“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment.” Caltrans is in support of this project’s mobility goals and policies that help achieve state planning priorities contained in state law and meet state policy goals on transportation, VMT reduction, GHG emissions reduction, and/or betterment of the environment and human health.
VMT
The Project is subject to the Los Angeles countywide guidelines which aim to reach 15 percent lower than existing 2023 VMT thresholds. The Project is estimated to exceed 15 percent below the VMT threshold and the Project would result in a significant VMT impact with regard to conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3(b), and mitigation is required.
Mitigation Measures: TDM
The following TDM mitigation measures have been identified to reduce the significant and unavoidable impact of the Project:
• Increased variety of travel modes
• Transit Service funding
• Ride-matching services
• Telecommuting and alternative work schedules
• Mixed land uses
• Pedestrian and low-stress bicycle network improvements With the implementation of the TDM measures, the results are likely to result in less-thansignificant VMT impacts when considered at an individual project level. However, the VMT impacts would not result in a reduction of the total VMT on a citywide level, and the impact level would result in a significant and unavoidable impact.
Others
For additional multimodal options, please refer to CAPCOA’s Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity. This reference is available online at:
https://www.caleemod.com/documents/handbook/full_handbook.pdf Additionally, please see the Caltrans Local Development Review (LDR) Safety Review Practitioner’s Guidance (Table 3) for further safety considerations:
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/safety-programs/documents/202402-ldrsafety-review-practitioners-guidance-a11y.pdf Caltrans recommends that the Project limit construction traffic to off-peak periods to minimize the potential impact on State facilities. If construction traffic is expected to cause issues on any State facilities, please submit a construction traffic control plan detailing these issues for Caltrans’ review.
3 4
5 6
7 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *323
Brianna Rindge
September 4, 2024
“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment.” If you have any questions, please contact Jaden Oloresisimo, the project coordinator, at [email protected] and refer to GTS # 07-LA-2024-04584.
Sincerely,
Anthony Higgins
Acting LDR/CEQA Branch Chief
cc: State Clearinghouse
Sincerely,
Anthony Higgins
8 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *324
Lomita General Plan Update
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
September 2024 2-6 Comments on Draft EIR and Responses
Response to Comment Letter A
California Department of Transportation – District 7
Anthony Higgins, Acting LDR/CEQA Branch Chief
September 4, 2024
A-1 This comment is noted, as it is introductory in nature and provides an overview of the proposed Project, as well as listing the State Routes or facilities that are closest to the Planning Area. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-2 This comment is noted, as it restates the less-than-significant impact findings of the Draft EIR related to the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the Planning Area. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-3 This comment is noted, as it relays Caltrans’ support of the proposed Project’s mobility goals related to VMT and GHG emissions reductions and the betterment of the environment and human health. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-4 This comment is noted, as it describes how the Project would be subject to Los Angeles Countywide VMT Guidelines and would require mitigation to help reduce the significant VMT impact. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-5 This comment is noted, as it identified TDM measures which could help reduce significant impacts, and likely result in less-than-significant VMT impacts when applied to individual future projects.
This information will be provided to decision-makers, as future project developers would be required to comply with State and local measures related to reducing transportation and VMT impacts. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-6 This comment is noted, as it provides links to CAPCOA’s Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity, as well as Caltrans Local Development Review (LDR) Safety Review Practitioner’s Guidance. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-7 This comment is noted, as it provides Caltrans’ recommendations for the project to limit construction traffic to off-peak periods to minimize potential impacts to State Facilities, as well as requesting submission of traffic control plans for Caltrans’ review. The proposed General Plan Update does not propose any specific development projects; however, future implementing projects would be required to comply with Caltrans and City requirements related to the submission of traffic control plans during construction, which would be subject to review. This Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *325
Lomita General Plan Update
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
September 2024 2-7 Comments on Draft EIR and Responses
comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
A-8 This comment is noted, as it provides a conclusion and contact information for potential questions related to the comment. This comment does not require any changes to the Draft EIR, and as such, no further response is required.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
September 2024 2-8 Comments on Draft EIR and Responses
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EXHIBIT A
CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT
The California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) requires that public agencies shall not approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact report (“EIR”) has been certified that identifies one or more significant adverse environmental effects of a project unless the public agency makes one or more written Findings for each of those significant effects, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each Finding (State CEQA Guidelines [Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.], § 15091).
This document presents the CEQA Findings of Fact made by the City of Lomita, in its capacity as the CEQA lead agency, regarding the Looking Up Lomita – General Plan Update (“General Plan Update”), evaluated in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (“Draft EIR”) and Final Environmental Impact Report (“Final EIR”) for the Project.
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
Public Resources Code section 21002 states that “public agencies should not approve projects as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects[.]” Section 21002 further states that the procedures required by CEQA “are intended to assist public agencies in systematically identifying both the significant effects of proposed projects and the feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures which will avoid or substantially lessen such significant effects.”
Pursuant to section 21081 of the Public Resources Code, a public agency may only approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been completed that identifies any significant environmental effects if the agency makes one or more of the following written finding(s) for each of those significant effects accompanied by a brief explanation of rationale for each finding:
1. Changes or alterations have been required in, or the incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
2. Those changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and have been, or can and should be, adopted by that other agency.
3. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including considerations for the provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or alternatives identified in the environmental impact report.
As indicated above, section 21002 requires an agency to “avoid or substantially lessen” significant adverse environmental impacts. Thus, mitigation measures that “substantially lessen” significant environmental impacts, even if not completely avoided, satisfy section 21002’s mandate. (Laurel Hills Homeowners Assn. v. City Council (1978) 83 Cal.App.3d 515, 521 [“CEQA does not mandate the choice of the environmentally best feasible project if through the imposition of feasible mitigation measures alone the appropriate public agency has reduced environmental Attachment 4-part 2
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damage from a project to an acceptable level”]; Las Virgenes Homeowners Fed., Inc. v. County of Los Angeles (1986) 177 Cal. App. 3d 300, 309 [“[t]here is no requirement that adverse impacts of a project be avoided completely or reduced to a level of insignificance . . . if such would render the project unfeasible”].)
While CEQA requires that lead agencies adopt feasible mitigation measures or alternatives to substantially lessen or avoid significant environmental impacts, an agency need not adopt infeasible mitigation measures or alternatives. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21002.1(c) [if “economic, social, or other conditions make it infeasible to mitigate one or more significant effects on the environment of a project, the project may nonetheless be carried out or approved at the discretion of a public agency”]; see also State CEQA Guidelines, § 15126.6(a) [an “EIR is not required to consider alternatives which are infeasible”].) CEQA defines “feasible” to mean “capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technological factors.” (Pub. Resources Code, § 21061.1.) The State CEQA Guidelines add “legal” considerations as another indicia of feasibility. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15364.) Project objectives also inform the determination of “feasibility.” (Jones v. U.C. Regents (2010) 183 Cal. App. 4th 818, 828-829.) “‘[F]easibility’ under CEQA encompasses ‘desirability’ to the extent that desirability is based on a reasonable balancing of the relevant economic, environmental, social, and technological factors.” (City of Del Mar v. City of San Diego (1982) 133 Cal.App.3d 401, 417; see also Sequoyah Hills Homeowners Assn. v. City of Oakland (1993) 23 Cal.App.4th 704, 715.) “Broader considerations of policy thus come into play when the decision making body is considering actual feasibility[.]” (Cal. Native Plant Soc’y v.
City of Santa Cruz (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 957, 1000 (“Native Plant”); see also Pub. Resources Code, § 21081(a)(3) [“economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations” may justify rejecting mitigation and alternatives as infeasible] (emphasis added).) Environmental impacts that are less than significant do not require the imposition of mitigation measures. (Leonoff v. Monterey County Board of Supervisors (1990) 222 Cal.App.3d 1337, 1347.)
The California Supreme Court has stated, “[t]he wisdom of approving . . . any development project, a delicate task which requires a balancing of interests, is necessarily left to the sound discretion of the local officials and their constituents who are responsible for such decisions. The law as we interpret and apply it simply requires that those decisions be informed, and therefore balanced.” (Citizens of Goleta Valley v. Board of Supervisors (1990) 52 Cal.3d 553, 576.) In addition, perfection in a project or a project’s environmental alternatives is not required; rather, the requirement is that sufficient information be produced “to permit a reasonable choice of alternatives so far as environmental aspects are concerned.” Outside agencies (including courts) are not to “impose unreasonable extremes or to interject [themselves] within the area of discretion as to the choice of the action to be taken.” (Residents Ad Hoc Stadium Com. v. Board of Trustees (1979) 89 Cal.App.3d 274, 287.)
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SECTION II
FINDINGS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS NOT REQUIRING MITIGATION
The City Council hereby finds that the following potential environmental impacts of the General Plan Update are less than significant and therefore do not require the imposition of Mitigation Measures.
A. AESTHETICS
1. Scenic Vistas
Threshold: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact AES-1, pages 4.1-7 through 4.1- 10)
Explanation: Scenic views within the Planning Area include long-range views of the Santa Monica Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains. Views of these scenic resources are highly dependent on atmospheric conditions due to the Planning Area’s distance from these scenic resources. Views of these scenic resources are intermittent from within the Planning Area due to existing development within the Planning Area and surrounding area.
Implementation of the Project would result in new development and intensification of existing urban uses along major corridors, including Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita Boulevard, Narbonne Avenue, Western Avenue, and Palos Verdes Drive North.
The City of Lomita’s Zoning Ordinance regulates development within the city, including building heights, setbacks, massing, and design and architectural regulations. Pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 11-1.70.07, Site Plan Review, applicable future development projects would be reviewed to ensure that the proposed physical layout, design, or use will:
comply with the Zoning Ordinance; would not have adverse effects on neighboring property; would achieve consistency with the General Plan; and would have a suitable and functional development design. Future projects on residential lots south of Pacific Coast Highway would still be required to obtain a Height Variation Permit for new structures or additions over sixteen feet in height measured from the natural grade, pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 11-1.70.11, Height Variation Permit. The Height Variation Permit ensures the project is reviewed to determine if it would obstruct a significant view. Additionally, applicable future land use and development review applications would still undergo environmental review on a project-by-project basis prior to consideration by the decision-making authority. If necessary, City staff would require project-specific mitigation to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
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Furthermore, the General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions are intended to ensure that urbanization of the Planning Area would not result in substantial adverse effects on a scenic vista. For example, Policy LU-1.2 directs the City to focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity and preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, thus concentrating future development in areas less likely to be impacted by scenic vistas. Action LU-1a directs the City to update the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with the General Plan Update Land Use Element, including amending the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, thus assisting the protection of scenic vistas through regulations and development standards.
Action LU-1b directs the City to review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in the General Plan Update. Policy LU-2.2 requires compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles, fostering cohesion among neighboring development projects and minimizing potential conflicts which could impact scenic vistas. Policy LU2.4 is aimed at protecting established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use. This policy safeguards the integrity of scenic vistas by ensuring that new development projects respect the surrounding residential character. Policy LU-2.5 requires residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be wellintegrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site, preventing visual disruptions and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of scenic vistas. Policy LU-3.5 is aimed at preserving the character and uniqueness of existing residential neighborhoods, and Policy LU-3.9 promotes the undergrounding of utility lines and aboveground equipment. Policies LU-3.5 and LU-3.9 ensure the minimization of visual clutter to help preserve scenic vistas. Therefore, the Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on scenic vistas, and impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
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Policy LU-1.1: Land Use Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of nonrenewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
Action LU-1b: Review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in this General Plan.
Action LU-1d: Establish in lieu fees or establish provisions for granting development incentives such as building height and development intensity when projects provide community benefits, including, but not limited to, payment of community benefits fee, publicly accessible open space/parks, additional affordable housing, public art, infrastructure improvements beyond those required for the development, and other amenities.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Policy LU-2.2: Compatible Uses. Require compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
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Policy LU-2.3: Development Tradeoffs. Ensure that new development projects provide a net community benefit, economically or qualitatively.
Policy LU-2.4: Residential Neighborhoods. Protect established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use.
Policy LU-2.5: Mixed-Use Design Integration. Require residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be well-integrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site.
Policy LU-2.9: Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to address land use compatibility within areas surrounding Lomita, including, but not limited to, flight-related issues (from Torrance Municipal Airport) and hillside development.
Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Goal LU-3: Urban Form and Placemaking. Maintain a distinctive and authentic sense of place.
Policy LU-3.5: Preserve Neighborhood Character. Preserve the character and uniqueness of existing residential neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.9: Visual Clutter. Promote the beautification, accessibility, and safety of the city and streetscape through the undergrounding of utility lines and aboveground equipment.
2. Scenic Resources
Threshold: Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
Finding: No Impact. (Draft EIR, page 4.1-3)
Explanation: No eligible or designated State Scenic Highways exist within the Planning Area. The nearest officially designated State Scenic Highway is a portion of State Route (“SR”) 91 in the City of Anaheim, beginning at the intersection of SR-91 and SR-55. The portion of SR-91 that is officially designated as a State Scenic Highway is located approximately 28 miles east of the Project site; the Planning Area is not within the viewshed of this State Scenic Highway. The nearest eligible State Scenic Highway is a portion of Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1), just southeast of the intersection at Lakewood Boulevard, in the City of Long Beach. The portion of SR-1 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *333
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that is eligible for designation as a State Scenic Highway is located approximately ten miles east of the Planning Area.
3. Visual Character
Threshold: In non-urbanized areas, would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public view of the site and its surroundings? If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact AES-2, pages 4.1-10 through 4.1- 14)
Explanation: All construction activities related to the General Plan Update would be temporary in nature and all construction equipment would ultimately be removed from individual project sites following completion of construction activities. Therefore, changes to local visual character and quality associated with construction of future development would be temporary, and impacts would be less than significant.
The General Plan Update would support additional development beyond existing conditions. In general, the General Plan Update Land Use Element proposes an increase in building density and intensity, in accordance with State and regional housing and climate change goals. The General Plan Update incorporates consistent and compatible development intensities that would maintain and enhance the overall visual character/quality of the Planning Area. Specifically, the Land Use, Resource Management, and Economic Development Elements include goals and policies, maps, and diagrams to control and direct the general distribution, location, and extent of land uses within the Planning Area. For example, Policy LU-1.2 directs the city to focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity and preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, ensuring more balanced visual character for future development through controlled intensity. Supporting compatible development intensities and visual coherence is facilitated by implementation of Action LU-1a, which directs the City to update the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with the General Plan Update Land Use Element, including amending the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations. Action LU1b directs the City to review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in the General Plan Update, thus promoting future development that aligns with the visual character of the community. Policy LU-2.2 requires compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles, thus maintaining a harmonious visual environment through appropriate future development intensities. Policy Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *334
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LU-2.4 is aimed at protecting established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use, ensuring neighborhood visual character preservation for future development. Policy LU-2.5 requires residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be wellintegrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site, thus ensuring cohesive visual character for future development. Promoting visual consistency is facilitated by proposed Policy LU-3.5, which aims to preserve the character and uniqueness of existing residential neighborhoods. LU-3.9 promotes the undergrounding of utility lines and aboveground equipment, thus enhancing visual character by reducing visual clutter. Policy RM-1.9 ensures consistent integration of City-approved street trees (i.e., permitted species) along sidewalks and property frontages, thus enhancing the visual character of future development through uniform landscape practices. The City’s overall visual character is maintained and enhanced through Policy ED-1.2, which is aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of commercial corridors with strategic investments, such as landscaping, outdoor lighting, wayfinding, entry and building façade improvements, and other initiatives that increase the corridors’ attractiveness for businesses and consumers. Guiding future growth and development based on the General Plan Update would ensure future development complements and protects the quality of the existing environment.
All future development would also be subject to conformance with applicable requirements in the Lomita Municipal Code. The Zoning Ordinance regulates maximum building height, building setbacks, parking and garage/carport placement, landscaping and screening requirements, and other development characteristics in place in each zoning district to protect the city’s long-term visual character. Pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 11-1.70.07, Site Plan Review, applicable future development projects would be reviewed to ensure that the proposed physical layout, design, or use:
complies with the Zoning Ordinance; would not have adverse effects on neighboring property; would achieve consistency with the General Plan; and would have a suitable and functional development design. Future projects on residential lots south of Pacific Coast Highway would still be required to obtain a Height Variation Permit for new structures or additions over sixteen feet in height measured from the natural grade, pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 11-1.70.11, Height Variation Permit. The Height Variation Permit ensures that each project is reviewed to determine if it would obstruct a significant view. Additionally, applicable future land use and development review applications would still undergo environmental review on a project-by-project basis prior to consideration by the decisionmaking authority. If necessary, City staff would require project-specific mitigation to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
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The implementation of policies and actions contained in the General Plan Update and compliance with the Zoning Ordinance would ensure that new development in the Planning Area would be designed to enhance the visual quality of the area and be visually compatible with existing development and open space resources. Therefore, implementation of the General Plan Update would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views or conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality. Impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Policy LU-1.1: Land Use Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of nonrenewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
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Action LU-1b: Review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in this General Plan.
Action LU-1d: Establish in lieu fees or establish provisions for granting development incentives such as building height and development intensity when projects provide community benefits, including, but not limited to, payment of community benefits fee, publicly accessible open space/parks, additional affordable housing, public art, infrastructure improvements beyond those required for the development, and other amenities.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Policy LU-2.2: Compatible Uses. Require compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
Policy LU-2.3: Development Tradeoffs. Ensure that new development projects provide a net community benefit, economically or qualitatively.
Policy LU-2.4: Residential Neighborhoods. Protect established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use.
Policy LU-2.5: Mixed-Use Design Integration. Require residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be well-integrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site.
Policy LU-2.9: Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to address land use compatibility within areas surrounding Lomita, including, but not limited to, flight-related issues (from Torrance Municipal Airport) and hillside development.
Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Goal LU-3: Urban Form and Placemaking. Maintain a distinctive and authentic sense of place.
Policy LU-3.5: Preserve Neighborhood Character. Preserve the character and uniqueness of existing residential neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.9: Visual Clutter. Promote the beautification, accessibility, and safety of the city and streetscape through the undergrounding of utility lines and aboveground equipment.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
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Policy RM-1.1: Parks and Recreation Facility Amenities. Develop parks and recreational facilities with amenities that meet the community’s needs and preferences, including but not limited to play areas for children, sports courts and fields, dog parks, community meeting rooms, and accessibility updates.
Policy RM-1.6: Maintenance. Ensure regular maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, open space areas, and public amenities to uphold appearance, usability, and safety.
Policy RM-1.9: Green Streets. Ensure the consistent integration of City-approved street trees (i.e., permitted species) along sidewalks and property frontages.
ECONIMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Policy ED-1.2 Streetscape Improvements. Enhance aesthetics and “curb appeal” of the commercial corridors with strategic investments such as landscaping, outdoor lighting, wayfinding, entry and building façade improvements, and other initiatives that increase the corridors’ attractiveness for businesses and consumers.
4. Light and Glare
Threshold: Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact AES-4, pages 4.1-14 through 4.1- 17)
Explanation: Future development accommodated through implementation of the General Plan Update could introduce new sources of light or glare with the potential to adversely affect day or nighttime views. Light and glare impacts could result from new light sources such as street lighting, interior and exterior building lighting (including for safety purposes), vehicle headlights, illuminated signage, and new glare sources such as reflective building materials, roofing materials, and windows. These new sources of light and glare would be most visible from development along adjacent roadways and to receptors, such as residents and traveling motorists.
All lighting installed as part of future development projects resulting from General Plan Update implementation would be subject to conformance with applicable Zoning Ordinance requirements and guided by the General Plan Update Land Use Element, which includes policies and actions to reduce potential light and glare impacts. Policy LU-2.2 requires compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles, thus preventing new sources of substantial light and glare from future development that could adversely affect day or nighttime views in the community. The reduction of operational light and glare impacts from future development is facilitated by proposed Policy LU-2.4, which is Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *338
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aimed at protecting established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use. Policy LU-2.5 requires residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be wellintegrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site, including light and glare reduction measure for future developments. Action LU-2a ensures all projects are reviewed and processed per CEQA Guidelines. Action LU-2b directs the City to analyze land use compatibility through the development review process to require adequate buffers and/or architectural enhancements that protect sensitive receptors (e.g., residences, schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes) from intrusion of development activities that may cause unwanted nuisances and health risks. Actions LU-2a and LU-2b ensure light and glare potential impacts are thoroughly analyzed in the City’s plan review process for future development on a project-by-project basis. Therefore, implementation of the General Plan Update would not result in adverse light and glare impacts. Impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Policy LU-2.2: Compatible Uses. Require compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
Policy LU-2.3: Development Tradeoffs. Ensure that new development projects provide a net community benefit, economically or qualitatively.
Policy LU-2.4: Residential Neighborhoods. Protect established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use.
Policy LU-2.5: Mixed-Use Design Integration. Require residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be well-integrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site.
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Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Action LU-2b: Analyze land use compatibility through the development review process to require adequate buffers and/or architectural enhancements that protect sensitive receptors (e.g., residences, schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes) from intrusion of development activities that may cause unwanted nuisances and health risks.
B. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
1. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Threshold: Would the project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
Would the project conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
Would the project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g), or result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Finding: No impact. (Draft EIR, pages 7.0-1 through 7.0-2) Explanation: There are no agriculture, forest lands or timber lands located within the Planning Area. There are also no parcels that are currently under a Williamson Act contract, zoned as forest land, timber, or timber production.
Therefore, implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would have no impact on agricultural, forest land, timber, or timber production.
C. AIR QUALITY
1. Air Quality Plans
Threshold: Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact AQ-1, pages 4.2-29 through 4.2- 39)
Explanation: The Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has adopted a series of Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) to lead the Air Basin into compliance with several criteria air pollutant standards and other federal requirements, while taking into account construction and operational emissions associated with population and economic growth projections provided by the Southern California Association of Government’s (SCAG’s) 2020-2045 RTP/SCS. CEQA requires that general plans be evaluated for consistency with the AQMP. Indicators of consistency include control strategies and growth projections.
Construction Emissions
Future development of individual projects under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with CARB’s requirements to minimize shortterm emissions from on-road and off-road diesel equipment, including the ATCM to limit heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle idling to no more than five minutes at any given time, and with SCAQMD’s regulations such as Rule 403 for controlling fugitive dust and Rule 1113 for controlling VOC emissions from architectural coatings. Furthermore, as applicable to the type of growth, individual projects under the proposed General Plan Update would comply with fleet rules to reduce on-road truck emissions (i.e., 13 CCR, Section 2025 (CARB Truck and Bus regulation)). Compliance with these measures and requirements would be consistent with and meet or exceed the AQMP requirements for control strategies intended to reduce emissions from construction equipment and activities. Implementation of the General Plan Update would result in an increase in short-term employment compared to existing conditions. However, these jobs would be temporary in nature. Therefore, the construction jobs generated by future development accommodated by the General Plan Update would not conflict with the long-term employment or population projections upon which the AQMPs are based.
Operational Emissions
Future development under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and, to the extent applicable, the 2020-2024 RTP/SCS.
Additionally, the location, design, and land uses of the growth anticipated by the General Plan Update would implement land use and transportation strategies related to reducing vehicle trips for residents and employees of the City by increasing commercial and residential density near public transit. The availability of public transportation and the focus on increasing Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *341
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density relative to the existing public transportation, enables implementation of the General Plan Update to potentially reduce vehicle trips, VMT, and associated transportation-related emissions per capita, compared to the existing conditions.
Specifically, the General Plan Update includes the following goals, policies, and actions that support reduced air quality impacts associated with Project operation. Goal LU-1 requires the city to implement a balanced land use pattern. Policy LU-1.1 requires the city to promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Policy LU-1.2, which requires the City to focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality. Goal M-3 encourages the development of complete streets. Policy M-1.8 encourages the preparation of TDM plans for all major developments or facility expansions to encourage ride-sharing and other improvements, thereby reducing vehicle trips. Policy M-5.1 requires the City to work with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“Metro”), Torrance Transit, and other local public transit providers to plan and improve local transit service and transit facilities, including bus stops, in the city. Policy M-6.1 encourages the City to implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to provide active transportation facilities that can serve as an alternative to automobiles. Policy M-9.4 encourages the City to work with developers to reduce GHG 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.
The proposed Project would be consistent with the AQMP under the first indicator. Therefore, air quality impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Policy LU-1.1: Land Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of non-renewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
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Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
Policy LU-1.3: Employment/Housing Balance. Strive to balance levels of employment and housing within the community to provide more opportunities for residents to work locally, reduce commute times, and improve air quality.
Policy LU-1.4: Thriving Downtown. Promote economic opportunities in Downtown Lomita through a mixture of housing, destination-type commercial uses, eateries, entertainment, and civic uses such as cultural and performing arts facilities. Support pedestrian-friendly and human-scaled development within the downtown area to reduce vehicle trips and parking demand.
Policy LU-1.5: Neighborhood-Serving Uses. Support the development of neighborhoodscaled retail and service uses nearby residences to meet daily needs and reduce vehicle trips.
Policy LU-1.6: Capture Local Spending. Encourage the development of a broad range of commercial uses that capture a greater share of local spending and reduce residents’ reliance upon travel to nearby communities.
Policy LU-1.8: Mixed-Use. Create opportunities for development projects that mix housing with commercial uses to enable Lomita’s residents to live close to businesses and employment, improving multi-modal travel and increasing social interaction.
Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
MOBILIITY ELEMENT
Goal M-1: Local Circulation System. A community served by a safe and balanced circulation system that meets the needs of all users.
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Policy M-1.6: Promote Safe Streets. Use a safe systems approach for transportation planning, street design, operations, emergency response, and maintenance that proactively identifies opportunities to improve safety where conflicts between users exist to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in our roadways.
Policy M-1.7: Traffic Calming on Local Streets. Traffic Calming on Local Streets. Use traffic calming strategies such as signage, speed radar feedback signs, curb extensions, and deflections, as recommended in the City’s Traffic Calming Toolkit, to create a pedestrianfriendly circulation system and promote safety, while not reducing parking supply.
Policy M-1.8: Transportation Demand Management. Encourage the preparation of Transportation Demand Management plans for all major developments or facility expansions to encourage ride-sharing and other improvements, thereby reducing vehicle trips.
Action M-1e: Monitor the development of new mobility technologies and the potential local effects on vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities and operations, and seek funding to invest in associated infrastructure and technologies such as Traffic System Management (TSM) and traffic signal synchronization.
Action M-1f: Evaluate the applicability of traffic calming tools to minimize cut-through traffic on local streets, especially in residential areas and near schools, and implement improvements as necessary.
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 improvement projects (e.g., safety, intelligent transportation systems, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities) to accommodate the needs of street users of all ages and abilities.
Policy M-3.2: Multimodal Connectivity. Link activity centers, employment centers, public facilities, and schools to transit and active transportation facilities.
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, including street lighting, wayfinding, street trees, and other nonvehicular infrastructure.
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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *344
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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 Routes to School programs and promote walking and bicycling to local schools.
Policy M-3.7: Right-of-Way Design. Ensure the City is fully utilizing legal right-of-way to provide space for an appropriate mix of streetscape elements.
Action M-3a: When planning roadway facilities, incorporate the concept of complete streets, while considering the land use and design context of the surrounding areas.
Action M-3b: Periodically review and update the City’s Right-of-Way Standards to ensure that the standards reflect the City’s goals and policies for the circulation system.
Action M-3c: Partner with Lomita school administrators to improve traffic and parking conditions in school areas, especially during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
Action M-3d: Develop strategies and guidelines to set curb use priorities that consider the needs of through traffic, transit stops, bus turnouts, passenger drop-off/pick-up, deliveries, and short-term/long-term parking, especially along major corridors.
Goal M-5: Transit. A community connected to a comprehensive public transportation system.
Policy M-5.1: Transit Use. Support programs encouraging public transit use by people living in, working in, or visiting Lomita.
Policy M-5.2: Improve Local Public Transit Service. Work with Metro, Torrance Transit, 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, bus stop infrastructure, and route information signage.
Policy M-5.4: 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.
Action M-5b: Work with transit providers to increase transit service frequency, speed, and reliability and increase ridership and to strengthen linkages and access to key destinations.
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Action M-5c: Explore new intracity transit options such as a Lomita trolley to transport individuals between commercial areas, residential areas, and parks.
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 and Pedestrian Master Plan. Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 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-6.3: Sidewalk and Bikeway Gaps. Create a connected and complete active transportation network by identifying and eliminating gaps in sidewalks and bikeways, evaluating the adequacy of existing urban trails, and prioritizing sidewalk maintenance.
Policy M-6.4: 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-6.5: Effects of New Technologies on Active Transportation. Monitor the development of new mobility 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, require land development projects to provide connectivity and accessibility to a mix of uses such as schools, parks, work, and shopping destinations that meet residents’ daily needs including secure parking and safety measures.
Action M-6b: 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.
Action M-6c: Dedicate capital improvement funding for citywide projects including pedestrian refuge islands, raised crosswalks, or other relevant crosswalk enhancements as they become available.
Action M-6d: Require that all roadway resurfacing projects and land development projects with impacts to roadways be subject to a review process that considers lane reconfiguration and other opportunities to improve the bicycle and pedestrian network.
Goal M-9: Transportation Management. A community with transportation management strategies that contribute to achieving regional and statewide greenhouse gas emissions targets.
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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.
Policy M-9.2: Transportation Demand Management. Require transportation demand management (TDM) strategies as mitigation measures for new projects that exceed the City’s VMT 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.
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.
Action M-9c: Consider adoption of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) guidelines and thresholds for transportation analysis for the purposes of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Goal RM-3: Air Quality. Improve air quality and reduce air pollutant emissions.
Policy RM-3.1: Regional Air Quality. Coordinate with state and regional agencies such as 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 Resources Board (CARB) to address air quality issues.
Policy RM-3.2: Land Use Planning. Reduce concentrated air pollution and the incidence of respiratory illness through the land use planning process by diversifying the land use mix, bringing compatible uses closer together, reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), and applying other similar measures.
Policy RM-3.3: Stationary and Mobile Sources. Seek to reduce air pollutant emissions through regulation of stationary and mobile sources of air pollution, as feasible.
Policy RM-3.4: Sustainable Technology. Encourage new and emerging technologies that could decrease air pollution.
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Policy RM-3.5: Public Education. Raise public awareness of the impacts of air pollution on physical health and the environment.
Policy RM-3.6: Grant Funding. Explore grant funding from state, federal, and nongovernmental organizations for clean air projects to improve air quality and decrease air pollutant emissions.
Action M-3a: Coordinate with the SCAQMD to further reduce smog pollution and mitigate major stationary sources of air pollution in the city.
Action M-3b: As applicable, review new residential and nonresidential development projects during the CEQA process for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors.
Action M-3c: Integrate smart technology equipment into urban infrastructure that can monitor and provide real time air quality data.
Action M-3d: Conduct educational outreach to residential and business community stakeholders about air quality standards, air pollution impact on physical health and the environment, and best practices to improve overall air quality.
Action M-3e: Identify state, federal, and non-governmental organizations that provide grant funding for clean air projects.
Goal RM-4: Greenhouse Gas Reduction. Commit to reducing municipal greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a low carbon future.
Policy RM-4.1: Low-carbon Municipality. Demonstrate environmental leadership and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities and operations by at least 49% below 2005 levels by 2035, in conjunction with the City’s 2018 Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Policy RM-4.2: GHG Inventory. Update the community and municipal GHG inventories every five years to track progress toward achieving the City’s GHG reduction goal.
Policy RM-4.3: Development Standards. Require residential and nonresidential development projects to implement sustainable development standards to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy RM-4.4: Sustainable Infrastructure. Continue to invest in public infrastructure that supports the use of energy efficient or low-emission transportation.
Policy RM-4.5: State and Federal Targets. Review existing City practices to identify methods to decrease overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy RM-4.6: City Contractors. Encourage contractors to use low-emission equipment and vehicles for City construction projects.
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Action RM-4a: Implement the local GHG reduction measures identified in the City of Lomita 2018 Climate Action Plan (CAP) and perform on-going monitoring and reporting of GHG reduction impacts.
Action RM-4b: Continue to participate in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments’ (SBCCOG) climate action planning process and update Lomita’s CAP at least every five years.
Action RM-4c: Explore incentives for city contractors who invest in and use lowemission equipment and vehicles for city infrastructure projects or establish minimum requirements in the Municipal Code.
Goal RM-5: Sustainability/Energy Resources. Carefully and safely manage energy resources, embracing sustainable practices for long-term vitality.
Policy RM-5.1: Renewable Energy Production. Promote the development and use of renewable energy sources for city, residential, and business facilities.
Policy RM-5.2: Energy Audits. Promote home energy audits with regional programs such as Energy Upgrade California or other state programs.
Policy RM-5.3: Regional Partnerships. Coordinate with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and other organizations for outreach events to promote energy awareness and existing programs and incentives that are offered for energy efficiency.
Policy RM-5.4: Green Building Standards. Ensure that residential and nonresidential development projects comply with the most current version of the California Green Building Standards Code.
Policy RM-5.5: Energy Upgrades. Encourage property owners to participate in solar retrofit and other energy-efficient home improvement projects to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
Action RM-5a: As feasible, use renewable energy sources at City facilities.
Action RM-5b: Organize and conduct educational workshops with utility companies informing the public of the benefits of home energy audits and energy saving practices.
Action RM-5c: Conduct outreach events with the SBCCOG to inform residents and businesses about existing programs and incentives that are offered for energy efficiency.
Action RM-5d: Continue to review development projects to ensure that all new residential and nonresidential development complies with local and state regulations regarding energy efficiency.
Action RM-5e: Consider adopting minimum energy efficiency requirements in the Zoning Code.
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2. Other Adverse Emissions
Threshold: Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact AQ-4, pages 4.2-46 through 4.2- 47)
Explanation: According to the SCAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook, construction equipment is not a typical source of odors. Odors from the combustion of diesel fuel would be minimized by complying with the CARB ATCM that limits diesel-fueled commercial vehicle idling to five minutes at any given location, which was adopted in 2004. Future development accommodated by the General Plan Update would also comply with SCAQMD Rule 402 (Nuisance), which prohibits the emissions of nuisance air contaminants or odorous compounds. Through adherence with mandatory compliance with SCAQMD Rules and State measures, construction activities and materials would not create objectionable odors. Construction of future development would not be expected to generate nuisance odors at nearby air quality sensitive receptors. Therefore, impacts with respect to odors would be less than significant.
According to the SCAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook, land uses associated with odor complaints typically include agricultural uses, wastewater treatment plants, food processing plants, chemical plants, composting, refineries, landfills, dairies, and fiberglass molding.
Compliance with the City’s Municipal Code, including Chapter 6.16, Animal Regulations, which prohibits animal premises from being sources of offensive odors, and SCAQMD’s Rule 402 (Nuisance), which prohibits the emissions of nuisance air contaminants or odorous compounds would reduce potential impacts. The other potential source of odors would be new waste receptacles within the Planning Area. The receptacles would be stored in areas and in containers, as required by the city, and be emptied on a regular basis, before potentially substantial odors have developed.
Additionally, the policies included as part of the General Plan Update would reduce mobile and stationary source emissions and odors associated with diesel fuel by focusing on land use patterns that improve air quality, reduce air pollution from stationary sources, and encourage/enable increased transit behavior. Consequently, implementation of the General Plan Update would not create operational-related objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people within the City. Impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
D. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
1. Special-Status Species
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Threshold: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact BIO-3, pages 4.3-12 through 4.3- 13)
Explanation: The Project proposes a comprehensive update to the City’s existing General Plan, including a revised Land Use Map. Implementation of the General Plan Update would result in new development and intensification of existing urban uses primarily in the new mixed-use zones MU30, MU40, and MU70. The General Plan Update would not modify the characteristics and standards of the “Publicly Owned Land” Land Use designation and would continue to provide for public parks, parks that are part of school sites, public and private outdoor recreational facilities, and landscaped open space areas. Further, the Project does not include any specific development proposals and would not result in significant direct impacts to existing biological resources. However, subsequent development projects under the proposed General Plan Update could result in direct impacts to certain species found present on an individual project site. For instance, future development within the city could involve the removal of trees, which may have the potential to impact nesting migratory birds. Proposed removal of any street trees or trees on public property within the city would be reviewed in accordance with Municipal Code Section 9-2.20 and would be required to comply with the requirements for removal. Future development projects would be required to adhere to applicable federal, State, and local regulations that provide for sensitive species as part of the discretionary approval process for site-specific development projects. Compliance with applicable regulations at the time of future development would minimize adverse impacts to sensitive species.
Additionally, the General Plan Update includes policies and actions to preserve and protect biological resources within the Planning Area Policy RM-1.1 requires the City to develop parks and recreational facilities with amenities that meet the community’s needs and preferences. Policy RM-1.2 requires the City to prioritize parks and recreation capital improvements projects in neighborhoods and areas most in need. Both Policies RM-1.1 and RM-1.2 support the preservation of biological resources by enhancing open space areas. Policy RM-1.6 requires the City to continue to maintain regular maintenance in open space areas within the city, thus protecting biological resources through open space management. Policy RM-1.9 requires the City to ensure street trees are consistent along sidewalks and property frontages, thereby demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and potentially expanding street trees in the Planning Area, during the Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *351
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course of future development projects. Action RM-1d directs the City to develop a maintenance schedule for open space areas and requires an update every two years. Action RM-1e encourages the City to research available grant funding for open space improvements. Actions RM-1d and RM-1e ensure the protection of biological resources through established and funded maintenance and enhancement efforts. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-1.1: Parks and Recreation Facility Amenities. Develop parks and recreational facilities with amenities that meet the community’s needs and preferences, including but not limited to play areas for children, sports courts and fields, dog parks, community meeting rooms, and accessibility updates.
Policy RM-1.2: Project Prioritization. Prioritize parks and recreation capital improvement projects in neighborhoods and areas most in need, such as where residents are not within a ten-minute walk to a park, open space, or joint use facility.
Policy RM-1.6: Maintenance. Ensure regular maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, open space areas, and public amenities to uphold appearance, usability, and safety.
Policy RM-1.9: Green Streets. Ensure the consistent integration of City-approved street trees (i.e., permitted species) along sidewalks and property frontages.
Action RM-1d: Develop a maintenance schedule for parks, recreational facilities, and open space areas and update it at least every two years.
Action RM-1e: Research available grant funding for parks and public open space improvements and strive to apply for at least one grant per year.
2. Sensitive Natural Communities and Wetlands
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact BIO-2, pages 4.3-13 through 4.3- 14)
Explanation: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) considers sensitive natural communities to have significant biotic value, with species of plants and animals unique to each community. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) search revealed no sensitive natural communities within the nine-quad search area. The Planning Area is largely built-out with a dominating Urban cover type, reducing its hospitability to many natural communities that typically exist in southern California.
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While not always documented as a sensitive natural community in the CNDDB, streams, rivers, wet meadows, and vernal pools are of high concern because they provide unique aquatic habitat for many endemic species, including special status plants, birds, invertebrates, and amphibians. These aquatic habitats oftentimes qualify as protected wetlands or jurisdictional waters and are protected from disturbance through the Clean Water Act. There are no large water bodies or creeks within the Planning Area and no known vernal pools have been identified. There are no aquatic resources or riparian habitats within the Planning Area.
The General Plan Update is a planning document that enables additional development consistent with the proposed Land Use Map but does not include any site-specific development proposals; therefore, adoption of the General Plan Update would not directly impact the environment. However, the Project could have an indirect change on the physical environment through subsequently approved projects that are consistent with the buildout under the General Plan Update. Individual projects within the Planning Area would require detailed and site-specific review to determine the presence or absence of water features. If water features are present and disturbance is required, federal and State laws require measures to reduce, avoid, or compensate for impacts to these resources. The permit process implements the requirements of these federal and State laws. Thus, the Project would result in less than significant impacts on sensitive natural communities, including riparian habitats or on State or federally protected wetlands.
3. Wildlife Movement
Threshold: Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact BIO-3, pages 4.3-14 through 4.3- 15)
Explanation: Future development under the General Plan Update would be subject to all applicable federal, State, regional, and local policies and regulations related to the protection of biological resources, as outlined above. The City does not have a tree preservation policy or ordinance; however, Lomita Municipal Code Title IX, Chapter 2, Street Trees, addresses the City’s tree planting and master street tree plan and requires authorization for the planting, spraying, pruning, or removal of street trees or trees on public property. The Tree Maintenance Division keeps the city parkway trees properly trimmed for safety and tree health. In addition, the proposed General Plan Resource Management Element includes policies and actions intended to provide for additional trees within the city. Policy RM-1.9 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *353
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requires the City to ensure street trees are consistent along sidewalks and property frontages, thereby demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and potentially expanding street trees in the Planning Area, during the course of future development projects. Future development projects would be assessed for consistency with the Lomita Municipal Code and General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions. Therefore, the General Plan Update would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, and impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
4. Local Policies and Ordinances
Threshold: Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact BIO-4, page 5.4-38 through 5.4- 40)
Explanation: Future development under the General Plan Update would be subject to all applicable federal, State, regional, and local policies and regulations related to the protection of biological resources, as outlined above. The City does not have a tree preservation policy or ordinance; however, Lomita Municipal Code Title IX, Chapter 2, Street Trees, addresses the City’s tree planting and master street tree plan and requires authorization for the planting, spraying, pruning, or removal of street trees or trees on public property. The Tree Maintenance Division keeps the city parkway trees properly trimmed for safety and tree health. In addition, the proposed General Plan Resource Management Element includes policies and actions intended to provide for additional trees within the city. Policy RM-1.9 requires the City to ensure street trees are consistent along sidewalks and property frontages, thereby demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and potentially expanding street trees in the Planning Area, during the course of future development projects. Future development projects would be assessed for consistency with the Lomita Municipal Code and General Plan Update goals, policies, and actions. Therefore, the General Plan Update would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, and impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-1.9: Green Streets. Ensure the consistent integration of City-approved street trees (i.e., permitted species) along sidewalks and property frontages.
5. Habitat Conservation Plans
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Threshold: Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Finding: No impact. (Draft EIR, page 7.0-3)
Explanation: The Planning Area is urbanized and is not located within the boundaries of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
Therefore, the Project would not conflict with such plans, and no impact would occur.
E. CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. Historical Resources
Threshold: Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, § 15064.5? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact CUL-1, pages 4.4-13 through 4.4- 15)
Explanation: There are three CRHR-listed resources in the city: the Eshelman Avenue Elementary School, the Harbor Hills Housing Project, and the San Pedro DFSP Historic District. The Lomita Railroad Museum has been designated as significant and both the Lomita Elementary School and Old Fire House are considered potentially significant at the local level. Additionally, undiscovered or potentially eligible sites may be located in various areas of the Planning Area. While the General Plan Update does not directly propose any changes to any historic resources, future development allowed under the General Plan Update could cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of known historical resources or unknown historical resources which have not yet been identified. The General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes goals, policies, and actions addressing heritage resources, including historical resources. Policy RM-2.4 directs the City to evaluate the condition of historic buildings, the cost of rehabilitation and the feasibility of preservation or conservation alternatives when considering the demolition or movement of historic structures. Both policies RM-2.2 and RM-2.4 demonstrate the City’s desire to protect and preserve historic buildings. Action RM-2a requires the City to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive historic, archaeological, tribal cultural, and paleontological resources pursuant to CEQA, thus protecting heritage and historical resources through analysis of potential impacts from future development projects. Action RM-2c directs the City to consider conducting a historic properties inventory that takes into consideration buildings, neighborhoods, and other features of historic, architectural, or cultural significance, thus demonstrating the City’s intention to record, document and evaluate potential historical resources. Action RM-2e Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *355
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requires that, for structures that potentially have historic significance, a study be conducted by a professional archaeologist or historian to determine the actual significance of the structure and potential impacts of the proposed development in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, thus ensuring protection of historical resources through comprehensive evaluation of potential impacts on a project-by-project basis.
As future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project would be evaluated for conformance with the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and other applicable State and local regulations relative to historic and potentially historic resources.
Subsequent development and infrastructure projects would also be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA, pursuant to the City’s entitlement review process. Therefore, compliance with the General Plan Update policies and actions and existing regulations, would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource and impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-2.1: Preservation. Ensure the preservation of the city’s historical past.
Policy RM-2.2: Historic Properties. Encourage the voluntary designation of potentially historic properties as landmarks or historic districts.
Policy RM-2.4: Historic Preservation. Evaluate the condition of historic buildings, the costs of rehabilitation, and the feasibility of preservation or conservation alternatives when considering the demolition or movement of historic structures. When possible, encourage the adaptive reuse of the historic structure.
Policy RM-2.5: Funding for Preservation. With input and involvement of stakeholder groups, seek adequate funding and support from public and private sources that aim to protect historic and cultural resources within the city.
Action RM-2a: 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-2b: Evaluate the feasibility of implementing a local historic registry program that provides incentives for retrofitting and building maintenance, as well as public recognition, of the local resource.
Action RM-2c: Consider conducting a historic properties inventory that takes into consideration buildings, neighborhoods, and other features of historic, architectural, or Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *356
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cultural significance.
Action RM-2e: For structures that potentially have historic significance, including intact extant buildings more than 45 years old, the City shall require a study be conducted by a professional archaeologist or historian to determine the actual significance of the structure and potential impacts of the proposed development in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. The City may require modifications of the project and/or mitigation measures to avoid any impacts to a historic structure, when feasible, such as retaining or rehabilitating historic buildings or relocating the historic building as feasible. If not feasible, the resource must be recorded to the Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record standard by someone who meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards qualifications for architectural history.
2. Archeological Resources
Threshold: Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact CUL-2, pages 3.4-15 through 3.4- 16)
Explanation: The archaeological sensitivity of the city was assessed through the review of the SCCIC record search results, the Sacred Lands File results, and historic United States Geological Survey (“USGS”) topographic quadrangle maps. Due to the presence of only one previously recorded archaeological site within the city, the negative Sacred Land File search results, and lack of information gained from review of the USGS maps, the analysis of archaeological sensitivity is primarily based on two factors - the distance to water courses and whether the sediments in the area were of the requisite age range and have the capability to preserve buried resources. Based on this, the archaeological sensitivity of the city is estimated to be generally low
The General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes goals, policies, and actions addressing heritage resources, including archaeological resources. Policy RM-2.1 directs the City to ensure the preservation of the city’s historical past. Action RM-2a requires the City to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive historic, archaeological, tribal cultural, and paleontological resources pursuant to CEQA. Action RM-2f requires that development proposals located in areas assessed to have moderate or high sensitivity for archaeological resources conduct a study to determine if significant archaeological resources are potentially present and if so, to identify mitigation measure to mitigate potential impacts, or to require full-time monitoring during ground disturbing activities by an archaeologist and Native American monitor.
Policy RM-2.1 and actions RM-2a and RM-2f demonstrate the City’s intent to preserve its history and prevent and/or minimize impacts to Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *357
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archaeological resources by establishing a protocol for studies and monitoring as needed on a project-by-project basis.
Archaeological resources are protected under federal, State, and local regulations, as described above, and implementation of General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce potential adverse impacts to archaeological resources associated with future development. Subsequent discretionary development and infrastructure projects would be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA and pursuant to the City’s entitlement review process. Compliance with the General Plan Update policies and actions and existing regulations would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource, and impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-2.1: Preservation. Ensure the preservation of the city’s historical past.
Policy RM-2.3: 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.
Policy RM-2.5: Funding for Preservation. With input and involvement of stakeholder groups, seek adequate funding and support from public and private sources that aim to protect historic and cultural resources within the city.
Action RM-2a: 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-2c: Consider conducting a historic properties inventory that takes into consideration buildings, neighborhoods, and other features of historic, architectural, or cultural significance.
Action RM-2f : For all development proposals within areas assessed to have moderate or high sensitivity for archaeological resources, the City shall require either a study to be conducted by a professional archaeologist or to have full-time monitoring during grounddisturbing activities by an archaeologist and a Native American monitor. 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.
3. Human Remains
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Threshold: Would the project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact CUL-3, pages 4.4-16 through 4.4- 18)
Explanation: Future construction projects within the Planning Area could have the potential to disturb or destroy buried Native American human remains as well as other human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries. As future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project would be evaluated for conformance with the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and other applicable State and local regulations. Subsequent development and infrastructure projects would also be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA.
The General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes policies and actions addressing the potential discovery of human remains. Policy RM-2.3 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, thus ensuring the engagement and consultation with Native American tribes and potential tribal cultural resources or human remains.
Action RM-2a requires the City to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive historic, archaeological, tribal cultural, and paleontological resources pursuant to CEQA, thereby requiring future developers to complete the appropriate evaluations determine potential impacts to unknown buried resources and human remains and appropriately preserve them. Action RM-2f requires that development proposals located in areas assessed to have moderate or high sensitivity for archaeological resources conduct a study to determine if significant archaeological resources are potentially present and if so, to identify mitigation measure to mitigate potential impacts, or to require full-time monitoring during ground disturbing activities by an archaeologist and Native American monitor, thereby ensuring that buried resources are evaluated and considered during the course of future development projects and that Native American tribes are engaged as appropriate. Action RM-2g 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, thus ensuring that the appropriate treatment and handling of human remains. 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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *359
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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 PRC Section 5097.98, or the NAHC was unable to identify a descendant or the descendant failed to make a recommendation within 24 hours after being granted access to the site. Compliance with the General Plan Update policies and actions and existing regulations, including Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(e), and PRC Section 5097.98, ensures that potential impacts associated with the inadvertent discovery of human remains would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-2.1: Preservation. Ensure the preservation of the city’s historical past.
Policy RM-2.3: 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-2a: 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-2f: For all development proposals within areas assessed to have moderate or high sensitivity for archaeological resources, the City shall require either a study to be conducted by a professional archaeologist or to have full-time monitoring during grounddisturbing activities by an archaeologist and a Native American monitor. 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-2g: 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 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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *360
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access to the site.
F. ENERGY
1. Energy
Threshold: Would the project result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation, or conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact EN-1 pages 4.5-11 through 4.5- 21)
Explanation: Buildout of the General Plan Update would use energy resources for the operation of buildings (electricity and natural gas), for on-road vehicle trips (e.g., gasoline and diesel fuel), and from off-road construction activities (e.g. diesel fuel) associated with 2045 buildout of the General Plan Update.
Developers of individual projects within the Planning Area would be responsible for conserving energy, to the extent feasible, and would rely heavily on reducing per capita energy consumption to achieve this goal, including through statewide and local measures. Buildout of the General Plan Update would be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regulating energy usage. The General Plan Update would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing energy use or increasing the use of renewable energy.
The General Plan Update includes policies and actions to support energy conservation and renewable energy goals, as well as reducing energy use.
The proposed General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes Goal RM-5 and related policies and actions, which address sustainable use of energy resources. Policy RM-5.1 requires the promotion of the development and use of renewable energy sources. Policy RM-5.2 promotes home energy audits. Policy RM-5.3 encourages coordination with SBCCOG and other organizations for outreach events to promote energy awareness and existing programs and incentives that are offered for energy efficiency. Policy RM-5.4 ensures that residential and nonresidential development projects comply with the most current version of the California Green Building Standards Code. Policy RM-5.5 encourages property owners to participate in solar retrofit and other energy-efficient home improvement projects to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Action RM-5a requires, as feasible, the use of renewable energy sources at City facilities. Action RM-5b requires the City to organize and conduct educational workshops with utility companies informing the public of the benefits of home energy audits and energy saving practices. Action RM-5c requires the City to conduct outreach events with the SBCCOG to inform residents and businesses about existing programs and incentives that Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *361
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are offered for energy efficiency. Action RM-5d requires the City to continue to review development projects to ensure that all new residential and nonresidential development complies with local and State regulations regarding energy efficiency. Action RM-5e requires the City to consider adopting minimum energy efficiency requirements in the City of Lomita Zoning Code.
As a result, the General Plan Update would not result in any significant adverse impacts related to Project energy requirements, energy use inefficiencies, and/or the energy intensiveness of materials by amount and fuel type for during General Plan Update buildout, including during construction, operation, maintenance, and/or removal. The City would comply with all existing energy standards, and there would be no resulting significant adverse impacts on energy resources. For these reasons, buildout of the General Plan Update would not cause an inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary use of energy resources nor conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Policy LU-1.1: Land Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of non-renewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
Policy LU-1.3: Employment/Housing Balance. Strive to balance levels of employment and housing within the community to provide more opportunities for residents to work locally, reduce commute times, and improve air quality.
Policy LU-1.4: Thriving Downtown. Promote economic opportunities in Downtown Lomita through a mixture of housing, destination-type commercial uses, eateries, entertainment, and civic uses such as cultural and performing arts facilities. Support Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *362
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pedestrian-friendly and human-scaled development within the downtown area to reduce vehicle trips and parking demand.
Policy LU-1.5: Neighborhood-Serving Uses. Support the development of neighborhoodscaled retail and service uses nearby residences to meet daily needs and reduce vehicle trips.
Policy LU-1.6: Capture Local Spending. Encourage the development of a broad range of commercial uses that capture a greater share of local spending and reduce residents’ reliance upon travel to nearby communities.
Policy LU-1.8: Mixed-Use. Create opportunities for development projects that mix housing with commercial uses to enable Lomita’s residents to live close to businesses and employment, improving multi-modal travel and increasing social interaction.
Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
MOBILITY ELEMENT
Goal M-1: Local Circulation System. A community served by a safe and balanced circulation system that meets the needs of all users.
Policy M-1.6: Promote Safe Streets. Use a safe systems approach for transportation planning, street design, operations, emergency response, and maintenance that proactively identifies opportunities to improve safety where conflicts between users exist to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in our roadways.
Policy M-1.7: Traffic Calming on Local Streets. Traffic Calming on Local Streets. Use traffic calming strategies such as signage, speed radar feedback signs, curb extensions, and deflections, as recommended in the City’s Traffic Calming Toolkit, to create a pedestrianfriendly circulation system and promote safety, while not reducing parking supply.
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Policy M-1.8: Transportation Demand Management. Encourage the preparation of Transportation Demand Management plans for all major developments or facility expansions to encourage ride-sharing and other improvements, thereby reducing vehicle trips.
Action M-1e: Monitor the development of new mobility technologies and the potential local effects on vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities and operations, and seek funding to invest in associated infrastructure and technologies such as Traffic System Management (TSM) and traffic signal synchronization.
Action M-1f: Evaluate the applicability of traffic calming tools to minimize cut-through traffic on local streets, especially in residential areas and near schools, and implement improvements as necessary.
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 improvement projects (e.g., safety, intelligent transportation systems, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities) to accommodate the needs of street users of all ages and abilities.
Policy M-3.2: Multimodal Connectivity. Link activity centers, employment centers, public facilities, and schools to transit and active transportation facilities.
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, including street lighting, wayfinding, street trees, and other nonvehicular infrastructure.
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 Routes to School programs and promote walking and bicycling to local schools.
Policy M-3.7: Right-of-Way Design. Ensure the City is fully utilizing legal right-of-way to provide space for an appropriate mix of streetscape elements.
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Action M-3a: When planning roadway facilities, incorporate the concept of complete streets, while considering the land use and design context of the surrounding areas.
Action M-3b: Periodically review and update the City’s Right-of-Way Standards to ensure that the standards reflect the City’s goals and policies for the circulation system.
Action M-3c: Partner with Lomita school administrators to improve traffic and parking conditions in school areas, especially during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
Action M-3d: Develop strategies and guidelines to set curb use priorities that consider the needs of through traffic, transit stops, bus turnouts, passenger drop-off/pick-up, deliveries, and short-term/long-term parking, especially along major corridors.
Goal M-5: Transit. A community connected to a comprehensive public transportation system.
Policy M-5.1: Transit Use. Support programs encouraging public transit use by people living in, working in, or visiting Lomita.
Policy M-5.2: Improve Local Public Transit Service. Work with Metro, Torrance Transit, 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, bus stop infrastructure, and route information signage.
Policy M-5.4: 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.
Action M-5b: Work with transit providers to increase transit service frequency, speed, and reliability and increase ridership and to strengthen linkages and access to key destinations.
Action M-5c: Explore new intracity transit options such as a Lomita trolley to transport individuals between commercial areas, residential areas, and parks.
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 and Pedestrian Master Plan. Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 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.
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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-6.3: Sidewalk and Bikeway Gaps. Create a connected and complete active transportation network by identifying and eliminating gaps in sidewalks and bikeways, evaluating the adequacy of existing urban trails, and prioritizing sidewalk maintenance.
Policy M-6.4: 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-6.5: Effects of New Technologies on Active Transportation. Monitor the development of new mobility 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, require land development projects to provide connectivity and accessibility to a mix of uses such as schools, parks, work, and shopping destinations that meet residents’ daily needs including secure parking and safety measures.
Action M-6b: 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.
Action M-6c: Dedicate capital improvement funding for citywide projects including pedestrian refuge islands, raised crosswalks, or other relevant crosswalk enhancements as they become available.
Action M-6d: Require that all roadway resurfacing projects and land development projects with impacts to roadways be subject to a review process that considers lane reconfiguration and other opportunities to improve the bicycle and pedestrian network.
Goal M-9: Transportation Management. A community with transportation management strategies that contribute to achieving regional and statewide greenhouse gas emissions targets.
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.
Policy M-9.2: Transportation Demand Management. Require transportation demand management (TDM) strategies as mitigation measures for new projects that exceed the City’s VMT impact thresholds.
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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.
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.
Action M-9c: Consider adoption of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) guidelines and thresholds for transportation analysis for the purposes of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Goal RM-3: Air Quality. Improve air quality and reduce air pollutant emissions.
Policy RM-3.1: Regional Air Quality. Coordinate with state and regional agencies such as 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 Resources Board (CARB) to address air quality issues.
Policy RM-3.2: Land Use Planning. Reduce concentrated air pollution and the incidence of respiratory illness through the land use planning process by diversifying the land use mix, bringing compatible uses closer together, reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), and applying other similar measures.
Policy RM-3.3: Stationary and Mobile Sources. Seek to reduce air pollutant emissions through regulation of stationary and mobile sources of air pollution, as feasible.
Policy RM-3.4: Sustainable Technology. Encourage new and emerging technologies that could decrease air pollution.
Policy RM-3.5: Public Education. Raise public awareness of the impacts of air pollution on physical health and the environment.
Policy RM-3.6: Grant Funding. Explore grant funding from state, federal, and nongovernmental organizations for clean air projects to improve air quality and decrease air pollutant emissions
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Action M-3a: Coordinate with the SCAQMD to further reduce smog pollution and mitigate major stationary sources of air pollution in the city.
Action M-3b: As applicable, review new residential and nonresidential development projects during the CEQA process for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors.
Action M-3c: Integrate smart technology equipment into urban infrastructure that can monitor and provide real time air quality data.
Action M-3d: Conduct educational outreach to residential and business community stakeholders about air quality standards, air pollution impact on physical health and the environment, and best practices to improve overall air quality.
Action M-3e: Identify state, federal, and non-governmental organizations that provide grant funding for clean air projects.
Goal RM-4: Greenhouse Gas Reduction. Commit to reducing municipal greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a low carbon future.
Policy RM-4.1: Low-carbon Municipality. Demonstrate environmental leadership and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities and operations by at least 49% below 2005 levels by 2035, in conjunction with the City’s 2018 Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Policy RM-4.2: GHG Inventory. Update the community and municipal GHG inventories every five years to track progress toward achieving the City’s GHG reduction goal.
Policy RM-4.3: Development Standards. Require residential and nonresidential development projects to implement sustainable development standards to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy RM-4.4: Sustainable Infrastructure. Continue to invest in public infrastructure that supports the use of energy efficient or low-emission transportation.
Policy RM-4.5: State and Federal Targets. Review existing City practices to identify methods to decrease overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy RM-4.6: City Contractors. Encourage contractors to use low-emission equipment and vehicles for City construction projects.
Action RM-4a: Implement the local GHG reduction measures identified in the City of Lomita 2018 Climate Action Plan (CAP) and perform on-going monitoring and reporting of GHG reduction impacts.
Action RM-4b: Continue to participate in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments’ (SBCCOG) climate action planning process and update Lomita’s CAP at least every five years.
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Action RM-4c: Explore incentives for city contractors who invest in and use low-emission equipment and vehicles for city infrastructure projects or establish minimum requirements in the Municipal Code.
Goal RM-5: Sustainability/Energy Resources. Carefully and safely manage energy resources, embracing sustainable practices for long-term vitality.
Policy RM-5.1: Renewable Energy Production. Promote the development and use of renewable energy sources for city, residential, and business facilities.
Policy RM-5.2: Energy Audits. Promote home energy audits with regional programs such as Energy Upgrade California or other state programs.
Policy RM-5.3: Regional Partnerships. Coordinate with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and other organizations for outreach events to promote energy awareness and existing programs and incentives that are offered for energy efficiency.
Policy RM-5.4: Green Building Standards. Ensure that residential and nonresidential development projects comply with the most current version of the California Green Building Standards Code.
Policy RM-5.5: Energy Upgrades. Encourage property owners to participate in solar retrofit and other energy-efficient home improvement projects to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
Action RM-5a: As feasible, use renewable energy sources at City facilities.
Action RM-5b: Organize and conduct educational workshops with utility companies informing the public of the benefits of home energy audits and energy saving practices.
Action RM-5c: Conduct outreach events with the SBCCOG to inform residents and businesses about existing programs and incentives that are offered for energy efficiency.
Action RM-5d: Continue to review development projects to ensure that all new residential and nonresidential development complies with local and state regulations regarding energy efficiency.
Action RM-5e: Consider adopting minimum energy efficiency requirements in the Zoning Code.
G. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
1. Seismic Hazards
Threshold: Would the project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, or landslides?
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact GS-1 pages 4.6-17 through 4.6- 18)
Explanation: The Planning Area, like the rest of southern California, is situated within a seismically active region as the result of being located near the active margin between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates. However, there are no designated Alquist-Priolo fault zones within the Planning Area.
However, major active and potentially active faults exist within the Planning Area and surrounding region, including the Newport-Inglewood Fault, San Andreas Fault, Palos Verdes Fault, and Compton Blind Thrust.
Therefore, the Planning Area could experience considerable ground shaking generated by local and regional faults.
As future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project will be evaluated for conformance with the California Building Standards Code (CBSC), General Plan, Municipal Code, and other regulations. The Project proposes an update of the City of Lomita’s existing General Plan; however, the Safety Element proposes no updates. The existing General Plan Safety Element includes goals, policies, and actions to address potential impacts associated with seismic activity. For example, Safety Element Policy 2.3 ensures that the City would continue to require appropriate seismic and soil studies to reduce risk for new buildings and infrastructure. Safety Element Action 2.3a directs the City to continue to require a preliminary soil report and a report of satisfactory placement of fill prepared by a licensed civil engineer for all buildings and structures supported on fill. Safety Element Action 2.3b directs the City to continue to require a preliminary report for all buildings and structures supported on natural ground unless the foundations have been designed in accordance with the Building Code. Safety Element Action 2.3c directs the City to continue to require soil reports and implement recommendations for projects in identified areas where liquefaction or other soil issues exist.
The City would review future development projects associated with implementation of the General Plan Update to identify and assess seismic safety issues and require developers to design and construct improvements in compliance with the applicable building codes and standards in place at the time to reduce the potential adverse effects associate with strong seismic ground shaking. With the implementation of the policies and actions in the General Plan, as well as compliance with applicable state and City of Lomita codes, potential impacts associated with strong seismic ground shaking would be less than significant.
2. Soil Erosion
Threshold: Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *370
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact GS-2, pages 4.6-18 through 4.6- 20)
Explanation: Implementation of the General Plan Update would provide for development and improvement projects that would involve some land clearing, mass grading, and other ground-disturbing activities that could temporarily increase soil erosion rates during and shortly after project construction. The city of Lomita considersfuture development and infrastructure projects, and each project would be evaluated for conformance with the CBSC, General Plan, Municipal Code, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, and other relevant regulations. In compliance with NPDES Permit regulations, the State of California requires that any construction activity disturbing one acre or more of soil comply with the Construction General Permit. The Construction General Permit requires development and implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP), which must include erosion-control and sediment-control BMPs that would meet or exceed measures required by the Construction General Permit to control stormwater quality degradation due to potential construction-related pollutants. The SWPPP would include project-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to control drainage and erosion. Development under the General Plan Update would also be subject to construction and post-construction requirements under the Municipal Code. Title V, Chapter 9, Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan and Low Impact Development Implementation, contains conditions and procedures to ensure compliance with the NPDES permit.
The General Plan Update includes a range of policies and actions aimed at minimizing discharge of materials (including eroded soils) into the storm drain system. Policy RM-6.1 directs the City to continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles RWQCB to help maintain and improve the quality surface water resources, thus ensuring that future development would minimize discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system through enhanced water quality management. Policy RM-6.3 directs the City to coordinate with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the NPDES, thus minimizing discharge of pollutants from future development to the storm drain system through improved stormwater management practices. Policy RM-6.5 is aimed at encouraging drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants, thus minimizing discharge of materials (including eroded soils) from future development to the storm drain system by promoting sustainable landscaping practices. Action RM-6c directs the City to conduct public outreach to inform residents and businesses about the importance of stormwater management, including providing practical tips and resources to reduce local runoffs, which helps minimize discharge of materials Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *371
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(including eroded soils) from future development to the storm drain system through community awareness and engagement. With the implementation of the policies and actions in the General Plan Update, as well as compliance with applicable State and local requirements, potential impacts associated with erosion and loss of topsoil would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-6.1: Regional Coordination. Continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to help maintain and improve the quality of both surface water and groundwater resources.
Policy RM-6.3: Stormwater. Coordinate with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
Policy RM-6.5: Landscaping. Encourage drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants.
Action RM-6c: Conduct public outreach to inform residents and businesses about the importance of stormwater management, including providing practical tips and resources to reduce local runoffs.
3. Unstable Soils
Threshold: Would the project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
Finding: Less than significant (Draft EIR, Impact GS-3, pages 4.6-20 through 4.6- 21)
Explanation: The Planning Area is not susceptible to liquefaction and the potential for subsidence is considered to be low. Landslides and lateral spreading could affect the southern portion of the Planning Area. In addition, areas within the Planning Area may be susceptible to collapse and excessive settlements.
The existing General Plan Safety Element includes goals, policies, and actions to address geologic conditions within the Planning Area. For example, Safety Element Policy 2.3 ensures that the City would continue to require appropriate seismic and soil studies to reduce risk for new buildings and infrastructure. Safety Element Action 2.3a directs the City to continue to require a preliminary soil report and a report of satisfactory placement of Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *372
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fill prepared by a licensed civil engineer for all buildings and structures supported on fill. Safety Element Action 2.3b directs the City to continue to require a preliminary report for all buildings and structures supported on natural ground unless the foundations have been designed in accordance with the Building Code. Safety Element Action 2.3c directs the City to continue to require soil reports and implement recommendations for projects in identified areas where liquefaction or other soil issues exist.
The City of Lomita would consider future development and infrastructure projects and evaluate each for conformance with the CBSC, General Plan, Municipal Code, and other regulations. Subsequent development and infrastructure projects requiring discretionary review would also undergo analyses for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA. Future development and improvement projects would prepare site-specific geotechnical studies to identify geologic and soil conditions specific to the site, providing design recommendations consistent with the requirements of State and City codes. Implementation of the CBSC and Municipal Code requirements related to seismic and geologic conditions and policies and actions contained within the General Plan would ensure that future development projects are evaluated for potential geologic and seismic risks and that potential risks are adequately addressed. With the implementation of the policies and actions in the General Plan, as well as compliance with applicable State and City codes, potential impacts associated with unstable geologic conditions would less than significant.
4. Expansive Soils
Threshold: Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Tables 18-1- D of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact GS-4, pages 4.6-21 through 4.6- 22)
Explanation: The majority of the Planning Area has low to medium expansive soils. A portion of the Planning Area near Rolling Hills Estates is mapped “Not Rated or Not Available.” The Project proposes an update of the City’s existing General Plan; however, the Safety Element proposes no updates. The existing General Plan Safety Element includes goals, policies, and actions designed to protect Lomita from geologic hazards, including expansive soils. For example, Safety Element Policy 2.3 ensures that the City would continue to require appropriate seismic and soil studies to reduce risk for new buildings and infrastructure, thereby requiring future development to consider and implement all applicable site-specific geotechnical requirements prior to construction.
Safety Element Action 2.3a directs the City to continue to require a preliminary soil report and a report of satisfactory placement of fill prepared by a licensed civil engineer for all buildings and structures supported on fill. This ensures that future development would be Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *373
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constructed on soil that can safely support it, in accordance with all applicable City requirements. Safety Element Action 2.3b directs the City to continue to require a preliminary report for all buildings and structures supported on natural ground unless the foundations have been designed in accordance with the Building Code, further ensuring that future development would be constructed in a geologically safe manner. Safety Element Action 2.3c directs the City to continue to require soil reports and implement recommendations for projects in identified areas where liquefaction or other soil issues exist, thereby minimizing liquefaction risks for future developments.
The City of Lomita would evaluate future development and infrastructure projects for conformance with the CBSC, the General Plan, Municipal Code, and other regulations, as well as requiring discretionary review to analyze for potential environmental impacts, consistent with CEQA requirements. In order to identify geologic and soil conditions specific to each site, future development and improvement projects would be required to prepare site-specific geotechnical studies, including the potential for expansive soils. A site-specific geotechnical investigation would identify the potential for damage related to expansive soils and non-uniformly compacted fill and engineered fill. If a risk is identified, design criteria and specification options may include removal of the problematic soils, and replacement, as needed, with properly conditioned and compacted fill material that is designed to withstand the forces exerted during the expected shrink-swell cycles and settlements. Design criteria and specifications set forth in the design-level geotechnical investigation would ensure impacts from problematic soils are minimized. Thus, implementation of CBSC and the Municipal Code requirements related to on-site soil conditions and General Plan polices and actions would ensure that future development projects are evaluated for potential risks associated with development on expansive soils and that potential risks are adequately addressed. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant.
5. Paleontological Resources
Threshold: Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact GS-5, pages 4.6-23 through 4.6- 24)
Explanation: The records search conducted as part of the Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment revealed multiple fossil localities from within and around the Planning Area. Therefore, it is possible to encounter undiscovered paleontological resources during ground-disturbing activities associated with future development under the General Plan Update. This is considered a potentially significant impact.
The City would require individual projects to undergo environmental review on a project-by-project basis pursuant to CEQA to evaluate potential impacts to paleontological resources. Grading, excavation, or other grounddisturbing activities associated with future construction activities would Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *374
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require professional assessment and evaluation in order to determine whether significant paleontological resources occur in the area of a proposed ground-disturbing action and whether the action might affect such resources. Damage to or destruction of a paleontological resource would be considered a potentially significant impact under local, State, or federal criteria. The proposed General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes policies and actions to protect significant paleontological resources within the Planning Area. Action RM-2a would require future development proposals to be assessed for potential impacts to sensitive paleontological resources pursuant to CEQA, thus ensuring that future development considers potential impacts to paleontological resources. Action RM-2h would require future projects in areas with undisturbed sediments with a Potential Fossil Yield Classification (“PFYC”) ranking of PFYC 3 or higher to assess paleontological resources and/or implement a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Plan to address potential impacts, thus ensuring the protection of sensitive paleontological resources.
With implementation of the General Plan Update policies and actions, potential impacts to paleontological resources associated with future development anticipated by the General Plan Update would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Goal RM-2: Historic and Cultural Resources. Sustain Lomita’s strong community awareness of, and appreciation for, its history and cultural heritage.
Action RM-2a: 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-2h: For all development proposals within areas assessed to have undisturbed sediments with a Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) ranking of PFYC 3 or higher, the City shall require either a study to be conducted by a qualified vertebrate paleontologist (as defined by the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology) or to agree to retain a qualified vertebrate paleontologist to develop and implement a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Plan (PRIMP). The PRIMP shall include paleontology Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training for construction personnel; paleontological monitoring of all excavations in areas or sediments having moderate paleontological sensitivity; and a fossil recovery protocol that includes data to be collected, professional identification, radiocarbon dates, and other special studies as appropriate, and curation at local curation facility such as such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County for fossils meeting significance criteria. In the event of unanticipated Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *375
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discoveries, all work must be suspended within 50 feet of the find until the paleontologist can evaluate the find and make recommendations. Documentation and treatment of the discovery shall occur in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards.
The significance of the find shall be evaluated pursuant to the state CEQA guidelines. If the discovery proves to be significant, before construction activities resume at the location of the find, additional work such as data recovery excavation may be warranted, as deemed necessary by the paleontologist.
H. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
1. Transport, Use, and Disposal of Hazardous Materials
Threshold: Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-1, pages 4.8-17 through 4.8- 19)
Explanation: Implementation of the General Plan Update would accommodate the future development of both residential and non-residential uses. Increased development would result in an increase in the routine transport, use, and storage of hazardous materials in the City, potentially resulting in accidental releases. Exposure of persons to hazardous materials could also occur through the operations of future developments associated with the improper handling of hazardous materials/waste. The use, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials is regulated and monitored by local fire departments, Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs), California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal OSHA), and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) consistent with the requirements of federal, State, and local regulations and policies.
Facilities that store hazardous materials on-site are required to maintain a Hazardous Materials Business Plan in accordance with State regulations. In addition to the requirements associated with federal, State, and local regulations, the General Plan Update includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials among other issues. The existing General Plan Safety Element includes goals, policies, and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials. For example, Safety Element Policy 3.4 directs the City to regulate the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials. Safety Element Action 3.4a works to restrict transport of hazardous materials within Lomita to routes designated for such transport. Safety Element Action 3.4b requires, when appropriate, that new development prepare a hazardous materials inventory and/or Phase I or Phase II hazardous materials studies, including any required cleanup measures. In addition to the requirements associated with federal, state, and local regulations, the Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *376
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General Plan Update includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials. Safety Element Action 3.4c requires new development that handles toxic, flammable, or explosive materials in such quantities that would, if released or ignited, constitute a significant risk to adjacent human populations or development to conform to the applicable State or federal materials handling and emergency response plans. Safety Element Action 3.4d directs the City of Lomita to educate the public on household hazardous wastes and the proper methods and locations of disposal. The General Plan Update also includes goals, policies, and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials. Policy LU-5.1 directs the City to consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents. Policy LU-5.2 directs the City to support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses. Policy RM-7.3 aims to promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal. Action M-7a directs the City to review and update the city’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita.
The existing General Plan Safety Element also includes goals, policies, and actions to ensure that the City has adequate emergency response plans and measures to respond in the event of an accidental release of a hazardous substance. For example, Safety Element Policy 4.1 directs the City to maintain participation in local, regional, state, and national mutual aid systems and regional trainings to ensure that appropriate resources are available for response and recovery during and following a disaster. Safety Element Action 4.1b works to train and conduct mock exercises with first responders in hazardous materials response field operations and decontamination.
While it is not possible to eliminate the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, measures can be implemented to reduce risk to acceptable levels.
As previously described, hazardous materials regulations related to the use, handling, and transport of hazardous materials are codified in CCR Titles 8, 22, and 26, and their enabling legislation set forth in the California Health and Safety Code. These laws were established at the State level to ensure compliance with federal regulations to reduce the risk to human health and the environment from the routine use of hazardous substances. These regulations must be implemented by employers and businesses, as appropriate, and are monitored at the State (e.g., Cal OSHA in the workplace or DTSC for hazardous waste) and county level. The haulers and users of hazardous materials are listed with and regulated and monitored by the DTSC, LACoFD Health Hazardous Materials Division, and County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division.
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Compliance with the requirements of federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use and storage of hazardous materials would ensure that risks resulting from the routine transportation, use, storage, or disposal of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-5: Community Health and Wellness. Emphasize health and well-being.
Policy LU-5.1: Health and Well-being. Consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents.
Policy LU-5.2: Healthy Neighborhoods. Support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by: proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses; promoting land use patterns that are well connected, reduce vehicle trips, and encourage active transportation; and designing public spaces that are comfortable, welcoming, and feel safe to all.
MOBILITY ELEMENT
Policy M-7.1: Local Truck Routes. Maintain a network of local truck routes to facilitate goods movement to regional roads and to discourage the use of residential roads.
Action M-7a: Review and update the City’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-7.3: Hazardous Waste. Promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal.
2. Hazardous Materials Release
Threshold: Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-2, pages 4.8-19 through 4.8- 22)
Explanation: Short-Term Construction-Related Accidental Release of Hazardous Materials
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The General Plan Update would enable development of new residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses. Construction activities associated with new development could result in upset and/or accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Future development accommodated through implementation of the General Plan Update could involve the demolition of existing structures and buildings as areas within the City are redeveloped. The presence of lead-based paint, asbestos-containing materials (ACM), and/or other contaminants are likely present in some structures. All demolition that could result in the release of ACMs or lead-based paint would be conducted according to federal and State regulations. In accordance with SCAQMD Rule 1403, if ACM material is found, abatement of asbestos would be required prior to any demolition activities. If paint is separated from building materials (chemically or physically) during demolition of the structures, the paint waste would be required to be evaluated independently from the building material by a qualified Environmental Professional in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 1532.1. If lead-based paint is found, abatement would be required to be completed by a qualified Lead Specialist prior to any demolition activities. Compliance with existing regulations related to ACM and lead-based paint would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
Future development accommodated through implementation of the General Plan Update could involve grading and excavation activities which could expose construction workers and the public to previously unknown hazardous substances present in the soil or groundwater. The public could also be exposed to hazardous materials if new development or redevelopment were to be located on a current or historical hazardous material site. Future development associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would be reviewed at the project-level to determine whether any development sites are listed on a hazardous materials site. Any development activities that may occur on documented hazardous materials sites would be required to undergo remediation and cleanup under the supervision of the regulatory agencies, such as DTSC and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). In addition to the requirements associated with federal, State, and local regulations, the existing General Plan Safety Element includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with potentially contaminated sites.
For example, Safety Element Policy 3.4 directs the City to regulate the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials. Action 3.4b requires new development to prepare a hazardous materials inventory and/or prepare Phase I or Phase II hazardous materials studies when appropriate, including any required cleanup measures. The General Plan Update also includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with potentially contaminated sites. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM7.3 aims to promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *379
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education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal. Proposed Mobility Element Action M-7a directs the City to review and update the City’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita. Compliance with the General Plan and existing regulations would reduce potential impacts involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment as a result of on-site contamination to a less than significant level.
Long-Term Operations-Related Accidental Release of Hazardous Materials Long-term operation activities associated with new development could result in upset and/or accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. The transport, storage, and handling of hazardous materials by developers, contractors, business owners, and others are required to comply with federal, State, and local regulations during project construction and operation. Facilities that use hazardous materials are required to obtain permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which gives the EPA the authority to control the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, the hazardous materials regulations included in federal law govern the transportation of hazardous materials. Locally, the LACoFD Health Hazardous Materials Division is the CUPA for Los Angeles County and is responsible for consolidating, coordinating, and making consistent the administrative requirements, permits, inspections, and enforcement activities of state standards regarding the transportation, use, and disposal of hazardous materials in Los Angeles County, including the Planning Area.
The existing General Plan Safety Element includes policies and actions to address potential accidental exposure of individuals as a consequence of unknown existing environmental contaminants. For example, Safety Element Policy 3.4 directs the City to regulate the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials. Action 3.4a restricts the transport of hazardous materials within Lomita to routes designated for such transport.
Action 3.4c requires new development that handles toxic, flammable, or explosive materials in quantities that could cause significant risk to adjacent human populations or development to conform to the applicable State or federal materials handling and emergency response plans. Action 3.4d directs the City to educate the public on household hazardous wastes and the proper methods and locations of disposal. The General Plan Update also includes policies and actions to address potential accidental exposure of individuals as a consequence of unknown existing environmental contaminants. Policy LU-5.1 directs the City to consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents. policy LU-5.2 directs the City to support the Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *380
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creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses. Policy RM-7.3 aims to promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal. Proposed Mobility Element Action M-7a directs the City to review and update the city’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita.
Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to the transport, storage, and handling of hazardous materials would reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents, and impacts involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-5: Community Health and Wellness. Emphasize health and well-being.
Policy LU-5.1: Health and Well-being. Consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents.
Policy LU-5.2: Healthy Neighborhoods. Support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by: proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses; promoting land use patterns that are well connected, reduce vehicle trips, and encourage active transportation; and designing public spaces that are comfortable, welcoming, and feel safe to all.
MOBILITY ELEMENT
Policy M-7.1: Local Truck Routes. Maintain a network of local truck routes to facilitate goods movement to regional roads and to discourage the use of residential roads.
Action M-7a: Review and update the City’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-7.3: Hazardous Waste. Promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal.
3. Hazards Near Schools
Threshold: Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-3, pages 4.8-22 through 4.8- 24)
Explanation: Future development within the Planning Area could potentially emit or handle hazardous materials within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. In addition to the requirements associated with federal, State, and local regulations, the General Plan Update includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials.
Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-5.1 directs the City to consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU5.2 directs the City to support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses. Proposed Resource Management Element Policy RM7.3 aims to promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal. Proposed Mobility Element Action M-7a directs the City to review and update the City’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita. Implementation of the safety procedures and regulations mandated by applicable federal, state, and local laws and the General Plan Update policies and actions would ensure that potential risks resulting from the routine transportation, use, storage, or disposal of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes in proximity to a school associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-5: Community Health and Wellness. Emphasize health and well-being.
Policy LU-5.1: Health and Well-being. Consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents.
Policy LU-5.2: Healthy Neighborhoods. Support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by: proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses; promoting land use patterns that are well connected, reduce vehicle trips, and encourage active transportation; and designing public spaces that are comfortable, welcoming, and feel safe to all.
MOBILITY ELEMENT
Policy M-7.1: Local Truck Routes. Maintain a network of local truck routes to facilitate goods movement to regional roads and to discourage the use of residential roads.
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Action M-7a: Review and update the City’s designated truck routes as needed while considering the potential mobility conflicts and the location of sensitive land uses in Lomita
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-7.3: Hazardous Waste. Promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal.
4. Waste Sites
Threshold: Would the project be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-4, pages 4.8-24 through 4.8- 25)
Explanation: There are no active hazardous waste facilities cleanup sites within the Planning Area listed in the EnviroStor database. There are three open LUST sites within the Planning Area, with one site undergoing remediation, one eligible for closure, and one open site assessment (i.e., investigation and risk evaluation are occurring at the site). Any development activities occurring on documented hazardous materials sites would be required to undergo remediation and cleanup under the supervision of the DTSC and the Los Angeles RWQCB prior to construction. Development would be required to comply with the existing General Plan Safety Element, which includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials sites. For example, Safety Element Policy 3.4 directs the City to regulate the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Action 3.4b requires new development to prepare a hazardous materials inventory and/or prepare Phase I or Phase II hazardous materials studies when appropriate, including any required cleanup measures. The General Plan Update also includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with hazardous materials sites. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-5.1 directs the City to consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-5.2 directs the City to support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses.
Compliance with existing regulations and the General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce potential impacts involving hazardous materials sites; impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
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LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-5: Community Health and Wellness. Emphasize health and well-being.
Policy LU-5.1: Health and Well-being. Consider the effects of land use planning decisions on the overall health and well-being of the community and its residents.
Policy LU-5.2: Healthy Neighborhoods. Support the creation of healthy and safe neighborhoods by: proactively addressing land use conflicts and incompatible uses; promoting land use patterns that are well connected, reduce vehicle trips, and encourage active transportation; and designing public spaces that are comfortable, welcoming, and feel safe to all.
5. Public Airports
Threshold: For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-5, pages 4.8-25 through 4.8- 27)
Explanation: There are no airports within the Planning Area; however, Torrance Municipal Airport is located adjacent to Lomita, just west of Crenshaw Boulevard along the city’s western boundary. A relatively small portion of Lomita is located within the Torrance Municipal Airport Influence Area and Runway Protection Zone. These areas are currently Residential – Low Density and Residential – Agriculture and are generally developed with existing single-family residential uses. The Project does not propose any changes to underlying land use designations for parcels within the Torrance Municipal Airport Influence Area and Runway Protection Zone.
Development within the Planning Area is required to comply with the existing General Plan Safety Element, which includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with safety hazards and noise from the Torrance Municipal Airport. For example, Safety Element Policy 2.5 is aimed at minimizing the risk of safety hazards related to the operation of the Torrance Municipal Airport. Action 2.5a ensures that land use decisions for development within the Airport Influence Area and Runway Protection Zone are consistent with the FAA standards contained within the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Plan. The General Plan Update also includes policies and actions to address potential impacts associated with safety hazards and noise from the Torrance Municipal Airport. Proposed Land Use Element Policy LU-2.9 directs the City to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to address land use compatibility within areas Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *384
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surrounding Lomita, including flight-related issues from Torrance Municipal Airport. Proposed Noise Element Policy N-1.3 directs the City to consider the noise compatibility of existing and future development when making land use planning decisions and requires development and infrastructure projects to be consistent with the land use compatibility standards contained in Table N-1 and the Lomita Municipal Code. Proposed Noise Element Policy N-1.4 requires new development to mitigate excessive noise to the standards indicated in Table N-1 and the Lomita Municipal Code. Proposed Noise Element Policy N-2.3 directs the City to work with the Airport Land Use Commission to ensure that local noise concerns are proactively addressed. Overall, compliance with existing regulations and the General Plan Update policies and actions would reduce potential impacts with regard to safety hazards or excessive noise for people residing or working in the Planning Area; impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-2.9: Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to address land use compatibility within areas surrounding Lomita, including, but not limited to, flight-related issues (from Torrance Municipal Airport) and hillside development.
NOISE ELEMENT
Policy N-1.3: 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 N-1 and the Lomita Municipal Code to facilitate acceptable noise exposure levels for existing and future development.
Policy N-1.4: Noise Mitigation. Require new development to mitigate excessive noise to the standards indicated in Table N-1 and the Lomita Municipal Code.
Policy N-2.3: Torrance Municipal Airport. Work with the Airport Land Use Commission to ensure that local noise concerns are proactively addressed.
Action N-1a: Monitor changes in the California Building Code and other federal and state laws and regulations related to noise and incorporate necessary changes into the Municipal Code and building codes as required.
Action N-1b: Review the Lomita Municipal Code and update as necessary so that the noise standards are consistent with this General Plan, including Table N-1, and to require Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *385
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new residential, mixed-use with a residential component, and other noise-sensitive development to be designed to minimize noise exposure to noise sensitive uses through incorporation of site planning and architectural techniques. Any update shall also include noise standards for residential uses within a mixed-use development, which may differ from other adopted residential noise standards.
Action N-1c: Review new development and transportation projects for compliance with the noise requirements established in this General Plan, including the standards established in Table N-1 and the Lomita 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 noise-tolerant features between noise sources and sensitive receptors, and use of noise-minimizing materials.
6. Emergency Plans
Threshold: Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-6, pages 4.8-28 through 4.8- 29)
Explanation: The General Plan Update would allow a variety of new development, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public projects, which would result in increased jobs and population in the Planning Area. Road and infrastructure improvements would occur to accommodate the new growth. Implementation of the General Plan Update would not impair or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The Los Angeles County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan (OAEOP) addresses the planned response to extraordinary situations associated with natural disasters and/or human caused incidents, including wildfires, and outlines mutual aid provisions within the Los Angeles County OA. The City’s EOP addresses the City’s planned response to natural or human-caused disasters and describes the organizational structures, roles, responsibilities, policies and protocols for providing emergency support.
The existing General Plan Safety Element identifies Pacific Coast Highway, Western Avenue, Narbonne Avenue, Lomita Boulevard, and Crenshaw Boulevard as the primary routes for evacuation; however, different evacuation routes would be activated as necessary, depending upon the emergency event and area affected. The existing General Plan Safety Element also includes policies and actions to address emergency response and evacuation. For example, Safety Element Policy 4.3 prioritizes roadway Capital Improvement Projects that function as evacuation routes. Safety Element Action 4.3a directs the City to maintain emergency evacuation Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *386
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routes; ensure that street widths, paving, and grades meet the requirements of the California State Fire Code and the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Codes; and work with the City’s geographic information system (“GIS”) mapping services to identify any residential areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. Action 4.1c directs the City to work with CAL FIRE and other regional agencies to regularly update the existing wildfire hazard zones and evacuation routes mapping using geographic information system.
The General Plan Update does not include any site-specific development.
However, Project implementation would allow for increased development in the city, resulting in an increase in population and jobs. Although the Planning Area is highly urbanized and existing infrastructure, including roads, are generally in place, road and infrastructure improvements could occur to accommodate the new growth. 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 be required to adhere to applicable City standards, including Municipal Code Title VIII, Chapter 6, Closure of City Streets, which requires an application for the closure or partial closure of roads in the Planning Area to be reviewed by the Traffic Commission and City Council.
Closure approval by the City Council requires a finding that: the closure or partial closure serves to implement the General Plan; and that the proposed closure or partial closure does not create problems inimical to public health and safety. 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 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 LACoFD’s Engineering Building Plan Check Unit for review and approval prior to issuance of any building permit. Approval by LACoFD would ensure that construction and operation of future projects associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would not impair or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
Primary access to all major roads would be maintained during construction of future developments within the Planning Area. As part of the site plan Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *387
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and design review process, future development projects would be reviewed for adequate infrastructure and access as well as consistency with adopted emergency and evacuation plans among many other environmental issues in order to ensure the safety of residents and the physical environment.
Therefore, impacts associated with adopted emergency response or evacuation plans would be less than significant.
7. Wildland Fires
Threshold: Would the project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HAZ-7, pages 4.8-29 through 4.8- 30)
Explanation: The Planning Area is predominantly built-out and located within an urbanized setting. Urbanized land does not typically facilitate the spread of wildfire in the same manner as vegetated, open space areas. However, the southern portion of the Planning Area (south of Pacific Coast Highway) exhibits higher wildfire risk factors such as a sloping topography and proximity to open space areas in the Cities of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes.
According to CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, the Planning Area is located within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA), meaning that local fire districts are responsible for fire protection services.
A relatively small portion of the Planning Area (the site of the Cypress Water Production Facility) is located within a recommended Very Hihgh Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Additionally, areas adjacent to the southern portion of the Planning Area within Torrance, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rancho Palos Verdes are within designated VHFHSZs. This suggests that while wildfires are not likely to originate within Lomita due to its urbanized and developed landscape, there is the potential for wildfires to occur in nearby FHSZs, such as in the City of Rolling Hills Estates or elsewhere on the highly vegetated Palos Verdes Peninsula and spread to Lomita.
The existing General Plan Safety Element includes policies and actions to address public safety and emergency services, including fire protection services. For example, Safety Element Policy 2.4 is aimed at maximizing fire resistance of existing and planned development and infrastructure.
Safety Element Action 2.4a directs the City to identify areas vulnerable to fire due to inadequate water supply for firefighting and implement improvements (e.g., expansion of water supply, storage hydrants). Safety Element Action 2.4c directs the City to expand code enforcement activities to reduce risk of fire related to unsafe structures or hazardous conditions related to vegetation or outdoor storage. Safety Element Action 4.1c directs Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *388
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the City to work with CAL FIRE and other regional agencies to regularly update the existing wildfire hazard zones and evacuation routes mapping using geographic information system. Safety Element Action 4.1d directs the City to work with CAL FIRE and other regional agencies to develop appropriate improvements needed for fire suppression operations. Safety Element Action 4.3a directs the City to maintain emergency evacuation routes; ensure that street widths, paving, and grades meet the requirements of the California State Fire Code and the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Codes; and work with the City’s GIS mapping services to identify any residential areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.
Future development allowed under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with the provisions of federal, state, and local requirements related to wildland fire hazards, including State fire safety regulations associated with wildland-urban interfaces, fire-safe building standards, and defensible space requirements. As future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project would be evaluated for potential impacts, specific to the project, associated with wildland fire hazards as required under CEQA. Therefore, through compliance with existing federal, state, and local regulations related to wildland fire hazards and the General Plan Update policies and actions, impacts regarding the exposure of people or structures to significant loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires would be less than significant.
I. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
1. Water Quality Standards
Threshold: Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HWQ-1, pages 4.9-16 through
4.9-19)
Explanation: Construction
The General Plan Update sets policies and actions for buildout of the city, but it does not envision or authorize any specific development project. As such, the site-specific details of potential future development projects are currently unknown, and analysis of potential impacts of such projects is not feasible as it would be speculative. However, each future project must include detailed project specific drainage plans that control storm water runoff and erosion, both during and after construction. The RWQCB would require a project-specific SWPPP to be prepared for each future project that disturbs an area one acre or larger. The SWPPP would include projectspecific BMPs designed to control drainage and erosion. For projects Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *389
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disturbing less than one acre, Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9.060 references and adopts the BMPs from the Los Angeles County BMP guidebook, the Los Angeles County LID design manual, and U.S. EPA's Green Street guidance manual. Therefore, the proposed Project would not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, nor would it otherwise substantially degrade surface water or groundwater quality. Therefore, construction impacts would be less than significant.
Operation
Future development projects within the Planning Area would be required to be consistent with the MS4 Permit and Lomita Municipal Code Section 5- 9, which contains a number of requirements to control stormwater pollution, including post-construction runoff pollution reduction BMPs, including LID structural and non-structural BMPs to effectively reduce the amount of impervious area of a completed project site and promote the use of infiltration and other controls that reduce runoff; source control BMPs prevent runoff contact with pollutant materials that would otherwise be discharged to the MS4; and structural and non-structural BMPs for specific types of uses. Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9.180 requires all projects for development or redevelopment not requiring an LID plan, to submit a site-specific plan to mitigate post development stormwater quality if the project has any one or more of the listed characteristics. Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9.070, Control of Erosion of Slopes and Channels, requires the use of BMPs on slopes or channels in subject new development or redevelopment projects. Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9.110, Maintenance of Best Management Practices, requires ongoing maintenance of structural or treatment control BMPs by subject development and redevelopment projects. Other existing regulatory requirements that manage water quality would be required, including obtaining approval from the RWQCB for NPDES permits, other discharge permits, and to implement BMPs. Federal, State and local regulations would require individual projects to provide on-site storm drain infrastructure, including water quality measures, to ensure the capture and on-site treatment of stormwater runoff associated with future development, protecting water quality both on- and off-site.
The Planning Area does not include any water body that is listed on the CWA Section 303(d) list as “impaired”. However, the Planning Area resides within the Dominguez Channel WMG) which drains to various regional drainage conveyance channels within the Dominguez Channel Watershed, the Machado Lake Watershed, and LA/LB Harbors Watershed.
Continued compliance with the Dominguez Channel WMA EWMP, which in part requires the implementation of BMPs to reduce discharge of pollutants in stormwater to the maximum extent practicable, would help Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *390
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address water quality priorities and ensure compliance with the established regulatory framework, including the CWA.
The General Plan Update proposes goals, policies, and actions that aim to enhance stormwater quality and infiltration, as well as ensuring the review of development projects to identify potential stormwater and drainage impacts and requiring development to include measures to confirm that offsite runoff is not increased beyond pre-development levels. Policy RM-6.3 requires the City to continue the coordination with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the NPDES. Policy RM-6.5 encourages the City to develop drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants. Action RM6c encourages the City to conduct outreach to inform residents and businesses about the importance of stormwater management, including providing practical tips and resources to reduce local runoffs. Action RM6e encourages the City to consider to adopt the drought resistant landscape guidelines in the Zoning Code.
These regulatory requirements are intended to ensure that water quality does not degrade to levels that would violate water quality standards. Through implementation of the General Plan Update policies and actions, implementation of the Lomita Municipal Code requirements identified above, compliance with mandatory federal and State regulations, and compliance with the existing regulations for the Dominguez Channel Watershed, future development projects associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would not violate water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-6.3: Stormwater. Coordinate with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
Policy RM-6.5: Landscaping. Encourage drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants.
Action RM-6c: Conduct public outreach to inform residents and businesses about the importance of stormwater management, including providing practical tips and resources to reduce local runoffs.
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Action RM-6e: Consider adopting the drought resistant landscape guidelines in the Zoning Code.
2. Groundwater Supplies
Threshold: Would the project substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HWQ-2, pages 4.9-19 through
4.9-21)
Explanation: The Planning Area lies within the Coastal Plain of Los Angeles Groundwater Basin and is within the adjudicated West Coast Basin.
Groundwater extraction is monitored by the court-appointed Watermaster, who administers and enforces the terms of the West Coast Basin Judgment and reports to the court annually on significant groundwater-related events occurring in the West Coast Basin. According to the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, water supply sources include local groundwater and imported water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD). Groundwater that serves the Planning Area is pumped from West Coast Basin of the Coastal Plain of Los Angeles Groundwater Basin.
Future development activities have the potential to increase impervious areas; however, these areas are limited and do not provide for substantial groundwater recharge within the Planning Area. Development activities associated with implementation of the Project would result in new development and intensification of existing urban uses primarily in the new mixed-use zones MU30, MU40, and MU70. Therefore, the proposed Project would not interfere substantially with groundwater recharge.
The General Plan Update includes policies and actions that support water conservation, groundwater management, and coordination with local water districts when planning for adequate capacity to accommodate future growth. Policy RM-6.1 requires the City to continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles RWQCB to help maintain and improve the quality of both surface water and groundwater resources. Policy RM-6.2 promotes water conservation and efficiency through education, innovation, regulation, and incentives that target all aspects of water consumption. Policy RM-6.4 requires the City to collaborate with community partners to promote water conservation and to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of water conservation practices. Policy RM-6.6 requires the City to continue its investment and devote resources toward the City of Lomita’s Water Division to minimize reliance on imported water and strive to develop a more effective water production and distribution system in the city. Action RM-6a directs the City to continue to work closely with the California State Division of Drinking Water, the Los Angeles RWQCB, and other agencies Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *392
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to identify the potential source of benzene contamination detected at Well No. 5 through extensive testing. This testing may include identification and investigation of potential sources both inside and outside the city, extensive sampling, boring, and monitoring of likely sources in the area, and ongoing monitoring of soil and water levels. Action RM-6b directs the City to implement regular monitoring and reporting procedures to track water consumption trends, identify inefficiencies, and gauge the impact of water conservation measures. Action RM-6d directs the City to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the potential for expanding recycled water infrastructure within the city. Action RM-6f directs the City to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current water distribution system, and identity areas in need of improvement to guide the development of a more efficient water distribution system. Implementation of General Plan policies, combined with continued management of the West Coast Basin, would further ensure that future development anticipated by the General Plan Update would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-6.1: Regional Coordination. Continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to help maintain and improve the quality of both surface water and groundwater resources.
Policy RM-6.2: Conservation Management. Promote water conservation and efficiency through education, innovation, regulation, and incentives that target all aspects of water consumption.
Policy RM-6.4: Education. Collaborate with community partners to promote water conservation and to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of water conservation practices.
Policy RM-6.6: Water Division. Continue to invest and devote resources toward the City’s Water Division to minimize reliance on imported water, and strive to develop a more effective water production and distribution system in the city.
Action RM-6a: Continue to work closely with the California State Division of Drinking Water, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other agencies to identify the potential source of benzene contamination detected at Well No.5 through extensive testing. This testing may include identification and investigation of potential sources both inside and outside the city, extensive sampling, boring, and monitoring of likely sources in the area, and ongoing monitoring of soil and water levels.
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Action RM-6b: Implement regular monitoring and reporting procedures to track water consumption trends, identify inefficiencies, and gauge the impact of water conservation measures.
Action RM-6d: Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the potential for expanding recycled water infrastructure within the city.
Action RM-6f: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current water distribution system, and identity areas in need of improvement to guide the development of a more efficient water distribution system.
3. Erosion, Siltation, Flooding, and Runoff
Threshold: Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite; create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or impede or redirect flood flows?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HWQ-3, pages 4.9-21 through
4.9-24)
Explanation: Erosion and Siltation
Implementation of the General Plan Update would result in new development and intensification of existing urban uses primarily in the new mixed-use zones MU30, MU40, and MU70 with the potential to increase the area of impervious surfaces and/or result in alteration of existing drainage patterns. Future development under the General Plan Update would be subject to NPDES permit requirements that address the control of erosion and siltation. The Los Angeles RWQCB conducts inspections and enforces the Construction General Permit at construction sites.
Additionally, Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9, Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan and Low Impact Development Implementation, requires new development and redevelopment projects subject to permittee conditioning and approval for the design and implementation of postconstruction controls to mitigate stormwater pollution prior to completion of projects.
Development under the General Plan Update would also be subject to the post-construction requirements of the MS4 NPDES permit. Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9.180 requires all projects for development or redevelopment not requiring a Low-Impact Development (LID) plan, to Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *394
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submit a site-specific plan to mitigate post development stormwater quality if the project has any one or more of the listed characteristics. Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-9.070, Control of Erosion of Slopes and Channels, requires BMPs to be used on slopes or channels in subject new development or redevelopment projects. Lomita Municipal Code Section 5-
9.110, Maintenance of Best Management Practices, requires ongoing maintenance of structural or treatment control BMPs by subject development and redevelopment projects.
Further, the General Plan Update Resource Management Element includes goals, policies, and actions that address erosion and siltation from the increased amount of impervious surfaces and the alteration of existing drainage patterns. Resource Management Element Policy RM-6.5 encourages the City to develop drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants. Action RM6e encourages the City to consider to adopt the drought resistant landscape guidelines in the Zoning Code. Through implementation of the General Plan Update policies and existing regulations, erosion and siltation impacts resulting from changes to the existing drainage patterns and increased impervious surfaces would be less than significant.
Surface Runoff
Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) and the City operate and maintain a network of flood control facilities within the Planning Area.
Although future development activities have the potential to slightly increase the amount of impervious surfaces within the Planning Area, the implementation of the Project would result in new development and intensification of existing urban uses primarily in the new mixed-use zones MU30, MU40, and MU70. Federal, State, and local regulations would require individual projects to provide on-site storm drain infrastructure, in addition to off-site infrastructure improvements required to ensure stormwater runoff associated with a proposed development would be adequately captured and conveyed into the City’s storm drain system and LACFCD facilities. Therefore, implementation of the Project would not substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff which would result in flooding on- or off-site or create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems.
The General Plan Update contains policies and actions to provide adequate stormwater infrastructure for flood control and to reduce run-off quantity.
Policy RM-6.3 requires the City to continue the coordination with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the NPDES permit. Policy RM-6.5 encourages the City to develop drought resistant Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *395
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landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants. Action RM-6c encourages the City to conduct outreach to inform residents and businesses about the importance of stormwater management, including providing practical tips and resources to reduce local runoffs.
Action RM-6e encourages the City to consider adoption of drought resistant landscape guidelines in the Zoning Code. Through implementation of the General Plan Update Plan policies and actions and existing federal, State, and local regulations, runoff would not exceed the capacity of drainage systems, create substantial additional sources of polluted runoff, or cause flooding impacts from changes to the existing drainage patterns and increased impervious surfaces. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Flood Flows
The Planning Area is developed and characterized by residential neighborhoods at varying densities, with commercial uses concentrated along Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard, Narbonne Avenue, and Western Avenue. Implementation of the General Plan Update would result in new development and intensification of existing urban uses primarily in the new mixed-use zones MU30, MU40, and MU70. Notably, the Project would not include development in previously undeveloped areas or on land located in mapped flood hazard zones. The Planning Area resides within the Dominguez Channel WMG which drains to various regional drainage conveyance channels within the Dominguez Channel Watershed, the Machado Lake Watershed, and Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbors Watershed. The Dominguez Channel is a channelized watercourse that does not run through the Planning Area. There are no mapped flood hazard zones located within the Planning Area; the entire Planning Area is located within an area of minimal flood hazard.
Furthermore, new development would occur within areas that are already developed and would not result in new development that would be susceptible to any new risks from flooding.
The General Plan Update sets policies and actions for buildout of the city but does not envision or authorize any specific development project. The General Plan Update contains policies and actions designed to reduce runoff flows and flood risk in the city. The City has adopted the California Building Code, which contains flood resistant construction requirements.
Future development projects would be required to adhere to applicable federal, State, and local flood-related regulations. Additionally, construction of storm drainage improvements would occur as part of an overall development or infrastructure project and would be considered in project-specific environmental review. The addition of new and modern development projects resulting from implementation of the General Plan Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *396
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Update would result in new infrastructure that would better convey flood flows and adhere to more stringent design standards and requirements related to the reduction of flood risk. This would further reduce potential flood hazards resulting from future development under the propose Project, even as compared to existing conditions. Therefore. impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-6.3: Stormwater. Coordinate with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
Policy RM-6.5: Landscaping. Encourage drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants.
Action RM-6c: Conduct public outreach to inform residents and businesses about the importance of stormwater management, including providing practical tips and resources to reduce local runoffs.
Action RM-6e: Consider adopting the drought resistant landscape guidelines in the Zoning Code.
4. Flood Hazard, Tsunami, and Seiche Zones
Threshold: In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, would the project risk release of pollutants due to project inundation?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HWQ-4, pages 4.9-24 through
4.9-25)
Explanation: There are no mapped flood hazard zones located within the Planning Area; the entire Planning Area is located within an area of minimal flood hazard.
Should future development projects become inundated during a future flood event, there is a risk of inadvertent release of pollutants into the environment. Pursuant to the CWA, each subsequent development project or improvement project that disturbs more than one acre would be required to obtain NPDES coverage under the Construction General Permit, which would require an approved SWPPP that includes BMPs for grading and preservation of topsoil. Further, the General Plan Update includes policies and actions to reduce the risk of flooding and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Policy RM-6.5 encourages the City to have drought resistant landscaping requirements for new residential and Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *397
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nonresidential development projects, in order to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit the risk of released pollutants.
The Planning Area is approximately four miles inland of the Pacific Ocean and is not located within a mapped Tsunami Hazard Area. Seiches are the oscillation of large bodies of standing water, such as lakes, that can occur in response to ground shaking. Any body of water may experience limited oscillation during storm events or following seismic events; however, oscillation in small bodies of water is generally limited. There are no dams with the potential to inundate the Planning Area, according to the State Division of Safety of Dams Dam Breach Inundation Maps. There are no aquatic bodies in the Planning Area. As a result, tsunamis and seiches do not pose hazards to the Planning Area.
With implementation of General Plan Update policies and actions, in addition to implementation and compliance with existing regulations, potential impacts associated with the release of pollutants due to inundation would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-6.2: Landscaping. Encourage drought resistant landscaping for new residential and nonresidential development projects to decrease water demand, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and limit pollutants.
5. Water Quality Control Plan and Groundwater Management Plan Threshold: Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact HWQ-5, pages 4.9-25 through
4.9-27)
Explanation: Los Angeles RWQCB’s Basin Plan specifies the State’s water quality standards and serves as the basis for the RWQCB’s regulatory programs.
When permittees and projects comply with the provisions of applicable NPDES permits and water quality permitting, they are consistent with the Basin Plan. The General Plan Update includes policies to implement NPDES requirements and enforcement of regulations, including Policy RM-6.3, where the City coordinates with local water agencies to ensure efficient and effective management of stormwater runoff and to protect stormwater quality, in accordance with the NPDES permit. Through implementation of existing regulations and the General Plan Update Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *398
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policies and actions, implementation of the General Plan Update would not conflict or obstruct a water quality control plan.
The General Plan Update does not propose site-specific development. New development and redevelopment projects accommodated by the General Plan Update would be subject to the West Coast Basin Judgment.
Subsequent development projects would also be analyzed for potential environmental impacts, consistent with the requirements of CEQA.
Therefore, the General Plan Update would not conflict with implementation of a sustainable groundwater management plan.
The General Plan Update includes policies to support water conservation and responsible management of groundwater resources consistent with Watermaster management. Policy RM-6.1 requires the City to continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles RWQCB to help maintain and improve the quality of both surface water and groundwater resources. Policy RM-6.2 promotes water conservation and efficiency through education, innovation, regulation, and incentives that target all aspects of water consumption.
Policy RM-6.4 requires the City to collaborate with community partners to promote water conservation and to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of water conservation practices. Policy RM-6.6 requires the City to continue its investment and devote resources toward the City of Lomita’s Water Division to minimize reliance on imported water and strive to develop a more effective water production and distribution system in the city. Action RM-6a directs the City to continue to work closely with the California State Division of Drinking Water, the Los Angeles RWQCB, and other agencies to identify the potential source of benzene contamination detected at Well No.5 through extensive testing. Action RM-6b directs the City to implement regular monitoring and reporting procedures to track water consumption trends, identify inefficiencies, and gauge the impact of water conservation measures. Action RM-6d directs the City to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the potential for expanding recycled water infrastructure within the city. Action RM-6f directs the City to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current water distribution system and identity areas in need of improvement to guide the development of a more efficient water distribution system. Thus, adoption and implementation of the General Plan Update will not conflict or obstruct a sustainable groundwater management plan, and impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-6.1: Regional Coordination. Continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to help maintain and improve the quality of both surface water and groundwater resources.
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Policy RM-6.2: Conservation Management. Promote water conservation and efficiency through education, innovation, regulation, and incentives that target all aspects of water consumption.
Policy RM-6.4: Education. Collaborate with community partners to promote water conservation and to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of water conservation practices.
Policy RM-6.6: Water Division. Continue to invest and devote resources toward the City’s Water Division to minimize reliance on imported water, and strive to develop a more effective water production and distribution system in the city.
Action RM-6a: Continue to work closely with the California State Division of Drinking Water, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other agencies to identify the potential source of benzene contamination detected at Well No.5 through extensive testing. This testing may include identification and investigation of potential sources both inside and outside the city, extensive sampling, boring, and monitoring of likely sources in the area, and ongoing monitoring of soil and water levels.
Action RM-6b: Implement regular monitoring and reporting procedures to track water consumption trends, identify inefficiencies, and gauge the impact of water conservation measures.
Action RM-6d: Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the potential for expanding recycled water infrastructure within the city.
Action RM-6f: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current water distribution system, and identity areas in need of improvement to guide the development of a more efficient water distribution system.
J. LAND USE AND PLANNING
1. Established Communities
Threshold: Would the project physically divide an established community? Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact LU-1, pages 4.10-10 through 4.10- 12)
Explanation: The proposed General Plan Update establishes Lomita’s vision for future growth and development. Proposed Land Use Element Goal LU-1 of the General Plan Update aims to “[p]reserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.” The land uses allowed under the proposed General Plan provide opportunities for cohesive new growth at infill locations primarily along the city’s major arterials but would not create physical division within the community. Overall, the Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *400
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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 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). This is primarily accommodated through proposed new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations that would provide the necessary densities to accommodate the RHNA.
The Project does not propose new roadways or new or significantly expanded infrastructure that would divide an established community. The General Plan Update Land Use Element includes policies and actions to support cohesive development that would not physically divide an established community. Policy LU-1.2 directs the City to focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity and preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods. Policy LU-2.4 aims to protect established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use. Policy LU-2.5 requires residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be well-integrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site. The General Plan Update policies would ensure that future development is compatible with adjacent communities and land issues. The proposed General Plan would have a less than significant impact associated with the physical division of an established community.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Policy LU-1.1: Land Use Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of nonrenewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
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Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
Action LU-1b: Review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in this General Plan.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Policy LU-2.2: Compatible Uses. Require compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
Policy LU-2.4: Residential Neighborhoods. Protect established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use.
Policy LU-2.5: Mixed-Use Design Integration. Require residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be well-integrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site.
Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Policy LU-3.5: Preserve Neighborhood Character. Preserve the character and uniqueness of existing residential neighborhoods.
2. Conflicts With Plans
Threshold: Would the project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
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Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact LU-2, pages 5.11-13 through 5.11- 29)
Explanation: The proposed General Plan Update was prepared in conformance with State laws and regulations associated with the preparation of general plans, including requirements for environmental protection. Discussion of the proposed General Plan’s consistency with State regulations, plans, and policies associated with specific environmental issues (e.g., air quality, transportation, water quality, etc.) is provided in the relevant chapters of this Draft EIR. The State would continue to have authority over any Stateowned lands in the vicinity of the City and the proposed General Plan Update would not conflict with continued application of State land use plans, policies, and regulations adopted to avoid or mitigate environmental effects.
The General Plan Update would be consistent with SCAG’s regional planning efforts and a less than significant impact would occur in this regard. As set forth by State law, the General Plan serves as the primary planning document for the City and subordinate documents and plans would be updated to be consistent with the General Plan. Similar to the existing General Plan, the proposed General Plan Update focuses on a balanced land use pattern, creating a community where new development blends with existing neighborhoods, and promoting the City as a desirable place to live and work. The proposed General Plan Update carries forward and enhances policies and measures from the City’s existing General Plan that were intended for environmental protection, and would not remove or conflict with City plans, policies, or regulations adopted for environmental protection. The proposed General Plan Update would require modifications to the City’s Development Code to provide consistency between the General Plan and zoning; however, these modifications will not remove or adversely alter portions of the Lomita Municipal Code that were adopted to mitigate an environmental effect. Subsequent development and infrastructure projects would be required to be consistent with all applicable policies, standards, and regulations, including those land use plans, policies, and regulations adopted to mitigate environmental effects by the City as well as those adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over components of future development projects. Any potential environmental impact associated with conflicts with land use requirements would be less than significant. The policies listed below would ensure that the General Plan Update does not conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
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Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
Action LU-1b: Review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in this General Plan.
Action LU-1e: Initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the California 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.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
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: No impact. (Draft EIR, page 7.0-2)
Explanation: The Planning Area has three mineral resource zones (“MRZ-1”, “MRZ-2”, and “MRZ-3”), dominated by MRZ-3. Small portions along the Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *404
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northwestern edge and southwestern edge of the Planning Area are classified as MRZ-1 and MRZ-2. Therefore, the Project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource considered of value to the region or a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan. No impact would occur in this regard.
L. NOISE
1. Increase in 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 4.11-17 through
4.11-27.
Explanation: Transportation Noise
Transportation noise includes noise from aircraft, railways, and roadways.
There are no significant railways within the Planning Area; therefore, there is no noise impact associated with railways. The Torrance Municipal Airport is located adjacent to the City of Lomita’s western boundary. No additional noise-sensitive uses are anticipated to be developed within the 60 dBA CNEL contour as a result of the Project. Therefore, there is no significant noise impact associated with aircraft operations. The primary noise source in the Planning Area would continue to be vehicle traffic.
Where future development projects under the General Plan Update may be exposed to noise levels that exceed the land use compatibility criteria, 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 65 dBA CNEL or greater areas or shielding outdoor areas using noise barriers. Additionally, the General Plan Update Noise Element includes policies and actions intended to minimize exposure to excessive noise, including noise associated with traffic. Policies N-2.2 and N-2.3 and Action N-2d would reduce potential noise impacts associated with transportation. Action N-1a requires the City to monitor the California Building Code and other applicable laws and regulations to ensure 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 N-1d requires future development associated with implementation of the proposed General Plan prepare a noise study prior to issuance of a grading permit and mitigation implemented, if noise levels exceed normally acceptable levels as outlined in the proposed Noise Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *405
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Element. For residential developments, the study must ensure that interior levels in livable areas do not exceed 45 dBA CNEL. Policy N-1.2 requires consistency with the land use compatibility standards and the Lomita Municipal Code. Proposed Noise Element Policy N-1.6 ensures that the design of mixed-use projects would prevent transfer of noise from nonresidential areas to residential areas. Following conformance with the existing regulatory framework, including the General Plan and Lomita Municipal Code, impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
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 along major corridors, increased residential development at higher densities, and new commercial development, which may result in new noise sources along major corridors.
The General Plan Update Noise Element includes policies and actions that are intended to reduce noise associated with stationary sources. Policies N1.3 through N-1.6 and Actions N-1c, N-1d, N-1e and N-2a would reduce noise associated with stationary sources. Policy N-1.3 requires the use of best practices in new development to mitigate excessive noise. Policy N-1.5 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 Noise Element. In existing cases where the City’s noise standards are exceeded, Policy N-1.8 directs Code Enforcement to require compliance. Action N-1c requires new development and transportation projects be reviewed for compliance with the noise requirements established in the General Plan, including the established standards and the Lomita Municipal Code, and, where necessary, mitigate excessive noise through best practices. Action N-1d 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 measurements, estimates of existing and projected noise levels, and mitigation measures necessary to facilitate compliance with the proposed Noise Element. Action N-1e 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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *406
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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
The degree of construction noise may vary for different projects associated with implementation of the General Plan, depending on the construction activities. Noise levels associated with construction also vary with the different phases of construction. Individual projects associated with implementation of the General Plan Update would result in short-term noise impacts associated with construction activities. Two types of short-term noise impacts could occur during construction activities, on-site and offsite.
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. The changes in noise levels over one hour or 24 hours attributable to passing trucks would not be perceptible to the normal human ear. The impact is less than significant with the implementation of Lomita Municipal Code Section 4-4.11, as well as Policy N-2.4, which requires construction activities from new developments to minimize noise and vibration impacts and for the City to enforce limits on construction hours included in the Municipal Code. Additionally, Action N2c requires the City to dedicate code enforcement resources to ensuring that all construction activity complies with the limits established in the Lomita Municipal Code. Therefore, 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, which includes grading and paving, tends to generate the highest noise levels, since the noisiest construction equipment is earthmoving equipment. Construction noise would be an impact if construction occurred outside of the hours or noise level outlined in Section 4-4.11 of the Lomita Municipal Code. Action N-2a directs the City to update and amend the Lomita Municipal Code, including the construction noise standards. Potential impacts would be site-specific, depending on the equipment used, the existing noise environment, and the distance to sensitive receptors. The impact would be less than significant, with the implementation of Lomita Municipal Code Section 4-4.11, Policy N-2.4, and Action N-2c. Therefore, with implementation of the General Plan Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *407
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Update policies and actions, and compliance with the Lomita Municipal Code, impacts would be less than significant in this regard.
General Plan Noise Element Table N-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. This table is proposed to be included in the General Plan Update Noise 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.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
NOISE ELEMENT
Policy N-1.1: Sensitive Uses. Protect noise sensitive land uses from excessive, unsafe, or otherwise disruptive noise levels.
Policy N-1.2: Noise Standards. Adopt, maintain, and enforce regulations that establish the acceptable noise standards identified in Table N-1.
Policy N-1.3: 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 N-1 and the Lomita Municipal Code to facilitate acceptable noise exposure levels for existing and future development.
Policy N-1.4: Noise Mitigation. Require new development to mitigate excessive noise to the standards indicated in Table N-1 and the Lomita Municipal Code.
Policy N-1.5: Acoustical Studies. Consider requiring acoustical studies for new discretionary developments and transportation improvements that have the potential to affect existing noise-sensitive uses such as residential areas, schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities; 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:
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• Where existing traffic noise levels are within or below the “normally acceptable” noise criteria at the affected land use (see Table N-1), a readily perceptible 5 dBA CNEL or greater increase in roadway noise will be considered significant; • 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 N-1.6: Mixed Use Development. Ensure that mixed-use structures and projects are designed to prevent transfer of noise and vibration.
Policy N-1.7: Roadway Noise. Encourage nonmotorized transportation alternatives for local trips and the implementation of noise sensitivity measures in the public realm, including traffic-calming road design, natural buffers, and setbacks to decrease excessive motor vehicle noise.
Policy N-1.8: Enforcement. In cases where the City’s noise standards are exceeded, dedicate code enforcement resources to ensure compliance.
Policy N-1.9: Regional Noise Impacts. Coordinate with neighboring cities and transportation providers such as Caltrans to minimize regional traffic noise and noise conflicts between land uses along the city's boundaries.
Action N-1a: Monitor changes in the California Building Code and other federal and state laws and regulations related to noise and incorporate necessary changes into the Municipal Code and building codes as required.
Action N-1b: Review the Lomita Municipal Code and update as necessary so that the noise standards are consistent with this General Plan, including Table N-1, and to require new residential, mixed-use with a residential component, and other noise-sensitive development to be designed to minimize noise exposure to noise sensitive uses through incorporation of site planning and architectural techniques. Any update shall also include noise standards for residential uses within a mixed-use development, which may differ from other adopted residential noise standards.
Action N-1c: Review new development and transportation projects for compliance with the noise requirements established in this General Plan, including the standards established Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *409
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in Table N-1 and the Lomita 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 noise-tolerant features between noise sources and sensitive receptors, and use of noise-minimizing materials.
Action N-1d: For discretionary projects with the potential to generate noise impacts which exceed the standards identified in this General Plan, require acoustical studies to be prepared. 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 N-1e: 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.
Policy N-2.1: Stationary Noise. Minimize noise impacts from stationary sources, including commercial and industrial facilities adjacent to residential uses or zones where residential uses are permitted.
Policy N-2.2: Transportation Related Noise. Reduce noise generated from traffic and transit to the extent feasible.
Policy N-2.3: Torrance Municipal Airport. Work with the Airport Land Use Commission to ensure that local noise concerns are proactively addressed.
Policy N-2.4: Construction Noise. Require construction activities to minimize noise and vibration impacts to reduce the disturbance from new development and enforce limits on construction hours as included in the Lomita Municipal Code.
Action N-2a: Actively enforce the noise standards identified within the Lomita Municipal Code to reduce impacts to the extent feasible. Update and amend the Lomita Municipal Code as appropriate, including the construction noise standards.
Action N-2b: Continue to monitor development projects in adjacent jurisdictions and comment on projects with the potential for noise impacts in Lomita.
Action N-2c: Dedicate code enforcement resources to ensuring all construction activity complies with the limits (i.e., maximum noise levels, hours and days of allowed activity) established in the Lomita Municipal Code in order to reduce impacts associated with temporary construction noise to the extent feasible.
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Action N-2d: Enforce the provisions of the most current California Motor Vehicle Code regarding muffler maintenance and exhaust systems.
Action N-2e: Evaluate the City’s noise complaint and response process. Consider developing a procedure for residents to file noise complaints online against activities and uses that may be violating the Municipal Code.
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 4.11-27 through
4.11-29)
Explanation: The main sources of vibration in the Planning Area are related to vehicles and construction. Typical roadway traffic, including heavy trucks, rarely generates vibration amplitudes high enough to cause structural or cosmetic damage. However, 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.
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 levels with the implementation of the Policy N-2.7 and Action N-2f, 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. Impacts would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
NOISE ELEMENT
Policy N-2.7: Vibration Studies. Require vibration impact studies when warranted for new discretionary development and transportation improvements whose construction utilizes pile drivers or vibratory rollers near existing buildings.
Action N-2f: 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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *411
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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: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact NOI-3, pages 4.11-29 through
4.11-30)
Explanation: Torrance Municipal Airport is located adjacent to the City of Lomita’s western boundary. Figure N-3 of the City of Torrance General Plan provides existing (2006) noise contours. These contours show that the planning area is outside of the 60 dBA CNEL contour. The Planning Area is not located within any adopted airport land use plan and is located outside of any airport 60 dBA CNEL contours. Additionally, the General Plan Update includes Noise Element Policy N-2.3, directing the City to work with the Airport Land Use Commission to ensure that local noise concerns are proactively addressed. As such, impacts related to private airports, public airports, airstrips, or adopted airport land use plans would be less than significant.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
NOISE ELEMENT
Policy N-2.7: Torrance Municipal Airport. Work with the Airport Land Use Commission to ensure that local noise concerns are proactively addressed.
M. POPULATION AND HOUSING
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 4.12-9 through 4.12- 13)
Explanation: The Planning Area and surrounding area are highly urbanized and considered to be built-out. At buildout, the General Plan Update would accommodate approximately 2,885 new housing units and 583,431 square feet of new non-residential building square footage within the Planning Area compared to existing conditions. This new growth may increase the Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *412
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Planning Area population by approximately 7,616 residents and 853 jobs compared to existing conditions. The Planning Area and surrounding area are highly urbanized and considered to be built-out. At buildout, the General Plan Update would accommodate approximately 2,885 new housing units and 583,431 square feet of new non-residential building square footage within the Planning Area compared to existing conditions.
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 Lomita’s population will reach 21,200 persons by 2045. The General Plan Update is projected to result in a population of approximately 29,459 persons. Lomita’s projected population would be approximately 39 percent greater than SCAG’s forecast. Similarly, Lomita’s projected housing stock would be approximately 24.6 percent greater than SCAG forecasts, while Lomita’s projected employment would be approximately 36.3 percent less than SCAG forecasts. It is likely that through a combination of market changes, catalytic projects, updated land use direction in the General Plan, and other factors, Lomita could capture either more or less of expected regional growth than forecasted by SCAG. The RHNA process can result in Discrepancies between Project and regional forecasts. The proposed Project is intended to implement the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element; SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS 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 2020-2045 RTP/SCS adoption. The regional housing needs would be included as part of SCAG’s future growth forecasts. The General Plan Update growth projections would exceed SCAG’s 2045 population and housing stock projections for the City of Lomita. 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.
The General Plan Update accounts for the proposed Project’s anticipated population growth and establishes goals, policies, and actions to accommodate such growth. Policy LU-1.2 directs the City to focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity and preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods. Policy LU-2.4 is aimed at protecting established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *413
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appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use. Policy LU-2.9 directs the City to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to address land use compatibility within areas surrounding Lomita. Policy LU-4.2 requires that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city. Policy LU-4.3 directs the City to maintain and implement public facility master plans to identify infrastructure needs, funding sources, and to implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lomita. Action LU-1e directs the City to initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the Department of Finance (DOF), SCAG, and Los Angeles County in order to adequately plan for growth, including jobshousing balance projections.
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 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 this EIR, that would result from growth accommodated by the proposed project.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Policy LU-1.1: Land Use Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of nonrenewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
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Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
Action LU-1b: Review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in this General Plan.
Action LU-1c: Develop a quantitative methodology for a desired land use mix to meet current and future needs, increase regional competitiveness, and maintain a fiscally responsible mix of residential and nonresidential development. Monitor development activity on an annual basis and devise strategies, as necessary, to achieve the desired land use mix.
Action LU-1e: Initiate a coordinated process to regularly review and adjust population assumptions and forecasts in conjunction with the California 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.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Goal LU-4: Infrastructure and Services. Provide efficient, equitable, and reliable infrastructure and services to support existing and future development.
Policy LU-4.2: Fair Share. Require that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city.
Policy LU-4.3: 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 to implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lomita.
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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 4.12-13 through
4.12-15)
Explanation: The proposed General Plan Update accommodates future growth in Lomita, including new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and new residential uses. Infrastructure and services would need to be extended to accommodate future growth. New growth is anticipated to occur primarily along the city’s major arterials, including Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita Boulevard, Narbonne Avenue, Western Avenue, and Palos Verdes Drive North. Overall, the proposed Project would provide new development opportunities to support the vision for development consistent with the General Plan Update and State housing element law, including accommodating the City’s 2021-2029 RHNA. This is primarily accommodated through proposed new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations that would provide the necessary densities to accommodate the RHNA.
The General Plan Update establishes goals, policies, and actions to ensure the compatibility of new and existing development, including housing.
Policy LU-1.2 directs the City to focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity and preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods. Policy LU-2.2 requires compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles. Policy LU-2.4 is aimed at protecting established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use. Therefore, impacts of the proposed General Plan Update on the displacement of people or housing are considered less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-1: Balanced Land Use Pattern. Preserve a balanced land use pattern that meets the diverse needs of Lomita’s residents and businesses, providing a range of housing options, offering a variety of employment and recreation opportunities, and promoting a robust local economy.
Policy LU-1.1: Land Use Planning. Promote a comprehensive approach to land use planning that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable; enhances Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *416
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community livability and public health; offers choices in housing, jobs, amenities, and transportation; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of nonrenewable resources; and provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement in land use decisions.
Policy LU-1.2: Focused Growth. Focus new higher density mixed-use development along major corridors and within key activity nodes to expand housing opportunity, preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, promote active transportation options, and enhance economic vitality.
Action LU-1a: Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1 of the Lomita Municipal Code) and Zoning Map as appropriate to ensure consistency with this Land Use Element and designations shown on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1). As part of the update, address the following items:
a. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include new mixed-use zones and associated development standards and land use regulations, to implement the MU30, MU40, and MU70 land use designations and reflect the development densities and intensities of those designations. Moreover, amend the Zoning Map to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the city.
b. Reevaluate the permitted uses in the Downtown, Commercial (D-C) zone to ensure that they reflect the mix of retail, commercial, restaurant, office, service, etc. uses desired by the community for the downtown.
c. Ensure that minimum lot sizes for new mixed-use developments are adhered to.
Action LU-1b: Review the Zoning Ordinance and update as appropriate to reflect the goals, policies, and implementation actions included in this General Plan.
Goal LU-2: Comprehensive Land Development. New development is economically and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, and complements our existing community.
Policy LU-2.2: Compatible Uses. Require compatibility between adjacent land uses to enhance livability and promote healthy lifestyles.
Policy LU-2.4: Residential Neighborhoods. Protect established residential neighborhoods by requiring new development to be sensitive to low density housing, including through appropriate building massing and scale, and to minimize impacts related to the operation of the use.
Policy LU-2.5: Mixed-Use Design Integration. Require residential and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings and sites to be well-integrated through site and building design that ensures compatibility among different uses on the same site.
Policy LU-2.9: Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to address land use compatibility within areas surrounding Lomita, including, Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *417
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but not limited to, flight-related issues (from Torrance Municipal Airport) and hillside development.
Action LU-2a: Ensure all projects are reviewed and processed per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Policy LU-3.5: Preserve Neighborhood Character. Preserve the character and uniqueness of existing residential neighborhoods.
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 4.13-12 through 4.13- 15)
Explanation: Development accommodated under the General Plan Update would result in additional residents and businesses in the City. 2040 buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional 2,885 housing units, an additional population of 7,616 people, an additional 583,431 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and an additional 853 jobs within the Planning Area. 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. LU-4.2 requires that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city. Policy LU4.6 ensures public services and facilities reflect changing population needs and are equitably distributed and accessible, with priority assigned to improving areas that are underserved. Policy LU-4.8 directs the City to Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *418
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grow and maintain relationships with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service within Lomita, and to plan for new development. Action LU-4b directs the City to coordinate regular meetings with outside agency staff to maintain relationships and expand opportunities for improved service delivery. 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.
Additionally, new development projected in the General Plan Update would be required to comply with all applicable California Fire Code requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows, and hydrants. Individual project development plans would be reviewed by LACoFD to determine specific fire requirements (e.g., fire flow capacities, emergency access, fuel modification plans) applicable to the specific development and to ensure compliance with these requirements.
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 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-4.2: Fair Share. Require that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city.
Policy LU-4.3: 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 to implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lomita.
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Policy LU-4.6: Equitable Distribution. Ensure public services and facilities reflect changing population needs and are equitably distributed and accessible, with priority assigned to improving areas that are underserved.
Policy LU-4.8: Regional Services Providers. Grow and maintain relationships with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service within Lomita, and to plan for new development.
Action LU-4b: Coordinate regular meetings with outside agency staff to maintain relationships and expand opportunities for improved service delivery.
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 4.13-14 through 4.13- 15)
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 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 City, which also depends on the economic market demands. As individual projects are proposed within the City, 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, the LASD would be able to utilize the projected growth in population, dwelling units, and nonresidential development to effectively plan for increases in population and police protection service demand.
The 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. Policy LU-4.2 requires that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city.
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Policy LU-4.6 ensures public services and facilities reflect changing population needs and are equitably distributed and accessible, with priority assigned to improving areas that are underserved. Policy LU-4.8 directs the City to grow and maintain relationships with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service within Lomita, and to plan for new development. Action LU-4b directs the City to coordinate regular meetings with outside agency staff to maintain relationships and expand opportunities for improved service delivery.
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 any specific development projects, 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 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, all other applicable State and local regulatory requirements, and would also 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:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-4.2: Fair Share. Require that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city.
Policy LU-4.3: 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 to implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lomita.
Policy LU-4.6: Equitable Distribution. Ensure public services and facilities reflect changing population needs and are equitably distributed and accessible, with priority assigned to improving areas that are underserved.
Policy LU-4.8: Regional Services Providers. Grow and maintain relationships with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service within Lomita, and to plan for new development.
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Action LU-4b: Coordinate regular meetings with outside agency staff to maintain relationships and expand opportunities for improved service delivery.
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?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-3, pages 4.13-15 through 4.13- 18)
Explanation: Implementation of the General Plan Update could result in the development of up to 2,885 housing units over existing conditions. Assuming all new development anticipated under the proposed General Plan Update occurs within Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) school boundary, the Project would generate approximately 1,050 students (552 elementary school students, 152 middle school students, 303 high school students, and 42 special day class students). LAUSD 2024 Developer Fee Justification Study states that buildings generate eligibility for State reconstruction/modernization funding once they reach an age of 25 years old for permanent buildings and 20 years old for portable buildings; therefore, the costs of modernized/expanded school facilities are based on anticipated 25-year growth generated by new development within LAUSD’s jurisdiction.
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. Policy LU-4.6 ensures public services and facilities reflect changing population needs and are equitably distributed and accessible, with priority assigned to improving areas that are underserved. Policy LU-5.8 directs the City to strengthen partnerships between the City of Lomita and LAUSD by expanding collaborative efforts (e.g., through joint-use agreements, grant funding, and planning efforts) to promote safe, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster school and community pride. Action LU-2b directs the City to analyze land use compatibility through the development review process to require adequate buffers and/or architectural enhancements that protect sensitive receptors (e.g., residences, schools, day care centers, Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *422
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hospitals, nursing homes) from intrusion of development activities that may cause unwanted nuisances and health risks. Action LU-5b directs the City to support LAUSD, and in particular, Lomita Magnet Elementary School, Eshelman Avenue Elementary School, Fleming Middle School, and Narbonne High School. 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. Overall, increased cooperation and coordination between the City and school districts would ensure high-quality school and community facilities throughout Lomita and would not result in significant impacts to school facilities. As such, the General Plan Update would result in a less than significant impact on school services and facilities.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-4.6: Equitable Distribution. Ensure public services and facilities reflect changing population needs and are equitably distributed and accessible, with priority assigned to improving areas that are underserved.
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Policy LU-5.8: Support Local Schools. Strengthen partnerships between the City of Lomita and Los Angeles Unified School District by expanding collaborative efforts (e.g., through joint-use agreements, grant funding, and planning efforts) to promote safe, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster school and community pride.
Action LU-2b: Analyze land use compatibility through the development review process to require adequate buffers and/or architectural enhancements that protect sensitive receptors (e.g., residences, schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes) from intrusion of development activities that may cause unwanted nuisances and health risks.
Action LU-5b: Support the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and in particular, Lomita Magnet Elementary School, Eshelman Avenue Elementary School, Fleming Middle School, and Narbonne High School, including, through actions that include, but are not limited to:
a. Establish a cooperative working relationship and proactively partner with LAUSD and other community-based organizations in order to increase efficiency of local school services and joint facilities use.
b. Develop and implement a campaign designed to improve public perception of LAUSD within Lomita including consistent promotion of positive aspects of LAUSD schools in Lomita.
c. Widely recognize and celebrate students and faculty within LAUSD in recognition of outstanding achievements.
4. Library Facilities
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 4.13-18 through 4.13- 19)
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 Lomita Library is a part of, and is operated by, the Los Angeles 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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *424
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Area. Assuming that future development would occur over time through 2045, any increase in demand for library services would also occur gradually, as additional development and associated population growth is added to the city. The LA County library system would continue receiving support for library facilities and resources through the General Plan Update policies and actions.
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. Policy LU-3.8 directs the City to support the provision of attractive public gathering spaces and encourage community-wide events programming within these spaces to strengthen social engagement and provide visual relief throughout the city. Policy LU-4.2 requires that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city. Policy LU-4.3 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 to implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lomita. Policy LU-4.8 encourages the City to grow and maintain relationships with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service within Lomita, and to plan for new development.
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:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-3.8: Public Gathering Spaces. Support the provision of attractive public gathering spaces and encourage community-wide events programming within these spaces to strengthen social engagement and provide visual relief throughout the city.
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Policy LU-4.2: Fair Share. Require that new development pays its fair share towards providing necessary improvements to public facilities and infrastructure in the city.
Policy LU-4.3: 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 to implement improvements for public facilities and services in Lomita.
Policy LU-4.8: Regional Service Providers. Grow and maintain relationships with the various regional facility and service providers to deliver high levels of service within Lomita, and to plan for new development.
5. Parks and Recreation Facilities
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: Parks and Recreation Facilities? Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-5, page 4.13-18 through 4.14- 23)
Explanation: The City maintains nine parks consisting exclusively of mini (urban) and neighborhood parks. Based on the anticipated growth, 2045 buildout under the General Plan Update could yield a net change over existing conditions of an additional 2,885 housing units, an additional population of 7,616 people, an additional 583,431 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and an additional 853 jobs within the Planning Area. It is expected that these new residents would 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 for 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 provision of new parks and recreation facilities would 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 Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *426
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be provided at a pace and in locations appropriate to serve new development, as required to maintain the City adopted standard for park space acreage at four acres for every 1,000 residents. Lomita Municipal Code Section 11-2.365, Amount of Land to be Dedicated, states that 1.5 acres of parkland is required for every 1,000 persons. Based on the anticipated 2045 buildout net population gain of 7,616 people, an additional
11.4 acres of parkland in the city would be required, in order to comply with the City’s park standard of 1.5 acres per 1,000 people.
Development resulting from implementation of the General Plan Update would indirectly lead to the construction of new parks and recreation facilities to serve new growth and to meet existing parks and recreation needs. The General Plan Update supports the creation of new parks and recreation facilities, including new parks and trails, to accommodate a wide range of activities for all age groups. Policy LU-4.5 directs the City to collaborate with community stakeholders to expand recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities, including through cost-sharing agreements, joint use of facilities, or acquisition. Policy LU-5.4 directs the City to increase the availability of space and activities that promote community health and physical activity such as parks and recreation facilities, community gardens, and safe pedestrian infrastructure. Policy LU-5.7 directs the City to promote the development and use of privately-owned properties that meet community needs for recreation, health, wellness, and art and culture. Policy RM-1.1 directs the City to develop parks and recreational facilities with amenities that meet the community’s needs and preferences. Policy RM-1.2 prioritizes parks and recreation capital improvement projects in neighborhoods and areas most in need, such as where residents are not within a ten-minute walk to a park, open space, or joint use facility.
Policy RM-1.3 explores the acquisition of Navy Field and the feasibility of redeveloping the site into a new park with space for a new Public Works yard.
Policy RM-1.4 requires the City to have publicly accessible parks and recreation facilities to comply with ADA requirements to accommodate a diversity of ages and abilities. RM-1.5 directs the City to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle pathways to parks, recreational facilities, and schools to foster a sense of community well-being and to promote active lifestyles. Policy RM-1.6 ensures regular maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, open space areas, and public amenities to uphold appearance, usability, and safety. Policy RM-1.7 directs the City to continue its research of grand funding opportunities and other sources of funding for the acquisition and construction of parks and recreation facilities to meet the diverse recreational needs of the community. Policy RM-1.8 directs the City to engage with the school district, local and regional agencies, and private developers to establish partnerships and joint use agreements aimed at expanding the range of recreational facility options available to the public Policy RM-1.10 allows the City to seek input from the community on the needs and investment priorities for public parks and recreational facilities. Policy RM-1.11 directs the City to encourage program community events and festivals in parks and public spaces throughout the city, prioritizing areas with significant foot traffic such as the Civic Center. Action RM-1a requires the City to determine the costs associated with Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *427
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the acquisition, development, and operation of a new park and Public Works yard on the Navy Field site and initiate discussions with the U.S. Navy regarding the transfer of the site to the City. Action RM-1b requires the City to conduct accessibility assessments for all public parks and recreation facilities at least every five years. Action RM-1c requires the City to install adequate lighting, designated crosswalks, clear signage, and other nonvehicular infrastructure to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between residential and open space areas.
Action RM-1d requires the City to develop a maintenance schedule for parks, recreational facilities, and open space areas and update it at least every two years.
Action RM-1e requires the City to research available grant funding for parks and public open space improvements and strive to apply for at least one grant per year.
Action RM-1f requires the City to identify potential partners interested in cooperative efforts to expand recreational opportunities for community members and conduct proactive outreach as appropriate. Action RM-1g requires the City to engage with community members through surveys, workshops, and other public forums to receive feedback on the needs and priorities for parks and recreational facilities.
Any future development resulting from implementation of the General Plan Update would be required to comply with regulations, policies, and standards included in the General Plan Update, all applicable State and local regulatory requirements, and would also 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:
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU-4.5: Community Benefit. Collaborate with community stakeholders to expand recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities, including through cost-sharing agreements, joint use of facilities, or acquisition.
Policy LU-5.4: Physical Activity. Increase the availability of space and activities that promote community health and physical activity such as parks and recreation facilities, community gardens, and safe pedestrian infrastructure.
Policy LU-5.7: Expanded Private Offerings. Promote the development and use of privately-owned properties that meet community needs for recreation, health, wellness, and art and culture.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Policy RM-1.1: Parks and Recreation Facility Amenities. Develop parks and recreational facilities with amenities that meet the community’s needs and preferences, including but not limited to play areas for children, sports courts and fields, dog parks, community meeting rooms, and accessibility updates.
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Policy RM-1.2: Project Prioritization. Prioritize parks and recreation capital improvement projects in neighborhoods and areas most in need, such as where residents are not within a ten-minute walk to a park, open space, or joint use facility.
Policy RM-1.3: Navy Field. Explore the City acquisition of Navy Field and the feasibility of redeveloping the site into a new park with space for a new Public Works yard.
Policy RM-1.4: Accessibility. Require publicly accessible parks and recreation facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to accommodate a diversity of ages and abilities.
Policy RM-1.5: Safe Routes. Provide safe pedestrian and bicycle pathways to parks, recreational facilities, and schools to foster a sense of community well-being and to promote active lifestyles.
Policy RM-1.6: Maintenance. Ensure regular maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, open space areas, and public amenities to uphold appearance, usability, and safety.
Policy RM-1.7: Funding for Parks. Continue to research grant funding opportunities and other sources of funding for the acquisition and construction of parks and recreation facilities to meet the diverse recreational needs of the community.
Policy RM-1.8: Partnerships and Joint Use Agreements. Engage with the school district, local and regional agencies, and private developers to establish partnerships and joint use agreements aimed at expanding the range of recreational facility options available to the public.
Policy RM-1.10: Park Assessment. Seek input from the community on the needs and investment priorities for public parks and recreational facilities.
Policy RM-1.11: Community Events and Festivals. Program community events and festivals in parks and public spaces throughout the city, prioritizing areas with significant foot traffic such as the Civic Center.
Action RM-1a: Determine the costs associated with the acquisition, development, and operation of a new park and Public Works yard on the Navy Field site and initiate discussions with the U.S. Navy regarding the transfer of the site to the City.
Action RM-1b: Conduct accessibility assessments for all public parks and recreation facilities at least every five years
Action RM-1c: Install adequate lighting, designated crosswalks, clear signage, and other nonvehicular infrastructure to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between residential and open space areas.
Action RM-1d: Develop a maintenance schedule for parks, recreational facilities, and open space areas and update it at least every two years.
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Action RM-1e: Research available grant funding for parks and public open space improvements and strive to apply for at least one grant per year.
Action RM-1f: Identify potential partners interested in cooperative efforts to expand recreational opportunities for community members and conduct proactive outreach as appropriate.
Action RM-1g: Engage with community members through surveys, workshops, and other public forums to receive feedback on the needs and priorities for parks and recreational facilities.
6. Increased Use of Parks/Recreation Facilities
Threshold: Would the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
Finding: Less than significant. (Draft EIR, Impact PS-6, pages 4.13-24 through 4.13- 26)
Explanation: The General Plan Update does not propose to change the amount of land dedicated as Publicly Owned Land. There are currently 63 acres of Publicly Owned Land in the Planning Area. No site-specific projects are proposed under the General Plan Update. The City’s current park requirement is 1.5 acres of parkland for every 1,000 people, which the City does not currently meet. Based on a current population 20,092 and the existing approximately
11.5 acres of parkland, the City should be providing an additional 18.6 acres of parkland, for a total of approximately 30.1 acres of parkland in accordance with the park standard. Based on the anticipated 2045 buildout net population gain of 7,616 people, a total of approximately 11.4 acres of additional parkland would be required for compliance with the City’s park standard of 1.5 acres per 1,000 people.
Construction of these future parks could result in environmental impacts, including disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. At the time future parks are proposed, they would require a separate environmental review and compliance with regulations in existence at that time 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 this EIR. Policy LU-4.5 directs the City to collaborate with community stakeholders to expand recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities, including through cost-sharing agreements, joint use of facilities, or acquisition. Policy LU-5.4 directs the City to increase the availability of space and activities that promote Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Reg CC MTG, Page *430
Findings