Exhibit 4 - Planning and Housing Commission staff report — Corona City Council, April 17, 2024 (part 1 of 3)

City of Corona
Staff Report
400 S. Vicentia Ave.

Corona, CA 92882
File #: 24-0196

PLANNING AND HOUSING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
DATE: 03/25/2024
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Planning & Development Department
APPLICATION REQUEST:

CZ2023-0007: Change of zone to include an Affordable Housing Overlay zone to the existing zoning on certain properties to meet the City’s mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment required by the General Plan Housing Element for Planning Period 2021-2029 (Applicant: City of Corona)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:

That the Planning and Housing Commission recommend APPROVAL of CZ2023-0007 to the City Council, based on the findings contained in the staff report and the Addendum to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the Corona Housing Element Rezoning Program certified on March 1, 2023.

BACKGROUND
General Plan Housing Element 2021-2029
The City’s 2021-2029 Draft Housing Element Update was adopted by the City Council on November 3, 2021 and the Final Housing Element Update was approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on October 12, 2022.

The City’s total Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) assigned for the Housing Element during Planning Period 2021-2029 is 6,088 units with 2,792 units allocated to low-income housing units and 1,096 units allocated to moderate-income housing units. The remaining 2,200 housing units are allocated to above-moderate income housing units.

According to Program 7 of the Housing Element, the city is required to rezone properties that would accommodate the planning of low and moderate income housing units. The zoning for low income housing units shall be high density residential with a density of at least 30 dwelling units to the acre (du/ac). The City’s Housing Element Update included an inventory of properties (“sites”) that would need to be rezoned to high density residential or an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone to allow for the planning of potential housing units that would be suitable for low- and moderate-income units City of Corona Page 1 of 6 Printed on 3/19/2024
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for the planning of potential housing units that would be suitable for low- and moderate-income units based on the City’s RHNA allocation. The deadline to complete the rezoning associated with the Housing Sites Inventory in the Housing Element is October 12, 2024, for the city’s Housing Element to remain compliant with state law.

Rezoning Program Phase One
The AHO zone was adopted by the City in March 2023 and is regulated by Corona Municipal Code Chapter 17.31. The AHO zone established by-right development standards for affordable housing projects and requires at least 20 percent of the total residential units within a housing development to be set aside for lower income units. The density of the AHO zone is based on the General Plan, which will allow a density range between 36 to 60 du/ac. The AHO zone allows mixed-use development consisting of commercial and residential if 51 percent of the floor area is devoted to residential, and 100 percent residential development, which can include mixed-income housing units consisting of low, moderate and above-moderate income units.

The AHO zone covers properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The overlay zone allows property owners the option to redevelop under the property's existing zoning standards or the AHO zoning standards.

A portion of the rezoning program was completed in March 2023 and changed the zoning on 126 sites in the City, which increased the residential density on the sites to support the planning of low and moderate income housing units. During the initial review process for the rezoning program, 32 housing sites originally identified to be rezoned on the housing sites inventory in the Housing Element were removed, creating a shortfall of housing sites for at least 632 low income housing units.

Rezoning Program Phase Two
The second phase of the rezoning program proposes to rezone 24 sites to make up for the shortfall of the low income housing sites that were removed from the Housing Element during the first phase of the rezoning program. This is being accomplished by CZ2023-0007, which covers four parcels, and Specific Plan Amendment 2023-0008 (SPA2023-0008), which covers 20 parcels. The 24 sites will accommodate at least 463 low income units and 13 moderate income units using a realistic capacity. The Housing Element Sites Inventory initially had a buffer of 210 units for lower and moderate incomes to accommodate a shortfall in housing units should a housing site not be developed for lower income units. To make up for the shortfall of housing units due to the previously identified sites being removed, surplus units were used to fix the shortfall of housing units for low income in addition to the sites being added by CZ2023-0007 and SPA2023-0008. Eight sites originally included in the first phase located on East Grand and Victoria Avenue were removed during the public hearing process but are being included again in this second phase at the request of certain residents. These sites are part of SPA2023-0008.

SB 6 and AB 2011
Senate Bill 6 (SB 6) and Assembly Bill 2011 (AB 2011) became effective on July 1, 2023, and allow high density residential on properties that are zoned for office, retail or parking as a principally permitted use. The city processed an amendment to the Zoning Code and several specific plans in May 2023 to accommodate the requirements of the state laws. SB 6 allows high density housing City of Corona Page 2 of 6 Printed on 3/19/2024
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May 2023 to accommodate the requirements of the state laws. SB 6 allows high density housing that consists of 100% residential or a mixed-use project if at least 50% of the square footage is dedicated to residential on commercially zoned properties. The city also required a housing development proposed by SB 6 to adhere to the city’s AHO zone, which requires at least 20% of the total housing units to be low income units since no affordable housing was required by the law. AB 2011 requires affordable housing units, which can consist of 100% residential and a mixed-use project with at least two-thirds of the square footage designated for residential. The city’s AHO zone has requirements similar to SB 6 and AB 2011 for developing high density residential in commercial zones.

PROPOSED CHANGE OF ZONE
CZ2023-0007 will add an AHO zone to existing commercial properties. The AHO zone will be in addition to the current zoning on the property. The existing commercial uses and commercial zoning would still apply to the properties. However, the AHO zone would allow the option of the property to be redeveloped with high density residential or mixed-use that includes commercial and residential.

The AHO zone requires 20% of the total number of housing units within a development to be set aside for low income units.

The following identifies the properties that are being zoned to include an AHO zone. The parcels are also shown in Exhibits 1 and 2.

Site
Address
Assessor
Parcel #
Existing UsesAcres Existing
Zoning
Proposed
Zoning
Surrounding
Land Uses
410 River
Rd.
119-250-
017
Commercial
buildings
and parking
lot

2.66 C2
(Restricted
Commercial)
C2 (AHO) Flood Control
Channel,
detached
single family,
apartments,
industrial
offices.
1540, and
1510-1550
W. 6th St.
103-280-
017, 103-
280-020
Commercial
buildings
and parking
lot

4.87 C3 (General
Commercial)
C3 (AHO) Commercial
and
apartments
680 Smith
St.
103-280-
007
Commercial
buildings
and parking
lot

0.81 C3 (General
Commercial)
C3 (AHO) Commercial
and
apartments
As previously approved in phase one of the rezoning program in March 2023, other commercial properties were rezoned to include an AHO zone in addition to the current zoning on the properties.

These other sites can be found on the city’s website at www.CoronaCA.gov/GPUpdate <http://www.CoronaCA.gov/GPUpdate>.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The City prepared an Addendum to the Supplement Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Corona Housing Element Rezoning Program, certified on March 1, 2023. Per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an addendum to a previously-certified EIR can be prepared if some changes or additions are necessary to the prior EIR, but none of the conditions calling for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR have occurred (CEQA Guidelines §§15162, 15163, 15164). The City has determined that none of the conditions listed in §§15162, 15163, 15164 apply and that an Addendum to the Supplemental EIR (SCH No. 2022060732) for the Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update, certified by the City Council on March 1, 2023, and related entitlements, fully complies with CEQA, as described in the CEQA Guidelines. This Addendum is prepared in conformance with CEQA (California PRC Section 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14, Section 15000, et seq.).

FISCAL IMPACT
This is a city initiated application and no application fees are associated with the processing of CZ2023-0007.

PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS
A 20-day public notice was mailed to all property owners within a 500-foot radius of the project site, as well as advertised in the Sentinel Weekly News. As of the preparation of this report, staff received phone calls regarding the nature of the application and if any projects were being proposed with the request.

STAFF ANALYSIS
The AHO zone is intended to facilitate and provide incentive for the development of high density residential for low income housing units that enable the city to meet its housing goals and ensure that affordable housing developments will be compatible with surrounding land uses. It is common for high density housing to be located in commercial zones and in some cases be included in a mixed use development that consists of commercial uses.

CZ2023-0007 is also consistent with Program 7 in the city’s Housing Element, which requires the city to rezone properties to allow for high density development that would support the development of low income housing units.

The city notified the property owners affected by the change of zone describing the purpose of the AHO zone and reiterated the existing commercial zoning on the property would remain and not affect existing uses. No objections from the property owners were received.

FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF CZ2023-0007

1. The City prepared an Addendum to the Supplement Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Corona Housing Element Rezoning Program, certified on March 1, 2023. Per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an addendum to a previously-certified EIR can be prepared if some changes or additions are necessary to the prior EIR, but none of the conditions calling for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR have occurred (CEQA Guidelines §§15162, 15163, 15164). The City has determined that none of the conditions listed in City of Corona Page 4 of 6 Printed on 3/19/2024
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§§15162, 15163, 15164). The City has determined that none of the conditions listed in §§15162, 15163, 15164 apply and that an Addendum to the Supplemental EIR (SCH No. 2022060732) for the Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update, certified by the City Council on March 1, 2023, and related entitlements, fully complies with CEQA, as described in the CEQA Guidelines. This Addendum is prepared in conformance with CEQA (California PRC Section 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14, Section 15000, et seq.).

2. The proposed change of zone is in conformity with the General Plan map and text for the following reasons:
a. General Plan Amendment application GPA2023-0005 is being processed in conjunction with CZ2023-0007 to allow residential associated with the AHO zone as a land use in the General Commercial designation of the General Plan.
b. CZ2023-0007 is consistent with Goal H-1 because it establishes zoning on certain properties that help promote a balance of housing types for corresponding affordability levels that assist in meeting the demand for housing within all economic segments of the City.
c. CZ2023-0007 is consistent with Policy H-1.3 because it provides sites for residential development, including sites for affordable housing so that the scarcity of land does not unduly increase the cost or decrease the availability of housing for all economic segments of the community.

3. The subject properties are suitable for the uses permitted by zoning being established by CZ2023-0007 in terms of access, size of parcel, relationship to similar or related uses, for the following reason:
a. The subject properties are mostly infill properties located in developed areas that are supported by existing infrastructure, such as utilities, and improved city streets that can support new development or the redevelopment of existing properties.

4. The proposed change of zone is necessary and proper at this time, and is not likely to be detrimental to the adjacent property or residents for the following reason:
a. Housing Program 7 of the General Plan Housing Element requires the City to rezone properties to meet its state mandated regional housing need for low- and moderateincome housing units, which is required to be implemented during the Housing Element’s eight-year planning cycle (Year 2021-2029).
b. The properties being rezoned to high-density residential are mostly located within the city’s commercial areas that are capable of supporting high density, multifamily residential in conjunction with commercial land uses.

5. The proposed change of zone is in the interest of the public health, safety, necessity, City of Corona Page 5 of 6 Printed on 3/19/2024
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5. The proposed change of zone is in the interest of the public health, safety, necessity, convenience and general welfare and in accordance with good zoning practice for the following reason:
a. The subject properties are mostly infill properties located in developed areas that are supported by existing infrastructure, such as utilities, and improved city streets, and in proximity to land uses, such as commercial services, and public transportation that are compatible with high density residential.

SUBMITTED BY: JOANNE COLETTA, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

EXHIBITS

1. Property on River Road.

2. Properties on W. Sixth Street and Smith Street.

3. Environmental Documentation.

Case Planner: Joanne Coletta, Planning & Development Director (951) 736-2262 City of Corona Page 6 of 6 Printed on 3/19/2024
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Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 1 CITY OF CORONA

INITIAL STUDY / ADDENDUM TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL EIR FOR THE CITY

OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM

UPDATE PROJECT
PROJECT TITLE:

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project (“Project”) 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 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 by establishing an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone in order to plan for additional affordable housing units according to the City’s Housing Element.

Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 2 PROJECT PROPONENT:

City of Corona
Planning and Development Department
400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The City’s General Plan was updated in 2020 and included adoption of the City of Corona General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (General Plan Update EIR), a Programmatic EIR certified on June 30, 2020. As part of the General Plan Update effort, the City’s 2021-2029 Draft Housing Element Update was adopted by the City Council on November 3, 2021 and the Final Housing Element Update was approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on October 12, 2022.

The General Plan Update EIR anticipated an additional 5,494 residential units; however, the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for the Housing Element Update exceeded 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 Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 3 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.

The 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, the City prepared a supplemental environmental evaluation pursuant to CEQA to address the potential impacts of growth that could occur as a result of the implementation of the rezoning program.

The SEIR for the rezoning program applied a buffer of sites beyond the RHNA allocation 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-yearcycle of the Housing Element (Table 4, SEIR Initial Study). 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” 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. This means that if a site identified in the Housing Element as having the potential to accommodate the lower‐income housing portion of the RHNA is actually developed for a higher income level, the locality must either: 1) identify and rezone, if necessary, an adequate substitute site; or 2) demonstrate that the land inventory already contains an adequate substitute site. Providing an adequate buffer is necessary to ensuring that the City remains compliant with the provisions of SB 166.

The City’s Housing Element Update included an inventory of properties (“sites”) that needed to be rezoned to high density residential or an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone to plan for potential housing units that would be suitable for low- and moderate-income units based on the City’s RHNA allocation. The AHO zone was adopted by the City in March 2023 and established by-right development standards for affordable housing projects. The AHO zone requires at least 20 percent of the total residential units within a housing development to be set aside for lower income units. The AHO zone allows mixed-use development consisting of commercial and residential if 51 percent of the floor area is devoted to residential, and 100 percent residential development, which can include mixed-income housing units. The AHO zone covers existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The overlay allows property owners the option to develop under the property's existing zoning standards or the AHO zoning standards.

The City completed a portion of its rezoning program in March 2023 and changed the zoning on 126 sites in the City that increased the residential density to support the planning of low and moderate income housing units. The rezoning program included the following:
• Rezoned certain properties to include an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zone, which permits residential development by-right at a density of 45 to 60 du/ac. • Rezoned certain properties from R-1, single family, to R-2, low-density multiple family residential. • Amended the General Plan Land Use Element to allow 100% residential development within a Mixed-use designation that is located on property with an AHO zone. • Adopted High Density Residential Objective Development Standards and Design Guidelines to facilitate by-right development of high density residential on property zoned AHO.

During the initial review process for the rezoning program, 32 housing sites originally identified to be rezoned on the housing sites inventory in the Housing Element were removed, creating a shortfall of housing sites for at least 632 low income housing units. The Housing Element uses a realistic capacity based on the State’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department criteria for calculating density. The realistic capacity is based on a historical trend in residential density for similar high density residential development that has been approved by the local jurisdiction. The realistic capacity assumes a residential density greater than the minimum density allowed by the density range in the General Plan but is less than the maximum density. However, for environmental impacts analyzed by CEQA, the SEIR Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 4 prepared for the City’s Housing Element Rezoning Program used the maximum density allowed by the General Plan for the AHO zone. The maximum density was used for conservative purposes to cover the density range allowed in the General Plan.

The current Project proposes to rezone 24 sites to make up for the shortfall of the low income housing sites that were removed from the Housing Element during the initial review of the rezoning program. The 24 sites include eight sites located on East Grand Boulevard and Victoria Avenue that were removed during the rezoning but are being included again in this second phase. The added sites will accommodate at least 463 low income units using a realistic capacity. Above moderate income units in addition to the low income units can also be accommodated on the new sites as a mixed-income housing development in the AHO zone.

The Housing Element Sites Inventory initially had a buffer of 210 units for lower and moderate incomes to accommodate a shortfall in housing units should a housing site not be developed for lower income units.

To make up for the shortfall of housing units due to previously identified sites being removed, surplus units were also used, and based on the revised housing sites inventory a surplus of 18 low income units is provided in the Housing Element Sites Inventory. Figure 3 shows all the housing sites that were rezoned with an AHO zone and includes the new sites being added to the Housing Sites Inventory.

The Project is ultimately implementing the General Plan. As such, the General Plan Update EIR and General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Update Supplemental EIR is incorporated by reference herein, as the evaluations of potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption of the General Plan include mitigation measures and consistency evaluations which are directly applicable to the Project.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Project will rezone 24 sites to include an AHO zone or Multi Family zone to make up for the shortfall of housing sites in the Housing Element due to 32 sites being removed from the housing sites inventory. The Project includes the following:
• Rezoning of properties to include the AHO zone.
• Amendment to the General Plan land use designation table to allow high-density residential pursuant to the AHO zone in the General Commercial designation with a density range of 36 to 60 dwelling units per acre, and to change 1.33 acres from General Commercial to High Density Residential. • Amendment of various specific plans to include the AHO zone; and rezone of 1.33 acres from Gateway Business to Multi Family Residential in SP98-01 (Downtown Specific Plan). • Amendment to the General Plan Housing Element to update the housing sites inventory with the rezoned housing sites.

The current and proposed zoning of the subject sites are shown in Table 1. The current project will rezone the eight sites on East Grand Boulevard and Victoria Avenue as originally planned from Gateway Business to Multiple Family. These eight sites were assessed in the previous SEIR and are not part of the assessment for the Addendum.

Table 1: Rezone Sites
Site
#
Site Address
or Street
Assessor
Parcel
Number
(APN)
Existing On-Site
Uses
Acres General
Plan
Land Use
Proposed
General
Plan
Zoning Proposed
Zoning
104 1540 W. Sixth
Street
103-280-017 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

2.47 GC GC C3 C3 (AHO)
105 1510-1550 W. 103-280-020 Commercial 2.40 GC GC C3 C3 (AHO) Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 5 Site
#
Site Address
or Street
Assessor
Parcel
Number
(APN)
Existing On-Site
Uses
Acres General
Plan
Land Use
Proposed
General
Plan
Zoning Proposed
Zoning
Sixth Street buildings, parking
lot
103 680 Smith
Street
103-280-007 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

0.81 GC GC C3 C3 (AHO)
99 125 N. McKinley 172-050-005 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

2.06 GC GC SC SC (AHO)
97 107 N.

McKinley,
172-050-007 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

1.06 GC GC SC SC (AHO)
98 115 N. McKinley 172-050-003 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

0.32 GC GC SC SC (AHO)
101 123 N. McKinley 172-050-002 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

0.29 GC GC SC SC (AHO)
100 131 N. McKinley 172-050-001 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

0.37 GC GC SC SC (AHO)
96 109 N. McKinley 172-050-006 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

4.28 GC GC SC SC (AHO)
92 3335 Grand
Oaks
279-231-026 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

10.7 GC GC CC CC (AHO)
93 3417 Grand
Oaks
279-231-027 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

7.09 GC GC CC CC (AHO)
106 3431 Grand
Oaks
279-231-028 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

1.49 GC GC CC CC (AHO)
94 3615 Grand
Oaks
279-231-025 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

12.83 GC GC CC CC (AHO)
95 3685 Grand
Oaks
279-231-029 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

2.06 GC GC CC CC (AHO)
102 410 River Road 119-250-017 Commercial
buildings, parking
lot

2.66 GC GC C2 C2 (AHO)
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 6 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING:

The properties subject to the rezoning are developed with existing non-residential land uses that include commercial buildings and parking lots. Public infrastructure, such as roads, water, sewer, gas and electricity is constructed on and around the properties.

GENERAL PLAN \ ZONING:

Table 2: General Plan and Zoning Code Definitions
General Plan Land Use Designation or Zoning Abbreviation General Plan Land Use Designation
Business Park BP
General Commercial GC
High Density Residential HDR
Medium Density Residential MDR
Mixed Use 1 – Commercial/Residential MU1
Mixed Use 2 – Commercial/Industrial MU2
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 7 General Plan Land Use Designation or Zoning Abbreviation Low Density Residential LDR
Light Industrial LI
Office Park OP
Zoning
Agriculture A
Affordable Housing Overlay AHO
Business Park BP
Restricted Commercial C2
General Commercial C3
Community Services CS
Commercial Center CC
Gateway Business GB
General Commercial GC
Light Manufacturing M1
Multi Family MF
Multi Family Residential 1 MF1
Multi Family Residential MFR
Mobile Home Park MP
Mixed Use MU
Single-Family Residential (7,200 square-foot lot minimum) R1-7.2 Single-Family Residential (9,600 square-foot lot minimum) R1-9.6 Low Density Multiple Family Residential R2
Multiple Family Residential R3
Multiple Family Residential MF
Residential Office RO
Single Family SF
Support Commercial SC
Transitional Commercial District TC
Source: City of Corona General Plan

OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES WHOSE REVIEW IS REQUIRED
The City, as the CEQA Lead Agency, on November 11, 2023, notified Native American Tribes with the potential for interest in the region. The project involves an amendment to various specific plan and the General Plan. SB 18 states: “Prior to the adoption or any amendment of a general plan or specific plan, a local government must notify the appropriate tribes (on the contact list maintained by the NAHC) of the opportunity to conduct consultations for the purpose of preserving, or mitigating impacts to, cultural places located on land within the local government’s jurisdiction that is affected by the proposed plan adoption or amendment. Tribes have 90 days from the date on which they receive notification to request consultation unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe.” Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 8 AB52 requires notification to the Native American Tribes on projects involving CEQA review. Tribes have 30 days from the date on which they received notification to request consultation with the city.

PRIOR ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION
The City’s General Plan was updated in 2020 and included the adoption of the City of Corona General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (General Plan Update EIR), a Programmatic EIR certified on June 30, 2020. The General Plan Housing Element Update was adopted by the City Council on November 3, 2021, along with a General Plan EIR Addendum.

The City’s General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update was approved on March 1, 2023, including the certification of a Supplemental EIR to the General Plan EIR, which is provided in Appendix A.

BASIS FOR AN ADDENDUM TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL EIR
Prior to approval of subsequent actions that constitute a “project” under CEQA the City is required to determine whether the environmental effects of such actions are within the scope of prior environmental analysis, or whether additional environmental analysis is required. That decision is influenced by whether the subsequent actions result in new significant impacts or increase the severity of previously identified significant impacts.

Under CEQA, the lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously-certified EIR if some changes or additions are necessary to the prior EIR, but none of the conditions calling for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR have occurred (CEQA Guidelines §§15162, 15163, 15164). Once an EIR has been certified, a supplement or subsequent EIR is only required when the lead agency or responsible agency determines that one of the following conditions has been met:
(1) Substantial changes are proposed in the project, or substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken, which require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects [CEQA Guidelines §15162(a)(1)&(2)]; (2) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as complete, shows any of the following:
a) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR; b) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR;
c) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or d) Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative [CEQA Guidelines §15162(a)(3)].

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The City has evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Project against the criteria set forth in CEQA Guidelines§§ 15162, 15163, and 15164. The City, acting as the Lead Agency, has determined that none of the conditions listed above apply and that an Addendum to the Supplemental EIR (SCH No. 2022060732) for the Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update, certified by the City Council on March 1, 2023, and related entitlements, fully complies with CEQA, as described in Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 9 the CEQA Guidelines. An addendum does not need to be circulated for public review, but rather can be attached to the prior EIRs (CEQA Guidelines §15164(c)). The City will consider this Addendum together with the adopted prior EIRs and will make a decision regarding the current Project [CEQA Guidelines §15164(d)].

Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 10 Mitigation Measures
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines §§15162 through 15164, the City has determined the changes associated with the modified Project are minor and no new mitigation measures are required. The prior SEIR included mitigation measures affecting development of the modified Project. The mitigation measures for the Project are listed below.

Mitigation Measure

Requiring fugitive-dust control measures that exceed SCAQMD’s Rule 403, such as:
o Use of nontoxic soil stabilizers to reduce wind erosion. o Applying water every four house to active soil-disturbing activities. o Tarping and/or maintaining a minimum of 24 inches of freeboard on trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials.
o Using construction equipment rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as having Tier 3 (model year 2006 or newer) or Tier 4 (model year 2008 or newer) emission limits, applicable for engines between 50 and 750 horsepower. o Ensuring that construction equipment is properly serviced and maintained to the manufacturer’s standards.
o Limiting nonessential idling of construction equipment to no more than five consecutive minutes.
o Limiting onsite vehicle travel speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour. o Installing wheel washers for all existing trucks or wash off all trucks and equipment leaving the project area.

Using Super-Compliant VOC paints for coating of architectural surfaces whenever possible. A list of Super-Compliant architectural coating manufacturers can be found on the SCAQMD’s website.

Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 11 Mitigation Measure
• Provide changing/shower facilities as specific in Section A5.106.4.3 of the California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures). • Provide bicycle parking facilities per Section A4.106.9 (Residential Voluntary Measures) of the CALGreen Code.
• Provide preferential parking spaces for low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and carpool/van vehicles per Section A5.106.5.1 of the CALGreen Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures). • Provide facilities to support electric charging stations per Section A5.106.5.3 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) and Section A5.106.8.2 (Residential Voluntary Measures of the CALGreen Code.
• Applicant-provided appliances shall be Energy Star-certified appliances or appliances of equivalent energy efficiency (e.g., dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers).

Installation of Energy Star-certified or equivalent appliances shall be verified by Building and Safety during plan check.

Applicants for future development projects along existing and planned transit routes shall coordinate with the City of Corona and Riverside Transit to ensure that bus pads and shelter improvements are incorporated, as appropriate.

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure BIO-1. Applicants for future development projects shall include a biological resources survey if it has been determined that the site in its existing condition may contain biological habitat or species. The biological resources survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist. The biological resources survey shall include, but not be limited to:
• An analysis of available literature and biological databases, such as the California Natural Diversity Database, to determine sensitive biological resources that have been reported historically from the proposed development project vicinity. • A review of current land use and land ownership within the proposed development project vicinity.
• An assessment and mapping of vegetation communities present within the proposed development project vicinity.
• An evaluation of potential local and regional wildlife movement corridors. • A general assessment of potential jurisdictional areas, including wetlands and riparian habitats.

Habitat Assessment. If the proposed development project site supports vegetation communities that may provide habitat for plant or wildlife species, a focused habitat assessment shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine the potential for special status plant and/or animal species to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area. Adjoining properties should also be surveyed where direct or indirect project effects, such as those from fuel modification or herbicide application, could potentially extend off-site. If feasible, the habitat assessment should be conducted during non-drought years. Vegetation communities should be classified and mapped to the alliance or association level using classification methods and membership rules according to A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd edition (2009).

If applicable, information about the percentage of individuals in each life stage, such as seedlings Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 12 Mitigation Measure
vs. reproductive individuals, should be provided. If feasible, images of the target species and representative habitats should be included to support information and descriptions.

Preconstruction Surveys. If construction activities are not initiated immediately after focused surveys have been completed, additional preconstruction special status species surveys may be required to ensure impacts are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. If preconstruction activities are required, a qualified biologist would perform these surveys as required for each special status species that is known to occur or has a potential to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area.

Biological Resources Report. The results of the biological survey for proposed development projects with no significant impacts may be presented in a biological survey letter report. For proposed development projects with significant impacts that require mitigation to reduce the impacts to below a level of significance, the results of the biological survey shall be presented in a biological technical report.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2. If sensitive biological resources are identified within or adjacent to the proposed development project area, the construction limits shall be clearly flagged to ensure impacts to sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. Prior to implementing construction activities, a qualified biologist shall verify that the flagging clearly delineates the construction limits and sensitive resources to be avoided.

Mitigation Measure BIO-3. If sensitive biological resources are known to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area, a project-specific contractor training program shall be developed and implemented to educate project contractors on the sensitive biological resources within and adjacent to the proposed development project area and measures being implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts to these species.

A qualified biologist shall develop and implement the contractor training program.

Mitigation Measure BIO-4. If sensitive biological resources are present within or adjacent to the proposed development project area and impacts may occur from implementation of construction activities, a qualified biological monitor may be required during a portion or all of the construction activities to ensure impacts to the sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. The specific biological monitoring requirements shall be evaluated on a project-by-project basis. The qualified biological monitor shall be approved by the City on a project-by-project basis based on applicable experience with the sensitive biological resources that may be impacted.

Mitigation Measure BIO-5. The City of Corona shall require applicants of development project that have the potential to affect jurisdictional resources to contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a jurisdictional delineation following the methods outlined in the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplement to the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (USACE 2008) to map the extent of wetlands and non-wetland waters, determine jurisdiction, and assess potential impacts. The results of the delineation shall be presented in a wetland delineation report and shall be incorporated into the CEQA document(s) required for approval and permitting of the proposed development project.

Applicants of development projects that have the potential to impact jurisdictional features, as identified in the wetland delineation letter report, shall obtain permits and authorizations from the Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The regulatory agency authorization(s) would include impact avoidance and minimization measures as well as mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts. Specific avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for impacts to jurisdictional resources shall be determined through discussions with the regulatory agencies during the proposed development project permitting process Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 13 Mitigation Measure
and may include monetary contributions to a mitigation bank or habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement.

The preconstruction surveys shall be conducted no more than 7 days prior to initiation of construction. If no active avian nests are identified within the proposed development project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed development project area, no further mitigation is necessary. If active nests of avian species covered by the Fish and Game Code are detected within the proposed development project area or within a 300- foot buffer of the proposed development project area, construction shall be halted until the young have fledged, until a qualified biologist has determined the nest is inactive, or until appropriate mitigation measures that respond to the specific situation have been developed and implemented in consultation with the regulatory agencies. Based on the discretion of the qualified biologist, the 300-foot buffer may be expanded as appropriate to the species.

CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CUL-1. Prior to any construction activities that may affect historical resources (i.e., structures 45 years or older), a historical resources assessment shall be performed by an architectural historian or historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards (PQS) in architectural history or history. This shall include a records search to determine if any resources that may be potentially affected by the project have been previously recorded, evaluated, and/or designated in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), or Corona Register of Historic Resources. Following the records search, the qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct a reconnaissance-level and/or intensive-level survey in accordance with the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) guidelines to identify any previously unrecorded potential historical resources that may be potentially affected by the proposed project. Pursuant to the definition of a historical resource under CEQA, potential historical resources shall be evaluated under a developed historic context.

Mitigation Measure CUL-2. To ensure that projects requiring the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of a historical resource not impair its significance, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatments of Historic Properties shall be used to the maximum extent possible. The application of the standards shall be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the PQS. Prior to any construction activities that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City of Corona.

Mitigation Measure CUL-3. If a proposed project would result in the demolition or significant alteration of a historical resource, it cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level. However, recordation of the resource prior to construction activities will assist in reducing adverse impacts to the resource to the greatest extent possible. Recordation shall take the form of Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) documentation, and shall be performed by an architectural historian or historian who meets the PQS. Documentation shall include an architectural and historical narrative; medium- or large-format black and white photographs, negatives, and prints; and supplementary information such as building plans and elevations, and/or historic photographs. Documentation shall be reproduced on archival paper and placed in appropriate local, state, or federal institutions. The specific scope and details of documentation would be developed at the project level.

Mitigation Measure CUL-4. If cultural resources that are eligible for listing to the NRHP, CRHR, or Corona Register of Historic Resources are identified within or adjacent to the proposed development, the construction limits shall be clearly flagged to assure impacts to eligible cultural resources are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. Prior to implementing construction activities, a qualified archaeologist shall verify that the flagging clearly delineates the construction Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 14 Mitigation Measure
limits and eligible resources to be avoided. Since the location of some eligible cultural resources is confidential, these resources will be flagged as environmentally sensitive areas.

1.If potentially significant archaeological resources are identified through an archaeological resources assessment, and impacts to these resources cannot be avoided, a Phase II Testing and Evaluation investigation shall be performed by an archaeologist who meets the PQS prior to any constructionrelated ground-disturbing activities to determine significance. If resources determined significant or unique through Phase II testing, and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. These might include a Phase III data recovery program that would be implemented by a qualified archaeologist and shall be performed in accordance with the Office of Historic Preservation’s Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR):

Recommended Contents and Format (1990) and Guidelines for Archaeological Research Designs (1991).

1. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources within the proposed General Plan area but indicated the area to be highly sensitive for archaeological resources, a qualified archaeologist shall monitor all ground disturbing construction and pre-construction activities in areas with previously undisturbed soil. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities of the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial on-site safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground-disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the resources are evaluated for significance by an archaeologist who meets the PQS. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

2. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources, but indicates the area to be of medium sensitivity for archaeological resources, an archaeologist who meets the PQS shall be retained on an on-call basis. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities about the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial on-site safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the on-call archaeologist is contacted. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: High and Low-to-High Sensitivity. In areas designated as having “high” or “low-to-high” sensitivity for paleontological resources, the project applicant shall be required to submit a Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP). The PRMMP shall be prepared by a Qualified Paleontologist meeting the standards of Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (2010). The plan shall address specifics of monitoring and mitigation based on the project area and project’s construction plan, and shall take into account updated geologic mapping, geotechnical data, updated paleontological records searches, and changes to the regulatory framework at the time of analysis. The PRMMP shall be submitted to the City of Corona’s Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 15 Mitigation Measure
Community Development Department prior to approval of a grading permit.

Mitigation Measure GEO-2: High Sensitivity. Projects involving ground disturbances in previously undisturbed areas mapped as having “high” paleontological sensitivity shall be monitored by a qualified paleontological monitor on a full-time basis, under the supervision of the Qualified Paleontologist. Monitoring shall include inspection of exposed sedimentary units during active excavations within sensitive geologic sediments. The monitor shall have authority to temporarily divert activity away from exposed fossils to evaluate the significance of the find and, if the fossils are determined to be significant, professionally and efficiently recover the fossil specimens and collect associated data. The paleontological monitor shall use field data forms to record pertinent location and geologic data, measure stratigraphic sections (if applicable), and collect appropriate sediment samples from any fossil localities.

Mitigation Measure GEO-3: Low-to-High Sensitivity. Projects involving ground disturbance in previously undisturbed areas mapped with “low-to-high” paleontological sensitivity shall require monitoring if construction activity exceeds the depth of the low-sensitivity surficial sediments. The underlying sediments may have high sensitivity; therefore, work in those units shall require paleontological monitoring, as designated by the Qualified Paleontologist in the Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP).

Mitigation Measure GEO-6: All Projects. In the event of any fossil discovery, regardless of depth or geologic formation, construction work shall halt within a 50-foot radius of the find until its significance can be determined by a Qualified Paleontologist. Significant fossils shall be recovered, prepared to the point of curation, identified by qualified experts, listed in a database to facilitate analysis, and deposited in a designated paleontological curation facility in accordance with the standards of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (2010). The most likely repository is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA). The repository shall be identified, and a curatorial arrangement shall be signed, prior to collection of the fossils.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Mitigation Measure GHG-1. The City of Corona shall update the Climate Action Plan (CAP) every five years to ensure the City is monitoring the plan’s progress toward achieving the City’s GHG reduction target and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified level. The update shall consider a trajectory consistent with the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal established under Executive Order S-03-05 for year 2050 and the latest applicable statewide legislative GHG emission reduction that may be in effect at the time of the CAP update (e.g., Senate Bill 32 for year 2030). The CAP update shall include the following:
• GHG inventories of existing and forecast year GHG levels • Tools and strategies for reducing GHG emissions to ensure a trajectory with the long-term GHG reduction goal of Executive Order S-03-05
• Plan implementation guidance that includes, at minimum, the following components consistent with the proposed CAP:
o Administration and Staffing
o Finance and Budgeting
o Timelines for Measure Implementation
o Community Outreach and Education
o Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Management Tracking Tools

MINERAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure MIN-1. Prior to project approval for proposed development of properties classified as either regionally significant construction aggregate MRZ-2 or industrial minerals MRZ2a, a mineral resource evaluation shall be conducted to determine the significant and economic viability of mining the resource. If development of a property would preclude future extraction of a significant mineral resource, in accordance with CEQA, the City shall make the appropriate findings and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations prior to permitting development of the property.

Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 16 Mitigation Measure
Mitigation Measure MIN-2. Prior to approval of any project on lands classified as either regionally significant construction aggregate MRZ-2 or industrial mineral MRZ-2a, a report shall be prepared that analyzes the project’s value in relation to the mineral values found onsite. The analysis shall consider the importance of construction aggregate mineral resource onsite to the market region as a whole, and not just the importance of the resources found within the City and SOI. The report shall be submitted to the City, such that the City has adequate information to develop a statement of reasons for permitting the proposed land use to the California Department of Conservation, State Mining and Geology Board, for subsequent review, in accordance with SMARA, Article 2, Section 2762 and 2763 for areas designated of regional significance.

NOISE
Mitigation Measure N-1. Construction contractors shall implement the following measures for construction activities conducted in the City. Construction plans submitted to the City shall identify these measures on demolition, grading, and construction plans submitted to the City. The City Corona Public Works Department shall verify that grading, demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to the City include these notations prior to issuance of demolition, grading and/or building permits.
• During the active construction period, equipment and trucks used for project construction shall utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers, intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible.
• Impact tools (e.g., jack hammers and hoe rams) shall be hydraulic- or electric-powered wherever feasible. Where the use of pneumatic tools is unavoidable, an exhaust muffler on the compressed air exhaust shall be used along with external noise jackets on the tools. • Stationary equipment such as generators and air compressors shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive uses.
• Stockpiling shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive receptors. • Construction traffic shall be limited—to the extent feasible—to approved haul routes established by the City.
• Prior to the start of construction activities, a sign shall be posted at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, that includes permitted construction days and hours, as well as the contact information of the City’s and contractor’s authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If the authorized contractor’s representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the City.
• Signs shall be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on-site construction zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All other equipment shall be turned off if not in use for more than 5 minutes. • During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use of noiseproducing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells, shall be for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager shall be responsible for adjusting alarms based on the background noise level, or to utilize human spotters when feasible and in compliance with all safety requirements and laws.
• When construction noise is predicted to exceed established noise standards and when the anticipated construction duration is two years or more, contractors shall erect temporary noise barriers, where feasible.

Mitigation Measure N-2. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring pile driving during construction within 135 feet of fragile structures such as historical resources, 100 feet of nonengineered timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster), or a vibratory roller within 25 feet of any structure, the project applicant shall prepare a noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 17 Mitigation Measure
noise and vibration impacts related to these activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) architectural damage thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered concrete and masonry), or the City threshold of 0.05 in/sec RMS (94 VdB). If vibration levels would exceed this threshold, alternative uses such static rollers and drilling piles as opposed to pile driving shall be used.

TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
See Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures CUL-5
Mitigation Measure TCR-1. Tribal Cultural Resources Monitoring. The project archaeologist, in consultation with interested tribes, the developer and the City of Corona, shall develop an Archaeological Monitoring Plan (AMP) to address the details, timing and responsibility of archaeological and cultural activities that will occur on the project site. Details in the AMP shall include:

1. Project-related ground disturbance (including, but not limited to, brush clearing, grading, trenching, etc.) and development scheduling;

2. The development of a rotating or simultaneous schedule in coordination with the developer and the project archeologist for designated Native American Tribal Monitors from the consulting tribes during grading, excavation and ground disturbing activities on the site: including the scheduling, safety requirements, duties, scope of work, and Native American Tribal Monitors’ authority to stop and redirect grading activities in coordination with all project archaeologists (if the tribes cannot come to an agreement on the rotating or simultaneous schedule of tribal monitoring, the Native American Heritage Commission shall designate the schedule for the onsite Native American Tribal Monitor for the proposed project);

3. The protocols and stipulations that the developer, City, Tribes and project 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.

At least 30-days prior to application for a grading permit and before any brush clearance, grading, excavation and/or ground disturbing activities on the site take place, the future developer shall retain a tribal cultural monitor to monitor all ground-disturbing activities in an effort to identify any unknown archaeological resources.

Mitigation Measure TCR-2. Treatment and Disposition of Cultural Resources. In the event that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently discovered during the course of any ground disturbing activities, including but not limited to brush clearance, grading, trenching, etc. grading for the proposed project, the following procedures will be carried out for treatment and disposition of the discoveries:

1. Temporary Curation and Storage: During the course of construction, all discovered resources shall be temporarily curated in a secure location onsite or at the offices of the project archaeologist. The removal of any artifacts from the project site will need to be thoroughly inventoried with tribal monitor oversite of the process; and

2. Treatment and Final Disposition: The landowner(s) shall relinquish ownership of all cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and non-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to cultural resources. The applicant shall relinquish the artifacts through one or more of the following methods and provide the City of Corona with evidence of same:
a. Accommodate the process for onsite reburial of the discovered items with the consulting Native American tribes or bands. This shall include measures and provisions to protect the Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 18 Mitigation Measure
future reburial area from any future impacts. Reburial shall not occur until all cataloguing, basic analysis, and other analyses as recommended by the project archaeologist and approved by consulting tribes and basic recordation have been completed; all documentation should be at a level of standard professional practice to allow the writing of a report of professional quality;
b. A curation agreement with an appropriate qualified repository within San Bernardino County that meets federal standards per 36 CFR Part 79 and therefore would be professionally curated and made available to other archaeologists/researchers for further study. The collections and associated records shall be transferred, including title, to an appropriate curation facility within San Bernardino County, to be accompanied by payment of the fees necessary for permanent curation;
c. For purposes of conflict resolution, if more than one Native American tribe or band is involved with the project and cannot come to an agreement as to the disposition of cultural materials, they shall be curated at the San Bernardino County Museum by default; d. At the completion of grading, excavation and ground disturbing activities on the site, a Phase IV Monitoring Report shall be submitted to the City documenting monitoring activities conducted by the project archaeologist and Native Tribal Monitors within 60 days of completion of grading. This report shall document the impacts to the known resources on the property; describe how each mitigation measure was fulfilled; document the type of cultural resources recovered and the disposition of such resources; provide evidence of the required cultural sensitivity training for the construction staff held during the required pregrade meeting; and, in a confidential appendix, include the daily/weekly monitoring notes from the archaeologist. All reports produced will be submitted to the City, County Museum, and consulting tribes.

Mitigation Measure TCR-3. During construction activities, the project applicant shall allow additional archaeological monitors of Native American tribes to access the project site on a volunteer basis to monitor grading and excavation activities.

In accordance with the analysis provided in this initial study and pursuant to Section 15162, 15164, and 15183 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of Corona has determined that:
1) The modified project does not result in substantial changes that would require major revisions to the previously certified EIRs due to new or substantially more severe significant environmental effects than previously analyzed; and
2) No substantial changes in circumstances have occurred that would result in new or more severe significant environmental impacts than previously analyzed; and 3) No new information of substantial importance as described in Section 15162 (a)(3) has been identified that would require major revisions to the analysis or conclusions presented in the prior EIRs.

Date Prepared: February 25, 2024 Prepared By: Joanne Coletta, Director Contact Person: Joanne Coletta Phone: (951) 736-2434
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 19 Note: This form represents an abbreviation of the complete Environmental Checklist found in the City of Corona CEQA Guidelines. Sources of reference information used to produce this checklist may be found in the City of Corona Planning and Development Department, 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, CA. fjhh

1. LAND USE AND PLANNING:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Conflict with any land use plan/policy or agency regulation (general plan, specific plan, zoning)
b. Conflict with surrounding land uses
c. Physically divide established community
Discussion: The prior SEIR analyzed the initial land use changes that would rezone and establish an AHO zone for identified parcels within the City to allow for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The rezoning is necessary to provide consistency with the City’s General Plan Housing Element. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The adopted AHO zone established by-right development standards for affordable housing projects. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior SEIR.

2. POPULATION AND HOUSING:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Induce substantial growth
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed the population and housing growth associated with potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone for identified parcels within the City to allow for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update.

The rezoning is necessary to provide consistency with the City’s General Plan Housing Element. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses and will not displace existing housing. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

3. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Fault /seismic failures (Alquist-Priolo zone) /Landslide/Liquefaction Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 20 b. Grading of more than 100 cubic yards
c. Grading in areas over 10% slope
d. Substantial erosion or loss of topsoil
e. Unstable soil conditions from grading
f. Expansive soils
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed geological concerns associated with the potential growth in the City as a result of additional housing units. The AHO zone allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update on certain properties. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

4. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Violate water quality standards/waste discharge requirements b. Deplete groundwater supplies
c. Alter existing drainage pattern
d. Increase flooding hazard
e. Degrade surface or ground water quality
f. Within 100-year flood hazard area
g. Increase exposure to flooding
h. Exceed capacity of storm water drainage system
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed hydrology and water quality associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone allows for more low- and moderateincome residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update on certain properties.

The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 21 in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

5. AIR QUALITY:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Conflict with air quality plan
b. Violate air quality standard
c. Net increase of any criteria pollutant
d. Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants
e. Create objectionable odors
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed air quality associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more lowand moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

6. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system b. Conflict of be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)
c. Increase the total daily vehicle miles traveled per service population (population plus employment) (VMT/SP) above the baseline level for the jurisdiction
d. Cause total daily VMT within the study area to be higher than the No Project alternative under cumulative conditions (General Plan condition) e. Change in air traffic patterns
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 22 f. Traffic hazards from design features
g. Emergency access
h. Conflict with alternative transportation policies
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed traffic associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

7. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Endangered or threatened species/habitat
b. Riparian habitat or sensitive natural community
c. Adversely affects federally protected wetlands
d. Interferes with wildlife corridors or migratory species e. Conflicts with local biological resource policies or ordinances f. Conflicts with any habitat conservation plan
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed biological resources associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses.

The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

8. MINERAL RESOURCES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Loss of mineral resource or recovery site
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 23 Discussion:

9. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials
b. Risk of accidental release of hazardous materials
c. Hazardous materials/emissions within ¼ mile of
existing or proposed school
d. Located on hazardous materials site
e. Conflict with Airport land use plan
f. Impair emergency response plans
g. Increase risk of wildland fires
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed hazards associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

10. NOISE:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Exceed noise level standards
b. Exposure to excessive noise levels/vibrations
c. Permanent increase in ambient noise levels
d. Temporary increase in ambient noise levels
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 24 e. Conflict with Airport Land Use Plan noise contours Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed noise associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

11. PUBLIC SERVICES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Fire protection
b. Police protection
c. Schools
d. Parks & recreation facilities
e. Other public facilities or services
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed public safety associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update.

The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

12. UTILITIES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements
b. Involve construction/expansion of water or wastewater treatment facilities
c. Involve construction/expansion of storm drains
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 25 d. Sufficient water supplies/compliance with Urban Water Management Plan.
e. Adequate wastewater treatment capacity
f. Adequate landfill capacity
g. Comply with solid waste regulations
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed utilities associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

13. AESTHETICS:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Scenic vista or highway
b. Degrade visual character of site & surroundings
c. Light or glare
d. Scenic resources (forest land, historic buildings within state scenic highway
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed aesthetics associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more lowand moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

14. CULTURAL RESOURCES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Historical resource
b. Archaeological resource
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 26 c. Paleontological resource or unique geologic feature e. Disturb human remains
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed cultural resources associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses.

15. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Williamson Act contract
b. Conversion of farmland to nonagricultural use
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed agricultural resources associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses.

16. GREENHOUSE GAS:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Generate greenhouse gases
b. Conflict with a plan, policy, or regulation
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed greenhouse gas associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

17. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 27 a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed tribal cultural resources associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The Native American Tribes notified by the City regarding the modified Project did not request consultation. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

18. MANDATORY FINDING OF SIGNIFICANCE:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Fish/ wildlife population or habitat or important historical sites b. Cumulatively considerable impacts
c. Substantial adverse effects on humans
d. Short-term vs. long-term goals
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed potential impacts related to fish and wildlife populations, cumulative impacts, and adverse effects on humans associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderateincome residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

19. WILDFIRE:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan
b. Due to slope, prevailing wind, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to, pollutant concentrations from wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire
Housing Element Rezoning (Modified Project)
Addendum to Supplemental EIR General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update 28 c. Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water resources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment
d. Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability or drainage changes
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed wildfire risk associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more lowand moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update. The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

20. ENERGY:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No New
Impact/No
Impact
a. Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation
b. Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency
Discussion: The prior EIR and SEIR analyzed energy resources associated with the potential growth in the City and with the rezoning to establish the AHO zone. The AHO zone for identified parcels within the City allows for more low- and moderate-income residential units to be provided than what was proposed in the General Plan Update.

The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are currently developed with non-residential land uses. The modified Project includes housing sites that make up the shortfall of housing sites due to sites previously identified in the Housing Element that were removed during the initial rezoning of the sites. The modified Project will not result in additional impacts or require mitigation measures not already considered in the prior EIR and SEIR.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

1. City of Corona, 2020. City of Corona 2020-2040 General Plan EIR. City of Corona 2020 General Plan EIR

2. City of Corona, 2022. City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update SEIR.

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project (coronaca.gov) 29 City of Corona Environmental Checklist
Appendix A
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Final SEIR (March 2023) & Draft SEIR (September 2022)
1 City of Corona General Plan
Housing Element Rezoning
Program Update Project
Final Supplemental Environmental
Impact Report
SCH #2022060732
December 12, 2022
Prepared for:

City of Corona
Planning and Development Department
400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
Prepared by:

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
290 Conejo Ridge Avenue
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
2 CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE PROJECT i
Table of Contents
ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... II

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 1

1.1 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE SEIR............................................................ 1

1.1.1 CEQA Review Process ..................................................................................2

1.1.2 Certification of the Final SEIR/Project Consideration......................................3

1.2 INTENDED USE OF THE SEIR...................................................................................... 3

1.3 ORGANIZATION AND SCOPE OF THE SEIR ............................................................... 3

2.0 ERRATA………………………………………………………………………………………………….....4

2.1 3.4 Land Use and Planning………………………………………………………………………………..4

3.0 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO THE DRAFT SEIR............................................... 4

3.1 LIST OF COMMENTERS ............................................................................................... 4

3.2 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES……………………………………………………………...5

3.2.1 Requirements for Responding to Comments on a Draft SEIR …………………....5

3.2.2 Responses to Comments……………………………………………………………....6

LIST OF APPENDICES
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM.................................................... 1

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE PROJECT ii
Abbreviations
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
City City of Corona
EIR Environmental Impact Report
Final SEIR Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report IS Initial Study
MMRP Mitigated Monitoring Reporting Program
NOP Notice of Preparation
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SEIR Supplemental Environmental Impact Report

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Introduction

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15088, the City of Corona (City), as the lead agency, has evaluated the comments received on the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project (Project) Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Draft SEIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2202060732). The Draft SEIR was circulated for a 45-day public review period between September 19, 2022, and November 2, 2022. The responses to comments, which are included in this document, together with the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), comprise the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Final SEIR) for use by the City of Corona City Council.

1.1 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE SEIR
CEQA requires a lead agency that has prepared a Draft SEIR to provide a copy of the SEIR to responsible and trustee agencies that have jurisdiction by law with respect to the proposed City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project and to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the Draft SEIR. The Final SEIR is the mechanism for responding to these comments. This Final SEIR has been prepared to respond to comments received on the Draft SEIR, which are reproduced in this document and to present corrections, revisions and other clarifications to the Draft SEIR, if applicable, as a result of the City’s ongoing planning efforts. The Draft SER and the Final SEIR will be used to support the City’s decision regarding whether to approve the Project.

The Final SEIR can also be used by responsible agencies to ensure that they have met their requirements under CEQA before deciding whether to approve or permit Project elements over which they have jurisdiction. It may also be used by other state, regional, and local agencies that may have an interest in resources that could be affected by the Project or that have jurisdiction over portions of the Project.

The following agencies may serve as responsible and trustee agencies:
• City of Corona
• California Air Resources Board
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection • California Department of Housing and Community Development • California Department of Parks and Recreation
• California Department of Transportation, District 8
• California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics • California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning • California Department of Water Resources

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Introduction

jc g:\g_pl\joannec\housing element\housing element rezoning program\seir\draft final seir - corona 12122022.docx 2 • California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
• California Highway Patrol
• California Natural Resources Agency
• California Public Utilities Commission
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana, Region 8 • California State Lands Commission
• Department of Toxic Substances Control
• Office of Historic Preservation
• State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Quality • State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights • California Native American Heritage Commission
• South Coast Air Quality Management District
• Southern California Association of Governments
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts, Region 6

1.1.1 CEQA Review Process
The following provides a summary of the environmental review process to date for the Project that has resulted in preparation of this Final SEIR.

1.1.1.1 Notice of Preparation
The CEQA process is initiated when the lead agency identifies a proposed project. The lead agency then prepares an Initial Study (IS) to identify the preliminary environmental impacts of a project. An IS for the Project was prepared and determined that its implementation could have significant environmental impacts and a SEIR was required. The City issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the preparation of an EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2022060732) for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project on July 1, 2022. Circulation of the NOP ended on August 1, 2022. The Project NOP and IS are included as Appendix A of the Draft EIR. During the public review period, the City, as lead agency, requested comments from agencies, interested parties, stakeholders, and the public on the scope and content of the environmental information to be included in the Draft SEIR.

1.1.1.2 Draft SEIR
The Draft SEIR was circulated for a 45-day public review and comment period on September 19, 2022, which ended on November 2, 2022. The Draft SEIR contains a description of the Project, description of the environmental setting, identification of Project impacts, and mitigation measures for impacts found to be significant, as well as an analysis of Project alternatives. The Draft SEIR was provided to interested public agencies and the public and was made available for review on the City’s website.

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Introduction

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1.1.1.3 Final SEIR
The City received a total of one comment letter from public agencies during the Draft SEIR review period.

This document responds to the written comment received, as required by CEQA. This document also includes the MMRP, as Appendix A to this Final SEIR. This document constitutes the Final SEIR.

1.1.2 Certification of the Final SEIR/Project Consideration The City will review and consider the Final SEIR. If the City finds that the Final SEIR is “adequate and complete,” the City may certify the Final SEIR. The rule of adequacy generally holds that the SEIR can be certified if it does the following: (1) shows a good faith effort at full disclosure of environmental information; and (2) provides sufficient analysis to allow decisions to be made regarding the proposed Project in contemplation of its environmental consequences.

Upon review and consideration of the Final SEIR, the City may act to adopt, revise, or reject the proposed Project. A decision to approve the proposed Project would be accompanied by written findings in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091 and 15093. Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 also requires lead agencies to adopt a MMRP to describe measures that have been adopted or made a condition of Project approval to mitigate or avoid significant impacts on the environment.

1.2 INTENDED USE OF THE SEIR
The SEIR is intended to evaluate the environmental impacts of the Project to the greatest extent possible.

This SEIR, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126, should be used as the primary environmental document to evaluate all planning and permitting actions associated with the Project. Refer to Chapter 2, Project Description, of the Draft EIR for a detailed discussion of the Project.

1.3 ORGANIZATION AND SCOPE OF THE SEIR
This document is organized into the following sections:
• Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 1 provides an overview of the SEIR process to date and the requirements of the Final SEIR.
• Chapter 2 – Errata to Supplemental EIR
Chapter 2 shows corrections applied to the Supplemental EIR. • Chapter 3 – Comments and Responses to the Draft SEIR

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Errata

jc g:\g_pl\joannec\housing element\housing element rezoning program\seir\draft final seir - corona 12122022.docx 4 Chapter 3 provides the agency that comment on the Draft SEIR. A copy of the letter received regarding the Draft SEIR and responses thereto are included in this Chapter. • Attachment A – Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Measures that have been adopted or made a condition of the Project approval in order to mitigate or avoid significant environmental impacts are included in the MMRP, as provided in Attachment A of this Final SEIR. The MMRP has been prepared pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081.6, which requires adoption of a MMRP for projects in which the Lead Agency has required changes or adopted mitigation to avoid significant environmental effects. The City is the Lead Agency for the Project and, therefore, is responsible for administering and implementing the MMRP.

Because of its length, the text of the Draft SEIR is not included with these written responses; however, it is incorporated by reference in this Final SEIR. There are no revisions or clarifications to the Draft EIR identified in this document which could constitute “significant new information” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5. As a result, recirculation of the Draft SEIR is not required.

2.0 ERRATA

2.1 3.4 LAND USE AND PLANNING

3.4.2.2 Project Impacts on page 3-51 of the SEIR.

3.0 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO THE DRAFT SEIR

3.1 LIST OF COMMENTERS
During the circulation period, the City received one (1) comment letter from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), from Evelyn Aguilar, Air Quality Specialist, on October 12, 2022.

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Comments and Responses to the Draft SEIR

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3.2 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES
This chapter includes the written comments received during Draft SEIR comment period and the City’s responses to significant environmental information raised by those comments (CEQA Guidelines, 14 CCR Section 15132).

3.2.1 Requirements for Responding to Comments on a Draft SEIR State CEQA Guidelines Section 15088 requires that lead agencies evaluate all comments on environmental issues received on the Draft SEIR and prepare a written response. The written response must address the significant environmental issues raised and must be detailed, especially when specific comments or suggestions (e.g., additional mitigation measures) are not accepted. In addition, there must be a good faith and reasoned analysis in the written response. However, lead agencies need only respond to significant environmental issues associated with the project and do not need to provide all the information requested by commenters, as long as a good faith effort at full disclosure is made in the SEIR (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15204).

State CEQA Guidelines Section 15204 recommends that commenters provide detailed comments that focus on the sufficiency of the Draft SEIR in identifying and analyzing the possible impacts on the environment and ways that the significant effects of the project might be avoided or mitigated. State CEQA Guidelines Section 15204 also notes that commenters should provide an explanation and evidence supporting their comments. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064, an effect shall not be considered significant in the absence of substantial evidence supporting such a conclusion.

State CEQA Guidelines Section 15088 also recommends that where a response to comments results in revisions to the Draft SEIR, those revisions be incorporated as a revision to the Draft EIR or as a separate section of the Final SEIR.

3.2.2 Responses to Comments
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Section 15088, the City, as the Lead Agency, evaluated the comment received on the Draft SEIR for the Project, and has prepared the following response to the comment received. This Response to Comments document becomes part of the Final SEIR for the Project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15132.

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Comments and Responses to the Draft SEIR

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CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Comments and Responses to the Draft SEIR

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CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Comments and Responses to the Draft SEIR

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3.2.2.1 Response to Comment Letter 1 – South Coast Air Quality Management District, October 12, 2022
The comments received on the SEIR from the SCAQMD did not raise any new issues about the Project’s environmental impacts or provide information indicating the Project would result in new environmental impacts or impacts substantially greater in severity that disclosed in the SEIR or approved General Plan.

Nevertheless, responses to the comments are included in this document to provide a complete environmental record.

SCAQMD Comment Received:

Please provide an electronic copy of any live modeling and emission calculation files (complete files, not summaries) that were used to quantify the air quality impacts from construction and/or operation of the Proposed Project as applicable, including the following:
• CalEEMod Input Files (.csv files);
• Live EMFAC output files;
• Any emission calculation file(s) (live version of excel file(s); no PDF) used to calculate the Project’s emission sources;
• Any cancer risk calculation files (live version of excel file(s); no PDF) used to calculate cancer risk from the Project
You may send the above-mentioned files via a Dropbox link in which they may be accessed and downloaded by South Coast AQMD staff by 10/19/22. Without all files and supporting documentation, South Coast AQMD staff will be unable to complete a review of the air quality analyses in a timely manner. Any delays in providing all supporting documentation will require additional time for review beyond the end of the comment period.

Response to Comment:

This comment is not related to the contents of the Draft SEIR or the adequacy of the CEQA documentation; however, the City has already complied with this request and provided the electronic files, in the format and the timeline requested. No further responses are warranted.

APPENDIX A
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

CITY OF CORONA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING PROGRAM UPDATE

PROJECT
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

1 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM

MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Mitigation Measure
Required
Time of
Compliance
Responsible
Implementing
Party
Responsible
Monitoring
Party
Status of
Implementation

AIR QUALITY
Mitigation Measure AQ-1. Project proponents of new development projects shall incorporate mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions during construction activities. Mitigation measures shall be incorporated into all appropriate construction documents/plans (e.g., construction management plans) submitted to the City and shall be verified by the City’s Development Services Division. Mitigation measures to reduce construction related emissions could include, but are not limited to:
• Requiring fugitive-dust control measures that exceed SCAQMD’s Rule 403, such as:
o Use of nontoxic soil stabilizers to reduce wind erosion. o Applying water every four house to active soil-disturbing activities.
o Tarping and/or maintaining a minimum of 24 inches of freeboard on trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials. o Using construction equipment rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as having Tier 3 (model year 2006 or newer) or Tier 4 (model year 2008 or newer) emission limits, applicable for engines between 50 and 750 horsepower. o Ensuring that construction equipment is properly serviced and maintained to the manufacturer’s standards.
o Limiting nonessential idling of construction equipment to no more than five consecutive minutes.
o Limiting onsite vehicle travel speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour.
o Installing wheel washers for all existing trucks or wash off all trucks and equipment leaving the project area.

Using Super-Compliant VOC paints for coating of architectural surfaces whenever possible. A list of Super-Compliant architectural coating During
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manufacturers can be found on the SCAQMD’s website at
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/planning/ architecturalcoatings/super-compliant-manf-list.pdf?sfvrsn=71.

Mitigation measures to reduce long-term emissions could include, but are not limited to the following:
• For site-specific development that requires refrigerated vehicles, the construction documents shall demonstrate an adequate number of electrical service connections at loading docks for plug-in of the anticipated number of refrigerated trailers to reduce idling time and emissions.
• Applicants for manufacturing and light industrial uses shall consider energy storage and combined heat and power in appropriate applications to optimize renewable energy generation systems and avoid peak energy use.
• Site-specific developments with truck delivery and loading areas and truck parking spaces shall include signage as a reminder to limit idling of vehicles while parked for loading/unloading in accordance with California Air Resources Board Rule 2845 (13 CCR Chapter 10 § 2485).
• Provide changing/shower facilities as specific in Section A5.106.4.3 of the California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures).
• Provide bicycle parking facilities per Section A4.106.9 (Residential Voluntary Measures) of the CALGreen Code.
• Provide preferential parking spaces for low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and carpool/van vehicles per Section A5.106.5.1 of the CALGreen Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures).
• Provide facilities to support electric charging stations per Section A5.106.5.3 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) and Section A5.106.8.2 (Residential Voluntary Measures of the CALGreen Code.

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• Applicant-provided appliances shall be Energy Star-certified appliances or appliances of equivalent energy efficiency (e.g., dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers). Installation of Energy Star-certified or equivalent appliances shall be verified by Building and Safety during plan check.

The biological resources survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist. The biological resources survey shall include, but not be limited to:
• An analysis of available literature and biological databases, such as the California Natural Diversity Database, to determine sensitive biological resources that have been reported historically from the proposed development project vicinity.
• A review of current land use and land ownership within the proposed development project vicinity.
• An assessment and mapping of vegetation communities present within the proposed development project vicinity.
• An evaluation of potential local and regional wildlife movement corridors.
• A general assessment of potential jurisdictional areas, including wetlands and riparian habitats.

Habitat Assessment. If the proposed development project site supports vegetation communities that may provide habitat for plant or wildlife species, a focused habitat assessment shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine the potential for special status plant and/or animal species to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area. Adjoining properties should also be surveyed where direct or indirect project effects, such as those from fuel modification or herbicide Prior to
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application, could potentially extend off-site. If feasible, the habitat assessment should be conducted during non-drought years. Vegetation communities should be classified and mapped to the alliance or association level using classification methods and membership rules according to A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd edition (2009).

Focused Surveys. If one or more special status species has the potential to occur within the proposed development project area, focused species surveys shall be conducted to determine the presence/absence of these species to adequately evaluate potential direct and/or indirect impacts to these species. The focused survey shall record the location and boundary of special status species by use of global positioning system (GPS). The number of individuals in each special status plant population shall be provided as counted (if population is small) or estimated (if population is large). If applicable, information about the percentage of individuals in each life stage, such as seedlings vs. reproductive individuals, should be provided. If feasible, images of the target species and representative habitats should be included to support information and descriptions.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2. If sensitive biological resources are identified within or adjacent to the proposed development project area, the construction limits shall be clearly flagged to ensure impacts to sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized to the extent Prior to
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feasible. Prior to implementing construction activities, a qualified biologist shall verify that the flagging clearly delineates the construction limits and sensitive resources to be avoided.

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Mitigation Measure BIO-4. If sensitive biological resources are present within or adjacent to the proposed development project area and impacts may occur from implementation of construction activities, a qualified biological monitor may be required during a portion or all of the construction activities to ensure impacts to the sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. The specific biological monitoring requirements shall be evaluated on a project-byproject basis. The qualified biological monitor shall be approved by the City on a project-by-project basis based on applicable experience with the sensitive biological resources that may be impacted.

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Mitigation Measure BIO-5. The City of Corona shall require applicants of development project that have the potential to affect jurisdictional resources to contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a jurisdictional delineation following the methods outlined in the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplement to the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (USACE 2008) to map the extent of wetlands and non-wetland waters, determine jurisdiction, and assess potential impacts. The results of the delineation shall be presented in a wetland delineation report and shall be incorporated into the CEQA document(s) required for approval and permitting of the proposed development project.

Specific avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for impacts to jurisdictional resources shall be determined through discussions with the regulatory agencies during the proposed development project permitting process and may include monetary contributions to a mitigation bank or habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement.

Mitigation Measure BIO-7. The City of Corona shall require applicants for future development projects to contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a preconstruction general nesting bird survey within all suitable nesting habitats that may be impacted by active construction during general avian breeding season (February 1 through August 31). The preconstruction surveys shall be conducted no more than 7 days prior to initiation of construction. If no active avian nests are identified within the proposed development project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed development project area, no further mitigation is necessary. If active nests of avian species covered by the Fish and Game Code are detected within the proposed development project area or within a 300- foot buffer of the proposed development project area, construction shall be halted until the young have fledged, until a qualified biologist has determined the nest is inactive, or until appropriate mitigation measures that respond to the specific situation have been developed and implemented in consultation with the regulatory agencies. Based on the discretion of the qualified biologist, the 300-foot buffer may be expanded as appropriate to the species.

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CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CUL-1. Prior to any construction activities that may affect historical resources (i.e., structures 45 years or older), a historical resources assessment shall be performed by an architectural historian or historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards (PQS) in architectural history or history. This shall include a records search to determine if any resources that may be potentially affected by the project have been previously recorded, evaluated, and/or designated in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), or Corona Register of Historic Resources. Following the records search, the qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct a reconnaissance-level and/or Prior to
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intensive-level survey in accordance with the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) guidelines to identify any previously unrecorded potential historical resources that may be potentially affected by the proposed project. Pursuant to the definition of a historical resource under CEQA, potential historical resources shall be evaluated under a developed historic context.

Prior to any construction activities that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City of Corona.

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Mitigation Measure CUL-3. If a proposed project would result in the demolition or significant alteration of a historical resource, it cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level. However, recordation of the resource prior to construction activities will assist in reducing adverse impacts to the resource to the greatest extent possible. Recordation shall take the form of Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) documentation, and shall be performed by an architectural historian or historian who meets the PQS. Documentation shall include an architectural and historical narrative; medium- or largeformat black and white photographs, negatives, and prints; and supplementary information such as building plans and elevations, and/or historic photographs. Documentation shall be reproduced on archival paper and placed in appropriate local, state, or federal institutions. The specific scope and details of documentation would be developed at the project level.

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Mitigation Measure CUL-4. If cultural resources that are eligible for listing to the NRHP, CRHR, or Corona Register of Historic Resources are identified within or adjacent to the proposed development, the construction limits shall be clearly flagged to assure impacts to eligible cultural resources are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. Prior Prior to
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to implementing construction activities, a qualified archaeologist shall verify that the flagging clearly delineates the construction limits and eligible resources to be avoided. Since the location of some eligible cultural resources is confidential, these resources will be flagged as environmentally sensitive areas.

1. If potentially significant archaeological resources are identified through an archaeological resources assessment, and impacts to these resources cannot be avoided, a Phase II Testing and Evaluation investigation shall be performed by an archaeologist who meets the PQS prior to any construction-related ground-disturbing activities to determine significance. If resources determined significant or unique through Phase II testing, and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. These might include a Phase III data recovery program that would be implemented by a qualified archaeologist and shall be performed in accordance with the Office of Historic Preservation’s Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR):

Recommended Contents and Format (1990) and Guidelines for Archaeological Research Designs (1991).

2. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources within the proposed General Plan area but indicated the area to be highly sensitive for archaeological resources, a qualified archaeologist shall monitor all ground disturbing Prior to
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construction and pre-construction activities in areas with previously undisturbed soil. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities of the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial on-site safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground-disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the resources are evaluated for significance by an archaeologist who meets the PQS. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

3. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources, but indicates the area to be of medium sensitivity for archaeological resources, an archaeologist who meets the PQS shall be retained on an on-call basis. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities about the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery.

The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial onsite safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the on-call archaeologist is contacted. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: High and Low-to-High Sensitivity. In areas designated as having “high” or “low-to-high” sensitivity for paleontological resources, the project applicant shall be required to submit a Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP). The PRMMP shall be prepared by a Qualified Paleontologist meeting the standards of Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (2010). The plan shall address specifics of monitoring and mitigation based on the project area and project’s construction plan, and shall take into account updated geologic mapping, geotechnical data, updated paleontological Prior to
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records searches, and changes to the regulatory framework at the time of analysis. The PRMMP shall be submitted to the City of Corona’s Community Development Department prior to approval of a grading permit.

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Mitigation Measure GEO-3: Low-to-High Sensitivity. Projects involving ground disturbance in previously undisturbed areas mapped with “low-to-high” paleontological sensitivity shall require monitoring if construction activity exceeds the depth of the low-sensitivity surficial sediments. The underlying sediments may have high sensitivity; therefore, work in those units shall require paleontological monitoring, as designated by the Qualified Paleontologist in the Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP).

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Mitigation Measure GEO-6: All Projects. In the event of any fossil discovery, regardless of depth or geologic formation, construction work shall halt within a 50-foot radius of the find until its significance can be determined by a Qualified Paleontologist. Significant fossils shall be recovered, prepared to the point of curation, identified by qualified experts, listed in a database to facilitate analysis, and deposited in a designated paleontological curation facility in accordance with the standards of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (2010). The most likely repository is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA). The repository shall be identified, and a curatorial arrangement shall be signed, prior to collection of the fossils.

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MINERAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure MIN-1. Prior to project approval for proposed development of properties classified as either regionally significant construction aggregate MRZ-2 or industrial minerals MRZ-2a, a mineral resource evaluation shall be conducted to determine the significant and economic viability of mining the resource. If development of a property would preclude future extraction of a significant mineral resource, in accordance with CEQA, the City shall make the appropriate findings and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations prior to permitting development of the property.

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Mitigation Measure MIN-2. Prior to approval of any project on lands Prior to Project Mitigation Measure
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classified as either regionally significant construction aggregate MRZ-2 or industrial mineral MRZ-2a, a report shall be prepared that analyzes the project’s value in relation to the mineral values found onsite. The analysis shall consider the importance of construction aggregate mineral resource onsite to the market region as a whole, and not just the importance of the resources found within the City and SOI. The report shall be submitted to the City, such that the City has adequate information to develop a statement of reasons for permitting the proposed land use to the California Department of Conservation, State Mining and Geology Board, for subsequent review, in accordance with SMARA, Article 2, Section 2762 and 2763 for areas designated of regional significance.

Construction Applicant
NOISE
Mitigation Measure N-1. Construction contractors shall implement the following measures for construction activities conducted in the City.

Construction plans submitted to the City shall identify these measures on demolition, grading, and construction plans submitted to the City. The City Corona Public Works Department shall verify that grading, demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to the City include these notations prior to issuance of demolition, grading and/or building permits. • During the active construction period, equipment and trucks used for project construction shall utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers, intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible.
• Impact tools (e.g., jack hammers and hoe rams) shall be hydraulicor electric-powered wherever feasible. Where the use of pneumatic tools is unavoidable, an exhaust muffler on the compressed air exhaust shall be used along with external noise jackets on the tools. • Stationary equipment such as generators and air compressors shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive uses. • Stockpiling shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive receptors.
• Construction traffic shall be limited—to the extent feasible—to approved haul routes established by the City.

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• Prior to the start of construction activities, a sign shall be posted at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, that includes permitted construction days and hours, as well as the contact information of the City’s and contractor’s authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If the authorized contractor’s representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the City.
• Signs shall be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on-site construction zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All other equipment shall be turned off if not in use for more than 5 minutes. • During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use of noise-producing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells, shall be for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager shall be responsible for adjusting alarms based on the background noise level, or to utilize human spotters when feasible and in compliance with all safety requirements and laws.
• When construction noise is predicted to exceed established noise standards and when the anticipated construction duration is two years or more, contractors shall erect temporary noise barriers, where feasible.

Mitigation Measure N-2. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring pile driving during construction within 135 feet of fragile structures such as historical resources, 100 feet of non-engineered timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster), or a vibratory roller within 25 feet of any structure, the project applicant shall prepare a noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts related to these activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) architectural damage thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for nonengineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for Prior to
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engineered concrete and masonry), or the City threshold of 0.05 in/sec RMS (94 VdB). If vibration levels would exceed this threshold, alternative uses such static rollers and drilling piles as opposed to pile driving shall be used.

Details in the AMP shall include:

1. Project-related ground disturbance (including, but not limited to, brush clearing, grading, trenching, etc.) and development scheduling;

At least 30-days prior to application for a grading permit and before any brush clearance, grading, excavation and/or ground disturbing activities on the site take place, the future developer shall retain a tribal cultural Prior to
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monitor to monitor all ground-disturbing activities in an effort to identify any unknown archaeological resources.

2. Treatment and Final Disposition: The landowner(s) shall relinquish ownership of all cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and non-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to cultural resources. The applicant shall relinquish the artifacts through one or more of the following methods and provide the City of Corona with evidence of same:
a. Accommodate the process for onsite reburial of the discovered items with the consulting Native American tribes or bands. This shall include measures and provisions to protect the future reburial area from any future impacts. Reburial shall not occur until all cataloguing, basic analysis, and other analyses as recommended by the project archaeologist and approved by consulting tribes and basic recordation have been completed; all documentation should be at a level of standard professional practice to allow the writing of a report of professional quality; During
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b. A curation agreement with an appropriate qualified repository within San Bernardino County that meets federal standards per 36 CFR Part 79 and therefore would be professionally curated and made available to other archaeologists/researchers for further study. The collections and associated records shall be transferred, including title, to an appropriate curation facility within San Bernardino County, to be accompanied by payment of the fees necessary for permanent curation;
c. For purposes of conflict resolution, if more than one Native American tribe or band is involved with the project and cannot come to an agreement as to the disposition of cultural materials, they shall be curated at the San Bernardino County Museum by default;
d. At the completion of grading, excavation and ground disturbing activities on the site, a Phase IV Monitoring Report shall be submitted to the City documenting monitoring activities conducted by the project archaeologist and Native Tribal Monitors within 60 days of completion of grading. This report shall document the impacts to the known resources on the property; describe how each mitigation measure was fulfilled; document the type of cultural resources recovered and the disposition of such resources; provide evidence of the required cultural sensitivity training for the construction staff held during the required pre-grade meeting; and, in a confidential appendix, include the daily/weekly monitoring notes from the
archaeologist. All reports produced will be submitted to the City, County Museum, and consulting tribes.

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City of Corona General Plan
Housing Element Rezoning
Program Update Project
Draft Supplemental Environmental
Impact Report
SCH# 2022060732
September 15, 2022
Prepared for:

City of Corona
Planning and Development Department
400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Suite 120
Corona, CA 92882
Prepared by:

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
290 Conejo Ridge Avenue
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
~ Stantec
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City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
i
Table of Contents
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS......................................................................................IV EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 1 ES.1 PURPOSE......................................................................................................................... 1 ES.2 PROJECT LOCATION ...................................................................................................... 1 ES.3 PROJECT SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... 1 ES.4 AREA OF CONTROVERSY/ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED ................................................ 2 ES.5 DISAGREEMENT AMONG EXPERTS.............................................................................. 2 ES.6 SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS......................................................................... 3 ES.7 SUMMARY OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES..................................................................... 3 ES.8 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES............................................... 4 ES.9 REVIEW OF THE FINAL DRAFT EIR ..............................................................................23

1.0 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE CEQA PROCESS...................................................................... 1-1

1.1.1 Overview.....................................................................................................1-1

1.1.2 Purpose and Authority.................................................................................1-1

1.1.3 Type of Environmental Impact Report .........................................................1-2

1.1.4 Lead Agency Determination ........................................................................1-3

1.1.5 Project of Statewide, Regional or Areawide Environmental Significance.................................................................................................1-3

1.2 SCOPE OF THE SEIR ................................................................................................ 1-4

1.2.1 Notice of Preparation and Scoping..............................................................1-4

1.2.2 Environmental Issues Determined Not to be Significant ..............................1-4

1.3 ORGANIZATION OF THE SEIR.................................................................................. 1-5

1.4 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE ................................................... 1-7

1.5 DOCUMENTS PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT....................................................... 1-7

1.6 REVIEW OF THE DRAFT SEIR .................................................................................. 1-7

2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTION........................................................ 2-1

2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Proposed AHO and Rezoning Program.......................................................2-1

2.2 PROJECT LOCATION ................................................................................................ 2-2

2.2.1 Current Site Conditions ...............................................................................2-2

2.2.2 Surrounding Land Uses...............................................................................2-2

2.2.3 Candidate Sites and Characteristics............................................................2-7

2.3 PROJECT COMPONENTS ......................................................................................... 2-9

2.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES........................................................................................... 2-24

2.5 USES OF THE SEIR ................................................................................................. 2-24

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION..................................... 3-1

3.1 AIR QUALITY.............................................................................................................. 3-7

3.1.1 Environmental Setting .................................................................................3-7 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
ii

3.1.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-13

3.2 ENERGY................................................................................................................... 3-25

3.2.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-25

3.2.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-30

3.3 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS............................................................................ 3-35

3.3.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-35

3.3.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-41

3.4 LAND USE AND PLANNING..................................................................................... 3-49

3.4.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-49

3.4.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-50

3.5 NOISE....................................................................................................................... 3-56

3.5.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-56

3.5.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-59

3.6 PUBLIC SERVICES .................................................................................................. 3-65

3.6.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-65

3.6.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-68

3.7 RECREATION........................................................................................................... 3-71

3.7.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-71

3.7.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-74

3.8 TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................. 3-77

3.8.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-77

3.8.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-79

3.9 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES........................................................................... 3-82

3.9.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3-82

3.9.2 Impact Discussion..................................................................................... 3-85

4.0 GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACTS ................................................................................ 4-1

5.0 SIGNIFICANT AND IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ....................... 5-1

6.0 SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS......................................................... 6-1

7.0 ALTERNATIVES......................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES............................................................................................. 7-1

7.2 SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS FROM THE PROJECT........................................................ 7-2

7.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES........................................................................................ 7-3

7.3.1 Alternatives Considered and Rejected ........................................................7-4

7.3.2 Alternatives Evaluated.................................................................................7-4

7.3.3 Environmentally Superior Alternative...........................................................7-6

8.0 REPORT PREPARATION........................................................................................... 8-1

8.1 LEAD AGENCY........................................................................................................... 8-1

8.2 LIST OF PREPARERS................................................................................................ 8-1

9.0 REFERENCES............................................................................................................... 1 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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LIST OF TABLES
Table ES-1: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures from the Initial Study...................... 5 Table ES-2: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures from the SEIR...............................14 Table 2.2-1: General Plan and Zoning Code Definitions.......................................................... 2-6 Table 2.3-1: Proposed AHO Zone Sites ................................................................................ 2-11 Table 2.3-2: Proposed Rezone Sites..................................................................................... 2-18 Table 2.3-3: Adequacy of Residential Sites Inventory ........................................................... 2-24 Table 2.5-1: Agency Permits and Environmental Review Requirements ............................... 2-25 Table 3.0-1: Related Projects.................................................................................................. 3-2 Table 3.1-1: California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards........................................ 3-8 Table 3.1-2: Attainment Status of Criterial Pollutants in the South Coast Air Basin ................. 3-9 Table 3.1-3: SCAQMD Significance Thresholds.................................................................... 3-14 Table 3.1-4: SCAQMD Localized Significance Thresholds.................................................... 3-14 Table 3.1-5: SCAQMD Toxic Air Contaminant Incremental Risk Thresholds......................... 3-15 Table 3.1-6: Criteria Air Pollutant Project Emissions 2040 .................................................... 3-18 Table 3.2-1: Year 2040 Forecast Electricity Consumption..................................................... 3-31 Table 3.2-2: Year 2040 Forecast Natural Gas Consumption ................................................. 3-32 Table 3.2-3: Operation-Related Fuel Usage: Full VMT.......................................................... 3-33 Table 3.3-1: Proposed Project GHG Emissions 2040............................................................ 3-43 Table 3.3-2: Project Consistency with Applicable 2017 Scoping Plan Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies .............................................................................................. 3-45 Table 3.4-1: General Plan Consistency Analysis................................................................... 3-51

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Regional Location Map ............................................................................................ 2-3 Figure 2: City of Corona Map .................................................................................................. 2-4 Figure 3: City AHO Sites and Rezone Parcels ........................................................................ 2-5 Figure 4: Character Zones ...................................................................................................... 2-8 Figure 5: High Quality Transit Area Overlay and Transit Routes ........................................... 2-10

APPENDICES
Appendix A ........................................... Initial Study, Notice of Preparation, Scoping Comments Appendix B .......................................................Vehicle Miles Traveled Evaluation Memorandum Appendix C ...............................................................................................Tribal Correspondence 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
AB Assembly Bill
ACC Advanced Clean Cars
ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit
af acre-feet
AHO Affordable Housing Overlay
AICUZ Air Installation Compatible Land Use Zone
APN Assessor’s Parcel Number
AQMP Air Quality Management Plan
ARMR Archaeological Resource Management Reports
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality management District
BMP best management practices
CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CALGreen California Green Building Standards Code
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
Cal/OSHA California Division of Occupational Safety and Health CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CBC California Building Code
CCAA California Clean Air Act
CCR California Code of Regulations
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CFD Corona Fire Department
CGC California Government Code
CGS California Geologic Survey
CHRIS California Historical Resources Information System City City of Corona
CNEL community noise equivalent level
CNG compressed natural gas
CNUSD Corona-Norco Unified School District
CO carbon monoxide
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CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
County Riverside County
CPD Corona Police Department
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CRHR California Register of Historic Places
dBA A-weighted decibel
DEH Riverside County Department of Environmental Health DIF Development Impact Fee
DOC California Department of Conservation
DTSC California Department of Toxic Substances Control
DWP Corona Department of Water and Power
DWR Department of Water Resources
EAP Emergency Action Plan
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EO Executive Order
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
ESA environmental site assessment
EV electric vehicle
EVMWC Eagle Valley Mutual Water Company
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FESA Federal Endangered Species Act
FMMP Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
General Plan Update EIR City of Corona General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report GHG greenhouse gas
Working Group GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Working Group gpcd gallons per capita per day
gpd gallons per day
GPS global positioning system
GWh gigawatt-hours
HABS Historic American Buildings Survey
HAER Historic American Engineering Record
HALS Historic American Landscape Survey
HCD California Department of Housing and Community Development HAPS hazardous air pollutants
HCM 6 Highway Capacity Manual 6
HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
HGCWD Home Gardens County Water District
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HGSD Home Garden Sanitary District
HQTA High Quality Transit Area
HSC California Health and Safety Code
HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
IS Initial Study
kWh kilowatt-hours
Ldn day-night average sound level over a 24-hour period Leq equivalent continuous noise level
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
LID Low Impact Development
LOS level of service
LST localized significance threshold
MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
mgd million gallons per day
μg/m3 microgram per cubic meter
mg/m3 milligram per cubic meter
MMT million metric tons
MRZ Mineral Resource Zone
MSHCP Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan
MTCO2e metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
MTCO2e/SP metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per service population NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAHC National American Heritage Commission
NESHAPS National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants NHMLA Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NO2 nitrogen dioxide
NOP Notice of Preparation
NOx Oxides of Nitrogen
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRHP National Register of Historic Places
OEHHA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
OHP California Office of Historic Preservation
O3 ozone
OITC Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class
OPR California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Pb lead
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PM2.5 fine inhalable particulate matter less than 2.5 microns PM10 coarse inhalable particulate matter less than 10 microns Ppb parts per billion
ppm parts per million
PPV peak particle velocity
PQS Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards PRC Public Resources Code
PRMMP Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan Project (proposed Project) City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
RPS Renewables Portfolio Standards
RTP/SCS Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SB Senate Bill
SCAG Southern California Association of Governments
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCE Southern California Edison
SIP State Implementation Plan
SLF Sacred Lands File
SO2 sulfur dioxide
SPP Structure Protections Plan
SoCAB South Coast Air Basin
SoCalGas Southern California Gas Company
SOI sphere of influence
SR State Route
STC Sound Transmission Class
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
TAC toxic air contaminants
TDM Transportation Demand Management
TVPA Temescal Valley Production Area
TVWP Temescal Valley Water District
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
USFS United States Forest Service
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
VHFHSZ Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
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WMI Waste Management Inc.

WMWD Western Municipal Water District
WQMP Water Quality Management Plan
WRCRWA Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority WRF water reclamation facility
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ES.1 PURPOSE
This Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) to the Corona General Plan Technical Update 2020 Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) is prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (California Public Resources Code (PRC), Section 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14, Section 15000, et seq.) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project (Project). The purpose of this Draft SEIR is to inform decision makers, representatives of affected and responsible agencies, the public, and other interested parties of the potential environmental effects that may result from implementation of the proposed Project. This Draft SEIR describes potential impacts relating to a wide variety of environmental issues and the methods by which these impacts may be mitigated or avoided.

ES.2 PROJECT LOCATION
The Project is located in the City of Corona (Corona), which is in northwestern Riverside County (County).

ES.3 PROJECT SUMMARY
In accordance with California Government Code Section 65584, projected housing needs for each city and county in the Southern California region are prepared by Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) under a process known as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The RHNA allocates regional housing needs by income level among member jurisdictions. California law established the planning period for the current RHNA from June 30, 2021, to October 15, 2029.

Implementation of the Project is intended to accommodate the planning of low- and moderate-income households in the City, in accordance with the City’s recently adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element Update.

In addition to including goals, policies, and implementation programs regarding housing issues, housing elements must include an inventory or list of housing sites at sufficient densities to accommodate a specific number of units at various levels of affordability assigned to the City by SCAG. The 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 low- and moderate-income units. The AHO zone is a new zoning designation that the City proposes to establish in order to create by-right development standards for affordable housing projects. The City also proposes to create development standards and architectural design guidelines for the AHO zone, which would cover existing properties that are developed City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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with non-residential uses. The AHO zone would allow these properties to be redeveloped with residential land uses should a percentage of the housing units include low- and moderate-income housing.

ES.4 AREA OF CONTROVERSY/ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED
Section 15123 of the CEQA Guidelines requires that a summary of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) identify areas of controversy known to the lead agency, including issues raised by agencies and the public.

On July 1, 2022, the City issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Initial Study (IS) (Appendix A) to inform agencies and the general public that a SEIR was being prepared. The NOP was circulated between July 1, 2022, and August 1, 2022, for the statutory 30-day public review period. The City invited comments on the scope and content of the document, and participation at a public scoping meeting on July 20, 2022, at Corona City Hall Multi-Purpose Room. Appendix A of this Draft SEIR contains a scoping report listing the written comments received on the NOP and during the public scoping meeting. During the public comment period for the NOP, four comment letters were received regarding the proposed Project’s Initial Study and none were received during the public scoping meeting. In general, areas of potential controversy known to the City include:
• Impacts related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions • Impacts related to the use of energy and resources
• Impacts to land use and planning
• Impacts to parks and recreation resources
• Impacts related to noise and vibration
• Impacts related to transportation and traffic
• Impacts related to tribal cultural resources
Table ES-1, Executive Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures, summarizes the detailed discussion contained in Section 3.0, Environmental Setting, Impacts and Mitigation, of this Draft SEIR.

ES.5 DISAGREEMENT AMONG EXPERTS
This Draft SEIR contains substantial evidence to support the conclusions presented herein. It is possible that there will be disagreement among various parties regarding these conclusions, although the City is not aware of any disputed conclusions at the time of this writing. Both the CEQA Guidelines and case law clearly provide the standards for treating disagreement among experts. Where evidence and opinions conflict on an issue concerning the environment, and the lead agency knows of these controversies in advance, the EIR must acknowledge the controversies, summarize the conflicting opinions of the experts, and include sufficient information to allow the public and decision-makers to make an informed judgment about the environmental consequences of the proposed Project.

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ES.6 SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS
Project implementation would result in the following significant unavoidable adverse impacts:
• Air Quality: The proposed Project would conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable AQMP; would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of VOCs, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 for which the project region is non-attainment under applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard; and would contribute to elevated levels of TACs in the air basin. Additionally, the Project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative air quality impact. Therefore, impacts related to air quality would remain significant and unavoidable as noted in the General Plan EIR.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implementation of the proposed Project may not meet the long-term greenhouse gas reduction goal under Executive Order S-03-05 and would also result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative greenhouse gas emission impact.

Therefore, impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions would remain significant and unavoidable as noted in the General Plan EIR.
• Noise: Implementation of the proposed Project would result in impacts with respect to temporary construction noise and impacts would remain significant and unavoidable as noted in the General Plan EIR.
• Transportation: Implementation of the proposed Project would result in increase in VMT from existing conditions and would also result in a cumulative considerable contribution to a significant transportation impact, and therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable as noted in the General Plan EIR.

ES.7 SUMMARY OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
An EIR must describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project or alternative project locations that could feasibly attain most of the basic project objectives and would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant environmental impacts of the proposed project. The alternative analysis must include the “No Project Alternative” as a point of comparison. The No Project Alternative includes existing conditions and reasonably foreseeable future conditions that would exist if the proposed Project were not approved (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6). The following alternatives are discussed further in Section 7.0, Alternatives, of this document.

Alternative 1 – No Project
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(1) requires that the no project alternative be described and analyzed, “to allow decision-makers to compare the impacts of approving the project with the impacts of not approving the project.” The no project analysis is required to discuss, “the existing conditions at the time the Notice of Preparation is published… as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services” (Section 15126.6(e)(2)).

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The No Project Alternative assumed that no rezoning program would take place and the identified Project sites would continue to be designated as identified in the General Plan Update without any increase in residential density. The No Project Alternative would maintain the status quo of the General Plan Update and would not accommodate the City’s state mandated RHNA allocation in accordance with the Housing Element for Planning Period 2021-2029. The No Project Alternative would not achieve any of the project objectives to provide adequate housing sites for all income levels within the City, promote housing opportunities that support the City’s state mandated RHNA, promote fair housing opportunities that encourage access to lower- and moderate-income housing, and promote safe and healthy housing opportunities to discourage overcrowding.

Alternative 2 – Reduced Density Alternative Up To 45 Dwelling Units per Acre The Project proposes to apply an AHO zone at a maximum density of 60 dwelling units per acre to 100 identified sites to accommodate 4,651 additional housing units. The Reduced Density Alternative would reduce the maximum density on the AHO zone parcels to 45 dwelling units per acre. The Reduced Density Alternative would reduce the number of residential units the AHO zone could accommodate to 3,492 dwelling units.

Vacant parcels (750 units) and nonvacant parcels (452 units) can accommodate a total of approximately 1,202 new housing units, and potential rezone parcels (368 units) and AHO parcels (3,492 units) at a maximum density of 45 units per acre can accommodate a total of approximately 5,062 additional housing units. Based on this, by implementing the Reduced Density Alternatives, the City would be able to accommodate the 2021-2029 RHNA and provide a RHNA-buffer of 4 percent for low-income households and a 1.5 percent buffer for moderate-income households.

Alternative 3 – Alternate Development Areas
Alternative 3 is consideration of different locations for redevelopment. A Citywide comprehensive land survey has been conducted, and the candidate sites have been selected in order to support the City’s objectives to sustainably increase residential density, especially in a transit-oriented community.

Consideration of alternative locations may take place in areas that are not well-suited for the intensified residential redevelopment or within a transit-oriented community. Development standards within transitoriented communities aim to support the highest density for the proposed Project, as they are intended to encourage compact development, improve access to transit, and promote a pedestrian-oriented environment. Transit-oriented community development standards would require a minimum of 60 units per acre, as provided by the proposed Project.

ES.8 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
This Draft SEIR analyzes the potential environmental effect of the Project. The Initial Study (Appendix A) prepared for the Project determined that the following topics would have either no significant impact or impacts that would be reduced to less than significant with incorporation of mitigation measures identified in the City’s General Plan EIR.

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• Aesthetics
• Agriculture and Forestry Resources
• Biological Resources
• Cultural Resources
• Geology and Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Mineral Resources
• Population and Housing
• Utilities and Service Systems
• Wildfire
The Project would be required to comply with all mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study. For a complete discussion of potential impacts identified in the Initial Study, please refer to the specific discussion within each resource section of the Initial Study, included as Appendix A to this Draft SEIR.

The Initial Study identified impacts related to air quality, energy, greenhouse gas emission, land use and planning, noise, public services (parks), recreation, transportation and tribal cultural resources requiring a more detailed evaluation, which is discussed in Section 3.0, Environmental Setting, Impact, and Mitigation, of this Draft SEIR.

Table ES-1, Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures from the Initial Study, summarizes the potential environmental effects of the proposed Project and the mitigation measures from the Initial Study. Table ES2, Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures from the SEIR, has been organized to correspond with environmental issues discussed in Section 3.0, Environmental Setting, Impacts and Mitigation, of this SEIR.

Table ES-1 and ES-2 are arranged in four columns: 1) impacts; 2) level of significance without mitigation; 3) mitigation measures; and 4) level of significance with mitigation.

Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15093, if the proposed Project is approved as proposed, any impact noted in the summary as “significant” after mitigation would require the adoption of overriding considerations. As shown in Table ES-2, development of the proposed Project with mitigation measures would result in significant and unavoidable impacts to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and transportation. Therefore, a statement of overriding considerations would be required during certification of the Final SEIR.

Additionally, CEQA requires public agencies to establish a monitoring and reporting program for the purpose of ensuring compliance with those mitigation measures adopted as conditions of approval in order to mitigate or avoid significant environmental impacts identified in an EIR. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, incorporating the mitigation measures set forth in this document, would be adopted at the time of certification of the Final SEIR.

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Table ES-1: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures from the Initial Study Impacts
Level of
Significance
Before
Mitigation
Mitigation Measures
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
Initial Study Section 3.4 - Biological Resources
Impact BIO-1: Would the project have a
substantial adverse effect, either directly through
habitat modifications, on any species identified
as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or regulated by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure BIO-1. Applicants for future
development projects shall include a biological resources survey if it has been determined that the site in its existing condition may contain biological habitat or species. The biological resources survey shall be conducted by a
qualified biologist. The biological resources survey shall include, but not be limited to:

An analysis of available literature and biological databases, such as the California Natural Diversity Database, to
determine sensitive biological resources that have been reported historically from the proposed development project vicinity.

A review of current land use and land ownership within the proposed development project vicinity.

An assessment and mapping of vegetation communities
present within the proposed development project vicinity.

An evaluation of potential local and regional wildlife
movement corridors.

A general assessment of potential jurisdictional areas, including wetlands and riparian habitats.

Vegetation communities should be classified and mapped to the alliance or association level using classification methods Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
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and membership rules according to A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd edition (2009).

Focused Surveys. If one or more special status species has the potential to occur within the proposed development
project area, focused species surveys shall be conducted to determine the presence/absence of these species to
adequately evaluate potential direct and/or indirect impacts to these species. The focused survey shall record the
location and boundary of special status species by use of global positioning system (GPS). The number of individuals in each special status plant population shall be provided as counted (if population is small) or estimated (if population is large). If applicable, information about the percentage of individuals in each life stage, such as seedlings vs.
reproductive individuals, should be provided. If feasible, images of the target species and representative habitats should be included to support information and descriptions.

Preconstruction Surveys. If construction activities are not initiated immediately after focused surveys have been
completed, additional preconstruction special status species surveys may be required to ensure impacts are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. If preconstruction activities are required, a qualified biologist would perform these surveys as required for each special status species that is known to occur or has a potential to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area.

Biological Resources Report. The results of the biological survey for proposed development projects with no
significant impacts may be presented in a biological survey letter report. For proposed development projects with
significant impacts that require mitigation to reduce the impacts to below a level of significance, the results of the biological survey shall be presented in a biological technical report.

Prior to implementing construction activities, a qualified biologist shall verify that the flagging clearly delineates the construction limits and sensitive resources to be avoided.

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Mitigation Measure BIO-3. If sensitive biological resources are known to occur within or adjacent to the proposed
development project area, a project-specific contractor training program shall be developed and implemented to
educate project contractors on the sensitive biological resources within and adjacent to the proposed development project area and measures being implemented to avoid
and/or minimize impacts to these species. A qualified
biologist shall develop and implement the contractor training program.

Mitigation Measure BIO-7. The City of Corona shall require applicants for future development projects to contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a preconstruction general nesting bird survey within all suitable nesting habitats that may be impacted by active construction during general
avian breeding season (February 1 through August 31). The preconstruction surveys shall be conducted no more than 7 days prior to initiation of construction. If no active avian nests are identified within the proposed development project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed
development project area, no further mitigation is
necessary. If active nests of avian species covered by the Fish and Game Code are detected within the proposed
development project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed development project area, construction shall be halted until the young have fledged, until a qualified biologist has determined the nest is inactive, or until appropriate mitigation measures that respond to the specific situation have been developed and implemented in consultation with the regulatory agencies. Based on the discretion of the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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qualified biologist, the 300-foot buffer may be expanded as appropriate to the species.

Impact BIO-2: Would the project have a
substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat
or other sensitive natural community identified in
local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-4 are required.

Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
Impact BIO-3: Would the project have a
substantial adverse effect on state or federally
protected wetlands (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure BIO-5. The City of Corona shall require applicants of development project that have the potential to affect jurisdictional resources to contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a jurisdictional delineation following the methods outlined in the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation
Manual and the Regional Supplement to the USACE
Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (USACE
2008) to map the extent of wetlands and non-wetland
waters, determine jurisdiction, and assess potential impacts.

The results of the delineation shall be presented in a
wetland delineation report and shall be incorporated into the CEQA document(s) required for approval and permitting of the proposed development project.

Applicants of development projects that have the potential to impact jurisdictional features, as identified in the wetland delineation letter report, shall obtain permits and
authorizations from the Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The regulatory agency
authorization(s) would include impact avoidance and
minimization measures as well as mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts. Specific avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for impacts to jurisdictional resources shall be determined through discussions with the regulatory agencies during the proposed development project
permitting process and may include monetary contributions to a mitigation bank or habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement.

Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
Initial Study Section 3.5 – Cultural Resources
Impact CUL-1: Would the project cause a
substantial adverse change in the significance of
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure CUL-1. Prior to any construction
activities that may affect historical resources (i.e., structures 45 years or older), a historical resources assessment shall be performed by an architectural historian or historian who Less than
Significant
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a historical resource as identified in Section
15064.5?
meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards (PQS) in architectural history or history. This shall include a records search to determine if any resources that may be potentially affected by the project have been
previously recorded, evaluated, and/or designated in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), or Corona Register of Historic Resources. Following the records search, the qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct a reconnaissance-level and/or intensive-level survey in
accordance with the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) guidelines to identify any previously unrecorded
potential historical resources that may be potentially affected by the proposed project. Pursuant to the definition of a historical resource under CEQA, potential historical
resources shall be evaluated under a developed historic context.

Impact with
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure CUL-2. To ensure that projects
requiring the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of a historical resource not impair its significance, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatments of Historic Properties shall be used to the maximum extent possible.

The application of the standards shall be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the PQS. Prior to any construction activities that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City of Corona.

Mitigation Measure CUL-3. If a proposed project would
result in the demolition or significant alteration of a historical resource, it cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level. However, recordation of the resource prior to
construction activities will assist in reducing adverse impacts to the resource to the greatest extent possible. Recordation shall take the form of Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS)
documentation, and shall be performed by an architectural historian or historian who meets the PQS. Documentation shall include an architectural and historical narrative; medium- or large-format black and white photographs,
negatives, and prints; and supplementary information such City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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as building plans and elevations, and/or historic photographs.

Documentation shall be reproduced on archival paper and placed in appropriate local, state, or federal institutions. The specific scope and details of documentation would be
developed at the project level.

Since the location of some eligible cultural resources is confidential, these resources will be flagged as
environmentally sensitive areas.

Impact CUL-2: Would the project cause a
substantial adverse change in the significance of
an archaeological resource pursuant to Section
15064.5?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure CUL-5. To determine the
archaeological sensitivity for projects within the City, an archaeological resources assessment shall be performed
under the supervision of an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards (PQS) in either prehistoric or historic archaeology. The assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records search and a search of the Sacred Lands File (SLF) maintained by the Native
American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The records
searches shall determine if the proposed project has been previously surveyed for archaeological resources, identify and characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys, and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken in areas that are undeveloped to locate any surface cultural materials.
a. If potentially significant archaeological resources are identified through an archaeological resources
assessment, and impacts to these resources cannot be
avoided, a Phase II Testing and Evaluation investigation shall be performed by an archaeologist who meets the
PQS prior to any construction-related ground-disturbing activities to determine significance. If resources
determined significant or unique through Phase II
Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
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testing, and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established
and undertaken. These might include a Phase III data
recovery program that would be implemented by a
qualified archaeologist and shall be performed in
accordance with the Office of Historic Preservation’s
Archaeological Resource Management Reports
(ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format (1990)
and Guidelines for Archaeological Research Designs
(1991).
b. If the archaeological assessment did not identify
potentially significant archaeological resources within the proposed General Plan area but indicated the area
to be highly sensitive for archaeological resources, a
qualified archaeologist shall monitor all ground
disturbing construction and pre-construction activities in areas with previously undisturbed soil. The
archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel
prior to construction activities of the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial onsite safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources
(artifacts or features) are exposed during grounddisturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the resources are evaluated for significance by an
archaeologist who meets the PQS. If the discovery
proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a
recognized scientific or educational repository.
c. If the archaeological assessment did not identify
potentially significant archaeological resources, but
indicates the area to be of medium sensitivity for
archaeological resources, an archaeologist who meets
the PQS shall be retained on an on-call basis. The
archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel
prior to construction activities about the proper
procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery.

The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial on-site safety meeting, and shall explain the
importance and legal basis for the protection of
significant archaeological resources. In the event that City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are
exposed during ground disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the on-call archaeologist is contacted. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

Initial Study Section 3.7 – Geology and Soils
Impact GEO-6: Would the project directly or
indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: High and Low-to-High
Sensitivity. In areas designated as having “high” or “low-tohigh” sensitivity for paleontological resources, the project applicant shall be required to submit a Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP). The
PRMMP shall be prepared by a Qualified Paleontologist
meeting the standards of Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (2010). The plan shall address specifics of monitoring and mitigation based on the project area and project’s
construction plan, and shall take into account updated
geologic mapping, geotechnical data, updated
paleontological records searches, and changes to the
regulatory framework at the time of analysis. The PRMMP shall be submitted to the City of Corona’s Community
Development Department prior to approval of a grading
permit. Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure GEO-2: High Sensitivity. Projects
involving ground disturbances in previously undisturbed areas mapped as having “high” paleontological sensitivity shall be monitored by a qualified paleontological monitor on a full-time basis, under the supervision of the Qualified Paleontologist. Monitoring shall include inspection of
exposed sedimentary units during active excavations within sensitive geologic sediments. The monitor shall have
authority to temporarily divert activity away from exposed fossils to evaluate the significance of the find and, if the fossils are determined to be significant, professionally and efficiently recover the fossil specimens and collect
associated data. The paleontological monitor shall use field data forms to record pertinent location and geologic data, measure stratigraphic sections (if applicable), and collect appropriate sediment samples from any fossil localities.

Mitigation Measure GEO-3: Low-to-High Sensitivity.

Projects involving ground disturbance in previously
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undisturbed areas mapped with “low-to-high”
paleontological sensitivity shall require monitoring if construction activity exceeds the depth of the low-sensitivity surficial sediments. The underlying sediments may have
high sensitivity; therefore, work in those units shall require paleontological monitoring, as designated by the Qualified Paleontologist in the Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP).

Mitigation Measure GEO-6: All Projects. In the event of any fossil discovery, regardless of depth or geologic
formation, construction work shall halt within a 50-foot radius of the find until its significance can be determined by a Qualified Paleontologist. Significant fossils shall be recovered, prepared to the point of curation, identified by qualified experts, listed in a database to facilitate analysis, and deposited in a designated paleontological curation
facility in accordance with the standards of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (2010). The most likely repository is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
(NHMLA). The repository shall be identified, and a curatorial arrangement shall be signed, prior to collection of the fossils.

Initial Study Section 3.12 – Mineral Resources
Impact MIN-1: Would the project result in the
loss of availability of a known mineral resource
that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure MIN-1. Prior to project approval for proposed development of properties classified as either regionally significant construction aggregate MRZ-2 or
industrial minerals MRZ-2a, a mineral resource evaluation shall be conducted to determine the significant and
economic viability of mining the resource. If development of a property would preclude future extraction of a significant mineral resource, in accordance with CEQA, the City shall make the appropriate findings and adopt a Statement of
Overriding Considerations prior to permitting development of the property.

Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure MIN-2. Prior to approval of any project on lands classified as either regionally significant
construction aggregate MRZ-2 or industrial mineral MRZ-2a, a report shall be prepared that analyzes the project’s value in relation to the mineral values found onsite. The analysis shall consider the importance of construction aggregate mineral resource onsite to the market region as a whole, City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Executive Summary
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and not just the importance of the resources found within the City and SOI. The report shall be submitted to the City, such that the City has adequate information to develop a statement of reasons for permitting the proposed land use to the California Department of Conservation, State Mining and Geology Board, for subsequent review, in accordance with SMARA, Article 2, Section 2762 and 2763 for areas
designated of regional significance.

Table ES-2: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures from the SEIR Impacts
Level of
Significance
Before
Mitigation
Mitigation Measures
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
SEIR Section 3.1 – Air Quality
Impact AIR-1: Would the project conflict
with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure AQ-1. Project proponents of new development projects shall incorporate mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions during construction activities. Mitigation measures shall be incorporated into all appropriate construction documents/plans (e.g., construction management plans) submitted to the City and shall be verified by the City’s Development Services Division.

Mitigation measures to reduce construction related emissions could include, but are not limited to:
• Requiring fugitive-dust control measures that exceed
SCAQMD’s Rule 403, such as:
o Use of nontoxic soil stabilizers to reduce wind erosion. o Applying water every four house to active soil-disturbing activities.
o Tarping and/or maintaining a minimum of 24 inches of
freeboard on trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials.
o Using construction equipment rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as having Tier 3 (model year 2006 or newer) or Tier 4 (model year 2008 or newer) emission limits, applicable for engines between 50 and 750 horsepower.

Significant and
Unavoidable
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o Ensuring that construction equipment is properly serviced and maintained to the manufacturer’s standards.
o Limiting nonessential idling of construction equipment to no more than five consecutive minutes.
o Limiting onsite vehicle travel speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour.
o Installing wheel washers for all existing trucks or wash off all trucks and equipment leaving the project area.
o Using Super-Compliant VOC paints for coating of
architectural surfaces whenever possible. A list of SuperCompliant architectural coating manufacturers can be found on the SCAQMD’s website at
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/planning/
architectural-coatings/super-compliant-manflist.pdf?sfvrsn=71.

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• Provide bicycle parking facilities per Section A4.106.9 (Residential Voluntary Measures) of the CALGreen Code.
• Provide preferential parking spaces for low-emitting, fuelefficient, and carpool/van vehicles per Section A5.106.5.1 of the CALGreen Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures).
• Provide facilities to support electric charging stations per Section A5.106.5.3 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) and Section A5.106.8.2 (Residential Voluntary Measures of the CALGreen Code.
• Applicant-provided appliances shall be Energy Star-certified appliances or appliances of equivalent energy efficiency (e.g., dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers).

Installation of Energy Star-certified or equivalent appliances shall be verified by Building and Safety during plan check. • Applicants for future development projects along existing and planned transit routes shall coordinate with the City of Corona and Riverside Transit to ensure that bus pads and shelter improvements are incorporated, as appropriate.

Impact AIR-2: Would the project result in
a cumulatively considerable net increase
of any criteria pollutant for which the
Project region is non-attainment under an
applicable Federal or State ambient air
quality standard?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2 are required. Significant and Unavoidable
Impact AIR-3: Would the project expose
sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2 are required. Significant and Unavoidable
SEIR Section 3.3 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Impact GHG-1: Would the project
generate greenhouse gas emissions,
either directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure GHG-1. The City of Corona shall update the Climate Action Plan (CAP) every five years to ensure the City is monitoring the plan’s progress toward achieving the City’s GHG reduction target and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified level. The update shall consider a trajectory consistent with the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal established under Executive Order S-03-05 for year 2050 and the latest applicable statewide legislative GHG emission reduction that may be in effect at the time of the CAP update (e.g., Senate Bill 32 for year 2030). The CAP update shall include the following:
• GHG inventories of existing and forecast year GHG levels Significant and
Unavoidable
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• Tools and strategies for reducing GHG emissions to ensure a trajectory with the long-term GHG reduction goal of Executive Order S-03-05
• Plan implementation guidance that includes, at minimum, the following components consistent with the proposed CAP:
o Administration and Staffing
o Finance and Budgeting
o Timelines for Measure Implementation
o Community Outreach and Education
o Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Management Tracking Tools
SEIR Section 3.5 - Noise
Impact NOI-1: Would the project result in
generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise
levels in the vicinity of the project in excess
of standards established in the local
general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure N-1. Construction contractors shall implement the following measures for construction activities conducted in the City. Construction plans submitted to the City shall identify these measures on demolition, grading, and construction plans submitted to the City. The City Corona Public Works Department shall verify that grading, demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to the City include these notations prior to issuance of demolition, grading and/or building permits.
• During the active construction period, equipment and trucks used for project construction shall utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers, intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically
attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible.
• Impact tools (e.g., jack hammers and hoe rams) shall be hydraulic- or electric-powered wherever feasible. Where the use of pneumatic tools is unavoidable, an exhaust muffler on the compressed air exhaust shall be used along with external noise jackets on the tools.
• Stationary equipment such as generators and air compressors shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive uses. • Stockpiling shall be located as far as feasible from noisesensitive receptors. • Construction traffic shall be limited—to the extent feasible—to approved haul routes established by the City.
• Prior to the start of construction activities, a sign shall be posted at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, Significant and
Unavoidable
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that includes permitted construction days and hours, as well as the contact information of the City’s and contractor’s authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If the authorized contractor’s representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the City. • Signs shall be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the onsite construction zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All other equipment shall be turned off if not in use for more than 5 minutes.
• During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use of noise-producing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells, shall be for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager shall be responsible for adjusting alarms based on the background noise level, or to utilize human spotters when feasible and in compliance with all safety requirements and laws.
• When construction noise is predicted to exceed established noise standards and when the anticipated construction duration is two years or more, contractors shall erect temporary noise barriers, where feasible.

Impact NOI-2: Would the project exposure
of persons to or generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or groundborne
noise levels?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure N-2. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring pile driving during construction within 135 feet of fragile structures such as historical resources, 100 feet of nonengineered timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster), or a vibratory roller within 25 feet of any structure, the project applicant shall prepare a noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts related to these activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer.

The vibration levels shall not exceed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) architectural damage thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered concrete and masonry), or the City threshold of 0.05 in/sec RMS (94 VdB). If vibration levels would exceed this threshold, alternative uses such static rollers and drilling piles as opposed to pile driving shall be used.

Less than
Significant
Impact with
Mitigation
SEIR Section 3.9 – Tribal Cultural Resources
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Impact TCR-1: Would the Project cause a
substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource,
defined in Public Resources Code section
21074 as either a site, feature, place,
cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of
the landscape, sacred place, or object with
cultural value to a California Native
American tribe, and that is:

Listed or eligible for listing in the
CRHR, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k), or
A resource determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and supported
by substantial evidence, to be
significant pursuant to criteria set forth
in subdivision of Public Resources
Code Section 5024.1. In applying the
criteria set forth in subdivision of
Public Resource Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider
the significance of the resource to a
California Native American tribe?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure CUL-5. To determine the archaeological sensitivity for projects within the City, an archaeological resources assessment shall be performed under the supervision of an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards (PQS) in either prehistoric or historic archaeology. The assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records search and a search of the Sacred Lands File (SLF) maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The records searches shall determine if the proposed project has been previously surveyed for archaeological resources, identify and characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys, and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken in areas that are undeveloped to locate any surface cultural materials. a. If potentially significant archaeological resources are identified through an archaeological resources assessment, and impacts to these resources cannot be avoided, a Phase II Testing and Evaluation investigation shall be performed by an archaeologist who meets the PQS prior to any construction-related grounddisturbing activities to determine significance. If resources determined significant or unique through Phase II testing, and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken.

These might include a Phase III data recovery program that would be implemented by a qualified archaeologist and shall be performed in accordance with the Office of Historic
Preservation’s Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format (1990) and
Guidelines for Archaeological Research Designs (1991).
b. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources within the proposed General Plan area but indicated the area to be highly sensitive for archaeological resources, a qualified archaeologist shall monitor all ground disturbing construction and pre-construction activities in areas with previously undisturbed soil. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities of the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial on-site safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that Less than
Significant with
Mitigation
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archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground-disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the resources are evaluated for significance by an archaeologist who meets the PQS. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.
c. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources, but indicates the area to be of medium sensitivity for archaeological resources, an archaeologist who meets the PQS shall be retained on an oncall basis. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities about the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial onsite safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources.

In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the on-call archaeologist is contacted. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

Mitigation Measure TCR-1. Tribal Cultural Resources Monitoring.

The project archaeologist, in consultation with interested tribes, the developer and the City of Corona, shall develop an Archaeological Monitoring Plan (AMP) to address the details, timing and responsibility of archaeological and cultural activities that will occur on the project site. Details in the AMP shall include:

1. Project-related ground disturbance (including, but not limited to, brush clearing, grading, trenching, etc.) and development scheduling;

2. The development of a rotating or simultaneous schedule in coordination with the developer and the project archeologist for designated Native American Tribal Monitors from the consulting tribes during grading, excavation and ground disturbing activities on the site: including the scheduling, safety requirements, duties, scope of work, and Native American Tribal Monitors’ authority to stop and redirect grading activities in coordination with all project archaeologists (if the tribes cannot come to an agreement on the rotating or simultaneous schedule of tribal monitoring, the Native American Heritage Commission City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Executive Summary
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shall designate the schedule for the onsite Native American Tribal Monitor for the proposed project);

At least 30-days prior to application for a grading permit and before any brush clearance, grading, excavation and/or ground disturbing activities on the site take place, the future developer shall retain a tribal cultural monitor to monitor all ground-disturbing activities in an effort to identify any unknown archaeological resources.

Reburial shall not occur until all cataloguing, basic analysis, and other analyses as recommended by the project
archaeologist and approved by consulting tribes and basic recordation have been completed; all documentation
should be at a level of standard professional practice to allow the writing of a report of professional quality;
b. A curation agreement with an appropriate qualified
repository within San Bernardino County that meets federal standards per 36 CFR Part 79 and therefore would be
professionally curated and made available to other
archaeologists/researchers for further study. The
collections and associated records shall be transferred, including title, to an appropriate curation facility within San Bernardino County, to be accompanied by payment of the
fees necessary for permanent curation;
c. For purposes of conflict resolution, if more than one Native American tribe or band is involved with the project and cannot come to an agreement as to the disposition of
cultural materials, they shall be curated at the San
Bernardino County Museum by default;
d. At the completion of grading, excavation and ground
disturbing activities on the site, a Phase IV Monitoring Report shall be submitted to the City documenting
monitoring activities conducted by the project archaeologist and Native Tribal Monitors within 60 days of completion of grading. This report shall document the impacts to the
known resources on the property; describe how each
mitigation measure was fulfilled; document the type of
cultural resources recovered and the disposition of such resources; provide evidence of the required cultural
sensitivity training for the construction staff held during the required pre-grade meeting; and, in a confidential
appendix, include the daily/weekly monitoring notes from the archaeologist. All reports produced will be submitted to the City, County Museum, and consulting tribes.

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ES.9 REVIEW OF THE FINAL DRAFT EIR
The Draft SEIR will be available for public review for the statutory 45-day review period, and will circulate starting September 19, 2022, and end November 2, 2022. During the public review period, the Draft EIR, including the technical appendices, will be available electronically at: www.CoronaCA.gov/GPUpdate. If you wish to request a hard copy of the Draft EIR, please contact the City Planning and Development Department at (951) 736-2434 to make arrangements.

Please indicate a contact person for your agency or organization and send your comments to:

[email protected].

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE CEQA PROCESS
This Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) is prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project (Project). This document is prepared in conformance with CEQA (California PRC Section 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14, Section 15000, et seq.). This Draft SEIR is intended to serve as an informational document for the public agency decision makers and the public regarding the Project.

1.1.1 Overview
The City’s General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) anticipated an additional 5,494 residential units within the City through buildout of the General Plan. However, the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) allocation for the Housing Element Update exceeds the City’s housing unit projection for Year 2040 in the General Plan Update. Currently, the City’s RHNA allocation of 6,088 units exceeds its projected housing growth by 594 units, in addition to accommodating an additional buffer.

Therefore, the City is proposing a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of additional low- and moderate-income households as required by the state’s RHNA allocation for the City. The 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. As such, supplemental environmental evaluation is required pursuant to CEQA to address the potential impacts from growth that could occur as a result of future Project implementation. Therefore, this SEIR analyzes the additional RHNA allocation and planned buffer for additional housing that was not analyzed in the City’s General Plan Update EIR.

1.1.2 Purpose and Authority
The City of Corona (City), as the Lead Agency, has prepared this Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) to the Corona General Plan Technical Update 2020 Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project (Project) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines.

As provided in Section 15121(a) of the CEQA Guidelines, “An EIR is an informational document which will inform public agency decision makers and the public generally of the significant environmental effect of a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to the project. The public agency shall consider the information in the EIR along with other information which may be presented to the agency.”
As the CEQA Lead Agency for this Project, the City is required to consider the information in the EIR along with any other available information in deciding whether to approve the project. In accordance with CEQA, City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Introduction
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this SEIR provides objective information regarding the environmental impacts of the Project to the decisionmakers who will be considering Project approval. As provided in the CEQA Guidelines, the basic requirements for an EIR include discussions of the environmental setting, significant environmental impacts including growth-inducing impacts, cumulative impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives. It is not the intent of an EIR to recommend either approval or denial of a project.

The CEQA Guidelines contain the following general information of the role of an EIR and its contents:

Section 15145 – Speculation. If, after thorough investigation, a Lead Agency finds that a particular impact is too speculative for evaluation, the agency should note its conclusion and terminate discussion of the impact.

Section 15151 – Standards for Adequacy of an EIR. An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decision-makers with information that enables them to make a decision that intelligently considers environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed in light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the main points of disagreement among the experts. The courts have looked not for perfection, but for adequacy, completeness, and a good-faith effort at full disclosure.

1.1.3 Type of Environmental Impact Report
This a Supplemental EIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, when an EIR has been certified for a project, no subsequent EIR shall be prepared for that project unless the lead agency determines one or more of the following:
• Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
• Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; or
• New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as completed, shows any of the following:
o The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR; o Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR;
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o Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible, and would substantial reduce one or more significant effects of the project. But the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measures or alternatives; or o Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.

Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15163, the lead or responsible agency may choose to prepare a supplemental EIR rather than subsequent EIR if:
• Any of the conditions described in Section 15162 would require the preparation of a subsequent EIR, and
• Only minor additions or changes would be necessary to make the previous EIR adequately apply to the project in the changed situation.

The City, as the lead agency, has decided to prepare a SEIR as it would adequately address impacts from minor changes to the Corona General Plan Technical Update 2020 FEIR resulting from the Project. As required by CEQA, this SEIR will only contain the information necessary to analyze the project modifications, changed circumstances, or new information that triggered the need for additional environmental review. The SEIR will only contain the information necessary to make the previous EIR adequate for the project as revised, shall be given the same kind of notice and public review as is given to the draft EIR under CEQA Guidelines Section 15087, and may be circulated by itself without re-circulation the previous draft or final EIR.

1.1.4 Lead Agency Determination
The City of Corona is designated as the lead agency for the Project. CEQA Guidelines Section 15367 defines the lead agency as “the public agency, which has the principal authority for carrying out or approving a project.” Other public agencies may use this Draft SEIR in the decision-making or permit process and consider the information in the Draft SEIR along with other information that may be presented during the CEQA process.

This Draft SEIR was prepared by the City with technical assistance provided by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Stantec), an environmental consultant. Prior to public review, this Draft SEIR was extensively reviewed and evaluated by the City staff and, as such, the Draft SEIR reflects the independent judgement and analysis of the City as required by CEQA. List of organizations and persons consulted, and the report preparation personnel, are provided in Section 8.0 of this Draft SEIR.

1.1.5 Project of Statewide, Regional or Areawide Environmental Significance CEQA Guidelines Section 15206 identifies the types of projects considered to be of Statewide, Regional, or Areawide Significance. When a project is classified, its draft EIR shall be submitted to the State Clearinghouse of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), as well as the appropriate metropolitan area council of government.

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The Project meets the following criteria defining projects of Statewide, Regional, or Areawide Significance:
• A proposed local general plan, element, or amendment thereof, for which an EIR was prepared.

1.2 SCOPE OF THE SEIR

1.2.1 Notice of Preparation and Scoping
Pursuant to CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, a lead agency shall focus an EIR discussion on potentially significant environmental effects and may limit discussion on other effects to brief explanations about why they are not significant (PRC Section 21002.1, CEQA Guidelines Section 15128). A determination of which impacts would be potentially significant was made for this project based on review of the information presented in the Initial Study prepared for the Project and comments received as part of the public scoping process (Appendix A), as well as additional research of relevant project data obtained during preparation of this SEIR. This SEIR addresses the potential environmental effects of the Project. The City distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Initial Study (IS) of a Draft SEIR for the Project beginning on July 1, 2022.

The public scoping meeting on the Draft SEIR for the Project was held on July 20, 2022. The comments received on the NOP were considered in the preparation of this Draft SEIR. The scope of this Draft SEIR includes the potential impacts identified in the NOP and issues raised by agencies and the public in response to the NOP.

The City has determined that the Project has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts on the following resources, which are addressed in detail in this Draft SEIR. • Air Quality
• Energy
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Land Use and Planning
• Noise
• Public Services
• Recreation
• Transportation
• Tribal Cultural Resources
Please refer to Section 1.2.2, Environmental Issues Determined Not to be Significant, for a list of environmental issues determined to be not significant.

1.2.2 Environmental Issues Determined Not to be Significant Pursuant to CEQA, the discussion of the potential effects on the physical environment is focused on those impacts that may be significant or potentially significant. CEQA allows a lead agency to limit the details of discussion of the environmental effects that are not considered potentially significant (PRC Section 21100, CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2[a] and 15128). CEQA requires that the discussion of any significant effects on the environment be limited to substantia or potentially substantial adverse changes in physical conditions that exist within the affected area, as defined in PRC Section 21060.5. Effects dismissed in an analysis as clearly insignificant and unlikely to occur need not be discussed further in the draft EIR unless the lead agency subsequently receives information inconsistent with the finding (CEQA Guidelines Section 15143).

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Based on a review of the project information provided in the NOP and comments received as part of the public scoping process (Appendix A), as well as additional research and analysis of relevant project data obtained during preparation of this Draft SEIR, the following were identified as resources that would not experience any significant environmental impacts from the Project. Accordingly, these resources are not addressed further in this Draft SEIR but are identified below. • Aesthetics
• Agriculture and Forestry Resources
• Biological Resources
• Cultural Resources
• Geology and Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Mineral Resources
• Population and Housing
• Utilities and Service Systems
• Wildfire
In addition, certain subjects within various environmental resource topics were determined not to be significant. Other potentially significant issues are analyzed within these environmental resource topics; however, the following issues are not analyzed:
• Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? (Section

3.6, Energy)
• For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? (Section 3.13, Noise)
• Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
o Fire protection?
o Police protection?
o Schools?
o Other public facilities? (Section 3.15, Public Services) • Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersection(s) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment))? (Section 3.17, Transportation) • Result in inadequate emergency access? (Section 3.17, Transportation)

1.3 ORGANIZATION OF THE SEIR
This Draft SEIR is organized into the following main sections:

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Introduction
1-6
Section ES: Executive Summary. This section includes a summary of the Project and alternatives to be addressed in the Draft SEIR. A brief description of the areas of controversy and issues to be resolved, in addition to a table that summarizes the impacts, mitigation measures, and level of significance after mitigation, are also included in this section.

Section 1.0: Introduction. This section provides an introduction and overview describing the purposes of this draft EIR, its scope and components, and its review and certification process.

Section 2.0: Project Information and Description. This section includes a detailed description of the Project, including its location, site and project characteristics. A discussion of project objectives, intended uses of the Draft SEIR, responsible agencies, and approvals that are needed for the Project are also provided.

Section 3.0: Environmental Settings, Impacts and Mitigation. This section analyzes the environmental impacts of the Project. Impacts are organized by major topic areas. Each topic area includes a description of the environmental and regulatory setting, methodology, significance criteria, impacts, mitigation measures, and level of significance after mitigation. This section also addresses cumulative impacts. The specific environmental topics that are addressed within Section 3.0 are as follows:

Section 3.1: Air Quality. Addresses the potential air quality impacts associated with Project implementation, as well as consistency with adopted air quality plans.

Section 3.2: Energy. Addresses the potential impacts due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources.

Section 3.3: Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Addresses the potential impacts of greenhouse gas emissions generated by construction and operation of the Project.

Section 3.4: Land Use and Planning. Addresses whether the Project would conflict with a land use plan, policy, or regulation.

Section 3.5: Noise. Addresses the potential noise impacts during construction and at project buildout from mobile and stationary sources and addresses the impact of noise generation on neighboring uses.

Section 3.6: Public Services. Addresses the potential impacts on public service providers, specifically parks.

Section 3.7: Recreation. Addresses the potential impacts on recreational facilities.

Section 3.8: Transportation. Addresses the potential impacts on the local and regional roadway system, public transportation, bicycle, and pedestrian access.

Section 3.9: Tribal Cultural Resources. Addresses the potential impacts of Project development on tribal cultural resources (TCRs).

Section 4.0: Growth Inducing Impacts.

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Introduction
1-7
Section 5.0: Significant and Irreversible Environmental Changes.

Section 6.0: Significant and Unavoidable Impacts.

Section 7.0: Alternatives. This section compares the impacts of the Project with three project alternatives:
the No Project Alternative, Reduced Density Alternative, and the Alternative Development Area Alternative.

An environmentally superior alternative is identified.

Section 8.0: Report Preparation. This Section contains a full list of persons and organizations that were consulted during the preparation of this Draft SEIR, as well as the authors who assisted in the preparation of the Draft SEIR, by name and affiliation.

Section 9.0: References. This section contains a full list of references that were used in the preparation of this Draft SEIR.

1.4 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
As permitted by CEQA Guidelines Section 15150, this Draft SEIR has referenced several technical studies, analyses, and previously certified environmental documentation. Information from the documents, which have been incorporated by reference, has been briefly summarized in the appropriate section(s). The relationship between the incorporated part of the referenced document and the Draft SEIR has also been described. The documents and other sources that have been used in the preparation of this Draft SEIR include, but are not limited to:
• City of Corona General Plan Update
• City of Corona General Plan Update EIR
• City of Corona 2021 Housing Element Update General Plan EIR Addendum

1.5 DOCUMENTS PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT
The following technical studies and analyses were prepared for the Project:
• IS/NOP with Comments Received (Appendix A)

1.6 REVIEW OF THE DRAFT SEIR
Publication of this Draft SEIR will make the beginning of a 45-day public review period, from September 19, 2022 through November 2, 2022. During this period, the Draft SEIR will be available to the public and local, state, and federal agencies for review and comment. Notice of availability and completion of this Draft SEIR will be sent directly to every agency, person, and organization that commented on the NOP, as well as the Office of Planning and Research. Written comments concerning the environmental review contained in this Draft SEIR during the 45-day public review period should be submitted in writing and emailed to:

[email protected]
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Introduction
1-8
Or mailed to:

City of Corona City Hall
Planning and Development Department
400 South Vicentia Avenue
Corona, California 92882
Following the conclusion of the 45-day public review period, the City will prepare a Final SEIR in conformance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15132. The Final SEIR will consist of:
• Revisions to the Draft SEIR text, as necessary;
• List of individuals and agencies commenting on the Draft SEIR; • Responses to comments received on the Draft SEIR, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines (Section 15088);
• Copies of letters received on the Draft SEIR.

Section 15091(a) of the CEQA Guidelines stipulates that no public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been certified which identifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more written findings. If the lead agency approves a project despite is resulting in significant adverse environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level, the agency must state the reasons for it action in writing. The Statement of Overriding Considerations must be included in the record of project approval.

If the Project is approved, the City will file a Notice of Determination (NOD) within five days of project approval, which will be available for public inspection and posted within 24 hours of receipt at the County Clerk’s Office and State Clearinghouse and available for public inspection for 30 days. The filing of the NOD starts a 30-day statute of limitations on court challenges to the approval under CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15094(g)).

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
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2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTION

2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1.1 Proposed AHO and Rezoning Program
The City’s General Plan was recently updated in 2020 and included adoption of the City of Corona General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (General Plan EIR), a Programmatic EIR certified on June 30, 2020. As part of the General Plan Update effort, the City’s 2021-2029 Draft Housing Element 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 anticipated an additional 5,494 residential units; however, the 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 it 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 of 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 AHO zone in order to plan for potential site 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. General Plan designations and zoning would remain, with overlays added, which would allow property owners to have the option to develop under either set of standards (the underlying General Plan and zoning or the AHO). 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.

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-2
In addition to the RNHA 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 site 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 “non net loss” 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. This means that if a site identified in the Housing Element as having the potential to accommodate the lower-income housing portion of the RHNA is actually developed for higher income level, the locality must either: 1) identify and rezone, if necessary, and adequate substitute site; or 2) demonstrate that the land inventory already contains an adequate substitute site. Providing an adequate buffer is necessary to ensuring that the City remains complaint with the provisions of SB 166.

2.2 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 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, as shown in Figure 3.

2.2.1 Current Site Conditions
The Project site expands across various urban and suburban areas of the City, as shown in Figure 3. AHO properties fall within the North Main Specific Plan and the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan. The North Main Street District Specific Plan was adopted in 2000 to guide future development for properties within the Specific Plan area north of Grand Boulevard. The Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan (1998) for the City of Corona serves to guide and shape future development of downtown over the next 10 to 15 years. The City has identified a number of potential sites for the proposed AHO zone and for rezoning. Current General Plan land use designations and proposed zoning are defined in Table 2.2-1 below.

2.2.2 Surrounding Land Uses
As the existing land uses are comprised of a variety of land uses across the City, the surrounding land uses are similarly varied in character. They consist of residential development, vacant land, commercial and retail uses, parking lots, mobile home parks, institutional and industrial uses, as well as other urban and suburban land uses throughout the City.

Corona, California
Project Location
Figure No.

Title
Source:

Client/Project
City of Corona
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Regional Location Map
1 City of Corona General Plan Update EIR, 2019

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City of Corona
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
City of Corona Map
2 City of Corona General Plan Update EIR, 2019
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Corona, California
Project Location
Figure No.

Title
Source:

Client/Project
City of Corona
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
City AHO Sites and Rezone Parcels
3 City of Corona, 2022 City of Corona AHO Sites and Rezone Parcels N 1 : 1,250
0 1,250 2,500 ft
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Affordable Housing Overlay Sites
Rezone Parcels
Commercial
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City of Corona AHO Sites and Rezone Parcels
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0 1,250 2,500 ft
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City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-6
Table 2.2-1: General Plan and Zoning Code Definitions
General Plan Land Use Designation or Zoning Abbreviation General Plan Land Use Designation
Business Park BP
General Commercial GC
High Density Residential HDR
Medium Density Residential MDR
Mixed Use 1 – Commercial/Residential MU1
Mixed Use 2 – Commercial/Industrial MU2
Low Density Residential LDR
Light Industrial LI
Office Park OP
Zoning
Agriculture A
Affordable Housing Overlay AHO
Business Park BP
Restricted Commercial C2
General Commercial C3
Community Services CS
Gateway Business GB
General Commercial GC
Light Manufacturing M1
Multi Family MF
Multi Family Residential 1 MF1
Multi Family Residential MFR
Mobile Home Park MP
Mixed Use MU
Single-Family Residential (7,200 square-foot lot minimum) R1-7.2 Single-Family Residential (9,600 square-foot lot minimum) R1-9.6 Low Density Multiple Family Residential R2
Multiple Family Residential R3
Multiple Family Residential MF
Residential Office RO
Single Family SF
Transitional Commercial District TC
Source: City of Corona General Plan
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-7

2.2.3 Candidate Sites and Characteristics
An important component of the City’s Housing Element Update is the identification of sites for future housing development, and an evaluation of the adequacy of those sites in fulfilling the City’s share of regional housing needs. To accomplish this, all City parcels were surveyed to determine their development capacity.

Due to the lack of vacant and underutilized sites in the City, candidate sites were selected for rezoning.

Each site was analyzed in light of the development standards for its proposed zoning designation.

2.2.3.1 Character Zones
The opportunity sites identified in the City’s Housing Element are clustered along the City’s 6th Street corridor in addition to clusters near N. Main Street. These and other clusters represent “character zones” that generally have consistent land use patterns, architectural character, housing densities, and circulation that inform the urban design qualities of the surrounding area. The four character zones are summarized below and shown in Figure 4.

The West Corona Character Zone (Character Zone 1) is clustered along W. 6th Street and defined by strip malls, auto-oriented commercial development, multi-family apartments, and its proximity to State Route 91.

Large industrial lots also dominate West Corona.

The Downtown Corona Character Zone (Character Zone 2) consists of a wide array of building typologies, including single family residential homes, auto-oriented commercial, institutional, and religious buildings.

AHO and rezone properties identified in this zone are located with the City’s Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan. In addition to Grand Boulevard, several historic places are located in Character Zone 2, including Corona High School, Andrew Carnegie Library, and the Woman’s Improvement Club.

The North Corona Character Zone (Character Zone 3) consists of auto-oriented commercial and industrial properties directly north of the Corona North Main Link Metrolink Station and several vacant, industrial properties to the west, along Railroad Street. Recent multi-family housing projects, including Metro and Main and Artisan and Main Street are located within Character Zone 3. T The East Corona Character Zone (Character Zone 4) is clustered around E. 6th Street, near Interstate 15.

Character Zone 4 is defined by vacant industrial lots, warehouse and manufacturing typologies, mobile home communities, low-rise apartments, single family residential uses and auto-oriented commercial uses.

There are three rezone properties that fall outside of these four zones. Two of the sites are existing churchowned properties, located south of Grand Boulevard among single family residential neighborhood. The third property consists of a mobile home community on the eastern side of Character Zone 4.

Corona, California
Project Location
Figure No.

Title
Source:

Client/Project
City of Corona
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Character Zones
4 City of Corona, 2022
.----,______.--
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City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-9

2.2.3.2 Transit Oriented Development
The proposed Project is developed to be most compatible for residential development within a High Quality Transit Area (HQTA). The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) defines HQTAs as corridor-focused priority growth areas that are within one-half mile of an existing or planned fixed guideway transit stop or bus transit corridor that has a frequency of every 15 minutes or less during peak commuting hours. These standards aim to support the highest density for the proposed Project, as they are intended to encourage compact development, improve access to transit, and promote a pedestrian-oriented environment. Transit-oriented community development standards would require a minimum of 60 units per acre, as provided by the proposed Project. The location of the candidate sites in relation to the HQTA is shown in Figure 5.

2.2.3.3 Candidate Sites
All parcels in the City were evaluated through a process of elimination based on required criteria set by HCD. Candidate sites that are proposed for the AHO zone include a variety of uses on 100 parcels, including commercial, retail, industrial, surface parking, storage and vacant parcels, as described in Table

2.3-1 below. In the proposed AHO zone, residential uses will be allowed on sites currently designated as MU2 on the General Plan. Sites in the MU1 zones are permitted to be entirely for residential use zone, if located in the proposed AHO zone. There are 57 parcels considered as potential sites for proposed rezoning, and these are primarily parcels that are currently used for residential uses, in addition to parking lots, mobile home parks and some commercial, institutional, and vacant parcels, as described in Table 2.3- 2 below.

2.3 PROJECT COMPONENTS
The City’s RHNA allocation for the current cycle calls for accommodating 6,088 units at low-, moderate-, and above moderate-income levels. Of this total allocation, there are planned, recently approved, or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that are anticipated for development, which can be counted towards the City’s overall unit requirement. To enable the production of units needed to meet the overall unit requirements, the proposed Project has identified vacant units located in existing buildings and is proposing to rezone or apply a new AHO to select properties.

As shown in Table 2.3-1 below, vacant parcels (750 units) and nonvacant parcels (452 units) can accommodate a total of approximately 1,202 new housing units, and potential rezone parcels (368 units) and AHO parcels (4,651 units) at a maximum density of 60 units per acre can accommodate a total of approximately 6,221 additional housing units. Based on this, by implementing the Project, the City would be able to accommodate the 2021-2029 RHNA and provide a RHNA-buffer of 39.5 percent for low-income households and 32 percent for moderate-income households.

Corona
, California
Project Location
Figure No.

Title
Source:

Client/Project
City of Corona
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
High Quality Transit Area Overlay and
Transit Routes 5
City of Corona, 2022
~ Stantec
••City Limits
~ AHO Sites
D Rezone Parcels
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-- Corona Cruiser Blue Line
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City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
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Table 2.3-1: Proposed AHO Zone 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)
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
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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
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)
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)
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
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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
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)
36 1865 W 6th Street 102270015 Commercial: Retail
(Restaurant, large,

0.77 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-14
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
underutilized parking lot),
existing utilities available
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) City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-15
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
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) 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)
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-16
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
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)
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

4.56 GC MU1 C3 C3 (AHO)
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-17
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
with large parking lot),
existing utilities available
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) City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-18
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
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)
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)
Source: City of Corona Planning Division (2022)
Table 2.3-2: 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
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-19
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
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
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-20
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
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
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-21
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
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)
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
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-22
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
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

2.00 LDR HDR R1-9.6 R3
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-23
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
parking lot, adjacent to
field
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
Source: City of Corona Planning Division (2022)
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-24
Table 2.3-3: Adequacy of Residential 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 dwelling units per acre
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
Source: City of Corona Planning Division (2022)

2.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15124, the EIR must identify the objectives sought by the Project.

The stated objectives of the Project proponent are to:

1. Implement the 2021-2029 Housing Element Programs to provide adequate housing sites for all income levels within the City.

2. Promote housing opportunities that support the City’s state mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment.

3. Promote fair housing opportunities that encourage access to lower- and moderate-income housing.

4. Promote safe and healthy housing opportunities to discourage overcrowding.

2.5 USES OF THE SEIR
This SEIR is intended to provide the City of Corona, other public agencies, and the general public with the relevant environmental information needed in considering the proposed project. The City of Corona anticipates the permits approvals, and consultations, but are not limited to, the actions described in Table

2.5-1 below.

City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Project Information and Description
2-25
Table 2.5-1: Agency Permits and Environmental Review Requirements Agency Permits and Other Approvals
City of Corona • Certification of CEQA document
• Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program
• Adoption of the Findings of Fact and Statement of
Overriding Considerations (if applicable)
• General Plan Amendment
• Change of Zone / Specific Plan Amendment
• Adoption of Design Guidelines and Development
Standards
• Corona Municipal Code, Title 17 Zoning Code
Amendment
City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Environmental Setting, Impacts and Mitigation
3-1

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
This section presents the discussion of impacts related to the following environmental subjects in their respective subsection:
• Air Quality • Recreation
• Energy • Noise
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Transportation
• Land Use • Tribal Cultural Resources
• Public Services
The discussion for each environmental subject includes the following subsections:

Environmental Setting – This subsection 1) provides a brief overview of relevant plans, policies, and regulations that compose the regulatory framework for the project and 2) describes the existing, physical environmental conditions at the project site and in the surrounding area, as relevant.

Impact Discussion – This subsection includes the recommended checklist questions from Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines to assess impact.

Project Impacts – This subsection discusses the project’s impact on the environmental subject as related to the checklist questions. For significant impacts, feasible mitigation measures are identified. “Mitigation measures” are measures that will minimize, avoid, or eliminate a significant impact (CEQA Guidelines Section 15370).

Impact Conclusions – Because the analysis in the SEIR tiers from the FEIR, the level of impact in the project specific analysis is presented as it relates to the findings of the FEIR. For example, if the conclusions is “Same Impact as Approved Project/Less than Significant Impact” the project level impact was found to be less than significant consistent with the finding in the FEIR.

Cumulative Impact – This subsection discusses the project’s cumulative impact on the environmental subject. Cumulative impacts, as defined by CEQA, refer to two or more individual effects, which when combined, compound or increase other environmental impacts. Cumulative impacts may result from individually minor, but collectively significant effects taking place over a period of time. CEQA Guidelines Section 15130 states that an EIR should discuss cumulative impacts “when the project’s incremental effect is cumulatively considerable.” The discussion does not need to be in as great detail as is necessary for project impacts but is to be “guided by the standards of practically and reasonableness.” The purpose of the cumulative analysis is to allow decision makers to better understand the impacts that might result from approval of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects, in conjunction with the proposed project addressed in this SEIR.

The CEQA Guidelines advise that a discussion of cumulative impact should reflect both their severity and the likelihood of their occurrence (CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b)). To accomplish these two objectives, the analysis should either include a list of past, present, and probable future projects or a summary of 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Environmental Setting, Impacts and Mitigation
3-2
projections from an adopted general plan or similar document (CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b)(1)). This SIER uses the list of projects approach.

The analysis must determine whether the Project’s contribution to any cumulatively significant impact is cumulatively considerable, as defined by CEQA Guideline Section 15065(a)(3). The cumulative impacts discussion for each environmental issue accordingly addresses the following issues: 1) would the effects of all of past, present, and probably future (pending) development result in a significant cumulative impact on the resource in question; and, if that cumulative impact is likely to be significant, 2) would the contribution from the Project to that significant cumulative impact be cumulatively considerable? Table 3.0-1 identifies the approved but not yet contrasted/occupied and pending projects in the Project vicinity that are considered in the cumulative analysis.

Table 3.0-1: Related Projects
Name APN Type Units or Sq. Ft
(total in project)
Status
Residential
Bedford Communities
NWC Bedford Canyon
Rd/Hudson House Dr.

The New Home Company
279-240-034 Attached and
Detached
Residential Units
490 Approved; under
construction
Bedford Communities 279-240-023, -024 MFR 118 Proposed
Bedford Communities
Hudson House Drive, west
of Clementine
282-030-030 Attached and
Detached
Residential Units
615 Entitled, not yet
under
construction
Sierra Bella
S of Green River Rd, Sierra
Bella Drive
-- SFR 237 Approved; under
construction
Skyline Heights 275-070-003, 275-
080-010, 275-040-
006, 275-040-012,
275-040-017, 275-
030-010
SFR 291 Approved, not yet
under
construction
Corona/I15 122-230-012, 122-
140-016
Attached
Residential
60 Approved, in plan
check
Valencia Estates 114-040-019, -020,
275-100-003
SFR 34 Approved, not yet
under
construction
Bondar 114-060-028 SFR 14 Approved, not yet
under
construction
Stonegate 114-060-008
114-180-001
SFR 52 Approved, not yet
under
construction
1- I
I I I
7 -

I I I -

I I I - I I I -

I I I -

I I I -
I I I
I I I
~
-
I I I
~

I I I -
,--

I I I ---'
~
-
11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
Environmental Setting, Impacts and Mitigation
3-3
Name APN Type Units or Sq. Ft
(total in project)
Status
Chase/Kellogg Lot 120-072-006, -007 SFR 5 Approved, not yet under
construction
DR Horton 113-160-009 SFR 25 Approved, under
construction
DR Horton 113-160-008 SFR 4 Approved, under
construction
Corona Ave Lots 122-180-031, -032, -
034
SFR 18 Proposed
Corona Masters 116-163-001, -002, -
003, -004, 116-111-
005, -006, -007, -009,
-010
SFR 32 Approved, map
extended
Buena Vista Property 118-290-049 Senior MultiFamily62 Proposed Sierra Bella East 101-460-011 SFR 12 Approved, not yet
under
construction
Monteolivo Subdivision
Laurel Canyon/Sherborn St
278-040-007, -008, -
025, -036, -037
SFR 103 Proposed
2425 Garretson Ave 120-020-005 SFR 2 Proposed
Chase Ranch Property 116-090-006,-007,-
008, 279-220-006,-
009, -013
SFR 15 Proposed
Citron/ Taylor Lots 110-342-031 SFR 20 Approved, not yet under
construction
Cleveland Way / Gilbert 116-300-001 SFR 5 Proposed
S Sheridan Property 117-145-005 MFR 5 Proposed
Westcal Property 115-100-046, 115-
415-001,-002
SFR 23 Approved, under
construction
Crown Town Property 120-340-018 Condos 11 Approved, map extended, in
Plan check
Crown Town Property 275-080-010 SFR 4 Approved, in
Plan check
Richland 275-080-010 SFR 2 Approved, not yet
under
construction
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Name APN Type Units or Sq. Ft
(total in project)
Status
Circle City Property 117-334-031 MFR 6 Approved, not yet under
construction
NEC River/Cota 119-081-012 MFR 9 Proposed
Sherman/7th/8th 110-040-046 MFR 16 Approved, in plan
check
Skyline Village 275-050-014, 275-
080-041
Commercial,
Residential mixed
use
78 condo units
25,715 sqft of commercial
Approved, not yet
under
construction
S of Corona Ave, W of I-15 122-180-027 SFR 6 Proposed
Sixth Street 117-134-007 Commercial /
Residential
Mixed use
11,928 sqft commercial
4 units
Proposed
420 S. Belle 117-141-010 MFR 4 Proposed
Temescal Canyon, LLC 282-112-001, -010 MFR 109 Proposed Mobile Home Park
expansion
107-050-034 Mobile Home 23 Proposed
NEC Keith and Nelson
Streets
119-081-001, 116-
111-004
SFR 2 Proposed
Ford and Mulberry Lane
Property
111-053-006 SFR 4 Proposed
Commercial/Industrial
Dos Lagos Office (PA 3) 279-460-074 Commercial 22,000 sf (2 office bldgs)
Approved, under
construction
Foothill Parkway Ctr 277-221-008 Commercial 7 bldgs 82,870 sf (119-room hotel)
Approved, under
construction
Tennis Ctr 120-300-001, -002, -
003, -004
Commercial 4,077 sf
Tennis center
Approved, in
Plan check
Green River Center 101-440-018 Commercial 2,400 sf
Drive-thru restaurant
Approved, under
construction
Latitude Business Park 279-231-044, 279-
140-015, 279-140-
014, -016
Industrial 1,074,771 sf (15 bldgs) Approved, under
construction
Bedford Marketplace 279-240-021, -019, -
033, -036
Commercial 223,108 sf (includes 135-
room hotel)
Approved, under
construction
Sherborn/Magnolia
Industrial
107-070-047, -048, -
037
Industrial 731,192 Approved, under
construction
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Name APN Type Units or Sq. Ft
(total in project)
Status
(5 bldgs)
The Crossings 279-140-013 Commercial 122-room hotel Approved, in plan check
LA Fitness International 118-130-008, -027 Commercial 37,000 sf LA Fitness gym
9,300 sf comm retail
Approved, not yet
under
construction
Dos Lagos Commercial 279-450-033, -036, -
038
Commercial 4-story Hotel, 11,000 sf
restaurant space, 15,800 sf
retail, gas station, 2,000 car
wash
Approved,
partially
completed
Green River Ranch
Business Park
101-180-037, -014, -
015, -038
Industrial 3 industrial bldgs. Totaling
751,600 sq ft
Proposed
Downs Facility 107-080-050 Commercial Carwash Plan check Vesper Circle - Daycare 113-360-051, -052, -
054
Commercial 9,990 sq ft daycare Approved, under
construction
Electric Vehicle Charging
Station
118-130-013, -014 Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging
Station, 1,200 car wash,
8,000 sf market
Proposed
ASI Development 102-261-001 Commercial 2,959 sq ft Gas Station Proposed Ontario Ave Commercial 120-280-005 Commercial 12,000 sq ft commercial retail
Proposed
S Main St Property 113-310-010 Commercial 28,516 sq ft private school Proposed Maple Street Property 118-030-010 Industrial 48,960 sq ft bldg. Plan check Wardlow Auto Dealership 102-020-051 Commercial 24,077 sq ft dealership Proposed Starbucks 101-440-020 Commercial 992 sq ft coffee shop drivethru Proposed NW Rincon and Cota 119-190-002, -003, -
011
Industrial 87,600 sq ft
(2 bldgs.)
Proposed
Prado Road Property 101-140-029 Industrial 143,510 sq ft bldg. Proposed SW Sampson and KPC
Parkway
172-420-049, -050 Commercial 41,338 sq ft
(2 office bldgs.)
Proposed
Edison Training Facility 107-060-029 Industrial 303,800 sq ft total bldg. Proposed Western Realco 107-030-022 Industrial 334,520 sq ft
(2 buildings)
Proposed
E. Sixth St Property 115-090-003 Industrial 62,330 sq ft bldg. Proposed Fitness Mania 113-340-014, -018 Commercial 53,764 sq ft Health club
Proposed
N. Smith Ave Property 118-310-001, -002, -
003, -004
Industrial 162,480 sq ft bldg. Proposed
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Name APN Type Units or Sq. Ft
(total in project)
Status
ES Promenade Ave N E
Sixth Street
115-210-032 Industrial 10,000 sq ft bldg. Proposed
Battery storage facility 119-190-002, -003 Industrial 5.53 acres Proposed For each environmental issue, cumulative impacts may occur within different geographic areas. For example, the Project’s operational effects on air quality would combine with the effects of the Project in the entire air basin, whereas noise impacts would primarily be localized to the surrounding areas.

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3.1 AIR QUALITY

3.1.1 Environmental Setting
The City is within the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB), which includes all of Orange County and the nondesert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernadino Counties. SoCAB is designated nonattainment for ozone (O3) and fine inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5) under the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), nonattainment for lead (Los Angeles County only) under the NAAQS, and nonattainment for coarse inhalable particulate matter (PM10) under the CAAQS (City of Corona 2019).

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for preparing the air quality management plan (AQMP) for the SoCAB in coordination with SCAG to attain the NAAQS. In March 2017, SCAQMD adopted the 2016 AQMP which is composed of stationary and mobile-source emission reductions from regulatory control measures, incentive-based programs, co-benefits from climate programs, mobile-source strategies, and reductions from federal sources such as aircrafts, locomotives, and ocean-going vessels. Strategies outlined in the 2016 AQMP would be implemented in collaboration between California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). SCAQMD’s 2016 AQMP forecasts that the SoCAB will need to increase oxides of nitrogen (NOx) reductions by 45 percent additional reductions above existing regulations for the 2023 ozone standard and 55 percent additional reductions above existing regulations to meet the 2031 ozone standard.

3.1.1.1 Regulatory Framework
Federal
Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 and the CAA Amendments of 1971 required the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to establish NAAQS, with requires retaining the option to adopt more stringent standards or to include other specific pollutants. On April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court found that carbon dioxide is an air pollutant covered by the CAA; however, no NAAQS have been established for carbon dioxide.

These standards are the levels of air quality considered safe, with an adequate margin of safety, to protect the public health and welfare. They are designed to protect those “sensitive receptors” most susceptible to further respiratory distress such as asthmatics, the elderly, very young children, people already weakened by other disease or illness, and persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise. Healthy adults can tolerate occasional exposure to air pollutant concentrations considerably above these minimum standards before adverse effects are observed.

The federal and state ambient air quality standards are listed below in Table 3.1-1, and the attainment status for the criteria pollutants are listed in Table 3.1-2. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Table 3.1-1: California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards Pollutant Averaging
Time
California Standards National Standards
Concentration Primary Secondary
Ozone
1 hour 0.09 ppm (180 μg/m3) — Same as primary
standard 8 hour 0.070 ppm
(137 μg/m3)

0.070 ppm
(137 μg/m3)
Respirable
particulate matter
24 hour 50 μg/m3 150 μg/m3
Same as primary Annual standard
arithmetic mean 20 μg/m3 —
Fine particulate
matter
24 hour — 35 μg/m3
Same as primary Annual standard
arithmetic mean 12 μg/m3 12 μg/m3
Carbon monoxide
1 hour 20 ppm (23 mg/m3) 35 ppm (40 mg/m3) —
8 hour 9.0 ppm (10 mg/m3) 9 ppm (10 mg/m3) —
8 hour
(Lake Tahoe) 6 ppm (7 mg/m3) — —
Nitrogen dioxide
1 hour 0.18 ppm (339 μg/m3) 100 ppb (188 μg/m3) —
Annual
arithmetic mean 0.030 ppm (57 μg/m3) 0.053 ppm
(100 μg/m3)
Same as primary
standard
Sulfur dioxide
1 hour 0.25 ppm (655 μg/m3) 75 ppb (196 μg/m3) —
3 hour — — 0.5 ppm
(1,300 μg/m3)
24 hour 0.04 ppm (105 μg/m3) 0.14 ppm
(for certain areas) —
Annual
arithmetic mean — 0.030 ppm
(for certain areas) —
Lead
30-day average 1.5 μg/m3 — —
Calendar quarter — 1.5 μg/m3
Same as Primary Rolling 3-month Standard
average — 0.15 μg/m3
Visibility-reducing
particles 8 hour See Footnote1
Sulfates No National Standards 24 hour 25 μg/m3
Hydrogen sulfide 1 hour 0.03 ppm (42 μg/m3)
Vinyl chloride 24 hour 0.01 ppm (26 μg/m3)
Notes:
1 In 1989, the CARB converted both the general statewide 10-mile visibility standard and the Lake Tahoe 30-mile visibility standard to instrumental equivalents, which are "extinction of 0.23 per kilometer" and "extinction of 0.07 per kilometer" for the statewide and Lake Tahoe Air Basin standards, respectively. μg/m3 =micrograms per cubic meter
mg/m3 = milligrams per cubic meter
Source: CARB 2016
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The USEPA has classified air basins (or portions thereof) as being in attainment, nonattainment, or unclassified for each criteria air pollutant, based on whether or not the NAAQS have been achieved. If an area is designated as unclassified, it is because inadequate air quality data were available as a basis for a nonattainment or attainment designation.

Table 3.1-2: Attainment Status of Criterial Pollutants in the South Coast Air Basin Criteria Pollutants State Federal
Ozone – 1 hour Nonattainment No Federal Standard
Ozone – 8 hour Extreme Nonattainment Extreme Nonattainment PM10 Serious Nonattainment Attainment
PM2.5 Non-attainment Nonattainment
Carbon monoxide Attainment Attainment
Nitrogen dioxide Attainment Attainment/Maintenance
Sulfur dioxide Attainment Attainment
Lead Attainment Nonattainment (Los Angeles County
only)1
All others Attainment/Unclassified Attainment/Unclassified Notes:
1 In 2010, the Los Angeles County portion of the SoCAB was designated nonattainment for lead under the new federal and existing state AAQS as a result of large industrial emitters. Remaining areas within the SoCAB are unclassified.

Source: City of Corona 2019
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The CAA required USEPA to establish NAAQS. As shown in Table 3.1-1, USEPA has established primary and secondary NAAQS for the following criteria air pollutants: O3, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), PM10, PM2.5, and lead. The primary standards protect the public health, and the secondary standards protect public welfare. The CAA also required each state to prepare an air quality control plan, referred to as a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The federal CAA amendments of 1990 added requirements for states with nonattainment areas to revise their SIPs to incorporate additional control measures to reduce air pollution. The SIP is modified periodically to reflect the latest emissions inventories, planning documents, and rules and regulations of the air basins as reported by their jurisdictional agencies.

USEPA is responsible for reviewing all SIPs to determine whether they conform to the mandates of the CAA and its amendments, and whether implementation would achieve air quality goals. If USEPA determines a SIP to be inadequate, a federal implementation plan that imposes additional control measures may be prepared for the nonattainment area. If an approvable SIP is not submitted or implemented within the mandated timeframe, sanctions may be applied to transportation funding and stationary air pollution sources in the air basin.
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Hazardous Air Pollutants
USEPA and CARB regulate hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and TACs through statutes and regulations that generally require the use of the maximum available control technology or best available control technology for TACs to limit emissions, respectively. These, in conjunction with additional rules set forth by BAAQMD, described further below, establish the regulatory framework for TACs.

Under federal law, 187 substances are currently listed as HAPs. Major sources of specific HAPs are subject to the requirements of the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) program. The USEPA is establishing regulatory schemes for specific source categories and requires implementation of the Maximum Achievable Control Technologies (MACT) for major sources of HAPs in each source category. State law has established the framework for California’s TAC identification and control program, which is generally more stringent than the federal program and is aimed at HAPs that are a problem is California. The state has formally identified 244 substances as TACs and is adopting appropriate control measures for each. Once adopted at the state level, each air district will be required to adopt a measure that is equally or more stringent.

State
The California Legislature enacted the California Clean Air Act (CCAA) in 1988 to address air quality issues.

CARB is the agency responsible for coordination and oversight of state and local air pollution control programs in California and for implementing the CCAA. California law authorizes CARB to set ambient (outdoor) air pollution standards (California Health and Safety Code [HSC] Section 39606) in consideration of public health, safety, and welfare (CAAQS) (Table 3.1-1).

California Clean Air Act of 1988
The California Clean Air Act allows the state to adopt ambient air quality standards and other regulations provided that they are at least as stringent as federal standards. CARB, a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), is responsible for the coordination and administration of both federal and state air pollution programs within California and for implementing the CCAA. California law authorizes CARB to set ambient (outdoor) air pollution standards (California HSC Section 39606) in consideration of public health, safety, and welfare (Table 3.1-1).

California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CARB has established CAAQS for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride, visibility-reducing particulate matter, and the above-mentioned criteria air pollutants. In most cases, the CAAQS are more stringent than the NAAQS. Differences in the standards are generally explained by the health effects studies considered during the standard-setting process and the interpretation of the studies. In addition, the CAAQS incorporate a margin of safety to protect sensitive individuals.

CCAA requires that all local air districts in the state endeavor to achieve and maintain CAAQS by the earliest date practicable. CCAA specifies that local air districts should focus attention on reducing the 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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emissions from transportation and area-wide emission sources and provides districts with the authority to regulate indirect sources.

Among CARB’s other responsibilities are overseeing local air district compliance with federal and state laws, approving local air quality plans, submitting SIPs to CalEPA, monitoring air quality, determining and updating area designations and maps, and setting emissions standards for new mobile sources, consumer products, small utility engines, off-road vehicles, and fuels.

California State Implementation Plan
The federal CAA (and its subsequent amendments) requires each state to prepare an air quality control plan referred to as a SIP. The SIP is a living document that is periodically modified to reflect the latest emissions inventories, plans, and rules and regulations of air basins as reported by the agencies with jurisdiction over them. The CAA Amendments released in 1992 dictate that states containing areas violating the NAAQS revise their SIPs to include extra control measures to reduce air pollution. The SIP includes strategies and control measures to attain the NAAQS by deadlines established by the CAA. The CalEPA has the responsibility to review all SIPs to determine if they conform to the requirements of the CAA.

California Air Toxics “Hot Spots”
TACs in California are regulated primarily through the Tanner Air Toxics Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 1807, Chapter 1047, Statutes of 1983) and the Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (AB 2588, Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1987). AB 1807 sets forth a formal procedure for CARB to designate substances as TACs. Research, public participation, and scientific peer review are required before CARB can designate a substance as a TAC. To date, CARB has identified more than 21 TACs, including diesel particulate matter, and has adopted USEPA’s list of HAPs as TACs.

Once a TAC is identified, CARB adopts an airborne toxics control measure for sources that emit that particular TAC. If a safe threshold exists for a substance at which there is no toxic effect, the control measure must reduce exposure below that threshold. If no safe threshold exists, the source must incorporate best available control technology for toxics to minimize emissions.

CARB has adopted diesel exhaust control measures and more stringent emission standards for various onroad mobile sources of emissions, including transit buses, and off-road diesel equipment (e.g., tractors, generators). Recent milestones included the low-sulfur diesel fuel requirement and stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel trucks (effective in 2007 and subsequent model years) and off-road diesel equipment (2011). Over time, replacing older vehicles would result in a vehicle fleet that produces substantially lower levels of TACs than under current conditions. Mobile-source emissions of TACs (e.g., benzene, 1,3-butadiene, diesel particulate matter) in California have been reduced substantially over the last decade; such emissions will be reduced further through a progression of regulatory measures (e.g., low-emission vehicles, clean fuels, and Phase II reformulated-gasoline regulations) and control technologies.
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The Hot Spots Act requires that existing facilities that emit toxic substances above a specified level prepare an inventory of toxic emissions and a risk assessment if emissions are significant, notify the public of significant risk levels, and prepare and implement risk reduction measures.

In March 2015, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adopted “The Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Guidance Manual for Preparation of Health Risk Assessments” in accordance with the Health and Safety Code, Section 44300. The Final Guidance Manual incorporates the scientific basis from earlier developed Technical Support Documents to assess risk from exposure to facility emissions. The 2015 OEHHA Final Guidance has key changes including greater age sensitivity in particular for children, decreased exposure durations, and higher breathing rate profiles. Because cancer risk could be up to three times greater using this new guidance, it may result in greater mitigation requirements, more agency backlog, and increased difficulty in getting air permits.

Regional
The State is divided into air pollution control districts/air quality management districts. These agencies are county or regional governing authorities that have primary responsibility for controlling air pollution from stationary sources. CARB and local air districts are also responsible for developing clean air plans to demonstrate how and when California will attain ambient air quality standards established under both the federal and California Clean Air Acts. For the areas within California that have not attained air quality standards, CARB works with air districts to develop and implement state and local attainment plans. In general, attainment plans contain a discussion of ambient air quality data and trends; a baseline emissions inventory; future year projections of emissions, which account for growth projections and already adopted control measures; a comprehensive control strategy of additional measures needed to reach attainment; an attainment demonstration, which generally involves complex modeling; and contingency measures.

Plans may also include interim milestones for progress toward attainment. The SoCAB is managed by SCAQMD.

SCAQMD Air Quality Management Planning
The SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernadino counties. This area of 10,743 square miles is home to over 16.8 million people – about half the population of the whole state of California. It is the second most populated urban area in the United States and one of the smoggiest. The SCAQMD operates 37 permanent monitoring stations and 5 single-pollutant source impact lead (Pb) air monitoring sites in the SoCAB and a portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin in Coachella Valley.

The SCAQMD is the agency responsible for improving air quality in the SoCAB and ensuring that the NAAQS and CAAQS are attained and maintained. It is responsible for preparing the air quality management plan (AQMP) for the SoCAB in coordination with SCAG.

The SCAQMD’s most recent AQMP is the 2016 AQMP which was adopted on March 3, 2017. The SCAQMD is currently working on the 2022 AQMP. On October 1, 2015, the USEPA strengthened the NAAQS for ground-level ozone, lowering the primary and secondary ozone standards levels to 70 parts per billion. The SoCAB is classified as an “extreme” non-attainment area and the Coachella Valley is classified 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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as a “severe-15” non-attainment area for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS. The 2022 AQMP is being developed to address the requirements for meeting this standard. The 2022 AQMP will represent a comprehensive analysis of emissions, meteorology, regional air quality modeling, regional growth projections, and the impact of existing and proposed control measures.

Local
City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and air quality discussed in this section:

Policy HC-2.1: Require that proposals for new sensitive land uses and/or industrial and commercial uses incorporate the adequate use of setbacks, barriers, landscaping, or other design measures as necessary to minimize air quality impact and achieve appropriate health standards.

Policy HC-2.5: Require the preparation of air quality, noise, and vibration technical studies to determine the impact of proposed new development on adjacent and surrounding land uses and to identify the appropriate measures required to mitigate such impacts.

Policy ER-12.2: Continue to cooperate with the SCAQMD and other local authorities in the air basin, in implementing air emission reduction programs and techniques.

3.1.2 Impact Discussion

3.1.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following questions were analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to air quality are significant environmental effects.

Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.

Would the Project:
• Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? • Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutants for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? • Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentration? • Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
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Regional Thresholds
While the final determination of whether a project is significant is within the purview of the Lead Agency pursuant to Section 15064(b) of the CEQA Guidelines, the SCAQMD recommends that its quantitative air pollution thresholds (shown in Table 3.1-3) be used to determine the significance of project emissions. If the Lead Agency finds that the Project has the potential to exceed these air pollution thresholds, the Project should be considered to have significant air quality impacts.

Table 3.1-3: SCAQMD Significance Thresholds
Pollutant
Significance Threshold
Construction Emissions
(pounds/day)
Operational Emission
(pounds per day)
Reactive Organic Gases (ROG) or
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) 75 55
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 550 550
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 100 55
Sulfur Oxides (SOx) 150 150
Particulates (PM10) 150 150
Source: SCAQMD, 2022
Projects that exceed the regional significance threshold contribute to the nonattainment designation of the SoCAB.

Localized Significance Thresholds
The SCAQMD identifies localized significance thresholds (LSTs) shown in Table 3.1-4. Emissions of NO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 generated at a project site (offsite mobile source emissions are not included in the LST analysis) could expose sensitive receptors to substantial concentrations of criteria air pollutants. A project that generates emissions that trigger a violation of the ambient air quality standards when added to the local background concentrations would cause a significant impact.

Table 3.1-4: SCAQMD Localized Significance Thresholds
Air Pollutant
(Relevant Ambient Air Quality Standard)
Concentration
1-Hour CO (CAAQS)1 20 ppm
8-Hour CO Standard (CAAQS) 9.0 ppm
1-Hour NO2 Standard (CAAQS) 0.18 ppm
Annual Average NO2 Standard (CAAQS)1 0.03 ppm
24-Hour PM10 Standard – Construction (SCAQMD)2 10.4 µg/m3 24-Hour PM2.5 Standard – Construction (SCAQMD)2 10.4 µg/m3 24-Hour PM10 Standard – Operation (SCAQMD)2 2.5 µg/m3
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24-Hour PM2.5 Standard – Operation (SCAQMD)2 2.5 µg/m3
Annual Average PM10 Standard (SCAQMD)2 1.0 µg/m3
Source: SCAQMD 2022
ppm = parts per million; μg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter; CAAQS = California AAQS; NAAQS = National AAQS

1. Based on the more restrictive California AAQS for CO and NO2.

2. Threshold is based on SCAQMD Rule 403. Since the SoCAB is in nonattainment for PM10 and PM2.5, the threshold is established as an allowable change in concentration. Therefore, background concentration is not relevant.

CO Hotspots
Areas of vehicle congestion have the potential to cause concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) that exceed ambient air quality standards and are called hotspots. Hotspots are typically produced at intersections where traffic congestion is highest because vehicles queue for longer periods of time at reduced speeds. Newer vehicle fleets, cleaner fuels, and advanced control technologies have greatly reduced CO concentrations in the SoCAB.

Health Risk Analysis
A health risk analysis is required of projects that require the use of chemical compounds identified in SCAQMD Rule 1401 or placed on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) air toxics list pursuant to AB 1807, the Air Contaminant Identification and Control Act (1983) or placed on the EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. SCAQMD has identified the following risk thresholds.

Table 3.1-5: SCAQMD Toxic Air Contaminant Incremental Risk Thresholds Category Threshold
Maximum Individual Cancer Risk ≥ 10 in 1 million
Cancer Burden (in areas ≥ 1 in 1 million) > 0.5 excess cancer cases Hazard Index (project increment) ≥ 1.0
Source: SCAQMD, 2022
Residential uses do not use substantial quantities of toxic air contaminants (TACs) and typically do not exacerbate existing hazards. Therefore, these thresholds are typically applied to new industrial projects.

3.1.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) The SCAQMD is responsible for reducing emissions from area, stationary, and mobile sources in the SoCAB to achieve the NAAQS and CAAQS and prepares an air quality management plan (AQMP). The most current adopted plan is the 2016 AQMP, which is a regional and multiagency effort between the SCAQMD, CARB, SCAG, and the USEPA. The 2016 AQMP includes stationary and mobile-source -
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emission reductions from regulatory control measures, incentive-based programs, co-benefits from climate programs, mobile-source strategies, and reductions from federal sources such as aircrafts, locomotives, and ocean-going vessels. The 2016 AQMP forecasts that the SoCAB will need to increase oxides of nitrogen (NOx) reductions by an additional 45 percent above existing regulations to meet the 2023 ozone standard and 55 percent additional reductions above existing regulations to meet the 2031 ozone standard.

The SCAQMD released its Draft 2022 AQMP in May 2022. The Draft 2022 AQMP includes a variety of strategies relying on NOx emissions reductions through economy-wide transition to zero emission technologies when cost-effective and feasible, and ultra-low emission technologies in other applications, best management practices, co-benefits from existing programs such as climate and energy efficiency policies, and incentive approaches where applicable. The Draft 2022 AQMP also includes a voluntary reclassification request to “extreme” nonattainment for the Coachella Valley to provide additional time for that area to meet the standard, extending the deadline to 2037.

The two principal criteria for evaluating conformance with the AQMP are:

1. Whether the project would exceed the assumptions in the AQMP.

2. Whether the project would result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations, cause or contribute to new violations, or delay attainment of air quality standards.

Criterion 1
Both the 2016 and Draft 2022 AQMP rely on economic and demographic projections developed by SCAG in its Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Because the AQMP strategy is projections from local general plans, projects that are consistent with the local general plan are considered consistent with the air quality-related regional plan.

The City of Corona 2019 General Plan Update EIR found that the General Plan Update would result in higher population and lower employment for the City of Corona compared to the SCAG projections. Thus, it would not be consistent with projections used in estimating emissions in the 2016 AQMP. The General Plan EIR concluded that once the General Plan Update was adopted and the AQMP revised, SCAG and SCAQMD would incorporate the revised growth projections in their regional planning projections and the General Plan Update would become consistent with the AQMP. However, until that time, the full buildout of the General Plan Update would not be consistent with the AQMP.

The 2022 Draft AQMP presumably includes the General Plan Update growth projections in its emissions inventory; however, the population growth associated with future residential development resulting from Project implementation would increase the growth projections slightly so that full buildout of the General Plan with Project implementation would not be consistent with the AQMP.

Criterion 2
The SoCAB is designated nonattainment for O3 and PM2.5 under the CAAQS and NAAQS, nonattainment for lead (Los Angeles County only) under the NAAQS, and nonattainment for PM10 under the CAAQS 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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(CARB 2022). As shown in Table 5.3-10 of the 2019 General Plan Update EIR, buildout of the General Plan would generate long-term emissions that exceed the daily SCAQMD thresholds for VOC, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5. The emissions from the General Plan Update would contribute cumulatively to the nonattainment designations in the SoCAB, which would result in a significant air quality impact and not be consistent with the AQMP under the second criterion.

As shown in Table 2 of Appendix A, VOC, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 emissions would increase slightly, but Project implementation would still result in a net reduction of NOx, CO, and SO2. Overall, buildout of the General Plan Update including Project implementation would still result in long-term emissions that exceed the daily SCAQMD thresholds for VOC, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5. As such, future development resulting from Project implementation would cumulatively contribute to the nonattainment status in the SoCAB, which would result in a significant air quality impact and not be consistent with the AQMP under the second criterion.

Conclusion
As identified above, Project implementation would conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable AQMP and would result in a significant impact. Implementation of General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2 would slightly reduce impacts; however, impacts would not be reduced to below the threshold of significance, and the impacts would remain significant and unavoidable, as noted in the General Plan Update EIR.

Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable Federal or State ambient air quality standard?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) To result in a less than significant impact, the following criteria must be true:

1. Regional analysis: emissions of nonattainment pollutants must be below the SCAQMD’s regional significance thresholds.

2. Summary of projections: the project must be consistent with current air AQMPs including control measures and regulations. This is an approach consistent with Section 15130(b) of the CEQA Guidelines.

Step 1: Regional Analysis
Construction
Construction activities associated with the future Project implementation would occur over the buildout horizon consistent with the General Plan Update, which would result in short-term emissions of criteria air pollutants. Because of the region’s nonattainment status for O3, PM2.5, and PM10, the primary pollutants of concern are VOCs, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5. Emissions of VOCs and NOx are precursors to the formation of O3. In addition, NOx is a precursor to the formation of PM10 and PM2.5. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Due to the scale of development associated with future Project implementation, construction emissions would exceed SCAQMD regional significance thresholds, which would cumulatively contribute to the nonattainment designations of the SoCAB.

As discussed in the 2019 General Plan Update EIR, air quality emissions will be addressed on a projectby-project basis to determine if future individual development projects consistent with the rezoning and AHO would exceed the SCAQMD short-term regional construction emissions.

General Plan Policy ER-12.13 would require the implementation of best practices to control fugitive dust emissions from construction, and General Plan Policy HC-2.5 would require the preparation of a technical air quality study for all new development projects to assess potential impacts. While individual development projects may not exceed the SCAQMD thresholds, the construction-related regional air quality impacts of development associated with future development projects resulting from Project implementation would be potentially significant, similar to impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan Update.

Operations
Table 3.1-6 shows the long-term operational emissions from buildout of the General Plan with future implementation of the proposed Project, which would increase the number of dwelling units and population.

Like the General Plan Update, future Project implementation would help guide growth and development in the City by designating land where density intensification could occur.

Table 3.1-6: Criteria Air Pollutant Project Emissions 2040 Sector
Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions
(pounds per day)
VOC NOx CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
General Plan with Proposed Project
Transportation1 132 1,554 5,832 33 676 280
Energy (natural gas use)2 175 1,550 1,005 10 121 121
Area - Light Commercial
Equipment2 131 844 3,358 1 43 37
Area - Construction/Agriculture2 18 162 247 1 8 7
Area - Consumer Products2 5,040 0 0 0 0 0
Total 5,496 4,109 10,442 44 849 446
SCAQMD Regional Significance
Threshold 55 55 550 150 150 55
Significant? Yes No No No Yes Yes
Notes:

1. Based on population increase

2. Based on dwelling unit increase
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Sector
Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions
(pounds per day)
VOC NOx CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
Source: City of Corona, General Plan EIR 2019, Table 5.3-11 Net Change in Regional Emissions from the Existing Baseline Year 2018
As discussed above, the primary pollutants of concern are VOCs, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5. Emissions of VOCs and NOx are precursors to the formation of O3, and NOx is a precursor to the formation of PM10 and PM2.5. Buildout of the General Plan with future implementation of the proposed Project would result in longterm emissions that exceed the regional SCAQMD thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 and would contribute cumulatively to the nonattainment status of the SoCAB, thereby resulting in a potentially significant impact.

The General Plan includes many policies that would help to reduce emissions of criteria pollutants and implementation of General Plan EIR Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2 would help to reduce impacts, but not to a less than significant level.

Step 2: Plan Approach
Section 15130(b) of the CEQA Guidelines states the following:

The following elements are necessary to an adequate discussion of significant cumulative impacts:
1) Either: (A) A list of past, present, and probable future projects producing related or cumulative impacts, including, if necessary, those projects outside the control of the agency, or (B) A summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document, or in a prior environmental document which has been adopted or certified, which described or evaluated regional or area wide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact.

In accordance with CEQA Guidelines 15130(b), this analysis of cumulative impacts is based on a summary of projections analysis. The SoCAB is in nonattainment for O3, PM10, and PM2.5, which means that concentrations precursors and direct pollutants contribute to the current exceedance of the applicable ambient air quality standards.

Cumulative impacts may be analyzed using other plans that evaluate relevant cumulative effects. The geographic scope for cumulative criteria pollution from air quality impacts is the SoCAB because that is the area in which the air pollutants generated by the sources within the SoCAB circulate and are often trapped.

The SCAQMD is required to prepare and maintain air quality attainment plans and a SIP to document the strategies and measures to be undertaken to reach attainment of ambient air quality standards. While the SCAQMD does not have direct authority over land use decisions, it is recognized that changes in land use and circulation planning would help the SoCAB achieve clean air mandates. The SCAQMD evaluated emissions from land uses and transportation in the entire SoCAB when it developed its attainment plans.

In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064, subdivision (h)(3), a Lead Agency may determine that a project’s incremental contribution to a cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable if the project complies with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program. ,---
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The proposed Project would comply with applicable control measures identified in the AQMP; however, as discussed in Impact AIR-1, future Project implementation would not be consistent with the AQMP growth projections and emissions; thus, impacts would be potentially significant.

Conclusion
Project implementation would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of VOCs, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard. Therefore, even with implementation of General Plan EIR Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.

Would the Project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) The SCAQMD has developed construction and operational LSTs. Each is addressed below.

Construction
Future construction associated with Project implementation would occur over the same timeframe as the General Plan Horizon Year of 2040 or longer, through smaller individual development projects each with its own construction timeframe and equipment. The construction LST analysis requires project-specific information, such as project size, equipment, and schedule, such that a programmatic assessment is not feasible. Like the General Plan Update EIR, the proposed Project’s potential future development and redevelopment could occur close to existing sensitive receptors. Future development projects that would be accommodated by Project implementation have the potential to expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. Construction equipment exhaust combined with fugitive particulate matter emissions has the potential to expose sensitive receptors to substantial concentrations of criteria air pollutant emissions and result in a significant impact.

While the implementation of applicable General Plan EIR Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2 would serve to reduce the impact, on a regional basis, Project implementation would contribute to elevated levels of TACs in the air basin; as such, the impact would be significant and unavoidable.

Operations
Project implementation would permit more intense future development of residential uses within designated areas. The types of land uses that could generate substantial amounts of stationary source emissions include industrial land uses; as such, future Project implementation would have a less than significant impact in this regard.

Buildout of future residential development permitted by Project implementation could result in siting sensitive receptors (e.g., residences) near sources of emissions (e.g., freeways, industrial uses, etc.), which could expose sensitive receptors to potential air quality-related impacts. Like the evaluation conducted for the 2019 General Plan Update EIR, the purpose of this evaluation is to identify the significant effects of 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Project implementation on the environment, not the environment on the proposed Project. California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (2015) 62 Cal.4th 369 (Case No.

S213478). Thus, CEQA does not require analysis of the potential environmental effects from siting sensitive receptors near existing sources, and this type of analysis is not provided.

While this analysis is not provided within the context of CEQA, the City of Corona General Plan Policy HC2.1 requires that new sensitive land uses incorporate setbacks, barriers, landscaping, or other design features to minimize air quality impacts and to achieve appropriate health standards. The following policies would be applicable:
• HC-2.1 Require that proposals for new sensitive land uses and/or industrial and commercial uses incorporate the adequate use of setbacks, barriers, landscaping, or other design measures as necessary to minimize air quality impacts and achieve appropriate health standards. • HC-2.7 Keep up to date on new and amended regulations issued by state and federal regulatory agencies with respect to air, water, and other pollutants and permissible exposure; revise local ordinances and development requirements as needed to reduce exposure to pollution.

CO Hotspots
The SoCAB is in attainment for CO under both the CAAQS and NAAQS. The CO hotspot analysis conducted for the attainment plan did not predict a violation of CO standards at the busiest intersections (Long Beach Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard) in Los Angeles (daily traffic volume of over approximately 100,000 vehicles per day with LOS E) during the peak morning and afternoon periods.

The SCAQMD does not provide guidance for screening potential CO impacts but has accepted screening criteria developed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), which determined that a project would have to increase traffic volumes at a single intersection by more than 44,000 vehicles per hour – or 24,000 vehicles per hour where vertical and/or horizontal air does not mix in order to generate a significant CO impact (BAAQMD 2017).

The General Plan Update EIR found that horizon year conditions would result in a maximum net increase of 2,460 peak hour trips which would be well below the screening criteria. Applying a 5.4 percent increase to the net trips based on the anticipated population growth would result in 2,593 trips, which would still be substantially less than the screening criteria. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not produce a volume of traffic required to generate a CO hotspot, and this impact would be less than significant.

Would the Project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Finding: Less Impact than Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) While offensive odors rarely cause any physical harm, they can still be very unpleasant, leading to considerable distress among the public and often generating citizen complaints to local governments and 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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the SCAQMD. The occurrence and severity of odor impacts depends on numerous factors, including nature, frequency, and intensity of the source, the wind speed and direction, and the sensitivity of the receptor.

Construction
Individual construction activities associated with future residential development associated with Project implementation could result in short-term odorous emissions from exhaust associated with construction equipment and application of asphalt and architectural coatings. However, these emissions would be intermittent and would dissipate rapidly from the source. In addition, these odors would only be present temporarily and would dissipate below any air quality concern. Therefore, future construction associated with Project implementation would not create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people, and this impact would be less than significant.

Operations
Residential land uses that would be accommodated by future Project implementation could result in the generation of odors, such as exhaust from landscaping equipment and from cooking. Residences are not considered potential generators of odors that could affect a substantial number of people. Therefore, impacts from potential odors generated from residential land uses associated with Project implementation would be less than significant.

3.1.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative air quality impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Cumulative Impact) Cumulative impacts related to air quality are based on the regional boundaries of the SoCAB. The Project itself is a planning document consisting of zoning code updates to facilitate future lower- and moderateincome development in the City. It does not, in and of itself, constitute a development project. Future residential projects resulting from Project implementation would have to undertake their own air quality studies and comply with all However, future activities related to the Project, in conjunction with the buildout of uses as provided in the General Plan Update over the planning horizon, would cumulatively contribute to a significant air quality impact. Therefore, even with incorporation of mitigation measures, this impact would remain cumulatively considerable.

3.1.2.4 Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures are required for the proposed project.

Mitigation Measure AQ-1. Project proponents of new development projects shall incorporate mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions during construction activities. Mitigation measures shall be incorporated into all appropriate construction documents/plans (e.g., construction management plans) submitted to the City and shall be verified by the City’s Development Services 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Division. Mitigation measures to reduce construction related emissions could include, but are not limited to:
• Requiring fugitive-dust control measures that exceed SCAQMD’s Rule 403, such as:
o Use of nontoxic soil stabilizers to reduce wind erosion. o Applying water every four house to active soil-disturbing activities. o Tarping and/or maintaining a minimum of 24 inches of freeboard on trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials.
o Using construction equipment rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as having Tier 3 (model year 2006 or newer) or Tier 4 (model year 2008 or newer) emission limits, applicable for engines between 50 and 750 horsepower.
o Ensuring that construction equipment is properly serviced and maintained to the manufacturer’s standards.
o Limiting nonessential idling of construction equipment to no more than five consecutive minutes.
o Limiting onsite vehicle travel speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour. o Installing wheel washers for all existing trucks or wash off all trucks and equipment leaving the project area.
o Using Super-Compliant VOC paints for coating of architectural surfaces whenever possible. A list of Super-Compliant architectural coating manufacturers can be found on the SCAQMD’s website at http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/planning/ architectural-coatings/supercompliant-manf-list.pdf?sfvrsn=71.

Mitigation Measure AQ-2. Project proponents of new development projects shall incorporate mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions during operational activities. Mitigation measures shall be included as part of the construction drawings for the project’s permit. Mitigation measures to reduce long-term emissions could include, but are not limited to the following:
• For site-specific development that requires refrigerated vehicles, the construction documents shall demonstrate an adequate number of electrical service connections at loading docks for plug-in of the anticipated number of refrigerated trailers to reduce idling time and emissions. • Applicants for manufacturing and light industrial uses shall consider energy storage and combined heat and power in appropriate applications to optimize renewable energy generation systems and avoid peak energy use.
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• Site-specific developments with truck delivery and loading areas and truck parking spaces shall include signage as a reminder to limit idling of vehicles while parked for loading/unloading in accordance with California Air Resources Board Rule 2845 (13 CCR Chapter 10 § 2485). • Provide changing/shower facilities as specific in Section A5.106.4.3 of the California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures). • Provide bicycle parking facilities per Section A4.106.9 (Residential Voluntary Measures) of the CALGreen Code.
• Provide preferential parking spaces for low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and carpool/van vehicles per Section A5.106.5.1 of the CALGreen Code (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures). • Provide facilities to support electric charging stations per Section A5.106.5.3 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) and Section A5.106.8.2 (Residential Voluntary Measures of the CALGreen Code.
• Applicant-provided appliances shall be Energy Star-certified appliances or appliances of equivalent energy efficiency (e.g., dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers). Installation of Energy Star-certified or equivalent appliances shall be verified by Building and Safety during plan check.
• Applicants for future development projects along existing and planned transit routes shall coordinate with the City of Corona and Riverside Transit to ensure that bus pads and shelter improvements are incorporated, as appropriate.
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3.2 ENERGY

3.2.1 Environmental Setting
Southern California Edison (SCE) is the provider of electrical services to most of the City and its SOI. Total electricity consumption in SCE’s service area, which spans much of southern California from Orange and Riverside Counties on the south to Santa Barbara County on the west to Mono County to the north, in gigawatt-hours (GWh) was 102,521 GWh in 2018 (City of Corona 2019). Sources of electricity sold by SCE in 2017 were:
• 32 percent renewable, consisting mostly of solar and wind • 8 percent large hydroelectric
• 20 percent natural gas
• 6 percent nuclear
• 34 percent unspecified sources
On April 4, 2001, the City Council passed Resolution No. 2001-25, which established a municipally owned electric utility. In August 2001, this electric utility, which is part of the Corona Department of Water and Power (DWP) [Corona DWP has since been renamed Corona Utilities Department], entered into an agreement with SCE to provide retail services as an electric services provider. Corona Utilities buys and sells power on behalf of the City’s municipal electric accounts and properties within specific service areas.

In 2018, the estimated existing electricity demand for residential developments in the City was 371,670,609 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year, with the City and SOI having a total demand of 1,412,642,823 kWh per year (City of Corona 2019).

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) provides natural gas services to the City and maintains transmission and distribution lines through the City and SOI. The service area of SoCalGas spans much of the southern half of California, from Imperial County in the southeast, to San Luis Obispo County in the northwest, to part of Fresno County in the north, and to Riverside County and most of San Bernardino County in the east. According to the General Plan Update EIR, existing natural gas demands in the City for residential developments is 19.4 million therms per year, and total natural gas demand for the City and its SOI was estimated at 43.9 million therms per year (City of Corona 2019).

3.2.1.1 Regulatory Framework
Federal
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140) seeks to provide the nation with greater energy independence and security by increasing the production of clean renewable fuels; improving vehicle fuel economy; and increasing the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles. It also seeks to improve the energy performance of the federal government. The Energy Independence and Security Act sets increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards; the Renewable Fuel Standard; appliance energy efficiency standards; building energy efficiency standards; and accelerated research and 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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development tasks on renewable energy sources (e.g., solar energy, geothermal energy, and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies), carbon capture, and sequestration.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines, and licenses hydropower projects. Licensing of hydroelectric facilities under FERC’s authority includes input from state and federal energy and power generation, environmental protection, fish and wildlife, and water quality agencies.

Federal Energy Conservation Policy Act
The National Energy Conservation Policy Act (42 United States Code Section 8201 et seq.) serves as the underlying authority for federal energy management goals and requirements and is the foundation of most federal energy requirements. The National Energy Conservation Policy Act also established fuel economy standards for on-road motor vehicles in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for establishing additional vehicle standards and for revising existing standards.

NHTSA and the USEPA are taking coordinated steps to enable the production of clean energy vehicles with improved fuel efficiency. NHTSA sets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (I) levels, which, based on Obama-era regulations, would have required about 5 percent annual increases in fuel efficiency.

However, in March 2020, the Trump administration rolled back the standards, with the final rule increasing the stringency of I and carbon dioxide emission standards by 1.5 percent each year through 2026.

State
California Public Utilities Commission Requirements
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is a state agency created by a constitutional amendment to regulate privately-owned utilities providing telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation services and in-state moving companies. CPUC is responsible for assuring that California utility customers have safe, reliable utility services at reasonable rates while protecting utility customers from fraud. CPUC regulates the planning and approval for the physical construction of electric generation, transmission, or distribution facilities and local distribution pipelines of natural gas.

California Integrated Energy Policy
SB 1389 requires the CEC to “conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The Energy Commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety” (PRC Section 25301[a]). The CEC adopts an Integrated Energy Policy Report every two years and an update every other year.
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AB 1493 – Clean Car Standards (Pavley)
AB 1493 was passed in 2002 and requires CARB to develop and implement regulations to reduce automobile and light truck GHG emissions, through mandating gradual reductions in global warming pollutants from cars and light trucks sold in California from 2009 through 2016. The average gram-per-mile reduction of GHG emissions from new California cars and light trucks is required to be about 30 percent in 2016 compared to model year 2004 vehicles.

CARB adopted the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) program in 2012 in coordination with USEPA and NHTSA.

The ACC program combined the control of criteria pollutants and GHG emissions into a single coordinated set of requirements for model years 2015 through 2025. CARB adopted a new approach to passenger vehicles—cars and light trucks—by combining the control of smog-causing pollutants and GHG emissions into a single coordinated package of standards. The new approach also includes efforts to support and accelerate the numbers of plug-in hybrids and zero-emission vehicles in California. The new standard drops GHG emissions to 166 grams per mile, a reduction of 34 percent compared to 2016 levels, through 2025.

Warren-Alquist Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act Initially passed in 1974 and amended since, the Warren-Alquist Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act (Warren-Alquist Act) created the CEC, California’s primary energy and planning agency.

The seven responsibilities of CEC are: forecasting future energy needs, promoting energy efficiency and conservation through setting standards, supporting energy related research, developing renewable energy resources, advancing alternative and renewable transportation fuels and technologies, certifying thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger, and planning for and directing state responses to energy emergencies. CEC regulates energy resources by encouraging and coordinating research into energy supply and demand problems to reduce the rate of growth of energy consumption. Additionally, the WarrenAlquist Act acknowledges the need for renewable energy resources and encourages CEC to explore renewable energy options that would be in line with environmental and public safety goals. (Warren-Alquist Act PRC section 25000 et seq.)
Renewable Portfolio Standard
SB 1078, 107, X1-2, and Executive Order S-14-08
The California Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) Program was stablished in 2002 under SB 1078 (Sher) and 107 (Simitian). The RPS program requires investor-owned utilities, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators to increase the use of eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total procurement by 2020. Initially under the RPS, certain retail sellers of electricity were required to increase the amount of renewable energy each year by at least 1 percent in order to reach at least 20 percent by December 20, 2010. Executive Order (EO) S-14-08 was signed in November 2008, which expanded the state’s Renewable Energy Standard to 33 percent renewable power by 2020. This standard was adopted by the legislature in 2011 (SB X1-2). The California Public Utilities Commission is required to provide quarterly progress reports on progress toward RPS goals. This has accelerated the development of renewable energy projects throughout the State.
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SB 350
SB 350 (de Leon), was signed into law September 2015. SB 350 establishes tiered increases to the RPS of 40 percent by 2024, 45 percent by 2027, and 50 percent by 2030. SB 350 also set a new goal to double the energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas through energy efficiency and conservation measures.

SB 100
On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown signed SB 100, which replaces the SB 350 requirement of 45 percent renewable energy by 2027 with the requirement of 50 percent by 2026 and also raises California’s RPS requirements for 2050 from 50 percent to 60 percent. SB 100 also establishes RPS requirements for publicly owned utilities that consist of 44 percent renewable energy by 2024, 50 percent by 2027, and 60 percent by 2030. Furthermore, the bull also establishes an overall state policy that eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources supply 100 percent of all retail sales of electricity to California end-use customers and 100 percent of electricity procured to serve all state agencies by December 31, 2045. Under the bill, the state cannot increase carbon emissions elsewhere in the western grid or allow resource shuffling to achieve the 100 percent carbon-free electricity target.

Title 24, Part 6, Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy conservation standards for new residential and non-residential buildings were adopted by the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (now the CEC) in June 1977 and most recently revised in 2016 (24 CCR Part 6). Title 24 requires the design of building shells and building components to conserve energy. The standards are updated periodically to allow for consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. On June 10, 2015, the CEC adopted the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which went into effect on January 1, 2017. The 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which were recently adopted on May 9, 2018, go into effect starting January 1, 2020.

The 2016 Standards improve upon the previous 2013 Standards for new construction of and additions and alterations to residential and nonresidential buildings. Under the 2016 Standards, residential and nonresidential buildings are generally 28 and 5 percent more energy efficient than the 2013 Standards, respectively. Although the 2016 standards do not achieve zero net energy, they get very close to the state’s goal and take important steps toward changing residential building practices in California.

The 2019 standards move toward cutting energy use in new homes by more than 50 percent and will require installation of solar photovoltaic systems for single-family homes and multifamily buildings of three stories and less. The 2019 standards focus on four key areas: 1) smart residential photovoltaic systems; 2) updated thermal envelope standards (preventing heat transfer from the interior to exterior and vice versa); 3) residential and nonresidential ventilation requirements; 4) and nonresidential lighting requirements. Under the 2019 standards, nonresidential buildings will be 30 percent more energy efficient compared to the 2016 standards, and single-family homes will be 7 percent more energy efficient. When accounting for the electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic system, single-family homes would use 53 percent less energy compared to homes built to the 2016 standards.
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Title 24, Part 11, Green Building Standards
On July 17, 2008, the California Building Standards Commission adopted the nation’s first green building standards. The California Green Building Standards Code (24 CCR, Part 11, known as “CALGreen”) was adopted as part of the California Building Standards Code. It includes mandatory requirements for new residential and nonresidential buildings throughout California. CALGreen is intended to (1) reduce GHG emissions from buildings; (2) promote environmentally responsible, cost-effective, healthier places to live and work; (3) reduce energy and water consumption; and (4) respond to the directives by the Governor.

The mandatory provisions of the California Green Building Code Standards became effective January 1, 2011 and were last updated in 2016. The 2016 Standards became effective on January 1, 2017. On October 3, 2018, the CEC adopted the voluntary standards of the 2019 CALGreen, which become effective January 1, 2020.

Overall, the code is established to reduce construction waste, make buildings more efficient in the use of materials and energy, and reduce environmental impact during and after construction. CALGreen contains requirements for construction site selection; storm water control during construction; construction waste reduction; indoor water use reduction; material selection; natural resource conservation; site irrigation conservation; and more. The code provides for design options allowing the designer to determine how best to achieve compliance for a given site or building condition. The code also requires building commissioning, which is a process for verifying that all building systems (e.g., heating and cooling equipment and lighting systems) are functioning at their maximum efficiency.

Local
City of Corona Climate Action Plan
The City of Corona’s 2019 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update provides direction for the reduction of GHG emissions from sources under the City’s jurisdiction in coordination with the City’s land use decisions from the General Plan. The 2019 CAP provides measures to meet the goal of reducing community GHG emissions to a level 20 percent below projected business-as-usual emissions for 2020. Furthermore, the 2019 CAP aims to meet the goals set forth in EO S-03-05 to reduce GHG emissions to a level 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

To meet the established 2020 Reduction Target, the current CAP includes various reduction measures across several sectors that include transportation, energy, water, solid waste, and agriculture. The reduction measures encompass both state- and local-based measures. Identified state-based measures related to energy include compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CALGreen and utilities meeting the RPS. The 2019 CAP also includes energy-related local-based measures, which are measures the City can implement that are beyond statewide measures. Other energy-related local measures include supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy retrofits for existing homes and commercial buildings.

The 2019 CAP also includes measures that support increasing the Incorporation of renewable energy systems into new residential and non-residential development projects. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and energy resources discussed in this section:

Policy ER-12.14: Reduce energy consumed by commercial and residential uses by requiring the use and installation of energy conservation features in all new construction projects and wherever feasible, retrofitting existing and redevelopment projects.

Policy ER-13.2: Encourage the maximum feasible energy efficiency in site design, building orientation, landscaping, and utilities/infrastructure for all development and redevelopment projects (residential, commercial, industrial, and public agency) to support GHG emissions reductions.

Policy IU-71: Require that new development is approved contingent upon its ability to be served with adequate natural gas, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

3.2.2 Impact Discussion

3.2.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to energy are significant. Would the Project:
• Result in potentially significant environmental impacts due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? The following issues were determined to have no impact or a less than significant impact during the Initial Study and NOP Scoping process. These issues were sufficiently analyzed in the Initial Study and are not discussed further in this section. Would the Project:
• Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy and energy efficiency?

3.2.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during Project construction or operation? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) Construction
Construction of the proposed project would occur over an extended period consistent with the General Plan Horizon Year of 2040 or longer. Individual residential projects developed in accordance with the proposed project would require the use of both onroad (employee vehicles, delivery trucks, etc.) and offroad construction equipment (graders, crawler tractors, etc.) in addition to electric-powered hand tools (power drills, table saws, etc.)
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During construction, individual projects would comply with General Plan EIR Mitigation Measure AQ-1 which is aimed at reducing air pollution and includes measures such as minimizing idling of construction offroad equipment and maintaining all equipment in accordance with manufacturer standards. Such measures would also minimize the wasteful consumption of energy resources during construction. The construction of future residential development resulting from Project implementation would result in less than significant impacts.

Operations
Implementation of the proposed project would result in an increase of 5.6 percent new residential housing units that were unaccounted for in the General Plan Update that would create additional demand for electricity, natural gas, and motor vehicle fuels. Each energy source is discussed separately below.

Electricity
According to the General Plan Update EIR the existing electricity use within the City and SOI would total 1,412,642,823 kWh annually. Electrical service to the City and SOI would be provided by SCE and Corona DWP through connections to existing off-site electrical lines and new on-site infrastructure.

Future development resulting from Project implementation is anticipated to add 9,990 new residents to the City of Corona through the 2040 Horizon Year. Table 3.2-1 provides an estimate of the increase in electricity consumption resulting from Project implementation. Project implementation is anticipated to result in a total demand of 436,201,062 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Table 3.2-1: Year 2040 Forecast Electricity Consumption Area
Electricity Usage, kWh per year
Existing Baseline
(2018)1
Horizon Year 2040
(General Plan
Update)2
2040 General Plan
Update + Proposed
Project3
Net Change from
Baseline
City
Residential 371,670,609 413,743,542 436,201,062 64,530,453 Notes:

1. Electricity usage is provided by SCE and Corona Department of Water and Power.

2. Residential energy and nonresidential energy forecasts are adjusted for increases in housing and employment, respectively, in the City and SOI and do not account for reductions due to increase in energy efficiency from compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CALGreen.

3. Based on an increase of 2,248 kWh per additional resident Source: City of Corona 2019 General Plan Update EIR, Table 5.6-4 While the demand for electricity would increase, individual development projects would be required to comply increasing energy efficiency standards set forth by Title 24 of the California Administrative Code and the Applicable Efficiency Regulations as well as CALGreen standards related to energy. Furthermore, the City’s CAP includes many measures aimed at reducing energy demand. Accordingly, the increase in electricity would not be wasteful or inefficient.

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Natural Gas
The General Plan Update EIR provided an estimate of existing natural gas usage within the City and SOI of 43,945,421 therms for all uses annually. Natural gas service to the City and SOI would be provided by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Project implementation is anticipated to add 9,990 new residents to the City of Corona through the 2040 Horizon Year. Table 3.2-2 provides an estimate of the increase in natural gas consumption from project implementation. Project implementation is anticipated to result in a total demand of 22,530,439 therms on annual basis.

Table 3.2-2: Year 2040 Forecast Natural Gas Consumption Area
Natural Gas Usage, therms per year
Existing Baseline
(2018)1
Horizon Year 2040
(General Plan
Update)2
2040 General Plan
Update + Proposed
Project3
Net Change from
Baseline
City
Residential 19,377,837 21,571,399 22,530,439 3,152,602
Notes:

1. Natural gas usage provided by SoCalGas.

3. Based on an increase of 2,248 kWh per additional resident Source: City of Corona 2019 General Plan Update EIR, Table 5.6-4 Implementation of the proposed Project would result in an increased demand for natural gas. Individual future residential development projects would be required to comply increasing energy efficiency standards set forth by Title 24 of the California Administrative Code and the Applicable Efficiency Regulations as well as CALGreen standards related to energy. Furthermore, the City’s CAP includes many measures aimed at reducing energy demand. Accordingly, the increase in natural gas would not be wasteful or inefficient.

Transportation Fuels
Project implementation resulting in future residential development would consume transportation energy (e.g., gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and electricity) during operations form the use of motor vehicles. As shown in Table 3.2-3, Project implementation would result in a decrease of 16,288,762 gallons of gasoline, an increase of 79,964 gallons of diesel, an increase of 671,099 gallons of CNG, and an increase of 41,192,144 kWh of electricity relative to the existing baseline. ,-- -

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Table 3.2-3: Operation-Related Fuel Usage: Full VMT
Fuel Type Existing Baseline
(2018)
Horizon Year 2040
(General Plan
Update)1
2040 General Plan
Update + Proposed
Project2
Net Change from
Baseline
Gasoline
VMT 2,537,668,340 3,184,553,773 3,356,519,677 818,851,337 Gallons 104,432,661 83,637,971 88,143,899 -16,288,762
Miles Per Gallon 24.30 38.08 38.08 14
Diesel
VMT 243,354,087 330,398,780 348,240,314 104,886,227
Gallons 26,083,846 24,818,288 26,163,810 79,964
Miles Per Gallon 9.33 13.31 13.31 3.98
Compressed Natural Gas
VMT 2,129,944 4,081,551 4,301,955 2,172,011
Gallons 579,469 1,186,827 1,250,568 671,099
Miles Per Gallon 3.68 3.44 3.44 -0.24
Electricity
VMT 9,554,194 149,557,715 157,633,832 148,079,638
kWh 3,211,752 42,131,229 44,403,896 41,192,144
Miles Per kWh 2.97 3.55 3.55 0.58
Notes:

1. Based on daily VMT provided by Fehr & Peers. VMT per year based on a conversion of VMT x 347 days per year to account for less travel on weekend, consistent with CARB statewide GHG emissions inventory methodology (CARB 2008).

2. 2040 VMT adjusted by proposed population increase of 5.4 percent.

Source: City of Corona 2019 General Plan Update Table 5.6-6 As shown in the table above, VMT and fuel usage would generally increase from future implementation of the Project; however, the fuel efficiency of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles under year 2040 conditions would improve compared to baseline year 2018. VMT associated with electric vehicles (EV), and thus electricity usage, would also increase under future Project implementation when compared to existing baseline. It is also anticipated that EVs will improve in energy efficiency. Consistent with regulatory measures aimed at increasing the supply of electricity from renewable sources, it is anticipated that a greater share of the electricity used to power EVs will be from renewable sources.

Although future residential development resulting from Project implementation would demand additional transportation fuels in certain categories, others would decrease or become energy efficient. The use of transportation fuels would not be inefficient or wasteful. Impacts would be less than significant.

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3.2.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative energy impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) Cumulative impacts related to energy are based on the regional boundaries of the City and County, as well as the extent of service providers and their territories. The cumulative effects of Project implementation related to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy and conflicting with energy plans and standards would be the same as discussed above. Energy impacts are localized and would not combine with the similar effects of other projects. The Project itself is a planning document consisting of zoning code updates to facilitate future lower- and moderate-income development in the City. It does not, in and of itself, constitute a development project. Future activities related to Project implementation, in conjunction with the buildout of uses as provided in the General Plan Update over the planning horizon, would cumulatively contribute to the increase in demand for energy resources. Each implementing development project would have to undertake site-specific evaluations and their own discretionary permits with respect to their potential energy consumption, and they would be subject to all applicable regulations and requirements related to energy efficiency, as described above. Therefore, future Project implementation would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative energy impact, and this impact would be less than significant. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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3.3 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

3.3.1 Environmental Setting

3.3.1.1 Greenhouse Gases
GHGs and climate change are cumulative global issues. CARB and the Cal EPA regulate GHG emissions within the State of California and the U.S., respectively. While the CARB has the primary regulatory responsibility within California for GHG emissions, local agencies can also adopt policies for GHG emission reductions.

Many chemical compounds in the earth’s atmosphere act as GHGs, as they absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range. When radiation from the sun reaches the Earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation (heat). GHGs absorb this infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere. Over time, the amount of energy from the sun to the Earth’s surface should be approximately equal to the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the earth’s surface roughly constant. Many gases exhibit these “greenhouse” properties. Some of them occur in nature (water vapor, carbon dioxide [CO2], methane [CH4], and nitrous oxide [N2O]), while others are exclusively human-made (like gases used for aerosols).

The principal climate change gases resulting from human activity that enter and accumulate in the atmosphere are listed below:
• Carbon Dioxide. CO2 enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and chemical reactions (e.g., the manufacture of cement). CO2 is also removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
• Methane. CH4 is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. CH4 emissions also result from livestock and agricultural practices and the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills, raising livestock, natural gas and petroleum systems, stationary and mobile combustion, and wastewater treatment.
• Nitrous Oxide. N2O is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. N2O emissions from motor vehicles generally occur directly from operation of vehicles.
• Hydrofluorocarbons. HFCs are one of several high global warming potential (GWP) gases that are not naturally occurring and are generated from industrial processes. HFC (refrigerant) emissions from vehicle air conditioning systems occur due to leakage, losses during recharging, or release from scrapping vehicles at end of their useful life. • Perfluorocarbons. PFCs are another high GWP gas that are not naturally occurring and are generated in a variety of industrial processes.
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• Sulfur Hexafluoride. SF6 is another high GWP gas that is not naturally occurring and is generated in a variety of industrial processes.

3.3.1.2 Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
On a global scale, GHG emissions are predominantly associated with activities related to energy production; changes in land use, such as deforestation and land clearing; industrial sources; agricultural activities; transportation; waste and wastewater generation; and commercial and residential land uses.

World-wide, energy production including the burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest single source of global GHG emissions.

In 2019, GHG emissions within California totaled 418.1 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Within California, the transportation sector is the largest contributor, accounting for approximately 41 percent of the total statewide GHG emissions. Emissions associated with industrial uses are the second largest contributor, totaling roughly 24 percent. Electricity generation totaled roughly 14 percent. Residential, commercial, and agricultural/forestry made up the approximately 8 percent, 6 percent, and 8 percent of the remaining GHG emissions (CARB 2021).

3.3.1.3 Potential Environmental Impacts
There are uncertainties as to exactly what the climate changes will be in various local areas of the earth.

There are also uncertainties associated with the magnitude and timing of other consequences of a warmer planet: sea level rise, spread of certain diseases out of their usual geographic range, the effect on agricultural production, water supply, sustainability of ecosystems, increased strength and frequency of storms, extreme heat events, increased air pollution episodes, and the consequence of these effects on the economy.

Within California, climate changes would likely alter the ecological characteristics of many ecosystems throughout the state. Such alterations would likely include increases in surface temperatures and changes in the form, timing, and intensity of precipitation. For instance, historical records are depicting an increasing trend toward earlier snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada. This snowpack is a principal supply of water for the state, providing roughly 50 percent of state’s annual runoff. If this trend continues, some areas of the state may experience an increased danger of floods during the winter months and possible exhaustion of the snowpack during spring and summer months. An earlier snowmelt would also impact the state’s energy resources. An early exhaustion of the Sierra snowpack may force electricity producers to switch to more costly or non-renewable forms of electricity generation during spring and summer months. A changing climate may also impact agricultural crop yields, coastal structures, and biodiversity. As a result, resultant changes in climate will likely have detrimental effects on some of California’s largest industries, including agriculture, wine, tourism, skiing, recreational and commercial fishing, and forestry.

3.3.1.4 General Plan Update EIR
An emissions inventory of the City of Corona and SOI was conducted for the General Plan Update EIR for the existing residential, institutional, commercial, office, and industrial uses identified on Figure 3-4, Existing 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Land Use in the General Plan Update EIR. GHG emissions generated in the City and SOI were estimated using EMFAC2017, OFFROAD2017, and data provided by SCE (electricity), SoCalGas (natural gas), and the City of Corona (electricity and water use). Emissions in the City and SOI come from the following sources:
• Transportation: Emissions from vehicle trips beginning and ending in the City and SOI boundaries and from external/internal vehicle trips (i.e., trips that either begin or end in the City and SOI). • Energy: Emissions generated from purchased electricity and natural gas consumption used for cooking and heating in the City and SOI.
• Solid Waste Disposal: Indirect emissions from waste generated in the City and SOI. • Water/Wastewater: Emissions from electricity used to supply, treat, and distribute water based on the overall water demand and wastewater generation in the City and SOI. • Area Sources: Emissions generated from light commercial equipment, agricultural, and construction equipment use in the City and SOI.

3.3.1.5 Regulatory Framework
State
In the absence of federal regulations, control of GHGs is generally regulated at the state level and is typically approached by setting emission reduction targets for existing sources of GHGs, setting policies to promote renewable energy and increase energy efficiency, and developing statewide action plans.

California has adopted statewide legislation addressing various aspects of climate change and GHG emissions mitigation. Much of this legislation establishes a broad framework for the state’s long-term GHG reduction and climate change adaptation program. The governor has also issued several executive orders (EOs) related to the state’s evolving climate change policy.

Current State of California guidance and goals for reduction in GHG emissions are generally embodied in EO S-03-05 and B-30-15, AB 32, SB 32, and SB 375.

Executive Order S-03-05
On June 1, 2005, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced EO S‐3‐05, which announced the following reduction targets for GHG emissions:
• By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels.
• By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels.
• By 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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The 2050 reduction goal represents what some scientists believe is necessary to reach levels that would stabilize the climate. The 2020 goal was established to be a mid‐term target. Because this is an EO, the goals are not legally enforceable for local governments or the private sector.

Executive Order B-30-15
On April 29, 2015, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued EO B-30-15 to establish a California GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The Governor’s EO aligns California’s GHG reduction targets with those of leading international governments ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in late 2015. The EO sets a new interim statewide GHG emission reduction target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 in order to ensure that California meets its target of reducing GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 and directs CARB to update the Climate Change Scoping Plan to express the 2030 target in terms of MMTCO2e. The EO also requires the state’s climate adaptation plan to be updated every 3 years and for the state to continue its climate change research program, among other provisions. As with EO S‐3‐05, this EO is not legally enforceable against local governments and the private sector. Legislation that would update AB 32 to provide post‐2020 targets was signed by the Governor in 2016. SB 32 includes a 2030 mandate matching the requirements of the EO.

Assembly Bill 32
The California State Legislature enacted AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

Current State of California guidance and goals for reductions in GHG emissions are generally embodied in the Global Warming Solutions Act. AB 32 was passed by the California state legislature on August 31, 2006, to place the state on a course toward reducing its contribution of GHG emissions. AB 32 follows the 2020 tier of emissions reduction targets established in EO S-03-05.

SB 32
SB 32 was signed into law on September 8, 2016. SB 32 gives CARB the statutory responsibility to include the 2030 target previously contained in EO B‐30‐15 in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update. SB 32 states that “In adopting rules and regulations to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost‐effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions authorized by this division, the state [air resources] board shall ensure that statewide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to at least 40 percent below the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit no later than December 31, 2030.” Climate Change Scoping Plan
In December 2008, CARB approved the AB 32 Scoping Plan outlining the state’s strategy to achieve the 2020 GHG emissions limit. The Scoping Plan estimates a reduction of 174 MMTCO2e (about 191 million U.S. tons) from the transportation, energy, agriculture, forestry, and high climate-change-potential sectors, and proposes a comprehensive set of actions designed to reduce overall GHG emissions in California, improve the environment, reduce dependence on oil, diversify California’s energy sources, save energy, create new jobs, and enhance public health. The Scoping Plan must be updated every 5 years to evaluate the implementation of AB 32 policies to ensure that California is on track to achieve the 2020 GHG reduction 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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goal. The First Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan was approved by the CARB on May 22, 2014.

In 2016, the State Legislature passed SB 32, which codified a 2030 GHG emissions reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels. With SB 32, the State Legislature passed companion legislation AB 197, which provides additional direction for developing the Scoping Plan. On December 14, 2017, the CARB approved the Second Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan, the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan: The Strategy for Achieving California’s 2030 Greenhouse Gas Target. The 2017 Scoping Plan identified key sectors of the implementation strategy, which includes improvements in low carbon energy, industry, transportation sustainability, natural and working lands, waste management, and water. Through a combination of data synthesis and modeling, CARB determined that the target statewide 2030 emissions limit is 260 MMTCO2e, and that further commitments will need to be made to achieve an additional reduction of 50 MMTCO2e beyond current policies and programs. Key elements of the 2017 Update include a proposed 20 percent reduction in GHG emissions from refineries and an expansion of the Cap-and-Trade program to meet the aggressive 2030 GHG emissions goal.

SB 375
In 2008, SB 375, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, was adopted to connect the GHG emissions reductions targets established in the 2008 Scoping Plan for the transportation sector to local land use decisions that affect travel behavior. Its intent is to reduce GHG emissions from light-duty trucks and automobiles (excludes emissions associated with goods movement) by aligning regional longrange transportation plans, investments, and housing allocations to local land use planning to reduce VMT and vehicle trips. Specifically, SB 375 required CARB to establish GHG emissions reduction targets for each of the 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the MPO for the Southern California region, which includes the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Imperial. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, CARB adopted per capita reduction targets for each of the MPOs rather than a total magnitude reduction target.

SB 1078, 107, X1-2, and Executive Order S-14-08
A major component of California’s Renewable Energy Program is the RPS established under SB 1078 (Sher) and 107 (Simitian). Under the RPS, certain retail sellers of electricity were required to increase the amount of renewable energy each year by at least 1 percent in order to reach at least 20 percent by December 30, 2010. EO S-14-08 was signed in November 2008, which expanded the state’s Renewable Energy Standard to 33 percent renewable power by 2020. This standard was adopted by the legislature in 2011 (SBX1- 2). Renewable sources of electricity include wind, small hydropower, solar, geothermal, biomass, and biogas. The increase in renewable sources for electricity production will decrease indirect GHG emissions from development projects because electricity production from renewable sources is generally considered carbon neutral.

SB 350
SB 350 (de Leon) was signed into law September 2015. SB 350 establishes tiered increases to the RPS of 40 percent by 2024, 45 percent by 2027, and 50 percent by 2030. SB 350 also set a new goal to double 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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the energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas through energy efficiency and conservation measures.

SB 100
On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown signed SB 100, which replaces the SB 350 requirement of 45 percent renewable energy by 2027 with the requirement of 50 percent by 2026 and also raises California’s RPS requirements for 2050 from 50 percent to 60 percent. SB 100 also establishes RPS requirements for publicly owned utilities that consist of 44 percent renewable energy by 2024, 52 percent by 2027, and 60 percent by 2030. Furthermore, the bill also establishes an overall state policy that eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources supply 100 percent of all retail sales of electricity to California enduse customers and 100 percent of electricity procured to serve all state agencies by December 31, 2045.

Under the bill, the state cannot increase carbon emissions elsewhere in the western grid or allow resource shuffling to achieve the 100 percent carbon-free electricity target.

Executive Order B-55-18
EO B‐55‐18 issued by Governor Brown on September 10, 2018, establishes a new statewide goal to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and to achieve and maintain net negative emissions thereafter. The EO directs CARB to work with relevant state agencies to develop a framework for implementation and accounting that tracks progress toward this goal.

California Energy Code
Compliance with the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6, of the CCR, California’s Energy Efficiency Standards) and Title 20, Public Utilities and Energy, standards must occur for all new buildings constructed in California. These efficiency standards apply to new construction of both residential and nonresidential (i.e., maintenance buildings and pump station buildings associated with the Program) buildings, and they regulate energy consumed for heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating, and lighting. The building efficiency standards are enforced through the local building permit processes, and local government agencies may adopt and enforce energy standards for new buildings provided that these standards meet or exceed those provided in the Title 24 guidelines.

Local
City of Corona Climate Action Plan
The City of Corona’s 2019 CAP Update provides direction for the reduction of GHG emissions from sources under the City’s jurisdiction in coordination with the City’s land use decisions from the General Plan. The 2019 CAP provides measures to meet the goal of reducing community GHG emissions to a level 20 percent below projected business-as-usual emissions for 2020. Furthermore, the 2019 CAP aims to meet the goals set forth in EO S-03-05 to reduce GHG emissions to a level 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

To meet the established 2020 Reduction Target, the current CAP includes various reduction measures across several sectors that include transportation, energy, water, solid waste, and agriculture. The reduction measures encompass both state- and local-based measures. Identified state-based measures related to 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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energy include compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CALGreen and utilities meeting the RPS. The 2019 CAP also includes energy-related local-based measures, which are measures the City can implement that are beyond statewide measures. Other energy-related local measures include supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy retrofits for existing homes and commercial buildings.

The 2019 CAP also includes measures that support increasing the incorporation of renewable energy systems into new residential and non-residential development projects.

City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and greenhouse gas discussed in this section:

Policy ER-12.2: Continue to cooperate with the SCAQMD and other local authorities in the air basin, in implementing air emission reduction programs and techniques.

3.3.2 Impact Discussion

3.3.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to greenhouse gas emissions are significant. Would the Project:
• Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
• Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
SCAQMD has adopted a significance threshold of 10,000 MTCO2e per year for permitted (stationary) sources of GHG emissions for which SCAQMD is the designated lead agency. To provide guidance to local lead agencies on determining significance for GHG emissions in their CEQA documents, SCAQMD convened a GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Working Group (Working Group). SCAQMD identified a tiered approach for evaluating GHG emissions for development projects where SCAQMD is not the lead agency, however, the following tiered approach has not been formally adopted by SCAQMD. • Tier 1. If a project is exempt from CEQA, project-level and cumulative GHG emissions are less than significant.
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• Tier 2. If the project complies with a GHG emissions reduction plan or mitigation program that avoids or substantially reduces GHG emissions in the project’s geographic area (e.g., city or county), project-level and cumulative GHG emissions are less than significant. • Tier 3. If GHG emissions are less than the screening-level threshold, project-level and cumulative GHG emissions are less than significant.

For projects that are not exempt or where no qualifying GHG reduction plans are directly applicable, SCAQMD requires an assessment of GHG emissions. Project-related GHG emissions include onroad transportation, energy use, water use, wastewater generation, solid waste disposal, area sources, off-road emissions, and construction activities. The SCAQMD Working Group identified that because construction activities would result in a “one-time” net increase in GHG emissions, construction activities should be amortized into the operational phase GHG emissions inventory based on the service life of a building. For buildings in general, it is reasonable to look at a 30-year time frame, since this is a typical interval before a new building requires the first major renovation.

The SCAQMD identified a screening-level threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e annually for all land use types. This interim bright-line screening-level criteria are based on a review of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research database of CEQA projects. Based on their review of 711 CEQA projects, 90 percent of CEQA projects would exceed the bright-line threshold. Therefore, projects that do not exceed the bright-line threshold would have a nominal, and therefore, less than cumulatively considerable impact on GHG emissions. Between the three identified thresholds, SCAQMD recommends use of the 3,000 MTCO2e interim bright-line screening-level criterion for all project types (SCAQMD 2010b).
• Tier 4. If emissions exceed the screening threshold, a more detailed review of the project’s GHG emissions is warranted.

SCAQMD has identified an efficiency target for projects that exceed the bright-line threshold: a 2020 efficiency target of 4.8 MTCO2e per year per service population (MTCO2e/year/SP) for project-level analyses and 6.6 MTCO2e/year/SP for plan-level projects (e.g., general plans). Service population is generally defined as the sum of residential and employment population of a project. The per capita efficiency targets are based on the AB 32 GHG reduction target and 2020 GHG emissions inventory prepared for CARB’s 2008 Scoping Plan.

For purposes of this analysis, the bright-line threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e/year is utilized to determine the project impact for horizon year 2040. In addition, the post-2020 reduction target and goal set by SB 32 and EO S-03-05, respectively, are also utilized to determine project significance for year 2030 and year 2050. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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3.3.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) Buildout of the proposed project would result in GHG emissions over the Project implementation horizon consistent with the General Plan of 2040 or greater. The proposed Project would implement zoning changes that would permit future additional dwelling units and population to the current growth projections beyond what was anticipated from the 2019 General Plan Update. Table 3.3-1 provides a summary of the proposed Project’s GHG emissions. As shown, Project implementation would result in a decrease 18,338 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) from existing conditions and would not exceed the 3,000 MTCO2e SCAQMD bright-line screening threshold. In addition, while implementation of the proposed Project will result in an increase of the service population by 80,444 persons (a 29 percent increase), emissions per person would decrease compared to existing baseline. Emissions per service population would decrease to 3.4 MTCO2e per service population (MTCO2e /SP) in horizon year 2040 from 4.5 MTCO2e/SP for the existing baseline year. Accordingly, implementation of the Project would result in less than significant GHG emissions impacts as it pertains to year 2040.

Table 3.3-1: Proposed Project GHG Emissions 2040
Category
GHG Emissions (MTCO2e/Year)
Existing (2018)
Proposed
Project Net Change
Percent
Change
Transportation 617,849 441,6411 -176,208 -29%
Residential Energy 226,671 281,0392 54,368 24%
Non-Residential Energy 319,752 409,435 89,683 28%
Solid Waste Disposal 34,616 41,4471 6,8311 20%
Water/Wastewater 28,802 34,4861 5,684 20%
Off-Road Equipment 19,473 24,5912 1,304 7%
Total Community Emissions 1,247,163 1,232,639 -18,338 -1% SCAQMD Bright Line Threshold - - 3000 -
Exceeds Bright the Bright-Line Threshold - - No -
Service Population 277,948 358,392 80,444 29%
MTCO2e/SP 4.5 3.4 -1.0
Notes:

1. Based on population increase

2. Based on dwelling unit increase
Source: City of Corona, General Plan EIR 2019, Table 5.8-6 Horizon Year 2040 City and SOI GHG Emissions Forecast I
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Consistency with SB 32 and Executive Order S-03-05 GHG Reduction Targets Implementation of the proposed Project would not generate an increase in GHG emissions from the CEQA baseline in the 2040 horizon year forecast. This analysis also considers the potential for the Project to conflict with the GHG reduction goals established under SB 32 and EO S-03-05, which require a reduction in statewide GHG emissions from existing conditions to achieve a 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and an 80 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, respectively.

SB 32 Reduction Target
The City of Corona’s CAP indicates that its implementation would result in the City meeting the established GHG reduction target for year 2030. While future residential development resulting from Project implementation would result in a slight increase in the population and number of dwelling units, the same strategies in the CAP would apply.

Based on the overall statewide reduction target set under SB 32, the proposed CAP set a year 2030 reduction target of 890,378 MTCO2e (49 percent below 2008 levels) for the City. Per the proposed CAP, with implementation of the local reduction strategies in addition to state and federal reductions, the City’s community-wide inventory projected for year 2030 is 566,275 MTCO2e, which would provide an ample buffer for the growth associated with Project implementation to still meet the established year 2030 target (see Table 10, Community Emissions and Targets Comparison, of the proposed CAP). Therefore, future residential development resulting from Project implementation would result in less than significant GHG emissions impacts as it pertains to meeting the interim year 2030 reduction target.

Executive Order S-03-05 GHG Reduction Targets
Future implementation of the proposed Project would result in an overall net decrease in emissions in horizon year 2040 compared to existing baseline and is also projected to meet the year 2040 GHG emissions reduction target set in the proposed CAP. The City is also projected to meet the year 2030 GHG emissions reduction target even under the growth scenario associated with Project implementation. These two metrics provide an indication that the City would make progress in meeting the long-term year 2050 reduction goal of EO S-03-05. However, the CAP does not include any reduction strategies to meet the long-term 2050 reduction goal. Reduction strategies to meet the long-term 2050 GHG reduction goal in addition to establishment of a 2050 reduction target would be included in the planned future updates to the CAP. Therefore, like the General Plan Update, GHG emissions impacts related to future residential projects resulting from Project implementation are considered potentially significant in regard to meeting the longterm year 2050 reduction goal.

Conclusion
Implementation of the proposed Project would result in a reduction in GHG emissions in horizon year 2040 from existing baseline and is projected to meet the GHG reduction target established under SB 32; however, it may not meet the long-term GHG reduction goal under EO S-03-05. Accordingly, this is a potentially significant impact. The City would continue to implement General Plan EIR Mitigation Measure GHG-1, which requires the City to track and monitor the City’s GHG emissions and update the CAP every five years. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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However, the General Plan Update EIR identified that at this time there is no plan past 2030 that achieves the long-term GHG reduction goal established under EO S-03-05, and there are currently no additional statewide measures available to help the City meet the goal. Therefore, impacts related to future Project implementation would continue to be significant and unavoidable even with the continued incorporation of General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measure GHG-1, as noted in the General Plan Update EIR.

Would the Project conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (No Impact)
Project implementation would have a significant impact with respect to GHG emissions and global climate change if it would substantially conflict with the provisions of Section 15064.4(b) of the CEQA Guidelines.

Pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a significant GHG impact is identified if the project could conflict with applicable GHG reduction plans, policies, or regulations. Development projects would be subject to complying with SB 32, SCAG’s RTP/SCS, and the City’s CAP. SB 32 is a statewide reduction goal aimed at reducing emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. CARB’s 2017 Scoping Plan sets a framework for the State to meet the reduction targets of SB 32.

Consistency with the Final 2017 Scoping Plan Update
The CARB Scoping Plan is applicable to state agencies but is not directly applicable to cities/counties and individual projects (i.e., the Scoping Plan does not require the City to adopt policies, programs, or regulations to reduce GHG emissions). However, new regulations adopted by the state agencies outlined in the Scoping Plan result in GHG emissions reductions at the local level.

CARB issued the Final 2017 Scoping Plan Update in November 2017, and it establishes emissions reduction strategies necessary to meet SB 32’s 2030 reduction goals. CARB has released the Draft 2022 Scoping Plan. At the time this assessment was prepared, the Draft 2022 Scoping Plan had not been approved and therefore, consistency with the 2017 Scoping Plan was used for this analysis.

As shown in Table 3.3-2, the proposed project would be consistent with the 2017 Scoping Plan.

Table 3.3-2: Project Consistency with Applicable 2017 Scoping Plan Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies
2017 Scoping Plan Measures Project Consistency
SB 350 to reduce GHG emissions in the electricity section through the implementation of the 50 percent Renewable
Portfolio Standard.

Consistent. The proposed project will purchase
electricity from a utility subject to the SB 350
Renewable Mandate.

Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Transition to cleaner/less
polluting fuels that have a lower carbon footprint.

Consistent. The project would not conflict with
implementation of this measure because motor
vehicles associated with construction and operation
of the project would utilize low-carbon
transportation fuels as required under this
measure. -
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2017 Scoping Plan Measures Project Consistency
SB 1383 Approve and implement Short-Lived Climate
Pollution (SLCP) strategy to reduce highly potent GHGs
Consistent. As part of MM AQ-1, cleaner
construction equipment would reduce the amount of
SLCPs.

Post-2020 Cap-and-Trade Program Consistent. The Cap-and-Trade Program covers the GHG emissions associated with electricity
consumed in California, whether generated in-state
or imported. Therefore, GHG emissions associated
with CEQA projects’ electricity usage are covered by
the Cap-and-Trade Program. The Cap-and-Trade
Program also covers fuel suppliers (natural gas and
propane fuel providers and transportation fuel
providers) to address emissions from such fuels and
from combustion of other fossil fuels not directly
covered at large sources in the program’s first
compliance period.

Source of Measures: CARB, 2017
Source of Consistency Determination: Stantec Consulting Services Inc, 2022.

Based on this evaluation, this analysis finds that Project implementation would be consistent with all feasible and applicable strategies recommended in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update.

SCAG’s 2020 – 2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy On September 3, 2020, SCAG’s Regional Council unanimously voted to approve and fully adopt Connect SoCal (2020–2045 RTP/SCS), and the addendum to the Connect SoCal Program Environmental Impact Report.

Connect SoCal is a long-range visioning plan that 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. It charts a path toward a more mobile, sustainable and prosperous region by making connections between transportation networks, between planning strategies and between the people whose collaboration can improve the quality of life for Southern Californians.

Table 5.7-7 in the 2019 General Plan Update EIR showed that the General Plan Update would be consistent with applicable RTP/SCS Transportation-Land Use Strategies from the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS. The 2020- 2045 RTP/SCS builds upon those same strategies. The proposed Project is the implementation of the General Plan and would likewise be consistent with the RTP/SCS. Furthermore, the housing development intensification on identified candidate parcels would help preserve land resources by developing within the City boundaries and potentially reduce VMT through denser development. This would be consistent with the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS. Accordingly, future residential development resulting from Project implementation would not conflict with the strategies outlined in the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, and there would be no impact.

City of Corona Climate Action Plan
As discussed in Impact GHG-1, the City of Corona’s CAP indicates that the City will achieve the 2030 target with an ample buffer for the growth associated with future residential development resulting from Project J
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implementation to still meet the established year 2030 target (see Table 10, Community Emissions and Targets Comparison, of the proposed CAP). Furthermore, individual implementing residential projects consistent with the proposed Project would be required to undergo screening consistent with the CAP. New residential development projects are required to complete Table 1: Screening Table for GHG Reduction Measures for Residential Development to demonstrate consistency with CAP measures. Projects that achieve 100 points from the screening table would be determined to be consistent with the CAP and less than significant. Residential projects not achieving the 100 points would require further analysis to determine significance of GHG impacts.

Through the application of the screening table for Residential Developments, the Project implementation would be consistent with the CAP. Therefore, future residential development resulting from Project implementation would not conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, and there would be no impact.

3.3.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative greenhouse gas emission impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) GHG impacts are a cumulative impact. On their own, GHG emissions from one project cannot result in changes in climatic conditions; therefore, the emissions from one project must be considered in the context of their contribution to cumulative global emissions, which is a significant cumulative impact. As discussed above, Project would be consistent with the City’s CAP and other regulations related to the reduction of GHG emissions. However, the General Plan Update EIR identified that at this time there is no plan past 2030 that achieves the long-term GHG reduction goal established under EO S-03-05, and there are currently no additional statewide measures available to help the City meet the goal. As such, this impact was conservatively determined to be significant and unavoidable, even though it would be less than significant with respect to its SB 32 reduction targets and with respect to year 2040. Future residential development resulting from Project implementation would be consistent with best practices for reducing GHGs through the incorporation of greater energy efficiency, higher densities, and locating future residential development predominantly in a HQTA. Other projects in the region and the State would also have to show consistency with local and State GHG reduction plans and comply with the Title 24 and CalGreen requirements. However, since the proposed Project cannot demonstrate how it would meet the long-term 2050 reduction goal, GHG impacts would be conservatively considered to have a considerable contribution to a significant cumulative GHG impact.

3.3.2.4 Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures are required for the proposed project.

Mitigation Measure GHG-1. The City of Corona shall update the Climate Action Plan (CAP) every five years to ensure the City is monitoring the plan’s progress toward achieving the City’s greenhouse 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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gas (GHG) reduction target and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified level. The update shall consider a trajectory consistent with the GHG emissions reduction goal established under Executive Order S-03-05 for year 2050 and the latest applicable statewide legislative GHG emission reduction that may be in effect at the time of the CAP update (e.g., Senate Bill 32 for year 2030). The CAP update shall include the following:
• GHG inventories of existing and forecast year GHG levels. • Tools and strategies for reducing GHG emissions to ensure a trajectory with the long-term GHG reduction goal of Executive Order S-03-05.
• Plan implementation guidance that includes, at minimum, the following components consistent with the proposed CAP:
o Administration and Staffing
o Finance and Budgeting
o Timelines for Measure Implementation
o Community Outreach and Education
o Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Management
o Tracking Tools
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3.4 LAND USE AND PLANNING

3.4.1 Environmental Setting
The City is located in the northwestern portion of Riverside County, near the convergence of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties and is located 45 miles southeast of the City of Los Angeles (City of Corona 2019). The City is bordered by the City of Norco to the north, City of Riverside to the east, and Riverside County to the west and the south. The City encompasses approximately 25,551 acres with its SOI consisting of an additional 16,515 acres. The City currently has 31 specific plan areas where growth buildout would occur.

The Project site expands across various urban and suburban areas of the City. The City is bounded on the south and west by open space, to the north by the City of Norco, and to the east by the City of El Cerrito.

As discussed above, these areas of the City are comprised of various General Plan land use designations and zoning areas. During evaluation of the site adequacy of potential future housing developments, the 100 candidate sites were selected for rezoning to the AHO zoning. Additionally, there are 57 additional parcels selected as potential sites for rezoning to a high density residential designation.

3.4.1.1 Regulatory Framework
State
General Plans
The land use planning and zoning authority of local jurisdictions in California is set forth in the state’s planning laws. California Government Code (CGC) Section 65300, et seq. obliges cities and counties to adopt and implement general plans. The general plan is a comprehensive, long-term, and general document that describes plans for the physical development of a city or county and of any land outside its boundaries that, in a city’s or county’s judgment, bears relation to its planning. The general plan addresses a broad range of topics including, at a minimum, land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. In addressing these topics, the general plan identifies the goals, objectives, policies, principles, standards, and plan proposals that support the city’s or county’s vision for the area. The general plan is a long-range document that typically addresses the physical character of an area over a 20-year period. Although the general plan serves as a blueprint for future development and identifies the overall vision for the planning area, it remains general enough to allow flexibility in the approach taken to achieve the plan’s goals.

State Zoning Law
The State Zoning Law (CGC Section 65800, et seq.) establishes that zoning ordinances, which are laws that define allowable land uses within a specific district, are required to be consistent with the general plan and any applicable specific plans. When amendments to the general plan are made, corresponding changes in the zoning ordinance may be required within a reasonable time to ensure the land uses designated in the general plan would also be allowable by the zoning ordinance (CGC Section 65860, sub.[c]).
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Regional
Southern California Association of Governments
SCAG is a council of governments representing Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernadino, and Ventura counties. SCAG is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization for this region, which encompasses over 38,000 square miles. SCAG is a regional planning agency and a forum for addressing regional issues concerning transportation, the economy, community development, and the environment. SCAG is also the regional clearinghouse for projects requiring environmental documentation under federal and state law. In this role, SCAG reviews proposed development and infrastructure projects to analyze their impacts on regional planning programs. SCAG has developed regional plans to achieve specific regional objectives including the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS Plan (City of Corona 2019).

Local
City of Corona General Plan
The City’s General Plan was most recently updated and adopted by the City Council on June 3, 2020. The 2020-2040 General Plan Update presents a vision for the City’s future and a strategy to make that vision a reality. The General Plan is a comprehensive long-range plan that provides a framework for the City’s physical, economic, social, and environmental development. The General Plan includes goals and policies identified to describe ideal future conditions for the City and provides guidance to assist the City decisionmakers. Goals and policies identified in the General Plan that are applicable to the Project are described below in Table 3.4-1.

Corona Zoning Code
The Corona Zoning Code consists of a zoning map that delineates the boundaries of zoning designations within the City and regulations that govern the use of land and placement of buildings and improvements within the various class districts. The purpose of the Zoning Code is to implement the City’s General Plan and can be found under Title 17 of the Municipal Code.

3.4.2 Impact Discussion

3.4.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to land use and planning are significant. Would the Project:
• Physically divide and established community?
• Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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3.4.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project physically divide an established community? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) The Project sites identified for rezoning and AHO zone overlay for the Project are located primarily within the highly developed central portion of the City where adjacent lands are developed with existing uses.

Development of sites identified for the Project may result in changes to existing land use patterns; however, new developments within the City would be required to comply with and implement applicable General Plan policies that would improve connectivity and compatibility with existing and planned uses. The candidate sites identified for future residential development resulting from Project implementation are unlikely to cause major changes to the circulation system or land use patterns of the area and would be located within already established communities. Furthermore, the candidate sites are primarily situated along an established HQTA. Therefore, future residential development resulting from Project implementation would not physically divide an established community, and impacts would be less than significant.

Would the Project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
Finding: Less Impact than Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) General Plan Consistency Analysis
The analysis provided in Table 3.4-1 demonstrates that the Project would not create inconsistencies with the applicable goals and policies of the General Plan.

Table 3.4-1: General Plan Consistency Analysis
Policy Consistency Analysis
Land Use
Goal LU-1: A community that contains a diversity of
land uses that support the needs of and provide a high
quality of life for its residents, sustain and enhance the City’s economic and fiscal balance, are supported by
adequate community infrastructure and services, and
are compatible with the environmental setting and
resources.

Consistent. The conversion of the Project’s identified
parcels to high density residential and AHO zone would
allow for a diversity of residential developments to
occur within the City and would support the needs of
the City for the future development of affordable
housing. The identified parcels are located within
urbanized areas of the City and would be supported by
existing infrastructure and services.

Policy LU-1.1: Accommodate uses that support the
diverse needs of Corona’s residents, including
opportunities for living, commerce, employment,
recreation, education, culture, entertainment, civic
engagement, and social and spiritual activity that are in balance with natural open spaces.

Consistent. Project implementation would allow for
development of affordable housing within the City to
meet the City’s RHNA allocation and the needs of the
City’s residents. Furthermore, future residential
development resulting from Project implementation
would be clustered around an established HQTA,
affording future residents the ability to utilize public transit and alternative modes of transportation to be
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more connected to resources throughout the City and
more engaged in civic activities.

Policy LU-1.4: Accommodate the types, densities, and
mix of land uses that can be adequately supported by
transportation and utility infrastructure (water, sewer, etc.) and public services (schools, parks, libraries, etc.) Consistent. Future residential development resulting
from Project implementation is specifically intended to support a mix of uses that can be supported by existing transportation and utility infrastructure, as future uses will be able to conveniently utilize public transit within a HQTA. Existing and future utility infrastructure and
public services would be able to accommodate
increased future residential development projects, and
each future project will be required to undertake its own evaluations to ensure the availability of resources
required.

Goal LU-3: A development pattern that retains and
complements the City’s important residential
neighborhoods, commercial and industrial districts, and open spaces.

Consistent. Project implementation would not change
the character of the City’s important residential
neighborhoods or open spaces; however, future
implementing residential development would be
permitted in current commercial and industrial districts where AHO zoning would be implemented. The overall
integration of future residential development would be
consistent with the overall development pattern of these areas as feasible.

Policy LU-3.1: Permit land uses and developed
consistent with the Corona General Plan Land Use
Designations.

Consistent. With Project approval, including
establishment of the new AHO zone and other
rezoning, future residential development would be
consistent with existing General Plan Land Use
designations.

Policy LU-3.2: Require that development not exceed
the maximum density of land use designations allowed
by the general plan and implemented through zoning
districts.

Consistent. With Project approval, including
establishment of the new AHO zone, future residential
development would be consistent with existing land use
designations allowed by the General Plan.

Policy LU-3.3: Allow flexibility in the defined land use types, densities, and intensities to account for changes in housing needs and characteristics, industrial and
employment markets, and retail commercial enterprises
that will occur during the implementation of this plan.

Such deviations shall be considered only when found to
be consistent with the plan’s vision, goals, and overall policy intentions for community places, character,
economy, environmental sustainability, and public
safety.

Consistent. The establishment of the AHO zone would
allow for more flexibility in the development of sites
designated under the AHO zone. The AHO zone would
cover existing properties that are currently developed
with non-residential land uses. The General Plan
designations and zoning would remain, with overlays
added, which would allow property owners to have the
option to develop the site under either set of standards (the underlying General Plan and zoning or the AHO).

Goal LU-4: Strategic growth that preserves viable
residential neighborhoods and commercial and
industrial districts, targets new development to parcels that are environmentally suitable and can be supported
by infrastructure and services, and re-uses appropriate properties to enhance their economic vitality and
community livability.

Consistent. Future residential development associated
with Project implementation is intended to preserve
existing neighborhoods and districts and retain these
land uses, as the AHO zone would allow for more
development flexibility in these areas. The clustering of future development within an existing HQTA provides
opportunities for increased economic vitality and
livability by allowing future residents the ability to take advantage of alternative modes of transportation to
work, live and play.

Policy LU-4.1: Accommodate future growth and
development in accordance with Figure LU-1, the land
use plan. This depicts lands on the City’s periphery and Consistent. Future residential development resulting
from Project implementation would be consistent with
the future growth and development depicted in General
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within the existing urbanized area for which
development may be considered for re-use and
intensified development.

Plan Figure LU-1, as vacant and underutilized sites
located mainly within existing urbanized areas would be the focus of appropriate infill re-use and intensified
residential development.

Policy LU-4.4: Proactively promote the adaptive re-use
and infill of economically underutilized, obsolete, and dilapidated commercial and industrial sites within
existing urbanized areas, in consideration of the uses, scale, and character of adjoining uses.

Consistent. Parcels identified for Project
implementation consist of sites located within urbanized areas identified as vacant or underutilized by the City.

The rezoning and AHO zone would promote the re-use
and infill of these sites within existing urbanized areas.

Goal LU-7: Residential neighborhoods that contain a
diversity of housing and supporting uses to meet the
needs of Corona’s residents and that are designed to
enhance livability and a high quality of life.

Consistent. Project implementation would allow for a
diversity of housing types to be developed within the
City, and all future developments would be required to
be designed and constructed to enhance livability and
quality of life, in accordance with the General Plan and applicable City requirements.

Policy LU-7.1: Accommodate the development of a
diversity of residential housing types that meet the
needs of Corona’s population in accordance with the
Land Use Plan’s designations, applicable density
standards and design and development policies, and
the adopted housing element.

Consistent. The purpose of the Project is to
accommodate the City’s RHNA requirements for
affordable housing and would help the City meet the
housing needs of the City’s growing population.

Goal LU-9: Development of new residential
neighborhoods that complement existing
neighborhoods, contain a mix of neighborhoodsupportive land uses, exhibit high quality architectural design, and ensure a high level of livability for their residents.

Consistent. The sites identified for future residential development resulting from Project implementation are
located throughout the City and would allow for a
diversity of residential developments to occur. All new developments resulting from Project implementation
would be required to be designed and constructed to
complement existing neighborhoods.

Policy LU-9.1: Accommodate the development of new
residential neighborhoods in areas depicted by the land use plan and growth and development policy plan that
contain a diversity of housing and supporting schools,
parks, and other amenities.

Consistent. The sites identified for future residential development resulting from Project implementation are
located throughout the City and would integrate high
density residential and AHO zones into areas to allow
for a diversity of housing developments.

Policy LU-9.4: Design the distribution of residential land uses to avoid the overconcentration of multi-family units by limiting their number in any single location and
providing for their dispersal throughout the
neighborhoods.

Consistent. The Project has identified sites throughout the City for rezoning to high density residential and
AHO zone. The identified parcels are spread out
throughout the City limits and are not concentrated in
any single location in the City. Furthermore, many of
the identified sites are clustered around the established HQTA, thereby allowing the movement of residents
throughout the City.

Housing
Goal H-1: Promote and maintain a balance of housing
types and corresponding affordability levels to provide for the community’s demands for housing within all
economic segments of the City.

Consistent. Project implementation would include
rezoning and establishment of AHO zones to designate
Project sites to accommodate the future planning and
development of low- and moderate-income housing.

Policy H-1.3: Provide sites for residential development so that scarcity of land does not unduly increase the
cost or decrease the availability of housing for all
segments of the community.

Consistent. Project implementation would convert
vacant or underutilized parcels within the City to high density residential or AHO zones to provide more
residential development opportunity sites for all
segments of the community.
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Policy H-1.5: Create or expand zoning designations and
commensurate development standards to encourage
flexibility in permitted land use.

Consistent. Implementation of the Project would
include the establishment of an AHO zone which is a
new zone proposed by the City to establish by-right
development standards for affordable housing projects.

The AHO zone would cover existing properties that are
currently developed with non-residential land uses. The property owner would be allowed to have the option to
develop the site with either the underlying General Plan and zoning designation standards or the AHO overlay
standards, thereby creating and expanding more
flexible development standards.

Corona Zoning Code Consistency
The Project is proposing a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of low- and moderate-income households as required by the state’s 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 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 City is proposed 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. While the zoning designations for identified Project parcels would change following the approval of the Project, the change would result in an increase of potential affordable housing sites within the City and would allow for the development of a diversity of developments as planned by the General Plan.

As this SEIR is analyzing proposed modifications to the General Plan through a rezoning program to accommodate the planning of low- and moderate-income households as required by the state’s RHNA allocation for the City, the proposed Project is ultimately implementing the General Plan. All future projects proposing development on identified Project parcels would be required to comply with the City’s General Plan and demonstrate consistency with the General Plan and zoning code through project design or the implementation of mitigation measures. Project implementation would allow for the development of affordable housing within the City and would result in a diversity of residential developments throughout the City. Project implementation would not conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect; therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

3.4.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative land use and planning impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Cumulative Impact) The General Plan Updated EIR considered the extent of cumulative impacts associated with the General Plan area as contiguous with the City and SOI boundary but also considers regional land use planning. The 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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land use analysis provided found that future residential development resulting from Project implementation would be consistent with the City’s General Plan. Other developments in the Project vicinity would be required to demonstrate consistency with the General Plan through project design or the implementation of mitigation measures. Therefore, Project implementation, in conjunction with other planned projects, would not have a cumulatively considerable impact on land use. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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3.5 NOISE

3.5.1 Environmental Setting

3.5.1.1 Sensitive Receptors and Ambient Noise Levels
Certain land uses, such as residences, schools, and hospitals are particularly sensitive to noise and vibration. Sensitive receptors within the City include residences, senior housing, schools, places of worship, and recreational areas. These uses are regarded as sensitive because they are where people most frequently engage in activities involving reading, studying, sleeping, resting, or passive recreation, which can be disturbed by noise. Commercial and industrial uses are not particularly sensitive to noise or vibration.

For the preparation of the General Plan Update EIR, noise monitoring was conducted at several locations in the City and measurements were made during weekday periods when it was expected to be most active.

Long-term (24 hour) measurements were taken at four locations within the City and short-term (15 minute) measurements were conducted at twelve locations around the City. According to the General Plan Update EIR, the noise environment within the City and SOI is highly variable, depending on the location. Freeway noise from Interstate 15 and SR 91 tend to control the noise environment at most locations and in general, noise monitoring locations that experience less than 50 dB(A) equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) were located relatively far from these major freeway sources. The time-averaged sound level in the City was in the range of 45 to 65 dB(A) Leq.

3.5.1.2 Regulatory Framework
Federal
The USEPA has identified the relationship between noise levels and human response. The USEPA set a day-night noise level of 55 dB(A) day-night average sound level over a 24-hour period (Ldn) as the basic goal for exterior residential noise intrusion. However, other federal agencies, in consideration of their own program requirements and goals, as well as difficulty of achieving a goal of 55 dB(A) Ldn, have settled on the 65 dB(A) Ldn level as their standard. At 65 dB(A) Ldn, activity interference is kept to a minimum, and annoyance levels are still low. It is also a level that can realistically be achieved in most locations.

State
California Building Code
CCR Part 2, Title 24 are the California Noise Insulation Standards which establish minimum noise insulation standards to protect persons within new hotels, motels, dormitories, long-term care facilities, apartment houses, and dwellings other than single-family residences. Under Section 1207.11 “Exterior Sound Transmission Control”, interior noise levels attributable to exterior noise sources cannot exceed 45 dB(A) Ldn in any habitable room. Where such residences are in an environment where exterior noise is 60 dB(A) Ldn or greater, an acoustical analysis is required to ensure interior levels do not exceed the 45 dB(A) Ldn interior standard. If the interior allowable noise levels are met by requiring that windows be kept closed, the 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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design for the building must also specify a ventilation or air conditioning system to provide a habitable interior environment.

California Green Building Standards Code
CALGreen establishes interior noise insulation standards for non-residential occupied buildings. The CALGreen code also applies to occupied non-residential spaces within a multifamily residential building, such as community rooms, offices, etc. CALGreen Section 5.507 “Environmental Comfort”, states the following:

5.507.4.1 Exterior noise transmission. Wall and roof-ceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source making up the building or addition envelope or altered envelope shall meet a composite Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of at least 50 or a composite OITC rating of no less than 40, with exterior windows of a minimum STC of 40 or OITC of 30 in the following locations:

1. Within the 65 CNEL noise contour of an airport
Exceptions:

1. Ldn or CNEL for military airports shall be determined by the facility Air Installation Compatible Land Use Zone (AICUZ) plan.

2. Ldn or CNEL for other airports and heliports for which a land use plan that has not been developed shall be determined by the local general plan noise element.

3. Within the 65 CNEL or Ldn noise contour of a freeway or expressway, railroad, industrial source or fixed-guideway notice source as determined by the Noise Element of the General Plan.

5.507.4.1.1 Noise exposure where noise contours are not readily available. Buildings exposed to a noise level of 65 dB Leq-1-hr during any hour of operation shall have building, addition or alteration exterior wall and roof-ceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source meeting a composite STC rating of at least 45 [or Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) 35], with exterior windows of a minimum STC of 40 (or OITC 30).

5.507.4.2 Performance method. For buildings located as defined in Section 5.507.4.1 or

5.507.4.1.1, wall and roof-ceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source making up the building or addition envelope or altered envelope shall be constructed to provide an interior noise environment attributable to exterior sources that does not exceed an hourly equivalent noise level (Leq -1Hr) of 50 dBA in occupied areas during any hours of operations

5.507.4.2.1 Site features. Exterior features such as sound walls or earth berms may be utilized as appropriate to the building, addition, or alteration project to mitigate sound migration to the interior.

5.507.4.2.2 Documentation of compliance. An acoustical analysis documenting complying interior sound levels shall be prepared by personnel approved by the architect or engineer of record. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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5.507.4.3 Interior sound transmission. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating tenant spaces and tenant spaces and public places shall have an STC of at least 40.

Local
The City has set performance standards for noise and vibration sources in the City Municipal Code. Chapter

9.24, Loud and Unnecessary Noise, defines the qualitative standards used in determining a potential violation. Municipal Code Section 17.84.040, “Noise”, provides performance standards for two separate types of noise sources: transportation and stationary (i.e. heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sources). Table 3.5-1 below shows the acceptable interior and exterior noise limits for various land uses.

The exterior noise limits in the table are based on the land use compatibility guidelines in General Plan Update EIR Table 5.13-3.

Table 3.5-1: City of Corona Interior and Exterior Noise Standards Land Use Categories Energy Average CNEL
Categories Uses Interior1 Exterior2
Residential
Single Family, Duplex, Multiple
Family 453 65
Mobile Home NA 654
Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Hotel, Motel, Transient Lodging 45 655
Commercial Retail, Bank,
Restaurant 55 NA
Office Building, Research and
Development, Professional Offices,
City Office Building
50 NA
Amphitheatre, Concert Hall
Auditorium, Meeting Hall 45 NA
Gymnasium (Multipurpose) 50 NA
Sports Club 55 NA
Manufacturing, Warehousing,
Wholesale, Utilities 65 NA
Movie Theatres 45 NA
Institutional Hospitals, Schools’ classroom 45 65
Church, Library 45 NA
Open Space Parks NA 65
Notes:
1 Indoor environment excluding bathrooms, toilets, closets, corridors. 2 Outdoor environments limited to:
• Private yard of single family
• Multi-family private patio or balcony that is served by a means of exit from inside • Mobile home park
• Hospital patio
• Park’s picnic area
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Land Use Categories Energy Average CNEL
Categories Uses Interior1 Exterior2
• School’s playground
• Hotel and motel recreation area
3 Noise level requirements with closed windows. Mechanical ventilating system or other means of natural ventilation shall be provided as of Chapter 12, Section 1205 of UBC.
4 Exterior noise level should be such that interior noise level will not exceed 45 community noise equivalent level (CNEL). 5 Except those areas affected by aircraft noise.

Source: City of Corona 2019

3.5.2 Impact Discussion

3.5.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following questions were analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to noise are significant. Would the Project result in:
• Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
• Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.

The following issue was determined to have no impact or a less than significant impact during the Initial Study and NOP Scoping process. This issue was sufficiently analyzed in the Initial Study and are not discussed further in this section. Would the Project result in:
• For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

3.5.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable) Temporary Construction Noise
Under the new Housing Element update, a major source of temporary noise within the City would be from the demolition and/or construction of new buildings and structures. Construction activities within the City -
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would involve both off-road construction equipment (e.g., excavators, bulldozers, cranes, etc.) and transport of workers and equipment to and from construction sites. Table 5.13-10 in the General Plan Update EIR lists the noise levels for construction equipment that would likely be used during future construction areas within the City based on a distance of 50 feet between the equipment and the noise receptor. Since specific future projects within the City are unknown at this time, it is conservatively assumed that the construction areas associated with these future projects could be located within 50 feet of sensitive land uses.

Construction noise is a major source of temporary noise within the City and would continue to be so regardless of whether or not the proposed Project is implemented. Noise levels near individual future construction sites resulting from Project implementation would not be substantially different from what they would be under the existing planning protocol. All development projects in the City would still be subject to the time restrictions listed in the City of Corona Municipal Code and the requirements contained within General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measure N-1. Therefore, the impact of future residential development resulting from Project implementation with respect to temporary construction noise would remain significant and unavoidable, as noted in the General Plan Update EIR.

Stationary Noise Sources
Future residential development resulting from Project implementation would cause new noise-producing stationary sources, such as condensing units, fans, and air conditioning units, contained within developed areas of the City. All stationary noise sources would be analyzed on a project-by-project basis and will be subject to the standards and limits listed in Section 17.84.040(c)(2) in the City of Corona Municipal Code.

Therefore, the impact of Project implementation related to stationary source noise is less than significant.

Exterior Traffic Noise
Traffic noise depends primarily on vehicle speed (tire noise increases with speed), proportion of medium and large truck traffic (trucks generate engine, exhaust, and wind noise in addition to tire noise), and number of speed control devices, such as traffic lights and stop signs (accelerating and decelerating vehicles and trucks can generate more noise).

Changes in traffic volumes can also have an impact on overall traffic noise levels. For example, it takes 25 percent more traffic volume to produce an increase of only 1 dB(A) in the ambient noise level. For roads already heavy with traffic volume, an increase in traffic numbers could even reduce noise because the heavier volumes could slow down the average speed of the vehicles. A doubling of traffic volume results in a 3 dB(A) increase in noise levels.

Table 5.13-11 “Traffic Noise Increases Along Study Roadway Segments” in the General Plan Update EIR shows the buildout of the General Plan would result in no significant traffic noise increases along the study roadway segments from implementation of the General Plan Update. The noise increases due to traffic listed in Table 5.13-11 range between 0.0 and 2.1 dB(A) CNEL, which is below the industry-standard 3 dB(A) CNEL impact determination threshold.

Future residential development resulting from Project implementation may result in very slight increases of traffic volumes over what was analyzed in the General Plan Update EIR, due to the increased density of 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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housing. These projects, however, would need to increase total traffic volumes by 25 to 50 percent to reach the 3 dB(A) CNEL threshold, depending on roadway. The exact impact of potential increased traffic from future implementing residential projects will be analyzed on a project-by-project basis, and any mitigation would be developed based on the General Plan Policies. Therefore, the impact related to exterior traffic noise is less than significant.

Interior Traffic Noise
As a result of Project implementation, new residential development would be subject ambient noise levels generated from exterior sources at each project site, such as traffic, existing mechanical equipment, and nature-based noises. The interior noise levels received by future residential development resulting from Project implementation will analyzed on a project-by-project basis and would be subject to the requirements listed in the California Building Code, CALGreen, and the City of Corona General Plan Policies. This would not be substantially different from current requirements, and therefore, the impact on interior traffic noise would be less than significant.

Operational Noise
As a result of Project implementation, new residential projects may contain exterior amenity spaces, such as playgrounds or sport courts. Noise would also be generated from the future operation of residential projects, such as trash pickup. The noise generated from operation of these facilities will also be analyzed on a project-by-project basis and would be subject to the requirements in the City of Corona General Plan Policies. This again would not be substantially different from existing requirements, and therefore, the impact on operational noise would be less than significant.

Would the Project result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation) Construction activities would occur in a variety of locations throughout the City as a result of Project implementation, which may require activities or use of off-road equipment known to generate some degree of vibration. Activities that would potentially generate excessive vibration, such as blasting or impact pile driving, would not be expected to occur from residential housing development. Receptors sensitive to vibration include structures (especially older masonry and historic structures), people (especially residents, the elderly, and the sick), and equipment (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging equipment, optical and electron microscopes).

Since specific future projects within the City are unknown at this time, it is conservatively assumed that the construction areas associated with these future residential projects could be located within 50 feet of sensitive land uses. The primary vibration-generating activities associated with Project implementation would occur during grading, placement of underground utilities, and construction of foundations. Vibration levels near individual construction sites related to future residential development resulting from Project implementation would not be substantially different from what they would be under the existing regulatory requirements. All projects constructed will still be subject to the time restrictions listed in the City of Corona 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Municipal Code and requirements contained within General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measure N-2.

Therefore, the impact of Project implementation on temporary construction vibration would be less than significant.

3.5.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative noise impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Cumulative Impact) Temporary Construction Noise
If future residential development resulting from Project implementation are constructed simultaneously with other nearby projects, cumulative construction noise levels should be higher than those experienced if implementing projects were developed alone. While the potential exists for implementing construction projects and other foreseeable development to occur simultaneously and in close proximity to one another, construction equipment operations would still be bound by the constraints of the City of Corona Municipal Code and requirements contained within General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measure N-1. Therefore, impacts associated with future construction activities conflicting with local noise standards would be less than significant.

Stationary Noise Sources
Development that is associated with the implementation of the proposed Project combined with cumulative projects could result in stationary source noise levels higher than those experienced if implementing projects were developed alone. At the present time, the type, size, and the location of any exterior noiseproducing equipment that may be associated with housing developed associated with Project implementation is unknown. As discussed in Section 3.5.2, stationary noise sources on all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects would be subject to the standards and limits listed in Section

17.84.040(C)(2) in the City of Corona Municipal Code. Therefore, the cumulative impact with respect to stationary noise sources potentially resulting in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the implementing project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance would be less than significant.

Construction Vibration
Development that could occur with the implementation of the proposed Project could again be constructed simultaneously with other nearby projects. Because vibration impacts are based on instantaneous peak particle velocity (PPV) levels, worst-case groundborne vibration levels from construction are generally determined by whichever individual piece of equipment generates the highest vibration levels. Unlike the analysis for average noise levels, in which noise levels of multiple pieces of equipment can be combined to generate a maximum combined noise level, instantaneous peak vibration levels do not combine in this way. Vibration from multiple construction sites, even if they are located close to one another, would not combine to raise the maximum PPV. For this reason, the cumulative impact of construction vibration from 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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multiple construction projects located near one another would generally not combine to further increase vibration levels. In essence, vibration effects are highly localized.

Vibration impacts resulting from construction of subsequent future residential development resulting from Project implementation would not combine with vibration effects from cumulative projects in the vicinity.

Therefore, cumulative groundborne vibration impacts related to potential damage effects would be less than significant.

Exterior Traffic Noise
Development that could occur with future Project implementation and simultaneous development of other nearby projects could result in greater roadside noise levels generated by an increase in roadway traffic.

As discussed in the General Plan Update EIR, none of the sensitive land uses along roadway segments would be exposed to an increase in traffic noise that would be considered substantial based on industrystandard thresholds. The roadway volumes, and associated noise levels, assumed in the analysis in Table

5.13-11 in the General Plan Update EIR include traffic generated by the past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future projects. Therefore, the analysis presented in Impact 5.13-2 in the General Plan Update EIR represents a cumulative traffic noise analysis and the cumulative increase in roadside noise levels would be less than significant.

3.5.2.4 Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures are required for the proposed project.

Mitigation Measure N-1. Construction contractors shall implement the following measures for construction activities conducted in the City. Construction plans submitted to the City shall identify these measures on demolition, grading, and construction plans submitted to the City. The City Corona Public Works Department shall verify that grading, demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to the City include these notations prior to issuance of demolition, grading and/or building permits. • During the active construction period, equipment and trucks used for project construction shall utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers, intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible. • Impact tools (e.g., jack hammers and hoe rams) shall be hydraulic- or electric-powered wherever feasible. Where the use of pneumatic tools is unavoidable, an exhaust muffler on the compressed air exhaust shall be used along with external noise jackets on the tools. • Stationary equipment such as generators and air compressors shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive uses.
• Stockpiling shall be located as far as feasible from noise-sensitive receptors. • Construction traffic shall be limited—to the extent feasible—to approved haul routes established by the City.
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• Prior to the start of construction activities, a sign shall be posted at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, that includes permitted construction days and hours, as well as the contact information of the City’s and contractor’s authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If the authorized contractor’s representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the City.
• Signs shall be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on-site construction zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All other equipment shall be turned off if not in use for more than 5 minutes. • During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use of noiseproducing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells, shall be for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager shall be responsible for adjusting alarms based on the background noise level, or to utilize human spotters when feasible and in compliance with all safety requirements and laws.
• When construction noise is predicted to exceed established noise standards and when the anticipated construction duration is two years or more, contractors shall erect temporary noise barriers, where feasible.

Mitigation Measure N-2. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring pile driving during construction within 135 feet of fragile structures such as historical resources, 100 feet of nonengineered timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster), or a vibratory roller within 25 feet of any structure, the project applicant shall prepare a noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts related to these activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) architectural damage thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered concrete and masonry), or the City threshold of 0.05 in/sec RMS (94 VdB). If vibration levels would exceed this threshold, alternative uses such static rollers and drilling piles as opposed to pile driving shall be used.
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3.6 PUBLIC SERVICES

3.6.1 Environmental Setting
The City offers built and natural trails, developed parks, and golf courses as some of the recreational opportunities in the City. Corona has 35 public parks covering approximately 352 acres, which does not include natural open space areas such as Fresno Canyon and Sage Open Space. The public park system in the City includes mini, neighborhood, community, and major/regional arks that are differentiated by scale, population served, and amenities. The City’s Park standard is based on guidance provided by California Government Code Section 666477, referred to as the Quimby Act, and the City has a park standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents.

3.6.1.1 Regulatory Framework
State
Quimby Act
Section 66477 of the California Government Code, also known as the Quimby Act, was enacted in 1965 in an effort to promote the availability of park and open space areas in California. The Quimby Act authorizes cities and counties to enact ordinances requiring the dedication of land, or the payment of fees for park and/or recreational facilities in lieu thereof, or both, by developers of residential subdivisions as conditions to the approval of a tentative map or parcel map. The Quimby Act requires the provision of three acres of park area per 1,000 persons residing within a subdivision, unless the amount of existing neighborhood and community park exceeds that limit, in which case the city or county may adopt a higher standard not to exceed five acres per 1,000 residents. The Quimby Act also specific acceptable uses and expenditures of funds from fees.

Mitigation Fee Act
The California Mitigation Fee Act allows cities to establish fees that will be imposed upon development projects for the purposes of mitigating the impact that the development projects have upon the city’s ability to provide specific public facilities.

Local
City of Corona Municipal Code
Quimby Act Fees
The City’s Quimby Act is codified in Chapter 16.35, Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees, in the City’s Municipal Code. As a condition of approval of a tentative or final tract map or parcel map for a residential subdivision, or for a building permit within a subdivision, the subdivider is required to dedicate park land and/or pay an in lieu fee. Recreational facilities provided by a project must be provided in accordance with the standards, specifications and requirements of the City’s General plan, the City’s Park Master Plan, and any other adopted resolution, policy, or standard of the City. The City’s park standard is based on a ratio of 3.0 acres of park area per 1,000 persons. At the time of filing a tentative map application for all subdivisions with 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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residential land uses, project applicants may indicate whether they desire to dedicate property for park and recreational purposes onsite or whether they desire to pay a fee in lieu thereof. If they desire to dedicate land, they must designate the area on a tentative map.

Development Impact Fees
City of Corona Municipal Code Chapter 16.23, Development Impact Fees, provides for the means to finance adequate infrastructure and other public improvements and facilities made necessary by the impacts created by new residential and non-residential development in the City. To maintain the current level of service for parks in the City, Chapter 16.24, Improvement Requirements, require payment of development impact fees for recreational facilities to assure the acquisition and improvement of adequate recreational facilities to serve the subsequently annexed areas.

City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and park resources discussed in this section:

Policy LU-1.1: Accommodate uses that support the diverse needs of Corona’s residents, including opportunities for living, commerce, employment, recreation, education, culture, entertainment, civic engagement, and social and spiritual activity that are in balance with natural open spaces.

Policy LU-1.5: Accommodate land use development in balance with the preservation and conservation of open spaces for recreation, aesthetic relief, natural resource value, and public safety (such as floodways, seismic fault zones, and other).

Policy LU-1.8: Integrate a complementary mix of open spaces (including parks, trails, and landscaping) within the City’s existing urban fabric to enhance character, soften hardscapes, beautify the community, and create a high quality of life.

Policy LU-5.13: Require that new master-planned residential subdivisions incorporate parks, greenways, and open spaces as character-defining amenities for their residents, emphasizing the retention of natural landforms and important plant communities.

Policy LU-9.6: Support the development of public uses that offer the opportunity for the sharing of facilities such as the integration of school play fields and athletics fields with public parks, public and school libraries, and multi-purpose facilities.
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Policy LU-9.10: Require that new residential development pay its fair share of the cost of capital improvements, public facilities, and services needed to serve that development. Ensure that funding mechanisms for landscape maintenance and improvements are required for each.

Policy LU-13.3: Require that adequate open space and, for larger projects, recreational facilities be incorporated into mixed-use development projects to meet the need of their residents and improve overall aesthetics.

Policy LU-15.1: Accommodate existing schools, parks, government, fire and police facilities, utility, and institutional uses suited to serving the local needs of Corona residents and business in accordance with the land use plan’s designation and applicable design and development policies.

Policy LU-15.2: Allow for the development of new schools, parks, government, fire and police facilities, utility, and institutional uses in any location of the City, regardless of the land use plan’s designation, provided the use is environmentally suitable and compatible with adjoining land uses, and adequate infrastructure can be provided.

Policy LU-15.6: Promote the consolidation of public uses in new residential communities – for example, the integration of parklands, schools, libraries, and community meeting facilities to enable them to serve as a centerpiece of community identity, as well as to maximize the efficient use of land.

Policy LU-16.2: Require the dedication of additional open spaces in new residential subdivisions and other applicable development, where necessary, to preserve the natural topography, plant and animal habitats, and flooding and drainage corridors in accordance with subsequent policies of this plan.

Policy LU-16.6: As a requirement for new development, ensure the financing, planning, design, and construction of parkland as required by the Quimby Ordinance, community needs, and consistent with the parks, recreation, and education element.

Policy CD-4.2: New development adjoining open spaces, washes or have the ability to provide pedestrian connections to off-site trails or pathways should be designed to ensure landscape transitions and compatibility with these resources. Such improvements should be designed to provide adequate flood protection for adjoining properties.

Policy PR-1.1: Seek all creative means to facilitate the provision of at least three acres for every 1,000 residents of useable, attractive, well-maintained, and amenity-appropriate parkland.

Policy PR-1.2: Provide a variety of park types (e.g., neighborhood, community, major, and special user) with an appropriate mix of amenities that are designed for accessibility and use to meet the diverse needs of residents.

Policy PR-1.3: Encourage distribution of parks, open space, and recreational amenities throughout THE City, to the extent feasible, to maximize convenient access for residents, primarily, and secondarily to the business community.
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Policy PR-6.2: Require new developments to provide access opportunities to trails that exist in their area or to proposed trails linking parks, recreational areas, neighborhoods, and other areas of high public concentration with a trail designed suitable to the area or contribute improvements, dedications, or fees to extend trails.

Policy HC-5.1: Locate and distribute, where feasible, a generally equivalent type and amount of public facilities, services, and amenities (parks, schools, police and fire services, etc.) to all areas throughout Corona. Seek to improve facilities, services, and amenities in areas deemed deficient.

Policy HC-6.1: Ensure that parks, open space, and recreation facilities are accessible, to the extent feasible and appropriate, and allow residents of different neighborhoods to access them; prioritize new facilities in areas of Corona that are deficient in such amenities.

3.6.2 Impact Discussion

3.6.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to public services are significant. Would the Project:
• Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
o Parks?
The following issues were determined to have no impact or a less than significant impact during the Initial Study and NOP Scoping process. These issues were sufficiently analyzed in the Initial Study and are not discussed further in this section. Would the Project:
• Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
o Fire protection?
o Police protection?
o Schools?
o Other Public Facilities?
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3.6.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:

Parks?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) The City’s park standard is based on the guidance provided by the Quimby Act, and the City has a park standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents. As impacts on parks are population-driven and the Project proposes rezoning and establishment of AHO zones to accommodate more residential developments, Project implementation could result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the need for new or physically altered park facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios.

The General Plan Update EIR anticipated and analyzed an additional 5,494 residential units, which is 594 units less than the City’s RHNA allocation. The 594 additional housing units required to meet RHNA allocation would result in a population growth of approximately 1,972 residents which equals a 1.07 percent increase in population from what was estimated at buildout of the General Plan. The 594 additional housing units required to meet RHNA and the surplus provided by the buffer would represent in total, an increase population growth of approximately 9,900 residents or 5.4 percent increase in population estimated at General Plan buildout. This would result in an increase in parkland demand of approximately 30 acres.

The City’s General Plan Update EIR identified that with the inclusion of golf courses available for public use and natural open space in or adjacent to the City, the City had more than adequate publicly available recreational land in the City and SOI. Additionally, as described above under the Regulatory Framework, Chapter 16.35, Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees, of the City’s Municipal Code requires the dedication of park land and/or payment of an in-lieu fee for new developments within the City. Additionally, City Municipal Code Chapter 16.23, Development Impact Fees, provides for the means to finance adequate infrastructure and other public improvements and facilities made necessary by the impacts created by new residential and non-residential development in the City. To maintain the current level of service for parks in the City, Chapter 16.24, Improvement Requirements, require payment of development impact fees for recreational facilities to assure the acquisition and improvement of adequate recreational facilities to serve the subsequently annexed areas.

In addition to the dedication of land and/or payment of in-lieu fees, park facilities provided by future implementing development projects would be provided in accordance with the standards, specifications and requirements of the City’s General plan, the City’s Park Master Plan, and any other adopted resolution, policy, or standard of the City. Future residential development resulting from Project implementation would be required to implement and comply with General Plan policies related to the provision of parks. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Therefore, with the implementation of required fees and compliance with General Plan policies related to provision of parks, Project implementation would not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the need for new or physically altered park facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios. Impacts would be less than significant.

3.6.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative public services impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Cumulative Impact) Project implementation would result in a less than significant impact related to parks, as described above.

Future residential development resulting from Project implementation is not anticipated to have a cumulative impact on parks such that it would necessitate the construction of new or expanded park facilities that would have adverse physical impacts. Other related projects would be reviewed for impacts on parks on a project-by-project basis and would be required to address any potential impacts with mitigation. Related projects would be required to either dedicate land, or pay a fee in-lieu thereof, or both, as required by the City’s Municipal Code. The dedication of land and payment of fees would offset potential impacts from increased demand for park facilities. Therefore, Project implementation, in conjunction with related projects, would not have a cumulatively considerable impact on parks. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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3.7 RECREATION

3.7.1 Environmental Setting
The location of the City near the convergence of three counties allows for residents to access natural open space areas including mountains, hillsides, canyons, and preserves (City of Corona 2019). The Prado Dam Basin, Chino Hills State Park, and Cleveland National Forest are recreational areas located within or near the City and provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, equestrian uses, and camping. Sage Open Space and Fresno Canyon are local natural areas in the community that offer 67 acres of open space for walking, hiking, and bicycling. In addition to established open space areas, the City is part of the Riverside County MSHCP.

The City also offers built and natural trails, developed parks, and golf courses as additional recreational opportunities in the City. Corona has 35 public parks covering approximately 352 acres, not including natural open space areas such as Fresno Canyon and Sage Open Space. The public park system in the City includes mini, neighborhood, community, and major/regional parks that are differentiated by scale, population served, and amenities. The City’s park standard is based on the guidance provided by the Quimby Act, and the City has a park standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents.

3.7.1.1 Regulatory Framework
State
Quimby Act
Section 66477 of the California Government Code, also known as the Quimby Act, was enacted in 1965 in an effort to promote the availability of park and open space areas in California. The Quimby Act authorizes cities and counties to enact ordinances requiring the dedication of land, or the payment of fees for park and/or recreational facilities in lieu thereof, or both, by developers of residential subdivisions as conditions to the approval of a tentative map or parcel map. The Quimby Act requires the provision of three acres of park area per 1,000 persons residing within a subdivision, unless the amount of existing neighborhood and community park exceeds that limit, in which case the city or county may adopt a higher standard not to exceed five acres per 1,000 residents. The Quimby Act also specific acceptable uses and expenditures of funds from fees.

Local
City of Corona Municipal Code
Quimby Act Fees
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The City’s Quimby Act is codified in Chapter 16.35, Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees, in the City’s Municipal Code. As a condition of approval of a tentative or final tract map or parcel map for a residential subdivision, or for a building permit within a subdivision, the subdivider is required to dedicate park land and/or pay an in lieu fee. Recreational facilities provided by a project must be provided in accordance with eh standards, specifications and requirements of the City’s General plan, the City’s Park Master Plan, and any other adopted resolution, policy, or standard of the City. The City’s park standard is based on a ratio of 3.0 acres of park area per 1,000 persons. At the time of filing a tentative map application for all subdivisions with residential land uses, project applicants may indicate whether they desire to dedicate property for park and recreational purposes onsite or whether they desire to pay a fee in lieu thereof. If they desire to dedicate land, they must designate the area on a tentative map.

City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and recreation resources discussed in this section:

Policy LU-1.1: Accommodate uses that support the diverse needs of Corona’s residents, including opportunities for living, commerce, employment, recreation, education, culture, entertainment, civic engagement, and social and spiritual activity that are in balance with natural open spaces.

Policy LU-5.5: Enhance Corona’s system of parks, greenways, and open spaces by linking these and surrounding natural areas, including along the Temescal Creek, with pedestrian trails and greenways where feasible.
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Policy LU-5.13: Require that new master-planned residential subdivisions incorporate parks, greenways, and open spaces as character-defining amenities for their residents, emphasizing the retention of natural landforms and important plant communities.

Policy LU-9.10: Require that new residential development pay its fair share of the cost of capital improvements, public facilities, and services needed to serve that development. Ensure that funding mechanisms for landscape maintenance and improvements are required for each.

Policy PR-1.1: Seek all creative means to facilitate the provision of at least three acres for every 1,000 residents of useable, attractive, well-maintained, and amenity-appropriate parkland. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Policy PR-1.2: Provide a variety of park types (e.g., neighborhood, community, major, and special user) with an appropriate mix of amenities that are designed for accessibility and use to meet the diverse needs of residents.

Policy PR-1.3: Encourage distribution of parks, open space, and recreational amenities throughout the City, to the extent feasible, to maximize convenient access for residents, primarily, and secondarily to the business community.

Policy PR-6.2: Require new developments to provide access opportunities to trails that exist in their area or to proposed trails linking parks, recreational areas, neighborhoods, and other areas of high public concentration with a trail designed suitable to the area or contribute improvements, dedications, or fees to extend trails.

3.7.2 Impact Discussion

3.7.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to recreation are significant. Would the Project:
• Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? • Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

3.7.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) As described above under Section 3.6.2, Public Services’ Impact Discission, development of the Project would result in an increase in recreational demand of approximately 30 acres if the identified Project sites are developed with residential developments. Though this Project does not analyze specific developments within the City and only analyzes the rezoning and establishment of AHO zones to provide more residential 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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development opportunity sites, some of the identified sites may be developed with residential uses that would include amenities that would provide parks onsite.

The City’s General Plan Update EIR identified that with the inclusion of golf courses available for public use and natural open space in or adjacent to the City, the City had more than adequate publicly available recreational land in the City and SOI. Additionally, since the adoption of the General Plan Update, the City acquired a total of 354 acres of open space in the area of the Skyline Trail near the Cleveland National Forest. The area will be preserved as passive recreation space that supports access to hiking trails located on Skyline, Skinsuit, Tin Mine and Hagador Canyon. As described previously, Chapter 16.35, Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees, of the City’s Municipal Code requires the dedication of park land and/or payment of an in-lieu fee for new developments within the City and Chapter 16.23, Development Impact Fees, provides for the means to finance adequate infrastructure and other public improvements and facilities made necessary by the impacts created by new residential and non-residential development in the City. To maintain the current level of service for parks in the City, Chapter 16.24, Improvement Requirements, require payment of development impact fees for recreational facilities to assure the acquisition and improvement of adequate recreational facilities to serve the subsequently annexed areas.

The availability of new facilities would prevent the accelerated physical deterioration of existing facilities.

In addition to the dedication of land and/or payment of in-lieu fees, recreational facilities provided by a future implementing residential development project would be developed in accordance with the standards, specifications and requirements of the City’s General Plan, the City’s Park Master Plan, and any other adopted resolution, policy, or standard of the City. Future residential development resulting from Project implementation would be required to implement and comply with General Plan policies related to the provision of recreational facilities.

Therefore, with the implementation of required fees and compliance with General Plan policies related to provision of recreational facilities, Project implementation would not increase the use of existing parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facilities would occur or be accelerated, and impacts would be less than significant.

Would the Project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) Project implementation does not propose the development of new or expanded recreational facilities.

However, parks are permitted uses under other land use designations such as residential land uses and therefore, Project implementation could result in the development of additional parkland opportunities outside of park-designated parcels. Development and operation of new or expanded parks and recreational facilities may have an adverse physical effect on the environment. However, addressing site specific impacts of these potential parks would be beyond the scope of this SEIR. If a park development is proposed on one of the Project’s candidate sites, subsequent environmental review for individual park developments would be required. Additionally, the General Plan Update EIR identified that potentially adverse impacts to the environment that may result from future expansion or construction of parks and recreational facilities 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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pursuant to buildout would be less than significant with the implementation of General Plan policies and state and local regulations related to parks and recreational facilities. Project implementation would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which could have an adverse physical effect on the environment, and impacts would be less than significant.

3.7.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative recreation impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Cumulative Impact) As described above, Project implementation would result in an increase in demand for parks and recreational facilities but would have a less than significant impact as identified candidate sites for future development resulting from Project implementation would be required to dedicate land and/or pay fees to offset the potential impacts. Related projects in the area would have the potential to result in a cumulative impact associated increased demand for parks resulting in deterioration of existing parks or requiring construction or expansion of recreational facilities. Related projects would be required to either dedicate land, or pay a fee in-lieu thereof, or both, as required by the City’s Municipal Code. Related projects would be reviewed for impacts on parks on a project-by-project basis and would be required to address any potential impacts with mitigation. As such, Project implementation, in conjunction with related projects, would not have a cumulatively considerable impact on recreation. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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3.8 TRANSPORTATION

3.8.1 Environmental Setting
SB 743 caused revisions to the CEQA Guidelines which established new criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts, so that level of service or other similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion would not be the sole basis for determining significant impacts under CEQA. The revised CEQA Guidelines utilize the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) metric to evaluate the significance of transportation related impacts for development projects, land use plans, and transportation infrastructure projects. In accordance with SB 743, the City adopted its own thresholds for VMT in May 2019, which accounts for the complete length of the trip from the origin to the destination and assigns 100 percent of that trip distance to the City. The General Plan Update EIR modeled VMT per service population estimates for the City and SOI for home-based trips and employment trips for existing conditions (City of Corona 2019).

Regional and local access roads in Corona include Interstate 15, SR 91, SR 71, 6th Street, Main Street Magnolia Avenue, Ontario Avenue, Cajalco Road, River Road, McKinley Street, Grand Boulevard, Green River Road, Foothill Parkway, El Cerrito Road, Lincoln Avenue, and Hidden Valley Parkway. Riverside Transit Agency provides most of the available bus public transportation on the City and to its surrounding cities. MetroLink Provides commuter rail services via the 91 Line and the Inland Empire/Orange County Line, served by stations in West Corona and North Main Corona. Corona is also closely tied to the Orange County Transportation Authority for bus transit services, and paratransit services also provide alternative modes of flexible passenger transportation on undefined routes for those who need it. The City also adopted a Bicycle Master Plan which calls for bicycle lanes on various streets in order to increase the emphasis on active transportation, which classified bicycle facilities identified throughout the City. Pedestrian facilities exist throughout the City as well (City of Corona 2019).

3.8.1.1 Regulatory Framework
State
SB 743
On September 27, 2013, SB 743 was signed into law, starting a process that fundamentally changed transportation impact analysis as part of CEQA compliance. The legislature found that with the adoption of the SB 375, the state had signaled its commitment to encourage land use and transportation planning decisions and investments that reduce VMT and thereby contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions, as required by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32).

SB 743 eliminates auto delay, level of service (LOS), and other similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion as the sole basis for determining significant impacts under CEQA. As part of the new CEQA Guidelines, the new criteria “shall promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses” (Public Resources Code Section 21099(b)(1)).
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Pursuant to SB 743, the Natural Resources Agency adopted revisions to the CEQA Guidelines to implement SB 743 on December 28, 2018. The revised CEQA Guidelines establish new criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts. Under the new Guidelines, VMT-related metric(s) that evaluate the significance of transportation-related impacts under CEQA for development projects, land use plans, and transportation infrastructure projects are required beginning on July 1, 2020. The legislation does not preclude the application of local general plan policies, zoning codes, conditions of approval, or any other planning requirements that require evaluation of LOS, but these metrics may no longer constitute the sole basis for determining transportation impacts under CEQA.

California Department of Transportation
Intersections within incorporated cities associated with freeway on- and off-ramps fall under California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) jurisdiction. Caltrans approves the planning, design, and construction of improvements for all state-controlled facilities. Caltrans utilizes the Highway Capacity Manual 6 (HCM 6) methodology to evaluate intersections within its jurisdiction. LOS criteria for unsignalized intersections differ from LOS criteria for signalized intersections as signalized intersections are designed for heavier traffic and therefore a greater delay. Unsignalized intersections are also associated with more uncertainty for users, as delays are less predictable, which can reduce users’ delay tolerance. For statecontrolled intersections, LOS standards and impact criteria specified by Caltrans will apply.

As stated in the “Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies” (2002), “Caltrans endeavors to maintain a target LOS at the transition between LOS ‘C’ and LOS ‘D’ on State highway facilities.” Consistent with the City and County requirements, this analysis defines LOS E or F as deficient for state highway facilities.

Regional
Southern California Association of Governments
SCAG is a council of governments representing Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. SCAG is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization for this region, which encompasses over 38,000 square miles. SCAG is a regional planning agency and a forum for addressing regional issues concerning transportation, the economy, community development, and the environment. SCAG is also the regional clearinghouse for projects requiring environmental documentation under federal and state law. In this role, SCAG reviews proposed development and infrastructure projects to analyze their impacts on regional planning programs.

Every four years SCAG updates the RTP for the six-county region that includes Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, and Imperial counties. On June 5, 2020, the SCAG’s Regional Council adopted the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS. The SCS outlines a development pattern for the region, which, when integrated with the transportation network and other transportation measures and policies, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation (excluding goods movement). 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Local
City of Corona Development Impact Fees
The City’s capital improvement plans specify the types of improvements required to achieve circulation and their related goals, and the capital improvement plan provides a schedule of activities needed to fund, construct, and rehabilitate such improvements. The City of Corona has adopted LOS “D” as the minimum acceptable standard for roadway facilities (intersections and roadway segments). At some key locations, such as at heavily traveled freeway interchanges, LOS E may be adopted as the acceptable standard, on a case-bycase basis. Locations that may warrant the LOS E standard include Lincoln Avenue at SR-91, Green River Road at SR-91, Main Street at SR-91, McKinley Avenue at SR-91, Hidden Valley Parkway at I-15, Cajalco Road at I-15, and Weirick Road at I-15. The City requires payment of Development Impact Fees (DIF) per residential unit or non-residential square footage for street and signal improvements in the City to fund transportation improvements to achieve the City’s circulation goals.

City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and transportation resources discussed in this section:

Policy CE-1.10: Require a traffic analysis to be prepared in accordance with the City’s adopted Traffic Impact Study Guidelines and require projects to mitigate impacts on the City’s circulation system that exceed the City’s adopted service thresholds for near term and future conditions.

3.8.2 Impact Discussion

3.8.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to transportation are significant. Would the Project:
• Conflict with a program plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation systems, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
• Conflict with or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? The following issues were determined to have no impact or a less than significant impact during the Initial Study and NOP Scoping process. These issues were sufficiently analyzed in the Initial Study and are not discussed further in this section. Would the Project:
• Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersection(s) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment))? • Result in inadequate emergency access?
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3.8.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation systems, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact) The Project consists of an update to the City’s Housing Element to rezone parcels or add overlay zones to accommodate the planning of lower- to moderate-income housing. Most of the additional housing is anticipated to be located along major transit corridors, also known as a HQTA. All but three of the AHO and rezone parcels are located within the HQTA and can be presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact. The City’s General Plan EIR identified that buildout would not conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system and would comply with the City’s General Plan policies and SCAG’s RTP/SCS. Future residential development resulting from Project implementation would result in an increase in demand for public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities which could require the improvement and expansion of the existing circulation system. However, future residential development associated with Project implementation would be required to comply with all applicable programs, plans, ordinances, and policies addressing the circulation system, such as the City’s General Plan and SCAG’s RTP/SCS. The VMT Evaluation (Appendix B) completed for the Project identified that Project implementation would be consistent with the goals of the SCAG’s RTP/SCS. Furthermore, the VMT Evaluation identified that Project implementation within the proposed AHO and rezone parcels would be consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan by providing job-housing balance. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant as noted in the General Plan EIR.

Would the Project conflict with or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Finding: Less Impact than Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and City guidelines state that projects located along a HQTA may be assumed to cause a less than significant transportation impact on VMT because they may improve job-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 than developments located outside of a HQTA; however, the City does not currently include affordable housing as a screening criterion. 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.

The VMT Evaluation prepared for the Project found that the majority of Project parcels are located within a HQTA and, therefore, are exempt from VMT analysis due to an assumption of a less than significant transportation impact. Additionally, the remaining AHO and rezone parcels not located within a TPA are recognized by the OPR and SCAG as screened out of VMT analysis, are presumed to generate less household VMT that the uses being replaced or are located within low VMT generating traffic analysis zones. Therefore, they are likely to have a less than significant transportation impact. However, the General 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Plan EIR identified that buildout would result in an increase in VMT from existing conditions and would have a potentially significant impact.

The General Plan EIR identified that future development projects consistent with the General Plan would need to consider transportation demand management (TDM) consistent with those identified in the City’s Circulation Element such as TDM techniques which include incentives to use transit, incentives to form carpools, and making home, work, and shopping closer together to shorten travel distances. The General Plan EIR identified Mitigation Measure T-1 to lessen impacts which would require the City to consider a VMT offset program to offset any increase project-level VMT generated by Project implementation.

However, because the effectiveness of TDM measures included in the General Plan and the feasibility of a VMT offset program has not been determined, the General Plan EIR determined that impacts would be significant and unavoidable. Therefore, though Project implementation would have a less than significant impact on VMT without the incorporation of mitigation, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable as noted in the General Plan EIR.

3.8.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative transportation impact?
Finding: Less Impact than Approved Project (Significant and Unavoidable Impact) The geographic setting for cumulative impacts related to transportation is the City and the regional roadway network surrounding it. Development associated with the implementation of the proposed Project, when combined with cumulative projects, could result in cumulatively considerable transportation impact. Future residential development associated with Project implementation would be required to comply with all applicable programs, plans, ordinances, and policies addressing the circulation system, such as the City’s General Plan and SCAG’s RTP/SCS, and, as such, this impact would be less than significant. Future residential development associated with Project implementation, in conjunction with cumulative projects, would also require transportation evaluations and compliance with all applicable regulations, on a projectby-project basis. Therefore, there would be no cumulatively considerable impact with respect conflicting with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation systems, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

The VMT Evaluation completed for the Project identified that Project implementation would be consistent with the goals of the SCAG’s RTP/SCS. Furthermore, the VMT Evaluation identified that Project implementation within the proposed AHO and rezone areas would be consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan. Since the Project would have a less than significant impact related to VMT at the Project level, the Project would have a less than significant impact at the cumulative level per OPR’s Technical Advisory (OPR 2018). However, since the General Plan EIR determined that the effectiveness of TDM measures included in the General Plan and the feasibility of a VMT offset has not yet been determined, this impact would conservatively be considered a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative transportation impact.
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3.9 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

3.9.1 Environmental Setting
Traditional models of California’s prehistory hypothesize that the coastline was populated by Native Americans from the interior of North America during the end of the last Ice Age. The Takic or Numic Tradition is present mainly in the Los Angeles, Orange, and western Riverside Counties region. In Los Angeles, Orange, and western Riverside Counties, changes in material culture, burial practices, and subsistence focus at the beginning of the Late Prehistoric period are considered the result of a Takic migration to the coast from inland desert regions. Modern Gabrielino, Juaneño, and Luiseño in this region are considered the descendants of the prehistoric Uto-Aztecan, Takic-speaking populations that settled along the California coast during this period, or perhaps somewhat earlier (City of Corona 2019).

The City is located within the territory of the Gabrielino Native American group. Surrounding native groups include the Chumash and Tatataviam/Alliklik to the north, the Serrano to the east, and the Luiseño/Juaneño to the south. The Gabrielino group established large, permeant villages in the fertile lowlands along rivers and streams and in sheltered areas along the coast, stretching from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean (City of Corona 2019). The City is located northwest of the border of the traditional Juaneño territory which was surrounded by the Luiseño to the south, the Gabrielino to the north, and the Cahuilla to the west. The Juaneño resided in permanent, well-defined villages and associated seasonal camps (City of Corona 2019). The City is also situated southwest of the traditional Cahuilla territory, which encompasses a large area and was bordered by 11 other Native American groups. Evidence suggests that the Cahuilla migrated to southern California approximately 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, most likely from the southern Sierra Nevada ranges of east-central California with other related Takic-speaking groups. The Cahuilla settled in a territory that extended west to east from the present-day City of Riverside to the center portion of the Salton Sea in the Colorado Desert, and south to north from the San Jacinto Valley to the San Bernardino Mountains (City of Corona 2019).

The closest ethnographically documented village to the General Plan area is known as Paxangna. Some researchers state the village was located along the Temescal Creek, while others state the village was farther south (City of Corona 2019).

3.9.1.1 Regulatory Framework
Federal
Archaeological Resources Protection Act
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 regulated the protection of archaeological resources and sites which are on Federal lands and Indian lands.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
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human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony, to lineal descendants ad culturally affiliated Indian tribes.

State
Assembly Bill 52 (PRC Section 21084.2)
AB 52 establishes a formal consultation process for California tribes as part of CEQA and equates significant impacts on “tribal cultural resources” with significant environmental impacts (PRC Section 21084.2). AB 52 defines a “California Native American tribe” as a Native American tribe located in California that is on the contact list maintained by NAHC. AB 52 requires formal consultation with California Native American tribes prior to determining the level of environmental documentation if a tribe has requested to be informed of proposed projects by the lead agency. AB 52 also requires that consultation address project alternatives and mitigation measures for significant effects, if requested by the California Native American tribe, and that consultation be considered concluded when either of the parties agrees to measures to mitigate or avoid a significant effect, or the agency concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached.

Under AB 52, such mitigation or avoidance measures must be recommended for inclusion in the environmental document and adopted mitigation monitoring program if determined to avoid or lessen a significant impact on a tribal cultural resource.

California Health and Safety Code and Public Resources Code Broad provisions for the protection of Native American cultural resources are contained in the HSC, Division 7, Part 2, Chapter 5 (Sections 8010 through 8030). Several provisions of the PRC also govern archaeological finds of human remains and associated objects. Procedures are detailed under PRC Section 5097.98 through 5097.996 for actions to be taken whenever Native American remains are discovered.

Section 7050.5 of the HSC states that any person who knowingly mutilates or disinters, wantonly disturbs, or willfully removes human remains in or from any location other than a dedicated cemetery without authority of law is guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in Section 5097.99 of the PRC. Any person removing human remains without authority of law or written permission of the person or persons having the right to control the remains under PRC Section 7100 has committed a public offense that is punishable by imprisonment. PRC Chapter 1.7, Section 5097.5/5097.9 (Stats. 1965, c. 1136, p. 2792), entitled Archaeological and Historical Sites, defines any unauthorized disturbance or removal of remains on public land as a misdemeanor.

SB 18
SB 18 requires cities and counties to consult with California Native American tribes during the local planning process for the purpose of protecting Traditional Tribal Cultural Places. This allows Native American tribes the opportunity to provide input with respect to the possible preservation of, or the mitigation of impacts on, specified Native American places, features, and objects located within that jurisdiction. This consultation is required prior to amending or adopting any general plan or specific plan or designating land as open space. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Local
City of Corona General Plan
The City of Corona General Plan includes the following policy items relevant to the Project and tribal cultural resources discussed in this section:

Policy HR-3.1: Require appropriate treatment/preservation of archaeological collection in a culturally manner, in accordance with state and federal standards, and in consultation with interested Native American tribes that have traditional cultural affiliation with eh project area and/or the resources affected by the project.

Policy HR-3.2: Require that development proposals incorporate specific measures to identify, protect, and preserve cultural resources in the planning, environmental review, and development process.

Policy HR-3.3: Archaeological resources found prior to or during construction shall be evaluated by a qualified archaeologist and appropriate mitigation measures applies, pursuant to Section 21083.2 of CEQA, before the resumption of development activities, Any measures applied shall include the preparation of a report meeting professional standards, which shall be submitted to the appropriate CHRIS information center.

Policy HR-3.4: Any project that involves earth-disturbing activities in an area determined to be archaeologically or culturally sensitive shall require evaluation of the site by a qualified archaeologist. The applicant shall implement the recommendations of the archaeologist, subject to the approval of the City Planning Department.

Policy HR-3.5: Any project that involves earth-disturbing activities in ana rea determined to be archaeologically or culturally sensitive shall require consultation by the applicant with interested federally recognized American Indian Tribe(s) that have a traditional cultural affiliation with the project are and/or the resources affected by the project, for the purposes of determining resources impacts and appropriate mitigation to address such impacts. Applicant shall also arrange for monitoring of earth-disturbing activities by interested federally recognized American Indian Tribe(s) that have a traditional cultural affiliation with the Project area and/or the resources affected by the project, if requested.

Policy HR-3.8: In the event of the discovery of burial, human bone, or suspected human bone, all excavation or grading in the vicinity of the find shall halt immediately and the area shall be protected, and the project applicant shall immediately notify the Riverside County Coroner and comply with provisions of the Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, including PRC Section 5097.98, if applicable. If the find is determined to be Native American human remains, the applicant shall consult with the Most Likely Descendant to determine appropriate treatment for such remains.
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3.9.2 Impact Discussion

3.9.2.1 Thresholds of Significance
In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, the following question was analyzed and evaluated to determine whether impacts to tribal cultural resources are significant. Would the Project:
• Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
o Listed or eligible for listing in the CRHR, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
o A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe?

3.9.2.2 Project Impacts
Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:

Listed or eligible for listing in the CRHR, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation) The City, as the CEQA Lead Agency, will consult with appropriate tribes with the potential for interest in the region. Based on this consultation, it will be identified if the proposed Project site is located in an area having the potential for tribal cultural resources. SB 18 states: “Prior to the adoption or any amendment of a general plan or specific plan, a local government must notify the appropriate tribes (on the contact list maintained by the NAHC) of the opportunity to conduct consultations for the purpose of preserving, or 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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mitigating impacts to, cultural places located on land within the local government’s jurisdiction that is affected by the proposed plan adoption or amendment. Tribes have 90 days from the date on which they receive notification to request consultation, unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe.” In accordance with AB 52 and SB 18, the City provided notice to the appropriate Native American Tribes on June 7, 2022, inviting them to participate and consult with the City through its AB 52 and SB 18 Native American outreach efforts. As included in Appendix C, response letters were received from the following organizations and tribes:
• Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation
• Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
• Native American Heritage Commission
The Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kish Nation requested consultation at the time of ground disturbance related to future Project implementation, and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians also did not request consultation at this time. The Native America Heritage Commission provided its general guidelines regarding tribal cultural resources but did not have specific Project-related requirements.

There was no substantial evidence provided related to the presence of a tribal cultural resource. In addition, as the proposed Project would not result in development, in and of itself, future implementing development projects would be required to analyze their project-specific impacts for conformance with the General Plan and all applicable regulations and requirements related to tribal cultural resources. Nevertheless, policies in the General Plan Update EIR were identified that would minimize potential impacts to tribal cultural resources from new development and/or redevelopment in the City, ground-disturbing activities related to future Project implementation which could potentially impact tribal cultural resources in the City and the SOI. As such, implementation of mitigation measures would be required to reduce the potential for future Project-related impacts to less than significant levels.

General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measure CUL-5 would be applicable to the reduce impacts related to the development of future implementing Projects, as would General Plan Update EIR Mitigation Measures TCR-1, TCR-2 and TCR-3. With implementation of General Plan Updated EIR Mitigation Measures CUL5, TCR-1, TCR-2 and TCR-3, potential impacts to related to tribal cultural resources would be reduced to less than significant levels.

3.9.2.3 Cumulative Impacts
Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative tribal cultural resources impact?
Finding: Same Impact as Approved Project (Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation) The geographic area for cumulative impacts related to tribal cultural resources includes most of the City and its SOI. Although future implementing project development could include ground-disturbing activities 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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that may affect undiscovered tribal cultural resources, those projects and other cumulative projects would be required to confirm with all applicable regulations, standard permit conditions and mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to tribal cultural resources and buried remains. Furthermore, future implementing projects and cumulative projects would be required to undertake tribal consultation pursuant to AB 52. Therefore, future Project implementation, in conjunction with the cumulative projects, would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a cumulative tribal cultural resources impact.

3.9.2.4 Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures are required for the proposed project.

Mitigation Measure CUL-5. To determine the archaeological sensitivity for projects within the City, an archaeological resources assessment shall be performed under the supervision of an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professionally Qualified Standards (PQS) in either prehistoric or historic archaeology. The assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records search and a search of the Sacred Lands File (SLF) maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The records searches shall determine if the proposed project has been previously surveyed for archaeological resources, identify and characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys, and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken in areas that are undeveloped to locate any surface cultural materials.
a. If potentially significant archaeological resources are identified through an archaeological resources assessment, and impacts to these resources cannot be avoided, a Phase II Testing and Evaluation investigation shall be performed by an archaeologist who meets the PQS prior to any construction-related ground-disturbing activities to determine significance. If resources determined significant or unique through Phase II testing, and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate sitespecific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. These might include a Phase III data recovery program that would be implemented by a qualified archaeologist and shall be performed in accordance with the Office of Historic Preservation’s Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format (1990) and Guidelines for Archaeological Research Designs (1991).
b. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources within the proposed General Plan area but indicated the area to be highly sensitive for archaeological resources, a qualified archaeologist shall monitor all ground disturbing construction and pre-construction activities in areas with previously undisturbed soil. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities of the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial on-site safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground-disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the resources are evaluated for significance by an 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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archaeologist who meets the PQS. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.
c. If the archaeological assessment did not identify potentially significant archaeological resources, but indicates the area to be of medium sensitivity for archaeological resources, an archaeologist who meets the PQS shall be retained on an on-call basis. The archaeologist shall inform all construction personnel prior to construction activities about the proper procedures in the event of an archaeological discovery. The training shall be held in conjunction with the project’s initial onsite safety meeting, and shall explain the importance and legal basis for the protection of significant archaeological resources. In the event that archaeological resources (artifacts or features) are exposed during ground disturbing activities, construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall be halted while the on-call archaeologist is contacted. If the discovery proves to be significant, it shall be curated with a recognized scientific or educational repository.

Mitigation Measure TCR-1. Tribal Cultural Resources Monitoring. The project archaeologist, in consultation with interested tribes, the developer and the City of Corona, shall develop an Archaeological Monitoring Plan (AMP) to address the details, timing and responsibility of archaeological and cultural activities that will occur on the project site. Details in the AMP shall include:

1. Project-related ground disturbance (including, but not limited to, brush clearing, grading, trenching, etc.) and development scheduling;

At least 30-days prior to application for a grading permit and before any brush clearance, grading, excavation and/or ground disturbing activities on the site take place, the future developer shall retain a tribal cultural monitor to monitor all ground-disturbing activities in an effort to identify any unknown archaeological resources.

Pursuant to the AMP, a tribal monitor from the consulting tribe (e.g., Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, or Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation) shall be present during the initial grading activities. If tribal resources are found during grubbing activities, the tribal monitoring shall be present during site grading activities. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Mitigation Measure TCR-2. Treatment and Disposition of Cultural Resources. In the event that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently discovered during the course of any ground disturbing activities, including but not limited to brush clearance, grading, trenching, etc. grading for the proposed project, the following procedures will be carried out for treatment and disposition of the discoveries:

2. Treatment and Final Disposition: The landowner(s) shall relinquish ownership of all cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and non-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to cultural resources. The applicant shall relinquish the artifacts through one or more of the following methods and provide the City of Corona with evidence of same:
a. Accommodate the process for onsite reburial of the discovered items with the consulting Native American tribes or bands. This shall include measures and provisions to protect the future reburial area from any future impacts. Reburial shall not occur until all cataloguing, basic analysis, and other analyses as recommended by the project archaeologist and approved by consulting tribes and basic recordation have been completed; all documentation should be at a level of standard professional practice to allow the writing of a report of professional quality; b. A curation agreement with an appropriate qualified repository within San Bernardino County that meets federal standards per 36 CFR Part 79 and therefore would be professionally curated and made available to other archaeologists/researchers for further study. The collections and associated records shall be transferred, including title, to an appropriate curation facility within San Bernardino County, to be accompanied by payment of the fees necessary for permanent curation;
c. For purposes of conflict resolution, if more than one Native American tribe or band is involved with the project and cannot come to an agreement as to the disposition of cultural materials, they shall be curated at the San Bernardino County Museum by default; d. At the completion of grading, excavation and ground disturbing activities on the site, a Phase IV Monitoring Report shall be submitted to the City documenting monitoring activities conducted by the project archaeologist and Native Tribal Monitors within 60 days of completion of grading. This report shall document the impacts to the known resources on the property; describe how each mitigation measure was fulfilled; document the type of cultural resources recovered and the disposition of such resources; provide evidence of the required cultural sensitivity training for the construction staff held during the required pre-grade meeting; and, in a confidential appendix, include the daily/weekly monitoring notes from the archaeologist. All reports produced will be submitted to the City, County Museum, and consulting tribes. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Mitigation Measure TCR-3. During construction activities, the project applicant shall allow additional archaeological monitors of Native American tribes to access the project site on a volunteer basis to monitor grading and excavation activities.
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Growth-Inducing Impacts
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4.0 GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACTS
Would the Project foster or stimulate significant economic or population growth in the surrounding environment?
The CEQA Guidelines require that an EIR identify the likelihood that a proposed project could “foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment” (Section 15126.2(d)). This section of the Draft SEIR is intended to evaluate the impacts of such growth in the surrounding environment. Examples of projects likely to have significant growth-inducing impacts include removing obstacle to population growth, for example by extending or expanding infrastructure beyond what is needed to serve the project. Other examples of growth inducement include increases in population that may tax existing service facilities, requiring construction of new facilities that could cause significant environmental effects.

The Project involves the rezoning of certain parcels within the City to high density residential. The rezone program will establish a new AHO zone that will allow the City to properly plan for housing sites to meet its state mandated RHNA allocation of low- and moderate-income units. The Project does not involve the actual development of specific parcels but does allow for the planning of higher density housing. The Project would amend the General Plan to ensure that the City’s projected and planned growth meets its RHNA allocation. The Project would result in more lands within the City being allocated for future residential development to accommodate projected population growth; however, the Project would be a part of the planned growth in the General Plan. Furthermore, the Project would not result in or require the expansion of utilities or roadways.
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Significant and Irreversible Environmental Changes
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5.0 SIGNIFICANT AND IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL

CHANGES
As mandated by the CEQA Guidelines, the EIR must address any significant irreversible environmental changes that would result from implementation of the proposed project. Specifically, pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.2(c)), such an impact would occur if:
• The project would involve a large commitment of nonrenewable resources; • Land area committed to new project facilities;
• Irreversible damage can result from environmental accidents associated with the project; and • The proposed consumption of resources is not justified (e.g., the project results in the wasteful use of energy).

The Project involves the rezoning of certain parcels within the City to accommodate the planning of higher density residential development. The sites are infill and located in parts of the City that include existing developed parcels and public infrastructure. The AHO zone is an overlay to the zoning that already exists on the subject sites identified, which already allows for urban development. Additionally, some sites area already developed with existing buildings and utilities. If future residential development is proposed on the subject parcels identified, development would be required to adhere the City’s adopted development standards in the Corona Municipal Code, General Plan, California Building Standards and mitigation measures identified in the SEIR. Therefore, Project implementation would not result in land area being committed to new project facilities.

Project implementation would not result in a large commitment of nonrenewable resources or consumption of resources that is not justified. Additionally, the rezoning of the parcels would not result in any activities that could lead to irreversible damage resulting from environmental accidents. Project implementation would not result in new significant and irreversible environmental changes. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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6.0 SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS
A significant unavoidable impact is an impact that cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level if the Project is implemented as proposed. The following significant unavoidable impacts have been identified as a result of Project implementation:

Air Quality
• The Project would conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. • The Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutants for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard.
• The Project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentration. • The Project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative air quality impact.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• The Project would generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment.
• The Project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative greenhouse gas emission impact.

Transportation
• The Project would conflict with or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b).
• The Project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative transportation impact.
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7.0 ALTERNATIVES
CEQA requires that an EIR identify and evaluate alternatives to a project as it is proposed. Two key provisions from the CEQA Guidelines pertaining to the discussion of alternatives are included below.

Section 15126.6(a). Consideration and Discussion of Alternatives to the Proposed Project.

Rather, it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision making and public participation. An EIR is not required to consider alternatives which are infeasible. The lead agency is responsible for selecting a range of project alternatives for examination and must publicly disclose its reasoning for selecting those alternatives. There is no ironclad rule governing the nature or scope of the alternatives to be discussed other than the rule of reason.

Section 15126.6(b). Purpose. Because an EIR must identify ways to mitigate or avoid the significant effects that a project may have on the environment (PRC Section 21002.1), the discussion of alternatives shall focus on alternatives to the project or its location which are capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant effects of the project, even if these alternatives would impede to some degree the attainment of the project objectives, or be more costly.

Other elements of the Guidelines discuss that alternatives should include enough information to allow a meaningful evaluation and comparison with the proposed project. The CEQA Guidelines state that if an alternative would cause one or more additional impacts, compared to the proposed project, the discussion should identify the additional impact, but in less detail than the significant effects of the proposed project.

The three critical factors to consider in selecting and evaluating alternatives are: 1) the significant impacts from the proposed project that could be reduced or avoided by the alternative, 2) consistency with the project’s objectives, and 3) the feasibility of the alternatives available. Each of these factors is discussed below.

7.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
A project’s statement of objectives describes the purpose of the project and the reasons for undertaking the project. While CEQA does not require that alternatives be capable of meeting all of the project objectives, their ability to meet most of the objectives is considered relevant to their consideration. The objectives of the Project are to:
• Implement the 2021-2029 Housing Element Programs to provide adequate housing sites for all income levels within the City.
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• Promote housing opportunities that support the City’s state mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
• Promote fair housing opportunities that encourage access to lower- and moderate-income housing. • Promote safe and healthy housing opportunities to discourage overcrowding.

7.2 SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS FROM THE PROJECT
The CEQA Guidelines advise that the alternatives analysis in an EIR should be limited to alternatives that would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of a project and would achieve most of the project objectives.

Alternatives are discussed that could reduce the following identified significant and unavoidable impacts associated with Project implementation as proposed. Impacts that were determined to be significant and unavoidable include:

Noise
• The Project would result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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Transportation
• The Project would conflict with or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b).
• The Project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative transportation impact.

Impacts that were determined to be significant but would be reduced to a less than significant level with mitigation include:

Noise
• The Project would generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.

Tribal Cultural Resources
• The Project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
a. Listed or eligible for listing in the CRHR, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
• The Project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant and cumulative tribal cultural resources impact.

7.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(a):

An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a project. Rather it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision making and public participation.
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The City considered the following alternatives to the Project:
• No Project Alternative
• Reduced Density Alternative Up To 45 Dwelling Units per Acre • Alternate Development Areas Alternative

7.3.1 Alternatives Considered and Rejected
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(c), an EIR should identify alternatives that were considered for analysis but rejected as infeasible and briefly explain the reasons for their rejection.

According to the CEQA Guidelines, the following factors may be used to eliminate alternatives from detailed consideration: the alternative’s failure to meet most of the basic project objectives, the alternative’s infeasibility, or the alternative’s inability to avoid significant environmental impacts. Alternatives that have been considered and rejected as infeasible include:

7.3.1.1 Off-Site Alternative
As one of the primary objectives of the proposed Project is to promote housing opportunities that support the City’s state mandated RHNA, it would be impossible to meet this objective with an alternative that did not wholly focus on future residential development projects within the City itself. Therefore, this alternative was not analyzed further.

7.3.1.2 Reduced Density Alterative Up To 36 Dwelling Units per Acre A reduced density alternative that is the same as the City’s General Plan High Density Residential density of up to 36 dwelling units per acre would require more sites to be rezoned throughout the City, which would involve rezoning twice the amount of parcels identified in the Project. Although this alternative would meet the project objective of providing housing sites, the quantity of units to be developed at a given time will be reduced because of the density limitation. Additionally, finding sites suitable for residential development becomes limited because not all sites, especially non-vacant sites, will meet the criteria required by HCD to be counted as a suitable site in meeting the City’s RHNA. Therefore, the alternative was not analyzed further.

7.3.2 Alternatives Evaluated

7.3.2.1 Alternative 1: No Project Alternative
Under the No Project Alternative, the existing zoning designations of the identified parcels would be retained, and no rezoning program would take place. The No Project Alternative would not meet any of the project objectives and the City would not meet its RHNA allocation in the planning of low- and moderateincome housing sites. 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. The General Plan Update EIR anticipated an additional 5,494 residential units which results in a deficiency of 594 units from 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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the RHNA allocation. Therefore, the No Project Alternative would maintain the status quo of the General Plan Update and would not result in the City meeting its RHNA requirements in accordance with the Housing Element Update and achieving any of the project objectives to provide adequate housing sites for all income levels within the City, promote housing opportunities that support the City’s state mandated RHNA, promote fair housing opportunities that encourage access to lower and moderate income housing, and promote safe and healthy housing opportunities to discourage overcrowding.

Based on current General Plan growth forecasts, the No Project Alternative would have the same significant and unavoidable impacts to air quality, greenhouse gas, noise and transportation.

7.3.2.2 Alternative 2: Reduced Density Alternative Up To 45 Dwelling Units per Acre The Project proposes to apply an AHO zone at a maximum density of 60 dwelling units per acre to 100 sites to accommodate 4,651 additional housing units. The Reduced Density Alternative would reduce the maximum density on the AHO zone parcels to 45 dwelling units per acre. Alternative 2 would also reduce the number of residential units the AHO zone could accommodate to 3,492 dwelling units.

Under Alternative 2, vacant parcels (750 units) and nonvacant parcels (452 units) could accommodate a total of approximately 1,202 new housing units, and potential rezone parcels (368 units) and AHO parcels (3,492 units) at a maximum density of 45 units per acre would accommodate a total of approximately 5,062 additional housing units. As with the proposed Project, the majority of candidate rezoning sites would be located within a HQTA. Based on this, by implementing the Reduced Density Alternatives, the City would be able to accommodate the 2021-2029 RHNA and provide a RHNA-buffer of 4 percent for low-income households and a 1.5 percent buffer for moderate-income households.

Alternative 2 would meet all of the project objectives; however, an adequate buffer would not be provided, thereby putting the City at risk of reevaluating additional sites in the future should the subject sites be deemed unsuitable for any reason. While the severity of significant and unavoidable impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and transportation, including cumulative impacts, would be reduced as compared to the proposed Project, these impacts would not be reduced to a less than significant level, even with the incorporation of mitigation measures. Impacts related to vibration impacts and tribal cultural resources would be similar as compared to the proposed Project.

7.3.2.3 Alternative 3: Alternate Development Areas Alternative The Alternate Development Areas Alternative is consideration of different locations for redevelopment. A Citywide comprehensive land survey has been conducted, and the candidate sites have been selected in order to support the City’s objectives to sustainably increase residential density, especially in a transitoriented community. Consideration of alternative locations may take place in areas that are not well-suited for the intensified residential redevelopment, within a HQTA, or may not meet the criteria established by HCD for “non-vacant” sites to be considered as viable sites that would be repurposed for residential development. Development standards within transit-oriented communities aim to support the highest density for the proposed Project, as they are intended to encourage compact development, improve access 11 City of Corona General Plan Housing Element Rezoning Program Update Project Supplemental EIR
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to transit, and promote a pedestrian-oriented environment. Transit-oriented community development standards would require a minimum of 60 units per acre, as provided by the proposed Project.

Alternative 3 would not meet most of the project objectives, as it would not implement the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element Update Programs to provide housing sites for all income levels within the City, it would not promote housing opportunities that support the City’s state mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment, and it would not promote fair housing opportunities that encourage access to lower- and moderate-income housing. Without the siting of residential development within a HQTA, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and transportation would be more severe than under the proposed Project, as housing would developed in less transit-oriented locations and would not provide alternative transportation options. Impacts related to vibration impacts and tribal cultural resources would be similar as compared to the proposed Project.

7.3.3 Environmentally Superior Alternative
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(2) state that an EIR shall identify an environmentally superior alternative. If the environmentally superior alternative is the “No Project” alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives. Based on the above evaluation of Alternatives, Alternative 2, the Reduced Density Alternative, would be the environmentally superior alternative. It meets all of the project objects. While Alternative 2 would reduce the severity of significant and unavoidable impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and transportation as compared to the proposed Project, these impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.
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Report Preparation
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8.0 REPORT PREPARATION

8.1 LEAD AGENCY
City of Corona
Joanne Coletta, Planning and Development Director

8.2 LIST OF PREPARERS
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Trevor Macenski Senior Principal
Anna Radonich Principal Planner
Christine Abraham Principal Environmental Planner
Jennifer Webster Environmental Planner
Kaela Johnson Environmental Planner
Emily Medler Environmental Planner
Tracie Ferguson Senior Associate - Acoustics
Cathy Lawrence Transportation Engineer
Daryl Zerfass Principal, Transportation Planning & Traffic Engineering Elena Nuno Principal, Project Manager/Air Quality Specialist Kaitlyn Heck Air Quality Specialist
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9.0 REFERENCES
California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2008. Climate Change Proposed Scoping Plan: A Framework for Change.
______. 2017. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan: The Strategy for Achieving California’s 2030 Greenhouse Gas Target. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2030sp_pp_final.pdf.

Accessed August 2022.

California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2016. Farmland Mapping and Monitoring System, California Important Farmland Finder. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/ciff/. Accessed May 2022.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2009. Corona – Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRA. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/5911/corona.pdf. Accessed May 2022.

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). 2020. Disposal Rate Calculator – Corona 2020.
https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/AnnualReporting/DisposalRateCalculator. Accessed May 2022.
_____. 2022a. SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details. El Sobrante Landfill. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/2280?siteID=2402. Accessed June 2022.
_____. 2022b. SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details. Olinda Alpha Landfill. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/2757?siteID=2093. Accessed June 2022.

Corona City CouncilApril 17, 2024

Corona City Council
April 17, 2024