Agenda, regular meeting, second session — Highland City Council, January 25, 2022 (part 4 of 4)

HIGHLAND... A Great Place to Lire
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Table 3. 3: General Plan Circulation
City of Highland
Element Comparison
City of SB City of Redlands County of BB
General Plan General Plan General Plan General Plan
Street From To Desi anon Dest nation Designation 1018slanation Del Rosa
3d Street Base Line Secondary Highway Major Arterial
WA Major Highway
Drive 41)) 61)) 4D)
Del Rosa
3d Street Pacific Street
Collector Street
Not Shown WA Secondary Highway
Avenue 21J) 41J)
Palm
Base Line
Pacific
Special Collector
Street
Major Arterial
WA Major Highway
Avenue Street
2U
61)) 4D)
SrhStreet Shirley Pain Major Highway Major Arterial
WA Major Highway
Avenue Avenue 41)) 61)) 41))
Base Line
Church Boulder PrinaryArterial Major Arterial
WA Major Highway
Avenue Avenue 61)) 61)) 41))
3dStreet Sterling Church Major Highway Major Arterial
WA NoteProposed Avenue Avenue 4D) 6p)
Boulder Highland Orange Modred Primary
Arterial
Major Arterial Minor Arterial Major Highway
Avenue Avenue Street 6D) 4D) 4D)
G-eneGamp- Roadt-xteriew
0ollector-Street
N/A NotProppesedd WA
Greer
Speeial eeor, dary
Flighwey WA NetPrepesed NIA
Numbers of lanes per designation are identified in parentheses, e.g., ( 4D); " D" or " U" indicates whether the roadway is divided or undivided.

WA - Not Applicable
lih
Victoria Avenue and the Potential Interchange
Identified as the major entryway into the San Bernardino International Airport and serving as the linkage between the Airport and San Manuel Indian Casino and Bingo facility, Victoria Avenue serves as a potential new interchange for 1- 210. Additional study is necessary to determine the feasibility of the interchange, its potential configuration and right- ofway requirements, the possible deletion of the existing ramps along Arden Avenue, and the impact to the nearby arterial roadway systems.

To preserve adequate rights -of -way for the Airport entry and accommodate future traffic, Victoria Avenue is planned as a Major Highway on the Circulation Map. Future study will require coordination with Caltrans, SANBAG, the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and the County of San Bernardino.

March 2006 I City of High@nd General Plan
January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION — HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Figure 3-2 Roadway Network - revised to remove Cone Camp Road, south of Greensgot Road, and to remove Special Secondary Highway south and east of Greensgot Road and the Santa Ana River to Bryant Street. t gel, a[YS fts

3. CIRCULATION REMENT
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January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION — HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEN DM ENT

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
10 January 2022
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3 Initial Study Checklist

1. Project title:

City of Highland General Plan Amendment: Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates and Circulation Amendment

2. Lead agency name and address:

City of Highland
Planning Department
27215 Base Line
Highland, CA 92346

3. Contact person and phone number:

Lawrence A. Mainez, Community Development Director
27215 Base Line
Highland, CA 92346
909) 864-6861, ext. 215

4. Project location:

Citywide.

5. Project sponsor' s name and address:

City of Highland
Planning Department
27215 Base Line
Highland, CA 92346

6. General plan designation:

Various; Not Applicable for Adoption of Housing and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates or Circulation Element Amendment.

7. Zoning:

Various; Not Applicable for Adoption of Housing and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates or Circulation Element Amendment.

8. Description of project. ( Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and anysecondary, support, or off -site features necessaryfor its implementation. Attach additional sheets if necessary):
12825. 06
11 January 2022
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REVISED INITIAL STUDVNEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT The proposed General Plan Amendment ( GPA) would amend the City of Highland General Plan with updates to the Housing Element for the planning period of 2021 through 2029 and adoption of a new Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element. The Circulation Element Amendment would remove the Cone Camp Road extension ( south of Greensoot Road) and the Greenspot Road extension to Bryant Avenue

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

The City of Highland is predominantly a residential community; over 60 percent of the City' s 11, 948 acres of land is planned for residential development. Additionally, more than 20 percent of the City is designated primarily for open space, due primarily to the City' s proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains, the San Bernardino International Airport, the Santa Ana River Basin and City Creek and Plunge Creek running through the southern part of Highland. The City of Highland is bound by City of San Bernardino is to the west, San Bernardino National Forest to the north and east, and City of Redlands is to the south. Both San Bernardino and Redlands are developed with established residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, light industrial and office uses, parks, schools and other community -serving facilities, public services, and utilities.

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

The California Department of Housingand Community Development (HCD) reviews and determines whether the proposed Housing Element complies with state law; however, HCD approval is not required for the City' s adoption of the Housing Element. There are no other public agencies whose approval is required ( e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement) for the proposed Housing Element and Public Safety Element.

11. Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.3. 1? If so, is there a plan for consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.? Yes; the City sent letters to tribes on June 18, 2021. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians requested consultation. The City and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians met on July 6, 2021. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians submitted email correspondence to the City on August 4, 2021 concurring with the findings that the project would not result in adverse effects to tribal cultural resources. The San Manuel Band of Missions Indians attached preferred language regarding mitigation measures for any future projects developed after adoption of the proposed project. Future new development will undergo future environmental review, as necessary, and the provided mitigation measures will be considered in that future process. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians submitted email correspondence to the City on October 5, 2021 confirming that the tribe has no further comments at this time and that the consultation ended after the July 6 meeting with the City.
12 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a " Potentially Significant Impact," as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry Air Quality
Resources
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology and Soils Greenhouse Gas Hazards and Hazardous
Emissions Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality Land Use and Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population and Public Services
Housing
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities and Service Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of Significance
13 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Determination ( To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
1 find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a " potentially significant impact" or " potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect ( 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and ( 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects ( a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and ( b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Signature
T
Date
14 January 2022
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REVISED INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Evaluation of Environmental Impacts

1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except " No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A " No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A " No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project -specific factors as well as general standards ( e. g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project -specific screening analysis).

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

3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. " Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more " Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an Environmental Impact Report ( EIR) is required.

4. " Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from " Potentially Significant Impact" to a " Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level ( mitigation measures from " Earlier Analyses," as described in ( 5) below, may be cross- referenced).

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

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

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

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

9. The explanation of each issue should identify:
a. The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b. The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance 15 January 2022
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3. 1 Aesthetics
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
I. AESTHETICS - Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway?
c) In non -urbanized areas, substantially degrade
the existing visual character or quality of
public views of the site and its surroundings?
Public views are those that are experienced
El
from publicly accessible vantage point). If the
project is in an urbanized area, would the
project conflict with applicable zoning and
other regulations governing scenic quality?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or
glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- d: No Impact.

The Housing Element update is a policy document, and adoption of this Element alone would not produce environmental impacts. The Housing Element Update consists of an updated housing program for which, no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s 2021-2029 RHNA allocation. To accommodate this RHNA allocation, City staff reviewed the inventory of vacant and underutilized sites and identified sites that can accommodate the current RHNA allocation for the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update. Any such development would be expected to conform to existing General Plan policies, municipal code, and zoning code development standards. As such, the adoption of the General Plan Amendment and the Housing Element update would not degrade the visual character or quality, scenic resources, or generate light and glare impacts. Additionally, there are no designated state scenic highways within the City of Highland jurisdictional boundaries. Portions of State Route ( SR-) 330 are classified as eligible state scenic highway; however only a small segment, approximately 350 feet, extends into Highland City limits at the northern jurisdictional boundary between Highland Avenue and Boulder Avenue ( Caltrans 2019). The Housing Element Update would not include policies that would result in impacts to scenic resources within a state scenic highway. No aesthetic impacts would occur from the adoption of this policy document.
16 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT The new Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element includes updated goals policy information related to natural and public health and hazards information. These goal and policy updates are procedural and will not result in physical changes to the environment such that aesthetics or visual character would change. In fact, implementation of some of the policies included within the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element could in fact enhance aesthetics in the City. These include the following:

Policy 2. 1: Promote a healthy urban forest to reduce air pollution and extreme heat.

Policy 8.2: Expand park availability by converting underutilized land.

Policy 8.3: Create inviting public spaces in DACs where residents people feel safe to use during the day and night for everyday play, family gatherings, and community events.

As such, no aesthetic impacts would occur from the adoption of this policy document.

REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEN DM ENT

3. 2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES - In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model ( 1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state' s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project.,
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance
Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoningfor agricultural
use, or a Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code section 12220(g)),
timberland ( as defined by Public Resources
Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion
of forest land to non -forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non- agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non -forest use?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
18 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENTAND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATESAND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT a—e: No Impact.

The Housing Element Update is a policy document, consisting of a housing program, and its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts, because no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Although implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation, such development would not impact agricultural resources. The Housing Element Update does not propose any improvements within lands designated Prime Farmland or Unique Farmland by the California Department of Conservation ( CDOC) Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program ( FMMP) CDOC 2018). The Housing Element Update does not change any boundaries or the potential for agricultural activities. There are also no programs that would conflict with existing agricultural zoning or a Williamson Act contract. In addition, because the City does not contain forest land, there is no rezoning or development proposed on forest land, or land or timber property zoned as Timberland Production.

The new Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element includes updated goals and policy information related to natural and public health and hazards information. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element does not propose any policies or actions that would result in negative impacts to agricultural and forestry resources, as there is no land within the City that is designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance on the San Bernardino County Important Farmland map. However, the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element does encourage the promotion of urban agriculture ( Action 6. 1b), which would result in beneficial impacts to the community. As such, based on the above, updates to the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element would have no impacts upon agricultural and forestry resou rces.

REVISED INITIAL STUDVNEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT

3. 3 Air Quality
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
III. AIR QUALITY - Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non -attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard?
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
d) Result in other emissions ( such as those
leading to odors) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- c: Less Than Significant Impact. d: No Impact.

The Housing Element Update is a policy document, consisting of a housing program; no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. The City lies within the South Coast Air Basin ( SCAB), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District ( SCAQMD) is the regional government agency that monitors and regulates air pollution within the SCAB and is responsible for measuring the air quality of the region. The SCAB is designated as a nonattainment area for federal and state Os standards and federal and state PM2. 5 standards. The SCAB is designated as a nonattainment area for state PMso standards; however, it is designated as an attainment area for federal PMso standards. The SCAB is designated as an attainment area for federal and state CO standards, federal and state NO2 standards, and federal and state S02 standards. While the SCAB has been designated as nonattainment for the federal rolling 3-month average lead standard, it is designated attainment for the state lead standard
20 January 2022
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REVISED INITIAL STUDVNEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT The Housing Element Update would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the State Implementation Plan by the SCAQMD because the growth anticipated in the Housing Element Update ( RHNA allocation) is consistent with SCAG' s growth projections that were also factored into the Regional Air Quality Strategy. The Housing Element Update would not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation, nor would it result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutantfor which the project region is in nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard. Additionally, the Housing Element Update would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, specifically because, with the adoption of the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element, as discussed below, goals and policies are included therein to protect residents from exposure to pollutant concentrations. Lastly, because the Housing Element Update does not affect land uses that are typically associated with the creation of objectionable odors ( such as rendering plants, landfills, treatment plants, etc.), its adoption would have no impact from odors.

Goal 1: Protect the health of community members by improving air quality.

Policy 1.1: Reduce air pollution from mobile sources.

Policy 1. 2: Reduce localized air pollution exposure near major roads.

Goal 2: Promote a built environment that stays cool.

Policy 2. 1: Promote a healthy urban forest to reduce air pollution and extreme heat.

Policy 2. 2: Adopt policies and standards for the built environment that reduce urban heat island.

Goal 5: Improve the quality of the built and natural environments to reduce disparate health and environmental impacts.

Policy 5. 1: Adopt land use regulations that protect residential and park uses from the impacts of industrial and roadway pollution.

Policy 5. 2: Remediate and prevent pollution arising from industrial and household sources.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on air quality, and with implementation of the goals and policies in the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element, as identified above, could improve air quality and its effects on City residents.

REVISED INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEN DM ENT

3. 4 Biological Resources
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES - Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on
any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by
the California Department of Fish and Game
or U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands ( including, but
not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal,
etc.) through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use
of native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
22 January 2022
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REVISED INITIAL STUDVNEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT a- f: Less than Significant Impact.

Goal 2: Promote a built environment that stays cool.

Policy 2. 2: Promote a healthy urban forest to reduce air pollution and extreme heat.

Action 2. 1a: Climate -Appropriate Trees. Develop a new street tree species palette that prioritizes trees based on having low water needs and adaptability to climate change and future environmental conditions.

Action 2.1b: Diverse Urban Forest. Maintain a healthy urban forest by ensuring a diversity of tree species.

Action 2. 1c: Increase the Tree Canopy. Identify grant funding to develop a program to install additional street trees or provide canopy trees to residents for planting.

Goal 5: Improve the quality of the built and natural environments to reduce disparate health and environmental impacts.

Therefore, while adoption of the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts, adoption would result in the implementation of goals and policies designed to minimize impacts to biological resources.

REVISED INITIAL STUDVNEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT

3. 5 Cultural Resources
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES - Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant
to § 15064. 5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to § 15064. 5?
c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of dedicated cemeteries?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- c: Less than Significant Impact.

The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would not change or alter policies to protect and/ or review cultural resources. Therefore, impacts are less than significant.

REVISED INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT

3. 6 Energy
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
VI. Energy - Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy
resources, during project construction or
operation?
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan
for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- b. No Impact.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would result in less than significant impacts associated with energy.

REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT

3. 7 Geology and Soils
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Al. GEOLOGYAND SOILS - Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk
of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist- Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer
to Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in
on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
1994), creating substantial direct or indirect
risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative waste
water disposal systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of waste water?
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- f: Less than Significant Impact.

REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT impacts. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet City' s RHNA allocation.

Areas with seismic ( earthquake) hazards are identified by earthquake fault zones as established by the AlquistPriolo Earthquake Fault Zone Act of 1972. The California Geological Survey (CGS; formerly the California Division of Mines and Geology [ CDMG]) classifies faults as active, potentially active, or inactive according to standards developed for implementation of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone Act. A fault that has exhibited surface displacement within the Holocene Epoch ( the last 11, 000 years) is defined as active. A fault that has exhibited surface displacement during Quaternary time ( i. e., within the past 1.6 million years) but that cannot be proven to have moved or not moved during Holocene time is defined as potentially active. a: According to the City' s existing Public Health and Safety Element, like most areas throughout Southern California, Highland is susceptible to seismic hazards ( City of Highland 2006). The San Andreas fault zone traverses the northern part of the City and while the San Jacinto fault does not run through any part of the City it is nearby to the west. The seismic setting of Highland and surrounding areas is dominated by the San Andreas Fault. Several active" and " potentially active" faults of the San Andreas Fault are present within and nearby Highland. North and south branches of the San Andreas Fault run through Highland. The last major earthquake along the south branch of the San Andreas was the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake, estimated at a Richter magnitude of 8. 0 plus. The San Andreas Fault is capable of generating an earthquake magnitude of up to 8.3 on the Richter scale. Located approximately 4.5 miles southwest of Highland, the San Jacinto Fault Zone has a maximum credible earthquake Richter magnitude of 8.5 and has the potential for significant ground shakingwithin the region. Despite the potential of the San Andreas fault system to produce severe ground shaking in the City, no significant impact regarding fault hazards would occur, because the Housing Element Update would be consistent with the other elements of the General Plan, including the Safety Element. Additionally, the potential for significant adverse impacts to result from these phenomena would be substantially reduced through adherence to requirements specified in the AlquistPriolo Act, the Uniform Building Code, Title 24 of the California Building Code, and all development regulations of the City. Compliance with these building standards would minimize impacts associated with seismic hazards.

Additionally, the following goals and policies are included in the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element to address disaster preparedness and recovery:

Goal 3: Minimize risks, such as loss of life, injury, property damage, and natural resource destruction from natural and human - caused hazards.

Policy 3. 5: Enforce development standards to reduce geologic risk.

Goal 4: Maintain adequate emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Policy 4. 1: Create culturally appropriate hazard preparation and education.

Policy 4. 2: Create resilience centers throughout highland.

Policy 4. 4: Ensure the Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) has adequate capacity to respond to hazard events.
b- e: Most lowland areas with relatively level ground surface are not prone to landslides. Other forms of slope instability are also unlikely to occur except along stream banks and terrace margins. The highland areas are more susceptible to slope instability. The strong ground motion that occurs during earthquakes is capable of inducing 27 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT landslides and debris flow ( mudslides). These types of failure generally occur where unstable slope conditions already exist. The City has in place geologic review procedures to address these hazards. Hillside areas with landslide potential are of particular concern, and slope stability requires appropriate treatment of vegetative cover during and after residential development. The City' s General Plan and zoning designations do not prohibit new development on areas of geologic hazard; however, many precautionary recommendations and restrictions are established in the policies and Municipal Code in order to minimize potential impacts from developing on geologically hazardous land or resulting in substantial soil erosion ( City of Highland 2006). City regulations and policies cover landslides, seismic shaking, surface rupture, seiches, liquefaction, subsidence, expansive soils, and soil erosion. All new development is required to be consistent with these regulations. f: Depending on the location, future development in the City has the potential to directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. The existing General Plan contains policies for the protection of paleontological resources, and all new development must be consistent with these policies. The Housing Element Update would not change or alter these policies.

Goal 3: Minimize risks, such as loss of life, injury, property damage, and natural resource destruction from natural and human -caused hazards.

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

REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT

3. 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
All. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - Would theproject:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse
gases?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- b: Less Than Significant Impact.

Certain gases in the earth' s atmosphere, classified as GHGs, play a critical role in determining the earth' s surface temperature. Solar radiation enters the earth' s atmosphere from space. A portion of the radiation is absorbed by the earth' s surface and a smaller portion of this radiation is reflected back toward space. This absorbed radiation is then emitted from the earth as low -frequency infrared radiation. The frequencies at which bodies emit radiation are proportional to temperature. Because the earth has a much lower temperature than the sun, it emits lower - frequency radiation. Most solar radiation passes through GHGs; however, infrared radiation is absorbed by these gases. As a result, radiation that otherwise would have escaped back into space is instead " trapped," resulting in a warming of the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, is responsible for maintaining a habitable climate on earth. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would not be able to support life as we know it.

The Housing Element Update is a policy document, consisting of a housing program; no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time. According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels, along with deforestation and other activities, has caused the concentrations of heat -trapping greenhouse gases ( GHGs) to increase significantly in the earth' s atmosphere ( U. S. Environmental Protection Agency 2021). The increase in GHGs results in global warming, as more heat is trapped in the atmosphere. Given the already built -out nature of the City and lack of substantial vacant land, future residential projects that may be developed to meet the RHNA requirement are expected to be located on infill sites where pedestrian- and transit -oriented development is highly feasible and would be encouraged. Such development should reduce the number of new vehicle trips typically associated with residential projects and, thus, would help reduce GHG production resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels for transportation purposes. Based on the above, the Housing Element Update would result in less than significant impacts associated with GHG emissions. 29 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT New development projects will be required to comply with the Green Building Code, which also reduces GHG emissions.

Goal 1: Protect the health of community members by improving air quality.

Policy 1. 1: Reduce air pollution from mobile sources.

Policy 1. 2: Reduce localized air pollution exposure near major roads.

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3. 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would theproject:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one -quarter
mile of an existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site that is included on a list
of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962. 5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project
result in a safety hazard or excessive noise
for people residing or working in the project
area?
f) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
g) Expose people or structures, either directly
or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss,
injury or death involving wildland fires?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- c and a- g: No Impact. d: Less Than Significant Impact.

As defined in Chapter 6.95 of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 25501(o), a hazardous material is "... any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, hazardous substances, 31 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT hazardous waste, and any material which a handler or the administering agency has a reasonable basis for believing that it would be injurious to the health and safety of persons or harmful to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment."
a- c: The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates are policy documents, and therefore, adoption would not, in itself, result in potential impacts from hazards and hazardous material that may endanger residents or the environment. Implementation of the updated Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element would also not result in the routine use, transport, or disposal of hazardous materials or generate significant quantities of hazardous materials. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element actually includes goals and policies specifically designed to reduce impacts from hazards to City residents and the environment. As such, no negative impacts would occur.

The Housing Element Update facilitates the development of new housing by creating a regulatory setting in which affordable housing can be developed. New housing units would not be constructed by the City but by private contractors with City approval. During construction of new housing units, construction equipment would require the use of fuel and petroleum - based lubricants and would require regular maintenance of equipment. Both the frequency of maintenance and the large volumes of fluids required to service the equipment increase the risk of accidental spillage. Any new units would be required to adhere to federal, state, and local regulations regarding handling hazardous materials and cleanup standards in case of a spill. New residential units may contain household hazardous materials such as paint, herbicides/ pesticides, diesel fuel, and cleaning products that have the potential to spill. Residential uses typically do not use or store large quantities of hazardous materials. Adherence to regulations and standard protocols during the storage, transportation, and usage of any hazardous materials, as discussed above, would minimize and avoid the potential for significant upset and accident condition impacts.

Following these standards and regulations at the time of future development would make impacts less than significant.

The Public Health and Safety Element does not include any new policies that would impact the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials, nor would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. The purpose of this element is to establish policies that would reduce the likelihood of hazards within the City' s jurisdictional boundary. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning, or construction. The Circulation Element amendment does not include changes that would result in impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. No hazard or hazardous impacts would occur from the adoption of this amendment. d: The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates are policy documents and adoption will not, in itself, result in negative environmental impacts. However, implementation of the programs contained in the document will accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time.
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT All sites of future residential projects will be evaluated using appropriate databases including the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database which, pursuant to Government Code Section 65962. 5, lists Federal Superfund, State Response, Voluntary Cleanup, School Cleanup, Hazardous Waste Permit, and Hazardous Waste Corrective Action sites. The potential impacts related to any listed hazardous materials sites associated with any specific future residential projects will be assessed at the time the projects are actually proposed. Mitigation measures would then be adopted if and as necessary, in conformance with CEQA. As such, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would result in less than significant impacts.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning. or construction. The Circulation Element amendment does not include changes that would result in impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. No hazard or hazardous impacts would occur from the adoption of this amendment. e- g: The City of Highland has two airports within its SOI, the San Bernardino International Airport, located south of the southwestern portion of the City, and Redlands Municipal Airport, located south of the southeastern portion of the City. The City of Redlands adopted the Redlands Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan ( LUCP) in 1997 and made amendments as recently as 2003. The San Bernardino International Airport does not currently have an adopted Airport Land Use Plan ( ALUP). The Housing Element Update would not create additional residential opportunities in the 65 decibel ( dB) Community Noise Equivalent Level ( CNEL) contour for the Redlands Municipal LCUP or San Bernardino International Airport. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

The Public Health and Safety Element does not include any new policies that would result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the City. The purpose of this element is to establish policies that would reduce the likelihood of hazards within the City' s jurisdictional boundary. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant.

The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would be consistent with General Plan policy. Within the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update are details related to the City' s emergency response plan to prepare for, and respond to, natural hazards including extreme heat, flooding, geologic hazards such as earthquakes, exposure to hazardous materials, and wildfires. Future development would be consistent with the City' s emergency response plans related to risk from natural -and human - caused hazards. Goals and policies included in the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element specifically related to hazards include the following;
Goal 3: Minimize risks, such as loss of life, injury, property damage, and natural resource destruction from natural and human -caused hazards.

Policy 3. 1: Minimize flooding risks through appropriate siting and protection of structures and occupants.

Policy 3.3: Implement programs and standards to mitigate wildfire risk in high wildfire hazard severity zones.

Policy 3A Ensure that public facilities and infrastructure have adequate capacity to respond to wildfires and other relevant hazard events.

Policy 3.4: Enforce development standards to reduce geologic risk. 33 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Policy 3. 6: Limit the potential hazards from the transportation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Goal 4: Maintain adequate emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Policy 4. 1: Create culturally appropriate hazard preparation and education.

Policy 4.2: Create resilience centers throughout highland.

Policy 4. 3: Prepare residential areas for flooding and wildfire.

Policy 4A Ensure the Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) has adequate capacity to respond to hazard events.

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

REVISED INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT

3. 10 Hydrology and Water Quality
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY - Would theproject:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise
substantially degrade surface or ground
water quality?
b) Substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that the project
may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river or through the addition of impervious
surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) result in substantial erosion or
Siltation on or off site;
ii) substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in
flooding on or off site;
iii) create or contribute runoff water
which would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff; or
iv) impede or redirect flood flows? I ®
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones,
risk release of pollutants due to project
inundation?
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
a water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a, c- d: Less than Significant Impact. b and e: No Impact.

The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates are policy documents, consisting of a housing program and updates to the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element to address new requirements in Environmental Justice and Safety Elements specifically related to environmental 35 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT justice issues for socially disadvantaged residents, air pollution and extreme heat; no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Therefore, adoption of these updates would not, in itself, produce negative environmental impacts. However, implementation of the programs contained in the documents would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time.

Future residential development that would qualify to meet the RHNA requirement are expected to be located on infill sites in urbanized areas and the City has procedures and regulations in place to ensure that there would be no significant impacts associated with hydrology and water quality. a: Per the East Valley Water District ( EVWD) 2019 Sewer System Master Plan, wastewater collection and treatment is managed by the EVWD. All demolition, relocation and/ or construction phases of future housing development would be subject to compliance with applicable local, regional, state and federal regulations designed to protect water resources, including those regulations requiring implementation of Best Management Practices ( BMPs), preparation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans ( SWPPPs), and submittal of Erosion Control Plans in compliance with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) provisions. Consistency with this regulatory framework would adequately ensure that such impacts would be avoided or reduced to less than significant. The Housing Element Update would not generate a significant impact on water quality over current projections for population and housing units.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning, or construction. The Circulation Element amendment does not include changes that would result in impacts to hydrology or water quality. No hydrology or water quality impacts would occur from the adoption of this amendmen b: Water service in the City is provided by the EVWD. The EVWD' s sole supply source is groundwater that is extracted at depths exceeding 600 feet from an aquifer known as Bunker Hill Basin. Groundwater from this basin has consistently met both State of California and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards, and supply is projected to meet demand for the foreseeable future. However, energy requirements, drought and potential contamination will continue to put pressure on unlimited use of groundwater. Surface water is also available to the East Valley Water District through developable rights to local streams including the Santa Ana River, City Creek and Plunge Creek. Some of the flow from these sources is already diverted by other agencies or used for agricultural purposes. Access to this water is made possible, in part, by the EVWD' s stock ownership in local irrigating companies.
36 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT The Conservation and Open Space Element as well as the proposed Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements of the City's General Plan includes goals focused on protecting and preserving the water supply and water quality within the groundwater basin. Adoption of the General Plan Amendment for the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would not affect the City' s ability to implement the water goals outlined within the Resources Element of the General Plan as no physical development is current proposed. Therefore, implementation of the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element update would not deplete groundwater supplies. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element also includes the following goals and policies specifically related to groundwater supplies:

Policy 3.2: Build and maintain public infrastructure that collects and conveys stormwater and enhances water quality.

Policy 5. 2: Remediate and prevent pollution arising from industrial and household sources Goal 6: Green Streets. Prevent future groundwater pollution by implementing green street strategies to support a sustainable approach to stormwater, drainage, groundwater recharge, and landscaping, and incorporating green streets standard and guidelines in all streetscape improvements where feasible. Ensure access to healthy food.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning, or construction. The Circulation Element amendment does not include changes that would result in impacts to hydrology or water quality. No hydrology or water quality impacts would occur from the adoption of this amendment. c- d: City regulations prohibit new development that would create runoff volumes or velocities that may cause the City's existing drainage system to exceed its design capacity. In regard to risks due to dam or levee failure, the City is not located within an area that would be impacted by any dam or levee failure. Seiche and mudflow risk would also be negligible, as the City is not located near a large contained body of water or downslope from an unstable hillside. With regard to tsunami risk the City is not located within a mapped tsunami inundation area. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element also includes the following goals and policies specifically related to minimizing flood hazard risks:

Goal 3: Minimize risks, such as loss of life, injury, property damage, and natural resource destruction from natural and human -caused hazards.

Policy 3. 1: Minimize flooding risks through appropriate siting and protection of structures and occupants.

Policy 3. 2: Build and maintain public infrastructure that collects and conveys stormwater and enhances water quality.

Policy 3A Ensure that public facilities and infrastructure have adequate capacity to respond to wildfires and other relevant hazard events.

Goal 4: Maintain adequate emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Policy 4.3: Prepare residential areas for flooding and wildfire. 37 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would result in no impact or a less than significant impact on or from hydrology and water quality.

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

3. 11 Land Use and Planning
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
A. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would theproject:
a) Physically divide an established
community?
b) Cause a significant environmental impact
due to a conflict with any land use plan,
policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental
effect?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEN DM ENT a: No Impact. b: Less than Significant.

The Housing Element Update is a policy document, consisting of a housing program; no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time. Although implementation of the programs contained in the document would encourage residential development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation, such residential projects are expected to be located on infill sites within existing neighborhoods, and because infill sites are part of the existing urban fabric, projects developed on them would not be likely to physically divide an established community. The proposed update would not conflict with General Plan policy or Municipal Code regulations, adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.

The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that establishes the City' s goals, policies and actions related to the natural and human -caused hazards and the risk to human life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from hazard events within the City. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update does not propose any policies or actions that would result in physically dividing an existing community. Additionally, the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update would not conflict with General Plan policy or Municipal Code regulations, adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. The intended purpose of the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is to guide land use decisions in such a way and natural- and human -caused hazards are avoided to maximum extent feasible.

Neither the Housing Element Update or Public Health and Safety Element Update propose policies that would encourage future projects that could divide an established community. The proposed locations for future housing within the Housing Element update are located within or adjacent to existing development. Future projects are subject to the General Plan and Zoning Code, which include standards to protect aesthetic quality and scenic viewsheds, biological resources, cultural resources, and public health and safety. Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on land use and planning.

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3. 12 Mineral Resources
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XI I. MINERAL RESOURCES - Would theproject:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to
the region and the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally -
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan, or other land use plan?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a: Less Than Significant Impact, b: No Impact.

The Housing Element Update is a policy document, consisting of a housing program; no actual development or rezoning is proposed as part of the update. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time. Although implementation of the programs contained in the document would encourage residential development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation, such residential projects are expected to be located on infill sites within existing neighborhoods, and because infill sites are part of the existing urban fabric, projects developed on them would not be likely to physically divide an established community. The proposed update would not conflict with General Plan policy or Municipal Code regulations, adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.

The City of Highland, due to its large washes and stream channels, contains regionally significant construction aggregate and mineral resources. The primary minerals found in the area are iron, decorative rocks, clay, limestone, sand and gravel. The City has identified Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs, Categories 1- 3). If future development of housing units near areas that may be rich in mineral resources occurs, precautions would be taken regarding mineral resources. Goal 5. 9 in the Conservation Element of the City' s General Plan outlines policies that would be considered for future development specific to mineral resources. Therefore, with compliance of necessary policies and regulations, construction of housing units impact to mineral resources would be less than significant. The Public Health and Safety Element Update does not propose any polices that would result in the loss of mineral resources; therefore, there would be no impact associated with adoption of the Element.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on mineral resources.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning or construction. The Circulation Element 40 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT amendment does not include changes that would result in the loss of availability of mineral resources. Less than significant or No mineral resource impacts would occur from the adoption of this amendment.

3. 13 Noise
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XIII. NOISE - Would the project result in:
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels
in the vicinity of the project in excess of
standards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
b) Generation of excessive groundborne El
vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan
or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- b: Less Than Significant Impact. c: No Impact.

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

REVISED INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVI RON MENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEN DM ENT noise reduction measures to be incorporated into construction, including the use of sound -control devices on equipment, avoiding idling equipment, and public notification of proposed construction activities. Limiting construction activities to daytime hours would minimize the effect on nearby residents. Noise related impacts should be reviewed for individual project proposals and compliance with applicable regulations would make potential impacts less than significant. Adherence to the City' s Noise Ordinance would ensure that any such noise and vibration increases, both temporary and permanent, would result in less than significant impacts within project areas. No active airports are located within the City; as such, the City is not exposed to excessive aircraft noise.

The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that establishes the City' s goals, policies and actions related to the natural- and human - caused hazards and the risk to human life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from hazard events within the City. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update does not propose any policies or actions that would result in negative impacts related to noise.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on noise.

3. 14 Population and Housing
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would the project:
a) Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly ( for example,
through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
people or housing, necessitating the El construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
a- b: Less Than Significant Impact.

The Housing Element Update utilizes the 2021- 2029 RHNA to plan for and accommodate population growth.

Therefore, it would not induce population growth within the City. Implementation of the programs contained in the 42 January 2022
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time. Future development would occur on vacant or underutilized sites. With the implementation of programs in the Housing Element Update to increase housing capacity, there would be adequate land available to accommodate the City' s RHNA allocation. Therefore, the update would not necessitate the construction of replacement housing elsewhere ( outside of the City) or result in environmental impacts related to growth. Based on the above, the Housing Element Update would result in a less than significant impact associated with population and housing.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on population and housing.

3. 15 Public Services
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:

Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
43 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Parks?
Other public facilities?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a( i- v): Less Than Significant Impact.

The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that establishes the City' s goals, policies and actions related to the natural and human -caused hazards and the risk to human life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from hazard events within the City. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update does not propose any policies or actions that would result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services.

The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates, therefore, would not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities or the 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 listed above. These general plan updates would not change or impact standards, policies, programs and regulations in place that ensure adequate provision of public services. Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on public services.

Furthermore, the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that establishes the City' s goals, policies and actions related to the natural and human -caused hazards and the risk to human life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from hazard events within the City. The Public Health, Safety, 44 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT and Environmental Justice Element Update proposes the policies that would result in beneficial impacts related to public services.

Goal 4: Maintain adequate emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Policy 4. 1: Create culturally appropriate hazard preparation and education.

Policy 4.2: Create resilience centers throughout highland.

Policy 4.3: Prepare residential areas for flooding and wildfire.

Policy 4A Ensure the Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) has adequate capacity to respond to hazard events.

3. 16 Recreation
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XVI. RECREATION
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks or
other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on
the environment?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a-b: Less Than Significant Impact.

Park and recreation facilities are in short supply in the City, partly the result of a lack of developable space. For future planning, given a projected build -out population of 69, 582, Highland should have approximately 143. 8 acres of developed park acreage and 36 acres of undeveloped natural parkland, totaling 179 acres based on the standard of two acres of parkland per 1, 000 residents. Highland' s recreational facilities include: Central Avenue Park ( 17-acres), Aurantia Park ( 10-acres), Cunningham Park ( 2-acres), and Canyon Oaks Park ( 2-acres). The Jerry 45 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Lewis Community Center, consisting of a 30, 000 square -foot multi -use facility containing a gymnasium, several multipurpose rooms, a kitchen and office is within Central Avenue Park ( City of Highland 2021). Additional recreational needs of the City are met by the sports fields and playgrounds of the eight schools in the City, parks or schools in surrounding cities, vacant lots and a few privately held fields that serve as informal ball fields and gathering places.

The Housing Element Update is a policy document, consisting of a housing program. No specific recreational facilities or the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment are included in the Housing Element Update. Therefore, its adoption would not, in itself, produce environmental impacts. The Housing Element Update has the potential to increase the number of residents that would use public recreation facilities in the area. However, new development would be subject to development impact fees that would be put toward continued maintenance of the facilities. Implementation of the programs contained in the document would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time. The availability, maintenance, and management of park and recreation facilities are covered under the General Plan and the Capital Improvement Program. Based on the above, the Housing Element Update would result in a less than significant impact on recreation.

Goal 8: Ensure that parks, public facilities and services are equitably located and distributed throughout DACs, allowing easy access for residents.

Policy 8. 1: Improve existing park quality by providing amenities and programs for play, exercise, and enhanced safety. Prioritize efforts should be deployed quickly in under -parked communities.

Policy 8.2: Expand park availability by converting underutilized land.

Policy 8. 3: Create inviting public spaces in DACs where residents people feel safe to use during the day and night for everyday play, family gatherings, and community events.

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3. 17 Transportation
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XVII. TRANSPORTATION - Would theproject:
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or
policy addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle, and
pedestrian facilities?
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064. 3, subdivision
b)?
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves
or dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses ( e.g., farm equipment)?
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? I
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- d: Less Than Significant Impact.

Therefore, future development associated with implementation of the Housing Element Update would be expected to generate fewer vehicle miles traveled and more multi -modal trips than conventional development. Potential traffic impacts related to increased transportation system demands associated with specific future residential projects would be assessed at the time the projects are actually proposed using the vehicle miles traveled ( VMT) methodology, consistent with state guidelines. Mitigation measures would then be adopted as necessary, in conformance with CEQA. The Housing Element Update would not increase hazards due to a design feature, result in inadequate emergency access, or conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation. Based on the above, the Housing Element Update would result in a less than significant impact on transportation/ traffic.

REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEN DM ENT Goal 4: Maintain adequate emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on transportation, and implementation of Policy 7. 4 from the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element would result in a beneficial transportation impact.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning, or construction. The Circulation Element amendment would result in less than significant impacts related to the circulation system, generation of vehicle miles traveled, increase hazards or result in inadequate emergency access. Less than significant impacts related to transportation would occur from the adoption of this amendment.

3. 18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code section 5020. 1( k), or
b) A resource determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and supported
by substantial evidence, to be
significant pursuant to criteria set forth
in subdivision ( c) of Public Resources
Code Section 5024. 1. In applying the
criteria set forth in subdivision ( c) of
Public Resource Code Section 5024. 1,
the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a
California Native American tribe?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
48 January 2022
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REVISED INITIALSTUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT a- b: Less Than Significant Impact.

The City completed the tribal consultation process, consistent with the requirements of Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. The City sent letters to tribes on June 18, 2021. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians requested consultation. The City and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians met on July 6, 2021. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians submitted email correspondence to the City on August 4, 2021 concurring with the findings that the project would not result in adverse effects to tribal cultural resources. The San Manuel Band of Missions Indians attached preferred language regarding mitigation measures for any future projects developed after adoption of the proposed project. Future new development will undergo future environmental review, as necessary, and the provided mitigation measures will be considered in that future process. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians submitted email correspondence to the City on October 5, 2021 confirming that the tribe has no further comments at this time and that the consultation ended after the July 6 meeting with the City. Based on the outcome of the consultation process and on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would result in less than significant impacts to tribal cultural resources.

Less than significant impacts related to tribal cultural resources would occur from the adoption of this amendment. 49 January 2022
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3. 19 Utilities and Service Systems
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS - Would theproject:
a) Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment, or storm water
drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project and reasonably
foreseeable future development during
normal, dry, and multiple dry years?
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider, which serves or may
serve the project that it has adequate
capacity to serve the project' s projected
demand in addition to the provider' s
existing commitments?
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or
local standards, or in excess of the capacity
of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair
the attainment of solid waste reduction
oa Is?
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- c and e: No Impact; d: Less than Significant Impact.

REVISED INITIAL STUDVNEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that establishes the City' s goals, policies and actions related to the natural and human -caused hazards and the risk to human life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from hazard events within the City. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update does not propose any policies or actions that would result in impacts related to utilities and service systems.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on utilities and service systems.

3. 20 Wildfire
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XX. WILDFIRE - If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would theproject:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and
thereby expose project occupants to,
pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or
the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
c) Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure ( such as roads,
fuel breaks, emergency water sources,
power lines, or other utilities) that may
exacerbate fire risk or that may result in
temporary or ongoing impacts to the
environment?
d) Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff,
post -fire slope instability, or drainage
changes?
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
a- d: Less Than Significant Impact.

The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that establishes the City' s goals, policies and actions related to the natural and human -caused hazards and the risk to human life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation from hazard events within the City. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update proposes updated goals, policies and actions that support the reduction of impacts related to wildfire as well as response to hazardous conditions, including fires. Specifically, the following goals and policies are related to preparation for, response to, and recovery from wildfires:

Goal 3: Minimize risks, such as loss of life, injury, property damage, and natural resource destruction from natural and human -caused hazards.

Policy 3. 3: Implement programs and standards to mitigate wildfire risk in high wildfire hazard severity zones.

Policy 3A Ensure that public facilities and infrastructure have adequate capacity to respond to wildfires and other relevant hazard events.

Goal 4: Maintain adequate emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Policy 4.3: Prepare residential areas for flooding and wildfire.

Based on the above, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates would have a less than significant impact on wildfire.

The minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning, or construction. The Circulation Element amendment would result in less than significant impacts related to wildfire. Less than significant impacts to wildfire would occur from the adoption of this amendment.
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3. 21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Less Than
Significant
Potentially Impact With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a
fish or wildlife population to drop below selfsustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially
reduce the number or restrict the range of a
rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (" Cumulatively considerable"
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects,
the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
Explanation of Checklist Judgements:
53 January 2022
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REVISED INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT UPDATES AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT a- c: Less Than Significant Impact.

As discussed throughout the above portions of the Initial Study/ Negative Declaration, the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates are policy documents and adoption of these Element Updates alone would not produce environmental impacts. Although implementation of the programs contained in the Housing Element Update would accommodate development required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation, the Housing Element does not identify, describe, promote, entitle, or permit any particular residential development project. While a rezoning program is identified within the Housing Element Update, the actual rezoning of property within the City to accommodate RHNA allocations would occur at a future date and is not one of the discretionary actions being undertaken at this time. The Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Update is also a policy document that does not identify, describe, promote, entitle, or permit any particular development projects. Instead, however, the Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element sets forth goals, policies, and actions designed to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural- and human - caused disasters.

The Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates do not change the allowed densities or type of development that may occur within the City. The act of adopting the Housing Element and Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Justice Element Updates does not, therefore, have the potential to result in environmental impacts, either limited or cumulative, affecting habitat; plant or animal communities; rare, endangered or threatened species; historic resources; or human beings. As discussed in Sections 3. 1 through 3. 20 of this Initial Study/ Negative Declaration, impacts associated with the adoption of these Element Updates would either result in no negative impacts, or less than significant impacts.

As discussed throughout the above portions of the Initial Study/ Negative Declaration, the minor amendment to the Circulation Element would not produce environmental impacts. The Circulation Element amendment would have no actual development, rezoning, or construction. The Circulation Element amendment does not, therefore, have the potential to result environmental impacts, either limited or cumulative, affecting habitat: plant or animal communities: rare, endangered or threatened species: historic resources: or human beings. As discussed in 3. 1 through 3. 20 of this Initial Study/ Negative Declaration, impacts associated with the adoption of the Circulation Element amendment would either result in no negative impacts, or less than significant impacts. 54 January 2022
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4 References and Preparers

4.1 References Cited
14 CCR 15000- 15387 and Appendices A through L. Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, as amended.

California Department of Conservation ( CDOC). 2018. Important Farmland Map. Available at https:// www.conservation. ca. gov/ dlrp/ fmmp/ Pages/ SanBernardino. aspx. Accessed November 2021.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CAL FIRE), 2020. California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer.

Available at https:// gis.data. ca. gov/ datasets/ 789d5286736248f69c4515cO4f58f414. Accessed October 2020.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control ( DTSC), 2020. EnviroStor Database. Available at https:// www.envirostor.dtsc.ca. ov/ public map/? myaddress= Highland%2C+ CA. Accessed October 2020.

California Public Resources Code, Section 21000- 21177. California Environmental Quality Act, as amended.

City of Highland, 2006. City of Highland General Plan. Adopted March 2006. Available at https:// www. cilyofhighland- org/ 191/ General- Plan. Accessed in October 2020.

City of Highland, 2021. City of Highland Municipal Code. Last amended August 24, 2021. Available at https:// www. codepublishing. com/ CLHiP-hland/#!/ HighlandNT. html. Accessed in October 2021.

City of Redlands, 1997. Redlands Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Adopted February 18, 1997, Last Amended May 6, 2003. Available at http:// www.sbcounty.gov/ Uploads/ Ius/ Airports/ Redlands. pdf.

Accessed in October 2020.

City of Redlands, 1997. Redlands Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Adopted February 18,1997. Last revised May 6, 2003. Available at http:// www. sbcounty. gov/ Uploads/ Ius/ Airports/ Redlands. pdf. Accessed in October 2020.

County of San Bernardino, 2017. San Bernardino County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. FEMA approved July 13, 2017. Available at
http:// cros.sbcounty.gov/ portals/ 58/ Documents/ Emergency Services/ Hazard- Mitigation-Plan pdf.

Accessed in October 2020.

State Water Resources Control Board, 2020. GeoTracker Database, Safety-Kleen Corporation ( TO6O7100369).

Available at https:// geotracker.waterboards. ca. gov/ profile report.asp?global id= T06O7100369.

Accessed October 2020.
12825. 06
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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
56 January 2022
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Figure 1
57 January 2022
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EL
NE
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DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/ NEGATIVE DECLARATION - HOUSING ELEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND

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Figure 2
59 January 2022
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3. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Intergovernmental Coordination
With a freeway and an adjacent international airport, Highland plays a significant role in the regional circulation network. As such, the City must actively coordinate with a variety of regional and subregional plans and state, regional and local agencies as described in the Introduction section of this element. Some of the key issues facing Highland that will require continuing coordination include the following.

Roadway Classification Consistency with Other
Agencies
San Bernardino County, the City of San Bernardino and the City of Redlands have different functional classifications for some of the roadway segments illustrated on the City of Highland proposed General Plan. The roadway segments with different functional classifications include:

Del Rosa Drive between 3' d Street and Base Line;
Del Rosa Avenue between 3' d Street and Pacific Street; Palm Avenue between Base Line and Pacific Street;
5' Street between Shirley Avenue and Palm Avenue;
Base Line between Church Avenue and Boulder Avenue;
3" Street between Sterling Avenue and Church Avenue;
Boulder Avenue between Highland Avenue and Orange Street; ion and
Greenspot Read c t rtsion to Bunt fir tie.

Table 3. 3 shows the roadway segments with different functional classifications among different jurisdictions.

Completion of I-210/SR- 30
The construction connecting I- 210 with SR-30 will be completed by the end of 2007. The regional long- range projections indicate that SR-30 through Highland will need to be widened to six lanes. Measure I, which has been reauthorized for 30 additional years, includes a widening project for SR- 30 from 1- 215 to I- 10. The SR- 30 widening will include an additional general use lane in each direction. Further coordination with SANBAG and Caltrans will be needed in ensure the timely implementation of the I- 210 and SR- 30 project.

City of Highland General Plan 3-31
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HIGHLAND ... A Great Place to Live
Table 3. 3: General Plan Circulation Element Comparison City of Highland City of SB City of Redlands County of SB General Plan General Plan General Plan General Plan
Street From To Designation Designation Designation Designation Del Rosa
3ro Street Base Line Secondary Highway Major ArterialN/ A Major Highway Drive 41)) 61)) 41))
Del Rosa
3ro Street Pacific Street
Collector Street
Not Shown N/ A
Secondary Highway
Avenue 2U) 4U)
Palm Pacific
Special Collector
Major Arterial Major Highway
Avenue
Base Line
Street. SZUt
6D)
N/ A
4D)
5th Street Shirley Palm Major Highway Major Arterial
N/ A Major Highway
Avenue Avenue 41)) 61)) 41))
Base Line
Church Boulder Primary Arterial Major Arterial
NIA Major Highway
Avenue Avenue 6D) 6D) 41))
3rd Street Sterling Church Major Highway Major ArterialN/ A Not Proposed Avenue Avenue 41)) 61))
Boulder Highland Orange Modified Primary Major Arterial Minor Arterial Major Highway Avenue Avenue Street
A6Dal
61)) 41)) 41))
n_.... n_. Y_ n__. r r,.}___:_.. Gone Gamp' ReaV LALGI WIVII Gv evivr Gucoi
p, r , nun 1' 1lll nr_. n__..___ fl Ll"13, GO. nun will Greerur Geevnuar7
Gmen_pat, r, :.._ t, __a n ___,.

Gieenarv . n wn w mn Gu evi
r r_ r...._..
r uynvvaY
MM
nrrn iv` ri nr_ a n_.,_._.,
rwi r iv-- iv GQd
n
Numbers of lanes per designation are identified in parentheses, e. g., ( 4D); " D" or " U" indicates whether the roadway is divided or undivided.

N/ A — Not Applicable
Victoria Avenue and the Potential Interchange
Identified as the major entryway into the San Bernardino International Airport and serving as the linkage between the Airport and San Manuel Indian Casino and Bingo facility, Victoria Avenue serves as a potential new interchange for I- 210. Additional study is necessary to determine the feasibility of the interchange, its potential configuration and right- ofway requirements, the possible deletion of the existing ramps along Arden Avenue, and the impact to the nearby arterial roadway systems.

M2 March 2006 1 City of Highland General Plan
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ATTACHMENT 6
Resolution No. 2022 -
Approving General Plan Amendment 21- 003
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RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. GPA-21- 003 TO AMEND THREE ( 3) ELEMENTS OF

THE HIGHLAND GENERAL PLAN INCLUDING ADOPTION OF THE
SIXTH ( 6T") CYCLE 2021- 2029 HOUSING ELEMENT, UPDATE TO

THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

ELEMENT, AND MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCULATION

ELEMENT
APPLICANT: CITY OF HIGHLAND

RECITALS
WHEREAS, Section 65302 of the California Government Code directs all cities and counties to prepare General Plans;
WHEREAS, the General Plan as amended will comprise of an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies for the City of Highland; WHEREAS, the City of Highland has determined it is appropriate and necessary to adopt an updated 6th Cycle 2021- 2029 Housing Element in accordance with State Housing Law, California Government Code Sections 65585-6588; WHEREAS, Section 65302 of the Government Code requires planning agencies to review and, if necessary, revise the Safety Element upon each revision of the housing element or local hazard mitigation plan, to identify new information relating to flood and fire hazards and climate adaptation and resiliency strategies that was not available during the previous revision of the safety element; WHEREAS, an Environmental Justice Element is required to be adopted by Highland because it is a " Disadvantaged Community ( DAC)", identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency as an area that is a low- income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation; WHEREAS, during the review of the City' s Health and Safety Element, it was found that certain street extensions identified in the Circulation Element were found to be obsolete and should be deleted including extensions of Cone Camp Road to the City of Redlands and Greenspot Road to the City of Yucaipa; WHEREAS, the public participation in the development of the amended General Plan included opportunities to provide comments at a number of noticed public hearings, public workshops and online survey opportunities; and WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on January 4, 2022, at which time the Commission approved -499-
Resolution No. 2022- 002 recommending the City Council approve General Plan Amendment 21- 003; and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held before the City Council on January 25, 2022, at which time all parties were given the opportunity to be heard; and
WHEREAS, based upon the State Guidelines to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA), General Plan Amendment No. 21- 003 will not have a significant impact upon the environment and, therefore the City Council adopts a Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the project proponent is the City of Highland, 27215 Base Line, Highland, CA 92346.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED it is hereby found, determined, and resolved by the City Council of the City of Highland as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Council finds that all the facts set forth in the Recitals above are true and correct.

SECTION 2. Based upon substantial evidence presented to the City Council during the January 25, 2022, Public Hearing including public testimony and written and oral Staff Reports, the City Council finds as follows:
a. All necessary public meetings and opportunities for
public testimony and comment have been conducted in
compliance with State Law and the Municipal Code of the City of Highland.

SECTION 3. General Plan Amendment Findings ( Highland Municipal Code Section 16. 08. 030. G):
a. The proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and programs of the general plan, or the general plan as revised by the proposed amendment, and will not result in any internal inconsistencies within the plan; Response: As proposed, the Amendment will include
updates to the Housing Element, Health, Safety and
Environmental Element, and a minor amendment to the
Circulation Element. The 61 Cycle 2021- 2029 Housing
Element, as mandated by the California Government Code, addresses the comprehensive housing needs in the City by providing an analysis of the local housing needs for all income levels, details barriers to providing housing and strategies for meeting housing needs. The Health, Safety and Environmental -500-
Justice Element helps prioritize actions that address the greatest health risks to the City and ensures that people have access to healthy food and recreate while concurrently
addressing the affect to Disadvantaged Communities. These updates work in conjunction with, and compliment the
remaining elements of the General Plan, especially the
Conservation and Land Use Elements. All aspects of the
General Plan and all of its mandatory and optional elements were reviewed in conjunction with the update. The mandatory finding of consistency is included within the Housing Element.

The minor modification to the Circulation Element will delete obsolete regional connector that is no longer needed in Highland nor desired by adjacent Cities and further compliment the coordination of the Health, Safety and Environmental Justice Element and Circulation Element.
b. The proposed amendment will not adversely affect the public health, safety, or general welfare;
Response: The project is a policy document of the City. No development is proposed or approved as part of the General Plan Amendment. The Element updates, in particular the Public Health, Safety and Environmental Justice Element update, directly study and identify goals to improve public health, safety and general welfare of Highland residents. The Element
analyzes and identifies hazards such as wildfire, air pollution, hazardous waste sites, extreme heat, emergency events,
flooding and landslides. Goals and policies are established so that future development improves the existing conditions and addresses new legislation.
c. The proposed amendment is consistent with the purposes and intent of this title, unless such amendment proposes to change, supplement, or alter any part of this title, whereas said amendment must be consistent with all applicable sections including these findings; and
Response: Amendments to the three ( 3) identified Elements were drafted in coordination with the intent of the title to provide a comprehensive, long- term plan for the physical development of the City as an integrated, internally consistent set of policies.

The Housing Element includes an analysis and finding of consistency with the General Plan as mandated by the Housing Element Law. All mandated and optional Elements of the
Highland General Plan were reviewed in conjunction with the project.
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d. The potential environmental impacts of the proposed
amendment are insignificant or there are overriding
considerations which outweigh the potential impacts.

Response: The project consists of a policy document and does not involve physical development or rezoning. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) an Initial Study was prepared for the project. All potential impacts were found to have a Less than Significant Impact or No Impact. A Negative Declaration is the appropriate finding for this project and included in the project documents for review and approval.

SECTION 4. The City Council hereby finds that the Initial Study and Negative Declaration has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA), and the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained in said Negative Declaration with respect to the General Plan Amendment identified in this Resolution.

SECTION 5. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65351, during preparation of an amendment to the General Plan, the Planning Agency provided opportunities for the involvement of citizens, public agencies, civic, educational, and other community groups, through public hearings and other means the City deemed appropriate.

SECTION 6. Based on the foregoing Findings, the City Council approves General Plan Amendment No. 21- 003 including adoption of the 6t" Cycle Housing Element, Health, Safety and Environmental Element and minor amendment to the Circulation Element.

C. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and shall cause the same to be published or posted in the manner prescribed by law.

Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 25t" day of January, 2022.

Larry McCallon
Mayor
ATTEST:
-502-
Betty Hughes, MMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Maricela Marroquin
City Attorney
-503-

STAFF REPORT

TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: January 25, 2022
FROM: Joseph A. Hughes, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Betty Hughes, MMC, City Clerk
SUBJECT: City Manager Report and Comments
Work Program, Regional/Legislative/Development Issues, Subcommittees, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and possible action.

Approved Motion Second Agenda Item No.

Denied Ayes
Continued Noes File No.

Tabled Abstain
Absent
City Clerk City M ger
-1-

STAFF REPORT

TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: January 25, 2022
FROM: Joseph A. Hughes, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Betty Hughes, MMC, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Council Member Comments
Agency/ Committee/ AB1234 Reports, District Updates, etc.) RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and possible action.

Approved
Denied
Continued
Tabled
Motion
Ayes _
Noes
Abstain
Absent
Second Agenda Item No. /
File No.

City Clerk City Manager
-1-

Highland City CouncilJanuary 25, 2022

Highland City Council
January 25, 2022