20260818_8_Active Transportation Enhancements Project — Laguna Niguel City Council, August 18, 2026

To:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT:

CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Kevin X. O'Connor, Acting Public Works Director
August 18, 2026
Approve the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project Approval & Environmental Documentation Phase, including the Selection of the Preferred Alternatives and Environmental Documentation

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Approve Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase and the Preferred Alternative selections for the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project;

2. Direct staff to proceed with final engineering design of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates Phase for the Project;

3. Find the project statutory exempt from environmental review under the Public Resources Code §21080.25 and is further categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities), Section 15302, Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction), Section 15303, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and Section 15304, Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land);

4. Certify the Project will be constructed by a skilled and trained workforce; and

BACKGROUND
In 2024, the City received grant funding under the federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) to design and construct active transportation improvements on South Forbes Road, from the end of cul-de-sac to the southern City boundary, as shown on the Location Map (Attachment A). The South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project (Project) is comprised of three sections: 380 feet of sidewalk gap closure along the easterly side of South Forbes Road; intersection improvements at the South Forbes Road cul-de-sac, including ADA curb ramps, a two way Stop control, and an east-west pedestrian crossing; and a 3,100 feet extension of the Oso Creek off-street (Class I) paved trail to the southern City boundary at Camino Capistrano within the Orange County Oso Creek right-of-way.

The Project was adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program. The City selected GHD, Inc., a consulting civil engineering design firm, to perform the preliminary 35% design, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determination, for this initial phase of the project, known as the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PAED) Phase. The PAED Phase work is complete and is presented for approval.

ANALYSIS
As a grant requirement, the PAED Phase included preliminary engineering design and environmental determination for the Project, including an evaluation of design alternatives. These identified preferred alternative selections meet City standards and general engineering design criteria for roadway and trail construction, and for the mitigation of environmental and operational impacts (Attachment B). The three design alternatives are outlined in further detail below:

1. The sidewalk along the eastern side of Forbes Road could be constructed fully in • the right-of-way parkway areas, as is typical. To avoid costly utility relocations near the Forbes Road Cul-de-sac, the preferred alternative is to partially shift the sidewalk alignment into the "parking lane". This preferred alternative also preserves the turnaround function within the Cul-de-sac and restores the two parking spaces impacted by the new sidewalk alignment.

2. The standard trail width is 16 feet per County of Orange standards. However, it is impractical to build the 16 feet width underneath the Paseo de Colinas Bridge due to the location of structural components of the bridge. The preferred alternative is to reduce the trail width from 16 feet to 13 feet at this location, which was approved by the County of Orange.

3. A shift of the trail alignment at the southerly terminus of the Project to avoid conflicts with above ground utilities and a County Flood Control structure is the preferred alternative alignment at this location.

The Project was shared with the public through a presentation at the Crown Valley Community Center on September 8, 2025, and through focused meetings with local businesses and generally received a positive reception. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the three design alternatives as presented.

CEQA Compliance
The PAED Phase for this project requires both a CEQA (State) and NEPA (Federal) environmental review because federal funds will be utilized for this project. Based on environmental analysis by GHD, Inc., and their subconsultants, staff recommends the City Council find the project meets the statutory exemption from environmental review under the Public Resources Code §21080.25 (pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility, including new facilities, within the public right-of-way) and is further categorically exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Class 1 exemption for existing facilities (CEQA Guidelines, section 15301 ), Class 2 exemption for replacement or reconstruction (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15302), Class 3 exemption for new construction or conversion of small structures (CEQA Guidelines, section 15303) and Class 4 exemption for minor alterations to land (CEQA Guidelines, section 15304) as shown in the CEQA Report attachment (Attachment C). The Community Development Department has reviewed this document and agrees with the proposed determination.

NEPA Compliance
Regarding NEPA, the project qualifies for a categorical exclusion per 23 CFR 771 activity (c)(3) Construction of bicycle and pedestrian lanes, paths, and facilities and 23 CFR 771 activity (c)(8) installation of fencing, signs, pavement markings, small passenger shelters, traffic signals, and railroad warning devices where no substantial land acquisition or traffic disruption will occur. Following the City's adoption of the CEQA determination, Caltrans will issue the NEPA determination.

Additionally, staff recommends the City Council direct staff to prepare, execute, and file with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse, a division of the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, a Notice of Exemption documenting the Public Resources Code statutory exemption and the categorical exemptions findings within five working days of its approval. Caltrans will review and approve the NEPA exclusion following City Council approval of the CEQA determination.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The City Council may decide not to approve the Preferred Alternative selections and direct modifications thereto. This action is not recommended as it would require revising the PAED package and delay the project, potentially placing the grant funds at risk.

FISCAL REVIEW
The adopted Capital Improvement Program includes sufficient funding in the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project.

LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed this report and the Public Resources Code statutory exemption and CEQA Categorical Exemptions Documentation and has approved both documents as to form.

CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Approve Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase and the Preferred Alternative selections for the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project;

2. Direct staff to proceed with final engineering design of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates Phase for the Project;

4. Certify the Project will be constructed by a skilled and trained workforce; and

5. Direct staff to prepare, execute, and file with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse, a division of the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, a Notice of Exemption documenting the Public Resources Code statutory exemption and categorical exemptions findings within five working days of its approval. ~i~ \ ,~ -~''"'
Tamara S. Letourneau Scott C. Smith
City Manager City Attorney
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Kevin X. O'Connor
Acting Public Works Director
Attachments:

A. Location Map
B. Preferred Alternative Selections
C. CEQA Report
Harri5n Martin
Senior Civil Engineer
/

ATTACHMENT A
Location Map

LOCATION MAP I
SOUTH FORBES ROAD/ oso CREEK TRAIL Iii

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS

ATTACHMENT B
Preferred Alternative Selections
ATTACHMENT "B"

PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONS

SOUTH FORBES ROAD/ OSO CREEK TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS

SOUTH FORBES RD

SEPULVEDA

BUILDING

MATERIALS

SOUTH FORBES RD

1. South Forbes Road Sidewalk Connection and Intersection Improvements 0S0 CREEK NE!.
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2. Oso Creek Trail Width Reduction under Paseo de Colinas Bridge

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ATTACHMENT "B"

PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE SELECTIONS

SOUTH FORBES ROAD/ OSO CREEK TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS

3. Oso Creek Trail Alignment at Southern Terminus
MERCEDES.BENZ OF
L4GUNA NIGUEL

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ATTACHMENT C
CEQA Report

CEQA REPORT

SOUTH FORBES ROAD/OSO CREEK TRAIL

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATON ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
SB 922 (PRC§ 21080.25)
Statutory Exemption
Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4
Categorical Exemptions
Applicant:

City of Laguna Niguel
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92675
Contact: Harrison Martin, PE
Senior Civil Engineer
Public Works Department
(949) 362-4316
[email protected]
Owner:

City of Laguna Niguel
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92675
Project Access:

South Forbes Road
August2026

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Laguna Niguel (City), located in Orange County, California, proposes the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project (Project) to improve active transportation network connections and safety enhancements. The Project is located within the Gateway Specific Plan (GSP) area bounded by Crown Valley Parkway, Cabot Road, Forbes Road, Interstate 5, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, and the City limits to the north and south; refer to Figure 1, Regional Location.

The Project lies within a 0.75-mile corridor beginning at approximately ±300 feet south of Crown Valley Parkway on the east side of South Forbes Road in the existing City right-of-way. The work would continue south to the existing cul-de-sac, crossing Oso Creek in a westerly direction near the newly constructed pedestrian bridge and continuing south to the City's boundary with the City of San Juan Capistrano near Rancho Capistrano Road. Improvements include sidewalk gap closures, relocation of utilities as needed, and trail improvements from the South Forbes Road cul-de-sac crossing to the trail along the east and west sides of Oso Creek all the way to the southerly City boundary. Figure 2, Proiect Location Map, shows the Project location within the City of Laguna Niguel. Appendix A provides engineering plans of the proposed improvements along the Project corridor.

1.1 Project Location and Setting
The existing Project area consists of sidewalk improvements with gaps along the east side of South Forbes Road, utilities located within existing sidewalks creating pedestrian barriers, and partially paved trails. In areas where existing asphalt concrete pavement does exist, the trail is in a degraded condition. The trail and sidewalk connection are well-used pedestrian and bicycle routes from San Juan Capistrano into Laguna Niguel to reach commercial and residential uses as well as the Metrolink Station.

The Project is within the "High Quality Transit Area" in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2045 RTP/SCS). The Project supplements the public multi-modal transportation network by constructing a sidewalk and a Class I walking and bicycling path. By providing enhanced facilities for walking and bicycling to a regional commuter-rail transit station, the Project implements important measures supporting multi-modal transportation enhancements.

The Project is generally surrounded by five high-density housing developments providing a total of 1,074 housing units. Two additional high-density residential developments are also in progress that would provide an additional 734 units as well as a senior housing development. The high-density developments include mixed uses: retail and medical..The Project area also includes the Union Pacific rail lines, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station, natural open space, and segments of an off-street Class I walking and bicycling trail.

The improvements would increase mobility and safety for people living within the community and along the corridor. The Project would also provide these benefits to other Orange County residents cycling to and near the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station, Saddleback College, the Shoppes at El Paseo, and other regional destinations. Improvements include sidewalk gap closures on South Forbes Road, relocation of utilities as needed, and trail improvements from the South Forbes Road cul-de-sac pedestrian crossing to the trail along Oso Creek all the way to the southerly City boundary. All proposed improvements are located within the City's· right-of-way and the Orange County Flood Control District's (OCFCD) right-of-way.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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SOUTH FORBES ROAD/ OSO CREEK TRAIL

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATON ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
Regional Location
Figure 1
South Forbes Road/ Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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Source : World Imagery, ESRI and County of Orange ; January 2026.

VCS Environmental

SOUTH FORBES ROAD/OSO CREEK TRAIL

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATON ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
Project Location Map
Figure 2
South Forbes Road/ Oso Creek Trail Active Transportat ion Enhancements Project I Categorical Exempt ion Checklist

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The City of Laguna Niguel has been working to esta.blish new housing partnerships within the Gateway Specific Plan (GSP), and the construction of sidewalk gap closures, removal of sidewalk barriers, and trail upgrades and extensions supports this ongoing effort by improving the multi-modal network. It provides Laguna Niguel residents, living in and around the GSP area, with efficient access to local and regional rail and bus services, resulting in less driving and lowered vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita. The Project provides safer and more efficient access to active and public transportation.

In accordance with the SCAG Connect SoCal Plan; increasing trips made by active transportation (walking and bicycling) is a public health related measure that further integrates the transportation and land use planning processes. The Project provides facilities for walking and bicycling separated from vehicle traffic on independent right-of-way.

1.2 Project Implementation
The scope of the Active Transportation Enhancements would be constructed within the public right-of way on South Forbes Road utilizing temporary construction easements for adequate access and encroachment permits from other agencies.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Project construction would take place over the duration of an estimated 12 to 18 months. Project funding for construction is programmed for the Fiscal Year (FY) 27 /28 federal budget cycle. No acquisition of right of-way is needed; however, temporary construction easements (TCE) would be necessary from property owners, as necessary, to provide adequate access and an encroachment permit(s) will be needed from the OCFCD.

Site preparation, clearing, and grubbing, which includes demolition, would result in the removal of existing curb, gutter, sidewalk, and existing trail materials within the limits of work. In areas·where proposed trail pavement would be installed, up to two feet of excavation would be required. During the construction stages, access to and use of the existing trail may be limited. During construction, through traffic and access along South Forbes Road would be maintained. Access to the pedestrian/bicycle trail may have limited use during construction.

1.3 Project Elements
The proposed Project would include the following improvements to enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility along South Forbes Road and the Oso Creek Trail.

ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE
Sidewalk Gap Closure and Cul-de-Sac Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements Enhanced pedestrian infrastructure would be installed at South Forbes Road beginning approximately 300 feet south of Crown Valley Parkway. At the cul-de-sac, utilities would be relocated and a pedestrian crossing across South Forbes Road would be installed. Improvements include:
® Construct ±380 feet of sidewalk gap closure along the easterly side of South Forbes Road. • Intersection improvements at the South Forbes Road cul-de-sac including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps, an east-west pedestrian crosswalk, and traffic control. o High-visibility crosswalks with advanced stop bars.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist Page4
o Accessible sidewalks and curb ramps meeting ADA requirements in the cul-de-sac. o Traffic control.

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE TRAIL
Class I Multi-Use Trail
To support active transportation and safe cycling, the Project would:
ii Construct 3,100 feet of trail extension of the Oso Creek off-street (Class I) paved trail and decomposed granite path beginning near the Metrolink Station on the easterly side of Oso Creek to an at-grade 10-foot-wide pedestrian bridge crossing of Oso Creek at approximately 200 feet north of the Paseo de Colinas overpass. The trail extension continues on to the westerly side of Oso Creek to the southern City boundary near Rancho Capistrano Road (City of San Juan Capistrano). The trail design would be consistent with the existing Oso Creek Trail northerly of the Project location.

A crib retaining wall under the Paseo de Colinas bridge may be replaced or modified to accommodate the trail.

EXPANDED TRAIL CONNECTIVITY
The Project is located within a "High Quality Transit Area" in the SCAG 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2045 RTP/SCS). The Project supplements the public multi-modal transportation network through constructing sidewalk and a Class I walking and bicycling path. By providing enhanced facilities for walking and bicycling to a regional commuter-rail transit station, the Project supports important implementation measures supporting multi-modal transportation enhancements.

2.0 GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION
The City of Laguna Niguel, 2045 General Plan Update Mobility (Chapter 3, page 81) (accessed on February 4, 2026, https://cityoflagunaniguel.org/DocumentCenter/View/29969/3_GPU_Mobility_Web) designates Forbes Road as a Residential Collector Street, according to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH); refer to Figure 3, Master Plan ofArterial Highways.

The 2045 General Plan Update Mobility (Chapter 3, pages 82 and 86) (accessed on February 4, 2026, https://cityoflagunaniguel.org/DocumentCenter/View/29969/3_GPU_Mobility_Web) locates the so Creek Trail; refer to Figure 4, Trails Plan.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The City of Laguna Niguel City Council adopted its first Active Transportation Plan (ATP) in October, 2025.

The ATP was developed during the years 2024 and 2025 with significant public outreach, comment, and public hearings to identify areas the City should concentrate on improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in an effort to promote alternate forms of transportation and the reduction of vehicular traffic.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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3.0 STATUTORY EXEMPTION
The City is able to utilize the statutory exemption, Senate Bill 922 (SB 922), an amendment to Public Resources Code (PRC) § 21080.25, approved by the Governor and filed with the Secretary of the State on September 30, 2022. This bill expands exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for certain transportation projects, aiming to facilitate sustainable infrastructure development in California. It extends exemptions for specific transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects until January 1, 2030.

This includes projects that significantly advance California's climate, public safety, and public health goals and those specifically tied to an Active Transportation Plan; the Project qualifies for this exemption in conjunction with other CEQA categorical exemptions noted below.

SB 922 exempts bicycle facilities and pedestrian improvements from CEQA which built upon previous legislation (Senate Bill 288) to improve both the approval process and construction of sustainable, climate friendly infrastructure. This legislation requires a project to meet specific criteria:
• The Project will not add single occupancy vehicle lanes or increase overall highway capacity; Iii The Project is located entirely within an existing public right-of-way; I) The Project is not required to be within an explicitly urbanized area; and, • Projects costing less than $50 M are not required to hold community planning meetings.

SB 922 defines explicit project exemptions (subdivision (b)), identifies the protection constraints of the Bill (subdivision (c)), and defines the labor enforcement and transparency mechanisms for implementation (subdivision (f)):

PRC§ 21080.25 (b)(l) - This subdivision exempts "pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility, including new facilities within the public right-of-way".

The Project consists of the construction of sidewalk gap closures within the South Forbes Road, minor pedestrian safety measures to cross from South Forbes Road to the bikeway, and the reconstruction of a pedestrian and bikeway trail connecting the southern City boundary near Rancho Capistrano Road.

PRC§ 21080.25 (b)(8) - This subdivision allows a project to consist of a combination of any of the components identified in paragraphs (b)(l) to (7).

The Project combines multiple improvements for South Forbes Road including sidewalk gap closures on the east side of South Forbes Road, intersection improvements at the South Forbes Road cul-de-sac including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps, an east-west pedestrian crosswalk, and traffic control. The Project includes:
o High-visibility crosswalks with advanced stop bars,
o Accessible sidewalks and curb ramps meeting ADA requirements in the cul-de-sac, o Traffic control,
o Relocation of various minor utility infrastructure, and, o Construction of approximately 3,100 linear feet of trail extension adjacent to Oso Creek.

PRC§ 21080.25 (b)(Paragraphs 1-8) - SB 922 defines in this section a broader list of transit-supported actions that can be combined as noted above. These include pedestrian and bicycle facilities, wayfinding (signage) for transit, bikes, and/or pedestrians, signal timing modifications, general purpose conversion of travel lanes to bus only or HOV lanes, expansion of bus, rapid transit, or light rail services, infrastructure to charge zero-emission transit busses, maintenance, repair, relocation or replacement of utilities, and a combination of the project components.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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The Project meets this section of PRC 21082.25 by including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, signage, pedestrian crossing signals, and utility relocations.

PRC§ 21080.25 (c)(3)- This subdivision ensures that the project would not require the demolition of affordable housing units.

The Project does not require the demolition of affordable housing units. The Project is located within existing public right-of-way and will not impact affordable housing units.

PRC§ 21080.25 (f)(l) - This subdivision requires the lead agency to use a "skilled and trained workforce" meeting the state apprenticeship and skilled workforce definitions.

The City of Laguna Niguel will be construding the project using federal funds awarded by the Local Assistance Funding which requires projects to meet labor force requirements as stipulated by this subdivision.

PRC§ 21080.25 (f)(l)(b) - This subdivision requires the City to file a Notice of Exemption.

The City will file a Notice of Exemption with the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the county clerk.

4.0 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION CHECKLIST

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
The following information demonstrates that the Project satisfies the conditions described in Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, and 15304 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations:

Exempt Status
The Project qualifies for multiple categorical exemptions under CEQA:

Class 1 - Existing Facilities (Section 15301)
Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.

Class 2 - Replacement or Reconstruction (Section 15302) Class 2 consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.

Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (Section 15303) Class 3 consists of con'struction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures.

Class 4 - Minor Alterations to Land (Section 15304)
Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees.

Qualifying Explanation for Exemption
SB 922 (Amendment to PRC 21080.25) CEQA EXEMPTIONS: TRANSPORTATION -RELATED PROJECTS.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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ACTIVE TRANSPORTATON ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
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SOUTH FORBES ROAD/OSO CREEK TRAIL

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATON ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
Trails Plan
Figure 4
South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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This Project meets the requirements of SB 922, the Amendment to PRC§ 21080.25, Transportation Related Projects because the Project consists of pedestrian and bikeway safety improvements. The Project consists of the construction of sidewalk gap closures on South Forbes Road, the installation of safety elements for pedestrian crossing from the Forbes Road cul-de-sac and the renovation of the pedestrian/bicycle trail along the Oso Creek Trail. The Project elements described above qualify the City to utilize this legislative CEQA exemption.

Section 15301: EXISTING FACILITIES
This Project meets the requirements of the Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 categorical exemption, "because the Project consists of safety improvements and minor alterations to an existing public transportation corridor involving negligible or no expansion of existing use or capacity".

Specifically, as described by Section 15301 (c), the Project meets the following example:
(c) Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this include road grading for the purpose of public safety), and other alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alteration that do not create additional automobile lanes.

Section 15302: REPLACEMENT OR RECONSTRUCTION
This Project meets the requirements of the Section 15302 Replacement or Reconstruction Class 2 categorical exemption, "because the Project involves replacement of existing pavement, sidewalks, and bicycle facilities within the same location with substantially the same purpose and capacity".

Specifically, as described by Section 15302 (c), the Project meets the following example:
(c) Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.

Section 15303: NEW CONSTRUCTION OR CONVERSION OF SMALL STRUCTURES This Project meets the requirements of the Section 1530'3 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures Class 3 categorical exemption, "because the Project includes construction of limited new, small facilities including traffic signals, crosswalks, curb extensions, and bike lane infrastructure".

Specifically, as described by Section 15303 (d), the Project meets the following example:
(d) Water main, sewage, electrical, gas, and other utility extensions, including street improvements of reasonable length to serve such construction.

Section 15304: MINOR ALTERATIONS TO LAND
This Project meets the requirements of Section 15304(f)and (h) Minor Alterations to Land Class 4 categorical exemption, because the Project includes minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. Specifically, a's described by Section 15303 (f) and (h), the Project meets the following examples:
(f) Minor alterations to land consisting of minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.
(h) The creation of bicycle lanes on existing rights-of-way.

Section 1.3, Project Elements, defines the scope of the Project that meets the examples of the classes and examples of the categorical exemptions and the SB 922 CEQA exemption, defined above. The Project would provide enhanced pedestrian infrastructure which would construct sidewalk gap closure, cul-de- South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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sac pedestrian crosswalk improvements, pedestrian and bicycle Class I multi-use trail, and expanded trail connectivity and improved safety.

Section 15300.2 Exceptions
A project may qualify for a categorical exemption when it can describe how the exemptions are applicable:
a. Location. Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 are qualified by consideration of where the project is to be /ocated--a project that is ordinarily insignificant in its impact on the environment may in a particularly sensitive environment be significant. Therefore, these classes are considered to apply in all instances, except where the project may impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies.

The Project is located within an existing public right-of-way, South Forbes Road and the cul-de sac. The Project will improve the Oso Creek Trail, located within the OCFCD right-of-way, and adjacent to Oso Creek. The trail and sidewalk connection are well-used pedestrian and bicycle routes from San Juan Capistrano into Laguna Niguel to reach commercial and residential uses as well as the Metrolink Station.

The Project qualifies for the Class 3 and 4 categorical exemptions because the location of the Project does not lie within a sensitive environment or an area where there would be an impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern. b. Cumulative Impact. All exemptions for these classes are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time is significant.

The South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Active Transportation Enhancements Project involves implementation of safety improvements and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities along Forbes Road. The improvements would: 1) complete sidewalk gap closures within existing sidewalk alignments; 2) would remove pedestrian barriers where utilities block ADA access; 3) would stripe a pedestrian crosswalk from the east side of Forbes Road to the Oso Creek pedestrian and bicycle trail; and, 4) would extend the trail to the southerly boundary of the City. The Project would not be considered significant. No other projects of the same type are planned or proposed in the same location. Therefore, there would be no significant cumulative impacts. c. Significant Effect. A categorical exemption shall not be used for an activity where there is a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances.

The South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Active Transportation Enhancements Project is contained within an existing paved roadway and/or existing trails within public right-of-way of the City of Laguna Niguel and/or OCFCD. The Project involves typical complete streets improvements including bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, and safety enhancements. There are no unusual circumstances related to this segment of road or the Project activities that would have a significant effect on the environment.

The Project corridor is in an urbanized area with established residential, commercial, and public transportation land uses. Project improvements are limited to minor alterations within existing right-of-way and would not substantially alter the existing roadway configuration or capacity.

Construction activities are temporary and would be conducted in accordance with standard City requirements and best management practices.

South .Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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d. Scenic Highways. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may result in damage to scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar resources, within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway. This does not apply to improvements which are required as mitigation by an adopted negative declaration or certified EIR.

The Project would not result in damage to scenic resources. The Project footprint is in an existing urban environment. Forbes Road and the Oso Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Trail are not listed as an eligible or designated scenic route in the California Department of Transportation State Scenic Highway System (accessed February 5, 2026, https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape architecture-and-community-livability/ lap-liv-i-scenic-highways).

There are no healthy, mature, scenic trees as defined in Section 15304 within the existing Forbes Road right-of-way nor along the Oso Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Trail. There are no historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar scenic resources within the Project area that would be impacted. Therefore, the Project would not impact scenic highways or scenic resources. e. Hazardous Waste Sites. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project located on a site which is included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.

According to the California GeoTracker database of hazardous waste sites (accessed June 6, 2025, https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map) a review of sites within the vicinity of the Project area was conducted and there are no sites located within or contiguous to the limits of the Project where construction activities would occur; refer to Figure 5, Geo Tracker 2,000 Feet Radius Search.

The Project involves transportation safety improvements to existing roadway facilities within public right-of-way. Construction activities are limited to the paved roadway surface, sidewalks, and extension and rehabilitation of the existing Oso Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Trail. There would be minimal ground disturbance (approximately~ 2 feet of site excavation). The Project would not involve ground disturbance that would encounter contaminated soil or groundwater from offsite locations. Therefore, the Project remains exempt pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.
f Historical Resources. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

A Section 106 was not conducted because the scope of the project does not entail historic or cultural concerns in the placement of sidewalk gap closures, relocation of minor utilities, and the extension of pedestrian and bicycle paths which require minimal site preparation.

The Project area is surrounded by modern residential development, commercial retail uses, and transportation infrastructure (e.g., roadway and rail corridor) that do not constitute historical resources. Therefore, due to the limited construction impacts, the Project is unlikely to cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

In summary, the Project involves no expansion of roadway capacity and qualifies for CEQA Code Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15304(d) (Minor Alterations to Land) Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 Categorical Exemptions.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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SOUTH FORBES ROAD/OSO CREEK TRAIL

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATON ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
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5.0 DETERMINATION
I find that the answers given above are adequately supported by the information sources cited following each question. The Project meets the requirements of the statutory exemption provided by SB 922, PRC § 21080.25, CEQA exemption for Traffic Related Projects. The effects of the proposed Project are typical of those generated with these classes of projects (i.e., Class 1, 2, 3, and 4) meeting the requirements of Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, and 15304.ofTitle 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The proposed Project would not have a significant effect on the environment and is, therefore, categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents under the California Environmental Quality Act and a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the county clerk.
8/12/2026
Harrison Martin, PE, Senior Civil Engineer Date
City of Laguna Niguel I Department of Public Works
South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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6.0 APPENDICES
Appendix A- Engineering Drawings (30%)
In addition, the following documents were used as information sources during preparation of this document.

California Department of Transportation, State Scenic Highway System Lists, accessed February 5, 2026 at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and-community- livability/lap-liv-i-scenic-highways).

California State Water Resources Control Board, • GeoTracker, accessed on June 6, 2025 at https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/?
City of Laguna Niguel, 2045 General Plan Update Mobility (Chapter 3), Adopted November 2025.

Accessed on February 4, 2026, https://cityoflagunaniguel.org/DocumentCenter/View/29969/ 3_GPU_Mobility_Web.

City of Laguna Niguel, Active Transportation Plan. Adopted October 24, 2025. Accessed on August 5, 2026, https://cityoflagunaniguel.org/1706/ Active-Transportation-Plan#docaccess-aa5943b39 70944c8ab749926ac4aa1e4.

South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project I Categorical Exemption Checklist

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APPENDIX A
Engineering Drawings (35%)
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Laguna Niguel City CouncilAugust 18, 2026

Laguna Niguel City Council
August 18, 2026