Agenda packet — Laguna Woods City Council, August 21, 2024 (part 2 of 5)

“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” alternative transportation options, thus minimizing single occupant vehicle trips, reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, congestion, and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).

4. Increased density can increase traffic impacts. Consider opportunities to encourage multimodal transportation and mode shifts through the planning and implementation of high-quality Complete Streets that are safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Caltrans supports the design of Complete Streets that include high-quality pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities that are safe and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities. Improvements may include providing secure bicycle parking, pedestrian-oriented LED lighting, wayfinding signage, transit stop amenities, and comfortable connections to nearby active transportation and/or transit facilities. Complete Streets improvements also promote regional connectivity, improve air quality, reduce congestion, promote improved first- /last-mile connections to transit, and increase safety for all modes of transportation. Continue to incorporate Complete Streets in future projects.

5. As part of the State’s goals to increase active transportation, Caltrans recommends the inclusion of secure and functional short- and long-term bicycle parking.

6. For future developments, please submit a VMT-based Traffic Impact Study.

Please follow the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Guidance to identify VMT related impacts that includes any potential mitigation measures necessary.

With the enactment of Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), Caltrans is focused on maximizing efficient development patterns, innovative travel demand reduction strategies, and multimodal improvements. For more information on how Caltrans assess VMT analysis for land use projects, please review Caltrans’ Transportation Impact Study Guide to ensure a complete VMT-based Traffic Impact Study (TIS) is prepared.
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/transportationplanning/documents/sb-743/2020-05-20-approved-vmt-focused-tisg-a11y.pdf

7. The TIS may also need to identify the future project’s near-term and long-term safety or operational issues, on or adjacent to any existing or proposed State facilities.

8. Please ensure that the General Plan Update analyzes the challenges in goods movement that are unique to the City. The Plan should also address how the City works to achieve an inter-regional network for longer distance travel and freight movement. Connecting towns, cities, and regions to each other, business centers to major intermodal freight transfer points, and commuters to Laguna S-2-4
cont.

S-2-5
S-2-6
S-2-7
S-2-8
S-2-9
City of Laguna Woods
June 20, 2024

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“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” Woods and Orange County in general in a sustainable and efficient manner, should be an important objective.

9. Please consider leveraging strategic investments to maintain and modernize a multimodal freight transportation system with innovative approaches, including advanced technology to optimize integrated network efficiency, improve travel time reliability, and achieve sustainable congestion reduction.

10. Safety is one of Caltrans’ strategic goals. We are striving for more equitable outcomes for the transportation network’s diverse users. To achieve these ambitious goals, we will pursue meaningful collaboration with our partners.

We encourage the implementation of new technologies, innovations, and best practices that will enhance the safety on the transportation network. These pursuits are both ambitious and urgent, and their accomplishment involves a focused departure from the status quo as we continue to institutionalize safety in all our work.

11. Caltrans acknowledges that one of the most serious threats and disruption to the wellbeing of the SCAG region is Climate Change. Full coordination from all levels and agents of decision making is required to ensure the protection and safety of the region’s people, built-, and natural environment. Please coordinate with Caltrans and local partners on strategies which support a sustainable transportation network.

Please continue to keep us informed of this project and any future developments that could potentially impact State transportation facilities. If you have any questions or need to contact us, please do not hesitate to contact Joseph Jamoralin at (805) 732- 8047 or [email protected]
Sincerely,

SCOTT SHELLEY
Branch Chief, Local Development Review-Climate Change-Transit Planning District 12
S-2-9
cont.

S-2-10
S-2-11
S-2-12
S-2-13
STATE OF CALIFORNIA------- CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM., Governor

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DISTRICT 12
1750 EAST FOURTH STREET, SUITE 100
SANTA ANA, CA 92705
PHONE (657) 328-6000
FAX (657) 328-6522
TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district12
Making Conservation
a California Way of Life.

August 30, 2022
Mr. Christopher Macon
City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
File: IGR/CEQA
SCH#: 2022080022
12-ORA-2022-02039
SR 133, PM R4.534-R6.548
I-5, PM 17.821-19.386
SR 73, PM 14.819-16.282
Dear Mr. Macon,
Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the review of the Notice of Preparation for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update. The mission of Caltrans is to provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment.

The project pro th
Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) housing needs allocation. In addition, the project
Element. Regional access to the project area is provided by State Route 133 (SR 133), Interstate 5 (I-5), and State Route 73 (SR 73). Caltrans is a responsible agency for this project and upon review, we have the following comments:

Transportation Planning

1. Caltrans recognizes our responsibility to assist communities of color and underserved communities by removing barriers to provide a more equitable transportation system for all.

The Department firmly embraces racial equity, inclusion, and diversity. These values are foundational to achieving our vision of a cleaner, safer, and more accessible and more connected transportation system.

Please consider including a discussion on equity in General Plan Element updates.

2. Caltrans supports projects which provide a diversity of housing choices and destinations accessible by Active Transportation (i.e. bicycle and pedestrian) and transit users.
mobility strategies relating to transit bus and rail services as well as active transportation for local and regional connectivity. Improving multimodal S-2-14
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S-2-16
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August 30, 2022

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connections to housing will encourage future residents, visitors, and workers in the city to utilize all modes of transportation.

3. Increased density can have traffic impacts. Consider opportunities to encourage multimodal transportation and mode shifts through the planning and implementation of high-quality Complete Streets that are safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Encouraging the use of transit in the proposed plan may lead to reduction in congestion

4. Consider discussion about wayfinding signage to transit stops within the project vicinity and local roadways.

5. Any pedestrian facility enhancements from future housing development projects Information Bulletin (DIB) 82-06. The aforementioned DIB can be found here:
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/dib82-06- a11y.pdf

6. According to Government Code 65302,
Element on or after January 1, 2020, the Safety Element shall be reviewed and updated as necessary to identify residential developments in any hazard areas identified in the Safety Element that do not have at least two emergency Safety elements are also now required to include more information about wildfire risks in the community and how to improve wildfire safety. As well as identifying new information related to flood hazards and climate adaptation and resiliency strategies applicable to the city.

For further information regarding required background information and policy program guidance for Safety Element updates, please see https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

7. ambitious goals, we will pursue meaningful collaboration with our partners.

8. Please consider including a discussion on incorporating designated areas/parking for freight delivery, package, and transportation network -off.

S-2-16
cont.

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City of Laguna Woods
August 30, 2022

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9. Please consider including a discussion on potential impacts to the circulation element from freight traveling into, from and/or through the City, as a result of the General Plan updates.

Traffic Impact Study

10. New
provide a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) based Traffic Impact Study (TIS). Please related impacts.

11. The TIS may a -term and long-term
safety or operational issues, on or adjacent to any existing or proposed State facilities.

Encroachment Permit

12. Any project work proposed in the vicinity of the State Right-of-Way (ROW) would require an encroachment permit and all environmental concerns must be adequately addressed. If the environmental documentation for the project does documentation would be required before approval of the encroachment permit. Please coordinate with Caltrans to meet requirements for any work within or near State ROW. For specific details for Encroachment Permits procedure, t:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/developserv/permits/
Please continue to keep us informed of this project and any future developments that could potentially impact State transportation facilities. If you have any questions or need to contact us, please do not hesitate to contact Joseph Jamoralin at (657) 328- 6276 or [email protected]
Sincerely,

SCOTT SHELLEY
Branch Chief, Regional-IGR-Transit Planning
District 12
S-2-26
S-2-27
S-2-23
S-2-24
S-2-25
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2.1.2 California State Transportation Agency (Caltrans) District 12 Comment Code: S-2
Date: June 20, 2024
Response to Comment S-2-1
This comment provides introductory remarks, including the mission of Caltrans, a description of the proposed Project, and a list of the Caltrans roadways providing access to the City.

The City of Laguna Woods (City) acknowledges this comment. Given that the comment does not raise any specific issues regarding the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) or the analysis contained therein, no further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-2
This comment states that the comments provided in Caltrans’ previous letter in response to the Notice of Preparation prepared for the proposed Project, dated August 30, 2022, remain valid.

The City has included Caltrans’ previous comments, dated August 30, 2022, as an extension of Comment Letter S-2. Please refer to Response to Comments S-2-14 through S-2-27 for responses to each individual comment provided in the Caltrans letter dated August 30, 2022 (2022 Letter).

Response to Comment S-2-3
This comment references Section 4.5.6 of the Draft PEIR and requests that the City incorporate pedestrian improvements inclusive of all pedestrian types, including those with unique needs.

The City acknowledges this comment. Given that a portion of City residents experience limited mobility, pedestrian accessibility has been and will continue to be a consideration throughout the City’s planning process. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-4
This comment states that Caltrans supports Objective 1 of the City’s Circulation Element as well as transportation projects that advance connectivity and equity. The comment also states the benefits of providing improved multimodal connections to housing.

The City acknowledges this comment. Given that the comment does not raise any specific issues regarding the Draft PEIR or the analysis contained therein, no further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-5
This comment notes that increased density can increase traffic impacts and suggests the City consider multimodal transportation and implementation of Complete Streets, which include various improvements related to safety ease of access, and connectivity for all travel types.

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2-18 P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) The City acknowledges this comment. The City may consider the feasibility of incorporating Complete Streets improvements into future development projects enabled by the proposed Project. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-6
This comment recommends the inclusion of bicycle parking in the proposed Project.

The proposed Project is programmatic in nature and does not include any physical development.

However, bicycle parking may be a consideration in future development projects facilitated by the proposed Project. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-7
This comment requests that future developments enabled by the proposed Project include a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) based Traffic Impact Study (TIS) pursuant to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Guidance and provides the Caltrans Transportation Impact Study Guide as a resource.

The City acknowledges this comment. Future development projects may be subject to separate environmental review on a project-specific basis, in accordance with the provisions of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines. Specifically, each project would be evaluated for consistency with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, Subdivision (b), which pertains to VMT impacts. As such, the City would evaluate future developments enabled by the proposed Project that are subject to CEQA review for potential impacts related to VMT. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-8
This comment notes that Traffic Impact Studies prepared for future development projects on or near Caltrans facilities may need to identify short- and long-term safety or operational issues.

The City acknowledges this comment. Future development projects within the City requiring the preparation of a Traffic Impact Study would include a discussion of current and proposed safety and operational conditions of roadways in or near each project site, including Caltrans facilities. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-9
This comment requests that the General Plan Update analyze goods movement challenges within the City and City efforts to increase inter-regional connectivity for longer distance goods movement.

The City acknowledges this comment. The proposed updates to the General Plan Mobility Element (renamed from the Circulation Element) would be consistent with the County of Orange Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH), which provides a map of the regional roadway network that facilitates goods movement throughout Orange County and each city included in the MPAH. As such, the proposed General Plan Update appropriately addresses regional goods movement as it pertains to the City of Laguna Woods.
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This comment requests that the City consider investments in a multimodal freight transportation system fitted with advanced technology.

The City acknowledges this comment. The City may consider investments in a multimodal freight transportation system at some point in the future. No further response is required.

Response to Comment S-2-11
This comment states that safety is one of Caltrans’ strategic goals and Caltrans encourages new strategies that enhance the safety of the transportation network.

The City acknowledges this comment. Given that the comment does not raise any specific issues regarding the Draft PEIR or the analysis contained therein, no further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-12
This comment acknowledges that climate change poses a threat to the region and requests that the City coordinates with Caltrans and local partners to determine strategies that support a sustainable transportation network.

The City acknowledges this comment and will consider coordination with other agencies, as appropriate, to ensure sustainable development of its transportation network. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-13
This comment provides concluding remarks and requests to remain updated on the proposed Project and any future developments with the potential to impact Caltrans facilities.

The City acknowledges this comment and will inform Caltrans of any future developments pertaining to the proposed Project and other projects with the potential to impact Caltrans facilities. No potential impacts to Caltrans facilities are anticipated. Because the comment does not contain any substantive comments or questions about the environmental analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR, no further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-14
This comment provides introductory remarks for the 2022 Letter, including a description of the proposed Project and a list of the Caltrans roadways providing access to the City.

The City acknowledges this comment. Because the comment does not contain any substantive comments or questions about the environmental analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR, no further response is necessary.

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2-20 P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) Response to Comment S-2-15
This comment describes Caltrans’ commitment to equity and requests that the proposed General Plan Element updates include a discussion of equity.

The City acknowledges this comment. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15131, a CEQA environmental document is not required to analyze economic or social effects, unless those economic or social effects would result in a physical impact on the environment. As such, the City is not required to include a discussion of equity in the PEIR prepared for the proposed Project. Therefore, the comment does not contain any substantive comments or questions about the environmental analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR, and no further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-16
This comment requests that the City consider providing a discussion about the City’s multimodal and active transportation strategies to encourage City residents to utilize all modes of transportation.

The City acknowledges this comment. The City may consider discussing multimodal and active transportation strategies in CEQA documents prepared for future development projects facilitated by the proposed Project. No further response is required.

Response to Comment S-2-17
This comment notes that increased density can increase traffic impacts and suggests the City consider multimodal transportation and implementation of Complete Streets, which are safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

This comment is similar in nature to Comment S-2-5. Please refer to Response to Comment S-2-5. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-18
This comment requests that the City consider discussing wayfinding signage to local transit stops.

The City acknowledges this comment. The City may consider the feasibility of incorporating transit stop wayfinding signage into future development projects enabled by the proposed Project. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-19
This comment states that any pedestrian facility enhancements from future housing development projects within Caltrans right-of-way (ROW) will need to comply with Caltrans Design Information Bulletin (DIB) 82-06, and provides a reference.

The City acknowledges this comment and will ensure that future housing development projects facilitated by the proposed Project would be consistent with all applicable Caltrans requirements. No further response is necessary.
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This comment cites Government Code Section 65302, which states that Housing Elements updated after January 1, 2020, shall be accompanied by an updated Safety Element that includes information regarding emergency evacuation routes. This comment also states that Safety Elements are required to include a robust discussion of wildfire, flood hazards, and climate adaptation/resiliency, and provides a reference.

The City acknowledges this comment and will ensure that the proposed General Plan updates are consistent with all applicable requirements under Government Code Section 65302. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-21
This comment states that safety is one of Caltrans’ strategic goals and Caltrans encourages new strategies that enhance the safety of the transportation network.

This comment is similar in nature to Comment S-2-11. Please refer to Response to Comment S-2-11.

No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-22
This comment requests that the City consider a discussion on incorporating designated areas for package pickup and delivery.

The City acknowledges this comment. The City may consider the inclusion of designated delivery areas within future developments enabled by the proposed Project. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-23
This comment requests that the City consider a discussion on the potential impacts to the Circulation Element from freight traveling to and from the City as a result of the General Plan updates.

The City acknowledges this comment. The City may consider discussing potential freight-related impacts as a result of the General Plan updates in CEQA documents prepared for future development projects facilitated by the proposed Project. No further response is required.

Response to Comment S-2-24
This comment requests that future developments enabled by the proposed Project include a vehicle miles traveled VMT-based TIS pursuant to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Guidance.

This comment is similar in nature to Comment S-2-7. Please refer to Response to Comment S-2-7. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-25
This comment notes that Traffic Impact Studies prepared for future development projects on or near Caltrans facilities may need to identify short- and long-term safety or operational issues.

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2-22 P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) This comment is similar in nature to Comment S-2-8. Please refer to Response to Comment S-2-8. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-26
This comment states that any project work proposed in the vicinity of State ROW would require an encroachment permit and the resolution of all environmental concerns. The comment states that additional documentation would be required in the case that the environmental documentation for the proposed Project does not meet Caltrans’ requirements for work done within State ROW. The comment requests coordination with Caltrans to meet the requirements and provides Caltrans’ Encroachment Permits Manual as a reference.

The City acknowledges this comment. While the proposed Project is programmatic in nature and does not propose any physical development, the City will coordinate with Caltrans as necessary to ensure that any future development facilitated by the proposed Project would adhere to all applicable Caltrans requirements. No further response is necessary.

Response to Comment S-2-27
This comment provides concluding remarks and requests remain updated on the proposed Project and any future developments with the potential to impact Caltrans facilities.

The City acknowledges this comment. As previously stated, the City will inform Caltrans of any future developments pertaining to the proposed Project and other projects with the potential to impact Caltrans facilities. No potential impacts to Caltrans facilities are anticipated. Because the comment does not contain any substantive comments or questions about the environmental analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR, no further response is necessary. 2-23

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2.2 LOCAL AGENCIES

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Community Development cityofirvine.org
City of Irvine, One Civic Center Plaza, P.O. Box 19575, Irvine, California 92623-9575 949-724-6000 June 20, 2024
City of Laguna Woods
Attn: General Plan and Zoning Code Update
[email protected]
Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of Laguna Woods’ General Plan and Zoning Code Update
General Plan and Zoning Code Update Staff:

Thank you for the opportunity to review the Draft EIR for the City of Laguna Woods’ General Plan and Zoning Code Update. The proposed project would create four new housing overlay zoning districts and rezone 17 properties to allow residential development within the overlays. This action is intended to accommodate the City of Laguna Woods’ Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation. City of Irvine staff has completed its review and has no comments. If you have any questions, please contact me at 949-724-6364 or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Justin Equina
Senior Planner
ec: Marika A. Poynter, Manager of Planning Services
Alyssa Matheus, Principal Planner
J tiE
L-1-1
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2.2.1 City of Irvine
Comment Code: L-1
Date: June 20, 2024
Response to Comment L-1-1
This comment describes the proposed Project and states that the City of Irvine has no comments on the proposed Project.

The City of Irvine acknowledges this comment. Given that the comment does not raise any specific issues regarding the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) or the analysis contained therein, no further response is necessary.
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2.3 ORGANIZATIONS

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You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: THPO Consulting <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 4:46 PM
To: City Hall - City of Laguna Woods <[email protected]> Subject: NOA DEIR - Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Greetings,
A records check of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office’s cultural registry revealed that this project is not located within the Tribe’s Traditional Use Area. Therefore, we defer to the other tribes in the area. This letter shall conclude our consultation efforts.

Thank you,
Xitlaly Madrigal
Cultural Resources Analyst
[email protected]
C: (760) 423-3485 | D: (760) 883-6829
5401 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264
To: Cit
S bj
y
Subjec
Comment Letter O-1
O-1-1

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2.3.1 Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (Agua Caliente Band) Comment Code: O-1
Date: May 29, 2024
Response to Comment O-2-1
This comment states that because the proposed Project would not be located within the Agua Caliente Band’s Traditional Use Area, the Agua Caliente Band defers to other tribes and wishes to conclude consultation efforts.

The City of Laguna Woods acknowledges this comment. Given that the comment does not raise any specific issues regarding the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) or the analysis contained therein, no further response is necessary.
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3.0 ERRATA
This section of the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) provides text changes to the Draft PEIR that have been made to clarify, amplify, or make minor edits to the Draft PEIR text for the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project). Such changes are a result of further review of, and public comments related to, the Draft PEIR. The changes described in this section are minor changes that do not constitute significant new information, change the conclusions of the environmental analysis, or require recirculation of the document (State California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA] Guidelines Section 15088.5).

Such changes to the Draft PEIR are indicated in this section under the appropriate Draft PEIR section.

Deletions are shown with strikethrough and additions are shown with underline.

3.1 GLOBAL FIGURE REVISION PERTAINING TO THE LOCATION OF THE EL TORO WATER DISTRICT NORTHLINE SEWAGE LIFT STATION (SITE 28)
Further review of the Draft PEIR has revealed that one of the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, Site 28, is incorrectly displayed in several Draft PEIR figures, as well as the figure contained in the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Notice of Availability (NOA). Site 28, which represents the El Toro Water District Northline Sewage Lift Station, is displayed in Figures 3.2, 4.5-1, and 4.9-1 as located in the middle of the Laguna Woods Village 27-Hole Golf Course. This display is the result of a mapping error and does not reflect the actual location of Site 28.

It should be noted that Table 3.A, Site Descriptions, in Chapter 3.0, Project Description, of the Draft PEIR contains the correct site location information, including Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) and street address. Corrected versions of Figures 3.2, 4.5-1, and 4.9-1 are included on the following pages.

It should also be noted that Figure 4.9-1 was originally identified as “Figure 4.9.1”, which has been corrected in the following version.

These changes were made in the interest of clarity. The proposed Project would not affect operations of the Laguna Woods Village 27-Hole Golf Course. These changes have no effect on the analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR.

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")
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EL TORO
RD

EL TORO RD

MOULTON PKWY
RIDGE

ROUTE DR

SANTA MARIA
AV

MOULTON PKWY
§¨¦5

AVENIDA SEVILLA

AVENIDA MAJORCA

AVENIDA SOSIEGA
ALISO

CREEK RD

VIA CARRIZO

CALLE ARAGON
23 25
22 20
21 27
26 19
24 18
29 28
11 1
10 2 13
14 12
16 3
5 6
7 9
4 8
15 17
SOURCE: Google Maps (2023)I:\LWD2102.03\GIS\MXD\Key_Map.mxd (7/8/2024) FIGURE 3.2
Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed
for Land Use Designation Changes and
Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses
LEGEND
") Potential Housing Sites") Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses City of Laguna Woods 0 750 1500
FEET
1: Town Centre Vacant Lot2: Pacific Hills Calvary Chapel Parking Lot3: Rossmoor Electric4: Saddleback Golf Cars5: Laguna Woods Self Storage6: Animal Hospital7: PS Business Park8: Smart Parke9: McCormick & Son Mortuary10: Lutheran Church of the Cross11: Geneva Presbyterian Church12: Saint Nicholas Catholic Church13: Temple Judea14: Laguna Country United Methodist Church15: Medical Building at Town Centre16: Willow Tree Center East17: Helm CenterPotential Housing Sites Sites Proposed for Land Use DesignationChanges and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses 18: City of Laguna Woods - City Hall19: City of Laguna Woods - Santa Vittoria Open Space20: Golden Rain Foundation - Garden Center #121: El Toro Water District - Rossmoor No. 1 Dam22: El Toro Water District - R-1 & R-2 Reservoirs23: El Toro Water District - Oso Lift Station24: El Toro Water District - Pump Station P-4 & Reservoir R-425: El Toro Water District - Pump Station P-3 & Reservoir R-326: El Toro Water District - Gate 11 Lift Station27: El Toro Water District - Recycled Water Treatment Plant28: El Toro Water District - Northline Sewage Lift Station29: El Toro Water District - Aliso Creek Lift Station

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LAGUNA HILLS DR

EL TORO RD

EL TORO RD
M
O
U

LTON PKWY

RIDGE ROUTE DR

SANTA MARIA AV

MOULTON PKWY
§¨¦5

AVENIDA SEVILLA AVENIDA MAJORCA
AVENI

DA SOSIEGA

ALISO CREEK RD

GLENWOOD DR

MUIRLANDS BLVD

VIA CARRIZO CALLE ARAGON

LOS ALISOS BLVD

EL TORO RD
23 25
22 20
21 27
26 19
24 18
29 28
11 1
10 2 13
14 12
16 3
5 6
7 9
4 8
15 17
LEGEND
City of Laguna Woods
") Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses") Potential Housing Sites General Plan Land Uses
Residential CommunityHigh Density ResidentialCommercial Community FacilitiesOpen SpacePrivate Right of Way
SOURCE: Google Maps (2023); City of Laguna Woods (2022)I:\LWD2102.03\GIS\MXD\EIR\GPLU.mxd (7/8/2024) FIGURE 4.5-1
Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
General Plan Land Uses
0 750 1500
FEET

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LAGUNA HILLS DR

EL TORO RD

EL TORO RD
M
O
U

LTON PKWY

RIDGE ROUTE DR

SANTA MARIA AV

MOULTON PKWY
§¨¦5

AVENIDA SEVILLA AVENIDA MAJORCA
AVENI

DA SOSIEGA

ALISO CREEK RD

GLENWOOD DR

MUIRLANDS BLVD

VIA CARRIZO CALLE ARAGON

LOS ALISOS BLVD

EL TORO RD
Laguna Laurel
Property
SCE Right of Way
Easement Area
Laguna Woods
Dog Park
City Centre
Park
Aliso & Wood
Canyons
Wilderness Park
Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park
Woods End
Wilderness
Preserve
23 25
22 20
21 27
26 19
24 18
29 28
11 1
10 2 13
14 12
16 3
5 6
7 9
4 8
15 17
LEGEND
City of Laguna Woods
") Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses") Potential Housing Sites Recreation Areas
Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness ParkLaguna Coast Wilderness ParkWoods End Wilderness Preserve City Centre ParkLaguna Laurel PropertyLaguna Woods Dog ParkSCE Right of Way Easement Area SOURCE: Google Maps (2023); City of Laguna Woods (2022)I:\LWD2102.03\GIS\MXD\EIR\ExistingParksandRec.mxd (7/8/2024) FIGURE 4.9-1
Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
Existing Public Parks and Recreation Facilities
0 750 1500
FEET

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3.2 CHAPTER 1.0, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Chapter 1.0, Executive Summary, has been revised as a result of further review of the Draft PEIR. This change was made in order to establish consistency between Chapter 1.0, Executive Summary; Section 4.8, Public Services; and Section 4.9, Recreation; of the Draft PEIR. Table 1.C in Chapter 1.0, Executive Summary, states that Regulatory Compliance Measure (RCM) REC-1 would be applicable to the Proposed Project regarding both Public Services and Recreation. RCM REC-1 would require the payment of parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fees, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code.

However, as stated in Section 4.9.6, Project Impacts, the City currently has a parkland-to-resident ratio of 8.1 acres per 1,000 residents (outside of Laguna Woods Village), which exceeds the standard of

2.5 per 1,000 identified in Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code, and is no longer collecting parkland dedication fees under its Quimby Act ordinance. As such, RCM REC-1 was erroneously included in Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM), in Section 1.5, Summary of Impacts, Mitigation, and Level of Impacts. This change was made for clarification only and has no effect on the analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR.

The following revisions were made to Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM), in Section 1.5, Summary of Impacts, Mitigation, and Level of Impacts:

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3-10 P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM)

4.8 Public ServicesImpact 4.8.6.1(i): Fire Protection. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(ii): Police Protection. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(iii): Schools. Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(iv): Parks. Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Less Than Significant
Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(v): Other Public Facilities- Libraries. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.7: Cumulative Public Service Impact. Not Cumulatively Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.9 RecreationImpact 4.9.7.1: Increase the Use of Existing Neighborhood and Regional Parks.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Less Than Significant
Impact
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P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM) Impact 4.9.7.2: Recreational Facilities Physical Effects on the Environment.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than Significant Impact
Impact 4.9.9: Cumulative Recreation Impacts. Not Cumulatively Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable

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3.3 SECTION 4.1, AESTHETICS
Chapter 4.1, Aesthetics, has been revised as a result of further review of the Draft PEIR. This change was made for clarification only and has no effect on the analysis or conclusions contained in the Draft PEIR.

The following revision was made to the second paragraph on Page 4.1-2 of Section 4.1.3.1:

As indicated previously, although the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are scattered throughout the City, most of the Potential Housing Sites are concentrated in central Laguna Woods, along Moulton Parkway and El Toro Road. The areas surrounding the Potential Housing Sites contain commercial uses, residential uses, community facilities uses, and recreational open space uses (golf courses and parks). The Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are more dispersed throughout the City. Site 23 is located in the Southern California Edison (SCE) rightof-way near the southwestern boundary of the City where there are currently open space uses. Site 25 is located adjacent to the SCE right-of-way, and Site 29 is located adjacent to Aliso Creek in the southeastern portion of the City. Sites 20, 21, and 28 are located in the open space area in the northeastern portion of the City where the Laguna Woods Village 2718-hole golf course is located. The remainder of the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are located in the urban center of the City near residential, commercial, and community facilities uses.

3.4 APPENDIX A TO THE DRAFT PEIR
Appendix A to the Draft PEIR has been updated to include records of additional public outreach efforts, as summarized below.

As previously stated in Section 1.0, Introduction, of this Final PEIR, an NOA for the proposed Project was published with the Laguna Woods Globe newspaper on May 9, 2024, and May 16, 2024. The NOA was also mailed to the last known names and addresses of agencies, organizations, and individuals who previously requested such notice in writing. The NOA has been added to Appendix A of the Draft EIR. Public comments received in response to the NOA are addressed in Section 2.0, Responses to Comments, of this Final PEIR.

On May 9, 2024, City staff mailed and emailed the NOA to both property owners directly affected by the proposed Project’s land use designation changes and rezoning to reflect existing uses – El Toro Water District and the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods. These two letters have been added to Appendix A of the Draft PEIR.

Laguna Woods Village Media & Communications staff distributes a weekly email “blast” to Laguna Woods Village residents with registered email addresses. On May 17, 2024, an article was included in the weekly email blast that provided information on the proposed Project. The article has been added to Appendix A of the Draft PEIR.
3-13

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) On June 4, 2024, City staff made a presentation regarding the proposed Project at a board meeting of the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods. The presentation slides used at this meeting have been added to Appendix A of the Draft PEIR.

In order to reflect the addition of these materials, the title of Appendix A has also been revised from “NOP Comment Letters” to “NOP, NOP Comment Letters, NOA, and Public Review Outreach Materials”. Title sheets have also been added to introduce each individual item within Appendix A.

Please refer to the following page for the updated Appendix A.

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DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
APRIL 2023

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\Appendix A - NOP Comment Letters.docx «07/08/24»

APPENDIX A

NOP, NOP COMMENT LETTERS, NOA, AND PUBLIC REVIEW

OUTREACH MATERIALS

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DR A FT P ROG R AM EN V I RONME NT A L I M P A CT RE P ORT MAY 202ϰ
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NOTICE OF PREPARATION (NOP)

Page 1 of 5 ends

PUBLIC NOTICE/NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Project: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Lead Agency: City of Laguna Woods
Project Applicant: City of Laguna Woods
The City of Laguna Woods (City) is preparing a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) addressing potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed update to its General Plan and Zoning Code (proposed project). The purpose of this notice is to: (1) serve as a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an EIR pursuant to the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15082; (2) advise and solicit comments and suggestions regarding the scope and content of the EIR to be prepared for the proposed project; and, (3) provide notice of the public scoping meeting.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project would:
x Create the following four new overlay zoning districts that allow housing development:
ż Residential High Density Overlay – would allow 30 to 50 dwelling units per acre ż Residential Medium Density Overlay – would allow 20 to 30 dwelling units per acre ż Residential Medium-Low Density Overlay – would allow 15 to 20 dwelling units per acre ż Residential Low Density Overlay – would allow 8 to 10 dwelling units per acre Creation of the new overlay zoning districts also includes the creation of development standards for each. x Rezone 17 properties (a total of 18 parcels) to allow housing development in addition to the uses already allowed under the existing zoning on those properties. This action would accommodate the City’s 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) housing needs allocation. The City plans to apply one of the four new overlay zoning districts to each parcel; no change in General Plan land use designation is proposed. See summary table below. x Change the General Plan land use designation and rezone 12 properties (a total of 14 parcels) to better correlate existing uses with land use designations and zoning. See summary table below. x Update the City’s General Plan Circulation Element and Noise Element to ensure internal consistency with the City’s General Plan Housing Element, update background and existing condition information, update the identification of priority issues, update goals and policy objectives, and make other changes intended to modernize the documents while also promoting clarity and ease of use.

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Site [Existing Use / Assessor’s
Parcel Number (APN) / Address]
Existing General Plan
Land Use Designation
Proposed General Plan
Land Use Designation
Existing Zoning District Proposed Overlay
Zoning District or
Zoning District
Animal Hospital
616-012-03
24271 El Toro Road
Commercial (No Change) Community Commercial Residential High Density Overlay
PS Business Park (excludes Jackin-the-Box)
616-021-30
23582 Moulton Parkway
Commercial (No Change) Community Commercial Residential High Density Overlay
Smart Parke
621-211-09
24334 El Toro Road
Commercial (No Change) Community Commercial Residential High Density Overlay
McCormick & Son Mortuary
621-091-016
25002 Moulton Parkway
Commercial (No Change) Community Commercial Residential MediumLow Density Overlay Lutheran Church of the Cross
616-041-01
24231 El Toro Road
Community Facilities (No Change) Community FacilitiesPrivate Residential MediumLow Density Overlay Geneva Presbyterian Church
616-191-05 & 616-191-06
24301 El Toro Road
Community Facilities (No Change) Community FacilitiesPrivate Residential MediumLow Density Overlay Saint Nicholas Catholic Church
621-121-11
24252 El Toro Road
Community Facilities (No Change) Community FacilitiesPrivate Residential MediumLow Density Overlay Temple Judea
621-121-18
24512 Moulton Parkway
Community Facilities (No Change) Community FacilitiesPrivate Residential Low Density Overlay
Laguna Country United Methodist
Church
621-121-23
24442 Moulton Parkway
Community Facilities (No Change) Community FacilitiesPrivate Residential Medium Density Overlay
Medical Building in Town Centre
616-012-24
24331 El Toro Road
Commercial (No Change) Professional &
Administrative Office
Residential High Density
Overlay
Willow Tree Center East
621-121-30
24260 El Toro Road
Commercial (No Change) Community Commercial Residential Low Density Overlay
Helm Center
621-091-15
24902 Moulton Parkway
Commercial (No Change) Professional &
Administrative Office
Residential MediumLow Density Overlay
City of Laguna Woods - City Hall
621-121-29
24264 El Toro Road
Commercial Community Facilities Community Commercial Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional City of Laguna Woods - Santa
Vittoria Open Space
616-351-06
N/A (West of San Remo & Santa
Vittoria)
Residential Community Open Space Residential Community Open Space-Passive Golden Rain Foundation - Garden
Center #1
616-021-18
23742 Moulton Parkway
High Density Residential Open Space Residential Multifamily Open Space-Recreation El Toro Water District - Rossmoor
No. 1 Dam
616-021-33
23600 Moulton Parkway
Open Space Community Facilities Open Space-Recreation Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - R-1 & R-2
Reservoirs
616-012-02
24141 Moulton Parkway
Commercial Community Facilities Community Commercial Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - Oso Lift
Station
Open Space Community Facilities Open Space-Passive Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional

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Site [Existing Use / Assessor’s
Parcel Number (APN) / Address]
Existing General Plan
Land Use Designation
Proposed General Plan
Land Use Designation
Existing Zoning District Proposed Overlay
Zoning District or
Zoning District
622-071-21
N/A (Intersection of El Toro Road
& Aliso Creek Road)
El Toro Water District - Pump
Station P-4 & Reservoir R-4
621-201-06 & 621-201-07
N/A (off Calle Sonora Oeste,
behind buildings)
Residential Community Community Facilities Residential Community Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - Pump
Station P-3 & Reservoir R-3
622-061-11
N/A (North of Avenida Sosiega &
Bahia Blanca West)
Residential Community Community Facilities Residential Community Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - Gate 11
Lift Station
616-351-04
N/A (San Remo & Santa Vittoria)
Residential Community Community Facilities Residential Community Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - Recycled
Water Treatment Plant
616-021-03
23542 Moulton Parkway
Open Space Community Facilities Open Space-Recreation Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - Northline
Sewage Lift Station
616-021-05 & 616-021-35
23201 Ridge Route Drive
Open Space Community Facilities Open Space-Recreation Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional El Toro Water District - Aliso Creek
Lift Station
621-101-18
24091 Avenida Sevilla
Residential Community Community Facilities Residential Community Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional Discretionary Actions. Required discretionary actions associated with the proposed project include the following:
certification of the EIR; approval of updates to the General Plan Land Use Element; approval of updates to the General Plan Noise Element; and, approval of updates to the Zoning Code.

PROPOSED PROJECT LOCATION: The City of Laguna Woods is located in the southern portion of Orange County within Southern California. Given that the City’s General Plan addresses policy issues throughout the City, the project area includes all lands within the City’s boundaries. The map below and table provided immediately prior to this paragraph show the locations of all affected properties.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The EIR will examine potential environmental impacts of the proposed project in relation to the following Environmental Analysis categories: Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation, Tribal Cultural Resources, and Utilities and Service Systems, and Wildfire. These categories reflect the probable environmental effects of the proposed project and are subject to change based on the analysis conducted as part of the EIR.

The EIR will also identify appropriate and feasible mitigation measures, if necessary, for each of the environmental impacts listed above. Although the proposed project is not anticipated to result in impacts related to Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Biological Resources, Geology and Soils, Hydrology and Water Quality, and Mineral Resources, these topics will be briefly discussed in the EIR. An Initial Study has not been prepared for the proposed project and is not required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15063.

PROJECT SCOPING PROCESS: Circulation of this Notice of Preparation (NOP) starts a 30-day public review and comment period on the scope of the EIR that begins on August 1, 2022, and ends on August 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. All interested parties, including the public, responsible agencies, and trustee agencies, are invited to provide comments and input on

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the scope and content of the environmental analysis to be addressed in the EIR. Responsible and trustee agencies should provide comments and input related to the agencies’ respective areas of statutory responsibility. Comments received during the scoping period will be considered during the preparation of the EIR. Public agencies and interested parties will have an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed project during the 45-day public review period to be held after the publication and circulation of the EIR.

Address Comments To
City of Laguna Woods
Attn: General Plan and Zoning Code Update
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
or via e-mail to:
[email protected]
(please reference “General Plan and Zoning Code Update”) SCOPING MEETING: The City will conduct a public scoping meeting in order to present the proposed project and the EIR process and provide direction to the public on comments. The City encourages and invites all interested parties to participate in the following public scoping meeting in order to learn more about the project, ask questions, and submit comments.

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 2 p.m.

Location: Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. Participation will also be possible via telephone or computer. Instructions for participating remotely will be posted 72 hours prior to the public scoping meeting at Laguna Woods City Hall (address above) and www.cityoflagunawoods.org.

For more information, please contact Rebecca M. Pennington, Development Programs Analyst, City of Laguna Woods, at (949) 639-0561 or [email protected].

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Map of Affected Properties

DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
APRIL 2023

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA
P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\Appendix A - NOP Comment Letters.docx «07/08/24»

NOP COMMENT LETTERS

AFFILIATED AGENCIES

Orange County
Transit District
Local Transportation
Authority
Service Authority for
Freeway Emergencies
Consolidated Transportation
Service Agency
Congestion Management
Agency

Orange County Transportation Authority
550 South Main Street / P.O Box 14184 / Orange / California 92863-1584 / (714) 560-OCTA (6282) August 29, 2022
Ms. Rebecca M. Pennington
Development Programs Analyst
City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
Dear Ms. Pennington:

Thank you for providing the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) with the Notice of Preparation for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (Project) and keeping OCTA apprised of the Project. Please continue to coordinate with OCTA to maintain consistency between the Circulation Element and the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways.

Throughout the development of this project, we encourage communication with OCTA on any matters discussed herein. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at (714)-560-5907 or at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Dan Phu
Manager, Environmental Programs
STATE OF CALIFORNIA------- CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM., Governor

Transportation Planning

1. Caltrans recognizes our responsibility to assist communities of color and underserved communities by removing barriers to provide a more equitable transportation system for all.

Please consider including a discussion on equity in General Plan Element updates.

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connections to housing will encourage future residents, visitors, and workers in the city to utilize all modes of transportation.

4. Consider discussion about wayfinding signage to transit stops within the project vicinity and local roadways.

For further information regarding required background information and policy program guidance for Safety Element updates, please see https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

7. ambitious goals, we will pursue meaningful collaboration with our partners.

8. Please consider including a discussion on incorporating designated areas/parking for freight delivery, package, and transportation network -off.

City of Laguna Woods
August 30, 2022

Page 3 ends

9. Please consider including a discussion on potential impacts to the circulation element from freight traveling into, from and/or through the City, as a result of the General Plan updates.

Traffic Impact Study

10. New
provide a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) based Traffic Impact Study (TIS). Please related impacts.

11. The TIS may a -term and long-term
safety or operational issues, on or adjacent to any existing or proposed State facilities.

Encroachment Permit

SCOTT SHELLEY
Branch Chief, Regional-IGR-Transit Planning
District 12
State of California – Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director South Coast Region
3883 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 467-4201
www.wildlife.ca.gov
August 30, 2022
Christopher Macon
City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
[email protected]
Subject: City of Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (Project), Notice of Preparation (NOP), SCH #2022080022
Dear Mr. Macon:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a draft programmatic environmental impact report (PEIR) from the City of Laguna Woods (City) for the Project pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines.1
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding those activities involved in the Project that may affect California fish and wildlife. Likewise, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under the Fish and Game Code.

CDFW ROLE
CDFW is California’s Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources and holds those resources in trust by statute for all the people of the State. (Fish & G. Code, §§ 711.7, subd. (a) & 1802; Pub. Resources Code, § 21070; CEQA Guidelines § 15386, subd. (a).) CDFW, in its trustee capacity, has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. (Id., § 1802.) Similarly, for purposes of CEQA, CDFW is charged by law to provide, as available, biological expertise during public agency environmental review efforts, focusing specifically on projects and related activities that have the potential to adversely affect fish and wildlife resources.

CDFW is also submitting comments as a Responsible Agency under CEQA. (Pub.

Resources Code, § 21069; CEQA Guidelines, § 15381.) CDFW expects that it may need to exercise regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code. As proposed, for example, the Project may be subject to CDFW’s lake and streambed alteration regulatory authority. (Fish & G. Code, § 1600 et seq.) Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Project as proposed may result in “take” as defined by State law of any species protected

1 CEQA is codified in the California Public Resources Code in section 21000 et seq. The “CEQA Guidelines” are found in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing with section 15000.

Christopher Macon, City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
August 30, 2022

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under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.), the project proponent may seek related take authorization as provided by the Fish and Game Code.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Proponent: City of Laguna Woods (City)
Objective: The objective of the Project is to prepare an update to parts of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code.

Key project components are outlined below:

Overlay Zoning Districts: creating new overlay districts to increase housing density.

Rezoning: rezoning of 17 properties to allow housing development in addition to the uses already allowed under existing zoning.

Change in General Plan Land Use Designation: rezoning 12 properties to better correlate existing uses with land use designations and zoning.

Circulation and Noise: updating the City’s General Plan Circulation Element and Noise Element to ensure internal consistency with the City’s General Plan Housing Element, including background and existing condition information, identification of priority issues, goals and policy objectives, and other changes intended to modernize the documents.

Location: The Project encompasses the City of Laguna Woods, which is located in the southern portion of Orange County. Given that the City’s General Plan addresses policy issues throughout the City, the Project area includes all lands within the City’s boundaries. The City is surrounded by Laguna Hills on the north and east, Aliso Viejo on the south, Laguna Beach on the southwest, the Crystal Cove State Park on the west, and Irvine on the northwest.

Biological Setting: CDFW acknowledges that the properties/sites identified in the Project documents are located within urbanized and developed areas; however, a few are located on the western and southern boundaries of the City, adjacent to areas containing biological resources. Specifically, the western portion of the City is adjacent to the Central Coastal Reserve and portions of the southern boundary are adjacent to Aliso Creek. Both the Central Coastal Reserve and Aliso Creek contain biological resources of regional significance, including conserved lands, sensitive species, and high-value upland and riparian habitats.

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CDFW offers the comments and recommendations below to assist the City in adequately identifying and/or mitigating the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, direct and indirect impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources. Editorial comments or other suggestions may also be included to improve the document.

To enable CDFW to adequately review and comment on the proposed Project from the standpoint of the protection of plants, fish, wildlife, and natural habitats, we recommend the following information be included in the PEIR:

Christopher Macon, City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
August 30, 2022

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1) NCCP Compliance: CDFW administers the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) program. The County of Orange participates in the NCCP program through its role as a Permitted Jurisdiction and Participating Landowner under the County of Orange Central and Coastal Subregion Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP). Although the City of Laguna Woods is not a Participating Landowner under the NCCP/HCP, based on the close proximity to the boundaries to the Central and Coastal NCCP, CDFW recommends that the City follow the guidelines set forth in the NCCP/HCP during the implementation of this Project in order to adequately avoid and minimize potential impacts to biological resources. CDFW requests that Project design be in alignment with the NCCP. 2) Land Use Designations and Housing: While CDFW recognizes that the shift in land use designations to provide additional housing sites is planned to have minimal impact on biological resources, CDFW recommends maximizing open space when planning future housing projects. For instance, housing developments should remain compact and near to developed areas in order to preserve existing open space. 3) Biological Impacts: To provide a thorough discussion of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts expected to adversely affect biological resources for related subsequent housing projects, with specific measures to offset such impacts, the following should be addressed in the draft PEIR:
a) a discussion of potential adverse impacts from lighting, noise, human activity, sensitive species, recreational uses, and potential impacts to Aliso Creek. The latter subject should address: Project-related changes to drainage patterns on, and downstream of, the Project site; the volume, velocity, and frequency of existing and post-Project surface flows; polluted runoff; soil erosion and/or sedimentation in the stream; and post-Project fate of runoff from the Project site. Mitigation measures proposed to alleviate such impacts should be included;
b) discussion regarding indirect Project impacts on biological resources, including resources in nearby public lands, open space, adjacent natural habitats, riparian ecosystems, and any designated and/or proposed or existing reserve lands (e.g., existing preserve lands or lands designated as within the County of Orange Central and Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP);
c) the zoning of areas for development projects or other uses that are nearby or adjacent to natural areas may inadvertently contribute to wildlife-human interactions. A discussion of possible wildlife conflicts and mitigation measures to reduce these conflicts should be included in the environmental document; and, d) CDFW also recommends that a habitat gain/loss table be included, if applicable, which calculates the expected net habitat losses and gains of each type of habitat area lost, restored, enhanced, and created.
4) Cumulative Effects Analysis: A cumulative effects analysis should be developed as described under CEQA Guidelines, section 15130. General and specific plans, as well as past, present, and anticipated future projects, should be analyzed relative to their impacts on similar plant communities and wildlife habitats. The draft PEIR should

Christopher Macon, City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
August 30, 2022

Page 4 of 5 ends

evaluate the full scope of potential actions as part of the cumulative impact analysis and discussion of related actions.
5) Lake and Streambed Alteration Notification: The Project area covers the entire City of Laguna Woods which includes Aliso Creek. Based on the NOP, it is unclear if impacts to Aliso Creek may occur from individual development projects associated with the PEIR. CDFW has regulatory authority over activities in streams and/or lakes that will divert or obstruct the natural flow, or change the bed, channel, or bank (which may include associated riparian resources) of any river, stream, or lake or use material from a river, stream, or lake. For any such activities, the Project applicant (or “entity”) must provide written notification to CDFW pursuant to section 1600 et seq. of the Fish and Game Code. Based on this notification and other information, CDFW determines whether a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSAA) with the applicant is required prior to conducting the proposed activities. CDFW’s issuance of a LSAA for a Project that is subject to CEQA will require CEQA compliance actions by CDFW as a Responsible Agency. CDFW as a Responsible Agency under CEQA may consider the City’s PEIR for the Project. To minimize additional requirements by CDFW pursuant to section 1600 et seq. and/or under CEQA, the document should fully identify the potential impacts to the stream or riparian resources and provide adequate avoidance, mitigation, monitoring and reporting commitments for issuance of the LSAA.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e).) Accordingly, please report any special status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). The CNNDB field survey form can be filled out and submitted online at the following link:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plantsand-Animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of environmental document filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the environmental document filing fee is required in order for the underlying project approval to be operative, vested, and final. (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & G. Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089.)

CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the NOP assist the City of Laguna Woods in identifying and mitigating Project impacts on biological resources.

Questions regarding this letter or further coordination should be directed to Alex Troeller, Environmental Scientist at [email protected].

Christopher Macon, City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
August 30, 2022

Page 5 of 5 ends

Sincerely,
Jennifer Turner signing for
David Mayer
Environmental Program Manager
South Coast Region
ec: CDFW
Jennifer Turner, San Diego – [email protected] Cindy Hailey, San Diego – [email protected]
Office of Planning and Research
State Clearinghouse, Sacramento – [email protected]

1 Tamar Gharibian
From: Ryan Bensley
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 3:28 PM
To: Kerrie Collison
Cc: Ashley Davis; Scott Vurbeff; Tamar Gharibian
Subject: FW: EIR
Attachments: 08162022 PrepDEIRLagunaWds.pdf
For your reference as part of the tribal consultation process.

Ryan Bensley, AICP | Associate/Environmental Planner
LSA | 20 Executive Park, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92614
– – – – – – – – – – –
949Ͳ553Ͳ0666 Tel
714Ͳ926Ͳ9283 Mobile
Website
From: Chris Macon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 3:12 PM
To: Ashley Davis <[email protected]>; Ryan Bensley <[email protected]> Cc: Rebecca Pennington <[email protected]> Subject: FW: EIR
FYI
Christopher Macon
City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
(949) 639Ͳ0525
From: Raslich, Nicole (TRBL) <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 3:08 PM
To: City HallͲCity of Laguna Woods <[email protected]> Subject: EIR
Hello,
We appreciate your effort and thank you for your inquiry.

A records check of the Tribal Historic preservation office’s cultural registry revealed that this project is not located within the Tribe’s Traditional Use Area. Therefore, we defer to the other tribes in the area. This letter shall conclude our consultation efforts.

Best,
Nicole A. Raslich, M.A.
2 Archaeological Technician
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
D: +1 (760) 883Ͳ1134
C: +1 (760) 985Ͳ3615
[email protected]
August 15, 2022
Rebecca M. Pennington, Development Programs Analyst
City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, California 92637
Phone: (949) 639-0561
E-mail: [email protected]
RE: SCAG Comments on the Notice of Preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update [SCAG NO. IGR10684] Dear Rebecca Pennington,
Thank you for submitting the Notice of Preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (“proposed project”) to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for review and comment. SCAG is responsible for providing informational resources to regionally significant plans, projects, and programs per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to facilitate the consistency of these projects with SCAG’s adopted regional plans, to be determined by the lead agencies.1 Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 375, SCAG is the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency under state law and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) including the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). SCAG’s feedback is intended to assist local jurisdictions and project proponents to implement projects that have the potential to contribute to attainment of Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) goals and align with RTP/SCS policies. Finally, SCAG is the authorized regional agency for Intergovernmental Review (IGR) of programs proposed for Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development activities, pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 12372.

SCAG staff has reviewed the Notice of Preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update in Orange County. The proposed project includes the creation of four new overlay zoning districts, rezoning of 17 properties, changing the General Plan land use designation for 12 properties, and updates to the City's General Plan Circulation Element and Noise Element to ensure consistency with the Housing Element and accommodate housing development as required by RHNA.

When available, please email environmental documentation to [email protected] providing, at a minimum, the full public comment period for review.

If you have any questions regarding the attached comments, please contact the Intergovernmental Review (IGR) Program, attn.: Annaleigh Ekman, Associate Regional Planner, at (213) 630-1427 or [email protected]. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Frank Wen, Ph.D.

Manager, Planning Strategy Department
1 Lead agencies such as local jurisdictions have the sole discretion in determining a local project’s consistency with the 2020 RTP/SCS (Connect SoCal) for the purpose of determining consistency for CEQA.

August 15, 2022 SCAG No. IGR10684
Rebecca M. Pennington Page 2

COMMENTS ON THE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A

PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE
LAGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING CODE UPDATE [SCAG NO. IGR10684]

CONSISTENCY WITH CONNECT SOCAL
SCAG provides informational resources to facilitate the consistency of the proposed project with the adopted 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS or Connect SoCal). For the purpose of determining consistency with CEQA, lead agencies such as local jurisdictions have the sole discretion in determining a local project’s consistency with Connect SoCal.

CONNECT SOCAL GOALS
The SCAG Regional Council fully adopted Connect SoCal in September 2020. Connect SoCal, also known as the 2020 – 2045 RTP/SCS, builds upon and expands land use and transportation strategies established over several planning cycles to increase mobility options and achieve a more sustainable growth pattern. The long-range visioning plan balances future mobility and housing needs with goals for the environment, the regional economy, social equity and environmental justice, and public health. The goals included in Connect SoCal may be pertinent to the proposed project.

These goals are meant to provide guidance for considering the proposed project. Among the relevant goals of Connect SoCal are the following:

SCAG CONNECT SOCAL GOALS
Goal #1: Encourage regional economic prosperity and global competitiveness Goal #2: Improve mobility, accessibility, reliability and travel safety for people and goods Goal #3: Enhance the preservation, security, and resilience of the regional transportation system Goal #4: Increase person and goods movement and travel choices within the transportation system Goal #5: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality Goal #6: Support healthy and equitable communities
Goal #7: Adapt to a changing climate and support an integrated regional development pattern and transportation network
Goal #8: Leverage new transportation technologies and data-driven solutions that result in more efficient travel Goal #9: Encourage development of diverse housing types in areas that are supported by multiple transportation options
Goal #10: Promote conservation of natural and agricultural lands and restoration of habitats For ease of review, we encourage the use of a side-by-side comparison of SCAG goals with discussions of the consistency, non-consistency or non-applicability of the goals and supportive analysis in a table format. Suggested format is as follows:

August 15, 2022 SCAG No. IGR10684
Rebecca M. Pennington Page 3

SCAG CONNECT SOCAL GOALS
Goal Analysis
Goal #1: Encourage regional economic prosperity and global competitiveness
Consistent: Statement as to why;
Not-Consistent: Statement as to why;
Or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why;
DEIR page number reference
Goal #2: Improve mobility, accessibility, reliability and travel safety for people and goods
Consistent: Statement as to why;
Not-Consistent: Statement as to why;
Or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why;
DEIR page number reference
etc. etc.

Connect SoCal Strategies
To achieve the goals of Connect SoCal, a wide range of land use and transportation strategies are included in the accompanying twenty (20) technical reports. Of particular note are multiple strategies included in Chapter 3 of Connect SoCal intended to support implementation of the regional Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) framed within the context of focusing growth near destinations and mobility options; promoting diverse housing choices; leveraging technology innovations; supporting implementation of sustainability policies; and promoting a Green Region. To view Connect SoCal and the accompanying technical reports, please visit the Connect SoCal webpage.

Connect SoCal builds upon the progress from previous RTP/SCS cycles and continues to focus on integrated, coordinated, and balanced planning for land use and transportation that helps the SCAG region strive towards a more sustainable region, while meeting statutory requirements pertinent to RTP/SCSs. These strategies within the regional context are provided as guidance for lead agencies such as local jurisdictions when the proposed project is under consideration.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND GROWTH FORECASTS
A key, formative step in projecting future population, households, and employment through 2045 for Connect SoCal was the generation of a forecast of regional and county level growth in collaboration with expert demographers and economists on Southern California. From there, jurisdictional level forecasts were ground-truthed by subregions and local agencies, which helped SCAG identify opportunities and barriers to future development. This forecast helps the region understand, in a very general sense, where we are expected to grow, and allows SCAG to focus attention on areas that are experiencing change and may have increased transportation needs. After a year-long engagement effort with all 197 jurisdictions one-on-one, 82 percent of SCAG’s 197 jurisdictions provided feedback on the forecast of future growth for Connect SoCal. SCAG also sought feedback on potential sustainable growth strategies from a broad range of stakeholder groups – including local jurisdictions, county transportation commissions, other partner agencies, industry groups, community-based organizations, and the general public. Connect SoCal utilizes a bottomup approach in that total projected growth for each jurisdiction reflects feedback received from jurisdiction staff, including city managers, community development/planning directors, and local staff. Growth at the neighborhood level (i.e., transportation analysis zone (TAZ) reflects entitled projects and adheres to current general and specific plan maximum densities as conveyed by jurisdictions (except in cases where entitled projects and development agreements exceed these capacities as calculated by SCAG). Neighborhood level growth projections also feature strategies that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from automobiles and light trucks to achieve Southern California’s GHG reduction target, approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in accordance with state planning law. Connect SoCal’s Forecasted Development Pattern is utilized for long range modeling purposes and does not supersede actions taken by elected bodies on future development, including entitlements and development agreements. SCAG does not have the authority to implement the plan -- neither through decisions about what type of development is built where, nor what transportation projects are ultimately built, as Connect August 15, 2022 SCAG No. IGR10684
Rebecca M. Pennington Page 4
SoCal is adopted at the jurisdictional level. Achieving a sustained regional outcome depends upon informed and intentional local action. To access jurisdictional level growth estimates and forecasts for years 2016 and 2045, please refer to the Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report. The growth forecasts for the region and applicable jurisdictions are below.

Adopted SCAG Region Wide Forecasts Adopted City of Laguna Woods Forecasts Year 2020 Year 2030 Year 2035 Year 2045 Year 2020 Year 2030 Year 2035 Year 2045 Population 19,517,731 20,821,171 21,443,006 22,503,899 16,303 16,668 16,669 16,532 Households 6,333,458 6,902,821 7,170,110 7,633,451 11,415 11,439 11,418 11,513 Employment 8,695,427 9,303,627 9,566,384 10,048,822 5,762 6,415 6,642 6,809

MITIGATION MEASURES
SCAG staff recommends that you review the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Final PEIR) for Connect SoCal for guidance, as appropriate. SCAG’s Regional Council certified the PEIR and adopted the associated Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations (FOF/SOC) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) on May 7, 2020 and also adopted a PEIR Addendum and amended the MMRP on September 3, 2020 (please see the PEIR webpage and scroll to the bottom of the page for the PEIR Addendum). The PEIR includes a list of project-level performance standards-based mitigation measures that may be considered for adoption and implementation by lead, responsible, or trustee agencies in the region, as applicable and feasible. Project-level mitigation measures are within responsibility, authority, and/or jurisdiction of project-implementing agency or other public agency serving as lead agency under CEQA in subsequent project- and site- specific design, CEQA review, and decision-making processes, to meet the performance standards for each of the CEQA resource categories.

REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION

On March 4, 2021 SCAG’s Regional Council adopted the 6th cycle Final Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation Plan which covers the planning period October 2021 through October 2029. The 6th cycle Final RHNA allocation for the applicable jurisdiction is below.

SCAG 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation for City of Laguna Woods Income Category RHNA Allocation (Units)
Very low income 127
Low income 136
Moderate income 192
Above moderate income 542
Total RHNA Allocation 997
Sixth cycle housing elements were due to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by October 15, 2021. SCAG encourages jurisdictions to adopt a housing element in compliance with State housing law as determined by review from HCD. Jurisdictions that do not have an adopted compliant housing element may be ineligible for certain State funding and grant opportunities and may be at risk for legal action from stakeholders or HCD.

SCAG staff would like to call your attention to SCAG’s HELPR 2.0, a web-mapping tool developed by SCAG to help local jurisdictions and stakeholders understand local land use, site opportunities, and environmental sensitivities for aligning housing planning with the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) 6th cycle housing element requirements.

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA

DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
APRIL 2023
P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\Appendix A - NOP Comment Letters.docx «07/08/24»

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (NOA)

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NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21091, California Public Resource Code Section 21092, California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guidelines Section 15105, and CEQA State Guidelines Section 15087(a), notice is hereby given that a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (“DRAFT PEIR”) (State Clearinghouse Number 2022080022) for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (“PROPOSED PROJECT”) is available for public review during the public review period May 9, 2024 through June 23, 2024.

The City of Laguna Woods has prepared the DRAFT PEIR to analyze environmental impacts associated with implementation of the PROPOSED PROJECT; to propose mitigation measures for identified potentially significant impacts that will minimize, offset, or otherwise reduce or avoid those environmental impacts; and, to discuss alternatives that could reduce the potentially significant impacts of the PROPOSED PROJECT.

Lead Agency: City of Laguna Woods
Project Title: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project Location: The City of Laguna Woods is located in southern Orange County, California.

The City of Laguna Woods is bordered on the north, east, and southeast by the City of Laguna Hills, on the northwest by the City of Irvine, on the west by Unincorporated Orange County and the City of Laguna Beach, and on the south by the City of Aliso Viejo.

Project Description: The PROPOSED PROJECT would:
x Create the following four new overlay zoning districts that allow housing development:
o Residential High Density Overlay (would allow 30 to 50 dwelling units per acre [du/ac])
o Residential Medium Density Overlay (would allow 20 to 30 du/ac) o Residential Medium-Low Density Overlay (would allow 15 to 20 du/ac) o Residential Low Density Overlay (would allow 8 to 10 du/ac) Creation of the new overlay zoning districts also includes the creation of development standards for each.
x Rezone 17 properties (a total of 18 parcels) to allow housing development in addition to the uses already allowed under the existing zoning on those properties. This action would accommodate the City’s 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation. The City plans to apply one of the four new overlay zoning districts to each

Page 2 of 3 ends

parcel; no change in General Plan land use designation is proposed. These sites are referred to as the Potential Housing Sites in the PEIR.
x Update the General Plan Land Use Element to change the land use designations of 12 properties (a total of 14 parcels), and undertake a corresponding rezone of the 12 properties, to better represent their existing uses. These locations are referred to in the PEIR as the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses. x Update the City’s General Plan Circulation Element, Land Use Element, and Noise Element to ensure internal consistency with the City’s General Plan Housing Element, update background and existing condition information, update the identification of priority issues, update goals and policy objectives, and make other changes intended to modernize the documents while also promoting clarity and ease of use. Change the name of the Circulation Element to “Mobility Element.”
Discretionary Actions: Required discretionary actions associated with the PROPOSED PROJECT include the following: certification of the Program Environmental Impact Report (“PEIR”); approval of amendments to the Laguna Woods General Plan Circulation Element; approval of amendments to the Laguna Woods General Plan Land Use Element; approval of amendments to the Laguna Woods General Plan Noise Element; and, approval of amendments to the Laguna Woods Zoning Code.

DRAFT PEIR: The DRAFT PEIR examines potential environmental impacts generated by the proposed project in relation to the following Environmental Analysis Checklist categories:

Aesthetics, Air Quality, Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation and Traffic, and Utilities and

Page 3 of 3 ends

Service Systems. Based on findings presented in Chapter 2 of the DRAFT PEIR, environmental impacts related to the following topics would not be significant or potentially significant:

Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Mineral Resources, Tribal Cultural Resources, and Wildfire, and are therefore not analyzed further in the DRAFT PEIR.

Impacts related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions are significant and unavoidable even with implementation of mitigation. All other impacts are less than significant. The DRAFT PEIR also identifies appropriate and feasible mitigation measures, if necessary, for each potential environmental impact.

The purpose of this notice is to inform local residents, institutions, agencies, and other interested parties about the availability of the DRAFT PEIR during the public review period (May 9, 2024 through June 23, 2024). Written comments (accepted via email and/or on paper) on the DRAFT PEIR must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2024, to the address below.

Please note that only written comments provided via email and/or on paper to the below contact will be responded to. Social media posts will not be considered written comments.

Address Comments to:
[email protected]
(reference “General Plan and Zoning Code Update”)
OR
Christopher Macon, City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, California 92637
The DRAFT PEIR is available for review as follows:

ONLINE: www.cityoflagunawoods.org/projects
IN-PERSON DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS: Laguna Woods City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.

Online and in-person viewing of the DRAFT PEIR is available at no charge. The DRAFT PEIR is also available for purchase through the City Clerk’s Office for the cost of printing.

The City Council will conduct a public hearing on this matter. The public hearing date is not yet known. The public hearing will be scheduled after the public review period for the DRAFT PEIR closes and once all responses to comments have been prepared.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500.

Publish: Laguna Woods Globe, May 9, 2024 and May 16, 2024

DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
APRIL 2023

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA
P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\Appendix A - NOP Comment Letters.docx «07/08/24»

PROPERTY OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Phone (949) 639-0500
TTY (949) 639-0535
Fax (949) 639-0591
ZZZFLW\RÀDJXQDZRRGVRUJ
May 9, 2024
El Toro Water District
Attn: Dennis Cafferty, General Manager
24251 Los Alisos Blvd.

Lake Forest, CA 92630
SUBJECT: Notice of Draft Environmental Impact Report Availability Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project Dear Mr. Cafferty,
I am writing to provide notice of the availability of a draft Environmental Impact Report for the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project (“Project”). The Project seeks to accomplish several things, including the rezoning necessary to comply with state housing law. The Notice of Availability, Draft Environmental Impact Report, and proposed General Plan elements and Laguna Woods Zoning Code amendments are available at www.cityoflagunawoods.org/projects.

The Project directly involves several properties owned by the El Toro Water District. Consistent with the Project’s goal of updating the General Plan Land Use Element and Zoning Code to better represent existing uses, the Project proposes to change the land use designations and zoning districts for the properties listed in the table below to a land use designation and zoning district specifically for government use (“Community Facilities” and “Community Facilities-Public/ Institutional,” respectively). While the effect of the proposed changes would be minimal for the El Toro Water District due to state laws limiting the extent to which cities may regulate special district land use and development, the proposed changes would help to enhance the clarity and accuracy of the City’s General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Map. Both maps are critical components of local planning and foundational to the City’s land use decision-making.

Table 2: Proposed Changes – El Toro Water District Facilities within Laguna Woods Village Property Existing Land
Use Designation
Proposed Land
Use Designation
Existing
Zoning District
Proposed
Zoning District
El Toro Water
District – Rossmoor
No. 1 Dam
(Assessor’s Parcel
Number (“APN”) 616-
021-33)
Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpaceRecreationCommunity
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water District
May 9, 2024

Page 2 ends

El Toro Water
District – R-1 and
R-2 Reservoirs (APN
616-012-02)
Commercial Community
Facilities
Community
Commercial
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Oso Lift
Station
(APN 622-071-21)
Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpacePassive Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Pump
Station P-4 &
Reservoir R-4
(APN 621-201-06 &
APN 621-201-07)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Pump
Station P-3 &
Reservoir R-S
(APN 622-061-11)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Gate 11
Lift Station
(APN 616-351-04)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Recycled
Water Treatment
Plant
(APN 616-021-03)
Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpaceRecreation Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Northline
Sewage Lift Station
(APN 616-021-05 and
APN 616-021-35)
Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpaceRecreation Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Aliso
Creek Lift Station
(APN 621-101-18)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
The El Toro Water District properties are not the only properties proposed to be changed to the Community Facilities land use designation and Community Facilities-Public/Institutional zoning district. The City is proposing the same for its own City Hall.

The development of wireless facilities is one area in which the City does exert regulatory oversight over the El Toro Water District’s property. The proposed land use designation and zoning district changes would not affect the El Toro Water District’s ability to file land use applications related to wireless facilities nor would they change the nature or scope of applicable regulations. Federal law is such that wireless facilities are generally permitted citywide.

El Toro Water District
May 9, 2024

Page 3 ends

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I can be reached at (949) 639-0525 or via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Christopher Macon
City Manager
Attachment: Notice of Availability

Page 1 of 3 ends

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT

Lead Agency: City of Laguna Woods
Project Title: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project Location: The City of Laguna Woods is located in southern Orange County, California.

Page 2 of 3 ends

DRAFT PEIR: The DRAFT PEIR examines potential environmental impacts generated by the proposed project in relation to the following Environmental Analysis Checklist categories:

Aesthetics, Air Quality, Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation and Traffic, and Utilities and

Page 3 of 3 ends

Service Systems. Based on findings presented in Chapter 2 of the DRAFT PEIR, environmental impacts related to the following topics would not be significant or potentially significant:

Please note that only written comments provided via email and/or on paper to the below contact will be responded to. Social media posts will not be considered written comments.

ONLINE: www.cityoflagunawoods.org/projects
IN-PERSON DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS: Laguna Woods City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.

Online and in-person viewing of the DRAFT PEIR is available at no charge. The DRAFT PEIR is also available for purchase through the City Clerk’s Office for the cost of printing.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500.

Publish: Laguna Woods Globe, May 9, 2024 and May 16, 2024 24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Phone (949) 639-0500
TTY (949) 639-0535
Fax (949) 639-0591
ZZZFLW\RÀDJXQDZRRGVRUJ
May 9, 2024
Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods Laguna Woods Mutual No. Fifty Third Laguna Hills Mutual 24055 Paseo Del Lago West
United Laguna Woods Mutual Laguna Woods, CA 92637
C/O Siobhan Foster, Agent
24351 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
SUBJECT: Notice of Draft Environmental Impact Report Availability Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project Dear Board Members,
I am writing to provide notice of the availability of a draft Environmental Impact Report for the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project (“Project”). The Project seeks to accomplish several things, including the rezoning necessary to comply with state housing law. The Notice of Availability, Draft Environmental Impact Report, and proposed General Plan elements and Laguna Woods Zoning Code amendments are available at www.cityoflagunawoods.org/projects.

The Project only directly involves one property owned by any of the corporations to which this letter is addressed – the Golden Rain Foundation’s Garden Center #1 at 23742 Moulton Parkway.

In 2003, Garden Center #1 was assigned a land use designation and zoning district to accommodate the potential future construction of new housing in response to the City’s then-existing obligations under state housing law. In 2023, the City Council adopted a new General Plan Housing Element that does not rely on Garden Center #1 or any other property owned by any of the corporations to which this letter is addressed to accommodate the City’s obligations under state housing law. As a result, consistent with the Project’s goal of updating the General Plan Land Use Element and Zoning Code to better represent existing uses, the Project proposes to change Garden Center #1’s land use designation to “Open Space” and its zoning district to “Open-Space Recreation.” In doing so, land use designations and zoning districts would be made the same for both garden centers.

Table 1: Proposed Changes – Laguna Woods Village
Property Existing Land
Use Designation
Proposed Land
Use Designation
Existing
Zoning District
Proposed
Zoning District
Garden Center #1
(Assessor’s Parcel
Number (“APN”)
616-021-18)
High Density
Residential
Open Space Residential
Multifamily
Open SpaceRecreation
Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods
Third Laguna Hills Mutual
United Laguna Woods Mutual
Laguna Woods Mutual No. Fifty
May 9, 2024

Page 2 ends

The Project also proposes to change the land use designations and zoning districts for several El Toro Water District properties located within the Laguna Woods Village gates. Though located inside Laguna Woods Village, the properties are owned by the El Toro Water District and do not contain any manors or common area amenities. Like the changes proposed for Garden Center #1, the El Toro Water District changes are intended to better represent existing uses. In all cases, existing land use designations and zoning districts for the El Toro Water District properties are proposed to change to a land use designation and zoning district specifically for government use (“Community Facilities” and “Community Facilities-Public/Institutional,” respectively).

Table 2: Proposed Changes – El Toro Water District Facilities within Laguna Woods Village Property Existing Land
Use Designation
Proposed Land
Use Designation
Existing
Zoning District
Proposed
Zoning District
El Toro Water
District – Pump
Station P-4 &
Reservoir R-4
(APN 621-201-06 &
APN 621-201-07)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Pump
Station P-3 &
Reservoir R-S
(APN 622-061-11)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Gate 11
Lift Station
(APN 616-351-04)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
El Toro Water
District – Aliso
Creek Lift Station
(APN 621-101-18)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities-Public/
Institutional
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I can be reached at (949) 639-0525 or via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Christopher Macon
City Manager
Attachment: Notice of Availability

Page 1 of 3 ends

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT

Lead Agency: City of Laguna Woods
Project Title: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project Location: The City of Laguna Woods is located in southern Orange County, California.

Page 2 of 3 ends

DRAFT PEIR: The DRAFT PEIR examines potential environmental impacts generated by the proposed project in relation to the following Environmental Analysis Checklist categories:

Aesthetics, Air Quality, Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation and Traffic, and Utilities and

Page 3 of 3 ends

Service Systems. Based on findings presented in Chapter 2 of the DRAFT PEIR, environmental impacts related to the following topics would not be significant or potentially significant:

Please note that only written comments provided via email and/or on paper to the below contact will be responded to. Social media posts will not be considered written comments.

ONLINE: www.cityoflagunawoods.org/projects
IN-PERSON DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS: Laguna Woods City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.

Online and in-person viewing of the DRAFT PEIR is available at no charge. The DRAFT PEIR is also available for purchase through the City Clerk’s Office for the cost of printing.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (949) 639-0500.

Publish: Laguna Woods Globe, May 9, 2024 and May 16, 2024

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA

DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
APRIL 2023
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E-BLAST ARTICLE

DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
APRIL 2023

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA
P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\Appendix A - NOP Comment Letters.docx «07/08/24»

GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING PRESENTATION SLIDES General Plan and Zoning
Code Update ProjectPresentation to the Golden Rain Foundation of Laguna Woods Board of Directors – June 4, 2024Christopher MaconCity ManagerCity of Laguna Woods “Zoning”
State law requires all cities to designate “the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of the land” within city limits, including both “public and private uses of land.” All Laguna Woods Village property has been zoned since the community was first constructed.

Reference: California Government Code Section 65302(a)
“RHNA”
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment is a process that results in every California city and county being allocated a number of new housing units they must zone to allow the potential future construction of.

Zoning does not require the construction of housing; it only provides opportunities to do so.

Reference: California Government Code Section 65583.2
2003 To meet the City’s then-existing obligations under state housing law, Garden Center #1 was zoned to allow the potential future construction of housing.This action pre-dates all existing members of the City Council and the City Manager. 2014 The Golden Rain Foundation requested that the City zone Garden Center #2 and seven other parcels for open space purposes.GRF’s requested zone changes were approved by the City Council in 2015.At the time, it was not possible to zone Garden Center #1 for open space purposes due to the City’s then-existing obligations under state housing law. 2023 The City Council adopted a new plan to meet its obligations under state housing law without relying on the use of Garden Center #1 or any other property within Laguna Woods Village.As a result, it is now possible to zone Garden Center #1 for open space purposes.

General Plan and Zoning Code Update Project
1) Land use and zoning actions required to comply with state housing law (all outside Laguna Woods Village
)
2) Land use and zoning actions to better represent existing uses (some within Laguna Woods Village
)
3) Updates of the General Plan circulation, land use, and noise elements (citywide policy documents
)
Effect on properties within
Laguna Woods Village
Garden Center #1 – Changes the land use designation and zoning from housing to open space in nature
• Better reflects existing use• Matches existing land use designation and zoning of Garden Center #2
Effect on properties within
the Laguna Woods Village gates
Various El Toro Water District-owned properties – Changes the land use designations and zoning from housing to community facilities in nature • Better reflects existing uses• Part of an effort to make governmental zoning consistent Public Review Period for
Draft Program Environmental Impact Report
May 9 – June 23, 2024Notice has been provided to all Laguna Woods Village boards and published twice in the Laguna Woods Globe“What’s Up in the Village” on May 17, 2024www.cityoflagunawoods.org/projectsLaguna Woods City Hall, (949) 639-0500 City Council Consideration
Two meetings, including a public hearing; fall 2024 (tentative) Stay Informed!
Sign up for meeting and/or project notifications at:www.cityoflagunawoods.org/email-notifications Thank you!
Christopher MaconCity ManagerCity of Laguna [email protected](949) 639-0525

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN A ND Z ONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS ,C ALIFORNIA

F INAL P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
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4.0 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM

4.1 MITIGATION MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21081.6 (enacted by the passage of Assembly Bill 3180) mandates that where significant effects have been identified, the following requirements shall apply to all reporting or mitigation monitoring programs:
x The public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or conditions of project approval in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The reporting or monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation. For those changes that have been required or incorporated into the project at the request of a responsible agency or a public agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by the project, that agency shall, if so requested by the lead agency or a responsible agency, prepare and submit a proposed reporting or monitoring program. x The lead agency shall specify the location and custodian of the documents or other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which its decision is based. x A public agency shall provide measures to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment that are fully enforceable through permit conditions, agreements, or other measures. Conditions of project approval may be set forth in referenced documents that address required mitigation measures or, in the case of the adoption of a plan, policy, regulation, or other project, by incorporating the mitigation measures into the plan, policy, regulation, or project design. x Prior to the close of the public review period for a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), a responsible agency, or a public agency having jurisdiction over natural resources affected by the project, shall either (1) submit to the lead agency complete and detailed performance objectives for mitigation measures that would address the significant effects on the environment identified by the responsible agency or agency having jurisdiction over natural resources affected by the project, or (2) refer the lead agency to appropriate, readily available guidelines or reference documents. Any mitigation measures submitted to a lead agency by a responsible agency or an agency having jurisdiction over natural resources affected by the project shall be limited to measures that mitigate impacts to resources that are subject to the statutory authority of, and definitions applicable to, that agency. Compliance or noncompliance with that requirement by a responsible agency or agency having jurisdiction over natural resources affected by a project shall not limit the authority of the responsible agency or agency having jurisdiction over natural resources affected by a project, or the authority of the lead agency, to approve, condition, or deny projects as provided by this division or any other provision of law.

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN A ND Z ONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS ,C ALIFORNIA

F INAL P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
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4.2 MITIGATION MONITORING PROCEDURES
The mitigation monitoring and reporting program has been prepared in compliance with PRC Section 21081.6. It describes the requirements and procedures to be followed by the City of Laguna Woods (City) to ensure that all mitigation measures adopted as part of the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project) will be carried out as described in the Final PEIR.

Table 7.A in Chapter 7.0, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, of the Draft PEIR lists each of the mitigation measures (MM) specified in the Draft PEIR and identifies the party or parties responsible for implementation and monitoring of each measure. Table 7.A also lists the Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM) associated with the proposed Project as specified in the Draft PEIR, and describes the requirements and procedures to be followed by the City to ensure that all RCMs adopted as part of the proposed Project will be carried out as described. 4-3
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L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN A ND Z ONING C ODE UPDATE

4.1 AESTHETICSNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Aesthetics would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.2 AIR QUALITYMitigation MeasuresNo Mitigation Measures related to Air Quality would be applicable to the Proposed Project.Regulatory Compliance Measures RCM AQ-1 During clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations, excessive fugitive dust emissions shall be controlled by regular watering or other dust preventative measures by using the following procedures, in compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403 during construction. The applicable Rule 403 measures are as follows: z Apply nontoxic chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers’ specifications to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more). z Water active sites at least twice daily (locations where grading is to occur shall be thoroughly watered prior to earthmoving).
z Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials, or maintain at least 2 feet (0.6 meter) of freeboard (vertical space between the top of the load and the top of the trailer) in accordance with the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 23114. z Pave construction access roads at least 100 feet (30 meters) onto the site from the main road.
z Reduce traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour or less.

During clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations associated with future development facilitated by the proposed Project.

City of Laguna Woods
RCM AQ-2 All trucks that are to haul excavated or graded material shall comply with State Vehicle Code Section 23114, with special attention to Sections 23114(b)(F), (e)(2), and (e)(4) as amended, regarding the prevention of such material spilling onto public streets and roads.

During excavation and/or grading associated with future development facilitated by the proposed Project.

RCM AQ-3 Prior to approval of future project plans and specifications for public projects undertaken by the City of Laguna Woods, the City shall confirm that the construction bid packages specify:z Contractors shall use high-volume low-pressure paint applicators with a minimum transfer efficiency of at least 50 percent;
z Coatings and solvents that will be utilized have a volatile organic compound content lower than required under SCAQMD Rule 1113; and
z To the extent feasible, construction/building materials shall be composed of prepainted materials.

Prior to the approval of future project plans and specifications for public projects undertaken by the City of Laguna Woods.

City of Laguna Woods

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN A ND Z ONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS ,C ALIFORNIA

F INAL P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
A UGUST 2024
4-4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) Table 7.A: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Update Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program No. Mitigation Measure Timing of Completion Responsible Party Completion Date and Team Member Initials RCM AQ-4 Future projects shall comply with SCAQMD Rule 402. Rule 402 prohibits the discharge of air contaminants or other material from any type of operations, which can cause nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of people or to the public or which endangers the comfort or repose of any such persons, or the public.

During operations of future development facilitated by the proposed Project.

City of Laguna Woods

4.3 ENERGYNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Energy would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.4 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONSMitigation Measures MM GHG-1 Prior to discretionary approval by the City of Laguna Woods (City) for residential development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential project-related greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts to the City for review and approval. The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) methodology. If project-related GHG emissions exceed applicable SCAQMD thresholds of significance and/or statewide GHG reduction targets, the City of Laguna Woods shall require that applicants for new development projects incorporate mitigation measures to reduce GHG emissions. Mitigation measures could include, but are not limited, to energy efficiency measures, water conservation and efficiency measures, solid waste measures, and transportation and motor vehicles measures. The identified measures shall be included as part of the conditions of approval.

Prior to discretionary approval by the City of Laguna Woods for residential development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review Project applicants
Regulatory Compliance MeasuresNo Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.5 LAND USE AND PLANNINGNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Land Use and Planning would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.6 NOISEMitigation Measures MM N-1 Prior to discretionary approval by the City of Laguna Woods (City), residential development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects) would be required to incorporate the following conditions: z Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final acoustical report consistent with the requirements of the California Building Standards Code or City policy, provided that City policy is no less effective than the California Building Standards Code.

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN A ND Z ONING C ODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS ,C ALIFORNIA
P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) Table 7.A: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Update Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program No. Mitigation Measure Timing of Completion Responsible Party Completion Date and Team Member Initials o The final acoustical report shall describe in detail the noise environment and mitigation measures necessary to achieve compliance with applicable noise standards. The report shall also describe and depict the locations of the acoustical barriers and design features of the structures required to satisfy the exterior and interior noise standards along with satisfactory evidence, which indicates that the sound attenuation measures specified in the final acoustical report, have been incorporated into the design of the project. Noise level calculations shall be provided using the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) noise scale. z The applicant shall incorporate the requirements of the City's Noise Ordinance as a note on the grading plan cover sheet, for review and approval by the City. z The applicant shall incorporate the following measures as a note on the grading plan cover sheet:o Construction equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be maintained in proper operating condition with approved noise mufflers.
o Construction staging areas shall be located away from off-site receptors and occupied buildings on site during the later phases of project development. o Stationary equipment shall be placed such that emitted noise is directed away from residential areas to the greatest extent feasible.
o Construction access routes shall be selected to minimize truck traffic near existing residential uses where reasonably feasible.

Regulatory Compliance Measures
RCM Noise-1 Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the City shall conduct site plan review for any residential units located within 60 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) noise contours and above. The site plan review shall be conducted consistent with the City’s Noise Element. New construction or development should be undertaken only after detailed analysis of the noise requirements is made and any required noise insulation features included in the design. The interior noise standard is 45 decibels (dB). The exterior standard for habitable exterior living areas, including private yards, private patios and balconies, and common recreation areas, is 65 dB.

Prior to the issuance of building permits.

City of Laguna Woods

4.7 POPULATION AND HOUSINGNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Population and Housing would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.8 PUBLIC SERVICESNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Public Services would be applicable to the Proposed Project.

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN A ND Z ONING C ODE UPDATE

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F INAL P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
A UGUST 2024
4-6 P:\LWD2102.03\04.5 - Final EIR\City Comments 7-7-24\2024-07-22_LSA - LWD Final EIR RTC.docx (07/23/24) Table 7.A: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Update Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program No. Mitigation Measure Timing of Completion Responsible Party Completion Date and Team Member Initials

4.9 RECREATIONNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Recreation would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.10 TRANSPORTATIONNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Transportation would be applicable to the Proposed Project.4.11 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMSNo Mitigation Measures or Regulatory Compliance Measures related to Utilities and Service Systems would be applicable to the Proposed Project.

ITEM 8.1
Exhibit C to Attachment A
Draft PEIR
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May 2024

DRAFT PROGRAM

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

LAGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN

AND ZONING CODE UPDATE

LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA
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May 2024

DRAFT PROGRAM

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

LAGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN

AND ZONING CODE UPDATE

LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA
Submitted to:

City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Prepared by:
3210 El Camino Real, Suite 100
Irvine, California 92602
(949) 553-0666
Project No. LWD2102.03
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Proposed Project...............................................................................................................1-1

1.3 Issues Addressed and Areas of Controversy to be Resolved ............................................1-3

1.4 Alternatives to the Proposed Project................................................................................1-8

1.5 Summary of Impacts, Mitigation, and Level of Impacts....................................................1-9

2.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1 Purpose and Type of EIR/Uses of the EIR..........................................................................2-2

2.2 Public Review Process.......................................................................................................2-3

2.3 Scope of this PEIR..............................................................................................................2-5

2.4 Format of the EIR ............................................................................................................2-11

2.5 Incorporation by Reference ............................................................................................2-12

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Project Background and Purpose......................................................................................3-1

3.2 Project Location and Existing Environmental Setting .......................................................3-2

3.3 Project Objectives.............................................................................................................3-9

3.4 Project Description............................................................................................................3-9

3.5 Discretionary Actions......................................................................................................3-11

4.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES........................................................... 4-1

4.1 Aesthetics.......................................................................................................................4.1-1

4.2 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................4.2-1

4.3 Energy.............................................................................................................................4.3-1

4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions............................................................................................4.4-1

4.5 Land Use and Planning...................................................................................................4.5-1

4.6 Noise...............................................................................................................................4.6-1

4.7 Population and Housing.................................................................................................4.7-1

4.8 Public Services................................................................................................................4.8-1

4.9 Recreation......................................................................................................................4.9-1

4.10 Transportation .............................................................................................................4.10-1

4.11 Utilities and Service Systems........................................................................................4.11-1

5.0 ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................5-1

5.2 Proposed Project...............................................................................................................5-2

5.3 ALTERNATIVES INITIALLY CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION ...............................................................................................................5-5

5.4 Alternative Under Analysis................................................................................................5-7

5.5 Identification of the Environmentally Superior Alternative..............................................5-8

6.0 OTHER CEQA CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................ 6-1

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6.1 Short- and Long-Term Implications.................................................................................. 6-1

6.2 Energy Impacts ................................................................................................................. 6-2

6.3 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts ............................................................................... 6-3

6.4 Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes............................................................... 6-3

6.5 Growth-Inducing Impacts................................................................................................. 6-4

7.0 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM .................................. 7-1

7.1 Mitigation Monitoring Requirements............................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Mitigation Monitoring Procedures................................................................................... 7-2

8.0 LIST OF PREPARERS........................................................................................... 8-1

8.1 Agency Reviewers............................................................................................................. 8-1

8.2 Draft PEIR Preparers......................................................................................................... 8-1

8.3 Technical Report Preparers.............................................................................................. 8-1

9.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 9-1

APPENDICES
A: NOP COMMENT LETTERS
B: AIR QUALITY/ENERGY/GREENHOUSE GAS CALEEMOD MODELING DATA C: VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED ANALYSIS MEMORANDUM
D: HISTORIC PERIOD BUILT ENVIRONMENT SENSITIVITY STUDY

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FIGURES AND TABLES

FIGURES
Figure 3-1: Regional Location..............................................................................................................3-3 Figure 3-2: Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses........................................................................................3-5 Figure 4.2-1: California Population, Gross State Product (GSP), Diesel Cancer Risk, and Diesel Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Regulatory Context ...............................................................4.2-13 Figure 4.5-1: General Plan Land Uses...............................................................................................4.5-3 Figure 4.6-1: Existing Traffic Noise Contours .................................................................................4.6-10 Figure 4.6-2: Future (2045) Traffic Noise Contours with Project...................................................4.6-12 Figure 4.9-1: Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities.........................................................4.9-3 TABLES
Table 1.A: Notice of Preparation Comments.......................................................................................1-5 Table 1.B: Native American Consultation............................................................................................1-7 Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM).......................................................................................................................1-10 Table 3.A: Site Descriptions.................................................................................................................3-7 Table 3.B: Discretionary Approvals ...................................................................................................3-11 Table 4.2.A: Sources and Health Effects of Air Pollutants................................................................4.2-4 Table 4.2.B: Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards........................................................4.2-8 Table 4.2.C: South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status...................................................................4.2-11 Table 4.2.D: Ambient Air Quality in the Project Vicinity ................................................................4.2-12 Table 4.2.E: Regional Thresholds for Construction and Operational Emissions ............................4.2-20 Table 4.2.F: Project Construction Emissions (in Pounds Per Day)..................................................4.2-25 Table 4.2.G: Project Operational Emissions (in Pounds Per Day)...................................................4.2-27 Table 4.3.A: Construction Energy Consumption Estimates..............................................................4.3-8 Table 4.3.B: Operational Energy Consumption Estimates ...............................................................4.3-9 Table 4.4.A: Global Warming Potential of Greenhouse Gases.........................................................4.4-3 Table 4.4.B: Potential Impacts of Global Warming and Expected Consequences for California ....4.4-6 Table 4.4.C: Senate Bill 375 Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets...................4.4-12 Table 4.4.D: GHG Emissions (Metric Tons Per Year) ......................................................................4.4-23 Table 4.5.A: Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) Policy Consistency Analysis...................................................................................................4.5-11 Table 4.5.B: General Plan Policy Consistency Analysis...................................................................4.5-12 Table 4.6.A: Traffic Noise Level Increase Comparing Without and With Proposed Project ............4.6-8 Table 4.7.A: SCAG Population, Households, and Employment Forecasts for Orange County (2020–2045) ............................................................................................................................4.7-2 Table 4.7.B: SCAG Population, Households, and Employment Forecasts for Laguna Woods (2016–2045) ............................................................................................................................4.7-2 Table 4.7.C: Laguna Woods and Orange County Age Characteristics..............................................4.7-3

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\0-Master TOC.docx «05/06/24» iv Table 4.7.D: City of Laguna Woods RHNA Allocation by Income Category ..................................... 4.7-6 Table 4.8.A: Existing School Facilities Capacity and Student Enrollment ........................................ 4.8-4 Table 4.8.B: Student Generation and SVUSD Capacity .................................................................. 4.8-11 Table 4.9.A: Existing Public Recreational/Open Space Facilities in Laguna Woods........................ 4.9-2 Table 4.10.A: Potential Housing Sites – Existing Land Uses and Employment (Estimated)........... 4.10-9 Table 4.10.B: OCTAM Socioeconomic Changes by Traffic Analysis Zone .................................... 4.10-10 Table 4.10.C: 2045 City of Laguna Woods VMT Per Capita (With Project) Comparison with Regional Threshold ............................................................................................................. 4.10-10 Table 4.10.D: 2045 City of Laguna Woods VMT Per Service Population (With Project) Comparison with Regional Threshold................................................................................. 4.10-11 Table 4.11.A: Water Supply and Demand Projections Comparison Third-Dry-Year Supply (2020–2045).......................................................................................................................... 4.11-3 Table 5.F: Comparison of the Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Project and Project Alternatives................................................................................................................................ 5-9 Table 7.A: Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Update Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program..................................................................................................................... 7-3

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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
°C degrees Celsius
°F degrees Fahrenheit
μg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter
AB Assembly Bill
ACS American Community Survey
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADT average daily trips
af acre-feet
afy acre-feet per year
AHS American Housing Survey
APA American Planning Association
APN Assessor’s Parcel Number
APS Alternative Planning Strategy
AQMP Air Quality Management Plan
Basin South Coast Air Basin
BMPs Best Management Practices
BTU British Thermal Units
CAA (Federal) Clean Air Act
CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CalEEMod (CAPCOA’s) California Emissions Estimator Model

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vi P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\0-Master TOC.docx «05/06/24» CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency
CALGreen Code California Green Building Standards Code
CalRecycle California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CAP Climate Adaptation Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CARB Handbook Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective CAT Climate Action Team
CBC California Building Code
CBSC California Building Standards Commission
CCAA California Clean Air Act
CCC California Coastal Commission
CCR California Code of Regulations
CCSP Climate Change Science Program
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CFC California Fire Code
CH4 methane
City City of Laguna Woods
CIWMP Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan
CMP Congestion Management Program
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
CO carbon monoxide

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CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
County County of Orange
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CUSD Capistrano Unified School District
dB decibel(s)
dBA A-weighted decibel(s)
du/ac dwelling units per acre
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EDD (State of California) Employment Development Department EIA United States Energy Information Administration
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EMFAC EMission FACtor Model
EO Executive Order
ETWD El Toro Water District
FIP Federal Implementation Plan
GHG greenhouse gas
GWh gigawatt-hours
GWP global warming potential
HCD Department of Housing and Community Development
HFCs hydrofluorocarbons
I-5 Interstate 5
IGR Intergovernmental Review
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

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viii P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\0-Master TOC.docx «05/06/24» IS/ND Initial Study/Negative Declaration
IS/NOP Initial Study/Notice of Preparation
ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers
IWMP Integrated Waste Management Plan
kWh kilowatt hours
lbs/day pounds per day
LBUSD Laguna Beach Unified School District
LCFS Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Ldn day-night average noise level
Leq equivalent continuous sound level
LID low impact development
LIP Local Implementation Plan
Lmax maximum A-weighted sound level
LST Localized Significance Threshold
MET Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, also MWD mg million gallon
mgd million gallons per day
MM Mitigation Measure
MMT million metric tons
MMT CO2e million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent mpg miles per gallon
mph miles per hour
MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization
MRZ Mineral Resources Zone

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MT metric tons
MT CO2e metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
MT CO2e/SP/yr metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per service population per year MT CO2e/yr metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year MW megawatt
MWD Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, also MET MWDOC Municipal Water District of Southern California
N2O nitrous oxide
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAHC Native American Heritage Commission
NCCP/HCP Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NO2 nitrogen dioxide
NOP Notice of Preparation
NOX nitrogen oxides
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
O3 ozone
OCFA Orange County Fire Authority
OCFCD Orange County Flood Control District
OCPL Orange County Public Libraries
OCSD Orange County Sheriff’s Department
OCTA Orange County Transportation Authority

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x P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\0-Master TOC.docx «05/06/24» OCTAM Orange County Transportation Analysis Model
OD origin-destination
OPR (California) Governor’s Office of Planning and Research OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Pb lead
PEIR Program Environmental Impact Report
PFCs perfluorocarbons
PM particulate matter
PM10 particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter PM2.5 particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter ppm parts per million
PRC California Public Resources Code
Project Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update RCM Regulatory Compliance Measure
RCP Regional Comprehensive Plan
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
ROGs reactive organic gases
RPS Renewables Portfolio Standard
RTIP Regional Transportation Improvement Program
RTP Regional Transportation Plan
RTP/SCS Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy SAFE Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient
SAFE Vehicles Rule The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks

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SCAG Southern California Association of Governments
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCE Southern California Edison
SCH State Clearing House
SCS Sustainable Communities Strategy
SEMS Standard Emergency Management System
SF6 sulfur hexafluoride
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SIP State Implementation Plan
SO2 sulfur dioxide
SoCalGas Southern California Gas Company
SOCWA South Orange County Wastewater Authority
SOX sulfur oxides
SP service population
SR-73 State Route 73
SR-91 State Route 91
SR-133 State Route 133
SRRE Source Reduction and Recycling Element
SUSMP Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plans
SVUSD Saddleback Valley Unified School District
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
TAC toxic air contaminants
TAZ traffic analysis zone

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xii P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\0-Master TOC.docx «05/06/24» tpd tons per day
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USDOT United States Department of Transportation
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
VMT vehicle miles traveled
VOCs volatile organic compounds
Working Group GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Working Group WRP Water Recycling Plant
ZEVs zero emission vehicles
ZNE zero net energy

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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 INTRODUCTION
This Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Update (herein referred to as the “Project” or “proposed Project”) has been prepared by LSA on behalf of the City of Laguna Woods (City) to identify and evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the proposed Project.

This PEIR has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)1 and Guidelines for California Environmental Quality Act2 (CEQA Guidelines), both of which regulate the preparation of EIRs. As required pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines (Section 15123), this section of the PEIR summarizes the proposed Project; the environmental impacts and mitigation required to reduce or eliminate those impacts determined to be significant; areas of controversy known by the City including those raised by other agencies and the public; the issues to be resolved; and alternatives to the Project that could reduce the extent and/or severity of the proposed Project’s environmental impacts. While this Executive Summary provides an overview of these issues, more detail is provided in subsequent sections of this PEIR as follows:
• Project Description (Chapter 3.0)
• Environmental Impacts (Chapter 4.0)
• Project Alternatives (Chapter 5.0)
• Other CEQA Considerations (Chapter 6.0)

1.2 PROPOSED PROJECT
Following the City Council’s approval of the Housing Element Update, State law requires that the City update its General Plan and Zoning Code to be consistent with its new Housing Element. This Project would ensure that relevant provisions of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code comply with the recently adopted Housing Element Update. The City proposes to update its General Plan Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements, and rename the Circulation Element to the Mobility Element, in order for the individual elements of the General Plan to be internally consistent.

The City prepared the City of Laguna Woods 2021–2029 General Plan Housing Element Update for the 6th Cycle Planning Period (Housing Element Update) and also prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) consistent with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines in order to evaluate the potential environmental impacts that may result from implementation of the Housing Element Update. The City Council adopted the Housing Element Update on February 9, 2022, and it is currently being reviewed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). In compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(3), the Housing Element Update identified 17 potential sites that were suitable for residential development (Potential Housing Sites), 1 California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resources Code, Division 13. Environmental Quality, Sections 21000 – 21189.3, January 1, 2022. 2 California Code of Regulations, Chapter 3: Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Title 14, Sections 15000 – 15387, January 1, 2022 (State CEQA Guidelines).

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1 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\1.0 Executive Summary.docx «05/06/24» -2 including 1 vacant site and 16 sites having the potential for redevelopment. In addition to the proposed adoption of overlay zoning districts on the Potential Housing Sites, minor land use designation administrative changes to the General Plan and zoning are proposed at 12 additional locations in the City to make the land use designations better correlate to the existing uses (these locations are referred to as the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses in this PEIR). The proposed land use and zoning changes at these sites simply recognize the existing uses on the sites. The proposed Project evaluated in this PEIR includes the updates to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan, a renaming of the Circulation Element to the Mobility Element, and amendments to the City’s Zoning Code.

The proposed Project would establish Residential; High, Medium, Medium-Low and Low Density overlay zones that could accommodate up to 1,196 dwelling units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Additionally, the proposed Project would amend the land use designations on the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, which are owned by the City, the Golden Rain Foundation, and the El Toro Water District. Of these, the land use designations on 10 parcels would be changed from Commercial, Open Space, or Residential Community to Community Facilities. Land use designations on the other two properties would be changed from Residential Community and High Density Residential to Open Space. The proposed Project would also update the noise contour maps in the Noise Element to reflect current noise conditions in the City as well as those anticipated under General Plan build out, and would also rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element, which would emphasize the City’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel.

1.2.1 Project Objectives
In conformance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15124, the following primary objectives support the Project’s purpose, assist the Lead Agency in developing a reasonable range of alternatives to be evaluated in this PEIR, and ultimately aid the decision-makers in preparing findings and overriding considerations, if necessary. The Project’s purpose is to update the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code to address the City’s housing needs and meet State law requirements and reflect logical land use designations and zoning districts. The following Project objectives are provided to support this purpose:

1. Enhanced Housing Choices. The Project is intended to accommodate a variety of housing types to meet the needs of all Laguna Woods residents, creating opportunities for attainably priced housing for all income groups.

2. Adequate Housing Supply. The Project would amend the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code to provide adequate potential housing sites with corresponding density to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 997 housing units, inclusive of prior planning cycle carryover housing units. The Project would also include a 199-dwelling-unit buffer sufficient to accommodate the RHNA during the entire planning period given the requirements of the “no net loss” statute. The Project would accommodate the appropriate distribution of new multi-family housing throughout the City.

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3. Community Character, Health, and Safety. The Project would permit well-designed in-fill development that protects and enhances the quality of life and character of established neighborhoods and promotes healthy and safe living environments.

4. Multi-modal Transportation. The Project would decrease reliance on the automobile and encourage active lifestyles through policies and in-fill development that increase the safety, convenience, and integration of multiple transportation modes.

5. Minimization of Noise Sources. The Project would minimize exposure of sensitive noise receptors to the detrimental effects of excessive noise from new development by incorporating noise considerations into land use planning decisions.

1.3 ISSUES ADDRESSED AND AREAS OF CONTROVERSY TO BE RESOLVED CEQA requires the Project be reviewed to determine the environmental effects that would result if the Project were approved and implemented. The City of Laguna Woods is the Lead Agency3 and has the responsibility of preparing and adopting the associated environmental document prior to consideration of the approval of the proposed Project.

In accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060, the City has determined that the Project would have a potentially significant effect on the environment and that an EIR is required to assess project-related impacts. This PEIR addresses the following environmental issues identified in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines:
• Aesthetics
• Air Quality
• Energy
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Land Use and Planning
• Noise
• Population and Housing
• Public Services
• Recreation
• Transportation and Traffic
• Utilities and Service Systems
The PEIR contains a detailed Project Description, maps identifying the locations of the Potential Housing Sites and the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, the existing environmental setting, project-specific impacts, cumulative impacts, mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts, a mitigation monitoring plan, and an alternatives analysis. The PEIR’s environmental analysis utilizes data from site- and project-specific technical studies that are distributed as appendices to the Draft PEIR.

A Notice of Preparation (NOP) (Appendix A) was distributed advising responsible and trustee agencies, other affected agencies, interested parties, and individual members of the public that the City is preparing an EIR to address the potential environmental impacts that may result from the Project.
3 California Code of Regulations, Chapter 3: Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Title 14, Sections 15051(a) and (c).

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1 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\1.0 Executive Summary.docx «05/06/24» -4 In evaluating the significance of the environmental effects of the Project, the City must consider the direct physical changes in the environment which may be caused by the Project and reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes in the environment which may be caused by the Project.4 These physical changes may include:
• A direct physical change in the environment is a physical change in the environment which is caused by and immediately related to the Project. (For example, the removal of vegetation from the site during Project construction.)
• An indirect physical change in the environment is a physical change in the environment, which is not immediately related to the Project, but which is caused indirectly by the Project. If a direct physical change in the environment in turn causes another change in the environment, then the other change is an indirect physical change in the environment. (For example, construction of a new wastewater treatment plan could allow an increase in population, traffic, and new sources of air pollution). An indirect physical change is to be considered only if that change is a reasonably foreseeable impact which may be caused by the Project. A change which is speculative or unlikely to occur is not reasonably foreseeable.

The Project’s impact(s), the severity of any impact(s), and the mitigation measures required to reduce or eliminate the impacts relative to these environmental issues are addressed in Sections 4.1 through 4.10 and summarized in Table 1.C at the end of Section 1.5. Issues of concern and/or controversy related to the Project were further identified by the City through responses to the NOP, Public Scoping Meetings, and Native American Tribal Consultation.

1.3.1 Notice of Preparation
The objective of distributing an NOP is to solicit public comment, ensuring the full and appropriate examination of issues of concern in the PEIR. This notice informs the public that a PEIR will be prepared for the Project. The NOP was distributed to the State Clearinghouse, as well as to the agencies, organizations, and persons considered likely to be interested in the Project and its potential impacts. Comments received regarding the NOP have been used to identify impacts that could result from implementation of the Project. An NOP for the Project was distributed for a 30-day public comment period from August 1, 2022, through August 30, 2022. The NOP and response letters received are included in Appendix A of this PEIR. Table 1.A, below, provides a general summary of NOP comments received by the City during the NOP review period and identifies in which section of the PEIR each specific NOP comment has been addressed.

1.3.2 Public Scoping Meeting
Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines,5 the City conducted a public scoping meeting, which was held to further determine the scope and content of the environmental analysis contained in the PEIR. 4 State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064(d). 5 State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15082(c)).

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Agency/
Organization/
Individual
Date
Received by
City Summary of Comments
Addressed in Section(s) of
the PEIR
Quechan Indian Tribe August 4,
2022
Informed the City that they have no comments and
deferred to more local Tribes.

2.0 (Introduction)
Native American
Heritage Commission
August 4,
2022
Recommended consultation with Tribes that are
affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed
Project.

2.0 (Introduction)
Saddleback Valley
Unified School
District (SVUSD)
August 8,
2022
Requested that the Draft PEIR evaluate the
potential impacts of the Project on SVUSD schools
by identifying the location of the properties and
calculating the number of dwelling units that may
be developed as well as the number of students
generated, by grade level and school. SVUSD also
requested an evaluation of potential impacts on
school capacity and possible overcrowding, and
requested that the updates made to the City’s
General Plan and the Draft PEIR focus on possible
impacts to student safety and well-being.

4.8 (Public Services)
City of Aliso Viejo August 15,
2022
Requested a color version of the map on the
Notice of Preparation (NOP) with the properties
affected by the proposed Project. No further
comments were received.

None
Southern California
Association of
Governments (SCAG)
August 15,
2022
Requested that the proposed Project be consistent
with the adopted Connect SoCal 2020–2045
Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable
Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and its goals.

4.2 (Air Quality); 4.4
(Greenhouse Gas
Emissions; 4.5 (Land Use
and Planning); 4.7
(Population and Housing);
and 4.10 (Transportation)
Agua Caliente Band
of Cahuilla Indians
August 16,
2022
Informed the City that the Project is not within
their Traditional Use Area and deferred to more
local Tribes.

4.17 (Transportation) and

4.11 (Land Use and
Planning)
Orange County
Transportation
Authority (OCTA)
August 29,
2022
Requested that OCTA be kept apprised of the
Project and requested continued coordination with
OCTA to maintain consistency between the
Circulation Element and the Orange County Master
Plan of Arterial Highways.

4.11 (Land Use and
Planning); 4.14 (Population
and Housing); and 4.10
(Transportation)
California
Department of
Transportation –
(Caltrans) District 12
August 30,
2022
Requested that the Project consider providing a
discussion about the City’s multimodal mobility
strategies relating to transit bus and rail services as well as active transportation for local and regional
connectivity. Caltrans also requested that the
Project consider a discussion about wayfinding
signage to transit stops within the Project vicinity
and local roadways. Caltrans noted that the agency
is striving for more equitable outcomes for the
transportation network’s diverse users. Caltrans
requested consideration of a discussion on
potential impacts to the circulation element from
freight traveling into, from, and/or through the

4.7 (Population and
Housing); 4.8 (Public
Services); and 4.10
(Transportation)

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Agency/
Organization/
Individual
Date
Received by
City Summary of Comments
Addressed in Section(s) of
the PEIR
City, as a result of the General Plan updates.

Caltrans emphasized that new development
resulting from the City’s Housing Element update
should provide a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
based Traffic Impact Study (TIS).

California
Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW) -
South Coast Region 5
August 30,
2022
Recommended for the City to follow guidelines set
forth in the Natural Communities Conservation
Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) during
implementation of the Project and that open space
be maximized when planning future housing
projects. Also requested for a discussion of
potential adverse impacts from lighting, noise,
human activity, sensitive species, recreational
uses, and potential impacts to Aliso Creek and
other biological resources to be addressed in the
PEIR. Also requested for written notification to be
provided to CDFW to assess whether impacts to
Aliso Creek may occur from individual
development projects associated with the PEIR.

4.5 (Land Use and
Planning) and 4.9
(Recreation)
The public scoping meeting for the Project was held on August 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Laguna Woods City Hall and virtually. City staff and the PEIR consultant were present during this meeting to provide information regarding the Project and collect public comments. There were no comments received during the public scoping meeting.

1.3.3 Native American Consultation (Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52) The proposed development is a Project under CEQA and includes General Plan Amendments and Zoning Code amendments; therefore, consultation pursuant to both Senate Bill (SB) 186 and Assembly Bill (AB) 527 is required. The City provided consultation requests (via certified mail) to the following Native American entities on July 22, 2022. Table 1.B details the Native American governments contacted pursuant to this legislation.

As Table 1.B articulates, the City received responses from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians on August 16, 2022, the Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation on August 4, 2022, and the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation on December 12, 2023. The tribes’ requests are summarized in Table 1.B. No other contact or consultation request was received from any other Native American tribal authority.
6 California Government Code, Sections 65040.2, 65092, 65351, 65352, 65560, 65352.3, 65352.4, and 65562. 7 California Public Resources Code, Sections 5097.94, 21073, 21074, 21080.3.1, 21080.3.2, 21082.3, 21083.09, 21084.2, and 21084.3

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Native American Government/Contact1 Date of Contact Summary Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California
Two rounds of
correspondence
were sent to
Native
American
contacts.

First Round:

July 22, 2022
Second Round:

November 30,
2023
No further contact or consultation request received.

Gabrielino/Tongva Nation No further contact or consultation request received.

Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe No further contact or consultation request received.

Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of
Mission Indians
No further contact or consultation request received.

Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians - Kizh
Nation
Tribe requested consultation under both AB 52 and
SB 18 on December 12, 2023. Tribe informed the City
on March 11, 2024, that they have no comments
given that the Project does not involve any ground
disturbance. Tribe requested notification of any
future ground disturbances.

Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel No further contact or consultation request received.

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribe informed the City on August 16, 2022, that after a records check with the Tribal Historic
Preservation Office’s cultural registry, the Project
was not revealed to be within the Tribe’s Traditional
Use Area, and therefore deferred to the more local
Tribes.

No further contact or consultation request received.

Inaja-Cosmit Band of Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Jamul Indian Village No further contact or consultation request received.

Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of
Mission Indians
No further contact or consultation request received.

Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Juaneno Band of Mission Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Juaneno Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen
Nation
No further contact or consultation request received.

Kwaaymii Laguna Band of Mission Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Manzanita Band of Kumeyaay Nation No further contact or consultation request received.

Mesa Grande Band of Diegueno Mission
Indians
No further contact or consultation request received.

Pala Band of Mission Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation Tribe informed the City on August 4, 2022, that they have no comments on the Project and deferred to
the more local Tribes.

No further contact or consultation request received.

San Pasqual Band of Diegueno Mission Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

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Native American Government/Contact1 Date of Contact Summary Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians No further contact or consultation request received.

Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation No further contact or consultation request received.

Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians No further contact or consultation request received. 1 Multiple contacts to some tribes (based on the Native American Heritage Commission contact list).

1.4 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT
An EIR must describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the Project, or to the location of the Project, which would feasibly attain most of the Project objectives, and would avoid or substantially lessen its significant effects.
8 The EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative; rather it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that “… foster informed decision making and public participation.” The City, as Lead Agency, is responsible for selection the range of Project alternatives and must disclose its reasoning for selecting those alternatives.

Alternatives that fail to meet most of the stated project objectives, are infeasible, or do not avoid significant environmental effects, may be rejected by the Lead Agency. The “no project” analysis shall discuss the existing conditions at the time the NOP preparation is published, or if no notice of preparation is published, at the time environmental analysis is commenced, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the Project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services. If the environmentally superior alternative is the “no project” alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives. 9 The City of Laguna Woods has identified the following alternatives to the Project. Chapter 5.0 (Alternatives) of this PEIR provides a detailed description of each Project alternative, assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with its construction and operation of each alternative, and provides justification for the selection of the “environmentally superior” alternative.

1.4.1 Alternative 1: No Project
In certain instances, the No Project Alternative means “no build,” a condition in which the existing environmental setting is maintained. Under this alternative, accommodation for the City’s RHNA allocation would not occur. No alterations to the City would occur, and all residential development would generally remain in their current conditions. None of the impacts of the proposed Project, adverse or beneficial, would occur. The No Project Alternative would be the same as existing conditions, which were described in the environmental setting section for each environmental topic.

This alternative may result in the State taking over control of the City’s Housing Element and implementing minimum zoning requirements to accommodate housing for a diversity of housing to meet the needs of multiple income categories. RHNA compliance by each jurisdiction has received significant oversight by the State Department of Housing and Community Development due to the ongoing housing crisis facing California. Therefore, a No Project Alternative is not possible. 8 State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126.3. 9 State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126.6(e)(2)

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1.4.2 Alternative 2: Reduced Density Alternative
This alternative would result in a 199-unit reduction of housing units on all of the Potential Housing Sites. This alternative would reduce the proposed residential units on those sites from 1,196 dwelling units to 997 dwelling units, and result in a population growth of approximately 1,984 residents. This represents an approximate 17 percent reduction in growth as compared to the Project. The mitigation measures applied to the Project (1,196 dwelling units) would still be required if the Project’s housing units were capped at 997 dwelling units.

The Reduced Density Alternative would be inferior to the proposed Project in meeting one of the Project objectives and would fail to meet another Project objective because the reduction in housing units would decrease accommodation of a variety of housing types to meet the needs of all Laguna Woods residents and it would not include the 199-dwelling-unit buffer sufficient to accommodate the RHNA during the entire planning period given the requirements of the “no net loss” statute.

Therefore, the Reduced Density Alternative is not superior to the proposed Project.

1.4.3 Environmentally Superior Alternative
As described and analyzed in Chapter 6.0, Alternatives, of this PEIR, the proposed Project is the environmentally superior alternative because it is the only alternative with the ability to satisfactorily meet each of the Project objectives while also avoiding or minimizing as many significant environmental impacts as possible.

1.5 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS, MITIGATION, AND LEVEL OF IMPACTS Table 1.C provides a summary of the proposed Project impacts, proposed mitigation measures, and the level of significance of each impact following the application of identified mitigation measures.

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation

4.1 Aesthetics
Impact 4.1.6.1: Scenic Vistas. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.1.6.2: Scenic Resources within a State Scenic
Highway.

No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.1.6.3: Consistency with Applicable Zoning and
Regulations Governing Scenic Quality.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.1.6.4: Substantial Light and Glare. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.1.7: Cumulative Aesthetics Impact. Not cumulatively considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not cumulatively
considerable

4.2 Air Quality
Impact 4.2.6.1: Air Quality Management Plan
Consistency.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.2.6.2: Increase in Criteria Air Pollutants
(Regional Construction and Operation).

Less Than Significant
Impact
RCM AQ-1: During clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations, excessive fugitive dust emissions shall be controlled by regular watering or other dust preventative measures by using the following procedures, in compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403 during
construction. The applicable Rule 403 measures are as follows:
 Apply nontoxic chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers’ specifications to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more).  Water active sites at least twice daily (locations where grading is to occur shall be thoroughly watered prior to earthmoving).  Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials, or maintain at least 2 feet (0.6 meter) of freeboard (vertical space between the top of the load and the top of the trailer) in accordance with the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 23114.
 Pave construction access roads at least 100 feet (30 meters) onto the site from the main road.

Less Than
Significant Impact

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
 Reduce traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour or less.

RCM AQ-2: All trucks that are to haul excavated or graded material shall comply with State Vehicle Code Section 23114, with special attention to Sections 23114(b)(F), (e)(2), and (e)(4) as amended, regarding the prevention of such material spilling onto public streets and roads.

RCM AQ-3: Prior to approval of future project plans and specifications for public projects undertaken by the City of Laguna Woods, the City shall confirm that the construction bid packages specify:
 Contractors shall use high-volume low-pressure paint
applicators with a minimum transfer efficiency of at least 50 percent;
 Coatings and solvents that will be utilized have a volatile organic compound content lower than required under
SCAQMD Rule 1113; and
 To the extent feasible, construction/building materials shall be composed of pre-painted materials.

RCM AQ-4: Future projects shall comply with SCAQMD Rule 402.

Rule 402 prohibits the discharge of air contaminants or other material from any type of operations, which can cause nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of people or to the public or which endangers the comfort or repose of any such persons, or the public.

Impact 4.2.6.3: Sensitive Receptor Exposure to
Pollutants (Local Construction and Operation).

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
manufacturers’ specifications to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more).  Water active sites at least twice daily (locations where grading is to occur shall be thoroughly watered prior to earthmoving).  Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials, or maintain at least 2 feet (0.6 meter) of freeboard (vertical space between the top of the load and the top of the trailer) in accordance with the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 23114.
 Pave construction access roads at least 100 feet (30 meters) onto the site from the main road.
 Reduce traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour or less.

RCM AQ-4: Future projects shall comply with SCAQMD Rule 402.

Rule 402 prohibits the discharge of air contaminants or other

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
material from any type of operations, which can cause nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of people or to the public or which endangers the comfort or repose of any such persons, or the public
Impact 4.2.6.4: Odors. Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.2.7: Cumulative Air Quality Impact. Not cumulatively considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not cumulatively
considerable

4.3 Energy
Impact 4.3.6.1: Energy Consumption. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.3.6.2: Project Consistency with Energy
Strategies.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.3.7: Cumulative Energy Impacts. Not cumulatively considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not cumulatively
considerable

4.4 Greenhouse Gas
Impact 4.4.6.1: Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Potentially Significant Impact
Mitigation Measure GHG-1: Prior to discretionary approval by the City of Laguna Woods (City) for residential development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential projectrelated greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts to the City for review and approval. The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
methodology. If project-related GHG emissions exceed applicable SCAQMD thresholds of significance and/or statewide GHG
reduction targets, the City of Laguna Woods shall require that applicants for new development projects incorporate mitigation measures to reduce GHG emissions. Mitigation measures could include, but are not limited, to energy efficiency measures, water conservation and efficiency measures, solid waste measures, and transportation and motor vehicles measures. The identified measures shall be included as part of the conditions of approval.

Significant and
Unavoidable

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
Impact 4.4.6.2: Greenhouse Gas Plan, Policy, and
Regulation Consistency.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.4.7: Cumulative Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Impact.

Cumulatively
Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Cumulatively
Considerable

4.5 Land Use and Planning
Impact 4.5.6.1: Physically Divide an Established
Community.

No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.5.6.2: Conflict with Applicable Land Use Plans, Policies, or Regulations.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.5.7: Cumulative Land Use and Planning
Impacts.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.6 Noise and Vibration
Impact 4.6.6.1: Noise Levels in Excess of Established
Local Standards.

Less Than Significant
Impact
RCM Noise-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the City shall conduct site plan review for any residential units located within 60 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) noise contours and above. The site plan review shall be conducted consistent with the City Noise Element (Table N-1 and Table N-2). New construction or development should be undertaken only after detailed analysis of the noise requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. The interior noise standard is 45 decibels (dB). The exterior standard for habitable exterior living areas, including private yards, private patios and balconies, and common recreation areas, is 65 dB.

Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.6.6.2: Ground-borne Vibration/Ground-borne
Noise Impacts.

Potentially Significant
Impact
Mitigation Measure N-1: Prior to discretionary approval by the City of Laguna Woods (City), residential development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects) would be required to incorporate the following conditions:
 Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final acoustical report consistent with the
requirements of the California Building Standards Code or City policy, provided that City policy is no less effective than the Less Than
Significant Impact

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
California Building Standards Code.
o The final acoustical report shall describe in detail the noise environment and mitigation measures necessary to achieve compliance with applicable noise standards. The report
shall also describe and depict the locations of the acoustical barriers and design features of the structures required to satisfy the exterior and interior noise standards along with satisfactory evidence, which indicates that the sound
attenuation measures specified in the final acoustical
report, have been incorporated into the design of the
project. Noise level calculations shall be provided using the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) noise scale.
 The applicant shall incorporate the requirements of the City's Noise Ordinance as a note on the grading plan cover sheet, for review and approval by the City.
 The applicant shall incorporate the following measures as a note on the grading plan cover sheet:
o Construction equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be
maintained in proper operating condition with approved
noise mufflers.
o Construction staging areas shall be located away from offsite receptors and occupied buildings on site during the later phases of project development.
o Stationary equipment shall be placed such that emitted noise is directed away from residential areas to the
greatest extent feasible.
o Construction access routes shall be selected to minimize truck traffic near existing residential uses where reasonably feasible.

Impact 4.6.6.3: Public/Private Airport Noise. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact

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Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
Impact 4.6.7: Cumulative Noise and Vibration Impact. Not Cumulatively Considerable
RCM Noise-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the City shall conduct site plan review for any residential units located within 60 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) noise contours and above. The site plan review shall be conducted consistent with the City Noise Element (Table N-1 and Table N-2). New construction or development should be undertaken only after detailed analysis of the noise requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. The interior noise standard is 45 decibels (dB). The exterior standard for habitable exterior living areas, including private yards, private patios and balconies, and common recreation areas, is 65 dB.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.7 Population and Housing
Impact 4.7.6.1: Substantial Unplanned Population
Growth.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.7.6.2: Displace Substantial Numbers of
Existing People.

No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.7.8: Cumulative Population and Housing
Impact.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.8 Public Services
Impact 4.8.6.1(i): Fire Protection. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(ii): Police Protection. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(iii): Schools. Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.6.1(iv): Parks. Less Than Significant
Impact
RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Less Than
Significant Impact

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\1.0 Executive Summary.docx (05/06/24) 1-17 Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM) Issues/Impacts
Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
Impact 4.8.6.1(v): Other Public Facilities- Libraries. Less Than Significant Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.8.7: Cumulative Public Service Impact. Not Cumulatively Considerable
RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.9 Recreation
Impact 4.9.7.1: Increase the Use of Existing
Neighborhood and Regional Parks.

Less Than Significant
Impact
RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.9.7.2: Recreational Facilities Physical Effects on the Environment.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.9.9: Cumulative Recreation Impacts. Not Cumulatively Considerable
RCM REC-1: Prior to the issuance of building permits by the City of Laguna Woods (City), the most current parkland dedication and/or in-lieu fee for future development shall be dedicated and/or paid by the developer as calculated by the City, pursuant to Chapter 11.06 of the City’s Municipal Code. The building permits shall be issued by the City once proof of the appropriate parkland dedication is determined and/or in-lieu fee is paid.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.10 Transportation
Impact 4.10.7.1: Conflicts with a program, plan,
ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system.

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less than
Significant
Impact 4.10.7.2: Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b).

Less Than Significant
Impact
No mitigation measures are required. Less Than
Significant Impact
Impact 4.10.7.3: Design Features or Incompatible Uses. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.10.7.4: Inadequate Emergency Access. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING CODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA

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1 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\1.0 Executive Summary.docx «05/06/24» -18 Table 1.C: Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCM) Issues/Impacts
Significance before
Mitigation Mitigation Measure(s)/Regulatory Compliance Measure(s) Significance after
Mitigation
Impact 4.10.9: Cumulative Transportation Impacts. Not Cumulatively Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not Cumulatively
Considerable

4.11 Utilities and Service Systems
Impact 4.11.6.1: New or Expanded Utility
Infrastructure.

No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.11.6.2: Adequate Water Supplies. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.11.6.3: Adequate Wastewater Treatment
Capacity.

No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.11.6.4: Adequate Landfill Capacity. No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.11.6.5: Compliance with Solid Waste
Regulations.

No Impact No mitigation measures are required. No Impact Impact 4.11.8: Cumulative Utilities and Service Systems Impacts.

Not Cumulatively
Considerable
No mitigation measures are required. Not Cumulatively
Considerable

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» 2-1

2.0 INTRODUCTION
This Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) has been prepared to evaluate environmental impacts associated with the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project) in Laguna Woods, California. The City of Laguna Woods (City) is the “public agency which has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving the project”1 and, as such, is the “Lead Agency” for the proposed Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). CEQA requires the Lead Agency to consider the information contained in the EIR prior to taking any discretionary action on the proposed Project. This EIR is intended to serve as an informational document to be considered by the City.

The proposed Project would:
• Create the following four new overlay zoning districts that allow housing development:
○ Residential High Density Overlay (would allow 30 to 50 dwelling units per acre [du/ac]) ○ Residential Medium Density Overlay (would allow 20 to 30 du/ac) ○ Residential Medium-Low Density Overlay (would allow 15 to 20 du/ac) ○ Residential Low Density Overlay (would allow 8 to 10 du/ac) Creation of the new overlay zoning districts also includes the creation of development standards for each.
• Rezone 17 properties (a total of 18 parcels) to allow housing development in addition to the uses already allowed under the existing zoning on those properties. This action would accommodate the City’s 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation. The City plans to apply one of the four new overlay zoning districts to each parcel; no change in General Plan land use designation is proposed. These sites are referred to as the Potential Housing Sites in this PEIR.
• Update the General Plan Land Use Element to change the land use designations of 12 properties (a total of 14 parcels), and undertake a corresponding rezone of the 12 properties, to better represent their existing uses. These locations are referred to in the PEIR as the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses. • Update the City's General Plan Circulation Element, Land Use Element, and Noise Element to ensure internal consistency with the City's General Plan Housing Element, update background and existing condition information, update the identification of priority issues, update goals and policy objectives, and make other changes intended to modernize the documents while also promoting clarity and ease of use. Change the name of the Circulation Element to “Mobility Element”.
1 As defined in Public Resources Code Section 21067.

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2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» -2 The approvals associated with the proposed Project are described in further detail in Chapter 3.0, Project Description.

The City, as Lead Agency, determined that the proposed Project may have a significant effect on the environment and that an EIR would be required to more fully evaluate potential adverse environmental impacts that may result from the implementation of the proposed Project. As a result, this EIR has been prepared in accordance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.).

2.1 PURPOSE AND TYPE OF EIR/USES OF THE EIR
This EIR has been prepared to evaluate potential environmental impacts that could result from implementation of the proposed Project. As the Lead Agency, the City has the principal responsibility for approving the proposed Project. In that capacity, the City has decided to prepare this PEIR and, after the public review process, will decide whether to certify the Final EIR.

The City has the authority to make decisions on discretionary actions relating to the proposed Project. As stated previously, this EIR is intended to serve as an informational document to be considered by the City during deliberations on the proposed Project. This EIR evaluates a reasonable worst-case scenario of potential impacts associated with the proposed Project and identifies feasible mitigation (if necessary) and alternatives for any identified potentially significant impacts.

This EIR will serve as a Program EIR (PEIR) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15168.

According to Section 15168 of the State CEQA Guidelines, a Program EIR may be prepared for a series of actions that are related geographically, as logical parts in a chain of contemplated actions, or in connection with the issuance of plans that govern the conduct of a continuing program (per CEQA Guidelines, Section 15168(a)). The advantages of a PEIR include the ability to provide a more exhaustive consideration of alternatives and cumulative effects than might be possible in a single project-specific EIR; to avoid duplication of basic policy considerations; provide the lead agency with the ability to consider broad program-wide policies and mitigation measures that would apply to specific projects or later activities within the overall program (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15168 (b)); and use the PEIR when examining later activities to determine whether an additional environmental document must be prepared (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15168(c)). If a later activity is found to be within the scope of the PEIR, no further environmental documents would be required.

As the Lead Agency for the proposed Project under CEQA, the City must consider the information contained in the Final EIR prior to taking any discretionary action with respect to the proposed Project. This PEIR provides information to the Lead Agency and other public agencies, the general public, and decision-makers regarding the potential environmental impacts from implementation of the proposed Project. Public review of this PEIR is required to evaluate the adequacy of the environmental analysis in terms of compliance with CEQA. State CEQA Guidelines Section 15151 states the following regarding the standards from which adequacy is judged:
“An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decisionmakers with information which enables them to make a decision which intelligently takes account of environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» 2-3 effects of a proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed in the light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the main points of disagreement among experts. The courts have not looked for perfection but for adequacy, completeness, and a good faith effort at full disclosure.” Public Resources Code Section 21002.1(a) states:
“The purpose of an environmental impact report is to identify the significant effects on the environment of a project, to identify alternatives to the project, and to indicate the manner in which those significant effects can be mitigated or avoided.” An EIR is the most comprehensive form of environmental documentation identified in CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines and provides the information needed to assess the environmental consequences of a proposed project. EIRs are intended to provide an objective, factually supported, full-disclosure analysis of the environmental consequences associated with a proposed project that has the potential to result in significant, adverse environmental impacts.

2.2 PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS
In compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, the City has taken steps to promote opportunities for the public and other public agencies to participate in the environmental review process. The City conducted the scoping process, issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP), and determined that an EIR was required to evaluate the potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed Project and related actions. Additionally, a public scoping session was conducted, as discussed below.

2.2.1 Notice of Preparation/Scoping Meeting
On August 1, 2022, an NOP for the proposed Project was distributed by the City via the State Clearinghouse (SCH) and was circulated for review from August 1 to August 30, 2022. The SCH issued a unique identification number for this PEIR (SCH No. 2022080022). In accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15082, the NOP was circulated to the agencies and individuals identified in Appendix A, and was posted at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office for a period of 30 days, during which time written comments were solicited pertaining to environmental issues/topics that this PEIR should evaluate. The NOP was also made available for public review at Laguna Woods City Hall and on the City’s website during the review period. The City held a hybrid public scoping meeting, which included a virtual and an in-person option, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, to present the proposed Project and to solicit input from interested parties regarding environmental issues that should be addressed in this PEIR.

Written comments in response to the NOP were received from the following agencies:
• Quechan Indian Tribe
• Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC)
• Saddleback Valley Unified School District
• City of Aliso Viejo

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2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» -4 • Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) • Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 12 • California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) – South Coast Region 5

2.2.2 Areas of Controversy and Scoping Comments
Issues and concerns raised in response to the NOP or at the scoping meeting included:
• Equity: Request to consider providing a discussion of social equity in the General Plan Housing Element updates, such as consideration of potential actions that could be taken to assist in providing new housing opportunities to communities of color and underserved communities through the removal of structural barriers to home ownership. • Traffic: Request to consider providing a discussion about the City’s existing multimodal mobility strategies and opportunities to encourage multimodal transportation. Request to consider including a discussion on incorporating designated areas/parking for freight delivery, package, designating areas/parking for freight delivery, and to consider including a discussion on potential impacts to the Circulation Element from freight traveling into, from, and through the City as a result of the General Plan Element updates. Request that the proposed Project evaluated for consistency with the adopted Connect SoCal 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and its goals. • Biological Resources: Request for the proposed Project design to be in alignment with the County of Orange Central and Coastal Subregion Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP). Request to provide a thorough discussion of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts expected to adversely affect biological resources for related subsequent housing projects.
• Open Space: Recommendation to maximize open space when planning future housing projects. • Tribal Cultural Resources: Recommendation for consultation with California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with Laguna Woods. • Schools: Request to evaluate the potential impact of the Project on Saddleback Valley Unified School District schools and potential impacts on school capacity and possible overcrowding. • Safety: Recommendation to review the applicability of revising the City’s General Plan Safety Element after having updated the Housing Element to include more information about wildfire risks and safety, information related to flood hazards, climate adaptation, and resiliency strategies applicable to the City.

This is not an exhaustive list of areas of controversy, but rather key issues that were raised during the scoping process. This PEIR addresses each of these areas of concern or controversy in detail as appropriate, examines project-related and cumulative environmental impacts, identifies significant

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» 2-5 adverse environmental impacts, and proposes mitigation measures and/or alternatives designed to reduce or eliminate potentially significant impacts. Appendix A to this PEIR includes the NOP and copies of written comments received in response to the NOP.

2.2.3 EIR Public Review Period
This PEIR is being distributed to numerous public agencies and other interested parties for review and comment. This PEIR is also available at the following locations and on the City’s website for the proposed Project (https://www.cityoflagunawoods.org) Additionally, a copy of this PEIR will be available for public review at Laguna Woods City Hall, by appointment only. Please contact Yolie Trippy, City Clerk, City of Laguna Woods, at (949) 639-0500 to schedule an appointment.

All comments received from agencies and individuals on this PEIR will be accepted during the public comment period, which will not be less than 45 days, in compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines. All comments on this PEIR should be sent to the following City contact person:

Christopher Macon, City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Phone: (949) 639-0500
Email: [email protected]
Following the close of the public comment period, the City will prepare written responses to all written comments received during the public comment period and will compile these comments and responses, together with any text changes to this PEIR, into a Final EIR that includes all of the information required pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15132. The Final EIR will be provided to all public agencies that submitted comments on this PEIR at least 10 days prior to certification of the Final EIR. The Final EIR shall consist of the PEIR or a revision of the draft; comments and recommendations received on the PEIR either verbatim or in summary; a list of persons, organizations, and public agencies commenting on the PEIR; the response of the City to significant environmental points raised in the review and consultation process and in comments submitted on the Draft PEIR; and any other information added by the City.

The City will make findings regarding the extent and nature of the impacts as presented in the Final EIR. The Final EIR must be certified as complete by the City Council prior to making a decision on the proposed Project. Public input is encouraged at all public hearings regarding the proposed Project.

2.3 SCOPE OF THIS PEIR
As required by State CEQA Guidelines Section 15128, this PEIR must identify the effects of the proposed Project that are determined to be significant. Environmental topics addressed in this PEIR include: Aesthetics; Air Quality; Energy; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Land Use and Planning; Noise; Population and Housing; Public Services; Recreation; Transportation and Traffic; and Utilities and Service Systems.

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2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» -6 The following section explains that the proposed Project would result in no impacts or less than significant impacts related to the following topics: Agricultural Resources, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology, Mineral Resources, Tribal Cultural Resources, and Wildfire. These topics are not addressed further in this PEIR.

2.3.1 Topics Not Addressed in This PEIR

2.3.1.1 Agricultural Resources
According to the California Important Farmland Finder, the City of Laguna Woods is in an area classified as Urban and Built-Up Land and is not designated as farmland. Additionally, there are no agricultural or resource extraction uses located in the City. There are no lands within the City that are zoned for agricultural uses, forest land, timberland, or timberland production. Further, none of the land within the City is subject to a Williamson Act contract. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in any impacts to agricultural resources.

The proposed Project includes text changes in the Land Use Element. These text changes are necessary to provide internal consistency between General Plan elements and would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to agricultural resources. The proposed Project also includes text changes to the Noise Element to update the noise contour maps to reflect current noise conditions in the City as well as those anticipated under the General Plan.

These text amendments to the Noise Element represent a planning action intended to comply with State law and to reflect current conditions. Text changes to the Noise Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to agricultural resources.

Therefore, the Noise Element update would have no impact on agricultural resources, and no mitigation is required. The Project includes renaming the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. The Mobility Element has been designed to meet state law requirements for circulation elements. “Mobility” is purposefully used in this element’s title to emphasize the City’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel. California Government Code Section 65302(b)(2)(B) defines “users of streets, roads, and highways” as including bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors. The Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have a potential impact on agricultural resources. As mentioned earlier, the City of Laguna Woods is built-out and the Mobility Element focuses on maintaining and coordinating the City’s balanced multi-modal transportation network. Therefore, the introduction of the Mobility Element as an update to the Circulation Element would have no impact on agricultural resources, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.2 Biological Resources
Future development implemented in accordance with the proposed overlay zoning districts may require subsequent project-specific environmental evaluation to determine whether any impacts to biological resources including candidate, sensitive, or special-status species, riparian habitats, or wetlands would be potentially significant. It should be emphasized that the Potential Housing Sites are located on parcels in fully developed urban areas. The Potential Housing Sites, which include

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» 2-7 such existing uses as commercial centers, houses of worship, self-storage facilities, and medical buildings are not located near the biological resource areas of concern raised in the comment letter from the CDFW. None of the Potential Housing Sites are located near the Orange County Central Coastal NCCP/HCP conservation lands nor the Aliso Creek Corridor. The Potential Housing Sites are concentrated in the central portion of the City, near the intersection of El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway. Some of the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are near the resources identified; however, the proposed land use designation and zoning changes would not allow additional development but are simply being made to correctly correlate the existing land use to the appropriate general plan land use designation and zoning district. Additionally, future development would be required to comply with the City’s tree maintenance and removal standards.

As discussed above, the proposed Project includes text changes to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan and would rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. None of these text changes would facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to biological resources. Further, the Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have a potential impact on biological resources. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in impacts to biological resources, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.3 Cultural Resources
Three of the Potential Housing Sites identified in Table 3.A of Chapter 3.0 (Sites 10, 11, and 14) contain buildings that appear to be potentially significant for their architecture and/or as the work of a master architect. These buildings are the Lutheran Church of the Cross, the Geneva Presbyterian Church, and the Laguna Country United Methodist Church (see Appendix D, Historic Period Built Environment Sensitivity Study). At such time that a future development proposal is considered, that development project would be subject to adopted development guidelines/standards and the State Historical Building Code, which has been adopted by the City of Laguna Woods (Laguna Woods Municipal Code Chapter 10.36, Ordinance 22-03, adopted 11/16/2022). The code requires consideration of potential historic resources during the development review process and provides alternative regulations and standards for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of qualified historical buildings or structures. The proposed zoning overlay districts included in the proposed Project do not identify the locations of future residential units on Sites 10, 11, and 14 and how those units would relate to the three buildings that may have historical significance. The development application review process would be the appropriate time to evaluate how any residential development would relate to the historical setting and resource. With implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1 from the City’s General Plan EIR, the proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts during mitigation.

Mitigation Measure CR-1 in the City’s General Plan EIR contains the following language:

The City shall prepare a “Development Project Review Procedure Manual” that will include development project level impacts measures as indicated in EIR Section

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2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» -8 The City implemented this mitigation measure as it applies to potential historical structures by adopting the California Historical Building Code (City of Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section

10.36.010). This section of the Municipal Code regulates the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation, or reconstruction of buildings or properties designated as qualified historical buildings or properties.

As discussed above, the proposed Project includes text changes to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan and would rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. None of these text changes would facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to cultural resources. Further, the Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have a potential impact on cultural resources. Therefore, the Land Use, Noise, and Circulation Element updates would have no impact on cultural resources, and no further mitigation is required.

2.3.1.4 Geology and Soils
Future development implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlay and updated land use designations would continue to be required to adhere to the California Building Code (CBC) and other standards and regulations for building designs. Any potential impacts resulting from ground shaking, ground failure, landslides, and liquefaction hazards would be addressed through compliance with existing codes and adherence with the recommendations of project-specific geotechnical reports, when required, including engineered site preparation and adequate structural design. Any proposed construction would be required to implement appropriate engineering design in conformance with the recommended geotechnical standards for construction, and would be required to adhere to all State and local requirements for avoiding and minimizing impacts to paleontological resources. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes text changes to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan and would rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. None of these text changes would facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts related to geology and soils. Further, the Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have potential impacts related to geology and soils. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impacts to geology and soils, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.5 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
At such time when future development proposals are considered, those development projects would be subject to adopted development guidelines/standards, including applicable fire department and emergency personnel access requirements. This review would need to be based on the actual building layout and proposed internal circulation patterns. Additionally, the City of Laguna Woods does not contain any sites that are included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, and therefore, the Project would result in no impacts related to the creation of a significant hazard to the public or environment. There are no public or private airports located within the City’s limits, and therefore, the Project would not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the City. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes text changes to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan and would rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element.

None of these text changes would facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» 2-9 impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. Further, the Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have potential impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impacts from hazards and hazardous materials, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.6 Hydrology
If a project proposes to disturb more than 1 acre of soil, the State requires that a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which includes Best Management Practices (BMPs), be prepared. Future housing development facilitated by the proposed Project would be required to incorporate features that would reduce impervious area, as feasible, and promote water infiltration.

Redevelopment of already developed sites requires compliance with water quality standards intended to reduce runoff, increase infiltration, and improve water quality. If any of the Potential Housing Sites were redeveloped, they would occur on already urbanized land which was built upon prior to current requirements regarding low impact development (LID). LID focuses on reducing urban run-off and protecting downstream receiving waters. The BMPs need to be designed in coordination with actual building footprints and site knowledge regarding extent of impervious area and LID options appropriate for the setting. Increased water use would not substantially affect groundwater supplies because the water supply portfolio for the El Toro Water District (ETWD), the water service provider for all of the Potential Housing Sites, does not include groundwater.

Therefore, future development facilitated by the proposed Project would not impede sustainable management of the local groundwater basin.

Future development may be subject to site-specific environmental studies as determined by the City and would comply with applicable policies related to hydrology and water quality issues, including the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as enforced by the State Water Resources Control Board, which requires compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for construction runoff and long-term urban runoff. Future housing development would be required to adhere to all federal, State, and local requirements for avoiding construction and operations impacts that could substantially alter the existing drainage pattern or alter the course of a stream or river. Additionally, Laguna Woods is not located within an inundation zone of a seiche or tsunami, although National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)- designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) comprise approximately 26 acres of the City with an additional 2,115 acres designated as either minimal or moderate risk (Zone X). At such time when future development proposals are considered, those projects would be subject to adopted development guidelines/standards to minimize flood risk.

Future development facilitated by the proposed Project may be required to incorporate features that would reduce impervious area, as feasible, and promote water infiltration. Treatment control and hydromodification management facilities could promote retention and infiltration of stormwater. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes text changes to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan and would rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. None of these text changes would facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts related to hydrology. Further, the Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have

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2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» -10 potential impacts related to hydrology. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impacts to hydrology, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.7 Mineral Resources
According to the City’s General Plan Conservation Element, the Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs) that are present in the City are classified as either MRZ-1 or MRZ-3, meaning they are areas where no significant mineral deposits are present or little likelihood exists for their presence. Further, according to Table VI-1 of the Orange County General Plan Resources Element, the only sites with mineral resources in the County occur in areas near the Santa Ana River, lower Santiago Creek, upper Santiago Creek, San Juan Creek, and Arroyo Trabuco. None of these 5 locations are located within the City of Laguna Woods. There are also no active mines, oil fields, oil wells, or underground gas storage facilities mapped within the City of Laguna Woods. Additionally, the City is urbanized and there are no resource extraction uses located in the City. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes text changes to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan and would rename the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. None of these text changes would facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts related to mineral resources. Further, the Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have potential impacts related to mineral resources. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impacts to mineral resources, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.8 Tribal Cultural Resources
As a part of the proposed Project, the City sent Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18 notification letters to local Native American groups on July 22, 2022. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Quechan Indian Tribe responded on August 16 and August 4, 2022, respectively, stating that they have no comments regarding the proposed Project.

The City sent a second round of AB 52/SB 18 notification letters to the same Native American groups on November 30, 2023, providing an additional opportunity for the tribes to consult with the City regarding the proposed project. The Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation responded on December 12, 2023, requesting to initiate formal consultation. Upon being informed by the City that the proposed Project would not involve any ground disturbance activities, the Tribe stated that it had no further concerns on March 11, 2024. However, the Tribe requested notification regarding future projects within the City involving ground-disturbing activities.

Based on the discussion above, and because it does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development, the proposed Project would not result in impacts to tribal cultural resources, and no mitigation is required.

2.3.1.9 Wildfire
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map2 and Figure S-1 of the City’s General Plan Safety Element, the City contains very 2 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2007. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer.

Website: https://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/ (accessed October 14, 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\2.0 Introduction.docx «05/06/24» 2-11 high fire hazard zones along its western boundary. Additionally, the Safety Element identifies high and moderate high fire hazard severity zones. None of the Potential Housing Sites are located within any of the fire hazard severity zones identified by the State or the City’s General Plan. The proposed updates to the City’s Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements as well as the renaming of the City’s Circulation Element would not impede the City’s ability to implement adopted goals and related policies for the protection and emergency readiness of residents, businesses, and government function due to wildfire hazards because they do not consist of any physical improvements or construction and they do not contain any amendments to policies, programs, or designations related to emergency preparedness. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impacts related to wildfire, and no mitigation is required.

2.4 FORMAT OF THE EIR
This PEIR contains the information and analysis required by CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, including Sections 15122–15131, and is generally organized as follows:
• Chapter 1.0: Executive Summary. Chapter 1.0 contains the Executive Summary of this PEIR, which lists all significant project impacts, feasible mitigation measures that have been recommended to reduce any significant impacts of the proposed Project, and the level of significance of each impact following feasible mitigation. The summary is presented in a table format.
• Chapter 2.0: Introduction. Chapter 2.0 contains a discussion of the purpose and intended use of this PEIR.
• Chapter 3.0: Project Description. Chapter 3.0 includes: a discussion of the proposed Project’s geographical setting; the existing uses and the existing and proposed land use designations and zoning districts on the Potential Housing Sites and the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses; a brief description of the proposed updates to the Land Use, Circulation, and Noise Elements, the proposed Project’s objectives, as well as the anticipated discretionary approvals for the proposed Project. • Chapter 4.0: Environmental Impact Analysis. Chapter 4.0 includes an analysis of the proposed Project’s environmental impacts. It is organized into the following topical sections: aesthetics, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, land use and planning, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation, and utilities and service systems. The environmental setting discussions describe the “existing conditions” of the environment within the City as they pertain to the environmental issues being analyzed (CEQA Guidelines Section 15125).

The impact discussions identify and focus on the potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed Project. The direct and indirect effects of the proposed Project on the environment are identified and described, giving due consideration to both the short-term and long-term effects, as necessary (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2[a]).

Chapter 4.0 also includes within the analysis of each environmental topic a discussion of the cumulative effects of the proposed Project when considered in combination with other projects causing related impacts, as required by State CEQA Guidelines Section 15130. Cumulative

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The discussions of mitigation measures identify and describe feasible measures that could minimize or lessen potentially significant impacts for each significant environmental effect identified in this PEIR (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126[e]). The levels of significance before and after mitigation are provided. Significant unavoidable adverse effects are identified where mitigation is not expected to reduce the effects to less than significant levels. • Chapter 5.0: Alternatives to the Proposed Project. In accordance with CEQA, the alternatives discussion in Chapter 5.0 describes a reasonable range of alternatives that could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the proposed Project and are capable of eliminating or substantially reducing any of the proposed Project’s significant adverse environmental effects or reducing them to a less than significant level. The alternatives analyzed in Chapter 5.0 include two alternatives: (1) the No Project Alternative, and (2) the Reduced Density Alternative. • Chapter 6.0: Other CEQA Considerations. Chapter 6.0 contains discussions on the following topics as required by State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126: (1) growth-inducing impacts of the proposed Project; and (2) whether there are any significant irreversible environmental changes caused by the proposed Project, adverse environmental impacts associated with the proposed Project for which either no mitigation or only partial mitigation is feasible. • Chapter 7.0: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. State CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(d) requires that public agencies adopt a mitigation monitoring and reporting program for any changes that it has either required in a project or made a condition of approval to avoid or substantially lessen significant environmental effects. Chapter 7.0 provides a list of all proposed Project mitigation measures, defines the parties responsible for implementation and review, and identifies the timing for implementation of each mitigation measure. • Chapter 8.0: List of Preparers. Chapter 8.0 provides the organizations and persons contacted during preparation of this PEIR, the PEIR preparers and technical report authors, and other experts involved in the preparation of this PEIR.
• Chapter 9.0: References. Chapter 9.0 provides the references used in this PEIR.

2.5 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
An EIR may incorporate by reference all or portions of another document that is a matter of public record or is generally available to the public, consistent with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15150.

Informational details from the documents that have been incorporated by reference are summarized in the appropriate sections of this PEIR, along with descriptions regarding how the public may review these documents. All documents are available for review at the City of Laguna Woods, City Hall. These documents include:
• City of Laguna Woods General Plan (available online at: https://www.cityoflagunawoods.org/ government/general-plan/)
• City of Laguna Woods Municipal Code (available online at: cityoflagunawoods.org/government/ municipal-code/)

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3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This section describes the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project) that is evaluated in this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). A description of the proposed Project’s background and purpose, location and environmental setting, objectives, General Plan and Zoning Code amendments, and required approvals is provided below.

3.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
All cities and counties in the State of California must adopt a “comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the county or city, and of any land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning” (California Government Code 65300). General plans help guide the city or county by establishing policies and goals to inform future land use decisions. The City of Laguna Woods (City) General Plan was adopted in October 2002 after the City was incorporated in March 1999. The City’s General Plan includes the following Elements: Circulation; Conservation; Housing; Land Use; Noise; Open Space; and Safety.

The City prepared the City of Laguna Woods 2021–2029 General Plan Housing Element Update for the 6th Cycle Planning Period (Housing Element Update) and also prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) consistent with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines in order to evaluate the potential environmental impacts that may result from implementation of the Housing Element Update. The City Council adopted the Housing Element Update on August 16, 2023. In compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(3), the Housing Element Update identified 17 potential sites that were suitable for residential development, including 1 vacant site and 16 sites having the potential for redevelopment (these sites are referred to as the Potential Housing Sites in this PEIR). The Housing Element Update recommended the creation of four new overlay zoning districts that would allow housing development on the Potential Housing Sites in addition to the uses already allowed under the existing zoning on those properties.

In addition to the adoption of new overlay zoning districts on the Potential Housing Sites, the proposed Project includes minor administrative amendments to the existing General Plan land use designations and zoning at 12 additional locations in the City to make the land use designations and zoning better correlate to the existing uses on those sites (these locations are referred to as the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses in this PEIR).

Following the City Council’s approval of the Housing Element Update, State law requires that the City update its General Plan and Zoning Code to be consistent with its new Housing Element. The proposed Project would ensure that relevant provisions of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code comply with the recently adopted Housing Element Update. To accomplish this, the City proposes to update its General Plan Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements to be consistent with its Housing Element, update background and existing condition information, update the identification of priority issues, update goals and policy objectives, and make other changes intended to modernize the documents while also promoting clarity and ease of use. In addition, the proposed Project would rename the City’s existing Circulation Element to the Mobility Element.

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3.2 PROJECT LOCATION AND EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

3.2.1 Regional Location
The City of Laguna Woods is located in the southern portion of Orange County within Southern California. As shown in Figure 3-1, Regional Location, the City of Laguna Woods is bordered on the north, east, and southeast by the City of Laguna Hills, on the northwest by the City of Irvine, on the west by unincorporated Orange County and the City of Laguna Beach, and on the south by the City of Aliso Viejo. According to the United States Census Bureau, the City of Laguna Woods has a total area of 3.3 square miles. Regional access to the City is provided via Interstate 5 (I-5), which is located along the northeastern boundary of the City, and State Route 73 (SR-73), which is located approximately 0.5 mile southwest of the City’s southwestern boundary.

3.2.2 Existing Project Area Conditions
Laguna Woods began as a retirement community with the development of Leisure World (now known as Laguna Woods Village) in the 1960s. The City is unique in that nearly all of its existing residential uses are age-restricted for adults aged 55 years and older. Of the 13,386 dwelling units in the City of Laguna Woods, 12,736 are located in the gated community of Laguna Woods Village, which represents 80 percent of the City’s total land area. Four other residential communities (Ivy Park at Laguna Woods [formerly The Regency], Ivy Park at Wellington [formerly Las Palmas], San Sebastian, and Whispering Fountains) provide an additional 650 dwelling units in the City.

The majority of the City’s commercial and institutional uses are situated along El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway within 0.4 mile of the point where the two streets intersect. Two smaller retail nodes are located at the El Toro Road and Paseo de Valencia intersection and at the Moulton Parkway and Ridge Route Drive intersection. The City is now almost completely built out and contains very limited undeveloped land.

3.2.3 Environmental Setting of the Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses The locations of the Potential Housing Sites are shown in Figure 3-2, Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning, generally consist of commercial and community facilities land uses. Figure 3-2 also shows the locations of the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses. The Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses consist of properties that are owned by the City, the Golden Rain Foundation, and the El Toro Water District and currently used as community facilities or open space. Table 3.A, below, provides a description of each of the Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, their existing use and assessor’s parcel number (APN), address, existing and proposed land use designations, and existing and proposed zoning district or overlay zoning.

Service Layer Credits: Copyright:(c) 2014 Esri
133
73 LAGUNA HILLS DR

EL TORO RD

EL TORO RD
M

OULTON PKWY
5 ALISO CREEK RD

CALLE ARAGON
City of
Lake Forest
City of
Laguna Hills
City of
Laguna Hills
City of
Aliso Viejo
Unincorporated
Orange County
City of
Irvine
City of
Laguna
Beach
City of
Laguna Hills
SOURCE: Google Maps (2020)
I:\LWD2102.03\GIS\MXD\RegionalLocation.mxd (4/14/2023)
FIGURE 3.1
Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
Regional Location
LEGEND
City of Laguna Woods
City Boundary
San
Bernardino
County
Los Angeles County
Riverside
County
Orange
County
San Diego
County
142
1 73
2 170
261
133
1 72
90 55
22 210
134 39
19 71
241
57 60
74 91 91
Project Location
5 215
210
105
10 110
710
605
10 405
15 5
Project Vicinity
0 1200 2400
FEET

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Service Layer Credits:
") ")
")
") ")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")
")

EL TORO RD

EL TORO RD
M
O

ULTON PKWY

RIDGE ROUTE DR

SANTA MARIAAV

MOULTON PKWY
§¨¦5

AVENIDA SEVILLA

AVENIDA MAJORCA
AVE
NIDA

SOSIEGA

ALISO CREEK RD

VIA CARRIZO

CALLE ARAGON
23 25
22 20
21 27
26 28
19 24
18 29
11 1
10 2 13
14 12
16 3
5 6
7 9
4 8
15 17
SOURCE: Google Maps (2022)
I:\LWD2102.03\GIS\MXD\Key_Map.mxd (11/15/2023)
FIGURE 3.2
Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed
for Land Use Designation Changes and
Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses
LEGEND
") Potential Housing Sites
") Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation
Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses
City of Laguna Woods 0 750 1500
FEET
1: Town Centre Vacant Lot
2: Pacific Hills Calvary Chapel Parking Lot
3: Rossmoor Electric
4: Saddleback Golf Cars
5: Laguna Woods Self Storage
6: Animal Hospital
7: PS Business Park
8: Smart Parke
9: McCormick & Son Mortuary
10: Lutheran Church of the Cross
11: Geneva Presbyterian Church
12: Saint Nicholas Catholic Church
13: Temple Judea
14: Laguna Country United Methodist Church
15: Medical Building at Town Centre
16: Willow Tree Center East
17: Helm Center
Potential Housing Sites
Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation
Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses
18: City of Laguna Woods - City Hall
19: City of Laguna Woods - Santa Vittoria Open Space
20: Golden Rain Foundation - Garden Center #1
21: El Toro Water District - Rossmoor No. 1 Dam
22: El Toro Water District - R-1 & R-2 Reservoirs
23: El Toro Water District - Oso Lift Station
24: El Toro Water District - Pump Station P-4 & Reservoir R-4 25: El Toro Water District - Pump Station P-3 & Reservoir R-3 26: El Toro Water District - Gate 11 Lift Station
27: El Toro Water District - Recycled Water Treatment Plant 28: El Toro Water District - Northline Sewage Lift Station 29: El Toro Water District - Aliso Creek Lift Station

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\3.0 Project Description.docx (05/06/24) 3-7 Table 3.A: Site Descriptions
Site Existing Use (APN) Address Existing Land Use
Designation
Proposed Land
Use Designation
Existing Zoning
District
Proposed Zoning
District
Potential Housing Sites
1 Town Centre Vacant Lot
(616-012-29)
N/A (East of 24331 El Toro
Road) Commercial No Change Community Commercial
Residential High
Density Overlay
2 Pacific Hills Calvary Chapel Parking
Lot (621-131-38) 24481 Moulton Parkway Commercial No Change Professional &
Administrative
Office
Residential High
Density Overlay
3 Rossmoor Electric (621-131-21) 24351 Moulton Parkway Commercial No Change Community Commercial
Residential High
Density Overlay
4 Saddleback Golf Cars
(621-131-26) 23252 Via Campo Verde Commercial No Change Community Commercial Residential High
Density Overlay
5 Laguna Woods Self Storage
(616-012-19) 24151 Moulton Parkway Commercial No Change Community Commercial Residential High
Density Overlay
6 Animal Hospital (616-012-03) 24271 El Toro Road Commercial No Change Community Commercial
Residential High
Density Overlay
7 PS Business Park (616-021-30) 23582 Moulton Parkway Commercial No Change Community Commercial
Residential High
Density Overlay
8 Smart Parke (621-211-09) 24334 El Toro Road Commercial No Change Community Commercial
Residential High
Density Overlay
9 McCormick & Son Mortuary
(621-091-016) 25002 Moulton Parkway Commercial No Change Community Commercial Residential MediumLow Density Overlay
10 Lutheran Church of the Cross
(616-041-01) 24231 El Toro Road Community Facilities No Change Community Facilities-Private Residential MediumLow Density Overlay
11 Geneva Presbyterian Church
(616-191-05 & 616-191-06) 24301 El Toro Road Community Facilities No Change Community Facilities-Private Residential MediumLow Density Overlay
12 Saint Nicholas Catholic Church
(621-121-11) 24252 El Toro Road Community Facilities No Change Community Facilities-Private Residential MediumLow Density Overlay
13 Temple Judea (621-121-18) 24512 Moulton Parkway Community Facilities No Change Community Facilities-Private
Residential Low
Density Overlay
14 Laguna Country United Methodist
Church (621-121-23) 24442 Moulton Parkway Community Facilities No Change Community Facilities-Private Residential Medium
Density Overlay
15 Medical Building in Town Centre
(616-012-24) 24331 El Toro Road Commercial No Change
Professional &
Administrative
Office
Residential High
Density Overlay
16 Willow Tree Center East
(621-121-30) 24260 El Toro Road Commercial No Change Community Commercial Residential Low
Density Overlay

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Site Existing Use (APN) Address Existing Land Use
Designation
Proposed Land
Use Designation
Existing Zoning
District
Proposed Zoning
District
17 Helm Center (621-091-15) 24902 Moulton Parkway Commercial No Change Professional &
Administrative
Office
Residential MediumLow Density Overlay
Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses 18 City of Laguna Woods - City Hall
(621-121-29) 24264 El Toro Road Commercial Community Facilities Community
Commercial
Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional
19 City of Laguna Woods - Santa
Vittoria Open Space (616-351-06)
N/A (West of San Remo &
Santa Vittoria)
Residential
Community Open Space Residential Community Open Space-Passive 20 Golden Rain Foundation - Garden
Center #1 (616-021-18) 23742 Moulton Parkway High Density Residential Open Space Residential Multifamily Open SpaceRecreation
21 El Toro Water District - Rossmoor
No. 1 Dam (616-021-33) 23600 Moulton Parkway Open Space Community Facilities Open SpaceRecreationCommunity FacilitiesPublic/Institutional 22 El Toro Water District - R-1 & R-2
Reservoirs (616-012-02) 24141 Moulton Parkway Commercial Community Facilities Community
Commercial
Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional
23 El Toro Water District - Oso Lift
Station (622-071-21)
N/A (Intersection of El
Toro Road & Aliso Creek
Road)
Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpacePassiveCommunity FacilitiesPublic/Institutional 24 El Toro Water District - Pump
Station P-4 & Reservoir R-4
(621-201-06 & 621-201-07)
N/A (off Calle Sonora
Oeste, behind buildings)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional
25 El Toro Water District - Pump
Station P-3 & Reservoir R-3
(622-061-11)
N/A (North of Avenida
Sosiega & Bahia Blanca
West)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional
26 El Toro Water District - Gate 11 Lift
Station (616-351-04)
N/A (San Remo & Santa
Vittoria)
Residential
Community
Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional
27 El Toro Water District - Recycled
Water Treatment Plant
(616-021-03)
23542 Moulton Parkway Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpaceRecreationCommunity FacilitiesPublic/Institutional 28 El Toro Water District - Northline
Sewage Lift Station (616-021-05 &
616-021-35)
23201 Ridge Route Drive Open Space Community
Facilities
Open SpaceRecreationCommunity FacilitiesPublic/Institutional 29 El Toro Water District - Aliso Creek
Lift Station (621-101-18) 24091 Avenida Sevilla Residential Community Community
Facilities
Residential
Community
Community FacilitiesPublic/Institutional

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3.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
In conformance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15124, the following primary objectives support the Project’s purpose, assist the Lead Agency in developing a reasonable range of alternatives to be evaluated in this PEIR, and ultimately aid the decision-makers in preparing findings and overriding considerations, if necessary. The Project’s purpose is to update the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code to address the City’s housing needs and meet State law requirements and reflect logical land use designations and zoning districts. The following Project objectives are provided to support this purpose:

3.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed Project evaluated in this PEIR includes the updates to the Circulation, Land Use, and Noise Elements of the City’s General Plan, renaming of the Circulation Element to the Mobility Element, and amendments to the City’s Zoning Code. The Project is described in greater detail below.

3.4.1 General Plan Land Use Element
As shown in Table 3.A, the proposed Project would not change the General Plan land use designations on any of the Potential Housing Sites. Instead, as discussed further below, the Project would apply one of four new residential overlay zoning districts on each of the Potential Housing Sites. The proposed Project would amend the land use designations on the 12 Sites Proposed for

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3.4.2 General Plan Circulation Element
The proposed Project includes renaming the General Plan Circulation Element to the Mobility Element. The Mobility Element has been designed to meet State law requirements for circulation elements. “Mobility” is purposefully used in this element’s title to emphasize the City’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel. California Government Code Section 65302(b)(2)(B) defines “users of streets, roads, and highways” as bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors. The Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads. The Mobility Element focuses on maintaining and coordinating the City’s balanced multi-modal transportation network.

3.4.3 General Plan Noise Element
The proposed Project would also update the noise contour maps in the Noise Element to reflect current noise conditions in the City as well as those anticipated under General Plan buildout.

3.4.4 Zoning Code Amendment
As shown in Table 3.A, the proposed Project includes the adoption of four new overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites. Development standards would be established for each of the new overlay zoning districts. Of the 17 Potential Housing Sites, nine sites (Sites 1–8 and Site 15) would be included in the Residential High Density Overlay, which would allow residential development at densities between 30–50 dwelling units per acre (du/ac). Five sites (Sites 9–12 and Site 17) would be included in the Residential Medium Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 15–20 du/ac. Two sites (Sites 13 and 16) would be included in the Residential Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 8–10 du/ac, and Site 14 would be within the Residential Medium Density Overlay, which would allow between 20–30 du/ac.

The proposed Project would also amend the zoning districts on the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses. As described in Table 3.A, the existing zoning districts on two sites (Sites 18 and 22) would be changed from Community Commercial to Community Facilities-Public/Institutional. Four sites (Sites 24–26 and Site 29) would be changed from Residential Community to Community Facilities-Public/Institutional. Four sites (Sites 21, 27, and 28) would be changed from Open Space-Recreation to Community Facilities-Public/Institutional.

Lastly, Site 19 would be changed from Residential Community to Open Space-Passive and Site 20

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\3.0 Project Description.docx (05/06/24) 3-11 would be changed from Residential Multifamily to Open Space-Recreation. As noted above, these minor administrative changes are intended to reflect the reality that these properties are currently being used as open space or community facilities and will continue to be used for those purposes for the foreseeable future.

3.5 DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS
Amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Noise Element are being considered pursuant to the City’s Municipal Code and relevant requirements set forth in California Government Code. As part of this review, the City would consider whether the proposed Project is in compliance with State law (Sections 65350–65362 of the California Government Code) requirements. Updates to the Zoning Code are also being considered pursuant to the City’s Municipal Code. As part of this review, the City would consider whether the proposed Project is in compliance with State law (Sections 65800–65863.13 of the California Government Code) requirements. The City Council would confirm that the Final Program EIR addresses the potential environmental effects of the proposed Project, and would certify the Program EIR to satisfy CEQA requirements. There are no other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement) for the proposed Project. Discretionary approvals required for the proposed Project are outlined in Table 3.B, below, and described in the following text.

Table 3.B: Discretionary Approvals
Discretionary Action Agency Responsible
Amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element,
Circulation Element, and Noise Element for the City of
Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods City Council
Amendments to the Zoning Code for the City of
Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods City Council
Certification of this Program EIR Laguna Woods City Council

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4.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS,

IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES
The following chapter contains 11 sections, each of which addresses one environmental topic outlined in Appendix G of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (State CEQA Guidelines) (California Code of Regulations [CCR] Title 14, Chapter 3, Sections 15000–15397).

For each environmental impact issue analyzed, this Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) includes a detailed explanation of the existing conditions, thresholds of significance that will be applied to determine whether the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Update Project (proposed Project) impacts are significant, analysis of the environmental impacts, and a determination of whether the proposed project would have a significant impact if implemented.

A “significant impact” or “significant effect” means “a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project” (14 CCR 15382).

Each environmental topic section in Chapter 4.0 also includes a discussion of the cumulative effects of the project when considered in combination with other projects causing related impacts, as required by Section 15130 of the State CEQA Guidelines.

Each of the 11 sections is organized into subsections, as follows:

1. Introduction briefly describes the topics and issues covered in the section.

2. Scoping Process describes the comment letters received during the public review period of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) that are related to the topic.

3. Methodology describes the approach and methods employed to complete the environmental analysis for the issue under investigation.

4. Existing Environmental Setting describes the physical conditions that existed at the time the NOP was prepared and distributed that may influence or affect the issue under investigation.

This section focuses on physical site characteristics that are relevant to the environmental topic being analyzed.

5. Regulatory Setting lists and discusses the laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies that relate to the specific environmental topic and how they apply to the proposed Project.

6. Thresholds of Significance provides the thresholds that are the basis of the conclusions of significance, which are based on the criteria in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines.

7. Project Impacts describes the potential environmental changes to the existing physical conditions that may occur if the proposed Project is implemented. Evidence is presented to show the cause-and-effect relationship between the proposed Project and potential changes in the environment. The exact magnitude, duration, extent, frequency, and range or other parameters of a potential impact are ascertained to the extent feasible to determine whether impacts may be significant. In accordance with CEQA, potential project impacts, if any, are classified as follows for each of the environmental topics discussed in this Draft PEIR.

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4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.0 Environmental Setting.docx (05/06/24) -2 a. Significant Adverse Impact. Significant adverse impacts are those that cannot be fully mitigated or avoided. If the Project is approved, decision-makers are required to adopt a statement of overriding considerations pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15093 explaining why the Project benefits outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects caused by these significant adverse environmental impacts. b. Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. This classification refers to significant environmental impacts that can be feasibly mitigated or avoided. If the project is approved, decision-makers are required to make findings pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 that adverse significant impacts have been mitigated to the maximum extent feasible through the implementation of mitigation measures. c. Less than Significant Impact. Less than significant impacts are environmental impacts that have been identified but are not significant. No mitigation is required for less than significant impacts.
d. No Impact. A “no impact” determination is made when the proposed project is found to have no environmental impact.

8. Level of Significance Prior to Mitigation describes the significance of potential impacts prior to implementation of mitigation measures.

9. Regulatory Compliance Measures (RCMs) are specific standards imposed by the approving agency and are required of the proposed project to reduce its potential environmental effects.

Because these features are regulatory, and therefore required, they do not constitute mitigation measures.

10. Mitigation Measures (MMs) are project-specific measures that would be required for the project to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, or compensate for a potentially significant adverse impact.

11. Cumulative Impacts refers to potential environmental changes to the existing physical conditions that may occur as a result of project implementation together with all other reasonably foreseeable, planned, and approved future projects producing related impacts.

Section 15355 of the State CEQA Guidelines defines cumulative impacts as “two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts.” Cumulative impacts may result from individually minor but collectively significant projects taking place over a period of time. For each of the environmental topics considered in this Draft PEIR, the geographic scope of the cumulative analysis is defined. For example, the geographic scope of the cumulative analysis for potential cumulative hydrology and water quality impacts includes all areas within the defined watershed.

12. Level of Significance after Mitigation describes the significance of potential impacts after implementation of mitigation measures. Potential significant unavoidable impacts are clearly stated in this section.

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4.1 AESTHETICS

4.1.1 Introduction
This section evaluates the existing visual and aesthetic resources in Laguna Woods and evaluates the potential for effects on aesthetics that could result from implementation of the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project).

4.1.1.1 Scoping Process
The City of Laguna Woods (City) received 9 comment letters during the public review period of the Notice of Preparation (NOP). For copies of the NOP comment letters, refer to Appendix A of this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). None of the comment letters included comments related to Aesthetics.

4.1.2 Methodology
Information regarding the environmental setting for aesthetics in Laguna Woods was determined using aerial imaging data, the Laguna Woods General Plan Environmental Impact Report (2002), the General Plan Land Use Element (2017), and the General Plan Open Space Element (2007). Goals and policies found in the General Plan and information provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) State Scenic Highway System Map (2018) were used also to determine potential impacts that could result from the implementation of the proposed Project.

4.1.3 Existing Environmental Setting
Laguna Woods is characterized by urban areas and a mix of land uses, including single-family and multifamily residential uses and small concentrations of commercial, office, open space, and community facilities. The City of Laguna Woods is bounded by Laguna Hills on the north, east, and southeast, by Aliso Viejo on the south, by Laguna Beach and unincorporated Orange County on the west, and by Irvine on the northwest. Interstate 5 (I-5) borders the City’s northeastern boundary, and State Route 73 (SR-73) is approximately 0.4 mile south of the City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the City of Laguna Woods is located within the Mission Viejo-Lake Forest-San Clemente, CA Urbanized Area, which also includes the Cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano, and the unincorporated communities of Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, and Las Flores. As described in State of California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (State CEQA Guidelines) Section 15387 and defined by the United States Census Bureau, an “urbanized area” is a central city or a group of contiguous cities with a population of 50,000 or more people, together with adjacent densely populated areas having a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile. Because the entire City is located in an urbanized area, the Potential Housing Sites and the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are also located within an urbanized area.

4.1.3.1 Visual Character
Laguna Woods is characterized by its urban and residential nature. It is located at the southeastern edge of the central structural block of the Los Angeles basin, along the northern flank of the San

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4.1 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.1 Aesthetics.docx «05/06/24» -2 Joaquin Hills. Over 96 percent of the land area within the City of Laguna Woods is currently developed. Residential uses are located throughout the entire City and mostly along the western, eastern, and southeastern portions of the City, whereas commercial centers and community facilities are concentrated mostly in the center of the City.

As indicated previously, although the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are scattered throughout the City, most of the Potential Housing Sites are concentrated in central Laguna Woods, along Moulton Parkway and El Toro Road. The areas surrounding the Potential Housing Sites contain commercial uses, residential uses, community facilities uses, and recreational open space uses (golf courses and parks). The Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are more dispersed throughout the City. Site 23 is located in the Southern California Edison (SCE) right-of-way near the southwestern boundary of the City where there are currently open space uses. Site 25 is located adjacent to the SCE right-of-way, and Site 29 is located adjacent to Aliso Creek in the southeastern portion of the City. Sites 20, 21, and 28 are located in the open space area in the northeastern portion of the City where the Laguna Woods Village 18-hole golf course is located. The remainder of the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are located in the urban center of the City near residential, commercial, and community facilities uses.

4.1.3.2 Scenic Vistas and Visual Resources
Certain areas in the City are designated as local open space for resource preservation. These spaces serve as places that afford scenic vistas, resource preservation, and wildlife habitat in an otherwise urban setting (City of Laguna Woods 2007). A 10-acre parcel that adjoins El Toro Road at the terminus of Aliso Creek Road and the SCE right-of-way on the southwesterly edge of the City is considered valuable for its relatively undisturbed natural state in an otherwise urban setting. That parcel is owned by the City and leased to the County of Orange for inclusion in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. As indicated above, Site 23, which is proposed for land use designation and zoning changes, is located within the SCE right-of-way. Site 25 is also located within the 10-acre parcel adjacent to the SCE right-of-way. However, these changes are providing correlation to the appropriate General Plan and/or zoning designation to reflect existing uses which are part of the Project setting.

Additionally, approximately 178 acres in the western end of the City offer several natural and ecological conservation values as well as scenic qualities that remain unique to the area (City of Laguna Woods 2007). None of the Potential Housing Sites are located within this area of the City.

4.1.4 Regulatory Setting

4.1.4.1 Federal Regulations
No federal policies or regulations pertaining to aesthetics are applicable to the proposed Project.

4.1.4.2 State Regulations
Caltrans Scenic Highway Program. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Scenic Highway Program protects the natural scenic beauty of the State’s highways and corridors through its designated Scenic Highways throughout the State. Caltrans defines a Scenic Highway as any

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.1 Aesthetics.docx «05/06/24» 4.1-3 freeway, highway, road, or other public right-of-way that traverses an area of exceptional scenic quality. Other considerations given to a Scenic Highway designation include how much of the natural landscape a traveler may see and the extent to which visual intrusions degrade the scenic corridor.

There are no eligible or officially designated State scenic highways in the City of Laguna Woods. The nearest eligible State scenic highways are a portion of State Route 1 (SR-1) located approximately

5.5 miles southwest of the City, a portion of State Route 74 (SR-74) located approximately 8.1 miles southeast of the City, and a portion of I-5 located approximately 8.1 miles southeast of the City. The nearest officially designated State scenic highway is a portion of State Route 91 (SR-91) located approximately 17.9 miles northwest of the City (Caltrans 2018).

4.1.4.3 Regional Regulations
No regional policies or regulations pertaining to aesthetics are applicable to the proposed Project.

4.1.4.4 Local Regulations
City of Laguna Woods General Plan Land Use Element. The City of Laguna Woods General Plan is intended to guide future growth and development within the City and is comprised of several elements. The Land Use Element addresses land use planning in the City and provides a framework for the issues examined in the other General Plan elements. Goals and policies related to aesthetics are intended to enhance the City’s image and identity and create a sense of community.

The following goals and policies applicable to the proposed Project and related to aesthetics and scenic quality are presented in the Land Use Element:
• Objective II: Enhance the value and desirability of properties ○ Policy II.A: Develop a strategy for promoting excellence in property maintenance and building design.

4.1.5 Thresholds of Significance
The thresholds for aesthetics impacts used in this analysis are consistent with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines and the City’s Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (Local CEQA Guidelines). The proposed Project may be deemed to have a significant impact with respect to aesthetics if it would:

Threshold 4.1.1: Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.

Threshold 4.1.2: Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway.

Threshold 4.1.3: In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality.

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4.1 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.1 Aesthetics.docx «05/06/24» -4 Threshold 4.1.4: Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.

4.1.6 Project Impacts
Threshold 4.1.1: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? No Impact. The City of Laguna Woods is mostly urban and fully developed. Scenic vistas in the City include an undeveloped 10-acre parcel in the southwestern portion of the City and approximately 178 acres of open space along the City’s western border.

The proposed Project would not, in and of itself, have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, since it does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. If increased development intensities and maximum building heights are proposed as a part of the proposed Project, views of the designated scenic vistas would not be affected. The adoption of overlay zoning on the Potential Housing Sites would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites. None of the Potential Housing Sites are adjacent to or near any of the designated scenic resources.

Two of the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are located adjacent to the two scenic vistas in the City, the SCE right-of-way and the undeveloped 10-acre parcel in the southwestern portion of the City. The land use designations on these two sites, which are currently owned and operated by the El Toro Water District, are proposed to be changed from Open Space to Community Facilities (Site 23) and Residential Community to Community Facilities (Site 25). The purpose of this redesignation is to correlate the existing use to the appropriate land use designations in the General Plan and Zoning Code. It is not anticipated that these changes would affect the existing land uses on those sites and therefore would not impact any existing aesthetic values.

Additionally, any future development projects that are implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and updated land use designations would be required to adhere to the City’s General Plan, the City’s Municipal Code, and all applicable development regulations pertaining to design, lighting, and height standards. All future development projects on the affected properties would be subject to the development review process to determine the effects on any scenic vistas in the City.

The proposed Project includes text changes in the Land Use Element. These text changes would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to scenic vistas. The proposed Project also includes text changes to the Noise Element to update the noise contour maps to reflect current noise conditions in the City as well as those anticipated under the General Plan.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.1 Aesthetics.docx «05/06/24» 4.1-5 Threshold 4.1.2: Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
No Impact. There are no eligible or officially designated State scenic highways in the City of Laguna Woods. As described above, the nearest eligible State scenic highways are a portion of SR-1 located approximately 5.5 miles southwest of the City, a portion of SR-74 located approximately 8.1 miles southeast of the City, and a portion of I-5 located approximately 8.1 miles southeast of the City. The nearest officially designated State scenic highway is a portion of SR-91 located approximately 17.9 miles northwest of the City (Caltrans 2018). The proposed Project would not, in and of itself, have a substantial adverse effect on scenic resources including trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway since it does not involve any properties near any scenic highways and does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. Future development projects that are implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and updated land use designations would be subject to future development review to evaluate any site-specific impacts on scenic resources.

These text amendments to the Noise Element represent a planning action intended to comply with State law and to reflect current conditions. Text changes to the Circulation Element and Noise Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to State scenic highways. Further, because there are no eligible or officially designated State scenic highways in the City of Laguna Woods and the proposed Project does not propose the construction of new development, the proposed Project would not damage any scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway, and no mitigation would be required.

Threshold 4.1.3: In non-urbanized areas, would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings (public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point)? If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? Less Than Significant Impact. As stated in the existing environmental setting, according to the United States Census Bureau, Laguna Woods is located within the Mission Viejo—Lake Forest—San Clemente, CA Urbanized Area.1 Therefore, Laguna Woods is considered an urbanized area.

Any future development that is allowed under the proposed zoning overlays or General Plan land use amendments would be subject to project-specific environmental evaluations to address any 1 United States Census Bureau. 2010. Mission Viejo—Lake Forest—San Clemente, CA Urbanized Area No. 57709. Website: https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/UAUC_RefMap/ua/ua57709_mission_ viejo--lake_forest--san_clemente_ca/DC10UA57709_001.pdf (accessed August 2, 2021).

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4.1 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.1 Aesthetics.docx «05/06/24» -6 conflicts with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality, and would be subject to comply with applicable development regulations.

Additionally, text changes to the Noise Element, Circulation Element, and Land Use Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality. Thus, the proposed Project would not conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality, and no mitigation measures would be required.

Threshold 4.1.4: Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? No Impact. As described above, the proposed Project does not propose any direct changes to land use nor would it approve any specific development projects that would create any new sources of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. With implementation of the proposed Project, overlay zones would be adopted on each of the Potential Housing Sites, which would allow for residential development to occur. New development would comply with the City’s development standards, which require shielding for lighting to minimize light spillage unto adjacent properties.

Additionally, as a part of the proposed Project, the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses would undergo land use designation and zoning updates in order to reflect their current land uses. These sites would either be designated as open space or community facilities. Future development that is proposed for any of these sites would also be required to comply with the lighting standards set forth in City of Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 13.12.040 (for those sites that would be designated as open space). All lighting that would be proposed as a part of potential development would be required to be located and designed such that direct light rays are confined to the premises.

Future development on the Potential Housing Sites and the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses would be subject to applicable development regulations as set forth in the City’s Municipal Code that are intended to reduce light and glare impacts. For example, these regulations include requirements to install landscaping adjacent to drive aisles and parking areas to screen vehicle headlights on the Potential Housing Sites and install shielding on outdoor lighting fixtures to avoid light spillage on to neighboring properties so that direct light rays shall be confined to the building premises. Each development application received by the City would be reviewed for consistency with applicable Municipal Code regulations, which would ensure that light and glare impacts are reduced. Thus, the proposed Project would not create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area, and no mitigation would be required.

4.1.7 Level of Significance Prior to Mitigation
The proposed Project would not result in potentially significant impacts related to aesthetics, and mitigation measures are not required.

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4.1.8 Regulatory Compliance Measures and Mitigation Measures No regulatory compliance measures or mitigation measures are applicable to the proposed Project pertaining to aesthetics.

4.1.9 Cumulative Impacts
As defined in the State CEQA Guidelines, cumulative impacts are the incremental effects of an individual project when viewed in connection with the effects of past, current, and probable future projects within the cumulative impact area. The cumulative impact area used to assess potential cumulative aesthetics impacts is the City of Laguna Woods because the proposed Project could affect scenic vistas, visual resources, or the visual character within Laguna Woods. The City of Laguna Woods has not seen any new housing development since completion of the San Sebastian development project in 2008. The cumulative impacts associated with the proposed Project would only consider impacts from implementation of the proposed Project together with impacts from potential development that could occur on the Potential Housing Sites and the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, which would not contribute to any adverse aesthetics impacts in the vicinity of those sites.

Implementation of the proposed Project or any future development that is allowed under the proposed zoning overlays on the Potential Housing Sites or the zoning and land use amendments on the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses would not result in a significant cumulative impact related to aesthetics. Future development on the Potential Housing Sites or the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses may be subject to project-specific environmental evaluations to address potential impacts related to aesthetics. In addition, all future development would be subject to City regulations designed to reduce and/or avoid impacts related to aesthetics. New residential development on any of the Potential Housing Sites would be subject to compliance with the lighting and open space regulations outlined in Section 13.08.030 of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code.

Furthermore, the Potential Housing Sites are located in existing urban settings comprised of commercial and other non-residential land uses. The development of additional housing in an existing urban setting is not anticipated to introduce any new substantial source of light and glare based on requirements contained in the City’s Municipal Code. Those Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses that would be designated as open space would be subject to compliance with the lighting regulations outlined in Section 13.12.040 of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not result in incremental effects on aesthetics that are cumulatively considerable.

4.1.10 Level of Significance After Mitigation
The proposed Project would not result in potentially significant impacts related to aesthetics, and mitigation measures are not required.

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4.2 AIR QUALITY

4.2.1 Introduction
This section has been prepared for the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project) using methodologies and assumptions recommended in the air quality impact assessment guidelines of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in its California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbook1 , and associated updates. In
keeping with these guidelines, this section describes existing air quality and evaluates short-term impacts during construction, long-term emissions associated with operation, and how potential impacts correlate to human health. Air quality modeling data are included in Appendix B of this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR).

4.2.1.1 Scoping Process
The City of Laguna Woods (City) received nine comment letters during the public review period of the Notice of Preparation (NOP). For copies of the NOP comment letters, refer to Appendix A of this PEIR. One letter included comments related to air quality.

Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 375, SCAG is the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency under State law for the six-county Southern California region that includes Orange County and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) including the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). SCAG’s comments are intended to assist local jurisdictions and project proponents to implement projects that have the potential to contribute to attainment of Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) goals and align with RTP/SCS policies.

4.2.2 Methodology
Future development allowed on the Potential Housing Sites under the proposed Project would result in criteria pollutant emissions associated with construction and operational sources.

Construction activities would generate emissions from off-road construction equipment, and on roadways as a result of construction-related truck hauling, vendor deliveries, and worker commuting. Operational activities would also generate emissions associated with miscellaneous onsite sources, such as natural gas combustion for cooking, heating, and landscaping equipment, and from operational-related traffic. This analysis utilized the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) version 2020.4.0 to quantify the criteria pollutant emissions for both construction and operation of the proposed Project. The maximum daily emissions are calculated for the criteria pollutants. The CalEEMod output sheets are contained in Appendix B of this PEIR.

CalEEMod provides a platform to calculate both construction emissions and operational emissions from a project. It calculates both the daily maximum and annual average for criteria pollutants as well as total or annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The model also provides default values for water and energy use. Specifically, the model performs the following calculations:
1 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). 1993. CEQA Air Quality Handbook. Website:
http://www.aqmd.gov/home/rules-compliance/ceqa/air-quality-analysis-handbook/ceqa-air-qualityhandbook-(1993), (accessed November 2022).

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -2 • Short-term construction emissions associated with demolition, site preparation, grading, building, architectural coating (painting), and paving from off-road construction equipment; onroad mobile equipment associated with workers, vendors, delivery, and hauling; fugitive dust associated with grading, demolition, truck loading, and roads; and volatile emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from architectural coating and paving. • Operational emissions, such as on-road mobile vehicle traffic generated by the land uses, fugitive dust associated with roads, volatile emissions of reactive organic gases (ROGs) from architectural coatings, off-road emissions from landscaping equipment, volatile emissions of ROGs from consumer products and cleaning supplies, natural gas usage in the buildings, electricity usage in the buildings, water usage by the land uses, and solid waste disposal by the land uses.

In addition, CalEEMod contains default values and existing regulation methodologies to use in each specific local air quality district region. Appropriate statewide default values can be utilized if regional default values are not defined. This analysis utilized project-specific inputs and relevant model default factors for the Orange County (County) area, which is within the SCAQMD jurisdiction for the emissions inventory, consistent with SCAQMD requirements.

4.2.3 Existing Environmental Setting
The City is part of the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) and is under the jurisdiction of SCAQMD.

Background information about air pollutants and health effects, climate, meteorological conditions, and regional air quality conditions in the Basin and local air quality conditions in the vicinity of the City is provided below.

4.2.3.1 Air Pollutants and Health Effects
Both State and federal governments have established health-based ambient air quality standards for six criteria air pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), and suspended particulate matter. In addition, the State has set standards for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride, and visibility-reducing particles. These standards are designed to protect the health and welfare of the populace with a reasonable margin of safety. Two criteria pollutants, O3 and NO2, are considered regional pollutants because they (or their precursors) affect air quality on a regional scale. Pollutants such as CO, SO2, and Pb are considered local pollutants that tend to accumulate in the air locally.

The primary pollutants of concern in the City are O3, CO, and suspended particulate matter.

Significance thresholds established by an air quality district are used to manage total regional and local emissions within an air basin based on the air basin’s attainment status for criteria pollutants.

These emission thresholds were established for individual development projects that would contribute to regional and local emissions and could adversely affect or delay the air basin’s projected attainment target goals for nonattainment criteria pollutants.

Because of the conservative nature of the significance thresholds, and the basin-wide context of individual development project emissions, there is no direct correlation between a single project and localized air quality-related health effects. One individual project that generates emissions

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-3 exceeding a threshold does not necessarily result in adverse health effects for residents in the project vicinity. This condition is especially true when the criteria pollutants exceeding thresholds are those with regional effects, such as ozone precursors like nitrogen oxides (NOX) and ROGs.

Further, by its very nature, air pollution is largely a cumulative impact. No single project is sufficient in size to by itself result in nonattainment of ambient air quality standards. Instead, a project’s individual emissions contribute to existing cumulatively significant adverse air quality impacts. If a project’s contribution to the cumulative impact is considerable, then the project’s impact on air quality would be considered significant. In developing thresholds of significance for air pollutants, the air quality districts have considered the emission levels for which a project’s individual emissions would be cumulatively considerable. If a project exceeds the identified significance thresholds, its emissions would be cumulatively considerable, resulting in significant adverse air quality impacts to the region’s existing air quality conditions.

Occupants of facilities such as schools, daycare centers, parks and playgrounds, hospitals, and nursing and convalescent homes are considered to be more sensitive than the general public to air pollutants because these population groups have increased susceptibility to respiratory disease.

Persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise also have increased sensitivity to poor air quality.

Residential areas are considered more sensitive to air quality conditions, compared to commercial and industrial areas, because people generally spend longer periods of time at their residences, with greater associated exposure to ambient air quality conditions. Recreational uses are also considered sensitive compared to commercial and industrial uses due to greater exposure to ambient air quality conditions associated with exercise. These populations are referred to as sensitive receptors.

Air pollutants and their health effects, and other air pollution-related considerations are summarized in Table 4.2.A and are described in more detail below.

Ozone. Ozone (O3) is a secondary air pollutant produced in the atmosphere through a complex series of photochemical reactions involving ROG and NOX. The main sources of ROG and NOx, often referred to as ozone precursors, are combustion processes (including combustion in motor vehicle engines) and the evaporation of solvents, paints, and fuels. Automobiles are typically the largest source of ozone precursors. Ozone is referred to as a regional air pollutant because its precursors are transported and diffused by wind concurrently with ozone production through the photochemical reaction process. Ozone causes eye irritation, airway constriction, and shortness of breath and can aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Carbon Monoxide. CO is an odorless, colorless gas usually formed as the result of the incomplete combustion of fuels. The single largest source of CO is motor vehicles. CO transport is limited – it disperses with distance from the source under normal meteorological conditions. However, under certain extreme meteorological conditions, CO concentrations near congested roadways or intersections may reach unhealthful levels that adversely affect local sensitive receptors (e.g., residents, schoolchildren, the elderly, and hospital patients). Typically, high CO concentrations are associated with roadways or intersections operating at unacceptable levels of service (LOS) or with extremely high traffic volumes. Exposure to high concentrations of CO reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -4 Table 4.2.A: Sources and Health Effects of Air Pollutants Pollutants Sources Primary Effects
Ozone (O3)  Precursor sources:1 motor vehicles,
industrial emissions, and consumer
products.
 Respiratory symptoms.
 Worsening of lung disease leading to
premature death.
 Damage to lung tissue.
 Crop, forest, and ecosystem damage.
 Damage to a variety of materials, including
rubber, plastics, fabrics, paints, and metals.

Particulate Matter Less
than 2.5 Microns in
Diameter (PM2.5)
 Cars and trucks (especially diesels).
 Fireplaces, woodstoves.
 Windblown dust from roadways,
agriculture, and construction.
 Premature death.
 Hospitalization for worsening of cardiovascular
disease.
 Hospitalization for respiratory disease.
 Asthma-related emergency room visits.
 Increased symptoms, increased inhaler usage.

Particulate Matter Less
than 10 Microns in
Diameter (PM10)
 Cars and trucks (especially diesels).
 Fireplaces, woodstoves.
 Windblown dust from roadways,
agriculture, and construction.
 Premature death and hospitalization, primarily
for worsening of respiratory disease.
 Reduced visibility and material soiling.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)  Any source that burns fuels such as cars, trucks, construction and
farming equipment, and residential
heaters and stoves.
 Lung irritation.
 Enhanced allergic responses.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)  Any source that burns fuels such as cars, trucks, construction and
farming equipment, and residential
heaters and stoves.
 Chest pain in patients with heart disease.
 Headache.
 Light-headedness.
 Reduced mental alertness.

Sulfur Oxides (SOX)  Combustion of sulfur-containing
fossil fuels.
 Smelting of sulfur-bearing metal
ores.
 Industrial processes.
 Worsening of asthma: increased symptoms,
increased medication usage, and emergency
room visits.

Lead (Pb)  Contaminated soil.  Impaired mental functioning in children.  Learning disabilities in children.
 Brain and kidney damage.

Toxic Air Contaminants
(TACs)
 Cars and trucks (especially diesels).
 Industrial sources, such as chrome
platers.
 Neighborhood businesses, such as
dry cleaners and service stations.
 Building materials and products.
 Cancer.
 Reproductive and developmental effects.
 Neurological effects.

Source: California Air Resources Board (2018).
1 Ozone is not generated directly by these sources. Rather, chemicals emitted by these precursor sources react with sunlight to form ozone in the atmosphere.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-5 the blood and can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, impair central nervous system function, and induce angina (chest pain) in persons with serious heart disease. Extremely high levels of CO, such as those generated when a vehicle is running in an unventilated garage, can be fatal.

Particulate Matter. Particulate matter is a class of air pollutants that consists of heterogeneous solid and liquid airborne particles from humanmade and natural sources. Particulate matter is categorized in two size ranges: PM10, for particles less than 10 microns in diameter, and PM2.5, for particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Motor vehicles are the primary generators of particulates, through tailpipe emissions as well as brake pad, tire wear, and entrained road dust. Wood burning in fireplaces and stoves, industrial facilities, and ground-disturbing activities such as construction are other sources of such fine particulates. These fine particulates are small enough to be inhaled into the deepest parts of the human lung and can cause adverse health effects. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), studies in the United States and elsewhere have demonstrated a strong link between elevated particulate levels and premature deaths, hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and asthma attacks, and studies of children’s health in California have demonstrated that particle pollution may significantly reduce lung function growth in children.2 Statewide attainment of particulate matter standards could reduce premature deaths, hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory disease, asthma-related emergency room visits, and episodes of respiratory illness in California.

Nitrogen Dioxide. NO2 is a reddish brown gas that is a byproduct of combustion processes. Automobiles and industrial operations are the main sources of NO2. Aside from its contribution to ozone formation, NO2 also contributes to other pollution problems, including a high concentration of fine particulate matter, poor visibility, and acid deposition. NO2 may be visible as a coloring component on high pollution days, especially in conjunction with high ozone levels. NO2 decreases lung function and may reduce resistance to infection.

Sulfur Dioxide. SO2 is a colorless acidic gas with a strong odor. It is produced by the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels such as oil, coal, and diesel. SO2 has the potential to damage materials and can cause health effects at high concentrations. It can irritate lung tissue and increase the risk of acute and chronic respiratory disease. SO2 also reduces visibility and the level of sunlight at the ground surface.

Lead. Lead is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products. The major sources of lead emissions have historically been mobile and industrial sources. As a result of the phase-out of leaded gasoline, metal processing is currently the primary source of lead emissions.

The highest levels of lead in air are generally found near lead smelters. Other stationary sources are waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery factories. Twenty years ago, mobile sources were the main contributor to ambient lead concentrations in the air. In the early 1970s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established national regulations to gradually reduce the lead content in gasoline. In 1975, unleaded gasoline was introduced for motor vehicles equipped with catalytic converters. The USEPA banned the use of leaded gasoline in highway vehicles in 2 California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2020. Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10).

Website: ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health (accessed November 2022).

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -6 December 1995. As a result of USEPA regulatory efforts to remove lead from gasoline, emissions of lead from the transportation sector and levels of lead in the air decreased dramatically.

Toxic Air Contaminants. In addition to the criteria pollutants discussed above, toxic air contaminants (TACs) are another group of pollutants of concern. Some examples of TACs include benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen sulfide. Potential human health effects of TACs include birth defects, neurological damage, cancer, and death. There are hundreds of different types of TACs with varying degrees of toxicity. Individual TACs vary greatly in the health risk they present; at a given level of exposure, one TAC may pose a hazard that is many times greater than another.

TACs do not have ambient air quality standards, but are regulated by the USEPA, CARB, and the SCAQMD. In 1998, the CARB identified particulate matter from diesel-fueled engines as a TAC. The CARB has completed a risk management process that identified potential cancer risks for a range of activities and land uses that are characterized by use of diesel-fueled engines.3 High volume freeways, stationary diesel engines, and facilities attracting heavy and constant diesel vehicle traffic (distribution centers, truck stops) were identified as posing the highest risk to adjacent receptors.

Other facilities associated with increased risk include warehouse distribution centers, large retail or industrial facilities, high volume transit centers, and schools with a high volume of bus traffic. Health risks from TACs are a function of both concentration and duration of exposure.

Unlike TACs emitted from industrial and other stationary sources noted above, most diesel particulate matter is emitted from mobile sources—primarily “off-road” sources such as construction and mining equipment, agricultural equipment, and truck-mounted refrigeration units, as well as trucks and buses traveling on freeways and local roadways.

The CARB Diesel Risk Reduction Plan is intended to substantially reduce diesel particulate matter emissions and associated health risks through introduction of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel—a step already implemented—and cleaner-burning diesel engines.4 The technology for reducing diesel particulate matter emissions from heavy-duty trucks is well established, and both State and federal agencies are moving aggressively to regulate engines and emission control systems to reduce and remediate diesel emissions.

High Volume Roadways. Air pollutant exposures and their associated health burdens vary considerably within places in relation to sources of air pollution. Motor vehicle traffic is perhaps the most important source of intra-urban spatial variation in air pollution concentrations. Air quality research consistently demonstrates that pollutant levels are substantially higher near freeways and busy roadways, and human health studies have consistently demonstrated that children living within 100 to 200 meters (328 to 656 feet) of freeways or busy roadways have reduced lung function and higher rates of respiratory disease. At present, it is not possible to attribute the effects of roadway proximity on non-cancer health effects to one or more specific vehicle types or vehicle 3 CARB. 2000a. Fact Sheet – California’s Plan to Reduce Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions. October.

Website: www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/factsheets/rrpfactsheet.pdf (accessed November 2022). 4 CARB. 2000b. Risk Reduction Plan to Reduce Particulate Matter Emissions from Diesel-Fueled Engines and Vehicles. October. Prepared by the Stationary Source Division and Mobile Source Control Division.

Website: www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/documents/rrpFinal.pdf (accessed November 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-7 pollutants. Engine exhaust, from diesel, gasoline, and other combustion engines, is a complex mixture of particles and gases, with collective and individual toxicological characteristics.

4.2.3.2 National and State Ambient Air Quality Standards Both State and federal governments have established health-based ambient air quality standards for criteria air pollutants. Criteria pollutants are defined as those pollutants for which the federal and State governments have established ambient air quality standards, or criteria, for outdoor concentrations in order to protect public health.

Both the USEPA and the CARB have established ambient air quality standards for the following common pollutants: CO, O3, NO2, SO2, Pb, and suspended particulate matter. In addition, the State has set standards for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride, and visibility-reducing particles. These standards are designed to protect the health and welfare of the populace with a reasonable margin of safety. These ambient air quality standards are levels of contaminants that avoid specific adverse health effects associated with each pollutant.

Federal standards include both primary and secondary standards. Primary standards establish limits to protect public health, including the health of sensitive populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.5 State and federal standards for the criteria air pollutants are listed in Table 4.2.B.

4.2.3.3 Existing Climate and Air Quality
The following provides a discussion of the local and regional air quality and climate in the City of Laguna Woods.

Climate and Meteorology. Air quality in Laguna Woods is affected by various emission sources (e.g., mobile and industry) as well as atmospheric conditions (e.g., wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and rainfall). The combination of topography, low mixing height, abundant sunshine, and emissions from the second largest urban area in the United States gives the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) some of the highest pollutant concentrations in the country.

The annual average temperature varies throughout the Basin, ranging from the low- to middle-60s, measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). With a more pronounced oceanic influence, coastal areas, including the City of Laguna Woods, show less variability in annual minimum and maximum temperatures than inland areas. January is typically the coldest month, and August and September are typically the warmest months in this area of the Basin.6 5 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2017. Criteria Air Pollutants. October. Website:
www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants (accessed November 2022). 6 Western Regional Climate Center. 2015. Website: https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmsca.html (accessed June 2022).

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -8 Table 4.2.B: Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards Pollutant Averaging
Time
California Standards 1 Federal Standards 2
Concentration 3 Method 4 Primary 3,5 Secondary 3,6 Method 7 Ozone
(O3)8
1-Hour 0.09 ppm
(180 μg/m3) Ultraviolet
Photometry
– Same as
Primary
Standard
Ultraviolet
Photometry 8-Hour 0.07 ppm
(137 μg/m3)

0.070 ppm
(137 μg/m3)
Respirable
Particulate
Matter
(PM10)9
24-Hour 50 μg/m3
Gravimetric or Beta
Attenuation
150 μg/m3
Same as
Primary
Standard
Inertial
Separation and
Gravimetric
Analysis
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
20 μg/m3 –
Fine
Particulate
Matter
(PM2.5)9
24-Hour – 35 μg/m3
Same as
Primary
Standard
Inertial
Separation and
Gravimetric
Analysis
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
12 μg/m3 Gravimetric or Beta
Attenuation 12.0 μg/m3
Carbon
Monoxide
(CO)
8-Hour 9.0 ppm
(10 mg/m3) Non-Dispersive
Infrared
Photometry
(NDIR)
9 ppm
(10 mg/m3) – Non-Dispersive
Infrared
Photometry
(NDIR)
1-Hour 20 ppm
(23 mg/m3)
35 ppm
(40 mg/m3)
8-Hour
(Lake Tahoe)
6 ppm
(7 mg/m3) – –
Nitrogen
Dioxide
(NO2)10
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean

0.03 ppm
(57 μg/m3) Gas Phase
Chemiluminescence
53 ppb
(100 μg/m3)
Same as
Primary
Standard
Gas Phase
Chemiluminescence 1-Hour 0.18 ppm
(339 μg/m3)
100 ppb
(188 μg/m3) –
Lead
(Pb)12,13
30-Day
Average 1.5 μg/m3
Atomic
Absorption
– –
High-Volume
Sampler and
Atomic
Absorption
Calendar
Quarter – 1.5 μg/m3(for certain areas)l Same as
Primary
Standard
Rolling 3-
Month
Average i
– 0.15 μg/m3
Sulfur
Dioxide
(SO2)11
24-Hour 0.04 ppm
(105 μg/m3)
Ultraviolet
Fluorescence

0.14 ppm
(for certain areas) –
Ultraviolet
Fluorescence;
Spectrophotometry
(Pararosaniline
Method)
3-Hour – – 0.5 ppm
(1300 μg/m3)
1-Hour 0.25 ppm
(655 μg/m3)
75 ppb
(196 μg/m3)11 –
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
–

0.030 ppm
(for certain
areas)11
–
VisibilityReducing
Particles 12
8-Hour See footnote 14
Beta Attenuation
and
Transmittance
through Filter
Tape
No
Federal
Standards
Sulfates 24-Hour 25 μg/m3 Ion
Chromatography
Hydrogen
Sulfide 1-Hour 0.03 ppm (42 μg/m3)
Ultraviolet
Fluorescence
Vinyl
Chloride 10 24-Hour 0.01 ppm (26 μg/m3)
Gas
Chromatography
Source: Ambient Air Quality Standards (California Air Resources Board 2016).

Table notes continued on the following page

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-9 1 California standards for ozone, carbon monoxide (except 8-hour Lake Tahoe), sulfur dioxide (1- and 24-hour), nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and visibility reducing particles), are values that are not to be exceeded. All others are not to be equaled or exceeded. California ambient air quality standards are listed in the Table of Standards in Section 70200 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. 2 National standards (other than ozone, particulate matter, and those based on annual arithmetic mean) are not to be exceeded more than once a year. The ozone standard is attained when the fourth highest 8-hour concentration measured at each site in a year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than the standard. For PM10, the 24-hour standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with a 24-hour average concentration above 150 μg/m3 is equal to or less than one. For PM2.5, the 24-hour standard is attained when 98 percent of the daily concentrations, averaged over three years, are equal to or less than the standard.

Contact USEPA for further clarification and current national policies. 3 Concentration expressed first in units in which it was promulgated. Equivalent units given in parentheses are based upon a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr. Most measurements of air quality are to be corrected to a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr; ppm in this table refers to ppm by volume, or micromoles of pollutant per mole of gas. 4 Any equivalent measurement method which can be shown to the satisfaction of the CARB to give equivalent results at or near the level of the air quality standard may be used. 5 National Primary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health. 6 National Secondary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of a pollutant. 7 Reference method as described by the USEPA. An “equivalent method” of measurement may be used but must have a “consistent relationship to the reference method” and must be approved by the USEPA. 8 On October 1, 2015, the national 8-hour ozone primary and secondary standards were lowered from 0.075 to 0.070 ppm. 9 On December 14, 2012, the national annual PM2.5 primary standard was lowered from 15 μg/m3 to 12.0 μg/m3. The existing national 24- hour PM2.5 standards (primary and secondary) were retained at 35 μg/m3, as was the annual secondary standard of 15 μg/m3 . The
existing 24-hour PM10 standards (primary and secondary) of 150 μg/m3 also were retained. The form of the annual primary and secondary standards is the annual mean, averaged over 3 years. 10 To attain the 1-hour national standard, the three-year average of the annual 98th percentile of the 1-hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 100 ppb. Note that the national 1-hour standard is in units of parts per billion (ppb).

California standards are in units of parts per million (ppm). To directly compare the national 1-hour standard to the California standards the units can be converted from ppb to ppm. In this case, the national standard of 100 ppb is identical to 0.100 ppm. 11 On June 2, 2010, a new 1-hour SO2 standard was established and the existing 24-hour and annual primary standards were revoked. To attain the 1-hour national standard, the three-year average of the annual 99th percentile of the 1-hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 75 ppb. The 1971 SO2 national standards (24-hour and annual) remain in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2010 standard, except that in areas designated nonattainment for the 1971 standards, the 1971 standards remain in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2010 standards are approved.

Note that the 1-hour national standard is in units of parts per billion (ppb). California standards are in units of parts per million (ppm).

To directly compare the 1-hour national standard to the California standard the units can be converted to ppm. In this case, the national standard of 75 ppb is identical to 0.075 ppm. 12 The CARB has identified lead and vinyl chloride as ‘toxic air contaminants’ with no threshold level of exposure for adverse health effects determined. These actions allow for the implementation of control measures at levels below the ambient concentrations specified for these pollutants. 13 The national standard for lead was revised on October 15, 2008, to a rolling 3-month average. The 1978 lead standard (1.5 μg/m3 as a quarterly average) remains in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2008 standard, except that in areas designated nonattainment for the 1978 standard, the 1978 standard remains in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2008 standard are approved. 14 In 1989, the CARB converted both the general Statewide 10-mile visibility standard and the Lake Tahoe 30-mile visibility standard to instrumental equivalents, which are “extinction of 0.23 per kilometer” and “extinction of 0.07 per kilometer” for the Statewide and Lake Tahoe Air Basin standards, respectively.
°C = degrees Celsius
µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter
CARB = California Air Resources Board
mg/m3 = milligrams per cubic meter
ppb = parts per billion
ppm = parts per million
USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -10 The majority of annual rainfall in the Basin occurs between November and March. Summer rainfall is minimal and is generally limited to scattered thunderstorms in coastal regions and slightly heavier showers in the eastern portion of the Basin and along the coastal side of the mountains. The monthly average rainfall in Laguna Woods typically varies from 2.77 inches in February to 0.03 inch in July with an annual total of 12.52 inches.7 Patterns in monthly and yearly rainfall totals are unpredictable due to fluctuations in the weather.

The Basin experiences a persistent temperature inversion (increasing temperature with increasing altitude) as a result of the Pacific high, which is the semi-permanent high-pressure area of the north Pacific Ocean and is the dominating factor in California weather. This inversion limits the vertical dispersion of air contaminants, holding them relatively near the ground. As the sun warms the ground and the lower air layer, the temperature of the lower air layer approaches the temperature of the base of the inversion (upper) layer until the inversion layer finally breaks, allowing vertical mixing with the lower layer. This phenomenon is observed in mid-afternoon to late afternoon on hot summer days when the smog appears to clear up suddenly. Winter inversions frequently break by midmorning.

Winds in Laguna Woods blow predominantly from the west–northwest, with relatively low velocities.8 Wind speeds in Laguna Woods average between 4 miles per hour (mph) and 7 mph.

Summer wind speeds average slightly higher than winter wind speeds. Low average wind speeds, together with a persistent temperature inversion, limit the vertical dispersion of air pollutants throughout the Basin. Strong, dry, north, or northeasterly winds, known as Santa Ana winds, occur during the fall and winter months and disperse air contaminants. The Santa Ana conditions tend to last for several days at a time.9
The combination of stagnant wind conditions and low inversions produces the greatest pollutant concentrations. On days of no inversion or high wind speeds, ambient air pollution concentrations are the lowest. During periods of low inversions and low wind speeds, air pollutants generated in urbanized areas are transported predominantly onshore into Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. In the winter, the greatest pollution problems are CO and NOx because of extremely low inversions and air stagnation during the night and early morning hours. In the summer, the longer daylight hours and the brighter sunshine combine to cause a reaction between hydrocarbons and NOX to form photochemical smog or ozone.

Attainment Status. CARB is required to designate areas of the State as attainment, nonattainment, or unclassified for all State standards. An attainment designation for an area signifies that pollutant concentrations did not violate the standard for that pollutant in that area. A nonattainment designation indicates that a pollutant concentration violated the standard at least once, excluding those occasions when a violation was caused by an exceptional event, as defined in the criteria. An unclassified designation signifies that data do not support either an attainment or nonattainment 7 Western Regional Climate Center. 2015. Website: https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmsca.html (accessed June 2022). 8 Iowa Environmental Mesonet. 2021. Windrows. Website: https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/ windrose.phtml?—network=CA_—ASOS&station=LGB. (accessed November 2022). 9 Ibid.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-11 status. The California Clean Air Act (CCAA) divides districts into moderate, serious, and severe air pollution categories, with increasingly stringent control requirements mandated for each category.

The USEPA designates areas for O3, CO, and NO2 as one of the following: does not meet the primary standards, or cannot be classified, or better than national standards. For SO2, areas are designated as: does not meet the primary standards, does not meet the secondary standards, cannot be classified, or better than national standards. Table 4.2.C provides a summary of the attainment status for the Basin with respect to both National and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS and CAAQS, respectively).

Table 4.2.C: South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status
Pollutant State Federal
O3 1 hour Nonattainment Extreme Nonattainment
O3 8 hour Nonattainment Extreme Nonattainment
PM10 Nonattainment Attainment/Maintenance
PM2.5 Nonattainment Serious Nonattainment
CO Attainment Attainment/Maintenance
NO2 Attainment Attainment/Maintenance
SO2 N/A Attainment/Unclassified
Lead Attainment Partial Nonattainment1
All others Attainment/Unclassified Attainment/Unclassified Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District (2016b). 1 Partial Nonattainment designation – Los Angeles County portion of Basin only for near-source monitors. Expect redesignation to attainment based on current monitoring data.

CO = carbon monoxide
N/A = not applicable
NO2 = nitrogen dioxide
O3 = ozone
PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size SO2 = sulfur dioxide
Air Quality Monitoring Results. Air quality monitoring stations are located throughout the nation and are maintained by the local air pollution control district and State air quality regulating agencies.

The SCAQMD, together with CARB, maintains ambient air quality monitoring stations in the Basin.

The air quality monitoring stations closest to the City are at 26081 Via Pera in Mission Viejo and 812 W. Vermont Street in Anaheim.

Pollutant monitoring results for years 2019 to 2021 at the Mission Viejo and Anaheim monitoring stations, shown in Table 4.2.D, indicate that air quality in the vicinity of the City has generally been good. As indicated in the monitoring results, the federal PM10 standard was not exceeded during the three-year period. The State PM10 standard was exceeded twice in the year 2020 only, with no exceedances in 2019 and 2021. Similarly, PM2.5 levels exceeded the federal standard twice in 2020 only, with no exceedances in 2019 and 2021. The State 1-hour ozone standards were exceeded 3 times in 2019, 20 times in 2020, and an unknown number of times in 2021. The State 8-hour ozone standards were exceeded 11 times in 2019, 34 times in 2020, and an unknown number of times in 2021. The federal 8-hour standards were exceeded 11 times in 2019, 32 times in 2020, and 8 times in 2021. The CO and NO2 standards were not exceeded in this area during the 3-year period. SO2 data were not available from 2019–2021 at air quality monitoring stations in Orange County.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -12 Table 4.2.D: Ambient Air Quality in the Project Vicinity Pollutant Standard 2019 2020 2021
Carbon Monoxide (CO)1
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 1.0 1.7 1.0
Number of days exceeded: State: > 20 ppm 0 0 0
Federal: > 35 ppm 0 0 0
Maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) 0.8 0.8 0.8
Number of days exceeded: State: > 9 ppm 0 0 0
Federal: > 9 ppm 0 0 0
Ozone (O3)1
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 0.106 0.171 0.105
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.09 ppm 3 20 ND
Maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) 0.088 0.123 0.081
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.07 ppm 11 34 ND
Federal: > 0.07 ppm 11 32 8
Coarse Particulates (PM10)1
Maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) 44.2 55.1 35
Number of days exceeded: State: > 50 µg/m3 0 2 0
Federal: > 150 µg/m3 0 0 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (µg/m3) 16.7 ND ND Exceeded for the year: State: > 20 µg/m3 No ND ND
Federal: > 50 µg/m3 No ND ND
Fine Particulates (PM2.5)1
Maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) 20.8 44.8 32.6
Number of days exceeded: Federal: > 35 µg/m3 0 2 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (µg/m3) ND 9.3 9.7 Exceeded for the year: State: > 12 µg/m3 ND No No
Federal: > 15 µg/m3 ND No No
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)2
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 0.059 0.070 0.072
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.250 ppm 0 0 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (ppm) 0.0192 0.0188 0.0189 Exceeded for the year: Federal: > 0.053 ppm No No No
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)3
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) ND ND ND
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.25 ppm ND ND ND
Maximum 24-hour concentration (ppm) ND ND ND
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.04 ppm ND ND ND
Federal: > 0.14 ppm ND ND ND
Annual arithmetic average concentration (ppm) ND ND ND
Exceeded for the year: Federal: > 0.030 ppm ND ND ND
Sources: CARB (2021) and USEPA (2021).
1 Data taken from the Mission Viejo monitoring station at 26081 Via Pera. 2 Data were taken from the Anaheim monitoring station at 812 W. Vermont Street. 3 SO2 data are not available for Orange County.

CARB = California Air Resources Board
ND = No data. There were insufficient (or no) data to determine the value. ppm = parts per million
USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-13 Toxic Air Contaminant Trends. In 1984, the CARB adopted regulations to reduce TAC emissions from mobile and stationary sources, as well as consumer products. A CARB study showed that ambient concentrations and emissions of the seven TACs responsible for the most cancer risk from airborne exposure declined by 76 percent between 1990 and 2012.10 Concentrations of diesel particulate matter, a key TAC, declined by 68 percent between 1990 and 2012, despite a 31 percent increase in State population and an 81 percent increase in diesel vehicle miles traveled (VMT), as shown on Figure 4.2-1, below. The study also found that the significant reductions in cancer risk to California residents from the implementation of air toxics controls are likely to continue.

Figure 4.2-1: California Population, Gross State Product (GSP), Diesel Cancer Risk, and Diesel Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Regulatory Context Source: Ambient and Emission Trends of Toxic Air Contaminants in California (Propper, Ralph, et al. 2015).

The USEPA and the CARB regulate direct emissions from motor vehicles. The SCAQMD is the regional agency primarily responsible for regulating air pollution emissions from stationary sources (e.g., factories) and indirect sources (e.g., traffic associated with new development), as well as monitoring ambient pollutant concentrations.
10 Propper, Ralph, Patrick Wong, Son Bui, Jeff Austin, William Vance, Álvaro Alvarado, Bart Croes, and Dongmin Luo. 2015. Ambient and Emission Trends of Toxic Air Contaminants in California. American Chemical Society: Environmental Science & Technology. Website: pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est. 5b02766 (accessed November 2022).

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4.2.4 Regulatory Setting

4.2.4.1 Federal Regulations
Federal Clean Air Act. At the federal level, the USEPA has been charged with implementing national air quality programs. The USEPA air quality mandates are drawn primarily from the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), which was enacted in 1963. The federal CAA was amended in 1970, 1977, and 1990.

The federal CAA required the USEPA to establish primary and secondary NAAQS and required each state to prepare an air quality control plan referred to as a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The federal CAA Amendments of 1990 added requirements for states with nonattainment areas to revise their SIPs to incorporate additional control measures to reduce air pollution. The SIP is periodically modified to reflect the latest emissions inventories, planning documents, and rules and regulations of the air basins as reported by their jurisdictional agencies. The USEPA has responsibility to review all state SIPs to determine conformity with the mandates of the federal CAA and determine if implementation will achieve air quality goals. If the USEPA determines a SIP to be inadequate, a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) may be prepared for the nonattainment area, which imposes additional control measures. Failure to submit an approvable SIP or to implement the plan within the mandated timeframe may result in sanctions on transportation funding and stationary air pollution sources in the air basin.

The USEPA is also required to develop National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, which are defined as those which may reasonably be anticipated to result in increased deaths or serious illness, and which are not already regulated. An independent science advisory board reviews the health and exposure analyses conducted by the USEPA on suspected hazardous pollutants prior to regulatory development.

4.2.4.2 State Regulations
California Clean Air Act. In 1988, the California Clean Air Act (CCAA) required that all air quality districts in the State endeavor to achieve and maintain CAAQS for carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by the earliest practical date. The California Clean Air Act provides districts with authority to regulate indirect sources and mandates that air quality districts focus particular attention on reducing emissions from transportation and area-wide emission sources. Each nonattainment district is required to adopt a plan to achieve a 5 percent annual reduction, averaged over consecutive 3-year periods, in district-wide emissions of each nonattainment pollutant or its precursors. A Clean Air Plan shows how a district would reduce emissions to achieve air quality standards. Generally, the State standards for these pollutants are more stringent than the national standards.

California Air Resources Board. The CARB is the State’s “clean air agency.” The CARB’s goals are to attain and maintain healthy air quality, protect the public from exposure to toxic air contaminants, and oversee compliance with air pollution rules and regulations.

Assembly Bill 2588 Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act. Under Assembly Bill (AB) 2588, stationary sources of air pollutants are required to report the types and quantities of certain substances that their facilities routinely released into the air. The goals of the Air Toxics “Hot

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-15 Spots” Act are to collect emission data, identify facilities having localized impacts, determine health risks, and notify nearby residents of significant risks.

The California Air Resources Board Handbook. CARB has developed an Air Quality and Land Use Handbook11 (CARB Handbook) (2005), which is intended to serve as a general reference guide for evaluating and reducing air pollution impacts associated with new projects that go through the land use decision-making process. According to the CARB Handbook, air pollution studies have shown an association between respiratory and other non-cancer health effects and proximity to high traffic roadways. Other studies have shown that diesel exhaust and other cancer-causing chemicals emitted from cars and trucks are responsible for much of the overall cancer risk from airborne toxics in California. The CARB Handbook recommends that county and city planning agencies strongly consider proximity to these sources when finding new locations for “sensitive” land uses such as homes, medical facilities, daycare centers, schools, and playgrounds.

Land use designations with air pollution sources of concern include freeways, rail yards, ports, refineries, distribution centers, chrome plating facilities, dry cleaners, and large gasoline service stations. Key recommendations in the CARB Handbook include taking steps to avoid siting new, sensitive land uses:
• Within 500 feet of a freeway, urban roads with 100,000 vehicles/day or rural roads with 50,000 vehicles/day;
• Within 1,000 feet of a major service and maintenance rail yard; • Immediately downwind of ports (in the most heavily impacted zones) and petroleum refineries; • Within 300 feet of any dry cleaning operation (for operations with two or more machines, provide 500 feet); and
• Within 300 feet of a large gas station (defined as a facility with a throughput of 3.6 million gallons per year or greater).

The CARB Handbook specifically states that its recommendations are advisory and acknowledges land use agencies have to balance other considerations, including housing and transportation needs, economic development priorities, and other quality of life issues.

The recommendations are generalized and do not consider site-specific meteorology, freeway truck percentages, or other factors that influence risk for a particular project site. The purpose of this guidance is to further examine project sites for actual health risk associated with the location of new sensitive land uses.

4.2.4.3 Regional Regulations
South Coast Air Quality Management District. The SCAQMD has jurisdiction over most air quality matters in the South Coast Air Basin (Basin). This area includes all of Orange County, Los Angeles 11 CARB. 2005. Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective (CARB Handbook). April.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -16 County except for the Antelope Valley, the non-desert portion of western San Bernardino County, and the western and Coachella Valley portions of Riverside County. Los Angeles County is a subregion of the SCAQMD jurisdiction. The SCAQMD is the agency principally responsible for comprehensive air pollution control in the Basin and is tasked with implementing certain programs and regulations required by the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) and the California Clean Air Act (CCAA).

The SCAQMD prepares plans to attain CAAQS and NAAQS. SCAQMD is directly responsible for reducing emissions from stationary (area and point) sources. The SCAQMD develops rules and regulations, establishes permitting requirements, inspects emissions sources, and enforces such measures though educational programs or fines, when necessary. • Regulation IV - Prohibitions: This regulation sets forth the restrictions for visible emissions, odor nuisance, fugitive dust, various air pollutant emissions, fuel contaminants, start-up/shutdown exemptions, and breakdown events.
○ Rule 402 - Nuisance: This rule restricts the discharge of any contaminant in quantities that cause or have a natural ability to cause injury, damage, nuisance, or annoyance to businesses, property, or the public. Future development projects that are implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and updated land use designations will be required to comply with Rule 402.
○ Rule 403 - Fugitive Dust: This rule requires the prevention, reduction, or mitigation fugitive dust emissions from a project site. Rule 403 restricts visible fugitive dust to a project property line, restricts the net PM10 emissions to less than 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3
) and restricts the tracking out of bulk materials onto public roads. Additionally, Rule 403 requires an applicant to utilize one or more of the best available control measures (identified in the tables within the rule). Control measures may include adding freeboard to haul vehicles, covering loose material on haul vehicles, watering, using chemical stabilizers, and/or ceasing all activities. Finally, Rule 403 requires that a contingency plan be prepared if so determined by the USEPA. In addition, SCAQMD Rule 403(e), Additional Requirements for Large Operations, includes requirements to provide Large Operation Notification Form 403 N, appropriate signage, additional dust control measures, and employment of a dust control supervisor that has successfully completed the Dust Control training class in the South Coast Air Basin. Future development projects that are implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and updated land use designations will be required to comply with Rule 403.
• Regulation XI - Source Specific Standards: Regulation XI sets emissions standards for different sources.
○ Rule 1113 - Architectural Coatings: This rule limits the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from architectural coatings and solvents, which lowers the emissions of odorous compounds. Future development projects that are implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and updated land use designations will be required to comply with Rule 1113.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-17 The SCAQMD is responsible for demonstrating regional compliance with ambient air quality standards but has limited direct involvement in reducing emissions from fugitive, mobile, and natural sources. To that end, the SCAQMD works cooperatively with CARB, SCAG, county transportation commissions, local governments, and other federal and State government agencies.

It has responded to this requirement by preparing a series of Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) to meet the CAAQS and NAAQS. SCAQMD and SCAG are responsible for formulating and implementing the AQMP for the South Coast Air Basin. The main purpose of an AQMP is to bring the area into compliance with federal and State air quality standards. Every several years, SCAQMD prepares a new AQMP, updating the previous plan and the 20-year horizon.12 The Final 2022 Air Quality Management Plan is the currently adopted AQMP. Key elements of the Final 2022 AQMP include the following:
• Calculating and taking credit for co-benefits from other planning efforts (e.g., climate, energy, and transportation)
• A strategy with fair-share emission reductions at the federal, State, and local levels • Investment in strategies and technologies meeting multiple air quality objectives • Seeking new partnerships and significant funding for incentives to accelerate deployment of zero-emission and near-zero emission technologies
• Enhanced socioeconomic assessment, including an expanded environmental justice analysis • Attainment of the 24-hour PM2.5 standard in 2019 with no additional measures • Attainment of the annual PM2.5 standard by 2025 with implementation of a portion of the O3 strategy
• Attainment of the 1-hour O3 standard by 2022 with no reliance on “black box” future technology (federal Clean Air Act [CAA] Section 182(e)(5) measures) The 2022 AQMP builds upon measures already in place from previous AQMPs. It also includes a variety of additional strategies such as regulation, accelerated deployment of available cleaner technologies (e.g., zero emissions technologies, when cost-effective and feasible, and low NOx technologies in other applications), best management practices, co-benefits from existing programs (e.g., climate and energy efficiency), incentives, and other CAA measures to achieve the 2015 8-hour ozone standard.

Southern California Association of Governments. SCAG is a council of governments for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and Ventura Counties. It is a regional planning agency and serves as a forum for regional issues relating to transportation, the economy and community development, and the environment. SCAG is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning 12 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). 2016a. Final 2016 Air Quality Management Plan.

March.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -18 Organization (MPO) for the majority of the southern California region and is the largest MPO in the nation. With regard to air quality planning, SCAG prepares the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), which address regional development and growth forecasts and form the basis for the land use and transportation control portions of the AQMP and are utilized in the preparation of the air quality forecasts and consistency analysis included in the AQMP. The RTP, RTIP, and AQMP are based on projections originating within local jurisdictions.

Although SCAG is not an air quality management agency, it is responsible for developing transportation, land use, and energy conservation measures that affect air quality. SCAG’s Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) provides growth forecasts that are used in the development of air quality-related land use and transportation control strategies by the SCAQMD. The RCP is a framework for decision‐making for local governments, assisting them in meeting federal and State mandates for growth management, mobility, and environmental standards, while maintaining consistency with regional goals regarding growth and changes. Policies within the RCP include consideration of air quality, land use, transportation, and economic relationships by all levels of government.

SCAG adopted the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (Connect SoCal) on September 3, 2020. Connect SoCal is a long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals. Connect SoCal is an important planning document for the region, allowing project sponsors to qualify for federal funding and takes into account operations and maintenance costs, to ensure reliability, longevity, and cost effectiveness.

Using growth forecasts and economic trends, the RTP provides a vision for transportation throughout the region for the next 20 years. It considers the role of transportation in the broader context of economic, environmental, and quality‐of‐life goals for the future, identifying regional transportation strategies to address mobility needs. The SCS is a required element of the RTP, which integrates land use and transportation strategies to achieve CARB emissions reduction targets. The inclusion of the SCS is required by Senate Bill (SB) 375, which was enacted to reduce GHG emissions from automobiles and light trucks through integrated transportation, land use, housing, and environmental planning. The RTP/SCS would successfully achieve and exceed the GHG emission‐reduction targets set by the CARB by achieving an 8 percent reduction by 2020, an 18 percent reduction by 2035, and a 21 percent reduction by 2040 compared to the 2005 level on a per capita basis. This RTP/SCS also meets criteria pollutant emission budgets set by the USEPA.

4.2.4.4 Local Regulations
City of Laguna Woods General Plan. The City of Laguna Woods addresses air quality in the Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan. The Conservation Element contains goals, policies, and implementing actions in relation to government organization roles and responsibilities, transportation, particulate and pollutant emissions, health and sensitive receptors, and land use.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-19 The following goals, policies, and implementing actions related to air quality are presented in the Conservation Element13 and are applicable to the proposed Project:

GOAL CO-1. Improve Air Quality
• Policy CO-1.1: Adopt and enforce regulations promoting air resource goals. ○ Adopt, review, update, and enforce regulations including, but not limited to:
■ Regulations pertaining to the protection of sensitive receptors, fugitive dust control near sensitive receptors, and the location of new sensitive receptors away from primary pollutant emission sources.
■ Regulations pertaining to new and significant redevelopment project requirements for the accommodation and promotion of mobility alternatives to fossil fueled vehicles. ■ Regulations pertaining to mitigation of the urban heat island effect. • Policy CO-1.2: Implement and support programs that reduce mobile source emissions. ○ Collaborate with the Orange County Transportation Authority and other demand-responsive mass transportation service providers to improve services and increase ridership. ○ Construct and maintain a multi-modal trail system that facilitates movement throughout the city by pedestrians, cyclists, golf carts, and zero low emission forms of transportation. ○ Synchronize traffic signals, both locally and regionally, to improve the flow of vehicular traffic.

4.2.5 Thresholds of Significance
The proposed Project may be deemed to have a significant impact with respect to air quality if it would:

Threshold 4.2.1: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan.

Threshold 4.2.2: Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable Federal or State ambient air quality standard.

Threshold 4.2.3: Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. 13 City of Laguna Woods. 2002. Laguna Woods General Plan, Conservation Element. October. Website:
https://www.cityoflagunawoods.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-07-29-Adopted-CLWConservation- Element.pdf (accessed November 2022).

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -20 Threshold 4.2.4: Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people.

4.2.5.1 Regional Emissions Thresholds
SCAQMD has established daily emissions thresholds for construction and operation of a proposed project in the South Coast Air Basin. The emissions thresholds were established based on the attainment status of the Basin with regard to air quality standards for specific criteria pollutants.

Because the concentration standards were set at a level that protects public health with an adequate margin of safety, these emissions thresholds are regarded as conservative and would overstate an individual project’s contribution to health risks.

Table 4.2.E lists the CEQA significance thresholds for construction and operational emissions established for the Basin.

Table 4.2.E: Regional Thresholds for Construction and Operational Emissions Emissions Source Pollutant Emissions Thresholds (lbs/day) VOCs NOx CO PM10 PM2.5 SOx
Construction 75 100 550 150 55 150
Operations 55 55 550 150 55 150
Source: SCAQMD. Air Quality Significance Thresholds. Website: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/ceqa/handbook/scaqmdair-quality-significance-thresholds.pdf (accessed November 2022).

CO = carbon monoxide
lbs/day = pounds per day
NOx = nitrogen oxides
PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District
SOX = sulfur oxides
VOCs = volatile organic compounds
Projects in the Basin with construction- or operation-related emissions that exceed any of their respective emission thresholds would be considered significant under SCAQMD guidelines. These thresholds, which SCAQMD developed and that apply throughout the Basin, apply as both project and cumulative thresholds. If a project exceeds these standards, it is considered to have a projectspecific and cumulative impact.

4.2.5.2 Local Microscale Concentration Standards
The significance of localized project impacts under CEQA depends on whether ambient CO levels in the vicinity of the project site are above or below State and federal CO standards. Because ambient CO levels are below the standards throughout the Basin, a project would be considered to have a significant CO impact if project emissions result in an exceedance of one or more of the 1-hour or 8-hour standards. The following are applicable local emission concentration standards for CO:
• California State 1-hour CO standard of 20 parts per million (ppm) • California State 8-hour CO standard of 9 ppm

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4.2.6 Project Impacts
Threshold 4.2.1: Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
Less Than Significant Impact. A consistency determination plays an essential role in local agency project review by linking local planning and unique individual projects to the air quality plans. A consistency determination fulfills the CEQA goal of fully informing local agency decision-makers of the environmental costs of the project under consideration at a stage early enough to ensure that air quality concerns are addressed. Only new or amended General Plan elements, Specific Plans, and significantly unique projects need to undergo a consistency review due to the air quality plan strategies being based on projections from local General Plans.

Consistency with the 2022 AQMP would be achieved if the project is consistent with the goals, objectives, and assumptions in this plan to achieve the federal and State air quality standards. Per the SCAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook, there are two main indicators of a project’s consistency with the AQMP:
• Indicator 1: Whether the project would result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations, cause or contribute to new violations, or delay timely attainment of the ambient air quality standards or emission reductions in the AQMP. • Indicator 2: Whether the project would exceed the assumptions in the AQMP. The AQMP strategy is, in part, based on projections from local general plans.

Indicator 1: As demonstrated under Threshold 4.2.2 below, the proposed Project would result in short-term construction and long-term operational pollutant emissions that are all less than the CEQA significance emissions thresholds established by the SCAQMD. As such, the proposed Project would not result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations, cause or contribute to new violations, or delay timely attainment of the ambient air quality standards or emission reductions in the AQMP. Therefore, the proposed Project is considered consistent with Indicator 1.

Indicator 2: The CEQA Air Quality Handbook indicates that consistency with AQMP growth assumptions must be analyzed for new or amended General Plan elements, Specific Plans, and significant projects. Significant projects include airports, electrical generating facilities, petroleum and gas refineries, designation of oil drilling districts, water ports, solid waste disposal sites, and offshore drilling facilities. The proposed Project would not change the General Plan land use designations on any of the Potential Housing Sites. However, the proposed Project would establish Residential; High, Medium, Medium-Low and Low Density overlay zones on the Potential Housing Sites which could accommodate the development of up to 1,196 dwelling units. Additionally, the proposed Project would amend the zoning and land use designations on the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses. As such, this analysis evaluates whether the Project would exceed the 2022 AQMP’s assumptions for 2040 or yearly increments based on the year of Project build out and phasing.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -22 With respect to determining the proposed Project’s consistency with AQMP growth assumptions, the projections in the AQMP for achieving air quality goals are based on assumptions in SCAG’s RTP/SCS regarding population, housing, and growth trends. According to SCAG’s 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, the City’s population, households, and employment are forecast to increase by approximately 200 residents, 100 households, and 1,400 jobs, respectively, between 2016 and 2045.14
The proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites. Of the Potential Housing Sites, 9 sites (Sites 1–8 and Site 15) would be included in the Residential High Density Overlay, which would allow residential development at densities between 30–50 dwelling units per acre (du/ac). Five sites (Sites 9–12 and Site 17) would be included in the Residential Medium Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 15–20 du/ac. Two sites (Sites 13 and 16) would be included in the Residential Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 8–10 du/ac, and Site 14 would be within the Residential Medium Density Overlay, which would allow between 20–30 du/ac.

The proposed Project would also amend the zoning on 12 additional properties. The zoning districts on 10 properties (Site 18 and Sites 21–29) would be changed from Community Commercial, Open Space – Recreation, Open Space – Passive, and Residential Community to Community Facilities – Public/Institutional. The zoning districts on the other two properties would be changed from Residential Community to Open Space – Passive (Site 19) and from Residential Multifamily to Open Space – Recreation (Site 20). These minor administrative changes are intended to reflect the reality that these properties are currently being used as open space or community facilities and would continue to be used for those purposes for the foreseeable future.

As described further in Section 4.7, Population and Housing, the zoning overlays that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites. According to the 2017 American Housing Survey (AHS), the average household size in structures that have 50 or more housing units (the highest housing density type evaluated in the AHS) in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was 1.99 persons. Because most of the proposed zoning overlays would allow for higher density housing, 1.99 persons per household was deemed appropriate for use in the analysis contained in this PEIR. Therefore, the additional 1,196 housing units that would potentially be built in the City would result in an increase in 2,382 residents. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the City of Laguna Woods accounts for 997 additional housing units, which would provide housing for approximately 1,984 additional residents.

Future development allowed under the rezoning program would accommodate planned regional housing growth included in the SCAG RHNA. Any future projects implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and updated land use designations would be required to adhere to the General Plan. Therefore, since the purpose of the proposed Project is to accommodate planned regional housing growth included in the SCAG RHNA, the proposed Project would not exceed the 14 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). 2020. Connect SoCal 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. Website: https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/fileattachments/0903fconnectsocal-plan_0.pdf?1606001176 (accessed November 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-23 growth assumptions in the SCAG’s RTP/SCS or the AQMP. As such, the proposed Project would result in a less than significant impact related to a conflict or obstruction of implementation of applicable air quality plans. No mitigation is required.

The Mobility Element has been designed to meet State law requirements for circulation elements. “Mobility” is purposefully used in this element’s title to emphasize the City’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel. California Government Code Section 65302(b)(2)(B) defines “users of streets, roads, and highways” as including bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors. The Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have a potential impact on public services and utilities. As discussed in Chapter 3.0, Project Description, the City is substantially built out, and the Mobility Element focuses on maintaining and coordinating the City’s balanced multi-modal transportation network. Thus, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to air quality. Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict or obstruct implementation of applicable air quality plans. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

Threshold 4.2.2: Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable Federal or State ambient air quality standard? Less Than Significant Impact. The Basin is currently designated as nonattainment for the federal and State standards for O3 and PM2.5. In addition, the Basin is in nonattainment for the PM10 standard.

The Basin’s nonattainment status is attributed to the region’s development history. Past, present, and future development projects contribute to the region’s adverse air quality impacts on a cumulative basis. By its very nature, air pollution is largely a cumulative impact. No single project is sufficient in size to, by itself, result in nonattainment of ambient air quality standards. Instead, a project’s individual emissions contribute to existing cumulatively significant adverse air quality impacts. If a project’s contribution to the cumulative impact is considerable, then the project’s impact on air quality would be considered significant.

In developing thresholds of significance for air pollutants, the SCAQMD considered the emission levels for which a project’s individual emissions would be cumulatively considerable. If a project exceeds the identified significance thresholds, its emissions would be cumulatively considerable,

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -24 resulting in significant adverse air quality impacts to the region’s existing air quality conditions.

Therefore, additional analysis to assess cumulative impacts is not necessary. The following analysis assesses the potential project-level air quality impacts associated with construction and operation of the proposed Project.

Construction. It is important to note that the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The proposed zoning overlays would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Construction activities associated with the construction of additional housing units that could occur during implementation of the Project would occur through the horizon year 2045, which would cause short-term emissions of criteria air pollutants. The primary source of emissions is the operation of construction equipment. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits.

Construction activities would include demolition, grading, site preparation, building construction, architectural coating, and paving activities. Construction-related effects on air quality are typically greatest during the grading phase due to the disturbance of soils. If not properly controlled, these activities would temporarily generate particulate emissions. Sources of fugitive dust would include disturbed soils at construction sites. Unless properly controlled, vehicles leaving construction sites would deposit dirt and mud on local streets, which could be an additional source of airborne dust after it dries. PM10 emissions would vary from day to day, depending on the nature and magnitude of construction activity and local weather conditions. PM10 emissions would depend on soil moisture, silt content of soil, wind speed, and the amount of operating equipment. Larger dust particles would settle near the source, while fine particles would be dispersed over greater distances from the construction site.

Water or other soil stabilizers can be used to control dust, resulting in emission reductions of 50 percent or more. The SCAQMD has established Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust), which would require the contractor to implement measures that would reduce the amount of particulate matter generated during the construction period.

In addition to dust-related PM10 emissions, heavy trucks and construction equipment powered by gasoline and diesel engines would generate CO, SO2, NOx, VOCs and some soot particulate (PM2.5 and PM10) in exhaust emissions. If construction activities were to increase traffic congestion in the area, CO and other emissions from traffic would increase slightly while those vehicles idle in traffic.

These emissions would be temporary in nature and limited to the immediate area surrounding the construction site.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-25 proposed Project would begin in 2023 and end in 2045, which was included in CalEEMod. In addition, this analysis conservatively assumes demolition of the existing structures on the Potential Housing Sites, which would total approximately 485,195 square feet, which was also included in CalEEMod. Demolition, grading, and building activities would involve the use of standard earthmoving equipment such as large excavators, cranes, and other related equipment.

As specified in Regulatory Compliance Measure (RCM) AQ-1 through RCM AQ-4, detailed below, construction of the proposed Project would comply with SCAQMD standard conditions, including Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) to control fugitive dust and Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings) to control VOC emissions from paint. Compliance with SCAQMD standard conditions is a regulatory requirement and was considered in the analysis of construction emissions.

The maximum daily emissions of VOCs, NOX, SOX, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 that would result from construction of the proposed Project are summarized in Table 4.2.F and compared to the SCAQMD regional significance thresholds. As shown in Table 4.2.F, construction emissions associated with the proposed Project would not exceed the significance thresholds established by the SCAQMD for any of the criteria pollutants.

Table 4.2.F: Project Construction Emissions (in Pounds Per Day) Project Construction Maximum Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day) VOCs NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Demolition 1.3 33.1 25.3 <0.1 1.5 1.0
Site Preparation 1.3 33.8 23.4 <0.1 10.0 5.5
Grading 1.9 51.3 37.2 0.1 5.7 3.0
Building Construction 2.2 28.7 29.7 0.1 6.6 2.5
Paving 1.0 20.1 17.6 <0.1 0.8 0.7
Architectural Coating 6.3 2.4 3.5 <0.1 1.1 0.4
Peak Daily Emissions 8.5 51.3 37.2 0.1 10.0 5.5
SCAQMD Thresholds 75.0 100.0 550.0 150 150.0 55.0
Exceeds? No No No No No No
Source: Compiled by LSA (November 2022). 1 Peak daily emissions of VOCs occur during overlap of the Building Construction and Architectural Coating phases.

CO = carbon monoxide
lbs/day = pounds per day
NOX = nitrogen oxides
PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District
SOX = sulfur oxides
VOCs = volatile organic compounds
As shown in Table 4.2.F, construction emissions associated with the Project would not exceed the SCAQMD thresholds for VOCs, NOx, CO, SOX, PM2.5, or PM10 emissions. As discussed above, according to SCAQMD guidance, projects that exceed the significance thresholds are considered by SCAQMD to result in cumulatively considerable air quality impacts. Conversely, projects that do not exceed the significance thresholds are generally not considered to result in cumulatively considerable air quality impacts. Therefore, based on the fact that emissions during construction of the proposed Project would not exceed any of the air quality significance thresholds for any criteria pollutants, the proposed Project would not have a cumulatively considerable air quality impact. In addition, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in construction-related impacts.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -26 Therefore, with compliance with regulatory requirements (as specified in RCM AQ-1 through RCM AQ-4), construction impacts related to the cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is in nonattainment under applicable NAAQS or CAAQS would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

Operation. As previously stated, the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development.

The proposed zoning overlays would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Operational activities associated with the additional housing units would result in long-term air pollutant emissions associated with mobile sources (e.g., vehicle trips), energy sources (e.g., natural gas), and area sources (e.g., architectural coatings and the use of landscape maintenance equipment). Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits.

PM10 emissions result from running exhaust, tire and brake wear, and the entrainment of dust into the atmosphere from vehicles traveling on paved roadways. Entrainment of PM10 occurs when vehicle tires pulverize small rocks and pavement and the vehicle wakes generate airborne dust. The contribution of tire and brake wear is small compared to the other particulate matter emission processes. Gasoline-powered engines have small rates of particulate matter emissions compared with diesel-powered vehicles. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites.

As such, the proposed Project would generate 746 net new average daily trips.

Energy source emissions result from activities in buildings for which natural gas is used. The quantity of emissions is the product of usage intensity (i.e., the amount of natural gas) and the emission factor of the fuel source.

Typically, area source emissions consist of emissions from the use of architectural coatings, consumer products, and landscaping equipment.

Long-term operation emissions associated with build out of the 1,196 housing units was calculated using CalEEMod. Model results are shown in Table 4.2.G below. CalEEMod output sheets are included in Appendix B of this PEIR.

As shown in Table 4.2.G, Project emissions would not exceed the significance criteria for VOCs, NOx, CO, SOx, PM10, or PM2.5 emissions; therefore, the proposed Project would not have a significant effect on regional air quality. In addition, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in operational air quality impacts. Therefore, operational impacts related to the cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is in nonattainment under applicable NAAQS or CAAQS would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-27 Table 4.2.G: Project Operational Emissions (in Pounds Per Day) Source Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day)
VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Project Area Sources 51.4 19.0 105.9 0.1 2.0 2.0
Project Energy Sources 0.8 7.2 3.1 <0.1 0.6 0.6
Project Mobile Sources 1.6 1.5 15.9 <0.1 5.4 1.4
Total Project Emissions 53.8 27.7 124.9 0.1 8.0 4.0
SCAQMD Thresholds 55.0 55.0 550.0 150.0 150.0 55.0
Exceeds? No No No No No No
Source: Compiled by LSA (November 2022).

CO = carbon monoxide
lbs/day = pounds per day
NOX = nitrogen oxides
PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District
SOX = sulfur oxides
VOCs = volatile organic compounds
Long-Term Microscale (CO Hot Spot) Analysis. Vehicular trips associated with the proposed Project would contribute to congestion at intersections and along roadway segments in the City. Localized air quality impacts would occur when emissions from vehicular traffic increase as a result of the proposed Project. The primary mobile-source pollutant of local concern is CO, a direct function of vehicle idling time and, thus, of traffic flow conditions. CO transport is extremely limited; under normal meteorological conditions, CO disperses rapidly with distance from the source. However, under certain extreme meteorological conditions, CO concentrations near a congested roadway or intersection may reach unhealthful levels, affecting local sensitive receptors (e.g., residents, schoolchildren, the elderly, and hospital patients). Typically, high CO concentrations are associated with roadways or intersections operating at unacceptable levels of service or with extremely high traffic volumes. In areas with high ambient background CO concentrations, modeling is recommended to determine a project’s effect on local CO levels.

An assessment of project-related impacts on localized ambient air quality requires that future ambient air quality levels be projected. Ambient CO levels monitored at the Mission Viejo monitoring station, the closest station to the City, showed a highest recorded 1-hour concentration of 1.7 ppm (the State standard is 20 ppm) and a highest 8-hour concentration of 0.8 ppm (the State standard is 9 ppm) during the past 3 years (Table 4.2.D). The highest CO concentrations would normally occur during peak traffic hours; hence, CO impacts calculated under peak traffic conditions represent a worst-case analysis.

The proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites The proposed Project would generate 746 net new average daily trips in the immediate vicinity of the Potential Housing Sites and would result in a net decrease in 9 AM peak hour trips and a decrease in 187 PM peak hour trips when compared to the existing uses. As the proposed Project would result in a decrease in AM and PM peak hour trips, the proposed Project did not meet the criteria for an evaluation of study area intersection or roadway segment LOS. Therefore, it is assumed that Project traffic would not create any significant adverse impacts to nearby intersections.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -28 Therefore, given the extremely low level of CO concentrations in the City, and lack of traffic impacts at any intersections, project-related vehicles are not expected to contribute significantly or result in the CO concentrations exceeding the State or federal CO standards. In addition, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in CO hot spots. Impacts related to CO hot spots would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

Threshold 4.2.3: Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
Less Than Significant Impact. As discussed previously, the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The proposed Project includes the adoption of zoning overlays that would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

The SCAQMD recommends the evaluation of localized air quality impacts to sensitive receptors such as residential land uses in the immediate vicinity of the Project site as a result of construction and operational activities. The thresholds are based on standards established by the SCAQMD in its Localized Significance Thresholds (LST) Methodology15 and are measured against construction and operational emissions that occur on a specific project site. These emissions are primarily generated from heavy‐duty construction equipment and demolition, grading, and trenching activities.

However, the LSTs are applicable to projects at the project‐specific level and are not applicable to programmatic documents, such as the proposed Project. Construction and operational emissions associated with future individual projects developed under the proposed Project, would however, have the potential to cause or contribute to significant localized air quality impacts to nearby residential land uses within the planning area. Localized construction impacts of future residential development could potentially exceed the LSTs, particularly for construction of areas larger than 5 acres or areas with more intense construction activities. To address this, regulatory measures (e.g., SCAQMD Rule 201 for a permit to operate, Rule 403 for fugitive dust control, Rule 1113 for architectural coatings, Rule 1403 for new source review, and CARB’s Airborne Toxic Control Measures) are currently in place, and mitigation would be imposed at the project level, which may include use of special equipment.

It should be noted that the amount of emissions from a project does not necessarily correspond to the concentrations of air pollutants. A dispersion modeling analysis would be necessary to calculate health risk from project implementation. However, since it is not possible to translate the amount of an unknown future specific project’s emissions to a particular concentration, it is not possible to calculate the risk factor for a particular health effect at the time of this analysis.

Known health effects related to ozone include worsening of bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema and a decrease in lung function. Particulate matter can also lead to a variety of health effects in people. These include premature death of people with heart or lung disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms. Regional emissions of 15 SCAQMD. 2021. Localized Significance Thresholds. Website: http://www.aqmd.gov/home/rulescompliance/ceqa/air-quality-analysis-handbook/localized-significance-thresholds (accessed November 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-29 criteria pollutants contribute to these known health effects. The SCAQMD is the primary agency responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of sensitive individuals and that they are not exposed to elevated concentrations of criteria pollutants in the Basin. To achieve the health-based standards established by the USEPA, the SCAQMD prepares an AQMP that details regional programs to attain the ambient air quality standards.

Although the analysis for the proposed Project identifies that construction emissions associated with the Project would not exceed the SCAQMD’s thresholds for VOCs, NOx, CO, SOx, PM2.5, or PM10 emissions, it should be noted that not exceeding the SCAQMD’s numeric regional mass daily thresholds does not necessarily correspond to less than significant health risk impacts to sensitive receptors. This is because the mass daily thresholds are in pounds per day emitted into the air, whereas health effects are determined based on the concentration of emissions in the air at a particular receptor (e.g., parts per million [ppm] by volume of air, or micrograms per cubic meter [µg/m3
] of air). State and federal ambient air quality standards were developed to protect the most susceptible population groups from adverse health effects and were established in terms of parts per million or micrograms per cubic meter for the applicable emissions.

For this reason, the SCAQMD developed the LST Methodology. The LST methodology is based on the amount of emissions that could be generated from a project in order for a project to not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard, and are based on the ambient concentrations of the pollutant and the relative distance to the nearest sensitive receptor. However, as noted above, the LSTs are applicable to projects at the project‐specific level and are not applicable to this programmatic planning level document.

Localized construction impacts of future residential development projects could potentially exceed the LSTs, particularly for construction of areas larger than 5 acres or areas with more intense construction activities. Therefore, without mitigation, exceedances of the LSTs could have the potential to cause or exacerbate an exceedance of the CAAQS or NAAQS. It should be noted that the ambient air quality standards are developed and represent levels at which the most susceptible persons (children and the elderly) are protected. Therefore, the ambient air quality standards are purposefully set low to protect children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory problems.

However, the SCAQMD acknowledges that they have only been able to correlate potential health outcomes for very large emissions sources; specifically, 6,620 pounds per day (lbs/day) of NOX, and 89,180 lbs/day of VOCs were expected to result in approximately 20 premature deaths per year and 89,947 school absences due to ozone.16 It is not expected that any future residential development associated with the proposed Project would generate 6,620 lbs/day of NOx or 89,180 lbs/day of VOC emissions. As identified in Table 4.2.F above, based on the scale of development associated with the anticipated build out, construction projects would generate a maximum of 51.3 lbs/day of NOx and

8.5 lbs/day of VOCs.

Therefore, emissions associated with future projects are not sufficiently high enough to use a regional modeling program to correlate health effects on a Basin-wide level. 16 Supreme Court of California. 2015. Sierra Club, Revive the San Joaquin, and League of Women Voters of Fresno, Plaintiffs and Appellants, v. County of Fresno, Defendant and Despondent, and Friant Ranch, L.P., Real Part in Interest and Despondent. April.

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -30 Current scientific, technological, and modeling limitations prevent the relation of expected adverse air quality impacts to likely health consequences. For this reason, this discussion explains why it is not feasible to provide such an analysis. However, individual projects would still be required to conduct a site-specific localized impact analysis that evaluates potential project health impacts at a project level to immediately adjacent land uses.

Additionally, refer to the analysis provided under Threshold 4.2.2 for a discussion of potential construction and operational impacts relating to criteria air pollutants. With implementation of RCM AQ-1 through RCM AQ-4, the potential health impacts associated with the construction of the proposed Project would be less than significant.

The proposed Project includes the adoption of zoning overlays that would accommodate the construction of 1,197 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites. Localized construction and operational impacts associated future housing development could potentially exceed the LSTs.

However, as discussed above, all future discretionary projects would be reviewed in accordance with CEQA and would require further evaluation at the project level to demonstrate whether emissions would exceed SCAQMD’s LSTs and require project-specific mitigation. In addition, RCM AQ-1 through RCM AQ-4 would be required for construction of future projects to ensure compliance with SCAQMD standard conditions, including Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) to control fugitive dust and Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings) to control VOC emissions from paint. Furthermore, any necessary mitigation would be imposed at the project level once such future projects are proposed. In addition, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to sensitive receptors. Therefore, the proposed Project would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, and impacts would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

Threshold 4.2.4: Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Less Than Significant Impact. Growth within the City could generate new sources of odors and place sensitive receptors near existing sources of odors. Nuisance odors from land uses in the Basin are regulated under SCAQMD Rule 402, Nuisance, which states:

A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals.

Examples of odor-generating projects are wastewater treatment plants, compost facilities, landfills, solid-waste transfer stations, fiberglass manufacturing facilities, paint/coating operations (e.g., auto body shops), dairy farms, petroleum refineries, asphalt batch plants, chemical manufacturing, and

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-31 food manufacturing facilities. The adoption of the zoning overlays would accommodate the construction of 1,197 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites; therefore, the proposed Project would not include land uses that would be expected to generate odors.

Residential land uses could result in generation of odors such as exhaust from landscaping equipment. However, unlike the odor-generating land uses identified above, these are not considered potential generators of odor that could affect a substantial number of people. Therefore, impacts from potential odors generated from future housing development associated with the proposed Project are considered less than significant.

During construction activities, construction equipment exhaust and application of asphalt and architectural coatings would temporarily generate odors. Any construction-related odor emissions would be temporary and intermittent. Additionally, noxious odors would be confined to the immediate vicinity of the construction equipment and unlikely to affect a substantial number of people. In addition, by the time such emissions reached any sensitive receptor sites, they would be diluted to well below any level of air quality concern. Furthermore, short-term construction-related odors are expected to cease upon the drying or hardening of the odor-producing materials.

Therefore, impacts associated with construction-generated odors are considered to be less than significant. In addition, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in odor impacts. Therefore, impacts associated with other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

4.2.7 Level of Significance Prior to Mitigation
The proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts. However, the following compliance measures are existing SCAQMD regulations that are applicable to the proposed Project and are considered in the analysis of potential impacts related to air quality. These requirements are considered to be mandatory compliance measures; therefore, they are not mitigation measures.

4.2.8 Regulatory Compliance Measures and Mitigation Measures RCM AQ-1 During clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations, excessive fugitive dust emissions shall be controlled by regular watering or other dust preventative measures by using the following procedures, in compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403 during construction. The applicable Rule 403 measures are as follows:
• Apply nontoxic chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers’ specifications to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more).
• Water active sites at least twice daily (locations where grading is to occur shall be thoroughly watered prior to earthmoving).

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4.2 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» -32 • Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials, or maintain at least 2 feet (0.6 meter) of freeboard (vertical space between the top of the load and the top of the trailer) in accordance with the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 23114.
• Pave construction access roads at least 100 feet (30 meters) onto the site from the main road.
• Reduce traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour or less.

RCM AQ-2 All trucks that are to haul excavated or graded material shall comply with State Vehicle Code Section 23114, with special attention to Sections 23114(b)(F), (e)(2), and (e)(4) as amended, regarding the prevention of such material spilling onto public streets and roads.

RCM AQ-3 Prior to approval of future project plans and specifications for public projects undertaken by the City of Laguna Woods, the City shall confirm that the construction bid packages specify:
• Contractors shall use high-volume low-pressure paint applicators with a minimum transfer efficiency of at least 50 percent;
• Coatings and solvents that will be utilized have a volatile organic compound content lower than required under SCAQMD Rule 1113; and • To the extent feasible, construction/building materials shall be composed of pre-painted materials.

RCM AQ-4 Future projects shall comply with SCAQMD Rule 402. Rule 402 prohibits the discharge of air contaminants or other material from any type of operations, which can cause nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of people or to the public or which endangers the comfort or repose of any such persons, or the public.

4.2.9 Cumulative Impacts
As defined in the State CEQA Guidelines, cumulative impacts are the incremental effects of an individual project when viewed in connection with the effects of past, current, and probable future projects within the cumulative impact area for air quality. The cumulative impact area for air quality related to the proposed Project is the South Coast Air Basin.

Air pollution is inherently a cumulative type of impact measured across an air basin. The proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites. The proposed Project would also amend the land use designations and zoning districts on the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses. This action is being proposed to ensure that the land use designations and zoning reflect the existing uses on those parcels and would not result in cumulative impacts. Any future projects implemented in accordance with the proposed zoning overlays and

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.2 Air Quality.docx «05/06/24» 4.2-33 updated land use designations would be required to adhere to the General Plan and comply with applicable development regulations. In addition, the discussion under Threshold 4.2.2, above, includes an analysis of build out allowed under the proposed Project and its contribution to cumulative air impacts. To summarize the conclusion with respect to that analysis, the incremental effect of projects that do not exceed the project-specific thresholds are generally not considered to be cumulatively considerable. The proposed Project’s construction- and operation-related regional daily emissions are less than the SCAQMD significance thresholds for all criteria pollutants. In addition, adherence to SCAQMD rules and regulations would substantially reduce potential impacts associated with South Coast Air Basin-wide air pollutant emissions. Therefore, the proposed Project would not have a cumulatively considerable increase in emissions, and the proposed Project’s cumulative air quality impacts would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

4.2.10 Level of Significance After Mitigation
No mitigation is required. The proposed Project would not result in potentially significant impacts related to air quality.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» 4.3-1

4.3 ENERGY

4.3.1 Introduction
This section has been prepared for the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project) and discusses energy use resulting from implementation of the proposed Project. This section also evaluates whether the proposed Project would result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources or conflict with any applicable plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

4.3.1.1 Scoping Process
The City of Laguna Woods (City) received nine comment letters during the public review period of the Notice of Preparation (NOP). For copies of the NOP comment letters, refer to Appendix A of this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). No comment letters were related to energy.

4.3.2 Methodology
The energy use analysis in this section is based on information from the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) version 2020.4.0 modeling results in Appendix B of this PEIR.

Operational fuel consumption (diesel fuel and gasoline) from vehicle trips was estimated for the horizon year (2045) of the proposed Project based on trip estimates from the CalEEMod model and fuel efficiencies from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) EMission FACtor Model (EMFAC2021) model. Estimates of fuel consumption (diesel fuel and gasoline) from construction trucks and construction worker vehicles were based on trip estimates from CalEEMod and fuel efficiencies from the CARB EMFAC2021 model.

The analysis focuses on the four sources of energy that are relevant to the proposed Project:
electricity, natural gas, the equipment fuel necessary for Project construction, and vehicle fuel necessary for Project operations. For the purposes of this analysis, the amount of electricity, natural gas, construction fuel, and fuel use from operations are quantified and compared to that consumed in Orange County. The electricity/natural gas use of the proposed Project is analyzed as a whole on an annual basis.

4.3.3 Existing Environmental Setting

4.3.3.1 Electricity
Electricity is a human-made resource. The production of electricity requires the consumption or conversion of energy resources (including water, wind, oil, gas, coal, solar, geothermal, and nuclear resources) into energy. Electricity is used for a variety of purposes (e.g., lighting, heating, cooling, and refrigeration, and for operating appliances, computers, electronics, machinery, and public transportation systems).1
According to the most recent data available, in 2021, California’s electricity was generated primarily by natural gas (37.9 percent), renewable sources (33.6 percent), large hydroelectric 1 United States Energy Information Administration (EIA). 2020b. Electricity Explained. Website: https:// www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/ (accessed November 2022).

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4.3 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» -2 (9.2 percent), nuclear (9.3 percent), coal (3.0 percent), and other unspecified sources. Total electric generation in California in 2020 was 272,576 gigawatt-hours (GWh), down 2 percent from the 2019 total generation of 277,704 GWh.
2 The Project site is within the service territory of Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE provides electricity to more than 15 million people in a 50,000-square-mile (sq mi) area of Central, Coastal, and Southern California.3 According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), total electricity consumption in the SCE service area in 2020 was 83,532.6 GWh (32,475 GWh for the residential sector and 51,057 GWh for the non-residential sector). Total electricity consumption in Orange County in 2020 was 19,733 GWh (7,765 GWh for the residential sector).4

4.3.3.2 Natural Gas
Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are formed when layers of decomposing plant and animal matter are exposed to intense heat and pressure under the surface of the Earth over millions of years. Natural gas is a combustible mixture of hydrocarbon compounds (primarily methane) that is used as a fuel source. Natural gas is found in naturally occurring reservoirs in deep underground rock formations. Natural gas is used for a variety of uses (e.g., heating buildings, generating electricity, and powering appliances such as stoves, washing machines and dryers, gas fireplaces, and gas grills).5
Natural gas consumed in California is used for electricity generation (45 percent), residential uses (21 percent), industrial uses (25 percent), and commercial uses (9 percent). California continues to depend on out-of-state imports for nearly 90 percent of its natural gas supply.6 The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the natural gas service provider for the Project site. SoCalGas provides natural gas to approximately 21.8 million people in a 24,000 sq mi service area throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.7 According to the CEC, total natural gas consumption in the SoCalGas service area in 2020 was 5,231 million therms (2,426 million therms for the residential sector). Total natural gas consumption in Orange County in 2020 was 595 million therms (387 million therms for the residential sector). 2 California Energy Commission (CEC). 2022c. 2020 Total System Electric Generation. Website: https://www. energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/california-electricity-data/2021-total-system-electricgeneration (accessed November 2022). 3 Southern California Edison (SCE). 2020. About Us. Website: https://www.sce.com/about-us/who-we-are (accessed November 2022). 4 CEC. 2020a. Electricity Consumption by County and Entity. Website: http://www.ecdms.energy.ca.gov/ elecbycounty.aspx and http://www.ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbyutil.aspx (accessed November 2020). 5 EIA. 2020c. Natural Gas Explained- Use of Natural Gas. Website: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/ index.php?page=natural_gas_use (accessed November 2022). 6 CEC. 2020b. Supply and Demand of Natural Gas in California. Website: https://www.energy.ca.gov/datareports/energy-almanac/californias-natural-gas-market/supply-and-demand-natural-gas-california (accessed November 2022). 7 Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). 2020. About SoCalGas. Website: https://www3.socalgas. com/about-us/company-profile (accessed November 2022).

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4.3.3.3 Petroleum/Transportation Energy
Petroleum is also a non-renewable fossil fuel. Petroleum is a thick, flammable, yellow-to-black mixture of gaseous, liquid, and solid hydrocarbons that occurs naturally beneath the earth's surface.

Petroleum is primarily recovered by oil drilling. It is refined into a large number of consumer products, primarily fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel.

The average fuel economy for light‐duty vehicles (autos, pickups, vans, and SUVs) in the United States has steadily increased from about 14.9 miles per gallon (mpg) in 1980 to 22.9 mpg in 2020.8 Federal fuel economy standards have changed substantially since the Energy Independence and Security Act was passed in 2007. The Act, which originally mandated a national fuel economy standard of 35 mpg by year 20209
, applies to cars and light trucks of Model Years 2011 through 2020. In March 2020, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021–2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, further detailed below.

Gasoline is the most used transportation fuel in California, with 97 percent of all gasoline being consumed by light-duty cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. According to the most recent data available, total gasoline consumption in California was 289,918 thousand barrels or 1,464.7 trillion British Thermal Units (BTU) in 2020.
10 Of the total gasoline consumption, 273,289
thousand barrels or 1,380.7 trillion BTU were consumed for transportation. 11 Based on fuel
consumption obtained from CARB’s California Emissions Factor Model, Version 2021 (EMFAC2021), approximately 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline and 154.1 million gallons of diesel were estimated to be consumed from vehicle trips in Orange County in 2022.

4.3.4 Regulatory Setting

4.3.4.1 Federal Regulations
Energy Policy Act of 2005. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 seeks to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy resources and provide incentives to reduce current demand on these resources. For example, under this Act, consumers and businesses can obtain federal tax credits for purchasing fuel-efficient appliances and products (including hybrid vehicles), building energy-efficient buildings, and improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. Additionally, tax credits are available for the installation of qualified fuel cells, stationary microturbine power plants, and solar power equipment.
8 U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). “Table 4‐23: Average Fuel Efficiency of U.S. Light Duty Vehicles.” Website: https://www.bts.dot.gov/bts/bts/content/average-fuel-efficiency-us-light-dutyvehicles (accessed November 2022). 9 U.S. Department of Energy. 2007. “Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007.” Website: https://www. afdc.energy.gov/laws/eisa (accessed November 2022). 10 A British Thermal Unit is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. 11 United States EIA. 2020a. California State Profile and Energy Estimates. Table F3: Motor gasoline consumption, price, and expenditure estimates, 2018. Website: eia.gov/state/seds/data.php?incfile=/ state/seds/sep_fuel/html/fuel_mg.html&sid=CA (accessed November 2022).

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4.3 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» -4 Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule. On March 21, 2020, the USEPA and NHTSA finalized the SAFE Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021–2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (SAFE Vehicles Rule). The SAFE Vehicles Rule amends certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and tailpipe CO2 emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and establishes new standards, all covering model years 2021 through 2026. More specifically, the NHTSA set new CAFE standards for model years 2022 through 2026 and amended its 2021 model year CAFE standards, and the USEPA amended its CO2 emissions standards for model years 2021 and later.

4.3.4.2 State Regulations
Assembly Bill 1575, Warren-Alquist Act. In 1975, largely in response to the oil crisis of the 1970s, the State Legislature adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 1575 (also known as the Warren-Alquist Act), which created the CEC. The statutory mission of the CEC is to forecast future energy needs; license power plants of 50 megawatts (MW) or larger; develop energy technologies and renewable energy resources; plan for and direct State responses to energy emergencies; and, perhaps most importantly, promote energy efficiency through the adoption and enforcement of appliance and building energy efficiency standards. AB 1575 also amended Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21100(b)(3) and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4 to require EIRs to include, where relevant, mitigation measures proposed to minimize the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy caused by a project. Thereafter, the State Resources Agency created Appendix F to the State CEQA Guidelines. Appendix F assists EIR preparers in determining whether a project will result in the inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy. Appendix F of the State CEQA Guidelines also states that the goal of conserving energy implies the wise and efficient use of energy and the means of achieving this goal, including (1) decreasing overall per capita energy consumption; (2) decreasing reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil; and (3) increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.

Senate Bill 1389, Energy: Planning and Forecasting. In 2002, the State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 1389, which required the CEC to develop an integrated energy plan every 2 years for electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels for the California Energy Policy Report. The plan calls for the State to assist in the transformation of the transportation system to improve air quality, reduce congestion, and increase the efficient use of fuel supplies with the least environmental and energy costs. To further this policy, the plan identifies a number of strategies, including assistance to public agencies and fleet operators in implementing incentive programs for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and their infrastructure needs, and encouragement of urban designs that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and accommodate pedestrian and bicycle access.

In compliance with the requirements of SB 1389, the CEC adopts an Integrated Energy Policy Report every 2 years and an update every other year. The most recently adopted report includes the 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report12 and the 2022 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update. 13 The
Integrated Energy Policy Report covers a broad range of topics, including decarbonizing buildings, 12 CEC. 2022a. 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report. California Energy Commission. Docket Number: 21- IEPR-01. 13 CEC. 2022b. 2022 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update. California Energy Commission. Docket Number:
22-IEPR-01.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» 4.3-5 integrating renewables, energy efficiency, energy equity, integrating renewable energy, updates on Southern California electricity reliability, climate adaptation activities for the energy sector, natural gas assessment, transportation energy demand forecast, and the California Energy Demand Forecast. The Integrated Energy Policy Report provides the results of the CEC’s assessments of a variety of energy issues facing California. Many of these issues will require action if the State is to meet its climate, energy, air quality, and other environmental goals while maintaining energy reliability and controlling costs.

Renewable Portfolio Standards. SB 1078 established the California Renewable Portfolio Standards program in 2002. SB 1078 initially required that 20 percent of electricity retail sales be served by renewable resources by 2017; however, this standard has become more stringent over time. In 2006, SB 107 accelerated the standard by requiring that the 20 percent mandate be met by 2010. In April 2011, SB 2 required that 33 percent of electricity retail sales be served by renewable resources by 2020. In 2015, SB 350 established tiered increases to the Renewable Portfolio Standards of 40 percent by 2024, 45 percent by 2027, and 50 percent by 2030. In 2018, SB 100 increased the requirement to 60 percent by 2030 and required that all State's electricity to come from carbon-free resources by 2045. SB 100 took effect on January 1, 2019.14 Title 24, California Building Code. Energy consumption by new buildings in California is regulated by the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, embodied in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), known as the California Building Code (CBC). The CEC first adopted the Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce energy consumption in the State. The CBC is updated every 3 years, and the current 2022 CBC went into effect on January 1, 2023. The efficiency standards apply to both new construction and rehabilitation of both residential and non-residential buildings, and regulate energy consumed for heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating, and lighting. The building efficiency standards are enforced through the local building permit process. Local government agencies may adopt and enforce energy standards for new buildings, provided these standards meet or exceed those provided in CCR Title 24.

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen Code). In 2010, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) adopted Part 11 of the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, referred to as the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen Code). The CALGreen Code took effect on January 1, 2011. The CALGreen Code is updated on a regular basis, with the most recent update consisting of the 2022 CALGreen Code standards that became effective January 1, 2023. The CALGreen Code established mandatory measures for residential and non-residential building construction and encouraged sustainable construction practices in the following five categories: (1) planning and design, (2) energy efficiency, (3) water efficiency and conservation, (4) material conservation and resource efficiency, and (5) indoor environmental quality. Although the CALGreen Code was adopted as part of the State’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the CALGreen Code standards have co-benefits of reducing energy consumption from residential and non-residential buildings subject to the standard. 14 California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). 2020. Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) Program.

Website: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/rps/ (accessed November 2020).

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4.3 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» -6 California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. On September 18, 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted California’s first Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, presenting a roadmap for energy efficiency in California. The Plan articulates a long-term vision and goals for each economic sector and identifies specific near-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies to assist in achieving those goals. The Plan also reiterates the following four specific programmatic goals known as the “Big Bold Energy Efficiency Strategies” that were established by the CPUC in Decisions D.07-10-032 and D.07-12-051:
• All new residential construction will be zero net energy (ZNE) by 2020. • All new commercial construction will be ZNE by 2030.
• 50 percent of commercial buildings will be retrofitted to ZNE by 2030. • 50 percent of new major renovations of State buildings will be ZNE by 2025.

4.3.4.3 Regional Regulations
There are no regional energy regulations that apply to the proposed Project.

4.3.4.4 Local Regulations
City of Laguna Woods General Plan. The City of Laguna Woods addresses energy in the Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan. The Conservation Element contains goals, policies, and implementing actions in relation to energy conservation and efficiency. The following goals, policies, and implementing actions related to energy are presented in the Conservation Element and are applicable to the proposed Project.

GOAL CO-4. Increase Energy resource Independence.
• Policy CO-4.1: Maintain energy reliability and affordability through conservation, efficiency, and independence.
○ Develop a protocol for monitoring electricity use.
○ Streamline development and permitting standards and programs to encourage renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency improvements. ○ Join one or more Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Programs. • Policy CO-4.2: Demonstrate sustainable energy resource leadership ○ Develop and implement municipal renewable energy technology and energy efficiency improvement projects.
○ Provide and facilitate energy-related public education opportunities.

4.3.5 Thresholds of Significance
The proposed Project may be deemed to have a significant impact with respect to energy if it would:

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» 4.3-7 Threshold 4.3.1: Result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation.

Threshold 4.3.2: Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.

4.3.6 Project Impacts
Threshold 4.3.1: Would the project result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
Less Than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed Project would increase the demand for energy through day-to-day operations and fuel consumption associated with construction activities. This section discusses energy use resulting from implementation of the proposed Project and evaluates whether the proposed Project would result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources.

Construction. It is important to note that the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The zoning overlays that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Construction activities associated with the future housing development allowed on the Proposed Housing Sites under the Proposed Project would occur through the horizon year 2045, which would cause short-term emissions of criteria air pollutants. The primary source of emissions is the operation of construction equipment. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits.

Construction activities would include demolition, grading, site preparation, building construction, architectural coating, and paving activities. Construction activities require energy associated with the manufacture and transportation of building materials, grading activities, and building construction. Construction activities also typically require electricity to power construction-related equipment and do not involve the consumption of natural gas.

Transportation energy represents the largest energy use during construction and would occur from the transport and use of construction equipment, delivery vehicles and haul trucks, and construction worker vehicles that would use petroleum fuels (e.g., diesel fuel and/or gasoline). Therefore, the analysis of energy use during construction focuses on fuel consumption. Construction trucks and vendor trucks hauling materials to and from a site would be anticipated to use diesel fuel, whereas construction workers traveling to and from a site would be anticipated to use gasoline-powered vehicles. Fuel consumption from transportation uses depends on the type and number of trips, VMT, the fuel efficiency of the vehicles, and the travel mode.

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4.3 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» -8 Information regarding specific development projects is not yet known; however, due to the scale of development activity associated with the proposed Project, this analysis assumes that 1,196 housing units would be constructed over the approximately 22-year planning period. Construction emissions were estimated for the Project using CalEEMod. This analysis assumes that construction of the proposed Project would begin in 2023 and end in 2045, which was included in CalEEMod. In addition, this analysis assumes a worst-case demolition of all existing structures on the Potential Housing Sites, which would total approximately 485,195 square feet. Demolition, grading, and building activities would involve the use of standard earthmoving equipment such as large excavators, cranes, and other related equipment.

Estimates of fuel consumption (diesel fuel and gasoline) from construction equipment, construction trucks, and construction worker vehicles were based on default construction equipment assumptions and trip estimates from CalEEMod and fuel efficiencies from EMFAC2021. Fuel consumption estimates are presented in Table 4.3.A. CalEEMod output sheets and detailed energy calculations are included in Appendix B of this PEIR.

Table 4.3.A: Construction Energy Consumption Estimates
Energy Type Total Energy Consumption
Gasoline (gallons) 2,388,442.6
Diesel Fuel (gallons) 1,933,161.3
Source: Compiled by LSA (November 2022).

As indicated in Table 4.3.A, the proposed Project is estimated to consume 2,388,442.6 gallons of gasoline and 1,933,161.3 gallons of diesel fuel during construction. As discussed above, the proposed Project would be constructed over an approximately 22-year planning period; therefore, when averaged over a 22-year period, the proposed Project would consume approximately 108,565.8 gallons of gasoline per year and 87.871.0 gallons of diesel fuel per year during construction. Based on fuel consumption obtained from EMFAC2021, approximately 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline and 154.1 million gallons of diesel will be consumed from vehicle trips in Orange County in 2022. Therefore, construction of the proposed Project would increase the annual construction generated fuel use in Orange County by approximately 0.01 percent for gasoline fuel usage and 0.06 percent for diesel fuel usage.

As such, Project construction would have a negligible effect on local and regional energy supplies.

Furthermore, impacts related to energy use during construction would be temporary and relatively small in comparison to Orange County’s overall use of the State’s available energy resources. It is not expected that future residential development would include any unusual characteristics that would necessitate the use of construction equipment that would be less energy efficient than at comparable construction sites in the region or the State. In addition, construction activities are not anticipated to result in an inefficient use of energy as gasoline and diesel fuel would be supplied by construction contractors who would conserve the use of their supplies to minimize their costs. The proposed Project would not cause or result in the need for additional energy facilities or an additional or expanded delivery system. For these reasons, fuel consumption during construction would not be inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» 4.3-9 Operation. As previously stated, the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development.

The zoning overlays that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Operational activities associated with the additional housing units would result in energy demand associated with natural gas use, electricity consumption, and fuel used for vehicle trips. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits.

Long-term operation associated with build out of the 1,196 housing units was calculated using CalEEMod. Energy and natural gas consumption was estimated for the Project using default energy intensities in CalEEMod. In addition, the proposed Project would also result in energy usage associated with gasoline and diesel fuel consumed by project-related vehicle trips. Trip generation rates for the proposed Project were based on the Project’s trip generation estimates. The proposed Project would generate approximately 746 net new average daily trips. The amount of operational fuel use was estimated using CARB’s EMFAC2021 model, which provided projections for typical daily fuel usage in Orange County.

Electricity, natural gas, and fuel usage estimates associated with the proposed Project are shown in Table 4.3.B.

Table 4.3.B: Operational Energy Consumption Estimates
Energy Type Annual Energy Consumption
Electricity Consumption (kWh/year) 9,358,250.0
Natural Gas Consumption (therms/year) 286,113.0
Automotive Fuel Consumption
Gasoline (gallons/year) 74,483.5
Diesel Fuel (gallons/year) 7,256.0
Source: Compiled by LSA (November 2022).
kWh = kilowatt-hours
As shown in Table 4.3.B, the estimated potential increase in electricity demand associated with build out of the 1,196 housing units is 9,358,250.0 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Total electricity consumption in Orange County in 2020 was 19,733 GWh (19,733,139,603 kWh). Therefore, operation of the proposed Project would increase the annual electricity consumption in Orange County by approximately 0.05 percent.

As shown in Table 4.3.B, the estimated potential increase in natural gas demand associated with build out of the 1,196 housing units is 286,113 therms per year. Total natural gas consumption in Orange County in 2020 was approximately 594.6 million therms (594,632,076 therms). Therefore, operation of the proposed Project would negligibly increase the annual natural gas consumption in Orange County by approximately 0.05 percent.

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4.3 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» -10 Electrical and natural gas demand associated with Project operations would not be considered inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary in comparison to other similar developments in the region.

Furthermore, the proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. All future residential development would be required to adhere to all federal, State, and local requirements for energy efficiency, including the latest Title 24 standards. Title 24 building energy efficiency standards establish minimum efficiency standards related to various building features, including appliances, water and space heating and cooling equipment, building insulation and roofing, and lighting, which would reduce energy usage. Impacts are considered less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

Build out of the 1,196 housing units would also result in energy usage associated with gasoline and diesel fuel consumed by project-related vehicle trips. As shown in Table 4.3.B, fuel use associated with the vehicle trips generated by the proposed Project is estimated at approximately 74,483.5 gallons of gasoline and 7,256.0 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Based on fuel consumption obtained from EMFAC2021, approximately 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline and 154.1 million gallons of diesel will be consumed from vehicle trips in Orange County in 2022. Therefore, vehicle trips associated with the proposed Project would increase the annual fuel use in Orange County by less than 0.01 percent for gasoline fuel usage and less than 0.01 percent for diesel fuel usage. Fuel consumption associated with vehicle trips generated by Project operations would not be considered inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary in comparison to other similar developments in the region.

The proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites. Of the Potential Housing Sites, 9 sites (Sites 1–8 and Site 15) would be included in the Residential High Density Overlay, which would allow residential development at densities between 30–50 dwelling units per acre (du/ac). Five sites (Sites 9–12 and Site 17) would be included in the Residential Medium Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 15–20 du/ac. Two sites (Sites 13 and 16) would be included in the Residential Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 8–10 du/ac, and Site 14 would be within the Residential Medium Density Overlay, which would allow between 20–30 du/ac.

The proposed Project would also amend the zoning on 12 additional properties. The zoning districts on 10 properties (Site 18 and Sites 21–29) would be changed from Community Commercial, Open Space – Recreation, Open Space – Passive, and Residential Community to Community Facilities – Public/Institutional. The zoning districts on the other two properties would be changed from Residential Community to Open Space – Passive (Site 19) and from Residential Multifamily to Open Space – Recreation (Site 20). The proposed Project is intended to decrease reliance on the automobile and encourage active lifestyles through policies and in-fill development that increase the safety, convenience, and integration of multiple transportation modes. Impacts are considered to be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» 4.3-11 current conditions. Text changes to the Noise Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to energy. The Project also includes text changes to the existing General Plan Circulation Element and renaming it to the Mobility Element. The Mobility Element has been designed to meet State law requirements for circulation elements. “Mobility” is purposefully used in this element’s title to emphasize the City’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel. California Government Code Section 65302(b)(2)(B) defines “users of streets, roads, and highways” as including bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors. The Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have potential impacts related to energy. As discussed in Chapter 3.0, Project Description, the City is substantially built out, and the Mobility Element focuses on maintaining and coordinating the City’s balanced multi-modal transportation network. Thus, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to energy. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources during Project construction or operation. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

Threshold 4.3.2: Would the project conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
Less Than Significant Impact. In 2002, the State Legislature passed SB 1389, which required the CEC to develop an integrated energy plan every two years for electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels for the Integrated Energy Policy Report. The plan calls for the State to assist in the transformation of the transportation system to improve air quality, reduce congestion, and increase the efficient use of fuel supplies with the least environmental and energy costs. To further this policy, the plan identifies a number of strategies, including assistance to public agencies and fleet operators in implementing incentive programs for ZEVs and their infrastructure needs, and encouragement of urban designs that reduce VMT and accommodate pedestrian and bicycle access.

The most recently adopted report includes the 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report15 and the 2022 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update.16 The City relies on the State integrated energy plan and does not have its own local plan to address renewable energy or energy efficiency.

As indicated above, energy usage during project-related construction activities would be temporary in nature and would be relatively small in comparison to the overall use in the County. In addition, energy usage associated with operation of the proposed Project would be relatively small in comparison to the overall use in Orange County, and the State’s available energy resources.

Therefore, energy impacts at the regional level would be negligible. Because California’s energy conservation planning actions are conducted at a regional level, and because the proposed Project’s 15 CEC. 2022a. 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report. California Energy Commission. Docket Number: 21- IEPR-01. 16 CEC. 2022b. 2020 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update. California Energy Commission. Docket Number:
22-IEPR-01.

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4.3 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» -12 total impact on regional energy supplies would be minor, the proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct California’s energy conservation plans as described in the CEC’s Integrated Energy Policy Report. Additionally, as demonstrated above under Threshold 4.3.1, the proposed Project would not result in the inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy. Potential impacts related to conflict with or obstruction of a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

4.3.7 Level of Significance Prior to Mitigation
The proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts related to energy, and no mitigation is required.

4.3.8 Regulatory Compliance Measures and Mitigation Measures No regulatory compliance measures or mitigation measures are applicable to the proposed Project pertaining to energy.

4.3.9 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic area for cumulative analysis of electricity is that of the SCE service area, while the geographic area for cumulative analysis of natural gas service is that of the SoCalGas service area.

Build out associated with the proposed Project would result in an increased services demand in electricity and natural gas. Although the proposed Project would result in a net increase in demand for electricity, this increase would not require SCE to expand or construct infrastructure that could cause substantial environmental impacts. As discussed previously, total electricity consumption in the SCE service area in 2020 was 83,532.6 GWh. By 2030, consumption is anticipated to increase by approximately 12,000 GWh for the low-demand scenario and by 22,000 GWh for the high-demand scenario.17 While this forecast represents a large increase in electricity consumption, the proposed Project’s share of cumulative consumption would negligible. The proposed Project, in combination with cumulative development, is well within SCE’s system-wide net annual increase in electricity supplies over the 2018 to 2030 period, and there are sufficient planned electricity supplies in the region for estimated net increases in energy demands.

Similarly, additional natural gas infrastructure is not anticipated due to cumulative development.

Total natural gas consumption in the SoCalGas service area in 2020 was 5,231 million therms.

Between 2018 and 2030, total natural gas consumption in the SoCalGas service area is forecast to remain steady for the low- and mid-demand scenarios and to increase by approximately 650 million therms in the high-demand scenario due to intense energy efficiency efforts.18 The proposed Project’s share of cumulative consumption of natural gas in the SoCalGas service area would be negligible. It is anticipated that SoCalGas would be able to meet the natural gas demand of the related projects without additional facilities. In addition, both SCE and SoCalGas demand forecasts include the growth contemplated by the proposed Project and the related projects. Increased 17 CEC. 2018. California Energy Demand, 2018–2030 Revised Forecast. Publication Number: CEC-200-2018- 002-CMF. February. Website: https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/getdocument.aspx?tn=223244 (accessed November 2022). 18 Ibid.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.3 Energy.docx «05/06/24» 4.3-13 energy efficiency to comply with building energy efficiency standards will reduce energy consumption on a per-square-foot basis. Furthermore, utility companies are required to increase their renewable energy sources to meet the Renewable Portfolio Standards mandate of 60 percent renewable supplies by 2030. SCE and SoCalGas plan to continue to provide reliable service to their customers and upgrade their distribution systems as necessary to meet future demand.

Transportation energy use would also increase; however, this transportation energy use would not represent a major amount of energy use when compared to the amount of existing development and to the total number of vehicle trips and VMT throughout Orange County and the region. The proposed Project and related projects are required to comply with various federal and State government legislation to improve energy efficiency in buildings, equipment, and appliances, and reduce VMT.

As such, the proposed Project does not result in an inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy. Therefore, the proposed Project’s contribution to impacts related to the inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy would not be cumulatively considerable, and no mitigation is required.

4.3.10 Level of Significance After Mitigation
No mitigation is required. The proposed Project would not result in potentially significant impacts related to energy.

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4.4 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

4.4.1 Introduction
This section has been prepared for the proposed Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project) using methodologies and assumptions recommended in the air quality impact assessment guidelines of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). This section summarizes existing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and discusses global climate change, its causes, and the contribution of human activities. This section also estimates the likely GHG emissions that would result from construction and operational activities associated with development of the proposed Project, including vehicular traffic, energy consumption and other emission sources.

4.4.1.1 Scoping Process
The City of Laguna Woods (City) received nine comment letters during the public review period of the Notice of Preparation (NOP). For copies of the NOP comment letters, refer to Appendix A of this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). One comment letter from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) included comments related to GHG emissions.

Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 375, SCAG) is the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency under State law and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) including the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). SCAG’s comments are intended to assist local jurisdictions and Project proponents to implement projects that have the potential to contribute to the attainment of Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) goals and align with RTP/SCS policies.

4.4.2 Methodology
The proposed Project would result in GHG emissions from construction and operational sources.

Construction activities would generate emissions from off-road construction equipment, and on roadways as a result of construction-related truck hauling, vendor deliveries, and worker commuting. Operational GHG emissions are typically associated with mobile sources (e.g., vehicle trips), area sources (e.g., maintenance activities and landscaping), indirect emissions from sources associated with energy consumption, waste sources (land filling and waste disposal), and water sources (water supply and conveyance, treatment, and distribution). This analysis uses the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) version 2020.4.0 to quantify GHG emissions for both construction and operation associated with build out of the proposed Project. CalEEMod output is contained in Appendix B.

4.4.3 Existing Environmental Setting

4.4.3.1 Background
The following section provides background information on GHGs and global climate change.

Global Climate Change. Global climate change is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans in recent decades. The Earth’s average near-surface atmospheric temperature rose 0.6 ± 0.2° Celsius (°C) or 1.1 ± 0.4° Fahrenheit (°F) in the 20th century.

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -2 The prevailing scientific opinion on climate change is that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities. The increased amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs are the primary causes of the human-induced component of warming. GHGs are released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other activities, and lead to an increase in the greenhouse effect.1

GHGs are present in the atmosphere naturally, are released by natural sources, or are formed from secondary reactions taking place in the atmosphere. The gases that are widely seen as the principal contributors to human-induced global climate change are the following:
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
• Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Over the last 200 years, humans have caused substantial quantities of GHGs to be released into the atmosphere. These extra emissions are increasing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere and enhancing the natural greenhouse effect, which is believed to be causing global warming. While manmade GHGs include naturally-occurring GHGs such as CO2, methane, and N2O, some gases, like HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 are completely new to the atmosphere.

Certain gases, such as water vapor, are short-lived in the atmosphere. Others remain in the atmosphere for significant periods of time, contributing to climate change in the long term. Water vapor is excluded from the list of GHGs above because it is short-lived in the atmosphere and its atmospheric concentrations are largely determined by natural processes, such as oceanic evaporation. For the purposes of this analysis, the term “GHGs” will refer collectively only to the six gases listed above.

These gases vary considerably in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP), which is a concept developed to compare the ability of each GHG to trap heat in the atmosphere relative to another gas. The global warming potential is based on several factors, including the relative effectiveness of a gas to absorb infrared radiation and length of time that the gas remains in the atmosphere (“atmospheric lifetime”). The GWP of each gas is measured relative to carbon dioxide, the most abundant GHG; the definition of GWP for a particular GHG is the ratio of heat trapped by one unit mass of the GHG to the ratio of heat trapped by one unit mass of CO2 over a specified time period.

GHG emissions are typically measured in terms of pounds or tons of “CO2 equivalents” (CO2e). Table 1 The temperature on Earth is regulated by a system commonly known as the “greenhouse effect.” Just as the glass in a greenhouse allows heat from sunlight in and reduces the heat escaping, GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere keep the Earth at a relatively even temperature.

Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would be a frozen globe; thus, although an excess of GHGs results in global warming, the naturally occurring greenhouse effect is necessary to keep our planet at a comfortable temperature.

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4.4.A shows the GWP for each type of GHG. For example, sulfur hexafluoride is 22,800 times more potent at contributing to global warming than carbon dioxide.

Table 4.4.A: Global Warming Potential of Greenhouse Gases Gas
Atmospheric Lifetime
(Years)
Global Warming Potential
(100-year Time Horizon)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 50-200 1
Methane (CH4) 12 25
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 114 298
HFC-23 270 14,800
HFC-134a 14 1,430
HFC-152a 1.4 124
PFC: Tetrafluoromethane (CF4) 50,000 7,390
PFC: Hexafluoromethane (C2F6) 10,000 12,200
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) 3,200 22,800
Source: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC] 2007).

The following summarizes the characteristics of the six GHGs and black carbon. Black carbon also contributes to climate change and is therefore discussed below.

Carbon Dioxide. In the atmosphere, carbon generally exists in its oxidized form, as CO2. Natural sources of CO2 include the respiration (breathing) of humans, animals and plants, volcanic out gassing, decomposition of organic matter and evaporation from the oceans. Human caused sources of CO2 include the combustion of fossil fuels and wood, waste incineration, mineral production, and deforestation. Natural sources release approximately 150 billion tons of CO2 each year, far outweighing the 7 billion tons of manmade emissions of CO2 each year.

Nevertheless, natural removal processes, such as photosynthesis by land- and ocean-dwelling plant species, cannot keep pace with this extra input of manmade CO2, and consequently, the gas is building up in the atmosphere.

In 2019, total annual CO2 accounted for approximately 83 percent of California's overall GHG emissions.2 Transportation is the single largest source of CO2 in California, which is primarily comprised of on-road travel. Electricity production, industrial and residential sources also make important contributions to CO2 emissions in California.

Methane. Methane (CH4) is produced when organic matter decomposes in environments lacking sufficient oxygen. Natural sources include wetlands and oceans. Decomposition occurring in landfills accounts for the majority of human-generated CH4 emissions in California and in the United States as a whole. Agricultural processes such as intestinal fermentation in dairy cows, manure management, and rice cultivation are also significant sources of CH4 in California. Total annual emissions of CH4 accounted for approximately 9 percent of GHG emissions in California in 2019.
2 California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2021b. GHGs Descriptions & Sources in California. Website:
ww2.arb.ca.gov/ghg-descriptions-sources (accessed November 2022).

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -4 Nitrous Oxide. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced naturally by a wide variety of biological sources, particularly microbial action in soils and water. Tropical soils and oceans account for the majority of natural source emissions. Nitrous oxide is a product of the reaction that occurs between nitrogen and oxygen during fuel combustion. Both mobile and stationary combustion emit N2O, and the quantity emitted varies according to the type of fuel, technology, and pollution control device used, as well as maintenance and operating practices. Agricultural soil management and fossil fuel combustion are the primary sources of human-generated N2O emissions in California. Nitrous oxide emissions accounted for approximately 3 percent of GHG emissions in California in 2019.

Hydrofluorocarbons, Perfluorocarbons, and Sulfur Hexafluoride. HFCs are primarily used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances regulated under the Montreal Protocol.3 PFCs and SF6 are emitted from various industrial processes, including aluminum smelting, semiconductor manufacturing, electric power transmission and distribution, and magnesium casting. There is no aluminum or magnesium production in California; however, the rapid growth in the semiconductor industry has resulted in greater use of PFCs. HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 accounted for about 5 percent of GHG emissions in California in 2019.4 Black Carbon. Black carbon is the most strongly light-absorbing component of particulate matter (PM) formed by burning fossil fuels such as coal, diesel, and biomass. Black carbon is emitted directly into the atmosphere in the form of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5) and is the most effective form of PM, by mass, at absorbing solar energy. Per unit of mass in the atmosphere, black carbon can absorb one million times more energy than CO2. 5 Black carbon contributes to climate change both directly, such as absorbing sunlight, and indirectly, such as affecting cloud formation. However, because black carbon is short-lived in the atmosphere, it can be difficult to quantify its effect on global warming.

Most U.S. emissions of black carbon come from mobile sources (52 percent), particularly from diesel fueled vehicles.6 The other major source of black carbon is open biomass burning, including wildfires, although residential heating and industry also contribute. The CARB estimates that the annual black carbon emissions in California will be reduced approximately 50 percent below 2013 levels by 2030.7

Effects of Global Climate Change. Effects from global climate change may arise from temperature increases, climate-sensitive diseases, extreme weather events, and air quality. There may be direct 3 The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that was approved on January 1, 1989, and was designated to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of several groups of halogenated hydrocarbons believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. 4 CARB. 2021b, op cit. 5 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2017. Black Carbon, Basic Information. February 14, 2017. Website: 19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/airquality/blackcarbon/basic.html (accessed November 2022). 6 Ibid. 7 CARB. 2017b. Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. March. Website: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ sites/default/files/2020-07/final_SLCP_strategy.pdf (accessed November 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-5 temperature effects through increases in average temperature leading to more extreme heat waves and less extreme cold spells. Those living in warmer climates are likely to experience more stress and heat-related problems. Heat-related problems include heat rash and heat stroke. In addition, climate-sensitive diseases may increase, such as those spread by mosquitoes and other diseasecarrying insects. Such diseases include malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis.

Extreme events such as flooding and hurricanes can displace people and agriculture. Global climate change may also result in impacts to local air quality from increased ground-level ozone and particulate matter.8
Additionally, according to the 2006 California Climate Action Team (CAT) Report,9 the following climate change effects, which are based on trends established by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), can be expected in California over the course of the next century:
• The loss of sea ice and mountain snow pack, resulting in higher sea levels and higher sea surface evaporation rates with a corresponding increase in tropospheric water vapor due to the atmosphere’s ability to hold more water vapor at higher temperatures;10 • Rise in global average sea level, primarily due to thermal expansion and melting of glaciers and ice caps in the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets;11
• Changes in weather that include widespread changes in precipitation, ocean salinity, wind patterns, and more energetic aspects of extreme weather, including droughts, heavy precipitation, heat waves, extreme cold, and the intensity of tropical cyclones;12 • Decline of the Sierra snowpack, which accounts for approximately one-half of the surface water storage in California by 70 percent to as much as 90 percent over the next 100 years;13 • Increase in the number of days conducive to ozone (O3) formation by 25 to 85 percent (depending on the future temperature scenario) in high O3 areas of Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley by the end of the 21st century;14 and
• High potential for erosion of California’s coastlines and seawater intrusion into the Delta and levee systems due to the rise in sea level.15
8 USEPA. 2020. Air Quality and Climate Change Research. Website: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/airquality-and-climate-change-research (accessed November 2022). 9 California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). 2006. Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature. March. 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Summary for Policymakers. February. 13 CalEPA. 2006, op. cit. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid.

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -6 A summary of these potential effects is provided in Table 4.4.B, below.

Table 4.4.B: Potential Impacts of Global Warming and Expected Consequences for California
Potential Water Resource Impacts Anticipated Consequences Statewide Reduction of the State’s average
annual snowpack
 The decline of the Sierra snowpack would lead to a loss in half of the surface water storage in California by 70% to 90% over the next 100 years  Potential loss of 5 million acre-feet or more of average annual water storage in the State’s snowpack
 Increased challenges for reservoir management and balancing the competing concerns of flood protection and water supply  Higher surface evaporation rates with a corresponding increase in tropospheric water vapor
Rise in average sea level  Potential economic impacts related to coastal tourism, commercial fisheries, coastal agriculture, and ports
 Increased risk of flooding, coastal erosion along the State’s coastline, seawater intrusion into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) and levee systems
Changes in weather  Changes in precipitation, ocean salinity, and wind patterns  Increased likelihood for extreme weather events, including droughts, heavy precipitation, heat waves, extreme cold, and the intensity of tropical cyclones
Changes in the timing, intensity,
location, amount, and variability of
precipitation
 Potential increased storm intensity and increased potential for flooding  Possible increased potential for droughts
 Long-term changes in vegetation and increased incidence of wildfires  Changes in the intensity and timing of runoff
 Possible increased incidence of flooding and increased sedimentation  Sea level rise and inundation of coastal marshes and estuaries  Increased salinity intrusion into the Delta
 Increased potential for Delta levee failure
 Increased potential for salinity intrusion into coastal aquifers (groundwater)
 Increased potential for flooding near the mouths of rivers due to backwater effects
Increased water temperatures  Increased environmental water demand for temperature control  Possible increased problems with foreign invasive species in aquatic ecosystems
 Potential adverse changes in water quality, including the reduction of dissolved oxygen levels
 Possible critical effects on listed and endangered aquatic species Changes in urban and agricultural
water demand
 Changes in demand patterns and evapotranspiration
Increase in the number of days
conducive to O3 formation
 Increased temperatures
 Potential health effects, including adverse impacts to respiratory systems Source: Environmental Water Account Draft Supplemental EIS/EIR to the Environmental Water Account Final EIS/EIR, Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region, Sacramento, California (U.S. Department of the Interior, October 2007).

EIR = Environmental Impact Report
EIS = Environmental Impact Statement
O3 = ozone

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-7 Effects of Rising Ocean Levels in California. Rising ocean levels, more intense coastal storms, and warmer water temperatures may increasingly threaten the Long Beach coastal region. As previously described, global surface temperatures have increased by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) during the period from 1880 to 2012, with temperatures anticipated to rise in California by 3 to 10.5°F by the end of the century.

Rising sea levels may affect the natural environment in the coming decades by eroding beaches, converting wetlands to open water, exacerbating coastal flooding, and increasing the salinity of estuaries and freshwater aquifers. Coastal headlands and beaches are expected to erode at a faster pace in response to future sea level rise. The California Coastal Commission estimates that 450,000 acres of wetlands exist along the California coast,16 but additional work is needed to evaluate the extent to which these wetlands would be degraded over time, or to what extent new wetland habitat would be created if those lands are protected from further development. Cumulatively, the effects of sea level rise may be combined with other potential long-term factors such as changes in sediment input and nutrient runoff. The cumulative impacts of physical and biological change due to sea level rise on the quality and quantity of coastal habitats are not well understood.17 Sea level along the west coast of the United States is affected by a number of factors, including climate patterns such as El Niño, effects from the melting of modern and ancient ice sheets, and geologic processes such as plate tectonics. Regional projections for California, Oregon, and Washington show a sharp distinction at Cape Mendocino in northern California. South of that point, sea-level rise is expected to be very close to global projections. Projections are lower north of Cape Mendocino because the land is being pushed upward as the ocean plate moves under the continental plate along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Emissions Inventories. An emissions inventory that identifies and quantifies the primary humangenerated sources and sinks of GHGs is a well-recognized and useful tool for addressing climate change. This section summarizes the latest information on global, United States, and California GHG emission inventories.

Global Emissions. Worldwide emissions of GHGs in 2018 totaled 25.6 billion metric tons (MT) of CO2e. Global estimates are based on country inventories developed as part of the programs of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.18 16 California Coastal Commission (CCC). Procedural Guidance for the Review of Wetland Projects in California’s Coastal Zone. Website: http://www.coastal.ca.gov/wetrev/wetch4.html (accessed November 2022). 17 Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) 4.1. January 15, 2009, 1 of 784 Final Report, United States CCSP, Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.1. Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-Level Rise: A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region. Lead Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Other Key Participating Agencies: U.S.

Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Contributing Agencies: Department of Transportation. 18 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 2021. GHG Data from UNFCCC.

Website: unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/transparency-and-reporting/greenhouse-gas-data/ghg-dataunfccc/ghg-data-from-unfccc (accessed November 2022).

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -8 United States Emissions. In 2019, the year for which the most recent data are available, the United States emitted about 6,558 million metric tons of CO2e (MMT CO2e). Overall, emissions in 2019 decreased by 1.7 percent since 2018 and were 13 percent lower than 2005 levels. This decrease was driven largely by a decrease in emissions from fossil fuel combustion resulting from a decrease in total energy use in 2019 compared to 2018 and a continued shift from coal to natural gas and renewables in the electric power sector. Of the six major sectors—residential, commercial, agricultural, industry, transportation, and electricity generation—transportation accounted for the highest amount of GHG emissions in 2019 (approximately 29 percent), with electricity generation second at 25 percent and emissions from industry third at 23 percent.19 State of California Emissions. The State emitted approximately 418.2 MMT CO2e emissions in 2019, 7.2 MMT CO2e lower than 2018 levels and almost 13 MMT CO2e below the 2020 GHG limit of 431 MMT CO2e.20 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates that transportation was the source of approximately 40 percent of the State’s GHG emissions in 2019, followed by industrial sources at approximately 21 percent and electricity generation at 14 percent. The remaining sources of GHG emissions were agriculture at 8 percent, residential activities at 7 percent, commercial activities at 4 percent, high GWP at 5 percent, and waste at 2 percent.21

4.4.4 Regulatory Setting

4.4.4.1 Federal Regulations
Federal Clean Air Act. The United States has historically had a voluntary approach to reducing GHG emissions. However, on April 2, 2007, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has the authority to regulate CO2 emissions under the federal Clean Air Act (CAA). While there currently are no adopted federal regulations for the control or reduction of GHG emissions, the USEPA commenced several actions in 2009 to implement a regulatory approach to global climate change.

This includes the 2009 USEPA final rule for mandatory reporting of GHGs from large GHG emission sources in the United States. Additionally, the USEPA Administrator signed an endangerment finding action in 2009 under the federal Clean Air Act, finding that six GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6) constitute a threat to public health and welfare, and that the combined emissions from motor vehicles cause and contribute to global climate change, leading to national GHG emission standards.

In October 2012, the USEPA and the NHTSA, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued final rules to further reduce GHG emissions and improve corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles for model years 2017 and beyond (77 Federal Register 62624). The NHTSA’s CAFE standards have been enacted under the Energy Policy and Conservation 19 USEPA. 2021. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2019. Website: https://www. epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-1990-2019 (accessed November 2022). 20 CARB. 2021a. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2000 to 2019, Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators Report. Website: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/pubs/reports/2000_2019/ghg_ inventory_trends_00-19.pdf (accessed November 2022). 21 Ibid.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-9 Act since 1978. This national program requires automobile manufacturers to build a single light-duty national fleet that meets all requirements under both federal programs and the standards of California and other states. This program would increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 miles per gallon, limiting vehicle emissions to 163 grams of CO2 per mile for the fleet of cars and light-duty trucks by model year 2025 (77 Federal Register 62630).

On March 21, 2020, the USEPA and NHTSA finalized the SAFE Vehicles Rule. The SAFE Vehicles Rule amends certain existing CAFE and tailpipe CO2 emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and establish new standards, all covering model years 2021 through 2026. More specifically, NHTSA set new CAFE standards for model years 2022 through 2026 and amended its 2021 model year CAFE standards, and the USEPA amended its CO2 emissions standards for model years 2021 and later. On May 12, 2021, the NHTSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, proposing to repeal key portions of the SAFE Vehicles Rule that would have reduced CAFE standards. The final rule repealing portions of the SAFE Vehicles Rule was published on December 29, 2021. The repeal will allow California to set its own GHG standards if it chooses, even if the emissions standards conflict with CAFE standards enacted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

4.4.4.2 State Regulations
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the lead agency for implementing climate change regulations in the State. Since its formation, the CARB has worked with the public, the business sector, and local governments to find solutions to California’s air pollution problems. Key efforts by the State are described below.

Assembly Bill 1493 (2002). In a response to the transportation sector’s significant contribution to California CO2 emissions, Assembly Bill (AB) 1493 was enacted on July 22, 2002. AB 1493 requires the CARB to set GHG emission standards for passenger vehicles and light duty trucks (and other vehicles whose primary use is noncommercial personal transportation in the State) manufactured in 2009 and all subsequent model years. These standards (starting in model years 2009 to 2016) were approved by the CARB in 2004, but the needed waiver of Clean Air Act Preemption was not granted by the USEPA until June 30, 2009. CARB responded by amending its original regulation, now referred to as Low Emission Vehicle III, to take effect for model years starting in 2017 to 2025. The Trump administration revoked California’s waiver in 2019, but the Biden administration restored California’s waiver in 2021.

Executive Order S-3-05 (2005).Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order (EO) S-3-05 on June 1, 2005, which proclaimed that California is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. To combat those concerns, the executive order established California’s GHG emissions reduction targets, which established the following goals:
• GHG emissions should be reduced to 2000 levels by 2010; • GHG emissions should be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020; and • GHG emissions should be reduced to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

The Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) is required to coordinate efforts of various State agencies in order to collectively and efficiently reduce GHGs. A biannual

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -10 progress report must be submitted to the Governor and State Legislature disclosing the progress made toward GHG emission reduction targets. In addition, another biannual report must be submitted illustrating the impacts of global warming on California’s water supply, public health, agriculture, the coastline, and forestry, and report possible mitigation and adaptation plans to address these impacts.

The Secretary of CalEPA leads this CAT made up of representatives from State agencies as well as numerous other boards and departments. The CAT members work to coordinate statewide efforts to implement global warming emission reduction programs and the State’s Climate Adaptation Strategy. The CAT is also responsible for reporting on the progress made toward meeting the statewide GHG targets that were established in the executive order and further defined under AB 32, the “Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.” The first CAT Report to the Governor and the Legislature was released in March 2006, which it laid out 46 specific emission reduction strategies for reducing GHG emissions and reaching the targets established in the executive order. The most recent report was released in December 2020.

Assembly Bill 32 (2006), California Global Warming Solutions Act. California’s major initiative for reducing GHG emissions is AB 32, which was passed by the State legislature on August 31, 2006. This effort was aimed at reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The CARB has established the level of GHG emissions in 1990 at 427 MMT CO2e. The emissions target of 427 MMT requires the reduction of 169 MMT from the State’s projected business-as-usual 2020 emissions of 596 MMT. AB 32 requires the CARB to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for meeting the 2020 deadline and to reduce GHGs that contribute to global climate change. The Scoping Plan was approved by the CARB on December 11, 2008, and contains the main strategies California will implement to achieve the reduction of approximately 169 MMT CO2e, or approximately 30 percent, from the State’s projected 2020 emissions level of 596 MMT CO2e under a business-as-usual scenario (this is a reduction of 42 MMT CO2e, or almost 10 percent from 2002–2004 average emissions). The Scoping Plan also includes CARB-recommended GHG reductions for each emissions sector of the State’s GHG inventory. The Scoping Plan calls for the largest reductions in GHG emissions to be achieved by implementing the following measures and standards:
• Improved emissions standards for light-duty vehicles (estimated reductions of 31.7 MMT CO2e); • The Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (15.0 MMT CO2e);
• Energy efficiency measures in buildings and appliances and the widespread development of combined heat and power systems (26.3 MMT CO2e); and
• A renewable portfolio standard for electricity production (21.3 MMT CO2e).

The Scoping Plan identifies 18 emission reduction measures that address cap-and-trade programs, vehicle gas standards, energy efficiency, low carbon fuel standards, renewable energy, regional transportation-related GHG targets, vehicle efficiency measures, goods movement, solar roof programs, industrial emissions, high speed rail, green building strategies, recycling, sustainable forests, water, and air. The measures would result in a total reduction of 174 MMT CO2e by 2020.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-11 On August 24, 2011, the CARB unanimously approved both the new supplemental assessment and reapproved its Scoping Plan, which provides the overall roadmap and rule measures to carry out AB 32. The CARB also approved a more robust CEQA equivalent document supporting the supplemental analysis of the cap-and-trade program. The cap-and-trade took effect on January 1, 2012, with an enforceable compliance obligation that began January 1, 2013.

The CARB approved the First Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan on May 22, 2014. The First Update identifies opportunities to leverage existing and new funds to further drive GHG emission reductions through strategic planning and targeted low carbon investments. The First Update defines CARB climate change priorities until 2020, and also sets the groundwork to reach long-term goals set forth in EOs S-3-05 and B-16-2012. The Update highlights California’s progress toward meeting the “near-term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals as defined in the initial Scoping Plan. It also evaluates how to align the State’s “longer-term” GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use.

CARB released a second update to the Scoping Plan, the 2017 Scoping Plan, 22 to reflect the 2030
target set by EO B-30-15 and codified by SB 32.

The 2022 Scoping Plan23 was approved in December 2022 and assesses progress towards achieving the SB 32 2030 target and lays out a path to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The 2022 Scoping Plan focuses on outcomes needed to achieve carbon neutrality by assessing paths for clean technology, energy deployment, natural and working lands, and others, and is designed to meet the State’s long-term climate objectives and support a range of economic, environmental, energy security, environmental justice, and public health priorities.

Senate Bill 97 (2007). SB 97, signed by the Governor in August 2007 (Chapter 185, Statutes of 2007; Public Resources Code [PRC], Sections 21083.05 and 21097), acknowledges climate change is a prominent environmental issue that requires analysis under CEQA. This bill directed the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to prepare, develop, and transmit to the California Resources Agency guidelines for mitigating GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions, as required by CEQA.

The California Natural Resources Agency adopted the amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines in November 2018, which went into effect in December 2018. The amendments do not identify a threshold of significance for GHG emissions, nor do they prescribe assessment methodologies or specific mitigation measures. The amendments encourage lead agencies to consider many factors in performing a CEQA analysis, but preserve the discretion granted by CEQA to lead agencies in making their own determinations based on substantial evidence. The amendments also encourage public agencies to make use of programmatic mitigation plans and programs when they perform individual project analyses.
22 CARB. 2017a. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. November. 23 CARB. 2022. 2022 Scoping Plan Update. May 10. Website: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2022-scoping-plan-documents (accessed March 2023).

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -12 Senate Bill 375 (2008). SB 375, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, which establishes mechanisms for the development of regional targets for reducing passenger vehicle GHG emissions, was adopted by the State on September 30, 2008. On September 23, 2010, the CARB adopted the vehicular GHG emissions reduction targets that had been developed in consultation with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPOs); the targets require a 13 to 19 percent reduction by 2035 for each MPO. SB 375 recognizes the importance of achieving significant GHG reductions by working with cities and counties to change land use patterns and improve transportation alternatives. Through the SB 375 process, MPOs such as the Fresno Council of Governments will work with local jurisdictions in the development of Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) designed to integrate development patterns and the transportation network in a way that reduces GHG emissions while meeting housing needs and other regional planning objectives.

Pursuant to SB 375, the Los Angeles/Southern California reduction targets for per capita vehicular emissions are 19 percent by 2035 as shown in Table 4.4.C.

Table 4.4.C: Senate Bill 375 Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets
Metropolitan Planning Organization By 2035
(%)
San Francisco Bay Area 19
San Diego 19
Sacramento 19
Central Valley/San Joaquin 13–16
Los Angeles/Southern California 19
Source: California Air Resources Board (2018).

Executive Order B-30-15 (2015). Governor Jerry Brown signed EO B-30-15 on April 29, 2015, which added the immediate target of:
• GHG emissions should be reduced to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

All State agencies with jurisdiction over sources of GHG emissions were directed to implement measures to achieve reductions of GHG emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 targets. CARB was directed to update the AB 32 Scoping Plan to reflect the 2030 target, and therefore, is moving forward with the update process. The mid-term target is critical to help frame the suite of policy measures, regulations, planning efforts, and investments in clean technologies and infrastructure needed to continue reducing emissions.

Senate Bill 350 (2015) Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act. SB 350, signed by Governor Jerry Brown on October 7, 2015, updates and enhances AB 32 by introducing the following set of objectives in clean energy, clean air, and pollution reduction for 2030:
• Raise California’s renewable portfolio standard from 33 percent to 50 percent; and • Increasing energy efficiency in buildings by 50 percent by the year 2030.

The 50 percent renewable energy standard will be implemented by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for the private utilities and by the CEC for municipal utilities. Each utility must

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-13 submit a procurement plan showing it will purchase clean energy to displace other non-renewable resources. The 50 percent increase in energy efficiency in buildings must be achieved through the use of existing energy efficiency retrofit funding and regulatory tools already available to state energy agencies under existing law. The addition made by this legislation requires state energy agencies to plan for, and implement those programs in a manner that achieves the energy efficiency target.

Senate Bill 32, California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2016, and Assembly Bill 197. In summer 2016 the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, SB 32, and AB 197. SB 32 affirms the importance of addressing climate change by codifying into statute the GHG emissions reductions target of at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 contained in Governor Brown’s April 2015 EO B-30-15. SB 32 builds on AB 32 and keeps us on the path toward achieving the State’s 2050 objective of reducing emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels, consistent with an IPCC analysis of the emissions trajectory that would stabilize atmospheric GHG concentrations at 450 parts per million CO2e and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic impacts from climate change.

The companion bill to SB 32, AB 197, provides additional direction to CARB related to the adoption of strategies to reduce GHG emissions. Additional direction in AB 197 meant to provide easier public access to air emissions data that are collected by CARB was posted in December 2016.

Senate Bill 100 (SB 100). On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown signed SB 100, which raises California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirements to 60 percent by 2030, with interim targets, and 100 percent by 2045. The bill also establishes a state policy that eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources supply 100 percent of all retail sales of electricity to California end-use customers and 100 percent of electricity procured to serve all State agencies by December 31, 2045. Under the bill, the State cannot increase carbon emissions elsewhere in the western grid or allow resource shuffling to achieve the 100 percent carbon-free electricity target.

Executive Order B-55-18. EO B-55-18, signed September 10, 2018, sets a goal “to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, and no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative emissions thereafter.” EO B-55-18 directs the CARB to work with relevant State agencies to ensure future Scoping Plans identify and recommend measures to achieve the carbon neutrality goal. The goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 is in addition to other statewide goals, meaning not only should emissions be reduced to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, but that, by no later than 2045, the remaining emissions be offset by equivalent net removals of CO2e from the atmosphere, including through sequestration in forests, soils, and other natural landscapes.

Title 24, Building Standards Code and CALGreen Code. In November 2008, the California Building Standards Commission established the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen Code), which sets performance standards for residential and non-residential development to reduce environmental impacts and encourage sustainable construction practices. The CALGreen Code addresses energy efficiency, water conservation, material conservation, planning and design, and overall environmental quality. The CALGreen Code is updated every 3 years and was most recently updated in 2022 to include new mandatory measures for residential as well as non-residential uses; the new measures took effect on January 1, 2023.

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -14 California Building Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6). The California Building Standards Code, or Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) contains the regulations that govern the construction of buildings in California. Within the Building Standards Code, two parts pertain to the incorporation of both energy efficient and green building elements into land use development. Part 6 is California’s Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Non-Residential Buildings. These standards were first adopted in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California’s energy consumption and are updated on an approximately 3-year cycle to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficient technologies and methods. All buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2023, must follow the 2022 standards. Energy efficient buildings require less electricity; therefore, increased energy efficiency reduces fossil fuel consumption and decreases GHG emissions.

Cap and Trade. The development of a cap-and-trade program was included as a key reduction measure of the CARB AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan. The cap-and-trade program will help put California on the path to meet its goal of reducing GHG emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050. The cap-and-trade emissions trading program developed by the CARB took effect on January 1, 2012, with enforceable compliance obligations beginning January 1, 2013. The cap-and-trade program aims to regulate GHG emissions from the largest producers in the State by setting a statewide firm limit, or cap, on allowable annual GHG emissions. The cap was set in 2013 at approximately 2 percent below the emissions forecast for 2020. In 2014, the cap declined approximately 2 percent. Beginning in 2015 and continuing through 2020, the cap has been declining approximately 3 percent annually. The CARB administered the first auction on November 14, 2012, with many of the qualified bidders representing corporations or organizations that produce large amounts of GHG emissions, including energy companies, agriculture and food industries, steel mills, cement companies, and universities. On January 1, 2015, compliance obligation began for distributors of transportation fuels, natural gas, and other fuels. The cap-andtrade program was initially slated to sunset in 2020 but the passage of SB 398 in 2017 extended the program through 2030.
24 Executive Order N-79-20. EO N-79-20, which was signed by the Governor on September 23, 2020, sets the following goals for the State: 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks shall be zero emissions by 2035; 100 percent of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the State shall be zero-emission by 2045 for all operations where feasible and by 2035 for drayage trucks; and 100 percent of off-road vehicles and equipment in the State shall be zero-emission by 2035, where feasible.

California Integrated Waste Management Act. To minimize the amount of solid waste that must be disposed of in landfills, the State Legislature passed the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939), effective January 1990. According to AB 939, all cities and counties were required to divert 25 percent of all solid waste from landfill facilities by January 1, 1995, and 50 percent by January 1, 2000. Through other statutes and regulations, this 50 percent diversion rate also applies to State agencies. In order of priority, waste reduction efforts must promote source reduction, recycling and composting, and environmentally safe transformation and land disposal. In 24 CARB. 2014. Cap-and-Trade Program. Website: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/capandtrade.htm (accessed September 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-15 2011, AB 341 modified the California Integrated Waste Management Act and directed the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop and adopt regulations for mandatory commercial recycling. The resulting 2012 Mandatory Commercial Recycling Regulation requires that on and after July 1, 2012, certain businesses that generate four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week shall arrange recycling services. To comply with this requirement, businesses may either separate recyclables and self-haul them or subscribe to a recycling service that includes mixed waste processing. AB 341 also established a statewide recycling goal of 75 percent; the 50 percent disposal reduction mandate still applies for cities and counties under AB 939, the Integrated Waste Management Act. In April 2016, AB 1826 further modified the California Integrated Waste Management Act, requiring businesses that generate a specified amount of organic waste per week to arrange for recycling services for that organic waste in a specified manner. Diverting organic waste from landfills reduces emissions of CH4. This is equivalent to reducing anaerobic decomposition of organic waste that would have otherwise occurred in landfills where organic waste is often buried with other inorganic waste.

Low Carbon Fuel Standard. In January 2007, EO S-01-07 established an LCFS. This executive order calls for a statewide goal to be established to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020, and that an LCFS for transportation fuels be established for California. The LCFS applies to all refiners, blenders, producers, or importers (“Providers”) of transportation fuels in California, including fuels used by off-road construction equipment. In June 2007, CARB adopted the LCFS under AB 32 pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 38560.5, and, in April 2009, CARB approved the new rules and carbon intensity reference values with new regulatory requirements taking effect in January 2011. The standards require providers of transportation fuels to report on the mix of fuels they provide and demonstrate they meet the LCFS intensity standards annually. This is accomplished by ensuring that the number of “credits” earned by providing fuels with a lower carbon intensity than the established baseline (or obtained from another party) is equal to or greater than the “deficits” earned from selling higher intensity fuels. In response to certain court rulings, CARB re-adopted the LCFS regulation in September 2015, and the LCFS went into effect on January 1, 2016. In 2018, CARB approved amendments to the regulation to readjust carbon intensity benchmarks to meet California’s 2030 GHG reductions targets under SB 32. These amendments include opportunities to promote zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption, carbon capture and sequestration, and advanced technologies for decarbonization of the transportation sector.

Advanced Clean Cars Program. In January 2012, CARB approved the Advanced Clean Cars program, which combines the control of GHG emissions and criteria air pollutants, as well as requirements for greater numbers of ZEVs, into a single package of regulatory standards for vehicle model years 2017 through 2025. The new regulations strengthen the GHG standard for 2017 models and beyond. This will be achieved through existing technologies, the use of stronger and lighter materials, and more efficient drivetrains and engines. The program’s ZEVs regulation requires battery, fuel cell, and/or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to account for up to 15 percent of California’s new vehicle sales by 2025. The program also includes a clean fuels outlet regulation designed to support the commercialization of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicles planned by vehicle manufacturers by 2015 by requiring increased numbers of hydrogen fueling stations throughout the State. The number of stations will grow as vehicle manufacturers sell more fuel cell vehicles. By 2025, when the

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -16 rules will be fully implemented, the statewide fleet of new cars and light trucks will emit 40 percent fewer GHGs and 75 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than 2012 model year vehicles.

Executive Order B-48-18. In January 2018, Governor Brown signed EO B-48-18 requiring all State entities to work with the private sector to have at least 5 million ZEVs on the road by 2030, as well as install 200 hydrogen fueling stations and 250,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2025. It specifies that 10,000 of the electric vehicle charging stations should be direct current fast chargers.

This order also requires all State entities to continue to partner with local and regional governments to streamline the installation of ZEV infrastructure. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is required to publish a Plug-in Charging Station Design Guidebook and update the 2015 Hydrogen Station Permitting Guidebook to aid in these efforts. All State entities are required to participate in updating the 2016 Zero-Emissions Vehicle Action Plan to help expand private investment in ZEV infrastructure with a focus on serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Additionally, all State entities are to support and recommend policies and actions to expand ZEV infrastructure at residential land uses, through the LCFS Program, and recommend how to ensure affordability and accessibility for all drivers.

4.4.4.3 Regional Regulations
The City is part of the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) and is under the jurisdiction of SCAG and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). SCAG’s 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), adopted September 3, 2020, is a long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals. A GHG consistency analysis was conducted to determine whether or not the proposed Project would be consistent with the RTP/SCS.

Southern California Association of Governments. SCAG is a regional council consisting of the following six counties: Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. In total, the SCAG region encompasses 191 cities and over 38,000 square miles within Southern California. SCAG is the MPO serving the region under federal law and serves as the Joint Powers Authority, the Regional Transportation Planning Agency, and the Council of Governments under State law. As the Regional Transportation Planning Agency, SCAG prepares long-range transportation plans for the Southern California region, including the RTP/SCS and the 2008 Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP).

On September 3, 2020, SCAG adopted Connect SoCal–The 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020–2045 RTP/SCS).25 In general, the SCS outlines a development pattern for the region, which, when integrated with the transportation network and other transportation measures and policies, would reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) from automobiles and light-duty trucks and thereby reduce GHG emissions from these sources. For the SCAG region, CARB has set GHG reduction targets at 8 percent below 2005 per capita emissions 25 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). 2020. Connect SoCal: The 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy of the Southern California Association of Governments. Website: https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/0903fconnectsocal-plan_0. pdf?1606001176 (accessed November 2021).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-17 levels by 2020, and 19 percent below 2005 per capita emissions levels by 2035. The RTP/SCS lays out a strategy for the region to meet these targets. Overall, the SCS is meant to provide growth strategies that will achieve the regional GHG emissions reduction targets. Land use strategies to achieve the region’s targets include planning for new growth around high-quality transit areas and livable corridors, and creating neighborhood mobility areas to integrate land use and transportation and plan for more active lifestyles.26 However, the SCS does not require that local General Plans, Specific Plans, or zoning be consistent with the SCS; instead, it provides incentives to governments and developers for consistency.

South Coast Air Quality Management District. In 2008, the SCAQMD formed a Working Group to identify GHG emissions thresholds for land use projects that could be used by local lead agencies in the Basin. The Working Group developed several different options that are contained in the SCAQMD 2008 draft guidance document titled Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold for Stationary Sources, Rules and Plans27 that could be applied by lead agencies. On September 28, 2010, SCAQMD Working Group Meeting #15 provided further guidance, including a tiered approach for evaluating GHG emissions for development projects where the SCAQMD is not the lead agency.

The SCAQMD has not presented a finalized version of these thresholds to the governing board.

The SCAQMD identifies the emissions level for which a project would not be expected to substantially conflict with any State legislation adopted to reduce statewide GHG emissions. As such, the utilization of a service population represents the rates of emissions needed to achieve a fair share of the State’s mandated emissions reductions. Overall, the SCAQMD identifies a GHG efficiency level that, when applied statewide or to a defined geographic area, would meet the post2020 emissions targets as required by AB 32 and SB 32. If projects are able to achieve targeted rates of emissions per the service population, the State will be able to accommodate expected population growth and achieve economic development objectives, while also abiding by AB 32’s emissions target and future post-2020 targets.

4.4.4.4 Local Regulations
City of Laguna Woods General Plan. The City of Laguna Woods addresses greenhouse gas emissions in the Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan. The Conservation Element contains goals, policies, and implementing actions that work towards reducing GHG emissions in the community.

The following goals, policies, and implementing actions related to GHG emissions are presented in the Conservation Element28 and are applicable to the proposed Project:
26 SCAG. 2020. Connect SoCal: The 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy of the Southern California Association of Governments. Website: https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/ files/file-attachments/0903fconnectsocal-plan_0.pdf?1606001176 (accessed November 2021). 27 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). 2008. Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold for Stationary Sources, Rules and Plans. 28 City of Laguna Woods. 2002. Laguna Woods General Plan, Conservation Element. October. Website:
https://www.cityoflagunawoods.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-07-29-Adopted-CLWConservation-Element.pdf (accessed June 2022).

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -18 GOAL CO-8. Reduce local greenhouse gas emissions
• Policy CO-8.1: Control sources of greenhouse gas emissions ○ Develop and implement a Climate Action Plan that is aligned with federal and state standards and includes long-term strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors.
• Policy CO-8.2: Demonstrate climate change leadership
○ Ensure that municipal solid wase handling services employ collection practices that minimize vehicle miles traveled and the consumption of fossil fuels. ○ Incorporate climate adaptation into long-range planning documents City of Laguna Woods Climate Adaptation Plan. The City of Laguna Woods Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP)29, is a comprehensive planning document outlining the City’s proposed approach to address climate impacts on Laguna Woods. The goal is to ensure the community and physical assets are better protected from the impacts of climate change. The vision of the Climate Adaptation Plan is to help the City thrive in likely future climate conditions, with a particular emphasis on climate change impacts on wildlife, individual well-being, public health, and water supply. The Climate Adaptation Plan includes a roadmap for implementing new goals, polices, objectives, and implementing actions that will help the City pursue to further climate adaptation efforts. The following goals and policies are applicable to the proposed Project.
• Goal 1. Increase resilience to climate change-related hazards ○ Policy Objective 1.1: Maintain low levels of heat related illnesses and death. ○ Policy Objective 1.2: Reduce wildfire impacts.
• Goal 2. Increase resource dependence
○ Policy Objective 2.1: Maintain electricity reliability and affordability through conservation, efficiency, and independence.
○ Policy Objective 2.2: Maintain potable water reliability and affordability through water conservation, efficiency, and independence.
○ Policy Objective 2.3: Demonstrate sustainable resource leadership. 29 City of Laguna Woods. 2014. Laguna Woods Climate Adaptation Plan. December. Website: https://www. adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/city-of-laguna-woods-climate-adaptation-plan.html#:~:text= Maintain%20low%20levels%20of%20heat,water%20conservation%2C%20efficiency%2C%20and%20indep endence (accessed June 2022).

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-19 • Goal 3. Sustain and advance climate adaptation efforts ○ Policy Objective 3.1: Institutionalize climate adaptation as citywide policy. ○ Policy Objective 3.2: Develop regional, state, national, and private climate adaptation partnerships.
○ Policy Objective 3.3: Continually monitor and update this Climate Adaptation Plan.

4.4.5 Thresholds of Significance
The proposed Project may be deemed to have a significant impact with respect to GHG emissions if it would:

Threshold 4.4.1: Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment.

Threshold 4.4.2: Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

4.4.5.1 Regional Emissions Thresholds
The SCAQMD has adopted a significance threshold of 10,000 MT CO2e per year (MT CO2e/yr) for permitted (stationary) sources of GHG emissions for which SCAQMD is the designated lead agency.

To provide guidance to local lead agencies on determining significance for GHG emissions in their CEQA documents, SCAQMD has convened a GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Working Group (Working Group). Based on the last Working Group meeting held in September 2010 (Meeting No. 15), SCAQMD proposed to adopt a tiered approach for evaluating GHG emissions for development projects where SCAQMD is not the lead agency:
• Tier 1. Exemptions: If a project is exempt from CEQA, project-level and cumulative GHG emissions are less than significant.
• Tier 2. Consistency with a locally adopted GHG Reduction Plan: If the project complies with a GHG emissions reduction plan or mitigation program that avoids or substantially reduces GHG emissions in the project’s geographic area (i.e., city or county), project-level and cumulative GHG emissions are less than significant.
• Tier 3. Numerical Screening Threshold: If GHG emissions are less than the numerical screeninglevel threshold, project-level and cumulative GHG emissions are less than significant.

For projects that are not exempt or where no qualifying GHG reduction plans are directly applicable, SCAQMD requires an assessment of GHG emissions. SCAQMD, under Option 1, is proposing a “bright-line” screening-level threshold of 3,000 MT CO2e/yr for all land use types or, under Option 2, the following land-use-specific thresholds: 1,400 MT CO2e for commercial projects, 3,500 MT CO2e for residential projects, or 3,000 MT CO2e for mixed-use projects. This bright-line threshold is based on a review of the OPR’s database of CEQA projects. Based on

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -20 their review of 711 CEQA projects, 90 percent of CEQA projects would exceed the bright-line thresholds identified above. Therefore, projects that do not exceed the bright-line threshold would have a nominal and therefore less than cumulatively considerable impact on GHG emissions.
• Tier 4. Performance Standards: If emissions exceed the numerical screening threshold, a more detailed review of the project’s GHG emissions is warranted. SCAQMD has proposed an efficiency target for projects that exceed the bright-line threshold. The current recommended approach is per capita efficiency targets. SCAQMD is not recommending use of a percentage emissions reduction target. Instead, SCAQMD proposes a 2020 efficiency target of

4.8 MT CO2e per year per service population (MT CO2e/yr/SP) for project-level analyses and

6.6 MT CO2e/yr/SP for plan-level projects (e.g., program-level projects such as general plans).

The GHG efficiency metric divides annualized GHG emissions by the service population, which is the sum of residents and employees, per the following equation:

Rate of Emission: GHG Emissions (MT CO2e/yr) ÷ Service Population The efficiency evaluation consists of comparing the project’s efficiency metric to efficiency targets. Efficiency targets represent the maximum quantity of emissions each resident and employee in the State of California could emit in various years based on emissions levels necessary to achieve the statewide GHG emissions reduction goals. A project that results in a lower rate of emissions would be more efficient than a project with a higher rate of emissions, based on the same service population. The metric considers GHG reduction measures integrated into a project’s design and operation (or through mitigation). The per capita efficiency targets are based on the AB 32 GHG reduction target and 2020 GHG emissions inventory prepared for the CARB’s 2008 Scoping Plan.

However, the SCAQMD’s thresholds are based on the AB 32 GHG reduction target and 2020 GHG emissions inventory prepared for CARB’s 2008 Scoping Plan. Because the proposed Project would begin operations in the post-2020 timeframe, the 2020 numerical screening threshold of 3,000 MT CO2e/yr and the efficiency target of 4.8 MT CO2e/yr/SP would need to be adjusted to reflect the State’s post-2020 GHG reduction goals.

SCAQMD has yet to publish a quantified GHG efficiency threshold for the 2030 or 2050 target. A scaled threshold consistent with State goals detailed in SB 32, EO B-30-15, and EO S-3-05 to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, respectively, was developed for 2045, when the build out would be complete.

Though the SCAQMD has not published a quantified threshold beyond 2020, this assessment uses a threshold of 975 MT CO2e/yr or 1.6 CO2e/yr/SP, which was calculated for the build out year of 2045 based on the GHG reduction goals of SB 32 and EO B-30-15. These thresholds are therefore based on the SCAQMD thresholds using a statewide 2020 target (achieve 1990 levels by 2020) regressed to fit the statewide 2050 target (80 percent below 1990 levels of emissions).

The scaled thresholds were calculated as follows:

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-21 • Based on the current target of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 – 80 percent below the 3,000 MT CO2e/yr or 4.8 MT CO2e/yr/SP 2020 target would represent the 2050 threshold (600 MT CO2e/yr or 1.0 MT CO2e/yr/SP).
• The threshold between 2020 and 2050 is therefore scaled at 2.7 percent per year (80 percent across the 30-year period).
• With an anticipated Project build out date of 2045, the proposed Project’s target would be less than 975 MT CO2e/yr or 1.6 MT CO2e/yr/SP (or 67.5 percent below the 2020 target at

2.7 percent per year between the 25-year period of 2020 and 2045).

For the purpose of this analysis, the proposed Project will first be compared to the adjusted screening-level Tier 3 Numerical Screening Threshold of 975 MT CO2e/yr for all land use types. If it is determined that the proposed Project is estimated to exceed this screening threshold, it will then be compared to the efficiency-based threshold.

The proposed Project is also evaluated for compliance with the City’s CAP, the 2017 Scoping Plan, and SCAG’s 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, which establishes an overall GHG target for the Project region consistent with the post-2020 GHG reduction goals of SB 32.

4.4.6 Project Impacts
Threshold 4.4.1: Would the project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Significant Unavoidable Impact. This section describes the potential construction- and operationalrelated GHG emissions associated with the proposed Project. SCAQMD has not addressed emission thresholds for construction in its CEQA Air Quality Handbook; however, SCAQMD requires quantification and disclosure. Thus, this section discusses construction emissions.

Construction. It is important to note that the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The zoning overlays that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Construction activities associated with the construction of additional housing units that could occur during implementation of the proposed Project would occur through the horizon year 2045 would cause short-term GHG emissions. The primary source of emissions is the operation of construction equipment. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits.

Construction activities associated with the proposed Project would produce combustion emissions from various sources. Construction would emit GHGs through the operation of construction equipment and from worker and builder supply vendor vehicles for the duration of the construction period. The combustion of fossil-based fuels creates GHGs such as CO2, CH4, and N2O. Furthermore,

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -22 the fueling of heavy equipment emits CH4. Exhaust emissions from on-site construction activities would vary daily as construction activity levels change.

As indicated above, SCAQMD does not have an adopted threshold of significance for constructionrelated GHG emissions. However, lead agencies are required to quantify and disclose GHG emissions that would occur during construction. The SCAQMD then requires the construction GHG emissions to be amortized over the life of the project, defined as 30 years, added to the operational emissions, and compared to the applicable interim GHG significance threshold tier. Since the new housing development allowed under the proposed zoning overlays is assumed, for the purpose of this environmental analysis, to be built over a 22-year planning period, the life of the Project would likely be longer than 30 years; however, to be conservative, this analysis still assumes a 30-year life.

Information regarding specific development projects is not yet known; however, due to the scale of development activity associated with the proposed Project, this analysis assumes that 1,196 housing units would be constructed over the approximately 22-year planning period. Construction emissions were estimated for the Project using CalEEMod. This analysis assumes that construction of the proposed Project would begin in 2023 and end in 2045, which was included in CalEEMod. In addition, this analysis conservatively assumes demolition of the existing structures on the Potential Housing Sites, which would total approximately 485,195 square feet, which was also included in CalEEMod. Demolition, grading, and building activities would involve the use of standard earthmoving equipment such as large excavators, cranes, and other related equipment.

Using CalEEMod, it is estimated that the proposed Project would generate 20,979.5 MT CO2e during construction. When annualized over the 30-year life of the Project, annual emissions would be 699.3 MT CO2e.

Operation. As previously stated, the proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development.

The zoning overlays that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites.

Operational activities associated with the additional housing units would result in long-term GHG emissions associated with mobile, area, waste, water, and stationary sources as well as indirect emissions from sources associated with energy consumption. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits.

Mobile source GHG emissions include project-generated vehicle trips. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites. As such, the proposed Project would generate 746 net new average daily trips.

Energy source emissions would be generated at off-site utility providers as a result of increased electricity demand generated by the proposed Project. The proposed Project would be designed to

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-23 comply with the water efficiency and energy conservation requirements included in the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 24).

Area-source emissions would be associated with architectural coatings, consumer products, and landscaping equipment. Waste source emissions generated by the proposed Project would include energy generated by landfilling and other methods of disposal related to transporting and managing project-generated waste. In addition, water source emissions associated with the proposed Project would be generated by water supply and conveyance, water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater treatment.

Following guidance from the SCAQMD, GHG emissions were estimated using CalEEMod. Table 4.4.D shows the calculated GHG emissions for the proposed Project. Energy source emissions are the largest source of GHG emissions for the Project at 61 percent of the total. Waste source emissions are the next largest category at approximately 13 percent and mobile sources are about 12 percent of the total emissions, respectively. In addition, water is approximately 7 percent of the total emissions. Area sources are 5 percent of the total emissions. Appendix B provides additional calculation details.

Table 4.4.D: GHG Emissions (Metric Tons Per Year)
Emission Type Operational Emissions
CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e Percentage of Total
Area Source 278.9 <0.1 <0.1 280.9 5
Energy Source 3,18.16 <0.2 <0.1 3,203.8 61
Mobile Source 649.8 <0.1 <0.1 658.7 12
Waste Source 284.9 16.8 0.0 705.8 13
Water Source 301.7 2.6 0.1 384.6 7
Total Operational Emissions 5,233.8 100.0
Amortized Construction Emissions 699.3 -
Total Annual Emissions 5,933.1 -
SCAQMD Scaled 2045 Threshold 975.0 -
Exceeds Threshold? Yes -
Service Population Emissions 2.5
SCAQMD Scaled 2045 Service Population Threshold 1.6 -
Exceeds Threshold? Yes -
Source: LSA (November 2022).

CH4 = methane
CO2 = carbon dioxide
CO2e = carbon dioxide equivalent
GHG = greenhouse gas
N2O= nitrous oxide
SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District
As discussed above, according to SCAQMD, a project would have less than significant GHG emissions if it would result in operational-related GHG emissions of less than 975.0 MT CO2e/yr. Based on the analysis results, the proposed Project would result in 5,933.1 MT CO2e/yr, which would exceed the scaled SCAQMD threshold of 975 MT CO2e/yr. Therefore, the following discussion compares the proposed Project to the efficiency-based threshold.

As described further in Section 4.7, Population and Housing, the zoning overlay and land use changes that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -24 housing units. According to the 2017 American Housing Survey (AHS), the average household size in structures that have 50 or more housing units (the highest housing density type evaluated in the AHS) in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was 1.99 persons.

Because the proposed zoning overlay would include a residential high-density overlay, a residential medium-density overlay, a residential medium-low density overlay, and a residential low-density overlay, 1.99 persons per household was deemed appropriate for use in the analysis contained in this PEIR. Therefore, the additional 1,196 housing units that would potentially be built in the City during the 6th Cycle from 2021–2029 would result in an increase in 2,382 residents. The proposed Project would result in per service population emissions of 2.5 MT CO2e/yr/SP, which exceeds the SCAQMD’s scaled screening threshold of 1.6 MT CO2e/yr/SP.

However, as identified above, before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits. While individual projects accommodated under the proposed Project may not exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance and/or statewide GHG reduction targets, the likely scale and extent of build out associated with the proposed Project would likely continue to exceed the SCAQMD thresholds for some projects. As such, implementation of Mitigation Measure (MM) GHG-1 would, for discretionary projects, require a project-specific assessment of potential GHG impacts and implementation of feasible mitigation measures to reduce GHG emissions. While MM GHG-1 would serve to reduce GHG emissions associated with build out of the Project, GHG emission impacts would remain significant and unavoidable because compliance with future efficiency targets cannot be assured. As such, impacts would be significant and unavoidable.

The proposed Project also includes text changes in the Land Use Element. These text changes provide internal consistency between General Plan Elements and would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in GHG impacts. The proposed Project also includes text changes to the Noise Element to update the noise contour maps to reflect current noise conditions in the City as well as those anticipated under the General Plan update. These text amendments to the Noise Element represent a planning action intended to comply with State law and to reflect current conditions. Text changes to the Noise Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to GHG. The Project also includes text changes to the existing General Plan Circulation Element and renaming it to the Mobility Element. The Mobility Element has been designed to meet State law requirements for circulation elements. “Mobility” is purposefully used in this element’s title to emphasize the City’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel. California Government Code Section 65302(b)(2)(B) defines “users of streets, roads, and highways” as including bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors. The Mobility Element does not propose any physical improvements such as new roads or expanded roads that could have a potential impact on public services and utilities. As discussed in Chapter 3.0, Project Description, the City is substantially built out, and the Mobility Element focuses on maintaining and coordinating the City’s balanced multi-modal transportation network. Thus, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would result in impacts to GHGs.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-25 Threshold 4.4.2: Would the project conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Less Than Significant Impact. Applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions include the Laguna Woods CAP, CARB’s Scoping Plan, and SCAG’s 2020–2045 RTP/SCS. A consistency analysis with these plans for the proposed Project is presented below.

Laguna Woods CAP. As discussed above, the City adopted a CAP30, which is a comprehensive planning document outlining the City’s proposed approach to address climate impacts on Laguna Woods. The goal is to ensure the community and physical assets are better protected from the impacts of climate change. The vision of the CAP is to help the City thrive in likely future climate conditions, with a particular emphasis on climate change impacts on wildlife, individual well-being, public health, and water supply. The CAP includes a roadmap for implementing new goals, polices, objectives, and implementing actions that will help the City pursue to further climate adaptation efforts.

The proposed Project would not, in and of itself entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development. The zoning overlays that are proposed for adoption as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units on the Potential Housing Sites. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits. However, it is expected that future additional housing development would be consistent with the CAP goal of increasing energy and water efficiency as future projects would be required to comply with the latest California Building Code (Title 24), including the latest CALGreen Code Standards. As such, the proposed Project would be consistent with applicable CAP goals.

CARB Scoping Plan. The CARB Scoping Plan is applicable to State agencies, but is not directly applicable to cities/counties and individual projects (i.e., the Scoping Plan does not require the City to adopt policies, programs, or regulations to reduce GHG emissions). However, new regulations adopted by the State agencies outlined in the Scoping Plan result in GHG emissions reductions at the local level. As a result, local jurisdictions benefit from reductions in transportation emissions rates, increases in water efficiency in the building and landscape codes, and other statewide actions that would affect a local jurisdiction’s emissions inventory from the top down. Statewide strategies to reduce GHG emissions include the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and changes in the corporate average fuel economy standards (e.g., Pavley I and Pavley California Advanced Clean Cars program).

Although measures in the Scoping Plan apply to State agencies and not the proposed Project, the Project’s GHG emissions would be reduced by compliance with statewide measures that have been adopted since AB 32 and SB 32 were adopted. Therefore, the proposed Project was analyzed for consistency with the goals of the 2022 Scoping Plan, EO B-30-15, SB 32, and AB 197. 30 City of Laguna Woods. 2014. Laguna Woods Climate Adaptation Plan. December. Website: https://www. adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/city-of-laguna-woods-climate-adaptation-plan.html#:~:text= Maintain%20low%20levels%20of%20heat,water%20conservation%2C%20efficiency%2C%20and%20indep endence (accessed November 2022).

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -26 EO B-30-15 added the immediate target of reducing GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. SB 32 affirms the importance of addressing climate change by codifying into statute the GHG emissions reductions target of at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 contained in EO B30-15. CARB released the 2017 Scoping Plan, 31 to reflect the 2030 target set by EO B-30-15 and
codified by SB 32. SB 32 builds on AB 32 and keeps us on the path toward achieving the State’s 2050 objective of reducing emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. The companion bill to SB 32, AB 197, provides additional direction to the CARB related to the adoption of strategies to reduce GHG emissions. Additional direction in AB 197 intended to provide easier public access to air emissions data that are collected by CARB was posted in December 2016.

In addition, the 2022 Scoping Plan assesses progress toward the statutory 2030 target, while laying out a path to achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The 2022 Scoping Plan focuses on outcomes needed to achieve carbon neutrality by assessing paths for clean technology, energy deployment, natural and working lands, and others, and is designed to meet the State’s long-term climate objectives and support a range of economic, environmental, energy security, environmental justice, and public health priorities.

The 2022 Scoping Plan focuses on building clean energy production and distribution infrastructure for a carbon-neutral future, including transitioning existing energy production and transmission infrastructure to produce zero-carbon electricity and hydrogen, and utilizing biogas resulting from wildfire management or landfill and dairy operations, among other substitutes. The 2022 Scoping Plan states that in almost all sectors, electrification will play an important role. The 2022 Scoping Plan evaluates clean energy and technology options and the transition away from fossil fuels, including adding four times the solar and wind capacity by 2045 and about 1,700 times the amount of current hydrogen supply. As discussed in the 2022 Scoping Plan, EO N-79-20 requires that all new passenger vehicles sold in California will be zero-emission by 2035, and all other fleets will have transitioned to zero-emission as fully possible by 2045, which will reduce the percentage of fossil fuel combustion vehicles.

As identified above, the 2022 Scoping Plan contains GHG reduction measures that work towards reducing GHG emissions, consistent with the targets set by EO B-30-15 and codified by SB 32 and AB 197. The measures applicable to the proposed Project include energy efficiency measures, water conservation and efficiency measures, and transportation and motor vehicle measures, as discussed below.

Energy measures are intended to increase renewable energy generation sources. As identified above, future projects would be required to comply with the latest Title 24 and CALGreen Code standards, regarding water efficiency and energy conservation requirements. Therefore, the proposed Project would comply with applicable energy measures. In addition, electricity would be provided by Southern California Edison (SCE), which is required to increase its renewable energy sources to meet the Renewable Portfolio Standards mandate of 60 percent renewable supplies by 2030. In addition, SCE plans to continue to provide reliable service to its customers and upgrade its distribution systems as necessary to meet future demand. Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict with applicable energy measures.
31 CARB. 2017a. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. November.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-27 Water conservation and efficiency measures are intended to continue efficiency programs and use cleaner energy sources to move and treat water. Increasing the efficiency of water transport and reducing water use would reduce GHG emissions. As noted above, future projects would be required to comply with the latest Title 24 and CALGreen Code standards, which includes a variety of different measures, including reduction of wastewater and water use. In addition, the future projects would be required to comply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict with any of the water conservation and efficiency measures.

The goal of transportation and motor vehicle measures is to increase zero emission vehicles and decrease VMT. As discussed in Chapter 3.0, Project Description, the adoption of residential zoning overlays as part of the proposed Project is intended to accommodate a variety of housing types to meet the needs of all Laguna Woods residents, creating opportunities for attainably priced housing for all income groups and providing adequate potential housing sites with corresponding density to meet the City’s RHNA allocation. The proposed Project would decrease reliance on the automobile and encourage active lifestyles through policies and in-fill development that increase the safety, convenience, and integration of multiple transportation modes, thereby promoting alternative forms of transportation (e.g., walking and cycling) and reducing VMT. As such, the proposed Project would not conflict with the identified transportation and motor vehicle measures.

SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. SCAG’s 2020–2045 RTP/SCS was adopted September 3, 2020. SCAG’s RTP/SCS identifies that land use strategies that focus on new housing and job growth in areas served by high quality transit and other opportunity areas would be consistent with a land use development pattern that supports and complements the proposed transportation network. The core vision in the 2020–2045 RTP/SCS is to better manage the existing transportation system through design management strategies, integrate land use decisions and technological advancements, create complete streets that are safe to all roadway users, preserve the transportation system, and expand transit and foster development in transit oriented communities. The 2020–2045 RTP/SCS contains transportation projects to help more efficiently distribute population, housing, and employment growth, as well as a forecast development that is generally consistent with regional-level general plan data. The forecasted development pattern, when integrated with the financially constrained transportation investments identified in the 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, would reach the regional target of reducing GHG emissions from autos and light-duty trucks by 19 percent by 2035 (compared to 2005 levels). The 2020–2045 RTP/SCS does not require that local general plans, specific plans, or zoning be consistent with the 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, but provides incentives for consistency for governments and developers.

According to SCAG’s 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, the City’s population, households, and employment are forecast to increase by approximately 200 residents, 100 households, and 1,400 jobs, respectively, between 2016 and 2045.32
32 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). 2020. Connect SoCal 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. Website: https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/fileattachments/0903fconnectsocal-plan_0.pdf?1606001176 (accessed November 2022).

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4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -28 The proposed Project includes the adoption of overlay zoning districts that would allow for residential development on the Potential Housing Sites. Of the Potential Housing Sites, 9 sites (Sites 1–8 and Site 15) would be included in the Residential High Density Overlay, which would allow residential development at densities between 30–50 dwelling units per acre (du/ac). Five sites (Sites 9–12 and Site 17) would be included in the Residential Medium Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 15–20 du/ac. Two sites (Sites 13 and 16) would be included in the Residential Low Density Overlay, which would allow between 8–10 du/ac, and Site 14 would be within the Residential Medium Density Overlay, which would allow between 20–30 du/ac.

As described further in Section 4.7, Population and Housing, the zoning overlays that are proposed as a part of the Project would accommodate the construction of 1,196 housing units. According to the 2017 AHS, the average household size in structures that have 50 or more housing units (the highest housing density type evaluated in the AHS) in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA was 1.99 persons. Because most of the proposed zoning overlays would allow for higher density housing, 1.99 persons per household was deemed appropriate for use in the analysis contained in this PEIR. Therefore, the additional 1,196 housing units that would potentially be built in the City would result in an increase in 2,382 residents. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the City of Laguna Woods accounts for 997 additional housing units, which would provide housing for approximately 1,984 additional residents.

Implementing SCAG’s RTP/SCS will greatly reduce the regional GHG emissions from transportation, helping to achieve statewide emissions reduction targets. Before development can occur, each discretionary development project is required to be analyzed for conformance with the General Plan, zoning requirements, and other applicable local and State requirements; comply with the requirements of CEQA; and obtain all necessary clearances and permits. As such, future additional housing developed associated with the proposed Project would be evaluated for potential to interfere with SCAG’s ability to achieve the region’s GHG reduction target of 19 percent below 2005 per capita emissions levels by 2035, and whether regional mobile emissions would decrease in line with the goals of the RTP/SCS.

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» 4.4-29 Based on the nature of the proposed Project, it is anticipated that implementation of the proposed Project would not interfere with SCAG’s ability to implement the regional strategies outlined in the RTP/SCS. In addition, text changes to the Noise and Land Use Elements and the introduction of the Mobility Element would not facilitate or entitle any physical development that would conflict with GHG reduction plans. Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict with an adopted plan, policy, or regulation pertaining to GHG emissions, and impacts are considered less than significant.

No mitigation is required.

4.4.7 Level of Significance Prior to Mitigation
The proposed Project would result in a potentially significant impact related to GHG emissions.

4.4.8 Regulatory Compliance Measures and Mitigation Measures MM GHG-1 Prior to discretionary approval by the City of Laguna Woods (City) for residential development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential project-related greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts to the City for review and approval. The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) methodology. If project-related GHG emissions exceed applicable SCAQMD thresholds of significance and/or statewide GHG reduction targets, the City shall require that applicants for new development projects incorporate mitigation measures to reduce GHG emissions. Mitigation measures could include, but are not limited, to energy efficiency measures, water conservation and efficiency measures, solid waste measures, and transportation and motor vehicles measures. The identified measures shall be included as part of the conditions of approval.

4.4.9 Cumulative Impacts
As defined in Section 15130 of the State CEQA Guidelines, cumulative impacts are the incremental effects of an individual project when viewed in connection with the effects of past, current, and probable future projects within the cumulative impact area for GHG emissions. However, unlike the cumulative analysis for many topics that address the combined impacts of a proposed project in addition to related projects in a project study area, the analysis of impacts related to GHG emissions is inherently cumulative.

AB 32 required CARB to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 1990 level by 2020. As part of this legislation, CARB was required to prepare a “Scoping Plan” that demonstrates how the State will achieve this goal. The Scoping Plan was first adopted in 2011 and in it, local governments were described as “essential partners” in meeting the statewide goal, recommending a GHG reduction level of 15 percent below 2005 to 2008 levels by 2020. In addition, CARB released a second update to the Scoping Plan, the 2017 Scoping Plan, to reflect the 2030 GHG emissions reductions target of at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. CARB recently adopted the 2022 Scoping Plan,33 33 CARB. 2022. 2022 Scoping Plan Update. May 10. Website: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2022-scoping-plan-documents (accessed March 2023).

L AGUNA WOODS GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING CODE UPDATE

L AGUNA WOODS , C ALIFORNIA

DRAFT P ROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL I MPACT REPORT
MA Y 2024

4.4 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.docx «05/06/24» -30 which assesses progress toward the statutory 2030 target, while laying out a path to achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The 2022 Scoping Plan Update focuses on outcomes needed to achieve carbon neutrality by assessing paths for clean technology, energy deployment, natural and working lands, and others, and is designed to meet the State’s long-term climate objectives and support a range of economic, environmental, energy security, environmental justice, and public health priorities.

In order to achieve these goals, CARB is in the process of establishing and implementing regulations to reduce statewide GHG emissions. However, there are currently no applicable significance thresholds, specific reduction targets, and/or approved policy or guidance to assist in determining significance at the cumulative level. Additionally, there is currently no generally accepted methodology to determine whether GHG emissions associated with a specific project represent new emissions or existing, displaced emissions.

As previously stated, GHG emissions associated with the build out under the proposed Project would exceed the scaled SCAQMD thresholds of 975 MT CO2e/yr or 1.6 MT CO2e/yr/SP in the horizon year of 2045. Since GHG is a global issue, it is unlikely that the proposed Project would generate enough GHG emissions to influence GHG emissions on its own; however, because Projectrelated CO2e emissions would exceed the scaled SCAQMD thresholds, the proposed Project would have a significant contribution to cumulatively considerable GHG emission impacts.

4.4.10 Level of Significance After Mitigation
GHG emissions associated with the build out under the proposed Project would exceed the scaled SCAQMD threshold of 975 MT CO2e/yr or 1.6 MT CO2e/yr/SP in the horizon year of 2045. While MM GHG-1 would serve to reduce GHG emissions associated with build out of the Project, GHG emission impacts would remain significant and unavoidable because compliance with future efficiency targets cannot be assured. Pursuant to State law, future developments proposed for the Potential Housing Sites may be eligible for approval through a ministerial approval process and therefore would not be subject to MM GHG-1 as it pertains to discretionary review by the City.

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4.5 LAND USE AND PLANNING

4.5.1 Introduction
This section evaluates the potential land use and planning impacts associated with the Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update (proposed Project). This section was prepared in compliance with State of California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (State CEQA Guidelines) Section 15125(d). Information presented in this section is based on information provided in the City of Laguna Woods (City) General Plan, the City’s General Plan Land Use Map, the City’s Zoning Code, and the City’s Zoning Map.

4.5.1.1 Scoping Process
The City received nine comment letters during the public review period of the Notice of Preparation (NOP). For copies of the NOP comment letters, refer to Appendix A of this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). Two comment letters included comments related to Land Use and Planning.

The letter from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) (August 15, 2022) requested evaluation of the proposed Project’s consistency with the 2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS or Connect SoCal).

4.5.2 Methodology
The impact analysis presented in this Land Use and Planning section evaluates potential physical impacts of the proposed Project on land use compatibility and considers whether the proposed Project would result in potential inconsistencies with relevant plans or policies contained in applicable planning documents adopted by the City and other agencies. Neither CEQA nor the State CEQA Guidelines set forth standards for determining whether or not a project is consistent with an applicable plan; rather, the final determination that a project is consistent or inconsistent with an applicable plan is made by the Lead Agency when it acts on the project. The analysis in this PEIR discusses the findings of policy review and is meant to provide a guide for decision-makers during policy interpretation.

A project’s inconsistency with a plan or policy is only considered significant if such inconsistency would result in a significant physical environmental impact (per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15382). This PEIR section determines whether or not the proposed Project would conflict with any adopted land use policies or programs and whether mitigation is feasible. Under this approach, a policy or program conflict is not in and of itself considered a significant environmental impact. An inconsistency between the proposed Project and an applicable plan is a determination that may or may not indicate the likelihood of an environmental impact. In some cases, an inconsistency may be evidence that an underlying physical impact is significant and adverse.

4.5.3 Existing Environmental Setting
The City is located in the south-central portion of Orange County in Southern California. Laguna Woods is characterized by urban areas and a mix of land uses, including single-family and multifamily residential uses and small concentrations of commercial, office, open space, and community facilities. The City is bounded on the southwest and west by Laguna Coast Wilderness

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4.5 P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.5 Land Use and Planning.docx «05/06/24» -2 Park and State Route 133 (SR-133), and on the northeast by Interstate 5 (I-5). State Route 73 (SR-73) is near the southern boundary of the City. Laguna Woods shares its borders with the following cities:

Laguna Hills on the north and southeast, Aliso Viejo on the south, Laguna Beach on the west, and Irvine on the northwest. In addition, an unincorporated area of Orange County is located along a portion of the City’s western border.

As shown in Figure 4.5-1, General Plan Land Uses, the City is planned to be developed with residential, commercial, community facilities, and open space uses (City of Laguna Woods 2017).

Additionally, the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan identifies the following land uses throughout the City: High Density Residential (HDR), Residential Community (RC), Commercial (C), Community Facilities (CF), Open Space (OS).

The Potential Housing Sites identified in Chapter 3.0 in Figure 3-2, Potential Housing Sites and Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, are generally developed with commercial, community facilities, and office uses. The Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are currently used as community facilities or open space. The land use changes proposed at the 12 administrative adjustment locations involve current land uses devoted to community facilities or open space. The proposed zoning and land use designation changes at the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses are intended to align the land use designations with the actual existing uses. Table 3.A, also found in Chapter 3.0, Project Description, of this PEIR, provides a description of each of the Potential Housing Sites and the Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses, their existing use and assessor’s parcel number, address, existing and proposed General Plan land use designations, and existing and proposed zoning designation or overlay.

4.5.4 Regulatory Setting

4.5.4.1 Federal Regulations
There are no federal regulations applicable to the proposed Project for land use and planning.

4.5.4.2 State Regulations
California State Planning and Zoning Law. This law, which is codified in California Government Code Sections 65000–66037, delegates most of the State’s local land use and development decisions to cities and counties. The California Government Code establishes specific requirements pertaining to the regulation of land uses by local governments, including general plan requirements, specific plans, subdivisions, and zoning. California Government Code Section 65302 requires that all California cities and counties include the following seven elements in their general plans:
 Land Use
 Circulation
 Housing
 Conservation
 Open Space
 Noise
 Safety
Service Layer Credits:

LAGUNA HILLS DR

EL TORO RD

EL TORO RD
M
O

ULTON PKWY

RIDGE ROUTE DR

SANTA MARIAAV

MOULTON PKWY
5 AVENIDA SEVILLA

AVENIDA MAJORCA

AVENIDA SOSIEGA

ALISO CREEK RD

GLENWOOD DR

MUIRLANDS BLVD

VIA CARRIZO

CALLE ARAGON

LOS ALISOS BLVD

EL TORO RD
23 25
22 20
21 27
26 28
19 24
18 29
11 1
10 2 13
14 12
16 3
5 6
7 9
4 8
15 17
LEGEND
City of Laguna Woods
Sites Proposed for Land Use Designation
Changes and Rezoning to Reflect Existing Uses
Potential Housing Sites
General Plan Land Uses
Residential Community
High Density Residential
Commercial
Community Facilities
Open Space
Private Right of Way
SOURCE: Google Maps (2021); City of Laguna Woods (2022) I:\LWD2102.03\GIS\MXD\EIR\GPLU.mxd (4/14/2023)
FIGURE 4.5-1
Laguna Woods General Plan and Zoning Code Update
General Plan Land Uses
0 750 1500
FEET

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P:\LWD2102.03\04.2 - Draft EIR\4.5 Land Use and Planning.docx «05/06/24» 4.5-5 Cities and counties that have identified disadvantaged communities must also address environmental justice in their general plans, including air quality.1 Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (Senate Bill 375). This statute requires California’s regional planning agencies to include a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) or Alternative Planning Strategy in their Regional Transportation Plans (RTP). Senate Bill (SB) 375 was enacted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks through integrated transportation, land use, housing, and environmental planning. The SCS provides a plan for meeting the regional emissions reduction targets established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). If the emissions reduction targets cannot be met through the SCS, an Alternative Planning Strategy (APS) may be developed that shows how the targets would be achieved through alternative development patterns, infrastructure, or additional transportation measures or policies.

Laguna Woods City CouncilAugust 21, 2024

Laguna Woods City Council
August 21, 2024