Agenda packet — Lawndale City Council, December 4, 2023 (part 2 of 9)

Council of Governments to promote TDM programs that reduce single occupancy vehicle travel.

Policy M-9.4: New Development. Work with developers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize congestion related to new development through improvements to the circulation system and on-site improvements that encourage public and active modes of travel.

Action M-9a: Review and update the City’s Municipal Code and related implementation documents, as necessary, to reflect TDM best practices.

Action M-9b: Require developments that are approved based on TDM plans to incorporate monitoring and enforcement of TDM targets as part of those plans.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-1.9: Active Transportation Trails. Provide safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian trails for the City’s residents by improving and promoting the establishment of trails utilizing alleys, streets, sidewalks, railroad right-of-way, and other open space areas.

Policy RM-1.10: Service Area Radius. Focus new park facilities in areas that are outside a 1/2-mile walking radius from an existing or proposed park or bike trail, and enhance options for residents to access these facilities through safe walking, bicycling, and transit routes. Physical barriers such as I-405 should also be considered when evaluating service area and access.

Action RM-1g: Coordinate with LA Metro and associated entities regarding the multi-use trail and/or greenway proposed as part of Metro’s C Line (Green) extension project. The City should be actively engaged in the design and implementation of the project to ensure the project reflects community preferences, is compatible with surrounding uses, and maximizes connectivity for active transportation.

Action RM-1h: Consider the creative use of space for the median along Hathorne Boulevard to expand available open space and opportunities for physical fitness, including but not limited to, greenways, parklets, bike or pedestrian paths, and a fitness trail.

Policy RM-2.4: Source Reduction and Recycling Efforts. Participate in source reduction and recycling techniques to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills and ensure adequate landfill capacity in the region.

Policy RM-2.5: Organic Waste. Work with appropriate service providers to collect and compost green waste, including landscaping, Christmas trees, composting and mulch, and other sources of organic waste, to distribute for use in parks, medians, and other municipal areas.

Action RM-2a: On an ongoing basis and in compliance with State law, ensure solid waste collection activities, facility siting and construction of transfer and/or disposal facilities, operation of waste reduction and recycling programs, and household hazardous waste Findings

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disposal and education programs are consistent with the Los Angeles Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan.

Policy RM-4.1: Regional Cooperation. Support regional efforts, including those organized through the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to implement the regional Air Quality Management Plan.

Policy RM-4.2: Measurement and Enforcement. Coordinate with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to support their ability to properly measure air quality at emission sources and enforce the standards of the Clean Air Act.

Policy RM-4.3: GHG Emissions. Align the City’s local GHG reduction targets with the statewide GHG reduction targets of Assembly Bill 32, and align the City’s GHG reduction goal with the statewide GHG reduction goal of Executive Order S-03-05.

Policy RM-4.4: Transportation Options. Promote alternative modes of transportation to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. (See Mobility Element) Policy RM-4.5: Walkability. Encourage pedestrian-scale development and pedestrianfriendly design features to reduce vehicle emissions. (See Mobility Element) Policy RM-4.6: Land Use Planning. Encourage and incentivize higher density and mixeduse development opportunities within designated areas of the City to lessen the impacts of traffic congestion on local air quality. (See Land Use Element) Policy RM-4.8: Mitigation. Require the implementation of relevant mitigation measures for all future development upon identification of potential air quality impacts.

Policy RM-4.9: GHG Reduction. Consider and adopt new local policies and programs that will help to provide energy efficient alternatives to fossil fuel use and reduce consumption in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the local measures identified in the City of Lawndale Climate Action Plan.

Policy RM-4.10: Public Engagement. Promote regional air quality programs in order to inform the public on regional air quality concerns and encourage the engagement of all residents in future planning decisions related to air quality.

Action RM-4a: Implement the local GHG reduction measures identified in the City of Lawndale Climate Action Plan (CAP), participate in future updates of the SBCCOG Climate Action Plan, and perform on-going monitoring and reporting of GHG reduction impacts. Develop a Climate Action Team to support and guide the City’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions. Work with the SBCCOG and/or other local, Regional, State, and Federal agencies or utility to obtain funding necessary to implement, monitor, and report the CAP measures.

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Action RM-4b: As applicable, review new industrial and commercial development projects during the CEQA process for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors. Ensure that mitigation measures and best management practices are implemented to reduce significant emissions of criteria pollutants.

Action RM-4c: Review development, infrastructure, and planning projects for consistency with SCAQMD requirements during the CEQA review process. Require project applicants to prepare air quality analyses to address SCAQMD and General Plan requirements, as appropriate, which include analysis and identification of:

1. Air pollutant emissions associated with the project during construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.

2. Potential exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants.

3. Significant air quality impacts associated with the project for construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.

4. Mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts to less than significant or the maximum extent feasible where impacts cannot be mitigated to less than significant.

Action RM-4d: Work with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Southern California Association of Governments, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, and the California Air Resource Board to implement programs aimed at improving regional air quality.

Action RM-4e: Continue to review development projects to ensure that all new public and private development complies with the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24 standards as well as the energy efficiency standards established by the Lawndale Municipal Code.

Action RM-4f: Provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to facilitate the use of low or zero-emission vehicles such as electric vehicle charging facilities at key City facilities as operations necessitate and/or as funding becomes available.

Action RM-4g: Evaluate and consider multi-modal transportation benefits to all City employees, such as free or low-cost monthly public transportation (bus) passes. Encourage employer participation in similar programs. Encourage new transit/shuttle services and use.

Action RM-4h: Establish programs that encourage community car-sharing and carpooling.

Action RM-4i: Support the establishment and expansion of a regional network of electric vehicle charging stations and encourage the expanded use of electric vehicles.

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these areas with vegetation or solar panels when appropriate. Support various programs to plant and maintain trees, which can also contribute to a reduction of urban heat islands.

Action RM-4k: Future development projects will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD construction emission thresholds. Where emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD thresholds, the following actions should be incorporated as necessary to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures as determined by a project specific Air Quality Assessment. • Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet USEPA Tier 4 final off-road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board Certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. The DPF reduces diesel particulate matter and NOx emissions during construction activities.
• Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling. • Require building materials to contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. • Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products.

If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs.

Action RM-4l: Future development projects will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD’s operational emission thresholds. For projects where operational emissions exceed regulatory thresholds, the following measures may be used to reduce impacts. Note the following measures are not all inclusive and developers have the option to add or substitute measures that are equally or more appropriate for the scope of the project.
• Develop a project specific TDM program for residents and/or employees that provides opportunities for carpool/vanpools.
• Provide onsite solar/renewable energy in excess of regulatory requirements. • Require that owners/tenants of non-residential or multi-family residential developments use architectural coatings that are 10 grams per liter or less when repainting/repairing properties.
• Require drip irrigation and irrigation sensor units that prevent watering during rain storms.
• Ensure all parking areas are wired for capability of future EV charging and include EV charging stations that exceed regulatory requirements.

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Policy RM-5.1: Compliance with State Legislation. Comply with all State requirements regarding the generation of power and encourage energy providers to investigate the use or expansion of renewable sources of energy.

Policy RM-5.2: Green Building Standards Code. Ensure that new construction and major redevelopment complies with the most current version of the California Green Building Standards Code.

Policy RM-5.3: Renewable Energy. Promote the development and use of renewable energy resources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Policy RM-5.4: Energy-Efficient Materials. Promote the use of energy-efficient materials, equipment, and design in public and private facilities and infrastructure.

Policy RM-5.5: Energy Conservation. Promote energy conservation and recycling by the public and private sectors.

Action RM-5a: Implement energy conservation measures in public buildings through the following actions:
a. Promote energy efficient buildings and site design for all new public buildings during the site development permit process; and
b. Install energy saving devices in new public buildings and retrofit existing public buildings.

Action RM-5b: During the development review process, encourage innovative building design, layout, and orientation techniques to minimize energy use by taking advantage of sun/shade patterns, prevailing winds, landscaping and building materials that control energy usage, and solar design.

Action RM-5c: Continue to review development projects to ensure that all new public and private development complies with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24 standards as well as the energy efficiency standards established by the General Plan and the Municipal Code.

Action RM-5d: Promote the CEC Building Energy Benchmarking Program (AB 802) on the City’s website to help benchmark and monitor energy use for participating businesses seeking to increase energy efficiency and realize cost savings.

Action RM-5e: Identify and reduce government constraints to installation of renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations, as feasible, through incentives such as, streamlined permitting, and expedited inspection times.

Action RM-5f: Consider participation in a Community Choice Aggregation program, such as Clean Power Alliance, to help meet the City’s energy objectives.

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Action RM-5g: Use the City’s website to promote existing incentivized programs such as Energy Upgrade California, financing programs such as Properly Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), and energy audits through state programs.

Action RM-5h: Partner with SBCCOG and relevant utilities on outreach events and to obtain educational content and promote on the City’s website.

PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Policy PS-7.1: Community Preparedness. Promote a well-prepared City that can effectively overcome natural disasters and scarcity of resources due to climate change.

Policy PS-7.2: Collaboration. Collaborate with local, regional, State and/or Federal jurisdictions and agencies on climate resiliency and adaptation strategies.

Policy PS-7.3: Ecological Recovery. Coordinate with Federal, State, and local agencies to establish ecological recovery programs.

Policy PS-7.4: Air Pollution. Work with responsible Federal, State, and County agencies to decrease air pollution emissions occurring within the air basin to reduce the risk posed by air pollution.

Policy PS-7.5: Energy Supply. Promote plans and programs that increase sustainable energy sources.

Policy PS-7.6: Drought Preparation. Implement necessary actions and programs to improve drought preparation and response for the most vulnerable community members.

Policy PS-7.7: Cooling Centers. Designate public buildings, specific private buildings, or institutions with air conditioning as public cooling shelters; extend hours at air-conditioned sites during periods of extreme heat or power outage (if the site is supported by a backup generator).

Policy PS-7.8: Storms. Provide access to flood protection resources and services (signage, sandbags, etc.) as feasible at designated public facilities during and after extreme weather events.

Policy PS-7.9: Special Assistance. Address the needs of individuals with limited mobility or limited access to transportation for access to safe and comfortable shelter during extreme heat events or other severe weather events.

Policy PS-7.10: Leadership. Demonstrate leadership in local climate planning efforts through a range of tangible actions and policies at the municipal operations level.

Policy PS-7.11: Greenhouse Gas Reductions. Reduce communitywide greenhouse gas emissions locally by actively supporting regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gases throughout the county.

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Policy PS-7.12: Extreme Heat Vulnerabilities. Require that new developments, major remodels, and redevelopments address urban heat island issues and reduce urban heat island effects for the proposed project site and adjacent properties.

Policy PS-7.13: Ongoing Monitoring. Monitor climate change-related effects with local, regional, state, and/or Federal partners to provide information of effectiveness of existing infrastructure and programs.

Action PS-7a: Provide information and resources to the public and businesses regarding steps the City is taking to address the issue of climate change.

Action PS-7b: Expand the use of energy-efficient lighting, such as LEDs for City-owned light facilities.

Action PS-7c: Consider purchasing only electric or alternative-energy vehicles for the City vehicle fleet, as appropriate, based on the intended use of the vehicle.

Action PS-7d: Evaluate the feasibility for government-constructed and/or -operated new development to exceed the California Green Building Standards Code CalGreen Tier 1, or successor program, standards.

Action PS-7e: Promote the use of sustainable and carbon-neutral energy sources in new development.

Action PS-7f: Explore using renewable energy and clean generation technologies such as solar, wind, biogas, or fuel cells to power City facilities where appropriate.

K. MINERAL RESOURCES

1. Regional and Statewide Mineral Resources
Threshold: Would the project result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact MR-1, page 5.12-3) Explanation: The City has no known or identified mineral resources of regional or Statewide importance. The Planning Area is designated as MRZ-1 and MRZ-3. MRZ-1 classifies areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present. MRZ-3 indicates that the significance of the mineral deposits is undetermined. The land within MRZ3 is currently developed and is within a highly urbanized area. Given that this land has already been disturbed and developed, and that the Project does not propose any site-specific development, there is no potential for resource extraction from the MRZ-3 area. There are no known mineral deposits or resources in the Planning Area that are of significant value to the region or the State. Therefore, implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would have a less than significant impact on this environmental topic, and Findings

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no mitigation is required.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS: There are no relevant proposed General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions.

2. Locally-Important Mineral Resource
Threshold: Would the project 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?
Finding: No impact. (Draft EIR, Impact MR-2, page 5.12-3 through 5.12-4) Explanation: The Planning Area does not contain any “locally important mineral resource recovery sites.” The Planning Area does not contain a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan. Implementation of the General Plan Update would not result in the loss of a designated mineral recovery site and as such, no impact would occur.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS: There are no relevant proposed General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions.

L. NOISE

1. Ambient Noise Levels
Threshold: Would the project result in the generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact NOI-1, pages 5.13-20 through

5.13-29)
Explanation: Transportation Noise Impacts
Transportation noise includes noise from aircraft, railways, and roadways.

The Planning Area is outside of any airport 65 dBA CNEL contours and therefore, there is no aircraft impact. One freight rail line runs through the City. The General Plan Update would not increase railway operations within the Planning Area; however, existing buildings are about 50 feet from the centerline of the railway and include primarily residential uses.

Therefore, there is the potential for sensitive uses to be exposed to railway noise.

The primary noise source in the Planning Area by the year 2045 would continue to be vehicle traffic. By the year 2045, existing land uses adjacent Findings

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to the studied roadways would be exposed to noise levels that exceed the City’s exterior standards of 65 dBA CNEL for sensitive uses. A significant impact would occur if the Project resulted in levels higher than 65 dBA CNEL and increased the overall roadway noise level by 3 dBA CNEL, which is a noticeable change in noise level. Compared to existing traffic noise levels, 2045 without Project traffic volumes are expected to be up to

0.8 dBA CNEL louder than existing ambient noise levels at existing land uses and would result in inaudible increases in ambient noise along the analyzed roadways. Compared to existing traffic noise levels, 2045 with Project traffic volumes are expected to be up to 0.9 dBA CNEL louder than existing ambient noise levels at existing land uses and would result in inaudible increases in ambient noise. Implementation of the Project would therefore result in a less than significant impact to roadway noise levels.

Where future development projects under the General Plan Update may be exposed to noise levels that exceed the land use compatibility criteria, such as residential developments within the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan area or sensitive land uses developed adjacent to the existing rail line, impacts could be mitigated to a level that is less than significant with the implementation of noise control measures, such as relocating residential outdoor recreational areas away from 60 dBA CNEL or greater areas or shielding outdoor areas using noise barriers. Additionally, the General Plan Update Public Safety Element includes policies and actions intended to minimize exposure to excessive noise, including noise associated with traffic. Specifically, proposed Policies PS-6.1 through PS-6.4 and proposed Action PS-6c would reduce potential noise impacts associated with transportation. Policy PS-6.1 requires adherence to the latest standards related to noise in the most current edition of the California Building Code to avoid or minimize noise pollution in the community. Policy PS-6.2 requires consistency with the land use compatibility standards contained in proposed Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code. Policy PS-6.3 requires the use of best practices in new development to mitigate excessive noise to the standards indicated in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code. Policy PS-6.4 requires acoustical studies for new discretionary developments and transportation improvements that have the potential to affect existing noise-sensitive uses, and for projects that would introduce new noise-sensitive uses into an area where existing noise levels may exceed the thresholds identified in the proposed Public Safety Element.

Action PS-6c requires new development and transportation projects be reviewed for compliance with the noise requirements established in the proposed General Plan, including the standards established in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code, and, where necessary, mitigate excessive noise through best practices. Following conformance with the existing regulatory framework, including the General Plan and Lawndale Municipal Code, impacts would be less than significant in this regard Findings

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Stationary Noise Sources
Implementation of the General Plan Update could result in the future development of land uses that generate noise levels in excess of applicable City noise standards for non-transportation noise sources. While the General Plan Update does not explicitly propose any new noise-generating uses, the proposed Land Use Map would allow for the development of mixed-uses, increased residential development at higher densities, and new commercial development, which may result in new noise sources along major corridors, including Hawthorne Boulevard. Specific development projects and the details of future noise generating land uses that may be located in the City in the future are not known at this time. While no specific development projects are proposed under the General Plan Update, changes in land use may allow for more intensive noise-generating uses in closer proximity to noise-sensitive uses. Where this occurs, detailed noise studies would be required to ensure that noise control measures are implemented into the project design. Such measures could include the redesign of stationary noise sources away from sensitive uses, construction of sound walls or berms between noise generating uses and sensitive uses, using buildings to create additional buffer distance and screening, or other site design measures to ensure that non-transportation (stationary) noise sources do not cause exterior and interior noise levels to exceed allowable standards at sensitive receptors. The General Plan Update Public Safety Element includes policies and actions that are intended to reduce noise associated with stationary sources. Specifically, proposed Policies PS-6.3, PS-6.4, PS6.8, and proposed Actions PS-6c, PS-6d, and PS-6e would reduce noise associated with stationary sources. Policy PS-6.3 requires the use of best practices in new development to mitigate excessive noise to the standards indicated in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code. Policy PS-6.4 requires acoustical studies for new discretionary developments and transportation improvements that have the potential to affect existing noisesensitive uses, and for projects that would introduce new noise-sensitive uses into an area where existing noise levels may exceed the thresholds identified in the proposed Public Safety Element. Policy PS-6.8 requires the use of noise attenuation measures for all new commercial development expected to produce excessive noise. In existing cases where the City’s noise standards are exceeded, Policy PS-6.8 directs Code Enforcement to require compliance. Action PS-6c requires new development and transportation projects be reviewed for compliance with the noise requirements established in the proposed General Plan, including the standards established in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code, and, where necessary, mitigate excessive noise through best practices. Action PS-6d requires acoustical studies for all new discretionary projects, including those related to development and transportation, which have the potential to generate noise impacts which exceed the standards identified in the proposed General Plan. The studies must include representative noise Findings

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measurements, estimates of existing and projected noise levels, and mitigation measures necessary to facilitate compliance with the proposed Public Safety Element. Action PS-6e requires review of locations of proposed projects with the potential to generate stationary noise in relation to sensitive receptors through the discretionary project review process, and limits delivery or service hours for stores and businesses with loading areas, docks, or trash bins that front, side, border, or gain access on driveways next to residential and other noise sensitive areas. Exceptions may only be approved if full compliance with the nighttime limits of the noise regulations is achieved. Implementation of the proposed policies and actions of the General Plan Update would reduce noise impacts from stationary noise sources to a less than significant level
Construction Noise
Individual projects associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would result in short-term noise impacts associated with construction activities, both on- and off-site. Construction crew commute and the transport of construction equipment and materials to the site for future development projects would incrementally increase noise levels on access roads leading to the site. Truck traffic associated with project construction would be limited to within the permitted construction hours, as listed in the City’s Municipal Code Section 8.20.070(A). Short-term construction-related impacts associated with worker commute and equipment transport on local streets leading to the project site would result in a less than significant impact on noise-sensitive receptors along the access routes. The site preparation phase of on-site construction activities, which includes grading and paving, tends to generate the highest noise levels since the noisiest construction equipment is earthmoving equipment.

Site-specific construction activities associated with future development is expected to require the use of scrapers, bulldozers, motor graders, and water and pickup trucks. Potential impacts would be site-specific, depending on the equipment used and distances to sensitive receptors. The General Plan Update Public Safety Element includes policies and actions intended to reduce exposure to excessive noise, including construction noise. Policy PS-6.9 requires construction activities to reduce noise impacts on adjacent uses to the criteria identified to the maximum extent feasible by complying with Chapter 8.20 of the Lawndale Municipal Code and use best practices.

Action PS-6f requires all construction activity to comply with the limits (maximum noise levels, hours and days of allowed activity) established in the Lawndale Municipal Code in order to reduce impacts associated with temporary construction noise to the extent feasible. With implementation of the General Plan Update policies and actions, and compliance with Section

8.20.070(A) of the Lawndale Municipal Code, impacts would be less than significant in this regard.

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GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

General Plan Public Safety Element Table PS-1, Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Exposure, presents a land use compatibility chart for community noise derived from a similar table originally prepared by the California Office of Noise Control (2017). This table is proposed to be included in the General Plan Update Public Safety Element. The table identifies “normally acceptable,” “conditionally acceptable,” “normally unacceptable,” and “clearly unacceptable” exterior noise levels for various land uses. A “conditionally acceptable” designation implies new construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements for each land use is made and needed noise insulation features are incorporated in the design. By comparison, a “normally acceptable” designation indicates that standard construction can occur with no special noise reduction requirements.

PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Policy PS-6.1: California Building Code. Adhere to the latest standards related to noise in the most current edition of the California Building Code to avoid or minimize noise pollution in the community.

Policy PS-6.2: Noise Exposure. Consider the noise compatibility of existing and future development when making land use planning decisions. Require development and infrastructure projects to be consistent with the land use compatibility standards contained in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code to facilitate acceptable noise exposure levels for existing and future development.

Policy PS-6.3: Noise Mitigation. Require new development to mitigate excessive noise to the standards indicated in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code through best practices, including building location and orientation, building design features, placement of noise-generating equipment away from sensitive receptors, shielding of noisegenerating equipment, placement of noise-tolerant features between noise sources and sensitive receptors, and use of noise-minimizing materials.

Policy PS-6.4: Acoustical Studies. Require acoustical studies for new discretionary developments and transportation improvements that have the potential to affect existing noise-sensitive uses such as schools, hospitals, libraries, care facilities, and residential areas; and for projects that would introduce new noise-sensitive uses into an area where existing noise levels may exceed the thresholds identified in this element. For projects that are required to prepare an acoustical study, the following mobile and stationary noise source criteria shall be used to determine the significance of those impacts.

A. Mobile Noise Sources:
• Where existing traffic noise levels are within or below the “normally acceptable” noise criteria at the affected land use (see Table PS-1), a readily perceptible 5 dBA CNEL or greater increase in roadway noise will be considered significant; Findings

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• Where existing traffic noise levels falls within the “conditionally acceptable” noise criteria at the sensitive land use, a +3 dBA CNEL or greater increase in roadway noise levels will be considered significant; and
• Where existing traffic noise levels exceed the “conditionally acceptable” noise criteria at the sensitive land use, a + 1.5 dBA CNEL or greater increase in roadway noise levels will be considered significant
B. Stationary and Non-Transportation Noise Sources
• A significant impact will occur if the project results in an exceedance of the noise level standards contained in this element, or the project will result in an increase in ambient noise levels by more than 3 dB, whichever is greater.

Policy PS-6.8: Commercial Noise. Require the use of noise attenuation measures, including screening and buffering techniques, for all new commercial development expected to produce excessive noise; in existing cases where the City’s noise standards are exceeded, work with Code Enforcement to require compliance.

Policy PS-6.9: Construction Noise. Require construction activities to reduce noise impacts on adjacent uses to the criteria identified to the maximum extent feasible by complying with Chapter 8.20 of the Lawndale Municipal Code and use best practices.

Action PS-6c: Review new development and transportation projects for compliance with the noise requirements established in this General Plan, including the standards established in Table PS-1 and the Lawndale Municipal Code. Where necessary, require new development to mitigate excessive noise through best practices, including building location and orientation, building design features, placement of noise-generating equipment away from sensitive receptors, shielding of noise-generating equipment, placement of noisetolerant features between noise sources and sensitive receptors, and use of noiseminimizing materials such as rubberized asphalt.

Action PS-6d: Require acoustical studies for all new discretionary projects, including those related to development and transportation, which have the potential to generate noise impacts which exceed the standards identified in this General Plan. The studies shall include representative noise measurements, estimates of existing and projected noise levels, and mitigation measures necessary to facilitate compliance with this element.

Action PS-6e: Review the locations of proposed projects with the potential to generate stationary noise in relation to sensitive receptors through the discretionary project review process. Limit delivery or service hours for stores and businesses with loading areas, docks, or trash bins that front, side, border, or gain access on driveways next to residential and other noise sensitive areas. Only approve exceptions if full compliance with the nighttime limits of the noise regulations is achieved.

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Action PS-6f: Require all construction activity to comply with the limits (maximum noise levels, hours and days of allowed activity) established in the Lawndale Municipal Code in order to reduce impacts associated with temporary construction noise to the extent feasible.

2. Groundborne Vibration and Groundborne Noise Levels
Threshold: Would the project result in the generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact NOI-2, pages 5.13-29 through

5.13-32)
Explanation: The main sources of vibration in the Planning Area are related to vehicles, railways and construction. Typical roadway traffic, including heavy trucks, rarely generates vibration amplitudes high enough to cause structural or cosmetic damage. Although not specifically within Lawndale, there have been cases in which heavy trucks traveling over potholes or other discontinuities in the pavement have caused vibration high enough to result in complaints from nearby residents. These types of issues typically can be resolved by smoothing the roadway surface.

One freight rail line runs through the City of Lawndale. Existing buildings are about 50 feet from the centerline of the railway and include primarily residential uses. The General Plan Update would not increase railway operations within the Planning Area. Additionally, the Project does not include any specific development proposals. The General Plan Update includes proposed Action PS-6h, which would require future residential projects located adjacent to railroad lines to follow Federal Transit Administration vibration screening distance criteria to prevent residential uses from being exposed to vibrations exceeding 72 VdB for frequent events (more than 70 events per day), 75 VdB for occasional events (30-70 events per day), or 80 VdB for infrequent events (less than 30 events per day). With implementation of proposed Action PS-6h, this impact would be reduced to less than significant.

Construction activities that produce vibration that can be felt by adjacent land uses include the use of vibratory equipment, large bulldozers, and pile drivers. The primary sources of vibration during construction are usually vibratory rollers and large bulldozers. Construction activities in the Planning Area have the potential to result in significant impacts related to groundborne vibration associated with construction activities. This impact would be reduced to less than significant with the implementation of the General Plan Update Public Safety Element Policy PS-6.14 and Action PS6k, which require vibration impact studies when construction utilizes pile drivers within 200 feet of existing buildings or vibratory rollers within 50 feet of existing buildings.

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GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Policy PS-6.14: Vibration Studies. Require vibration impact studies for new discretionary development and transportation improvements whose construction utilizes pile drivers within 200 feet of existing buildings or vibratory rollers within 50 feet of existing buildings.

Action PS-6h: Require new residential projects located adjacent to railroad lines to follow the FTA vibration screening distance criteria to prevent residential uses from being exposed to vibrations exceeding 72 VdB for frequent events (more than 70 events per day), 75 VdB for occasional events (30-70 events per day), or 80 VdB for infrequent events (less than 30 events per day).

Action PS-6k: Require vibration impact studies for all new discretionary projects, including those related to development and transportation, whose construction utilizes pile drivers within 200 feet of existing buildings or vibratory rollers within 50 feet of existing buildings. The studies shall include a detailed mitigation plan to avoid any potential significant impacts to existing structures due to groundborne vibrations, based on the California Department of Transportation’s Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.

3. Airport Noise
Threshold: For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip 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?
Finding: No Impact. (Draft EIR, Impact NOI-3, page 5.13-32) Explanation: Hawthorne Municipal Airport, also known as Jack Northrop Field, is an FAA-designated general aviation reliever airport owned by the City of Hawthorne. The airport is located approximately 1.4-miles northeast of the northeastern-most portion of the Planning Area. The City of Hawthorne General Plan Noise Element provides noise contours (Figures 5A and 5B) for Hawthorne, which include the airport. The noise contours associated with the airport do not extend beyond the municipal boundaries of the City of Hawthorne. The Planning Area is not located within any adopted airport land use plan and is located outside of any airport 65 dBA CNEL contours.

As such, there are no impacts related to private airports, public airports, airstrips, or adopted airport land use plans.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS: There are no relevant proposed General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions.

M. POPULATION AND HOUSING
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1. Population Growth
Threshold: Would the project induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact POP-1, pages 5.14-8 through 5.14- 11)
Explanation: The City and surrounding area, are highly urbanized and considered to be built-out. While there is the potential for infrastructure improvements within the Planning Area associated with site-specific development and overall development growth, General Plan implementation would not require the extension of roads or other infrastructure into an area that is not already served. At buildout, the General Plan Update would accommodate approximately 3,942 new housing units and 808,864 square feet of new non-residential building square footage within the Planning Area compared to existing conditions. This new growth may increase the City’s population by approximately 9,482 residents and 2,738 jobs compared to the existing condition. Given the historical and current population, housing, and employment trends, growth in the City, as well as the entire State, is inevitable. The primary factors that account for population growth are natural increase and net migration. Other factors that affect growth include the cost of housing, the location of jobs, the economy, the climate, and transportation. Residential growth within the City would continue to occur based primarily on the demand of the housing market.

Potential growth inducing impacts are also assessed based on a project’s consistency with adopted plans that have addressed growth management from a local and regional standpoint. SCAG is the responsible agency for developing and adopted regional housing, population, and employment growth forecasts for local Los Angeles County governments, among other counties. SCAG provides household, population, and employment projection estimates in five-year increments through 2045. SCAG projects that the City’s population will reach 34,400 persons by 2045. The General Plan Update is projected to result in a population of approximately 47,948 persons by 2045. The City’s projected population would be approximately

39.4 percent greater than SCAG’s forecast. Similarly, the City’s projected housing stock and employment would be approximately 38.4 percent and

10.9 percent greater than SCAG forecasts, respectively. The General Plan Update growth projections would exceed SCAG’s 2045 population, housing stock, and employment projections for the City of Lawndale.

General Plan Update growth projections form the basis of SCAG’s planning and policy documents, including regional growth forecasts. Thus, the growth anticipated with the General Plan Update would be considered in SCAG’s updated growth forecasts for the City. In addition, the proposed Findings

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Project is intended to implement the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element; SCAG’s Connect SoCal growth forecasts through 2045 do not consider the regional housing need for the 2021-2029 period, as jurisdictional allocations were not known at the time of SCAG’s Connect SoCal adoption. The regional housing needs would be included as part of SCAG’s future growth forecasts.

The proposed General Plan Update includes policies and actions that mitigate environmental impacts associated with growth, such as air quality, noise, traffic, water supply, and water quality effects. Further, the General Plan Update accounts for the proposed Project’s anticipated population growth and establishes goals, policies, and actions to accommodate such growth. The proposed Land Use Element Goal LU-2 seeks to manage and direct growth so that the community and its neighborhoods are protected and enhanced. With implementation of General Plan Update policies and actions intended to guide growth to appropriate areas and provide services necessary to accommodate growth, the land uses allowed under the proposed General Plan Update, the infrastructure anticipated to accommodate proposed land uses, and the goal and policy framework would not induce growth that would exceed adopted thresholds beyond those disclosed and analyzed throughout the Draft EIR. Therefore, population and housing growth associated with the proposed General Plan Update would result a less than significant impact, as there are no additional potential environmental impacts beyond those analyzed and disclosed in the Draft EIR that would result from growth accommodated by the proposed project.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-1.1: Sustainable Land Use Pattern. Provide an appropriate land use plan that promotes efficient development; fosters and enhances community livability and public health; sustains economic vitality; promotes efficient development and multiple transportation options; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of energy and other resources; and ensures compatibility between uses consistent with the land use designations identified in this Element and Land Use Map (LU-1).

Policy LU-1.2: Balance Jobs and Housing. Balance levels of employment and housing within the community to provide more opportunities for Lawndale residents to work locally, reduce commute times, and improve air quality.

Action LU-1e: Initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the Department of Finance, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the County of Los Angeles in order to adequately plan for growth, including jobs-housing balance projections.

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Goal LU-2: Managed Growth. A City that manages and directs growth to strategic locations so that the community and its neighborhoods are protected and enhanced.

Policy LU-2.2: Focused Areas for New Development. Encourage new development to be focused within the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan area and within the City’s Housing Opportunity Overlay sites to preserve the character of the community’s existing single-family uses, promote active transportation options, and create vibrant mixed-use activity nodes.

Policy LU-3.1: Surrounding Uses. Consider as part of the development review process the compatibility of new development with surrounding uses and the ability of new development to enhance the character of the surrounding area.

Action LU-3c: Through the development review process, evaluate development proposals for land use and transportation network compatibility with existing surrounding or abutting development and neighborhoods.

2. Displacement of Housing
Threshold: Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact POP-2, pages 5.14-10 through

5.14-11)
Explanation: The General Plan Update will accommodate future growth in Lawndale, including new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and new residential uses. New growth is anticipated to occur primarily within the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan area. Overall, the proposed Project would provide new development opportunities to support the vision for development consistent with the General Plan Update and the State’s Housing Element Law, including accommodating the City’s 2021-2029 RHNA.

The Project does not propose any site-specific development at this time; therefore, no existing residents would be displaced. The General Plan Update establishes goals, policies, and actions to ensure the compatibility of new and existing development, including housing. The proposed Land Use Element Goal LU-2 seeks to manage and direct growth so that the community and its neighborhoods are protected and enhanced. Goal LU-3 supports new development to be sensitively integrated with existing development. Policy LU-3.1 ensures the City considers the compatibility of new development with surrounding uses and the ability of new development to enhance the character of the surrounding area. Therefore, impacts of the proposed General Plan Update on the displacement of people or housing are considered less than significant and no mitigation is required. The policies listed below would further ensure that a range of housing types are provided Findings

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in the City, and that housing conditions are evaluated as the housing supply ages.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

Goal LU-2: Managed Growth. A City that manages and directs growth to strategic locations so that the community and its neighborhoods are protected and enhanced.

Policy LU-2.3: Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan. Facilitate the redevelopment of Hawthorne Boulevard through implementation of the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan which encourages a mixture of quality multi-family housing development, local- and destination-type commercial uses, eateries, and civic uses such as cultural and performing art facilities in innovative development formats.

Action LU-2e: Implement the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan to guide future development in this area. This includes reviewing and revising the implementation strategies identified in the Specific Plan as part of the Specific Plan’s comprehensive update, and prioritizing the most critical actions for funding and staff resources.

Policy LU-3.3: Code Compliance. Require land use compatibility through adherence to the policies, standards, and regulations in the Municipal Code, Zoning Code, and other regulations or administrative procedures that manage the form and relationship of projects and uses.

Policy LU-3.4: Residential Uses. Require that new residential development be designed to protect residents from potential conflicts with adjacent land uses, and other features including transportation facilities.

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Action LU-3e: Analyze land use compatibility through the development review process to require adequate buffers and/or architectural enhancements that protect sensitive receptors from intrusion of development activities that may cause unwanted nuisances and health risks.

N. PUBLIC SERVICES

1. Fire Protection
Threshold: Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire Protection and Emergency Services? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-1, pages 5.15-9 through 5.15- 13)
Explanation: Development accommodated under the General Plan Update would result in additional residents and businesses in the City. 2045 buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional 3,942 housing units, an additional population of 9,482 people, an additional 808,864 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and an additional 2,738 jobs within the Planning Area. According to LACoFD, there are no plans to expand Station 21 and/or develop a new fire station for Lawndale. Future development projected in the General Plan Update may result in the need for additional LACoFD resources (i.e., additional staffing, equipment, expanded/new facilities). At this time, it is unknown whether LACoFD would need to expand or construct new facilities to meet the demand of future development in the Planning Area.

Future development is assumed to occur over time through 2045; thus, any increase in demand for fire protection services would occur gradually as additional development and associated population growth is added to the City. The General Plan Update includes a range of policies and actions to ensure that fire protection and emergency services are provided in a timely fashion, are adequately funded, are coordinated between the City and the LACoFD, and that new development funds its fair share of services.

Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-1.5 directs the City to maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community. Action LU-1e directs the City to initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in Findings

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conjunction with the DOF, SCAG, and County in order to adequately plan for growth. Policy LU-2.6 provides notification to adjacent jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them and takes appropriate action to consider and respond to their concerns. Proposed Public Safety Element Policy PS-1.5 supports policies and programs that facilitate the availability of adequate resources to respond to health, fire, and police emergencies. Action PS-1e directs the investigation and pursuit of available funding sources to fund safety programs, provide services, upgrade/construct facilities, and purchase equipment. Policy PS-4.1 coordinates fire protection services with LACoFD so that sufficient capacity, stations, personnel, and equipment are available to meet needs in Lawndale for fire protection and related emergency services. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy PF-1.1 requires that the capital improvement program be maintained and financed to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements.

Policy PF-1.2 ensures that new development and major redevelopment provides for and funds its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure, public services, and other public facilities. Policy PF-1.10 directs the collaboration with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service to Lawndale residents, and to plan for new development. Action PF-1a promotes the coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provides local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Action PF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action PF-1e directs the City to participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region. LACoFD would continue to regularly monitor fire department resources to ensure that adequate facilities, staffing, and equipment are available to serve existing and future development and population increases. Further, as development occurs, a proportional increase in property tax, charges for LACoFD services, and other funding sources would increase and offset impacts of new development on LACoFD’s existing resources in the City.

Future site-specific development would be required to comply with applicable City, County, and State code and ordinance requirements for fire protection. The Lawndale Municipal Code Chapter 15.20, Fire Code, adopts and incorporates the California Fire Code, as amended by Title 32 the Los Angeles County Fire Code, by reference. As part of the development review process, site-specific development proposals would be required to comply with standard LACoFD conditions of approval.

LACoFD Fire Prevention Division reviews site plans to ensure that access and water system requirements, which would enhance the proposed development’s fire protection, are adequate.

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The environmental effect of providing the fire protection and emergency services is associated with the physical impacts of providing new and expanded facilities. The specific impacts of providing new and expanded facilities cannot be determined at this time, as the General Plan Update does not propose or authorize development nor does it designate specific sites for new or expanded public facilities. However, the facilities would be primarily provided on sites with land use designations that allow such uses and the environmental impacts of constructing and operating the facilities would likely be similar to those associated with new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects anticipated under the General Plan Update. Any future development under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with regulations, policies, and standards included in the General Plan Update, and would be subject to CEQA review as appropriate. Therefore, impacts related to the provision of fire protection and emergency services are less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-1.5: Public Services for Quality of Life. Maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community.

Policy LU-2.6: Regional Growth. Notify adjacent jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them and take appropriate action to consider and respond to their concerns.

PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Policy PS-1.5:Resources. Support policies and programs that facilitate the availability of adequate resources to respond to health, fire, and police emergencies.

Action PS-1e:Investigate and pursue available funding sources to fund safety programs, provide services, upgrade/construct facilities, and purchase equipment.

Policy PS-4.1:Fire Protection Services. Coordinate fire protection services with LACoFD so that sufficient capacity, stations, personnel, and equipment are available to meet needs in Lawndale for fire protection and related emergency services.

Policy PS-4.2:Development Review. Involve LACoFD in the development review process so that fire safety is addressed in new and modified developments.

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Policy PS-4.4:Building Fire Codes. Require that all buildings and facilities within the City comply with local, State, and Federal regulatory standards such as the California Building and Fire Codes, as well as other applicable fire safety standards.

Action PS-4a:Require all new habitable structures be designed in accordance with the most recent California Building and Fire Code with local amendments adopted by the City.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT
Goal PF-1: Infrastructure and Public Services. A community with adequate, reliable public and quasi-public infrastructure and services to support existing and future development.

Policy PF-1.1: Capital Improvements. Maintain and finance the capital improvement program to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements.

Policy PF-1.2: Fair Share. Require that new development and major redevelopment provide for and fund its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure and services, recreational amenities and facilities, and other public facilities.

Policy PF-1.3: Public Facility Plans. Maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate Regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale.

Policy PF-1.4: Revenue Sources. Identify and proactively pursue all available sources of revenue to meet public infrastructure and services, recreational amenities and facilities, and other public facilities needs.

Policy PF-1.5: Infrastructure Rehabilitation. Regularly maintain and rehabilitate public facilities and critical infrastructure to extend its useful life; prioritize infrastructure improvements in areas targeted for near-term redevelopment and in areas designated as lower-income and/or disadvantaged communities.

Policy PF-1.8: Regional Issues. Continue to participate in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

Policy PF-1.9:Cost Sharing. Explore equitable methods for sharing the costs of facilities or services that serve multiple jurisdictions in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and/or Los Angeles County.

Policy PF-1.10: Regional Services Providers. Collaborate with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service to Lawndale residents, and to plan for new development.

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Policy PF-1.11: Capital Improvement Planning. Encourage agencies to carry out longrange capital improvement planning, which includes funding methods for the construction of projects that are compatible with regional land use planning goals and objectives.

Action PF-1a: Regularly coordinate with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects.

Action PF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action PF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

Action PF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action PF-1e:Participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region.

2. Police Protection
Threshold: Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Law Enforcement Services? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-2, pages 5.15-13 through 5.15- 16)
Explanation: Development accommodated under the General Plan Update would result in additional residents and businesses in the City, which would increase demand for police protection services provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Additional facilities, personnel, and equipment may be required to maintain adequate levels of police protection within the City. Development assumed by the General Plan Update is expected to occur gradually over time through 2045; thus, any increase in demand for police protection services would similarly occur gradually as additional development and associated population growth is added to the Planning Area, which also depends on the economic market demands. As individual projects are proposed within the Planning Area, LASD service levels and staffing requirements would be evaluated on an annual basis to determine if additional staffing and/or facilities would be required. If the General Plan Update is adopted, LASD would utilize the projected growth in population, dwelling units, and nonresidential development to effectively plan for increases in population and police protection service demand. The Findings

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General Plan Update includes a range of policies and actions, to ensure that adequate police protection services are provided to serve growth associated with implementation of the General Plan Update. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-1.5 directs the City to maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community. Action LU-1e directs the City to initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the DOF, SCAG, and County in order to adequately plan for growth. Policy LU-2.6 provides notification to adjacent jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them and takes appropriate action to consider and respond to their concerns. Proposed Public Safety Element Policy PS-1.5 supports policies and programs that facilitate the availability of adequate resources to respond to health, fire, and police emergencies. Action PS-1e directs the investigation and pursuit of available funding sources to fund safety programs, provide services, upgrade/construct facilities, and purchase equipment. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy PF-1.1 requires that the capital improvement program be maintained and financed to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements. Policy PF-1.2 ensures that new development and major redevelopment provides for and funds its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure, public services, and other public facilities. Policy PF-1.10 ensures collaboration with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service to Lawndale residents, and to plan for new development. Action PF-1a directs the coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provides local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Action PF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Action PF-1e directs the City to participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region.

The environmental effect of providing police protection services is associated with the physical impacts of providing new and expanded facilities. The specific impacts of providing new and expanded facilities cannot be determined at this time, as the General Plan Update does not propose or authorize development nor does it designate specific sites for new or expanded public facilities. If new police facilities are needed to serve growth associated with future development anticipated by the General Plan Update, the facilities would most likely be provided on sites with land use designations that allow such uses and the environmental impacts of constructing and operating the facilities would likely be similar to those associated with new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects under the General Plan Update. Any future development under the Findings

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General Plan Update would be required to comply with regulations, policies, and standards included in the General Plan Update, and would be subject to CEQA review as appropriate. Therefore, impacts related to the provision of police protection services are less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Policy PS-1.5: Resources. Support policies and programs that facilitate the availability of adequate resources to respond to health, fire, and police emergencies.

Action PS-1e: Investigate and pursue available funding sources to fund safety programs, provide services, upgrade/construct facilities, and purchase equipment.

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Policy PF-1.8: Regional Issues. Continue to participate in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

Policy PF-1.9: Cost Sharing. Explore equitable methods for sharing the costs of facilities or services that serve multiple jurisdictions in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and/or Los Angeles County.

Action PF-1a: Regularly coordinate with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects.

Action PF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action PF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

Action PF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action PF-1e: Participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region.

3. Schools
Threshold: Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Schools?
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-3, pages 5.15-16 through 5.15- 20)
Explanation: Implementation of the General Plan Update could result in the development of up to 3,942 housing units over existing conditions. Assuming all new development anticipated under the proposed General Plan Update occurs within the LESD and CVUHSD’s school boundary, the Project would generate approximately 2,760 students (1,971 elementary/middle school students and 789 high school students). As mentioned above, the CVUHSD presumes that school facilities have a useful life span of 20 years before modernization is needed in order to maintain the same level of service as previously existed; therefore, the costs of modernized/expanded school facilities are based on anticipated 20-year growth generated by new development within the CVUHSD district area.

The exact location of future development and associated student generation is currently unknown. However, future development projected within the General Plan Update is anticipated to occur gradually through 2045 and would be largely based on market demand. Thus, any increase in demand for school services would occur gradually as additional development occurs in the Planning Area. The General Plan Update includes policies and actions, to ensure that adequate services are provided to serve growth associated with implementation of the General Plan Update. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-1.5 directs the City to maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community. Action LU-1e directs the City to initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the DOF, SCAG, and County in order to adequately plan for growth. Policy LU-2.6 provides notification to adjacent jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them and takes appropriate action to consider and respond to their concerns. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy PF-1.1 requires that the capital improvement program be maintained and financed to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements. Policy PF-1.2 ensures that new development and major redevelopment provides for and funds its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure, public services, and other public facilities. Policy PF-1.10 ensures collaboration with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service to Lawndale residents, and to plan for new development. Action PF1a directs coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provides local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Action PF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Action PF-1e directs the City to Findings

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participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region. Policy PF6.1 encourages the maintenance of high-quality schools and diverse educational opportunities in Lawndale. Policy PF-6.3 directs the City to work with developers and the school districts to ensure the payment of fees, construction, and expansion of school facilities to address expected increases in school-age population. Action PF-6a directs the City to work with school districts to ensure adequate school facilities are provided and maintained in the community. This includes consultation with school districts during the processing of development proposals and requiring the mitigation of impacts to schools in compliance with State law.

School districts assess development impact fees against residential and nonresidential development to mitigate impacts resulting from the increase in demand for school related services. Individual development projects in accordance with the General Plan Update would be required to pay the statutory fees, so that school facilities can be constructed/expanded, if necessary, at the nearest sites to accommodate the impact of projectgenerated students, reducing impacts to a less than significant level.

The environmental effect of providing school services is associated with the physical impacts of providing new and expanded facilities. The specific impacts of providing new and expanded facilities cannot be determined at this time, as the General Plan Update does not propose or authorize development of new or expanded school facilities. If the school districts serving the City determine that new school facilities are needed to serve growth associated with future development anticipated by the General Plan Update, the schools would most likely be provided on sites with land use designations that allow such uses and the environmental impacts of constructing and operating the facilities would likely be similar to those associated with new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects under the General Plan Update. Any future development under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with regulations, policies, and standards included in the General Plan Update, and development of school facilities would be subject to CEQA review as appropriate. Therefore, impacts related to the provision of schools are less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

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Policy PF-1.8: Regional Issues. Continue to participate in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

Policy PF-1.9: Cost Sharing. Explore equitable methods for sharing the costs of facilities or services that serve multiple jurisdictions in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and/or Los Angeles County.

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Action PF-1a: Regularly coordinate with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects.

Action PF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action PF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

Action PF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action PF-1e: Participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region.

Policy PF-6.1: Education and Learning. Continue to encourage the maintenance of highquality schools and diverse educational opportunities in Lawndale.

Policy PF-6.2: Lifelong Learning. Proactively cooperate with the Lawndale Elementary School District and Centinela Valley Union High School District to encourage the provision of lifelong learning opportunities for persons living and working in Lawndale.

Policy PF-6.3: School Facilities. Work with developers and the school districts to ensure the payment of fees, construction, and expansion of school facilities to address expected increases in school-age population.

Action PF-6a: Continue to work with the school districts to ensure adequate school facilities are provided and maintained in the community. Specifically, the City should:
• During the processing of residential and non-residential development proposals, ensure the school districts are consulted regarding the potential impact of the project on educational services and facilities. When proposed developments cannot be served by existing facilities and services, the City shall work with the developer and the school district in exploring options for service provision and facility funding.
• Prior to approving a project that is likely to generate students, require the applicant to mitigate school impacts to the full extent permitted by State law through land dedications, payment of fees, participation in a special assessment district, or any combination of the above.
• Cooperate with school districts to update population projections, student generation formulas, potential school sites, and facilities improvement plans.

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4. Libraries
Threshold: Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Library Facilities?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-4, pages 5.15-20 through 5.15- 23)
Explanation: Development accommodated under the General Plan Update would result in additional residents and businesses in the City, which would potentially increase the demand for public services, including library services. The Lawndale Library is a part of, and is operated by, the LA County Library system. Future development anticipated by the General Plan Update may result in the need for additional LA County Library resources (i.e., additional staffing, equipment, expanded/new facilities). At this time, it is unknown whether LA County Library would need to expand or construct new facilities to meet the demand of future development in the Planning Area. The General Plan Update includes policies and actions to ensure that library services are adequately funded, are coordinated between the City and the LA County Library, and that new development funds its fair share of services. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-1.5 directs the City to maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community. Action LU-1e directs the City to initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the DOF, SCAG, and County in order to adequately plan for growth. Policy LU-2.6 provides notification to adjacent jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them and takes appropriate action to consider and respond to their concerns. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy PF-1.1 requires that the capital improvement program be maintained and financed to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements. Policy PF-1.2 ensures that new development and major redevelopment provides for and funds its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure, public services, and other public facilities. Policy PF-1.10 ensures collaboration with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service to Lawndale residents, and to plan for new development. Action PF-1a directs coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provides local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Action PF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local Findings

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and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action PF-1e directs the City to participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region. Policy PF-6.6 directs the City to work with the LA County Library system to provide library facilities and services necessary to meet the needs of all segments of the community. Action PF6b directs the City to work with the LA County Library system to ensure that library development keeps pace with overall City development and population growth.

The environmental effect of providing library services is associated with the physical impacts of providing new and expanded facilities. The specific impacts of providing new and expanded facilities cannot be determined at this time, as the General Plan Update does not propose or authorize development nor does it designate specific sites for new or expanded public facilities. However, the facilities would be primarily provided on sites with land use designations that allow such uses and the environmental impacts of constructing and operating the facilities would likely be similar to those associated with new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects under the General Plan Update. Any future development under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with regulations, policies, and standards included in the General Plan Update, and would be subject to CEQA review as appropriate. Therefore, impacts related to the provision of library services are less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

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Policy PF-1.8: Regional Issues. Continue to participate in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

Policy PF-1.9: Cost Sharing. Explore equitable methods for sharing the costs of facilities or services that serve multiple jurisdictions in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and/or Los Angeles County.

Policy PF-1.11: Capital Improvement Planning. Encourage agencies to carry out long-range capital improvement planning, which includes funding methods for the construction of projects that are compatible with regional land use planning goals and objectives.

Action PF-1a: Regularly coordinate with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects.

Action PF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action PF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

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Action PF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action PF-1e: Participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region.

Policy PF-6.6: Libraries. Work closely with the Los Angeles County Library system to provide library facilities and services necessary to meet the needs of all segments of the community.

Action PF-6b: Continue to work with the Los Angeles County Library system to ensure that library development keeps pace with overall City development and population growth.

O. PARKS AND RECREATION

1. Increased Use of Parks/Recreation Facilities
Threshold: Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PR-1, pages 5.16-4 through 5.16- 8)
Explanation: 2045 buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional 3,942 housing units, resulting in an additional population of 9,482 people within the Planning Area. These new residents are expected to use park and recreational facilities, and this additional use may result in greater demands on parks and recreational facilities in the Planning Area such that deterioration of these facilities could occur or be accelerated. The additional demand on existing parks and recreational facilities would increase the need for maintenance and improvements. These improvements could have environmental impacts, although the exact impacts cannot be determined since the potential improvements are currently unknown.

The City does not currently have an adopted standard of parkland acreage to residents. However, the General Plan Update does include the adoption of a parkland standard of 3.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. The provision of new parks and recreation facilities would help to reduce the potential for adverse impacts and physical deterioration of existing parks and recreation facilities, by providing additional facilities to accommodate the demand for parks and recreation facilities. These new facilities would be provided at a pace and in locations appropriate to serve new development.

Development under the General Plan Update could indirectly lead to the construction of new parks and recreation facilities to serve new growth and Findings

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to meet existing parks and recreation needs. The General Plan Update supports the creation of new parks and recreation facilities to accommodate a wide range of activities for all age groups. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM-1.1 strives to provide residents with a variety of useable and accessible public recreational lands, facilities, trails, open space, and amenities. Policy RM-1.2 strives to achieve a minimum parkland standard of three acres per 1,000 City residents. Policy RM-1.4 directs the City to actively pursue financing for parkland acquisition and maintenance, and allocate sufficient funding to park development to support the community’s recreational needs. Policy RM-1.5 directs City collaboration with school districts, local and regional agencies, and private developers to create partnerships and joint-use agreements that broaden the range of recreation facility options available to the public. Policy RM-1.8 recognizes the value of non-traditional public and semi-public open space and encourages creativity and innovation during the development and provision of additional open space or parks to supplement the City’s green space and parks. Action RM-1a directs the City to periodically review and update the park development fee ordinance as necessary to better reflect current costs and needs to address park demand generated by infill development. Action RM-1b directs the City to pursue available resources to fund recreation facilities and parkland acquisition, development, and maintenance. Action RM-1c directs the creation of a Master Parks Plan to guide the provision and maintenance of parkland in the City. Action RM1d works with the Lawndale Elementary School District to maximize the joint use of facilities and pursues additional partnerships with public and private entities, including adjacent jurisdictions, for the joint use of and expanded access to, regional parks, open space, and recreational programs.

The General Plan Update does not specifically propose any development projects, including parks. As a result, site-specific physical impacts of future park development and construction cannot be determined until projects are brought forward for review. As future parks and recreation projects are considered by the City, each project will be evaluated for conformance with the General Plan, Municipal Code, and other applicable regulations. Parks and recreation projects would also be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA.

In addition to ensuring that new and expanded parks and recreation facilities are provided to accommodate new growth, the General Plan Update includes policies and actions to ensure that parks and recreation facilities are adequately maintained and improved to serve both existing and planned growth. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-1.5 requires the City to maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community. Action LU-1e directs the City to regularly review and adjust Findings

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population assumptions and forecasts in order to adequately plan for growth. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF-1.1 maintains and finances the capital improvement program to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements. Policy CF-1.2 ensures that new development and major redevelopment provides for and funds its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure, public services, and other public facilities. Action CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Although implementation of the General Plan Update would cause an incremental increase in demand for parks in the future, this increase could be reduced to a less than significant level by the provision of public parkland and private on-site recreational amenities and through the payment of park fees, as established in Municipal Code Chapter 12.34. Compliance with and the implementation of applicable General Plan Update policies and actions and compliance with the City Municipal Code would ensure parks and recreational facilities would not be overused to the point of substantial deterioration.

The General Plan Update does not propose or approve the construction or expansion of parks or recreational facilities. Any new parks or recreational facilities that may be constructed in the future would be primarily provided on sites with land use designations that allow such uses and the environmental impacts of constructing and operating the parks and recreational facilities would likely be similar to those associated with new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects under the General Plan. Any future development under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with regulations, policies, and standards included in the General Plan Update, and would be subject to CEQA review as appropriate.

Therefore, impacts to parks and recreational facilities associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would be less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-1.1: Recreation Types. Provide residents a variety of useable and accessible public recreational lands, facilities, trails, open space, and amenities.

Policy RM-1.2: Parkland Standard. Achieve a minimum parkland standard of 3 acres per 1,000 City residents.

Policy RM-1.4: Parkland Funding. Actively pursue financing for parkland acquisition and maintenance, and allocate sufficient funding to park development to support the community’s recreational needs.

Policy RM-1.5: Partnerships and Joint-Use Agreements. Collaborate with school districts, local and regional agencies, and private developers to create partnerships and joint-use agreements that broaden the range of recreation facility options available to the public.

Policy RM-1.8: Creative Open Space and Parks. Recognize the value of non-traditional public and semi-public open space and encourage creativity and innovation during the development and provision of additional open space or parks, including but not limited to plazas, parklets, pedestrian paths, patios, rooftop gardens, community gardens, parkways, green space integrated into parking structures, and temporary or semi-permanent gathering spaces, to supplement the City’s green space and parks.

Action RM-1a: Periodically review and update the park development fee ordinance as necessary to better reflect current costs and needs to address park demand generated by infill development.

Action RM-1b: Pursue available resources to fund recreation facilities and parkland acquisition, development, and maintenance, including but not limited to, State and Federal grants, special districts, private donations, gifts, and endowments.

Action RM-1c: Prepare and adopt a Master Parks Plan to guide the provision and maintenance of parkland. The Master Park Plan should be designed to serve as a statement of general policy and desired City standards for location and development of public parks and community open space areas, with definite time frames outlined.

Action RM-1d: Continue to work with the Lawndale Elementary School District to maximize the joint use of facilities and pursue additional partnerships with public and private entities, including adjacent jurisdictions, for the joint use of and expanded access to, regional parks, open space, and recreational programs.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT
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Goal CF-1: Infrastructure and Public Services. A community with adequate, reliable public and quasi-public infrastructure and services to support existing and future development.

Policy CF-1.1: Capital Improvements. Maintain and finance the capital improvement program to ensure the timely implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements.

Policy CF-1.2: Fair Share. Require that new development and major redevelopment provide for and fund its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure and services, recreational amenities and facilities, and other public facilities.

Policy CF-1.3: Public Facility Plans. Maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate Regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale.

Policy CF-1.4: Revenue Sources. Identify and proactively pursue all available sources of revenue to meet public infrastructure and services, recreational amenities and facilities, and other public facilities needs.

Policy CF-1.5: Infrastructure Rehabilitation. Regularly maintain and rehabilitate public facilities and critical infrastructure to extend its useful life; prioritize infrastructure improvements in areas targeted for near-term redevelopment and in areas designated as lower-income and/or disadvantaged communities.

Action CF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action CF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

Action CF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

2. Construction and Expansion of Parks/Recreation Facilities Threshold: Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Parks?
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PR-2, pages 5.16-8 through 5.16- 11)
Explanation: No site-specific projects are proposed under the General Plan Update. 2045 buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional 3,942 housing units and an additional population of 9,482 people. Based on the General Plan Update’s proposed standard of three acres per 1,000 residents, the increase in population due to implementation of the Project would require approximately 96.1 acres of additional parkland, for a total of 122.3 acres of parkland. Construction of these future parks could result in environmental impacts. At the time future parks are proposed, they would require a separate environmental review and compliance with regulations in existence at that time, which would address potential environmental impacts related to the construction and operation of new parks. Furthermore, these future parks would be subject to General Plan Update policies and actions intended to protect the environment and the programmatic mitigation framework established in the Draft EIR. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-1.5 requires the City to maintain appropriate sites for institutional and public facility uses that can accommodate the infrastructure and facilities needed to serve the community. Action LU-1e directs the City to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in order to adequately plan for growth. Policy LU-2.6 provides notification to adjacent jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them and takes appropriate action to consider and respond to their concerns. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM-1.1 strives to provide residents a variety of useable and accessible public recreational lands, facilities, trails, open space, and amenities. Policy RM-1.4 directs the City to actively pursue financing for parkland acquisition and maintenance, and allocates sufficient funding to park development to support the community’s recreational needs. Policy RM-1.5 directs City collaboration with school districts, local and regional agencies, and private developers to create partnerships and joint-use agreements that broaden the range of recreation facility options available to the public. Action RM-1a directs the City to periodically review and update the park development fee ordinance as necessary to better reflect current costs and needs to address park demand generated by infill development. Action RM-1b directs the City to pursue available resources to fund recreation facilities and parkland acquisition, development, and maintenance. Action RM-1c directs the creation of a Master Parks Plan to guide the provision and maintenance of parkland in the City. Action RM1d works with the Lawndale Elementary School District to maximize the joint use of facilities and pursues additional partnerships with public and private entities, including adjacent jurisdictions, for the joint use of and expanded access to, regional parks, open space, and recreational programs.

Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF-1.1 maintains and finances the capital improvement program to ensure the timely Findings

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implementation of the General Plan and the adequate and efficient provision of public facility and municipal improvements. Policy CF-1.2 ensures that new development and major redevelopment provides for and funds its fair share of the costs for the expansion of public infrastructure, public services, and other public facilities. Action CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Therefore, upon compliance with environmental regulations established at the time future park and recreational projects are proposed, and adherence to General Plan Update policies and actions, the environmental impacts associated with the construction or expansion of recreational facilities would less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-1.1: Recreation Types. Provide residents a variety of useable and accessible public recreational lands, facilities, trails, open space, and amenities.

Action RM-1a: Periodically review and update the park development fee ordinance as necessary to better reflect current costs and needs to address park demand generated by infill development.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT
Goal CF-1: Infrastructure and Public Services. A community with adequate, reliable public and quasi-public infrastructure and services to support existing and future development.

Action CF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action CF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

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Action CF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

P. TRANSPORTATION

1. Circulation System Conflicts
Threshold: Would the project conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadways, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact TR-1, pages 5.17-19 through 5.17- 24)
Explanation: Circulation System
No specific development projects are proposed as part of the Lawndale General Plan Update, but the update will accommodate future growth in the City. The General Plan Update Mobility Element does not propose any roadway changes or increases in roadway capacity. The Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan Update contain goals, policies, and actions that support access to and the performance of the circulation system.

Specifically, proposed Mobility Element Goal M-1 promotes a safe circulation system for the Planning Area. Policy M-1.5 ensures that new developments in the City provide appropriate and feasible improvements to improve traffic flow and roadway operations. Policy M-1.7 encourages the development of traffic calming strategies to slow traffic and promote safety.

Action M-1b directs the City to continue to update and implement projects in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan to maintain the roadway network.

As a result, implementation of the General Plan Update would not conflict with applicable plans, polices, or ordinances related to vehicle circulation, and its impact on the City’s circulation system is considered less than significant.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation
The proposed Mobility Element references and incorporates the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan and the SBCCOG Local Travel Network, which include bicycling and walking improvements, and facilities that will improve non-motorized accessibility and connectivity throughout the City.

The proposed Mobility Element includes new planned bike facilities on several key roadways. Implementation of the General Plan Update would also enhance the pedestrian experience by providing a more walkable and denser environment, especially in the HBSP area. The Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan Update contains goals, policies, and actions that support access to and the performance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Specifically, Mobility Element Policy M-3.1 requires the City to Findings

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apply Complete Street principals, which are streets that are designed to provide safe travels for all modes of travel, to all transportation improvement projects. Policy M-6.4 directs the City to identify and eliminate gaps in sidewalks and bikeways to create a more complete active transportation network. Policy M-6.5 requires new developments in the City to provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Action M-6b directs the City to implement the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan during roadways projects as funding allows. The implementation of policies and actions contained in the General Plan Update would ensure that the Project would not conflict with a program plan, ordinance, or policy addressing bicycle facilities.

Therefore, the Project’s impact is considered less than significant.

Public Transit System
The City does not have defined measures of effectiveness for public transit service and circulation. The proposed General Plan Update would be expected to increase demand for travel via public transit given the proposed development and expected increase in residents and employees. This population and job growth within the City could increase the demand for public transit but also result in increased levels of vehicular traffic which could slow transit operations and impact transit reliability. The Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan Update includes policies to support and enhance transit service. Specifically, Mobility Element Policy M-5.2 encourages the City to coordinate with local public transit provides to plan and improve local transit service and transit facilities. Policy M-5.3 requires that new developments construct transit facilities when appropriate. The implementation of policies and actions contained in the General Plan Update would ensure that the Project would not conflict with a program plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the public transit system.

Therefore, the Project’s impact is considered less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

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Policy LU-4.4: Pedestrian-Scale Amenities. Support the installation of pedestrian-scale amenities throughout the City that contribute to a high-quality living environment, such as street furniture, fountains, pedestrian-scaled signs and lighting, murals or public art, landscaping, and sidewalk improvements.

MOBILITY ELEMENT
Goal M-1: Local Circulation System. A community served by a safe circulation system with adequate traffic flow on arterial roadways and minimized adverse traffic effects on residential neighborhoods.

Policy M-1.5: Development-Related Traffic Impacts. Impose conditions on new development to provide appropriate and feasible improvements to enhance and/or prevent the impediment to traffic flow, parking, ADA accessibility and roadway operations.

Policy M-1.7: Traffic Calming on Local Streets. Encourage traffic calming strategies, such as diverters, median islands, and speed humps, and incorporation of traffic calming design in residential and school areas to slow traffic and promote safety, while not reducing parking supply.

Action M-1a: Periodically review and assess the vehicular level of service along City facilities to determine, what, if any, improvements are warranted to maintain a safe and efficient flow of traffic throughout the City of Lawndale. Based on a thorough review of facility operations and funding availability, improvements should be included in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and/or required as part of project approval through the development review process.

Action M-1b: Continue to update and implement projects in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan to maintain and repair roadways; construct and improve roadways to build out the roadway network to ensure adequate levels of service.

Action M-1e: Monitor cut-through traffic on local streets, especially along residential areas and schools, and where appropriate evaluate the applicability of traffic calming tools and implement improvements as necessary.

Policy M-2.3: Facility Connections. Plan and implement vehicular facilities, roadway treatments, active transportation facilities, transit routes, and goods movement network to relate to those in neighboring jurisdictions.

Goal M-3: Complete Streets. A community with a well-designed and built transportation network that is safe, accessible, comfortable, and convenient for all transportation modes and users
Policy M-3.1: Complete Streets for Roadway Projects. Apply Complete Streets principles to all transportation improvements projects (e.g. safety, intelligent transportation systems, roads and intersections widening, transit facilities).

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Policy M-3.2: Multimodal Connectivity. Link activity centers, employment centers, public facilities, and schools to transit and active transportation facilities, wherever feasible.

Policy M-3.3: Streetscape Improvements. Require roadway, sidewalk, and median improvements that enhance the visual character of the roadway system and promote pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Policy M-3.6: Safe Routes to School. Provide infrastructure improvements, enforcement and incentives to support Safe Route to School programs and promote walking and bicycling to local schools.

Action M-3a: When planning roadway facilities, incorporate the concept of complete streets. Complete streets include design elements for all modes that use streets, including autos, transit, pedestrians, and bicycles. Complete streets shall be developed in a contextsensitive manner. For example, it may be more appropriate to provide a Class I bike path instead of bike lanes along a major arterial.

Policy M-5.1: Transit Use. Support programs encouraging public transit use by people living in, working in, or visiting Lawndale.

Policy M-5.2: Improve Local Public Transit Service. Work with Metro, Lawndale Beat Bus, and other local public transit providers to plan and improve local transit service and transit facilities, including bus stops, in the City.

Policy M-5.3: Transit Facilities. Require new developments to construct, when appropriate, transit facilities, including bus turn-outs, lighted bus shelters, and route information signage.

Policy M-5.4: C (Green) Line Service. Work with Metro to ensure C (Green) Line service (including headways and service hours) are sufficient to meet the needs of transit commuters to and from Lawndale.

Policy M-5.5: C (Green) Line Stations. Work with Metro to ensure the planned C (Green) Line extension project implementation is consistent with the City's Complete Streets, active transportation, and parking policies, and that it provides pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between neighborhoods within Lawndale and future stations.

Policy M-5.6: Effects of New Technologies on Transit Use. Monitor the development of new mobility technologies and the potential effects on transit demand and how users access public transit.

Action M-5a: Continue on-going coordination with transit authorities toward the expansion of transit facilities.

ActionM-5b: Work with Metro to increase transit service frequency, speed, and reliability and increase ridership and to strengthen linkages and access to the C line rail stations.

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Goal M-6: Active Transportation. A community with a comprehensive network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that encourages active transportation.

Policy M-6.1: Bicycle Master Plan. Implement the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan within City limits to provide active transportation facilities that can serve as an alternative to automobiles, including the Plan’s facility recommendations as shown in Figure M-2.

Policy M-6.2: Local Travel Network. Coordinate with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments to promote local micromobility modes by implementing the Local Travel Network plan and supporting efforts to integrate the network with adjacent cities, as shown in Figure M-3.

Policy M-6.4: Sidewalk and Bikeway Gaps. Create a connected and complete active transportation network by identifying and eliminating gaps in sidewalks and bikeways.

Policy M-6.5: Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities at New Developments. Require new residential and non-residential developments in the City to provide safe and attractive bicycle and pedestrian facilities, such as secure bicycle parking, pedestrian-scale lighting, street furniture, landscaping, and other improvements.

Policy M-6.6: Effects of New Technologies on Active Transportation. Monitor the development of mobility new technologies and the potential effects on designing a transportation network that accommodates all modes and users.

Action M-6a: As part of development review and specific plans, review any existing gaps in active transportation infrastructure that inhibit mobility.

Action M-6b: Implement of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan when roadways are being rehabilitated or resurfaces, as funding allows.

Action M-6c: Review and update the City’s Municipal Code, as necessary, to consider bicycle and pedestrian access as part of the site plan review for new development projects.

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the project reflects community preferences, is compatible with surrounding uses, and maximizes connectivity for active transportation.

Policy RM-4.4: Transportation Options. Promote alternative modes of transportation to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. (See Mobility Element) Policy RM-4.5: Walkability. Encourage pedestrian-scale development and pedestrianfriendly design features to reduce vehicle emissions. (See Mobility Element) Policy RM-4.6: Land Use Planning. Encourage and incentivize higher density and mixeduse development opportunities within designated areas of the City to lessen the impacts of traffic congestion on local air quality. (See Land Use Element) Action RM-4g: Evaluate and consider multi-modal transportation benefits to all City employees, such as free or low-cost monthly public transportation (bus) passes. Encourage employer participation in similar programs. Encourage new transit/shuttle services and use.

Action RM-4h: Establish programs that encourage community car-sharing and carpooling.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Policy ED-4.2: Streetscape Improvements. Enhance aesthetics and “curb appeal” of the Hawthorne corridor with strategic investments such as landscaping, outdoor lighting, wayfinding, entry and building façade improvements, and other initiatives that increase its attractiveness for businesses and consumers.

Policy ED-4.3: Accessibility. Enhance City and regional connectivity by supporting multimodal transportation options along Hawthorne Boulevard and other major City thoroughfares.

Action ED-4c: Implement strategies and actions in the Mobility Element and the Hawthorne Specific Boulevard Plan that promote infrastructure improvements and land use policies that will enhance economic activity and accessibility.

2. CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3(b)
Threshold: Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact TR-2, pages 5.17-24 through 5.17- 29)
Explanation: Future conditions with the Project would result in decreased VMT per employee and VMT per capita in comparison to existing conditions. The Findings

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2045 Project VMT per capita is approximately 28 percent less than the existing Los Angeles countywide average VMT per capita and the 2045 Project VMT per employee is approximately 18 percent less than the existing Los Angeles countywide average VMT per employee. Thus, the proposed General Plan Update would not exceed 15 percent below the existing Los Angeles countywide average VMT per capita or VMT per employee and therefore would result in a less than significant Project VMT impact. The Project does not exceed the Project VMT threshold and is consistent with the relevant SCAG’s 2020 RTP/SCS goals. Therefore, the Project’s cumulative impacts related to VMT would be less than significant.

The Land Use and Mobility elements developed as part of the General Plan Update includes policies to support the reduction of VMT, including increasing the balanced mix of residential and employment opportunities within the City with the proposed land uses. Overall, implementation of the Project would result in reductions in VMT per capita and VMT per employee compared to 2023 existing conditions; impact thresholds would not be exceeded. Therefore, with respect to consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b), the impact of the Project would be less than significant and no mitigation would be required.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

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MOBILITY ELEMENT
Goal M-3: Complete Streets. A community with a well-designed and built transportation network that is safe, accessible, comfortable, and convenient for all transportation modes and users
Policy M-3.1: Complete Streets for Roadway Projects. Apply Complete Streets principles to all transportation improvements projects (e.g. safety, intelligent transportation systems, roads and intersections widening, transit facilities).

Policy M-3.2: Multimodal Connectivity. Link activity centers, employment centers, public facilities, and schools to transit and active transportation facilities, wherever feasible.

Policy M-3.3: Streetscape Improvements. Require roadway, sidewalk, and median improvements that enhance the visual character of the roadway system and promote pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Policy M-3.6: Safe Routes to School. Provide infrastructure improvements, enforcement and incentives to support Safe Route to School programs and promote walking and bicycling to local schools.

Policy M-5.1: Transit Use. Support programs encouraging public transit use by people living in, working in, or visiting Lawndale.

Policy M-5.3: Transit Facilities. Require new developments to construct, when appropriate, transit facilities, including bus turn-outs, lighted bus shelters, and route information signage.

Policy M-5.5: C (Green) Line Stations. Work with Metro to ensure the planned C (Green) Line extension project implementation is consistent with the City's Complete Streets, active Findings

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transportation, and parking policies, and that it provides pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between neighborhoods within Lawndale and future stations.

Action M-5a: Continue on-going coordination with transit authorities toward the expansion of transit facilities.

Action M-5b: Work with Metro to increase transit service frequency, speed, and reliability and increase ridership and to strengthen linkages and access to the C line rail stations.

Goal M-6: Active Transportation. A community with a comprehensive network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that encourages active transportation.

Policy M-6.4: Sidewalk and Bikeway Gaps. Create a connected and complete active transportation network by identifying and eliminating gaps in sidewalks and bikeways.

Action M-6a: As part of development review and specific plans, review any existing gaps in active transportation infrastructure that inhibit mobility.

Action M-6b: Implement of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan when roadways are being rehabilitated or resurfaces, as funding allows.

Action M-6c: Review and update the City’s Municipal Code, as necessary, to consider bicycle and pedestrian access as part of the site plan review for new development projects.

Policy M-9.1: Vehicle Miles Traveled Guidelines. Require vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analysis for the purposes of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City shall continue to maintain Level of Service (LOS) standards for the purposes of planning and designing street improvements.

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Policy M-9.2: Transportation Demand Management. Require transportation demand management (TDM) strategies as mitigation measures for new projects that exceed the City's thresholds Vehicle Miles Traveled impact thresholds.

Policy M-9.3: Regional Coordination. Encourage regional agencies such as Metro, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments to promote TDM programs that reduce single occupancy vehicle travel.

Action M-9a: Review and update the City’s Municipal Code and related implementation documents, as necessary, to reflect TDM best practices.

Action M-9b: Require developments that are approved based on TDM plans to incorporate monitoring and enforcement of TDM targets as part of those plans.

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Policy RM-4.6: Land Use Planning. Encourage and incentivize higher density and mixeduse development opportunities within designated areas of the City to lessen the impacts of traffic congestion on local air quality. (See Land Use Element) Action RM-4g: Evaluate and consider multi-modal transportation benefits to all City employees, such as free or low-cost monthly public transportation (bus) passes. Encourage employer participation in similar programs. Encourage new transit/shuttle services and use.

Action RM-4h: Establish programs that encourage community car-sharing and carpooling.

3. Design Features
Threshold: Would the project substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact TR-3, pages 5.17-25 through 5.29- 31)
Explanation: The Project does not propose changes to the Citywide roadway network and configuration. The City’s design and construction standards and specifications provide for coordinated and standardized development of city facilities, including roadways. As individual projects would undergo review by the City for approval and construction and would have to meet design guidelines, potential safety design hazards associated with land development projects would be addressed and result in less than significant impacts. Prior to implementation, any improvements would be subject to a detailed review and future consideration by the City’s Public Works engineering staff and other relevant City departments. An evaluation of the roadway alignments, intersection geometrics, and traffic control features would be needed at the project design level. Roadway improvements would have to be made in accordance with the City’s roadway design guidelines and meet design guidelines in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Caltrans Roadway Design Manual.

The types of uses included as part of the General Plan Update are generally similar to existing and surrounding uses and thereby are compatible with the existing uses in the Planning Area and in the surrounding area. In addition, the Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan Update contains policies in support of roadway network safety and reducing design hazards. This includes proposed Mobility Element Policy M-3.5 and Action M-3e which promotes managing and improving the City’s transportation network to be safe, accessible and consistent with ADA and to include ADA accessible features as part of roadway infrastructure projects. Proposed Mobility Element M-3.4 encourages roadway design to include traffic calming measures to maintain safe vehicular speeds.

Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-3.1 considers the compatibility of Findings

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new development with surrounding uses when reviewing development proposals. The implementation of goals, policies and actions contained in the General Plan Update and compliance with the Lawndale Municipal Code would ensure that new development in the Planning Area would not substantially increase hazards due to geometric design features or incompatible uses. Therefore, the impact of the Project with respect to design and incompatible use hazards would be considered less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

Goal LU-3: Land Use Compatibility. A community where new development is sensitively integrated with existing development, including residential neighborhoods, and minimizes impacts on surrounding land uses.

Action LU-3b: Through the development review process, evaluate development proposals for land use and transportation network compatibility with existing surrounding or abutting development and neighborhoods

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Policy M-3.4: Traffic Calming on Residential Streets. Encourage traffic calming strategies and incorporation of traffic calming design in residential areas to slow traffic and promote safety.

Policy M-3.5: ADA Accessibility. Implement a transportation network that is safe, accessible, and consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to allow mobility-impaired users, such as disabled persons and seniors, to safely travel within the City.

Policy M-3.6: Safe Routes to School. Provide infrastructure improvements, enforcement and incentives to support Safe Route to School programs and promote walking and bicycling to local schools.

Action M-3e: Include ADA-accessible facilities as part of roadway infrastructure projects

4. Emergency Access
Threshold: Would the project result in inadequate emergency access? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact 5.17-31, page 5.17-33) Explanation: The Project does not propose site-specific development; emergency accessibility is typically assessed at the project level. Future development within the Planning Area is not anticipated to result in the substantial modification of roadways surrounding specific development sites or the placement of any permanent physical barriers on adjacent roadways. There is the potential that traffic lanes located immediately adjacent to a development site may be temporarily closed or controlled by construction personnel during construction activities. However, any temporary construction activity would adhere to Municipal Code Section 17.36.220, Temporary Storage of Construction Materials, which requires sidewalks, public streets, and, alleys adjacent to construction sites to be kept free of debris or other materials that could interfere with circulation for the duration of construction activities, as well as sixty days following substantial completion of such construction. Additionally, the applicant of any proposed development would be required to submit appropriate plans for plan review to ensure compliance with zoning, building, and fire codes prior to the issuance of a building permit. LACoFD would review the proposed development for access requirements, minimum driveway widths, fire apparatus access roads, fire lanes, signage, access devices and gates, access walkways, among other requirements to ensure adequate emergency access Findings

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would be provided to and within the site. The proposed development would be required to comply with all applicable Building and Fire Code requirements and would submit construction plans to the Fire Department’s Engineering Building Plan Check Unit for review and approval prior to issuance of any building permit. Approval by the Fire Department would ensure that construction and operation of future projects associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would not result in inadequate emergency access. In addition, the Public Safety and Mobility Elements developed as part of the General Plan Update contains policies in support of emergency access along local roads.

The proposed Mobility Element Goal M-3 promotes striving to maintain sufficient access and mobility for all modes of travel and users of the roadway network. The proposed Public Safety Element Policy PS-1.6 encourages improvements to emergency access and circulation throughout the community. Policy PS-4.3 requires all new developments to provide adequate access for emergency vehicles and evacuation as part of the development review process. The implementation of goals, policies and actions contained in the General Plan Update and compliance with the Lawndale Municipal Code would ensure that new development in the Planning Area would not result in inadequate emergency access. Therefore, the impact of the General Plan Update with respect to emergency access would be considered less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

MOBILITY ELEMENT
Policy M-2.1: Freeway Interchanges. Coordinate with Caltrans to develop appropriate configurations and operations at Interstate 405 interchange intersections to minimize congestion on City streets and create safe conditions.

Policy M-2.2: Agency Coordination: Coordinate with neighboring cities, telecom companies, and regional agencies such as County of Los Angeles, South Bay Cities Council of Governments, and Metro to meet the mobility needs of people living in, working in, or visiting Lawndale.

Goal M-3: Complete Streets. A community with a well-designed and built transportation network that is safe, accessible, comfortable, and convenient for all transportation modes and users.

Action M-3e: Include ADA-accessible facilities as part of roadway infrastructure projects.

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PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Policy PS-1.6:Emergency Access. Investigate and seek out opportunities to improve emergency access and circulation throughout the community.

Policy PS-4.3:Emergency Access. Require all new developments provide adequate access for emergency vehicles and evacuation as part of the development review process.

Q. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

1. Tribal Cultural Resources
Threshold: Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
• Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k)?
• A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.

Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impacts TCR-1, pages 5.18-8 through

5.18-10)
Explanation: No archeological or tribal cultural resources have been identified within the City. The Cultural Resources Assessment concludes the lack of identified resources is likely to be a consequence of development occurring prior to the implementation of CEQA, rather than a lack of archaeological sites. The Planning Area is located within the traditional territory of the Gabrielino or Tongva Indians. At the time of publication of the Draft EIR, no Tribal Organizations have requested formal consultation with the City with regards to the Project. Grading of original in situ soils could expose buried tribal cultural resources and features including sacred sites. While the General Plan Update does not directly propose site-specific development with the potential to directly impact a tribal cultural resource, future development allowed under the General Plan Update could cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of previously undiscovered tribal cultural resources.

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The General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes policies and actions addressing tribal cultural resources. Proposed Policy RM-3.1 requires the protection of areas containing significant historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources, as defined by the California Public Resources Code. Policy RM-3.2 encourages the City to promote community identity and local history by identifying, documenting, and appropriately archiving tangible and intangible cultural resources so they can be recognized, accessed, and appreciated by future generations. Policy RM-3.5 requires consultation with Native American tribes that may be impacted by proposed development and land use policy changes, in accordance with State, local, and Tribal intergovernmental consultation requirements. Action RM-3a requires the City to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive historic, archaeological, tribal cultural, and paleontological resources pursuant to CEQA. Action RM-3e requires, for all development proposals within areas with the potential to contain prehistoric/historic resources, a study to be conducted by a professional archaeologist to determine if significant archaeological resources are potentially present and if the project will significantly impact these resources. If significant impacts are identified, the City may require the project to be modified to avoid the impacts, or require mitigation measures to mitigate the impacts. Mitigation may involve archaeological investigation and resources recovery. Action RM-3g requires, in the event of discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, that the City halt excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent human remains until the County Coroner has been informed and has determined that no investigation of the cause of death is required. If the remains are of Native American origin, no further excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent human remains is permitted until the descendants from the deceased Native Americans have made a recommendation to the landowner or the persons responsible for the excavation work, for means of treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and any associated grave goods as provided in Public Resources Code section 5097.98, or the Native American Heritage Commission was unable to identify a descendant or the descendant failed to make a recommendation within 24 hours after being granted access to the site.

Potential impacts to tribal cultural resources associated with future development would be reduced through implementation of General Plan Update policies and actions. Subsequent development and infrastructure projects would be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA, pursuant to the City’s entitlement review process. Subsequent discretionary projects implemented in accordance with Findings

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the General Plan Update would be subject to the provisions of AB 52 and may require tribal consultation with California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the Planning Area and who have previously requested AB 52 consultations with the City. Future AB 52 consultation may identify tribal cultural resources not yet found and formally recorded that could be impacted by subsequent projects.

Compliance with the General Plan Update policies and actions and existing regulations would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource and impacts would be less than significant GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-3.1: Preservation. Protect areas containing significant historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources, as defined by the California Public Resources Code.

Policy RM-3.2: Documentation. Promote community identity and local history by identifying, documenting, and appropriately archiving tangible and intangible cultural resources so they can be recognized, accessed, and appreciated by future generations.

Policy RM-3.5: Tribal Consultation. In accordance with State, local, and Tribal intergovernmental consultation requirements, consult with Native American tribes that may be impacted by proposed development and land use policy changes, as necessary.

Action RM-3a: Continue to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive historic, archaeological, tribal cultural, and paleontological resources pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Action RM-3e: For all development proposals within areas with the potential to contain prehistoric/historic resources, the City shall require a study to be conducted by a professional archaeologist. The objective of the study will be to determine if significant archaeological resources are potentially present and if the project will significantly impact these resources. If significant impacts are identified, the City may require the project to be modified to avoid the impacts, or require mitigation measures to mitigate the impacts.

Mitigation may involve archaeological investigation and resources recovery.

Action RM-3g: In the event of discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, the City shall halt excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent human remains until the County Coroner has been informed and has determined that no investigation of the cause of death is required. If the remains are of Native American origin, there shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent human remains until the descendants from the deceased Native Americans have made a recommendation to the landowner or the persons responsible for the excavation work, for means of treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity, the human Findings

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remains and any associated grave goods as provided in Public Resources Code section 5097.98, or the Native American Heritage Commission was unable to identify a descendant or the descendant failed to make a recommendation within 24 hours after being granted access to the site.

R. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS

1. Utilities and Service Systems
Threshold: Would the Project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact USS-1, pages 5.19-26 through

5.19-35)
Explanation: Water
In regard to water facilities, the General Plan Update is expected to result in population and employment growth within the Planning Area, and thus, an overall increase in demand on water supply, which would necessitate construction of future water supply infrastructure. Buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional 3,942 housing units, an additional population of 9,482 people, an additional 808,864 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and an additional 2,738 jobs within the Planning Area. This increased demand for water infrastructure would be located within areas that are already developed and serviced by the GSWC. Since no specific development projects are proposed as part of the General Plan Update, the environmental effects from constructing or expanding facilities are unknown at this time. All water infrastructure construction activities associated with future development would be subject to compliance with existing local, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and regulations, which would ensure impacts are reduced to less than significant levels. The City would continue to coordinate with GSWC to ensure adequate water distribution facilities are available to serve future development. Lawndale Municipal Code Section 3.14.090 imposes a tax on water users in the City and would help fund necessary infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, these future water facilities would be subject to General Plan Update policies and actions intended to ensure the provision of water and that potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of new or expanded infrastructure would be reduced. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM-6.1 promotes residential, commercial and institutional water conservation strategies using multiple innovative strategies and contemporary best practices. Action RM-6c directs the City to work with local water agencies and service providers to: implement Findings

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groundwater recharge programs; participate in water conservation programs; establish water conservation education programs; require water efficient landscaping; expand the production and use of reclaimed water; and require water conservation devices in new development and rehabilitation projects. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF1.3 directs the City to maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale. Policy CF-1.8 directs City participation in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues. Action CF-1a directs City coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and to provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Policy CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Policy CF-2.1 coordinates with local water districts when considering land use changes in order to assist the districts in planning for adequate capacity to accommodate future growth.

Policy CF-2.2 encourages the use and expansion of recycled water. Policy CF-2.3 considers the impacts of climate change in projections used to establish which water supply, distribution facilities, and conservation efforts are necessary to sustain future water demands. Action CF-2a requires the development review process to ensure sufficient water supply and water infrastructure capacity is available to serve the proposed development prior to approval of the project. The implementation of existing regulations and General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce impacts associated with the relocation or construction of new or expanded water facilities to a level that is less than significant.

Wastewater
In regard to wastewater, the General Plan Update is expected to result in increased population and employment growth within the Planning Area, and thus, an overall increase in demand on the existing sewer system associated with increased sewage flows. Buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional population of 9,482 people within the Planning Area. Using the wastewater generation rate of 83 gpcd from LACSD’s 2012 Clearwater Program Master Facilities Plan, growth associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would generate 3.9 MGD of wastewater within the Planning Area, a net increase of 0.8 MGD (25.8 percent) over existing conditions. According to LACSD’s Clearwater Program Master Facilities Plan, it is estimated that

12.1 miles of City-used Joint Outfall trunk sewers would need to be hydraulically relieved by 2050. No set timeline has been established for when those lines would be improved. The LACSD continues to monitor and adjust its projected flows and would expand conveyance infrastructure and Findings

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treatment capacity as needed based on these updates. As the regional sewage conveyance agency, LACSD would take the lead in conducting any additional analyses and development of any necessary improvement plans.

At such time, LACSD would utilize SCAG’s population projection data as part of its projections, such that any change in the City’s land use plans or population projections would ultimately be incorporated into any future analysis depending on the timing of such data updates.

The General Plan Update does not include specific development proposals; therefore, the environmental effects of future wastewater collection systems are unknown at this time. At the time future projects are proposed, they would be required to ensure sufficient local and trunk sewer capacity exists to serve the specific development. Pursuant to Lawndale Municipal Code Section 13.08.070, a building permit would not be issued if the anticipated sewage from a proposed project is found by the City Engineer to exceed the capacity available in the public sewer. Lawndale Municipal Code Chapter

13.08 provides for sewer connection and facilities expansion fees for the City’s local wastewater transmission lines. Additionally, LACSD charges annual wastewater sewer fees through its Wastewater Treatment Surcharge Program, as well as sewer connection fees through its Connection Fee Program, in order to maintain and expand LACSD’s wastewater services.

The General Plan Update includes policies and actions to ensure adequate wastewater services and facilities are available, and that potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of new or expanded infrastructure would be reduced. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF-1.3 directs the City to maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale.

Policy CF-1.8 directs City participation in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

Action CF-1a directs City coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and to provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Policy CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Policy CF-3.1 directs the City to work with appropriate service providers to promote safe and reliable wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure to serve existing and future development. Policy CF-3.2 directs coordination with the CSMD to encourage facilities to provide sufficient capacity for Lawndale, and that wastewater infrastructure within the City is adequately monitored and maintained. Policy CF-3.3 proposes the City take a comprehensive approach to water infrastructure that integrates sewer system planning with potable and recycled water systems, stormwater systems, and increased conservation awareness. Policy CF-3a directs the City to require that sufficient wastewater infrastructure capacity is available to serve proposed Findings

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development prior to approval of the project; ensure the project applicant has paid the required fees prior to occupancy of any new development; and to periodically review the fee schedules for sewer connections and revise fees as necessary to cover the cost of related services and facilities. The implementation of existing regulations and General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce impacts associated with the relocation or construction of new or expanded wastewater facilities to a level that is less than significant.

Stormwater
The Planning Area is primarily developed, with limited areas of pervious surfaces. Although future development activities have the potential to slightly increase impervious areas within the Planning Area, the majority of development activities under the proposed General Plan Update would consist of infill and redevelopment on currently urbanized sites. Therefore, implementation of the Project would not substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff. Federal, State and local regulations would require individual projects to provide necessary on-site storm drain infrastructure and any off-site infrastructure improvements. The specific impacts of providing new and expanded drainage facilities cannot be determined at this time, as the Project does not propose or approve any specific development project nor does it designate specific sites for new or expanded public facilities.

Stormwater drainage and conveyance facilities would be evaluated at the project-level in association with subsequent development projects.

However, the facilities would be primarily provided on sites with land use designations that allow such uses and the environmental impacts of constructing and operating the facilities would likely be similar to those associated with new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects under the General Plan. As future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project will be evaluated for conformance with the General Plan, Municipal Code, and other applicable regulations. Subsequent development and infrastructure projects would also be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA. As such, this is a less than significant impact and no additional mitigation is required.

The General Plan Update policies and actions would further ensure that there is adequate stormwater drainage and flood control infrastructure to serve future development under the General Plan Update, and would ensure that future drainage and flood control infrastructure projects do not result in adverse environmental impacts. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM-6.4 directs the City to work cooperatively with local water agencies to effectively and efficiently manage stormwater runoff as part of the City’s multi-pronged water conservation strategy. Proposed Community Findings

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Facilities Element Policy CF-1.3 directs the City to maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale.

Policy CF-1.8 directs City participation in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

Action CF-1a directs City coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and to provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Policy CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Action CF-4d reviews development projects to identify potential storm drain and drainage impacts and requires developments to include measures to ensure that offsite runoff is not increased beyond pre-development levels during rain and flood events. Action CF-4e requires project designs to minimize drainage concentrations, minimize impervious coverage, utilize pervious paving materials, utilize LID strategies, and utilize BMPs to reduce stormwater runoff. The implementation of existing regulations and General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce impacts associated with the relocation or construction of new or expanded stormwater facilities to a level that is less than significant.

Electrical, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications
In regard to electrical, natural gas, and telecommunication services, the Planning Area is within the service areas of SCE, SoCalGas, and various telecommunication providers. The Planning Area is generally developed and existing electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications infrastructure exists within the Planning Area. New growth anticipated by the General Plan Update would require increased electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications services, potentially resulting in the new construction or relocation of facilities. The environmental effects of future expansions of electrical, natural gas, and telecommunication facilities would be evaluated with each development proposal and would require a separate environmental review related to the construction and operation of new electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. Future implementing projects under the General Plan Update would have to coordinate with each utility provider to establish service, provide any necessary extensions of facilities, and comply with regulations in existence at that time. As future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project will be evaluated for conformance with the General Plan, Municipal Code, and other applicable regulations.

Furthermore, these future facilities would be subject to General Plan Update policies and actions intended to ensure adequate provision of services and facilities and that potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of new or expanded electrical, natural gas, and Findings

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telecommunications infrastructure would be reduced. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM-5.4 promotes the use of energy-efficient materials, equipment, and design in public and private facilities and infrastructure. Action RM-5a implements energy conservation measures in public buildings. Action RM-5b encourages innovative building design, layout, and orientation techniques to minimize energy use. Action RM-5c directs the City to review development projects to ensure compliance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24 standards as well as the energy efficiency standards established by the General Plan and the Municipal Code. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF-1.3 directs the City to maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale. Policy CF-1.8 directs City participation in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues. Action CF-1a directs City coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and to provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Policy CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Policy CF-5.1 directs the City to work cooperatively with utility providers to promote the provision of adequate telecommunications services and facilities to serve the needs of existing and future residents and businesses. Action CF-5a directs the City to confer with telecommunications providers regarding major development plans and participate in the planning of the extension of utilities. The implementation of existing regulations and General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce impacts associated with the relocation or construction of new or expanded electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications facilities to a level that is less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

LAND USE ELEMENT
Action LU-1e: Initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the Department of Finance, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the County of Los Angeles in order to adequately plan for growth, including jobs-housing balance projections.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
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Policy RM-5.4: Energy-Efficient Materials. Promote the use of energy-efficient materials, equipment, and design in public and private facilities and infrastructure.

Policy RM-5.5: Energy Conservation. Promote energy conservation and recycling by the public and private sectors.

Policy RM-6.1: Conservation. Promote residential, commercial and institutional water conservation strategies using multiple innovative strategies and contemporary best practices.

Policy RM-6.2: Landscaping. Encourage all public and private landscaping in new development and significantly altered redevelopment projects to be designed to reduce water demand, prevent erosion, decrease flooding, and reduce pollutants through the installation of irrigation systems, the selection of appropriate plant materials, and proper soil preparation.

Policy RM-6.4: Stormwater. Work cooperatively with local water agencies to effectively and efficiently manage stormwater runoff as part of the City’s multi-pronged water conservation strategy.

Action RM-6b: In cooperation with the State, Regional and local water agencies and suppliers, participate in programs that seek to expand the availability and use of recycled water for irrigation where feasible and legally permitted. Cooperate with these agencies to establish standards and regulations for the use of recycled water in development projects.

Action RM-6c: Work with local water agencies and service providers, regional wholesalers, and private developers to encourage water conservation in the following ways:

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• Implementing groundwater recharge programs;
• Participating in water conservation programs operated by the local and Regional water districts;
• Establishing water conservation education programs;
• Requiring Water-Efficient Landscaping for public and private areas, including parks and recreational facilities, in accordance with the Water-Efficient Landscape requirements;
• Expanding the production and use of reclaimed (recycled) water; • Requiring the incorporation of water conservation devices, including low flush toilets, flow restriction devices, and water conserving appliances in both new public and private development projects and rehabilitation projects.

Policy CF-1.8: Regional Issues. Continue to participate in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues.

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Policy CF-1.9: Cost Sharing. Explore equitable methods for sharing the costs of facilities or services that serve multiple jurisdictions in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and/or Los Angeles County.

Policy CF-1.10: Regional Services Providers. Collaborate with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service to Lawndale residents, and to plan for new development.

Policy CF-1.11: Capital Improvement Planning. Encourage agencies to carry out longrange capital improvement planning, which includes funding methods for the construction of projects that are compatible with regional land use planning goals and objectives.

Action CF-1a: Regularly coordinate with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects.

Action CF-1b: Maintain records regarding the quality and status of public facilities and critical infrastructure and use this information to inform the capital improvement planning process.

Action CF-1c: Study mechanisms for funding and phasing of new infrastructure.

Action CF-1d: Require any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities.

Action CF-1e: Participate in regional and sub-regional planning forums that may address matters affecting the quality of life in Lawndale and the region.

Policy CF-2.1: Water Supply Needs. Coordinate with local water districts when considering land use changes in order to assist the districts in planning for adequate capacity to accommodate future growth.

Policy CF-2.2: Use of Recycled Water. Encourage the use of recycled water in development projects and landscaping; implement best practices (e.g., dual plumbing) to expand recycled water use when safe, financially feasible, and available.

Policy CF-2.3: Climate Change Impacts. Consider the impacts of climate change in projections used to establish which water supply, distribution facilities, and conservation efforts are necessary to sustain future water demands.

Policy CF-2a: Through the development review process, require that sufficient water supply and water infrastructure capacity is available to serve the development prior to approval of the project, pursuant to Water Code Section 10910 and Government Code Section 66473.7.

Policy CF-2c: In cooperation with the State, Regional, and Local water agencies and suppliers, participate in programs that seek to expand the availability and use of recycled water for irrigation where feasible and legally permitted.

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Policy CF-3.1: Wastewater System. Work with appropriate service providers to promote safe and reliable wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure to serve existing and future development.

Policy CF-3.2: Adequate Infrastructure. Coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District to encourage facilities to provide sufficient capacity for Lawndale, and that wastewater infrastructure within the City is adequately monitored and maintained.

Policy CF-3.3: Integrated Systems Planning. Develop a comprehensive approach to water infrastructure that integrates sewer system planning with potable and recycled water systems, stormwater systems, and increased conservation awareness.

Action CF-3a: Through the development review process, continue to cooperate with the County of Los Angeles Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District to ensure adequate wastewater facilities are provided and maintained in the community. Specifically, the City should:
• Require that sufficient wastewater infrastructure capacity is available to serve the development prior to approval of the project;
• Ensure the project applicant has paid the required fees prior to occupancy of any new development; and
• Periodically review the fee schedules for sewer connections and revise fees as necessary to cover the cost of related services and facilities.

Policy CF-4.1: Maintain Capacity. Encourage the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) to maintain sufficient levels of storm drainage service, improve flood control facilities and channel segments, and implement other best practices in order to protect the community from flood hazards.

Action CF-4d: Continue to review development projects to identify potential storm drain and drainage impacts and require developments to include measures to ensure that off-site runoff is not increased beyond pre-development levels during rain and flood events.

Action CF-4e: Project designs shall minimize drainage concentrations, minimize impervious coverage, utilize pervious paving materials, utilize low impact development (LID) strategies, and utilize Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce stormwater runoff.

Policy CF-5.1: Cooperation with Utilities Providers. Work cooperatively with utility providers to promote the provision of adequate telecommunications services and facilities to serve the needs of existing and future residents and businesses.

Action CF-5a: Confer with telecommunications providers regarding major development plans and participate in the planning of the extension of utilities.

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2. Water Supplies
Threshold: Would the Project have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact USS-2, pages 3.19-35 through

5.19-38)
Explanation: The General Plan Update is expected to result in increased population and employment growth within the Planning Area, and a corresponding increase in the demand for additional water supplies. Buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a total of 15,405 housing units, a population of 47,430 people, 5,351,026 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and 9,208 jobs within the Planning Area. This represents development growth over existing conditions of an additional 3,942 housing units, an additional population of 9,482 people, an additional 808,864 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and an additional 2,738 jobs within the Planning Area. Water service in the Planning Area is provided by the GSWC. GSWC’s 2020 UWMP indicates that GSWC can meet projected water demands under normal-, single dry-, and multiple dryyear conditions through 2045. However, the General Plan Update is expected to result in increased population growth in the Planning Area, and a corresponding increase in the demand for additional water supplies, which have not been accounted for in the UWMP. The General Plan Update would result in a water demand of approximately 8.0 AFY within the Planning Area, which would be a net increase of 1.6 AFY (25 percent) over existing conditions. Future updates to the UWMP will account for future residential growth associated with the City’s 2021-2029 RHNA and the additional residential and non-residential growth opportunities provided by Project implementation, and would identify short-term and long-term water demand management measures to meet growing water demands during normal, dry, and multiple-dry years.

As site-specific development is not currently proposed, there is the potential that for future qualifying projects, a Water Supply Assessment would be required pursuant to SB 610. A Written Verification of Supply per SB 221 is prepared as a condition of approval for a subdivision map of 500 units or more. Depending on the project, one or both of these analyses may be required. Development proposals that may not warrant a Water Supply Assessment and/or Written Verification of Supply, but meet the definition of a project under CEQA, would still require an analysis of sufficient water supplies in the CEQA process. The Lawndale Municipal Code includes several provisions related to water conservation, including: Chapter 8.40, which allows the City Council to declare voluntary and mandatory water restrictions, as appropriate to water supply conditions; Chapter 15.28, which adopts CALGreen’s regulations to improve water efficiency and Findings

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conservation; and Chapter 17.88, which promotes water-efficient landscaping in new and substantially altered or expanded existing development projects. Additionally, the General Plan Update includes goals, policies, and actions directed towards water conservation to ensure that adequate water supply, treatment, and distribution capacity is available to meet the needs of future development without negatively impacting the existing community. These actions would result in reduced water consumption on a per capita basis that would help offset the increased demand from additional development within the Planning Area. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM-6.1 promotes water conservation strategies using innovative strategies and contemporary best practices. Policy RM-6.2 encourages all public and private landscaping in new development and significantly altered redevelopment projects to be designed to reduce water demand, prevent erosion, decrease flooding, and reduce pollutants through the installation of irrigation systems, the selection of appropriate plant materials, and proper soil preparation. Action RM-6b ensures City participation in programs that seek to expand the availability and use of recycled water for irrigation where feasible and legally permitted.

Action RM-6c directs the City to work with local water agencies and service providers to: implement groundwater recharge programs; participate in water conservation programs; establish water conservation education programs; require water efficient landscaping; expand the production and use of reclaimed water; and require water conservation devices in new development and rehabilitation projects. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF-2.1 coordinates with local water districts when considering land use changes in order to assist the districts in planning for adequate capacity to accommodate future growth. Policy CF-2.2 encourages the use and expansion of recycled water. Policy CF-2.3 considers the impacts of climate change in projections used to establish which water supply, distribution facilities, and conservation efforts are necessary to sustain future water demands. Action CF-2a requires the development review process to ensure sufficient water supply and water infrastructure capacity is available to serve the proposed development prior to approval of the project. Action CF-2c directs the City to cooperate with the State, regional, and local water agencies and suppliers to participate in programs that seek to expand the availability and use of recycled water for irrigation where feasible and legally permitted. Through implementation of existing Federal, State, and local regulations and the General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions, the environmental impacts to water supplies would be less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
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Policy RM-6.1: Conservation. Promote residential, commercial and institutional water conservation strategies using multiple innovative strategies and contemporary best practices.

Action RM-6c: Work with local water agencies and service providers, regional wholesalers, and private developers to encourage water conservation in the following ways:
• Implementing groundwater recharge programs;
• Participating in water conservation programs operated by the local and Regional water districts;
• Establishing water conservation education programs;
• Requiring Water-Efficient Landscaping for public and private areas, including parks and recreational facilities, in accordance with the Water-Efficient Landscape requirements;
• Expanding the production and use of reclaimed (recycled) water; • Requiring the incorporation of water conservation devices, including low flush toilets, flow restriction devices, and water conserving appliances in both new public and private development projects and rehabilitation projects.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT
Policy CF-2.1: Water Supply Needs. Coordinate with local water districts when considering land use changes in order to assist the districts in planning for adequate capacity to accommodate future growth.

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Policy CF-2a:Through the development review process, require that sufficient water supply and water infrastructure capacity is available to serve the development prior to approval of the project, pursuant to Water Code Section 10910 and Government Code Section 66473.7.

3. Wastewater Capacity
Threshold: Would the project 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?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact USS-3, pages 5.19-38 through

5.19-41)
Explanation: The City’s local sewers discharge into the LACSD facilities and are conveyed for treatment at LACSD’s JWPCP. The JWPCP has a capacity of 400 MGD and treats approximately 260 MGD of wastewater, resulting in a remaining capacity of 140 MGD. LACSD projects an average flow of 423 MGD at the JWPCP for 2050, which exceeds the plant’s current permitted capacity by 23 MGD. The LACSD continues to monitor and adjust its projected flows and would expand treatment capacity as needed based on these updates. No current plant expansion is being planned, as ongoing water conservation efforts throughout the region continue to lower current wastewater flows. Buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional population of 9,482 people within the Planning Area. Using the wastewater generation rate of 83 gpcd from LACSD’s 2012 Clearwater Program Master Facilities Plan, growth associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would generate

3.9 MGD of wastewater within the Planning Area, a net increase of 0.8 MGD (25.8 percent) over existing conditions.

The General Plan Update enables additional development but does not include specific development proposals. At the time future projects are proposed, they would require a separate environmental review and compliance with regulations in existence at that time to ensure adequate wastewater treatment capacity exists. LACSD charges annual wastewater sewer fees through its Wastewater Treatment Surcharge Program, as well as sewer connection fees through its Connection Fee Program, in order to maintain and expand LACSD’s wastewater services. Additionally, the General Plan Update includes goals, policies, and actions to ensure adequate wastewater facilities capacity to serve the Project’s projected demand.

Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-2.6 would notify adjacent Findings

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jurisdictions and agencies of proposed land use actions within the Planning Area that may affect them. Proposed Community Facilities Element Policy CF-1.3 directs the City to maintain and implement public facility master plans, in collaboration with appropriate regional, State, and Federal laws, to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lawndale. Policy CF-1.8 directs City participation in the preparation of plans and programs addressing regional infrastructure and public services issues. Action CF-1a directs City coordination with outside service providers and other agencies regarding their public facility plans and to provide local input on goals, objectives, and projects. Policy CF-1d requires any new development or major redevelopment that would put local and/or regional facilities at or near capacity to upgrade those facilities. Policy CF-3.1 directs the City to work with appropriate service providers to promote safe and reliable wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure to serve existing and future development. Policy CF-3.2 directs coordination with the CSMD to encourage facilities to provide sufficient capacity for Lawndale, and that wastewater infrastructure within the City is adequately monitored and maintained. Policy CF-3.3 proposes the City take a comprehensive approach to water infrastructure that integrates sewer system planning with potable and recycled water systems, stormwater systems, and increased conservation awareness. Policy CF-3a directs the City to require that sufficient wastewater infrastructure capacity is available to serve proposed development prior to approval of the project; ensure the project applicant has paid the required fees prior to occupancy of any new development; and to periodically review the fee schedules for sewer connections and revise fees as necessary to cover the cost of related services and facilities. The implementation of existing Federal, State, and local regulations and the General Plan Update policies and actions would ensure adequate wastewater treatment capacity and impacts would be less than significant.

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:

COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT
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