August 20, 2026
Jaclyn Abston
[email protected]
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
-
2196
RE: Request for Proposals (RFP)
# CD
-
26 -
27 -
02 -
General Plan
Element Update
Dear Ms.
Jaclyn Abston
,
On behalf of Michael Baker International, Inc. (Michael Baker), our team is pleased to submit this proposal to the City of Santa
Clarita
for Consultant Services related to the
City’s General Plan Element Update
. With a strong record of accomplishment of
preparing General Plan Elements and updates for jurisdictions across California, we are committed to delivering work that not only complies with applicable legislation
—
including
Assembly Bill 98, Assembly Bill 1889, Senate Bill 1425, and Assembly Bill 2684
—
but also exceeds the expectations of the
City of Santa Clarita
. By selecting the Michael Baker team, the City will
benefit from the following key advantages:
TRUSTED PROJECT TEAM |
Michael Baker
and our subconsultant Fehr & Peers bring a longstanding, trusted relationship with the City, serving as preferred providers for CEQA and mobility planning, respectively.
Building on
this foundation, Michael Baker is introducing dedicated long range planning expertise through Valerie Clarke, AICP,
PLA
and
Noelle Anderson, AICP
–
recognized leaders in General Plan policy efforts throughout California. Together, our team
combines
local knowledge with planning expertise to successfully deliver the City’s next generation of planning initiatives.
STREAMLINED APPROACH |
Michael Baker recognizes that the City's General Plan Update is focused on addressing regulatory changes and maintaining compliance through a practical, efficient process. Our team will leverage proven approaches to accelerate document preparation
,
while customizing recommendations to Santa Clarita. Planning and environmental review will be closely coordinated
,
allowing the updated Elements to be structured as self
-
mitigating
policy frameworks that support a streamlined CEQA review process. This approach minimizes redundancies and
delivers a focused update that achieves compliance objectives while advancing the City’s
long
-
term vision.
COMMUNITY
-
LED PLANS |
Michael Baker will implement a focused and right
-
sized outreach program that
recognizes this General Plan Update is
driven
by regulatory compliance while still providing meaningful opportunities for public and stakeholder participation. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, targeted engagement, and accessible information sharing, ensuring community members have the too ls and context needed
to provide informed input without creating unnecessary process burdens or extending project schedules.
The Michael Baker team appreciates this opportunity to work with the City of Santa Clarita on your General Plan update. This proposal shall remain
effective and valid for 120 days after submittal
.
Richard
Beck, Principal
-
in
-
Charge and
Vice
President/
Office Executive
,
is an authorized representative of Michael Baker
International, Inc.
, and has the authority to bind
the firm contractually. Any questions regarding this proposal may be directed to Valerie
Clarke
, AICP, PLA
at
(949) 330
-
4228 or
[email protected]
.
Sincerely,
Richard Beck, Principal
-
in
-
Charge
Vice President, Practice Executive
P: (949) 855
-
3687 |
[email protected]
Valerie Clarke, Project Manager
Community and Long Range Planning Services
P: (949) 330
-
4228 |
[email protected]
PAGE 3
Introduction
04 Relevant Experience
06 References
13 Scope of Work
15 Task 1
Project Initiation and Project Management
16 Task 2
Community Engagement
17 Task 3
Circulation Element
21 Task 4
Safety Element
24 Task 5
Conservation/Open Space Element
25 Task 6
CEQA
Compliance
-
General Plan
EIR
Addendum
28 Task
7 Public Review and Adoption of Elements
29 Schedule
34 Program Management
36 Personnel, Equipment, and Facilities
39 Sub
-
Consultants
50 COST FILE
Included
Sep
a
rately
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
FIRM BACKGROUND AND BUSINESS HISTORY
Michael Baker is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services which include planning, engineering, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, sustainability and resilience planning services as well as information te
chnology, communications services, and
outreach solutions. Headquartered and incorporated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Michael Baker has more than
4,000 employees in nearly 100
offices across the U.S., including 10 locations in California. Michael Baker has grown and prospered without losing sight of its primary purpose:
Creating value for our clients by delivering innovative and sustainable solution
s for infrastructure and the environment.
PLANNING SERVICES: GENERAL PLANS
The Michael Baker team has helped numerous communities in California and across the nation with comprehensive general plan updates and focused general plan updates. Our planners are regularly involved with various elements of general planning efforts such
as open space and conservation,
environmental justice, land use, transportation, mobility and infrastructure, built environment, sustainability, environmental services, community health, economic development,
safety,
and community outreach. We will
work with City staff to tailor the process to meet their needs. Community engagement is at the core of this process and our outreach tasks are designed based on community needs and demographics to get maximum participation.
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
CALIFORNIA GENERAL PLAN UPDATE HISTORY
The following list details the past and current General Plans and General Plan Elements developed by Michael Baker within the State of California over the last eight years. Currently, Michael Baker has eight active contracts throughout Southern California
involving various levels of General Plan update efforts.
PAGE 8
RECENT
PROJECT
EXPERIENCE
‘
City of Jurupa Valley Citywide Freight Analysis
Jurupa Valley
, California
Fehr & Peers
is currently assisting
the City of Jurupa Valley with a citywide freight analysis and truck route planning effort aimed at balancing the region's critical goods movement function with neighborhood quality of life. The project focused on updating th e City's
truck route network a
nd Mobility Element to address truck
-
related impacts such as noise, vibration, traffic safety concerns, and air quality effects in residential areas and other sensitive locations.
The effort was driven, in part, by new State legislation, including AB 98 and SB 415, which require local agencies to evaluat e and
update truck route maps and implement measures that minimize impacts on nearby communities. The project included a comprehens
ive review of existing truck travel patterns, identification of sensitive land uses such as schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods, and analysis of community
-
reported concerns. Based on technical analysis, stakeholder coordination, and public input,
the team developed proposed truck routes and supporting policies designed to accommodate freight movement while reducing conflicts with neighborhoods.
A key component of the project was community engagement. The City hosted public open houses where residents, business owners, commuters, and truck operators could review existing conditions, learn about state requirements, evaluate proposed truck rout es, a
nd
provide feedback on draft recommendations. The resulting truck route plan was intended to support regional economic activity while
improving safety, livability, and environmental conditions for Jurupa Valley residents.
PAGE 9
Safety Element Update
City of Grand Terrace Safety Element Update
Grand Terrace
, California
Michael Baker served as the lead author of both the City of Grand Terrace Safety Element and the recently updated Local Hazar d
Mitigation Plan (LHMP), providing the City with a fully integrated approach to hazard resilience, emergency preparedness, and lon
g
-
range community safety planning. The Safety Element was prepared in compliance with the latest State requirements, including the
wildfire, climate adaptation, environmental justice, evacuation, and resilience planning considerations, while leveraging fin dings from
the City's FEMA
-
approved LHMP to ensure consistency across planning documents. The Element also incorporated the most current CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and associated policies, supporting State review and streamlining the approval process
through CAL FIRE.
PAGE 10
City
o
f Seal Beach Open Space,
Recreation,
a
nd Conservation Element
Update
; and
Safety Element Update
Seal Beach
, California
Michael Baker prepared the City of Seal Beach Safety Element concurrently with the City's 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), creating a coordinated and internally consistent framework for hazard resilience, emergency preparedness, climate adaptation
, and long
-
range community safety planning.
The Safety Element was updated to reflect the latest State requirements, including wildfire resilience, climate change adaptation, evacuation planning, environmental justice, and hazard vulnerability consideratio
ns, while leveraging the FEMA
-
compliant LHMP and supporting future AB 2140 integration by reference. The Safety Element also incorporates the most current hazard and risk assessment data available, including updated wildfire mapping and vulnerability analy
ses, positioning
the City to efficiently navigate State agency review and maintain compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
Following that effort, Mi
chael Baker
has been selected by the
City of Seal Beach to lead the update of its Open Space, Recreation, and Conservation Element, aligning with California Senate Bill 1425 and Assembly Bill 1889 to advance climate resilience, equitable access, and habitat connectivi
ty. As part of
this comprehensive update, Michael Baker is collaborating with the city’s Community Services/Recreation Department to assess existing open space resources, evaluate community needs, and identify gaps in recreational amenities. Seal Beach is
home to a
diverse array of open spaces, including the Los Cerritos Wetlands and the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.
These
areas are central to the city’s conservation efforts and provide a strong foundation for enhancing habitat connectivity, climate resilience, and recreational access through the Open Space, Recreation, and Conservation Element update. The team is prep
aring revised illustrative maps and conducting spatial
analysis to support informed policy development.
PAGE 11
Open Space
/
Conservation
and
Environmental Justice Elements
Fullerton, California
Michael Baker was selected by the City of Fullerton to lead the update of its Open Space
and Conservation
and Environmental Justice
Elements, to reflect evolving community needs, environmental priorities, and state mandates. In collaboration with the City’s Planning Department, Michael Baker is conducting a comprehensive assessment of Fullerton’s open space in
ventory, evaluating existing
parks, identifying gaps in outdoor amenities, and preparing updated illustrative maps. The update address
es
eq
uitable access to open
space, climate resilience, and rewilding opportunities.
Michael Baker is refining goals and policies to support beneficial uses such as habitat conservation, recreation, water management, and aesthetics. The team will also develop an
Action Plan, establishing
enforceable, metric
-
based directives with clear timelines,
responsibilities, and implementation strategies. This plan will be incorporated into the Implementation Strategy of the General Plan .
PAGE 12
Rolling Hills Estates General
Plan and EIR
Rolling Hills
Estates
, California
Michael Baker updated the General Plan for the City of
Rolling Hills Estates, including the Open Space and
Conservation Elements, to ensure alignment with the
City’s vision. The update emphasizes sustainability,
compliance with evolving state laws, and enh
anced
usability of the Plan. Feh
r
& Peers updated the
Circulation Element. Together, our two teams worked
together to provide a comprehensive update.
The Open Space Element is closely tied to the City’s commitment to preserving its natural topography, scenic vistas, and equestrian character. It supports the City’s California ranch lifestyle, with neighborhoods like Dapplegray and Montecillo exemplifying
low
-
intensity, open
-
space
-
oriented development. The General Plan Update (GPU) includes strategies to protect biological resources, such as habitats for the Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly and California Gnatcatcher. Open space planning also promotes equestria
n trails, parks, and scenic corridors, reinforcing the City’s identity and quality of life.
The Circulation Element addresses key challenges such as high traffic volumes on narrow, two -
lane roads like Palos Verdes
Drive North. The GPU introduces performance
-
based modeling to assess and improve circulation. It also adopts a holistic approach to su
stainability by incorporating Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis into transportation planning. Recognizing the City’s limited public transit options, the plan proposes strategies to enhance multimodal connectivity.
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
REFERENCES
CITY OF FULLERTON
303 W. Commonwealth Avenue
|
Fullerton, CA 92832
Contact:
Yan Gao
, Senior Planner, Community and Economic Development Department Phone:
(714) 738
-
6854
|
Email:
[email protected]
Services Provided:
Michael Baker has partnered closely with the City of Fullerton on a range of comprehensive planning and resilience initiatives year over year that advance environmental quality, equity, and long‑term community health.
The
team is leading coordinated updates to the City’s Open
Space and Conservation Element and its first‑ever Environmental Justice Element, conducting detailed open space inventory and access analyses, developing illustrative mapping, and facilitating robust c
ommunity outreach to align with state mandates. Michael Baker is supporting Fullerton’s climate resilience efforts through preparation of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, working with multiple City departments to assess risks, update policies, and engage stakeholders.
Dates of Work Performed:
202
2 –
Ongoing
CITY OF
SEAL BEACH
211 8th St
|
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Contact:
Shaun Temple, Community Development Director
Phone:
(562) 431
-
2527
|
Email:
[email protected]
v
Services Provided:
Michael Baker is currently leading the City of Seal Beach’s Open Space, Recreation, and Conservation Element Update
.
The project includes evaluating existing open space resources, parks, recreation facilities, and conservation areas; conducting GIS -
based mapping and spatial analysis;
assessing community needs and access to recreational amenities; and developing updated g oals,
policies, and implementation measures. The effort also includes community engagement, and
stakeholder outreach
.
Dates of Work Performed:
20 25
–
Ongoing
CITY OF
JURUPA VALLEY
8930 Limonite Avenue
|
Jurupa Valley, CA 92509
Contact:
Steve Loriso, Deputy Director of Public Works
Phone:
951
-
332
-
6464
|
Email:
[email protected]
Services Provided:
Fehr & Peers is currently assisting the City of Jurupa Valley with a citywide freight analysis and truck route planning effort aimed at balancing the region's critical goods movement function with neighborhood quality of life. The project focused on updati ng the City's truck route network and
Mobility Element to address truck
-
related impacts such as noise, vibration, traffic safety concerns, and air quality effects in residential areas and other sensitive locations.
Dates of Work Performed:
202
5 -
Ongoing
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
P
ROJECT
UNDERSTANDING
The Michael Baker team understands that the Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space Elements must be completed by January 1, 2028. To meet this deadline, Michael Baker will revisit all three Elements to ensure compliance with relevant legislation,
including Senate Bill 1425 (Open Space Element Updates), Assembly Bill 1889 (Room to Roam), Assembly Bill 98 (Logistics Use & Freight Movement), and Assembly Bill 2684 (Safety Element Update). The team will also verify the accuracy and relevance of existi
ng terminology and descriptions within each Element. Climate resiliency will be a consistent theme throughout the analysis. The following tasks have been structured to complete these Elements within the specified timeframe:
•
Task 1 Project Initiation and Project Management
•
Task 2 Community Engagement
•
Task 3 Circulation Element
•
Task 4 Safety Element
•
Task 5 Conservation/Open Space Element
•
Task 6 CEQA Compliance
-
General Plan EIR Addendum
•
Task 7 Public Review and Adoption of Elements
Task 1 Project Initiation and Project Management
The Michael Baker team will gather all necessary information to deliver the services outlined in this proposal and will work collaboratively with the City to define project goals. Committed to staying within the agreed -
upon budget and schedule, the
Michael Baker
team will actively monitor progress to ensure key milestones are met. Michael Baker remains flexible and can adjust the scope of work as needed to align with the City’s evolving requirements.
Task 1.1
Project Management
Ms. Clarke will be responsible for the day
-
to
-
day management and overall supervision of the Planning, Circulation, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Teams. This task will include coordination of Michael Baker’s internal teams
,
Fehr & Peers
,
and City leadership through progress monitoring, invoicing, progress reports, maintenance of project files, and maintaining scope and schedule. It is Michael Baker’s goal to serve as an extension of City staff througho ut
the Project.
Task 1.2 Regular Coordination Meetings
Michael Baker will conduct ongoing virtual coordination meetings with the City. Michael Baker recommends meeting on a twice
-
monthly basis. It is anticipated that the meeting attendees will include the City’s Project Manager and Ms. Clarke.
However, Michael
Baker will work with the City to determine the appropriate method, format and attendees for each coordination meeting. Advisors and Subject Matter Experts (SME) may participate in these meetings on an as -
needed basis,
according to the project progress. Du
ring these meetings, key items of discussion that objectives and milestones will be tracked within the project schedule. The status meetings shall occur to ensure the project remains on time and within budget, and expectations are defined. Michael Baker sh
all develop a summary of meeting notes to be distributed to the City. The meeting notes will be concise, and will include a defined list of decisions, actions, and responsible party.
PAGE 17
Task 1.3 Kick
-
Off Meeting
The Michael Baker team will conduct a virtual kick
-
off meeting with the City’s Project Management team. Each of the Element leads,
John Muggridge
(Circulation),
N
oelle Anderson
(
Safety
), and Valerie Clarke (
Conservation/Open Space
), will be in
attendance. At this meeting, Michael Baker will review and refine the proposed scope of work, project schedule, communications protocol and deliverables, and branding material. This meeting will also be used to discuss staff expectations, dat
a needs, preliminary community outreach approach and content framing regarding the requirements of various senate and assembly bills. The outcome of this discussion will be a comprehensive, clear, and actionable framework for moving the project forward.
Task 1 Deliverables
•
Confirm project schedule
•
Up to
2 8
coordination meetings
•
Monthly invoices
•
Meeting agenda and summaries with action items
Task 2 Community Engagement
Michael Baker understands that community engagement is an ongoing dialogue and is to be integrated throughout the entire Project.
Engaging local community members can be challenging for a variety of reasons, such as work schedules, family commitments, mobility and accessibility constraints, etc.
The Michael Baker team’s approach is based on the principle that a successful project requires support from local stakeholders and community members. To achieve this, the Michael Baker
team utilizes a multi
-
faceted approach to public engagement. Various tools, including a community meeting, stakeholder interviews,
a survey,
and media material are used to reach the widest possible audience. Michael Baker is well -
equipped to
create a safe and welcoming environment for community members to express their opinions and concerns. Feedback gathered from public engagement and the cli
ent team will be assessed for common themes and any potential conflicts discussed before undertaking final documentation.
Task 2.
1 Project
Branding
Michael Baker will collaborate with City staff to develop a cohesive branding concept for the General Plan Elements. This branding will be guided by the City’s established standards, along with any supplemental direction provided. The Michael Baker team wi
ll create theming elements such as project names or taglines, logos, graphics, and report templates to ensure consistency throughout the planning process. All deliverables will align with the City’s overall branding. If preferred, the Michael Baker team ca
n retain the existing General Plan Element style and formatting or offer updated design options that build upon the current layout.
Task 2.
2 Community Meeting
To ensure a readily accessible public engagement experience, Michael Baker will coordinate, schedule, host, and lead up to
two
(
2 ) in
-
person Community Meeting to discuss all three (3) Elements, Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space.
The intent is that the in
-
person meeting
s
will be focused on broad ideas from the community and existing conditions and limitations. The community will have the opportunity to express their interests, needs, and concerns. The Michael Baker
team
will collaborate with the City to identify appropriate methods, locations, and timings to optimize community participation.
The Community Meeting
s
can be a standalone event or be co
-
located at a pop
-
up booth at a community event such as
farmer’s markets,
summer concert series and night block parties to cultural festivals and charity cook -
offs
. As facilitators,
the Michael Baker team will guide participants through the agenda and activities while fostering a collaborative and inclusiv e
atmosphere. Community Meeting activities may include:
PAGE 18
•
An icebreaker activity to help participants become acquainted and feel comfortable sharing ideas .
•
A presentation to share relevant data, research findings, case studies, or examples to inform and inspire participants about circulation, mobility, parks, recreation, conservation, sustainability, etc. •
A brainstorming session for participants to generate ideas, solutions, and recommendations .
•
Group discussions that divide participants into smaller, more manageable groups to tackle topics .
In the Community Meeting
s
, the materials and engagement activities will address the entire project area oriented for participants with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and interests. Up to three (3) Michael Baker team
members
will participate in the Community Meetin
s
g, depending on the specific location, timing, and approach chosen. All outreach efforts will be documented thoroughly, including sign
-
in sheets, summaries, and photographs.
Michael Baker will compile,
summarize, and synthesize input collected through
the Community Meetings
. Input will be evaluated to determine common
themes, areas of consensus, and differing perspectives, with consideration given to the varying needs of residents across geographic areas, age groups, and user types. The resulting findings will be documented in a clear and concise summary and
will directly inform the needs assessment, strategic recommendations, and prioritization the three General Plan Elements
.
Task 2.
3 Stakeholder Meetings
I
n our experience,
Circulation Element updates benefit from direct meetings with stakeholders to discuss the planning process.T
here are three primary stakeholder groups that must be part of the process to ensure continuity in truck routes across jurisdictional boundaries: 1) the local community, 2) business/industry operators in the City that require truck acces s,
and 3) adjacent
jurisdictions.
In addition, direct coordination with local non
-
governmental organizations, including those
representing environmental justice and disadvantaged communities, is essential.
The team
will
work with the City to
identify
a list of stakeholders, develop a stakeholder engagement schedule, and develop content for each of the stakeholder group engagement activities.
Public outreach is a critical compliance factor for designating truck routes and is required by AB 98/SB 415. We are aware of three agencies that have been directly contacted by the Attorney General’s Office requesting detailed information about their publ
ic engagement plans and efforts to obtain community input in the truck route planning process.
The team will work with
the City to
identify key businesses and industrial developers (if applicable) that require, or will require, Class 7 and 8 truck access. One
-
on
-
one interviews with up to five (5) industry stakeholders will be conducted.
A critical element of
implementation and enforcement is ensuring that truck routes do not start or stop at jurisdictional limits. When this occurs, it is challenging for truck drivers to comply and difficult for police officers to enforce. The City is surr ounded by
unincorporated Los Angeles County who will be contacted as part of this effort. The County of Los Angeles has not yet adopted truck routes. It is recommended that the City meet with the County to discuss interjurisdictional truck routes. For this
effort, we are planning for up to two (2) virtual calls.
PAGE 19
Task 2
.4
Community
Survey
Michael Baker will utilize Social Pinpoint, SurveyMonkey, or a similar engagement platform to develop and administer a community survey throughout the planning process. The survey will focus on identifying community priorities, opportunities, needs, and co
ncerns related to
all three
(3) Elements, Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space.
The survey
will be launched in conjunction with the
first
Community Meeting and will be
made available through the City's website, social media platforms, and other outreach channels.
This survey will be provided in English and Spanish.
Example survey questions or oppor
tunities
include:
1. An
option to ask key questions followed by an option to drop pins on a map and leave comments about truck
-
related
problems that
respondents are experiencing.
2. A
matrix q
uestion
a
sking
r
espondents
t
o
i
dentify
t
he
s
afety
c
oncerns,
s
uch
a
s
w
ildfire,
fl
ooding,
e
xtreme
h
eat,
e
arthquakes,
o
r
o
ther
h
azards.
3. A map feature to
drop
pins on areas that can ben
e
fit from impro
ved
commun
ity
access to parks and open space or
areas where the commu
nity
has seen wildlife.
Following the close of the survey, Michael Baker will prepare a memorandum summarizing the survey findings and community input. The summary will include narrative descriptions, charts, infographics, and other visual materials to clearly communicate key fin
dings and increase accessibility of the information. Visual communication techniques help improve understanding and encourage broader community engagement by presenting information in a clear and memorable format.
The analysis will consider principles of e
quity, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that a variety of community perspectives are represented. While not all recommendations generated through the outreach process may ultimately be incorporated into the Element, the project team wil l be prepared to clearly communicate how community input informed the planning process and the rationale behind key policy and planning decisions.
Task 2.
5 Promotional Material
The Michael Baker team will design
up to three (3)
visually compelling promotional fl
yers
tailored for multi
-
channel
distribution.
Each
flyer
will available for email blasts, embedded on the project website, and/or adapted for social media platforms. The
Michael Baker
team can include QR codes to direct viewers to the City’s website or to the directions for the Community Meeting
s
or launch of the Survey
. The
Michael Baker
team can either create this fl
yer
in Illustrator or Canva
formats to allow for easy updates by the City if preferred. The City will be responsible for distributing the promotional con tent
through its website, social media channels, newsletters, printed mailings, and other relevant outlets .
Task 2 Deliverables
•
Meeting presentation and content for
two
(
2 ) Community Meeting
s
•
Outreach collateral including boards, agendas, sign
-
in sheet and meeting summary
•
Up to five (5) industry stakeholder interviews
•
Two (2) virtual meetings with Los Angeles County
•
One (1) virtual coordination meeting with SCAG (MPO)
•
Community Survey and
Survey summary narrative, up to five (5) pages MS Word and Adobe PDF •
Branding guidelines for the three (3) Elements, up to six (6) pages, in MS Word or Adobe PDF format •
Three
(
3 ) promotional material to advertise the Community Meeting created in Illustrator or Canva
PAGE 20
Top images: The Michael Baker team hosting outdoor Community Meetings at existing events for a General Plan Element Updates; Bottom images: The Michael Baker team hosting Community Meetings through formal presentations and acitivity boards.
PAGE 21
Task 3 Circulation Element
Update
Senate Bill 415 (SB 415), signed into law October 3, 2025, requires cities to re -
evaluate and designate truck routes, as well
as adopt new siting and building standards for logistics uses. The key intent of the legislation is to minimize freight impac ts
on
sensitive receptors. Truck routes have always been a sensitive topic: goods movement is necessary to serve residents and businesses alike, but moving goods by trucks and trains often creates environmental nuisances such as pollution, dust and noise.
The City designated its truck route network in the 2011 General Plan Circulation Element, not through a specific truck route ordinance as it broadly classifies "all streets designated as Major and Secondary Highways" as approved truck routes (Objective C 2
.4). This approach is different to many Cities that identify discrete, individually analyzed travel routes. This does not comply with what AB 98/SB 415 (Gov. Code § 65302.02) requires: those laws mandate that the circulation element affirmatively identify
and establish specific truck routes that maximize use of interstate/state highways first, avoid residential areas and sensitive receptors, and only use arterials/collectors when state highways aren't available. This is more of a route by route, impact co
nscious designation, not a blanket policy.
While the City’s truck route network is contained in its General Plan Mobility Element, it has not been formally adopted by ordinance and codified. Under AB 98, all cities were required to amend their general plan mobility elements to incorporate a truck r
oute map. SB 415 subsequently added an alternative compliance path, permitting non -
Warehouse Concentration
Region jurisdictions, which includes Santa Clarita, to adopt a truck route ordinance in lieu of amending their circulation element. This scope is str
uctured around a full Circulation Element amendment, which will identify and establish specific truck routes, update roadway classifications, and incorporate the necessary goals, policies, and implementation measures directly into the Circulation Element c
onsistent with AB 98/SB 415 (Gov. Code § 65302.02).
Task
3 .1
Existing Conditions Research, Review
,
and Data Collection
Fehr & Peers will evaluate the existing truck routes. We will conduct a field inventory of truck route -
related
signage within
City limits and document the exact location of the signs, sign type, size, condition, retroreflectivity, mounting height,
orientation, and visibility, as well as the sign’s compliance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices
(CAMUTCD). A GIS layer of the sign locations and a photo -
database of all signs, including installation context, will be prepared. As part of this effort, missing, damaged, non -
compliant, and obsolete signs will be flagged.
AB 98/SB 415 Compliance Review
There are four key steps for evaluating existing truck routes for AB 98/SB 415 compliance:
1. Roadway Classification
2. Design
3. Land Use Considerations
4. Access
First, Fehr & Peers will prepare a GIS map to compare the City’s General Plan roadway classifications to Caltrans’ functional classifications and flag any inconsistencies. If the City’s designation exceeds Caltrans’ functional classification, we will coord
inate with Public Works to determine next steps. For example, for the City of Ontario, Fehr & Peers identified two major six
-
lane arterials constructed per the City’s General Plan buildout classification that Caltrans continued to functionally classify as
two
-
lane
local roadways. We worked with the City to provide Caltrans with the necessary documentation to change the functional classifications consistent with the City’s General Plan classification and their designation as truck routes.
PAGE 22
Second, we will meet with Santa Clarita Public Works staff to confirm that existing truck routes are designed to accommodate heavy
-
duty trucks and determine if there are any existing truck routes with design deficiencies. As part of this step, we will also
review the City’s minimum street design standards and standard roadway cross sections against the latest state and federal design guidance (e.g., Caltrans Highway Design Manual, AASHTO Green Book, and applicable Complete Streets requirements) to confirm t
he cross sections proposed for designated truck routes remain current and adequate for heavy -
vehicle turning movements, pavement loading, and multimodal accommodation.
Third, we will add a GIS layer of sensitive receptors. This layer will depict the different types of sensitive receptors, suc h as
schools, parks, hospitals, daycare facilities, etc. Lastly, Fehr & Peers will layer additional GIS data depicting logistics a n
d
industrial land uses, as well as any parcels zoned for industrial uses. We will also map existing truck routes, including freeways.
Together, these four pieces will provide the initial basis for evaluating existing truck routes and identifying needed updates.
Truck Route Network Analysis
Fehr & Peers will evaluate truck routing pursuant to AB 98/SB 415 requirements for designating truck routes throughout the City. The analysis will consider existing and planned “logistics uses” as defined in AB 98/SB 415 to ensure they are accessib le
by a
designated truck route. Truck routes will also be assessed pursuant to AB 98/SB 415 requirements relating to proximity to sensitive receptors. Interjurisdictional truck access will also be considered. We will analyze truck routing activity in t he
City thro
ugh a two
-
step approach. We will begin by using the truck GPS data, which uses fleet telematics. This analysis will provide a snapshot of where trucks are moving in the community. Next, we will identify truck -
generating uses and delve into
the corridors to
analyze temporal and seasonal factors associated with trucks moving through your community. However, it’s important to understand that truck GPS data is a sample, so it only represents anywhere from one percent to 25 percent of the total truck traffic on a corridor. If changes to truck routes are proposed, we will collect classification counts on the routes
that will be impacted by the change. These counts will assist with understanding how representative the GPS data is on the a
ffected corridor and also provide the basis for analyzing potential impacts of changing the City’s truck routes. For example, if an existing truck route is removed, it will be necessary to understand how many trucks would be shifted to an alternative route
. If there are sensitive receptors on a proposed route that would be receiving the additional truck traffic, we will need to analyze the potential air quality, noise and safety impacts. Classification counts would be needed on both the existing truck route
and the proposed alternative truck route.
Next, we will assess the compatibility of land uses and zoning along the existing truck routes. We will map the sensitive receptors as defined by AB 98/SB 415 and work closely with the City to identify routes that avoid sensitive receptors to the extent fe
asible. As part of this exercise, we will also consider the roadway design findings to assess the roadway’s
compatibility for accommodating trucks, such as pavement type and thickness, lane widths, intersection turning radii, and facilities, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit stops, that serve other modes.
In parallel with the GPS and classification
count analysis, we will review the City’s completed traffic studies and the latest City travel demand model to identify forec ast
truck and heavy
-
vehicle volumes on candidate truck routes, ensuring our recommenda tions are consistent with the City’s
existing planning
-
level traffic data and do not conflict with previously studied intersection or corridor improvements.
Understanding truck access needs and overall truck patterns is also important for coordinating with neighboring
jurisdictions, as well as with Caltrans and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), to ensure consistency with regional goods movement and mobility plans.
Without a coord
inated effort, truck routes cannot be effectively enforced, so it is critical that agencies work together. We will facilitate meetings between agencies, including SCAG, to coordinate truck routing decisions. Information gathered will be
used to identify potential changes to truck routes. Alternative truck routes will be analyzed using the same information.
PAGE 23
Task
3 .2
Policy Development
Fehr & Peers will prepare the Circulation Element amendment that carries forward the technical findings from the previous
tasks
such as the truck route designations, roadway classification updates, and supporting analysis into General Plan goals, policies, and implementation measures that comply with AB 98/SB 415. Based on the technical analysis conducted in Task 3 and the Stakeho
lder Engagement input received in Task
2 , Fehr & Peers will prepare a set of truck route recommendations that meet the following legislative requirements:
•
Identify travel routes for the transport of goods, materials, or freight for storage, transfer, or redistribution to safely
accommodate additional truck traffic and avoid residential areas and sensitive receptors;
•
M
aximize the use of interstate or state divided highways as preferred routes for truck routes. Maximize the use of arterial roads, major thoroughfares, and predominantly commercially oriented local streets when state or interstate highways are not utilized;
•
Ensure that truck routes comply with the following:
o
Major or minor collector streets and roads that predominantly serve commercially oriented uses must be used for truck routes only when strictly necessary to reach existing industrial zones; o
Trucks must be routed via transportation arteries that minimize exposure to sensitive receptors; and o
On and after January 1, 2028, all proposed development of a logistics use development must be accessible via arterial roads, major thoroughfares, or roads the predominantly serve commercially oriented uses. For purposes of the mobility element, local roads shall be considered to predominantly
serve commercial uses if more the 50 percent of the properties fronting the road within 1,000 feet are designated for commercial or industrial use according to the local zoning ordinance
Fehr & Peers will prepare a GIS map that will be published on the City’s website and made available pursuant to the
requirements of AB 98/SB 415.
Task
3 .3
Circulation
Element Draft Development
The Fehr & Peers team will prepare administrative draft amendments to the Circulation Element incorporating the findings, maps, policies, and implementation measures developed through the preceding tasks. The draft amendments will include updated circulati
on, mobility, and goods movement information necessary to address applicable AB 98/SB 415.
requirements, while remaining consistent with the City's existing General Plan framework and recently adopted planning efforts.
Task
3 Deliverable
s
:
•
Technical memorandum summarizing existing conditions findings, data sources, and mapping products (Word Document, with figures produced in GIS and Adobe Creative Suite) o
Truck Route Sign Inventory Photo Database and GIS layer o
Existing Truck Routes
o
Draft truck route alternatives and recommendations
o
Existing and proposed truck routes in GIS (compatible with the City of Santa Clarita’s existing GIS system)
•
Administrative Draft policy framework (Word Document)
o
GIS Truck Route Map
•
Internal Draft
Circulation
Element Amendment (Microsoft Word and PDF)
PAGE 24
Task 4
Safety Element
Update
Task 4.1
Existing Conditions Re
search,
Review
and Data Collection
The Michael Baker team will conduct a targeted review of the City's existing Safety Element, 2021 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), and 2026 LHMP Update to identify existing policies, hazard assessments, and vulnerability information related to extreme
heat.
M
ichael Baker
will compile and evaluate relevant state, regional, and local datasets (including the California Heat Assessment Tool, California Extreme Heat Scoring System, Healthy Places Index) and other internal City sources to characterize community exposure, vulner
ability, and sensitivity to extreme heat hazards.
The Michael Baker team will coordinate data development with the Conservation/Open Space Element Update to ensure consistency across General Plan elements where topics intersect, including urban forestry, tree canopy coverage, heat island effects, open spa
ce resources, and related resilience indicators.
Michael Baker
will document historic extreme heat
events and occurrences affecting the planning area and prepare maps, figures, and supporting graphics illustrating key extreme heat vulnerabilities, geographic risk patterns, and disadvantaged or disproportionately affe cted populations, as
appropriate. T
he
team will summarize the findings into a Technical Memorandu m
, which will
identify areas requiring
revisions and provide recommendations to guide preparation of the Element
, including recommendations on the
incorporation of environmental justice policies where applicable.
Task 4.2
Policy Development
Using information developed through Task 4.1 and the City's current LHMP, the Michael Baker team will prepare recommendations for Safety Element goals, policies, and implementation measures addressing extreme heat hazards.
Recommendations will build upon t
he City's existing Safety Element framework, maintain consistency with the 2026 LHMP Update, and support integration with applicable climate adaptation, resilience, public health, emergency preparedness, and open space planning efforts.
As a value
-
added service, the Michael Baker team will also coordinate the Safety Element update with the City's 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update adoption process and incorporate the LHMP by reference in accord ance
with AB 2140.
By integrating these efforts into the AB 2684 update process, the City can efficiently position itself to maintain eligibilit y for
enhanced State cost
-
share assistance for eligible Public Assistance projects following a presidentially declar ed disaster,
while avoiding the need for a separate Safety Element amendment in the future.
Michael Baker
will prepare a draft policy framework designed to address applicable requirements of AB 2684 and AB 2140,
while maintaining consistency across General Plan elements. Policy recommendations will be provided in a Word Document,
identifying proposed additions, modifications, and updates to Safety Element goals, policies and implementation measures related to extreme heat and AB 2684.
Task 4.3
Safety
Element Draft Development
The Michael Baker team will prepare administrative draft amendments to the Safety Element incorporating the findings, maps, policies, and implementation measures developed through Tasks 4.1 and 4.2. The draft amendments will include updated extreme heat ha
zard information, vulnerability analysis, and policy content necessary to address applicable AB 2684 requirements, while remaining consistent with the City's existing General Plan framework and recently updated LHMP.
The Safety Element will be prepared as a focused amendment to the Safety Element, emphasizing clear, concise updates that integrate new extreme heat information and resilience strategies without unnecessarily restructuring the existing document.
M
ichael Baker
will provide a draft Safety Element for internal review, assumi ng
one round of comments.
PAGE 25
Task 4
Deliverable
s
:
•
Technical memorandum summarizing existing conditions findings, data sources, and mapping products (Word Document, with figures produced in GIS and Adobe Creative Suite) •
Administrative Draft policy framework (Word Document)
•
Internal Draft Safety Element Amendment (Microsoft Word and PDF) Task
5 Conservation/Open Space Element
Update
Task 5.
1 Existing Conditions Research, Review
,
and Data Collection
Michael Baker has extensive experience preparing and updating Conservation and Open Space Elements throughout California and will work closely with the City of Santa Clarita to develop an updated Conservation and Open Space Element that reflects current co
nditions, regulatory requirements, and community priorities. Building upon the City’s 2011 Conservation and Open Space Element, the interdisciplinary team will evaluate existing open space resources, parks, trails, biological resources, wildlife corridors,
groundwater recharge areas, scenic resources, and recreational assets throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Particular attention will be given to topics identified in the current Element, including environme ntal
sustainability, habitat connectivity, climat
e resilience, open space preservation, recreational trail systems, and protection of the Santa Clara River corridor and surrounding natural resource areas.
To gain a thorough understanding of existing conditions, Michael Baker will collect and review available plans, studies, GIS datasets, technical reports, and resource inventories prepared since the adoption of the 2011 Conservation and Open Space Element.
The team will assess how conditions have changed over the past fifteen years, including open space acquisitions, trail expansions, habitat conservation efforts, park improvements, climate adaptation initiatives, and evolving environmental regulations. Usin
g GIS and other analytical tools, the team will prepare updated base maps and supporting documentation to evaluate existing conditions and identify opportunities, constraints, and data gaps. This assessment will serve as the foundation for the Conservation
and Open Space Element update and help ensure that future policies, goals, and implementation strategies continue to support Santa Clarita’s vision for a sustainable, resilient, connected, and environmentally responsible community. T
he
team will summarize the findings into a Technical Memorandu m
, which will
identify areas requiring revisions and provide recommendations to guide preparation of the Element
, including
recommendations on the incorporation of environmental justice policies where applicable.
Potential new maps may
include:
•
Proximity: Analysis of community access to various parks within a specified walking radius of the City. •
Accessibility and Connectivity: Ensuring the maps depict how parks and open spaces are interconnected to promote accessibility and encourage the use of greenways and trails. •
Tree Inventory Map: noting the locations of trees through a density map or highlighting gaps of canopy coverage. •
Urban Heat Island Mapping (vegetated/non
-
vegetated): Pulling in any relevant existing vegetation mapping or using aerial imagery to outline vegetated vs. non
-
vegetated.
•
Wildlife/Corridor Movement: looking at statewide wildlife movement layers (will include local layers where available) to understand wildlife movement in the City.
Review Ex
isting
Element
Michael Baker will conduct a review of the City of Santa Clarita’s existing Conservation and Open Space Element to evaluate whether the existing conditions, trends, and planning issues identified in the 2011 General Plan remain accurate and relevant or req
uire updates to reflect current conditions. The review will focus on key topic areas including Environmental Sustainability, Biological Resources (including wildlife corridors, habitat connectivity, and rewilding opportunities), Clima te
Change and greenhou
se gas reduction initiatives, Open Space Resources and preservation efforts, and Recreational Trails and trail system conditions. This assessment will identify changes in regulatory requirements, environmental conditions,
PAGE 26
conservation priorities, and community needs that have occurred since adoption of the 2011 Element and will inform recommendations for updates to policies, goals, and implementation measures
Access
ibility
Analaysis
M
ichael Baker will evaluate the accessibility, connectivity, and overall function of Santa Clarita’s extensive network of park s,
open spaces, trails, and natural resource areas identified in the Conservation and Open Space Element. The assessment will consi
der how residents access and use these resources, the connectivity between major open space areas, wildlife corridors, recreation facilities, and trail systems, and how these assets support community health, recreation, habitat conservation, and environmen
tal sustainability. Building upon the City’s existing inventory of parks, open spaces, trail corridors, and conservation lands, the team will document changes that have occurred since adoption of the 2011 Conservation and Open Space Element, including acqu
isitions of open space, trail expansions, park improvements, habitat preservation efforts, and other recreational amenities. The analysis will incorporate available community input and City staff feedback to identify priorities, opportunities, and gaps rel ated to open space access, trail connectivity, scenic resources, and recreation opportunities. Findings will help inform updates to the Conservation and Open Space Element and provide a framework for future management and preservation efforts that support Santa Clarita’s goals for a resilient, connected, and
sustainable open space system.
Rewilding Opportunities Analysis
Michael Baker will conduct a high
-
level assessment of rewilding and ecological restoration opportunities throughout Santa Clarita, building upon the extensive network of open space areas, wildlife corridors, natural canyons, and habitat linkages identified
in the City’s existing Conservation and Open Space Element. The assessment will focus on opportunities to enhance habitat connectivity between key resource areas, including the Santa Clara River corridor, Santa Clarita Woodlands, Whitney Canyon, Elsmere C
anyon, Placerita Canyon, and other designated open space lands and wildlife movement corridors. The team will evaluate opportunities to restore native vegetation communities, improve ecosystem function, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen connections betw
een existing habitat areas to support wildlife movement and long -
term ecological resilience. Using GIS and available environmental data, Michael Baker will prepare mapping and geospatial analyses to identify priority restoration and rewilding opportunities , potential habitat gaps, and areas where ecological
enhancements could complement the City’s open space preservation goals. The assessment will be informed by available data and coordination with City staff and will build upon existing Conservation and Op en Space Element policies related to
biological resources, wildlife corridors, open space preservation, and environmental sustainability. This effort will consist of a high
-
level desktop analysis and does not include field verification, protocol -
level biol
ogical surveys, or species
-
specific
studies.
Task 5.2
Policy Development
Using information developed through Task 5.1 and the City's current Conservation/Open Space Element, the Michael Baker team will prepare recommendations to clearly respond to Government Code 65560 through 65562 ,
SB 1425
,
and AB 1889,
To ensure the Conservation and Open Space Element complies with SB 1425 and AB 1889, Michael Baker will analyze and research the required components, update the existing General Plan Elements, and make policy recommendations in line with the r
equirements. Michael Baker will address the potential policy recommendations for the following items as noted in the Legislative text:
SB 1425:
•
Access to open space for residents that considers social, economic, and racial equity. •
Climate resilience policies or best practices and other co -
benefits of open space, correlated with the Safety
Element within the City’s General Plan.
•
Rewilding opportunities and policies, correlated with the Land Use Element within the City’s General Plan.
PAGE 27
•
May include policies to preserve, enhance, and expand an integrated network of open space to support beneficial uses, such as habitat, recreation, natural resources, historic and tribal resources, water management, and aesthetics.
•
May include a natural resources conservation plan to provide for coordinated mitigation of the impacts of new development within the City.
AB 1889:
•
Policies to minimize adverse impacts by development and human activities to wildlife in the City. •
Address shifts to wildlife due to climate change.
•
Policy targets for the City to conserve a percentage of land and coastal waters by 2030 to combat the climate and biodiversity crisis, in relation to California’s goals. •
Policies to protect, restore, and improve fish and wildlife and habitat connectivity. •
Policy targets to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity from existing and planned land uses within the City.
Rewilding Opportunities:
Rather than focusing on species reintroduction, the assessment will emphasize practical and achievable strategies for habitat enhancement, landscape connectivity, native vegetation restoration, watershed health, and long -
term stewardship
of the City’s natu
ral resources. Following the analysis, Michael Baker will prepare a technical memorandum summarizing findings, opportunities, and recommendations related to habitat conservation, wildlife connectivity, ecological restoration, and environmental resilience.
The memorandum will include maps, GIS analyses, graphics, and tabular summaries to support updates to the Conservation and Open Space Element and provide recommendations for future goals, policies, implementation measures, and resource management prioritie s. This effort will consist of a high
-
level desktop assessment
and will not include field verification, protocol
-
level biological surveys, or species
-
specific investigations.
Task 5.3
Conservation/
Open Space Element Draft Development
The Michael Baker team will prepare administrative draft updates to Santa Clarita’s Conservation and Open Space Element that incorporate the findings, mapping, analyses, goals, policies, and implementation measures developed through the existing conditions
, resource assessment, open space, trail, and habitat connectivity tasks. The update will focus on ensuring that the Element reflects current conditions and community priorities while building upon the framework established in the City’s 2011 Conservation
and Open Space Element. Areas of emphasis will include environmental sustainability, biological resources, wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity, climate resilience, open space preservation, recreational trails, sce nic
resources, and stewardship of t
he Santa Clara River corridor and surrounding natural resource areas.
Michael Baker understands the importance of preparing a concise, visually engaging, and user -
friendly planning document
that will serve as a valuable resource for City staff, decision -
makers, stakeholders, and the public over the coming years.
The updated
Element will be supported by high
-
quality mapping, graphics, charts, photographs, GIS
-
based analyses, and
technical illustrations that clearly communicate key findings and recommendations. The document will include updated inventories and assessments of op
en space resources, parks, trails, biological resources, Significant Ecological Areas, wildlife corridors, groundwater recharge areas, and scenic resources, along with recommendations for conservation, habitat enhancement, ecological connectivity, climate
adaptation, and recreational access.
The draft Element will also include recommended goals, policies, implementation programs, and priority actions designed to support the City’s long
-
term vision for environmental stewardship, open space conservation, biodiversity protection, recreational opp
ortunities, and sustainable growth. Recommendations will build upon existing Conservation and Open Space Element policies while addressing changes in environmental conditions, conservation priorities, open space acquisitions,
PAGE 28
trail system expansions, habitat preservation efforts, and climate resilience initiatives that have occurred since adoption o f
the current Element. The result will be a modernized Conservation and Open Space Element that provides a clear policy framework f
or preserving Santa Clarita’s unique natural resources, extensive open space system, and interconnected network of parks, trails, wildlife corridors, and recreational assets.
Task 5
Deliverable
s
:
•
Technical memorandum summarizing existing conditions findings, data sources, and mapping products (Word Document, with figures produced in GIS and Adobe Creative Suite) •
Administrative
Draft policy framework (Word Document)
•
Internal Draft Conservation/Open Space Element Amendment (Microsoft Word and PDF) Task 6 CEQA Compliance
–
General Plan EIR Addendum
CEQA Approach
Michael Baker will prepare the appropriate California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation for the adoption of the Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space Elements Update (Elements Update). We understand the Elements Update includes iden
tifying a truck route network in the Circulation Element; addressing extreme heat risks and vulnerabilities in the Safety Element; and identification of wildlife habitat connectivity areas, natural landscapes, and landscape permeability and implementation
measures addressing wildlife movement and habitat connectivity in the Conservation/Open Space Element. While the updates to the Safety and Conservation/Open Space Elements alone would likely be exempt from CEQA (e.g., Common Sense Exemption, Class 8 Action s by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the
Environment), the inclusion of the Circulation Element Update in the project may preclude the use of an exemption. While no CEQA exemption appears to clearly apply, as part of our CEQA scope, Michael Baker’s CEQA team will review potential
alternative CEQA pathways, including potential CEQA exemptions, in consultation with the Community Development Department and City Attorney (as appropriate).
Based on our preliminary review of the project, an Addendum to the City’s General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH #2008071133) appears to be an appropriate and streamlined CEQA option for the proposed Elements Update. We have successfully used this approach on other similar non
-
exempt, but minor
-
to
-
modest in scope, General Plan Element updates
and zoning ordinanc
e revisions. Hence, our proposed scope and fee assume the preparation of an Addendum to the City’s General Plan EIR. In addition, since we assume that the establishment of a truck route network in the Circulation Element wil l
not include the identification
of any specific roadway improvements, we assume that the analysis in the Addendum will be qualitative and that no technical studies will be needed to support the Addendum.
Task
6.1 Meetings and Task Management
A virtual kickoff meeting with City staff will be conducted to initiate the work effort, review project information, and disc uss
the details of the project description and CEQA schedule.
Michael Baker will engage in regular communications with City staff, as necessary. This is anticipated to include emails and up to
three (
3 )
virtual meetings to expedite the completion of the Addendum.
Task
6.2 Prepare Addendum Report
Michael Baker will prepare administrative draft, proof
-
check draft, and final iterations of an Addendum to the City’s General Plan EIR. We anticipate the Addendum will include the following sections:
PAGE 29
•
Background and Introduction: This section will introduce the Addendum; provide background on the statutory requirements of CEQA; and describe the history of the City’s General Plan and the purpose of the proposed updates to the Circulation, Safety, and Con
servation/Open Space Elements.
•
Project Description: Michael Baker will prepare a detailed description of the proposed updates to the Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space Elements.
•
Comparative environmental impact analysis: Michael Baker will qualitatively evaluate the proposed Elements Update and compare its potential environmental effects to those of the General Plan for all impact topics analyzed in the certified EIR. This proposa
l assumes that there will not be any new significant impacts beyond those identified in the General Plan EIR or a substantial increase in the severity of any of the previously identified significant impacts. Should any such impacts be identified, we will c onsult with City staff regarding next steps.
•
Determination statement to support approval of the Addendum: Michael Baker will provide a determination statement that none of the circumstances identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 have occurred (generally, no changes in the project, changes in the
circumstances, or new information that result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects), and that the Addendum will satisfy CEQA requirements for the proposed updates t o the Circulation, Safety, and
Conservation/Open Space Elements.
Task 6.3
Prepare Notice of Determination
Michael Baker will prepare a Notice of Determination (NOD) for the project. Once the proposed Elements Update is adopted by the City Council, it is assumed that the City will provide a signed and dated version of the NOD to Michael Baker for fili ng
with th
e Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office, and for uploading it to State Clearinghouse via CEQAnet. Michael Baker assumes that the City will provide either proof of prior payment of CA Department of Fish and Wildlife fees from the General Plan EIR NOD or a check
for the payment of such fees.
Task 6
Deliverables:
•
Administrative Draft Addendum (electronic)
•
Proof
-
check Addendum (electronic)
•
Final Addendum (electronic)
•
Notice of Determination (electronic)
•
Filing of NOD with the Los Angeles County Clerk
•
Uploading NOD to the State Clearinghouse
Task
7 Public Review and Adoption of Elements
Task 7.1
Internal Review of Draft Elements
The Michael Baker team will facilitate one (1) internal review cycle of the Administrative Draft Elements, including the Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space Elements. Draft documents will be provided electronically in Microsoft Word format uti
lizing redline and track changes functionality and made available through a secure SharePoint site or other mutually agreed
-
upon file sharing platform. Review participants will provide comments directly within the draft documents during the established rev
iew period.
Upon completion of the review period, the Michael Baker team will consolidate all comments into a single, coordinated set of review comments and identify conflicting or duplicative feedback for resolution. The Michael Baker team will evaluate proposed revi
sions for consistency with applicable State laws, General Plan requirements, adopted City policies, regional
PAGE 30
planning documents, and relevant regulatory guidance. Based on this review, the Michael Baker team will incorporate appropriate revisions into the Public Review Draft Elements and prepare responses to significant policy or technical comments, as needed.
Task
7 .
2 Public Review of Draft Elements
Michael Baker will
incorporate internal review and comment from Task 7.1 above, to prepare the Public Review Drafts of the
Circulation, Safety, and Conservation/Open Space Elements. These drafts will be submitted electronically to the City for a 30 -
day public review period. The City will be responsible for collecting and consolidating an y public comments into a single set
to be shared with Michael Baker at the conclusion of the review period. Upon receipt, the team will review the comments and make any necessary revisions to finalize the Elements for presentation to the Planning Commissio n and City Council. The
project schedule outlining these timelines is provided in the following section.
Task
7 .3 Public Hearings
and Adoption
Michael Baker will assist the City in presenting the
Elements
and CEQA documentation
at both Planning Commission and City
Council
for public
hearing
and adoption
.
This scope assumes two informational study sessions (one with the Planning Commission and one with the City Council) in advance of the formal adoption hearing. These study sessions will allow the Michael Baker team to present the project, discuss the plann ing process, and discuss preliminary policy directives.
The
study
session
s
will be attended by a minimum of three Michael Baker team members, including the Project Manager, CEQA lead and Circu
lation
Element lead. At this stage, it is anticipated that the study sessions will be scheduled in advance of the adoption hearings, to allow for input or minor changes/comments to be incorporated into each element.
After the study sessions have concluded, Michael Baker will attend two public hearings (one with the Planning Commission and once with the City Council) to present each element for approval and adoption.
Each public hearing will be attended by
a minimum of three Michael Baker team members, including the Project Manager, CEQA lead, and Circ ulation
Element Lead.
At this stage, it is anticipated that feedback from the Planning Commission and City Council will not result in significant revisions.
For both the study sessions and public hearing, the Michael Baker team will prepare presentation materials and
supporting handouts that outline statutory requirements, the collaborative planning process, community feedback received, and final policy recommendations. Michael Baker will also provide one round of review an d comments on the staff reports
prepared by City staff.
Task
7 .4 Project Closeout
Following receipt of final comments, the team will address all feedback and submit the Final Circulation, Safety, and
Conservation/Open Space Elements
in electronic formats for final distribution. At the conclusion of the project, Michael Baker will conduct a comprehensive closeout process to ensure all deliverables are finalized and aligned with the City’s expectations. This will include a final review
of all work products, incorporation of any remaining feedback, and delivery of all approved documents in both editable and final formats.
In addition to providing a PDF version of the Final Element for easy on -
screen viewing and distribution, Michael Baker can
also develop an interactive, web
-
based version of the plan. Built on the same platform as the PDF to avoid maintaining two separate v
ersions, the digital plan will feature interactive maps, intuitive navigation, and exploration tools. This format offers flexible layouts and user
-
friendly features tailored to the unique needs of the community. Michael Baker will also provide a copy of al
l completed work products on an external drive or similar medium at project completion.
PAGE 31
Examples of web
-
based plans include:
•
https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/development
-
services/planning/general
-
plan
•
https://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments/development -
services/planning
-
zoning/goodyear
-
2035
-
general
-
plan
Task
7 Deliverables
:
Circulation Element
•
One (1) Public Review Draft Circulation Element (MS Word and Adobe PDF) •
Two (2) Planning Commission Hearings for the Circulation Element to present the draft and then the final Element •
Two (2) City Council Hearings for the Circulation Element to present the draft and then the final Element •
Informational presentation and handouts in support of Planning Commission/City Council Hearings •
Final Circulation Element with integrated changes from the Public Review •
Web
-
based Circulation Element
Safety Element
•
One (1) Public Review Draft Safety Element (MS Word and Adobe PDF) •
Two (2) Planning Commission Hearings for the Safety Element to present the draft and then the final Element •
Two (2) City Council Hearings for the Safety Element to present the draft and then the final Element •
Informational presentation and handouts in support of Planning Commission/City Council Hearings •
Final Safety Element with integrated changes from the Public Review •
Web
-
based Safety Element
Conservation/Open Space
Element
•
One (1) Public Review Draft
Conservation/Open Space
Element (MS Word and Adobe PDF)
•
Two (2) Planning Commission Hearings for the
Conservation/Open Space
Element to present the draft and then the
final Element
•
Two (2) City Council Hearings for the
Conservation/Open Space
Element to present the draft and then the final
Element
•
Informational presentation and handouts in support of Planning Commission/City Council Hearings •
Final
Conservation/Open Space
Element with integrated changes from the Public Review
•
Web
-
based
Conservation/Open Space
Element
PAGE 32
Optional Tasks
-
Not
I
ncluded within the Baseline Fee
1. Truck Route Signage Plan (OPTIONAL)
Building on the signage inventory collected in
the Circulation section
and the recommended truck routes identified
,
Fehr &
Peers will develop a truck route signage plan for the City, complete with sign types, installation locations, a phasing plan, and cost estimate for use in bidding out the work.
Deliverables
•
Signage Installation Package consisting of:
•
Sign location maps
•
Sign schedule
•
Detailed installation drawings
•
Installation phasing plan
•
Cost estimate
2. Municipal Code Update for Logistics Uses
(OPTIONAL)
AB 98/SB 415 does not explicitly require cities to update their zoning codes; however, the legislation requires that all new warehouse and logistics development meet 21st
-
Century Warehouse standards related to truck circulation, loading, landscaping, light
ing, and community protection measures. While city staff can apply these standards through conditions of approval on a case
-
by
-
case basis, the absence of codified standards creates an additional administrative burden and increases the risk of inconsistent
application across development applications. To streamline the development review process and ensure durable, consistent implementation of AB 98/SB 415 requirements, Fehr & Peers will coordinate with a specialized land use and zoning firm to review the Cit
y's existing zoning ordinance and prepare draft zoning code language that incorporates 21st
-
Century Warehouse standards as codified development regulations. This task is optional but recommended, as updated code language significantly reduces staff review time, minimizes legal
exposure from
inconsistent application, and provides applicants with clear, predictable standards at the outset of the entitlement process.
Existing Code Review
The
team will review the City's current zoning ordinance, including all applicable industrial and commercial/industrial zoning districts, overlay zones, and any existing truck route, loading, or landscaping standards. The review will identify gaps between exi
sting code language and the requirements of AB 98/SB 415, including but not limited to:
•
Truck access and on
-
site circulation standards
•
Loading dock quantity, orientation, and setback requirements •
Truck queuing and staging area provisions
•
Landscaping and screening buffers adjacent to sensitive receptors •
Lighting standards for truck courts and loading areas
•
Prohibited uses and operating hour restrictions where applicable •
Any defined thresholds triggering 21st
-
Century Warehouse compliance (e.g., minimum square footage)
3. Draft Zoning Code Language
(OPTIONAL)
The team
will prepare draft zoning code amendments that incorporate AB 98/SB 415 21st -
Century Warehouse standards
into the City's development regulations. Draft language will be formatted to match the City's existing code structure and
PAGE 33
style, and will include definitions, applicability thresholds, development standards, and any required findings or findings templates that city staff must make during project review. Draft code language will be provided to city staff and the City Attorney
for review and comment.
Final Zoning Code Language
The team
will incorporate comments from city staff and the City Attorney to prepare a final version of the proposed zoning code amendments. The final code language will be ready for introduction through the City's standard ordinance adoption process, including any
required Planning Commission and City Council hearings. Fehr & Peers can provide staff report support and attend up to two public hearings as part of this task; additional hearing attendance will be billed as additional services.
Assumptions
•
The City will provide all existing zoning ordinance documents, municipal code sections, and •
any previously adopted warehouse or industrial development standards in digital format. •
Legal review and formal adoption of the ordinance are the responsibility of the City and City •
Attorney; this scope covers technical drafting support only. •
This task assumes one consolidated round of review comments from city staff and the City •
Attorney. Additional revision cycles beyond one round will be billed as additional services. •
Translation of code language into languages other than English is not included in this scope.
Deliverables
•
Existing Code Gap Analysis Memorandum
•
Draft Zoning Code Amendments (for staff and City Attorney review) •
Final Zoning Code Amendments (incorporating one round of consolidated comments) •
Staff Report Language Support (up to two public hearings)
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PAGE 35
PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE
The Michael Baker team is equipped to accommodate changes to the schedule, including adjustments to start or end dates, proje ct duration, or the sequence of tasks.
The following project timeline assumes a tentative start date of September 202 6 and with the team’s ability to complete the project prior to the January 1, 2028 statutory deadline.
Year
Month
Week Number 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 TASK 1 PROJECT INITIATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT K
Task 1.1 Project Management
Task 1.2 Regular Coordination Meetings R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Task 1.3 Kick-Off Meeting K
TASK 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Task 2.1 Project Branding
Task 2.2 Community Meetings M M
Task 2.3 Stakeholder Meetings
Task 2.4 Community Survey
Task 2.5 Promotional Material
TASK 3 CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Task 3.1 Existing Conditions Research, Review, and Data Collection Task 3.2 Policy Development
Task 3.3 Circulation Element Draft Development
TASK 4 SAFETY ELEMENT
Task 4.1 Existing Conditions Research, Review and Data Collection Task 4.2 Policy Development
Task 4.3 Safety Element Draft Development
TASK 5 CONSERVATION/OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
Task 5.1 Existing Conditions Research, Review and Data Collection Task 5.2 Policy Development
Task 4.3 Conservation/Open Space Element Draft Development TASK 6 CEQA COMPLIANCE - GENERAL PLAN EIR ADDENDUM
Task 6.1 Meetings and Task Management
Task 6.2 Prepare Addendum Report
Task 6.3 Prepare Notice of Determination
TASK 7 PUBLIC REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF ELEMENTS
Task 7.1 Internal Review of Draft Elements
Task 7.2 Public Review of Draft Elements
Task 7.3 Public Hearings and Adoption P C P C
Task 7.4 Project Closeout
LEGEND
Sub-Task Duration
K= Kick-Off Meeting
R= Regular Coordination Meetings
M= Community Meeting
P= Planning Commission Review
C= City Council Review
OCT NOV DEC
2027
JULY AUG SEPTJUNESEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MARC APRIL MAY 2026
Informational Study Session Formal Adoption
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PROGRAM
MANAGEMENT
As our Project Manager,
Valerie Clarke
, AICP, PLA
has considerable experience managing both long range
and
community
planning projects in southern California. Ms. Clarke will manage the Scope
by starting with a clear and in
-
depth
understanding of the project and then translating this into a comprehensive work plan, manage the schedule
by utilizing the
resources of our team to meet the project
-
specific needs and by rigorously holding ourselves to interim milestones so that key delivery dates are met, and
manage the budget
by developing detailed man
-
hour estimates for each task and vigilantly
monitoring weekly timesheets and status reports to determine if there are areas of the project that require extra attention.
Contract Management
–
Michael Baker has assembled the resources and developed the procedures needed to properly execute this agreement. Members of the Michael Baker
t
eam have worked together extensively in the past, establishing a strong and well
-
functioning Project Team for these Element Updates. Our management approach is to efficiently complete the assignments within budget and on schedule with complete and transpar ent client coordination.
Managing Project Scope
–
Through open communication, documentation of the project goals and objectives in a concept plan and establishing a clear understanding of project deliverables at the outset, scope creep can be avoided throughout the execution of the project. Should out
-
of
-
scope work be requested or identified, the Project Manager will immediately notify the liaison staff in writing prior to performing the task. If approved, a formal technical and price proposal will be prepare d
and submitted.
Managing Project Costs
–
After an assignment is received, our Project Manager will establish a budget for the assignment in Michael Baker's Enterprise Resource Planning (Oracle ERP) system. The budget will be broken down as necessary into individual tasks (Work Breakdown Structur
e
–
WBS) to better track the expenditures on the assignment. In addition to tracking assignment budgets, the ERP system is used to capture timesheet charges and produce invoices on a monthly basis for each assignment. ERP has many reports, including the Pr oject Management Report that allows a manager to view weekly updates to project charges against the established budget, see details on all charges, and provide expected budget variances based on calculated percent complete estimates for each task of an ass ignment. Through this vigilant weekly monitoring of
expenditures
combined
with the monthly senior management Project Status Reviews, adjustments to the work plan can be made rapidly to keep the project on budget.
Managing Project Schedule
–
The Michael Baker
t
eam's overall effort will be controlled by following a detailed Critical Path Method' schedule driven' Work Plan. By understanding where critical and near -
critical activities lie in the schedule (and
where activities with substantial float exist), we can d edicate resources toward attacking production activities with the greatest overall schedule efficiency. The schedule will identify the total project duration from receipt of NTP to the submission of the final project deliverables. Major activities, duratio ns, submission dates, required review times,
interdependencies, and critical path items will be identified in this schedule. Michael Baker will review and update the proj ect
schedule on a regular basis and provide monthly updates with progress reports. Whe n necessary, Michael Baker will develop
and provide a recovery plan/schedule if unanticipated factors affect the originally planned project schedule.
Managing Sub
-
consultants
–
The team provides overall project management and coordination of the consultant team throughout the planning process. As the prime consultant, Michael Baker oversees subconsultant contracts, schedules, budgets, quality control reviews, and deliverable int
egration, ensuring that all technical disciplines work collaboratively and that project milestones are completed on time and within budget. Regular coordination meetings, clear communication protocols, and ongoing progress tracking help maintain alignment among team members and provide the client with a single point of contact throughout the project.
Progress Reporting and Invoicing
–
Progress reports will include a summary of work completed in the previous month, work to be performed, actions/decisions required, and an updated project budget summary for the entire project that indicates the percent of work completed by task and overal l. Michael Baker will submit invoices monthly, no later than the 15th of each month (or as requested), and we will comply with Invoicing Procedures.
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The success of any project is dependent on clear, concise, and consistent communication between all members of the Project Team. The Michael Baker team will be constructed of planners and engineers that have experience coordinating meetings and maintaining
effective communication within the Project Team for analysis and design. While doing so, our approach is to continually strive to develop ways to deliver projects better, cheaper, and faster while adhering to the original goals and objectives.
Quality Control/Assurance Program
–
Michael Baker has a well
-
established and standardized company
-
wide Project and
Quality Management Program called
Project Management
-
The Michael Baker Way
.
Project Management
-
The Michael Baker
Way
serves to clearly define the process for which all projects are managed throughout Michael Baker. The ultimate objective is to improve project performance and product delivery excellence through better organization, tools and methods to monitor budgets, a
n emphasis on communication, and a structured approach to delivering quality. The key features of Project Management
-
The Michael Baker Way include:
•
Improving project performance
through consistency, organization, and efficiency.
•
Defining project management processes
for every project that are consistent yet scalable.
•
Serving as a one
-
stop reference
for forms, policies, references, and procedures.
•
Leveraging existing best practices
throughout Michael Baker, as well as referencing accepted and established practices from outside sources.
•
Providing management tools, procedures, and references
at the fingertips of project managers through a user
-
friendly, intuitive site.
Michael Baker helps clients with branding and style guides for high profile planning documents. American Planning Association (APA) standards and reference documents including Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Reports that will guide the team’s best practice s and
quality control standards.
PAGE 39
PAGE 40
PERSONNEL,
EQUIPMENT
AND
FACILITIES
Michael Baker has identified the project team organizational chart on the following page. This team is available to initiate the
work program immediately and remain active throughout the term of the contract. Team members will not be replaced or removed fr
om the team without prior written approval from the City.
Principal
-
in
-
charge,
Richard Beck, CEP, P.W.S, CPESC,
CERP
,
is authorized to negotiate the contract on behalf of Michael Baker.
Project Manager, Valerie
Clarke
, AICP, PLA will be the main point of contact and brings 1 2 years of long range community
planning and design to the benefit of the
Circulation, Safety, and Con
servation
/Open Space
Elements preparation process.
Ms. Clarke regularly leads the development of long range community planning projects across southern California , utilizing
her experience as both a registered landscape architect and certified planner. As the Project Manager, Ms. Clarke brings significant experience in managing multi
-
disciplinary projects with complex scopes, tight schedules, and defined budgets.
Ms. Clarke will be supported
by
John Muggridge and Noelle Anderson
, AICP
who will lead the Circulation Element and
Safety
Element, respectively. Mr.
Muggridge’s skillset spans a variety of multi
-
disciplinary transportation planning and
research topics, including travel demand modeling, parking studies, environmental and CEQA services, and multimodal planning. He frequently manages complex projects and
has retained relationships with key clients for a number of decades.
Ms. Anderson provides planning and comprehensive community planning services across California, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and inclusive pu blic processes. She is highly skilled in preparing
public policy related to land use, safety, conservation, technology, and environmental justice, and in translating complex technical topics into materials that are accessible and meaningful to the public.
She brings deep expertise in hazard
mitigation planning, Safety Element updates, and Local Coastal Programs, all grounded in current State and federal guidelines.
Client manager and
CEQA
technical director,
John Bellas
, will oversee quality assurance and quality control on all aspects of the project and will serve as the lead for the environmental re view
. With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Bellas is a recognized expert in the environmental planning field in California. He has managed the preparation of numerous CEQA and NEPA documents for a wide range of projects, including land use plans/programs , land development/entitlement projects,
and capital improvement projects. In addition, he served as an in -
house/on
-
call environmental administrator/coordinator
for several prominent California cities.
Project Manager Valerie Clarke speaking at a
Community Workshop event in the City of Lancaster.
PAGE 41
ORGANIZATION
CHART
The organization chart below shows the responsibility of the project team .
Key project team resumes are provided.
Supportive team members are available to assist as needed, offering specialized skills and additional capacity when project demands arise.
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SUB
-
CONSULTANTS
Michael Baker will be supported by our sub
-
consultant Fehr & Peers, which will
lead the Circulation Element update and support commun
ity
engagement.
FEHR
&
PEERS
FIRM
PROFILE
Fehr & Peers is a transportation planning and engineering firm with 25 offices and over 400 staff nationwide. Since 1985, Fehr & Peers has partnered with public and private clients to design safer, more effective ways for people and goods to move.
Fehr & P
eers continues to successfully create spaces where everyone can thrive, today and for generations to come. Bringing together data, technology, and the lived experiences of the communities they serve, Fehr & Peers helps clients make confident, well
-
informed
decisions. Along the way, they have earned national
recognition for raising the bar on how transportation projects are planned, designed, and delivered. Fehr & Peers doesn’t just follow trends
—
they help clients anticipate what is next. With a blend of mul timodal expertise, national perspective, and
local insight fueled by strong and longstanding relationships, Fehr & Peers tailors their solutions across a wide range of services to meet each community's unique needs.
Fehr & Peers has performed numerous transportation studies for projects throughout California. The knowledge of the requirements and expectations for transportation studies allows Fehr & Peers to perform defensible transportation analyses in support of any
project. Fehr & Peers has also been extensively involved in the development and implementation of the CEQA transportation analysis guidelines associated with the passage of Senate Bill 743 (SB 743). SB 743 fundamentally alters the methods of conducting CE
QA transportation analysis, moving CEQA away from traditional level of service (LOS) roadway analysis and towards vehicle
-
miles traveled (VMT) analysis. Fehr & Peers has developed, and successfully applied, VMT analysis tools to projects throughout Califor nia to comply with SB 743. Fehr & Peers has retained
its role in being a leader in LOS roadway analysis to comply with requests from Cities, Counties or Caltrans to continue to analyze roadway capacity for operational analysis purposes.
Fehr & Peers has expertise in both freight and environmental compliance related to transportation. We have been working intimately with state and local agencies on how to be compliant with AB 98 –
Warehouse Standards (2024, Reyes and
Ca
r
rillo). Beginning a week after the bill became law, larger transportation MPOs have tasked us with assisting their member agencies named in the legislation as being in the “Warehouse Concentration Region”, with the tools to comply with the law in advance o
f the January 1, 2026 deadline. More recently, Fehr & Peers has continued to assist numerous Cities and Counties to adopt new truck routes.
PAGE 52
Michael Baker International
801 S Grand Ave Suite 250,
Los Angeles, CA 90017