement is voluntarily conveyed. (Civ. Code §815.3 (c)). f. Please note that it is the policy of the state that Native American remains and associated grave artifacts shall be repatriated. [Pub. Resources Code §5097.991 ).
11. Prerequisites for Certifying an Environmental Impact Report or Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Negative Declaration with a Significant Impact on an Identified Tribal Cultural Resource: An Environmental Impact Report may not be certified, nor may a mitigated negative declaration or a negative declaration be adopted unless one of the following occurs:
a. The consultation process between the tribes and the lead agency has occurred as provided in Public Resources Code §21080.3. l and §21080.3.2 and concluded pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.3.2.
b. The tribe that requested consultation failed to provide comments to the lead agency or otherwise failed to engage in the consultation process.
c. The lead agency provided notice of the project to the tribe in compliance with Public Resources Code §21080.3. l (d) and the tribe failed to request consultation within 30 days. [Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (d)).
The NAHC's PowerPoint presentation titled, "Tribal Consultation Under AB 52: Requirements and Best Practices" may be found online at: http://nahc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/ 10/AB52Trib aIConsultation CalEPAPDF.pdf
SB 18 applies to local governments and requires local governments to contact, provide notice to, refer plans to, and consult with tribes prior to the adoption or amendment of a general plan or a specific plan, or the designation of open space. (Gov. Code §65352.3). Local governments should consult the Governor's Office of Planning and Research'? "Tribal Consultation Guidelines," which can be found online at:
https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/09 14 05 Updated Guidelines 922.pdf.
Some of SB 18's provisions include:
1. Tribal Consultation: If o local government considers a proposal to adopt or amend a general pion or a specific pion, or to designate open space it is required to contact the appropriate tribes identified by the NAHC by requesting a "Tribal Consultation List." If a tribe, once contacted, requests consultation the local government must consult with the tribe on the plan proposal: A tribe has 90 days from the date of receipt of notification to request consultation unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe. (Gov. Code §65352.3 (a)(2)).
2. No Statutory Time Limit on SB 18 Tribal Consultation. There is no statutory time limit on SB 18 tribal consultation.
3. Confidentiality: Consistent with the guidelines developed and adopted by the Office of Planning and Research pursuant to Gov. Co9e §65040.2, the city or county shall protect the confidentiality of the information concerning the specific identity, location, characfeT, and use of places, features and objects described in Public Resources Code §5097.9 and §5097.993 that are'within the city's or county's jurisdiction. (Gov. Code §65352.3 (b)).
4. Conclusion of SB 18 Tribal Consultation: Consultation should be concluded at the point in which:
a. The parties to the consultation come to a mutual agreement concerning the appropriate measures for preservation or mitigation; or
b. Either the local government or the tribe, acting in good faith and ofter reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached concerning the appropriate measures of preservation or mitigation. (Tribal Consultation Guidelines, Governor's Office of Planning and Research (2005) at p. 18).
Agencies should be aware that neither AB 52 nor SB 18 precludes agencies from initiating tribal consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with their jurisdictions before the timeframes provided in AB 52 and SB 18. For that reason, we urge you to continue to request Native American Tribal Contact Lists and "Sacred Lands File" searches from the NAHC. The request forms can be found online at: http://nohc.ca.gov/resources/forms/.
NAHC Recommendations for Cultural Resources Assessments To adequately assess the existence and significance of tribal cultural resources and plan for avoidance, preservation in place, or barring both, mitigation of project-related impacts to tribal cultural resources, the NAHC recommends the following actions:
1. Contact the appropriate regional California Historical Research Information System (CHRIS) Center (https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=3033 l) for an archaeological records search. The records search will determine:
a. If part or all of the APE has been previously surveyed for cultural resources. b. If any known cultural resources have already been recorded on or adjacent to the APE. c. If the probability is low, moderate, or high that cultural resources are located in the APE. d. If a survey is required to determine whether previously unrecorded cultural resources are present.
2. If an archaeological inventory survey is required, the final stage is the preparation of a professional report detailing the findings and recommendations of the records search and field survey. a. The final report containing site forms, site significance, and mitigation measures should be submitted immediately to the planning department. All information regarding site locations, Native American human remains, and associated funerary objects should be in a separate confidential addendum and not be made available for public disclosure.
b. The final written report should be submitted within 3 months after work has been completed to the appropriate regional CHRIS center.
3. Contact the NAHC for:
a. A Sacred Lands File search. Remember that tribes do not always record their sacred sites in the Sacred Lands File, nor are they required to do so. A Sacred Lands File search is not a substitute for consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the project's APE.
b. A Native American Tribal Consultation List of appropriate tribes for consultation concerning the project site and to assist in planning for avoidance, preservation in place, or, failing both, mitigation measures.
4. Remember that the lack of surface evidence of archaeological resources (including tribal cultural resources) does not preclude their subsurface existence.
a. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plan provisions for the identification and evaluation of inadvertently discovered archaeological resources per Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14. § l5064.5(f) (CEQA Guidelines§ 15064.5(f)). In areas of identified archaeological sensitivity, a certified archaeologist and a culturally affiliated Native American with knowledge of cultural resources should monitor all ground-disturbing activities.
b. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plans provisions for the disposition of recovered cultural items that are not burial associated in consultation with culturally affiliated Native Americans.
c. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plans provisions for the treatment and disposition of inadvertently discovered Native American human remains. Health and Safety Code §7050.5, Public Resources Code §5097.98, and Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15064.5, 1 subdivisions (d) and (e) (CEQA Guidelines§ 15064.5, subds. (d) and (e)) address the processes to be followed in the event of an inadvertent discovery of any Native American human remains and associated grave goods in a location other than a dedicated cemetery.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at my email address:
And [email protected].
Sincerely,
Andrew Green
Cultural Resources Analyst
cc: State Clearinghouse
Andrew Salas, Chairman Nadine Salas, Vice-Chairman Dr. Christina Swindall Martinez, secretary Albert Perez, treasurer I Martha Gonzalez Lemos, treasurer II Richard Gradias, Chairman of the council of Elders PO Box 393 Covina, CA 91723 www.gabrielenoindians.org [email protected]
GABRIELENO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS - KIZH NATION
Historically known as The Gabrielino Tribal Council - San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians recognized by the State of California as the aboriginal tribe of the Los Angeles basin July 13, 2022
Project Name: City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Update Rezoning Program Update
Dear Joanne Coletta,
Thank you for your letter dated June 29,2022 regarding the project above. This is to concur that we are in agreement with the General Plan Amendment, Housing Element Update.
However, our Tribal government would like to request consultation if there will be ground disturbance occurring for any and all future projects within this location.
Sincerely,
Andrew Salas, Chairman
Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation
1(844)390-0787
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Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
CULTURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
One Government Center Lane | Valley Center | CA 92082
(760) 749-1092 | Fax: (760) 749-8901 | rincon-nsn.gov
Bo Mazzetti
Chairman
Tishmall Turner
Vice Chair
Laurie E. Gonzalez
Council Member
John Constantino
Council Member
Joseph Linton
Council Member
July 11, 2022
Sent via email: [email protected]
City of Corona
Planning & Development Department
Joanne Coletta
400 S. Vicentia Avenue
Corona, CA 92882
Re: General Plan Amendment and Certain Specific Plan Amendments on the Housing Element Rezoning Project for Planning Period 2021-2029
Dear Ms. Coletta,
This letter is written on behalf of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians (“Rincon Band” or “Tribe”), a federally recognized Indian Tribe and sovereign government. We have received your notification regarding the abovementioned project and we request consultation to assess potential impacts to cultural resources. The identified location is within the Traditional Use Area (TUA) of the Luiseño people and within the Rincon Band’s specific Area of Historic Interest (AHI). As such, the Rincon Band is traditionally and culturally affiliated to the project area.
We do not have any questions at this time. However, we ask to be notified and involved in the entire CEQA environmental review process for the entirety of the project’s duration. Please also include the Tribe on all distribution lists for environmental document reviews, consultations, circulation of public documents, and notices for public hearings and scheduled approvals.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at your convenience at (760) 749 1092 ext. 323 or via electronic mail at [email protected]. Thank you for the opportunity to protect and preserve our cultural assets.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Madrigal
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Cultural Resources Manager
From: Joanne Coletta
To: Cheryl Madrigal
Cc: Deneen Pelton; Abraham, Christine
Subject: RE: Supplemental EIR to General Plan EIR and Housing Element Rezoning Program Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022 1:43:39 PM
Attachments: General Plan Amendment Corona AB52SB18 Resp.pdf Cheryl,
Thank you for your letter.
I am seeking a quick clarification. The letter mentions that you would like to have a consultation with the city but that you do not have any questions at this time. The General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program is being done as a place holder to allow for higher density housing to meet the city’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment. There are no specific projects before the city at this time as the zoning is just being put in place to allow for higher density housing. This process is a citywide planning application.
The Supplemental EIR to the city’s General Plan EIR will continue to implement the cultural mitigation measures and General Plan Goals and Policies already adopted in the General Plan 2020.
If you would like to consult to determine if additional mitigation measures not originally contemplated in the city’s General Plan EIR (dated 2020) should be considered by the city as part of the Supplement EIR, please have your staff contact me on potential dates and times for consultation. The city is currently in the preparation phase of the SEIR so the timing is critical.
Thank you.
Joanne
From: Cheryl Madrigal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2022 6:06 PM
To: Joanne Coletta <[email protected]>
Cc: Deneen Pelton <[email protected]>
Subject: Supplemental EIR to General Plan EIR and Housing Element Rezoning Program You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important [CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Joanne,
Please see attached response letter to above mentioned project. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.
Thank you for the opportunity to protect our cultural assets.
Cheryl
Cheryl Madrigal
Cultural Resources Manager
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Cultural Resources Department
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
1 West Tribal Road | Valley Center, CA 92082
Mailing address: One Government Center Ln. | Valley Center, CA 92082 Office: (760) 749 1092 ext. 323|Cell: 760-648-3000
Fax: 760-749-8901
Email: [email protected]
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the sender of this E-Mail by return E-Mail or by telephone. In accordance with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we advise you that if this email contains any tax advice, such tax advice was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.
From: Cheryl Madrigal
To: Joanne Coletta
Cc: Deneen Pelton; Abraham, Christine
Subject: RE: Supplemental EIR to General Plan EIR and Housing Element Rezoning Program Date: Friday, July 15, 2022 9:59:30 AM
Thank you so much for reaching out to the Tribe.
My apologies for the confusion. The Rincon Band does not request consultation.
Please keep us on the mailing list for the environmental documents throughout the public review period.
Thank you so much,
Cheryl
Cheryl Madrigal
Cultural Resources Manager
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Cultural Resources Department
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
1 West Tribal Road | Valley Center, CA 92082
Mailing address: One Government Center Ln. | Valley Center, CA 92082 Office: (760) 749 1092 ext. 323|Cell: 760-648-3000
Fax: 760-749-8901
Email: [email protected]
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the sender of this E-Mail by return E-Mail or by telephone. In accordance with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we advise you that if this email contains any tax advice, such tax advice was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.