Agenda packet — Lancaster City Council, June 14, 2022 (part 4 of 5)

Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3123-014-915 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 0.4
Yes Yes
- - Vacant 3 Very Low
3123-014-916 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 0.2 - - Vacant 2 Very Low
3105-018-068 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-183
Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3105-018-083 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-105 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-120 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-047 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-045 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 6.8 Yes - Vacant 57 Very Low 3105-018-074 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 3.9 Yes - Vacant 33 Very Low 3105-018-046 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 6.2 Yes - Vacant 52 Very Low 3105-018-078 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.5 Yes - Vacant 21 Very Low 3105-018-043 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 6.8 Yes - Vacant 57 Very Low 3105-018-085 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-065 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-093 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-117 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-121 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-076 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-099 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.2 Yes - Vacant 19 Very Low 3105-018-020 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 3.4 Yes - Vacant 28 Very Low 3105-018-053 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 3.1 Yes - Vacant 26 Very Low 3105-018-111 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-102 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-077 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.5 Yes - Vacant 21 Very Low 3105-018-101 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-113 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-109 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low H-184 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3105-018-039 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 10.0 Yes - Vacant 84 Very Low 3105-018-088 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-104 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-087 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-106 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-019 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.4 Yes - Vacant 12 Very Low 3105-018-119 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-098 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 12.7 Yes - Vacant 106 Very Low 3105-018-115 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-094 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-095 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-061 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-038 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 10.1 Yes - Vacant 85 Very Low 3105-018-126 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-110 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 1.3 Yes - Vacant 11 Very Low 3105-018-082 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 3.1 Yes - Vacant 26 Very Low 3105-018-044 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 6.8 Yes - Vacant 57 Very Low 3105-018-052 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.5 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3105-015-012 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-015-002 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-015-001 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-014-001 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-016-002 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3105-016-011 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-185
Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3105-015-011 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-016-001 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-017-001 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 9.9 Yes - Vacant 83 Low
3105-016-012 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3105-017-005 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 20.5 Yes - Vacant 172 Low 3105-014-010 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3105-017-011 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 14.0 Yes - Vacant 117 Low 3105-017-012 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.8 Yes - Vacant 48 Low
3107-011-092 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 9.7 Yes - Vacant 81 Low
3107-011-088 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.0 Yes - Vacant 17 Low
3107-011-089 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.0 Yes - Vacant 17 Low
3107-011-098 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 7.8 Yes - Vacant 66 Low
3107-011-093 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 10.4 Yes - Vacant 88 Low 3107-011-099 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-087 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.0 Yes - Vacant 17 Low
3107-011-090 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.0 Yes - Vacant 17 Low
3107-011-044 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.1 Yes - Vacant 43 Low
3107-011-050 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.2 Yes - Vacant 44 Low
3107-011-056 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-017 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 10.4 Yes - Vacant 88 Low 3107-011-062 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-043 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-049 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.2 Yes - Vacant 44 Low
3107-011-047 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
H-186 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3107-011-060 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-063 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-036 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.2 Yes - Vacant 44 Low
3107-011-004 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.1 Yes - Vacant 43 Low
3107-011-028 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 10.3 Yes - Vacant 86 Low 3107-011-048 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-042 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-055 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-011-061 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-060 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-087 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-012 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 8.5 Yes - Vacant 71 Low
3107-012-066 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-120 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.1 Yes - Vacant 43 Low
3107-012-063 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-064 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-034 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-095 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-061 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-050 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-073 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-048 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-036 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 0.5 - - Vacant 4 Low
3107-012-055 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-187
Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3107-012-119 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-070 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-049 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-094 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.1 Yes - Vacant 43 Low
3107-012-013 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 5.0 Yes - Vacant 42 Low
3107-012-051 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-010 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 3.9 Yes - Vacant 33 Low
3107-012-065 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-032 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-113 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-054 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-086 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-071 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-053 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-011 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 0.1 - - Vacant 1 Low
3107-012-056 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-068 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-045 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-039 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.2 Yes - Vacant 18 Low
3107-012-084 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-004 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 4.9 Yes - Vacant 41 Low
3107-012-042 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.2 Yes - Vacant 18 Low
3107-012-046 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-112 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
H-188 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Table H-5.24: Vacant MU-N Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used in
5th
Cycle
Used in
4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3107-012-083 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-031 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.4 Yes - Vacant 20 Low
3107-012-075 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-030 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-078 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.2 Yes - Vacant 18 Low
3107-012-091 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.3 Yes - Vacant 20 Low
3107-012-089 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-058 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.4 Yes - Vacant 21 Low
3107-012-044 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-085 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.2 Yes - Vacant 18 Low
3107-012-088 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-041 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low
3107-012-074 MU MU-N 8 du/ac 2.6 Yes - Vacant 22 Low

Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-007-040 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low
3138-007-044 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-039 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-041 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-189
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-007-037 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-043 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-046 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-045 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-038 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-007-042 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-019 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low
3138-020-021 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-022 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-015 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-018 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-017 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-016 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-020-020 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-904 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low
3138-017-030 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-906 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-014 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-907 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-908 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-012 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-006 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-903 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-903 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low H-190 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-036-005 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-919 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-031 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-009 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-900 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-901 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-033 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-015 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-902 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-902 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-901 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-007 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-911 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-920 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-008 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-036-013 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-904 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-905 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-017-032 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-921 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low
3138-035-920 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-019 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-016 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-028 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Very Low 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-191
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-034-027 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-902 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-919 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-030 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner F - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-905 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-017 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-031 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner F - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-029 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner G - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-901 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-913 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-018 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-022 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner H - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-907 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-903 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-026 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner I - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-915 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-911 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-922 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-912 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-034-023 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner J - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-923 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-904 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Very Low 3138-035-900 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-912 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
H-192 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-035-924 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-911 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-917 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-034-010 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-034-035 MU MU-TOD 16 0.2 Owner C - - Vacant 4 Low
3138-035-910 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-906 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-916 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-034-012 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-915 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-908 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-034-013 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-034-011 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-909 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-918 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-035-913 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 2 Low
3138-029-035 MU MU-TOD 16 0.2
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 2 Low
3138-028-911 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-905 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-902 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-903 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-017 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-012 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-901 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-193
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-028-910 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-011 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner E - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-912 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-913 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-010 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner F - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-904 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-028-900 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-036 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 2 Low
3138-007-035 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-031 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-034 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-032 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-030 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-027 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-028 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-029 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-007-033 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-910 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-018 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 QIAO GUO - - Vacant 1 Low 3138-036-019 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 QIAO GUO - - Vacant 1 Low 3138-017-915 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-017-917 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-905 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-912 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
H-194 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-036-908 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-025 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-907 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-017-910 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-024 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-017-916 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-017-918 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-017-909 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-016 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 2 Low
3138-036-909 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-023 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-906 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-036-017 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-911 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-910 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-020-905 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-035 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-020-028 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 2 Low
3138-021-912 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-906 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-905 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-908 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-909 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-034 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT H-195
Table H-5.25: Vacant MU-TOD Land Inventory (Additional Capacity, Not Intended to Meet the RHNA) Parcel Number
(APN)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Assumed
Density Acres
Potential Lot
Consolidation
Common
Ownership
Used
in 5th
Cycle
Used
in 4th
Cycle
Current
Use
Realistic
Capacity
Affordability
Level
3138-020-011 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner D - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-020-012 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner C - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-902 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-907 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-903 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-036 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner B - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-021-904 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-020-906 MU MU-TOD 16 0.1 Owner A - - Vacant 1 Low
3138-008-902 MU MU-TOD 16 0.2
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 3 Low
3138-008-901 MU MU-TOD 16 0.4 Owner A - - Vacant 6 Low
3133-016-024 MU MU-TOD 16 0.2
Yes
Owner A - - Vacant 4 Low
3133-017-001 MU MU-TOD 16 0.5 Owner B - - Vacant 7 Low
3138-029-034 MU MU-TOD 16 0.3

Owner A - - Vacant 4 Low
3138-028-026 MU MU-TOD 16 0.3 Owner B - - Vacant 5 Low

H-196 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT

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2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 197 l a n c a s t e r g e n e r a l p l a n
housing element

CHAPTER 6:
2014-2021 HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
This chapter analyzes program performance from the 2014-2021 Housing Element programs. State law (California Government Code Section 65588[a]) requires each jurisdiction to review its Housing Element as frequently as appropriate and evaluate:
• The appropriateness of the housing goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goals
• The effectiveness of the Housing Element in attainment of the community’s housing goals and objectives
• Progress in implementation of the Housing Element
This evaluation provides valuable information on the extent to which programs have achieved stated objectives and whether these programs continue to be relevant to addressing current and future housing needs in Lancaster. The evaluation provides the basis for recommended modifications to policies and programs and the establishment of new housing objectives. Following the evaluation in Table H-6-1, the quantified objective performance is summarized.

Meeting the Needs of Special Needs Populations
Through program implementation during the 2014-2021 planning period, the City of Lancaster has made progress in addressing the housing needs of special needs populations (e.g., elderly, persons with disabilities, large households, female headed households, farmworkers and persons experiencing homelessness).
• In 2021, Terracina, an affordable housing project with 264 units, is under construction. Unit sizes range from one-bedroom to four-bedroom models, allowing for a variety of household types and family sizes, including large households.
• Essex Tower is also under construction as of 2021, which will provide 69 units for homeless seniors with special needs.
• The Emerald, with an estimated completion date of 2023, will provide housing for individuals, families, and seniors who are extremely low-income with 69 new affordable units.

H - 198 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
• In 2020, the Kensington Campus opened in Lancaster, a 14-acre full-service campus that provides interim and permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, supporting the City’s overarching homelessness initiative. Kensington offers both interim housing and permanent supportive housing, along with complete wraparound services on site.

In addition, to address incidences of homelessness in Lancaster and to prevent extremely low-income Lancaster families from becoming homeless, the City places a high priority on programs that work to prevent homelessness or rapidly connect homeless individuals with housing and supportive services. To address this need, the City has supported a continuum of services in the City of Lancaster utilizing its CDBG funds through the Interim Housing Services Program and though the Los Angeles County Continuum of Care (CoC)agency (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)) to prevent and eliminate homelessness.

The City of Lancaster attempts to coordinate housing, public services, and economic development efforts with other public agencies, nonprofit agencies, private developers, and community organizations for the construction of low-income housing, enhanced social services for the “at risk” population, and increased employment opportunities. Between 2020 and 2021, the City continued to enhance coordination efforts in the following ways:
• Implementing an Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Meeting with outside nonprofit agencies and local community organizations for input • Working with private developers
• Working with training and employment organizations
• Monitoring recipients of City programs and organizations receiving funding • Reviewing applications, including interviews with applicants, participating in City programs • Holding neighborhood meetings
• Receiving citizen input on citywide issues
• Recommending funding allocations to City Council
Program Accomplishments
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program 6.1.1(a). In order to maintain current
information concerning housing production,
compile a quarterly Development Summary Report,
identifying the location, size and type of residential
development proposals submitted to the City, as
well as their status. It is intended that this summary
report will track projects from submittal through
recordation of subdivision maps through building
permits and issuance of occupancy permits through
project completion.

The City tracks projects from application submittal
through project competition on the development
summary report, which is updated quarterly and
publicized on the City’s website.

Continued Appropriateness: This program continues to
be a routine function of City Staff in the Community
Development Division of the Development Services
Department. As such, this program will be removed from
the 2021 Housing Element, but the practice will be
continued.

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 199 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program 6.1.1(b). Establish a monitoring program
which identifies the type and cost of housing being
produced within Lancaster, as well as the
availability of vacant land which can be used in the
short-term (next five years) to accommodate a
variety of housing types. This monitoring program
is ongoing, but will result in a report to be prepared
immediately after each calendar year. In addition,
as part of the City’s General Plan Annual Review,
prepare a status report which evaluates program
and production goals outlined in this plan and
revise as necessary to meet the needs for housing
that is affordable to very low, low, and moderate-
income households.

With the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
the City can provide information on availability of vacant land upon demand. The Development Summary Report,
referenced in Program 6.1.1(a) tracks new development
applications in the city, representing a variety of housing types. As part of the City’s Housing Element Annual
Performance Report, this information will be conveyed
to the State HCD.

Continued Appropriateness: This program represents
routine functions completed by City Staff in the
Community Development Division of the Development
Services Department. As such, this program will be
removed from the 2021 Housing Element.

Program 6.1.1(c). If multi-year construction trends,
as evidenced by the quarterly Development
Summary Report and other available information,
indicate that housing unit development will fall
short of the City’s needs as established in Objective

6.1, consider revisions to, or adoption of, housing
incentive programs such as waiver and/or deferral
of processing and development impact fees, and
relaxation of standard development requirements
to encourage construction of those categories
where it appears that actual construction will not
meet identified needs. The analysis and
consideration for modification will be performed
on an annual basis during the preparation of City
department’s fiscal budget.

In 2021, the City implemented a new impact fee
calculation in which a developer could be exempt from
paying any impact fees if the project is located in the central part of the City. Incentives are included to build each parcel to its full development potential. Senior
housing located anywhere within the City limits is also exempt from impact fees. The intent of this incentive is to encourage development that has less impact on the
infrastructure system and contributes to climate change goals, while providing fee reductions in a comprehensive and transparent way.

Continued Appropriateness: Monitoring and
incentivizing the creation of affordable housing is an
important goal for the City. This program revised to
focus on planning and development fees and included in the 2021 Housing Element (Program H-4.1).

Program 6.1.1(d). Assist local nonprofit agencies to
actively seek the acquisition of state and federal
funding sources by providing letters of support,
technical guidance, and other regulatory and
procedural assistance as needed to facilitate the
development of affordable housing for low to
extremely low-income households. The submittal
of funding applications would occur during their
specified time frames. Other assistance provided to
nonprofits would include development incentives,
such as a streamlined application review process
The City and Housing Authority continue to actively work with both for-profit and non-profit developers in
ensuring a cooperative effort toward affordable housing.

The City provides letters of support for affordable
housing funding applications and provides technical
assistance to facilitate housing development. The
Housing Authority purchases and sells property in
addition to partnering with affordable housing
developers. The City has contacted (via email and phone) seven different non-profit and for-profit housing
developers within Los Angeles County to receive input
H - 200 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness and other mechanisms specific to the development
to ensure the production of successful housing
projects.

on sites. The City has had seven potential housing
projects. One is under contract as of September 2021
and is estimated to be completed in winter 2022.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
encourage development of affordable housing through a
variety of activities such as providing letters of support for funding applications, providing in-kind technical
assistance for housing developers, and expedited
processing as appropriate. This program will be
consolidated with Program 6.1.2(a) below.

Program 6.1.2(a). Continue to enhance
development opportunities for the construction of
affordable housing through shared appreciation
covenants, conditions and restrictions, the
provision of technical assistance, and use of real
property acquisition powers of the Lancaster
Housing Authority which action results in the
consolidation of small, infill parcels and the
development of affordable housing.

The Lancaster Housing Authority actively seeks
opportunities to develop affordable housing in
cooperation with for-profit and non-profit developers.

Two projects are currently in the pipeline:
• Northeast corner of Division and Avenue I (167
single family units)
• Southwest corner of Sierra Hwy and Avenue I
(114 multi-family units)

Continued Appropriateness: The Lancaster Housing
Authority provides a much needed administrative
resource and will continue its mission to provide more
affordable housing in Lancaster. This program will be
modified to list a variety of resources, including the
Housing Authority and affordable housing partners, and
consolidated into a new program in the updated Housing
Element (Program H-2.1).

Program 6.1.2(b). Encourage the utilization of
Zoning Ordinance provisions pertaining to the
development of mixed use projects such as: related
office uses in conjunction with housing for the
aged, infirm, or convalescent, or limited residential
occupancies above neighborhood-type commercial
uses. Where developers propose commercial
projects or reuses of buildings, particularly in the
downtown area, staff will inform them of the
provision in the Zoning Ordinance that would allow
them to incorporate residential units as part of the
project. In addition, the staff will encourage these
The City continues to provide appropriate land use
designations and zoning to facilitate a variety of types of residential development throughout the planning period.

The Downtown Specific Plan, TOD Districts, and MU
zones are flexible and allow for mixed-use without
requiring compliance with a parcel-specific maximum
density. City staff regularly offers consultation and pre- application advice to applicants, discussing allowable
uses of property. In 2021, the City is reviewing an
application for 162 units within the MU-C zone and
12,750 square feet of neighborhood serving commercial
retail (20th Street West).

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 201 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness uses by providing flexibility in building and site
design.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
provide appropriate land use designations and zoning to facilitate a variety of types of residential development.

This program will be modified to focus on adequate sites (Program H-1.1) and zoning revisions to facilitate
housing production in mixed use zones (Program H-4.2)
Program 6.1.3(a). Provide timely review of
discretionary and non-discretionary residential
development requests, with fees sufficiently only to
cover the actual costs (direct and overhead)
incurred by the City. In order to do so, continue to
exercise existing procedures and consider adopting
new measures to expedite case processing. These
techniques include:

• Computerize case records to allow for
automated case tracking;
• Schedule case processing timetables to provide
reasonable expectations in processing
applications based upon available resources;
• Hold public and agency review of EIR’s
concurrently so that processing times can be
reduced; and
• Continue to require complete information as
part of application filing to avoid later delays.

The City continues to comply with the Permit
Streamlining Act and seeks new methods and
technologies to improve the development review
process. The City uses a case database management
system to consolidate multiple case logs, thereby
increasing efficiency and streamlining the application
review process. The City is in the process of building a new database to support project tracking, and
anticipates this to be fully operational within the next six years. Other methods that help reduce processing times
are holding public and agency review of Environmental
Impact Reports concurrently and the preliminary
application process. The City performed an intensive cost analysis to ensure that application and impact fees cover the actual costs incurred by the City.

Continued Appropriateness: This program will remain in the Housing Element as part of a streamlining program
that will also address new streamlining requirements
under SB 35.

Program 6.1.3(b). Periodically evaluate land
development processing procedures to ensure that
project review is accomplished in the minimum
time necessary to implement the General Plan and
ensure protection of public health, safety, and
welfare.

The City’s land development processing procedures were
re-evaluated as part of the Housing Element update.

Continued Appropriateness: Ongoing reevaluation of
procedures and fees is important to ensure a smooth
entitlement process. This program will be consolidated
with Program 6.1.3(a) in the updated Housing Element.

Program 6.1.3(c). As part of the regular
proceedings of the Development Review
Committee (DRC), make residential developers
aware of City zoning ordinance provisions that
provide up to a 35 percent density bonus, or
equivalent financial incentive, to residential
developers who agree to make a corresponding
percentage of the units within the project
affordable to households, per State density bonus
The City of Lancaster utilizes the State Density Bonus law (Government Code Section 65915) as an incentive to
developers who set aside a portion of their housing units for lower income households. During the previous
planning period, City staff estimates fewer than 10
inquiries pertaining to density bonuses. City staff
regularly provide information on density bonus
allowances and potential concessions for projects that
do not comply with objective zoning standards. In
H - 202 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness law. The City’s zoning ordinance will be revised to
reflect the latest changes in density bonus law.
addition, as part of consultations for sale of City
property, City staff discussed density bonus options with seven different housing developers.

Continued Appropriateness: Density Bonuses are an
important tool for the City. This program will be
modified in the updated Housing Element to update the
City’s Zoning Ordinance to match State law provisions,
which have been amended multiple times in recent
years.

Program 6.1.4(a). Leverage direct funding
resources of the City and Lancaster and Lancaster
Housing Authority with State and Federal funding
sources to address the housing objectives
contained in Table H-6.1 “Quantified Objectives” of
the Housing Element in order to facilitate the
provision of single and multiple family dwelling
units available to very low, low, and moderate-
income households.

The City actively seeks to combine available resources to leverage funding and financing. For example, the
Kensington Campus, a 14-acre community designed to
house and rehabilitate the local homeless population, is a private-public partnership with the developer, the
operator, the Lancaster Housing Authority and the Los
Angeles Community Development Commission. The
Lancaster Housing Authority contributed grants/loans of $5,599,241 and the Los Angeles Community
Development Commission contributed $14,000,000.

Continued Appropriateness: In FY 2020, the City also
became a HOME entitlement jurisdiction, receiving
approximately $650,000 in HOME funds annually. The
City has prioritized limited CDBG and HOME funds to
support the production of new long-term affordable
housing units. The City and Housing Authority will
continue to leverage and consolidate funds for the
creation of affordable housing. This program will be
consolidated into a program to address collaboration
and funding (Program H-2.1).

Program 6.1.4(b). Encourage private sector
development of affordable housing by subsidizing
development impact fees in exchange for long term
affordable restrictions.

In 2021, the City implemented a new impact fee
calculation in which a developer could be exempt from
paying any impact fees if the project is located in the central part of the City. The program also includes
incentives (fee reductions) for projects that build each parcel to its full development potential within the City Core. Senior housing located anywhere within the City
limits is also exempt from impact fees. The intent of this incentive is to encourage development that has less
impact on the infrastructure system and contributes to

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 203 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness climate change goals, while providing fee reductions in a comprehensive and transparent way.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
encourage development of affordable housing through a
variety of activities such as outreach to for-profit housing developers, providing technical assistance to housing
developers, and expedited processing as appropriate.

This program will be consolidated into a new Program H-

2.1 to list partnerships and funding sources and a new
program H-4.1 tailored to planning and development
fees.

Program 6.1.4(c). Identify and acquire distressed
residential projects (e.g., foreclosures,
bankruptcies) and prepare them for sale or rent at
affordable housing costs. This is an ongoing effort
by the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization
Division.

To leverage CDBG funds, the City used Neighborhood
Stabilization Program (NSP) funds to acquire,
rehabilitate, and sell 11 vacant/foreclosed homes to low- income buyers.

Continued Appropriateness: NSP funds have largely been exhausted. The 2020 Consolidated Plan indicates that
limited affordable housing funding will be focused on the creation of new affordable housing. As such, this
program will be removed, as funding is no longer being
available.

Program 6.1.4(d). Continue to allow the Los
Angeles County Housing Authority to administer
the Section 8/Voucher Program and public housing
programs within the City.

Los Angeles County administers the Housing Voucher
Program for residents of the City. The City works in close collaboration with the Los Angeles County Housing
Authority and nonprofits to ensure access to affordable housing and programs within the city. As of July 2021,
3,855 households in Lancaster were receiving Housing
Choice Vouchers (HCV). Another 1,106 households were
on the waiting list for HCV as of July 2021.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
encourage landlords to accept Housing Choice Vouchers
consistent with State Fair Housing laws. This program
will be modified to address this additional component
and included in the new Housing Element.

Program 6.1.5(a). Periodically review the General
Plan and zoning map to ensure that locations for
affordable housing are encouraged in areas
throughout the City, including locations within
reasonable proximity to public facilities,
The City continues to provide appropriate land use
designations and zoning to facilitate a variety of types of residential development with access to public facilities, transportation, schools, parks, and other daily services.

During the planning period, the Downtown Lancaster
H - 204 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness transportation, schools, parks, and other daily
services.

Specific Plan, Lancaster Transit Oriented Development
Zone, and standards for Residential Planned
Development were updated (2020) to comply with State
laws, provide clarification, consistency, and update
standards and regulations.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
provide appropriate land use designations and zoning to facilitate a variety of types of residential development with access to public facilities, transportation, schools, parks, and other daily services, re-evaluating periodically to address changing market trends and address
deficiencies. This program is revised to focus on re-
evaluating standards in Mixed Use zones to encourage
residential development (Program H-4.2).

Program 6.1.5(b). Implement the following
strategies to provide housing opportunities
specifically for extremely low-income households:

• Assist developers in seeking specialized
funding sources for extremely low-income housing
units
• Identify and recruit developers (for-profit
and non-profit) for the development of extremely
low-income housing units
• Re-evaluate the city’s development review
process for higher density, mixed use, second
dwelling unit, and other supportive housing to
ensure development feasibility
• Encourage other alternative housing
options, including SRO (single room occupancy)
housing units to meet the needs of varying living
situations
The City and Housing Authority actively support
affordable housing developers, with funding support,
partnerships, letters of support, and technical assistance.

The City revised Residential Zones to expressly allow
SROs in the MDR and HDR zones. During the previous
planning period, the 14-acre therapeutic Kensington
Campus community was developed to provide housing
for formerly homeless individuals, supporting the City’s overarching homelessness initiative. Kensington offers
both interim housing and permanent supportive
housing, along with complete wraparound services on
site.

Continued Appropriateness: The need for extremely low-
income housing remains a high priority, and a variety of resources are necessary to support this goal. This
program will be consolidated into a program identifying necessary Zoning Ordinance updates (Program H-4.7) in
the new Housing Element and a program giving priority
to special needs housing (Program H-2.3).

Program 6.1.6(a). Complete construction and sale
of single-family residences to provide affordable
housing to meet the needs of moderate- income
households and enhance stability of neighborhoods
through the pride of home ownership. The
Lancaster Housing Authority will assist the
developer to construct 100 single-family residences
The Lancaster Housing Authority completed entitlements
for 167 single family homes (TTM 78213) and obtained
building permits for this project and is actively seeking additional funding sources and a developer to build this project. The TTM remains valid, and the City anticipates issuing an RFP for the project within the next five years.

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 205 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness located north of Avenue I and east of Division
Street (Sky View). Twenty percent of the units (20
units) will be deed restricted to moderate-income
households, restricting resale of the homes to
households whose income does not exceed 120%
of the Los Angeles County median. Complete
construction and sale of homes by 2021.

Continued Appropriateness: Partnerships between the
City, Lancaster Housing Authority, and private
developers are the key mechanism to support additional
affordable housing in Lancaster. This program will be
consolidated under a partnerships program in the new
Housing Element (Program H-2.1).

Program 6.1.6(b). Complete construction and sale
of single-family residences to provide affordable
housing to meet the needs of moderate- income
households and enhance stability of neighborhoods
through the pride of home ownership. The
Lancaster Housing Authority will assist the
developer to construct 100 single-family residences
located north of Avenue H-8 and east of Division
Street (Whit Carter). Thirteen percent of the units
(13 units) will be deed restricted to moderate-
income households, restricting resale of the homes
to households whose income does not exceed
120% of the Los Angeles County median. Complete
construction and sale of homes by 2021.

This project is currently on hold as the City is still looking for an appropriate developer for the project. The project was originally envisioned as a residential planned
development for 324 lots. Additionally, not all of the
property is currently zoned for residential uses and
would need a General Plan Amendment or Zone Change.

The General Plan Amendment or Zone change would
occur in tandem with the development application; the
City is actively seeking a developer to support this
project, including establishment of the appropriate
General Plan/zoning designations.

Program 6.1.6(c). Complete construction and sale
of single-family residences to provide affordable
housing to meet the needs of moderate- income
households and enhance stability of neighborhoods
through the pride of home ownership. The
Lancaster Housing Authority will assist the
developer to construct 40 single-family residences
located in the Northeast Gateway Corridor (Old
Fairgrounds housing project). Twenty percent of
the units (8 units) will be deed restricted to
moderate-income households, restricting resale of
the homes to households whose income does not
exceed 120% of the Los Angeles County median.

Complete construction and sale of homes by 2021.

This corridor encompasses multiple projects that were
listed under North Downtown Transit Village and Whit
Carter. The Old Fairgrounds Project (TTM 78213) is
currently going out for RFP to identify a developer for the project. The TTM is still valid; the City anticipates issuing an RFP for this project within the next five years.

Program 6.1.6(d). Complete construction and sale
of single-family and multi-family residences to
provide affordable housing to meet the needs of
This particular project did not come to fruition, as the area has received an extensive reevaluation as part of
the Lancaster Health District Master Plan. The Lowtree
H - 206 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness moderate-income households and enhance
stability of neighborhoods through the pride of
home ownership. The Lancaster Housing Authority
will assist the developer to construct 77 single-
family residences and 200 townhomes located in
the Lowtree Neighborhood Project. Twenty percent
of the units (56 units) will be deed restricted to
moderate-income households, restricting resale of
the homes to households whose income does not
exceed 120% of the Los Angeles County median.

Complete construction and sale of homes by 2021.

Neighborhood Project is included within the new
Lancaster Health District Master Plan, which was
adopted in 2021 and identifies strategies to create a
mixed-use neighborhood surrounding the Antelope
Valley Hospital. The City anticipates projects will be
under construction within the Health District Master
Plan area by 2022.

Program 6.1.6(e). Complete construction and sale
of residences to provide affordable housing to
meet the needs of moderate-income households
and enhance stability of neighborhoods through
the pride of home ownership. The Lancaster
Housing Authority will assist the developer to
construct 100 condominiums located on Avenue I
in the North Downtown Transit Village project area.

One-hundred (100) units will be deed restricted to
moderate- income households, restricting resale of
the homes to households whose income does not
exceed 120% of the Los Angeles County median.

Complete construction and sale of homes by 2021.

The Bridge Housing project (CUP 21-03) is a multi-family residential development on the southwest corner of
Sierra Highway and Avenue that is currently going
through Final Map approval procedures and addressing
comments to obtain building permits. The project is
limited to lower income households (80% AMI and
below) with the average expected to be 60% AMI.

Program 6.1.7(a). On an annual basis, meet and
work with all water districts, pertinent agencies and
community groups to ensure adequate water
capacity to meet Lancaster’s housing need, utilizing
a variety of strategies, including increased water
conservation, the use of recycled water, and
banking of increased supplies when available.

The City has been in discussions with water providers on addressing water supply. The Director of Planning meets with water providers regularly. All proposed
development projects are reviewed by the relevant
water district for their concurrent review.

Continued Appropriateness: This program will be
modified to indicate the Housing Element law
requirement to provide a copy of the adopted Housing
Element to all water and sewer providers within 30 days of adoption.

Program 6.1.7(b). On an annual basis, meet and
work with the Los Angeles County Sanitation
District and other pertinent agencies to ensure
The City has worked with Los Angeles County Sanitation
District to ensure adequate sewer capacity and meet

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 207 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness adequate sewer capacity to meet Lancaster’s
housing need, including the coordination of timely
expansion upgrades to the Lancaster Water
Reclamation Plant.

twice per month. Two members of the City Council serve
on the Board of Directors for District 14.

Program 6.1.8(a). Encourage housing development
in the mixed-use zones by: providing assistance
with site identification and entitlement processing;
offering fee waivers and deferrals for affordable
housing projects; modifying development
standards such as setbacks and parking; and
providing financial support where available for
multi-family and mixed use affordable projects.

The City has continued to encourage development by
providing information and incentives to applicants. The City offers pre-application advice and information on a regular basis. The Lancaster Promenade, a project in the MU-C zone, received a development standard
concession due to its 20% affordability levels.

Continued Appropriateness: This program will be
consolidated into a program that focuses on providing
incentives and zoning modifications to facilitate housing production (Program H-4.2).

Program 6.1.8(b). On an annual basis, the City will
organize special marketing events geared towards
the development community and post the sites
inventory on the City’s webpage.

The Housing Element and sites inventory is available on the City’s webpage. The Housing Department and
Economic Development Department routinely work with
developers and marketing efforts. The City also provides briefings for AV Edge, a regional development
consortium.

Continued Appropriateness: As part of everyday
activities, the City works with the development
community to discuss available development
opportunities, incentives, and affordable housing goals.

This program will be removed and replaced with a larger program focused on partnerships and funding sources
(Program H-2.1).

Program 6.1.8(c). To assist the development of
housing for lower income households on larger
sites, the City will facilitate land divisions, lot line adjustments, mixed use planned developments,
and specific plans, to create parcel sizes that
facilitate multifamily developments affordable to
lower income households, in light of state, federal
and local financing programs (i.e., 2 to 10 acre
units) through ministerial review of lot line
The City regularly facilitates land divisions and lot line adjustments to accommodate for affordable housing. Lot
line adjustments are reviewed ministerially. Given
existing conditions with large vacant land parcels,
Lancaster is well versed in the processing of large-scale projects. In Lancaster, multiple housing projects have
occurred on large (greater than 10 acre) parcels. For
example, a project at 1752 East Avenue J-4 was recently approved (264 affordable units), with 11.35 acres. At
H - 208 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness adjustments, and streamlining and expediting the
approval process for land division for projects that
include affordable housing units.

20th and Avenue I, a mixed use project is currently
proposed on a single 26.3 acre parcel (residential portion to represent 25.05 acres, with 392 units). The applicant is proposing 20-25% of these units to be affordable to
low-income households. For this project, the applicant is planning to subdivide into four lots, which requires a
discretionary review; however, the City would have
allowed for phased development on one lot without
needing to subdivide.

Continued Appropriateness: Processing time is a critical component in development penciling and is especially
important for affordable housing developments. This
program will be continued in the new Housing Element.

Program 7.1.1(a). Apply the provisions of the City’s
subdivision ordinance relating to limitations on the
conversion of rental apartments to condominiums
or cooperatives when the multi-family vacancy rate
falls below four percent.

Due to the average sale price of condominiums, there is not significant demand to convert existing apartments
into condominiums in Lancaster.

Continued Appropriateness: The City’s Subdivision
Ordinance, adopted in 1994, includes a provision for
annual surveys of multi-family vacancy rates and
contains provisions to ensure that conversions do not
have an adverse effect on the ability of low to lower
income tenants to locate adequate comparable housing.

Because this program is already codified, it is removed from the updated Housing Element.

Program 7.1.1(b). Periodically monitor existing
programs designed to preserve assisted housing
developments for low income households as
required by Government Code Section 65583(d) to
determine if additional actions are required to
protect these developments.

Program 7.1.1(c). To preserve subsidized
multifamily apartment units at risk of losing
affordability restrictions, continue to apply the
preservation strategies presented the section,
“Preservation of Affordable Housing Units At-Risk”
of the Housing Element.

This review is effectively carried out during the time of each update of the Consolidated Plan and each update
of the Housing Element as part of the At-Risk Analysis.

During the last planning cycle (2013-2021), 696 assisted units within seven developments became eligible to
convert to market-rate housing and are considered at
risk: Sierra Villa East (90 affordable units), Mayflower Gardens (76 affordable units), College Park Apartments
(60 affordable units), Antelope Valley Apartments (120
affordable units), Lancaster Home Apartments (120
affordable units), Fernwood Apartments (75 affordable
units), and Village Pointe (155 affordable units). These projects are all funded with Section 8 and/or Sec
221(d)(4) and the City has not received any notifications that these projects will convert to market rate.

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 209 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Continued Appropriateness: The retention of existing
affordable housing is an important part of the City’s
affordable housing strategy. This program will be
combined with other preservation strategies and
consolidated into one program in the updated Housing
Element (Program H-3.1).

Program 7.1.2(a). In order to preserve an
affordable senior housing option and to protect the
public health, safety and welfare and pursuant to
the provisions of Section 65858 of the California
Government Code, enact an urgency moratorium
on the conversion of any mobile home park
currently in existence in the City of Lancaster from
a park where at least eighty percent (80%) of the
full-time residents are individuals aged fifty-five
(55) years and older (a "seniors only" mobile home
park) to a mobile home park accepting all ages of
residents.

In 2008, the City adopted an ordinance enacting a
moratorium on mobile home park conversions. In 2010,
the City adopted a Senior Mobile Home Park zone, to
preserve senior housing in the mobile home parks
located in the Senior Mobile Home Park zone.

Continued Appropriateness: The efforts to preserve
mobile homes as an affordable senior housing option are ongoing. The specific requirements of this program have been implemented; as such this program is removed
from the updated Housing Element.

Program 7.2.1(a). Continue the Home Ownership
Mortgage Loan Program. This program will provide
affordable housing to meet the needs of very low
and low-income households, increase the mobile
home owner base, and revitalize mobile home
parks. Priority is to provide new or substantially
rehabilitated housing and to provide financial
assistance for purchase of affordable housing. The
program will preserve 20 very low-income and 12
low income mobile residential homes by 2021.

The City has supported low-income homeownership
opportunities for decades. Dozens of single-family
homes have CC&Rs preserving their affordability. When
the Housing Authority sells homes, they must retain
affordability covenants for 30-35 years. The City does
not currently have a program to expand the supply of
deed-restricted homes nor to provide assistance to first- time homebuyers; however, the City is looking for
funding to start these programs.

Continued Appropriateness: In Lancaster, affordable
homeownership is a key priority and is within reach for many lower income households. This program is
continued in the affordable housing funding and
partnership program (Program H-2.1) in the updated
Housing Element.

Program 7.2.1(b). Continue the Homeowner (and
Senior Homeowner) Home Improvement Program
designed to assist very low to above moderate
income homeowners as well as senior citizen
homeowners, by providing loans to rehabilitate
distressed properties. The programs will provide
assistance to 140 very low, 80 low, 40 moderate
Given the age of the City's housing stock, the number of substandard housing units is limited, though isolated
substandard conditions do exist. The City does have a
portion of its housing stock reaching or exceeding 30
years of age, and therefore require rehabilitation and
repairs. During the last planning cycle, the City used
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds to
acquire, rehabilitate, and sell 11 vacant/foreclosed
H - 210 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness and 20 above moderate-income households.

Assistance will be provided by 2021.

Program 7.2.1(c). Continue the Rental Housing
Rehabilitation Loan Program designed to provide a
low interest loan for the rehabilitation of existing
rental units. This program will provide financial
assistance to 20 very low and 20 low-income
households. Assistance will be provided by 2021.

Program 7.2.1(d). Continue the Mobile Home
Grant Program designed to assist very low and low-
income mobile homeowners by providing grants to
rehabilitate distressed mobile homes. This program
will provide financial assistance to 100 very low and
80 low- income households. Assistance will be
provided by 2021.
homes to low-income buyers. However, these funds
have been exhausted. The City does not currently have a program to support housing rehabilitation; however, the City is looking for funding to start these programs.

Continued Appropriateness: In the 2021 Consolidated
Plan, the City has prioritized limited CDBG and HOME
funds to support the production of new long-term
affordable housing units, rather than rehabilitation.

These programs will be removed in the updated Housing
Element since funding for rehabilitation is no longer
available. The existing code enforcement program will
continue to be used to address rehabilitation efforts, and an action is added to Housing Plan Program H2-1 to seek new funding sources to support a new rehabilitation
program.

Program 7.2.1(e). Implement the Foreclosure
Preservation Homeownership Program designed to
preserve sustainable homeownership in the city
through reclaiming foreclosed homes as
neighborhood assets. This program will preserve 10
very low, 10 low, and 9 moderate-income
residential homes by 2021.

The former Redevelopment Agency (now subsumed by
the Lancaster Housing Authority) purchased and
substantially rehabilitated vacant foreclosed single-
family residential properties. The properties were
rehabilitated with energy efficient features, such as dual paned windows, Energy Star appliances, and drought
tolerant landscaping, all in an effort to reduce the
maintenance costs for the new homeowners. This
program helps to eliminate physical deterioration, blight, squatting, and illegal dumping while assisting the
community by providing families the opportunity to
purchase affordable homes. Each rehabilitated home
sells with a 45-year affordability period. The foreclosure preservation program was funded by Low and Moderate
Income Housing Funds.

Continued Appropriateness: With the end of
Redevelopment, Low and Moderate Income Housing
Funds are no longer being collected. This program will be removed due to lack of funding.

Program 7.3.1(a). Continue to perform pre-
occupancy inspection programs in which a City
building inspector inspects housing to ensure
compliance with local, state, and federal
The City routinely conducts building inspections for
compliance with applicable building codes.

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 211 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness regulations related to public health, safety, and
welfare, including applicable housing codes.

Continued Appropriateness: This program is routinely
implemented; as such it is removed from the updated
Housing Element.

Program 7.3.1(b). Conduct concentrated code
enforcement programs within the City when the
need and community support warrant such activity.

It is intended that this program would be applied to
areas which are still basically sound, but which are
just beginning to show signs of decline. This
program would be coordinated with existing
rehabilitation programs to provide loans and
subsidies for required repairs.

The Department of Housing & Neighborhood
Revitalization is dedicated to making Lancaster’s
neighborhoods a desirable place to live, work and play.

The City works proactively with residents to conduct
code enforcement.

Continued Appropriateness: Code enforcement remains
an important activity to keep property in good shape to ensure the overall community well-being. This program
is continued in the updated Housing Element.

Program 7.3.1(c). Perform departmental review
and approval of state-unlicensed group home
facilities for disabled persons within the community
to ensure compliance with regulations related to
public health, safety, and welfare.

The City reviews and approves applications for a variety of housing types to confirm compliance with regulations.

Continued Appropriateness: This program is routinely
implemented; as such it is removed from the updated
Housing Element.

Program 7.3.1(d). Respond to complaints or
reports of substandard and unsanitary residential
rental properties deemed unfit and/or unsafe for
human occupancy, and limit the negative impacts
to the physical, social, and economic stability of
existing residential facilities, neighborhoods and
the community as a whole.

The City’s Department of Housing & Neighborhood
Revitalization oversees code enforcement and responds
to complaints, requiring improvements to bring housing
up to code.

Continued Appropriateness: Code enforcement remains
an important activity to keep property in good shape to ensure the overall community well-being. This program
is consolidated under the Code Enforcement and Rental
Housing Inspection program in the updated Housing
Element (Program H-3.3).

Program 7.3.2(a). Facilitate the street
maintenance, street widening, and provision of
curb, gutter, sidewalk, and other improvements as
appropriate to urban and rural environments in
neighborhoods requiring revitalization.

Revitalization of existing neighborhoods, including
infrastructure improvements, is a major objective of the City. These improvements are completed as part of new
housing developments, and within existing
neighborhoods are funded through the City’s Capital
Improvements Program and CDBG resources.

Continued Appropriateness: This program is routinely
implemented; as such it is removed from the updated
Housing Element.

H - 212 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program 7.3.2(b). Provide for the acquisition of
property in targeted neighborhood-revitalization
areas where blighted conditions exist. Long-range
revitalization efforts include acquisition,
demolition, infrastructure repair, re-parcelization,
and construction of single-family dwellings and
neighborhood facilities.

The City used Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
funds to acquire, rehabilitate, and sell 11
vacant/foreclosed homes to low-income buyers.

Continued Appropriateness: NSP funds have been
exhausted and there are no existing programs that are
actively buying programs to rehab. As such, this program will be removed due to funding no longer being
available.

Program 8.1.1(a). Administer the provisions of the
zoning ordinance that allow the development of
senior citizen residential projects, as a conditional
use, within areas designated for single family,
multiple family or commercial uses. The senior
developments would be located as a transitional
use between districts of varying intensity.

The City revised the zoning ordinance to allow senior
housing in the OP zone in conjunction with health care
uses with a CUP. Senior housing is allowed everywhere
multi-family housing and mixed-use housing is allowed,
with reduced parking requirements.

Continued Appropriateness: This program has been
implemented and is removed from the updated Housing
Element.

Program 8.1.1(b). According to the provisions of
the zoning ordinance, allow for the reduction in
required parking for senior citizen projects as
necessary to encourage affordable housing for
senior citizens.

The City’s Zoning Regulation requires 1 covered parking for each unit and 1 guest space for every 4 units in senior apartments or condominiums. Covered spaces can either
be a garage or carport and are often used to locate the required solar panels, as well as shaded parking in the desert climate. Guest parking can be uncovered.

Continued Appropriateness: This program has been
implemented and is removed from the updated Housing
Element.

Program 8.1.1(d). Administer the provisions of the
zoning ordinance that allow for the establishment
of second units on single family residential lots as a
means of providing additional elderly housing
opportunities. Inform the public of the provision for
second units for the elderly through publication
and public presentation.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) provide additional
affordable by design housing options for many members
of the community, including seniors. Interest in
constructing ADUs is high in Lancaster and continues to grow. In 2018, 9 applications were received; in 2019, 23 were received; and in 2020, 39 ADU applications were
received. This represents a 150 percent increase
between 2018 and 2019, and a 70 percent increase
between 2019 and 2020. The issuance of building
permits follows application submittals; as such, lower
numbers occurred in 2018 when new laws became
effective to allow for the time in designing projects and submitting for applications. In 2018, 0 ADU building
permits were issued; in 2019, 0 ADU building permits

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 213 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness were issued; in 2020, 12 building permits were issued;
and in 2021, 99 ADU building permits were issued
between January and September 2021. Applying a
projection of existing 2021 performance to the
remainder of the year, an additional 50 ADU permits are anticipated to be issued in 2021 for a total of at least 149 ADUs. The City estimates that interest will continue to increase over the next few years before leveling off. The City provides information on accessory dwelling units,
approval processes, and resources to interested
applicants.

Continued Appropriateness: Recent State law has
loosened requirements for ADUs. The City updated the
ADU Ordinance in January 2020. This program will be
updated to indicate that the City will continue to
monitor State laws to ensure compliance with state law
and update the City’s ordinance as needed.

Program 8.1.1(e). Utilize the following criteria to
evaluate proposed senior residential projects:

• Projects should be within walking distance
of transit services, major transportation routes, and
shopping and medical facilities.
• Land uses in senior projects should be
limited to residential uses, extended care facilities
and ancillary commercial uses.
• Projects shall include provisions limiting
the purchase or lease of the property to persons
over 55 unless a different age is required by state
law.

The intent of this program is addressed as part of the
regular development review process conducted by the
City’s Development Review Committee (DRC).

Continued Appropriateness: This program is routinely
implemented; as such it is removed from the updated
Housing Element.

Program 8.1.2(a). Continue support for Lancaster
Community Homeless Shelter. Provide funding on
an ongoing basis to a non‐profit entity for the
management of this facility.

The City prepared a Homelessness Plan in August 2018
to gain a better understanding of homelessness in
Lancaster, the issues that contribute to homelessness,
the makeup of the homeless population in the City, and
identify goals and strategies to address homelessness
and the associated impacts.

The Lancaster Community Homelessness Plan aims to
decrease the number of persons experiencing
homelessness in the City of Lancaster, reduce the impact Program 8.1.2(b). Continue to seek opportunities
for providing emergency shelter for the homeless.

Encourage participation of non‐profit
organizations.

H - 214 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Program 8.1.2(c). Coordinate with other
jurisdictions in the Antelope Valley in order to
address the regional perspective of homelessness.
of homelessness within the City of Lancaster, align City resources with County investments, through a regional
approach, and improve quality of life for all residents.

The objectives of the Plan are to align efforts with the County's Homeless Initiatives, consider a true balanced approach (for entire community), provide equal
placement of attention on public safety and community
vitality, seek a collaborative approach, and engage the community.

In 2019 the Kensington Campus was completed. This
development is an innovative 14-acre community
designed to house, employ, and rehabilitate the local
homeless population.

As part of this development, the City of Lancaster
contributed $5.6 million towards the construction of the permanent housing component of this project, which
includes 100 units of permanent supportive housing,
bridge housing for 153 individuals, 20,000 square feet of wrap around supportive services space, and a 12,000
square foot enterprise job creation building.

In Lancaster, the Los Angeles County Homeless Services
Authority (LAHSA), Valley Oasis, Mental Health America, Salvation Army, the Mental Health America Military
Resource Center, and faith-based organizations also
provide homeless outreach services.

Continued Appropriateness: The City of Lancaster will
continue its participation in the regional Antelope Valley Homeless Coalition. This partnership provides a
coordinated effort, in conjunction with the LAHSA, for
funding and the study of a variety of issues related to the homeless population, housing needs, public services, and overall enhancement of the region’s Continuum of Care.

This program is updated to address these
accomplishments and included in the new Housing
Element.

Program 8.1.2(d). Continue support in the
operations of Homeless Solutions Access Center as
a first point of contact for the homeless and
persons at risk of becoming homeless.

Program 8.1.2(e). Periodically conduct a survey to
identify vacant buildings within the City which
could be reused for housing for very low-, low- and
moderate-income households or as shelter/service
facilities for the homeless. If conversion
opportunities are feasible, prepare implementation
strategies.

Program 8.1.3(a). Continue the Homeowner
Disabled Accessibility Program and the Senior
Homeowner Disabled Accessibility Program
With the loss of Redevelopment Low and Moderate
Income Funds, these programs are no longer funded.

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 215 Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness designed to assist very low to moderate-income
disabled homeowners as well as disabled senior
citizen homeowners, by providing loans to retrofit
principal residences to be physically accessible. The
programs will provide assistance to 84 very low, 36
low and 24 moderate-income households.

Assistance will be provided by 2021.

However, multiple projects provide housing for disabled residents, including:

Veteran’s Home of California, opened in 2010, is a 60-
bed, long-term residential care facility.

Penny Lane CUP 14-12, constructed in 2019, provides
permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans,
families, and individuals.

Penny Lane CUP 18-26, similar to 14-12, focuses on
family and children aging out of foster care. Units are also provided for seeing impaired individuals. This
project is permitted but not yet built and is in the
process of securing funding.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
support the development of supportive housing. A
modified program will be included in the new Housing
Element.

Program 8.1.4(a). Establish regular lines of
communication and a monitoring program to gauge
the extent of off-base military housing
requirements.

The City’s Planning Department periodically consults
with the Housing Office at Edward’s Air Force Base
regarding this issue. Recent discussions with the
Edward’s Air Force Base Housing Manager indicate that
there is a waiting list for housing for entry level staff.

Continued Appropriateness: This program is routinely
implemented; as such it is removed as a program from
the updated Housing Element and instead included as a
policy.

Program 8.2.1(a). Continue to work with the
Housing Rights Center to actively support and
promote a Fair Housing Program that encompasses
investigations of discrimination complaints,
research of housing related discrimination issues
and public education and information.

The City continues to work with the Housing Rights
Center to affirmatively further fair housing in Lancaster.

To solicit public feedback on fair housing choice in the City and in consideration of possible impediments,
information was gathered from many different sources
to draft the 2015 Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice, including:

Communication with people seeking fair housing
Comments and information from public meetings and
public forums—including a focus group made up of
affordable housing advocates and social service
providers.

Neighborhood surveys—including comments from
citizens in many parts of the city about types of housing they have and any impediments they have encountered.

H - 216 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
Table H-6.1: Program Accomplishments
2014-2021 Housing Element Program Progress and Continued Appropriateness Continued Appropriateness: The City continues to
provide funding to the Housing Rights Center to promote fair housing in Lancaster. This program is continued in the updated Housing Element, in a consolidated Fair
Housing program.

Program 8.2.1(b). Increase public awareness of
Lancaster’s Fair Housing Program and other City
and Agency assisted housing programs through
period print, radio, television, web-based media
and other venues through the provisions of the
City’s Communications Master Plan.

The City contracts with the Housing Rights Center (HRC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to affirmatively
furthering fair housing choice through the provision of education and direct client services. Using available data to analyze current discrimination trends, HRC
disseminates brochures that promote awareness of
specific fair housing issues in an effort to ensure that all persons have the opportunity to secure safe and decent
housing that they desire and can afford, without regard to their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income or other characteristics protected by lases. Direct client services range from
providing advice concerning general housing issues to
performing investigations and advising residents of their rights and remedies under the law in cases where
evidence sustains the allegations of discrimination.

Continued Appropriateness: The City continues to
provide funding to the Housing Rights Center to promote fair housing in Lancaster. This program is continued in the updated Housing Element, in a consolidated Fair
Housing program.

Program 8.2.1(c). Identify, promote and foster
community-based organizations focused on
delivering supportive services that meet the
specific needs of people who are in need of
Continuum of Care programs ranging from
domestic violence to homelessness.

The City of Lancaster actively provides assistance and
referrals for people who are in need of Continuum of
Care programs.

Continued Appropriateness: The City will continue to
build and maintain relationships with community-based
organizations to deliver supportive services and meet
specific needs of those in the Continuum of Care
programs. This program is consolidated with the other
homelessness initiative programs and continued in the
updated Housing Element.

Quantified Objectives

2021 - 2 0 2 9 H O U S I N G E L E M E N T H - 217 Table H-6.2 summarizes the quantified objectives contained for the 2014-2021 Housing Element and compares the City’s progress toward fulfilling these objectives. As part of the 2014-2021 Housing Element, the City established a set of quantified objectives for housing construction, rehabilitation, and preservation.
• The construction objective represents the City’s RHNA for the 2014 -2021 planning period. The City began tracking in 2018, so progress reflects 2018-2020. Actual construction progress exceeds the progress indicated in Table H-6.2.
• The rehabilitation objective represents objectives for code enforcement rehabilitation. Due to the loss of Redevelopment Low and Moderate Income funds, these targets were not achieved. • The conservation objectives represent conservation and expansion of existing affordable housing through the Neighborhood Foreclosure Prevention Program, Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and Home Ownership Mortgage Loan Program. Due to the loss of Redevelopment Low and Moderate Income funds, these targets were not achieved.

Table H-6.2: Progress Toward Previous Quantified Objectives Objectives
Income Levels Total
Extremely
Low
Very Low
Low Moderate
Above
Moderate
Construction Objectives
Goal 627 384 413 1,086 2,510
Progress 186 40 -- 546 772
Rehabilitation Objectives
Goal 172 172 216 64 20 644
Progress: Rehab -- -- --
Progress: Code
Enforcement 6,000 6,000
Conservation Objectives
Goal 20 20 32 18 -- 90
Progress 11 -- 11
Source: Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report 2014-2019, Housing Element Annual Reports, 2014 to 2020

H - 218 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

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APPENDIX A: HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

CITY OF LANCASTER
JANUARY 2021
2021-2029 Housing Element

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTS

INTRODUCTION
A-2
In December 2020 and January 2021, the City of Lancaster launched a survey to gather information about housing concerns in the community as part of a focused General Plan update to the Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice elements. This survey focused on the topic of housing.

The survey was available to the public during these two months in both English and Spanish. City staff promoted the survey through social media and community organizations.

A total of 307 people who live and/or work in Lancaster participated filled out complete surveys. Results from the survey are presented and summarized here. Open-ended responses are listed in Appendix A.

HOUSING QUESTIONS

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTS 63%
3%
29%
3%
Live in Lancaster
Work in Lancaster
Live and work in Lancaster
Do not live or work in Lancaster
A-4
QUESTION A1 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
CURRENTLY, DO YOU:

Answer Options Number Percent
Live in Lancaster 192 63%
Work in Lancaster 8 3%
Live and work in Lancaster 89 29%
Do not live or work in Lancaster 10 3%
Total Responses 299 100%

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-5 Total Responses = 300
2%
2%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
2%
3%
5%
83%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
No Answer
Other
Group home/assisted living
Interim/transitional housing and shelter
Accessory dwelling unit (granny flat/guest house)
A duplex/triplex/fourplex
Do not currently have a permanent home
A condominium/townhome
A mobile home
An apartment
A single-family home
QUESTION A2 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
WHICH BEST DESCRIBES YOUR CURRENT LIVING SITUATION? SEE THE APPENDIX FOR “OTHER” RESPONSES.

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-6 Answer Options # of times selected in top three weighted score Single-family homes 205 1.82
Condominiums/townhomes 115 0.75
Homes with 4+ bedrooms 101 0.64
Senior housing 83 0.50
Efficiency homes such as studio apartments 78 0.44
Larger scale apartments (5 units or more) 57 0.40
Housing for families and individuals who need supportive services like jobs training and social services 55 0.37 Interim/transitional housing for people looking to transition from homelessness 52 0.31 Smaller scale apartments (4 units or fewer) 48 0.27
Accessory dwelling units (granny flat/guest house) 44 0.23 Mobile home parks 15 0.08
Total Responses = 299
QUESTION A3 – RANKING [TOP 3]
WHAT TYPES OF HOUSING DOES LANCASTER NEED MOST?

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-7 Answer Options Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Not
Important
Don’t
Know
Total
Responses
Ensure that children who grow up in Lancaster can afford to live in Lancaster on their own as adults. 68% 23% 8% 1% 303
Focus new housing near commercial locations, creating “live/work” neighborhoods. 35% 37% 27% 0% 295 Streamline the process for new housing construction. 40% 39% 13% 8% 301 Establish housing for seniors, large families, veterans, and/or persons with disabilities. 50% 34% 9% 8% 315 Provide shelters and transitional housing for homeless families and individuals, together along with services that help move people into permanent housing. 36% 29% 19% 16% 338 Encourage the rehabilitation of existing housing in older neighborhoods. 53% 34% 8% 5% 309 Support programs to help homeowners at risk of mortgage default to keep their homes, including mortgage loan programs. 46% 32% 12% 11% 330
Targeted efforts to address long-term inequities in the housing market, including discrimination in renting. 43% 23% 26% 8% 305
QUESTION A4 – ARRAY
INDICATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CURRENT HOUSING CHALLENGES IN LANCASTER.

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-8 QUESTION A5 – RANKING [TOP 2]

TO MEET LONG-TERM HOUSING DEMAND LOCALLY AND RESULTING FROM LACK OF HOUSING STATE-WIDE,

THE CITY WILL NEED TO PLAN FOR MORE APARTMENTS, TOWNHOMES, CONDOMINIUMS, DUPLEXES, TRIPLEXES, AND FOURPLEXES. PLEASE RANK YOUR TOP TWO CHOICES IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE BASED ON WHAT YOU THINK ARE THE BEST LOCATIONS IN LANCASTER FOR NEW HOUSING.

Total Responses = 299
Answer Options # of times selected in top three weighted score In the Central Core (Ave H to Ave J and 30th St W to Sierra Highway). 130 1.11 Anywhere in Lancaster as long as any impacts to single-family neighborhoods are minimal. 117 0.98 Along Major Corridors (like Ave J or 10th St W). 106 0.87 Near the Antelope Valley College campus. 103 0.86
On the outskirts of town. 74 0.65
In existing multi-family neighborhoods. 41 0.34

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-9 QUESTION A6 – RANKING [TOP 2]

A NUMBER OF TRADEOFFS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO PROVIDING MORE HOUSING IN LANCASTER. PLEASE RANK YOUR TOP TWO CHOICES IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE, WITH 1 BEING THE MOST IMPORTANT.

Answer Options # of times selected in top three weighted score New housing should be located with easy access to shops, services, and community facilities. 135 1.13 New housing should be spread evenly across all parts of the city. 111 0.95 New housing should blend in with the character of surrounding neighborhoods. 109 0.95 New housing should be located where it will have the least impact on traffic in Lancaster. 108 0.93 New housing should be concentrated near existing and planned public transit. 108 0.89 Total Responses = 297

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTS 36% 34%
15%
8%
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Definitely would Probably would Probably would not Definitely would not Other QUESTION A7 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]

IF MULTI-FAMILY OR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA COULD HELP BRING MORE SHOPPING, DINING AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES, WOULD YOU BE IN FAVOR IT? A-10
Answer Options Number Percent
Definitely would 109 36%
Probably would 103 34%
Probably would not 46 15%
Definitely would not 26 8%
Other 15 5%
Total Responses 299 100%

DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-12 Years Number Percent
1-5 years 60 20%
6-10 years 34 11%
11-20 years 61 20%
21+ years 136 44%
Do not live in Lancaster 11 4%
Total Responses 302 100%
QUESTION B1 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN LANCASTER?
20%
11%
20%
44%
4%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
1-5 years 6-10 years 11-20 years 21+ years Do not live in Lancaster

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTS 29%
63%
0%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Male Female Non-binary Prefer not to say
A-13
Gender Number Percent
Male 89 29%
Female 194 63%
Non-binary 0 0%
Prefer not to say 13 4%
Total Responses 296 100%
QUESTION B2 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR GENDER.

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-14 QUESTION B3 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF? SEE APPENDIX A FOR ‘OTHER’ RESPONSES. 46%
8%
25%
3% 1% 2%
16%
3%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Race/Ethnicity Number Percent
White non-Hispanic 141 46%
African American 24 8%
Hispanic/Latino 76 25%
Asian or Asian American 10 3%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 3 1%
Native American 6 2%
Prefer not to say 48 16%
Other 8 3%
Total Responses 316 100%

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTS 93%
2% 2%
English
Spanish
Other
A-15
QUESTION B4 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
WHAT LANGUAGE IS PRIMARILY SPOKEN IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?
SEE APPENDIX A FOR ‘OTHER’ RESPONSES.

Language Number Percent
English 284 93%
Spanish 6 2%
Other 6 2%
Total Responses 296 100%

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY

LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTS 44%
52%
0%
Yes
No
Other
0%
17%
49%
22%
8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Under 18 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+
A-16
QUESTION B5 –
MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
WHAT IS YOUR AGE GROUP?
QUESTION B8 –
MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18?
Age Number Percent
Under 18 0 0%
18-29 52 17%
30-49 149 49%
50-64 69 22%
65+ 26 8%
Total Responses 296 100%
Children Under 18 Number Percent
Yes 136 44%
No 159 52%
Other 0 0%
Total Responses 295 100%

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-17 QUESTION B6 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
WHICH ZIP CODE DO YOU RESIDE IN? SEE APPENDIX A FOR ‘OTHER’ RESPONSES.

ZIP Code Number Percent
93534 49 16%
93535 98 32%
93536 138 45%
93539 0 0%
93584 0 0%
93586 0 0%
Other 14 5%
Total Responses 299 100%
16%
32%
45%
0% 0% 0%
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
93534 93535 93536 93539 93584 93586 Other

HOUSING SURVEY SUMMARY
LANCASTER HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SAFETY ELEMENTSA-18 QUESTION B7 – MULTIPLE CHOICE [PICK 1]
WHICH BEST DESCRIBES YOUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME?
Household Income Number Percent
Under $24,999 14 5%
$25,000 - $49,999 38 12%
$50,000 - $74,999 48 16%
$75,000 - $99,999 46 15%
$100,000 - $149,999 68 22%
$150,000 or more 43 14%
Prefer not to say 25 8%
Total Responses 282 100%
5%
12%
16% 15%
22%
14%
8%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Under
$24,999
$25,000 -
$49,999
$50,000 -
$74,999
$75,000 -
$99,999
$100,000 -
$149,999
$150,000 or
more
Prefer not to
say

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-20
HOUSING SURVEY: OPEN-ENDED RESPONSES

HOUSING QUESTIONS
A2. Which best describes your current living situation? Live in a room in my sister’s single-family home
Studio apartment made by partitioning off part of a single-family home.

I live with my parents because I cannot afford to purchase my own home or rent in Lancaster.

Live with family
Renting a room

A7. If multi-family or mixed-use development in the Downtown Area could help bring more shopping, dining and housing opportunities, would you be in favor of it? Low income homes near the commerce allows for loitering and unsafe shopping after night fall No
Yes, as long as existing stores would not get drastically effected and pushed out due to increase in rent. There should be an equal diverse representation on stores.

We need shopping on westside!
Focus on bringing shopping and dining to areas other than just the BLVD Dining and shopping yes. Housing no
We can’t even go out right now.

Only if there's more policing as well
Only if it stays nice and doesn’t turn ghetto like the city is now.

Traffic & parking already a mess.

Provided it’s NOT low income that attracts the gangs and thugs!!! Downtown is crowded. Where would it go?
Many shopping areas are empty. build adjacent to them to bring them back to life.

When you bring in apartments, you also bring the ratchet along with it. More problems and your neighborhood to turn into Compton.

Can't you see it hasn't? The BLVD is a shambles.

A8. What else would you like the City to consider when updating Lancaster’s Housing Element? How the American housing policy on a national, state and local level have negatively affect Black people and I would hope that Lancaster would public apologize for its role in supporting and propagating policies that were/are systemically racists, such as its attack on Section 8 housing. After its recognition of the role it has played, the City should establish a commission to identify and recommend remedies for the City Council (and/or voters) to consider.

A total of 3 year-round shelters. One for men, women and families. 2021-2029 Housing Element
Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-21
The need for more Condos and Townhomes to purchase. Not everyone can afford to buy a house. But this would provide a purchase option for those who are trying to buy rather than rent.

Get rid of the homeless and trash
I would like to see more homes sold to people and not real-estate investors. People are being priced out of the market by greedy investors. Reduce homes for rent and increase home ownership. People will care for their neighborhood when they are fully invested.

Get rid of section 8 and clean up the homeless. Don’t house them, get them out. Only offer assistance to those that want it. If they refuse help pack them out! Get rid of low-income housing and people.

Stop so much HUD housing
Need middle income housing. When we talk about affordable housing that usually means low income, it does not address the working groups that make too much to qualify for low income but, not enough to afford purchasing or renting standard housing.

Que reparen las calles de el East ya que se ve que al west le están enviando más recursos Affordability
There is a huge need for more rental units and apartments in the AV, but there is also a need for more affordable homes that people can buy. Housing types like row home and condos can serve as "starter homes" for people who would like to own a home but are currently priced out of the market.

DO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS & if you’re a convicted felon you can’t participate!!! No more section 8
Eliminate stupid expensive requirements and ordinances. It’s too damn expensive to build anything! Bring better housing, stop taking in apartments and other housing arrangements that diminish the suburban housing feel we had in the 90s
Eliminate crime on the BLVD
Mid-range priced condos in downtown area
More police response to theft calls. Stop the mailbox break ins/ theft of mail. More police patrol in neighborhoods...lots of break ins, car theft, etc
Add parks and walking trails. All the vacant land is an eyesore. Or at least try to landscape some of the areas.

Sidewalks are needed especially around Quartz Hill High School along 60th Street, Avenue L and K.

Students should have nice areas to walk to and from school.

Rent control and owners that abuse section 8.

Affordable housing for working class.

Create open spaces to walk and bike that is away from major roadways.

A park for each new neighborhood created.
affordable housing, decreasing food deserts, meaning having housing be around grocery stores.

Having public transit available for all new housing to help individuals travel easier around town and to reduce carbon footprint and equal Accessibility to all new housing plans for all people. Rezoning areas for residential multi-family use, ex. Old abandon stores that have been sitting empty for years.

Better ways to deal with problematic section 8 tenants & their visitors.

Adding in more social services to support housing the homeless and building permeant supportive housing to help prevent homelessness.

To provide incentives or some sort of voucher for people who grew up here since birth More frequent and easier access to public transportation.

More wheelchair accessible units and focus.

Stop bringing low income apartments and section 8 to the city. We need to take care of trash left by the transients and drug addicts on the streets already before we add more people. affordable assisted living
Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-22
senior care
The impact on schools. We need more schools if you want to encourage people to move here. We are maxed out already in classrooms. We also need more shops, dinning and wider roadways.

When we were starting out a couple years ago the opportunity to get our first place was hard, but you can't control everything. Renting was our only choice all the condos were already owned, and homes were too big. We lived next to Mayflower Garden in little homes with a joining wall in the garage to the other house. It was the size of an apartment with a little backyard. I was the perfect little starter even though it was a rental. I just suggest those for consideration in building them. They were perfect.

For someone starting out or retiring or getting back on their feet. It was a great little community.

You guys need to partner with habitat for humanity and allow more homes to be built and less limiting zoning laws.

On your website it says that habitat for humanity has extended its service to the antelope valley, but when I contacted them, they said they were trying to buy some land from you guys.

There is tons of empty land everywhere!
And there are tons of people in need of affordable homes right now, so why can’t you guys create a bunch of jobs by making a bunch of new houses?
The more people own a home, the more they have to spend on other stuff besides rent which takes up 95% of my salary each month.

And more people could be taxed to fund the school!
Please do something about affordable housing!
Stop with the section 8 and clean up the city.

Pull high paying industries to the area. Amazon is not one. Something that will bring quality shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Having more parks, use xeriscapes for landscape instead of grass, having more options of commute to and from LA, better public transportation, having more cameras around the city for better policing and crime detergent.

Fix the roads! People pay enough in property and gas tax that they shouldn't have their car destroyed during their commute on these roads. Ridiculous!
Please fix the roads for the current tax paying residents. We already pay a ton in gas taxes and the roads are atrocious as we drive to our jobs where we pay more taxes that get wasted.

If you're planning housing development, provide shopping in the area to minimize traffic, and provide public parks. If you continue on the same path, I will continue to shop outside Lancaster. We don't have anything on the westside.

Improved schools. Many with well-paying jobs that stimulate the area choose to leave because of the schools available.

Rent control for future increases which is what’s driving homelessness in AV. I see more families losing housing due to affordability than mental illness or addiction. It would be great to have developers nonaffiliated with the Mayor. Build on the West side of 30th West, everyone should have access to a safe and desirable neighborhood.

New businesses. A promenade would be great. More big franchises on the east side.

Nice affordable housing for the younger generation
Mainly building within town instead of outskirts.... there is a lot of empty land within that could be used for commercial building and housing, plus a full town will make our city look beautiful.

Income based housing is limited we have more homeless families. Income based housing will help families be able to thrive in our community. Kids have better chances to by not struggling with family finances.

Any development that would negatively impact the value of current homeowners’ property.

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-23
No apartments, or multi units near single family homes. Keep them in the outskirts.

Transitional homes and shelter for homeless. Please. Adjustable scale housing for seniors located in safe neighborhoods who do not need assistance but live on limited income, so they don’t become homeless.

Update the code to allow for more detached condo projects. This would allow for more dense projects with fewer public infrastructure. Utilize other more urban cities code as a model.

School
The outskirts are better for low income families. Sure, you want businesses to make more money and housing by the downtown area will help with that, but the price will reflect the convenience.

Lancaster should focus on more schools and parks. We are lacking in schools per number of children we have. We need more areas for mental health. Lancaster should be putting new housing in areas that will not continue to bring down value of working-class homes. Facilities being created to help those in need is wonderful and the working class helps tremendously in that regard but to bring down the value of an area, of the working class home to make others feel good about their situation is well also inconsiderate of the working class. We are already one of the cheapest areas to live in California (which people are leaving due to political stances like this and much more). Make Lancaster an area of industry where people work here instead of commuting down below. Make it a family community where we don’t have to think and worry about a police officer getting shot in our area due to apartments next door. Instead of having a survey online where only a handful of Lancaster will see, do better by the people you serve and take the time to see how the community where you want to add these facilities feels about it. Ask the veterans home and staff how they feel about needing to up security due to the facilities you put next door to them. Families don’t have the means to pay for 24hr security. The police are amazing people and are needed but are not obligated to step in any situation. The Boulevard was supposed to bring the community up, has it done that, not from what I have seen. Businesses cannot afford to stay there, others have had homeless and ruffian issues, I don’t feel any safer taking my family on the boulevard unless an activity is being held where there is ample amounts of security. Look at the past choices that have been made and learn from them, don’t think that if you tweak it a little every time maybe one time it will work, that is how you bring a community down, make the working class no longer want to stay, and so much more.

Victory Gardens! Small scale urban food production! More fruit trees...LESS LAWNS = save water, save money!!!
Please don’t build any residential housing along major streets like Ave J or Ave K, leave those major streets to business and offices. That will make the city look urban and developed.

Upscale apartments that are safe. More gated communities I would like the new properties to blend in well with the neighborhoods. I prefer less section 8 developments because I feel that the City of Los Angeles sends people here Proximity to wraparound supportive services
Higher standards for appearance and safety. Moved out of a neighborhood because of constant drug deals, yelling, trash everywhere, and very unsafe environment.

Need something to help with the trash all over town, it's everywhere. Mattresses on the side of the roads random debris piling up.. houses in disrepair or lack of upkeep...

Consider the homeowners who have invested living here because of how the houses are set up. I bought my house because of the location. It is far enough from businesses and apartments. I think keeping single family homes and apartments separate is ideal.

I live on 30th and Ave J. I feel we have large scale multi-family communities already built along with the Kensington Campus that seems to still be in construction mode. I am concerned that more Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-24
housing of this type in one concentrated area is not what is needed. Please consider building in multiple areas to maintain a choice of location for families needing housing.

Stop building
Stop HUD housing stop going to undesirable areas and recruiting undesirable people into our area where we have to have more crime increased law enforcement, take care of the citizens in Lancaster, leave the sewers of LA in LA and keep section 8 housing out of Lancaster.

Expansion of shopping, dining, and entertainment (dance halls, arcades like Dave and Busters, etc.) for young adults.

Government has no right to get involved in this matter, and since you’ll so as you want regardless of what the answers are, where will the funding for this come from? You need to consider criminal record and how the new tenants will affect the neighborhoods. There are still nice and safe neighborhoods in the east side of Lancaster but if you guys will be building over here and letting in people with a bad record then obviously the city will worsen. Interview people before letting them live here.

Ensure that new housing is built in areas that are redeveloped/updated BEFORE the new housing is constructed. For example, if new housing is going to go onto Sierra Hwy, fix the areas around the new development first so that the new property is not devalued. No one wants to move into a nice apartment surrounded by sketchy.

Consider the income of those who want housing, like millennials making 50k, and can sustain it but are unable to save an exorbitant amount of money for down payment through the lenders many housing companies partner with.

To place different kinds of housing in widespread neighborhoods Widen Ave N from freeway to 50th!!! Traffic is horrible and it’s dangerous for those making left turns into private homes and dirt roads.

Clean up the trash in empty lots and bring more shopping centers to Lancaster instead of Palmdale having all the shopping
Please consider that those of us who have moved to the outskirts of town, have done so because we prefer the slower, quieter pace it offers. To stick apartment complexes, town homes/condos here would forever alter the rural way of life that once made the AV special. Apts., condos, should remain in the more populous areas of Lancaster. In addition, instead of focusing solely on housing, the city should prioritize creating additional resources to meet the needs of those already living here i.e. more schools, parks, hospitals. With all the new single-family homes being completed, isn't there a way to ask those builders to contribute to funding for such things if they want to build here? What's the point of having more affordable housing when the resident’s needs can't be met in those areas? - I would be in favor of higher end condos/town homes in nice neighborhoods. - fill in the vacant lots!
- finish some of these half-built communities.
- look to Santa Clarita’s new neighborhoods for inspiration on work/life balance. Parks, walking trails, close shops, safe sidewalks, and a true sense of community in the neighborhood. - stop building everything on 10th West! It’s too much traffic. - get better businesses and restaurants so I don’t have to give my business to Palmdale. - take note of the desirable neighborhoods (18th E &K-8, but there are others) and build more of those!
Fill the empty spots in the city first! I would also be in favor of higher-end townhomes and condos; not everyone with money needs 3,000+ sq ft. We need parks and trails. Finish the sidewalks! More businesses to Lancaster; I’m tired of driving to Palmdale. We really need higher-end housing to bring the jobs and other businesses.

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-25
No apartments, no condos or low income anything.

I would like the Lancaster officials to mind their business. Increasing the city’s capacity without adjusting for the inflation of traffic coming up here is just going to make it harder for the people that already commute. So, what’s the plan make more house, on who’s dime? And all these people your attracting where will they work?
if your adding more housing people will need more restaurants. We usually end up driving to Palmdale for a nice meal at a restaurant that’s not fast food. Especially if we want dinner and a movie.

Please add restaurants around the movie theater on Ave I. A Mimi’s Cafe or Cracker Barrel would be a good choice since Palmdale doesn’t offer these.

More HOA neighborhoods, gated communities, newer houses with beautiful curb appeal and have community parks/schools, and for code enforcement to drive through neighborhoods to help clean up Lancaster.

Walkable and bikeable communities
Look to Santa Clarita as an example
Build housing that is affordable and near freeway for young professionals who work in aerospace. Etc.

Remodeling or demolition of unused buildings such as on Avenue J and division, where there’s run- down buildings making the city look run down and ugly.

Cheaper rent for low income families but safe environment Sidewalks for kids walking to school. Speed bumps and/or traffic circles to reduce speed in high-foot- traffic areas. Weed control in the empty fields to prevent growth from blocking bike lanes/sidewalks, especially on East side, so pedestrians don't have to walk in street. Improvements to traffic-signal timing (East side red lights are sometimes 2, even 3, minutes long, despite no cross traffic.) Ensure there is adequate private parking for new housing projects to minimize street parking.

1. An Eco-friendly Lancaster or solar panel installation would be nice.

2. Masonry fences looks incredible when driving through Lancaster. It makes certain areas look nicer and it provides a bit more privacy.

3. Please make all new homes disability friendly (i.e. safety rails), wheelchair friendly (i.e. wheelchair ramps), and bike friendly (i.e. bike lanes and bike racks).

4. More policing in all Lancaster areas, we have caught many crimes on our cameras and when police patrol our area, the crimes stop but when they stop patrolling our area, the crimes begin again. We live in the major corridors of Lancaster. I don't want any new housing to deal with the same problem.

We've had people NOT WANT TO COME TO OUR HOUSE because paraphrasing their words ""they live in a crime hotspot"".

WHAT'S THE POINT OF NEW HOUSING IF CRIMES GO UNANSWERED AND SCARE PEOPLE AWAY! More single-story houses with 4+ rooms /2-3+ bathrooms. With a 3+ car garage. Maybe in a track home so you pick and choose the features you want.

Ensure the housing is maintained.

Tiny housing allowed on existing properties as well as tiny housing communities.

I would like them to not allow Airbnb’s on large scale. I live in a “neighborhood” not a hotel district and between 2 houses one next door and one directly across the street have 13 rooms rented out nightly. Eliminate this mess.

More lights in neighborhoods
Make sure no felling or prior felony convictions as in theft or assault All the housing that's built new housing should have coffee shop and restaurant swimming pools Parks swamp meets drive ins. for all community so people could walk to from their homes community like. Dorado Skies
costs of utilities
Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-26
The traffic in peak hours of the day.

Staying on top of negligent landlords.

Gated Affordable Senior Housing Community with access to medical facilities needs to be a priority.

Homelessness MUST be addressed with housing for individuals, families, and addressing MH.

There needs to be real expansion of multi-family housing on the West Side. More and more families cannot afford to buy a house or are here for work for a couple of years and don't want to buy, but also don't want to live in downtown or east side. We need more affordable housing as well as all of the properties have waitlists several years long.

Create more infrastructure! The current infrastructure cannot sustain more housing/residents with investment and upgrade to hospitals, school, freeways etc...

Do not build more low-income apartments on the west side. Stop ruining my property value. They create nothing but crime and problems.

The Avenue I business structure between 17th street west and 10th street west need to be completely refaced or demolished. It gives a bad appearance to the housing that exists.

More new low cost homes
Not to isolate new neighbors from shopping areas. Or build shopping near new areas Update the surface streets also...lower speed limits...more stoplights Lancaster needs to do as much as possible to reduce the environmental impact of new development.

Consider only building LEED-certified buildings, building near public transit lines, increasing housing density, and focusing on urban infill rather than breaking ground on new, undeveloped areas. Also, more parks, community gardens, and conservation areas need to be created so that families that rely solely on public transit are able to access open space, playgrounds, dog parks, etc.

Don’t make everything for low income. Every single place designated low income becomes crime ridden and dangerous and they ruin the nice new neighborhoods.

Stop building new commercial buildings. Use the empty buildings we already have. All of the empty shops make our city look run down.

INCOME/AFFORDABLE BASED HOUSING is needed in Lancaster since everyone basically commute to work
That the planned communities offer green space, walking paths, playgrounds, public transport access points and landscaping that is east to keep clean and neat.

Maintaining housing for single family units not mixed or near apartments as it affects the value of homes and traffic
I really want to see a decrease in homelessness. Tiny home communities have had success in other areas. The desert past H has whole families living in tents. impact on schools and the impact on traffic. with the city's continual ""road diets"" and the increase in traffic, it’s getting harder and harder to drive the roads and make the lights. the increase in housing will only make these things worse. also the hospital needs being met with increasing population.

Fix existing homes. Clear dead foliage, non-maintained landscaping and TRASH! Add parks and playgrounds, splash pads, frisbee golf, tracks to run on. There is not much for our kids to do and I’m sick of living where the shopping sucks, it’s unsafe and not cleaned up and welcoming.

This place is a trash hole that appears like no one cares about it. As a military family, we have lived in many states/cities and Lancaster is by far the worst place we have lived. We are here only for the job and wish it would actually feel like a nice, clean, family-friendly place to stay and make home, instead of always planning when we can get out of here. We are homeowners, work in the community, and really want a place that feels like home. I have so many ideas and wish the community had an actual say in what happens here.

Keep new developments on the outskirts of existing housing areas Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-27
Keep multi housing on the outskirts of existing housing areas Rent control / affordable housing for single parents / balance the Lancaster economic with housing not LA rental prices
Rents units are very hard to come by: I have bad credit but good landlord history and a bankruptcy. I take very good care of my homes but am never given a fair chance to rent due to my credit. I am a single mom and work a full time job of three years but am always denied: base the qualifications on other things except credit so that people like me can be in a safe home without kids: even better have a single mother community where simple criteria is required like landlord history and job history rather than credit. Horrible finding a house out here even though I make 72k at a job for three years I don’t qualify
You’ve already got the land available on the outskirts. The problem is the artificially inflated price of all residences in the area.

Smaller single-family homes that are actually affordable, multi-family units like apartments, duplexes, etc., rarely take dogs, and finding housing without losing a member of your family (dog), has become increasingly difficult.

Clean up older neighborhood. Fix houses/yards
Create sidewalks on main streets
More single-story homes. More housing near spots with amenities close by. More affordable options for those just starting out. The apartment complexes are mostly all low income, so if you don’t make a lot of Money and also don’t qualify for low income housing there are no affordable options for you.

Focus on creating higher class housing and shopping. This is the only way you can attract the younger folks that want a nice place to live and shop but has to go into SF valley or LA to get that.

Spread housing out. Too crowded in the center of town. Too much traffic. Often times with this type of housing comes crime and other illegal activities.

More availability of rent coming trolled apartment complexes.

Not negatively impacting the property values of existing single-family homes.

Housing equity
I think that Lancaster should work on developing the random empty lots around the city, there are so many unfinished squares and they make the city seem ghetto.

Since you are trying to figure out where to house everyone -Please don't add any more bike lanes. We need as many lanes possible open for traffic. When you start building please consider having enough lanes to accommodate all the traffic too. Thank you
Repairs to our roads should be completed before any new housing. If I were to purchase a home in Lancaster as a new homeowner this is one of the top 5 concerns I would consider. Avenue L from 40th Street West to 10th Street West is a mess (potholes) as is Avenue K and J through the same area, 40th to the Freeway to name a few.

No section 8!
Making sure single-family homes and neighborhoods already here are not disrupted. Do not crowd Lancaster Like downtown LA.

Please build more gated apartments. Safety is a concern in the AV.

Apartments need to be built for single apartments not one bedrooms but single apartments that's affordable take a lot of homeless off the street because it appears affordable at $600 a month The lack of available housing is greatly affecting our community at this time. In all price ranges inventory is greatly limited. We need to find ways to correct this situation.

Move housing mean more people, more people need more jobs.

Update the school buildings for all grades
Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-28
Housing at a wider range of cost. It’s great that new expensive neighborhoods are being built but we also need nice and affordable housing for people who need it, and more mid-range options for the middle class.

Ensure that new housing opportunities are affordable for young families. Create more programs that support first time home buyers so young families can purchase a single-family home or purchase a condominium/townhouse. We have enough low-income housing in Lancaster and need more housing opportunities for young working families that earn between $55k - 75k. I was born and raised in Lancaster and have contemplated whether I can continue living in Lancaster. Rent is ridiculously high in bad neighborhoods and even more expensive in good neighborhoods. Create more job opportunities in local government so people like me who have an MPA can actually work in Lancaster without having to take my skills to other cities.

Do something about the deterioration of older neighborhoods, Beech St. Is a shameful example. Why is it allowed to happen?
Gentrify not so good neighborhoods in central Lancaster near Sierra and J. New housing to counter the housing supply shortage.

Build more entertainment or common area establishments to develop a sense of community with Lancaster residents.

Have better paved roads and better clean up
Affordable, plans to mitigate crime, getting local residents into homes vs out of area people, paths to get families out of apartment into homes or mobile homes Fix up broken down houses and commercial building. Use city vacant commercial buildings to assist homeless to minimize brush fires in undeveloped lots throughout the city.

Our geological table isn’t the best for vertical builds, but small apartments, studios, and tiny-home clones above strip malls and other businesses, new or old, would greatly increase our ability to fit people in lower-end rent spaces that have access to basic needs. Ave K and 10th west could’ve done this recently with habit, waba, blaze, et al. being built. If estimate 8-12 units could’ve been added above these places, and if you expand that idea across the city, you’d have close to 1000 homes from existing infrastructure that needs to be updated anyway.

Town homes are a must! A lot of people would benefit from them. Build more townhome/ townhouse.

Collaborating with surrounding cities about land or condemned properties to rebuild, beautify, end homelessness and help low income families to be able to rent and or own homes.

Affordability
WE NEED BUSINESSES FOR JOBS!!!!
Affordable housing is the most important thing at the moment. People are not able to afford the cost of living which is causing mass homelessness.

School availability and ease of transportation. Areas already overrun by homeless/violence refurbish old structures or destroy run down structures and replace them with housing Consider who you want to attract & the affect they would have: low-income housing tends to bring more crime, middle-income housing tends to attract more investment. Edwards AFB, the Defense industry (& possibly the Space Force HQ) need quality housing.

More new starter homes.

Help the Homeless who what Houseinh
Increase in minimum lot size.

Decrease in speed limits near residential areas.

Get rid of the street peddlers and the homeless that are trashing the desert, it is unsanitary Homes should be built with the latest energy efficient green technology included in the purchase.

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-29
Do not make any decisions that would negatively affect existing single-family home neighborhoods. If Rex wouldn’t put it in his neighborhood then don’t put it in my neighborhood.

The impact on schools and adding additional parks and schools when creating new housing development
Please do not put low income housing in a high-income housing area if it will impact the value of the real estate, safety, quality of life, and environmental aesthetics.

To Allow and Provide Landlords and Housing Providers with more Stricter Lease Regulations, Restrictions and Rules to implement on tenants Lease!!
Affordability of the new housing
I would like to see all new housing (All Types) spread evenly in the City. We should limit the impact on current single-family neighborhoods.

Link traffic lights, so commuters can “ride the green wave” it is irresponsible for the city to plan more housing when not first addressing these traffic issues that impact people’s time and pollution to our city.

When updating the Housing Element, the effect it will have on traffic should be a priority. Taking into account both daily commutes for work and to shops and services.

Develop Sierra Hwy. It is near transportation and needs rehabilitating. Might possibly be a spot for a second Kensington Campus.

To make sure people have more work opportunities around the area Clean streets. No homeless encampments. No potholes. Healthy grocery stores.

Pedestrian friendly and near bus stops.

Updating many of the old homes we have in the city. Houses from 1960s or earlier could be revitalized. I believe this would help the quality of neighborhoods.

Pedestrian friendly. Pedestrian walkways with shade/rest areas.

To not use 5G around any of those houses!
More protected, direct bike trails across the city similar to those found in the Midwest that link up with other bike trails. Less bike trails using city streets. This works encourages actual use of bikes, especially if they are going to industrial parks
Are there any new master plan communities proposed in Lancaster? If not, where might be the best location to for such product.

The 2 prior master plan communities I am aware of is the Del Sur project which became solar fields and the Avanti master plan on the west side of Lancaster which is nearing the construction phase.

Infill of vacant lots in the city.

Consider traffic flow, safe biking/walking lanes, with common community areas for residents to mingle and socialize.

More housing on the east side of Lancaster to draw more stores.

Transitional housing & homeless resources should be located more closely to the city's core, where other resources are easily accessed, as opposed to on the outskirts of town, where it would be isolated and more difficult to access city resources.

Tiny homes
New business and entertainment.

Apartment/townhouses for higher executives, not just lower income. People don’t want to move here for aviation industry because housing is aged and low income. do away with Mello roos, do a better job at keeping the neighborhood perimeters clean, code enforcement needs to be more proactive.

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-30
Help the older neighborhoods with maintenance. There are many city trees that are destroying sidewalks and damaging homes. As a homeowner we cannot remove problem trees, but the city will not maintain them.

More consideration of building plans. It's been utterly foolish to have allowed developers to build homes that are not consistent with the desert climate. Requiring solar on new construction isn't enough. Some oversight of the Floorplan is necessary. With over 100° temperature variables, a home with vaulted ceilings is just plain stupid.

I worked with developers for years and know they use the same plans in different areas to save money. Doesn't mean it's appropriate.

Better oversight of developers plans. Given the 100° temperature variable, no plans should be approved with vaulted ceilings. New solar requirements or not, this type of design is foolish in our climate. And very costly for residents in utility bills.

Supplemental taxes are breaking residents’ backs.

Affordable housing!
My adult children with full-time jobs cannot afford to move out on their own. More affordable housing for young adults is essential.

More senior housing options are essential. As seniors, we can no longer keep up with our single- family dwelling, but affordable senior living options are extremely limited or non-existent.

I would be concerned about large-scale apartment buildings bringing an undesirable element to quiet single-family-home neighborhoods.

Affordability in safe and secure environments is essential.

We have the land to support it, the west side needs more single-family homes with larger lots, half acre or acre.

Providing better flow of transportation by possibly making another HWY traveling from west to east.

Also having more businesses spread out through the city.

Better places to shop instead of going to Palmdale for everything.

We need affordable housing. The sky-high rent prices out here are unrealistic.

Encourage owner occupancy of single-family homes, rather than rental SFH.

Consider the neighborhoods. Why would you build apartment complexes where many single-family homes reside? Lancaster will soon become Palmdale surrounded by apartments and ghetto prisoner families because it will become affordable. Consider more single-family homes where intelligent, career-oriented families can move here closer to jobs like Northrop for example.

Lancaster should dedicate a certain empty desert lot for the homeless population to settle in temporary housing. Let them build their shelters or provide them with temporary shelter.

More affordable housing
Rent control
I would like Lancaster to improve as a city. It has become a place where middle class people want to move away from.

Maybe try and change or open up zoning in areas that have long been undeveloped, particularly in the random patches of desert in the city.

Please consider existing crime and the risk of increased crime when placing certain housing developments in our community. The city needs to renovate the East side without attracting more crime via low income housing. Several shopping centers that were booming when I grew up here are dead now. Invest and make it possible for new businesses to flourish, that will attract more movement of employed residents. Mixed use developments are great, but the BLVD and downtown don’t need it. Look to Ave H or areas that are dying out to place that type of housing.

Please we need a sidewalks and a better schools.

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-31
Maybe consider how reducing the number of lanes of travel on roads is going to be problematic with a larger population.

DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS
B3. How do you identify yourself? (Select all that apply) Black
Human race
None of your business
American of Mexican descent
Central American Latina
Portuguese Hawaiian and Caucasian
White and Hispanic
Multi racial

B4. What language is primarily spoken in your household? Mandarin
American English
Spanish AND English, equally.

Both, English and Spanish
English & Spanish equally
Both Eng/Span or SpanGlish

B6. Which zip code do you reside in?
93550
93551
93560
93551
93543
93560
91352
I have spent my life in all areas of Lancaster. I grew up in the worst areas. I do not see how this question and others help you see if this is best for Lancaster. 93551
59327
93551
93551
93543
93552

Housing Survey Summary
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-A-32

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Draft Housing Element – Public Comments
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-B-1

APPENDIX B
HOUSING ELEMENT DRAFT: PUBLIC COMMENTS
Comment Page Number and Location
Please don’t turn beautiful spacious Lancaster into North Orange County with street after street of wall to wall houses and no open land, horrible constant traffic, and over crowded everything. Thanks They should be more single apartments build not one bedrooms but one room with the bathroom and the kitchen that could house a lot of homeless people and make it affordable
There are a lot of hotels being
built in the antelope valley and it
should be more single apartment
buildings built
I don’t want multi-family units built on the west side specifically 65th and 70th. It would block the views of the mountains to housing in the surrounding area. The AV is and has always been a predominantly made up of homes, houses. Not apartment complexes. That’s the appeal of living here.

No more bike lanes, there are not enough people who ride bikes in this city to keep taking away our car lanes. With more bike lanes equals more car congestion. This city is not meant to be a healthy environment for bike riders- it's too windy or hot to ride a bike and with the high speed limits the safety of bike riders is low. Please no more bike lanes.

Lancaster is building too many low income, high density housing units on the westside. Between the kensington and copper square at 30th and I, and this new "Emerald" homeless housing at 30th and L, the westside is becoming oversaturated with these types of units. Crime is already up on the westside as it is, especially near the commercial. We need more luxury workforce housing for aerospace workers, this is a recognized need for the area. If any more low income buildings get built on the westside, it's going to be a mess. Especially that Emerald project, it will attract homeless and blight to a nice area. That spot would be perfect for market rate housing. Please cancel this project or move it elsewhere. There are now more low income apartments on the westside than the eastside. The city needs to spread them around and not inundate one area with them. Also that Avanti project is suspicious too, particularly those 2800 sqft lots they want to build. That is an area of horse properties, and buyers want big lots, not cluster homes. Please take this into consideration, as well. You need to think about the quality of life for the residents of our town, and not just the developers. Thank you. 95
Stronger code enforcement ex. Moving cars for steer cleaning and parking on lawns Housing Codes
2021-2029 Housing Element
Draft Housing Element – Public Comments
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-B-2
Use our prisoners to clean up the massive unsightly trash in the AV We don’t need any more houses. Too much traffic, crime, homeless as it is. The 2 hospitals can’t support the demand. Based on the population, we should have 4 hospitals here. Not enough job opportunities. It would out more traffic on the 14 freeway, which is a nightmare already
More housing means more crime from undesirable people moving up here. We have murders, theft of all kinds. All of this and other issues need to be addressed forst. Sheriff's dept is OVERWHELMED with calls. I've been here almost 50 years and have watched the slow decline from a nice area to a slum. It's so sad, scary to see what our area has become.

What page? There are no pages
to draw from from. It is the
CRIME page.

This is going to drastically raise crime. No one wants this All of it, specifically 82 The antelope valley does not need more low income housing. Nor do we homeowners need to be taxed more to pay for all of these programs. All of it
New housing, especially section 8 housing should not be done. So many current homes are being sold people moving away or just loosing their homes due to foreclosure. Our community needs to concentrate on the shootings, thefts, fixing the terrible roads and attempting to reopen abandoned businesses which would create jobs for current residents. Lets concentrate on making our community better so people move here because of its beauty.

The Cities notification to comment on the draft document was provided in the AV Press July 7th issue, and the cut off date to respond is July 8th. Next time please notify with more time to respond. My comments are: The plan should include means for additional Hospital and medical facilities staffing to support the projected growth in housing. Also, law enforcement and fire protection increases. The north L.A. County / Antelope Valley area is primarily the only L.A County expansion area.

Due to Aerospace, and anticipated Hydrogen fuel production, and dispensing facilities planned to be built here in the City of Lancaster, we need to establish the supporting infrastructure. As President of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trains Association (HFCTA), website access:
https://www.hfcta.org I commend the Lancaster city officials for their forward aggression.

No more housing and especially not section 8 or apartments.

I have a job and don’t have time
to read 188 pages but I did read
the first 5.

Hello, I urgently need to start building my housing development project as soon as possible. I've spoken to the planning department, lenders, construction companies ect. Please reach out to me as soon as possible, I currently work for tax credit properties and there are too many homeless people in outreach programs without housing in Lancaster/ Palmdale CA.

This comment applies to the
passion of my mission. I can no
longer wait for a bank to call me
when, people are homeless.

We need rent control! My rent has gone up $1,000 a month in 8 years!!! As a resident who has committed for over 20 years to work. I feel that more career based jobs need to be brought to this area. It will also change the narrative for the people who choose to live here and raise families. I feel that in order for the community to grow in a positive way we need more jobs, not fast food restaurants and retail stores. In order to set the tone for a win in society the narrative needs to change.

Please direct more focus to the jobs and resources for the children in the community. Page 33
Draft Housing Element – Public Comments
Lancaster Housing Element Page H-B-3
General Comment; The working class, seniors, students, those with low or no income, veterans, and many, many others all deserve safe, clean, and affordable housing. With new housing developments please do less of the "sprawl" and more walkable-bike friendly cities that have fewer cars on the road. The traffic pollution and congestion is killing the Earth! Everything in our lives does not need to be "drive away". Again, all residents deserve safe, clean, and affordable housing, both rent & homeownership. Reimagine the shelter system, at a minimum shelters should have private rooms and/or they should be set up like small bachelor apartments. Tiny homes are great, please don't just consider ADUS, tiny home communities are wonderful where land space allows it but again please be mindful of "sprawl", tiny home communities can be next to garden style apartments! Walkable cities!!
General Housing Element
Comment. www.HTWWS.org
There are houses all over the city that are vacant or neglected.

Wouldn't it be more feasible if the city rehabilitated these units and therefore counted them as new housing and met the city's quota of 9,000 new units this way?
Legislature mandates new
housing.

The City of Lancaster should be giving development investment opportunities to current/local residents. The "community experience" should be the primary focus and the city should stop looking to the "Good Ol'Boys/Girls Club" to profit off the rest of our citizens.

Remember, we are "ALL" invested in what happens locally which means we all should be given an opportunity to help rather than allow developers like "Insight" to acquire these projects without giving locals opportunities to gain meaningful employment. All community development projects should be done in a local "contract bid" rather than allowing one company to make millions if not billions off the backs of our citizens. Simply put, when we all have skin in the game we all have something to lose and/or gain. Lastly, stop making builder put solar on homes. That should be a buyer "option" not a builder's requirement H-12
We do not need small homes or units build in our city. We will like to see more affordable single family homes for our hard working families! No small homes or units built for people that are on any type of government assistant. If our city decide to built small homes it's only to bring more homeless people and others that live from government assistant from surrounding city's. Home owners are considering selling our homes and move to another place due to all this people that do not work and abuse of all of this free help the city is providing. We the tax payers are demanding to not build small homes!!!!
My comment applies to the The
Housing Element Plan draft for
the City of Lancaster pages 1-
188 but if you need a page
number in order to consider my
comment I will choose page H-

15. Thank you for your
consideration.
please do not build small homes. We need affordable single homes for working families. Our city is full of crime due to non working residents that are in need of free housing (small units) to continue to not work and commit more crime. No more section 8. my comment applies to H-44 The city should provide its own first time homebuyer assistance program, and bring back the rental assistance program it used to have.

Need new seniors aparmmens Lancaster

S - 1 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

L a n c a s t e r G e n e r a l P l a n

S - i L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

City of Lancaster, California
Safety Element

City Council Planning Commission

Mayor Chairman
R. Rex Parris James Vose

Vice Mayor Commissioner
Marvin Crist Diana Cook

Council Member Commissioner
Raj Malhi Cassandra Harvey

Council Member Commissioner
Ken Mann Rutger R. Parris

Council Member Commissioner
Darrell Dorris King L. Moore II

Commissioner
Daniel Tufts

Prepared by
City of Lancaster Community Development Division and Atlas Planning Solutions

S A F E T Y E L E M E N T S - ii

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S - i i i L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N Table of Contents

Introduction Page S-1
What is a Safety Element? Page S-1
Consistency with Other Elements Page S-1
Potential Hazards/ Trends Page S-4
Geology and Seismicity Page S-4
Flooding Page S-8
Noise Page S-9
Air Installation Land Use Compatibility Page S-11
Hazardous Materials Page S-11
Crime Prevention and Protection Services Page S-12
Fire Prevention and Suppression Services Page S-13
Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation Page S-15
Emergency Medical Facilities Page S-16
Climate Adaptation Page S-18
Goals and Policies Page S-19

List of Figures

Figure 4-1: Damage to a road near Edwards Airforce Base after a seismic shaking event. Page S-5 Figure 4-2: Lancaster Fault Lines/Zones Map Page S-6
Figure 4-3: Lancaster Landslide Susceptibility and Liquefactions Zones Map Page S-7 Figure 4-4: Cars trapped in a mudslide after a major flood in north Los Angeles County Page S-8 Figure 4-5: Westbound on Avenue J in Lancaster during a major storm event causing major flooding, and mud flows, October 15.

Page S-8
Figure 4-6: Lancaster Flood Risks Map Page S-10
Figure 4-7: An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 416th Flight Test Squadron performs a flyby of the air control tower at Edwards Air Force Base.

Page S-11
Figure 4-8: Hazardous chemical left at waste facility in Lancaster, destroyed by Edward AFB Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airmen.

Page S-12
Figure 4-9: Brush fire near Lancaster Page S-13
Figure 4-10: L.A. County Firefighters battle an urban fire in a Lancaster neighborhood attempting to contain the blaze before it spreads to other homes
Page S-13
Figure 4-11: Lancaster Fire Hazards Map Page S-14
Figure 4-12: Lancaster Evacuation Route Map Page S-17
Figure 4-13: Antelope Valley Hospital Page S-16
Figure 4-14: Annual Average Maximum Temperature Projections Page S-18

List of Tables

Table 4-1: Evacuation Route List Table Page S-16
Table 4-2: Extreme Heat Days in Lancaster Page S-18
4-3: Noise Compatible Land Use Objectives Page S-23

S A F E T Y E L E M E N T S - iv

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S - 1 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
L a n c a s t e r G e n e r a l P l a n
Safety Element
What is a Safety Element?
The Safety Element is one of the State-mandated
elements of the General Plan. It presents the City's
overall goals, policies, and action programs to facilitate resilience and prosperity. This Safety Element meets the requirements of California Government Code Section
65302(f) and (g). Under State planning law, this Element identifies and discusses the following hazards of concern for the City:
▪ Geology and Seismicity
▪ Flooding and Drainage
▪ Noise
▪ Air Installation Land Use Compatibility
▪ Hazardous Materials
▪ Crime Prevention and Protection Services
▪ Fire Prevention and Suppression Services
▪ Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation
▪ Emergency Medical Facilities
▪ Climate Adaptation
Consistency with Other Elements
Integrating safety considerations throughout the General Plan creates a consistent framework that prioritizes the well-being of the community. The Lancaster Safety
Element is a key component of the General Plan which
works in conjunction with other Elements, including:
▪ Plan for the Natural Environment: addresses the
use and management of natural resources and
open space lands.
▪ Plan for Active Living: contains plans and
programs for the provision of quality living
environments, addressing parks, recreation, and
other community services.
▪ Plan for Physical Mobility: focuses on
transportation issues and how goods and people
move.
▪ Plan for Municipal Services and Facilities:
addresses the services and facilities needed to
support existing and future residential,
commercial, and industrial development.
▪ Plan for Economic Development and Vitality:
outlines how the community is striving for

INTRODUCTION
The City of Lancaster prioritizes the well-being and safety of its community members. Our initiatives and policies prioritize preparation for potential natural and human-caused hazards and emergencies.

Effective emergency management, increased preparation for disasters, and incorporation of resilience in City activities and the development process supports the protection of life and property. This Element of the General Plan provides the context to identify and understand the hazards that could threaten the urban and rural portions of the community. Based on this understanding, better practices and policies enable the continued prosperity and resilience of Lancaster.

S A F E T Y E L E M E N T S - 2
economic self‐sufficiency and presents a program
to facilitate those efforts.
▪ Plan for Physical Development: focuses on the
organization of the physical environment into a
local, functional, and aesthetic pattern consistent
with community values. These policies and
programs are illustrated on the General Plan
Land Use Map. The Plan for Physical
Development also contains the Community
Design subsection, which focuses on
strengthening the City's physical image and
identity. The Plan for Community Design provides
direction in the form of policies and action
programs that call for the development and
implementation of comprehensive community
design guidelines that provide guidance for
creating an attractive and enduring physical
environment.
▪ Housing Element: addresses housing needs and
strategies to accommodate population growth
and a variety of income levels. Periodic updates
of the Housing Element are required in
conjunction with the Regional Housing Needs
Allocation prepared by the California Department
of Housing and Community Development.

Consistency with Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan
The 2019 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) serves
three primary purposes:
• Analysis: it provides a comprehensive analysis of
the natural and human-caused hazards that
threaten the city, with a focus on mitigation.
• Eligibility for Funding: it keeps the City of
Lancaster eligible to receive additional federal
and state funding to assist with hazard
mitigation, as allowable by the Federal Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and California
Government Code Sections 8685.9 and 65302.6;
and
• Consistency: it complements the efforts
undertaken by the Safety Element.

The LHMP complies with all requirements set forth under DMA 2000, received approval from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2018, and
was adopted by the City in 2019. Sections of the Safety Element are supplemented by the LHMP, which is
incorporated by reference, as allowed by California
Government Code Section 65302(g).

Regulatory Environment
California Government Code 65302(g)(1):

California Government Code Section 65302(g)(1)
establishes the legislative framework for California's
Safety Elements. This framework consolidates the
requirements from relevant federal and state agencies,
ensuring that all jurisdictions are compliant with the
numerous statutory mandates. These mandates include:
▪ Protecting against significant risks related to
earthquakes, tsunamis, seiches, dam failure,
landslides, subsidence, flooding, and fires as
applicable.
▪ Including maps of known seismic and other
geologic hazards.
▪ Addressing evacuation routes, military
installations, peak-load water supply
requirements, and minimum road widths and
clearances around structures as related to fire
and geologic hazards, where applicable.
▪ Identifying areas subject to flooding and
wildfires.
▪ Avoiding locating critical facilities within areas of high risk.
▪ Assessing the community's vulnerability to
climate change and including adaptation and
resilience goals, policies, and implementation
actions.

S - 3 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N
California Government Code Sections 8685.9 and
65302.6:

California Government Code Section 8685.9 (also known
as Assembly Bill 2140 or AB 2140) limits California's share of disaster relief funds paid out to local governments to 75 percent of the funds not paid for by federal disaster relief efforts. However, if the jurisdiction has adopted a valid LHMP consistent with DMA 2000 and has
incorporated the LHMP into the jurisdiction's General
Plan, the State may cover more than 75 percent of the
remaining disaster relief costs. All cities and counties in California must prepare a General Plan, including a Safety Element that addresses various hazard conditions and
other public safety issues. The Safety Element may be a standalone chapter or incorporated into another section as the community wishes. California Government Code
Section 65302.6 indicates that a community may adopt
an LHMP into its Safety Element if the LHMP meets
applicable State requirements. As the General Plan is an overarching long-term plan for community growth and
development, incorporating the LHMP into it creates a
stronger mechanism for implementing risk reduction
strategies and hazard mitigation projects.

California Government Code 65302(g)(3) adopted
through SB 1241 (2012):

California Government Code Section 65302(g)(3) requires the Safety Element to identify and update mapping,
information, and goals and policies to address wildfire hazards. As part of this requirement, any jurisdiction that includes State Responsibility Areas or Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), as defined by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board), is required to transmit the
updated Element to the Board for review and approval.

Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are not located
within city limits; therefore, compliance with Section
65302(g)(3) is not required at this time.

California Government Code 65302(g)(4) adopted
through SB 379 (2015):

California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4) requires the Safety Element to address potential impacts of
climate change and develop potential strategies to
adapt/mitigate these hazards. Analysis of these potential effects should rely on a jurisdiction's LHMP or data and analysis from the State of California's Cal-Adapt website.

This Element relies on the City's adopted LHMP, and
supplemental information from Cal Adapt to ensure
compliance with this requirement.

California Government Code 65302(g)(5) adopted
through S.B. 99 (2019):

California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires the Safety Element to identify evacuation constraints
associated with residential developments, specifically
focused on areas served by a single roadway.

National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in 1968 to help communities adopt more effective
floodplain management programs and regulations. FEMA
is responsible for implementing the NFIP and approves
the floodplain management plans for participating cities and counties. Lancaster participates in the NFIP and uses Chapter 17, Title 40, Section 190 of the Lancaster
Municipal Code to administer flood management
regulations.

Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (California Public Resources Code [PRC], Chapter 7.5, Section 2621- 2699.6) was intended to reduce the risks associated with surface faults and requires that the designated State
Geologist identify and map "Earthquake Fault Zones"
around known active faults. Per PRC Section 2623(a),
cities and counties shall require a geologic report
defining and delineating any hazard of surface fault
rupture before the approval of a project. If the
jurisdiction finds no undue hazard of that kind exists, the geologic report on the hazard may be waived, with the

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State Geologist's approval. For a list of project types, please refer to PRC Section 2621.6.

Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (California Public
Resources Code, Chapter 7.8, Section 2690-2699.6)
created a statewide seismic hazard mapping and
technical advisory program in 1990 to help cities and
counties more effectively address the effects of geologic and seismic hazards caused by earthquakes. Under PRC
2697, cities and counties shall require a geotechnical
report defining and delineating any seismic hazard before approving a project located in a seismic hazard zone. If the jurisdiction finds that no undue hazard of this kind exists based on information resulting from studies
conducted on sites near the project and of similar soil composition to the project site, the geotechnical report may be waived. After a report has been approved or a
waiver granted, subsequent geotechnical reports shall
not be required, provided that new geologic datum, or
data, warranting further investigation is not recorded.

Each jurisdiction shall submit one copy of each approved geotechnical report, including the mitigation measures to be taken, if any, to the State Geologist within 30 days of its approval of the report. For a list of project types, please refer to PRC Section 2693.

Cortese List
Government Code Section 65962.5 (typically referred to
as the "Cortese List") identifies sites that require
additional oversight during the local permitting process as well as compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The list is generally a compilation of properties and businesses that generate, store, and/or
have been impacted by the presence of hazardous
materials/wastes. Many properties identified on this list may be undergoing corrective action, cleanup, or
abandoned and in need of these activities. The City of
Lancaster has a variety of sites identified on this list that range from permitted underground storage tanks,
leaking underground storage tanks, sites meeting waste
discharge requirements, and land disposal sites. No
cleanup sites that meet state or federal thresholds are located within the City according to this list.

Potential Hazards/Trends
The City of Lancaster is situated in an area of Southern California that is vulnerable to seismic and geologic
hazards, flooding, fires, climate adaptation, hazardous material releases, and noise.

Geology and Seismicity
Lancaster is located within the high desert area of Los Angeles County, which is prone to geologic and seismic
hazards. Due to these conditions, precautions are
established through this Safety Element to protect lives and property against seismic shaking, surface rupture,
liquefaction, and landslide.

Seismic Shaking
Seismic shaking is the identifiable movement caused by
the energy released during an earthquake. The energy
that emanates through the ground from the epicenter
(origin of the event at the Earth's surface) of an
earthquake can travel hundreds of miles. Damage and
destruction from seismic shaking affects buildings,
infrastructure (roads, power lines, and pipelines), and bridges, leading to further safety concerns. Areas closest to an earthquake's epicenter are subject to the greatest shaking, which typically decreases as distance increases.

The two faults with highest potential to cause significant shaking in and around Lancaster include the San Andreas Fault (approximately nine miles south of the city's center) and Garlock Fault (approximately 28 miles
north/northwest of the city's center), both of which can generate earthquakes in excess of M7.0. According to the Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast,
the San Andreas Fault has a 17 percent probability of
generating an earthquake greater than M6.7 in the next
30 years. During the same time period, the Garlock Fault

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has a two percent probability of generating a similar
quake.

Surface Rupture
The sudden movement and release of energy from an
earthquake can cause the Earth to fracture and displace the land surrounding it, creating an earthquake fault.

Some faults are deep beneath the surface, while others
can be found at Earth's surface. Surface rupture is
especially dangerous if structures were constructed on
top of the fault or if city infrastructure crosses the fault, as they can be damaged and even destroyed (Figure 4-1).

If a surface rupture occurs, the movement can burst
natural gas and water pipelines, damage roads and
bridges, rendering them useless after the event. Areas of known surface rupture hazard in California are identified in Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zones. Figure 4-2 identifies active faults near the vicinity of Lancaster that could experience a rupture. The only fault meeting this criteria is the San Andreas Fault, which is located outside the city limits.

Liquefaction
Liquefaction occurs when intense vibrations from an
earthquake cause soils that are saturated to lose stability and act as a liquid. This phenomenon poses a significant problem for structures in areas where liquefaction can
occur, as the ground might give way under the weight of the structure and its foundation. The California
Department of Conservation has identified potential
liquefaction zones within the Lancaster area: along the length of Little Rock Wash, the area of Amargosa Creek
extending from north of Quartz Hill to the northeast to the Los Angeles-Kern County line, and at Apollo
Community Regional Park; there is also a small
liquefaction zone near Avenue M and 40th St. West.

Landslide
A landslide is the movement of earth materials down
slopes and areas of steep topography. Generally caused
by earthquakes, landslides can occur when any sloped
surface can no longer support the material contained
within the slope or material sitting above the slope itself.

The instability can simply be the sheer weight of the
loose material, or it can be helped by other natural
events like a heavy rainstorm. Figure 4-3 identifies the areas of the city susceptible to deep-seated landslides.

These areas are predominantly located in the southwest
portion of the city.

Figure 4-1: Damage to a road near Edwards Airforce Base after a seismic shaking event.

Photo Courtesy: USGS
The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing geologic and seismic hazards:
▪ The City of Lancaster is located within a
seismically active area, near the San Andreas and
Garlock faults.
▪ A major earthquake could result in multiple
casualties, extensive property damage and loss,
and further catastrophes.

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Figure 4-2: Lancaster Fault Lines

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▪ Emergency management and disaster
preparedness for earthquakes must be
prioritized, as supplies and aid from outside the
city may take several days to arrive.
▪ Given its relatively flat topography, hillside
management has not been an issue to date. If
expansion into hillside areas occurs, the City
should work to preserve and enhance the natural
character of these areas while balancing
development priorities.
▪ Other geologic and seismic concerns include
ground settlement, landslides, and seiche
(movement of water within an enclosed basin
caused by an earthquake). In areas prone to
these hazards, engineering analysis and studies
are required to mitigate these hazards during the
development process. Project proponents are
required provide seiche studies for water storage
facilities (tanks, reservoirs, basins).
▪ Liquefaction and landslide analyses are required
for areas prone to these hazards based on the
mapping prepared by the California Department
of Conservation for the Antelope Valley in 2005.

Flooding
The potential damage from flooding within the city and
the surrounding region can range from minor
inconveniences (ponding at an intersection) to property damage and loss of life from inundation of structures.

Low-lying areas adjacent to mountain ranges can become
inundated during and immediately after periods of heavy rainfall (Figure 4-4).

Floods occur when there is too much water on the
ground to be held within local water bodies (streams,
lakes, retention/detention areas), causing water to
accumulate in naturally dry areas. Floods are often
caused by heavy rainfall (Figure 4-5), though they can
also occur after a long period of moderate rainfall or if unusually warm weather causes mountain snow to melt
faster than expected. California's worsening drought
conditions, brought on by climate change, can compound
the effects of flooding, as surfaces that would typically absorb water quickly dry out and become less
permeable. Flooding is a danger to people, property, and structures alike.

Figure 4-4: Cars trapped in a mudslide after a major flood in north Los Angeles County.

Photo Courtesy: ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Figure 4-5: Westbound on Avenue J in Lancaster during a major storm event causing major flooding, and mud flows, October 2015.

Photo Courtesy

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The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing flood hazards:
▪ The city is subject to periodic flooding due to a
combination of flat topography, the presence of
nearby mountains, and the surrounding washes
(natural flood channels). Figure 4-6 identifies
Flood Risk Areas within the City.
▪ An increase in impervious surfaces resulting from
development could increase potential runoff and
local flooding conditions.
▪ The flood control system must be balanced for
both debris capture in upstream basins,
groundwater recharge, and adequate sediment
transport into the dry lake beds within Edwards
Airforce Base to refresh them as viable landing
areas.
▪ To reflect continued stormwater management
infrastructure improvements occurring within
the city and updates to Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRM), there must be continued
coordination with FEMA.

Noise
Noise has been an accepted part of modern life and the
urbanization process. However, noise has been
increasing social attention and concern due to its effect on human health and welfare. Noise analysis is now
considered an integral part of the planning process
designed to protect the quality of life of area residents.

Within the Lancaster and the surrounding areas, major
noise sources include air installations (Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale Regional Airport, and Fox Field); roadways (automobiles and trucks along
city streets and State highways); Union Pacific Railroad; and industrial and construction activities. A major focus of this section of the Safety Element is to define ʺquiet" and set standards that will ensure an appropriately quiet environment for the Lancaster various land uses
proposed within the General Plan study area, recognizing the varying noise‐sensitivity of these uses.

The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing noise:
▪ Three airport installations are present within and
adjacent to the General Plan study area. These
installations—Edwards Airforce Base, Air Force
Plant 42 (Palmdale Regional Airport), and Fox
Field—are significant noise generators within the
study area.
▪ In 2002, the Department of the Air Force
updated the Air Installation Compatibility Use
Zone Study (AICUZ) for Air Force Plant 42. The
updated study indicates that there are currently
no urban residential land use designations
located within the 65-CNEL noise contour.
▪ General Plan Amendments and Rezoning actions
have preserved lands under the overflight area of
Plant 42 and Edwards AFB to establish
compatible uses not readily susceptible to noise
impacts.
▪ Automobile and truck traffic along area roadways
and highways is a significant source of noise
within Lancaster. Numerous residential areas are
affected by roadway noise. Increased traffic on
the State Route 14 increases noise levels
adjacent to the freeway.
▪ Automobile and truck traffic along area roadways
and highways is a significant source of noise
within Lancaster. Numerous residential areas are
affected by roadway noise. Increased traffic on
the State Route 14 increases noise levels
adjacent to the freeway.
▪ Roadway noise impacts on residential
neighborhoods have generally been mitigated by
constructing walls and landscaping along the
arterial road system.
▪ Significant noise is created along the Union
Pacific rail line. However, since the rail line
passes through predominantly industrial and
commercial areas, noise-sensitive land uses are
generally not impacted.
▪ Industrial and construction activities also create
noise impacts within the community, although
they are primarily intermittent sources.

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Air Installation and Land Use
Compatibility
The General Plan study area is affected by three air
installations. These are U.S. Air Force Plant 42 (Palmdale Regional Airport), General William J. Fox Airfield (Fox Field), and Edwards Air Force Base (Figure 4-7). Accident potential and aircraft noise are significant considerations in the planning process for lands surrounding these
facilities.

The primary purpose of this section is to ensure the
safety of Lancaster residents and workers and those
persons using area airport facilities. The City of
Lancaster's intent is that the Air Installation Land Use Compatibility policies contained herein fulfill State
requirements to prepare airport land use plans.

The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing Air Installation and Land Use
Compatibility.
▪ There are three Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) recognized air facilities located within, or
adjacent to, the study area: Edwards Air Force
Base Fox Field, and Air Force Plant 42 (Palmdale
Regional Airport). An expansion of Palmdale
Regional Airport onto land east of Plant 42 is also
possible in the long-term future.
▪ People living or working near airports are
exposed to various levels of accident potential
and increased noise levels that affect their
quality of life.
▪ In 2013, the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use
Commission adopted the Fox Field Land Use
Compatibility Plan update. This plan sets land use
compatibility standards in the vicinity of the
airport.
▪ Various Federal and State laws and guidelines
outline the manner in which land uses should be
allocated within various safety and noise zones
surrounding airport facilities.
▪ General Plan and Zoning amendments completed
by the city in the early 1990s effectively preclude
further urban density residential development
within the overflight areas, as noted in the 2002
AICUZ Study.
▪ The expansion of both new development and the
aircraft facilities will require land use
compatibility to ensure a high quality of life in
the area.

Figure 4-7: An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 416th Flight Test Squadron performs a flyby of the air control tower at Edwards Air Force Base. Photo Courtesy of Ethan Wagner, Air Force.

Hazardous Materials
Natural hazards are not the only threat to a community's safety. Human-caused hazards like hazardous materials
releases can also pose significant risks. Hazardous
materials are often identified as being toxic, flammable, explosive, corrosive, infectious, radioactive, or any
combination of these characteristics. Hazardous wastes
are identified as a separate category from hazardous
materials as they no longer serve a meaningful use.

Hazardous materials are widespread today in industrial, business, agricultural, and residential settings.

Regulations controlling the creation, transport, use,
storage, and disposal of hazardous materials must be
enforced to provide the greatest possible protection to the public from accidental incidents of exposure or
releases resulting from improper handling. Regulating
these materials occurs at the federal, state, and county levels; however, the City does have some control over
the locations where these materials are used, stored,
and/or disposed (Figure 4-8).

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The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing Hazardous Materials:
▪ Regulation of hazardous materials is a shared
responsibility between federal, state, county, and
local authorities.
▪ Hazardous materials are routinely transported
through the city along the Union Pacific Railroad
right-of-way and State Route 14 and Highway
138.
▪ The growth of the city has also increased the
storage and use of hazardous materials. National,
state, and local regulations are in place to reduce
exposure to hazardous materials, but careful
planning by the City should continue to minimize
impacts.
▪ Compliance with California Department of Public
Health and County of Los Angeles hazardous
waste management requirements through
Ordinance No. 560 should continue to regulate
siting and approval of hazardous waste facilities.
▪ No hazardous waste landfills are located in the
city, however illegal dumping of hazardous
wastes continues to be a concern for the region.

Figure 4-8: Hazardous chemical left at waste facility in Lancaster, destroyed by Edward AFB Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airmen.

Photo Courtesy of: Edwards Airforce Base
Crime Prevention and Protection
Services
The city's projected population growth will require a
significant expansion of crime prevention and protection services and facilities. The City currently contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for police
services and continues to invest resources toward crime prevention and community safety.

Since 2004, the City has focused on enhancing Crime
Prevention and Protection Services by adding:
▪ the Lancaster Community Appreciation Program
(LAN‐CAP) to address crime in rental housing
properties,
▪ additional deputies to support Target Oriented
Policing (TOP),
▪ Community Service Officers (CSOs), and
▪ a Crime Prevention Officer to work with the
residents and business owners to enhance
Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch
programs.

The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing Crime Prevention and Protection
Services:
▪ Promote continued cooperation between the City
and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
to ensure planned growth considers protective
service needs.
▪ Include of Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in the
approval process for residential, commercial, and
industrial developments to promote safer
communities.
▪ Work with all City Departments to address code
enforcement issues, educate the public on
nuisance problems, and use administrative
and/or criminal remedies when education is not
effective.

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▪ Coordinate with the Public Safety Officer, who
works in conjunction with the Los Angeles
County Sheriff's station and the City's Public
Safety Department.

Engage residents and businesses through the
Neighborhood/Business watch programs to support
community awareness, crime prevention, and public
safety.

Fire Prevention and Suppression
Services
The Los Angeles County Fire Department provides Fire
Prevention and Suppression Services in the City of
Lancaster. Much of the undeveloped area is comprised of dry desert vegetation that is prone to periodic burning, to a lesser degree than the heavily brushed areas of
Southern California mountains (Figure 4-9). Regulation of development within areas prone to fire and ensuring
adequate infrastructure and fire facilities are available is an important issue for the City.

Figure 4-9: Brush fire near Lancaster
Photo Courtesy of: L.A. County Fire Department

Urban Fires
The possibility of an urban fire exists in every city. Many urban fires begin as isolated accidents or incidents,
potentially caused by a faulty electrical appliance,
absentminded cooking mishap, or industrial malfunction.

Once a fire starts, it can quickly spread to other buildings if conditions permit (Figure 4-10). Despite the use of fire codes and mitigation strategies, it is important to
acknowledge the risks associated with fires in urban
areas. No matter its size, any fire has the potential to cause severe harm to people and can damage buildings
and other structures.

Figure 4-10: L.A. County Firefighters battle an urban fire in a Lancaster neighborhood attempting to contain the blaze
before it spreads to other homes Photo Courtesy of Photos Copyright Jeff Zimmerman, Zimmerman Media LLC
Wildfire
The most common type of natural hazards in California
are wildfires, which can burn large areas of undeveloped or natural land in a short amount of time. They often
begin as smaller fires caused by lightning strikes, downed power lines, or unattended campfires but may rapidly
expand in size if conditions are dry and/or windy. Recent climatic projections suggest increased temperatures and prolonged periods of drought, which will increase the
likelihood of wildfire occurrence. Typically, wildfires pose minimal threat to human life and structures in urban
areas; however, the growing human infringement into
natural areas increases the likelihood of property
damage and loss of life. This encroachment occurs in
areas called the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which is considered an area within the high and very high fire
hazard severity zone, as defined by Cal FIRE. Based on
current mapping provided by Cal Fire, areas within the
city are mapped within Moderate Fire Hazard Severity
Zones (Figure 4-11). A very small portion of the
community on the southwestern corner is identified
within a very high fire hazard severity zones, largely
within the Sphere of Influence.

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The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing Fire Prevention and Suppression
Services:
▪ Six fire stations adequately serve the city, as well
as one station in the unincorporated community
of Antelope Acres. However, additional fire
stations will be needed to meet the community’s
changing needs and anticipated population
growth.
▪ Current fire hazard mapping identifies areas of
moderate vulnerability, which could change to
high and very high vulnerability based on
updated modeling and mapping currently being
prepared by Cal Fire.

Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation
The ability to anticipate, assess, and mitigate possible risks posed by natural and human-caused hazards is vital to a city's resilience and longevity. Although this Element specifically addresses natural and human-caused hazards, disaster and emergency preparedness involves
considerations beyond identifying the hazards
themselves. The maintenance of a comprehensive
disaster preparedness plan and the ability to implement that plan is critical to residents' and businesses' safety during an emergency. The Disaster Preparedness and
Evacuation section consolidates and briefly describes the City of Lancaster's hazard prevention and response
strategies. The plan defines areas of responsibility, basic policies, and objectives for disaster and emergency
preparedness planning and operations under emergency
conditions.

Emergency Operations Plan
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is primarily
responsible for informing the City of Lancaster's
emergency management strategies. These strategies are
typically organized under four categories: mitigation,
preparedness, response, and recovery.

Mitigation
The EOP, in conjunction with the LHMP, identifies and
assesses the natural and human-caused hazards that
threaten the city and recommends proactive policy and
procedural actions that reduce the risks associated with these hazards. This preemptive planning is intended to
decrease the probability of emergency situations and
minimize the effects should one occur. Examples of
hazard mitigation and prevention can be found in many
city policies, but they are most prominently displayed in the numerous codes regulating construction and
development.

Preparedness
Emergency preparedness focuses on activities that
prepare a community for a disaster. These activities
typically involve preparation of plans addressing life
safety, emergency response, and evacuation; purchase
and storage of emergency supplies; and training and
exercises to practice response activities.

Response
Emergency response activities typically focus on actions necessary to save lives and prevent further property
damage during an emergency/disaster. Many of these
activities are conducted in tandem with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and Los Angeles County Fire
Department standard emergency response procedures.

To guide response activities, the City will rely on
implementing the Emergency Operations Plan and work
closely with volunteer organizations, such as the
Antelope Valley Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT), which helps orchestrate internal and external
communications, logistics, and assistance during large- scale emergencies.

Recovery
Recovery activities typically occur after an
emergency/disaster event. These activities focus on re- establishing services to impacted areas, repair and/or
reconstruct damaged buildings and infrastructure, and
assisting residents and businesses with permitting and
approvals of building plans. Depending on the scale and type of incident, recovery could occur in specific
community locations and/or require specialized expertise to address the issues created.

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Evacuation
The focus on activities that prepare a community for
disaster also highlights evacuation and the appropriate routes needed to move community members to safe
locations. Figure 4-12 and Table 4-1 identify the major roadways within the city designated for use as an
evacuation route. Of these roadways, State Route 14
runs north/south, bisecting the city’s eastern and
western portions. State Route 14 includes several
overpasses considered critical to evacuation. A major
concern for these overpasses is potential damage that
could be sustained from a large seismic event, which
could impact movement from east to west throughout
the city.

Table 4-1 Evacuation Routes
North/South East/West
State Route (S.R.) 14 W Avenue D/SR 138
(Connects to S.R. 14/90th St.

W)
Sierra Highway
90th St. W
20th St. W Avenue J
10th St W Avenue H
Division St. Avenue I
Challenger Way Avenue K
50th St. E W Avenue L (Connects to
both 90th St. W and S.R. 14) 90th St. E

Future growth and development should ensure the
transportation network throughout the city can
adequately meet daily travel demands and emergency
response and evacuation needs.

The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation:
▪ New developments will be required to have
adequate circulation networks and meet local
and State requirements for ingress/egress and
evacuation needs.
▪ The City's EOP shall meet Standardized
Emergency Management System (SEMS) and
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
requirements and coordinate with neighboring
jurisdictions and the Operational Area to
prepare, respond, and recover from emergency
situations.
▪ Roadway capacity improvements will prioritize
routes identified for evacuation and emergency
response.
▪ The continued importance of training and
exercises coupled with incorporating best
practices and new technologies will better
prepare the City to respond to emergency
situations.
▪ The importance of continuing to provide
educational programs and information to the
public regarding emergency preparedness helps
keep these important issues top-of-mind.
▪ Addressing challenges and constraints within
County Islands regarding differences in
jurisdictional requirements, lane reductions,
different roadway standards, road maintenance
responsibilities, and coordination of activities can
create challenges for evacuation.

Emergency Medical Facilities
The existence of quality medical facilities is necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents and important quality of life issues. The continued growth of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley necessitates a diversity of new facilities to ensure that local emergency services are
available to all residents (Figure 4-13).

Figure 4-13: Antelope Valley Hospital

Photo Courtesy of: Antelope Valley Hospital Facebook

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The following issues of concern should be considered
when addressing Emergency Medical Facilities:
▪ Two hospitals and various other medical
facilities currently serve city residents.
▪ New and expanded facilities will be needed to
serve the projected 2030 population and
beyond.
▪ Services for supporting maternity, infant
health, and elderly health will continue to
increase.
▪ Paramedic and ambulance services will need
to be increased to meet future population
demands.

Climate Adaptation
Although climate change is not a hazard, variations in
environmental conditions can impact some of the
natural hazards affecting Lancaster. Projections of
future conditions include increased temperatures,
increased extreme heat days, changes in precipitation,
prolonged droughts, intensified flooding, and changes
in the size and frequency of wildfire incidents.

Increasing temperatures associated with climate
change can act as a hazard multiplier. By the end of
the century, annual mean temperatures are projected
to increase between four and seven degrees,
impacting residents and businesses (Figure 4-14).

These increases are also anticipated to increase the
number of extreme heat days in Lancaster. Historically, the city experiences five extreme heat days per year.

According to Cal-Adapt, the number of extreme heat
days is projected to increase to between 29 and 37
days by 2064 and up to 58 days by the end of the
century (Table 4-2). These potential temperature
increases may impact residents living in poorly
insulated structures or structures that do not meet
current code requirements. This, coupled with
increases electrical demand, especially in the high
desert where Lancaster is located, could lead to
potential energy shortages and citywide power
outages.

Figure 4-14: Annual Average Maximum Temperature Projections (Average of all the hottest daily temperatures in a year) Source: Cal-Adapt, 2021
Table 4-2: Extreme Heat Days in Lancaster
Lancaster Average Annual Extreme Heat Days:

Temperature Threshold 103.3°F
Year RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5
1961 – 1990
(Observed
Historical)
4 Days

4 Days

2035 - 2064 29 Days 37 Days
2070 - 2099 39 Days 58 Days
Source: Cal-Adapt, 2020
RCP 4.5: medium emissions scenario
RCP 8.5: high emissions scenario

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GOALS AND POLICIES
The City of Lancaster is situated in an area of Southern California that is vulnerable to geologic and seismic hazards, flooding, noise, hazardous material releases, fires, and climate adaption.

Geology and Seismicity
Goal 4.1 A community that is prepared and ready to respond to seismic and geologic hazard events.

Policy 4.1.1 Facilitate rapid physical and economic recovery following an earthquake by identifying and recognizing potentially hazardous conditions and implementing effective standards for seismic design of structures.

Policy 4.1.2 Require development in areas with potential slope stability or soil constraints that may impact construction to conduct engineering studies to determine appropriate structural design criteria and effective construction standards to mitigate these conditions.

Action 4.1.1(a) Prioritize upgrading seismically hazardous (unreinforced masonry) buildings within the City of Lancaster in compliance with the provisions of SB‐547.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.1.1(b) Require all new developments, redevelopments, and major remodels to comply with the most recent California Building Code seismic design standards and such other supplemental design criteria.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.1.1(c) Undertake, as necessary, a review of existing Critical and Essential structures for any significant siting, design, or construction issues that increase their vulnerability to an earthquake.

Time Frame: Ongoing

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Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department and Agency Budgets

Action 4.1.1(d) Provide an expedited review of any State seismic‐related revisions to the California Building Code for adoption and implementation.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.1.1(e) Coordinate with the State and local entities operating and maintaining the California Aqueduct and the Little Rock Dam to reduce the risk of seismic failure and reduce the risk of overtopping by ensuring water levels are kept at or below the designed safe water levels.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.1.2(a) Require specialized soil reports in areas suspected of having problems with bearing strength, expansive soils, soil settlement, and subsidence.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.1.2(b) Through the Development Review Process, ensure that any new development proposal located within an area determined by the State of California to be a seismic hazard zone is conditioned for appropriate mitigation.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department and Community Development Division Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

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Flooding
Goal 4.2 A community that reduces flood impacts while increasing the benefits of effective stormwater management.

Policy 4.2.1 Minimize the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, and social disruption resulting from a FEMA 100‐year flood.

Policy 4.2.2 Require structures designed for human occupancy within the 100‐year floodplain to comply with the City's floodplain ordinance.

Policy 4.2.3 Retain undeveloped or vacant land within the 100‐year floodplain as very low-density rural uses or open space uses where plans for the construction of flood control facilities are absent.

Policy 4.2.4 Require new development, redevelopment, or major remodels to reduce on-site drainage flows below existing levels and increase groundwater recharge where appropriate.

Policy 4.2.5 Design storm drainage infrastructure to accommodate existing and anticipated storm flows associated with changing climatic conditions.

Action 4.2.1(a) Facilitate the rapid physical and economic recovery following a flood by identifying and recognizing potentially hazardous conditions and implementing effective standards for location and construction of development.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.2.3(a) Require development within the 100‐year floodplain to submit a 100-year base flood elevation certification by a qualified civil or hydrological engineer.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.2.3(b) Require drainage studies that identify the necessary facilities to ensure proposed development is adequately protected from flooding and will not create or increase downstream or upstream flood hazards.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.2.4(a) Encourage the use of permeable paving materials in hardscape areas; swale designs in landscape or grassy areas; and the discharge of roof drainage into pervious, greenbelt, and seepage pit areas to slow runoff, maximize infiltration, and reduce downstream impacts from development.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

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Action 4.2.5(a) Require that street and storm drain flood control systems be designed to accommodate 10 percent above identified storm flows.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.2.5(b) Ensure that major creeks, channels, and basins are kept clear of obstruction, and are regularly maintained.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department and County Flood Control District Funding Source: Department Budgets, Drainage Benefit Assessment District

Action 4.2.5(c) Coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop an urban storm water management ordinance.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Noise
Goal 4.3 Promote noise-compatible land use relationships by implementing the noise standards identified in Table 4‐3 to be utilized for design purposes in new development and establishing a program to attenuate the existing noise problem.

Policy 4.3.1 Ensure that noise‐sensitive land uses and noise generators are located and designed so that city noise objectives will be achieved.

Policy 4.3.2 Wherever feasible, manage the generation of single event noise levels (SENL) from motor vehicles, trains, aircraft, commercial, industrial, construction, and other activities such that SENL levels are no greater than 15 dBA above the noise objectives included in the Plan for Public Health and Safety.

Policy 4.3.3 Ensure that the provision of noise attenuation does not create significant negative visual impacts.

For related policies and specific actions, refer to the Community Design section of the Plan for Physical Development.

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Table 4-3: Noise Compatible Land Use Objectives

Land Use
Maximum
Exterior CNEL
Maximum
Interior CNEL
Rural, Single-Family, Multi-Family Residential 65 dBA 45 dBA Schools:

Classrooms Playgrounds
65 dBA
70 dBA
45 dBA
‐‐
Libraries ‐‐ 50 dBA
Hospitals/Convalescent Facilities: Living Areas
Sleeping Areas
‐‐
‐‐
50 dBA
40 dBA
Commercial and Industrial
Office Areas
70 dBA
‐‐
‐‐
50 dBA

Action 4.3.1(a) Require a detailed noise attenuation study to be prepared by a qualified acoustical engineer to determine appropriate mitigation and ways to incorporate such mitigation into project design for the following:
▪ Where new development is proposed for areas within which the exterior or interior noise levels outlined in Table 4‐3 of Goal 4.3 are likely to be exceeded by existing or planned land uses; and
▪ When proposed projects include uses that could be potentially significant noise generators.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Project Applicant Fees

Action 4.3.1(b) Minimize motor vehicle noise impacts from streets and highways through proper route location and sensitive roadway design.
▪ Consideration shall be given to the location of truck routes, effects of truck mix, and future motor vehicle volumes on noise levels adjacent to master-planned roadways when improvements to the circulation system are planned.
▪ Traffic volumes and speed through residential neighborhoods shall be minimized. ▪ Street or street improvements that exceed the ultimate right‐of‐way width specified in the City of Lancaster Transportation Master Plan shall be required to evaluate potential noise impacts on existing and future land uses in the area.
▪ The City will work closely with Caltrans in the early stages of freeway improvements and design modifications to ensure that proper consideration is given to potential noise impacts on the city.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets

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Action 4.3.1(c) Ensure that new commercial and industrial activities (including the placement of mechanical equipment) are designed so that activities comply with the maximum noise level standards at the property line of adjacent uses, thereby minimizing impacts on adjacent uses (see Table 4‐3).

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.3.1(d) Ensure that the design and placement of air conditioning units and pool equipment within residential areas is accomplished in a manner that does not intrude upon the peace and quiet of adjacent noise-sensitive areas.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.3.2(a) Review and respond to any proposals from military or civilian air installations involving new flight patterns, more intense operations over the city, or relocation or extension of runways which would create the potential for noise impacts on sensitive land uses within the city in a manner consistent with other noise policies contained herein.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.3.2(b) Work with the Air Force, Los Angeles World Airports, and other appropriate agencies to maintain noise‐reducing flight procedures for airplanes and helicopters, such as maintaining predetermined flight altitudes, using less noise-sensitive flight paths, or flying during less sensitive hours.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.3.2(c) Participate in the planning activities of SCAG and the Los Angeles World Airports relative to the expansion of activities (and the assessment of their impacts) at Palmdale Regional Airport and the potential development of lands owned by the Los Angeles World Airports east of Plant 42.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.3.2(d) As a condition of approval, limit nonemergency construction activities to daylight hours between sunrise and 8:00 pm.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

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Action 4.3.3(a) In reviewing noise impacts, utilize site and architectural design features to mitigate impacts on sensitive land uses in conjunction with the provision of noise barriers. Design techniques to be considered in mitigating potential noise impacts include:

Site Design
▪ The use of building setbacks, landscaping and walls and dedication of noise easements to increase the distance between the noise source and receiver. ▪ The location of uses and orientation of buildings which are compatible with higher noise levels adjacent to noise generators or in clusters to shield more noise-sensitive areas and uses.
▪ The placement of noise-tolerant land uses, such as parking areas, between the noise source and receiver.
▪ The placement of noise-tolerant structures such as garages or carports to shield noise‐ sensitive areas.
▪ Clustering of office, commercial, or multi-family residential structures to reduce interior open space noise levels.

Architectural Design
▪ The use of dense building materials, tight fitting doors, ceilings, and floors. ▪ The use of noise reducing windows and the placement of entry doors on the side of the building facing away from the major roadway.
▪ Avoid balconies and patio areas facing major transportation routes.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.3.3(b) Whenever feasible, require the use of noise barriers (walls, berms, or a combination thereof) to reduce significant noise impacts.
▪ Noise barriers must be massive enough to prevent significant noise transmission and high enough to shield the receiver from the noise source.
▪ The barrier must be carefully constructed so that there are no cracks or openings. ▪ Require landscaping treatment to be provided in conjunction with noise barriers to provide visual relief and to reduce aesthetic impacts.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

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Air Installation and Land Use Compatibility
Goal 4.4 Establish procedures for compatibility between land uses in the City of Lancaster and air operations from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 (Palmdale Regional Airport), Fox Field, and Edwards Air Force Base.

Policy 4.4.1 Limit the type and intensity of development surrounding Air Force Plant 42, consistent with the recommendations of the Joint Land Use Committee's study and the AICUZ Report for Plant 42.

Policy 4.4.2 Limit the uses surrounding airport facilities at Fox Field and Plant 42 to ensure their continued safe operation.

Policy 4.4.3 Ensure that adequate public notification regarding aircraft activities is provided to new residents in areas subject to aircraft overflights around Plant 42 and Fox Field.

Policy 4.4.4 Support and implement the adopted R‐2508 Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) for Edwards Air Force Base as it applies to the City of Lancaster and its sphere of influence.

Policy 4.4.5 Implement the provisions of State regulations addressing airport land use issues.

Action 4.4.1(a) Limit the intensity of development within the Accident Potential Zone (APZ) consistent with the Joint Land Use Study and the 2002 AICUZ Report for Plant 42. ▪ Residential Uses: not to exceed one dwelling unit per two and one‐half acres (0.4 du/ac). ▪ Non‐Residential Uses: no more than an average of 25 persons per acre per hour during a 24- hour period. No more than 50 persons per acre at any one time. Lot coverage by buildings shall not exceed 40 percent of the site.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.1(b) To protect residents from aircraft-generated noises, prohibit the redesignation of land within the 65‐CNEL contour and the Overflight Area currently designated industrial or commercial on the General Plan map to residential or other incompatible land uses.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.1(c) Discourage the development of noise-sensitive receptors, such as hospitals and schools, within the 65‐CNEL contour and the Overflight Area.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.1(d) Discourage higher density residential uses and encourage, in order of priority, industrial, commercial, and low-density residential land use designations within the 65‐CNEL contour and the Overflight Area.

Time Frame: Ongoing

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Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.1(e) The State Airport Land Use Planning Handbook indicates that standard APZs should be used as safety zones for military airports. Within such safety zones of U.S. Air Force Plant 42, where the zones fall within the City of Lancaster, prohibit the following uses in the APZ:
▪ ʺAny use which would direct a steady light or flashing light of red, white, green, or amber colors associated with airport operations toward an aircraft engaged in an initial straight climb following takeoff or toward an aircraft engaged in a straight final approach toward a landing at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 other than an FAA-approved navigational signal light or visual approach slope indicator."
▪ ʺAny use which would cause sunlight to be reflected toward an aircraft engaged in an initial straight climb following takeoff or toward an aircraft engaged in a straight final approach toward a landing at U.S. Air Force Plant 42."
▪ ʺAny use which would generate smoke or which would attract large concentrations of birds, or which may otherwise affect safe air navigation within the Accident Potential Zone." ▪ ʺAny use which would generate electrical or other interference that may be detrimental to the operation of aircraft and/or aircraft instrumentation. ʺ Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.2(a) Review and route through appropriate agencies individual development proposals in the vicinity of Fox Field and Air Force Plant 42 for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77 height limitations; ensure that new development complies with FAR Part 77.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Departement
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.4.2(b) Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission regarding land use compatibility standards of the 2004 General William J. Fox Airfield Land Use Compatibility Plan for land use proposals within the vicinity of the airport.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.3(a) For new residential development require that avigation easements be granted to the following entities in the specific situations specified below:
▪ To Air Force Plant 42 and the Los Angeles Department of Airports: Lands within the projected 65 CNEL, the accident potential zone (APZ‐ II), and the designated Overflight Area. ▪ To Los Angeles County or any successor in interest therein: Lands within the projected 65‐ CNEL noise contour of Fox Field.

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Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget, Development Review Fees

Action 4.4.4(a) Participate in the preparation, update, and implementation of the JLUS for Edwards Air Force Base.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.4.5(a) Review new and/or proposed legislation on airport land use issues to determine the applicability to the City of Lancaster and to implement and provide comment on the legislation as required.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division
Funding Source: Department Budget

Hazardous Material
Goal 4.5 A community with minimal risk of exposure and impacts from hazardous materials and wastes.

Policy 4.5.1 Ensure that the transport, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials occurs in a responsible manner that protects residents' and businesses' public health and safety.

Action 4.5.1(a) Implement the goals and policies of the Los Angeles County Certified Unified Program Agency, Health Hazardous Materials Division by:
▪ Ensuring the availability of safe and legal options for the management of hazardous waste generated within the city.
▪ Reviewing all proposals for hazardous waste facility projects within the city for consistency with the adopted Los Angeles County Hazardous Waste Management Plan. ▪ Ensuring that the California Environmental Quality Act requirements, as amended, are enforced for siting, operating, and closing a hazardous waste facility, as set forth in State law. ▪ Ensuring that sites for specified hazardous waste facilities are located as close to the areas of generation as possible and that residual repository facilities are located in more distant areas as far as possible from urbanized, populated, and congested areas. ▪ Reviewing annually and updating the City of Lancaster Hazardous Waste Facilities regulations for compliance with county and State requirements accordingly. ▪ Reviewing legislation as approved by the legislature for its application to the city and implementing it as required by law.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets

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Action 4.5.1(b) Coordinate with Los Angeles County to ensure that commercial and industrial activities comply with all federal, state, county, and local laws regulating hazardous materials and wastes.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department, LA County Fire Department Funding Source: Department Budgets

Action 4.5.1(c) Require that any business that uses, generates, processes, stores, treats, emits, or discharges a hazardous material shall submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan, including a Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan, to Los Angeles County as required by law.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department, LA County Fire Department Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.5.1(d) Review the City's Hazardous Waste Management Ordinance to ensure that uses that treat hazardous wastes generated off‐site and on-site, as well as uses that may pose a significant risk to public health, safety, and welfare by receiving, utilizing, storing, transporting, or disposing of hazardous waste and materials, are being located in areas that are planned and zoned for industrial use, accessible to the Antelope Valley Freeway without the need to travel through residential areas, and are located at least 2,000 feet from the nearest area planned for residential use.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets

Action 4.5.1(e) Conduct periodic household hazardous waste collection events.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Tipping Fees

Crime Prevention and Protection Services
Goal 4.6 Residents and businesses that feel safe and secure throughout the community.

Policy 4.6.1 Ensure that adequate law enforcement is provided to the residents and businesses of the City of Lancaster.

Policy 4.6.2 Promote public safety through the incorporation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts and other methods to design and implement new developments.

Policy 4.6.3 Promote programs and partnerships that encourage residents to take a proactive role in community safety and the welfare of their neighborhoods.

Action 4.6.1(a) As part of the preparation of the annual budget and development of the multiyear capital improvement program, the City Manager with the Public Safety Department will work with the Sheriff's Lancaster Station to conduct an annual assessment of crime prevention law enforcement services.

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Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, Public Safety Department, LA County Sheriff Funding Source: Department Budgets

Action 4.6.1(b) In cooperation with the Sheriff's Department, establish methodologies to monitor public safety programs' effectiveness.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, Public Safety Department, LA County Sheriff Funding Source: Department Budgets

Action 4.6.2(a) Involve the Public Safety Department in the development review process for all new development proposals through participation in the Development Review Committee for review and comment.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division, Public Safety Department, LA County Sheriff
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees

Action 4.6.3(a) Through the guidance of the Safer and Stronger Neighborhoods Steering Committee, establish community dialogue and strategic partnerships that will serve to stimulate involvement by residents in community safety and neighborhood welfare.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department
Funding Source: General Fund

Action 4.6.3(b) Promote the establishment of Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch programs to engage community participation in public safety awareness.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.6.3(c) Work with the Lancaster Sheriff's Station, local schools, and community-based organizations to implement educational programs aimed at intervention and prevention programs for youth.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, Public Safety Department, LA County Sheriff, Area School Districts
Funding Source: Agency Budgets

Action 4.6.3(d) Continue to develop and carry out innovative Crime Prevention programs like the Lancaster Community Appreciation Program (LAN‐ CAP) and the Target Oriented Policing (TOP) program.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department, LA County Sheriff Funding Source: Agency Budgets

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Fire Prevention and Suppression Services
Goal 4.7 A resilient community where structural and wildland fire hazards are effectively managed and mitigated.

Policy 4.7.1 Reduce and minimize the risk of structural and wildland fires within existing and future development areas.

Policy 4.7.2 Ensure adequate fire prevention and suppression infrastructure (fire stations, firefighting equipment) and personnel are available to protect the citizens and businesses of the City of Lancaster.

Policy 4.7.3 Ensure that new development incorporates the recommended design strategies to minimize the potential for fire.

Policy 4.7.4 Promote community involvement in fire prevention activities.

Policy 4.7.5 Promote fuel modification and brush clearance activities throughout the city to reduce fire potential.

Action 4.7.1(a) Update and expand Fire Code requirements to areas of moderate wildfire risk in the City and locations with a high degree of fire vulnerability based on outdated construction methods and design standards.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, LA County Fire Department, Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets, Project Applicant Fees Action 4.7.2(a) In cooperation with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, conduct an annual assessment of fire prevention and suppression services, evaluating the adequacy of facilities and equipment serving the city; the status and adequacy of mutual aid agreements; personnel staffing and program needs; training requirements; and equipment, facility, and staffing needs based on anticipated growth, level of service, and incident rates.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, LA County Fire Department Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.7.2(b) In cooperation with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, establish a program to monitor the effectiveness of fire prevention and education programs.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, LA County Fire Department Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.7.2(c) Involve Fire Department personnel in the development review process for all new developments, redevelopments, and major remodels through participation in the Development Review Committee and by referring development requests to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for review and comment.

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Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division, LA County Fire Department Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees Action 4.7.2(d) Adopt State Fire Safe Regulations as necessary for new development and require verification of adequate water supply, adequate ingress/egress for evacuation purposes, proper use of building design and materials, and proper treatment of fuels to reduce fire vulnerability.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Community Development Division, LA County Fire Department Funding Source: Department Budgets, Development Review Fees Action 4.7.3(a) Require the use of fire-resistant roofs in residential developments.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget
Action 4.7.3(b) In conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, review the adequacy of ordinances requiring fire sprinklers and continue with the practice of requiring fire sprinklers in residential structures as required by the Los Angeles County Fire Code.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget
Action 4.7.4(a) Publish articles on fire prevention. Utilize the various media resources.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: LA County Fire Department, Communication Division Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.7.4(b) Work with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and local school districts to maintain educational programs aimed at preventing fires.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: City Manager’s Office, LA County Fire Department, Area School Districts Funding Source: Agency Budgets
Action 4.7.5(a) Conduct brush clearance and vegetation management activities along public roadways, prioritizing key evacuation routes and critical ingress/egress routes.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: LA County Fire Department, Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budgets

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Disaster Preparedness and Evacuations
Goal 4.8 A community with a strong sense of readiness to address emergency situations and activities.

Policy 4.8.1 Maintain a level of preparedness to respond to emergency situations that will save lives, protect property, and facilitate recovery with minimal disruption.

Policy 4.8.2 Effectively coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and the Operational Area on planning, training, and exercises to effectively respond to major emergency incidents.

Goal 4.9 An evacuation network that meets current needs and accommodates future growth.

Policy 4.9.1 Ensure city residents and businesses can effectively evacuate during or after an emergency/hazard event, if necessary.

Action 4.8.1(a) Conduct an annual assessment of the Emergency Operations Plan and prepare necessary revisions to maintain relevancy.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department
Funding Source: Department Budget
Action 4.8.1(b) Maintain an effective and properly staffed, trained, and equipped emergency operations center (EOC) for receiving emergency calls, providing initial response, providing for key support to major incidents, meeting the demands of automatic and mutual aid programs as well as major incident and disaster operations, and maintaining emergency incident statistical data.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department
Funding Source: Department Budget
Action 4.8.1(c) Periodically update the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and integrate the findings and mitigation actions/ strategies into other City documents like the Capital Improvements Program, Infrastructure Master Plans, and other planning documents.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.8.2(a) Maintain ongoing coordination and cooperation with participating jurisdictions and work closely with emergency responders, community partners, and residents to engage in comprehensive disaster planning to improve regional capabilities to respond to disaster situations.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department
Funding Source: Department Budget

Action 4.9.1(a) Coordinate with Caltrans and the County of Los Angeles regarding transportation network constraints (e.g., County Island roadways and overpasses along S.R. 14).

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Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department, Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.9.1 (b) Prioritize roadway and storm drain infrastructure retrofitting and enhancement projects along primary evacuation routes.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget
Action 4.9.1(c) Ensure all new development and redevelopment provides adequate ingress/egress for emergency access and evacuation.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.9.1(d) Develop an implementation program that identifies areas of the city with limited ingress/egress, limited circulation capacity, and/or critical infrastructure that could impact evacuation efforts.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Safety Department, Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.9.1(e) Identify and construct additional local evacuation routes in areas of high hazard concern or limited mobility.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Public Works and Development Services Department Funding Source: Department Budgets
Action 4.9.1(f) Monitor changes to hazard conditions and vulnerabilities to ensure the accessibility or viability of evacuation routes in the future.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budgets

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Emergency Medical Facilities
Goal 4.10 Medical services and facilities that meet community needs and desires.

Policy 4.10.1 Promote the provision of quality medical facilities and services to meet the needs of area residents and facilitate the expansion and extension of quality medical and emergency medical facilities to meet the needs of Lancaster residents and businesses.

Action 4.10.1(a) Work with health care planning agencies to re‐establish a trauma center within the City of Lancaster.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Administrative Services Department
Funding Source: Health Care Providers

Action 4.10.1(b) Work with area medical providers to develop solutions for overcrowding of emergency medical facilities.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Administrative Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget and Health Care Providers

Climate Adaptation
Goal 4.11 A built environment that incorporates new data and understanding about changing hazard conditions and climate stressors.

Policy 4.11.1 Reduce and minimize the risk of future hazards associated with changing climatic conditions.

Action 4.11.1(a) Plan and design new communities and retrofit existing communities to accommodate increases in extreme heat, extreme precipitation, and severe wind events.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget, Grant Funding Opportunities, Project Applicant Fees Action 4.11.1(b) Identify and monitor areas of vulnerable populations that could be impacted by reduced air quality, increased extreme heat events, power shortages, exposure to floods, drought effects, and intensification of the urban heat island effect.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget
Action 4.11.1(c) Design and construct transportation infrastructure (road networks and rail lines) to anticipated increases in extreme heat events and severe precipitation that can cause flooding and mudslides.

Time Frame: Ongoing

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Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget, Grant Funding Opportunities, Project Applicant Fees Action 4.11.1(d) Design future utility improvements in the city to anticipate increased demands resulting from changing climatic conditions.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services Department
Funding Source: Department Budget, Grant Funding Opportunities, Project Applicant Fees

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l a n c a s t e r g e n e r a l p l a n

L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

2021 E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T

City of Lancaster, California
Environmental Justice Element

City Council Planning Commission
Mayor Chairman
R. Rex Parris James Vose

Vice Mayor Commissioner
Marvin Crist Diana Cook

Council Member Commissioner
Raj Malhi Cassandra Harvey

Council Member Commissioner
Ken Mann Rutger R. Parris

Council Member Commissioner
Darrell Dorris King L. Moore II

Commissioner
Daniel Tufts

Prepared by
MIG, Inc. and the City of Lancaster Community Development Division

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2021 E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Legal Requirements ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 Scope and Content of the Environmental Justice Element .......................................................................................... 1 Relationship to Other General Plan Elements .............................................................................................................. 1 Public Participation ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Focus Group Meeting ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Community Workshop .............................................................................................................................................. 2 Community-Based Organization Presentation ......................................................................................................... 2 Online Community Survey ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Social Equity Commission ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Environmental Justice Background .................................................................................................................................. 4 Environmental Justice Communities ............................................................................................................................ 4 Environmental Justice Issues in the City of Lancaster ...................................................................................................... 6 Pollution Burden ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Population Characteristics ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Health and Wellness ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Food Insecurity ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Grocery Store Access .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Physical Activity and Park Access ............................................................................................................................... 11 Goals and Policies ........................................................................................................................................................... 16 Healthy and Affordable Housing ................................................................................................................................ 16 Policy EJ-1.1 ............................................................................................................................................................ 16 Policy EJ-1.2 ............................................................................................................................................................ 16 Policy EJ-2.1 ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 Park Access and Active Living ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Policy EJ-3.1 ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 Policy EJ-3.2 ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 Policy EJ-3.3 ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

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Access to Healthy Food .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Policy EJ.4.1 ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 Policy EJ-4.2 ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 Climate Resiliency ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 Policy EJ-5.1 ............................................................................................................................................................ 20 Policy EJ-5.2 ............................................................................................................................................................ 20 Policy EJ-5.3 ............................................................................................................................................................ 20 Civic Engagement ....................................................................................................................................................... 22 Policy EJ-6.1 ............................................................................................................................................................ 22 Community Programs and Services ........................................................................................................................... 23

2021 E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T List of Figures
Figure EJ-1: Environmental Justice Communities ............................................................................................................. 5 Figure EJ-2: Proximity of Residential Uses to Industrial Uses and Freeways ................................................................... 8 Figure EJ-3: Healthy Food Access ................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure EJ-4: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Involved Collisions................................................................................................ 13 Figure EJ-5: Park Access .................................................................................................................................................. 15

List of Tables
Table EJ-1: Healthy Places Index Score ........................................................................................................................... 10

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E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T EJ - 1 l a n c a s t e r g e n e r a l p l a n
environmental justice element
Legal Requirements
In 2016, Senate Bill 1000 amended California
Government Code Section 63502 to require cities and
counties with disadvantaged communities to
incorporate environmental justice (EJ) policies into their general plans. In addition, Government Code Section
65302.10 requires that all general plans identify and
analyze Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
(DUCs) outside of the City’s boundaries but within or
adjacent to a city’s sphere of influence (SOI). DUCs are defined as inhabited unincorporated areas with 10 or
more housing units and a median household income
that is less than 80 percent of the statewide median
household income. As of 2020, no DUCs were under
consideration for annexation by the City of Lancaster.

Appendix A provides more detail on local DUCs,
including infrastructure and services, funding
mechanisms, and key terms/abbreviations.

Scope and Content of the
Environmental Justice Element
The Environmental Justice Element contains a
comprehensive set of goals and policies aimed at
increasing the role and influence of historically
marginalized populations and reducing their exposure to environmental and health hazards. This Element is
structured as follows:
▪ Background: A discussion of environmental justice
principles and methodology for identifying
Environmental Justice Communities . Lancaster has
one identified Environmental Justice Community:

Census Tract 9003.
▪ Environmental Issues : An evaluation of baseline
(2021) environmental issues within the
Environmental Justice Com munity and surrounding
communities, including pollution burden,
employment and educational attainment, health and
wellness, food insecurity, and park access.
▪ Goals and Policies: The goals, policies, and programs describe how the City of Lancaster will incorporate
environmental justice into decision making and
support positive outcomes for affected residents.

Relationship to Other General Plan
Elements
State law requires that the General Plan and all
individual elements collectively form an "integrated,

INTRODUCTION

The State of California defines Environmental Justice as “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations and policies.

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internally consistent, and compatible statement of
policies." The goals, policies, and programs of this
Environmental Justice Element are consistent with and
build upon the goals, policies, and programs contained
in other elements of the Lancaster General Plan.

Public Participation
Public input was a critical component in the
development of this Element. The City hosted a range of outreach sessions that captured the participation of a
broad range of stakeholders, with a special focus on
engaging community members and service providers
from the area identified as an Environmental Justice
Community in Lancaster. All outreach and engagement
activities were held virtually due to COVID-19 social
distancing protocols in place during 2020-2021.

Focus Group Meeting
A focus group meeting was conducted on February 24,
2021. Attendees included local social service provides
and environmental organizations that provided insight
into local environmental justice issues and potential
options for implementation interventions. Focus group
participants identified priorities for:
▪ Equitable access to parks and active recreation
▪ Creative ways to facilitate community participation
▪ Pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks and
safe walking paths, to key destinations
▪ Addressing food insecurity
▪ Addressing the needs of unsheltered individuals
Community Workshop
At a community workshop held on March 4, 2021, City
staff introduced the Environmental Justice Element to
the community, discussed their issues of concern, and
solicited ideas for interventions and priorities for
implementation. A concurrent meeting was conducted
in Spanish to accommodate Spanish-speaking
community members.

To encourage participation, the meeting was widely
advertised and included an incentive for a local
restaurant gift card give-away drawing for attendees.

Advertisement included:
▪ Mailed postcard to all residents and property
owners within the Lancaster Environmental Justice
Community
▪ City’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook,
and Instagram)
▪ City website and City e-newsletter
▪ Emails to local service providers, churches, and
stakeholders
The community identified these top two priorities
regarding environmental justice:
▪ Better civic engagement and participatory decision
making
▪ Addressing issues regarding the availability of
pedestrian, bicycling, and park/open space
infrastructure
Community-Based Organization Presentation
The City reached additional residents through Smoke-
Free Antelope Valley Coalition, a local advocacy
organization working toward creating more smoke-free
outdoor areas in Lancaster. On March 8, 2021, during
one of Smoke-Free Antelope Valley’s monthly meetings,
City staff gave a presentation and received feedback
from participants about key environmental justice
concerns and solutions. Participants indicated that air and water quality were pertinent issues that needed to
be addressed in Lancaster.

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An online community survey was developed to obtain
input from residents and other stakeholders who were
not able to participate in any of the scheduled meetings or workshops. The online survey was available between
February 15 and March 31, 2021, and was structured to
replicate the workshop, and was offered in English and
Spanish. The City advertised the survey through the
same platforms as the community workshop, and daily
gift card drawings encouraged broader participation. A total of 487 people who live and/or work in Lancaster
filled out completed surveys. A more detailed summary
of the results is provided in Appendix B. Survey findings included:
▪ Unsafe drinking water is a top pollution concern,
followed by toxic waste or hazardous facilities and
air pollution from vehicles and trucks.
▪ Lack of access to quality jobs, liveable wages, and
higher education are top socioeconomic concerns.
▪ Lack of community gardens, lack of fresh and
affordable food, and concentration of fast-food
restaurants are top barriers for accessing health
food options.
▪ The top barriers for accessing parks included park
safety, conditions of parks and amenities, and lack
of interesting things to do at parks.

Social Equity Commission
The City’s Social Equity Commission held a study session on April 21, 2021. The Social Equity Commission’s
charge is to collect and recommend actions relating to
inequities in education, public safety, health and social services, housing and economic development, and other
areas of the community. This public session covered
proposed key policy directives for the Environmental
Justice Element based on public input from the
community workshops and survey.

During online workshops, participants comments
were captured on a digital whiteboard.

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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

BACKGROUND
Environmental justice seeks to correct existing
inequalities regarding pollution and health burdens that certain neighborhoods face. Environmental justice is
grounded in principles of justice and fairness and
focused on creating a society in which everyone can
participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.

Equitable outcomes come about when smart,
intentional strategies are put in place to ensure that
everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions
that shape their neighborhoods and communities.

Environmental Justice Communities
California law defines “disadvantaged communities” (or
“environmental justice communities”) as areas that are
most afflicted with a combination of economic, health,
and environmental burdens. The California Communities
Environmental Health Screening Tool “CalEnviroScreen”1
was developed by the California Environmental
Protection Agency to identify environmental justice
communities using the following indicators:
▪ Pollution Burden: Areas disproportionately affected
by environmental pollution and other hazards that
can lead to negative public health effects, exposure,
or environmental degradation; and
▪ Population Characteristics: Areas with
concentrations of people with low incomes, high
unemployment, low levels of homeownership, high
rent burden, low levels of educational attainment,
and/or are sensitive populations (e.g., disabled
individuals, seniors, and emancipated foster youth).

CalEnviroScreen produces a percentile ranking of census tracts to demonstrates the degree of burdens present in that tract relative to the rest of the State. For example, a 75th percentile ranking for a census tract would mean
that the census tract is in the top 25 percent of all
CalEnviroScreen scores statewide—and among the
highest burdened census tracts in California. One census tract in Lancaster (census tract 9003, which includes
areas within both the City and the Sphere of Influence) has an overall percentile score in the top 25 percent,
qualifying that tract as an environmental justice
community (Figure EJ-1). Approximately 4,500 people
live in the environmental justice community; however,
most of the area is undeveloped. Residences are
concentrated primarily in the southern third of the
census tract. Another 20 census tracts in Lancaster have a population characteristic percentile score in the top 25 percent; however, these tracts do not trigger the
threshold for pollution burden characteristics. See
Appendix C for methodology and baseline (2021)
conditions in Lancaster.

1 CalEnviroScreen is an evolving tool, with updates provided as new data become available. CalEnviroScreen 3.0 was used to provide the baseline for this Environmental Justice
Element.

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Figure EJ-1: Environmental Justice Communities

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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN

THE CITY OF LANCASTER
Various environmental, socioeconomic, and health
issues can impact environmental justice communities.

Pollution Burden
The pollution burden for each census tract is calculated by measuring the average of exposure and
environmental effects to various pollutants, including
cleanup sites, hazardous waste, groundwater threats,
garbage and recycling facilities, toxic releases, small particulate matter (PM2.5), traffic, diesel particulate matter, drinking water contamination, ozone, and
impaired water bodies. Most census tracts in Lancaster
have a low pollution burden percentile (five to 34
percent). However, every census tract in Lancaster
scores in the 91st percentile for ozone, which means the summed concentration of ozone in these tracts is higher than 91 percent of census tracts in California.
▪ Ozone. Lancaster is located within the Mojave
Desert Air Basin, which includes the desert portions
of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, the
eastern desert portion of Kern County, and the
northeastern desert areas in Riverside County.

Prevailing winds, which transport pollutants from
more congested urban areas to the High Desert,
are the primary contributor to high ozone levels.

Significant and long-term exposure to relatively
high amounts of ozone can cause respiratory issues
and chronic respiratory diseases.

Lancaster’s environmental justice community has
existing cleanup site, hazardous waste, a landfill,
drinking water concerns, and high ozone and is above
the 75th percentile.

▪ Cleanup Sites. Cleanup sites are places
contaminated with hazardous chemicals that require
clean up by the property owners or government.

Pollution rankings for City of Lancaster,
CalEnviroScreen 3.0
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Chemicals at cleanup sites can move through the air
or groundwater.
▪ Hazardous Waste. Hazardous waste can range from
used automotive oil to highly toxic waste materials
produced by factories and businesses. Only certain
licensed facilities are allowed to treat, store, or
dispose of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste may
also be transported from businesses that generate
waste to permitted facilities for recycling,
treatment, storage, or disposal. Potential health
effects associated with living in proximity to
hazardous waste processing and disposal sites
include diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
▪ Solid Waste Sites and Facilities. Solid waste facilities are places where household garbage and similar
kinds of waste are collected, processed, or stored.

These include landfills and composting or recycling
facilities. Solid waste disposal can release waste
gases such as methane and carbon dioxide and may
do so for decades after site closure. Exposure to
landfill leachate can have adverse impacts on
reproductive and respiratory systems.
▪ Drinking Water. Drinking water sometimes becomes
contaminated with chemicals or bacteria above the
State’s health standards. Both natural and human
sources can contaminate drinking water. Natural
sources include rocks, soil, wildlife, and fires. Human sources include factories, sewage, and runoff from
farms. Arsenic can also be a contaminant in drinking
water and can cause cancer despite occurring
naturally in some rocks, soil, and groundwater
sources throughout California. Census tracts with
agriculture uses also see higher rates of nitrate. The fertilizer or manure leaches nitrate into groundwater
and contaminates wells.

In addition to the pollution burden indicators, proximity to industrial uses and freeways exposes people to air
pollutants and noise pollution. Industrial uses may
generate fumes and increase truck traffic near
neighborhoods. Major roads and highways can bring air
pollutants and noise into nearby neighborhoods as well.

Figure EJ-2 (Proximity of Residential Uses to Industrial Uses and Freeways) illustrates the proximity of
residential uses to these additional environmental
pollution burdens.

In Lancaster, nearly 3,500 homes (with over 11,500
residents) live within 500 feet of an industrial business.

In the City, over 2,500 homes with about 8,000 residents live within 1,000 feet of a freeway.

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Figure EJ-2: Proximity of Residential Uses to Industrial Uses and Freeways

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Population Characteristics
Certain population characteristics and socioeconomic
factors are often related to health conditions such as
asthma, low-birth weight, and cardiovascular disease.

In particular, socioeconomic factors such as lower
educational attainment, linguistic isolation, poverty,
unemployment, and housing burden are often found
in populations that also have a higher risk of health
conditions.

Most of the census tracts in Lancaster have
populations with very high rates of asthma, low birth
weight, and cardiovascular disease.

▪ Asthma. Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs
and makes it hard to breathe. The causes of asthma
are unknown, but both genetic and environmental
factors can be involved. Outdoor air pollution can
trigger asthma attacks. People living in 19 of the 27
census tracts in Lancaster see more emergency
department visits for asthma per 10,000 people
than 95 percent of the other census tracts in the
State, with some tracts showing more than 99
percent.
▪ Low Birth Weight. Babies who weigh less than 5.5
pounds at birth are considered to have a low birth
weight. Poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, stress,
and smoking by the mother are known to increase
the risk of having a low-birth-weight baby. Studies
suggest that pollution could also be a factor. Over
85 percent of Lancaster census tracts score above
the 75th percentile for low birth rate.
▪ Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular disease can
lead to heart attacks and is the leading cause of
death both in California and the United States.

Survivors of a cardiovascular event are highly
vulnerable to future cardiovascular events,
especially following short- or long-term exposure to
particulate matter. Risk factors for developing
cardiovascular disease include diet, lack of exercise,
smoking, and exposure to air pollution. The
majority (31 of 37 census tracts) in Lancaster score
above the 75th percentile for cardiovascular
disease.
▪ Educational Attainment. Educational attainment is
the highest level of education a person has
completed. People with more education usually
earn higher incomes than people with less
education. Studies have also found that
communities with more educated people are less
polluted and adults with less education have more
pollution-related health problems. Although not as
alarming as the other population characteristic
indicators, three census tracts score above the 75th
percentile.
▪ Poverty. Income can affect health, as people with
limited means often cannot afford healthy living
and working conditions, nutritious food, and
necessary medical care. Low-income communities
are often located in areas with high levels of
pollution. Poverty can cause stress that weakens
the immune system and causes people to become
ill from pollution. Most Lancaster census tracts
Population characteristics for City of Lancaster,
CalEnviroScreen 3.0
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have higher rates of poverty than 75 percent of the
census tracts in California.
▪ Unemployment. Stress from long-term
unemployment can lead to chronic illnesses, such
as heart disease, and can shorten a person’s life.

Many residents in Lancaster face unemployment at
higher rates than the rest of the State.
▪ Housing Burden. Households with lower incomes
may spend a larger proportion of their income on
housing and may suffer from housing-induced
poverty, which can lead to adverse health effects.

Low-income households paying more than 50
percent of their income on housing are on the rise.

Health and Wellness
Our health is shaped by community characteristics—
housing, education, economic, and other social
factors—which often are shaped through policy. The
California Healthy Places Index (HPI) includes eight
indicators representing 24 community characteristics
with weighted scoring to create a single indexed
Health Places Index. In contrast to the CalEnviroScreen

3.0 data, where higher percentiles equate to worse
conditions, lower HPI percentiles equate to worse
conditions.

Lancaster’s HPI Score is 20.9. See Table EJ-1 for a
comparison of Lancaster to surrounding communities
(with higher scores being more favorable).

Table EJ-1: Healthy Places Index Score
City or County Healthy Places Index Score
Leona Valley 77.9
Santa Clarita 72.5
Elizabeth Lake 62.0
Los Angeles County 50.0
Apple Valley 30.1
Palmdale 25.0
Lancaster 20.9
Rosamond 19.7
Sun Village 17.4
Victorville 15.3
Hesperia 13.3
Kern County 12.5
Mojave 2.8
Source: The California Healthy Places Index (HPI), Public Health Alliance of Southern California, 2020.

Food Access
Two major factors that contribute to food access are
food insecurity and how easy it is to get to local
grocery stores.

Food Insecurity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food
insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Approximately 10 percent of households in Lancaster received Food Stamps/SNAP
(also known as CalFresh, California’s food stamp
program) in 2018 compared to about nine percent in
Los Angeles County. SNAP can help buffer participants
against food insecurity and poor health. Residents may
also rely on food banks and social service providers,
including Antelope Valley Rescue Mission, Grace
Resources, A Helping Hand, and several other religious
institutions. Families with school-aged children may
receive free and reduced-price meals as part of the
National School Lunch Program.

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Figure EJ-3 (Health Food Access) shows the locations
where healthy food options (e.g., produce, fresh meats
and seafood, dairy) can be purchased. The map also
identifies several low-income and low-vehicle access
census tracts that include:
▪ A poverty rate of 20 percent or higher, or with a
median family income less than 80 percent of
median family income for Los Angeles County
▪ More than 100 households with no access to a
vehicle
▪ A significant number of residents located more
than one-half mile from the nearest supermarket
Lancaster’s rural characteristics presents some
challenges in attracting more grocerty stores. There
are many factors that influence whether a grocery
store is feasible in particular community, such as
population size and strength of local businesses.

Lancaster’s rural nature results in lower population
densities and subsequently a smaller potential
customer base.

Physical Activity and Park Access
Research demonstrates that participating in regular
moderate to vigorous physical activity provides many
health benefits. Some benefits of physical activity can be achieved immediately, such as reduced feelings of
anxiety, reduced blood pressure, improvements in
sleep, some aspects of cognitive function, and insulin
sensitivity. Other benefits—such as increased
cardiorespiratory fitness, increased muscular strength, decreases in depressive symptoms, and sustained
reduction in blood pressure—require a few weeks or
months of participation in physical activity.

Physical activity can also slow or delay the progression of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and type 2
diabetes and public health professionals recommend
at least 30 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous
exercise. Benefits persist with continued physical
activity.

Research has found that walking and biking provide
the same health benefits as engaging in more
regimented daily exercise. Activity accumulated in
short bursts, of a minimum of 10 minutes at a time,
can achieve health benefits such as reducing mortality
by 12 percent and chronic diseases by 10 percent.

Pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure provides people with safe dedicated areas to walk and bike, which
helps increase the use of active transportation and
enhances public health.

In Lancaster, vehicle collision data show a
concentration of pedestrian-related fatalities within
the downtown area, as shown in Figure EJ-4. In the
Environmental Justice Community, pedestrian-related
fatalities have occurred mostly along East Avenue I.

These areas are likely more prone to collisions given
the higher vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes. The
City has forwarded several initiatives to address safety for active modes, such as adopting the 2016 Complete
Streets Plan, preparing an update to the 2012 Master
Plan of Trails and Bikeways, the 2017 Safe Routes to
School Master Plan, which identify enhancements to
the walking and biking environments, and the current
See and Be Seen campaign, which aims to educate
school-aged children in active transportation safety.

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Figure EJ-3: Healthy Food Access

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Figure EJ-4: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Involved Collisions (2010-2020)

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Parks, playgrounds, greenways, trails, and community
open spaces help keep residents fit and healthy by
providing access to places that support physical
activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, only 25 percent of American adults
engage in recommended levels of physical activity and
29 percent engage in no leisure-time physical activity
at all. This sedentary lifestyle is contributing to an
increased incidence of obesity along with obesity-
related diseases, such as high blood pressure,
diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke.

Studies have shown that when people have access to
parks, they exercise more. Parks provide children with
opportunities for play, and play is critical to the
development of muscle strength and coordination,
language, and cognitive abilities. Given the expansive
nature of Lancaster, 18 percent of residents live within one-half mile—or a 10-minute walk—to one of the 14
City or County parks within the city limits. The national average is 55 percent. Figure EJ-5 (Park Access) shows
residential areas within one-quarter and one-half mile
of a park. Between 2010 and 2020, the City built two
new parks: Whit Carter Park on Sierra Highway and
American Heroes Park in Downtown Lancaster. The
City is focued on upgrading existing parks by adding
new amenties, such as a skate park and accessible
playground equipment. As a way to further encourage
the development of recreational areas, the City is
requiring new planned developments to have useable
open space for residents. These open space areas
typically include amenities that encourage physical
activity such as ball courts and tot lots—and the
facilities are not gated.

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GOALS AND POLICIES
Healthy and Affordable Housing
Access to healthy and affordable housing is important to residents’ well being. In Lancaster, 39 percent of all households spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, creating a housing cost burden. More than half (61 percent) of households earn incomes that are 80 percent or less than the median income for Los Angeles County. More information and programs to encourage healthy and affordable housing are included in the Housing Element.

Goal EJ-1 Ensure all residents have fair and equal access to affordable housing options.

Policy EJ-1.1 Promote and further fair housing policies and programs.

Policy EJ-1.2 Support the development and preservation of affordable housing in and around the environmental justice community for a variety of income levels.

Action EJ-1.1.A Periodically review local housing policies and procedures to ensure they do not pose impediments to furthering fair housing.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-1.2.A Explore best practices for innovative housing options prioritize community ownership and support resident efforts to build intergenerational wealth.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budgets

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Goal EJ-2 Ensure residents have healthy and safe living conditions.

Policy EJ-2.1 Support and expand programs that increase awareness among residents about property maintenance, upkeep, weatherization, and neighborhood quality.

Action EJ-2.1.A Promote building code education and regulation to address unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions that focus on trash and dumping, building and yard maintenance, and unpermitted construction activities.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-2.1.B Support collaborations between public health professionals, environmental health inspectors, and building departments to connect clients with professionals who can assess and address multiple aspects of housing that affect health and safety.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget

Park Access and Active Living
Providing access to parks and active living options, including walking and biking to destinations, contributes to positive health outcomes. Walking is the most accessible form of transportation because it is free. It is important that infrastructure disparities, especially regarding sidewalk access, do not negatively impact the community. For related policies and specific actions, refer to the Plan for Active Living and Plan for Physical Mobility.

Goal EJ-3 Ensure residents of all ages have access to a range of safe and accessible opportunities for recreation and physical activities.

Policy EJ-3.1 Highly encourage a park system that provides all residents with access to parks, community centers, sports fields, trails, and other amenities.

Policy EJ-3.2 Address park safety concerns through community-based safety interventions.

Policy EJ-3.3 Ensure that parks and other key destinations (schools, retail, jobs) are accessible via alternative modes of transportation.

Action EJ-3.1.A Explore opportunity areas for small parks or open spaces in areas that generally lack parks or green spaces.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services & Parks, Recreation and Community Services
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Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-3.2.A Research policies and programs known to improve safety and reduce crime without relying on law enforcement personnel.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Parks, Recreation & Community Services; Public Safety Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-3.2.B Activate park spaces with local vendors and community events as a way to maintain eyes on the street.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Parks, Recreation & Arts; Public Safety Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-3.3.A Develop an Action Plan to reduce pedestrian/vehicle and bicycle/vehicle accidents, especially those that involve high speeds and result in fatalities. Include a variety of interventions in the action plan, including engineering/street design and education.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-3.3.B Work with local transit agencies to improve access and connectivity to transit as well as enhance transit amenities, such as bus shelters, real-time information, etc.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-3.3.C Coordinate with local transit agencies to provide more service types/options.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services, Antelope Valley Transit Authority Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-3.3.D Prioritize implementing enhanced pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the environmental justice community based on community-identified mobility needs to encourage more active lifestyles.

Time Frame: Priority
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-3.3.E Highly encourage that retail and commercial property owners to install bicycle amenities on their property such as bike racks, lockers, or repair stations.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T EJ - 19

Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-3.3.F Continue to implement active transportation infrastructure identified in the Complete Streets Plan and the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-3.3.F Expand active transportation safety education and outreach efforts, such as the See and Be Seen Campaign.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget

Access to Healthy Food
Access to healthy food contributes to positive health outcomes. When it is difficult to access healthy food due to food insecurity or lack of access to stores where healthy food is sold, health outcomes, such as obesity and diabetes rates, can be affected.

Goal EJ-4 Expand access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food and resources to reduce food insecurity.

Policy EJ.4.1 Incentivize and remove any potential barriers in the development of healthy food establishments.

Policy EJ-4.2 Ensure that residents have the knowledge, skills, and resources that are conducive to healthy eating habits.

Action EJ-4.1.A Work with local community members to identify ideal locations for regularly scheduled farmers’ markets.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Parks, Recreation & Arts; Development Services Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-4.1.B Support community-supported agriculture/food production, such as community gardens and cottage food operations, by providing interested individuals with information and resources.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
EJ - 20 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

Action EJ-4.2.A Continue partnerships with existing active living, nutrition, and school programs, such as Kaiser Permanente’s Healthy Balance Program, to provide culturally relevant educational programming on healthy living.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Funding Source: Department budgets

Climate Resiliency
Policies that support climate resiliency ensure a more stable environment for residents. For related policies and specific actions, refer to the Air Resources and Water Resources sections of the Plan for the Natural Environment.

Goal EJ-5 Protect human and environmental health by restoring and improving potable water resources and protecting land uses and air quality from future contamination.

Policy EJ-5.1 Restore and protect potable water resources from future contamination.

Policy EJ-5.2 Improve air quality conditions and minimize air quality impacts on sensitive population groups, by reducing point source emissions (ozone, small particulate matter, diesel particulates), particularly in the environmental justice community.

Policy EJ-5.3 Protect sensitive land uses (e.g., schools, housing, health facilities, childcare facilities, senior centers, parks, etc.) from increased pollution exposure, particularly in the environmental justice community.

Action EJ-5.1.A Develop and support initiatives and incentives that protect healthy watersheds.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-5.1.B Implement green strategies to support a sustainable approach to stormwater, drainage, groundwater recharge, and landscaping.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-5.1.C Coordinate with local and regional agencies to continue and, as needed, expand remediation efforts for contaminated surface water, groundwater, and soils.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T EJ - 21

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: State and federal grants
Action EJ-5.1.D Apply for state and federal funding sources to restore contaminated water bodies.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: State and federal grants
Action EJ-5.2.A Collaborate with industrial businesses to improve outdoor air quality through enhanced operations and other pollution reduction measures where possible.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-5.2.B Encourage smoke-free workplaces, multi-family housing, parks, and other outdoor gathering places to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and coordinate with local advocacy groups, such as the Smoke-Free Antelope Valley Coalition, to identify more potential smoke-free areas.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Parks, Recreation & Community Services; Development Services Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-5.2.C Continue to coordinate with the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District to identify, monitor, and reduce air pollutants.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-5.2.D Require new sensitive land uses to include feasible measures such as setbacks, landscaping, ventilation systems, and other effective measures to minimize potential impacts from air pollution.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-5.2.E Designate truck routes to avoid residential areas and other sensitive areas, especially in the environmental justice community.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budgets
EJ - 22 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

Action EJ-5.2.F Preserve and enhance natural landscapes and tree canopies in and around the environmental justice community to minimize air pollution impacts and heat exposure.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budgets
Action EJ-5.3.A Limit the siting and construction of new large-scale hazardous waste facilities on or near sensitive land uses in and around the environmental justice community.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-5.3.B Continue to ensure compatibility between sensitive land uses and heavy industrial uses and other potentially harmful facilities.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-5.3.C Discourage illegal dumping in the environmental justice community, parks, outdoor areas, and underutilized or vacant parcels throughout the city through educational materials and incentives. Implement clean-up initiatives.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Funding Source: Department budget
Civic Engagement
Through civic engagement and environmental education, residents are empowered to develop knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to participate in civic life to improve environmental and social conditions for themselves and others and to help shape the future.

Goal EJ-6 Support meaningful and inclusive participation in the decision-making process of all community members, particularly those belonging to marginalized groups.

Policy EJ-6.1 Facilitate the involvement of residents, businesses, and organizations in all aspects of the planning process using a variety of community-based strategies.

Action EJ-6.1.A Continue to develop relationships and partnerships with community-based organizations.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services; Parks, Recreation & Community Services Funding Source: Department budgets
E N V I R O N M E N T A L J U S T I C E E L E M E N T EJ - 23

Action EJ-6.1.B Utilize a variety of communication techniques and social media tools to convey information to the public and ensure information is available in multiple languages.

Time Frame: Priority
Responsibility: Communications
Funding Source: Department budget

Action EJ-6.1.C Provide more opportunities for residents to volunteer with the City as a way to further build local relationships.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-6.1.D Provide continuous updates regarding City projects and programming so that residents are aware of the progress being made to address local issues and concerns.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Communications, Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Community Programs and Services
Community programs and services are intended to enhance quality of life for Lancaster residents and provide programming to meet critical needs. For related policies and specific actions, refer to Emergency Medical Facilities section of the Plan for Public Health and Safety and the Plan for Active Living.

Goal EJ-7 Promote and expand job opportunities, community programs, and services throughout the city with a focus on environmental justice communities.

Policy EJ-7.1 Promote equitable economic outcomes by providing and maintaining a range of middle-skill and high-skill jobs as well as attracting diverse employment opportunities.

Policy EJ-7.2 Promote health equity and access through policy evaluation and health valuation.

Action EJ-7.1.A Continue to facilitate the development of industrial and commercial projects that provide living-wage opportunities by providing financial and technical assistance.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-7.1.B Develop and support talent development strategies and incentives to maximize opportunities for local employment.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
EJ - 24 L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

Action EJ-7.1.C Coordinate partnerships between major employers and higher-education institutions to develop a highly skilled workforce.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-7.1.D Explore innovative opportunities for establishing workforce programs.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budget
Action EJ-7.2.A Ensure that high-quality healthcare services and resources are accessible and near residential neighborhoods, particularly to those in the environmental justice community.

Time Frame: Ongoing
Responsibility: Development Services
Funding Source: Department budgets

l a n c a s t e r g e n e r a l p l a n

L A N C A S T E R G E N E R A L P L A N

Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-1

APPENDIX EJ-A:

DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED

COMMUNITIES (DUCS)

Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-2

DISADVANTAGED

UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES
(DUCS)
Government Code Section 65302.10 requires that all
general plans identify and analyze Disadvantaged
Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) within or
adjacent to a city’s sphere of influence (SOI). DUCs are defined as inhabited unincorporated areas with 10 or
more residential units and a median household
income (MHI) that is less than 80 percent of the
statewide MHI. (Please see the end of this appendix
for key terms and abbreviations used in the
discussion.)
People who live in DUCs often face legal, financial, and political barriers that contribute to regional inequity and infrastructure deficits. Engaging these residents
and their communities in long-range planning
programs is intended to provide for more equitable
and efficient delivery of services and infrastructure
systems, including but not limited to sewer, water,
and fire protection. As of 2020, no DUCs were under
consideration for annexation by the City of Lancaster.

Identification of Disadvantaged
Unincorporated Communities
(DUCs)
According to consolidated data as of 2021, the MHI in
California is estimated at $71,228.1 Three areas within Lancaster’s SOI—as listed below and shown on Figure
A-1—have been identified as DUCs, with a MHI of less
than $56,982. Additional unincorporated areas within
the City’s SOI exist, but they are not defined as DUCs
due to either an annual MHI that exceeds the
minimum or because the areas have fewer than 10
dwelling units adjacent or in close proximity to one
another, as defined in Government Code Section
65302.10(a).

1 2014-18 American Community Survey 5-year estimates
DUC 1, East Antelope Valley (Census Tract
9100.01, Block Group 2)
The East Antelope Valley DUC (Figure A-1, DUC 1)
spans the width of the city, from 110th Street West to
120th Street East, and includes most of the SOI north
of the city. This expansive fringe DUC encompasses
76,700 acres and contains approximately 1,718
residential units (all but four are single-family homes) with 4,401 residents. The median household income is
$47,679.

Most of DUC 1 remains undeveloped, with scattered
agricultural uses and rural single-family homes.

Residential and commercial development are
primarily found within Antelope Acres. The Los
Angeles County General Plan 2035 (adopted in 2015)
and Antelope Valley Area Plan (2015) identify
Antelope Acres as a rural town center, with areas
designated as Rural Commercial (CR) to provide
services and local employment opportunities to
residents. Residents of Antelope Acres have expressed
concern about encroaching urbanization and wish to
remain an unincorporated rural community with a
unique identity. Rural residential designations cover
most of Antelope Acres to reflect the area’s existing
density and to maintain a large minimum lot size that
reflects desired community character.

DUC 2, Lancaster K (Census Tract 9002.01, Block
Group 1)
Lancaster K DUC (Figure A-1, DUC 2) is a small
unincorporated area between 50th Street East and
80th Street East, north of East Avenue L. This
irregularly shaped DUC covers 1,183 acres, contains
approximately 36 single-family dwelling units with 80
residents, and has a MHI of $44,643.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-3 Figure A-1: DUC 1, East Antelope Valley

Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-4 Most of DUC 2 remains undeveloped, with scattered
agricultural uses and rural single-family homes. The
Los Angeles County General Plan 2035 designates this
community as either Rural Land 10 (RL10), with a
maximum density of one residential unit for each 10
gross acres of land, or Rural Land 20 (RL20), with a
maximum density of one residential unit for each 20
gross acres of land.

DUC 3, Lancaster 97th St W (Census Tract 9009,
Block Group 1)
Lancaster 97th Street West DUC (DUC 3) is located on
the west side of Lancaster, north of West Avenue I.

This small, 406-acre DUC contains approximately 10
single-family dwelling units and 17 residents. The
median household income is $56,574. Most of DUC 3
remains undeveloped, with dispersed rural single-
family homes. The Los Angeles County General Plan
2035 designates this entire area as Rural Land 2 (RL2), with a maximum density of one residential unit per
two gross acres of land.

Infrastructure
Water
Many retail water districts and mutual water
companies (MWC) serve the Lancaster area. All water
is sourced from either groundwater, imported water
from the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency
(AVEK), or a combination of both. AVEK, through the
State Water Project, is the single wholesale supplier of water in the region and is also a retailer of untreated water for agricultural purposes. The largest purveyor
serving the City and SOI is the Los Angeles County
Waterworks District 40 (LACWD).

Most existing residential development within DUC 1
receives water service. Land Projects MWC, Olsen A.

Berto MWC, and Sundale MWC serve most of
Antelope Acres, while several small water retailers
serve other developed areas within DUC 1. However,
undeveloped portions of DUC 1 and all of DUC 2 and

2 LACountyWaterworks_2015 Integrated Urban Water
Management Plan for the Antelope Valley
DUC 3 receive no water service. Residents and
business operators have private on-site wells or have
water trucked in for use.2
Wastewater
Los Angeles County Sanitation District 14 (LACSD)
owns, operates, and maintains the local wastewater
trunk system and the Lancaster Water Reclamation
Plant (WRP), which treats wastewater for irrigation,
agriculture, urban reuse, wildlife habitat,
maintenance, and recreational impoundments
throughout the Antelope Valley. Wastewater lines
that feed into the trunk lines and regional system are
owned, operated, and maintained by the City of
Lancaster. Almost all developable lands within the
DUCs lack a community wastewater collection and
treatment system; interestingly, the wastewater
treatment plant is located within DUC 1 (Figure A-2).

Homes and businesses without community sewers
rely upon septic systems for sewage processing.

Prevailing soil conditions in the Antelope Valley are
generally amenable to use of septic systems. All on-
site wastewater treatment systems, including septic
systems, must comply with public health and safety
regulations that dictate their construction and
installation.3
Stormwater and Drainage
For flood control purposes, the City and SOI are within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Flood Control
District. The DUCs contain no public stormwater or
drainage infrastructure. Although some catch basins
and gravity main stormwater sewers are near DUC 2
and DUC 3, roadside ditches represent the primary
means within each DUC to manage stormwater. Like
most places in the Antelope Valley Watershed, storm
drains discharge into vacant desert land.4
Large portions of DUC 1 and parts of DUC 2 fall within
flood zones, as shown in Figure A-3. These flood-
3 LACounty_gp_2035_deir
4 LA County Public Works

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-5

prone areas consist mostly of undeveloped parcels
and scattered agricultural uses.

Fire Protection
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD)
provides fire prevention and protection services to
Antelope Valley residents and businesses, which
includes the City and SOI. LACFD emergency units are
dispatched as needed to incidents anywhere within
the service territory based on distance and availability.

Most lands within the DUCs are located within
moderate fire hazard severity zones, as illustrated in
Figure 4. However, the desert scrub vegetation
throughout the area has a low level of combustion
due to the type and spacing of plants.

LACFD’s goal is to have a fire station within 1.5 miles of all fully developed urban areas. The nationally
recognized guideline is a five-minute response time in
urban areas, which is usually achieved within a 1.5-
mile distance. The DUCs are not considered urban,
and most areas are outside of a 1.5-mile distance. Fire Stations 33, 112, and 130 serve DUC 1. Fire Station
112 in Antelope Acres is the only station in Lancaster
staffed entirely by “paid on-call” fire fighters known as Call Fire Fighters (CFF). Thus, Fire Station 130
accompanies all of Fire Station 112’s calls. DUC 2 is
served by Fire Station 135, and DUC 3 is served by Fire Station 130. Fire stations routinely respond outside
their first-due areas since many incidents require
multiple response units from two or more stations.5
Service Deficits
Water
As of 2021, the DUCs experienced no water service
deficiencies. Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts’
(LACWD) 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
estimates a 36 percent increase in water usage for
residential land uses in District 40 from 2020 to 2035.

5 GP2030 Master Environmental Assessment
6 LA County Waterworks 2015 Integrated Urban Water
Management Plan for the Antelope Valley
District 40 comprises eight regions within the
Antelope Valley and serves approximately 208,000
people through 57,000 metered connections. Despite
the increase, no water service deficiencies are
expected, as supply is expected to be 10 percent
higher than demand through the same period.6
The California Department of Water Resources
recently awarded AVEK over $1.2 million in
Proposition 1 grant funding to meet increased
demand and stabilize supply. The project will increase
resiliency against drought, State Water Project supply
shortages or interruptions, major disasters such as
earthquakes, and climate change impacts through
increased efficiency of banking programs. Additional
benefits include reduced reliance on the Sacramento-
San Joaquin River Delta, improved water quality, and
supporting the local economy through affordable
housing and economic development.7
As the DUCs develop, water purveyors must comply
with Government Code Section 65589.7, which
requires water purveyors to “grant a priority for the
provision of water and sewer services to proposed
developments that include housing units affordable to
lower-income households.” Existing water service in
DUC 1 could be expanded to meet the needs as new
development occurs. While DUC 2 and DUC 3 lack
water service, these communities are adjacent to
LACWD service areas, which makes the extension of
water services more feasible.

The Los Angeles County Waterworks District charges a
connection fee for obtaining water services. The fees
vary depending on the size of the meter, size of the
property, frontage dimension, and the required fire
flow protection. Fees are determined on a case-by-
case basis due to these varying factors. The
connection fee is set at an adequate rate, reflective of the factors above, in order to provide ongoing
services.8
7 https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water/infrastructure- funding/article/14178820/antelope-valleyeast-kern-water-agency- awarded-more-than-123m-in-grant-funding
8 LA County Waterworks District

Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-6 Figure A-2: Sewage Collection Network

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-7

Figure A-3: Flood Risk Areas (DUC Only)

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-8

Figure A-4: Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-9 Wastewater
Properties within the DUCs rely upon individual septic
systems to handle wastewater; no deficiencies have
been identified. Soils capable of supporting septic
systems will allow for the wastewater service
demands of future development to be met. Future
development without capable soils will require
annexation by LACSD District 14 before sewer
wastewater service can be provided.9
LACSD District 14 can charge a connection fee for the
privilege of connecting to their system or increasing
capacity in an amount sufficient to accommodate a
proposed project. The connection fee is a capital
facilities fee used to provide additional conveyance,
treatment, and disposal facilities (capital facilities) required by new users connecting to the LACSD
sewerage system or by existing users that significantly increase the quantity or strength of their wastewater
discharge. The connection fee ensures that all users
pay their fair share for any necessary expansion of the system.10
The treatment plant was converted to full tertiary
treatment in 2012 which expanded its capacity. The
plant will be upgraded as population increases in the
Antelope Valley region. Even with the proposed
buildout of the Lancaster Health District, the plant
would still have sufficient capacity to treat
wastewater flows. The Lancaster Health District at
buildout would equate to approximately 27.3 percent
of the remaining capacity of the treatment plant.11
While the proportion of future development using
septic systems versus sewer systems in the DUCs
remains unknown, sewer wastewater services have
adequate service capacity to meet new demands and
will be expanded as necessary.

9 LACounty_gp_2035_deir
10 https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/home/showdocument?id=172 59 11 Lancaster Health District Master Plan EIR, December 2020.

Stormwater and Drainage
No stormwater and drainage deficiencies are reported
in the DUCs; however, large portions of DUC 1 and
parts of DUC 2 fall within flood zones. While most of
these areas remain undeveloped, future development
would need to address the flood hazards. Future
development within the 100-year flood zone would
require improvements to flood control facilities and
issuance of Letters of Map Revision by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) showing
changes to 100-year flood zones that reflect such
improvements. Alternatively, future structures must
be constructed with floor beams of the lowest floor
above the 100-year flood base elevation. Flood
insurance available through the National Flood
Insurance Program would also be required.

Requirements for erosion control, water quality
protection, and grading operations set forth in Los
Angeles County Code regulations and required by the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) will facilitate stormwater management
systems in future development. While impervious
areas would be created from future growth within the
DUCs, the increase in impervious areas would still be a small fraction of land. About 91 percent of the DUCs
are designated by the Los Angeles County 2035
General Plan for either Open Space or Rural uses.12
Fire Protection
Fire protection services for the DUCs are adequate as
of 2021. Undeveloped land will continue to receive a
suburban or rural level of fire protection as
appropriate until these areas become more urbanized.

Increased demand for fire protection services will
follow as concentrated residential development
occurs.13
12 LACounty_gp_2035_deir
13 GP2030MasterEnvironmentalA

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-10

Potential Funding Mechanisms
Potential funding and financing mechanisms may be
pursued by Los Angeles County and the City to
address existing and future service deficiencies in the DUCs, including annexation to the City and connection
to the City’s existing and planned infrastructure.

However, no DUCs are being considered for
annexation by the City of Lancaster as of 2021.

Principal funding sources for local government
infrastructure usually include taxes, benefit
assessments, bonds, and exactions (including impact
fees). Federal and state programs also can potentially
help address existing and future deficiencies identified in the DUCs discussed above. Some financing
mechanisms may, however, be difficult to use because
they require voter approval. For this reason, grants
are often used for infrastructure improvements to
reduce the cost burden for taxpayers, although grant
programs can be very competitive and thus not a
reliable source of funding.

A summary of potential funding mechanisms is
provided below.

California Financing Coordinating Committee
(CFCC)
CFCC member agencies facilitate and expedite the
completion of various types of infrastructure projects
by helping applicants combine the resources of
several agencies. Project information is shared
between members so additional resources can be
identified. CFCC member agencies conduct free
funding fairs statewide each year to educate the
public and potential applicants about the different
member agencies and the financial and technical
resources available.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
The CDBG program is an annual funding mechanism
offered by the United States Housing and Urban
Development Department. These versatile grants
often fund the construction of projects such as water
and sewer facilities, recreation facilities, and street maintenance, as well as other public works projects.

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM)
This funding program is offered by the California
Department of Water Resources. The IRWM Grant
Programs offer funding for planning, disadvantaged
community involvement, implementation, and
companion grant programs that support sustainable
groundwater planning and water-energy programs
and projects.

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
SWRCB funds the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund (SDWSRF), which provides low-interest loans and
some grants to support water systems with technical,
managerial, and financial development and
infrastructure improvements. The awarded funds can
only be used for capital costs and cannot be used for
operation and maintenance of infrastructure.

Furthermore, the funds can only be used for public
water systems and not domestic wells or state small
systems.

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
Rural Development Program
The USDA Rural Development Program provides
several funding mechanisms for a variety of
infrastructure projects, including:
▪ Circuit Rider Program Emergency Community
Water Assistance Grants
▪ Household Water Well System Grants
▪ Individual Water & Wastewater Grants
▪ Solid Waste Management Grants
▪ Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health
Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonies
▪ Water & Waste Disposal Loans & Grants
▪ Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees
▪ Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning
Grants
▪ Water & Waste Disposal Revolving Loan Funds

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-11

▪ Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance &
Training Grants
▪ Drinking water disinfecting projects using UV
technology and ozone treatment
Key Terms
Community: An inhabited area within a city or county
that contains no less than 10 dwelling units adjacent
or in close proximity to one another.

Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community (DUC): A
community in which the median household income is
80 percent or less than the statewide median
household income.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo): A
commission within each county that reviews and
evaluates all proposals for formation of special
districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and
merger of districts with cities. Each county’s LAFCo is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally
approve such proposals. This commission is made up
of two members of the County Board of Supervisors,
two City Council members, and a public member.

Sphere of Influence (SOI): The probable physical
boundaries and service area of a local agency, as
determined by the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCo).14

14 OPR_SB-244-Technical-Advisory_2.15.13

Draft Environmental Justice Element Appendix A: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Page EJ-A-12

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Environmental Justice Element Appendix B: Public Outreach Page EJ-B-1

APPENDIX EJ-B:

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INPUT

Environmental Justice Element Appendix B: Public Outreach Page EJ-B-2

Environmental Justice Element Appendix B: Public Outreach Page EJ-B-3

Environmental Justice Element Appendix B: Public Outreach Page EJ-B-4

Environmental Justice Element Appendix B: Public Outreach Page EJ-B-5

Environmental Justice Element Appendix B: Public Outreach Page EJ-B-6

APPENDIX EJ-C:

EXISITNG CONDITIONS

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-1

Existing Conditions
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. EJ-C-7 Environmental Justice .......................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-7 Disadvantaged Communities ................................................................................................................................ EJ-C-7 Pollution Burden ............................................................................................................................................. EJ-C-11 Population Characteristics .............................................................................................................................. EJ-C-18 Health and Wellness ........................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-22 Healthy Places Index ........................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-22 General Health Conditions ............................................................................................................................. EJ-C-25 Health Insurance and Healthcare Access ....................................................................................................... EJ-C-25 Food Access ........................................................................................................................................................ EJ-C-28 Food Insecurity ............................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-28 Grocery Store Access ...................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-29 Physical Activity and Park Access ....................................................................................................................... EJ-C-29 Physical Activity .............................................................................................................................................. EJ-C-29 Park Access ..................................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-32 City Health and Equity Initiatives ....................................................................................................................... EJ-C-35 Antelope Valley Healthy Community Commission ......................................................................................... EJ-C-35 Lancaster Social Equity Commission .............................................................................................................. EJ-C-35 Healthy Homes Program ................................................................................................................................ EJ-C-35 Lancaster Health District ................................................................................................................................ EJ-C-35 Continuum of Care ......................................................................................................................................... EJ-C-35 Key Takeaways and Policy Implications.............................................................................................................. EJ-C-35

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-5

List of Figures
Figure 1: Disadvantaged Communities ........................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 2: Pollution Burden .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 3: Proximity of Residential Uses to Industrial Uses and Freeways ...................................................................... 16 Figure 4: Population Characteristics ............................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 5: Healthy Places Index ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Figure 6: Hospital, Health Clinic, and Urgent Care Access ............................................................................................. 27 Figure 7: Healthy Food Access ........................................................................................................................................ 30 Figure 8: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Involved Collisions .................................................................................................... 31 Figure 9: Park Access ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

List of Tables
Table 1: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Indicators ........................................................................................................................... 8 Table 2: CalEnviroScreen (CES) 3.0 Percentile Scores ...................................................................................................... 9 Table 3: Pollution Burden Indicators Percentile Scores ................................................................................................. 11 Table 4: Housing and Population Proximity to Industrial Uses and Freeways ............................................................... 14 Table 5: Population Characteristics Indicators Scores ................................................................................................... 18 Table 6: Healthy Places Index Indicator Weights & Community Characteristics ........................................................... 22 Table 7: Healthy Places Index Indicators Percentile Scores (Citywide) .......................................................................... 24 Table 8: Healthy Places Index Score ............................................................................................................................... 25 Table 9: Health Condition and Healthcare Service Comparisons ................................................................................... 25 Table 10: Health Insurance Coverage ............................................................................................................................. 26 Table 11: Students Eligible for Free or Reduced Priced Meals ....................................................................................... 28 Table 12: Weight and Physical Activity .......................................................................................................................... 32

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l a n c a s t e r g e n e r a l p l a n
environmental justice background memo
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment
and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of
race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of
environmental regulations and policies implemented by
local agencies. Fair treatment means that no group of
people should bear a disproportionate share of the
negative environmental consequences resulting from
industrial, governmental, and commercial operations
and policies.

Equity is grounded in principles of justice and fairness, focused on creating a society in which everyone can
participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.

Equitable outcomes come about when smart,
intentional strategies are put in place to ens ure that everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions
that shape their neighborhoods and regions.

Disadvantaged Communities
Disadvantaged communities refer to areas that are
most afflicted with a combination of economic, health,
and environmental burdens.

California law requires local governments to identify
any disadvantaged communities that exist within their
jurisdiction. The California Communities Environmental
Health Screening Tool “CalEnviroScreen 3.0 ” was
developed by the Californi a Environmental Protection
Agency to identify disadvantaged communities using
the following indicators of pollution burden and
population characteristics:
▪ Pollution Burden. Areas disproportionately
affected by environmental pollution and other
hazards that can lead to negative public health
effects, exposure, or environmental degradation

INTRODUCTION

This Existing Conditions Memo analyzes environmental justice and community health and wellness conditions in the City of Lancaster and the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) as a snapshot in 2020.

Environmental justice concentrates on identifying disadvantaged communities within the City and SOI (together referred to as the Planning Area) and the pollution and other environmental and social burdens that impact those communities. This memo also addresses health and wellness conditions, including health insurance coverage and healthcare access, food insecurity and grocery store access, and physical activity. This report provides a foundation for preliminary policy and implementation recommendations for the General Plan’s new Environmental Justice Element.

INTRODUCTION

This Existing Conditions Memo analyzes environmental justice and community health and wellness conditions in the City of Lancaster and the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) as a snapshot in 2020.

INTRODUCTION

This Existing Conditions Memo analyzes environmental justice and community health and wellness conditions in the City of Lancaster and the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) as a snapshot in 2020.

Environmental justice concentrates on identifying disadvantaged communities within the City and SOI Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-8

▪ Population Characteristics. Areas with concentrations of p eople that are of low income, high unemployment, low levels of homeownership, high rent burden, sensitive populations, and/or low levels of educational attainment
Table 1 (CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Indicators) summarizes the indicators used in the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 analysis.

Table 1: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Indicators
Pollution Burdens
Exposure Indicators: Environmental Effect Indicators:
▪ Ozone concentrations in air
▪ PM 2.5 concentrations in air
▪ Diesel particulate matter emissions
▪ Drinking water contaminants
▪ Use of certain high-hazard, high volatility pesticides ▪ Toxic releases from facilities
▪ Traffic density
▪ Toxic cleanup sites
▪ Groundwater threats from leaking underground
storage sites and cleanups
▪ Hazardous waste facilities and generators
▪ Impaired water bodies
▪ Solid waste sites and facilities
Population Characteristics
Sensitive Population Indicators: Socioeconomic Factor Indicators:
▪ Asthma emergency department visits
▪ Cardiovascular disease (emergency department visits
for heart attacks)
▪ Low birth weight infants
▪ Educational attainment
▪ Housing burdened low-income households
▪ Linguistic isolation
▪ Poverty
▪ Unemployment
Source: California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen 3.0), Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), 2017.

CalEnviroScreen 3.0 produces a percentile ranking of Lancaster’s census tracts (small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a city or county). The percentile ranking for each census tract demonstrates the degree of burdens present in that tract relative to the rest of the State’s census tracts. Using the 20 indicators listed in Table 1, an overall CalEnviroScreen 3.0 score for is created for each census tract (see Table 2).

All census tracts across the State are then put in order from highest to lowest and assigned a percentile rank.

Percentile ranking for a census tract above 75 would mean that the census tract is in the top 25 percent of all CalEnviroScreen 3.0 scores statewide. Table 2 (CalEnviroScreen 3.0 Percentile Scores) shows that one census tract in the Planning Area (9003, which includes areas within both the City and the Sphere of Influence) has an overall percentile score in the top 25 percent, qualifying that tract as a disadvantaged community. Although 4,514 people live in the disadvantaged community, most of the area is undeveloped.

Residential dwellings are concentrated primarily in th e southern third of the census tract. In addition, 20 other census tracts in Lancaster have a population characteristic percentile score in the top 25 percent; however, these tracts do not trigger the threshold for pollution burden characteristics. Although these census tracts are not considered disadvantaged communities, the high population characteristic percentile scores will be further analyzed in this memo and addressed in the Environmental Justice Element. Figure 1 (Disadvantaged Communities) illustrates the percentile ranking for all census tracts in Lancaster.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-9

Table 2: CalEnviroScreen (CES) 3.0 Percentile Scores
Census Tracts
Percentiles and Indicators
CES 3.0 Percentile
Pollution
Indicators
Percentile
Population
Characteristics
Percentile
Census Tracts in City of Lancaster
9005.01 55 12 95
9005.04 60 30 80
9005.05 44 5 93
9005.06 41 5 90
9005.07 57 15 93
9005.08 38 4 85
9006.02 66 18 99
9006.05 50 10 91
9006.06 56 10 98
9006.07 55 12 94
9006.08 41 5 90
9006.09 39 2 96
9007.01 69 27 96
9007.03 58 14 96
9007.04 48 15 78
9007.05 58 27 79
9008.03 43 6 90
9008.04 60 12 99
9008.05 52 11 91
9008.06 68 21 99
9010.03 0 6 0
9010.07 24 8 45
9010.08 28 6 59
9010.09 30 7 60
9010.10 34 6 69
9010.11 33 8 63
9102.02 40 37 41
Census Tracts that Overlap City and Sphere of Influence 9002.01 45 19 65
9003 76 53 85
9009 43 35 47
9010.04 22 5 50
9011.01 30 6 64
9011.02 36 12 59
9012.05 19 5 42
9012.13 9 3 24
Census Tracts in Sphere of Influence
9103.01 12 12 18
9800.03 0 4 0
Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, June 2018.

Note: Census tracts with a percentile of 75 or greater are highlighted in red, indicating these areas are within the top 25 percentiles in the State
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Figure 1: Disadvantaged Communities

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Pollution Burden
The pollution burden for each census tract is calculated by measuring the average of exposure and environmental effects. The one disadvantaged community in the Planning Area (census tract 9003) scores in the top 25 percent for five of the pollution burden indicators, which is more than any other census tract, as shown in Table 3 (Pollution Burden Indicators Percentile Scores).

Table 3: Pollution Burden Indicators Percentile Scores
Census
Tracts
Percentiles and Indicators
Pollution
Indicators
Cleanup Sites
Hazardous
Waste
Groundwater
Threats
Solid Waste
Facilities
Toxic Release
Inventory
PM2.5
Traffic
Diesel PM
Drinking
Water
Ozone
Impaired
Water Bodies
Pesticides
City of Lancaster
9005.01 12 0 18 32 33 9 8 50 23 37 91 0 0
9005.04 30 0 54 0 9 9 8 48 17 63 91 0 79
9005.05 5 0 43 0 0 9 8 32 23 37 91 0 0
9005.06 5 0 43 0 0 9 8 26 22 37 91 0 0
9005.07 15 0 16 0 0 9 8 18 13 53 91 0 90
9005.08 4 0 0 0 0 9 8 6 13 49 91 0 46
9006.02 18 0 9 41 88 9 8 23 19 61 91 0 0
9006.05 10 29 89 0 0 10 8 6 8 61 91 0 0
9006.06 10 0 9 55 39 9 8 28 19 37 91 0 0
9006.07 12 0 9 66 23 9 8 46 21 37 91 0 0
9006.08 5 0 0 0 0 9 8 24 20 74 91 0 0
9006.09 2 0 0 0 0 10 8 6 20 64 91 0 0
9007.01 27 0 49 29 50 8 8 60 27 62 91 0 0
9007.03 14 0 61 27 0 8 8 53 30 37 91 0 0
9007.04 15 0 84 0 9 8 8 61 21 37 91 0 0
9007.05 27 0 79 22 0 8 8 65 23 83 91 0 0
9008.03 6 0 9 0 37 9 8 17 18 61 91 0 0
9008.04 12 0 16 29 81 9 8 25 18 37 91 0 0
9008.05 11 0 43 6 0 8 8 45 23 63 91 0 0
9008.06 21 0 43 65 39 8 8 50 22 37 91 0 0
9010.03 6 39 43 0 0 9 8 7 6 59 91 0 0
9010.07 8 18 0 0 0 9 8 33 15 85 91 0 0
9010.08 6 0 26 0 0 8 8 25 25 61 91 0 0
9010.09 7 0 43 0 0 8 8 42 30 37 91 0 0
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Census
Tracts
Percentiles and Indicators
Pollution
Indicators
Cleanup Sites
Hazardous
Waste
Groundwater
Threats
Solid Waste
Facilities
Toxic Release
Inventory
PM2.5
Traffic
Diesel PM
Drinking
Water
Ozone
Impaired
Water Bodies
Pesticides
9010.10 6 0 0 0 0 10 8 48 17 65 91 0 0
9010.11 8 0 0 0 0 9 8 50 30 63 91 0 0
9102.02 37 18 77 0 9 9 8 53 16 97 91 0 41
Split between City and Sphere of Influence
9002.01 19 69 0 0 0 9 5 1 3 59 91 0 94
9003 53 84 96 22 95 10 8 1 10 80 91 0 42
9009 35 79 0 2 83 11 8 5 4 99 91 0 45
9010.04 5 0 16 0 0 9 8 16 13 81 91 0 0
9011.01 6 0 0 0 50 9 8 19 11 61 91 0 0
9011.02 12 18 0 0 50 9 8 26 13 79 91 0 6
9012.05 5 27 43 0 0 10 8 2 6 62 91 0 1
9012.13 3 0 0 0 33 10 9 5 3 61 91 0 0
Sphere of Influence
9103.01 12 5 0 0 33 9 8 20 9 60 91 0 55
9800.03 4 69 0 22 0 11 5 1 1 48 91 0 0
Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, June 2018.

Note: Census tracts with a pollution burden percentile of 75 or greater are highlighted in red, indicating these areas are within the top 25 percentiles in the State

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Every census tract in the Planning Area scores in the 91st percentile for ozone, which means the summed concentration of ozone in these tracts is higher than 91 percent of census tracts in California. The Planning Area is located within the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD). AVAQMD cites the proximity to the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which includes the highly polluted Los Angeles region and the San Bernardino Valley, and prevailing winds, which transport pollutants from more congested urban areas to the High Desert, as the primary contributors to high ozone levels. Significant and long -term exposure to relatively high amounts of ozone causes respiratory issues and chronic respiratory diseases.

Other pollution indicators scoring in the top 25 percent of the State’s census tracts are noted and described below:
▪ Cleanup Sites. Cleanup sites are places contaminated with hazardous chemicals that require clean up by the property owners or government. Chemicals at cleanup sites can move through the air or groundwater. People living near these sites have a greater potential to be exposed to chemicals from the sites than people living farther away. Both census tracts scoring above the 75 th percentile for the cleanup site indicator (census tracts 9003 and 9009) contain a cleanup site. ▪ Hazardous Waste. Hazardous waste is potentially dangerous or harmful to human health and the environment. Potential health effects associated with living in proximity to hazardous waste processing and disposal sites include diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Only certain licensed facilities are allowed to treat, store, or dispose of this type of waste. Hazardous waste c an range from used automotive oil to highly toxic waste materials produced by factories and businesses. Census tracts 9007.04 and 9007.05 score above the 75th percentile for this indicator; each contain a business or other facility generating hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste may also be transported from businesses that generate waste to permitted facilities for recycling, treatment, storage, or disposal. Census tract 9003 contains a permitted hazardous waste storage facility, and nearby census tract 9006.05 is less than one-half mile from this facility. ▪ Solid Waste Sites and Facilities. Solid waste facilities are places where household garbage and similar kinds of waste are collected, processed, or stored. These include landfills and composting or recycling facilities. Solid waste disposal can release waste gases such as methane and carbon dioxide and may do so for decades after site closure. Exposure to landfill leachate can have adverse impacts on reproductive and respiratory systems. Waste Management operates a landfill known as the Lancaster Landfill & Recycling Center within the disadvantaged community (census tract 9003). The three other census tracts (9006.02, 9008.04, and 9009) scoring above the 75 th percentile for this indicator each contain a recycling facility.
▪ Drinking Water. Drinking water sometimes becomes contaminated with chemicals or bacteria above the State’s health standards. Both natural and human sources can contaminate drinking water. Natural sources include rocks, soil, wildlife, and fires. Human sources include factories, sewage, and runoff from farms. The six census tracts facing drinking water contamination score near or above the 90 th percentile for arsenic levels. Arsenic can cause cancer despite occurring naturally in some rocks, soil, and groundwater sources throughout California. Census tracts with agriculture uses also see higher rates of nitrate. The fertilizer or manure leaches nitrate into groundwater and contaminates wells.

Nitrate can cause a blood disorder in infants called blue baby syndrome.

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▪ Pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals used to control insects, weeds, and plant diseases. They are applied to fields by air, farm machinery, or workers on the ground. Residents livi ng on farms or near the agriculture uses in the three sparsely populated census tracts scoring higher than the 75th percentile for this indicator are exposed to pesticides, both outdoors and inside their homes.

Exposure to high levels of some pesticides can cause illness right away or conditions such as birth defects or cancer later in life.

Figure 2 (Pollution Burden) shows the pollution burden percentile scores for the entire Planning Area.

Although the aforementioned census tracts score above 75 percent for several indicators, the overall pollution burden scores do not exceed 55 percent in any census tract.

In additi on to the pollution burden indicators, proximity to industrial uses and freeways exposes people to air pollutants and noise pollution. Industrial uses may generate unhealthy fumes and increase truck traffic near neighborhoods. Major roads and highways can bring air pollutants and noise into nearby neighborhoods as well.

Table 4 (Housing and Population Proximity to Industrial Uses and Freeways) summarizes the number of housing units and population living near industrial uses and Aerospace Highway (CA -14). Figure 3 (Proximity of Residential Uses to Industrial Uses and Freeways) illustrates the proximity of residential uses to these additional environmental pollution burdens in map format.

Table 4: Housing and Population Proximity to Industrial Uses and Freeways Number of Housing Units Population
City SOI Total City SOI Total
Proximity to Industrial Uses
Share a
Property
Line
732 44 776 2,365 163 2,528
Within
500 Feet 3,612 517 4,129 11,667 1,487 13,154
Proximity to CA-14 (Traffic and Diesel PM)
Within
500 Feet 678 224 902 2,190 581 2,771
Within
1,000 feet 2,546 225 2,771 8,224 584 8,808
Source: City of Lancaster, Los Angeles County, MIG, Urban Footprint, 2020.

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Figure 2: Pollution Burden

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Figure 3: Proximity of Residential Uses to Industrial Uses and Freeways

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In Lancaster, nearly 3,500 homes (with over 11,500 residents) live within 500 feet of an industrial business.

In the City, over 2,500 homes with about 8,000 residents live within 1,000 feet of a freeway.

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Population Characteristics
Table 5 shows CalEnviroScreen 3.0 population characteristics indicators related to health conditions (asthma, low- birth weight, and cardiovascular disease) and socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic factors are related to commonly found characteristics of low -income populations such as lower educational attainment, linguistic isolation, and lower material well-being measured in poverty, unemployment, and housing burden.

Unlike the pollution burden indicators, the one disadvantaged community (census tract 9003) scores less than the median percentile for City census tracts, as shown in Table 5. Twenty of the 27 census tracts in the City score above the 75 th percentile for the population characteristics indicator. Most of the census tracts in the Planning Area show very high rates of asthma, low birth weight, and cardiovascular disease. Many of the pollution issues captured in the pollution burden indicator analysis contribute to the respiratory and other health issues local residents face.

Table 5: Population Characteristics Indicators Scores
Census
Tracts
Percentiles and Indicators
Population
Characteristics Asthma
Low
Birth
Weight
Cardiovascular
Disease Education Linguistic
Isolation Poverty Unemployment Housing
Burden
City of Lancaster
9005.01 95 97 95 98 72 53 85 76 59
9005.04 80 94 96 93 47 18 46 69 47
9005.05 93 98 99 99 62 37 90 58 66
9005.06 90 98 97 99 57 17 82 63 66
9005.07 93 98 96 99 65 53 83 68 49
9005.08 85 98 99 99 59 21 69 44 47
9006.02 99 97 99 99 79 72 93 91 64
9006.05 91 98 84 99 73 62 87 69 21
9006.06 98 97 97 98 71 43 88 92 94
9006.07 94 96 97 97 65 41 97 49 76
9006.08 90 98 96 99 58 42 71 77 35
9006.09 96 98 88 99 69 56 85 73 80
9007.01 96 99 89 99 68 35 79 84 90
9007.03 96 99 92 99 61 52 83 63 92
9007.04 78 99 84 98 49 33 89 10 38
9007.05 79 98 92 96 26 8 65 49 71
9008.03 90 99 96 99 62 38 66 72 43
9008.04 99 99 96 99 79 57 92 97 89
9008.05 91 98 96 97 62 29 59 85 66
9008.06 99 99 92 99 71 49 96 98 98
9010.03 0 59 0 79 88 0 0 0 0
9010.07 45 55 32 72 46 11 26 49 71
9010.08 59 59 90 61 47 32 37 75 17
9010.09 60 59 91 79 41 46 54 25 19
9010.10 69 59 76 79 55 12 77 63 64
9010.11 63 59 87 79 33 31 44 64 36
9102.02 41 39 64 63 36 19 38 22 47
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Census
Tracts
Percentiles and Indicators
Population
Characteristics Asthma
Low
Birth
Weight
Cardiovascular
Disease Education Linguistic
Isolation Poverty Unemployment Housing
Burden
City of Lancaster
9002.01 65 96 6 97 66 60 77 62 5
9003 85 97 81 97 59 0 71 63 29
9009 47 59 44 64 42 7 32 78 40
9010.04 50 59 67 79 29 20 24 60 26
9011.01 64 59 51 79 59 27 60 59 71
9011.02 59 59 69 79 47 29 51 61 29
9012.05 42 51 72 68 34 20 34 16 27
9012.13 24 22 71 41 28 0 12 32 34
Sphere of Influence
9103.01 18 41 11 56 37 6 26 17 19
9800.03 0 48 0 47 0 0 0 0 0
Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0 the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, June 2018.

Note: Census tracts with a population characteristics percentile of 75 or greater are highlighted in red, indicating these areas are within the top 25 percentile in the State regarding population characteristics.

Population characteristics indicators scori ng in the top 25 percent of the State’s census tracts are noted and further described below:
▪ Asthma. Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. The causes of asthma are unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors can be involved. Outdoor air pollution can trigger asthma attacks. People living in 19 of the 27 census tracts in the City see more emergency department visits for asthma per 10,000 people than 95 percent of the other census tracts in the State, with some tracts showing more than 99 percent. ▪ Low Birth Weight. Babies who weigh less than about five and one-half pounds at birth are considered to have a low birth weight. Poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, stress , and smoking by the mother are known to increase the risk of having a low-birth-weight baby. Studies suggest that pollution could also be a factor. Over 85 percent of the City’s census tracts score above the 75th percentile for low birth rate. ▪ Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular disease can lead to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and other heart problems and is the leading cause of death both in California and the United States. Survivors of a cardiovascular event are highly vulnerable to future cardiovascular events, especially following short- or long- term exposure to particulate matter. Risk factors for developing cardiovascular dis ease include diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and exposure to air pollution. This indictor has the highest average score of all indicators in the Planning Area’s CalEnviroScreen 3.0 dataset, with 31 of 37 census tracts scoring above the 75th percentile. ▪ Educational Attainment. Educational attainment is the highest level of education a person has completed.

People with more education usually earn higher incomes than people with less education. Studies have also found that communities with more educated people are less polluted and adults with less education have more pollution-related health problems. Although not as alarming as the other population characteristic indicators, three census tracts score above the 75th percentile, with many others close to this mark. ▪ Poverty. Members of low-income communities are more likely to be exposed to pollution and to suffer from poor health effects as a result of that exposure than residents of wealthier communities. Income can affect Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-20

health, as people with limited means often cannot afford healthy living and working conditions, nutritious food, and necessary medical care. Low-income communities are often located in areas with high levels of pollution.

Poverty can cause stress that weakens the immune syste m and causes people to become ill from pollution.

The U.S. Census Bureau determines the federal poverty level each year. The poverty level is based on the size of the household and the ages of family members. If a person or family’s total income before taxes is less than the poverty level, the person or family is considered in poverty. The indicator used by CalEnviroScreen is the percent of the population with incomes less than two times the federal poverty level. A majority of the City’s census tracts have higher rates of people living below twice the poverty level than 75 percent of the census tracts in California.
▪ Unemployment. The U.S. Census Bureau counts as unemployed people over 16 years old who are out of work and able to work but not working. This does not include students, active -duty military, retired people , and people who have stopped looking for work. Stress from long-term unemployment can lead to chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, and can shorten a person’s life. Many residents in Lancaster face unemployment at higher rates than the rest of the State.
▪ Housing Burden. Households with lower incomes may spend a larger proportion of their income on housing and may suffer from housing-induced poverty, which can lead to adverse health effects. The housing burden indicator measures the percent of households in a census tract that are both low income (making less than 80 percent of the county median family income) and severely burdened by housing costs (paying greater than 50 percent of their income to housing costs). Low-income households paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing are on the rise.

Figure 4 shows the cumulative population characteristic percentile scores for the enti re Planning Area. Again, despite these high scores, only in census tract 9003 do the overall disadvantaged scores exceed the 75th percentile.

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Figure 4: Population Characteristics

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Health and Wellness
This Health and Wellness section presents data and analysis that identif y the relationship between economic, education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and environmental decisions and their effects on health and wellness of disadvantaged communities and populations that historically have experienced inequities, institutionalized racism, exclusion, and/or isolation.

Healthy Places Index
Everyone should have the opportunity to be healthy. One’s health is shaped dramatically by community characteristics—housing, education, economic, and other social factors—which often are shaped through policy. The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) combines eight indicators compris ing 24 community characteristics with weighted scoring into a single indexed HP I Score, as seen in Table 6 (Healthy Places Index Indicator Weights and Community Characteristics) . Within the datasets, scores are displayed in quartiles, allowing for straightforward comparisons within a specific geography and across the State.

Ultimately, the Environmental Justice Element will explore opportunities to improve these conditions.

The results shown in Figure 5 and Table 7 can be used to explore, identify, and strategize existing healthy community conditions. In contrast to the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 data, where higher percentiles equate to worse conditions, lower HPI percentiles equate to worse conditions for both the overall HPI score and contributing indicators.

Table 6: Healthy Places Index Indicator Weights & Community Characteristics Economic (32% of HPI Score)
▪ Above Poverty
▪ Employed
▪ Median Household Income
Education (19% of HPI Score)
▪ Pre-School Enrollment
▪ High School Enrollment
▪ Bachelors Attainment
Transportation (16% of HPI Score)
▪ Automobile Access
▪ Active (healthy) Commuting
Social (10% of HPI Score)
▪ Two Parent Household
▪ Voting
Clean Environment (5% of HPI
Score)
▪ Clean Air - Diesel PM
▪ Clean Air - Ozone
▪ Clean Air - PM 2.5
▪ Safe Drinking Water –
Contaminants
Neighborhood (8% of HPI Score)
▪ Retail Density
▪ Supermarket Access
▪ Parks
▪ Tree Canopy
▪ Alcohol Establishments
Availability
Housing (5% of HPI Score)
▪ Severe Housing Costs Burden
▪ Homeownership
▪ Housing Habitability
▪ Uncrowded Housing
Healthcare (5% of HPI Score)
▪ Insured Adults
Source: The California Healthy Places Index (HPI), Public Health Alliance of Southern California, 2020.

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Figure 5: Healthy Places Index

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-24

Table 7: Healthy Places Index Indicators Percentile Scores (Citywide) Healthy Places Index Indicators and Community Characteristics Percentile Economic (32% of HPI Score) 22.6
Above Poverty 26.1
Employed 16.0
Median Household Income 35.0
Education (19% of HPI Score) 30.9
Pre-School Enrollment 23.1
High School Enrollment 64.0
Bachelor’s Degree Attainment 26.9
Transportation (16% of HPI Score) 9.5
Active (Healthy) Commuting 20.5
Automobile Access 28.5
Social (10% of HPI Score) 10.1
Two-parent Household 8.4
Voting 20.0
Neighborhood (8% of HPI Score) 17.4
Retail Density 68.7
Supermarket Access 54.6
Park Access 22.6
Tree Canopy 13.0
Alcohol Establishments Availability 58.2
Healthcare Access (5% of HPI Score) 52.8
Insured Adults 52.8
Housing (5% of HPI Score) 40.4
Severe Housing Costs Burden 32.4
Homeownership 34.1
Housing Habitability 58.2
Uncrowded Housing 57.2
Clean Environment (5% of HPI Score) 43.3
Clean Air - Diesel PM 47.9
Clean Air - Ozone 9.9
Clean Air - PM2.5 80.7
Safe Drinking Water – Contaminants 48.8
HPI Score for City of Lancaster 20.9
Source: The California Healthy Places Index (HPI), Public Health Alliance of Southern California, 2020.

Note: Lower percentiles equate to worse conditions when compared to the rest of the State.

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Comparative Health Indicators
The City of Lancaster’s HPI Score of 20.9 means the City has healthier community conditions than just 20.9
percent of other California cities (meaning that 79.1
percent of other cities in California have healthier
community conditions). Particularly, the Economic,
Transportation, Social, and Neighborhood indicators
and their contributing community characteristics score
in the bottom 25 percent of California cities. The only indicator to score better than half of California cities is Healthcare Access. Compared to other High Desert
communities, Lancaster scores in the middle of the
pack. Lancaster fairs better than most com munities in
Kern County while falling below many communities in
Los Angeles County. See Table 8 for a comparison of
Lancaster to surrounding communities (with higher
scores being more favorable).

Table 8: Healthy Places Index Score
City or County Healthy Places Index Score
Leona Valley 77.9
Santa Clarita 72.5
Elizabeth Lake 62.0
Los Angeles County 50.0
Apple Valley 30.1
Palmdale 25.0
Lancaster 20.9
Rosamond 19.7
Sun Village 17.4
Victorville 15.3
Hesperia 13.3
Kern County 12.5
Mojave 2.8
Source: The California Healthy Places Index (HPI), Public Health Alliance of Southern California, 2020.

General Health Conditions
Table 9 (Health Condition and Healthcare Service Comparisons) provides health estimates from UCLA Health Policy Center’s California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the largest state health survey in the United States . Survey respondents in Lancaster show comparatively similar outcomes as other large High Desert cities like Palmdale and Victorville. When compared to Los Angeles and Kern Counties, Lancaster fairs slightly worse.

Table 9: Health Condition and Healthcare Service Comparisons Health Conditions (2016) for Population
Age 18 and Older in Past 12 months Lancaster Palmdale Victorville Los Angeles County
Kern
County
Fair or poor health 25.7% 30.0% 27.1% 20.6% 23.9%
Needed help for mental health problems 16.8% 16.0% 16.1% 16.5% 13.7% Delayed prescriptions/medical services 23.7% 23.7% 20.8% 19.7% 16.7% Serious psychological distress 10.2% 10.0% 10.2% 8.6% 10.0% Ever diagnosed with diabetes 10.8% 11.9% 11.7% 9.5% 12.0% Source: AskCHIS Neighborhood Edition, California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), UCLA, 2016.

Health Insurance and Healthcare Access
Access to comprehensive, quality health care services is important for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and premature death, and achieving health equity for all Americans. People without medical insurance are more likely to lack a usual source of medical care, such as a primary care provider, and are more likely to skip routine medical care due to costs, increasing their risk for serious and disabling health conditions. When they do access health services, they are often burdened with large medical bills and Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-26

out-of-pocket expenses. Increasing access to both routine medical care and medical insurance is vital toward improving health.

Kaiser Permanente’s 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment asked over 500 Antelope Valley residents about their greatest health concerns in the general community. Some key takeaways from the survey reveal that economic insecurity leaves many residents with little time or money to maintain their health. Additionally, a lack of appointment availability and public transportation prevents poorer residents from accessing adequate health care. Lastly, the survey found that generational stress and racial bias compounds existing medical conditions among minority community members and prevents their access to equitable health care.

Table 10 shows the percentage of Lancaster’s population with health insurance coverage. Lancaster residents generally have good health insurance coverage compared to all Los Angeles County residents. Additionally, most Lancaster residents have good access to hospital s and urgent care facilities, as shown in Figure 6 (Hospital, Health Clinic, and Urgent Care Access). About 67 percent of Lancaster residents live within two miles of a hospital or health clinic, and over 85 percent of residents live within two miles of a hospital, health clinic, or urgent care facility. Although almost no residents in the SOI live within two miles of a hospital or health clinic, two-thirds of SOI residents live within two miles of an urgent care facility. The primary hospitals serving the Planning Area include Antelope Valley Hospital and High Desert Regional Health Center. A Kaiser Permanente Behavior Health facility is also available within the Planning Area and is withi n close proximity to the Antelope Valley Hospital Additionally, the Antelope Valley Community Clinic-Palmdale is less than 10 miles away.

Table 10: Health Insurance Coverage
Heath Insurance Status Lancaster LA County
Number Percent Percent
Total Population 153,427 100% 100%
With Health Insurance Coverage 145,268 94.7% 90.4%
No Health Insurance Coverage 8,159 5.3% 9.6%
Demographics - With Health Insurance Coverage
Age
Under 19 years 46,293 96.7% 96.1%
19-64 years 84,062 92.9% 86.6%
65 years and older 14,943 98.8% 98.5%
Race and Ethnicity
White Alone 91,196 95.2% 91.3%
Hispanic/Latino (of any race) 60,207 94.2% 85.9%
Black or African American Alone 30,045 94.5% 93.5%
Asian Alone 6,826 94.0% 93.7%
Nativity and U.S. Citizenship Status
Native Born 130,316 95.0% 94.0%
Foreign Born – Naturalized Citizen 9,655 96.8% 94.0%
Foreign Born – Not a Citizen 5,297 85.0% 71.7%
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2019.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-27

Figure 6: Hospital, Health Clinic, and Urgent Care Access

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-28

Food Access
Food Insecurity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. A household being unable to afford sufficient, quality food correlates with experiences of unemployment and poverty. Parti cipation in programs designed to address hunger, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), rises in response to food insecurity.

Approximately 10 percent of households in Lancaster received Food Stamps/SNAP (also known a s CalFresh, California’s food stamp program) in 2018 compared to about nine percent in Los Angeles County (SNAP, 2018). SNAP can buffer participants against food insecurity and poor health.

Additionally, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income and to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Participation in disability assistance programs is relatively high among adults with disabilities, particularly those who are unable to work due to their disability. Food insecurity is more prevalent among SSI recipients, including higher rates of food insecurity due to more severe disabilities. About 5.8 percent of households in Lancaster receives SSI income compared to about 6.5 percent of Los Angeles County residents (U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates, 2019).

Residents may also rely on f ood banks and social service providers throughout the City, including Antelope Valley Rescue Mission, Grace Resources, A Helping Hand, and several religious institutions . Familie s with school -aged children may receive free and reduced -price meals as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a federally assisted meal program that provides free, nutritionally balanced lunches to children whose families meet eligibility income requirements. The NSLP provides nutritious foods that help reduce the harmful impact of food insecurity and improve outcomes for children. Research sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service found that children receiving free or reduced price NSLP lunches consume fewer empty calories and more fiber, milk, fruit, and vegetables than income eligible nonparticipants, both at lunch and during a full 24 hours. Free and reduced- price school meals also free up some household resourc es for other necessary purchases. Table 11 summarizes the portion of students eligible for free or reduced priced meals at school districts located within and in close proximity to the Planning Area. These school districts, except for Westside Union Elementary, have much higher rates than the average rates in the County and State, which have only 72 percent and 59 percent eligibility, respectively.

Table 11: Students Eligible for Free or Reduced Priced Meals Local School Districts Percentage of Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Priced Meals
Lancaster Elementary School District 88%
Eastside Union Elementary School District 95%
Westside Union Elementary School District 50%
Palmdale Elementary School District 91%
Source: California Department of Education, Free and Reduced Prices Meals, 2019.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-29

Grocery Store Access
Limited access to supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other sources of healthy and affordable food may make it harder for some residents to eat a healthy diet. Expanding the availability of nutritious and affordable food by developing and equipping grocery stores, small retailers, corner markets, and farmers’ markets in communities with limited access is an important part of creating a healthy community. Food deserts are areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. To define food deserts in Lancaster, the following indicators of access are used, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
▪ Accessibility to sources of healthy food, as measured by distance to a store or by the number of stores in an area ▪ Individual-level resources that may affect accessibility, such as family income or vehicle availability ▪ Neighborhood-level indicators of resources, such as the average income of the neighborhood and the availability of public transportation
Figure 7 (Health Food Access) shows the locations where healthy food options (e.g., produce, fresh meats and seafood, dairy) can be purchased. The map also identifies several low-income and low-vehicle access census tracts that include:
▪ A poverty rate of 20 percent or higher, or with a median family income less than 80 percent of median family income for Los Angeles County
▪ More than 100 households with no access to a vehicle
▪ A significant number of residents located more than one-half mile from the nearest supermarket Physical Activity and Park Access
Physical Activity
Research demonstrates that participating in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity provides many health benefits. Some benefits of physical activity can be achieved immediately, such as reduced feelings of anxiety, reduced blood pressure, improvements in sleep, some aspects of cognitive function, and insulin sensitivity. Other benefits — such as increased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased muscular strength, decreases in depressive symptoms, and sustained reduction in blood pressure—require a few weeks or months of participation in physical activity.

Physical activity can also slow or delay the progression of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes and public health professionals recommend at least 30 -minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise . Benefits persist with continued physical activity. Table 1 2 shows the lev el of self -reported physical activity in the City and surrounding areas per the CHIS survey. Respondents in Lancaster generally fair worse than Los Angeles County and better than Kern County, with similarities to the other large High Desert cities.

Research has found that walking and biking provide the same health benefits as engaging in daily exercise. Activity accumulated in short bursts, of a minimum of 10 minutes at a time, can achieve similar health benefits, such as reducing mortality by 12% and chronic diseases by 10%. Pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure provides people with safe dedicated areas to walk and bike, which helps increase the use of active transportation and enhances public health. In Lancaster, vehicle collision data shows a concentration of pedestrian-related fatalities within the downtown area. In the Environmental Justice Community, pedestrian related fatalities have occurred mostly along E Avenue I.

These areas are likely more prone to collisions as there are higher vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-30

Figure 7: Healthy Food Access

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-31

Figure 8: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Involved Collisions

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-32

Table 12: Weight and Physical Activity
Weight and Physical Activity (2016) Lancaster Palmdale Victorville Los Angeles County
Kern
County
Obese Adults (BMI> 30) (Ages 18+) 37.8% 38.7% 33.0% 28.9% 40.2% Overweight or Obese Teens (Ages 12 to 17) 39.8% 42.5% 26.6% 35.5% 42.8% Overweight Children (Ages 2 to 11) 17.3% 16.6% 16.6% 12.1% 24.6% Regular Physical Activity (Ages 5 to 17) 12.6% 11.4% 21.3% 14.3% 18.8% Walked at least 150 Minutes in Past Week
(Ages 18+) 33.0% 34.3% 32.1% 38.4% 33.6%
Source: AskCHIS Neighborhood Edition, California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), UCLA, 2016.

The City has undertaken several efforts to enhance safety for active modes, such as adopting the 2016 Complete Streets Plan, preparing an update to the 2012 Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways, the 2017 Safe Routes to School Master Plan, which identify enhancements to the walking and biking environment, and the current See and Be Seen campaign, which aims to educate school-aged children in active transportation safety.

Park Access
Parks, playgrounds, greenways, trails, and community open spaces help keep residents fit and healthy by providing access to places that support physical activity. Physical activity increases strength, flexibility, and endurance; relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety; improves mood; and enhances psychological well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 25 percent of American adults engage in recommended levels of physical activity, and 29 percent engage in no leisure-time physical activity at all. This sedentary lifestyle is contributing to an increased incidence of obesity along with obesity -related diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke. As one solution to the in creased incidence of obesity, the CDC has called for more parks and playgrounds. Studies have shown that when people have access to parks, they exercise more. Parks provide children with opportunities for play, and play is critical in the development of mu scle strength and coordination, language, and cognitive abilities. The city is currently in the process of rehabilitating the Lancaster Community Center located at 44611 Yucca Avenue. The center will provide residents with a one-stop-shop for necessary community services.

In Lancaster, 18 percent of City residents live within one-half mile—or a 10-minute walk—to one of the 14 City or County parks in the city limits. This number pales in comparison to the national average of 55 percent, but also to Palmdale and Victorville, where 35 percent and 27 percent of residents live within one-half mile of a park, respectively (Trust for Public Land, 2018). Figure 8 (Park Access) shows residential areas within one-quarter and one-half mile of a park, which emphasizes the lack of park access generally seen across the City. However, within the last decade the City has built two new parks; Whit Carter Park on Sierra Highway and American Heroes Park in Downtown Lancaster.

Additionally, the City is in the process of upgrading many of its existing parks by adding new amenties, such as a skate park and accessible playground equipment. As a way to further encourage the development of recreational areas, the City is requiring new planned development to have useable open space for residents. These open space areas typically include amenities that encourage physical activity such as ball courts, tot lots, etc. and are not gated.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-33

Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park

Lancaster National Soccer Center

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-34

Figure 9: Park Access

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-35

City Health and Equity Initiatives
Antelope Valley Healthy Community Commission
The Antelope Valley Healthy Community Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor. Under the provisions of the City’s Municipal Code, the Healthy Community Commission has been created with the purpose of advocating for and promoting better health and well-being for Antelope Valley residents.

Lancaster Social Equity Commission
In 2020, the City of Lancaster formed a Social Equity Commission, with a purpose to cultivate and sustain diversity and inclusion through accountability and civilian oversight by fostering a fair and equitable justice system with transparency in all forms of government in the City of Lancaster.

Healthy Homes Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Healthy Homes Program helps to make homes safer.

The program provides homeowners and rental pr operty owners with practical information about how to prevent health and safety hazards.

Lancaster Health District
The Lancaster Health District encompasses 272 acres and would allow for the replacement of the existing hospital, development of new acute and subacute care facilities, continuum of care facilities, medical office space, office space, retail, restaurants, hotel and conference center and 1,600 housing units. It is envisioned as a 21st century health district designed to provide easily accessibl e, state-of-the-art health care to local residents in an environment that both encourages and facilitates active and healthy living. The project , which is centered around Antelope Valley Hospital, is envisioned as a walkable and bikeable district home to a variety of health care facilities and specialists .

The City Council adopted the Lancaster Health District Master Plan in May 2021.

Continuum of Care
The Continuum of Care is an effort to create a network of support that reaches those in crisis. At the sa me time, it seeks to put future generations on solid footing so they are able to deal with challenges and avoid crisis. This initiative aims to strengthen the community as a whole and find the best long-term solutions to public concerns.

Key Takeaways and Policy Implications
▪ Only one disadvantaged community (Census Tract 9003), as defined by CalEnviroScreen 3.0 analysis, exists in the City and Sphere of Influence (SOI).
▪ The City and SOI score in the 91st percentile for ozone, which means the summed concentration of ozone is higher than 91 percent of census tracts in California. Certain portions of the City are also exposed to more solid waste, hazardous waste, and drinking water contamination than the rest of the State. ▪ Most areas in the City and SOI score in the top 25 percent of CalEnviroScreen 3.0 population characteristics indicators when compared to the rest of the State. Indicators with the highest scores across the area include rates of asthma, low birth weight, and cardiovascular disease. In terms of socioeconomic conditions, Lancaster residents experience relatively higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and housing burden.

Environmental Justice Element Appendix C: Existing Conditions Page EJ-C-36

▪ The City has healthier community conditi ons than just 20.9 percent of other California cities. Compared to other High Desert communities, Lancaster scores in the middle of the pack. Lancaster health conditions fair better than most communities in Kern County while falling below many communities in Los Angeles County. ▪ Generally, communities on the west side of Lancaster have healthier community conditions than communities in the central and eastern areas.
▪ Health insurance coverage in the City is close to 95 percent, above the County’s average (approximately 90 percent). Health insurance coverage for foreign born and minority residents is also higher than County averages. ▪ Generally, residents have good access to local hospitals and urgent care facilities. However, many poorer residents lack such access because of financial and socioeconomic constraints. ▪ The proportion of residents that receive food stamps and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is similar to Los Angeles County averages.
▪ Most residents in the western portion of the City live further than one mile from a grocery store. ▪ Only 18 percent of residents live within one-half mile—or a 10-minute walk—to one of the 14 City or County parks in the city limits. This number pales in comparison to the national average of 55 percent, but also to Palmdale and Victorville, where 35 percent and 27 percent of residents live within one-half mile of a park, respectively (Trust for Public Land, 2018).
▪ Park access is strong near the center of Lancaster but lacking elsewhere.

City of Lancaster
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
Safety Element Update and
and Environmental Justice Element
lnitial Study and
Negative Declaration
Lead Agency
City of Lancaster
Community Development Division
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
Consultant
MIG
1650 Spruce Street, Suite 102
Riverside, California 92507
August,2021
This document is designed for double-sided printing
Table of Contents
1 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
Corurenrs
Trenrruo
At'tRlvrtcRt- ApPRoAcH
ENVIRoNMENTAI- FRCTOnS POrerurnIIY AFFECTED........

DETERMINATION

AESTHETICS
AGRICULTURAL RrSOunCeS
ArR QuRlrv

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. b.

7. BroloercAL REsouRcEs
Culrunr Resouncrs .

ENERGY..................

GEOLOGY AND SoILS
B. GneerunousE GAs EMrssroNS
HAZARDS AND HAZARDoUS MRTennIS
HYDRoLOGY AND WATER QURITy
Lltrto Use nruo PLANNING........

MINEML REsoURcES....
17 17
17 18
18 21
23 26
29 31
33 37
39 43
47 48
49 51
52 54
55 58
60 62
64 65
65 65
66 NorsE
L

10. 11.

12. 13,

14. 15.

16. 17.

18. 19.

20. 21.

POPULATIoN AND HoUSING
PueLrc SenvrcEs...........,..

REcREATIoN
TnRruspoRrRrtoN AND TMFFtc
TRTSRL CuLrun* Rrsouncrs
UTrLnEs AND SeRvrce Svsrevs..........

Wuorrnr
MANDAToRy Ftr.tolru0s or Ste rutrtcnruce
LeRo Aerrucv.

ENVTRoNMENTAT- Arunlvsrs........

List of Tables
TnaLE 1 REGIoNAL HoUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT ALLOCATION .......

Tnele 2 RHNA CREDITS AND REMAINING NEED
Tnale 3 VncnNT LAND INVENTORY
List of Exhibits
ExHrBtr 2-1 nruo 2-2 REGToNAL CorurErr Rruo Vtcturv Mnp ExHIalT 3 nnruR SnEs INVENToRY
5 5
6 1 1-16
City of Lancaster
Ennon! BOoKMARK NoT DEFINED.

Table of Contents
This page intentionally Ieft blank
il Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element 1 PunposE AND AurnoRlrv
The purpose of this lnitial Study is to identify and assess the significance of the physical effects on the environment due to potential future development guided by the goals, policies, and implementation programs of the City of Lancaster 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, Safety Element Update, and Environmental Justice Element. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed Housing Element Update, Safety Element Update, and Environmental Justice Element is considered a "Project" and thus requires analysis and determination of environmental effects prior to approval.

This lnitial Study has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Statutes and Guidelines and City of Lancaster local rules and regulations. The proposed Prolect requires discretionary approval by the City of Lancaster and review by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The City of Lancaster is the Lead Agency with respect to this lnitial Study pursuant to $15367 of the CEQA Guidelines. Specifically, the Prolect requires City of Lancaster approval of a General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 and Zone Text Amendment No. 21-01. No other governmental agencies have discretionary permitting authority with respect to approval of the proposed Project, and no Trustee Agencies, as defined in $21070 of the CEQA Statutes, has jurisdiction over resources such that Trustee agency approval is required for entitlement approval.

Pursuant to $15074 of the CEQA Guidelines, prior to approving the Project, the City of Lancaster is obligated to consider the findings of this lnitial Study and to either adopt a Negative Declaration (ND) or a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) or determine that an Environmental lmpact Report (ElR) is required due to potentially significant, unavoidable environmental impacts. The findings of this lnitial Study support adoption of Negative Declaration (ND), as discussed in Section 4, and mitigation measures are shown in the document with a ruling of less than significant with mitigation indicating that the environmental impacts of the Project would be less than significant and that an EIR is not required.

CoHrems
This document has been prepared to comply with Section 15063 of the State CEQA Guidelines that sets forth the required contents of an lnitial Study. These include:
. A description of the project, including the location of the project (see Section 2) . ldentification of the environmental setting (see Section 2.1 1 ) . ldentification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or other methods, provided that entries on the checklist or other form are briefly explained to indicate that there is some evidence to support the entries (see Section 3)
. Examination of whether the project is compatible with existing zoning, plans, and other applicable land use controls (see Sections 2)
. The name(s) of the person(s) who prepared or participated in the preparation of the lnitial Study (see Section 5) Trenruc
Section 15152(a) of the CEQA Guidelines defines "tiering" as a streamlining tool as follows (a) Tiering" refers to using the analysrs of general matters contained in a broader EIR (such as one prepared for a general plan or policy statement) with later E/Rs and negative declarations on narrower projects; incorporating by reference the generaldlscussrbns from the broader EIR; and concentrating the later EIR or negative declaration solely on the lssues specrfrc to the later project.'
(b) Ihrs secfion further indicates that an Elthat has been previously been prepared and ceftified for a program, plan, policy, or ordinance can be used for CEQA by the lead agency for a later project and can tier from the later project and should focus on only those affects which:
1City of Lancaster
(1) Were not examined as significant effecfs on the environment in the pior EIR; or (2) Are suscepfrb/e to substantial reduction or avoidance by the choice of specific reylsrbns in the project, by the imposition of conditions, or other means.

The key advantage to tiering from an earlier, related CEQA document is that it avoids redundant and unnecessary analysis of potential impacts that were adequately addressed in the earlier document.

This lnitial Study for the 2021-2029 Housing Element, Safety Element Update, and Environmental Justice Element has been prepared to tier from the General Plan Program EIR of the Crty of Lancaster dated April, 2009, as amended or otherwise supplemented. For the City of Lancaster, documents by which the analysis recorded herein has been tiered from are available for public review at:

City of Lancaster
Community Development Division
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
2 Housing Hement, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement 2 PRorecr Descnrpnoru
Project Title
City of Lancaster 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, Safety Element Update, and Environmental Justice Element Lead Agency/Project Sponsor Name and Address
City of Lancaster
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
CouIcr PERSoN AND PHONE NuMeen
Cynthia Campana, Senior Planner
Community Development Division
City of Lancaster
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
T 661.723.6262
Emai I : ccampana@cityofl ancasterca.oro
Tre Pnorecr
This lnitial Study Analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with . Adoption of the City of Lancaster's Sixth Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element. r Adoption of an update to the City of Lancaste/s Safety Element . Adoption of an Environmental Justice Element
r Zoning Text Amendment to create a new Housing Density Overlay that can be applicable to the High Density Residential (HDR) zone and commercialzones where high-density residential is allowed.

The Housing Element is a required component of the City's General Plan and must be updated on a regular basis, as set forth in Government Code Section 65588. The Housing Element consists of these components, as required by Government Code Section 65583, 1) housing needs, 2) constraints to housing development, 3) housing resources (available sites and funding sources), and 4) a Housing Plan.

The 2021-2029 Housing Element applies to all properties within the City of Lancaster on which existing General Plan land use designations and zoning allow residential and/or mixed-use development. The Housing Element does not specifically authorize the construction of any housing development nor does it indicate where and when specific housing projects would occur. The Housing Element is a policy document setting forth the City's plan to accommodate its share of regional housing needs, as determined by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). For the 2021-2029 planning period, the City of Lancaste/s share is 9,023 housing units. This allocation is refened to as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA.
ln conjunction with this Housing Element update, the City is also undertaking an update to the Safety Element to align it with the recently adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and adopt climate adaptation strategies, an Environmental Justice Element to comply with SB 1000 and SB 244, and a zone text amendment to introduce a new overlay to the High Density Residential (HDR) zone and commercial zones where high-density residential is allowed in order to facilitate additional housing opportunities.
3City of Lancaster
This lnitial Study examines the potential environmental impacts at a program level for the Housing Element, Safety Element, Environmental Justice Element, and Zoning Text Amendment for a Housing Density Overlay, since these policy documents do not specifically authorize the construction of any development nor indicate where and when specific housing projects or other implementation actions would occur.

Pnolecr Loclrpr
The City of Lancaster ("City") is located approximately 63 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles within the Antelope Valley, directly to the north of the City of Palmdale. The City consists of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. The City is generally bounded by Avenue E to the north, Avenue N to the south, 1 10 Street to the east, and 1 1 Oth Street West to the west.

State Route 138 intersects the City and runs in a northerly to southerly direction. The Antelope Valley rail line has services which are available at the Siena Highway station and is located east of State Route 138. The main existing noise sources within Lancaster include vehicular trafflc on neighboring freeways as well as a number of major arterial streets in the City as well as from the existing Amtrak rail line.

GCIEnnl PLAN DESIGNATIONS
The Lancaster General Plan and Zoning Ordinance provide for a range of land use designations/zones in the City that can accommodate residential units. Multiple residential and commercial General Plan land use designations within the City provide opportunities for development of housing projects, including: Non-Urban Residential, Urban Residential, Multi-Residential 1, Multi-Residential 2, Mixed Use, and Specific Plans. The Housing Element 2021-2029 Update, Safety Element update, and Environmental Justice Element pqect do not propose to change any particular parcel's General Plan land use designation.

ZoHrHe DrsrRrcrs
Multiple residential and commercial zones within the City provide opportunities for development of housing proyects at various densities. Residential density within the various zones is calculated at dwelling units per acre (du/acre). Residential uses are permitted in the following zones: Non-urban residential (RR-2.5, RR-1, SRR), Urban Residential (R-15,000, R-10,000, R- 7,000), Multiple Family Residential (MDR and HDR), and Mixed Use (MU-N, MU-C, MU-E, MU-TOD, and MU-HD) as well as various Specific Plans, including the Downtown Lancaster Specific Plan, Avanti North and Avanti South. Multi-family residential uses are also conditionally permitted in the Commercial (C) zone. The Housing Element 2021-2029 Update, Safety Element update, and new Environmental Justice Element prolect does not propose to change any particular parcel's zoning.

Houstttc EleueHr

REQUIREMENTS AND CONTENT
A Housing Element is one of the eight required General Plan elements. lt addresses existing and future housing needs of persons of all income levels and provides policy guidance to decision-makers and City staff. The City is not required to construct housing to meet those needs, but it must create a regulatory environment that supports and encourages housing production and equal access to housing.

State law requires that all housing elements address four key topics: 1) housing needs, 2) constraints to housing development, 3) housing resources, and 4) a housing plan. Article 10.6, Section 65580 - 65589.8, Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code establishes the legal requirements for a housing element and encourages the provision of affordable and decent housing, in suitable living environments, in all communities, in working toward statewide goals. The 2021-2029 Housing Element is the policy document that addresses cunent and projected housing needs consistent with State law.

HOUSING NEEDS AND RESOURCES
Several factors influence the demand for housing in the City of Lancaster, including population grovuth, the cost of housing, and housing needs of "special needs groups" that include the elderly, large families, female-headed households, households with a physically or developmentally disabled person, farm workers, and the homeless. The 2021-2029 Housing Element 4 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Hement examines the housing needs of different groups of people based on demographic metrics that include owners versus renters, lower-income households, overcrowded households, elderly households, special needs groups, and homeless persons.

California housing element law requires that each city and county develop local housing programs designed to meet its "fair share" of housing needs for all income groups, based on projected population growth. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Housing Policy Division develops Regional Housing Needs Assessments (RHNA) for each region of the State represented by councils of govemments. ln Southern California (exclusive of San Diego County), SCAG determines the housing allocation for its member cities and Counties. SCAG has assigned the City of Lancaster a RHNA allocation of 9,023 housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period, divided among the household income categories identified in Table 1.

Table 1
City of Lancaster Regional Housing Needs Assessment Allocation lncome Group
Total
Allocation (DU)
lncome Group
Ratio (%)
Extremely Lowf/ery Low 2,224 25o/o
Low 1 1 94 13o/o
Moderate I 328 15o/o
Above Moderate 4,277 47o/o
Total 9,023 100%
Housing units that have been approved or proposed but not yet built or that are under construction as of June 30,2021 may be credited toward the RHNA. f able 2 (RHNA Credits and Remaining Need) identifies RHNA credits and the remaining housing need to be accommodated by land use policy and zoning regulations.

Table 2
RHNA Credits and Remaining Need
Ex.lVery
Low (0-50%
AMr)
Low
(50.80%
AMI}
Moderate
lncome (80-
12070 AMI)
Above Moderate
lncome (1200/o+
AMr)
Total

APPROVED PROJECTS
Approved Residential Tracts (Partial Construction) 249 250 499 Approved Residential Tracts (No Building Permits
Yet) 65 bb 131
Aooroved TTM 2,292 2,292 4,584
ADUs on Approved Tracts 82 153 7 103 345
Approved Multi-Family Projects 176 583 166 925
subtotal 258 736 2,779 2,711 6,484

PROPOSED PROJECTS
TTM in Review 829 829 1,658
Multi-Family Proiects in Review 294 297 B1 672
subtotal 294 1,126 910 2,330
Total 258 1,030 3,905 3,621 8,814
RHNA 2,224 1,194 1,328 4,277 9,023
Remaininq RHNA 1,966 164 -2,577 6s6 2,130
City of Lancaster 5
State law requires that jurisdictions demonstrate in the Housing Element that land inventory is available and adequate to accommodate the RHNA allocation. The City of Lancaster has determined that the inventory of vacant residential and mixed- use sites and estimated production of accessory dwelling units during the planning period is sufficient to accommodate the remaining RHNA of 2,130 units. Sites currently available and appropriate to accommodate a portion of the RHNA are categorized and summarized in Table 3.

Table 3
Gurrently Available VacanUUnderutilized Land lnventory
ln addition to these sites identified to meet the RHNA, there is ample vacant land within other mixed-use zones, including the MU-E, MU-TOD, and MU-N zones. Additional capacity was also recently made available with the City's adoption of the Lancaster Health District Master Plan and is anticipated with the proposed Parkway Village Specific Plan, anticipatedin2022.

HOUSffVG COrVSrRA'fVrS
The Housing Constraints section identifies and addresses regulations and conditions that constitute constraints to housing production and preservation, including governmental and nongovernmental regulations, infrastructure requirements and market conditions such as land, construction and labor costs as well as restricted financing availability. Where constraints were identified, programs to address those constraints were included in the Housing Plan.

AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING
New for the 6th cycle and consistent with the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) mandate imposed by AB 686, a detailed analysis of segregation/integration patterns and disparities in access to opportunity is included in the Housing Element. The City of Lancaster contracts with the Housing Rights Center (HRC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to affirmatively furthering fair housing choice through the provision of education and direct client services. ln response to this analysis, a program was included in the Housing Plan to update the existing Analysis of lmpediments to Fair Housing Choice (2015) and to continue the City's efforts to affirmatively further fair housing.

SUMMARY OF GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
The amended Housing Element will implement goals, policies, and programs with the intent of providing a variety of housing (single and multi-family housing) to meet the existing and future needs of residents of the City, facilitate the development of affordable housing through the incorporation of housing assistance programs and resources, and improve and preserve the existing supply of low-income housing. The Housing Element would remove govemmental constraints regarding the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for all income levels and housing for persons with disabilities. The Housing Element would also incorporate programs to further facilitate housing development including the incorporation of a 6 Site Type
Affordability Level
Ex./Very
Low lncome
{0-50% AMt}
Low
lncome
(50.80%
AMI)
Moderate
lncome
(80.i2070
AMI}
Above
Moderate
lncome
(120o/o+
AMI) Total
Estimated ADU Production 210 400 19 267 896
Vacant HDR Sites 457 457
Vacant MUC Sites 1,241 1,241
Vacant MU-N 371 371
Vacant MU-TOD 225 225
Total Sites Currentlv Available 2,505 400 19 267 3,190
Remaining RHNA after approved/proposed
proiects 1,966 164 -2,577 656 2,130
Updated Remainins RHNA (539) (236) (2,596) (389) Q,9821 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Envionmental Justice Element Density Overlay which would allow for the flexibility within the HDR and commercial zones which would allow for 50 units per acre. Additional programs focus on the encouragement of housing in mixed use zones, ament the Zoning Ordinance to add reference to the Housing Accountability Act requirements, and to implement a residential density bonus.

Please refer to the Housing Element for a full list of the goals, policies, and programs. Provided below is a link to access the Draft Housing Element Update which outlines the goals, policies, and programs proposed. https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/home/showpublisheddocument/432401637623035590670000 General Plan Buildout
The Lancaster General Plan was adopted in 2009, which was assessed for environmental impacts through the General Plan ElR. The General Plan EIR identified that realistic build out of general plan land use policy would result in an estimated total of 88,243 units within the planning area (which includes both the city limits 172,515 unitsl and the sphere of influence [6,779] units). The General Plan EIR indicates existing (2006) conditions included 49,144 units total for the planning area, of which 44,961were in the city limits and 4,164 were in the sphere of influence. As of 2020, the Department of Finance estimates that there are 53,397 units in the City of Lancaster. As such, there is remaining capacity within the General Plan build out assumptions for 19,118 units. This remaining capacity well exceeds the identified RHNA for the2021-2029 planning period (9,023).

Snrerv Elemeu
The Safety Element is one of the eight State-mandated elements of the General Plan. The purpose of the update to the Safety Element is to comply with recent State legislation and guidelines (including Assembly Bill 162, Senate 8111241, Senate Bill 99, Assembly Bll747, Senate Bill 1035 and Senate Bill 379). Technicalamendments to the Safety Element are intended to achieve compliance with State, regional and local policies and guidelines. The technical amendments incorporate data and maps, address vulnerability to climate change, and incorporate policies and programs from the City's update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The proposed Safety Element Update organizes safety goals and policies into the following sections:

Geology and Seismicity, Flooding, Noise, Air lnstallation Land Use Compatibility, Hazardous Materials, Crime Prevention and Protection Services, Fire Prevention and Suppression Services, Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation, Emergency Medical Facilities, and Climate Adaptation.

Please refer to the Safety Element for a full list of the goals, policies, and programs proposed. Provided below is a link to access the Draft Safety Element Update which outlines the goals, policies, and programs proposed. https ://www. cityofl ancasterca.o rg/home/showdocu me n t?id= 43234 EHvrnoHmelrru- Jusrrce ElrueHr
The City is developed a new Environmental Justice Element to be part of the General Plan and reflect the City's efforts in addressing Environmental Justice. The State of California defines Environmental Justice as "the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies" (California Government Code $65040.12(e). ln 2016, the State of California passed Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) requiring cities and counties to address Environmental Justice in their general plans. The County has elected to prepare a separate Element rather than integrating Environmental Justice policies among existing General Plan elements. As provided by State Government Code 65302(h), the Environmental Justice Element has the same weight as the mandatory elements of the General Plan and is internally consistent with the other elements. The purpose of the Environmental Justice Element is to address public health risks and environmental justice concems of those living in disadvantaged communities as defined in Gov. Code, $65302(hX4XA), many of which are the result of geographic or procedural inequities.

Consistent with requirements of SB 1000, the City proposes a new Environmental Justice Element that identifies disadvantaged communities, also known as Environmental Justice Communities, within the City's General Plan planning area. 7City of Lancaster
The Environmental Justice Element would implement goals, policies, and programs which would focus on ensuring residents have access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food and recreation and physical activities. The Environmental Justice Element will promote and expand job opportunities, community programs, and services throughout the City, implementing green strategies to support a sustainable approach to stormwater, drainage, groundwater, recharge, and additional landscaping through the City. ln addition, the Environmental Justice Element would explore best practices for innovative housing options and community land trusts which would provide supportive financing, incentives, and zoning. The Environmental Justice Element would focus on collaborating with industrial businesses to improve outdoor air quality through enhanced operations and other pollution reduction measures, when possible. ln addition, special focus would require new sensitive land uses to include feasible measures such as setback, landscaping, ventilation systems, and other effective measurcs to minimize air pollution.

Please refer to the Environmental Justice Element for a full list of the goals, policies, and programs proposed. Provided below is a link to access the Draft Safety Element Update which outlines the goals, policies, and programs proposed. https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/home/showpublisheddocumenU43238/637623025332570000 Zorruc Texr Ameromerr: Housrlo DENsrry Ovenuv
To respond to market demand, the City is proposing a zone text amendment to add a new zoning overlay zone to the City.

The Housing Density Overlay zone would allow for additional density up to 50 units to the acre. The Housing Density Overlay Zone may only be applied to sites within the HDR zone and commercial zones that allow higher-density housing. Applicants must submit an application for a zone change to apply the Housing Density Overlay Zone to any HDR/Commercially zoned site and complete any required site-specific environmental analysis at that time. As part of this project, the new Housing Density Overlay zone is not applied to any particular property.

SuRnoUHOIHG LAND UsES
The Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element apply throughout the City. Uses consist of a full range ofsuburban and rural land uses.

EHunorurHrAL SETTTNG
The City of Lancaster is a suburban community well served by a network of freeways and commuter rail lines, including Route 138, which intenects the center of the City, and the commuter rail line which consists of the MTA Antelope Valley rail line.

Both City departments and utility companies provide a full suite of public services: water, sewer, flood control, telecommunications, law enforcement, fire prevention and emergency response, parks and recreation, and education.

Topography is generally flat. Local geologic conditions affecting development include the presence of the active faults located to the west, southwest, and northwest, liquefaction hazards, and minimal landslide hazards in the southwestern portion of the Planning Area.

Given the rural nature of the community, the community contains natural habitat for threatened and/or endangered plant or animal species (approximately 27 listed species). Specifically, regarding the plant species located within the City, plants species consist of Yucca brevifolia, alkali mariposa lily, desert cymopterus, Lancaster Milk-Vetch, Mojave Spineflower, Parish's alkali grass, Peirson's morning-glory, pygmy poppy, sagebrush loeflingia, and white-bracted spineflower. ln addition, the City contains endangered species which include, but not are not limited to, birds (burrowing owl, northern harrier, and shar-shinned hawk), reptiles such as, but not limited to desert tortoise, silvery coast hornered lizard, and southwestern pond turtle and mammals (mohave ground squirrel, American badger). Refer to the 2009 Master Environmental Assessment for a full list of sensitive plants and species that are located within the Planning Area (2009 Master Environmental Assessment).

I Housing Element, Safefy Element, and Environmental Justice Element The City is located in the Mojave Air Basin Air Basin, over which the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAOMD) has regulatory authority. The basin experiences frequent episodes of high ozone concentrations due to high pollutant loads and a persistent inversion condition that traps pollutants, ReeurRro CrY AppRovlr-s
The City Council would be required to adopt a General Plan Amendment to incorporate the 2021-2029 Housing Element, the Safety Element Update, and the Environmental Justice Element into the General Plan and a zone text amendment to implement the new Housing Density Overlay into the Zoning Ordinance.

Ornen AcercY APPRovALS
The State of Califomia, Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is required to review the Housing Element for compliance with State law (Article 10.6 of the California Govemment Code) but does not have actual approval authority. The California Geological Survey was consulted as part of the Safety Element drafting. The Element does not require Cal Fire review, as no very high-fire severity areas are located within the jurisdiction.

ICity of Lancaster
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Sources:

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March2021
Statas Oensus Bureau, 20-19.

Urban Footprint, 2020.
u.s. HUD.2021
TCAC/HCD, 202 1 .
&oq.^" PALMDALE
Approved and Proposed Proiects
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City of Lancaster 16
3 DerennttrruATroN
Erunonuerrnl Fncrons Poreunllv Arrecreo
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DerenmlHlrroH
On the basis of this initial evaluation
Air Quality
n
Energy
Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Mineral Resources
Public Services
Tribal Cultural Resources
Mandatory Findings of
Significance
n
I find that the proposed prolect COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION would be prepared.

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

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

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

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

City of Lancaster
L
Aesthetics Agriculture Resources
Biological Resources Cultural Resources
Geology /Soils n Greenhouse Gas Emissions n
Hydrology / Water Quality n Land Use / Planning
Noise Population / Housing
Transpo rtatio n/Traffic
WildfireUtilities / Service Systems
Recreation
City of Lancaster
ior Planner Date
17 Environmental I mp act Eval u ation
4 EvRluRroN oF Er,tvrRorunnENTAL lrupncrs
Aesuerrcs
Would the pQect:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
B) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, kees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
n x
C) ln 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 a publicly
accessible vantage point). lf the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project conflict with
applicable zoning and other regulations governing
scenic quality?
tr
D) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. The Scenic Resources Element of the Lancaster General Plan identifies the surrounding buttes, Quartz Hill, and long-distance panoramas of the San Gabriel Mountains and desert expanses as major visual resources within the City. The 2030 General Plan ElRl referenced the urban setting of the City and concluded that all visual and aesthetic impacts would be less than significant. Future development under the updated Housing Element would not substantially change the location, distribution, or overall density of development within the City other than for the lnventory Sites, A mitigation measure in the 2009 EIR identified that construction materials and equipment staging areas shall be located away from sensitive uses (e,9., residential, schools, churches, etc.) and when feasible appropriate screening (i.e. temporary fencing with opaque material) shall be used to buffer views of a construction site. The update to the Safety Element and the adoption of the Environmental Justice Element would not affect residential development within the City. Rather, the update to the Safety Element would incorporate additional data and maps to address vulnerability to climate change and policies and programs to update the Hazard Risks Mitigation Plan. The Environmental Justice Element would incorporate goals, policies, and programs to reduce unique or compound health risks by providing such criteria as, but not limited to, the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and civic engagement in the public decision-making process. The City contains no designated scenic vistas although views of regional scenic features may still be available within the City or from elevated freeways. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. The Scenic Resources Element of the Lancaster General Plan identifies the sunounding buttes, Quartz Hill, and long-distance panoramas of the San Gabriel Mountains and desert expanses as major visual resources within the City. All of the lnventory Sites are currently undeveloped or previously developed properties. Significant impacts could occur if the Housing Element update and potential development of the lnventory Sites substantially damaged scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway. 1 The lnitial Study with the Notice of Preparation focused out aesthetics from a more detailed analysis in the DEIR 18 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND Environmental I mpact Eval uation
According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) website, none of the freeways in the vicinity of the City of Lancaster are designated as scenic or eligible to be designated as a scenic highway or route (Caltrans 2020). The City General Plan does not indicate that any of the freeways within the City are designated as a scenic corridor; however, State Route 14, 90th Avenue K and Avenue M, per LMEA Figure 12-1, is designated as a scenic route. The Housing Element site map does not propose any housing development within the referenced scenic route. Future development of any individual lnventory Site would be subject to project-specific review pursuant to CEQA. Considering that the General Plan EIR analyzed impacts to scenic resources at the program level and concluded that impacts were less than significant, impact with adoption and implementation of the proposed Project would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

C) Less Than Significant lmpact. Visual character is the composite physical values of a structure or structures, in context of the built and/or natural environment, that include architectural treatment, landscaping, location, and the intangible qualities such as historical context or uniqueness that establish a thematic visual display for the onlooker when viewing the location.

Above most environmental issues, defining visual character is generally subjective, relying on the opinion of the onlooker coupled with the expertise and institutional knowledge of the local jurisdiction to define the visual character of an area or property.

Residential uses are typical of Southern California Mid-Century development, relatively suburban in nature, and are generally distributed throughout the central, western, and southwestern portions of the City. The eastern, westem, and northwestern portions of the City are designated as non-urban residential land uses which are rural residential uses that have minimal urban services. The existing industrial uses are located within the northern boundaries of the City and Edwards Air Force Base is located in the northeast, just outside the boundaries of the City. Commercial corridors tend to be clustered within the central portion of the City, along Sierra Highway and 1Oth Street.

Future development implemented through the policies of the Housing Element would have the effect of incrementally changing the visual character of each lnventory Site. lf the change in the visual character or quality of an lnventory Site, in context of the existing visual character and quality of the surrounding environment, can be perceived as 'degrading', then the effect of the prolect may result in potentially significant impacts. Adverse changes to the visual character of an area can reduce the quality of life for occupants and visitors of the area, reduce the uniqueness or singularity of the viewing experience, and/or reduce the historical and/or communal value of the visual setting.

The update to the Safety Element and the adoption of the Environmental Justice Element would not conkibute to potential development impacts within the City. Rather, the update to the Safety Element would incorporate additional data and maps to address vulnerability to climate change and policies and programs to update the Hazard Risks Mitigation Plan. The Environmental Justice Element would incorporate goals, policies, and programs to reduce unique or compound health risks by providing such criteria as, but not limited to, the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and civic engagement in the public decision-making process.

There is no widely recognized threshold for determining when the effects of a project 'degrade' visual character or quality to the point that potentially significant environmental impacts could occur. However, the current CEQA threshold is whether or not a project (in an urbanized area) would conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality. Thus, future development on the lnventory Sites would be subject to applicable General Plan Policies and zoning regulations related to height, mass and scale, architectural style, materials, landscaping, and a variety of other standards that would ensure future housing development is consistent with the visual character intended for the area. Therefore, impacts due to changes to visual character or quality would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations and no mitigation is required.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact. Future development guided by the implementation of the proposed Prqect would result in new sources of light and glare. Outdoor lighting would be required in parking lots and pedestrian pathways for security purposes and may be included as accent lighting in landscaping and architectural features. lndoor lighting would also likely be visible through windows. Lighting associated with vehicle travel to and from the lnventory Sites would also be generated.

Outdoor lighting when viewed at night can result in glare that can be defined as "excessive, uncontrolled brightness" from a City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Elenent ND 19 E nv i ro n m e ntal I m p act Ev al u ati on
luminaire. Glare can also occur during the day due to light reflecting off building materials such as highly polished metal and reflective glass. lnappropriate installation of light and reflective materials in future housing could result in effects on nighttime and daytime views through scattering excessive light in the viewers' eyes, causing a partial or complete inability to see due to light scattering in the eye, The effects of excessive light and glare can result in nuisance impacts ranging from viewer annoyance or an inability to see features in the night sky, to health and safety impacts such as temporary blindness while operating a motor vehicle. The update to the Safety Element and the adoption of the Environmental Justice Element would not contribute to residential development within the City which could lead to additional lighting sources.

The General Plan EIR found that impacts related to light and glare would be less than significant with implementation of lighting requirements set forth in the General Plan and zoning regulations. Future housing developed to meet local and regional housing needs would be subject to the City's Municipal Code regulating the installation and operation of lighting. lmplementation of the lighting requirements of the General Plan and MunicipalCode would ensure that lighting is appropriately designed to provide necessary security while not creating undue nuisance or hazards for people at surrounding properties or on roadways in the vicinity of the lnventory Sites. Furthermore, future housing would be subject to standards enumerated in the Code or other documents, requiring review by staff that would limit the use of highly reflective materials thereby minimizing the potential for daytime glare. lmpacts to daytime and nighttime views would be less than significant with implementation of exiting regulatory requirements and no mitigation is required. 20 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Environmental I mpact Ev al u ation

2. AcRrculrunnlResouRces
ln determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (CALESA) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. ln determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) regarding the State's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Prolect and the Forest Legacy Assessment project, as well as forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Would the project:

No lmpact
A) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide lmportance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
B) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
C) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(9)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51 104 (g))?
D) Result in loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
E) lnvolve other changes in the existing environment
which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or
conversion offorest land to non-forest use?
A) No lmpact, According to the "lmportant Farmland Finde/'within the state's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) website, the City has a primary designation of urban and buillup land, with western portions of the City designated as Grazing Land, and areas in the eastern and northwestern portion of the City designated as Prime Farmland. The proposed Prolect does not propose the re-zoning or re-designation of any lnventory Sites to agricultural uses or zones as analyzed in the General Plan ElR, ln addition, the Housing Element does not propose any specific development that would result in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural use. The update to the Safety Element and the adoption of the Environmental Justice Element would not contribute to residential development within the City which could lead to converting designated agricultural designated land to a non-agricultural use. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Housing Element would not result in increased impacts as analyzed in the General Plan ElR. There would be no impacts related to the conversion of important farmland and no mitigation is required.

B) No lmpact. According to the California Department of Conservation, Williamson Act reports and statistics, there are no Williamson Act Land Conservation Contract lands within the City including any lnventory Sites or surrounding areas (DOC 2020b). The lands within the City are classified as Non-Enrolled Land or Urban and Built-Up Land. Therefore, the General Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justlce Element ND 21 Environmental I mpact Evaluation
Plan EIR found there would be no impacts related to the loss of land under Williamson Act contract. The proposed Prolect would not result in the re-zoning or re-designation of any lnventory Sites to agricultural uses or zones as analyzed in the General Plan ElR. Future development consistent with the proposed Project would be subject to General Plan Policies related to the orderly development of undeveloped properties and would be subject to City review and approval, Therefore, implementation of the Project would not result in increased impacts as analyzed in the General Plan ElR. There would be no impacts related to the loss of land under Williamson Act contract and no mitigation is required.

C-D) No lmpact. Public Resources Code Section 12220(9) identifies forest land as'land thatcan support 10 percent native tree cover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for management of one or more forest resources, including timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and other public benefits.' There is no forest land located within the City including any proposed lnventory Sites. The General Plan EIR indicated the City did not contain any forest land or land supporting forest resources. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in direct loss or substantial changes to any forest land and no mitigation is required.

E) No lmpact, As discussed above, there is no designated farmland or forest land within the City including any lnventory Sites. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element would not result in the indirect conversion of any agricultural or forest land to non-agricultural or non-forest uses. There would be no impact and no mitigation is required.
22 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Env i ron me ntal I m p act Ev al u ation

3. 3. Arn Qunlrv
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:

Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant with Significant lmpact
lmpact Mitigation lmpact
lncorporated
A) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan? n
B) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase
of any criteria pollutant for which the Project
region is non-attainment under an applicable
federal or state ambient air quality standard?
n
C) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations? n
D) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
number of people?
The U.S. EPA and CARB are the federal and State agencies charged with maintaining air quality in the nation and California, respectively. The U.S. EPA delegates much of its authority over air quality to CARB which has geographically divided the State into 15 air basins for the purposes of managing air quality on a regional basis. An air basin is a CARB-designated management unit with similar meteorological and geographic conditions.

The City of Lancaster is located in the Mojave Desert Air Basin (MDAB) and the basin is managed by the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAOMD). Pursuant to the California Clean Air Act, AVAQMD is responsible for bringing air quality within the basin into conformity with federal and State air quality standards by reducing existing emission levels and ensuring that future emission levels meet applicable air quality standards. AVAQMD works with federal, State, and local agencies to reduce pollutant emissions through adoption and implementation of rules and regulations.

The U.S. EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAOS) for six common air pollutants: ozone (Or), particulate matter (PM), which consists of "inhalable coarse" PM (particles with an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10 microns in diameter, or PMro) and "fine" PM (particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 microns, or PMz$, CO, nitrogen dioxide (NOz), sulfur dioxide (SOz), and lead. The U.S. EPA refens to these six common pollutants as "criteria" pollutants because the agency regulates the pollutants on the basis of human health and/or environmentally-based criteria and because they are known to cause adverce human health effects and/or adverse effects on the environment (USEPA 2020a and 2020b). CARB has also established California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAOS) for the six criteria air pollutants regulated by the federal Clean Air Act (the CMQS are more stringent than the NAAQS).. Based on the Antelope Valley AQMD Attainment Status Matrix, the air quality district has a non-attainment status for Ozone and Respirable Particulate Mafter.

A) Less Than Significant lmpact. Future development under the General Plan, and under the Project, would have to demonstrate compliance with the current AVAQMD thresholds and prepare site-speciflc studies of criteria air pollutants. The General Plan EIR determined that air quality impacts of the General Plan would be significant and unavoidable because of the number of new residential units that would be built in the future as well as the amount of new non-residential development anticipated. The Findings of Fact for certification of the General Plan EIR included a Statement of Overriding Considerations for several significant and unavoidable impacts, including air quality, even with implementation of the General Plan goals and policies as the recommended mitigation. These goals and policies include actions that future development would have to implement to reduce potential air pollutant emissions to below the daily significance thresholds established by the AVAQMD.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND 23 Environmental I mpact Ev al uation
The update to the Safety Element and the adoption of the Environmental Justice Element would not contribute to development which could result in air quality impacts. Rather, the update to the Safety Element would incorporate goals and policies to address climate change and the Environmental Justice Element focuses on programs to reduce compound health risks.

Therefore, impacts related to implementation of the proposed Elements would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact, The effects of future housing development on regional air quality could result in potentially significant impacts on the health of residents if it is determined that a project's individual contribution to cumulative air pollution levels is considerable by exceeding the annual emissions thresholds established by the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAOMD).

Future housing developed in accordance with the goals and policies of the Project would have the effect of contributing incrementally to the mobile, energy, and area sources that cumulatively contribute to criteria pollutant levels and associated air pollution in the Basin. The AVAQMD is responsible for preparing the Ozone Attainment Plan (AQMP) for the Basin. The AVAQMD includes strategies and control measures to reduce and/or maintain the effects that construction and operation of various uses within the Basin have on regional air quality. The effects of future housing development on regional air quality could result in potentially significant impacts on the health of residents if it is determined that a project's individual contribution to cumulative air pollution levels is considerable by exceeding the annual emissions established by the AVAQMD in its Ozone Aftainment Plan and, furthermore, would be determined to potentially conflict with implementation of the AQMP. Criteria pollutants can directly damage the environment, both natural and man-made. lmpacts to human health include a variety of acute and chronic respiratory illnesses. Development of future housing would be subject to environmental evaluation for exemption and potential analysis pursuant to CEQA upon application for entitlement permits. Projects found to be exempt from CEQA would not have a significant impact on the environment as declared by state legislation. Other projects would be subject to standard analysis and mitigation if required.

The update to the Safety Element and the adoption of the Environmental Justice Element would not contribute to development within the City which could lead to air quality impacts. Rather, the update to the Safety Element would incorporate additional data and maps to address vulnerability to climate change and policies and programs to update the Hazard Risks Mitigation Plan. The Environmental Justice Element would incorporate goals, policies, and programs to reduce unique or compound health risks by providing such criteria as, but not limited to, the promotion of parks and public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and civic engagement in the public decision-making process.

The General Plan EIR concluded that build out of the General Plan would be inconsistent with the air district's air quality management plans and would result in substantial increases in criteria pollutant emissions within the air basin. The EIR incorporated the mitigation measure which requires "projects that may exceed daily construction emissions established by the AVAQMD, Best Available Control Measures shall be incorporated to reduce construction emissions to below daily emission standards established by the AVAQMD. Prolect proponents shall prepare and implement a Construction Management Plan which shall include, Best Available Control Measures among others. Appropriate control measures shall be determined on a prolect by prolect basis, and would be specific to the pollutant for which the daily threshold is exceeded." The proposed Prolect does not propose any land use changes or designate any lnventory Sites that were not already analyzed in the General Plan ElR. Therefore, long term air quality impacts in the City have already been contemplated, and the proposed Project would not result in impacts that are greater than those contemplated in the General Plan ElR. ln addition, future development of the proposed lnventory Sites would be subject to the Goals and Policies of the General Plan and would be subject to environmental evaluation for exemption and potential analysis pursuant to CEQA. lmpacts related to implementation of the proposed Elements would be less than signiflcant and no mitigation is required.

G) Less Than Significant lmpact. Common sensitive receptors include children under age 14, the elderly over age 65, athletes, and people with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. Each of the residential inventory sites is surrounded by residential uses, vacant land, or is bounded by residential, commercial, and limited industrial uses. Future 24 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Environmental I mp act Evalu ation
housing projects are not considered uses that emit substantial levels of hazardous air pollutants that could have an effect on the environment such that potentially significant impacts would occur. The Environmental Justice Element includes additional policies to protect sensitive receptors, especially within the local environmentaljustice community. ln addition, industrial processes with state or federal toxic emissions must prepare health risk assessments and/or obtain various permits (depending on the process) from the AVAQMD, minimizing impacts to sunounding uses. With implementation of existing regulatory requirements (or mitigation if required), impacts to sensitive receptors would be less than significant and no separate mitigation for the Housing Element Update, Safety Element Update, and Environmental Justice Element is required.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact, Residential land uses do not generate objectionable odors that could impact a substantial number of people, therefore, future housing development would not result in effects related to odors that could impact a substantial number of people. There are no sources of objectionable odors located in the vicinity of any lnventory Site. As discussed in the General Plan ElR, future industrial uses could be sources of odors that affect sensitive land uses such as residential areas, lmplementation of the General Plan would ensure that incompatible land uses are not co-located, minimizing odor impacts. Therefore, impacts in this regard relative to the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Element Update would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Hement ND 25 Env i ron me ntal I m p act Ev al u ation
4 Brolocrcll Resouncrs
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly
or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special
status species in local or regional plans, policies,
or regulations, or by the California Department of
Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
u
B) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations, or by the California Department of
Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
u
C) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological intenuption, or other
means?
X
D) lnterfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife conidors, or impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites?
x
E) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
n
F) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
u n
A) Less Than Significant lmpact, The City Master Environmental Site Assessment identified that nine special-status wildlife species had been recorded from the Planning Area and at a minimum 27 other special-status species are expected to occur or have the potential to occur in the study area, based on habitat requirements and/or the geographical location of the study area in relation to the known range of the animal. ln addition, Joshua trees were granted candidate status.

The Prolect is a policy level document which identifies goals and policies to develop housing for residents of various income levels and would inventory vacant residential land or underutilized land for the intent of residential development, and would incorporate additional data and maps to address vulnerability to climate change, and incorporate goals, policies, and programs to reduce unique or compound health risks by providing such criteria as, but not limited to, the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and civic engagement in the public decision-making process.

The General Plan has specific policies that focus on the avoidance, preservation, and minimization of impacts to biological resources and habitats. The policies outlined in the General Plan do not specify a method of identifying habitats which warrant 26 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Environmental I mp act Eval uation
such measures or the parameter to be used if avoidance or preservation are infeasible. The mitigation measure indicated below is included in the General Plan Final EIR to address the identifies and loss of habitats.

BR-l: lmpacts to sensitive habitats resulting from future development within the General Plan area shall be mitigated at a ratio ranging from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the temporary or permanent nature of the impacts, and the degree to which mitigation is based upon the preservation or creation/restoration of habitat. Where on-site restoration is planned for mitigation of temporary impacts to sensitive vegetation communities, the future prolect proponent shall identify a Habitat Restoration Specialist to be approved by the City of Lancaster to determine the most appropriate method of restoration. The creation or restoration of habitat shall be monitored for five years after site construction to assess progress and identify potential problems with the restoration site. Remedial activities (e.9., additional planting, removal of non-native invasive species, or erosion control) shall be taken during the five-year period, if necessary to ensure the success of the restoration effort. lf the mitigation fails to meet the established performance criteria after the five-year maintenance and monitoring period, monitoring shall extend beyond the five-year period until the criteria are met or unless otherwise noted by the City of Lancaster. lf a catastrophic event occurs within the five-year maintenance and monitoring period, such as fire, there shall be a one-time replacement of vegetation. lf a second catastrophic event occurs, no replanting is required.

Developments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine potential (if any) impacts to sensitive habitats as part of the entitlement process and the Prolect does not propose any development and as such, the impact is considered less than significant.

B) Less than Significant lmpact, According to the Master Environmental Assessment and the NationalWetlands lnventory, there are several locations within the Lancaster Planning Area that support riparian (stream-side) or wetland vegetation.

Specifically, the southwestern margin of the Planning Area contains a few isolated springs or seeps. The Avenue C marsh (designated as Piute Ponds), is located within Edwards Air Force Base, and supports a variety of riparian and wetland plants.

There are no perennial creeks or channels within the study area. The Environmental Assessment further identifies that there is signillcant runoff during wet periods, flows along the desert washes tend to be heavy which precludes the establishment of extensive riparian growth. Riparian vegetation associated with Piute Ponds and various washes within the study area, includes willow (Salix spp.), cottonwood (Populus spp.) white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), western sycamore (Platanus racemose), and cattail (Typha spp.). The prior General Plan Update and the FEIR has incorporated policies for the preservation and minimization of impacts to biological resources and habitats. The proposed Prolect proposes no changes that would impact these policies and includes additional policies and programs to support healthy watersheds and green strategies for stormwater/drainage.

C) Less than Significant lmpact. The Master EnvironmentalAssessment identifies numerous, small wetland areas (0.3. to

1.0 acres in size) primari[ described as "Palustrine, unconsolidated shore, temporarily flooded". There are several large wetland areas located zero to three miles to the southwest of Rosamond Lake (including the Piute Ponds), and several others occur an additional three miles southwest of Rosamond Lake. The General Plan FEIR implemented mitigation measures which would require the preparation of biological assessments to assess the impact of the development and provide mitigation for impacts to biological resources. ln addition, the City has established a baseline ratio for mitigating the impacts of development related uses to rate, threatened, and endangered species. The Prolect is a policy level document and development is not proposed and any future development would be assessed on a case-by-case basis and would be required to comply with the mitigation measures outlined in the FEIR.

D) Less than Significant lmpact, The Master Environmental Assessment and FEIR analyzed the potential for native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or migratory wildlife corridors. The California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) was referenced and identified nine special-status wildlife species have been recorded from the study area. At least 27 olher special-statis species are expected to occur or have the potential to occur in the Planning Area. The FEIR identifies mitigation measures and policies that detail measures to ensure the avoidance and minimization of impacts to wildlife corridors. Methods to identify specific sites (either locally or regionally) that wanant such measures are also included in the FEIR. The mitigation measures specify parameters for compensating for the loss of wildlife movement when avoidance or minimization of impacts City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 27 Env i ronme ntal I m p act Ev al u atio n
is considered to be infeasible. The mitigation measures identified in the General Plan and General Plan policies would ensure that impacts associated with habitat fragmentation and the restriction of wildlife movement would be less than significant.

E) No lmpact, According to the General Plan ElR, the City of Lancaster has not adopted local ordinances or regulations pertaining to biological resources, therefore, implementation of the proposed Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element would not conflict with any locally adopted ordinance or regulation, No impact would result and no mitigation is required.

F) No lmpact. There are no established Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPS) or Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) within or adjacent to the City of Lancaster. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element would not conflict with any NCCP or HCP. No impact would occur and no mitigation is required.
28 Housing Element, Safefy Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Environmental I mp act Eval uation

5. CulruRn Resounces
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as defined in
Section 15064.5?
B) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to Section 15064.5?
C) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries? n
A) Less Than Significant lmpact, Per the Cultural Study prepared for the 2030 General Plan, the City of Lancaster was founded in 1876 when the Southern Pacific Railway company selected the Antelope Valley for its line between the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin, and developed a string of regularly spaced sidings and water stops across the desert. Moses Landley Wicks, a real estate developer, purchased 640 acres from Southern Pacific and laid out the townsite of Lancaster in 1884. ln 1977 , Lancaster was incorporated as a City and has experience a rapid grov'rth due to the expansion of housing development within the greater Los Angeles area.

Per the Cultural Study prepared for the 2030 General Plan, numerous historic-period sites recorded in the planning area consist of, but not limited to, 19fr and early 20th century homesteads, ranches, and townsites; residentialand public buildings, foundations, and ruins, inigation features, wells, and reservoirs, agricultural features, military structures from World War ll, aeronautic structures from the post-World War ll era; and numerous refuse scatters, all indicative of early settlement and land development activities within the City. ln addition, a total of 138 additional historic-period buildings have been recorded within the Planning area through the years but have not been processed by the SCCIC. All 138 structures have been evaluated for historic significance and only two of the buildings, the Carter Ranch house at 45635 North Sierra Highway, and the Rowell adobe home at 45007 North Elm Avenue, were determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or in the California Register of Historical Resources. ln addition, a total of six sites located within the Planning area, all of which are buildings, were previously evaluated and determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Five of the buildings are listed on the MRHO, including a veterans clinic at 547 W. Lancaster Boulevard, and four buildings on Cedar Avenue which contribute to a historic district. The Western Hotel has been designated a California Historical Landmark.

Because historic properties are not located on any of the identified lnventory Sites in the Housing Element, and no land use changes are proposed as part of the proposed Project, implementation of the proposed Project would not cause substantial adverse change in significance of a historical resource.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact, Per the Cultural Assessment prepared for the 2009 Master Environmental Assessment, the Project area lies within the Antelope Valley where the tenitories of four Native American groups were located and consisted of the Kitanemuk located principally in the southern and western flanks of the Techachapi Mountains; the Serrano of the San Bernardino Mountains; the Kawaiisu of the Techachapi Valley region; and the Tataviam of the Santa Clarita Basin.

The Kitanemuk reportedly frequented the springs of the Willow Springs area and other areas on the valley floor. The Kawaiisu tribe used the springs located along the northern edge of the Antelop Valley, including areas on the Edwards Air Force Base, and the southern foothills of the valley from Littlerock Creek northwestward to at least as far west of the Fairmont Buttes area was occupied by Serranos. The Tataviam occupied the southern foothills at the far westem edge of the valley.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 29 Env i ron m ental I m p act Ev al u ation
The Kitanemuk probably occupied or used the majority of the study area and the Kitanemuk tribe had contact with the Garces and Spanish colonizers as early as the 1700s. The Kitanemuk were represented atthe San Fernando, San Gabriel, and San Buenaventura Missions. The Spanish influence on Senano lifeways was negligible until 1819, when a mission assistencia was established on the southern edge of Senano tenitory. Between the period of 1819 to 1834, most of the Serranos in the San Bernardino Mountains and the high desert were relocated to the nearby missions. Most Senano descendants are found on the San Manuel and the Morongo lndian Reservations.

Similar to potential impacts resulting from the effects of future housing development on historical resources, impacts to archaeological resources can result in the loss of information important to the history (and potentially the pre-history) of California and the people who created and/or used the materials. The Cultural Resource Study prepared for the 2030 General Plan update identified that less than one-fourth of the total acreage within the planning area has been analyzed by prolecl related surveys, resulting in a majority of the City which has yet to be surveyed. Of the areas of the City which have been surveyed, at least 432 historical/archaeological sites and 134 isolates have been discovered within the planning area. The General Plan has implemented Policy 12.1.1: which requires to preserve features and sites of significant historical and cultural value consistent with their intrinsic and scientific values. The specific action tied to Policy 12.1.1: requires site-specific, historical, archaeological, and/or paleontological studies when there exists a possibility that significant environmental impacts might result or when there is a lack of sufficient documentation on which to determine potential impacts. ln addition, two state laws (SB 18 and AB 52) require cities to consult directly with local Native American tribes to determine if any tribal cultural resources would be impacted by private development or public works projects proposed in the City. All future development of the lnventory Sites would be required to prepare historical, archaeological and/or paleontological studies to determine if there are any impacts to cultural or tribal cultural resources as required by the General Plan Conservation Element. This is considered regulatory compliance and not specific mitigation under CEQA.

The General Plan EIR concluded that build out of the General Plan would result in less than significant impacts related to the substantial adverse change in the significance of archaeological resources. The proposed Prqect does not propose any land use changes or designate any lnventory Sites that were not already analyzed in the General Plan ElR. Therefore, long-term impacts in the City have already been contemplated, and the proposed Prqect would not result in impacts that are greater than those contemplated in the General Plan ElR. ln addition, future development of the proposed lnventory Sites would be subject to the Goals and Policies of the General Plan and would be subject to review in compliance with CEQA requirements. lmpacts related to implementation of the proposed Housing Element would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

C) Less Than Significant lmpact, Future development of the proposed lnventory Sites that require site preparation and earthmoving activities have the unlikely potential to uncover buried or surficial human remains outside of a recognized cemetery or other burial location. Construction activities that result in disturbing or destroying human remains could result in impacts to our knowledge of the burial practices of the people who were buried, the people who buried the remains, and the pre-historic or historic context and circumstances under which the buried became deceased. Should human remains be discovered, prolect proponents are required to comply with State Health and Safety Code 57050.5. This requires halting work in the immediate area of the find and notifying the County Coroner, who must then determine whether the remains are of forensic interest. lf the Coroner, with the aid of a supervising archaeologist, determines that the remains are or appear to be of Native American origin, the Coroner is required to contact the Native American Heritage Commission for further investigations and proper recovery of such remains, if necessary. lmplementation of existing regulations would ensure that any discovered remains are appropriately collected and examined for any significant information that can be elicited. Potential impacts due to effects on human remains would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations and no mitigation is required.
30 Housing Hement, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND Environmental I mpact Evaluation
b EHeRcv
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?
X
B) Conflict with or obskuct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency?
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. Energy is primarily categorized into three areas: electricity, natural gas, and fuels used for transportation. According to the U.S. Energy lnformation Administration (U.S. EIA), Califomia is the most populous state in the United States, representing 12 percent of the total national population, has the largest economy, and is second only to Texas in total energy consumption. However, California has one of the lowest per capita energy consumption levels in the U.S. This is a result of California's mild climate, extensive efforts to increase energy efficiency, and implementation of altemative technologies. California leads the nation in electricity generation from solar, geothermal, and biomass resources (USEIA 2018).

Electricity. ln 2018, almost half of California's net electricity generation was from renewable resources, including hydropower (U.S. ElA, 2019). ln 2018 the California electric system used 281,120 GWh of electricity, nearly 71o/ool which (199,595 GWh) was produced in-state (CEC 2019a). Lancaster Choice Energy is the City's not-for-profit power program which, in 2015, began public enrollment for the residents and business owners of the City. Lancaster Choice Energy searches for the most conventional and renewable energy sources and offers the energy sources to LCE customers.

Natural Gas. California accounts for less than 1% of total U.S. natural gas reserves and production; however, almost two- thirds of California households use natural gas for home heating (U.S. EIA 2019). ln 2018, California consumed about 12,638 million therms3 of natural gas. Approximately 35% of natural gas was consumed by the residential sector which makes up approximately two{hirds of county-wide consumption (CEC 2019b). The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) provides natural gas service to the City SoCalGas is the principal distributor of natural gas in Southern California and provides natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial markets, Transportation, California's transportation sector consumed 80.6 million Btu of energy per capita in2017, which ranked 31st in the nation (U.S. EIA 2017). Most gasoline and diesel fuel sold in California for motor vehicles is refined in California to meet state-specific formulations required by the California Air Resources Board.

Future housing developed in accordance with the goals and policies of the Project (specifically the Housing Element Update) would have the effect of contributing to increased energy consumption in the City which would be part of regional growth in energy use as the sunounding communities continue to grow as well. Future growth in the City would be required to be consistent with the state's energy conservation regulations as codified in Title 24 of the CCR and the California Green Building Code. As long as future development adheres to these multiple energy conservation plans and requirements, the Project would have less than significant impacts relative to energy consumption and efficiency and no mitigation is required. The Environmental Justice Element also includes policies and actions to support climate resilience. Development implemented through the Prolect would not use energy in a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary manner.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. The analysis in Section 6.A above demonstrates that the proposed Prolect would not conflict with nor obstruct a state or local plan adopted for the purposes of increasing the amount of renewable energy or City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND 31 Envi ron m ental I m p act Ev al u ation
energy efficiency. As discussed above, future development under the Project would be subject to the California Title 24 Building Code energy efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings, which would help reduce energy consumption overall within the City.

Equipment and vehicles associated with construction and operation of new development would also be subject to fuel standards at the state and federal level. Truck traffic from some new non-residential development would inherently benefit from programs implemented to achieve the goals of the state's Sustainable Freight Plan, such as the turnover of older, less fuel-efficient trucks, as fuel economy standards are rolled out and zero emission vehicles (ZEV) trucks and vehicles in general becomes more widely available and cost effective for businesses and residents. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with nor obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
32 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Env i ron m ental I m p act Ev al u ation

7. GeolocYnlo Sol-s
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Expose people or skuctures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a known fault?
Refer to Division of Mines and Geology
Special Publication 42.
ii) Shong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? n
iv) Landslides? n
B) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
C) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the prolect, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?
X
D) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table
1B-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1997),
creating substantial risks to life or property?
E) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available
for the disposal of wastewater?
F) Directly or indirectly deshoy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
A,i) Less Than Significant lmpact (Fault Rupture), Based on current mapping available from the California Geological Survey (CGS), there are no known Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones within the City limits. The major active fault zones are located to the west, southwest, and northwest of the Prolect site and consist of the San Andreas Fault, the Sierra Madre- San Fernando Fault Zone, the Garlock Fault Zone, the Sierra Nevada (Owens Valley) Fault Zone, the White Wolf Fault Zone, the Llano Fault, and subsidiary faults such as Punchbowl fault, the Nadeau Fault, the Cemetery Fault, and the Littlerock Fault.

San Gabriel Fault, the North Branch Fault, the San Andrea Fault, the Clearwater Fault, the Hitchbrook Fault, the Pelona Fault, and the Soledad Fault. The earthquake faults which have the potential to cause damage within the Planning Area consist of:

City of Lancaster Housing Hement, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 33 Environmental I m p act Ev al u ation
San Andreas Fault: The geologic and seismic activity of the Lancaster study area results from its proximity to the "active" San Andreas Fault, south of the California Aqueduct in the vicinity of the Portal Ridge. The magnitude of the earthquake fault is 8.0.

Sierra Madre-San Fernando Fault: The Sierra Madre Fault Zone is located approximately 35 miles south of the Planning Area and the San Fernando Fault Zone is located approximately 40 miles southwest of the Planning Area.

The Sierra Madre-San Fernando fault has a maximum probable magnitude of 6.6.

Garlock Fault: The nearest point of the fault to the planning area is located 20 miles northwest of Avenue A and the fault has a magnitude of 7.5.

Sierra Nevada (Owens Valley) Fault: The nearest point of the Owens Valley fault to the Planning Area is 30 miles northwest of Quartz Hill and the fault has a magnitude of 7.4.

White Wolf Fault: The earthquake fault is located west of the l-5 and l-99 junction and continues for approximately 50 miles and lies approximately 50 miles northwest of the Antelope Valley area and has an overall magnitude of 7.2.

Llano Fault: This northwest trending subsurface reverse fault runs roughly apparel to the San Andreas Fault for approximate five miles. The southwest end of the fault is approximately 23 miles southwest of the northeast corner of the boundary of Los Angeles County.

Subsidiary Faults: The major subsidiary faults sunounding the Antelope Valley are the Punchbowl Fault, the Nadeau Fault, the Cemetery Fault, and the Littlerock Fault. All four faults are actives branches of the San Andreas Fault.

Movement on the San Andreas Fault may activate one of all of the subsidiary faults.

New housing that would be built under the Prqect (specifically the Housing Element) would still be within the growth limits identified in the General Plan and evaluated in its ElR. New housing would be subject to state seismic safety requirements of the California Building Code as adopted by the City. ln addition, new development is required to prepare a geotechnical hazards assessment to identify site specific design and construction guidelines to protect occupants and structures from anticipated seismic impacts. Therefore, impacts related to fault rupture would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

A.ii) Less Than Significant lmpact (Groundshaking), Seismicity is a well-known hazard of Southem Califomia. The San Andreas Fault represents the boundary between two tectonic plates, the northwest-moving Pacific plate and southeast hending North American plate. Movement along this boundary has resulted in many earthquakes from the region's numerous faults (CGS 2020a). According to the current California Building Code, the City of Lancaster is within Seismic Zone 4 (CBC 2019)which indicates moderate to severe groundshaking is possible.

New housing that would be built under the Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) would still be within the growth limits identified in the General Plan and evaluated in its ElR. New housing would be subject to state seismic safety requirements of the California Building Code as adopted by the City. ln addition, new development is required to prepare a geotechnical hazards assessment to identify site specific design and construction guidelines to protect occupants and structures from anticipated seismic impacts, Therefore, impacts related to seismic groundshaking would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

A,iii) Less Than Significant lmpact (Liquefaction). Liquefaction occurs when water-saturated sediment temporarily loses strength and acts as a fluid. Liquefaction-induced ground failure historically has been a major cause of earthquake damage in Southern California. Liquefaction potential and severity depends on several factors, including soil and slope conditions, proximity to fault, earthquake magnitude, and type of earthquake. According to the Department of Conservation mapping software, a northwest portion of the City and a minor segment within the eastern portion of the City is susceptible to soil liquefaction.

New housing that would be built under the Prolect would still be within the grov'rth limits identified in the General Plan and evaluated in its ElR. New housing would be subject to state seismic safety requirements of the California Building Code as adopted by the City. ln addition, new development is required to prepare a geotechnical hazards assessment to identify site a
a
a
a
a
o
a
34 Housing Hement, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND Environmental I mp act Evaluation
specific design and construction guidelines to protect occupants and structures from anticipated seismic impacts, including liquefaction. Therefore, impacts related to seismic ground shaking would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

A.iv) No lmpact (Landslides). The potential for a landslide is a relatively minor hazard within the Planning Area as the City is generally underlain by granitic rock and is relatively flat topographically (Master Environmental Assessment: City of Lancaster 2030 General Plan). Based on the Seismic Hazards Zones Maps prepared for the City, the map indicates that the potential extent of a landslide hazard would be focused primarily within the areas directly below the north slopes of Quartz Hill and along the slopes of Portal Ridge. Since the areas of potential landslide area limited to the southwest portion of the planning area and primarily within the City's Sphere of lnfluence, development would be limited and no impact would occur.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. Natural forces, both chemical and physical, are continually at work breaking down and moving rocks, minerals, and soils. Erosion poses environmental hazards through the effect of removing soils that can undermine roads and buildings and destabilize slopes. Erosion can also result in environmental damage by depositing soils in downstream reservoirs, lakes, and drainage structures that can result in impacts to wildlife and human health by changing the ecological properties or the physical boundaries of the water body or drainage control device. The City of Lancaster General Plan EIR concluded that impacts would be less than significant with implementation of the General Plan and Municipal Code related to grading limitations.

Future developments on proposed lnventory Sites are subject to Federal and State regulations limiting erosion pursuant to NPDES requirements. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

C) Less Than Significant lmpact, The City is underlain by deep alluvial soils consisting of gravel, sand, silt, and clay derived mainly from runoff out of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. The City of Lancaster, similar to the entire Los Angeles Basin, is subject to moderate to severe groundshaking from frequent earthquakes. ln addition to liquefaction, strong groundshaking can trigger other seismic hazards including lateral spreading, landslides, subsidence, or collapse. The California Geological Survey (CGS) mapping indicate this portion of the Basin is underlain by Quaternary or Recent Alluvium (Qal) which consists of "recent clay, silt, sand and gravel, unconsolidated, poorly stratified to well stratified, including alluvial fan, flood-plain, and streambed deposits" (CGS 2020a), No areas in the City are prone to landslides due to the lack of steep natural slopes (i.e., foothills or mountains) where fractured and steep slopes.

New housing that would be built under the Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) would still be within the growth limits identified in the General Plan and evaluated in its ElR. New housing would be subject to state seismic safety requirements of the California Building Code as adopted by the City. ln addition, new development is required to prepare a geotechnical hazards assessment (per General Plan Action 3.5.2a) to identify site specific design and construction guidelines to protect occupants and structures from anticipated seismic impacts, including liquefaction, lateral spreading, landslides, subsidence, or collapse. Therefore, impacts related to unstable geology or soils would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact. Expansive soils are those that greatly increase in volume when they absorb water and shrink when they dry out. Expansion is measured by shrink-swell potential defined by the relative volume change in soil while gaining in moisture. lf the shrink-swell potential is rated moderate to high, damage to buildings, roads, and other structures can occur. Although granitic rock and is relatively flat topographically there may be areas with soils exhibiting a high to moderately high shrink-swell potential which are considered expansion.

Future housing developed pursuant to the policies of the proposed Pqect (specifically the Housing Element) would be subject to the requirements of the California Building Code (CBC) as adopted by the City, including preparation of a soils report. The CBC requires analysis of soils and application of engineering standards to ensure prolect sites are made suitable for building construction, particularly in regard to foundation design. Foundation and structural design for proposed development of the lnventory Sites would be subject to analysis and design recommendations by a licensed geotechnical engineer for review and approval by the City. ln addition, the General Plan requires the preparation of preliminary soil, geotechnical, or seismic reports (per General Plan Action 3.5.2a). Therefore, impacts due to geological and soils hazards would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 35 E nv i ronmental I mp act Ev al u ation
E) Less Than Significant lmpact. The City has existing sewer infrastructure and the Development Services Director may approve the use of on-site septic systems in nonurban and urban zones where there are no feasible method of providing sanitary sewers, and where the soil and groundwater conditions of the site are suitable for the use of such systems. Such approvals would require approval for the use of septic systems from appropriate county and state agencies. Compliance with county and state requirements would assure that potential impact would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

F) Less Than Significant lmpact, According to the General Plan ElR, there are no known geological resources and/or unique geological features located within the City including any of the lnventory Sites, The General Plan EIR concluded that development in the City would not have adverse effects on paleontological resources. The proposed Project does not propose any land use changes or designate any lnventory Sites that were not already analyzed in the General Plan ElR. Therefore, long term impacts have already been evaluated and the proposed Prqect would not result in impacts that are greater than those contemplated in the General Plan ElR. ln addition, future development of the proposed lnventory Sites would be subject to the Goals and Policies of the General Plan and would be subject to environmental evaluation pursuant to CEQA. Therefore, potential impacts on the resources related to implementation of the proposed Elements would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
36 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironnentalJusfibe Element ND Env iron mental I m p act Ev al u ati on

8. GnEelnouse Gns Emssrols
Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment?
B) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?
A) Less than Significant lmpact. Climate change is the distinct change in measures of climate for a long time period.

Climate change is the result of numerous, cumulative sources of greenhouse gas emissions all over the world. Natural changes in climate can be caused by indirect processes such as changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun or direct changes within the climate system itself (i.e., changes in ocean circulation). Human activities can affect the atmosphere through emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and changes to the planet's surface. Human activities that produce GHGs are the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas for heating and electricity, gasoline and diesel for transportation); methane from landfill wastes, raising livestock, and deforestation activities; and some agricultural practices.2 Greenhouse gases differ from other emissions in that they contribute to the "greenhouse effect." The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence that helps regulate the temperature of the planet. The majority of radiation from the sun hits the Earth's surface and warms it. The surface in turn radiates heat back towards the atmosphere, known as infrared radiation. Gases and clouds in the atmosphere trap and prevent some of this heat from escaping back into space and re-radiate it in all directions.

This process is essential to supporting life on Earth because it warms the planet by approximately 60' Fahrenheit. Emissions from human activities since the beginning of the industrial revolution (approximately 250 years ago) are adding to the natural greenhouse effect by increasing the gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, thereby contributing to an average increase in the Earth's temperature. Greenhouse gases occur naturally and from human activities. Greenhouse gases produced by human activities include carbon dioxide (COz), methane (CH+), nitrous oxide (NzO), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF$. Since 1750, it is estimated that the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere have increased over 36 percent, 148 percent, and 18 percent, respectively, primarily due to human activity. Emissions of greenhouse gases affect the atmosphere directly by changing its chemical composition while changes to the land surface indirectly affect the atmosphere by changing the way the Earth absorbs gases from the atmosphere.

The growth anticipated under the Project is no greater than that evaluated in the General Plan EIR which concluded overall development would have significant air quality impacts. Although GHG emissions were not estimated or evaluated in the General Plan ElR, since this project does not exceed the growth assumptions included in the ElR, logically it can be concluded that GHG emissions resulting from the prolect would not exceed General Plan EIR GHG emissions if they had been estimated and evaluated in the EIR: since project growth in the EIR would not be exceeded by this project, greater GHG emissions would not be generated.

Future development would emit greenhouse gases from various sources depending on type of use and size of the prolect. All projects would be required to estimate their GHG emissions and comply with the City's Climate Action Plan as appropriate, which also helps reduce GHG emissions. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant at this program level and no programmatic mitigation is needed as increased growth would be no greater than what was previously analyzed. 2 United States Environmental Protection Ag ency. Frequentty Asked Queslions A bout Global Warning and Climate Change, Back to Baslcs. April 2009, X
City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND 37 Envi ron m ental I m p act Ev al u ation
B) Less than Significant lmpact, Future housing would be constructed on undeveloped and currently developed, underutilized properties, GHG emissions would be evaluated during the City's standard environmental review process as required by CEQA, relying on the City Climate Action Plan (CCAP), and using the method promulgated by the AVAQMD.

Applicable measures would be incorporated into future projects, ensuring GHG emissions are reduced to levels that would not be considered cumulatively considerable in the context of global climate change and resulting impacts. Some projects may be required to identify a GHG emissions inventory using regulatory and industry standard methodologies and measures. lncorporation of appropriate BPS would ensure compliance with the regional CCAP and by extension the targets identified in the Scoping Plan for reduction of GHG emissions. Future development would also be required to comply with the City's Climate Action Plan which also helps reduce GHG emissions. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant at this program level and no programmatic mitigation is needed. However, it is likely that future projects, especially larger ones, would require project-specific mitigation for their estimated GHG emissions. 38 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Environmental I mpact Ev aluation
I HnznROs AND HAZARDoUS MATERIALS
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
n
B) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
C) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous
or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
X
D) Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment?
n
E) For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project result in a safety hazard
or excessive noise for people residing or working
in the project area?
F) lmpair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
n
G) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires?
n
A-D) Less than Significant lmpact. Residential and mixed-use housing development do not cause or contribute substantially to potential hazards to the public or the environment because these uses do not involve the use, transport, or disposal of appreciable amounts of hazardous materials or wastes. For purposes of the following analysis, a "significant hazard to the public or the environment" is characterized by the effects of exposure to hazardous materials and/or wastes from a facility or facilities that are subject to operations-specific federal, state, regional, or local regulations and implementation processes (including permitting, accident contingency, and clean-up requirements) based on the amount of material or waste undergoing use, transport, or disposal and the resulting impacts to human health or ecosystem functions. Residential uses are characterized by the use of common, widely available hazardous materials including paints and other solvents, cleaners, and pesticides. The remnants of these and other products are disposed of as household hazardous waste (HHW) that includes batteries, electronic wastes, and other wastes that are prohibited or discouraged from being disposed of at local landfills. Use of common household hazardous materials are not subject to federal or state permitting at the consumer level and it is reasonably foreseeable that upset and accident conditions cannot be met by the use, transport, and disposal of such materials City of Lancaster Housing Hement, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Hement ND 39 Environmental I mp act Ev aluation
and wastes from future residences. Consumer-level household hazardous materials and wastes are not subject to federal or state permitting by the consumer, and their use is at such levels as to not have the potential to result in risk of upset or accident that could harm a substantial number of people, including children aftending schools in the area, or have a substantial effect on the functions of the local or regional ecosystem.

Hazardous Sites: The proposed lnventory Sites are not listed as hazardous waste and substances sites, leaking underground storage tank sites, solid waste disposal sites, hazardous waste facilities subject to corrective action, or sites regulated by the Regional Water Quality Board.3
There are no Cleanup Program Sites located within the City of Lancaster at this time. The General Plan requires that residential projects and other sensitive receptors be located an adequate distance from existing and potential sources of toxic emissions. ln addition, CEQA requires the assessment of risk involving the transportation, disposal, manufacture, storage, and handling of any hazardous materials for new development. Therefore, development of future housing on proposed lnventory Sites would be required to assess impacts due to the accidental release of hazardous materials as part of standard environmental review procedures pursuant to CEQA and City policy.

Materials and Wastes Transport: According to the General Plan EIR and Master Environmental Site Assessment, hazardous materials pass through the City in route to other destinations via surface streets, and freeways. The City has no direct authority to regulate the transport of hazardous materials on local and regional roadways or railways; however, under upset and accident conditions, it is reasonably foreseeable that most of the spill would be contained within the right-of-way of a roadway with minimal chance of hazardous materials or wastes reaching adjacent homes. On the other hand, it is reasonably foreseeable that train derailment would result in extensive impacts to adjacent residents as the train and multiple train cars leave the tracks and violently careen with the adjacent environment. Transportation of hazardous materials and wastes by huck and rail is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT regulations establish criteria for safe handling procedures. Federal safety standards are also included in the California Administrative Code. The California Health Services Department also regulates the haulers of hazardous waste but does not regulate all hazardous materials.

Although there is some reasonably foreseeable potential for exposure of future residents to hazardous materials and wastes under upset and accident conditions, federal and state regulations are in place with a focus on prevention of accidental releases and measures for appropriate containment and cleanup when accidents occur.

Facilities: According to the Envirostof website of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the City of Lancaster has 29 total facilities listed within Lancaster although only five of them require further action (testing or remediation).

These sites spread throughout the City as a result of its long history with industrial uses. Both the federal government and the State of Califomia require all businesses that handle hazardous materials or extremely hazardous materials to submit a business risk management plan to the local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). The CUPA with responsibility for the City is the County's Environmental Health Department. The business risk management plan must include an inventory of the hazardous materials and emergency response plans and procedures to be used in the event of a significant release of a hazardous material. lmplementation of federal and state requirements for the operation of these types of facilities would ensure that exposure to residential uses would be minimized or avoided.

The Environmental Justice Element includes policies and implementing actions to protect sensitive land uses from increased pollution exposure and hazardous waste facilities. Considering the preceding analysis, the proposed Prolect would not result in effects from the use, transport, or disposal of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials or wastes, under normal or upset and accident conditions, which could impact human health or the environment with implementation of existing regulations, standards, and General Plan Policy. lmpacts would be less than significant.

The Prolect does not propose changes to land use designations of the lnventory Sites and does not propose lnventory Sites that were not already analyzed in the General Plan ElR. ln addition, none of the lnventory Sites have currently active oil or gas 3 Califomia Environmental Protection Agency. Cortese List Data Resources. http//www.calepa.ca,gov/SiteCleanup/CorteselisU [December 7, 2020] 4 DTSCenvirostorwebsite https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/ 40 Housing Element, Safefy Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Env i ronme ntal I m p act Ev al u ati on
wells. Finally, any new development under the Prolect would require an assessment of hazards such as onsite oil or gas wells as part of the CEQA process. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

E) No lmpact. Airport safety issues and their connection with land use planning are generally associated with hazards posed by departing and landing aircraft crashes and the effects those crashes could have on uses and people on the ground.

Development within the approach and departure zones of an airport or airstrip are subject to the effects of potentially widespread, although rare, aircraft crashes; therefore, the denser the development and population within these zones, the greater the risk of impacts to human health. Aircraft crashes can result in the substantial loss of property and life depending on the size of the aircraft, its velocity, the pitch, yaw, and roll at the moment of impact, and the type of cargo it is carrying.

Development within the vicinity of an airport can result in increased potential for impact due to height, glare, and electronic interference that can disrupt flight patterns and pilots operating out of the airport.

The Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) is responsible for ensuring that development within the vicinity of an airport does not cause undue risk to airport operations or the safety of pensons on the ground. The commissionen represent the county, its cities, and the public. Legislation passed in 1982 established a direct link between airport land use plans and the land use plans and regulations adopted by cities and counties, as established in California Public Utilities Code Section 21676.|n accordance with this legislation, the ALUC must review the general and specific plans of local jurisdictions for consistency with the county's airport comprehensive land use plan (CLUP). Primary and Secondary Review Areas must be identified for each facility. Prolects proposed within the geographic boundaries of the Primary Review Area are referred to the ALUC for review and evaluation. Within the Secondary Review Area, only those projects involving a structure or other object with a height that would exceed that permitted under adopted land use zoning would be refened to the ALUC for review.

The closest airports to the City consist of Edwards Air Force Base located approximately 20 miles to the northeast, Plant 42 located approximately two miles southeast of the City, Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) located approximately five miles to the southeast of the City, and General William J. Fox Airfield which is approximately four miles northwest of downtown Lancaster. The General William J. Fox Airfield Land Use Compatibility Plan was adopted on December 1,2004 by the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission. Development may still occur within the General William J. Fox Airfield lnfluence Area. lt is possible that some future development under the Project (specifically the Housing Element) could occur within the airport influence area, but any development would still be subject to airport hazards and would have to be consistent with the development limitations outlined in the ALUP.

The Air lnstallation Land Use Compatibility section of the Lancaster General Plan outlines goals and policies for properties located within the neighboring airport overflight areas (U.S. Plant 42,Fox Field, and Edwards Air Force Base) to ensure land use compatibility. The goals and policies outlined in the Land Use Compatibility section focus on limiting the type and density of development surrounding Air Force Plant 42 and limit the intensity of development within the accident potential zone (APZ) consistent with the Joint Land Use Study and the 2002 AICUZ Report for Plant 42. Development will also be subject, but not limited to, adding a condition of approval (COA) for projects within accident potential zone, 65-CNEL contour, and the overflight area to require aviation easements and require a COA for tentative maps or parcel maps for projects within the accident potential zone to provide a disclosure statement. The disclosure statement would declare that the property is located within the accident potential zone and is exposed to aircraft noise be included with any sale or transfer or property in this zone. ln addition, these provisions discourage higher density residential uses and encourage industrial, commercial, and low density land use designations within the 65-CNEL contour and the Overflight Area. Future development will be required to comply with the applicable airport land use plan and compatibility requirements and since the Prolect does not propose any site specilic development, the impact will be less than significant.

F) No lmpact. The City Office of Emergency Management coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts in the City of Lancaster. The City's goal is to respond to emergency situations with a coordinated system of emergency service providers and facilities. The City has planned responses to extraordinary emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, tenorist activities, and war-related operations. The City is part of a county and statewide emergency management system that addresses evacuation and movement of people in the event of an emergency. lt should be noted that the City's plans are flexible in order to respond to the inherent chaos associated with disasters in a manner that is City of Lancaster Housing Hement, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 41 Envi ron m e ntal I m p act Ev al u ation
coordinated but responsive to the immediate needs of the situation. The proposed Pqect does not include any land use, circulation, or safety changes that could conflict with implementation of the Office of Emergency Management or other emergency response programs. No impact would occur.

G) Less than Significant lmpact. As noted by CALFIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps, the City is not located in an area of high fire threat (CSG 2020). Because Lancaster is an urbanized community, structural fires rather than wildland fires represent the greatest fire risk in the City. The CBC focuses on the construction and materials used in roofs, attic ventilation, exterior walls, decking, floors and underfloors, and ancillary buildings, structures, and appendages. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations. 42 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Environ mental I m pact Evaluation

10. HYDROLOGYANDWATERQUntTv
Would the project: Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporation
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground water quality?
B) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin?
C) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a sheam or river or through the
addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner that
would:
(i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or
off-site;
(ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or off-site;
(iii) create or conkibute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted runoff;
0r
(iv) impede or redirect flood flows.

D) ln flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation? n
E) Conflict with or obshuct implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?
n
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. The City of Lancaster has prepared a Stormwater Management lmplementation Plan to support the City's application for a Municipal Storm Water (MS4) Permit to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Plan represents the five-year management strategy for controlling the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable in storm water runoff during the first NPDES storm water permit term. Lancaste/s Municipal Code implement's the City's storm water quality management strategies consistent with its General Construction permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board, These regulations are applicable to all storm water generated on any developed or undeveloped land within the City.

Housing is a common type of urban development and is addressed in the City waste discharge requirements for construction and operational sources of pollutants that can affect downstream surface water bodies by discharge into the local storm drain system. Discharge of pollutants into water bodies can result in effects on the beneficial uses of the water body. Beneficial uses include water for agricultural uses, special areas for biological resources, cold freshwater habitat, commercial and sport fishing, multitudes of habitats, freshwater replenishment sources, areas of artificial or natural groundwater recharge, water for industrial supply and process, water for domestic uses, waters used for navigation, areas where rare or endangered species City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 43 Environmental lmpact Eval uation
could occur, fish spawning grounds, migration, shellfish harvesting, and recreational activities.s The resulting impacts due to effects on water quality and associated beneficial uses include disruption of the ecosystem due to the loss of habitat, potential harm or death to sensitive species, and a narrowing of migratory options and species' gene pools. lmpacts to humans range from quality of life issues such as the loss of recreational waters to potential health impacts due to contamination of drinking water supplies and contamination of fish and other marine life farmed and sold for food.

The proposed Prolect does not include any policies or programs that would conflict with implementation of the NPDES program such that future residential development could result in exceedance of the waste discharge requirements and thus would not substantially impact downstream water quality. Rather, the Environmental Justice Element includes policies and actions to support local water quality. Furthermore, future housing development would be subject to environmental inquiry and potential review pursuant to CEQA. lmpacts related to violation of water quality standards and waste discharge requirements would be less than significant with implementation of existing permit regulations.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. The proposed Prolect can accommodate projected housing demand over the next eight years, which would require potable water for drinking, food preparation, cleaning, and bathing as well as water for landscape irrigation. Future housing would generate demand for water in addition to the demand of existing uses and the incremental increase in demand as growth occurs in the area; therefore, the future housing would contribute to cumulative, long{erm increases in demand for groundwater and other water resources. Water is essential to the proper function of an ecosystem and human life and activities; thus, water shortages can impact the health and well-being of humans and the quality of the environment.

According to state law, local water agencies must regularly update their Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) every 5 years and large development projects must prepare a separate water supply assessment (WSA) to identify how to avoid or reduce impacts on surface or groundwater supplies over a 20-year period even under drought conditions, The proposed Project does not include any changes to the land use designations including the lnventory Sites; thus, impacts associated with potential development of the lnventory Sites would remain within the scope of analysis in the General Plan ElR. Future development of the lnventory Sites would be subject to environmental inquiry and possible project-specific environmental review pursuant to CEQA. Considering the proposed Project is consistent with the analysis documented in the General Plan EIR and would not increase surface or groundwater demand beyond that assessed in the General Plan ElR, the Project would result in equivalent or less than significant impacts related to the decline in groundwater levels when compared to the analysis and conclusions in the General Plan ElR. ln addition, the Environmental Justice nor the Safety Element propose development under the Prolect scope.

C) Less Than Significant lmpact. Future development of housing would occur on currently or previously developed sites and undeveloped sites but would not alter existing drainage channels or patterns. Development on cunently or previously developed sites is unlikely to substantially change the hydrological conditions of the site that was undoubtedly graded and engineered to convey on-site flows to local storm drains or water quality basins in accordance with the City standard requirements for drainage and flood control, as specified in the Municipal Code. Development on previously undeveloped sites may result in more substantial changes to the site topography and drainage conditions as cut and fill activity occurs to balance the site for building construction. The concern with changes in on-site drainage is the potential for flooding, erosion, siltation, pollutant loading, and exceedance of storm drain capacity due to the lack of or improperly designed conveyance of runoff. The effects of changes in drainage patterns can result in impacts to human health and quality of life and the environment through damage or destruction of structures, sedimentation of downstream water bodies and the resulting impact to aquatic biological resources, decreased water quality with similar impacts to aquatic biological resources, and storm water backup that can result in similar types of flooding impacts,
According to the General Plan ElR, implementation of the General Plan would reduce potential impacts related to additional runoff such as erosion and flooding to less than significant levels and requires the maintenance of adequate facilities for water Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control District, Water Quality Conkol Plan (Basin Plan)(CWB 2018) 44 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Env i ron m ental I m p act Ev al u ation
and storm drain services. Therefore, impacts due to the effects of changes in drainage patterns or potential erosion relative to the Prolect would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations and General Plan Policies.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact. Most of Lancaster faces minimal flood hazards, as outlined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard maps. The waterways within the City and adjacent to the City which are susceptible to 10O-year flooding events consist of Amargosa Creek, Anaverde Creek, Little Rock Creek, Neenach Wash, and the Fairmont Wash.

However, none of the proposed Housing Element lnventory Sites are located within a 10O-year flood hazard area. lnundation from the California Aqueduct and the Little Rock-Palmdale Dam located approximately 22.7 miles southeast of Lancaster poses the greatest threat from dam inundation for the City. The dam was constructed in 1924 and by 1932, the State declared Littlerock Dam an unsafe structure and ordered renovations be made. The dam went through multiple expansions (1988 and 2009) to increase the total storage capacity and the dam has a total storage capacity of 35 million gallons.

For future housing under the Prolect (specifically the Housing Element), the General Plan requires each project to demonstrate it is not impacted by a 10O-year flood zone or what steps it would take to eliminate that risk. CEQA also requires projects identify specific criteria and conditions that must be met to avoid potential impacts from flood hazards such as application of flood hazard regulations, evaluation of development sites for flood hazard potential, and application of flood- proofing strategies. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

Seiche is the process by which water sloshes outside its containing boundaries, generally due to an earthquake. Seiche can result in localized flooding that can result in property damage or personal injury. This could occur within an open reservoir, lake, or other large waterbody. Seiching may be a potential hazard for the Little Rock Reservoir, Fairmont Reservoir, Palmdale Reservoir, or steel reservoirs or tanks located within the study area. Given the relatively small cross section of the California Aqueduct, seiche-related hazards in the vicinity of the aqueduct are considered to be small and the impact would be less than signilfcant and no mitigation is required. Atsunamiis a large wave that generates in the ocean, generally from an earthquake, and builds intense strength and height before impacting a coast. Tsunami can result in significant property damage and loss of life due to the intense, destructive nature of the wave and the often-sudden occurrence with liftle chance for warning. ln addition, according to the General Plan ElR, the City is relatively flat and risk of hazard due to mudflow is less than significant.

Therefore, the potential impacts of flooding, tsunami, or seiche and any related release of pollutants would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

E) Less Than Significant lmpact. This assessment is for both surface water management planning and sustainable groundwater management plans.

Water Quality Control Plan. The Water Quality Control Plan Lahontan Region Basin extends from the Oregon Border to the northern Mojave Desert and includes all of California east of the Sierra Nevada crest (Basin Plan). The Basin Plan designates beneficial uses, establishes water quality objectives, and contains implementation programs and policies to achieve those objectives for all waters addressed through the Basin Plan. The Basin Plan is continually being updated to include amendments related to implementation of the total maximum daily loado (TMDL) of specific potential pollutants or water quality stressors, revisions of programs and policies within the Lahontan RWQCB region, and changes to beneficial use designations and associated water quality objectives. The General Plan requires future development to be consistent with the Basin Plan.

The Environmental Justice Element includes policies and actions to support groundwater quality. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan. 6 TMDL is a regulatory term in the U.S, Clean Water Act, describing a plan for restoring impaired waten that identifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards 7 History of Pamdale Water District. hftp//www.palmdalewater.org/abouUhistory-of-pwd/ City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND 45 Env i ronmental I m p act Ev al u ation
Groundwater Management Plan, ln 2014 the governor signed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) into law which requires govemments and water agencies of high and medium priority basins to halt overdraft and bring groundwater basins into balanced levels of pumping and recharge, SGMA empowers local agencies to form Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to manage basins sustainably and requires those GSAs to adopt Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) for crucial groundwater basins in California.

New housing grov'rth under the Project would not exceed that identified in the General Plan and evaluated in the General Plan ElR. The master groundwater planning of the Watermaster is based on adopted land use plans in the General Plans of the cities that utilize Cenhal Basin groundwater. Therefore, the Prqect would not conflict with or obshuct implementation of a sustainable groundwater management plan. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. 46 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND Environmental Evaluation

11. LmOUSeANDPLANNING
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
a) Physically divide an established community? n n n X
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a
conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
n x
A) No lmpact. Communities form neighborhoods within a broader assemblage of land uses, acting as physically bounded and social networks that often define a person's local sense of place and help shape an individual's social and cultural perspective. A significant impact would occur if proposed lnventory Sites are sufficiently large or configured in such a way so as to create a physical barrier within an established community.

The proposed Housing Element identifies lnventory Sites throughout the City of Lancaster. The lnventory Sites rely on existing land use designations to accommodate new residential and mixed-use development, and no changes are proposed as part of the Prolect. The General Plan does not designate any established communities that would be affected by implementation of the proposed Project; therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not create any physical barrier within the community. Furthermore, prolect implementation would not require new infrastructure systems such as roadways or flood control channels not already planned and previously considered in the General Plan ElR. As such, the Housing Element update would not divide or disrupt neighborhoods or any other established community elements. No impact would occur and no mitigation is required.

B) No lmpact, The Housing Element update sets forth policies to encourage housing development consistent with adopted land use policies established in the General Plan. No changes in General Plan land use or development intensities are proposed. The Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element do not include any goals, policies, or actions that would conflict with adopted General Plan goals and policies to mitigate impacts due to effects generated by development within the Planning Area, as specified in the certified General Plan ElR. The Prolect would not impact nor conflict with an existing land use plan or policy. No impact would occur and no mitigation is required.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND 47 Envi ronmental I mpact Ev al uation

12. MrHeRru Rrsounces
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?
B) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or
other land use plan?
!
A-B) Less Than Significant lmpact. Minerals refer to aggregate resources, or rock, sand, and gravel, energy-producing fields, including oil, gas, and geothermal substances, and related mining openations. The California Department of Conservation (DOC) classifies land in the state into mineral resource zones based on the known or inferred mineral resource potential of that land (DOC, 2020a). Land in the City has been classified by the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG) according to the presence or absence of significant sand and gravel deposits (suitable for use in construction-grade aggregate). The land classification is presented in the form of maps showing Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ). There are four MRZ classifications, MRZ-1 through MRZ-4 as described below:
o MRZ-1 are areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. . MRZ-2 are areas where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that a high likelihood for their presence exists. o MRZ-3 are areas containing mineral deposits the significance of which cannot be evaluated from available data. . MRZ-4 are areas where availability information is inadequate for assignment to any other MRZ-zone.

The General Plan EIR states that the City has not designated locally important mineral resource recovery areas within or immediately adjacent to the City. The City of Lancaster General Plan EIR concluded that there would be no impact to the availability of mineral resources of value to the State or City. 48 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Environmental I mpact Ev aluation

13. Nose
Would the project result in
Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the
vicinity of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?
n x
B) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? x
C) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would the
Project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. The City is bounded by West Avenue D to the north, West Avenue N to the south, 110 Street to the east, and 1Oth Skeet to the west. State Route 138 intersects the City and runs in a northerly to southerly direction.

The MTA Antelope Valley rail line has services which are available at the Sierra Highway station and is located east of State Route 138. The main existing noise sources within Lancaster include vehicular traffic on neighboring freeways as well as a number of major arterial streets in the City as well as from the existing Amtrak rail line.

To ensure that noise producers do not adversely affect sensitive receptors, the City of Lancaster identifies land use compatibility standards within the General Plan to use for planning and development decisions. The General Plan Noise Element includes policies, standards, criteria, programs, diagrams, and maps related to protecting public health and welfare from excessive noise exposure. General Plan Goals and Policies together with Municipal Code standards for noise control are incorporated into the land use planning process to reduce noise and land use incompatibilities.

According to the General Plan ElR, construction activity is typically short-term in nature and is generally not considered to have a significant impact on noise sensitive uses as long as construction activity is limited to daylight hours. Acoustical analyses for future housing development projects under the Prolect would address construction noise impacts on sensitive noise receptors and identify mitigation if required.

Future housing developments on the proposed lnventory Sites are subject to the policies of the existing General Plan designed to minimize noise impacts to noise-sensitive properties as well as the City's Noise Ordinance. The General Plan requires noise studies as part of the standard environmental review process for housing developments. These studies would evaluate noise levels and incorporate design features or mitigation measures necessary to minimize adverse noise impacts.

The proposed Prqect update does not include any changes to the land use designations of the lnventory Sites; thus, impacts associated with potential development of the lnventory Sites would remain within the scope of analysis in the General Plan ElR. Future housing development would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEQA and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all environmental issues would be vetted and appropriate project-level mitigation incorporated, if needed. Potential impacts would be less than significant with implementation of existing policies, standards and regulations.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 49 Env i ron m ental I m p act Ev al u ation
B) Less Than Significant lmpact. Vibration is sound radiated through the ground. The rumbling sound caused by the vibration of room surfaces is called groundborne noise. The ground motion caused by vibration is measured as particle velocity in inches per second, and in the U.S. is referenced as vibration decibels (VdB). The background vibration velocity level in residential and educational areas is usually around 50 VdB while the vibration velocity level threshold of perception for humans is approximately 65 VdB. A vibration velocity level of 75 VdB is the approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible levels for many people. Sources within buildings such as operation of mechanical equipment, movement of people, or the slamming of doors cause most perceptible indoor vibration, Typical outdoor sources of perceptible groundborne vibration are construction equipment, steel-wheeled trains, and traffic on rough roads. lf a roadway is smooth, the groundborne vibration from traffic is rarely perceptible. The range of interest is from approximately 50 VdB, which is the typical background vibration velocity level, and 100 VdB, which is the general threshold where minor damage can occur in fragile or historic buildings.

As mentioned in the General Plan ElR, it is unknown if rail operations through the City could increase in the future, therefore, noise levels generated by the train would remain the same as under existing conditions where land uses within 125 feet of the train tracks may experience noise levels in excess of 60 dB. The site inventory does not identify any residential development within close vicinity of the existing rail line. Potential future development or redevelopment within close vicinity of the rail line may be exposed to noise levels in excess of 60 dB. With regard to railroad operations, noise and vibration impacts would be evaluated on a project-by-project basis pursuant to CEQA and the City's local implementation procedures, and project specific mitigation measures required if necessary.

Typical construction vibration mitigation includes routing and placement of equipment to maximize distance to receptons and use of alternative equipment, such as use of drilled pile drivers as opposed to impact drivers. Subsurface dampeners can also be utilized to reduce groundborne vibration. Short-term lmpacts related to groundborne vibration during construction would be expected to be less than significant with implementation of local environmental review procedures. Typical mitigation for long- term vibration impacts related to occupied buildings include setbacks from vibration sources or building construction to minimize transmission of vibration.

No short- or long{erm impacts would be associated with vibration at a programmatic level for this Prqect as no policy changes, developments, or specific infrastructure improvements are proposed as part of the Project. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

Residential land uses may produce excessive noise either individually or cumulatively that could substantially increase existing, ambient noise level, but would not be excessive. The future development of the lnventory Sites could increase ambient noise levels due to increased traffic generation in the project vicinity. Thus, development of the lnventory Sites would partially contribute to the noise volumes identifled in the General Plan ElR. The City reviews all new development proposals per CEQA which includes the analysis of vehicular traffic noise. The proposed Prolect does not include changes to land uses and intensities designated in the cunent General Plan and analyzed in its ElR. The Prolect does not propose any specific development or any land use changes that would invalidate this prior finding or further increase traffic levels beyond those analyzed in the General Plan ElR. Project-specific increases in ambient noise levels due to future development on each lnventory Site woiuld be evaluated as development is proposed over the long term pursuant to existing policies and procedures. With these existing policies and procedures in place, impacts related to increases in ambient noise levels would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

C) Less than Significant lmpact, The General William J. Fox Airfield is located within the City of Lancaster and in 2004, the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) adopted the General William J. Fox Airfield Land Use Compatibility Plan, which establishes land use compatibility policies applicable to future development in the vicinity of the airport. No specific new development is associated with the proposed Prolect and future development would be subject to the safety policies and development requirements outlined in the Land Use Compatibility Plan. No impact would occur. 50 Housing Hement, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Env i ronmental I m p act Ev al u ation

14. Popuurror AND HousrNG
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) lnduce substantial unplanned population growth
in an area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (for example, through extension of roads
or other infrashucture)?
n
B) Displace substantial numbers of existing people
or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
n
A) No lmpact. Adoption and implementation of the Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element would not, in and of itself, directly result in population growth that has not already been evaluated in the General Plan ElR.

Population growth is a complex interaction of immigration, emigration, births, deaths, land use, and economic factors of which the General Plan Amendments are only a part. Regional models of population growth and change, accounting for these complexities, are developed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Los Angeles County Council of Governments (COGs). The proposed Housing Element update is designed to guide and accommodate the City's share of the prolected regional population growth and associated housing over the next eight years.

Pursuant to Govemment Code 65584, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is required to determine the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), by income category, for Council of Governments (COGs) throughout the State. The RHNA is based on the Califomia Department of Finance population projections and regional population forecasts used in preparing regional transportation plans. COGs are required to allocate to each locality a share of housing need totaling the RHNA for each income category. The RHNA is based on the California Department of Finance population projections and regional population forecasts used in preparing regional transportation plans. COGs are required to allocate to each locality a share of housing need totaling the RHNA for each income category.

The Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) is a policy document setting forth the City's plan to accommodate its share of regional housing needs, as determined by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). For the 2021-2029 planning period, the City of Lancaste/s share is 9,023 housing units. This allocation is referred to as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA. The Housing Element identifies adequate land and planning mechanisms to accommodate the future housing needs of the growing population derived directly from the population growth estimates for the region, so the proposed Prolect would not induce unplanned population growth. No impact would occur.

B) No lmpact. The proposed Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) is intended to encourage and facilitate housing development and preserve and enhance existing housing stock. The natural recycling of land would not result in the loss of housing units because such redevelopment would result in the development of new housing units and all sites identified in the lnventory are vacant. Thus, the availability of residential units in response to increases in population is supported by the Housing Element. Considering residential units would increase naturally as guided by the goals and policies of the proposed Project, no impacts related to the displacement of housing or people would occur and no mitigation is required.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 51 Environmental I mpact Eval uation

15. PueLrcSenvrcrs
Would the prolect result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered govemmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Fire protection? n n X n
B) Police protection? n n X !
C) Schools? n n X n
D) Parks? n n x n
E) Other public facilities? n n X n
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. City of Lancaster contracts with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) for fire and paramedic services and there are currently six fire stations within the City of Lancaster, as well as one in the unincorporated community of Antelope Acres. Services provided include fire suppression, fire prevention, paramedic response, swift water rescue, and hazardous materials response. Fire-related goals, policies, and actions are included in the Safety Element update.

New development under the Project would result in the incremental increase in need for fire protection services as the City's population grows and the number of residential units increases. The City collects Development lmpact Fees to offset the impact of new development, as it occurs. Construction and operation of a new fire station would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEQA and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all environmental issues would be vetted and appropriate mitigation incorporated, if needed. Potential impacts resulting from the effects of operating the fire department as well as constructing and operating future fire facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. The Los Angeles Sherriffs Department provides police protection services for the City of Lancaster. The Master Environmental Assessment anticipates that as the City grows additional police facilities to house additional equipment and officers may need to be constructed. Through a cooperative agreement between the City and Los Angeles County, a new 50,000-square-foot sheriffs station was constructed in Lancaster and became operative in 1996. An expanded existing station or future stations may be required in order to maintain an acceptable level of service. The effects of constructing and operating a new police station are typical of any development project, such as pollutant emissions from use of construction equipment and staff vehicle trips, changes in the visual character of the station site in the context of the neighborhood, and increased vehicle trips on local roadways. Police stations also result in the specific effect of generating periodic increases in noise from use of sirens, although typically sirens would be initiated while on patrol as opposed to directly initiating from the substation, The City collects Development lmpact Fees to offset the impact of new development, as it occurs. Construction and operation of a new facilities would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEQA and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all environmental issues would be vetted and appropriate mitigation incorporated, if needed. Potential impacts resulting from the effects of constructing and operating future police facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations.

C) Less Than Significant lmpact, Within the City there are four school districts: Lancaster, Eastside, Westside and Antelope Valley Union High School, These school districts provide educational services to the City of Lancaster and is comprised of one alternative education program, one adult school, one continuation school, one community day school, six middle schools and 52 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJusfrce Element ND Environmental I mp act Ev al uation
23 elementary schools. The effects of schools that can result in environmental impacts are specific and include peak traffic levels occurring in the moming and early afternoon, playground noise, and field lighting. Furthermore, analyses of school impacts are unique in that any impacts resulting from the effects of schools are considered fully mitigated through the payment of development impact fees pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act, therefore, pursuant to State law and the payment of development impact fees, impacts would be less than significant.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact, ln accordance with State law, the City imposes parkland dedication or in-lieu fees on new development equivalent to four acres of parkland per 1,000 new residents. The proposed Project (specifically the Housing Element) would generate new or relocated residents that would require park and recreation facilities and associated programs, either through expansion of existing facilities or construction of new facilities, The Environmental Justice Element includes policies to support park enhancement in areas with limited park access. Construction or expansion of parks can result in nominal effects such as pollutant emissions from construction activities and operational trip generation potentially resulting in similarly nominal impacts to the environment. The City would continue to collect in-lieu fees or require construction of new or expanded parks from proponents of new housing to compensate for incremental increases in parks and recreation service demand, thus providing adequate, per-capita facilities for future residents. The City also collects Development lmpact Fees to offset the impact of new development, as it occurs. Construction and operation of new or expanded parks and recreation facilities would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEQA and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all environmental issues would be vetted and appropriate mitigation incorporated, if needed. Potential impacts resulting from the effects of constructing and operating future parks and recreation facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations, E) Less Than Significant lmpact. Residents generated by the provision of new housing guided by the goals and policies of the proposed Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) would generate the incremental need for a variety of public and quasi- public services including libraries, medical clinics, urgent care facilities, hospitals, social service centers, senior centers, and other facilities. Polices are included in the Environmental Justice Element to provide access to such services, especially near the environmentaljustice community. Construction and operation of new or expanded public service facilities would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEQA and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all project-level environmental issues would be vetted and appropriate mitigation incorporated, if needed. Potential impacts resulting from the effects of constructing and operating future public service facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 53 Env ironmental I mpact Evaluation

16. Rrcnrnrror
Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would occur or
be accelerated?
x
B) Does the prolect include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities that might have an adverse
physical effect on the environment?
A) Less Than Significant lmpact, Pursuant to State law, the City imposes parkland dedication or in-lieu fees on new development equivalent to four acres of parkland per 1,000 new residents. The proposed Project (specifically the Housing Element) would generate new or relocated residents that would require park and recreation facilities and associated programs, either through expansion of existing facilities or construction of new facilities. However, such increase is consistent with the estimated population increase evaluated under the General Plan EIR and would not result in any new impacts that have not been evaluated. The Environmental Justice Element includes policies to support park enhancement in areas with limited park access. Construction or expansion of parks can result in nominal effects such as pollutant emissions from construction activities and operational kip generation potentially resulting in similady nominal impacts to the environment. The City would continue to collect in-lieu fees or require construction of new or expanded parks from proponents of new housing to compensate for incremental increases in parks and recreation service demand, thus providing adequate, per-capita facilities for future residents,
B) Less Than Significant lmpact, Construction and operation of new or expanded parks and recreation facilities would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEQA and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all environmental issues would be vefted and appropriate mitigation incorporated, if needed. Potential impacts resulting from the effects of constructing and operating future parks and recreation facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations. 54 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Environmental Evaluation

17. TnnrsponrnrtoN AND Tnnrrrc
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including
transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
n X
B) Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with
CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3 subdivision
(b)?
D
C) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.9., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.9., farm
equipment)?
n
D) Result in inadequate emergency access? tr n x n
A) Less than Significant lmpact, The City is served by local transportation facilities including streets, a passenger rail line, and bus routes in addition to non-motorized transportation facilities such as sidewalks, trails, and bikeways. These facilities provide options for travel modes that include passenger vehicles, trains, buses, bikes, and walking. These facilities and modes of travel comprise the circulation system for the City, and the broader system, designed with the goals of efficiently moving people and goods throughout the region by providing ease of access to multiple modes of travel.

Future housing development would primarily generate passenger vehicle trips that would disperse during the morning as residents drive to commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities for a variety of reasons but primarily for work and school.

Some trips may be to transit centers, such that a portion of a resident's trip may include alternative transportation modes, while others may simply walk to their destination or to other transit options. The retum leg of a trip is generally anticipated to be the reverse of the initial leg of the trip during the aftemoon, albeit with higher likelihood of a portion of the trip being dedicated to accessing shopping, entertainment, or other uses.

The concern regarding transportation facilities and their counterpart modes of travel is excessive use throughout the day or during morning and/or afternoon peak hours and the resulting effects on the performance of the facilities' ability to move people and goods. The direct effects of reduced circulation system performance are annoyance and stress, thereby decreasing the quality of life for the user. Direct failure or accelerated deterioration of circulation system facilities can also occur if the facility was not designed to function under increased loading. A variety of indirect impacts to human health and the environment are attributed specifically to excessive use of vehicles on local and regional roadways including effects related to air pollution and ambient noise.

SCAG Plans, Two planning efforts guide the long-term improvement of the circulation system at the regional and local levels.

The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), was last updated in September 2020 (Connect SoCal) is administered by the Southem California Association of Governments (SCAG) to meet the needs of travel and goods movement through the year 2045.

While the RTP/SCS addresses the broader goals of the transportation network, the CMP focuses on specific, regional facilities requiring funding for maintenance and improvements in order to meet the goals of the RTP/SCS. The CMP relies on local jurisdiction standards in determining the performance of the CMP network, The final effort is the City's General Plan City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 55 Environ nental I mp act Ev alu ation
Circulation Element that identifies long{erm transportation improvements for local facilities. The General Plan includes goals and policies aimed to provide an efficient multi-modal circulation system in the city. The General Plan, as well as the Complete Street Master Plan and Master Plan for bikeways and trails, also encourages the development of an efficient and safe bikeway and pedestrian circulation system,
Summary. These local and regional planning efforts are designed to reduce the direct and indirect effects of travel so as to minimize or avoid resulting impacts on human health and the environment. The proposed Prolect is consistent with the growth assumptions used in the development of the RTP/SCS and CMP and the does not include any land use changes to the General Plan, therefore, the Project would not conflict with the goals or transportation planning efforts of the City or SCAG.

Additional measures are included in the Environmental Justice Element to encourage public transportation, walking, and bicycling.

Based on this preceding analysis, the proposed Prolect would not impede local or regional efforts to ensure an efficient circulation system. Future housing development would be subject to preliminary environmental review pursuant to CEM and if found not to be exempt, subject to full environmental analysis at which time all environmental issues would be vetted and appropriate mitigation incorporated, if needed, should transportation impacts be identified that are not covered under existing or future development impact fees. Potential impacts resulting from conflicts with local and regional transportation plans and performance requirements would be less than significant with implementation of existing standards and regulations.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. ln response to Senate Bill (SB) 743, the California Natural Resource Agency certified and adopted new CEQA Guidelines in December 2018, which now identify Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the most appropriate metric to evaluate a project's transportation impact under CEQA (Section 15064.3). Effective July 1,2020, the previous CEQA metric of level of service (LOS), typically measured in terms of automobile delay, roadway capacity and congestion, would no longer constitute a significant environmental impact. The City of Lancaster adopted an Amendment (adopted June, 2020) to the Plan for Physical Mobility General Plan 2030 to adopt the parameters of VMT baselines and thresholds as required by SB 743. To be consistent with the 2020 State CEQA Guidelines, a LOS analysis is no longer required for purposes of this lnitial Study impact analysis and determination of significant impacts under CEQA. However, an evaluation of the overall circulation network and services available to the City is still appropriate and is provided under lmpact A, above.

Transit. The public transportation system in the City of Lancaster provides non-auto options for commute, utility, and recreational travel. The City of Lancaster is served by a number of bus line(s) and a commuter rail service. The following agencies provide regional connectivity, providing an alternative to driving a personal vehicle:

Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA): AVTA provides commuter bus service to Downtown Los Angeles, Century CityMest L.A. and the San Fernando Valley.

Santa Clarita Transit's Route 795: A commuter bus service which runs between Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley.

Metrolink: Metrolink is a commuter rail system that consists of 62 stations operating on 534 miles of rail network throughout Southern California, with key connections to most major cities. Rail service is available from the Antelope Valley to Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley and LA basin cities.

Bicycle Routes. The City has established bikeways in various locations throughout the City. A Class I bikeway (off-road) provides a completely separated right-of-way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians. Crossflows with motorized vehicles are minimized. Existing Class I bikeways within the City consist of a bikeway which extends from Avenue J to Avenue M and a second bikeway which extends from Avenue I to Avenue H. ln addition, the Lancaster proposed Bikeway Network identifies proposed Class I bikeways located within the City which have yet to be constructed.

A Class ll bikeway (on-road) provides a restricted right-of-way on a roadway's shoulder designated for the exclusive or semi- exclusive use of bicycles. Through travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians is prohibited. Crossflows by pedestrians and motorists are permitted. Vehicle parking is prohibited. The Lancaster proposed Bikeway Network identifies existing and proposed Class ll bikeways within the City. Opportunities for Class ll bikeways exist on some of the less heavily utilized a
a
a
56 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Environ mental I mpact Ev aluation
arterial roadways in the City of Lancaster. The goal is to link residential areas, schools, parks, and commercial centers so that residents can travel within the community without driving. New Development projects would be required to include safe and attractive sidewalks, walkways, and bike lanes, and homeowner associates would be encouraged to construct links to adjacent areas and communities where appropriate. The Environmental Justice Element includes measures to encourage use of alternative modes of transportation, including bicycling.

Pedestrian Facilities. Lancaster has sidewalks and crosswalks on most streets, although some areas lack sidewalks. The Environmental Justice Element includes an implementation measure to develop an Action Plan to reduce pedestrian/vehicle and bicycle/vehicle accidents. Bicycle movement is accommodated on a developing system of local bikeways that connect to regional facilities.

The proposed Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) would result in the future development of additional housing in the City although the anticipated grov'rth would be within the limits identified in the existing General Plan and its ElR. Although, VMT is now the required metric for evaluating transportation impacts for CEQA projects, and the General Plan ElR, prepared prior to cunent VMT requirements, uses an LOS metric, this prolect is consistent with the analysis in the EIR because land use designations are unchanged:. ln addition, since the prolect does not involve any changes to the existing General Plan land use designations no increase in VMT ins anticipated from the Prolect. Therefore, any impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

C) No lmpact. The proposed Project does not authorize the construction of any roadway and would result in no effects on the design of existing or future streets. Therefore, it would not substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.9., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.9., farm equipment). There would be no impact and no mitigation is required.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact. The proposed Prolect does not involve any road construction or any development activity and thus would not obstruct or restrict emergency access to or through the City. The Safety Element reviewed emergency response measures and maps evacuations routes for the City. Future housing development facilitated by implementation of Housing Element policies would be subject to site plan review and approval during entitlement review and/or application for building permits. The Fire Department reviews all plans to ensure compliance with all applicable emergency access and safety requirements. lmpacts involving emergency access would be less than significant with continued implementation of development review procedures. Therefore, any impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND 57 Envi ronmental I mp act Evaluation

18. TnraaLGulrun+REsouRcEs
Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a hibal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American hibe, and that is:

A) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
n n
B) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1. ln applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American hibe?
A) Less than Significant lmpact. The Cultural Resources Technical report, prepared as part of the 2030 General Plan Update, identified two buildings being eligible for listing in the National Register of Histodc Places or in the California Register of Historical Resources. The two referenced buildings consisted of the Carter Ranch house located at 45635 North Sierra Highway and the Rowell adobe home located at 45007 North Elm Avenue. ln addition, the Western Hotel, which is located within the Planning Area, is listed as a California Historical Landmark. Because historic properties are not located on any of the identifled lnventory Sites, implementation of the proposed Housing Element Update would not cause substantial adverse change in significance of a historical resource. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

B) Less than Significant lmpact, Per the Cultural Assessment prepared for the 2009 Master Environmental Assessment, the Prqect area lies within the Antelope Valley where the territories of four Native American groups were located and consisted of the Kitanemuk located principally in the southern and western flanks of the Techachapi Mountains; the Serrano of the San Bernardino Mountains; the Kawaiisu of the Techachapi Valley region; and the Tataviam of the Santa Clarita Basin. The Kitanemuk reportedly frequented the springs of the Willow Springs area and other areas on the valley floor. The Kawaiisu tribe used the springs located along the northern edge of the Antelop Valley, including areas on the Edwards Air Force Base, and the southern foothills of the valley from Littlerock Creek northwestward to at least as far west of the Fairmont Buttes area was occupied by Serranos. The Tataviam occupied the southern foothills at the far western edge of the valley.

The Kitanemuk probably occupied or used the majority of the study area and the Kitanemuk tribe had contact with the Garces and Spanish colonizers as early as the 1700s. The Kitanemuk were represented atthe San Fernando, San Gabriel, and San Buenaventura Missions. The Spanish influence on Serrano lifeways was negligible until 1819, when a mission assistencia was established on the southern edge of Serrano territory. Between the period of 1819 to 1834, most of the Serranos in the San Bernardino Mountains and the high desert were relocated to the nearby missions. Most Senano descendants are found on the San Manueland the Morongo lndian Reservations.

Two changes to state law (SB 18 and AB 52) require cities to consult directly with local Native American tribes to determine if any tribal cultural resources would be impacted by private development or public works projects proposed in the City. The City conducted SB 18 and AB 52 consultation for this proposed Project. The San Manuel Band of Mission lndians provided comments on June 16, 2021 but did not request a consultation. All future development of the lnventory Sites would be required to prepare Cultural Resource Assessments (CRAs) to determine if there are any impacts to cultural or tribal cultural resources as required by the General Plan Conservation Element. This is considered regulatory compliance and not specilic mitigation under CEQA.

The General Plan EIR concluded that build out of the General Plan would not result in less than significant impacts related to the substantial adverse change in the significance of archaeological resources. The proposed Pqect does not propose any land use changes or designate any lnventory Sites that were not already analyzed in the General Plan ElR. Therefore, long- term impacts in the City have already been contemplated, and the proposed Prolect would not result in impacts that are greater than those contemplated in the General Plan ElR. ln addition, future development of the proposed lnventory Sites would be subject to General Plan requirements and review in accordance with CEQA requirements. lmpacts related to implementation of the proposed Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element would be less than significant and no mitigation is required at this programmatic level.

City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 59 Envi ron m e ntal I m p act Ev al u ation

19. Urrlrres nlo SeRuce Svsrrus
Would the pQect:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Require or result in the relocation or construction
of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment
or storm water drainage, electric power, natural
gas, or telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could cause
signifi cant environmental effects?
n n
B) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the Project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry
years?
tr
C) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
Project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
Project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
n n X
D) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrashucture, or otherwise impair the attainment
of solid waste reduction goals?
tr X n
E) Comply with federal, state, and local management
and reduction statutes and regulations related to
solid waste?
X
A) Less Than Significant lmpact There are approximately fourteen (14) individual water companies which provide water services to the residents and businesses of Lancaster. Sanitation District 14 serves more than 170,000 residents in Lancaster, Palmdale, and adjacent areas, treating sewage at the Lancaster Water Reclamation Plant. The City also operates and maintains storm drains within its boundaries. The City of Lancaster, during a duly noticed hearing, introduced the lmplementation Plan on May 13, 2014 and was adopted by the City of Council on May 27,2014 for the Lancaster Community Choice Aggregation program. The lmplementation Plan focused on the various steps to initiate and adopt the Community Choice Aggregation program (City based utility program). As part of the Community Choice Aggregation program, the Lancaster Choice Energy program is a locally run, not-for-profit power program created by the City of Lancaster to provide electricity from suppliers that have gone through a rigorous selection process and the City will continue to utilize the Southern California Edison (SCE) distribution grid. Natural gas is provided by the Southern California Gas Company.

Future housing under the Prolect (specifically the Housing Element) would consume additional water, electricity, and natural gas while producing additional wastewater for conveyance and treatment. The new housing is consistent with the General Plan grov'rth projections which were evaluated in the General Plan ElR. The various involved utility agencies and companies develop master service plans based on anticipated land uses outlined in the General Plans of the various jurisdictions they serve. Therefore, these master plans have already taken into account the grov'rth anticipated under the Project. ln addition, future development is required to ensure adequate utility service during the development review and CEQA process.

Therefore, utility impacts would have no impacts that have not already been analyzed in the General Plan EIR and no mitigation is required.
60 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND Environmental I mpact Ev al u ation
B) Less Than Significant lmpact. The Los Angeles County Waterworks District 40 (LACWD) provides domestic water services to a majority of the City of Lancaster. LACWD Diskict 40 purchases imported State Water Project water from the Antelope Valley East-Kern Water Agency (ABVEK) and pumps groundwater from the Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin. The City Utilities Division regularly reviews and updates its Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and coordinates with the Basin Watermaster and LACWD to assure it can provide adequate water service to the City under all anticipated conditions.

New housing growth under the Prolect would not exceed that identified in the General Plan and evaluated in the General Plan ElR. The City's UWMP is based on the General Plan and the MWD's master water planning is based on adopted land use plans in the General Plans of the cities that utilize Central Basin groundwater. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a sustainable groundwater management plan. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

C) Less Than Significant lmpact. Wastewater treatment is provided by the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (CSDLAC). Future housing under the Project would generate additional wastewater for conveyance and treatment.

The new Housing Element is consistent with the General Plan growth projections which were evaluated in the General Plan ElR. The CSDLAC has a master service plans based on anticipated land uses outlined in the General Plans of the various jurisdictions they serve. The CSDLAC master plan has already taken into account the growth anticipated under the Prolect. ln addition, future development is required to assure adequate wastewater service during the development review and CEQA process. Therefore, there would be no wastewater treatment impacts that have not already been analyzed in the General Plan EIR and no mitigation is required.

D) Less Than Significant lmpact. Waste Management provides solid waste management for its residents and businesses within the City, Wastes are taken to the Lancaster Landfill and Recycling Center where they are sorted and materials diverted (recycled) as appropriate. Non-recyclable and non-composting wastes are then sent to nearby County landfills for disposal.

Future development under the Project would be required to comply with established solid waste regulations and procedures.

Therefore, the Prolect would have no solid waste impacts at this programmatic level and no mitigation is required.

E Less Than Significant lmpact. All new development would be required to comply with State mandates and City regulations regarding reduction/recycling of household waste. None of the strategies in the proposed Project would have any effect upon or result in any conflicts with solid waste disposal regulations, as the scope of these revisions does not increase development capacity. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

City of Lancaster Housrng Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element ND 61 Environmental I mpact Ev al uation

20. Wtorrne
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
A) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
B) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to, pollutant concentrations
from wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a
wildfire?
C) Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrashucture (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water resources, power lines
or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or
that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment?
n x
D) Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?
X n
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. The City Office of Emergency Management coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts in the City of Lancaster. The City's goal is to respond to emergency situations with a coordinated system of emergency service providers and facilities. The City has planned responses to extraordinary emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, terrorist activities, and war-related operations. The City is part of a county and statewide emergency management system that addresses evacuation and movement of people in the event of an emergency.

The Prolect does not involve any road construction or any development activity and thus would not obstruct or restrict emergency access to or through the City. The Safety Element includes evacuation route maps, goals, policies, and actions.

Future housing development facilitated by implementation of Housing Element policies would be subject to site plan review and approval during entitlement review and/or application for building permits. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reviews all plans to ensure compliance with all applicable emergency access and safety requirements. lmpacts involving emergency access would be less than significant with continued implementation of development review procedures.

Therefore, any impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. The City is relatively flat and unforested so there is little chance of a wildfire event affecting the City. However, the area does experience strong dry seasonal winds called "Santa Ana" winds that can sometime exacerbate the spread of structural urban fires or grass fires. No conditions in the City would lead residents to be exposed to pollutant concentrations in excess of those regional conditions that result in large wildfires in the more remote/forested portions of the County.

The Prqect would allow the eventual construction of new housing in the City that may be subject to urban fires. However, there are no conditions in the City that would exacerbate wildfire risks and expose prolect occupants to pollutant concentrations from wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors. lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. 62 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND Env i ron mental I mp act Ev al u ation
C. No lmpact. The City of Lancaster has an urbanized core with agricultural uses and vacant land in the outer core and is not located within an area susceptible to wildfires and in a Local Responsibility Area for fire preservation and protection. The Fire Department has a Class lV-lX rating, which is dependent on the distance from the local fire stations. The City has full infrastructure (roads, water lines with fire hydrants, etc.) to support fire protection services and requires installation of such in conjunction with new developments. Therefore, the Prqect would not require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water resources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. There are no impacts and no mitigation is required.

D. Less Than Significant lmpact. Sections 9.C and 9.D of this lnitial Study concluded thatfuture housing in the City under the Prqect would not experience significant impacts from flooding. Therefore, the Prolect would not expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. The lmpacts would be less than significant and no mitigation is required, City of Lancasfer Housrng Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND 63 Envi ron m e ntal I m p act Ev al u ation

21. MRHonroRy FrruorHcs oF SrcNrFrcANcE
Potentially
Significant
lmpact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
lncorporated
Less Than
Significant
lmpact
No
lmpact
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce
the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a
fish or wildlife population to drop below self-
sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, reduce the number or restrict
the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal
or eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other cunent projects, and
the effects of probable future prolects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which would cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
A) Less Than Significant lmpact. The results of the preceding analysis indicate that the proposed prolect would have less- than-significant impacts to sensitive biological, historical, archaeological, and paleontological resources. lmpacts to scenic vistas and visual character and resources would be less than significant. Considering the programmatic level of analysis would not authorize any development plan, redevelopment of any existing sites, or construction of new infrastructure, and would not change existing City land use policy, it would not result in any effects that would degrade the quality of the environment. The City finds that impacts related to degradation of the environment would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

B) Less Than Significant lmpact. Cumulative effects resulting from full implementation of City land use policies were evaluated in the General Plan ElR. The proposed Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Element would not change any of these policies and does not propose any specific development or redevelopment project that could contribute to short-term or long-term cumulative impacts that were not addressed sufficiently in the General Plan ElR. The proposed project does not include any changes to land use designations and thus is consistent with the prolect analyzed in the General Plan ElR. The City hereby finds that the proposed Project's individual contribution to potentially significant cumulative impacts is not considerable and no mitigation is required.

G) Less Than Significant lmpact. As supported by the preceding environmental evaluation, the project would not result in substantial adverse effects on human beings. lt has been determined through quantitative and qualitative analysis supported by substantial evidence that the proposed Project has been determined to have little or no adverse impacts on people or the environment as evaluated in the 19 preceding environmental topics. The City hereby finds that direct and indirect impacts on human beings would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. 64 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvironmentalJustice Element ND 5 Lrsr or PnepRnens
LrmAcelcv
Cynthia Campana, Senior Planner
Community Development Division
44933 Fern Ave.

Lancaster, CA 93534
r 661.723.6262
Email : ccam pana@cityofl ancasterca,orq
ErvrRoHtueHtll Annlvsrs
MIG
1650 Spruce Street, Suite 106
Riverside, California 92507
951-787-9222
Bob Prasse, Director of Environmental Services
Kent Norton, Senior Environmental Prolect Manager
Peter Lange, Environmental Analyst
Amanda North, Editing Word Processing
City of Lancaster 65
List of Preparers
6 Rereneuces
Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District Ozone Attainment Plan. Adopted by the AVAQMD http://www. aq md. g ov/hom e/reg u latio ns/
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAOMD) 2017. California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. San Francisco, CA. June 2010, updated May 2017.

California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) . 2017a. CalEEMod User Manual Appendix A Calculation Details. Prepared for CAPCOA. Prepared by Trinity Consultants, Dallas TX.

October 2017.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). (2020a). Common Air Pollutants. Web:
https://ww2. arb. ca. gov/resou rces/common-air-pollutants.

California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources. (DOGGR) 2020. DOGGR Well Finder. Web: lAccessed October 20201
http://maps. conservatio n. ca. oov/dooo r/wellfinder
California Department of Conservation (DOC)(2020a). Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, lmportant Farmland Finder. Web: https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRPICIFFI[Accessed October 20201.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire 2020). Web:
https://forest-practice-calfire-forestry. hub. arcg is. com/ California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC 2020). Envirostor (comprehensive government hazmat database). Web rruww. e n vi rosto r. dtsc.ca oov/nrrblic California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 2021. State Scenic Highway Program Website accessed April 20, 2021 . https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and- com m unity-l ivabi I ity/lap-liv-i-scenic-h ig hways#:

California Geological Survey (CGS) Warehouse: Mineral Land Classification. Web https://maps.conservation.ca.qov/cgs/informationwarehouse/index,htmEnap=mlg.

California State Geoportal (CSG 2020). California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer. Web:
https://q is. data. ca.sov/datasets/789d5286736248f69c451 5c0$581414.

California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) 2017. State of California General Plan Guidelines Sacramento, Californi a. 2017 .

California State Water Resources Control Board (WRCB 2020). GeoTracker (comprehensive government hazmat database). Web: https:/iqeotracker.waterboards.ca.qov/ California Water Boards (CWB 2020). Lower San Gabriel RiverWatershed Management Group.

Web:https://www.waterboards.ca.qov/losanqelesiwater issues/proqrams/stormwaterimunicipal/watersh ed_management/sanjabriel/lower_sangabriel/i ndex. htm I California Water Boards (CWB 2018), Los Angeles R4. Water Quality Control Plan: Los Angeles Region Basin Plan for the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties ("Basin Plan") 66 Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice Hement ND List of Preparers
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/losangeles/water issues/proqrams/basin plan/ Last update August 8, 2018.

City of Lancaster. Community Choice Aggregation. https://www.citvoflancasterca.orq/our- citv/depa rtme nts-services/l a n caster-choice-e nerov City of Lancaster. Amendment to the Plan for Physical Mobility of the City of Lancaster General Plan 2030 Related to Adoption of VMT Baselines and Thresholds as Required by SB 743 Staff Report. https://www. cityoflancasterca. org/Home/ShowDocu ment?id=4 1 936 Clean Car Standards - Pavley, Assembly Bill 1493. Web: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ccms.htm Construction Equipment Noise Levels and Ranges:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environmenUnoise/construction_noise/handbooUhandbook00.cfm Department of Regional Planning (DRP 2004). Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Plan, Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission, adopted December 1,2004 https:\\plan ning. lacou nty. gov/assets/u pl/projecUaluc_fox-l ucp. pdf DOC Maps: Mines and Minerals. Web: https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/mineralresources/ Health and Environmental Effects of Hazardous Air Pollutants. Web:
https://www.epa.gov/haps/health-and-environmental-effects-hazardous-air-pollutants 2009b. HUD Noise Guidebook, Chapter 4 Supplement: Sound Transmission Class Guidance. Prepared by the Environmental Planning Division, Office of Environment and Energy. March 2009.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LAC 2020). Flood Zone Determination Website Web: https://dpw. lacountv. q ov/floodzonei
Los Angeles County Fire Department Website (City 2021a) Fire Department - Los Angeles Countv (lacountv.qov)
Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD 2020). Web: https://dpw.lacountv.sov/ LACFCD Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD). Web: https://wrlw.lacsd.org/ Los Angeles County Sherriff Department (2021b)
La.sd.org
Reducing Toxic Air Pollutants in California's Communities. Web:
https ://www. arb. ca. g ov/toxics/broch u re. pdf
SB 375 Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets. Web:
https://www.arb.ca. gov I cclsb3T Slfinaltargets20l 8. pdf.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2016.2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Adopted April 7, 2016.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2021 Regional Housing Needs Assessment. https://scag. ca. gov/housing
City of Lancaster Housing Element, Safety Hement, and EnvironmentalJusflce Element ND 67 List of Preparers
Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) 2021. Website accessed April 9, 2021. https://www.countyoffice.org/southern-california-gas-company-san-bernardino-ca-a9el United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE 1985). Flood lnundation Maps for Whittier Narrows Dam: Los Angeles County drainage area, San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers, California. United States Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District. 1985. Web. https://www.spl.usace.armv.mil/Missions/Asset-ManaqementAffhittier-Narrows-Dam/ U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 2010. "Construction Noise Handbook, Chapter 9 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/construction_noise/handbooUhandbook09.cfm U.S. Federal Transit Administration (USFTA) 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration lmpact Assessmenf Manual. FTA Report No. 0123. Prepared by John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center Washington, DC. September 2018.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA 2020a). Criteria Air Pollutants. Web htt ps : //www. e pa. g ov/crite ri a-a i r- po I I uta nts.

Williamson Act Program: Repofts and Statistics. Web:
https://www. conservation. ca. gov/dlrp/wa/Pages/stats_reports. aspx. 68 Housing Element, Safety Element, and EnvionmentalJusfrbe Element ND EXHIBIT “B”
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 21-02

LAND USE ELEMENT DENSITY OVERLAY
Table 8-1
General Plan Land Use Categories
Add footnote:

Densities may be increased up to 50 units per acre in conjunction with a density overlay as outlined in Title 17 (Zoning).

ORDINANCE NO. 1090

AN ORDINANCE OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION

17.20.730, 17.20.740 AND 17.20.750 OF THE ZONING
ORDINANCE (TITLE 17 OF LANCASTER MUNICIPAL

CODE), TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND OPPORTUNITIES

FOR ADDITIONAL HOUSING TYPES
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lancaster has determined that it is necessary to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 of Lancaster Municipal Code), to provide flexibility and opportunities for additional housing types, as set forth in Exhibit “B” hereto (the “Amendment”); and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2022, the City’s Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Amendment, notice of which was published and provided as required by law, and adopted Resolution No. 21-15 (the “Planning Commission Recommendation”) recommending the City Council approve the Amendment; and
WHEREAS, on March 22, 2022, the City Council held a public hearing on the Amendment pursuant to Section 65856 of the Government Code, notice of which was published and provided as required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to adopt the Amendment in its entirety to read as set forth therein.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LANCASTER DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The City Council of the City of Lancaster hereby finds and determines that the above recitals are true and correct.

Section 2. The City Council has received, reviewed and hereby adopts the Planning Commission Recommendation. Consistent therewith, the City Council makes the following findings:
(a) The commission may recommend approval where the information presented at public hearing shows that such amendment is necessary to implement the general plan and/or that the public convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action.

Section 3. All environmental findings, and the Negative Declaration as contained in Exhibit “A” of the City Council Resolution No. , are hereby approved, adopted and incorporated in this Ordinance.

Section 5. Any ordinance previously adopted by the City Council shall be and is hereby repealed if and to the extent inconsistent with this Ordinance, provided, however, that each such ordinance shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

Ordinance No. 1090

Page 2 ends

Lancaster City CouncilJune 14, 2022

Lancaster City Council
June 14, 2022