i
City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element CEQA Addendum To
2021-2029 Housing Element Initial Study/Negative
Declaration (SCH2022010208)
prepared by
City of San Marino
Planning Division, Department of Community Development
2200 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
October 2024
Attachment 9
City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element Zone Code Amendment
ii
Table of Contents
1. Project Title.......................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Lead Agency Name and Address..................................................................................................... 1
3. Contact Person and Phone Number .............................................................................................. 1
4. Project Location .................................................................................................................................. 1
5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address........................................................................................... 2
6. General Plan Designation .................................................................................................................. 2
7. Zoning .................................................................................................................................................... 2
8. Background ........................................................................................................................................... 2
9. Description of Project........................................................................................................................ 3
10. CEQA Analysis..................................................................................................................................... 5 Exhibits................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.0 Figures
Figure 1 Location Map........................................................................................................................................ 1
1 CEQA Exemption- “Common Sense”
1. Project Title
City of San Marino 2021-2029 Housing Element Zoning Code Amendment CEQA Exemption Technical Memorandum
2. Lead Agency Name and Address
City of San Marino, Community Development Department
2200 Huntington Drive, 1st Floor San Marino, CA 91108
3. Contact Person and Phone Number
Isidro Figueroa, Director of Community Development
(626) 300-0700
4. Project Location
Citywide. As an element of the City of San Marino’s General Plan, the Housing Element Update will apply to all properties in the City for the 2021-2029 planning period. The City of San Marino is located in the center of the County of Los Angeles, south of the San Gabriel Mountains and approximately 11 miles north of the City of Los Angeles. The cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Gabriel, and Alhambra surround San Marino. See Figure 1 below.
City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element Zone Code Amendment
2 5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address
City of San Marino, Department of Community Development 2200 Huntington Drive, 1st Floor San Marino, CA 91108
6. General Plan Designation
Citywide – various
7. Zoning
Citywide – various
8. Background
Under the requirements of state law, every city and county in California must prepare a housing element as part of its general plan. The adopted housing element must document, in detail, existing conditions and projected needs in accordance with state housing law provisions. The City’s State mandated 2021-2029 Housing Element identifies housing solutions that address local housing problems and to meet or exceed the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In addition, the discretionary approval action requires independent and project-specific environmental review.
The housing element is a policy document that does not result in physical changes to the environment but includes programs that encourage the provision of affordable housing. While policies and programs could require changes to the zoning ordinance or result in actions of the County that could result in physical change, none of the policies or programs in the proposed project would result in 3 physical changes to the environment. All development in the City of San Marino is required to comply with the General Plan, zoning ordinance, and all applicable policies and governing documents.
On February 9, 2022, the San Marino City Council held a public hearing and adopted the 2021-2029 Housing Element, which also allowed for adoption, by the City Council, the 2021-2029 Housing Element Initial Study/Negative Declaration IS/ND (State Clearinghouse No. (SCH) 2022010208) at the same public hearing.
This document is an Addendum to the adopted IS/ND prepared for the update of the Housing Element of the General Plan for the 2021-2029 planning period (6th Cycle), which was adopted by the City of San Marino on February 9, 2022 (the “original Project”) per City Council Resolution No. R-22-06.
The IS/ND document, inclusive of exhibits, is hereby incorporated by reference.
The IS/ND for the original Project studied the potential environmental effects on aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, recreation, public services, transportation, tribal cultural resources, utilities and service systems, wildfire, and mandatory findings of significance. The IS/ND found that the original Project would not result in significant impacts to agriculture, air quality, biological resources and forest resources, cultural resources, energy. hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, recreation, utilities and service systems, wildfire, and less than significant impacts, with no mitigations, related to aesthetics, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, population and housing, public services, transportation, and tribal and cultural resources.
Since the adoption of the IS/ND, the City has made revisions to the original Project, in order to address the comments provided by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This addendum to the adopted IS/ND addresses the technical changes or additions made to the City’s State mandated adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element (the “Amendments”), which will be considered by the City Council.
9. Description of Project
The State of California requires every jurisdiction to include a Housing Element in its General Plan.
The Housing Element must contain an analysis of the housing needs of all economic segments of the community, including persons with special needs, as well as goals, policies, programs and objectives to address those needs. It is a guide for providing housing opportunities and services for all household types and income groups in the City. State law requires that the City update its Housing Element every eight years, with this update to cover the 2021-2029 planning period, also known as the 6th Cycle of Housing Elements.
As required by State law, the Housing Element includes a Housing Plan, which establishes goals, policies, programs and quantified objectives for addressing the City’s housing needs during the 8year Housing Element planning period. The Housing Plan is based upon the City’s analysis of a variety of issues that affect current and future residents of San Marino, and contains policies and programs to address and guide the future development of housing in the City.
Revisions to the adopted City of San Marino 2021-2029 6th Cycle Housing Element The revisions proposed to the 2021-2029 Housing Element since it was adopted on February 9, 2022 consist of amending the policies and programs in the Housing Element by providing a greater level of detail regarding the policy commitments, expanding on current efforts the City is currently undertaken or is planning to undertake in relation to such policies and programs, adding more specific timelines City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element Zone Code Amendment
4 for when the City shall implement and accomplish certain actions in the policies and expanding on the program will implement to how the City information and policies/programs related to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). These changes include, but are not limited to the following:
• Added 2019 Regional Locational Demographic and Employment Profile. (Section 1.9.1) • Added additional data regarding disabled special needs populations and the City’s progress towards meeting the housing needs of special needs populations. (Sections 1.9.3 & 1.14) • Added additional data regarding number of homes in need of rehabilitation or replacement (Section 1.10)
• Revised Fair Housing Analysis to more fully describe past actions that created areas of concentrated wealth and poverty in San Marino and surrounding communities. (Section 1.12) • Added additional analysis of the effectiveness of 5th Cycle Housing Element programs. (Section
1.15)
• Revised policies and programs related to the production of ADUs, including to revise the City’s ADU ordinance to comply with State law and provide objective design standards for the permitting of ADUs. (Section 2.1)
• Add a program to require the creation of a Multi-family Residential (RM1) zone to accommodate the development of multi-family housing. (Section 2.1) • Add a program to require the City issue a Request for Proposals for the development of the Stoneman site by an affordable housing developer to build no fewer than 49 units affordable to very-low income households. (Section 2.1)
• Add a program to require the creation of two mixed-use zones (MU1 & MU2) to accommodate the development of mixed-use and multi-family housing. (Section 2.1) • Add a program to require the creation of the Religious Institution Housing (RIH) zone. (Section 2.1)
• Revise the identified sites for housing development to remove 2090, 2375 & 2405 Huntington Drive and add 415, 2000, 2010, 2020, & 3130 Huntington Drive and 1750 Viginia Road to the list of identified sites. (Section 3.2)
• Identified additional parcels located along Huntington Drive, beyond those identified as housing sites, to be rezoned to the new MU1 and MU2 zones. (Section 3.2.3) • Identified additional parcels, beyond those identified as housing sites, to be rezoned to the new RIH zone, including St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, San Marino Congregational United Church of Christ, First Church of Christ, Scientist, and San Marino (Section 3.2.4) • Remove “Missing Middle” housing as an allowed use in the R-1 zone. (Formerly Section 3.5.4) • Revise residential development standards for the H&C zone to ensure they’re objective and allow for the maximum density allowed in this zone. (Section 3.2.1) • Create objective development standards for the RM1 zone. (Section 3.2.2) • Create objective development standards for the mixed-use zones. (Section 3.2.3) • Expand analysis of all identified non-vacant housing sites to include suitability of the site and evidence of the discontinuation of existing uses on the site during the planning period. (Section
3.2)
5 • Identify location of existing ADU building permits issued by the City. (Section 3.3) • Increase the number of projected ADUs to be built during the 6th Housing Element Cycle from 221 to 287 (Section 3.3.1)
• Expand analysis of the housing resources available to lower income households and those with special needs. (Section 4.3)
• Expand analysis of constraints on housing development in San Marino, especially with regards to emergency shelters, low barrier navigation centers, transitional housing, residential care facilities, and people in need of reasonable accommodations. (Section 4.4.2) • Expanded analysis of contributing factors to fair housing issues. (Section 4.5.2) • Identifies meaningful actions to affirmatively further fair housing. (Section 4.5.10) The policies and programs have been revised based on the comments provided by HCD, which are intended to help address potential constraints to and further incentivize the development of housing in the City. The amended and new programs added to the State mandated 2021-2029 Housing Element are required by HCD in an effort to certify the City’s Housing Element as compliant with State and Housing laws. As a result of the amended and added programs, the total number of sites required to be rezoned has decreased from 1,796 properties to 118 properties in order to accommodate for the RHNA numbers and quantified objectives through programs included in the Housing Element. Therefore, the rezone changes will not result in changes to the significance findings in all the environmental issue areas studied in the IS/ND.
10. CEQA Analysis
Review of Environmental Impacts and Determination
An analysis of the Amendments, changes in circumstances, and any new information since the certification of the previous IS/ND has been completed to determine if any new environmental impacts could occur. The environmental analysis and conclusions provided in the IS/ND remain current and applicable to the Amendments. All potential impacts in the CEQA Environmental Checklist were considered during the preparation of this Addendum, and it has been determined that no new or substantial increase in impacts would result from the revisions made to the City’s state mandated adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element. Nothing in the Amendments will result in greater impacts to the aesthetics, agriculture and forestry resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation and traffic, utilities and service systems or mandatory findings of significance topic areas studied in the project’s IS/ND.
Further, the modifications proposed for the Housing Element are minor and none of the conditions outlined in CEQA Section 15162 have occurred as explained below, specifically:
1. There are no substantial changes proposed in the project that will require major revisions of the previous negative declaration due to the involvement of new, significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. The Amendments amending the policies and programs in the Housing Element by providing a greater level of detail regarding the policy commitments, expanding on current efforts the City is currently undertaken or is planning to undertake in relation to such policies and programs, adding more specific timelines for when the City shall implement and accomplish certain actions in the policies and expanding on the program will implement to how the City City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element Zone Code Amendment
6 information and policies/programs related to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). The previous version of the sites inventory included all of the parcels in the mixed use overlay zone, which was adopted in 2020, and a small number of multi-family residentially zoned parcels. As a result of the amended and added programs, the total number of sites required to be rezoned has decreased from 1,796 properties to 118 properties in order to accommodate for the RHNA numbers and quantified objectives through programs included in the Housing Element. Therefore, the rezone changes will not result in changes to the significance findings in all the environmental issue areas studied in the IS/ND. Although goals and policies in the plan may result in future actions that could have environmental effects, there is not any information available to allow for meaningful environmental analysis at this time. Environmental review of any implementing actions would occur at that time when project details are known. The adoption of the Amendments to the City’s State mandated adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element will not result in any direct changes to the physical environment.
2. No substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.
Through the environmental review process, it has been determined that no substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken, and thus no major revisions of the previous negative declaration are necessary.
The Amendments amending the policies and programs in the Housing Element by providing a greater level of detail regarding the policy commitments, expanding on current efforts the City is currently undertaken or is planning to undertake in relation to such policies and programs, adding more specific timelines for when the City shall implement and accomplish certain actions in the policies and expanding on the program will implement to how the City information and policies/programs related to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). As a result of the amended and added programs, the total number of sites required to be rezoned has decreased from 1,796 properties to 118 properties in order to accommodate for the RHNA numbers and quantified objectives through programs included in the Housing Element. Thus, no significant changes have occurred since adoption of the IS/ND for the City’s State mandated adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element.
3. New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the negative declaration was adopted, shows any of the following:
a. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative declaration;
Analysis of the Amendments indicates that there is no new information of substantial importance, which was not known at the time the IS/ND was adopted on February 9, 2022, that indicates the project will have significant effects on the environment, or effects that will be substantially more severe than shown in the IS/ND. b. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR;
Through the environmental review process, there were no significant effects that were previously identified and no EIR was previously prepared. c. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the 7 project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or
There were no mitigation measures included in the previously adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element IS/ND, and the proposed project does not result in significant impacts that would result in new mitigation measures. The City is required by State law to follow the policies of the General Plan, which includes the policies in the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element project.
d. Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.
There are no mitigation measures included in the previously adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element IS/ND, and the proposed project does not result in significant impacts that would result in new mitigation measures. The City is required by State law to follow the policies of the General Plan, which includes the policies in the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element project.
Determination
Given the analysis presented in this Addendum, it is therefore found that the Amendments to the City’s State mandated adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element would not result in a measurable increase in environmental impacts over what was previously analyzed in the adopted IS/ND for the adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element. There are no changes with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken that will require revisions to the previous IS/ND. Therefore, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, an Addendum to the IS/ND is appropriate and has been prepared to document the minor technical changes and addition of information that have been included in the Amendments to the Housing Element of the City of San Marino.
City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element Zone Code Amendment
8 Exhibits
[ ]
Adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element Initial Study/Negative Declaration (SCH 2022010208)
City of San Marino
2021-2029 Housing Element Update
Initial Study - Negative Declaration
prepared by
4LEAF, Inc.
2126 Rheem Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
prepared for
City of San Marino
Department of Community Development
2200 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
January 2022
This report prepared on 50% recycled paper with 50% post-consumer content.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Initial Study ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1. Project Title ......................................................................................................................... l
2. Lead Agency Name and Address ........................................................................................ 1
3. Contact Person and Phone Number ................................................................................... 1
4. Project Location .................................................................................................................. l
5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address ................................................................................ 2
6. General Plan Designation ................................................................................................... 2
7. Zoning ................................................................................................................................. 2
8. Description of Project ......................................................................................................... 2
9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting .................................................................................... 3
10. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required .......................................................... 4
11. Have California Native American Tribes Traditionally and Culturally Affiliated with the Project Area Requested Consultation Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1? .......................................................................................................................... 4 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected .......................................................................................... 6 Determination ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Environmental Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 9 1 Aesthetics ........................................................................................................................... 9 2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources ................................................................................. 11 3 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................... 12 4 Biological Resources ......................................................................................................... 13 5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................ 15 6 Energy ............................................................................................................................... 16 7 Geology and Soils .............................................................................................................. 17 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................................... 21 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .................................................................................... 22 10 Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................................... 25 11 Land Use and Planning ................................................................................................................. 29 12 Mineral Resources ........................................................................................................................ 30 13 Noise ............................................................................................................................................. 31 14 Population and Housing ................................................................................................................ 33 15 Public Services .............................................................................................................................. 34 16 Recreation .................................................................................................................................... 36 17 Transportation .............................................................................................................................. 37 18 Tribal Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................. 39 19 Utilities and Service Systems ....................................................................................................... 41 20 Wildfire ......................................................................................................................................... 43 21 Mandatory Findings of Significance ............................................................................................. 45 References ................................................................................................................................... 4 7 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 47 Initial Study - Negative Declaration
City of San Marino
lnltlal Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
List of Preparers ........................................................................................................................... 47 Tables
Table 1: Regional Housing Needs Allocation for the 2021-2029 period ................................................... 3 Figures
Figure 1
ii
Project Location .................................................................................................................. 1 Initial Study
1. Project Title
City of San Marino 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
2. Lead Agency Name and Address
City of San Marino, Community Development Department
2200 Huntington Drive, 1st Floor San Marino, CA 91108
3. Contact Person and Phone Number
Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development (626) 300-0713
4. Project Location
Initial Study
Citywide. As an element of the City of San Marino's General Plan, the Housing Element Update will apply to all properties in the City for the 2021-2029 planning period. The City of San Marino is located in the center of the County of Los Angeles, south of the San Gabriel Mountains and approximately 11 miles north of the City of Los Angeles. the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Gabriel, and Alhambra surround San Marino. See Figure 1 below.
Initial Study - Negative Declaration
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
Los Angeles County
San Marino
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5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address
City of San Marino, Department of Community Development 2200 Huntington Drive, 1st Floor San Marino, CA 91108
6. General Plan Designation
Citywide -various
7. Zoning
Citywide -various
8. Description of Project
The City of San Marino is proposing to adopt an update of its Housing Element for the 2021 to 2029 period. State law requires each city to update its Housing Element every eight (8) years and submit it for certification to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This is the 6
th Housing Element update cycle since the California Legislature identified housing as a priority statewide and began regular updating to General Plan Housing Elements, including the City of San Marino. The current update process started in November 2020 when the city engaged the 4LEAF, Inc consulting team to lead the draft update. The Draft Housing Element was transmitted to HCD on November 1, 2021. Subsequently, McNulty Consulting was engaged by the city in December 2021 to lead the adoption phase
2 Initial Study
A major component of the Housing Element update is the City's shortage of adequate sites to meet the regional housing need. The regional housing need allocation (RHNA) is an estimate of the city's housing needs at all price levels, based on the existing population plus its projected growth, over the next eight years. HCD determines the housing needs for each region in the state and provided to the representative area associations of governments who distributes the RHNA to the cities and counties.
The total units estimated for the entire Southern California region were distributed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
The RHNA for the City of San Marino's 6
th cycle (2021 to 2029 period) Housing Element is 397 units (see Table 1, below). The City is not required to construct additional housing units or issue building permits to meet the RHNA allocation, but it must make adequate sites available with appropriate residential zoning and development potential to accommodate the RHNA over the 8-year planning period. To do this, the City is required to evaluate land use patterns, development regulations and challenges, and identify potentially developable land to demonstrate how the City plans to accommodate the City's RHNA allocation. Because San Marino currently lacks sufficient sites with appropriate zoning to accommodate its assigned RHNA, this Housing Element Update includes programs to consider sites for rezoning. Parcel-specific CEQA analysis will be conducted for the housing element rezoning project. Attempting to analyze individual rezoning on a parcel-by-parcel basis at this time would be speculative and is not within the scope of the project evaluated in this Initial Study.
This Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS-ND) provides compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines required for the city to analyze and adopt the 2021 Housing Element Update, and focuses on whether the Project, as defined, may cause significant effects on the environment. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 21083.3, this IS-ND is intended to assess any effects on the environment that are specific to the 2021 Housing Element Update at a plan level. The location and extent of any specific development project(s) that might result from the adoption of the 2021 Housing Element Update are not yet known, and any attempt to analyze them within this document would be speculative.
Table 1: Regional Housing Needs Allocation for the 2021-2029 period. llr?loo,iiTrtei :lell:els
B�IL.,_ Lew, ��� -Mw•M�r.a
149 91 91
9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting
66 Total
397
San Marino is a small city within the large and diverse Los Angeles County. While San Marino is served by the nearby freeway network (710, 210 and 134) and by the Metro bus lines 78/79/379, it does not have high-speed rail services and does not contain any Priority Growth Areas envisioned in Connect SoCal 2020-2045. San Marino's 2020 population of 12,870 represents a decrease from the 2010 population of 13,187. This lack of growth is consistent with that of the County of Los Angeles and the State of California, both of which have recently begun decreasing in population (2019 Census).
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 3
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
Incorporated in 1913, San Marino was almost completely built out by the 1970s. San Marino is characterized by its beautiful homes and has multiple historic neighborhoods and structures. The intention of the City's founding fathers was to develop and maintain a residential area that would be high-quality and crime-free that provides great schools, parks, and an exclusive lifestyle. The City's physical form today reflects those early values and development patterns, as most of the land is designated for residential use, with areas of recreational and commercial uses. The City's lack of vacant parcels and subdivision potential has impeded development since the 1970s: an average of less than 6 new home permits have been issued annually since 1980, not counting Accessory Dwelling Units.
10. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required
None
11. Have California Native American Tribes Traditionally and Culturally Affiliated with the Project Area
Requested Consultation Pursuant to Public Resources
Code Section 21080.3. 1?
No Native American Tribes requested consultation in regard to this project. 4 Initial Study
This page intentionally left blank.
lni1ial Study - Negative Declaration 5
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
Environmental Factors Potentially
Affected
This project would potentially affect the environmental factors checked below, involving at least one impact that is "Potentially Significant" or "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
D Aesthetics D Agriculture and D Air Quality
Forestry Resources
D Biological Resources D Cultural Resources D Energy
D Geology/Soils D Greenhouse Gas D Hazards & Hazardous
Emissions Materials
D Hydrology/Water Quality D Land Use/Planning D Mineral Resources □ Noise □ Population/Housing D Public Services
□ Recreation □ Transportation □ Tribal Cultural Resources D Utilities/Service Systems □ Wildfire □ Mandatory Findings of Significance
6 Determination
Determination
Based on this initial evaluation:
■ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
□ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions to the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
□ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
□ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "less than significant with mitigation incorporated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 7
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
8 □ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potential significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Alex Hamilton
Printed Name
Date
Interim Director, Community
Development Department
Title
Environmental Checklist
l Aesthetics
Except as provided in Public Resources Code
Section 21099, would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista?
b. Substantially damage scenic resources,
including but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings
within a state scenic highway?
c. In non-urbanized areas, substantially
degrade the existing visual character or
quality of public views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are those
that are experienced from a publicly
accessible vantage point). If the project is
in an urbanized area, would the project
conflict with applicable zoning and other
regulations governing scenic quality?
d. Create a new source of substantial light or
glare that would adversely affect daytime
or nighttime views in the area?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
D
□
□
D
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
□
□
a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Environmental Checklist
Aesthetics
Less than
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
■
No Impact
■
■
■
□
The entire city is urbanized and there are no local or state designated scenic vistas or state scenic highways within the city or its immediate vicinity. The project would not have the potential to have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista and would therefore, have no impact on a designated scenic vista.
NO IMPACT
b. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? There are no State scenic highways within the city or in the near vicinity. Therefore, the project would not have the potential to substantially damage scenic resources along a state scenic highway.
NO IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 9
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
c. Would the project, in non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? {Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
The project site is an urbanized area subject to the Design Review requirements in Article 15 of the San Marino City Code applies to new or replacement structures and changes to structures visible from public views. Objective design review requirements apply to new housing construction that would be expected to affect public views. The project does not propose specific development projects that would conflict with applicable design regulations governing scenic quality. Specific development projects would be speculative at this time but in the future would be subject to the latest Article 15 regulations or other regulations protecting scenic quality in place at the time future residential development is proposed. Additionally, the city has adopted Objective Design Standards that would apply to visual quality of design features. Therefore, project approval would have a less than significant impact by conflicting with regulations governing public views or scenic quality.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
d. Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area?
Although the Housing Element Update itself does not propose any specific development with lighting or glare components, its policies would encourage new housing construction that would be expected to create new sources of lighting and windows. City Code Sec. 23.15.03.B indicates that new or replacement residential structures are subject to design review. The Community Development Department, Planning Commission and Design Review Committee ensure that new development follows the latest Building Code and design standards to prevent light pollution and glare from windows or other components from a building. Additionally, as discussed in the previous section, the city is adopting Objective Design Standards that address lighting impacts. The project is not expected to create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime view in the area.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
10 Environmental Checklist
Agriculture and Forestry Resources
2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Less than
Significant
Potentially with Less than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? □ □ □ ■
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use or a Williamson Act contract? □ □ □ ■
C. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in
Public Resources Code Section 12220(g));
timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code Section 51104(g))? □ □ □ ■
d. Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non-forest
use? □ □ D ■
e. 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? □ □ □ ■
There is no farmland, or land zoned for agricultural use or forest land in the city or its near vicinity; therefore, the project would not have any impact on farm, agricultural, or forestry resources.
NO IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration l l
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
3 Air Quality
Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation
of the applicable air quality plan?
b. Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
c. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
d. Result in other emissions (such as those
leading to odors) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
□
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
□
□
Less than
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
□
No Impact
■
•
•
■
The Housing Element does not propose land use changes that would allow high pollutant uses such as industrial; however, it does encourage more residential density which may increase automobile traffic. In order to help prevent an impact to traffic, the Housing Element has an implementation policy encouraging development near existing transit facilities. Goal 1 is to provide a range of housing opportunities for all income levels, and one of its policies is to allow interior conversion of singlefamily residences into duplexes or triplexes in neighborhoods near jobs and transit. The approval of the Housing Element also does not automatically allow new construction; however, it encourages building residential units. Policies and land uses allowing an increased range of residential densities adjacent to employment may increase opportunities to reduce single vehicle commuting and greater use of transit, which in turn could result in fewer vehicle emissions. Construction for these ends would be subject to use of the latest construction emissions reduction measures by the California Air Quality Board and not represent an impact to exceed federal, state, or regional air quality standards.
As such, implementation of the 2021 Housing Element will not have an impact on air quality, and no mitigation measures are necessary.
NO IMPACT
12 4 Biological Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications,
on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local
or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or
by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? D
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? D
C. Have a substantial adverse effect on state
or federally protected wetlands (including,
but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other means? D
d. 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? D
e. Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance? D
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan? D
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
D
D
D
D
D
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
D ■
D ■
D ■
D ■
D ■
D ■
The city is almost entirely developed with built out. The few open spaces include parks, school fields, and the Huntington gardens. There are no wetlands, wildlife corridors, or adopted habitat Initial Study - Negative Declaration 13
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
conservation plans. Future housing construction is speculative at this time; however, such projects would be subject to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act which protects nesting birds. Any future project related tree removals be subject to review consistent with the City of San Marino Heritage Tree Protection Ordinance in Article 19 of the City of San Marino Municipal Code. There is no potential for the project to have an impact on biological resources, per this section, as no open spaces are encouraged to be developed and all future development will be subject to all applicable regulations related to biological resources.
NO IMPACT
14 5 Cultural Resources
Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource
pursuant to §15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5?
c. Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
□
Environmental Checklist
Cultural Resources
Less than
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
No Impact
■
■
■
The project proposal is to update the Housing Element, which stipulates future discretionary actions such as changing the zoning designations of some sites in order to increase the potential for housing.
At the time future development projects are proposed, the City will review the proposal for potential impacts to historical resources as defined by the Guidelines to the Implementation of CEQA § 15064.5, which includes: A resource listed in, or determined to be eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission, for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources (Pub. Res. Code§ 5024.1, Title 14 CCR, Section 4850 et seq.).
When zoning changes, historic status of subject properties would be assessed. However, much of the land in the city is already developed. Any future disturbance of native soils or disturbance of human remains, or artifacts would require assessment by a qualified archaeologist or a tribal cultural resources expert. All construction undergoes preliminary review for historic preservation review per Article 18 of the City Code and in some cases further design review. Since the specific location of future projects is speculative at this time the Housing Element Update project does not have a potential for impact on cultural resources.
NO IMPACT
Initial Study� Negative Declaration IS
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
6 Energy
Would the project:
a. Result in a potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption
of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?
b. Conflict with or obstruct a state or local
plan for renewable energy or energy
efficiency?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
□
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
□
Less than
Significant
Impact
D
□
No Impact
■
■
The update of the Housing Element would not consume any energy by itself, but it encourages development for the construction of new residences and/or the remodel of existing structures to allow for more residences in the city. Short-term construction and long-term occupancy activities, as a result of future development, would result in energy consumption. Construction activities would consume energy to power equipment, transport equipment and vehicles, and construction materials to be manufactured. Occupancy of new residences would consume energy through the demand for electricity and gas for lighting, air conditioning, heating; and the residents' use of personal vehicles.
However, future development would require permitting such as building and design review entitlements. Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations; energy Conservation Standards for new residential buildings are updated every three years. Title 24 ensures building designs conserve energy by requiring the use of new energy efficiency technologies and methods in new developments.
Currently, the California Energy Commission (CEC) Title 24 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards are in effect; they were updated in 2019 and the updates took effect on January 1, 2020. The city verifies compliance with the current versions of the California Building Code and Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Therefore, the proposed Housing Element Update project will not result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful or inefficient use of energy, and it will not conflict with state or local plans for renewable or efficient energy.
NO IMPACT
16 7 Geology and Soils
Would the project:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the
risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
1. Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most
recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or
based on other substantial evidence
of a known fault?
2. Strong seismic ground shaking?
3. Seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction?
4. Landslides?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the
loss of topsoil?
C. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that
is unstable, or that would become
unstable as a result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction, or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined
in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building
Code (1994), creating substantial direct
or indirect risks to life or property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
Initial Study - Negative Declaration
Less than
Significant
Potentially with
Significant Mitigation
Impact Incorporated
□ D
□ D
□ D
□ D
□ D
D D
D □
D □
D □
Environmental Checklist
Geology and Soils
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
• D
■ D
□ •
• D
D ■
□ ■
□ ■
□ ■
□ •
17 City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
a.1. 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, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? A portion of the Sierra Madre-San Fernando fault runs east-west through the city, roughly 1,000 feet north and parallel to Huntington Drive. The City regulates the construction of new habitable structures within the identified hazard areas, through the requirement of setbacks and construction standards in accordance with State law. Design and construction requirements related to seismic hazards are based on hazard mapping and Seismic Design Categories. The San Marino Municipal Code provides requirements and regulations for different Seismic Design Categories. These building requirements are likely to increase costs of housing development but are necessary to mitigate risks and minimize loss of life and property associated with these hazards.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
a.2. Would the project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving strong seismic ground shaking? Any city with a fault zone, has the potential to experience earthquakes, which strength and time are unpredictable with specificity as to their time and location. These seismic events could put lives and property at risk. Additional residences which at this time are speculative, would also be exposed to these risks; however, and as mentioned in section a.1 above, State and City construction codes help minimize the risks for significant damage to people and property from strong ground shaking through soils and construction materials engineering and design standards. Future housing projects with locations that are speculative now, would be required to undergo review for compliance with the building code for structures in proximity to fault lines. The construction standards protect residents from adverse effects of ground shaking to the extent practicable. Therefore, the Housing Element Update project would have a less than significant impact related to potential adverse effects of ground shaking.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
a.3. Would the project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? There is no identified liquefaction or any other type of ground zones within the city that would increase the risk of loss, injury, or death due to a seismic event.
NO IMPACT
a.4. Would the project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides?
There is one potential landslide zone identified in the city due to its topography and barely developed soils, the Huntington Gardens property, which is a 207-acre civic use/historic site. The Housing Element update identifies the Huntington property as a potential site for the development of at least 20 units within 2 acres of the site. Should this site be developed in the future, its construction would be subject to strict Building Code regulations in place at the time development is proposed, to prevent any damage due to the existing landslide potential. Since the exact timing and specific nature of the project is speculative at this time, the Housing Element Update will have a less than significant impact due to the adverse effects of landslides.
18 Environmental Checklist
Geology and Soils
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
b. Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? The project is a policy document and would not directly enable construction or development activities. Any future development within the city would be subject to State, regional, and local requirements related to the prevention of substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. However, topsoil is assessed on a project-by-project basis through application of the City's most of the city is developed and not much native topsoil exists where development is encouraged by this project. All projects are, nonetheless, subject to City Code Article 16.10 requiring project sites shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste and submittal of a grading plan prepared by a civil engineer. As no specific housing projects are proposed with the project, the Housing Element Update will have no impact to soils erosion or result in the loss of topsoil.
NO IMPACT
c. 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, laterol spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
As previously mentioned, there are no liquefaction zones and only one landslide area in the city.
Future development is to be evaluated on a site-specific basis and subject to all regulatory requirements on-place. Development codes applicable to projects enabled by the Housing Element Update project is expected to prevent impacts due to construction that would cause a landside, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse of a geologic unit.
NO IMPACT
d. Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-8 of the Uniform Building Code (1994}, creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? According to soils survey data from the Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), the soil types within the City of San Marino are Ramona Loam, Ramona Sandy Loam, Hanford Fine Sandy Loam, and Hanford Gravelly Sandy Loam. None of these soil types are considered to be expansive soils, and therefore along with protective grading standards applicable to development projects, there is no risk to life or property from future housing projects enabled by this Housing Element Update being unsafely located on expansive soils.
NO IMPACT
e. Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?
The soils in the city would be capable of adequately support the use of septic tanks if needed; however, the entire city is served by public sewer systems and the Housing Element Update project would have no impact to wastewater disposal.
NO IMPACT
f Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 19
City of San Marino
lnlllal Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
There are no identified unique paleontological resources or geologic features in the city as identified in the Soils Survey of the San Gabriel Area (1901, Holmes)
NO IMPACT
20 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Would the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions,
either directly or indirectly, that may
have a significant impact on the
environment?
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse
gases?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
D
□
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
Environmental Checklist
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Less than
Significant
Impact
■
D
No Impact
□
■
The Housing Element update is a policy document consistent with the City's General Plan and does not directly propose physical changes in the environment. The Housing Element update is a Citywide policy document and does not, in and of itself, approve specific future developments. a. Would the project generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
The project will not directly generate any GHG emissions; however, it may indirectly generate some GHG emissions as it encourages residential development. Future development of housing units could result in an increase in GHG emissions during both construction and occupancy phases; however, development will be subject to current best management practices and construction to State standards for energy efficient buildings. All construction will be subject to case-specific review by the Building and Fire Department and, in some cases, Design Review which further enforces efficient materials.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
b. Would the project conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
The encouragement from this project to build more housing is due to the number of housing units the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) assigned to the City of San Marino. The number, which includes a break-down based on income/affordability levels, was assigned by SCAG by carefully considering their Sustainability Program. This Program is focused on a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) which was developed per the State's Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, approved in 2008 through Senate's Bill 375. This Act requires local governments to promote development in sustainable locations, preventing large GHG emissions.
Following this principle, the Housing Element update encourages new housing to be built near transit and the principal corridor in the city Huntington Drive, especially for lower income groups. There is no applicable local GHG plan, policy, or regulation.
NO IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 21
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Less than
Significant
Potentially with Less than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public
or the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials? □ □ □ ■
b. Create a significant hazard to the public
or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident
conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the
environment? □ □ □ ■
C. Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within
0.25 mile of an existing or proposed
school? □ □ □ ■
d. Be located on a site that is included on a
list of hazardous material 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? □ □ □ ■
e. For a project located in an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not
been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would
the project result in a safety hazard or
excessive noise for people residing or
working in the project area? □ □ □ ■
f. Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan? □ □ □ ■
g. Expose people or structures, either
directly or indirectly, to a significant risk
of loss, injury, or death involving wild land
fires? □ □ □ ■
22 Environmental Checklist
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
a. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? The development of new housing units may involve the use and disposal of some materials labeled as hazardous; however, it would be subject to regulations mandated by the State's Building Code and reinforced by the city's own Construction and Demolition Debris Ordinance (found in Article 7 of Chapter IX of the City Code). Said ordinance involves multiple requirements including waste management plans and reporting when deemed necessary by the building officials, in order to prevent any damage to property or the environment.
NO IMPACT
b. 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?
As mentioned in subsection 9-a above, any transportation and disposal of hazardous materials are subject to strict regulations, which do not allow release of hazardous materials into the environment.
Development of the missing housing units in the city would be expected to be phased and not interfere with the existing traffic patterns in a way that an accident would occur and release hazardous materials into the environment.
NO IMPACT
c. Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? There are currently four schools within the city, and future development facilitated by this project may occur within 0.25 mile of an existing or future school. However, future development which may involve the transportation of hazardous materials will be subject to rigorous construction and disposal regulations, and potential impacts will be assessed and prevented through project-specific review by city staff.
NO IMPACT
d. Would the project be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material 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?
No hazardous sites listed under Government Code Section 65962.5 exist within the city.
NO IMPACT
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? There are no airport land use plans within the city, and the closest public use airport is the San Gabriel Valley Airport in El Monte at approximately 4 miles southeast of the city limits.
NO IMPACT
f Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 23
City of San Marino
lnltlal Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
Any future development within the city would be required to comply with the provisions of the San Marino Emergency Operations Plan. The project would also not interfere with the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, as future housing would be scattered across the city and developed in areas already served by existing roads.
NO IMPACT
g. Would the project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wild/and fires?
There are no wildlands in the city or its immediate vicinity.
NO IMPACT
24 Environmental Checklist
Hydrology and Water Quality
10 Hydrology and Water Quality
Less than
Significant
Potentially with Less than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements or
otherwise substantially degrade surface
or ground water quality? □ □ □ ■
b. Substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that the
project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin? □ □ □ ■
C. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a
stream or river or through the addition of
impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would:
(i) Result in substantial erosion or
siltation on- or off-site; D □ □ ■
(ii) Substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in
flooding on- or off-site; □ D □ ■
(iii) 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 D □ □ ■
(iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? □ □ □ ■
d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones,
risk release of pollutants due to project
inundation? □ □ D ■
e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation
of a water quality control plan or
sustainable groundwater management
plan? □ □ □ ■
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 25
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
a. Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? Water Supply & Quality
The City of San Marino receives most of its potable water from groundwater sources at the Main San Gabriel and Raymond Basins. Additional water is acquired through purchases from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC), who manages and distributes potable water to public agencies within Los Angeles County and other Southern California counties. MWDSC receives water from the Weymouth Treatment Plant, whose source comes from the Sacramento River Delta and Colorado River. The city is serviced by California American Water, who distributes water to residential and commercial areas and releases an annual water quality report for the jurisdiction.
Surface Water
There is no known naturally occurring surface water feature in San Marino. However, the Rubio Wash, a channelized water feature beginning just west of the San Marino High School baseball field, converges with the Rio Hondo approximately 5 miles to the south. 15.6 percent of water supply is purchased from MWDSC, which is then treated with disinfectants such as chloramines before being distributed to the public.
Ground Water
The city receives 84.4 percent of water supply from groundwater sources. The San Gabriel Basin is the main groundwater source for San Marino and is recharged through rainfall and runoff from adjacent mountains. The groundwater basin also receives imported water and applied water return flows.
Construction from housing development may impact water quality standards and groundwater supply due to temporary debris exposure and runoff during construction. Irrigation of residential landscapes and increased fertilizer use may decrease water quality standards. However, the city's stormwater management and discharge control ordinance 09.07.01 - 09.07.14 require demolition and construction projects to implement best management practices that minimize impacts to water quality. The city also requires permit applicants to show plans consistent with the landscape and irrigation regulations, and requires compliance with city ordinance chapter 23, article 16, sections 1-
11. The Housing Element update is a policy document and will not physically or substantially violate water quality standards.
NO IMPACT
b. 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?
California American Water (CAW) serves the whole City of San Marino and surroundings with the "San Marino System." This system is primarily supplied by groundwater sources in the Main San Gabriel and Raymond Basins. Representatives from CAW confirmed the system has enough water to serve the additional housing units per the new RHNA.
Construction of housing developments may increase total impervious surface areas, leading to cumulative impacts to groundwater recharge. Increased impervious surfaces from new construction can pose a threat to groundwater recharge, potentially drying out a source of recharge and diverting 26 Environmental Checklist
Hydrology and Water Quality
water elsewhere leading to increased water volume in the street that drains into the wash. However, the jurisdiction is entirely developed. In addition, the city encourages permeable surface areas where feasible and drought-tolerant landscaping with little to no irrigation and fertilizer usage for new construction. As such, there is no substantial decrease in groundwater supplies.
NO IMPACT
c.(i) 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?
The existing drainage pattern is located beneath the surface and would not be substantially altered by construction or lead to substantial erosion.
NO IMPACT
c.(ii) 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 substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? The existing drainage pattern is located beneath the surface and would not be substantially altered by construction or lead to increased rate or amount of surface runoff.
NO IMPACT
c.(iii) 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 that would 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?
The existing drainage pattern is located beneath the surface and would not be substantially altered by construction or significantly contribute to stormwater runoff.
NO IMPACT
c. (iv) 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 impede or redirect flood flows? The existing drainage pattern is located beneath the surface and would not be substantially altered by construction or significantly impede flood flows.
NO IMPACT
d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, would the project risk release of pollutants due to project inundation?
The project site is located approximately 23 miles inland from the ocean and is highly developed. In addition, the City of San Marino has been identified by the federal emergency management agency to be in Zone X, an area of minimal flood risk. As such, flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones do not pose a significant threat of inundation or release of pollutants to the area.
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 27
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
NO IMPACT
e. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
The City of San Marino is under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), a semi-autonomous decision-making body under the State Water Resources Control Board who is responsible for the protection of surface water and groundwater quality. The RWQCB's Basin Plan contains policies and directives that protect water quality and its beneficial uses within the region. In addition, the city produced the "Sewer System Management Plan" (May 2019) pursuant to the provisions of the State Water Resources Control Board to manage waste discharge and sanitary sewer overflows The City of San Marino has identified sources of pollution and is enforcing nationwide efforts from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System by implementing the Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance (Ord. 0-05-1181, 9-14-2005). Demolition and construction of residential projects of more than 1,000 square feet and tenant improvements of more than 3,000 square feet are required to divert a minimum of 50% construction debris from a landfill.
In addition, the city adopted the "Model Water Ordinance" that promotes efficient water use through landscaping and irrigation efforts. The Housing Element update is a policy document that responds to the city's needs to fulfill their housing requirements and does not approve any specific projects.
Specific projects are reviewed by the city for consistency with the above-mentioned regulations and plans. As such, the Housing Element update will not obstruct implementation of any water quality control plan or groundwater management plan.
NO IMPACT
28 Land Use and Planning
Hydrology and Water Quality
11 Land Use and Planning
Would the project:
a. Physically divide an established
community?
b. Cause a significant environmental impact
due to a conflict with any land use plan,
policy, or regulation adopted for the
purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
D
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
□
a. Would the project physically divide an established community? Less than
Significant
Impact
D
□
No Impact
•
•
Since the city is characterized predominantly by single-family residences, the updated Housing Element aims to promote infill development where feasible. San Marino's fair share of new housing development (RHNA Allocation) is outlined in the Housing Element, which and encourages infill development near commercial areas, public transportation, and other public services. Goals, policies, and programs of the update emphasize the provision of affordable housing, preventing displacement and preserving the quality of existing neighborhoods. Adoption of the Housing Element would not substantially divide the established community.
NO IMPACT
b. 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?
The Housing Element update is a policy document that encourages infill housing development, affordable housing provisions, and preservation of existing housing stock. The update does not physically cause significant environmental impact to the land use plan, its policies or regulation, and would not grant entitlements for any current or future projects that contribute to the city's projected housing needs.
NO IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 29
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
12 Mineral Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would be of
value to the region and the residents of
the state?
b. Result in the loss of availability of a
locally important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other land
use plan?
D
D
D D ■
D D ■
a. 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?
The project proposes some goals and policies to increase the site eligibility for residential in the City; however, no sites that are undeveloped or not zoned for development would be affected by the new measures. Additionally, no mineral resources valuable to the region are known to exist within the City.
NO IMPACT
b. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? As described in Subsection 12-a above, no valuable mineral resources are known to exist within the City and the project would not have an impact on this matter.
NO IMPACT
30 13 Noise
Would the project result in:
a. Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise
levels in the vicinity of the project in
excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
b. Generation of excessive ground borne
vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c. For a project located within the vicinity of
a private airstrip or an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public
airport or public use airport, would the
project expose people residing or
working in the project area to excessive
noise levels?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
Noise
Hydrology and Water Quality
Less than
Significant
with Less than
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact
□ ■
□ □
□ □
No Impact
□
■
•
a. Would the project result in 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? Housing is considered a noise-sensitive rather than a noise-generating land use. The primary source of ambient noise in San Marino's residential neighborhoods is traffic. The Housing Element is a policy document and does not propose specific projects; rather, it outlines density requirements per RHNA allocations. Any future housing development projects would be subject to the General Plan Land Use and Noise policies and limits, as well as Zoning regulations and setbacks, Building Code requirements, standard conditions of approval, and project-specific environmental review as applicable. As such, the update will not result in substantial increase in ambient noise or vibration levels in the city.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
b. Would the project result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
The city's general plan has identified traffic as being the main contributors to noise in neighboring residential areas. However, existing traffic noise is not considered to be a significant impact on new residential construction. In addition, the city's general plan includes a noise element technical analysis that measured noise levels throughout specific sites of San Marino. The analysis concluded that noise levels along Huntington Drive are within a range considered conditionally acceptable for sensitive land Initial Study - Negative Declaration 31
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
uses. Temporary noise levels and groundborne vibrations from new development as allocated by RHNA goals may impact the environment; however, as stated above, the general plan's noise element contains provisions for monitoring and mitigating noise impacts to sensitive land uses such as residential, library and schools. The Housing Element update in and of itself will not result in generation of excessive groundborne noise and vibration levels.
NO IMPACT
c. For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
There are no public airports, private airstrips, or airport land use plan areas within the City; nor within two miles from the City limits.
NO IMPACT
32 Noise
Population and Housing
14 Population and Housing
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (e.g., by
proposing new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (e.g., through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing
people or housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
□
□
□ ■ □
D □ ■
a. 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)?
San Marino had a population of 13,048 persons in 2019 (US Census, 2019); this population has been relatively stable since 1970 when San Marino was built out. The draft housing element update includes goals to maintain the existing housing stock while providing housing opportunities for all income levels within the City. To accomplish the City's fair share of RHNA goals, a total of 397 units would need to be built through the provision of ADU/ JADUs and with future consideration of limited rezoning efforts to allow for increased density. The Housing Element update is a policy document and does not propose specific development projects. Rather, it outlines policy provisions and recommendations for accommodating RHNA goals and does not induce substantial unplanned population growth either directly or indirectly.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
b. Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
The project would not displace any people, as the update is proposing measures to increase the potential for housing within the City. Under state laws, if a development project were to be proposed on a site where existing housing units occupied by low-income households exist, special relocation measures would be required to avoid displacement. Substantial numbers of existing people of housing would not be affected by this Housing Element Update.
NO IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 33
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
15 Public Services
Less than
Significant
Potentially with Less than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact
a. Would the project result in substantial
adverse physical impacts associated with
the provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, or the 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:
1 Fire protection? □ □ ■ □
2 Police protection? □ □ ■ □
3 Schools? □ □ ■ □
4 Parks? □ □ ■ □
5 Other public facilities? □ □ ■ □
a.1. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered fire protection facilities, or the need for new or physically altered fire protection facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives?
The housing element update is a policy document that increases opportunities for the provision of housing within the city, but it does not approve specific development projects in and of itself. Sitespecific housing development occurs through the city's permitting system and includes an evaluation of the sufficiency of local fire protection resources. Housing development necessitates nearby fire hydrants to mitigate adverse impacts to structures but would not require additional fire protection facilities due to the city's built-out nature. Therefore, the housing element update does not require additional fire protection facilities and does not result in substantial adverse impacts to the facilities.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
a.2. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered police protection facilities, or the need for new or physically altered police protection facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives?
34 Public Services
Population and Housing
The housing element update will not result in substantial adverse impacts to police protection facilities.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
a.3. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered schools, or the need for new or physically altered schools, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives? The housing element update will not result in substantial adverse impacts to school or the provision thereof. New construction is required to pay school impact fees to the local school district which are used to maintain the level of services.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
a.4. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered parks, or the need for new or physically altered parks, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives? The housing element update will not result in substantial adverse impacts to the provision or construction of parks.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
a.5. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of other new or physically altered public facilities, or the need for other new or physically altered public facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives?
The housing element update will not result in substantial adverse impacts to public facilities as it will consist of in-fill development with adequate infrastructure to serve future development.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 35
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
16 Recreation
a. Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks
or other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
b. Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on
the environment?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
□
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
Less than
Significant
Impact
□
□
No Impact
•
•
a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
The city contains two parks dedicated for open space and recreation: Huntington Gardens and Lacey Park. The 237 acres of open space provides a space for residents and visitors to recreate. The housing element update allows provisions for the projected increase of housing units, which may lead to increased usage of nearby parks and open space. Lacey Park is managed by the city's Community Services Department and the recreation facilities are managed under a reservation system to limit large groups, and the trails are paved to limit physical degradation. As such, projected increases in housing units as outlined in the housing element will not lead to substantial physical deterioration.
NO IMPACT
b. Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Adoption of the housing element update does not include construction of any facilities and thus would not have a physical impact on the environment.
NO IMPACT
36 17 Transportation
Would the project:
a. Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance,
or policy addressing the circulation
system, including transit, roadway,
bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?
b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision
(b)?
c. Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp
curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)?
d. Result in inadequate emergency access?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
D
D
D
D
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
D
D
D
Less than
Significant
Impact
D
■
D
■
Transportation
Recreation
a. Would the project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities? The proposed housing element update, being a plan level document creating no new physical features, would not conflict with programs, plans, ordinances, or other policies related to circulation.
Future development influenced by the updated housing element would be created in already developed areas. There would be no impact from the proposed project.
NO IMPACT
b. Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
The proposed housing element update, being a plan level document creating no new physical features, would not conflict with the CEQA guidelines outlined in section 15064.3, subdivision (b). The adoption of the updated housing element would not result in the direct creation of traffic or the addition of Vehicle Miles Travelled. The impact of the proposed housing element update would be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
c. Would the project substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)? The proposed housing element update would not create any physical features or cause changes to the existing transportation infrastructure. The proposed project could result in Initial Study - Negative Declaration 37
No Impact
■
D
■
□
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
the future development of new housing; however, because the City of San Marino is already completely developed, no new roads would be required to serve this future development.
There would be no impact from the proposed housing element update.
NO IMPACT
d. Would the project result in inadequate emergency access? The proposed housing element would not create any physical structures or other features requiring emergency services. Future housing development influenced by the proposed housing element would be located in already developed areas with established emergency services and access. Impacts from the proposed housing element would be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
38 18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Would the project cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public Resources Code
Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place,
or cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the
landscape, sacred place, or object with
cultural value to a California Native American
tribe, and that is:
a. Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 5020.l{k)?
b. A resource determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code
Section 5024.1? In applying the criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the significance of
the resource to a California Native
American tribe.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
D
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
Transportation
Tribal Cultural Resources
Less than
Significant
Impact
■
■
No Impact
D
□
a - b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change to a resource listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.l{k), or a resource determined to be significant pursuant to Public Resources Code section 5024.1
The City of San Marino is completely developed, leaving no undisturbed areas. The proposed housing element would not create any physical features and has no potential to impact tribal cultural resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074, a resource listed in a state or local historical register as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.l{k). Tribal consultation was not requested in the preparation of this document. Future development influenced by the housing element has the potential to unearth previously undiscovered tribal cultural resources. However, standard project conditions of approval would require that any newly discovered resources be protected, and that work be halted while the new discovery is addressed. No tribal cultural resources Initial Study - Negative Declaration 39
City of San Marino
lnltlal Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
in the City have been identified by the lead agency as being significant. Therefore, the proposed housing element would have a less than significant impact to tribal cultural resources.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
40 Transportation
Utilities and Service Systems
19 Utilities and Service Systems
Would the project:
a. Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment or storm water
drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
b. Have sufficient water supplies available
to serve the project and reasonably
foreseeable future development during
normal, dry, and multiple dry years?
c. Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider which
serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition to
the provider's existing commitments?
d. Generate solid waste in excess of State or
local standards, or in excess of the
capacity of local infrastructure, or
otherwise impair the attainment of solid
waste reduction goals?
e. Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
□
□
□
□
□
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
□
□
□
□
□
Less than
Significant
Impact
■
■
■
■
■
No Impact
□
□
□
□
□
a. Would the project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects?
The proposed housing element update; being a plan level document with no construction components, would not result in the creation of new utility and service system facilities. Future construction influenced by the proposed housing element has the potential to require connections to natural gas, wastewater treatment and other services typical of residential development. However, any future development would be infill and would be served by infrastructure that is already in place.
Impacts to utilities and service systems would be less than significant.
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 41
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
b. Would the project have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years? The proposed housing element update would create no new residences or other construction requiring water usage. Water supplies would not be affected by the implementation of the proposed housing element update. Future development influenced by the housing element would require water. However, sufficient supply is available to meet the demand and is expected to be sufficient even in drier years. Impacts from the proposed housing element would be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
c. Would the project result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments?
The proposed housing element update would create no new construction or result in new demand for wastewater services. Future construction that may result from the proposed housing element update would require sewer services. The Sanitation District overseeing the area has expressed confidence that the projected new demand would not exceed their ability to provide services. Impacts from the proposed housing element would be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
d. Would the project generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
The proposed housing element update would create no new construction or result in new demand for solid waste services. Future development influenced by the proposed housing element would require solid waste services. However, it is not expected that the projected increase in housing will create a demand for solid waste services that would exceed the capacity of local infrastructure.
Impacts from the proposed housing element update would be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
e. Would the project comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
The proposed housing element update would not create any demand for solid waste services. Future development would require solid waste services. Future development would be required to comply with all federal, state, and local guidelines regarding solid waste. Impacts from the proposed housing element update would have a less than significant impact.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
42 20 Wildfire
If located in or near State responsibility areas
or lands classified as very high fire hazard
severity zones, would the project:
a. Substantially impair an adopted
emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks and
thereby expose project occupants to
pollutant concentrations from a wildfire
or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
c. Require the installation or maintenance
of associated infrastructure (such as
roads, fuel breaks, emergency water
sources, power lines or other utilities)
that may exacerbate fire risk or that may
result in temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment?
d. Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslopes or
downstream flooding or landslides, as a
result of runoff, post-fire slope instability,
or drainage changes?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
D
D
D
D
Wildfire
Utilities and Service Systems
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
D
D
D
Less than
Significant
Impact
D
D
D
D
No Impact
■
■
■
■
a. If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
The City of San Marino is not located within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone {VHFHSZ) as classified by CAL FIRE. No SRA or VHFHSZ exists within two miles of the city. The proposed housing element update would not alter any physical infrastructure or other features that could have an impact on emergency responses. There would be no impact from the proposed housing element update.
NO IMPACT
b. If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project, due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire Initial Study - Negative Declaration 43
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
risks and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
The City of San Marino is not located within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone {VHFHSZ) as classified by CAL FIRE. No SRA or VHFHSZ exists within two miles of the city. The proposed housing element update would not directly create any new development or other physical features. Fire hazards would not be exacerbated as a result of the project. There would be no impact from the proposed housing element update.
NO IMPACT
c. If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? The City of San Marino is not located within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone {VHFHSZ) as classified by CAL FIRE. No SRA or VHFHSZ exists within two miles of the city. No physical development would be created as a result of the housing element update. Any housing development influenced by the housing element update would be infill and would be served by infrastructure that is already in place. There would be no impact from the proposed housing element update.
NO IMPACT
d. If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project expose people or structures to significant risks, including downs/opes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
The City of San Marino is not located within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone {VHFHSZ) as classified by CAL FIRE. No SRA or VHFHSZ exists within two miles of the city. The housing element update is a policy document and would not create or give entitlements to any individual project. No component of the project would exacerbate the risk of wildfire or create additional post-fire hazards. There would be no impact from the proposed housing element update.
NO IMPACT
44 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Utilities and Service Systems
21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Does the project:
a. Have the potential to substantially
degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish
or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, substantially reduce
the number, or restrict the range of a
rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or
prehistory?
b. Have impacts that are individually
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable" means that
the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the
effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c. Have environmental effects which will
cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
D
D
D
□ ■ D
D D ■
D ■ D
a. Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? The proposed project is a policy document meant to regulate and facilitate the creation of housing.
The project would not create any housing or other physical development. The project would not permit any project or grant any entitlements for future projects. Future development of sites identified for housing would not have significant effects on biological or historical resources for the reasons outlined in the above study. Impacts from the project would be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Initial Study - Negative Declaration 45
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
b. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? The proposed project is a policy document meant to regulate and facilitate the creation of housing.
The project would not create any housing or other physical development. No cumulatively considerable impacts could result from the proposed project. Future housing development influenced by the project may have the potential to cause impacts to the environment, however such future projects are unknown and attempting to evaluate future impacts would be speculative. There would be no significant impacts from the proposed Housing Element Update project.
NO IMPACT
c. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
The proposed project is a policy document meant to regulate and facilitate the creation of housing.
The project would not create any housing or other physical development. As outlined in the above study, the project would have no significant impacts or substantial adverse impacts to human beings.
Impacts from the proposed project would' be less than significant.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
46 References
References
Bibliography
[ ]
California American Water 2020 Annual Water Quality Report (https://www.amwater.com/ccr/sanmarino.pdf)
City of San Marino 2001 General Plan
(https://www.cityofsanmarino.org/Final%20General%20Plan.pdf) City of San Marino Public Works
(https:ljwww.cityofsanmarino.org/government/departments/parks public works Iwate IJIBQ)
City of San Marino Sewer Management Plan May 2019
(https://www.cityofsanmarino.org/Parks%20&%20Public%20Works/Sewer'/o20System%20 Management%20Plan.pdf)
Environmental Protection Agency 2014 Basin Plan (https://www.epa.gov/sites/defau1t/files/2015- 03/documents/ca4-losangeles-region.pdf)
Main San Gabriel Basin (https:Uwww.watermaster.org/basin-map) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (https://thehawkinscompany.com/wpcontent/uploads/2021/01/metro water district v6.pdf) Soil Survey of the San Gabriel Area, California, 1901.
(https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/lnternet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/california/sangabrie1CA1901/sang abrielCA1901.pdf)
US Census 2019 (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/sanmarinocitycalifornia) List of Preparers
4LEAF, Inc. and McNulty Consulting prepared this IS-ND under contract to the City of San Marino.
Persons involved in data gathering analysis, project management, and quality control are listed below.
4LEAF, INC.
Eduardo Hernandez, Senior Planner
Elliott Pickett, Associate Planner
Nick Bateman, Associate Planner
Denise Truong, Assistant Planner
Jane Riley, AICP, Director of Housing Policy
Toccarra Thomas, AICP, Deputy Director of Planning Services Initial Study - Negative Declaration 47
City of San Marino
Initial Study for 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
MCNULTY CONSULTING
Bret McNulty, Principal
48