Major California Recycling and Waste Reduction
Legislation
• AB 341 – AB 341 mandates recycling for all businesses that generate more than four cubic yards of solid waste per week, and multifamily dwellings of more than five units or more. This bill is designed to reduce GHG emissions in California by five million metric tons of CO2. • AB 1826 – AB 1826 requires all generators of four cubic yards or more of garbage, recycling, and compost combined per week to recycle organic waste such as food scraps, soiled paper products, yard trimmings, and landscape materials. Multi-family dwellings do not need to have food-waste recycling on site but must recycle yard and landscape materials.
• SB 1383 – SB 1383 creates a target of diverting 50 percent of organic waste from landfills below 2014 levels by 2020 and 75 percent by 2025 and sets the goal to recover a minimum of 20 percent of currently disposed edible food for human consumption by 2025. Furthermore, SB 1383 requires jurisdictions conduct education and outreach on organics recycling to all residents, businesses, haulers, and food recovery organizations.
Goal ENV-14:
To become a zero-waste community through responsible procurement, waste diversion, and innovative strategies. (Source: New Goal) Policies
ENV-14.1: Zero Waste. The City shall promote activities that reduce waste and increase waste diversion, including sourcing products with reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging; establishing food diversion programs; and promoting and educating on waste diversion and its importance. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-14.2: Household Waste Programs. The City shall coordinate with the contract waste management company to provide convenient, easy-to-use programs for bulky items and household hazardous waste. (Source: New Policy)
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Safety (SAF)
Natural hazards in the Solvang region are similar to those in Santa Barbara County and the greater region. Earthquake, wildfire, and drought are of the highest concerns, as well as an increased number of high heat days and localized flooding. This Element does not repeat in detail the regulatory framework currently in place. Instead, it contains broad policies and action items reflecting the City’s commitment to achieving acceptable levels of risk and public safety.
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Emergency Preparedness and
Response
Emergency preparedness refers to the coordinated efforts by the City and other agencies to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate natural and human-caused disasters and emergencies. The City employs a range of regulatory tools to protect life and property from natural and human-caused hazards, including maintaining the Emergency Management Plan and participating in the Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). (Source: Existing General Plan)
Disaster Preparedness and Avoidance
The most effective and least costly approach to protect life and property from hazards is avoidance. For many natural hazards, a proactive approach of preparation and prevention is needed. Disaster preparedness typically involves the development of response procedures, the identification of evacuation routes, design and installation of warning systems, purchase of emergency equipment, and training of emergency personnel. In addition to advance preparation, the risks and adverse effects of hazards can be wholly or partially mitigated with proper planning, adherence to current building codes, and through the effective management of resources when an emergency does occur. (Source: Existing General Plan)
Evacuation Routes for the City of Solvang are shown in Figure SAF-1:. Critical facilities provide emergency services for the community (e.g. fire station, police station, hospital, utility infrastructure, veteran hall and communication facility), are shown in Figure SAF-2:.
The City’s disaster preparedness approach is strengthened through coordination with neighboring jurisdictions, including the County of Santa Barbara. This enables the pooling of resources as well as the ability to implement a region wide response to emergencies that may be widespread. The County’s MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines countywide resources and procedures for responding to emergencies.
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SAF-4 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-1: Evacuation Routes
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Figure SAF-2: Critical Facilities
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SAF-6 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Goal SAF-1:
To ensure that City emergency response procedures are appropriate and coordinated with the County in the event of natural or human-made disasters. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 2.1, modified) Policies
SAF-1.1: Emergency Response Programs. The City shall support local and regional response programs that provide emergency and other services to the public when a disaster occurs.(Source:
Existing General Plan, Policy 2.1) [IGC, JP]
SAF-1.2: Community Education and Organization. The City shall develop and support preparedness programs that educate and organize the community, especially vulnerable populations, to respond appropriately to disasters. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy
2.2) [PI]
SAF-1.3: Interjurisdictional Coordination. The City shall work to improve coordination and information sharing among city, County and State programs and agencies to reduce the risks of disasters. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 2.3) [IGC]
SAF-1.4: Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services. The City shall continue to work with Santa Barbara County to maintain local law enforcement and fire protection services in a state of readiness to ensure adequate protection for the citizens of Solvang. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.3.C) [IGC] SAF-1.5: Standardized Emergency Management System. The City shall continue to support efforts to ensure local agency compliance with the State’s Standardized Emergency Management System. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.2.A, modified) [IGC] SAF-1.6: Command Center. The City shall continue to coordinate with the county to designate and develop a command center for use during times of emergency, such as the Veterans Hall. (Source:
Existing General Plan, Action 2.1.F, modified) [IGC]
SAF-1.7: Critical Facilities. The City shall continue to maintain existing and expand critical facilities outside of flood, seismic, and high fire hazard zones whenever feasible. (Source: New Policy) [SO] 405
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-7
SAF-1.8: Mutual Aid Agreements. The City shall continue to maintain mutual aid agreements and communications links with
surrounding jurisdictions for assistance during times of emergency. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.3.B) [IGC] SAF-1.9: Communication and Media Protocols. The City shall continue to maintain emergency communication resources, protocols, and improve information transfer to the media and public during emergencies. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.2.D) [SO] 406
SAF-8 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Seismic Hazards
Santa Barbara County is located in a high seismic activity zone in the Transverse Range geologic province. Movement of continental plates manifest primarily along the San Andreas Fault system, which is situated seven miles northeast of Santa Barbara County. There are many active faults within the San Andreas Fault system in Santa Barbara County. The City of Solvang, like much of the Central Coast and Southern California, sits atop active faults. Both the Santa Ynez River Fault, which bisects the city, and the Santa Ynez Fault, are considered potentially active and are capable of producing sizable damaging earthquakes. Figure SAF3: shows earthquake faults in or near the City of Solvang.
The Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang are subject to a variety of seismic-related hazards, including liquefaction, slope instability, and expansive soils. Properties near the Santa Ynez River are located on alluvium deposits, which increase the potential for ground shaking damage. Most of the developed areas in Solvang are located on or within close proximity to the alluvial deposits, which poses greater potential for enhanced ground shaking during seismic events.
According to the California Geological Survey, the alluvial soils typically found along the Santa Ynez River and Alamo Pintado Creek also have a high susceptibility for liquefaction. The potential for liquefaction can exacerbate the overall effects from local and regional seismic events. Figure SAF-4: shows the shaking potential of areas within the city. The map represents one realization of a potential future earthquake by assuming a particular magnitude, location, and fault-rupture geometry and estimating shaking.
Properties located in the hillsides are susceptible to rockfalls and landslides.
Such occurrences are common during larger seismic events and have the ability to cause considerable damage. Figure SAF-5:5 shows areas of the city that are susceptible to landslides.
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-9
Figure SAF-3: Earthquake Faults
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SAF-10 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-4: Earth Shaking Scenario
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-11 Figure SAF-5: Landslide Risk
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SAF-12 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Goal SAF-2:
To prevent and/or reduce loss of life, injury, and property damage due to geologic and seismic hazards, including ground shaking, fault rupture, and liquefaction. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 3.1, modified) Policies
SAF-2.1: Earthquake Resistant Design. The City shall continue to require earthquake resistant designs for all structures and utilities. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 3.1, modified) [RDR] SAF-2.2: Critical Facilities Placement. New critical structures such as hospitals, police substations, fire stations, emergency communication centers, schools, high occupancy buildings and bridges shall be located away from high-risk earthquake, landslide, and liquefaction zones. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 3.1, modified) [SO, IGC]
SAF-2.3: Geotechnical Reports. The City shall continue to require the preparation of geotechnical reports and impose appropriate mitigation measures for new development in areas of potential seismic or geologic hazards to ensure, within the limits of technical and economic feasibility, that new structures are able to withstand the effects of seismic activity, including liquefaction, slope instability, expansive soils or other geologic hazards. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 3.1.B) [RDR] SAF-2.4: Underground Utilities. The City shall continue to require the design of underground utilities, particularly water and natural gas mains, to resist seismic forces in accordance with state requirements. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 3.1.C) [RDR] SAF-2.5: Identification and Abatement of Risk for Existing Structures.
The City shall identify and encourage risk abatement for existing structures that will be hazardous during an earthquake event, especially high occupancy structures that have the greatest potential effect on public safety. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 3.1.F, modified) [SO]
SAF-2.6: Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. The City shall continue to enforce the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act that requires geologic studies to be performed so that habitable structures and essential facilities will be sited away 411
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-13 from active and potentially active faults. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 3.2.A, modified) [RDR]
Goal SAF-3:
To reduce the potential damage to structures and infrastructure from landslide hazards. (Source: New Goal)
Policies
SAF-3.1: Landslide and Slope Instability Hazard Mitigation. The City shall continue to require development to avoid and/or mitigate any potential impacts a project contributes to landslides and slope instability hazards on neighboring property, appurtenant structures, utilities, and roads. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 3.4.D, modified) [RDR]
SAF-3.2: Expansion of Development in Areas of Landslide Activity. The City shall prohibit the expansion of existing structures or developments in areas of known landslide activity except when the project will incorporate measures to reduce the potential for loss of life and property. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action
3.4.C) [RDR]
SAF-3.3: New Development in Areas of Landslide Activity. The City shall prohibit new development in areas of known landslide activity unless development plans indicate that the hazard can be reduced to a less than significant level prior to beginning development. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 3.4.B) [RDR] 412
SAF-14 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Flooding
Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley have an extensive history of localized and regional flooding. The Santa Ynez River, Alamo Pintado Creek, Alisal Creek, and Adobe Creek are sources of flooding concern for Solvang. Figure SAF-6: shows flood hazard areas in Solvang. Areas located in a 100-year floodplain have a 1 percent chance of flooding each year, while areas in a 500-year floodplain have a 0.2 percent chance of flooding each year. The 100-year and 500-year floodplains in the city are along the Santa Ynez River and Alamo Pintado Creek, located in the southwestern and eastern portions of the city. (Source: Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook)
Dam failure can lead to flooding of areas downstream, and the force of water released can be strong enough to carry boulders, trees, automobiles, and buildings. Causes of dam failure include age, poor design, and structural damage resulting from floods, erosion, or earthquakes. Three dams are located on the Santa Ynez River, upstream of the city: Bradbury Dam (completed in 1953) at Lake Cachuma, Gibraltar Dam (completed in 1920) and reservoir, and Juncal Dam (completed in 1930) and reservoir. Additionally, Alisal Creek Dam (completed in 1971) and Alisal reservoir are located approximately five miles south of Solvang. Figure SAF-7: shows areas in the City of Solvang that could be affected by flooding as a result of dam failure, called dam inundation zones.
Reducing the Flood Risk
To reduce potential damage from flooding, all new structures are required to be located at least 50 feet from the top of banks and creeks, allowing for ample space for overflow if a flooding event occurs. In addition, development located in designated FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) within the city are required to undergo review by the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District. (Source: Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook)
The following goal and policies address flooding hazards within the City. 413
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-15 Figure SAF-6: Flood Hazard Zones
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SAF-16 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-7: Dam Inundation zones
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-17 Goal SAF-4:
To prevent and/or reduce loss of life, injury, and property damage due to flooding. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 4, modified) Policies
SAF-4.1: Development in Floodplains. The City shall not approve new development in areas subject to a 100-year flood event, based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping or on other updated mapping acceptable to the City, unless and until the flood hazard has been mitigated. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 4.1, modified) [RDR]
SAF-4.2: Mitigate Flooding. The City shall require new development and redevelopment to incorporate flood reduction measures into the project design in areas known to be prone to flooding. (Source:
Existing General Plan, Policy 4.2) [RDR]
SAF-4.3: Dam Inundation. The City shall update and maintain the Emergency Management Plan to minimize the risk to life and property due to dam failure. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 4.3, modified) [SO]
SAF-4.4: Reducing Flood Impacts. The City shall require mitigation to less than significant levels for new development with the potential to increase flooding impacts. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action
4.2.A) [RDR]
SAF-4.5: 100-Year Flood Plains. The City shall require development on land subject to a 100- year flood event, based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping or on other
updated mapping acceptable to the City, to conform to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 4.1.D, modified) [RDR]
SAF-4.6: New Parcels. The City shall prohibit the creation of parcels upon which the presence of easements, floodplain, marsh or riparian habitat, or other features would leave insufficient land to build and operate structures. This action item shall not apply to open space lots specifically created for dedication to the City or another appropriate party for habitat protection, flood control, drainage, or wetland maintenance. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 4.2.F) [RDR]
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SAF-18 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Fire Hazards
Wildfires can be classified as either a wildland fire or a wildland-urban interface fire (County of Santa Barbara et al. 2017). A wildland fire typically occurs in areas that are relatively undeveloped except for minimal infrastructure such as roads and power lines. A wildland-urban interface fire includes situations in which a wildfire enters an area that is developed with buildings and houses. (Source:
Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook)
For goals and policies relating to fire related emergency services, please refer to Section PFS-5 (Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, and Emergency Services) in the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element.
Wildfire Risk
Solvang, like much of Santa Barbara County, is at risk from wildfires due to the combination of dry, windy conditions and woodlands, brushlands, chaparral, and grasslands that burn readily. Under drought conditions, the fire season can extend year-round. California law requires CAL FIRE to identify the severity of fire hazards statewide. To accomplish this, CAL FIRE identified Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on factors such as fuel, slope of the land, and weather patterns conducive to fires. CAL FIRE assigns responsibility for each zone to either the State or a local jurisdiction. Fire hazard severity zones for the City of Solvang are shown on Figure SAF-8: in which several areas in city limits are designated as either Moderate or High Fire Severity Zones. Areas outside and immediately adjacent to the city are in Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. (Source: Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook) The steep hillsides surrounding the City have dense oak woodland and chaparral vegetation and are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The city’s wildland urban interface therefore requires routine fuel management, review of site design for projects, and adequate emergency access to protect life and property. (Source: Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook) Understanding historical occurrences of wildfire also helps to inform the frequency and type of potential future fires as well as identify areas that are particularly vulnerable to wildfire. Numerous major wildfires have occurred in the region in recent years. Figure SAF-9: shows historical wildfires near the City.
Wildfires have historically occurred in the mountainous areas south of the City of Solvang.
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-19 Figure SAF-8: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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SAF-20 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-9: Historical Fires
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-21 Goal SAF-5:
To prevent and/or reduce loss of life, injury, and property damage due to wildland and structural fires. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 5.1, modified)
Policies
SAF-5.1: Protect New Development. The City shall require new development be designed to protect life and property from the effects of wildfires and structural fires relative to the identified level of risk. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 5.1, modified) [RDR]
SAF-5.2: Fire Equipment Access and Resources. The City shall require that new development provides for adequate fire equipment access and fire suppression resources. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 5.1.E, modified) [RDR]
SAF-5.3: Road and Building Identification. The City shall require that all roads and buildings are properly identified by name or number with clearly visible signs in order to promote faster response times. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 5.1.F) [RDR] SAF-5.4: Work with Homeowners on Fire Safety. The City shall work with and educate homeowners to improve fire safety and
defensibility. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 5.3.D, modified)
SAF-5.5: Fire Safety Improvements. The City shall encourage fire safety improvements for existing homes and commercial buildings. (Source: New Policy) [PI]
Goal SAF-6:
To coordinate with fire protection and emergency service providers to ensure adequate fire facilities, equipment, and services are available to protect city residents and property from fire. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 5.2)
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SAF-22 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Policies
SAF-6.1: County Fire Department Staffing. The City shall work with Santa Barbara County Fire Department to maintain fire department staffing levels and response times consistent with National Fire Protection Association standards. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 5.2) [IGC]
SAF-6.2: Mutual Aid Agreements. The City shall continue to maintain mutual aid agreements among fire protection and emergency service providers to ensure residents and property are
adequately served and to facilitate the efficient use of available resources. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 5.2.C) [IGC] SAF-6.3: Peak Fire-Flow. The City shall continue to ensure that adequate peak load water fire-flows are maintained throughout the city and shall regularly monitor fire-flows to ensure adequacy. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 5.3.C) [SO]
SAF-6.4: Homeowner Resources. The City shall continue to work with local agencies to inform homeowners of the dangers and
appropriate responses to fire and ways to prevent loss. (Source:
Existing General Plan, Action 5.3.A) [IGC]
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-23 Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials include a wide range of solids, liquids, and gases (does not sufficiently include batteries and electronics) that are flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic. Because hazardous materials may be shipped through the Solvang area, transportation accidents pose the most significant hazardous material risk to City residents and the environment. (Source: Existing General Plan)
Public exposure to hazardous materials can result from use by industry, agriculture, and commercial services. Some businesses in Solvang transport, store, and/or use toxic or hazardous chemicals posing potential safety hazards if improperly handled. The most common concentrations of hazardous materials in Solvang are above- and under-ground storage tanks containing materials such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Dry cleaning operations can also lead to soil and groundwater contamination by solvents, including perchloroethylene (PCE), tetrachloroethene (TCE), and chromium. Figure SAF-10: shows hazardous materials sites in the City of Solvang, overseen by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Hazardous materials sites include Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) sites where there is contamination caused by underground storage tanks and cleanup activities are being conducted to address the contamination. (Source: Existing General Plan) 422
SAF-24 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-10: Hazardous Materials Sites
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-25 Goal SAF-7:
To reduce the potential for exposure of humans and the environment to hazardous substances. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 6.1) Policies
SAF-7.1: Hazardous Material Storage and Disposal. The City shall require proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials, including medical waste, to prevent leakage, potential explosions, fires, or the escape of harmful gases, and to prevent individually innocuous materials from combining to form hazardous
substances, especially at the time of disposal. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 6.1) [RDR]
SAF-7.2: Designated Routes for Transport of Hazardous Materials. The City shall designate and continue to enforce safe routes through the City for the transport of hazardous materials. (Source:
Existing General Plan, Policy 6.1.D) [SO]
SAF-7.3: Testing and Remediation of Contaminated Sites. The City shall require testing for contamination in areas suspected as potentially hazardous and shall require that the remediation of hazardous areas takes place prior to development in
cooperation with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy 6.1.B, modified) [RDR]
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SAF-26 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Public Safety
Public safety refers to protecting the public from crimes and other potential dangers. The City contract with the Santa Barbara County Fire District and contracts with the County of Santa Barbara for law enforcement services. The primary goal of these departments is to reduce threats and protect the wellbeing of the community. Other potential threats to the general public include infectious diseases, airplane hazards, exposure to pesticides, and hazardous trees.
Goal SAF-8:
To ensure that Solvang remains a relatively safe community with a low incidence of crime. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 7.2) Policies
SAF-8.1: Public Safety. The City shall continue to maintain a high-level of public safety in Solvang. (Source: Existing General Plan, Policy
7.2) [SO]
SAF-8.2: Design Review. The City shall ensure through design review that crime prevention and safety are incorporated into new
development projects, especially for residential subdivision and commercial development. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action
7.2(C), modified) [RDR]
SAF-8.3: Education on Personal Safety. The City shall continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Sheriff to support volunteer and educational programs to inform the public regarding personal safety. (Source: New Policy) [IGC]
Aircraft Hazards
The Santa Ynez Airport is located approximately 5 miles east of the city. Private aircraft regularly take off, land, refuel, and are stored. Emergency response aircraft are also stored at the airport which serves as a staging ground for the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit. The Santa Barbara County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) adopted an Airport Land Use Plan (ALUP) in 1993 and updated the Plan in 2023 establishing safety zones around the airport to protect the public from potential noise and safety impacts associated with aircraft operations. The ALUP also designates allowable and conditionally allowable land uses for the different safety zones. The currently adopted safety zones overlap 425
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-27 a portion of the city’s sphere of influence northwest of the city but do not overlap the city itself.
Goal SAF-9:
To promote the safe operation of the airport and protect the safety of city residents. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 7.1)
Policies
SAF-9.1: Coordinate with the ALUC. The City shall coordinate with the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) on land use planning around the Santa Ynez Airport and the City’s Plan Area. (Source:
Existing General Plan, Action 7.1(A), modified) [IGC]
SAF-9.2: Airport Area of Influence. The City shall submit development proposals for land within the airport area of influence for review by the ALUC for consistency with the Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 7.1(A), modified) [RDR]
SAF-9.3: Airport Land Use Consistency. The City shall work to achieve consistency between General Plan land uses and the ALUP, when and where it is appropriate. Measures may include
restrictions on permitted land uses and development criteria, including height restrictions. (Source: New Policy)
Other Local Hazards
Hazardous Trees
Trees help make Solvang an attractive place for residents and visitors, provide roosting and nesting habitat for birds and other wildlife, while improving the climate and air quality. However, as trees age and/or become affected by disease or drought, they pose a risk from dropping limbs or toppling. Strong winds and saturated soils or erosion around roots contribute to the hazard.
Falling trees and branches can harm people, damage property, obstruct access, clog storm drains, and interrupt power and communications. (Source: Existing General Plan)
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SAF-28 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Goal SAF-10:
To protect city residents, visitors and infrastructure from the hazards associated with falling trees. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 7.4) Policies
SAF-10.1: Tree Maintenance. The City shall continue to maintain trees on City property to minimize hazards, and work with property owners to do the same. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action
7.4.A, modified) [SO]
Noise
Noise levels can directly affect the quality of life within a community. Identifying and mitigating existing and new potential sources of noise pollution helps the City maintain a comfortable environment for all to enjoy. Disruptive and loud noise can be a nuisance to the community, and cause stress. Some land uses are more sensitive to noise than others such as residential use, day care facilities, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals and merit additional consideration when it comes to placement and attenuation requirements to ensure acceptable levels of quiet are maintained.
Noise Measurement
Noise is typically described in terms of the loudness (amplitude) and frequency (pitch) of the sound. Noise loudness is measured in decibels (dB). Decibels (dB) are based on a logarithmic scale that condenses the range in sound pressure levels to a more usable number range. A weighted decibel (dBA) is an additional measure of sound that adjusts the sound rating scale to levels consistent with the sensivity range of the human ear. For example, people perceive a sound 10 dBA higher than another sound as being twice as loud, and 20 dBA higher as being four times as loud, and so forth. Everyday sounds normally range from 30 dBA (very quiet) to 100 dBA (very loud).
In California, land use compatibility is primarily measured using Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL). The CNEL rating is the average sound level over a 24 hour period, with a penalty of 5 dB added between 7 pm and 10 pm, and a penalty of 10 dB added for the nighttime hours of 10 pm to 7 am. The noise levels identified within this element are discussed using dBA CNEL, unless otherwise indicated.
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-29 State Noise Element Guidelines
The State of California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Noise Element Guidelines (Guidelines) include recommended noise level standards for cities and counties. The recommended standards may be used to prevent the development of land uses that are incompatible with the surrounding community due to noise impacts.
Figure SAF-11: shows the OPR guidelines by land use category. For example, the OPR recommends a noise standard of 50 dBA CNEL to 60 dBA CNEL for low density residential uses. This noise range is considered to be “normally acceptable” for low density residential uses, and areas where noise levels exceed 60 dBA CNEL would be deemed inappropriate for low density residential uses.
Similar noise standards are recommended for a variety of land use types with varying levels of acceptable noise.
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SAF-30 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-11: Typical Community Noise Exposure Level
Source: California Office of Planning and Research, General Plan Guidelines, 2017 429
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-31 The most common noise source in Solvang is traffic-related from on-road vehicles and trucks. Roadway noise levels are influenced by the speed of traffic, type of vehicles, and pavement conditions. In Solvang, the main roadways of concern are State Highway 246 and Alisal, Atterdag, and Alamo Pintado Roads.
Additional sources include industrial processes, mechanical equipment, Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and truck loading/unloading.
Intermittent noise can originate from construction activity and aircraft operations. Figure SAF-12: shows the projected future noise contour map for the City of Solvang.
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SAF-32 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Figure SAF-12: Noise Contour Map [THIS GRAPHIC WILL BE INLCUDED AFTER PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT]
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Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-33 Goal SAF-11:
To reduce, minimize and manage noise and vibration to the greatest extent feasible. (Source: Existing General Plan, Goal 1, modified) Policies
SAF-11.1: Roadway Project Noise Mitigation. The City shall work with Caltrans to require the inclusion of noise mitigation measures along Highway 246 near residential units in the design of new roadway projects where necessary to maintain acceptable noise levels for adjacent uses. (Source: Existing General Plan Noise Element, Policy 2.2, modified) [IGC]
SAF-11.2: Noise Mitigation in Design. The City shall require the use noise mitigation measures where appropriate in the design of new development and redevelopment, especially for residential or other noise-sensitive land uses adjacent to major roads or noisegenerating commercial or industrial areas to ensure internal noise levels of the receiving noise-sensitive uses remain at acceptable levels. (Source: Existing General Plan Noise Element, Action 2.1.A) [RDR]
SAF-11.3: Sensitive Areas. The City shall ensure acceptable noise levels are maintained near schools, hospitals, and other noise sensitive areas through proper land use decisions and site plan review. (Source: New Policy) [RDR]
SAF-11.4: Vibration Impacts. For projects involving the use of major vibration generating equipment (e.g., pile drivers, vibratory rollers) that could generate groundborne vibration levels in excess of 0.2 in/sec ppv, the City may require a project-specific vibration impact assessment to analyze potential groundborne vibrational impacts and may require measures to reduce ground vibration levels. (Source: New Policy)
432
SAF-34 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Public Health Emergencies
During health emergencies, local jurisdictions provide initial leadership, resources, and information to their immediate communities while establishing public-private and regional response efforts. As a result, the City must work with health providers, Santa Barbara County, and local stakeholders to develop coordinated initial responses to public health emergencies that rely on local resources. (Source: New Text)
Pandemics have the potential to be the deadliest threat to public health. A pandemic can occur when a new strain of influenza or other pathogen emerges to which most or all of the world’s human population has had no previous exposure and thus has no immunity. (Source: New Text)
Although the timing, nature, and severity of a public health emergency cannot be predicted, a planned and coordinated response is critical to minimizing the public health impact, as well as the social and economic disruption to our everyday lives. (Source: New Text)
The following goal and policies guide preparedness, response, and recovery efforts by the City for current and future health emergencies.
For goals and policies relating to community health and emergency services, please refer to Section PFS-4 (Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, and Emergency Services) and PFS-6 (Community Health) in the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element.
Goal SAF-12:
Reduce the potential and severity of short- and long-term health emergencies, control the rate and extent of the spread of an illness, reduce economic and social displacement, and reduce loss of life. (Source: New Goal)
Policies
SAF-12.1: State and County Minimum Requirements. The City shall implement all minimum requirements from appropriate State of California and Santa Barbara County agencies relative to declared public health emergencies. (Source: New Policy) [SO] SAF-12.2: Interagency Coordination. The City shall work closely with the State of California and Santa Barbara County health officials to make certain that City needs are considered and addressed and 433
8. SAFETY
Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-35 to inform residents of programs and resources in a timely manner. (Source: New Policy) [IGC]
SAF-12.3: Communication and Education. The City shall continue to maintain and enhance communications and education
resources to provide timely and up-to-date information
concerning public health emergencies, with specific focus on vulnerable populations. (Source: New Policy) [PI]
SAF-12.4: Public Health Emergency Minimize Disease Spread. The City shall collaborate with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and other jurisdictions to implement measures that minimize the risk of disease spread based on best available data. (Source: New Policy) [IGC]
SAF-12.5: Resources. The City shall work with the State of California and Santa Barbara County to maintain a supply of resources
necessary to track, respond to, and recover from a public health emergency. (Source: New Policy) [IGC]
SAF-12.6: Organizational Partnerships. The City shall partner with organizations responsible for essential health care and human services to ensure those services are provided as early as possible to respond during, and recover after, a public health emergency or event. (Source: New Policy) [IGC, JP]
SAF-12.7: Disease Vector Control. The City shall work collaboratively with other agencies to control vectors such as mosquitos to protect Solvang residents from vector-borne diseases. (Source: Existing General Plan, Action 7.3.B) [IGC]
434
SAF-36 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Climate Impacts
Climate change is a global phenomenon that has the potential to affect local health, natural resources, infrastructure, emergency response, tourism, and many other facets of society. (Source: Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook) In Solvang, the most pronounced effects of climate change will be increased average temperature, more extreme heat days, and elevated drought risk, all of which may lead to increased wildfires. Wildfires, as mentioned previously in this Safety Element, have historically been an issue of concern in Solvang and throughout the region and will increasingly be a challenge for the City. Air quality impacts from fires, both local and throughout the western region, may also continue to be an issue. Air quality has generally been good in Solvang, however, more frequent occurrence of wildfires due to climate change is likely to disrupt this trend, as addressed in the Environment and Sustainability Element. (Source:
Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook)
Goal SAF-13:
To reduce and/or prevent loss of life, injury, and property damage due to climate impacts. (Source: New Goal)
Policies
SAF-13.1: Water Conservation. The City shall continue to support water conservation programs and efficiency upgrades through
education, regulation, and incentives. The city will work with hotels and restaurant to encourage water use reduction
measures. (Source: New Policy) [SO, JP]
SAF-13.2: Climate Resilient Public Facilities. The City shall require development, renovation, and maintenance of public facilities be designed to minimize vulnerabilities to climate impacts such as heat, fire, and drought. (Source: New Policy) [RDR, SO] SAF-13.3: Resilience Hubs. The City shall establish community facilities that provide a safe harbor to vulnerable populations during climate hazard events such as fires, poor air quality, extreme heat, and floods (known as resilience hubs). (Source: New Policy) [SO]
435
8. SAFETY
Public Review Draft Safety Element, April 2023 | SAF-37 SAF-13.4: Building Retrofits. The City shall support retrofits of existing structures to better withstand climate impacts, including extreme heat, poor air quality, fire, and floods. (Source: New Policy) [SO, PI]
SAF-13.5: Green Infrastructure. The City shall encourage development and redevelopment projects incorporate green infrastructure such as street trees, landscaping, and green and cool roofs to mitigate the effects of extreme heat events. (Source: New Policy) [RDR]
SAF-13.6: Climate Adaptation Planning. The City shall continue to evaluate and plan for climate change impacts and coordinate planning efforts with Santa Barbara County and other
jurisdictions and agencies. (Source: New Policy) [PSR, IGC] 436
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437
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-1 Administration
The Administration chapter includes all the Implementation Programs that implement each of the individual General Plan element goals and policies. Each Implementation Program outlined in this Chapter includes the associated goal and/or policy in which the program is implementing as well as the responsible party or parties who would lead the implementation effort.
9 438
ADMIN-2 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
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439
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-3 Land Use Element Programs
Land Use Element Implementation Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
A Update the Zoning Code
The City update the Zoning Code to implement and
maintain consistency with the General Plan, including
the following:
1. Permitted use and development standards for
all zoning districts;
2. Mixed-use development;
3. Objective residential design standards;
4. Accessory dwelling units;
5. Water-efficient landscaping; and
6. Vehicle and bicycle parking;
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU-1.2
LU-1.3
LU-1.4
Lu-1.5
LU-1.5
LU-1.7
LU-1.8
LU-1.9
LU-3.3
LU-4.2
LU-4.4
LU-5.1
LU-5.2
LU-5.3
LU-6.2
LU-6.3
LU-9.3
Planning and Building
B Greenbelt Separators
The City shall, in cooperation with Santa Barbara County and the City of Buellton, continue to mainatin the
permanent greenbelt separators between communities
based on the adoption of the UGB.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU-8.1 Planning and Building
C Eight-year General Plan Review
The City shall conduct a technical review of the General Plan every eight years and revise and update as
necessary to assure compliance with State law and
responsiveness to current City needs, including a
jobs/housing balance and adequate municipal revenues
to maintain adequate level of public services.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU-10.1 Planning and Building
440
ADMIN-4 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Community Design Element Programs
Community Design Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
A Citywide Beautification Plan
The City shall prepare a Citywide Beautification Plan.
The Beautification Plan should focus on enhanced
gateway entry treatments into the city and Village Area, median treatments, public art, streetscape amenities,
methods of improving the public realm, and potential
incentives for property owners to continue routine
maintenance.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
CD-1.1
CD-1.3
CD-1.8
CD-1.11
CD-1.17
Planning and Building
B Historic Designation Study
The City shall prepare a study on the viability of
designating the Village Area as a recognized Historic
District in order to preserve the Danish heritage and
identity of the community.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
CD-1.1
CD-2.2
Planning and Building
C Commercial Development Maintenance Requirements
The City shall establish minimum maintenance
requirements for all commercial developments in order
to maintain a cohesive design style and aesthetic
citywide.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
CD-1.6 Planning and Building
D Citywide Streetscape Standards
The City shall identify and establish citywide
streetscape standards that focus on consistent use of
materials, pavings, and methods of feasible
implementation.
(Source: Existing General Plan Policy, 3.b, modified)
CD-1.12
CD-1.13
CD-1.14
Public Works
Planning and Building
E Streetscape and Public Realm Catalog
The City shall establish a system and consistent catalog of street furniture, energy efficient lighting, signage, directories, district signs and city identification symbols for installation on major arterials in the city.
(Source: Existing General Plan Policy, 3.d, modified)
CD-1.13
CD-1.17
CD-1.19
Public Works
Planning and Building
F Design Criteria for Nodes
The City shall establish design criteria and features that shall enhance focal points, or high activity areas which enhance the viability of recreation, commercial without detrimental impact to rural and residential areas.
(Source: Existing General Plan Policy, 1.c, modified)
CD-1.13 Planning and Building
441
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-5 Community Design Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
G Hillside and Scenic Development Ordinance
The City shall prepare a Hillside and Scenic
Development Ordinance within the Zoning Code. The
Ordinance at a minimum should define and identify
designated scenic viewsheds and include hillside
development standards.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
CD-1.38
CD-1.39
CD-1.40
CD-1.41
CD-1.42
Planning and Building
H Village Area Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective
Design and Development Standards
The City shall establish a comprehensive set of
objective design and development standards for
multifamily and mixed-use development within the
Village Area. At a minimum the objective design and
development standards should include:
• Architectural criteria that adequately and
accurately reflects the Old-World Danish design
theme
• Site Orientation
• Private and public open space
• Massing and articulation
• Parking
• Street Activation
• Required Amenities
• Sustainable Design Principles
• Landscaping
• Lighting
(Source: New Implementation Program)
CD-2.2 Planning and Building
I Mission Design District Sign Standards
The City shall prepare sign design standards for
incorporation into Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code that require all signage in the Mission Design District to
emulate the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. (Source: New Implementation Program)
CD-2.27
CD-2.28
Planning and Building
442
ADMIN-6 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Economic Development Element Programs
Economic Development Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
J Public Art
The City shall develop guidelines and incentives within the City Wide Beautifaction plan to promote public art in suitable locations, particularly alleys and pedestrian
walkways, to enhance downtown attractiveness.
(Source: New Implementation Program) (Source: New
Implementation Program)
ED-1.1
ED-1.2
City Manager
Economic Development
Planning and Building
K Marketing Danish Heritage
The City shall establish tourism and economic
development marketing program to promote Solvang’s
Danish heritage while also reaching the diverse market
segments present in the community.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-1.2
ED-1.4
City Manager
Economic Development
L Recreational Vehicle Parking
The City shall prepare an analysis of potential locations for overnight recreational vehicle parking.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-1.6 Planning and Building
Public Works
M Light Industrial Zone Amendments
The City shall review, and if appropriate, amend zoning and development standards in the Light Industrial zone
to ensure that support activities for local industries such as wine, olive oil, beer, cannabis, or other artisan
manufacturing can be accommodated.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-2.5 Planning and Building
N Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
The City shall participate in Solvang Chamber of
Commerce, REACH and other regional planning efforts
to prepare a Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy for the Central Coast.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-4.1 City Manager
Economic Development
O Economic Council
The City shall prepare a study to determoine if an
Economic Council is needed to help coordinate diverse
business and public agency economic development
activities.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-4.1 City Manager
Economic Development
443
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-7 Economic Development Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
P Businesss Diversification
The City shall conduct a study to identify potential
incentives to encourage business diversification in new mixed-use developments.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-4.2 Planning and Building
City Manager
Q Broadband Collaborative
The City shall participate in the efforts of the Broadband Collaborative of the Pacific Coast and with other
partners such as the County, Cal Trans, EconAlliance
and Chumash Tribe to bring high speed broadband
service to all areas in Solvang.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED-4.2 City Manager
Public Works
Planning
Mobility Element Programs
Mobility Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
A Capital Improvements.
The City shall contiue to maintain through regular
updates a capital improvement program (CIP) that
prioritizes projects that improve safety and facilitates alternatives throughout the City.
(Source: Existing General Plan, Policies 1.3 and 1.3A)
MOB-1.1
MOB-1.7
MOB-1.11
Public Works
City Manager
B VMT Program Creation.
The City shall coordinate with SBCAG to establish a
program to mitigate vehicle miles travelled for new
development that follows the framework put forward by
the Governor’s Office for Planning and Research and
guidance from Caltrans. The City shall also update its
traffic impact analysis guidelines to reflect VMT
thresholds and screening criteria for CEQA purposes as
well as operational and safety analyses associated with Local Traffic Studies when requested by City. The City’s CEQA Guidelines shall also be reviewed and updated as
appropriate to reflect legislative changes to the CEQA
process.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB-1.4 Public Works
444
ADMIN-8 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Mobility Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
C Local and Regional Bicycle Network
The City shall coordinate with SBCAG and participating
local jurisdictions to update the Santa Ynez Bicycle
Master Bikeway Plan on a regular basis to maintain an
adequate system for the safe and efficient movement of
bicyclists.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB-2.1
MOB-2.2
MOB-2.3
Public Works
D Parking Evaluation.
The City shall conduct a study existing parking patterns to ensure that there is sufficient parking provided even as parking needs change across the city. The evaluation
program should contain the following elements:
1) Assessment of existing parking studies
2) Assessment of the City’s in-lieu parking model
3) Responses to recommendations from the Downtown
Solvang Parking Study, including the feasibility of a
parking structure and the need for time-limited and
paid parking.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB-3.1
MOB-3.2
MOB-3.3
MOB-3.5
Public Works
Planning and Building
E Parking Monitoring Program
The City shall develop parking occupancy threshold rates and monitor parking capacity to determine when design
and construction of new parking facilities needs to begin as part of the parking management program.
(Source: Existing General Plan, Action 4.2.C)
MOB-3.1
MOB-3.2
MOB-3.3
Public Works
F Complete Streets.
The City shall prepare complete streeets guidelines to
assist with the improvement of the non-automobile
transportation network. Possible solutions can range
from traffic calming to closing streets to automotive
traffic.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB-4.1
MOB-4.2
MOB-4.3
Public Works
445
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-9 Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Programs Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
A Water System Master Plan
The City shall update every five-years or as needed the Water System Master Plan to address the development
of multiple sources of water, water conservation and
groundwater management to accommodate projected
water demand and provide for water supply security.
(Source: Existing General Plan Action 2.2A)
PFS-1.1
PFS-1.3
Public Works
B Wastewater Annual Review
The City shall annually review the wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system to ensure the financing
structure and viability of the system.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
PFS-2.1 Public Works
C Community Partnerships
The City shall prepare a study of potential projects that could benefit from a partnership arrangement such as a
community aquatic facility, youth, community center,
senior center, and new or improved sports fields.
(Source: Existing General Plan Action 2.2.B, modified)
PFS-7.2
PFS-7.3
Public Works
Planning and Building
City Manager
D Future Park Improvements
The City shall facilitate opinion surveys and/or public workshops every five years or as needed to update and
adapt the ongoing project list for park and facility
improvements. (Source: Existing General Plan Action
2.4.A, modified)
PFS-7.2 City Manager
Parks and Recreation
Public Works
E Recreation Program Participation Report
The City shall prepare an annual report on recreation
program participation changes, review regional trends,
and evaluate user response to the recreation programs
and services in order to adapt and develop the City’s
yearly recreation program offerings.
(Source: Existing General Plan Action 3.1.A, modified)
PFS-7.1 Parks and Recreation
446
ADMIN-10 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
F Passive Recreation and Trails Plan
The City shall prepare a Passive Recreation and Trails
Plan for undeveloped natural areas. The Plan will include an evaluation of the effects of new uses, services, and trails in the undeveloped natural areas on natural
resources such as native vegetation, wildlife habitats, and other natural resources, in order to minimize land
use conflicts, native vegetation loss, and wetland
sedimentation.
(Source: Existing General Plan Actions 4.1.A and 4.2.A, modified)
PFS-7.11
PFS-7.13
Parks and Recreation
Planning and Building
Public Works
City Manager
G Park Funding Program
The City shall prepare an analysis and
recommendations for potential park and recreation
facility funding. The analysis Investigate the potential benefits of a Quimby Act ordinance based on remaining
vacant residential land in the city. The funding program must balance community need with available resources.
(Source: Existing General Plan policy 6.3 and Action
6.2.A)
PFS-9.3
PFS-9.4
PFS-9.5
Parks and Recreation
Planning and Building
City Manager
Environment and Sustainability Element Programs
Environment and Sustainability Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
H Tree Ordinance
The City shall evaluate and update the City’s tree
ordinance to protect the City’s urban forest and set
standards for native and drought-tolerant species.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-2.2 Planning and Building
Public Works
I Tree Inventory
The City shall complete and maintain a citywide public
tree inventory that includes species type, diameter,
health, and maintenance.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-2.2 Public Works
Planning and Building
447
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-11 Environment and Sustainability Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
J Approved Trees List
The City shall update every five years the list of
approved trees and plants for landscaping on the City’s website.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-2.2 Public Works
Planning and Building
K Significant Buildings/Site Inventory
The City shall identify and maintain an inventory of
structures and sites that are historically or
architecturally significant to the City of Solvang.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-5.1 Planning and Building
L Water Quality Testing
The City shall continue to regularly monitor water quality in City wells for evidence of toxics, saltwater intrusion, and other contaminants.
(Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.1.E)
ENV-7.1 Public Works
Uititles
M Repair Water Lines
The City shall continue to systematically replace or
repair leaking and deteriorated water lines.
(Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.2.E)
ENV-7.2 Public Works
Utitlies
N Recycled Water
The City shall prepare an analysisiof options for
implementing recycled water for municipal buildings
and landscaping where appropriate and encourage
recycled water use for private landowner and
businesses.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-7.2 Public Works
Utitlies
O Alternative Fuel Strategy
The City shall adopt an alternative fuel strategy and set a fuel efficiency standard for the City fleet. The strategy should present a funding plan and timeline for
replacement of the City vehicle fleet and Recreation and Community Services and Public Works Department
equipment.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-9.6 Administration
Public Works
City Manager
P GHG Inventory
The City shall work with SBCAPCD and SBCAG to
conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and
update at least once every five years.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-10.4
ENV-10.3
ENV-10.4
Planning and Building
Public Works
448
ADMIN-12 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Environment and Sustainability Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
Q Waive Permit Fees
The City shall waive building permit fees for retrofit
projects that make an existing home or business more
energy-efficient. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, the installation of solar panels, tankless water heaters, and highly energy efficient heating,
ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
(Source: Existing General Plan, Action 5.5.E)
ENV-12.4
ENV-12.5
ENV-12.6
Planning and Building
R Renewable Energy Awareness
The City shall provide updated information on the City’s website and at City Hall on incentives and benefits of
renewable energy options, such as solar panels, and
clearly identify requirements and permitting process for businesses and property owners.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-12.4
ENV-12.5
Planning and Building
Administration
S Zero Waste Plan
The City shall develop and adopt a zero waste action
plan to maximize waste diversion from landfills.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV-14.1 Planning and Building
Public Works
449
11. ADMINISTRATION
Public Review Draft Administration, April 2023 | ADMIN-13 Hazard and Safety Element Programs
Safety Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
T Emergency Management Plan
The City shall regularly maintain, periodically update, and test the effectiveness of the Emergency
Management Plan. The Plan, among other things,
should include the designation of an emergency
command center and address responses to public
health and climate change-related emergencies. As part
of the periodic update, the City shall review County and State emergency response plans and procedures to
ensure coordination with the City’s plan.
(Source: Existing General Plan, Action 2.1.D)
SAF-1.2
SAF-1.5
SAF-1.6
SAF-1.7
City Manager
Public Works
U Evacuation Plan and Emergency Response Procedures
The City shall prepare and regularly update an
evacuation plan and emergency reponse procedures,
including evacuation routes, for different types of
disasters, including dam failure, within the Emergency
Management Plan. (Source: New Implementation
Program)
SAF-1.2
SAF-1.5
City Manager
Public Works
V Roadway Capacity Evaluation
The City shall periodically evaluate existing roadways, particularly along evacuation and emergency access
routes, to ensure roads will have adequate capacity
during times of emergency.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-1.5
SAF-1.6
Public Works
Planning and Building
W Capital Improvement Projects
The City shall seek funding to implement capital
improvement projects for low-lying, flood prone areas.
along Alamo Pintado Creek
(Source: Existing General Plan, Action 4.2.H)
SAF-4.2
SAF-4.4
Public Works
Planning and Building
City Manager
X Fire Flow Evaluation
The City shall contnue to regularly evaluate fire-flows to ensure they are adequate to serve the community.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-6.3 Public Works
Utitlies
Y Safe Routes for Hazardous Waste Transport
The City shall designate and regularly evaluate safe
routes to transport hazardous materials within the City. (Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-7.2 Planning and Building
Public Works
450
ADMIN-14 | Public Review Draft, April 2023
Safety Element Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting Department(s)
Z Public Facilities Improvement Plan
The City shall prepare a public facilities improvement
plan, that is coordinated with the City Capital
Improvement Program, to outline public facilities
improvement projects to adapt to climate change
stressors including fire, flood, extreme heat, and
drought.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-13.2 Public Works
Utitlies
Administration
AA Building Retrofit Incentives
The City shall develop and promote incentives for
building improvements such as insulation
improvements, heat pumps, and micro-grid energy
storage systems to increase power reliability. Vulnerable populations such as seniors, low-income, and homeless
services providers should be prioritized.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-13.4 Planning and Building
BB City Tree Inventory
The City shall prepare and maintain an inventory of City trees to identify areas with disproportionately fewer
trees. The tree inventory shall be used to prioritize areas for new tree plantings with prioritization of
neighborhoods with vulnerable populations.
(Source: New Implmentation Program)
SAF-13.5 Planning and Building
CC Climate Change Vulnerability Analysis
The City shall update the City’s Climate Change
Vulnerability analysis over time and as new data
becomes available.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-13.6 Planning and Building
451
11. ADMINISTRATION
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452
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DATE PRINTED: 05/23/2024
MAP FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
Land Use Map Amendments
Effective Date Resolution No.
Mission Dr.
Alisal Rd.
Alisal Rd.
1st St.
Laurel Ave.
1st
2nd St.
Miss
St.
St
S
.
Copenhagen Dr.
d.
2 Elverhoy Way
5th St.
Chalk Hill Rd. Fredensborg Canyo n Rd.
Alamo
Pintado Rd.
Rd
Elisino re Dr.
C
Atterdag
Rd.
5th
St.
Skytt Mesa Dr.
N yst ed
Dr.
d.
Kolding Ave.
Holly Ln
Old Mission Rd.
Pistach Ave
Olesen Dr.
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Aarh u s Dr.
5 3r d St.
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Willow Dr.
Valhall a D r.
Freya Dr
Alisal Rd. Alisal Rd.
Alisal Rd.
Rancho Alisal Rd.
Rancho Alisal Rd
Fjord Dr. Manzanita Dr.
Coyote Creek Rd.
Alamo Pintado Cr eek
Ali sal Creek
Santa Ynez
River
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Santa Barbara County
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Maple Ave.
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City of Solvang California
Land Use Diagram
Legend
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Creeks & Rivers
Guest Ranch Retail Commercial
Estate Residential General Commercial
Low Density Residential Tourist Related/Village Commercial Professional/Office
Public/Institutional
Light Industry
Open Space/Recreation
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Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-1 Community Design
The Community Design Element looks at the key components of urban form and architectural style in Solvang and describes the physical features that, together, create the city’s distinct community character. This Element provides a local context and anticipated urban design enhancements for the next 20 years relating to the urban form, architectural styles, landscape, lighting, pedestrian-oriented environments, and Design Districts. 4 454
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-3 Introduction
The Community Design Element describes Solvang’s existing character and future vision for urban form, landmarks, focal points, gateways, scenic views, and other features which influence the community’s unique identity. This element also sets forth the city’s goals and policies aimed at enhancing the city’s Old World visual character. The city will update the Design Guidelines and objective design standards to provide a framework for achieving the city’s design goals and policies.
Solvang has evolved into a highly popular tourist destination with the city's identity and economic vitality closely linked to the aesthetic character of the community. A community design framework ensures that the city's character is maintained and enhanced.
Feedback solicited from community members identified two primary design objectives: (1.) Maintain the distinctive Old World Danish design and atmosphere in the Village Area Design District and (2.) Ensure that development in areas of the city outside of the Village Area Design District and the Mission Design District are of high quality and reflect the historic and small town character of the community. Both objectives are addressed in this element.
Purpose of the Element
The purpose of this element is fourfold:
• To identify the existing character-defining features associated with community design in Solvang.
• To set forth goals, objectives, and policies which direct the City's efforts to respond appropriately to key community design issues. • To provide a cohesive design vision for both public and private development in the city.
• To establish priorities for both short-term and long-term actions to be taken by the City to implement the policies of this element and fulfill the cohesive design vision set forth in the element.
Historic Community Identity
The city of Solvang, with its Old World Danish architecture and atmosphere, is one of California’s most unique communities. It is in an area settled originally by the Chumash Tribe. In the early 19th century, a community took shape around Mission Santa Inés, one of 21 missions established in California by Spanish 456
CD-4 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 priests and settlers. But by the turn of the 20th century, Mission Santa Inés had fallen into disrepair.
Although restoration has been an ongoing process for more than a century, it was not until the early 1960’s that the State of California began renovating the missions in the state as historic sites. This mission is highly regarded by visitors based on the location, views, and the existing restored buildings.
The contemporary history of Solvang begins in 1911 when Danish settlers purchased 8,882 acres of land to establish a Danish colony in the Santa Ynez Valley. They named their new town Solvang – “sunny field” in Danish – and the community grew quickly as Danes and Danish American farmers and entrepreneurs bought land and built homes and businesses. The community was centered around a Danish-style folk school for young adults and the downtown took shape as businesses were constructed to meet the needs of the new town.
Prior to World War II, Solvang’s Danish culture was very much a part of the community, but the town’s outward appearance did not reflect its cultural Danish roots. Buildings developed in the downtown area reflected rural American and Spanish Mission styles rather than the Danish style seen today. Bethania Lutheran Church, completed in 1928, was an exception and became the town’s first structure to reflect traditional Danish architecture. The landmark Veterans Memorial Hall was constructed in 1937 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
For decades, Solvang was a center of commerce serving the rural Santa Ynez Valley. In the late 1940s and 1950s, Solvang underwent a major transformation, driven in part by the influx of visitors attracted by a feature story in the January 1947 edition of the immensely popular Saturday Evening Post magazine. New downtown buildings were constructed in the architectural style of Old World Denmark with peaked roofs and faux half timbers while existing buildings were “redressed” in Danish style. The first of Solvang’s iconic downtown windmills was built in 1957 with two more constructed by 1964.
During the 1960s and 1970s, tourism and retail sales grew substantially, generated primarily by weekend and seasonal tourism. The expansion of tourist related commercial activity continued for decades, primarily along First Street, Second Street, Copenhagen Drive, Mission Drive, and Alisal Road. Today, these streets represent the heart of Solvang’s Village Area Design District The development of the Solvang community was guided by the County of Santa Barbara Zoning Ordinance and Board of Architectural Review until the City of Solvang was incorporated in 1985. After incorporation the city adopted its own General Plan, ordinances, design guidelines and procedures for the control of existing and new buildings in the city. The Village Area Design District continues to be the focus of the Old World Danish architectural style. 457
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-5 Land Use Pattern
Solvang’s land use pattern (See Figure LU-1) is influenced by the intersection of Mission Drive (Highway 246) with two important Valley roadways: Alisal Road, which historically served as an entry to the Valley, and Alamo Pintado Road, which historically connected the community to Ballard, Los Olivos, and the Pacific Coast Railway (no longer exists).
The Village Area is anchored by the Alisal Road intersection and is a unique concentration of tourist / recreation / commercial / residential uses developed with an Old World Danish design theme. The Village Area includes the geographic center of the city and is the focus of many activities.
The City is strengthening the Village Area through maintaining the Old World Danish Architectural style, installing pedestrian connections between properties, and “face lifting” the backs of buildings for use as cafes, public space, etc.
Immediately adjacent to the eastern edge of the Village Area is Mission Santa Inés beyond which are agricultural land uses and Alamo Pintado Creek. The Alamo Pintado Road intersection anchors another important hub of commercial activity on the eastern edge of the city. It is characterized by restaurants, retail stores and services, medical facilities, financial services, and offices, and is surrounded by residences.
The area to the south of the Village Area consists primarily of single-family residences and the Santa Ynez River. The city extends beyond the river to encompass a golf course, single-family residences along Rancho Alisal Road, and portions of the Alisal Ranch and resort.
The southwest area south of Mission Drive includes commercial and industrial uses and mobile home park, multifamily units, and residential homes closer to the river.
The western portion of the city north of Mission Drive is dominated by Hans Christian Andersen Park along Adobe Creek and residential developments such as Skytt Mesa.
The area immediately to the north of the Village Area is characterized primarily by residential neighborhoods, schools, churches, and senior housing. The northernmost portion of the city encompasses estate residential areas that extend into the foothills.
Existing land use in the general plan study area surrounding the city consists primarily of agriculturally zoned land in the County of Santa Barbara including the undeveloped areas of the Santa Ynez River and the Santa Ynez Mountains 458
CD-6 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 flanking the southern portion of the city. Some of this area acts as de facto open space backdrop to the city.
Urban Form of Solvang
Urban form and urban design in Solvang are critical to the long-term success of the community. The unique urban form of the city has made it world famous and recognized as the “Danish Capital of America.” This Element perpetuates the intentional community design vision of the past and builds upon its success with additional design areas that are important and relevant for the Solvang community.
Five categories of the built and natural environment make up the urban form of Solvang: architecture; landscaping; streetscape; landmarks; focal points; gateways; and scenic vistas with open space.
The Community Design Element focuses on these six fundamentals and will help shape future development in Solvang, embracing the City’s heritage while recognizing and planning for the future.
Architecture
Landscaping
Streetscape
Landmarks, Focal Points,
Gateways
Urban Form Fundamentals
Scenic Vistas/Open Space
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-7 Architecture
The cornerstone of the city’s identity lies in its Old World Danish architecture in Solvang’s downtown Village Area Design District. Perpetuating this architectural style is key to preserving the community’s unique history and character along with its charming “small town” appeal.
Mission Santa Inés, the earliest structure still standing in the city, is an important example of another noteworthy architectural style found in Solvang within the Mission Design District. Significant community buildings such as the historic Veterans Memorial Hall on Mission Drive and the adjoining Library complex illustrate the Mission’s impact on building styles and how the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style has been interpreted in Solvang during different eras.
Outside of the Village Area and Mission Design Districts, the city is not uniformly developed with a single architectural style. Most Solvang residential homes reflect traditional California ranch style architecture; there are also early Craftsman bungalows scattered throughout the city. An occasional Danish style structure can be found within the residential area, but the Danish character of the city remains focused within the downtown Village Area.
The city can take advantage of its contrasting architectural variations and concentration to focus attention on both the Village Area and the area anchored by Mission Santa Inés and Alamo Pintado Road in the eastern part of the city.
This is accomplished by following the policies and design guidelines, emphasizing the historic roots of the city, and maintaining the rural character of areas outside of the city.
Landscaping
Landscaping is an important and valuable aspect of urban form that serves many functions. Apart from linking the community’s-built environment with the natural environment, landscaping contributes to a pedestrian-friendly area with shade, screening, decorative color, softening of architectural features, delineation of outdoor spaces, and erosion control.
Cohesive functional landscaping within public or private areas can also complement the architectural character of development whether it is within the two distinct Design Districts or surrounding areas. Landscaping can be used to emphasize gateways and focal points to frame the scenic vistas that link the city with the surrounding area. It is also an invaluable component of the pedestrianfriendly small-town environment and streetscape enjoyed by tourists and residents.
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CD-8 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Considering Solvang’s constrained water supply, well-designed landscaping that meets the requirements of the state’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is essential.
Streetscape
Streetscapes offer immediate and lasting impressions of Solvang’s overall character, especially for pedestrians. The pedestrian’s perspective includes the material, width, and condition of the sidewalks. The availability of amenities such as street furniture, light fixtures, landscaping, and trees are important to the streetscape. The use of signage, directional features, and the nature of street crossings also help visitors and residents move through the Village Area Streetscapes are also important to the experience of motor vehicles. This perspective emphasizes features such as parkways, medians, roadway signage, and utility poles and lines.
In Solvang, opportunities exist to enhance streetscapes in the Village Area to complement the area's architectural character. The enhancement of streetscapes can also provide greater differentiation between the Village Area, Mission Design District, and the surrounding areas.
Landmarks and Focal Points
Landmarks and focal points are prominent natural or man-made features that are easily recognized and provide points of reference that people can use for orientation purposes. Also, landmarks often provide a sense of place and can make a lasting impression on visitors who may come to identify the community in terms of a landmark.
Several landmarks and focal points exist in Solvang, including Mission Santa Inés, the Veterans Memorial Hall, Bethania Lutheran Church, Elverhøj Museum, numerous windmills throughout town, and the Rundetaarn (Round Tower) among others. These structures are considered as landmarks based on considerations such as historic and cultural significance, location, and visibility.
Development that includes major changes or demolition of landmark structures should require enhanced City review that considers their importance to the community.
Gateways
Major entrances to the city provide visitors with first impressions of Solvang and represent opportunities to enhance the city's identity. Most of Solvang’s visitors enter the city on Route 246 from the west or east, and others use Alamo Pintado 461
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-9 Road or Alisal Road. These entry points should include special features (e.g., distinctive landscaping or signage) designed to offer a sense of arrival to the community. Naturally occurring features can be emphasized and/or enhanced.
The new development proposed near these gateways should make positive contributions to these first impressions to the city.
The cedar trees lining Highway 246 between Buellton and Solvang are outside the city limits but create a memorable delineation of the entry into Solvang should be preserved.
The eastern gateway on Highway 246 near Alamo Pintado Road is an opportunity to create a more welcoming statement.
Sunny Fields Park provides a similar opportunity at the northern gateway, and an entry statement could be made along Alisal Road near the Santa Ynez River bridge to the south.
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CD-10 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Scenic Vistas and Open Space
The availability of scenic vistas and open space contributes positively to the visual character of the community and to the City’s economic viability. Scenic views are available throughout Solvang to residents and visitors. In the area south of the Village Area, scenic vistas include views overlooking the Santa Ynez River and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
From a community design standpoint, open space is necessary to provide visual relief from the built environment. Part of the reason for Solvang’s successful tourism industry is that many visitors come to the area to enjoy the Village Area nestled in the rural setting of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang is endowed with a variety of open space features both within the city limits and in the surrounding area that contribute to the character of the community.
Within the city are natural creeks along with their protected habitats such as Alamo Pintado Creek, Alisal Creek, and Adobe Creek. The city has developed parks the provide recreational amenities along with open space. The larger parks are Hans Christian Andersen Park, Sunny Fields Park, and Solvang Park. 463
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-11 Goals and Policies
The following goal and policies include and build upon the City’s existing Design Guidelines, and will guide the future community form and urban design characteristics of Solvang for the next 20 years. While all policies in this section are under a single goal, they are divided into sub-categories for added clarity.
Goal CD-1:
To maintain and protect the natural and built environment of the city and to coordinate a unified community that will enhance the two Design Districts (Village Area and Mission) along with the historic character and image of the entire city.
Design and Identity
CD-1.1: Community Identity. The City shall strengthen the visual identity of the city at its borders and in its “Sphere of influence” to reflect the unique character of the community.
CD-1.2: Design Elements. The City shall maintain a comprehensive, but flexible, design vocabulary of shapes, colors, textures, materials, fixtures, and symbols to maintain the city’s image in the design districts to differentiate the city from adjacent areas.
CD-1.3: Neighborhood Centers. The City shall promote the establishment of recognizable village or neighborhood centers as part of future developments to add to public and community gathering places.
CD-1.4: Building Element Proportion. The City shall encourage building elements to be in proportion with existing development in all neighborhoods, including building massing and height.
CD-1.5: Preservation of Community Identifiers. The City shall encourage the preservation or establishment of significant landmarks, view corridors, and focal points.
CD-1.6: Commercial Development Maintenance. The City shall require commercial developments to regularly maintain their properties. 464
CD-12 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Gateways
CD-1.7: Gateway Identification. The City shall identify and develop gateways including pathways, primary entry points, and
landmarks that distinguish the city from the surrounding region.
CD-1.8: Gateway Components. The City shall support the
implementation of distinctive signage, paving materials, and environmentally friendly, drought-tolerant landscaping for primary entries to the city.
CD-1.9: Wayfinding. The City shall establish consistent and coordinated roadway signage to direct visitors and residents from entry points to areas of interest throughout the city, including areas for parking.
Streetscape
CD-1.10: Collaboration with Local Government Agencies. The City shall coordinate with government agencies to find innovative
approaches for roadway design enhancements that are
consistent with the urban form of the city and the design vision for which the city is known.
CD-1.11: Streetscape Continuity. The City shall promote visual continuity along city streets through consistent use of hardscape
materials, landscape plantings, street lighting, and directional signage which reinforce the hierarchy of the street system established in the Mobility Element of the General Plan.
CD-1.12: Multi-Modal Streetscapes. The City shall require new development to create and/or upgrade streetscapes to be multimodal, thus creating streetscapes that are walkable, pedestrianoriented, tree-shaded, and bike-friendly.
CD-1.13: Pedestrian-Vehicle Interface. The City shall encourage streetscape treatments at important pedestrian/vehicles intersections by use of decorative crosswalks, lighting, accent plantings, and theme signage to reinforce the importance of pedestrian safety.
CD-1.14: Street Trees and Tree Canopy. The City shall require street trees citywide, including in medians, to create an expanded tree canopy and to reduce the urban heat island effect.
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-13 Public Spaces and Signage
CD-1.15: Streamlined Public Places. The City shall reduce visual clutter along city streets, particularly temporary sidewalk signs and sidewalk merchandise sales.
CD-1.16: Compliance with Sign Standards. The City shall require all signs to meet design standards criteria and to be consistent with the overall streetscape design.
CD-1.17: Implementation of Public and Municipal Signs. The City shall restrict public and municipal signs to those that are necessary to ensure public safety, control traffic, and provide locational information. The use of internationally recognized symbols to display information shall be required wherever possible.
CD-1.18: Design of Public and Municipal Signs. The City shall require that public and municipal signs be designed per the streetscape standards and installed to minimize their adverse aesthetic impact.
CD-1.19: Multi-Tenant Signs. The City shall require multi-tenant buildings or developments to provide consolidated commercial signage to limit the overuse of different signs on a single building and/or site.
CD-1.20: Cohesive Signage. The City shall require signage to be integrated into the overall site and architectural design process to provide signs that are consistent with architectural style, color, material, and landscaping themes.
CD-1.21: Promotion of Outdoor Community Gathering Spaces. The City shall promote the location and development of outdoor public focal points and gathering places in a hierarchy ranging from neighborhoods, design districts (Village Area and Mission Districts), to city wide.
Landscaping and Open Space
CD-1.22: Application of Open Space and Landscaping. The City shall apply open space, landscaping, and urban design standards and guidelines for commercial and residential developments to strengthen the identity and image of the city.
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CD-14 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 CD-1.23: Drought-tolerant Landscaping. The City shall require that all public landscaping in medians, on City property, and within public gathering spaces is drought tolerant.
CD-1.24: Sustainable Landscape Design. The City shall require landscaping plans for all development to include drought tolerant plants with low water irrigation consistent with State law and to maximize the use of trees for energy efficiency, climate control, screening, shading (especially of parking lots), and aesthetics.
CD-1.25: Linkages through Open Space. The City shall promote citywide linkages using open space areas, parks, trails, and bike paths to connect activity centers, residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and the Village Area.
CD-1.26: Landscaping Buffering. The City shall require the use of landscaping such as trees, shrubs, and trellised vines to mitigate the effects of building mass and provide benefits to the environment.
CD-1.27: Landscape and Open Space Buffering. The City shall require open space areas or landscape buffers in new development where appropriate to improve aesthetic appeal and provide buffers between potentially incompatible uses within the city.
CD-1.28: Use of Form to Define Edges and Focal Points. The City shall use greenbelts, open space areas, landscaping, signage, and gateway features to define community edges, focal points, and form.
CD-1.29: Tree and Natural Feature Preservation. The City shall require the preservation of existing trees and natural features (e.g., drainage courses, rock outcrops) in the overall landscape design to the maximum extent feasible.
Site Planning
CD-1.30: Compatibility with Existing Development. The City shall ensure that new development incorporates design features that provide buffers and transition from existing development, specifically when adjacent development is of lesser density and/or intensity. 467
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-15 CD-1.31: Undergrounding of Utilities. The City shall require that utilities be underground in new development to the maximum extent feasible.
CD-1.32: Incorporation of the Natural Grade. The City shall require new streets and development to be designed to follow and
incorporate the natural features of the landscape.
CD-1.33: Sustainable Site Design. The City shall encourage new development to incorporate climate considerations into site design and include sustainable design methods to address solar access, water conservation and retention, and wind conditions.
CD-1.34: Developments in High Visibility Areas. The City shall ensure that new development on sites with high visibility, such as on hillsides or in the highway corridors, is designed to minimize adverse visual impact.
CD-1.35: Variation in Multifamily Residential Site Planning. The City shall require the variation of setbacks, lot orientation, massing, and placement for new multifamily residential developments.
CD-1.36: Clustering of Development. To mitigate development impacts and adapt to existing topography, the City shall consider cluster style development to maximize open space preservation and accommodate a diversity of housing types.
CD-1.37: Residential Lot Width. The City shall examine opportunities for varying lot widths along residential streets.
Hillside Areas
CD-1.38: Hillside Development. The City shall require new development located on major ridge lines, canyon edges, and hilltops to be designed and constructed to blend into the natural environment without creating adverse visual impacts. Design and
construction techniques should include siting, massing, scale, and grading that are visually consistent with the natural topography that is incorporated into a Hillside Development Ordinance
CD-1.39: Hillside Landscaping Design. The City shall require that hillside properties be designed to minimize formal landscape and hardscapes. All efforts shall be made to follow the natural 468
CD-16 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 topography, preserve native trees/plant, wildlife habitats, and migration corridors.
CD-1.40: Hillside Development. The City shall work with future developers to avoid grading on steep slopes and require additional review to ensure that the location and design of structures preserve hillside areas.
CD-1.41: Natural Grade and Slopes. The City shall ensure that any allhillside grading maintains the natural appearance of slopes.
CD-1.42: Slope Stabilization. The City shall require revegetation of graded slopes to assist in slope stabilization and reduce erosion.
CD-1.43: Hillside Landscaping Materials. The City shall require hillside residential development projects to use plant materials which screen structures and present an appearance that integrates residences with the natural appearance of the area.
CD-1.44: Fencing in Hillside Areas. The City shall encourage fencing installed on hillsides to open design to allow passage of native wildlife.
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-17 Design Districts
Community design in Solvang involves three basic themes. These themes are further defined in a set of Design Districts (see Figure CD-1). For the purpose of the Community Design Element, the city is divided into three areas: (Source: New Text)
• Village Area Design District
• Mission Design District
• Areas Outside the Design Districts
The intent of the Design Districts within the Community Design Element is to continue the tradition in Solvang of creating unique and identifiable districts in the city that provide differences in both development and community gathering spaces.
Rather than focusing on specific uses or densities in these districts, which are addressed in the Land Use Element, the Community Design Element focuses on the integration of design, overall urban form, connectivity, and compatibility between varying development types. Both Design Districts and areas outside the Design Districts are described below with supporting policies. While all policies in this section are under a single goal, they are divided into sub-categories for added clarity.
Goal CD-2:
To maintain and enhance unique, vibrant, and architecturally diverse districts in the city that evoke community traditions and history. 470
CD-18 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Figure CD-1: Design Districts
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-19 Village Area Design District
The Village Area Design District has been developed based on the Old World Danish design theme. This theme suggests the character and feeling of a small Danish village with an orientation to pedestrians. It is the “old world” charm of such design that provides Solvang with its unique identity and attracts tourism.
It is the intent of this district to focus on pedestrian movement and have the automobile be secondary.
This district is primarily commercial uses but there are existing residential homes that are California ranch and single story. These homes are currently considered non-conformity uses but, as part of this General Plan update, these existing homes will be considered permitted uses and will be encouraged to upgrade in their current architectural style or renovate with the Old World Danish Style.
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CD-20 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Elements of Old World
Danish Architectural Design
Color
The cultural history of color in Old World Danish architecture is complicated and involves the style of certain architectural periods and historical events. The manufacture of pigments and the use of materials on the mansions of the wealthy influenced the Danish style of architecture as it is known today.
Old World Danish style buildings are often known for their rich vibrant hues of paint colors alongside dark wood framing and half timbers. Buildings were painted to protect the materials from weather, and colors were a stylistic choice and a sign of wealth, social status, and the overall style of the time.
The most common paint colors used throughout Denmark in the Renaissance were red and dark ochre (a dark earth tone yellow) because these were the cheapest and most accessible pigments in the region and held up the most against the elements. Buildings painted blue or green were often a sign of wealth and high social status as these pigments were expensive and rare.
Colors varied from building to building to distinguish between each individual property and prevent monotony. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pale colors – such as white, cream, and grey – became popular to mimic stone, which was a scarce and high-quality building material in Denmark.
Half-timbered Architecture
Half-timbering became a common European construction method toward the end of the Middle Ages. It is a way of constructing wood frame buildings with structural timbers – studs, cross beams, and braces – exposed to the outside.
Half-timbering was used for a variety of development, from single-story. countryside homes to multi story buildings in populated towns. The timbers were typically painted dark colors to protect the wood. In the 15th century it became common for lower floors of a building to be masonry or brick and upper floors half-timbered.
Wood Frame Styling
The characteristic contrast between dark timber frames and light or bright fillings became popular in the 15th and 16th centuries as a decorative 473
4. COMMUNITY DESIGN
Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-21 architectural style. Exposed wooden beams, usually on the lower levels, were often adorned with elaborate designs or carvings that represented regional traditions and motifs and demonstrated highly skilled wood craftmanship.
Filling Materials
The filling between the wood frames was reflective of wealth, social status, and the materials available to people in each region. The cheapest and most common infill material used in the Middle Ages/Renaissance periods was a composite material that was coated, plastered, and painted for better appearance and protection from the elements. More expensive building materials, such as stone and brick, were sometimes used for the infill of halftimbered buildings. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was popular to infill bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. When more expensive materials were used, they were almost never painted as they were a sign of wealth and high social status Roof Structure
The steep roofs, characteristic of Old World Danish architecture, were designed to be less likely to collapse under heavy snow buildup in the winter. Since the roofs were so steep, it was common to have one or more stories under the roof plane, which is why many buildings have dormer windows (smaller roofed window structures constructed in the middle of the roof) or gable windows (windows in the triangle portion of the wall between the roof pitches).
Overhanging Second Stories
Old World architecture would often have upper floors overhanging or extending over the lower ones. This architectural element provides visual interest in the façade of the buildings. This style also protected the lower floors and street from rain and snow.
General Design Parameters
Policies
CD-2.1: Village Area Old World Danish Architecture. The City shall require all new development and redevelopment of existing properties to be designed using the theme and design
vernaculars of traditional and historic Old World Danish architecture.
CD-2.2: Village Area Design Standards. The City shall retain comprehensive and consistent design standards for the Village 474
CD-22 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Area that sustain and enhance the existing trademark
architectural vernacular that reflects Old World Danish architecture.
CD-2.3: Village Area Expansion. The City shall retain the Village Area Design District within its current boundaries.
CD-2.4: Village Area Structure Orientation: The city should encourage orientation of shops to pedestrian traffic rather than automobile traffic in the Village area.
CD-2.5: Parking Lot and Alley Maintenance. The City shall require ongoing maintenance by property owners of private parking lots, alleys, and trash enclosures in the Village Area. Trash enclosures shall be designed to be consistent with the
architecture and color of the main building.
CD-2.6: Village Area Lighting. The City shall require street and structure lighting using Dark Skies standards to minimize visual and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky.
CD-2.7: Village Area Wayfinding. The City shall provide wayfinding to denote the location and route for visitors to visit landmarks, focal points, and parking lots in the Village Area.
CD-2.8: Village Area Parking Lots and Structures. The City shall require all parking lots and structures to include design or screening methods to minimize the visual and lighting impact on
surrounding neighborhoods and the environment.
CD-2.9: Danish Style Signage. The City shall amend the Sign Ordinance to incorporate cohesive sign designs that are consistent with the Village Area Old World Danish architectural style.
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Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-23 Village Area Design District
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CD-24 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Exterior Appearance
CD-3.1: Architectural Design Features. The City shall require the use of Old World Danish architectural style throughout the Village Area and shall enforce the Design Guidelines as adopted.
CD-3.2: Awnings. The City shall encourage awnings on doors and windows to accentuate the architectural character of buildings.
CD-3.3: Varied Elevations. The City shall require new buildings within the Village Area to incorporate varied elevations to create additional visual interest.
CD-3.4: Blank Walls. The City shall prohibit the use of blank walls fronting a primary or secondary street.
CD-3.5: Roof Styles. The City shall require all new buildings to incorporate roof designs and pitch that reflect Old World Danish design.
Siting
Policies
CD-3.6: Fenestration in relation to Building Orientation. The City shall require new buildings in the Village Area to be oriented toward the primary street front and include fenestration in the arrangement of doors and windows.
CD-3.7: Parking Access. The City shall require, when feasible, that vehicular parking is accessed from an alley, easement, or secondary street, and not the primary street, to limit interference with the pedestrian experience.
CD-3.8: Parking Location. The City shall require that parking is not located or oriented at the front of the building.
CD-3.9: Parking Areas. The City shall require that parking areas do not conflict with pedestrian-oriented areas and pathways.
CD-3.10: Pedestrian Experience. The City shall encourage new development to provide internal pedestrian spaces, pathways, walkways, and/or openings that face the street.
CD-3.11: Courtyards and Gathering Spaces. The City shall encourage all developments to include courtyards and gathering spaces to 477
4. COMMUNITY DESIGN
Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-25 emulate that of European cities. Developments are encouraged to include shaded seating areas, lighting, public art, landscaping, dining areas, and other public amenities in courtyards.
Landscape/Hardscape
Policies
CD-3.12: Landscaping. The City shall encourage landscaping to be used to relieve the appearance of solid unbroken elevations.
CD-3.13: Modern Landscaping. The City shall prohibit modern landscaping techniques (e.g., earth mounding and the use of boulders) in the Village Area.
CD-3.14: Tree Grates. The City shall require the use of tree grates around trees on walkways.
CD-3.15: Landscaping and Lighting. The City shall require, for safety reasons, that all trees and landscaping do not block or obscure street lighting, signs, or signals.
CD-3.16: Landscaping Visibility. The City shall require that landscaping does not block the vision of motorists at pedestrian crossings.
CD-3.17: Walking Surface Paving. The City shall require decorative paving materials for all walking surfaces consistent with the surroundings.
CD-3.18: Solid Waste and Recycling Enclosures. The City shall require that solid waste and recycling enclosures are treated and integrated into the overall site design and are screened.
CD-3.19: Screening of Private Parking and Storage Areas. The City shall encourage screening to be used to obscure the view of private parking and/or storage areas, including trash enclosures, from public street or pedestrian area.
478
CD-26 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Mission Design District
Solvang has a rich history of multiple ethnic and cultural groups with different architectural styles and traditions. Mission Santa Inés was established in 1804, long before Solvang became famous for its Old World Danish Village Area. The Mission is one of 21 Spanish Missions that stretched 600 miles along the coast of California along the El Camino Real.
The Mission Design District is intended to provide cohesive high-quality development that reflects traditional California architectural design and history, distinct from the Danish themed Village Area. The Mission Design District includes the Mission Santa Inés site and existing Spanish Colonial Revival structures in the surrounding area such as the landmark Veterans Memorial Hall on the north side of Mission Drive.
The Mission Design District also incorporates properties fronting Mission Drive/Highway 246, including adjacent commercial centers and multifamily residential developments along Alamo Pintado Road (See Figure CD-3).
An assortment of existing buildings and developments in the district already embrace the Spanish Colonial Revival design style and architectural features.
New development in the Mission Design District will focus on the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. The Mission Design District is meant to remain separate from the Village Area Design District.
479
4. COMMUNITY DESIGN
Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-27 Figure CD-3: Mission Design District
480
CD-28 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Elements of Spanish Colonial Revival
Architecture
The image below and the others that follow illustrate some of the typical architectural elements and design concepts associated with the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The Mission Design District includes policies designed to guide future development and the use of the architectural style within the district.
General Design Parameters and Exterior Appearance
Policies
CD-3.20: Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture . The City shall require all new development and redevelopment be designed using the theme and design vernaculars of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
CD-3.21: Spanish Style Signage. The City shall amend the Sign Ordinance to incorporate cohesive sign designs that are consistent with the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style of the Mission Design District.
Low-pitched gable roof
Drought-Tolerant
Landscaping
Decorative venting
Arched fenestration
incorporated
Front porch, stoop, or
covered front entry
Stucco cladding (can include
brick, adobe, tile, stone)
481
4. COMMUNITY DESIGN
Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-29 CD-3.22: Landscaping. The City shall require landscaping to be drought tolerant, with an emphasis on native and Mediterranean
landscaping. Palm trees are prohibited as part of any
landscaping plan in this Mission Design District.
CD-3.23: Stucco Cladding. The City shall require the exterior of buildings to use stucco cladding as the primary, but not exclusive, exterior building material.
CD-3.24: Arcades and Gathering Spaces The City should encourage developments to include arcades with porticos and gathering spaces in the form of paseos, courtyards, patios, and gardens similar to those found in traditional Spanish and Mission design.
CD-3.25: Roof Style. The City shall require that roof designs are low in pitch using the gable or hipped styles. Roof materials and configurations shall be compatible with the architectural style.
The use of wood or composite shingles is prohibited.
CD-3.26: Decorative Elements. The City shall encourage the use of decorative elements, such as adobe and brick in foundations, tile on entrance steps, decorative attic vents, and chimney caps.
CD-3.27: Colors. The colors of the buildings should be earthtone. The city shall discourage dramatically bright colors or bright white walls.
CD-3.28: Front Entries. The City shall encourage the incorporation of a front entry porch, stoop, or similar covered front entry element at the primary entrance to the building.
482
CD-30 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 CD-3.29: Design Theme for Streetscape. The City shall encourage a consistent design theme with the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style for all public realm and streetscape features including but not limited to lighting, benches, wayfinding, and landscaping.
CD-3.30: Fencing and Walls. The City shall require that new fencing or walls that adjoin public spaces or are visible for public spaces be compatible with the architectural style of the development.
Wrought iron or split rail wood fencing, and solid stucco, brick, stone, or adobe wall or pillars are compatible with Spanish Colonial Revival Style Architecture. Chain link fencing and vinyl fencing is prohibited.
483
4. COMMUNITY DESIGN
Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-31 Areas Outside the Design Districts
For single-family, multi-family and commercial developments outside the designated Design Districts, the overall thematic approach is based on traditional ranch style with an emphasis on the rural and agricultural roots of the area. These areas are meant to be differentiated from both the Village Area and Mission Area so that each of those respective areas retains their unique identity.
Policies
CD-3.31: Architecture. The City shall encourage high-quality architecture in the style of rural California origins and ranch styles using minimal massing, low rooflines, façade articulation,
fenestration, and simple rooflines that reflect a human scale environment.
CD-3.32: Colors. The City shall encourage the use of colors that blend with the surrounding buildings and natural setting. The City shall discourage dramatically bright cold white wall colors.
484
CD-32 | Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 Community Design (CD) .......................................................................... CD-1 Introduction ..............................................................................................CD-3 Purpose of the Element.........................................................................CD-3 Historic Community Identity..................................................................CD-3 Land Use Pattern ...................................................................................CD-5 Urban Form of Solvang ..............................................................................CD-6 Landmarks, Focal Points, and Gateways................................................CD-6 Scenic Vistas and Open Space................................................................CD-6 Streetscape ............................................................................................CD-6 Landscaping ...........................................................................................CD-6 Architecture ...........................................................................................CD-6 Urban Form Fundamentals....................................................................CD-6 Architecture ...........................................................................................CD-7 Landscaping ...........................................................................................CD-7 Streetscape ............................................................................................CD-8 Landmarks, Focal Points, and Gateways................................................CD-8 Landmarks and Focal Points ...............CD-Error! Bookmark not defined.
Gateways ...........................................................................................CD-8 Scenic Vistas and Open Space..............................................................CD-10 Goals and Policies....................................................................................CD-11 Design and Identity ..............................................................................CD-11 Gateways .............................................................................................CD-12 Streetscape ..........................................................................................CD-12 Public Realm and Signage ....................................................................CD-13 Landscaping and Open Space ..............................................................CD-13 Site Planning ........................................................................................CD-14 Hillside Areas .......................................................................................CD-15 Design Districts ........................................................................................CD-17 Village Area Design District..................................................................CD-19 Elements of Old-World Danish Architectural Design...............................CD-20 Color.....................................................................................................CD-20 Half-timbered Architecture .................................................................CD-20 Wood Frame Styling.............................................................................CD-20 485
4. COMMUNITY DESIGN
Revised Public Review Draft Community Design Element, April 2024 | CD-33 Roof Structure .....................................................................................CD-21 Filling Materials...................................... CD-Error! Bookmark not defined.
Overhanging Second Stories................................................................CD-21 Mission Design District........................................................................CD-26 Elements of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture.............................CD-28 General Design Parameters and Exterior Appearance....................CD-28 Areas Outside the Design Districts......................................................CD-31 General Design Parameters................ CD-Error! Bookmark not defined. 486
ALISAL
MISSION
OAK
ELM
FIFTH
FJORD
FIR
LAUREL
THIRD
MAPLE
CHALK HILL
ODIN
AARHUS
ATTERDAG
AARS
ODBY
WILLOW
PARK
MOLLE
GLEN
JUNIPER
FREYA
BIRCH
SECOND
ELVERHOY
ALISAL MESA
VALLEY OAK
FIRST
PISTACHE
VALHALLA
MANZANITA
ALNOR
ASH
MESA
HANS PARK
ACORN
ROSKILDE
COPENHAGEN
ESROM
SAWLEAF
FOURTH
VESTER STED
SORO
ELSINORE
EUCALYPTUS
AALBORG
ROSENVEJ
SOLVANG MESA
AEBELTOFT
BAKKE
OLESEN
FLORAL
NYKOBING
OSTER STED
KRONEN
SIERRA VISTA
SYCAMORE
AMBER
MOUNTAIN VIEW
HICKORY
NORDENTOFT
IRONWOOD
PEPPERWOOD
SECOND
FOURTH
COPENHAGEN
FIRST
FOURTH
SORO
FIRST
FIRST
EUCALYPTUS
AALBORG
Design Districts
¯ 0 0.075 0.15 0.3 Miles
Source: City of Solvang, 2022; Mintier Harnish, 2024.
June 17, 2024
Legend
Village Area Design District
Mission Design District
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community Village Area Design District
487
ALISAL
MISSION
VIBORG
PINE
ALAMO PINTADO
REBILD
KOLDING
HOLLY
LADAN
ODIN
OLD MILL
SKAGEN
RANCH
MAPLE
HILLSIDE
EUCALYPTUS
LAUREL
OLD MISSION
NYSTED
CREEKSIDE
IVY
FREYA
FIR
ALISAL MESA FREDENSBORG CANYON
HIGH MEADOW
AQUEDUCT
RINGSTED
ROSKILDE
VALHALLA
PARK
KRONEN
VILLAGE
COLLEGE CANYON
SECOND
FREDENSBORG
COYOTE CREEK
WINDMILL
ADOBE CREEK
HWY 246
FLORAL
ASKOV
OVERDEL
ADELGADE
VIGARD
MISSION SANTA YNEZ
FIRST
HORNBECK
AMBER
LILLEBAKKE
HINDFELL
Design Districts
¯ 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 Miles
Source: City of Solvang, 2022; Mintier Harnish, 2024.
June 17, 2024
Legend
Village Area Design District
Mission Design District
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community Mission Design District
488
Attachment A
City of Solvang General Plan Update
Project Timeline
As part of the 2020-2021 budget, the City Council directed the City Manager to start the process to update all elements of the City of Solvang General Plan. The last update was done in 2008.
The Council also directed staff to apply for available matching funds being provided by the state to complete this effort. In 2020, two grants were awarded to the City of Solvang for $182,000 for planning and housing element updates.
March 15, 2020 – Covid-19 Protocols were directed and established on how to operate during the pandemic. Certain city staff were laid off including the planning division. Laurie Tamura was hired as a Planning Consultant in February of 2020. After layoffs, she served as part-time and only staff in the Planning Division.
August 3, 2020 – The Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent out to various Planning Consultant Firms with proposals to be submitted by August 31, 2020. Review of the proposals and interviews were conducted through September. A final decision was made at the end of September and Mintier Harnish was the firm chosen to prepare the General Plan Update with Rincon Consultants as the Environmental Review consultant as part of the proposal.
October 12, 2020, the contract was awarded by the City Council. The original proposal was $527,822 with a projected timeline of 2 years. The project was managed in the City Manager’s Office
December 4, 2020 – Project Kick-off Meeting. City staff and the consultant team held a kickoff meeting to discuss the Project schedule, scope, community engagement, and communication protocols. City staff also conducted a walking tour for the consultant team.
February 6, 2021 – Community Workshop #1. The City hosted (via Zoom) the first community workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to provide an overview of the General Plan Update, relay opportunities to get involved in the process, collect input on issues and opportunities that should be addressed through the Plan, and receive initial feedback on a citywide vision for Solvang through 2045.
February – April 2021 – Stakeholder Interviews. The consultants conducted 20 stakeholder interviews to allow interviewees to identify key concerns and expectations for the General Plan Update process.
April 8 and 9, 2021 – Community Workshop #2. The City held three identical workshops, two of which were held on the same day, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall and via Zoom simultaneously. The purpose of these workshops was to provide an overview of the General Plan update process, present information on the existing conditions and trends that influences the future of Solvang and provide an opportunity for the public to provide input and ideas on the issue and opportunities that are addressed in the General Plan.
May 25, 2021 – General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting #1. At this first GPAC meeting, City staff and consultant provided an overview of the General Plan Update. 489
June 9, 2021 – General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting #2. At this meeting, the GPAC discussed and provided recommendations on the Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook.
June 30, 2021 – General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting #3. At this meeting, the GPAC discussed and provided recommendations on the General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles.
July 15, 2021, Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Approved – The Santa Barbara Association of Governments (SBCAG) completed their review of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). These allocation of housing units were part of the 6th Housing Cycle covering eight years of 2023-2031. The City of Solvang was assigned 191 units in various income categories. Based on state law, this new RHNA assignment triggered an update to the city ‘s Housing Element and required an additional 15% buffer in the housing categories.
August 9, 2021 – The City published the Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook which provides a snapshot of Solvang in 2021.
August 23, 2021 – Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session. At this study session, the City Council and Planning Commission adopted a General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles.
September 2021 – Sophia Checa was hired as Assistant Planner and was promoted six months later to Planning Manager. Laurie Tamura continued to serve as Planning Consultant assisting Sophia.
September 28, 2021 – General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting #4. At this meeting, the GPAC discussed and provided recommendations on the Alternatives Analysis.
January 13, 2022 – Community Workshop #3. The City hosted (via Zoom) their third workshop. The purpose of the workshop was for the community to learn about the General Plan and provide their input on the City’s future, specifically related to future land use choices/mobility options and findings presented in the Land use Alternatives Report.
February 23, 2022 – General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting #5 At this meeting, the GPAC discussed and provided recommendations on a Preferred Land Use Alternative.
March 7, 2022 – Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session. At this study session, the City Council and Planning Commission selected a Preferred Land Use Alternative.
March 24, 2022 – Community Workshop #4. The City hosted (via Zoom) their fourth workshop. This workshop's purpose was to introduce the Housing Element and new State requirements, and an opportunity for the public to comment on housing concerns in the community.
April 28, 2022 – General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting #6. At this meeting, the GPAC discussed and provided recommendations on the General Plan Policy Document. 490
May 11, 2022 – Community Workshop #5. The City hosted (via Zoom) their fifth workshop.
This workshop had the same purpose as the fourth, but there was a discussion on potential housing sites with residential capacity.
July 18, 2022 – Community Workshop #6. The City hosted their sixth workshop, which was an in-person event. The workshop focused on whether the City should consider development of a pedestrian-oriented European Plaza Downtown. This meeting was held at the park.
September 30, 2022-- City Manager Resigns—The General Plan Update project was handed off to the Rodger Olds Public Works Director, Sophia Checa, Planning Manager and Laurie Tamura Planning Consultant to take over the management of the project.
October 14, 2022 -AD Draft Housing Element and AFFH – City staff comments provide to the consultant.
October 21, 2022—Draft Housing Element the document was ready for release to the Public.
November 4, 2022 –Public release of the Draft Housing Element. This document required a 30- day public review of comments and then a 10-day block of time to prepare responses.
December 21, 2022-March 2023 – 2045 General Plan – was published for public review and comment.
December 2022 Draft Housing Element – reviewed by the Planning Commission with recommendation to the City Council.
February 13, 2023, Draft Housing Element reviewed by the City Council – City Council directed staff to submit the Draft Housing Element and appendixes to HCD before the February 15th deadline. This hearing also included the review of the other elements with direction to initiate the environmental review.
March 2023: Lisa Sherman was hired as an Assistant Planner in the Planning Division.
May 2023: Comment letter from HCD with recommended changes and request for more information on the Draft Housing Element.
June 2023 contract amendment of added tasks: These added tasks were not part of the original contract. Mintier Harnish provided a contract amendment that covered three additional tasks.
1. Attending GPAC meetings,
2. Preparing the Housing Element document and supporting Appendixes, and
3. Preparing environmental review.
This contract amendment added $115,995 to their original contract for $714,597.00. See attached budgets.
June 15, 2023 – Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Notice of Preparation (NOP) was released starting 30-day public review. The Notice informed the public and interested public agencies that the City would be preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the General Plan Update and requested comments on the scope of the environmental review and any project alternatives.
491
June 15, 2023 – Tribal Consultation Begins with letters sent to tribes to begin both AB 52 and SB 18 process. The City received one response from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians on June 21, 2023, in which the Tribe requested consultation for the project. No other tribes responded during the 30-day or 90-day period to request consultation, which elapsed in midJuly and mid-September, respectfully.
May -June 2023-Community Design Review with GPAC
June 28, 2023 – EIR- NOP Scoping Meeting was conducted in-person and virtual to get input from public and interested public agencies on the scope of the Environmental Impact Report to be prepared.
July 2023 – Rincon’s EIR Scope Amended – Includes analysis for Lumberyard Project, Alamo Pintado Project, and support City with Tribal Consultation.
July 2023 Sophia Checa resigned – Sophia worked for 18 months with the city.
July 14, 2023 – NOP Public Review Period ends – City received written and verbal comments (from the Scoping Meeting) all of which were reviewed and addressed in the EIR. At this stage, the EIR preparation phase began.
August – January 2023 – EIR Sections and Traffic Study drafted for City staff review.
Following review, sections were updated and then resubmitted to City staff for internal review.
September 2023 New Planning Manager Rafeal Castillo began working for the city.
October 2023 Housing Element Separate Review – Staff determined that EIR review was taking too long, and the Draft Housing Element was pulled and processed as a separate project under a CEQA exemption. Resubmitted Draft Housing Element to HCD.
November 2023 Housing Element Hearing – Planning Commission reviewed and made recommendation to the City Council on the Housing Element.
December 11, 2023 – Housing Element Adoption – The City Council adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
January 2024 Filing Housing Element with HCD – The adopted Housing Element was forwarded to HCD for their review.
February 12, 2024 – HCD approved the City of Solvang Housing Element.
February 29, 2024 – Draft EIR complete and Notice of Availability released starting a 47-day public review period concluding on April 15, 2024. The draft EIR was released for public hearing on February 28, 2024, for a 45-day review period. The comment period ended on April 15th.
February 2024 – To complete the Housing Element implementation, the city staff prepared a staff report and Mitigated Negative Declaration for rezoning two of the housing sites to DR-20.
March 4, 2024 – Planning Commission reviewed and approved the rezoning of the two sites.
Match 25, 2024 – City Council reviewed and approved the rezoning of the two sites. 492
April 15, 2024 – End of Draft EIR Public Review period. The city received 11 letters.
Responses to these comments are included in the Final EIR. Rincon then begins the Final EIR preparation, including Response to Comments, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations.
May 15, 2024 – Final GPAC Meeting. Review by the GPAC to make final referral to the Planning Commission and City Council.
June 3, 2024 – Planning Commission Hearing
July 2024 – City Council Hearing
493
Solvang Comprehensive General Plan
Update and Rezoning
Draft Environmental Impact Report
prepared by
City of Solvang
Planning Division
411 2nd Street
Solvang, California 93463
Contact: Rafael Castillo, Planning and Building Manager prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
319 East Carrillo Street, Suite 105
Santa Barbara, California 93101
February 2024
494
This report prepared on 50% recycled paper with 50% post-consumer content. 495
Table of Contents
Executive Summary............................................................................................................................ES-1 Project Synopsis.........................................................................................................................ES-1 Project Objectives......................................................................................................................ES-4 Alternatives ................................................................................................................................ES-5 Areas of Known Controversy .....................................................................................................ES-7 Issues to be Resolved.................................................................................................................ES-7 Issues Not Studied in Detail in the EIR.......................................................................................ES-8 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ES-8 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1 EIR Purpose, Type, and Authority ................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Regulatory Purpose............................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 EIR Type.............................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1.3 Legal Authority ................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 EIR Background ............................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2.1 Notice of Preparation......................................................................................... 1-2
1.2.2 Comments Received in Response to the Notice of Preparation........................ 1-2
1.3 Scope and Adequacy..................................................................................................... 1-13
1.3.1 Scope and Sources ........................................................................................... 1-13
1.3.2 Content Adequacy............................................................................................ 1-13
1.4 EIR Content ................................................................................................................... 1-13
1.5 Lead, Responsible, and Trustee Agencies..................................................................... 1-14
1.5.1 Lead Agency ..................................................................................................... 1-14
1.5.2 Responsible Agencies....................................................................................... 1-14
1.5.3 Trustee Agencies.............................................................................................. 1-14
1.6 Environmental Review Process..................................................................................... 1-15 2 Project Description.................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Planning Area Location and Setting ................................................................................ 2-1
2.1.1 Regional Location............................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 Local Setting ....................................................................................................... 2-3
2.2 Existing Planning Area Characteristics............................................................................ 2-3
2.3 Existing Land Use Designations....................................................................................... 2-4
2.4 General Plan Overview.................................................................................................... 2-4
2.5 2045 General Plan Objectives......................................................................................... 2-7
2.6 2045 General Plan Components..................................................................................... 2-8
2.6.1 Land Use Allowance ........................................................................................... 2-8 496
2.6.2 Proposed General Plan Element Aspects......................................................... 2-11
2.6.3 Construction..................................................................................................... 2-46
2.7 Required Actions and Approvals................................................................................... 2-46 3 Environmental Setting............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Regional Setting .............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Physical Setting ............................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 Baseline and Cumulative Project Setting ........................................................................ 3-2
3.3.1 EIR Baseline ........................................................................................................ 3-2
3.3.2 Approach for Impact Analysis ............................................................................ 3-2
3.3.3 Approach for Cumulative Analysis..................................................................... 3-2 4 Environmental Impact Analysis............................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Aesthetics..................................................................................................................... 4.1-1
4.1.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.1-1
4.1.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.1-3
4.1.3 Impact Analysis................................................................................................ 4.1-4
4.1.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.1-10
4.2 Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 4.2-1
4.2.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.2-1
4.2.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.2-5
4.2.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.2-10
4.2.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.2-20
4.3 Biological Resources..................................................................................................... 4.3-1
4.3.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.3-1
4.3.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.3-11
4.3.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.3-17
4.3.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.3-25
4.4 Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................... 4.4-1
4.4.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.4-1
4.4.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.4-6
4.4.3 Impact Analysis................................................................................................ 4.4-9
4.4.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.4-16
4.5 Energy .......................................................................................................................... 4.5-1
4.5.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.5-1
4.5.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.5-4
4.5.3 Impact Analysis................................................................................................ 4.5-7
4.5.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.5-11
4.6 Geology and Soils......................................................................................................... 4.6-1
4.6.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.6-1
4.6.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.6-15 497
4.6.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.6-19
4.6.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.6-25
4.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.......................................................................................... 4.7-1
4.7.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.7-1
4.7.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.7-5
4.7.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.7-11
4.7.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.7-18
4.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ............................................................................... 4.8-1
4.8.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.8-1
4.8.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.8-3
4.8.3 Impact Analysis................................................................................................ 4.8-8
4.8.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.8-17
4.9 Hydrology and Water Quality ...................................................................................... 4.9-1
4.9.1 Setting ............................................................................................................. 4.9-1
4.9.2 Regulatory Setting........................................................................................... 4.9-6
4.9.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.9-11
4.9.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.9-17
4.10 Land Use and Planning............................................................................................... 4.10-1
4.10.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.10-1
4.10.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.10-1
4.10.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.10-4
4.10.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.10-20
4.11 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 4.11-1
4.11.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.11-1
4.11.2 Regulatory Setting....................................................................................... 4.11-10
4.11.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................................ 4.11-13
4.11.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.11-30
4.12 Population and Housing............................................................................................. 4.12-1
4.12.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.12-1
4.12.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.12-3
4.12.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.12-4
4.12.4 Cumulative Impacts....................................................................................... 4.12-9
4.13 Public Services and Recreation .................................................................................. 4.13-1
4.13.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.13-1
4.13.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.13-6
4.13.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.13-9
4.13.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.13-18 498
4.14 Transportation ........................................................................................................... 4.14-1
4.14.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.14-1
4.14.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.14-7
4.14.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................................ 4.14-12
4.14.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.14-20
4.15 Tribal Cultural Resources........................................................................................... 4.15-1
4.15.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.15-1
4.15.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.15-2
4.15.3 Impact Analysis.............................................................................................. 4.15-3
4.15.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.15-10
4.16 Utilities and Service Systems ..................................................................................... 4.16-1
4.16.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.16-1
4.16.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.16-6
4.16.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................................ 4.16-10
4.16.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.16-16
4.17 Wildfire ...................................................................................................................... 4.17-1
4.17.1 Setting ........................................................................................................... 4.17-1
4.17.2 Regulatory Setting......................................................................................... 4.17-7
4.17.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................................ 4.17-13
4.17.4 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................... 4.17-20
4.18 Effects Found Not to be Significant............................................................................ 4.18-1
4.18.1 Agricultural and Forestry Resources............................................................. 4.18-1
4.18.2 Mineral Resources......................................................................................... 4.18-3 5 Other CEQA Required Discussions.......................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Growth Inducement........................................................................................................ 5-1
5.1.1 Population and Economic Growth ..................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Removal of Obstacles to Growth ....................................................................... 5-3
5.2 Irreversible Environmental Effects.................................................................................. 5-3
5.2.1 Significant Unavoidable Impacts........................................................................ 5-4 6 Alternatives ............................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Alternative 1: No Project Alternative.............................................................................. 6-2
6.1.1 Description ......................................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.2 Impact Analysis................................................................................................... 6-3
6.2 Alternative 2: No Old Lumberyard Project ................................................................... 6-10
6.2.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 6-10
6.2.2 Impact Analysis................................................................................................. 6-11
6.3 Alternative 3: No Alamo Pintado Project...................................................................... 6-19
6.3.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 6-19
6.3.2 Impact Analysis................................................................................................. 6-19 499
6.4 Alternative 4: Neither Project Implemented ................................................................ 6-27
6.4.1 Description ....................................................................................................... 6-27
6.5 Impact Analysis ............................................................................................................. 6-27
6.6 Alternatives Considered but Rejected .......................................................................... 6-35
6.7 Environmentally Superior Alternative .......................................................................... 6-35 7 References ............................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1 Bibliography .................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 List of Preparers............................................................................................................ 7-21 Tables
Table ES-1 Residential Unit and Employment Growth Summary .............................................ES-3 Table ES-2 Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Residual Impacts....................................................................................................................ES-9 Table 1-1 NOP Comments and EIR Location Information ........................................................ 1-3 Table 2-1 Existing Land Uses .................................................................................................... 2-3 Table 2-2 Growth Summary ................................................................................................... 2-10 Table 2-3 Proposed Land Use Designations........................................................................... 2-13 Table 2-4 Proposed Land Use Element Goals and Policies..................................................... 2-15 Table 2-5 Proposed Community Design Element Goals and Policies..................................... 2-18 Table 2-6 Proposed Economic Development Goals and Policies........................................... 2-22 Table 2-7 Proposed Mobility Element Goals and Policies...................................................... 2-28 Table 2-8 Proposed Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................... 2-32 Table 2-9 Proposed Environment and Sustainability Element Goals and Policies................. 2-37 Table 2-10 Proposed Safety Element Goals and Policies ......................................................... 2-42 Table 3-1 Existing Land Uses .................................................................................................... 3-1 Table 3-2 Population and Housing Projections of Cumulative Analysis Area, 2020-2045 ....... 3-3 Table 4.2-1 Climatic Conditions in Solvang .............................................................................. 4.2-1 Table 4.2-2 Ambient Air Quality Data ...................................................................................... 4.2-5 Table 4.2-3 Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards................................................. 4.2-6 Table 4.2-4 Attainment Status of Criteria Pollutants in Santa Barbara County ....................... 4.2-7 Table 4.2-5 CalEEMod Land Use Assumptions....................................................................... 4.2-11 Table 4.2-6 Vehicle Activity Data (Daily) for the Proposed Project........................................ 4.2-12 Table 4.2-7 Estimated Operational Emissions........................................................................ 4.2-16 Table 4.5-1 2022 Gasoline and Diesel Consumption................................................................ 4.5-3 Table 4.5-2 2022 Electricity Consumption ............................................................................... 4.5-3 Table 4.5-3 2022 Natural Gas Consumption ............................................................................ 4.5-3 Table 4.5-4 Projected 2045 Annual Operational Energy Usage ............................................... 4.5-9 Table 4.6-1 Soil Descriptions in Solvang................................................................................... 4.6-8 Table 4.6-2 Geologic Units of Solvang.................................................................................... 4.6-13 500
Table 4.7-1 2045 General Plan Update Consistency with Applicable SBCAG 2050 RTP/SCS Strategies ............................................................................................................. 4.7-16 Table 4.7-2 Estimated Existing and Proposed Project Emissions........................................... 4.7-17 Table 4.9-1 Beneficial Uses for Surface Waters in Solvang ...................................................... 4.9-2 Table 4.10-1 Project Consistency with Connected 2050 Goals................................................ 4.10-7 Table 4.11-1 Criteria for Vibration Damage Potential.............................................................. 4.11-3 Table 4.11-2 Existing (2015) Traffic Noise Levels Along Roadway Segments .......................... 4.11-5 Table 4.11-3 Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments........................... 4.11-12 Table 4.11-4 Typical Noise Levels for Construction Equipment............................................. 4.11-17 Table 4.11-5 Existing and Future Traffic Volumes.................................................................. 4.11-25 Table 4.11-6 Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment....................................... 4.11-28 Table 4.12-1 Population Growth in the City, County, and State .............................................. 4.12-1 Table 4.12-2 Housing Inventory ............................................................................................... 4.12-2 Table 4.12-3 Household Size in the City, County, and State .................................................... 4.12-2 Table 4.12-4 Regional Housing Needs Assessment 2023-2031................................................ 4.12-3 Table 4.13-1 Solvang Elementary School Enrollment Trends................................................... 4.13-2 Table 4.13-2 Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Enrollment Trends ................................... 4.13-2 Table 4.14-1 Existing Vehicle Miles Traveled Summary ........................................................... 4.14-3 Table 4.14-2 Vehicle Miles Traveled Summary – VMT Per Capita ......................................... 4.14-17 Table 4.14-3 Vehicle Miles Traveled Summary – VMT Per Employee.................................... 4.14-17 Table 4.16-1 Historical Water Production and Consumption (AF)........................................... 4.16-3 Table 4.16-2 Anticipated Solid Waste Generation ................................................................. 4.16-15 Table 4.17-1 Solvang Temperature and Humidity Data ........................................................... 4.17-3 Table 4.17-2 Solvang Wind Data .............................................................................................. 4.17-4 Table 4.17-3 Santa Barbara County Fire History (1955-2017).................................................. 4.17-5 Table 6-1 Comparison of Project Alternatives’ Buildout Characteristics................................. 6-2 Table 6-2 Impact Comparison of Alternatives........................................................................ 6-38 Figures
Figure 1-1 Environmental Review Process .............................................................................. 1-17 Figure 2-1 Regional Location ..................................................................................................... 2-2 Figure 2-2 Local Setting ............................................................................................................. 2-5 Figure 2-3 Existing General Plan Land Uses............................................................................... 2-6 Figure 2-4 Proposed Land Use Map......................................................................................... 2-12 Figure 2-5 Existing Roadway Network..................................................................................... 2-25 Figure 2-6 Existing Pedestrian Network .................................................................................. 2-26 Figure 2-7 Existing Bicycle Facilities......................................................................................... 2-27 Figure 2-8 Existing Public Facilities and Infrastructure............................................................ 2-31 Figure 2-9 Existing Open Space ............................................................................................... 2-36 Figure 4.3-1 Designated Open Space in Planning Area ............................................................. 4.3-2 501
Figure 4.3-2 California Protected Areas and Parks in Planning Area......................................... 4.3-3 Figure 4.3-3 Vegetation Communities in Planning Area............................................................ 4.3-5 Figure 4.6-1 Earthquake Faults in Proximity to Solvang............................................................ 4.6-2 Figure 4.6-2 Ground Shaking Potential...................................................................................... 4.6-4 Figure 4.6-3 Landslide Risk in Solvang ....................................................................................... 4.6-5 Figure 4.6-4 Soils Within Solvang .............................................................................................. 4.6-7 Figure 4.6-5 Geolgoic Map and Palaeontolgical Sensitivity of Solvang ................................... 4.6-14 Figure 4.8-1 Fire Hzard Severity Zones and Proposed Development...................................... 4.8-16 Figure 4.9-1 Flood Hazards in Solvang....................................................................................... 4.9-4 Figure 4.9-2 Dam Inundation Zones in Solvang......................................................................... 4.9-5 Figure 4.11-1 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 1........................................ 4.11-6 Figure 4.11-2 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 2........................................ 4.11-7 Figure 4.11-3 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 3........................................ 4.11-8 Figure 4.11-4 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 4........................................ 4.11-9 Figure 4.11-5 Future 2045 Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 1 .............................. 4.11-21 Figure 4.11-6 Future 2045 Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 2 .............................. 4.11-22 Figure 4.11-7 Future 2045 Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 3 .............................. 4.11-23 Figure 4.11-8 Future 2045 Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours – Section 4 .............................. 4.11-24 Figure 4.13-1 Open Space in Solvang ........................................................................................ 4.13-4 Figure 4.13-2 Parks.................................................................................................................... 4.13-5 Figure 4.14-1 Roadway Functional Classification ...................................................................... 4.14-2 Figure 4.14-2 City Maintained Pedestrian Facilities.................................................................. 4.14-5 Figure 4.14-3 Existing Class I, Class II, and Class III Facilities in the Santa Ynez Valley.............. 4.14-6 Figure 4.14-4 Draft Active Transporation Plan Bicycle Facilities............................................. 4.14-11 Figure 4.16-1 Santa Ynez Community Services District Boundary............................................. 4.16-4 Figure 4.16-2 Santa Ynez Community Services District Future Service Zone Boundary ......... 4.16-18 Figure 4.17-1 Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Proposed Development.................................... 4.17-6 Appendices
Appendix A Notice of Preparation (NOP) and NOP Comment Letters Appendix B Development Project Plans
Appendix C California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) Results Appendix D Regionally Documented Special-Status Species Appendix E Energy Calculation Sheet
Appendix F Noise Modeling
Appendix G Traffic Analysis Data Memorandum
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Executive Summary
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Executive Summary
This document is a programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of an update to the Solvang General Plan, including seven respective City General Plan elements (collectively referred to in this EIR as the “2045 General Plan” or “proposed project”). A programmatic EIR evaluates the effects of broad proposals or planning-level decisions, such as the 2045 General Plan, with a level of detail sufficient to allow informed decisions among planning-level alternatives and to develop broad mitigation strategies.
Project Synopsis
Project Applicant
City of Solvang
Planning Division
411 2nd Street
Solvang, California 93463
Lead Agency Contact Person
Rafael Castillo, AICP, Planning and Building Manager
[email protected]
(805) 465-9236
Project Description
This EIR has been prepared to examine the potential environmental effects of the 2045 General Plan. The following is a summary of the full project description, which can be found in Section 2, Project Description.
The City of Solvang (City) proposes a Comprehensive General Plan Update, including eight respective City General Plan elements (referred to in this EIR as “2045 General Plan” or “proposed project”).
The 2045 General Plan considers the year 2045 as its horizon year, or the year that buildout is contemplated through. The project involves updates to all of the City’s existing General Plan Elements, except for the Housing Element which was updated as part of a separate project and adopted in 2023. The 2045 General Plan elements include: Land Use; Community Design; Economic Development; Mobility; Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure; Environment and Sustainability; and Safety. Although not explicitly its own element, environmental justice considerations are implemented within goals, policies, and implementation programs throughout the General Plan. In addition, the 2045 General Plan includes an Administration chapter which includes all implementation programs that implement each of the individual General Plan element goals and policies.
The 2045 General Plan serves as the long-term blueprint for development across the City’s Planning Area. The Planning Area covered by the 2045 General Plan consists of the corporate limits of the City as well as lands within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). The term “sphere of influence” 504
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applies to the area designated by Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as the probable, future physical boundary or service area of the City.
Since Solvang is primarily a built-out community, a majority of the anticipated growth is located within underutilized land or on parcels built with existing uses. To account for these changes, the 2045 General Plan evaluates the potential for existing developed areas to redevelop (i.e., remove an existing home and replace it with more units, such as a duplex or triplex), or increase the use of a parcel (i.e., adding additional units on a parcel with an existing home). A redevelopment percentage was applied to underutilized and build out parcels to account for the growth through 2045, since it is assumed that not all parcels will fully develop within the planning period. Redevelopment percentages applied to the land use designations under consideration for changes fluctuate between 5 and 10 percent, depending on the designation and the likelihood of future changes.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are not considered in the General Plan buildout, as the State does not include ADUs in the density per acre totals.
All designations analyzed were applied with a set of development assumptions applicable density and floor area ratio (FAR) determined as part of the General Plan’s Alternatives process and approved by City Council. Applying the density and intensity (FAR) standards allowed for the calculation of the potential net new dwelling units anticipated by 2045. The anticipated 2045 population was then counted using persons per household data averages from the United States Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2019), Department of Finance (2019), and population projections from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG).
In addition to the anticipated net new housing units and population figures, anticipated new housing units and population based on pending and approved City projects were also added to the total potential. Approved nonresidential projects include the Sansum Medical Clinic and two boutique hotels totaling 20 hotel units. There are currently 88 pending and approved dwelling units (85 multi-family, three single-family), which would accommodate a population increase of 211 residents. Calculating new population for pending and approved projects used the same process for calculating the net new population.
Old Lumberyard Site
One area of potential growth considered by the 2045 General Plan is the Old Lumberyard site, located at 1783 and 1793 Mission Drive and 533 Pine Street and comprised of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 139-150-012, 139-150-017, and 139-150-027. The project site is currently developed with existing on-site uses including the Solvang Mill and Lumberyard building, two singlefamily residences, two garages, and various accessory structures. The site is bounded by Mission Drive to the south, Pine Street to the east, Maple Avenue to the north, and existing community facilities to the west, including the Solvang Library, the Sherriff’s Office, the Senior Center, and Veterans Memorial Hall. The site is currently designated as DR-20.
The project would merge APNs 139-150-012, 139-150-017, and 139-150-027 into one lot and demolish most existing on-site buildings, except for the existing single-family residence located at 1793 Mission Drive, which would be relocated. The site would be rezoned to Tourist-related Commercial (TRC), which would allow the proposed hotel and residential apartment uses. The project would construct two, two-story hotel buildings adjacent to Mission Drive which would collectively contain 45 guest rooms. Two, two-story hotel buildings and one, one-story hotel building would be constructed adjacent to Pine Street which would provide a total of five guest rooms. One, three-story multi-family residential building would be constructed adjacent to Maple Avenue and would include 51 micro-studio apartments. In addition, a two-story building comprised 505
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of a hotel lobby and mechanical car parker is proposed at the center of the Mission Drive project site.
Site B
Site B is a 0.64-acre site located at the junction of Alamo Pintado Road and Viborg Road that is currently zoned 20-R-1, or low-density single family residential. The site currently has dense foliage that will need to be cleared. The City intends to rezone the parcels to DR-20 with a General Plan land use designation of High Density Residential, allowing 20 dwelling units per acre. At the proposed zoning, the site has realistic capacity for a total of 11 dwelling units, six moderate and five above-moderate income.
Site C
Another area of potential growth considered by the 2045 General Plan is the Alamo Pintado site, located at the northwestern corner of Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive at APNs 139-530-001 and 139-530-002. The 5.5-acre site is currently vacant. The current land use/zoning designation for this site is 20-R-1 with a potential buildout of 11-14 units.
The City Council authorized the review of the lower half of the site with a land use designation of DR-20 units per acre. The estimated buildout would be 40 to 50 units with the other half of the site designated for 20-R-1 or Open Space as noted in the adopted Housing Element.
The landowner has provided an alternative plan to be considered in the EIR. The project would merge APNs 139-530-001 and 139-530-002 into one lot. The project involves construction of three, three-story apartment buildings featuring one- and two-bedroom units. Building A would include 25 units, Building B would include 38 units, and Building C would include 46 units (for a total of 109 units). The project would include amenities, an open space/drainage basin area, trash enclosures, and 143 parking spaces including 24 private garages. The project would involve a zone change to Design Residential 20 (DR-20). Under the 2045 General Plan, the project site would have a land use designation of High Density Residential.
Site D
Site D, or the Alisal Commons site, is a 3.71-acre portion of a large open space, recreation zoned parcel that encompasses portions of the rights-of-way for Alisal Road, Juniper Avenue, and Fjord Drive. Site D has realistic capacity to accommodate 59 lower-income dwelling units.
Growth Summary
Finally, the proposed General Plan analyzes potential projected employment. This analysis assumes that there would be no net loss of commercial square footage. When calculating the potential projected employment through 2045, the analysis uses the overall employment average, applicable FAR for each land use designation, and percentage of acreage by employment type. These multitude of factors allow for the calculation of the total potential projected employment by 2045 as summarized below in Table ES-1.
Table ES-1 Residential Unit and Employment Growth Summary Existing (2019) Proposed (2045) Net Change from Existing to Proposed Residential Units 2,566 units 3,063 units 497 units
Employment 3,227 employees 3,438 employees 211 employees 506
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The 2045 General Plan would provide the framework for development of up to 497 net new residential units which would result in 2,145 total single-family residences and 918 multi-family residential units in Solvang. Density ranges would be between zero and 20 dwelling units per acre.
The 2045 General Plan would provide the framework for the addition of approximately 211 employees to Solvang, spread across the following land uses:
▪ Tourist Commercial: 97 employees
▪ Professional/Office: 71 employees
▪ Retail Commercial: 40 employees
▪ General Commercial: 2 employees
▪ Public/Institutional: 1 employee
With relatively limited opportunities for new development in Solvang, the 2045 General Plan emphasizes infill and reuse development within City limits, encourages high-density and mixed-use projects where appropriate, and supports development that compliments the existing natural and built environment. Future development would occur where existing roads, water, and sewer are in place and in a manner that minimizes the impact of development on existing infrastructure and services.
Specific land use designations are currently proposed by the 2045 General Plan. These land use designation amendments are to ensure consistency with existing land uses, such as public utilities, recreational facilities, and parks. These amendments would change the development potential for some of the land use designations proposed by the 2045 General Plan.
The 2045 General Plan serves as the City’s long-term development blueprint through 2045, contains goals and policies guiding land use and infrastructure decisions through 2045, and brings the General Plan up to date in response to latest State and regional plans and regulations related to housing, climate-related hazards,1 emergency evacuation routes and access, water supply, and mobility.
Given the programmatic nature of the 2045 General Plan, specific projects details and locations that could result in the future within these land use areas are unknown at this time. Future discretionary projects would require project-level environmental review analysis.
Project Objectives
The City’s 2045 General Plan objectives are as follows:
▪ Support strategic land uses. Strategically accommodate future growth and change while preserving and enhancing the qualities that make Solvang a desirable place to live and work through strategic land use designations and zoning.
▪ Foster a distinct community character. Maintain Solvang’s urban form and architectural style in order to maintain the city’s distinct community character. ▪ Promote economic diversity and sustainability. Promote a vibrant business mix, supportive workforce development, 21st century communications infrastructure, and regional collaboration to connect Solvang to the broader economy and enhance the fiscal health of the community. 1 Pursuant to Senate Bill 379, which amended California Government Code Section 65302. 507
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▪ Improve mobility. Improve the mobility of people and goods within and through Solvang while emphasizing improving accessibility for visitors to park and move around Solvang. ▪ Provide adequate facilities. Ensure the provision of adequate public facilities, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and recycling, emergency response, community health, parks and recreation, education, and medical services.
▪ Conserve open space. Conserve and protect open space to preserve the scenic beauty of Solvang’s natural surroundings.
▪ Ensure public safety. Provide a safe community through public safety services, resilient infrastructure, public awareness, preparedness, and action plans for both human-caused and natural disasters.
▪ Support diverse housing options. Conserve and improve the quality of existing housing while facilitating the development of a range of housing types, densities, and affordability levels to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Alternatives
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this EIR examines alternatives to the proposed project. Studied alternatives include the following four alternatives. Based on the alternatives analysis, Alternative 4 was determined to be the environmentally superior alternative. ▪ Alternative 1: No Project Alternative
▪ Alternative 2: No Old Lumberyard Project
▪ Alternative 3: No Alamo Pintado Project
▪ Alternative 4: Neither Project Implemented (No Old Lumberyard Project and No Alamo Pintado Project)
Alternative 1 (No Project Alternative) assumes the 2045 General Plan would not be adopted and therefore future development would be carried out in accordance with the City’s existing General Plan policies and land use designations through the horizon year of 2045. Under this alternative, the City would experience reduced buildout when compared to the 2045 General Plan, and population and housing growth would be within the Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s (SBCAG) anticipated projections. However, this alternative would not implement 2045 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures BIO-1, CUL-1 through CUL-4, GEO-1, and TCR-1 through TCR-5, and would result in significant and unavoidable impacts to air quality, noise, transportation, and wildfire.
The No Project Alternative would fulfill Project Objectives to a lesser extent than the proposed 2045 General Plan. Specifically, while the No Project Alternative would foster a distinct community character, promote economic diversity and sustainability, provide adequate facilities, conserve open space, ensure public safety, improve mobility, support strategic land uses, and support diverse housing options, this alternative would not include new 2045 goals and policies designed to specifically further these objectives in Solvang.
Alternative 2 (No Old Lumberyard Project) would involve implementation of the 2045 General Plan and exclusion of the Old Lumberyard site as an area of potential growth. Although the Old Lumberyard Project would not be included under Alternative 2, this would not preclude development from occurring on the site in the future. Under Alternative 2, the proposed Old Lumberyard Project would not be implemented, and the zoning and General Plan designations would not change from the existing designations. However, housing could still be built on the Old Lumberyard Project site, for a total of 50 units and 120 new residents. Therefore, in comparison to 508
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the 2045 General Plan’s anticipated 2045 population of 7,253 and housing stock of 3,019 units, and assuming the Old Lumberyard site would be developed under existing conditions, Alternative 2 would result in 2 fewer residents and 1 fewer housing unit in Solvang in 2045. As a result, the anticipated growth in Solvang would be less than the 2045 General Plan. This alternative would implement both 2045 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures BIO-1, CUL-1 through CUL-4, GEO-1, and TCR-1 through TCR-5, and would result in fewer impacts to all environmental issue areas, except for land use and planning, where impacts would be comparable to the 2045 General Plan, and transportation, where impacts would be greater than the 2045 General Plan. Alternative 2 would fulfill Project Objectives of fostering a distinct community character, promoting economic diversity and sustainability, providing adequate facilities, conserving open space, and ensuring public safety. As Alternative 2 would not involve high-density development on the Old Lumberyard site, it would fulfill Project Objectives of supporting strategic land uses, improving mobility, and supporting diverse housing options, to a lesser extent than the 2045 General Plan. Alternative 2 would fulfill these Project Objectives to a lesser extent as the exclusion of the Old Lumberyard site would result in a decreased emphasis on the provision of housing units, an increase in VMT per capita, and less strategic land use decision-making, when compared to the 2045 General Plan.
Alternative 3 (No Alamo Pintado Project) would involve implementation of the 2045 General Plan and exclusion of the Alamo Pintado site as an area of potential growth. Although the Alamo Pintado Project would not be included under Alternative 3, this would not preclude development from occurring on the site in the future. Under Alternative 3, the proposed Alamo Pintado Project would not be implemented, and the zoning and General Plan designations would not change from the existing designations. However, housing could still be built on the Alamo Pintado Project site, for a total of 2 units and 5 new residents. Therefore, in comparison to the 2045 General Plan’s anticipated 2045 population of 7,253 and housing stock of 3,019 units, Alternative 3 would result in 256 fewer additional residents and 107 fewer housing units in Solvang in 2045. As a result, the anticipated growth in Solvang would be less than the 2045 General Plan. This alternative would implement both 2045 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures BIO-1, CUL-1 through CUL-4, GEO-1, and TCR-1 through TCR-5, and would result in fewer impacts to all environmental issue areas, except for land use and planning, where impacts would be comparable to the 2045 General Plan, and transportation, where impacts would be greater than the 2045 General Plan. Alternative 3 would fulfill Project Objectives of fostering a distinct community character, promoting economic diversity and sustainability, providing adequate facilities, conserving open space, and ensuring public safety. As Alternative 3 would not involve high-density development on the Alamo Pintado site, it would fulfill Project Objectives of supporting strategic land uses, improving mobility, and supporting diverse housing options, to a lesser extent than the 2045 General Plan. Alternative 3 would fulfill these Project Objectives to a lesser extent as the exclusion of the Alamo Pintado site would result in a decreased emphasis on the provision of housing units, an increase in VMT per capita, and less strategic land use decision-making, when compared to the 2045 General Plan.
However, Alternative 3 would fulfill the Project Objective of conserving open space to a greater extent than the 2045 General Plan, as the Alamo Pintado site is currently vacant and consists of a grassy field with mature trees that would be preserved.
Alternative 4 (Neither Project Implemented) would involve implementation of the 2045 General Plan and exclusion of both the Old Lumberyard site and the Alamo Pintado site as areas of potential growth. Under Alternative 4, both the proposed Old Lumberyard Project and the Alamo Pintado Project would not be implemented, and the zoning and General Plan designations would not change from the existing designations. Although the Old Lumberyard Project and the Alamo Pintado Project would not be included under Alternative 4, this would not preclude development from occurring on 509
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these sites in the future. Therefore, in comparison to the 2045 General Plan’s anticipated 2045 population of 7,253 and housing stock of 3,019 units, Alternative 4 would result in 258 fewer additional residents and 108 fewer housing units in Solvang in 2045. As a result, the anticipated growth in Solvang would be less than the 2045 General Plan. This alternative would implement both 2045 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures BIO-1, CUL-1 through CUL-4, GEO-1, and TCR-1 through TCR-5, and would result in fewer impacts to all environmental issue areas, except for land use and planning, where impacts would be comparable to the 2045 General Plan, and transportation, where impacts would be greater than the 2045 General Plan. Alternative 4 would fulfill Project Objectives of fostering a distinct community character, promoting economic diversity and sustainability, providing adequate facilities, conserving open space, and ensuring public safety.
As Alternative 4 would not involve high-density development on the Old Lumberyard and Alamo Pintado sites, it would fulfill Project Objectives of supporting strategic land uses, improving mobility, and supporting diverse housing options, to a lesser extent than the 2045 General Plan. Alternative 4 would fulfill these Project Objectives to a lesser extent as the exclusion of the Old Lumberyard and Alamo Pintado sites would result in a decreased emphasis on the provision of housing units, an increase in VMT per capita, and less strategic land use decision-making, when compared to the 2045 General Plan. However, Alternative 4 would fulfill the Project Objective of conserving open space to a greater extent than the 2045 General Plan, as the Alamo Pintado site is currently vacant and consists of a grassy field with mature trees that would be preserved.
While Alternative 4 would not fulfill Project Objectives to the same extent as the 2045 General Plan, the decreased buildout associated with Alternative 4, when paired with general furtherance of Project Objectives, would result in Alternative 4 being the environmentally superior alternative.
Specifically, Alternative 4 would not involve development to the same extent on the Old Lumberyard site and Alamo Pintado site, and thus would involve a reduced buildout when compared to the proposed project, Alternative 2, and Alternative 3. This reduced buildout would result in lesser impacts to all environmental issue areas except land use and planning (where impacts would be similar) and transportation (where impacts would be greater). Considering Alternative 4 would have fewer overall impacts than the proposed project, Alternative 2, and Alternative 3, and would fulfill Project Objectives to a similar extent as both Alternative 2 and Alternative 3, this alternative would be environmentally superior.
Refer to Section 6, Alternatives, for the complete alternatives analysis.
Areas of Known Controversy
The EIR scoping process did not identify any areas of known controversy for the proposed project.
Responses to the Notice of Preparation of a Draft EIR and input received at the EIR scoping meeting held by the City are summarized in Section 1, Introduction.
Issues to be Resolved
The proposed project would require the Solvang City Council to certify the EIR, adopt the 2045 General Plan, and approve the proposed rezoning.
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Issues Not Studied in Detail in the EIR
Impacts to agricultural resources and mineral resources were found to be less than significant and not requiring detailed analysis. Agricultural resources and mineral resources are discussed in Section
4.18, Effects Found Not to Be Significant.
Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Table ES-2 summarizes the environmental impacts of the proposed project, proposed mitigation measures, and residual impacts (the impact after application of mitigation, if required). Impacts are categorized as follows:
▪ Significant and Unavoidable. An impact that cannot be reduced to below the threshold level given reasonably available and feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires a Statement of Overriding Considerations to be issued if the project is approved per §15093 of the CEQA Guidelines.
▪ Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. An impact that can be reduced to below the threshold level given reasonably available and feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires findings under §15091 of the CEQA Guidelines.
▪ Less than Significant. An impact that may be adverse, but does not exceed the threshold levels and does not require mitigation measures. However, mitigation measures that could further lessen the environmental effect may be suggested if readily available and easily achievable. ▪ No Impact: The proposed project would have no effect on environmental conditions or would reduce existing environmental problems or hazards.
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Table ES-2 Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Residual Impacts Impact Mitigation Measure (s) Residual Impact
Aesthetics
Impact AES-1. The 2045 General Plan would not facilitate development that would substantially obstruct scenic
vistas, and this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact AES-2. There are no designated state scenic
highways in Solvang. Therefore, there would be no
impact.
None required. No impact
Impact AES-3. The 2045 General Plan would not facilitate development that degrades Solvang’s existing visual
character. This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact AES-4. New development associated with the
2045 General Plan could increase light and glare effects in and around Solvang. However, new developments would
be subject to existing regulations in the City’s Municipal Code and proposed 2045 General Plan policies to protect dark skies at nighttime. Therefore, the project would have a less than significant impact associated with light and glare.
None required. Less than significant
Air Quality
Impact AQ-1. Growth resulting from the 2045 General
Plan is anticipated and would not constitute substantial unplanned population growth. The Santa Barbara County
Association of Governments would update their growth
projections to be consistent with the 2045 General Plan during the next planning cycle. Through Mitigation
Measure AQ-1, the project would incorporate Santa
Barbara Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD) standard fugitive dust control measures that are required by the SBCAPCD Guidelines to be consistent with the Clean Air
Plan. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
AQ-1 SBCAPCD’s Construction Impact Mitigation: PM10 Mitigation Measures. The applicant shall require all construction contractors to implement the basic construction mitigation measures recommended by SBCAPCD to reduce fugitive dust emissions.
Emission reduction measures will include, at a minimum, the following measures:
▪ During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site and from exceeding
SBCAPCD’s limit of 20 percent opacity for greater than three minutes in any 30-minute period. At a minimum, this should include wetting down such areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. Increased watering frequency shall be required whenever the wind speed exceeds 15 miles per hour (mph). Reclaimed water shall be used whenever possible.
With implementation of Mitigation
Measure AQ-1, the project would be
consistent with the Clean Air Plan per
the SBCAPCD guidelines through
implementation of the required standard
fugitive dust control measures.
Therefore, impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation.
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However, reclaimed water shall not be used in or around crops for human consumption.
▪ The amount of disturbed area shall be minimized.
▪ On-site vehicle speeds shall be no greater than 15 mph when traveling on unpaved surfaces.
▪ A track-out prevention device shall be installed and operated where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto paved streets.
The track-out prevention device can include any device or combination of devices that are effective at preventing track out of dirt such as gravel pads, pipe-grid track-out control devices, rumble strips, or wheel washing systems.
▪ If stockpiling of material is involved, soil stockpiled for more than one day shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation.
▪ After clearing, grading, earth moving or excavation is completed, the disturbed area shall be treated by watering, or using rollcompaction, or revegetating, or by spreading soil binders until the area is paved or otherwise developed so that dust
generation will not occur. All driveways and sidewalks to be paved/surfaced shall be completed as soon as possible.
▪ The contractor or builder shall designate a person or persons to monitor the dust control program and to order increased watering, as necessary, to prevent transport of dust off-site.
Their duties shall include holiday and weekend periods when work may not be in progress. The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the SBCAPCD prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or map clearance.
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Impact AQ-2. Individual development projects carried out under the 2045 General Plan would generate construction and operational-related emissions. Such emissions may
result in adverse impacts to regional air quality.
Implementation of policies in the proposed 2045 General Plan Update and compliance with existing regulations
would reduce construction and operational emissions.
Operational emissions generated from the 2045 General
Plan would not exceed SBCAPCD operational emissions
thresholds. However, specific project-level details for construction are unknown at this level of planning and
individual projects may exceed SBCAPCD thresholds.
Therefore, impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
Mitigation Measure AQ-1 (refer to Impact AQ-1) While consistency with SBCAPCD’s Guidelines through implementation of
fugitive dust control measures would
reduce impacts from construction
emissions to less than significant for the
majority of projects, specific projectlevel details are unknown at this level of planning and individual projects may still
exceed SBCAPCD thresholds. Therefore,
construction impacts would be
significant and unavoidable.
Impact AQ-3. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan could result in construction activity that could produce toxic air contaminant emissions in
proximity to residential receptors. Mitigation Measure
AQ-2 would require large construction projects to use
equipment meeting California Air Resources Board (CARB) Tier 3 or higher for off-road heavy-duty diesel engines, which would reduce toxic air contaminant emissions.
However, Tier 3 or higher emission standard equipment or Level 3 diesel particulate filters cannot be guaranteed to be commercially available. Therefore, impacts would be
significant and unavoidable.
AQ-2 Construction Equipment Exhaust Control Measures. For individual residential projects facilitated by the 2045 General Plan that would develop three or more units, would involve demolition, mass grading, or excavation and trenching phases longer than two months and would be located within 1,000 feet of existing sensitive receptors, the City shall enforce a project specific Condition of Approval requiring off-road heavy-duty diesel engines to meet CARB-certified Tier 3 or higher emission standards or employ CARBcertified Level 3 diesel particulate filters to the extent that this equipment is commercially available. “Commercially available” shall be defined as the availability of required equipment in geographic proximity to the project site and within a reasonable timeframe relative to critical path construction timing. If Tier 3 or higher emission standard equipment or Level 3 diesel particulate filters are not commercially available, documentation shall be provided by the project applicant to the City stating that Tier 3 equipment or higher emission standard or Level 3 diesel particulate filters are not commercially available with supporting evidence from the contractor. If CARB-certified Level 3 diesel particulate filters are utilized, they shall be kept in working order and maintained in operable condition according to manufacturer’s specifications, as applicable.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure
AQ-1 would reduce potential residual
health risk impacts associated with
exposure of sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations of
diesel particulate matter and toxic air
contaminants to the extent feasible.
However, as Tier 3 or higher emission
standard equipment or Level 3 diesel
particulate filters cannot be guaranteed
to be commercially available, impacts
are conservatively assessed as significant
and unavoidable.
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Impact AQ-4. Future development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would not create objectionable odors that
could affect a substantial number of people or expose
future residents to odors that would produce a public
nuisance or hazard. This impact would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Biological Resources
Impact BIO-1. The 2045 General Plan could have a
substantial adverse effect, either directly or through
habitat modifications, on special-status species.
Implementation of federal, State, and local regulations and policies, as well as Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-3 would ensure development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would not have a substantial adverse effect on candidate, sensitive, or special-status species. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.
BIO-1 Conduct Pre-construction Bird Surveys and Implement Avoidance and Minimization Measures. For construction activities initiated during the bird nesting season (February 1 through September 15, and as early as January 1 for raptors), involving removal of vegetation, abandoned structures, man-made features, or other nesting bird habitat, a pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more than 5 days prior to initiation of ground disturbance and vegetation removal. The nesting bird preconstruction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall include an area on and around the construction site at a distance determined by a qualified biologist, including staging and storage areas. The minimum survey radii surrounding the work area shall be 500 feet.
The survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist familiar with the identification of avian species known to occur in the Solvang region. If construction lapses for 5 days or longer, the qualified biologist shall conduct another focused survey before project activities are reinitiated. If nests are found, an avoidance buffer shall be determined by the biologist dependent upon the species, the proposed work activity, and existing disturbances associated with land uses outside the site. The qualified biologist shall observe the active nest to establish a behavioral baseline of the adults and nestlings, if present. The qualified biologist shall monitor the active nests, while construction activities are happening to detect signs of disturbance and behavioral change as a result of construction impacts, such as noise, vibration, odors, or worker/equipment motion. If signs of disturbance and behavioral changes are observed, the qualified biologist shall stop all construction work causing those changes and until a larger avoidance buffer is established or until it is determined that the nesting period is completed. The buffer shall be demarcated by the biologist with bright orange construction fencing, flagging, construction lathe, or Implementation of Mitigation Measure
BIO-1 would reduce potential impacts to
nesting birds to a less-than-significant
level by requiring pre-construction
surveys for nesting birds and avoidance
measures if nesting birds are present on
a project site. Implementation of
Mitigation Measure BIO-2 would reduce
potential impacts to bat species to a lessthan-significant level by requiring assessment of potential building and
tree removals, and avoidance of roosting
bats. Implementation of Mitigation
Measure BIO-3 would reduce potential
impacts to Crotch’s bumblebee to a lessthan-significant level by requiring preconstruction surveys for Crotch’s bumblebee and avoidance measures if
Crotch’s bumblebee is present on a
project site.
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other means to demarcate the boundary. All construction personnel shall be notified of the buffer zone as an “Nesting Bird Area” and to avoid entering the buffer zone until a biologist determines that the nest is no longer active. No ground-disturbing activities shall occur within the buffer until the biologist has confirmed that breeding/nesting is completed and the young have fledged the nest.
A report summarizing the pre-construction survey(s) shall be prepared by a qualified biologist and shall be included on project site plans and submitted to the City prior to the commencement of construction activities.
BIO-2 Special Status Bat Species Habitat Assessment Survey and Emergence Survey(s). For future projects where trees, abandoned structures, or other habitat for roosting bats is present and construction activities may occur during seasonal periods of bat activity, construction activities shall occur outside the maternity season, as feasible. Should construction timing not allow for it, a special-status bat habitat assessment survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to any construction activities during the bat maternity season from April 1 through August 31. The survey will document any evidence of special-status bat species that may occur in proposed work areas through direct observation (e.g., roosting bats) and/or sign (e.g., bat guano). If no observance and/or sign of special-status bats are detected during these surveys, then construction-related activities may proceed. If observance or sign of special status bat species are detected during the survey, specialstatus bat species emergence survey(s) will need to be conducted.
If observance and/or sign of special-status bat species use is documented within the project site during implementation of BIO-2, and construction activities occur during the bat maternity season (April 1 through August 31), special-status bat species emergence survey(s) will be conducted. As part of BIO-3, a habitat assessment survey generally outlined in BIO-2 will be conducted on the first night of the emergence survey(s) to document the areas of suitable bat habitat within the Project site. Emergence surveys will be conducted in areas of suitable bat habitat (e.g., near buildings or trees) during the bat maternity season to document any specialstatus bat species emerging from features identified during the habitat assessment survey. Multiple emergence surveys may be 516
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required depending on the size and number of suitable habitat locations. The emergence survey(s) will be conducted one hour prior to sunset and last up to a minimum of two hours after sunset.
Depending on potential species that may occur, surveys may need to be conducted until midnight. Passive acoustic monitoring equipment will be utilized during the emergence surveys to determine identify bats to the species level. Any special-status bat species observed maternity roosting within or adjacent to the Project site should be avoided and provided a minimum buffer as determined by the qualified biologist (a 100-foot to 300-foot buffer is recommended) or in consultation with USFWS and/or CDFW prior to the commencement of construction. Should special-status bat species to only be day roosting and not maternity roosting, a bat mitigation and/or management plan should be developed for roost relocation. Mitigation and management plans would also require consultation with USFWS and/or CDFW prior to the commencement of construction.
BIO-3 Conduct Pre-construction Crotch’s Bumblebee Surveys and Implement Avoidance Measures. For construction activities located in vacant or undeveloped areas containing open grasslands, shrublands, or chaparral, a habitat assessment for Crotch’s bumblebee shall be performed. If it determined that suitable habitat for Crotch’s bumblebee is present, a focused survey shall be performed during the species active flight period for Crotch’s bumblebee and peak blooming period of nectar and pollen sources (May 1 through July 31). The survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine presence of Crotch’s bumblebee no more than 5 days prior to initiation of construction activities. The Crotch’s bumblebee survey shall be conducted on foot and shall encompass the entirety of a project site and focus on areas that allow for the highest probability of detection, such as high abundance nectar or pollen sources and rodent burrows that may be used for breeding and nesting, subject to the discretion of the qualified biologist. Prior to the start of construction, the qualified biologist shall map areas with abundant nectar or pollen sources that have potential use by Crotch’s bumblebee and active nesting sites. A report summarizing the habitat assessment and preconstruction survey (if required) shall be prepared by the qualified 517
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biologist and shall be submitted to the City prior to the commencement of construction activities.
If Crotch’s bumblebee is determined to be present, the project proponent shall consult with CDFW and obtain an Incidental Take Permit in accordance with the CESA prior to initiating any ground disturbance on the site.
Impact BIO-2. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would be subject to adopted federal, State, and local policies, including those the 2045 General Plan would implement, which would ensure that riparian
habitat, wetlands, and other sensitive natural
communities would not be substantially degraded or
removed. Therefore, these impacts would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact BIO-3. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would not substantially impede the movement of native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, or conflict with established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors with implementation of policies included in the 2045 General plan. This impact would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact BIO-4. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would be required to conform with
applicable local policies and ordinances protecting
biological resources. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact BIO-5. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would not conflict with the provision of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. No impact would occur.
None required. No impact
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Cultural Resources
Impact CUL-1. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan has the potential to cause adverse changes to the significance of historical resources. Impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
CUL-1 Historical Resources. Prior to project approval of a development project carried out under the 2045 General Plan, City staff shall determine the age of the structure(s) present. If a structure is determined to be greater than 45 years of age, the project applicant shall submit preliminary information (i.e., photographs) identifying any historical age features (i.e., structures over 45 years of age) proposed to be substantially altered, relocated, or demolished. If a building, structure, object, or other built environment feature that is 45 years of age or older is proposed to be substantially altered, relocated, or demolished, and after reviewing this documentation, the Planning Manager or their designee, supported by an architectural historian as needed, shall make a preliminary determination as to whether the building qualifies as a historical resource. “Historical resource” shall mean a property listed or found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, or identified as historically and/or architecturally significant by the City pursuant to Section 15064.5(a) of the CEQA Guidelines. A property that is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources must retain its historic integrity and meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
▪ Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
▪ Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. ▪ Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
▪ Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.
If the Planning Manager or their designee determines the built environment resource may have the potential to qualify as a historical resource, then a historical resources evaluation shall be required. The evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Secretary of the Implementation of Mitigation Measure
CUL-1 would reduce potential adverse
impacts on historical resources to the
extent feasible by requiring an
identification of historic-age built
environment features, an evaluation of
historical resources in compliance with
the State Office of Historic Preservation,
and, if necessary, compliance with the
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
the Treatments of Historic Properties.
However, it cannot be guaranteed that
historical resources would not be
demolished as a result of development
facilitated by the 2045 General Plan,
therefore impacts remain significant and
unavoidable.
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Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards (PQS) in architectural history or history. The qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct an intensive-level evaluation in accordance with the guidelines and best practices promulgated by the State Office of Historic Preservation to identify potential historical resources within the proposed development site. All properties 45 years of age or older shall be evaluated within their historic context and documented in a report meeting the State Office of Historic Preservation guidelines. All evaluated properties shall be documented on Department of Parks and Recreation Series 523 Forms. The report will be submitted to the City for review and concurrence. If the property is already listed in the NRHP or CRHR, the historical resources evaluation described above shall not be required.
If historical resources are identified through the survey and evaluation within the development site of a proposed development, efforts shall be made to the extent feasible to ensure that impacts are mitigated. Application of mitigation shall generally be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the PQS, unless unnecessary in the circumstances (e.g., preservation in place). In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, the historical resources evaluation report shall also identify and specify the treatment of characterdefining features and construction activities.
Efforts shall be made to the greatest extent feasible to ensure that the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of the resource is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatments of Historic Properties (Standards). In accordance with CEQA, a project that has been determined to conform with the Standards generally would not cause a significant adverse direct or indirect impact to historical resources (14 CCR § 15126.4(b)(1)).
Application of the Standards shall be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the PQS. In conjunction with any development application that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City for review and concurrence. As applicable, the report shall demonstrate how the project complies 520
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with the Standards and be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the issuance of permits.
If significant historical resources are identified on a development site and compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatments of Historic Properties and or avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. Mitigation measures may include documentation of the historical resource in the form of a Historic American Building Survey report. The report shall comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Architectural and Engineering Documentation and shall generally follow the Historic American Building Survey Level III requirements, including digital photographic recordation, detailed historic narrative report, and compilation of historic research. The documentation shall be completed by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Professional Qualifications Standards as defined by 36 CFR Part 61 and submitted to the City prior to issuance of any permits for demolition or alteration of the historical resource.
Impact CUL-2. Ground disturbing activities associated with development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan could
result in disturbance or damage to archaeological
resources. Implementation of applicable 2045 General
Plan policies, State and federal regulations, and the
Solvang Municipal Code would minimize or avoid
potential adverse impacts to archaeological resources.
This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
CUL-2 Archaeological Resources Assessment. Prior to approval of a project carried out under the 2045 General Plan that will involve ground disturbance activities in native or previously undisturbed soils that may include, but are not limited to, pavement removal, potholing, grubbing, tree removal, excavation or grading, an archaeological resources assessment shall be prepared under the supervision of an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards (PQS) in either prehistoric or historic archaeology. Assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records search at the Central Coast Information Center (CCIC) and of the Sacred Lands File Search maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The records searches shall
characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated in and around the project site. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken in proposed project areas that are on previously undeveloped land to locate any surface cultural materials. By performing a records search, consultation with the NAHC, and a Phase I survey, a qualified archaeologist shall be able Implementation of Mitigation Measures
CUL-2 through CUL-4 would reduce
potential impacts to a less-thansignificant level by requiring the identification and evaluation of any
archaeological resources that may be
present prior to construction and by
providing steps for the evaluation and
protection of unanticipated finds
encountered during construction.
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to classify the project area as having high, medium, or low sensitivity for archaeological resources.
If the Phase I archaeological survey identifies resources that may be affected by the project, the archaeological resources assessment shall also include Phase II testing and evaluation. If resources are determined significant or unique through Phase II testing and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be identified in the Phase II evaluation. These measures shall include, but would not be limited to, a Phase III data recovery program, avoidance, or other appropriate actions to be determined by a qualified archaeologist. If significant archaeological resources cannot be avoided, impacts may be reduced to less-thansignificant levels by filling on top of the sites rather than cutting into the cultural deposits. Alternatively, and/or in addition, a data collection program may be warranted, including mapping the location of artifacts, surface collection of artifacts, or excavation of the cultural deposit to characterize the nature of the buried portions of sites. Curation of the excavated artifacts or samples would occur as specified by the archaeologist.
CUL-3 Archaeological Monitoring. For projects whose Phase I archaeological survey identifies archaeological resources that may be affected, the applicant shall retain a qualified cultural resource specialist to monitor construction activities that involve grounddisturbing activities greater than 12 inches in depth and occur within 60 feet of a potentially significant cultural resource.
CUL-4 Unanticipated Discoveries. In the event that archaeological resources are unexpectedly encountered during ground-disturbing activities, work within 50 feet of the find shall halt and an archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology (National Park Service 1983) shall be contacted immediately to evaluate the resource. If the resource is determined by the qualified archaeologist to be prehistoric, then a Chumash representative shall also be contacted to participate in the evaluation of the resource. If the qualified archaeologist and/or Chumash representative determines it to be appropriate, archaeological testing for CRHR eligibility shall be completed. If the resource proves to be eligible for the CRHR and significant impacts to the resource cannot be avoided via project 522
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redesign, a qualified archaeologist shall prepare a data recovery plan tailored to the physical nature and characteristics of the resource, per the requirements of the CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(3)(C). The data recovery plan shall identify data recovery excavation methods, measurable objectives, and data thresholds to reduce any significant impacts to cultural resources related to the resource. Pursuant to the data recovery plan, the qualified archaeologist and Chumash representative, as appropriate, shall recover and document the scientifically consequential information that justifies the resource’s significance. The City shall review and approve the treatment plan and archaeological testing as appropriate, and the resulting documentation shall be submitted to the regional repository of the CHRIS at the CCIC, per CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(3)(C).
Impact CUL-3. Ground disturbing activities associated with development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan could
result in disturbance of human remains. Compliance with State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public
Resources Code Section 5097.8 would ensure the 2045
General Plan’s impact to human remains would be less
than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Energy
Impact E-1. Development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would result in energy usage. Adherence to state
regulations and 2045 General Plan policies would ensure these impacts would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Geology and Soils
Impact GEO-1. Construction of new development
facilitated by the 2045 General Plan may exacerbate
seismic hazards risk, such as liquefaction or landslides.
Adherence to requirements of the California Building
Code and implementation of 2045 General Plan goals and
policies would minimize the potential for loss, injury, or death following a seismic event, landslide, liquefaction, or other geologic hazards. This impact would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
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Impact GEO-2. Construction of development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would include ground disturbance
that would result in loose or exposed soil that could result in the loss of topsoil. Compliance with the Construction General Permit, the California Building Code, and City
Municipal Code would minimize the potential for erosion and loss of topsoil and would ensure this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact GEO-3. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would occur where existing sewer systems
are present. Therefore, implementation of the 2045
General Plan would not result in a significant impact to soils that are incapable of supporting septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems. No impact
would occur.
None required. No impact
Impact GEO-4. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan has the potential to impact paleontological resources. Impacts would be less than significant with
mitigation incorporated.
GEO-1 Protection of Paleontological Resources. The City of Solvang shall add the following policies providing for the protection of paleontological resources to the 2045 General Plan prior to its adoption. These policies shall include the following stipulations:
▪ A Qualified Professional Paleontologist, as defined by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP), must be retained to conduct a paleontological resources analysis prior to the initiation of projects that may impact sediments with high paleontological sensitivity to determine whether there is a potential for the project to significantly impact paleontological resources. ▪ If potential impacts to paleontological resources are found to be significant, then a Qualified Professional Paleontologist shall be retained to develop and implement a Paleontological Resources Mitigation Program (PRMP) to ensure that impacts to
paleontological resources are mitigated. This PRMP may include:
▫ Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training; ▫ Pre-construction surveys;
▫ Paleontological construction monitoring;
▫ Retention of an on-call Qualified Professional Paleontologist; ▫ Salvage, laboratory preparation, and curation of
paleontological resources; and/or
Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would
require paleontological resources to be
protected, if applicable, which would
reduce potential impacts to a less than
significant level.
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▫ Reporting to regulatory agencies.
▪ Should paleontological resources be encountered during any construction activity, all activity that could damage or destroy the resources shall be suspended until a Qualified Professional Paleontologist has examined the site. Construction shall not resume until the resource is properly evaluated and, if necessary, mitigation actions are carried out to address the impacts of the project on these resources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Impact GHG-1. Although construction and operation of
projects carried out under the 2045 General Plan would
generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the 2045
General Plan includes policies and actions that reduce
GHG emissions and align with the goals of applicable
plans, policies, and regulations related to GHG emissions.
The 2045 General Plan would therefore not conflict with applicable plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. Impacts would be
less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Impact HAZ-1. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
could result in an incremental increase of the overall
routine transport, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Compliance with applicable regulations related to the handling, transport, disposal, and storage of
hazardous materials and adherence to 2045 General Plan
policies would minimize the risk of spills and the public’s potential exposure to these substances and reduce the
risk of adverse impacts of hazardous materials. This
impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HAZ-2. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan could result in an incremental increase of use of hazardous materials in proximity to Solvang
Elementary School and Santa Ynez Valley Union High
School. Adherence to regulatory requirements would
ensure impacts would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
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Impact HAZ-3. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would comply with applicable regulations and would
include a policy to minimize the potential for
development to be located on a hazardous materials site.
This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HAZ-4. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan could occur within the City’s current Sphere of Influence which partially overlaps contours established by the Santa Ynez Airport Land Use Plan. Adherence to
regulatory requirements and implementation of 2045
General Plan polices would reduce potential impacts
related to airport hazards to a less than significant level.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HAZ-5. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would adhere to applicable State and local regulations to ensure consistency with adopted
emergency response and emergency evacuation plans.
This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HAZ-6. The 2045 General Plan includes policies to minimize wildland fire risk. Development facilitated by the proposed project would adhere to the California Fire Code and be reviewed by the Santa Barbara County Fire District to ensure people or structures would not be exposed to
significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Hydrology and Water Quality
Impact HYD-1. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would be required to adhere to existing
permitting and Municipal Code requirements which would
minimize the potential for development to degrade water quality. This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HYD-2. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would increase the amount of impervious
surface area and increase groundwater demand in
Solvang. Compliance with the Central Coast RWQCB,
Municipal Code, and 2045 General Plan policies would
ensure the 2045 General Plan would not substantially
None required. Less than significant
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decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge. This impact would be less
than significant.
Impact HYD-3. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would be required to adhere to existing
permitting and Municipal Code requirements which would
ensure development would not substantially alter existing drainage patterns. This impact would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HYD-4. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan may occur in flood hazard areas. Compliance with applicable municipal code requirements and
proposed Safety Element policies would ensure
development within areas subject to inundation would be sited, designed, and constructed as to not exacerbate risks from release of pollutants from inundation. This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact HYD-5. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would use groundwater in compliance with
the management strategies set forth by the Eastern
Management Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
Future development would be required to adhere to
federal, State, and local regulations to minimize water quality impacts in compliance with the Basin Plan. This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Land Use and Planning
Impact LU-1. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would provide for orderly development in the Planning
Area and would not physically divide an established
community. Impacts would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact LU-2. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would be consistent with applicable regional land use
plans, policies, or regulations such as SBCAG’s Connected 2050. Impacts would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
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Noise
Impact NOI-1. Construction of individual projects
facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would temporarily
increase noise levels, potentially affecting nearby noisesensitive land uses. Development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would also introduce new noise sources and contribute to increases in operational noise.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-1 and the
continued regulation of noise, consistent with the City Code and implementation of policies from the 2045
General Plan would minimize disturbance to adjacent land uses. stationary operational and mobile noise would not exceed standards. However, short-term construction
noise impacts would be significant and unavoidable even with mitigation.
NOI-1 Adopt and Implement Construction Noise Reduction
Measures. To minimize noise during construction, the City shall adopt a policy to include the following:
Construction contractors shall implement the following measures for construction activities conducted within the City. Construction plans submitted to the City shall identify the following minimum measures on demolition, grading, and construction plans submitted to the City. The City Building Department shall verify that grading, demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to the City include these notations prior to issuance of demolition, grading and/or building permits.
▪ Mufflers. During excavation and grading construction phases, all construction equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be operated with closed engine doors and shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers consistent with
manufacturers’ standards.
▪ Stationary Equipment. All stationary construction equipment shall be placed so that emitted noise is directed away from the nearest sensitive receivers.
▪ Equipment Staging Areas. Equipment staging shall be located in areas that will create the greatest distance feasible between construction-related noise sources and noise-sensitive receivers. ▪ Smart Back-up Alarms. Mobile construction equipment shall have smart back-up alarms that automatically adjust the sound level of the alarm in response to ambient noise levels.
Alternatively, back-up alarms shall be disabled and replaced with human spotters to ensure safety when mobile construction equipment is moving in the reverse direction in compliance with applicable safety laws and regulations.
▪ Electrically-Powered Tools and Facilities. Electrical power shall be used to run air compressors and similar power tools and to power any temporary structures, such as construction trailers or caretaker facilities, where feasible.
▪ Noise Disturbance Coordinator. The project applicant shall designate a “noise disturbance coordinator” responsible for responding to any local complaints about construction noise.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure
NOI-1 would reduce potential impacts
from noise during short-term
construction and operation to less than
significant levels by reducing noise
source impacts, however, impacts would
remain significant and unavoidable.
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The disturbance coordinator shall determine the cause of any noise complaint and shall require that reasonable measures be implemented to correct the problem. A telephone number for the disturbance coordinator and the City shall be posted at the construction site.
▪ Temporary Noise Barriers. Erect temporary noise barriers, where feasible, when construction noise is predicted to exceed the acceptable standards (e.g., 80 dBA Leq at residential receivers, schools or other sensitive receptors during the daytime) or when the anticipated construction duration is greater than is typical (e.g., two years or greater) and there are sensitive receptors within 500 feet of the construction site.
Temporary noise barriers shall be constructed with solid materials (e.g., wood) with a density of at least 1.5 pounds per square foot with no gaps from the ground to the top of the barrier. If a sound blanket is used, barriers shall be constructed with solid material with a density of at least 1 pound per square foot with no gaps from the ground to the top of the barrier and be lined on the construction side with acoustical blanket, curtain or equivalent absorptive material rated sound transmission class (STC) 32 or higher.
Impact NOI-2. Construction of development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would temporarily generate
groundborne vibration, potentially affecting nearby land uses. Operation of development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would not result in substantial groundborne vibration. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation.
NOI-2 Adopt and Implement Vibration Control Measures and Screening Distances. To reduce potential construction vibration impacts, the City shall adopt the following 2045 General Plan policy:
▪ Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring pile driving during construction a) within 135 feet of fragile structures (historical resources, 100 feet of non-engineered timber and masonry buildings [e.g., most residential buildings], b) within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster); c) a vibratory roller within 40 feet of fragile historical resources or 25 feet of any other structure; and/or d) a dozer or other large earthmoving equipment within 20 feet for a fragile historical structure or 15 feet of any other structure, the project applicant shall prepare a groundborne vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential vibration impacts related to these construction activities. This vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed FTA architectural Implementation of Mitigation Measure
NOI-2 would reduce potential impacts
from groundborne vibration to less than
significant levels by providing screening
distances, within which vibration analysis
and vibration reductions measures may
be required to reduce project vibration
impacts to less than significant levels.
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damage thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered concrete and masonry). If vibration levels would exceed these thresholds, alternative uses such as drilling piles as opposed to pile driving, static rollers as opposed to vibratory rollers, and lower horsepower earthmoving equipment shall be used. If necessary, construction vibration monitoring shall be conducted to ensure FTA vibration thresholds are not exceeded.
Impact NOI-3. The 2045 General Plan would not expose
people residing or working in the Planning Area to
excessive noise levels from airport land use. There would be no impact.
None required. No impact
Population and Housing
Impact POP-1. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would accommodate growth which exceeds the Santa
Barbara County Association of Governments’ Regional
Growth Forecast. However, growth resulting from the
2045 General Plan is anticipated and would not constitute substantial unplanned population growth. Further, the
Santa Barbara County Association of Governments would
update their growth projections to be consistent with the 2045 General Plan during the next planning cycle. This
impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact POP-2. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would not displace substantial numbers of existing
housing or people, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere. Impacts would be less
than significant.
None required. Less than significant
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Public Services and Recreation
Impact PS-1. Development associated with the 2045
General Plan would result in an increase in the City’s
population and potentially increase demand for fire
protection services. Adherence to proposed 2045 General Plan goals and policies would reduce impacts associated with the provision of fire protection services to less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact PS-2. Development associated with the 2045
General Plan would result in an increase in the City’s
population and potentially increase demand for police
protection services. Adherence to proposed 2045 General Plan goals and policies would reduce impacts associated with the provision of police protection services to less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact PS-3. Development associated with the 2045
General Plan would add school-aged children to Solvang.
However, facilities have adequate capacity and new
development would be required to pay impact fees, which would result in less than significant impacts with regards to the provision of school facilities.
None required. Less than significant
Impact PS-4. Development associated with the 2045
General Plan would result in an increase in the City’s
population and potentially increase demand for public
services, including libraries. Adherence to proposed 2045 General Plan goals and policies would reduce impacts
associated with the provision of public services to less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact REC-1. Development associated with the 2045
General Plan would result in an increase in the City’s
population and potentially increase demand for parks and recreational facilities. However, compliance with
proposed 2045 General Plan policies and payment of
mandatory parkland dedication fees would reduce
impacts related to parks and recreation to less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
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Transportation
Impact TRA-1. The 2045 General Plan would not conflict
with the Connected 2050 Regional Transportation
Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, the Santa Ynez
Valley Bicycle Master Plan, or the Santa Ynez River Trail Alignment Study, or any other applicable program, plan, ordinance, or policy relevant to the transportation system.
This impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact TRA-2. The future year citywide vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) per Capita and VMT per Employee with
implementation of the 2045 General Plan would not
achieve at least a 15 percent reduction below the existing regional average. As a result, the 2045 General Plan would be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3,
subdivision (b). Even with implementation of Mitigation Measure TRA-1, this impact would be significant and
unavoidable.
TRA-1 Achieve VMT Reductions for Development Projects. In the interim, prior to the City establishing VMT thresholds for determining transportation impacts for CEQA, per Policy MOB-1.4 of the 2045 General Plan, for individual projects that exceed the City’s recommended threshold below the VMT average based on project-specific VMT analysis, the City shall require the project applicant to implement project-level VMT reduction strategies. The City shall design strategies for the proposed project to reduce VMT from existing land uses, where feasible, and from new discretionary residential or employment land use projects. The design of programs and project-specific mitigation shall focus on VMT reduction strategies that increase travel choices and improve the comfort and convenience of sharing rides in private vehicles, using public transit, biking, or walking. VMT reduction strategies may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Provision of bus stop improvements
2) Pedestrian improvements, on-site or off-site, to connect to nearby transit stops, services, schools, shops, etc. by paying in lieu fees.
3) Bicycle programs, including bike rentals, storage, maintenance programs, and on-site education programs
4) Enhancements to the citywide bicycle network by paying in lieu fees
5) Parking reductions and/or fees set at levels sufficient to incentivize transit, active transportation, or shared modes 6) Cash allowances, passes, or other public transit subsidies 7) Employee-based housing options
Although Mitigation Measure TRA-1
would require project applicants of
individual projects with potentially
significant VMT impacts to implement
VMT reduction strategies, because the
uncertainty relating to the feasibility of
implementing VMT reduction strategies
and the timing that it would take to
implement VMT reduction strategies for
individual projects, the effectiveness of
reducing an individual project’s VMT
impact is speculative at this
programmatic stage. As a result, because
specific project-level details are
unknown at this level of planning,
individual developments facilitated by
the 2045 General Plan may exceed VMT
thresholds. Adoption and
implementation of the City’s VMT
thresholds in accordance with Policy
MOB-1.4 would ensure that
development facilitated by the project
would generally be consistent with SB
743. However, individual projects that
may occur would not be guaranteed to
be below thresholds in the adopted VMT
Program nor would feasible mitigation
therein necessarily reduce VMT below
thresholds. Therefore, the project’s
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Following the City’s establishment of VMT thresholds, individual projects shall be evaluated and mitigated in accordance with the procedures outlined in the City’s VMT Program.
impacts related to VMT would be
significant and unavoidable.
Impact TRA-3. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would comply with State, Santa Barbara
County Fire Department, and City requirements related to transportation design safety and emergency access. With adherence to these requirements, the 2045 General Plan
would not substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature or result in inadequate
emergency access, and this impact would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact TRC-1. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan may impact previously unidentified tribal
cultural resources. Adherence to State and 2045 General Plan regulations would ensure impacts to tribal cultural resources would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
TCR-1 Workers Environmental Awareness Program. The Applicant will invite a City-approved archaeologist to provide a cultural resources awareness training program (Worker Environmental Awareness Program [WEAP]) for all personnel involved in project construction, including field consultants and construction workers.
The City will invite consulting Chumash Tribe(s) to provide a tribal cultural resources awareness training program (Worker
Environmental Awareness Program [WEAP]) for all personnel involved in project construction, including field consultants and construction workers. The WEAP training shall be conducted prior to any project-related ground disturbing activities in the project area. The WEAP will include relevant information regarding sensitive cultural resources and tribal cultural resources, including applicable regulations, protocols for avoidance, and consequences of violating State laws and regulations. The WEAP will also describe appropriate avoidance and impact minimization measures for cultural resources and tribal cultural resources that could be located at the project site and will outline what to do and who to contact if any potential cultural resources or tribal cultural resources are encountered. The WEAP will emphasize the requirement for confidentiality and culturally appropriate treatment of any discovery of significance to Native Americans and will discuss appropriate behaviors and responsive actions, consistent with Chumash tribal values.
Implementation of Mitigation Measures
TCR-1 through TCR-5 would mitigate
potential impacts to a less than
significant level by requiring the
identification and evaluation of any tribal
cultural resources that may be present
prior to construction and by providing
steps for the evaluation and protection
of unanticipated finds encountered
during construction.
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TCR-2 Retain Chumash Tribal Monitors. For any project with the potential to encounter tribal cultural resources as determined through consultation, prior to issuance of any City Grading or Construction Permit, the Applicant or its designee shall work with consulting Chumash Tribe(s) to retain Tribal Monitor(s) to assist in the monitoring, mitigation, and curation activities for the specific project.
Where multiple areas of work are concurrently permitted for grading or disturbance, or where multiple pieces of equipment are operating within the same work area, there shall be multiple monitors, at least one for each area, and a sufficient number of Tribal Monitors shall be onsite to ensure all concurrent activities are monitored. The tribal monitors may be rotated to ensure that consulting Chumash Tribe(s) can observe the work areas. The City shall be responsible for creating monitoring schedules for the Chumash Tribal Monitors, and specifying the locations where they will monitor in consultation with the consulting Chumash Tribe(s).
Any interference with monitoring activities, removal of a monitor from duties , or direction to a monitor to relocate or cease monitoring activities by anyone other than the City shall be considered a non-compliance event. In the event a Chumash Tribal Monitor is dismissed from monitoring and the City determines this to be in error, the Chumash Tribal Monitor will be compensated for time lost by the Applicant. Any disagreements between the Project Archaeologist and Chumash Tribal Monitors shall be brought to the City’s attention for resolution.
The Project Archaeologist or consulting Chumash Tribe(s) shall notify the Applicant and the City by telephone or email, of any incidents of non-compliance with any cultural resource mitigation measure or condition within 24 hours of becoming aware of the situation. The Project Archaeologist and consulting Chumash Tribe(s) shall also recommend corrective action(s) to resolve the problem or achieve compliance with the mitigation measure or project condition.
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in the next Monthly Compliance Report, which is submitted to the City. The Applicant or its designee shall also provide a copy of the non-compliance report to the consulting Chumash Tribe(s) when issued to the City.
TCR-3 Retain a Project Osteologist. For any project with the potential to encounter human remains as determined through consultation and/or during the preparation of archaeological assessments carried out under CUL-2, prior to issuance of any City Grading or Construction Permit, a Project Osteologist shall be retained by the Applicant or its designee to assist in the identification of any human remains. The Project Osteologist shall have the following minimum qualifications:
▪ A graduate degree in archaeology, forensic anthropology, or related discipline, with four years’ experience working with archaeological and Tribal Cultural resources in California. If an Osteologist with four years’ experience is not available, a candidate with no less than two years' experience may be considered.
▪ A copy of the Project Osteologist’s qualifications shall be provided to the City for review and approval. The Project Osteologist’s qualifications shall be provided by the City to consulting Chumash Tribe(s) for review and comment prior to approval by the City.
TCR-4 Develop a Cultural Resources Monitoring and Discovery Plan. For any project with the potential to encounter cultural and/or tribal cultural resources as determined through consultation and/or the preparation of archaeological assessments carried out under CUL-2, prior to issuance of any City Grading or Construction Permit, the Project Archaeologist shall develop and submit a Cultural Resources Monitoring and Discovery Plan (CRMDP) to the City for review and approval. No ground disturbing activities can occur until the CRMDP is approved by the City. A draft of the CRMDP shall be provided by the City to consulting Chumash Tribe(s) and an independent third-party City-qualified archaeologist for a 45-day review and comment period. No ground disturbance can occur before approval of any construction-related permits by the City.
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At a minimum, the CRMDP shall include the following:
▪ An introduction outlining the project description, purpose for monitoring, summary of resources studies or description of known resources, anticipated construction schedule, anticipated impacts to cultural resources, curation and treatment options.
Permanent curation of Tribal Cultural Resources will not take place unless approved in writing by consulting Chumash Tribe(s) in compliance with CalNAGPRA (if applicable) along with any other applicable state and federal laws.
▪ A description of the monitoring personnel involved with the Project (Project Archaeologist, Archaeological Monitors, and Chumash Tribal Monitors as appointed by consulting Chumash Tribe(s)) and their responsibilities, which shall include but are not limited to:
▫ A list of personnel involved in the monitoring activities and their availability;
▫ A description of how the monitoring shall occur;
▫ A description of how the monitoring schedule will be
developed and implemented given that different areas of ground disturbance may occur simultaneously;
▫ A description of what resources are expected to be
encountered and where they are expected to be
encountered; and
▫ A description of monitoring reporting procedures.
▪ A description of the Cultural Resources Worker Environmental Awareness Program training and Tribal Cultural Resources Worked Environmental Awareness Program Training as provided by consulting Chumash Tribe(s) (see MM CUL-5) and when and how that will take place.
▪ Identification of the areas on the site, plus a buffer, where earthwork and site disturbance will be avoided. This should include the following:
▫ A description of the exclusion zone which shall be placed around each avoidance area and labeled as “Environmentally Sensitive Area” in all relevant project documents and
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Areas shall exclude all construction equipment and
personnel. Exclusion zone fencing shall be installed prior to any site disturbance (and later removed) under the direction of the Project Archaeologist in consultation with the City and consulting Chumash Tribe(s). The construction contractor will be responsible for maintaining the exclusion zone
fencing throughout the duration of decommissioning.
▪ Definition and description of authorities, protocols, and procedures for halting and/or pausing work in order to record, evaluate, and identify any necessary treatment for any cultural resources encountered. This shall include protocols for ensuring all treatment or recovery of cultural resources is completed prior to work resuming in the area of the find.
▪ Information that the Project Archaeologist, Archaeological Monitor(s), and the Chumash Tribal Monitor(s) shall have the authority to halt ground disturbing activities in the event previously unknown cultural resources or tribal cultural resources are encountered or if known resources may be
impacted in a previously unanticipated manner as a result of that ground disturbing activity.
▪ Details regarding the immediate cessation of ground disturbing activities within a minimum of 100 feet of the discovery of any cultural resources/tribal cultural resources or human remains and measures to delineate the area with clearly visible lath, flagging tape, or other marking. The City and the consulting Chumash Tribe(s) shall be consulted on a determination of significance. If potential human remains are identified, the project archaeologist, the project osteologist, City designee(s), and the consulting Chumash Tribe(s) shall be invited to be present during determination and development of protective measures of find until the Most Likely Descendant (MLD) is notified as appropriate.
▪ Notification procedures of unanticipated discoveries of cultural resources/tribal cultural resources including human remains.
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find. If the discovery occurs on a Friday, the City can be notified the following Monday morning.
▪ Specific in-field procedures for collecting, handling, and categorizing cultural resources, including human remains, encountered and a detailed process for evaluating unanticipated discoveries.
▪ Development of a preliminary treatment plan which shall, at a minimum, include:
▫ A description of the treatment options for each type of resource which include, in order of priority: 1) preservation in place, where feasible; 2) the development of a treatment plan, archaeological testing, or data recovery; 3) reburial as close as possible to the location where all artifacts, remains, and/or funerary objects were found; and 4) reburial in a predetermined area. Any Chumash cultural materials
disinterred as a result of specific projects shall be curated or reinterred upon determination by the City and consulting Chumash Tribe(s).
▫ The location of a secured, on-site storage area for recovered cultural/tribal resources shall be identified before any ground disturbing activities occur by the City and consulting Chumash Tribe(s).
▫ In the event of a human remains discovery, the City and consulting Chumash Tribe(s), and Coroner’s office shall be notified no later than 24 hours of the find by the Applicant or their designee. The Coroner will contact the NAHC to identify the MLD of the human remains. The Applicant or their
designee must follow HSC § 7050.5 and proceed under PRC § 5097.98 within 48 hours. Once a MLD has been assigned,
they and the applicant shall be given 48 hours from the time of notification to provide a proposed treatment option to the City. No photographs, removal of remains (unless already disinterred), nor further disturbance may take place without written approval of the MLD.
▫ For the predetermined area for reburial of human remains and cultural resources, the location must be surveyed in advance of its inclusion in the CRMDP, to determine if the location may be used (i.e., there are no biological and/or 538
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cultural/tribal resources sensitivities). The location must be under a deed restriction, protecting any reburials of human remains and artifacts in perpetuity.
▫ A commitment from the Applicant to pay all treatment costs for artifacts, funerary objects, and remains discovered, from discovery to reinternment, and for related documentation produced, if any, during cultural resources investigations conducted for the Project.
▪ Procedures for the Project Archaeologist, the Applicant, or its contractors to provide immediate notification to the City and consulting Chumash Tribe(s) and immediately cease any
earthwork conducted outside the limits of the approved grading plan or land use permit as these activities require prior approval by the City.
▪ Outline of reporting procedures, including monthly summary reports and an annual archaeological monitoring report to be submitted by the Project Archaeologist to the City and
consulting Chumash Tribe(s) for review throughout the duration of Project disturbance activities. The City shall provide copies of the plan to the consulting Chumash Tribe(s) for review. Formal technical reports are required for any archaeological testing or data recovery conducted. Annual archaeological monitoring reports and any technical testing or data recovery reports shall be submitted to the City and Central Coast Information Center.
Upon completion of all monitoring or treatment activities at Project completion, the Project Archaeologist shall submit a final report under confidentiality to the City summarizing all monitoring/treatment activities. The City shall provide copies of the confidential final report to the consulting Chumash Tribe(s). ▪ The Applicant or its designee(s) will consult with consulting Chumash Tribe(s) to develop measures for long term
management of the resources including any routine operation and maintenance that may need to occur within culturally sensitive areas that retain resource integrity, including tribal cultural integrity, and including archaeological material, Traditional Cultural Properties, and cultural landscapes, in accordance with state and federal guidance including National Register Bulletin 30 (Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting 539
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Rural Historic Landscapes), Bulletin 36 (Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archaeological Properties), and Bulletin 38 (Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties.
TCR-5 Soil Remediation Activities Affecting Previously Known Cultural and/or Tribal Resources. The Applicant or its designee shall consult with the City prior to conducting any soil remediation activities which could affect native soils and provide the City with adequate information to determine compliance with CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15162-15164 and PRC §21074. The City shall consult with locally affiliated Chumash Tribe(s) prior to approving any soil remediation activities affecting previously known cultural and/or tribal resources.
Utilities and Service Systems
Impact UTIL-1. Development facilitated by the 2045
General Plan would increase demand for additional utility infrastructure; however, no substantial relocation or
construction of utility facilities or services would be required to serve 2045 General Plan buildout beyond
existing conditions. The Wastewater Treatment Plant
would have enough capacity to serve 2045 General Plan
buildout. Therefore, impacts would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact UTIL-2. The overall growth anticipated by the 2045 General Plan would generate additional water demand in
Solvang that could exceed projected water supplies. With the implementation of 2045 General Plan policies, which require the City to restrict development until adequate water supplies are available to serve additional
development, this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
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Impact UTIL-3. The 2045 General Plan would not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure. Growth and development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would
be developed in accordance with solid waste reduction
statutes and regulations. Impacts would be less than
significant.
None required. Less than significant
Wildfire
Impact W-1. The 2045 General Plan includes polices to
address emergency access, response, and preparedness.
Therefore, the proposed project would not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan. This impact would be less
than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact W-2. The 2045 General Plan includes policies to
minimize wildfire risk. Development facilitated by the
proposed project would adhere to the California Fire Code and be reviewed by the Santa Barbara County Fire District to ensure wildfire risk would not be exacerbated.
Therefore, this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact W-3. Implementation of the 2045 General Plan
would not require the installation or maintenance of
substantial infrastructure that may exacerbate fire risk or result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the
environment associated with fire risk. Therefore, this
impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
Impact W-4. The 2045 General Plan includes policies to
ensure development would not exacerbate risks from
flooding or landslides due to wildfire. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant.
None required. Less than significant
541
Introduction
This document is a programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of an update to the Solvang General Plan, including eight respective City General Plan elements (collectively referred to in this EIR as the “2045 General Plan” or “proposed project”). A programmatic EIR evaluates the effects of broad proposals or planning-level decisions, such as the 2045 General Plan, with a level of detail sufficient to allow informed decisions among planning-level alternatives and to develop broad mitigation strategies.
This chapter discusses: (1) the legal basis for preparing an EIR, (2) the proposed project and EIR background, (3) the scope and (4) content of the EIR, (5) the lead, responsible, and trustee agencies, and (6) the environmental review process required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The 2045 General Plan is described in detail in Section 2, Project Description.
1.1 EIR Purpose, Type, and Authority
1.1.1 Regulatory Purpose
CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 defines a project as:
“…the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.” The 2045 General Plan includes policies and land use designations that could lead to either a direct physical change or indirect physical change in the environment. Further, Section 15378(a)(1) explicitly calls out the “adoption and amendment of local General Plans” as qualifying as a project.
The 2045 General Plan qualifies as a project under CEQA and requires the discretionary approval of the Solvang City Council; therefore, the proposed project is subject to the environmental review requirements of CEQA. In accordance with Section 15121 of the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14), the purpose of an EIR is to serve as an informational document that:
“...will inform public agency decision makers and the public generally of the significant environmental effects of a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to the project.”
As such, the regulatory purpose of this EIR is to disclose the environmental impacts, including any significant effects, of the proposed project, identify ways to avoid or reduce environmental impacts through planning design or environmental mitigation measures, consider feasible alternatives to the proposed project, and integrate public participation and input into the overall planning process.
1.1.2 EIR Type
This EIR has been prepared as a programmatic EIR pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines. A programmatic EIR is appropriate for planning documents or other long-term programs.
As stated in the CEQA Guidelines:
542
A program EIR is an EIR which may be prepared on a series of actions that can be characterized as one large project and are related either:
Geographically,
As logical parts in the chain of contemplated actions;
In connections with issuance of rules, regulations, plans, or other general criteria to govern the conduct of a continuing program; or
As individual activities carried out under the same authorizing statutory or regulatory authority and having generally similar environmental effects which can be mitigated in similar ways.
This EIR is programmatic in nature with a broad comprehensive evaluation to cover the actions taken under the longer-range plan. Some future development projects may require additional project-specific environmental review, given that this program EIR analysis is not parcel- or projectspecific.
1.1.3 Legal Authority
This EIR is intended to serve as an informational document for the public and City of Solvang decision makers. The approval process will include public hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council to consider certification of a Final EIR and adoption of the 2045 General Plan.
Adoption of the 2045 General Plan may not be considered until this EIR has first been considered by the decision makers and certified by the approving body, in this case the Solvang City Council.
1.2 EIR Background
1.2.1 Notice of Preparation
The City of Solvang distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the EIR on July 15, 2023, for a 30- day agency and public review period starting on June 15, 2023, and ending on July 14, 2023. In addition, the City held an EIR Scoping Meeting on June 28, 2023. The meeting was aimed at giving information about the 2045 General Plan to members of public agencies, interested stakeholders, and residents/community members, and at receiving input on the scope of the environmental review.
1.2.2 Comments Received in Response to the Notice of
Preparation
The City received written and verbal comments in response to the NOP during the public review period. The NOP is included in Appendix A of the EIR, along with the written NOP responses that were received.
543
Table 1-1 NOP Comments and EIR Location Information
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Agency Comments
Native American
Heritage Commission
Notes consultation pursuant to Senate Bill 18 and
Assembly Bill 52.
Notes confidentiality of information submitted by
a Tribe during the environmental review process.
Recommends consideration of feasible
mitigation.
Section 4.15, Tribal Cultural
Resources
Santa Barbara County
Air Pollution Control
District
Requests the EIR evaluates consistency with the
2022 Ozone Plan
Section 4.2, Air Quality
Requests the EIR examines air quality impacts to
sensitive land uses
Section 4.2, Air Quality
Requests the EIR evaluates potential impacts
related to ozone precursor emissions, nitrogen
oxide, and particulate matter
Section 4.2, Air Quality
Requests the EIR evaluate air quality impacts
associated with construction
Section 4.2, Air Quality
Requests EIR include discussion of asbestos
removal if the General Plan update will address
issues of development which may involve
demolition and renovation
The proposed project does not
include specific developments that
would result in the demolition of
buildings containing asbestos.
Requests the EIR evaluate greenhouse gas
impacts
Section 4.7, Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Requests EIR evaluate measures that promote
the use of alternate modes of transportation and
reducing vehicle miles traveled
Section 4.14, Transportation
Native American Tribes Comments
Santa Ynez Band of
Chumash Indians
Requested formal consultation on project Section 4.15, Tribal Cultural Resources
Public Comments – Scoping Meeting
Stephen Martin Concern with regard to development at Site C, Alamo Pintado at Old Mission, identified in the
Housing Element
Section 6, Alternatives
Dan Martin Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact to traffic, water, wildfire, flooding, hazards,
aesthetics, cultural resources, and public services
Section 6, Alternatives
Note Site C is two parcels of 1.5 acres and 4 acres Commented is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis presented
in the EIR.
Kent Lockhart Concern with increases in traffic and impacts to streets in residential neighborhoods
Section 4.14, Transportation
Potential impacts to the City’s gateway Section 4.1, Aesthetics Potential impacts to existing parks Section 4.13, Public Services and Recreation
Adequate concentration of urgent care, hospital,
grocery, pharmacy, and gas station facilities
Section 4.13, Public Services and
Recreation
544
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Karen Waite Agrees with comments made by Stephen Martin, Dan Martin, and Kent Lockhart
Comment is noted.
Concern with regard to development at Site C,
Alamo Pintado at Old Mission, identified in the
Housing Element, for impacts to historical
resources
Section 6, Alternatives
Lansing Duncan Concern with potential congestion at Mission Drive and Interstate 246
Pursuant to Senate Bill 743, traffic
congestion and level of service is no
longer considered in CEQA analyses.
This comment does not pertain to the
analysis within the EIR.
Concern with water supply issues Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Concern with wildfire issues with the combined
effects of climate change
Wildfire is addressed in Section 4.18,
Effects Found Not to Be Significant.
Greenhouse gas emissions are
addressed in Section 4.7, Greenhouse
Gas Emissions
Concern with the creation of impervious surfaces
and flooding
Section 4.9, Hydrology and Water
Quality
Concern with proper emergency access and
egress
Section 4.14, Transportation
Concern with regard to development at Site C,
Alamo Pintado at Old Mission, identified in the
Housing Element
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with the potential demand for public
services and recreation
Section 4.13, Public Services and
Recreation
Figure LU-1 of the Land Use element is not
consistent with the Housing Element
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Jennifer Dryden Hess Concern with regard to development at Site C, Alamo Pintado at Old Mission, identified in the
Housing Element
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with pedestrian infrastructure Section 4.14, Transportation Denise Johns Innovative design guidelines should be developed for housing including architecture, landscaping,
and circulation guidelines
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Public Comments – Written
Sam Burke Concern with increases in traffic as a result of development at Site C
Section 6, Alternatives
Nick Abramiuk Concern with adding housing to Solvang Section 4.12, Population and Housing Concern with increase in traffic in Solvang and
potential air quality and greenhouse gas impacts
from traffic
Traffic is addressed in Section 4.14,
Transportation. Air quality is
addressed in Section 4.2, Air Quality.
Greenhouse gas emissions are
addressed in Section 4.7, Greenhouse
Gas Emissions.
Concern with expansive soils in Solvang Section 4.6, Geology and Soils 545
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Concern with impacts to cultural and tribal
cultural resources
Section 4.4, Cultural Resources, and
Section 4.15, Tribal Cultural
Resources
Potential impacts regarding tourism in Solvang
and how City Council decisions will affect tourism.
Tourism is not an environmental issue
area as identified by CEQA Guidelines
Appendix G and is therefore not
discussed as a standalone issue
within the EIR. Impacts that would
arise from additional people visiting
Solvang for tourism are accounted for
throughout the impact analyses of
the EIR.
Potential impacts to aesthetics/visual resources,
energy, public services, recreation, and utilities
and service systems
Aesthetics and visual resources are
discussed in Section 4.1, Aesthetics.
Energy is discussed in Section 4.5,
Energy. Public service and recreation
and discussed in Section 4.13, Public
Services and Recreation. Utilities and
service systems are discussed in
Section 4.16, Utilities and Service
Systems.
Desiree Russo Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts on water supply, sewer, and increased
traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Mariah Montejano Concern with development site on Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive and impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Scale of development on Alamo Pintado and Old
Mission Drive is not compatible with existing
neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Ashley Chapple Concern with Alamo Pintado development impacts on water supply, sewer, and increased
traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Paula Morehouse Concern with Alamo Pintado development impacts on water supply, sewer, and increased
traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Cari Jackson Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts on water supply, sewer, and increased
traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Jeremy Glatz Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
546
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Michelle Glatz Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact to pedestrian and cyclists and increased traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
to wildlife
Section 6, Alternatives
Nancy Maljan Concern with increasing residential density and adding traffic congestion
Pursuant to Senate Bill 743, traffic
congestion and level of service is no
longer considered in CEQA analyses.
This comment does not pertain to the
analysis within the EIR.
Concern with increasing residential density and
conflicting with existing aesthetics of Solvang
Section 4.1, Aesthetics
Margie Hunt Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
to wildlife
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
conflict with existing aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Macy Weiser Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Lynn Gendian Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact to water supply, sewer capacity, and parking
Section 6, Alternatives
Melanie Wizan Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Theodora Stephan Concern with Alamo Pintado development impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Lisa Anter Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Robert Snyder Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on aesthetics and tourism
Section 6, Alternatives
Andrew Montejano Concern with Alamo Pintado development impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply
Section 6, Alternatives
547
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Randi Rossi Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Jack Williams Asked about timing of review of the 2045 General Plan
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Stephanie Statom Concern with Alamo Pintado development impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Samantha Werk Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Sarah Spisak Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Kathleen Day Supports the City’s Draft Housing Element and limiting rezoning of Site C identified in the
Housing Element
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Morgan Casey Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing neighborhoods
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Ellen Hall Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on visual quality
Section 6, Alternatives
John LaViolette Opposes changes favoring development Comment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Kelly Persson Opposes zoning change Comment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
548
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Kelly LaViolette Concerns with impacts to traffic Section 4.14, Transportation Concerns with impacts to sewer capacity Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Mark Frank Noted he did ground survey of natural aqueduct on Alamo Pintado development site. Noted depth
of aqueduct ranges from 3 to 8 feet deep
Section 6, Alternatives
Requested height of project at Alamo Pintado and
Old Mission Road
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to unstable soils
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with grocery delivery trucks blocking
entrance to residences at Old Mission Road
Grocery delivery trucks are not
directly addressed; however, a
discussion of the alternatives’
impacts on transportation is provided
in Section 6, Alternatives
Mission Oaks Owners
Association
Oppose zoning or land use changes to APN 139-
530-001, -002
Section 6, Alternatives
Requested to be notified of changes to APN 139-
530-001, -002
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Pamela Sagawinia Concern with Alamo Pintado development impacts to slope
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on visual quality
Section 6, Alternatives
Jack and Elizabeth
Clymer
Concern with increases in traffic in Solvang Section 4.14, Transportation Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Suggest involving Caltrans in project Comment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Request Solvang traffic engineer provide
solutions for traffic increases
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Jack Clymer Concern with increased noise levels Section 4.11, Noise Concern with increased population and housing Section 4.12, Population and Housing Concern with impacts to aesthetics and visual
resources
Section 4.1, Aesthetics
Concern with impacts to deer Section 4.3, Biological Resources Concern with impacts to parking Section 4.14, Transportation Concern with road congestion due to traffic
increases
Pursuant to Senate Bill 743, traffic
congestion and level of service is no
longer considered in CEQA analyses.
This comment does not pertain to the
analysis within the EIR.
549
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Elaine Morris Concern with Alamo Pintado development
impacts to traffic noise, pollution, and vehicular
accidents
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development
compatibility with existing views
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on open space
Section 6, Alternatives
Craig Kent Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on traffic and parking
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on drainage
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Mary Gerlach Concern with affordable housing Comment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Carol Frizzell Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on infrastructure capacity
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on traffic and parking
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on air quality
Section 6, Alternatives
Kathleen Rosenthal
(WeWatch)
Notes Figure LU-1 of the General Plan Update is
not consistent with the Council’s direction in the
Housing Element
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Notes flatter parcel in Alamo Pintado
development site better suitable for development
than hillside
Section 6, Alternatives
Requests corrections to Figures LU-7.2, CD-1, CD2, and CD-3 of the General Plan UpdateComment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Requests Dark Sky Design Standards included in
design standards for parking lots and structures
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Requests inclusion of waste reduction measures
for visitor-serving amenities
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Requests edits to Policy MOB-6.3 Comment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Requests edits to Policy MOB-4.5 Comment is noted. Comment does not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Requests the City to meet a higher LOS in the
future
Pursuant to Senate Bill 743, traffic
congestion and level of service is no
longer considered in CEQA analyses.
This comment does not pertain to the
analysis within the EIR.
550
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Requests General Plan policies reflect
requirement to evaluate geologic hazards, traffic,
and runoff
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Concern with water supply Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Requests edits to Goal PDF-8 and Policies PFS-8.2
and PFS-8.3
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Provides recommended inclusions to General
Plan Update to reduce threat of wildfire
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Concerns with flooding Section 4.9, Hydrology and Water Quality
Concern with emergency access impacts Section 4.14, Transportation Requests adding residential neighborhoods to
Policy SAF-11.3
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Requests advanced notice for plans that will be
required under the Administration Section
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Patricia Hedrick Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on land use and planning
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on air quality and noise
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on geology and soils
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water resources
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on loss of habitat and oak tree removal
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on transportation and traffic increases
Section 6, Alternatives
Recommends developing residences on the
lower, more level area of the Alamo Pintado site
Section 6, Alternatives
Stephen Martin Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on traffic safety
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on air quality
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on noise
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on hydrology
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
551
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
habitat and open space
Section 6, Alternatives
Chantal Cloutier Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on air quality
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on noise
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on population increase
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on traffic safety
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on wildfire
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on wildlife and oak trees
Section 6, Alternatives
Laura Buff Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on noise and lighting
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on traffic congestion
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on hillside geologic hazards
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on scenic roads
Section 6, Alternatives
Jay Orlandi Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on existing habitat
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on geology and soils
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on hydrology and water quality
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on noise
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply
Section 6, Alternatives
Lisa Orlandi Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on existing habitat
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on light pollution
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
552
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Karry Rossetti Requested limited density zoning change on the corner of Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Patrick Henry Requests general project info, including EIR status, who has final say on approval of project,
and timeline
Comment is noted. Section 2, Project
Description, describes the proposed
project. The Solvang City Council has
final discretionary approval of the
proposed project.
Concern with impacts to water supply Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Candy Waldron Concern with impacts on historic preservation Section 4.4, Cultural Resources Concern with impacts on additional traffic Section 4.14, Transportation Concern with impact on recreation Section 4.13, Public Services and Recreation
Dennis Casey Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on water supply and sewer use
Section 6, Alternatives
Sonja Withey Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with water supply and sewer use Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Karen Waite Requests City choose original Housing
Development Plan
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Trent Casberg Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with water supply and sewer use Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Susan Arakawa Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact on traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact
on aesthetics
Section 6, Alternatives
Concern with water supply and sewer use Section 4.16, Utilities and Service Systems
Jack Clymer Requests City support the Draft Housing Element sent to the state
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Debra Lynn Henno Requests contact info to locating a map for cell towers and other equipment which will be
emitting radiation
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Hind Baki Requested information on project at Old
Lumberyard site
Section 6, Alternatives
553
Commentor Issue Area/Issues Raised Where Addressed in the EIR Steve Fort Request the General Plan Update revise the Guest Ranch land use designation
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Request the General Plan Update revise the
description of the Urban Growth Boundary
Comment is noted. Comment does
not pertain to the analysis within the
EIR.
Name Not Provided Concern with Alamo Pintado development impact to traffic
Section 6, Alternatives
1.3 Scope and Adequacy
1.3.1 Scope and Sources
This EIR addresses impacts related to all topics listed in CEQA Guidelines Appendix G.
The alternatives chapter of this EIR (Section 6, Alternatives) was prepared in accordance with Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines and focuses on alternatives that are capable of eliminating or reducing significant adverse effects associated with the project while feasibly attaining most of the basic project objectives. In addition, the alternatives chapter identifies the “environmentally superior” alternative among the alternatives assessed. The alternatives evaluated include the CEQArequired “No Project” alternative and three alternative development scenarios for the Planning Area. In preparing this EIR, use was made of pertinent City policies and guidelines, certified EIRs and adopted CEQA documents, and other background documents. References are included as footnote citation references, where relevant, throughout this EIR document.
1.3.2 Content Adequacy
The level of detail contained throughout this EIR is consistent with the requirements of CEQA and applicable court decisions. Section 15151 of the CEQA Guidelines provides the standard of adequacy on which this document is based. The CEQA Guidelines state:
An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decision-makers with information which enables them to make a decision which intelligently takes account of environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed in light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the main points of disagreement among the experts. The courts have looked not for perfection, but for adequacy, completeness, and a good faith effort at full disclosure.
1.4 EIR Content
The focus of this EIR is to:
Provide information about the 2045 General Plan for review and consideration by the City Council in their selection of the 2045 General Plan, an alternative to the proposed 2045 General Plan, or a combination of various elements from the 2045 General Plan and its alternatives, for approval.
Review and evaluate the potentially significant environmental impacts that could occur as a result of the growth and development envisioned in the 2045 General Plan. 554
Identify feasible mitigation measures that may be incorporated into the 2045 General Plan in order to reduce or eliminate potentially significant effects. Disclose any potential growth-inducing and/or cumulative impacts associated with the 2045 General Plan.
Examine a reasonable range of alternative growth scenarios that could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the 2045 General Plan, while eliminating and/or reducing some or all of its potentially significant adverse environmental effects.
Sections 4.1 through 4.17 of this EIR evaluates potential impacts in each of the following issues listed in the CEQA Checklist in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines:
Aesthetics
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
Noise
Population and Housing
Public Services and Recreation
Transportation
Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities and Service Systems
Wildfire
In addition, agricultural resources and mineral resources are discussed in Section 4.18, Effects Found Not to Be Significant.
1.5 Lead, Responsible, and Trustee Agencies
1.5.1 Lead Agency
The City of Solvang is the lead agency under CEQA for this EIR because it has primary discretionary authority to determine whether or how to approve the 2045 General Plan.
1.5.2 Responsible Agencies
Section 15381 of the CEQA Guidelines defines responsible agencies as other public agencies that are responsible for carrying out/implementing a specific component of a project or for approving a project (such as an annexation) that implements the goals and policies of a General Plan. There are no responsible agencies for the 2045 General Plan.
1.5.3 Trustee Agencies
Trustee agencies have jurisdiction over certain resources held in trust for the people of California but do not have legal authority over approving or carrying out the project. CEQA Guidelines Section 15386 designates four agencies as trustee agencies:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with regard to the fish and wildlife of the state, to designated rare or endangered native plants, and to game refuges, ecological reserves, and other areas administered by the department;
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The State Lands Commission with regard to state owned “sovereign” lands such as the beds of navigable waters and state school lands;
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, with regard to units of the State Park System; and
The University of California, with regard to sites within the Natural Land and Water Reserves System.
CDFW is a trustee agency for the 2045 General Plan.
1.6 Environmental Review Process
The environmental impact review process required under CEQA is summarized below and illustrated in Figure 1-1. The steps are presented in sequential order.
Notice of Preparation (NOP). After deciding that an EIR is required, the lead agency (City of Solvang) must file a NOP soliciting input on the EIR scope to the State Clearinghouse, other concerned agencies, and parties previously requesting notice in writing (CEQA Guidelines Section 15082; Public Resources Code Section 21092.2). The NOP must be posted in the County Clerk’s office for 30 days.
Draft EIR Prepared. This Draft EIR contains the following required components: a) table of contents or index, b) summary, c) project description, d) environmental setting as part of the various topical sections, e) discussion of significant impacts (direct, indirect, cumulative, growthinducing, and unavoidable impacts) as part of the various topical sections, f) a discussion of alternatives, g) mitigation measures as part of the various topical sections, and h) discussion of irreversible change (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15120 through 15132).
Public Notice and Review. A lead agency must prepare a Public Notice of Availability of an EIR.
The Notice must be placed in the County Clerk's office for 30 days (Public Resources Code Section 21092) and sent to anyone requesting it. Additionally, public notice of Draft EIR availability must be given through at least one of the following procedures: a) publication in a newspaper of general circulation; b) posting on and off the project site; and c) direct mailing to owners and occupants of contiguous properties. The lead agency must consult with and request comments on the Draft EIR from responsible and trustee agencies, and adjacent cities and counties. The minimum public review period for a Draft EIR is 30 days. When a Draft EIR is sent to the State Clearinghouse for review, the public review period must be 45 days, unless a shorter period is approved by the Clearinghouse (Public Resources Code 21091). Distribution of the Draft EIR may be required through the State Clearinghouse.
Notice of Completion. A lead agency must file a Notice of Completion with the State Clearinghouse as soon as it completes a Draft EIR.
Final EIR. A Final EIR must include: a) the Draft EIR; b) copies of comments received during public review; c) list of persons and entities commenting; and d) responses to comments.
Certification of Final EIR. Prior to making a decision on a proposed project, the lead agency must certify that: a) the Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA; b) the Final EIR was presented to the decision-making body of the lead agency; and c) the decision making body reviewed and considered the information in the Final EIR prior to approving a project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15090).
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Lead Agency Project Decision. The lead agency may a) disapprove the project because of its significant environmental effects; b) require changes to the project to reduce or avoid significant environmental effects; or c) approve the project despite its significant environmental effects, if the proper findings and statement of overriding considerations are adopted (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15042 and 15043).
Findings/Statement of Overriding Considerations. For each significant impact of the project identified in the EIR, the lead agency must find, based on substantial evidence, that either: a) the project has been changed to avoid or substantially reduce the magnitude of the impact; b) changes to the project are within another agency’s jurisdiction and such changes have or should be adopted; or c) specific economic, social, or other considerations make the mitigation measures or project alternatives infeasible (CEQA Guidelines Section 15091). If an agency approves a project with unavoidable significant environmental effects, it must prepare a written Statement of Overriding Considerations that sets forth the specific social, economic, or other reasons supporting the agency’s decision.
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program. When the lead agency approves a project and makes findings on significant effects identified in the EIR, it must adopt a reporting or monitoring program for mitigation measures that were adopted or made conditions of project approval to mitigate significant effects.
Notice of Determination (NOD). The lead agency must file a NOD after deciding to approve a project for which an EIR is prepared (CEQA Guidelines Section 15094). A local agency must file the NOD with the County Clerk. The NOD must be posted for 30 days and sent to anyone previously requesting notice. Posting of the NOD starts a 30-day statute of limitations on CEQA legal challenges (Public Resources Code Section 21167[c]). 557
Figure 1-1 Environmental Review Process
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2 Project Description
The City of Solvang (City) proposes a Comprehensive General Plan Update, including eight respective City General Plan elements (referred to in this Environmental Impact Report [EIR] as “2045 General Plan” or “proposed project”). The 2045 General Plan considers the year 2045 as its horizon year, or the year that buildout is contemplated through. The project involves updates to all of the City’s existing General Plan Elements, except for the Housing Element which was updated as part of a separate project and adopted in 2023. The 2045 General Plan elements include: Land Use; Community Design; Economic Development; Mobility; Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure; Environment and Sustainability; and Safety. Although not explicitly its own element, environmental justice considerations are implemented within goals, policies, and implementation programs throughout the General Plan. In addition, the 2045 General Plan includes an Administration chapter which includes all implementation programs that implement each of the individual General Plan element goals and policies.
The 2045 General Plan serves as the long-term blueprint for development across the City’s Planning Area1
.. This chapter of the EIR provides an overview of the Planning Area location and setting as well as the 2045 General Plan’s objectives, land use components, and policies. In addition, intended uses of this EIR by agencies with permitting and approval authority over the 2045 General Plan as well as required permits and approvals are discussed herein.
2.1 Planning Area Location and Setting
2.1.1 Regional Location
Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in central Santa Barbara County, approximately 25 miles northwest of Santa Barbara and 6 miles north of the Pacific Ocean, as shown in Figure 2-1. The city of Buellton is located about 3 miles to the west, the township of Santa Ynez is located 2 miles to the east, and the communities of Los Olivos and Ballard are located two to three miles to the north.
State Route 246 (also known as Mission Drive) bisects Solvang and provides a key regional east-west link between Highway 101 and State Route 154.
Solvang is situated primarily along an alluvial plain formed by the Santa Ynez River and on the southeastern edge of the Purisima Hills. Solvang is surrounded by the Purisima Hills to the north, the upper Santa Ynez Valley to the east, the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, and the lower Santa Ynez Valley to the west.
1 The Planning Area covered by the 2045 General Plan consists of the corporate limits of the City as well as lands within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). The term “sphere of influence” applies to the area designated by Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as the probable, future physical boundary or service area of the City. 560
Figure 2-1 Regional Location
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2.1.2 Local Setting
The 2045 General Plan covers approximately 3.1 square miles (1,968 acres) of land within Solvang’s Planning Area. Solvang is characterized as a compact city which has evolved into a widely recognized tourist destination in the village core due to its unique architecture. The Mission District contains the Mission Santa Inés and the surrounding open space around the mission. Other influences in the surrounding region include surrounding wineries and agricultural uses, and the Chumash reservation and casino. A breakdown of existing land uses in the Planning Area is provided in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Existing Land Uses
Land Use Acres Percent
Agriculture 6.1 0.3%
Commercial 119.5 6.1%
Industrial 42.2 2.1%
Miscellaneous 22.9 1.2%
Office 24.3 1.2%
Public and Quasi Public 34.2 1.7%
Recreational and Open Space 230.3 11.7%
Residential 1,069.0 54.3%
Roadways and Parking Lots 306.0 15.5%
Vacant 113.4 5.8%
Total 1,968.0 100%
Solvang is located within the Alisal Creek-Santa Ynez River sub-watershed which is approximately 25,817 acres in size and includes portions of the city of Buellton. The local climate in Solvang is characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters. Figure 2-2 shows Solvang’s Planning Area boundaries.
Tourism is the largest sector in Solvang’s economy, accounting for one third of jobs and nearly two thirds of the City’s General Fund revenue. It is estimated that Solvang received more than 1.5 million visitors in 2019, about 8.2 percent of the County total of 18.8 million visitors. Solvang visitors spent about $132.7 million in the City for accommodations, retail goods and services, restaurants and entertainment. According to the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, about 85 percent of visitors come from California locations, with New York, Arizona, Washington, and Texas rounding out the top five origins for Solvang visitors.
2.2 Existing Planning Area Characteristics
According to Census data, as of 2020, approximately 5,644 people lived in Solvang, representing a density of approximately 1,820 people per square mile. In 2019, approximately 2,566 housing units were present within Solvang (Mintier Harnish 2023).
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2.3 Existing Land Use Designations
The current Solvang General Plan Land Use Element establishes 15 separate land use designations to provide a mixture of land uses for the City (City of Solvang 2008). Figure 2-3 shows the existing land use designations in the current Solvang General Plan Land Use Element.
2.4 General Plan Overview
A General Plan serves as a city’s primary guide for land use and development decisions and is a key tool for influencing and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses. As such, it serves as the “blueprint” for future development and conservation of a community. Under State law, the General Plan must serve as the foundation upon which all land use decisions are to be based, and must also be comprehensive, internally consistent, and have a long-term perspective. State law further mandates that the General Plan:
Identify land use, circulation, environmental, economic, and social goals and policies for the City and its surrounding planning area as they relate to future growth and development; Provide a basis for local government decision-making, including decisions on development approvals and exactions;
Provide citizens the opportunity to participate in the planning and decision-making process of their communities; and
Inform citizens, developers, decision-makers, and other cities and counties of the ground rules that guide development within a particular community.
The City’s existing General Plan contains the following Elements:
Land Use (adopted 2008)
Circulation (adopted 2008)
Housing (adopted 2015)
Noise (adopted 2013)
Safety (adopted 2016)
Parks and Recreation (adopted 2009)
Conservation and Open Space (adopted 2016)
Community Design (adopted 1988)
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Figure 2-2 Local Setting
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Figure 2-3 Existing General Plan Land Uses
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According to current State Planning and Zoning law, General Plans are required to cover nine topics:
land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, air quality, safety, and environmental justice. Jurisdictions may include any other topics that are relevant to planning its future. The project involves updates to all the City’s existing General Plan Elements. The 2045 General Plan includes the following elements:
Land Use
Community Design2
Economic Development3
Mobility
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Environmental and Sustainability (includes Air Quality and Open Space and Conservation) Safety (includes Noise)
The General Plan Update would include all State required topics; however, some topics, including conservation, open space, noise, and air quality, would not be standalone elements but instead would be covered in the above elements. Although not explicitly its own element, environmental justice considerations are implemented within goals, policies, and implementation programs throughout the General Plan.
2.5 2045 General Plan Objectives
The City’s 2045 General Plan objectives are as follows:
Support strategic land uses. Strategically accommodate future growth and change while preserving and enhancing the qualities that make Solvang a desirable place to live and work through strategic land use designations and zoning.
Foster a distinct community character. Maintain Solvang’s urban form and architectural style in order to maintain the city’s distinct community character. Promote economic diversity and sustainability. Promote a vibrant business mix, supportive workforce development, 21st century communications infrastructure, and regional collaboration to connect Solvang to the broader economy and enhance the fiscal health of the community. Improve mobility. Improve the mobility of people and goods within and through Solvang while emphasizing improving accessibility for visitors to park and move around Solvang. Provide adequate facilities. Ensure the provision of adequate public facilities, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and recycling, emergency response, community health, parks and recreation, education, and medical services.
Conserve open space. Conserve and protect open space to preserve the scenic beauty of Solvang’s natural surroundings.
Ensure public safety. Provide a safe community through public safety services, resilient infrastructure, public awareness, preparedness, and action plans for both human-caused and natural disasters.
2 Element not required by current State Planning and Zoning Law 3 Element not required by current State Planning and Zoning Law 566
Support diverse housing options. Conserve and improve the quality of existing housing while facilitating the development of a range of housing types, densities, and affordability levels to meet the diverse needs of the community.
2.6 2045 General Plan Components
2.6.1 Land Use Allowance
Table 2-2 shows a summary of the growth planned for by the 2045 General Plan and is followed by a more-detailed description of the 2045 General Plan. To analyze potential growth and the development capacity more accurately, the 2045 General Plan evaluates the potential development and redevelopment of both vacant and underutilized land. Vacant and underutilized parcels in the city were identified using the following methodology:
Vacant Land: To identify vacant parcels in the city, parcel data from the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s Office was used. Using the geographic information system (GIS) data provided by the Assessor, parcels with a tax use code of “Vacant” were identified. These sites were then visually reviewed (ground-truthed) against aerial photography to confirm the sites’ vacancy status. Once verified, the attributes of the vacant land GIS data were exported into an Excel spreadsheet for the analysis.
Underutilized Land: The General Plan uses parcel improvement value data from the County Assessor (Santa Barbara County) to identify underutilized parcels. Underutilized sites are classified as parcels where the improvement value was less than half the land value, which suggested that the parcels are underutilized to a degree that would make them more likely to redevelop within the planning period of 2045. Underutilized and vacant parcels are considered opportunity sites for future development or redevelopment.
Since Solvang is primarily a built-out community, most of the anticipated growth is located within underutilized land or on parcels built with existing uses (site redevelopment). The 2045 General Plan evaluates the potential for existing developed areas to redevelop (i.e., remove an existing home and replace it with more units, such as a duplex or triplex), or increase the use of a parcel (i.e., adding additional units on a parcel with an existing home). A redevelopment percentage was applied to underutilized and build out parcels to account for the growth through 2045, since it is assumed that not all parcels will fully develop within the planning period. Redevelopment percentages applied to the land use designations under consideration for changes fluctuate between 5 and 10 percent, depending on the designation and the likelihood of future changes. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are not considered in the General Plan buildout, as the State does not include ADUs in the density per acre totals. However, for the purposes of fulfilling the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation, ADUs and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are counted in the City’s adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element.
All designations analyzed were applied with a set of development assumptions applicable density and floor area ratio (FAR) determined as part of the General Plan’s Alternatives process and approved by the City Council. Applying the density and intensity (FAR) standards allowed for the calculation of the potential net new dwelling units anticipated by 2045. The anticipated 2045 population was then counted using persons per household data averages from the United States Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2019), Department of Finance (2019), and population projections from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). 567
In addition to the anticipated net new housing units and population figures, anticipated new housing units and population based on pending and approved City projects were also added to the total potential. Approved nonresidential projects include the Sansum Medical Clinic and two boutique hotels totaling 20 hotel units. There are currently 88 pending and approved dwelling units (85 multi-family, three single-family), which would accommodate a population increase of 211 residents. Calculating new population for pending and approved projects used the same process for calculating the net new population.
Lumberyard site. One area of potential growth considered by the 2045 General Plan is the Old Lumberyard site, located at 1783 and 1793 Mission Drive and 533 Pine Street and comprised of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 139-150-012, 139-150-017, and 139-150-027. The project site has been previously developed with uses including the Solvang Mill and Lumberyard building, two single-family residences, two garages, and various accessory structures. The site is bounded by Mission Drive to the south, Pine Street to the east, Maple Avenue to the north, and existing community facilities to the west, including the Solvang Library, the Sherriff’s Office, the Senior Center, and Veterans Memorial Hall. The site is currently designated as DR-20.
The potential project would merge all parcels into one lot and demolish most existing on-site buildings, except for the existing single-family residence located at 1793 Mission Drive, which would be relocated. The site would be rezoned to Tourist-related Commercial (TRC), which would allow a proposed hotel and residential apartment uses. The project would construct two, two-story hotel buildings adjacent to Mission Drive which would collectively contain 45 guest rooms. Two, two-story hotel buildings and one, one-story hotel building would be built adjacent to Pine Street which would provide five guest rooms. One, three-story multi-family residential building would be constructed adjacent to Maple Avenue and would include 51 micro-studio apartments. In addition, a two-story building comprised of a hotel lobby and mechanical car parker is proposed at the center of the Mission Drive project site. Appendix B provides renderings for the Old Lumberyard Project.
Site B. Site B is a 0.64-acre site at the junction of Alamo Pintado Road and Viborg Road that is zoned 20-R-1, or low-density single family residential. The site currently has dense foliage that will need to be cleared. The city intends to rezone the parcels to DR-20 with a General Plan land use designation of High Density Residential, allowing 20 dwelling units per acre. Based on the proposed zoning, the site has a likely development potential for 11 dwelling units, six moderate and five above-moderate income.
Site C. Another area of potential growth considered by the 2045 General Plan is the Alamo Pintado site, located at the northwestern corner of Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive at APNs 139-530- 001 and 139-530-002. The 5.5-acre site is currently vacant. The current land use/zoning designation for this site is 20-R-1 with a potential buildout of 11-14 units.
The City Council authorized the lower half of the site with a land use designation of DR-20. The estimated buildout would be 40 to 50 units with the other half of the site designated for 20-R-1 or Open Space as noted in the adopted Housing Element.
The landowner has provided an alternative plan to be considered in the EIR. The potential project includes the construction of three, three-story apartment buildings featuring one- and twobedroom units. Building A would include 25 units, Building B would include 38 units, and Building C would include 46 units (for a total of 109 units). The project would include amenities, an open space/drainage basin area, trash enclosures, and 143 parking spaces including 24 private garages.
The project would involve a zone change to Design Residential 20 (DR-20). Under the 2045 General 568
Plan, the project site would have a land use designation of High Density Residential. Appendix B provides renderings for the Alamo Pintado Project.
Site D. Site D, or the Alisal Commons site, is a 3.71-acre portion of a large open space, recreation zoned parcel that encompasses portions of the rights-of-way for Alisal Road, Juniper Avenue, and Fjord Drive. Site D has realistic capacity to accommodate 59 lower-income dwelling units.
Projected Future Employment. The proposed General Plan analyzes potential projected employment. This analysis assumes that there would be no net loss of commercial square footage.
When calculating the potential projected employment through 2045, the analysis uses the overall employment average, applicable FAR for each land use designation, and percentage of acreage by employment type. These multitude of factors allow for the calculation of the total potential projected employment by 2045 as summarized below in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2 Growth Summary
Existing (2019) Proposed (2045) Net Change from Existing to Proposed Residential Units 2,566 units 3,063 units 497 units
Employment 3,227 employees 3,438 employees 211 employees The 2045 General Plan would provide the framework for developing up to 497 net new residential units, resulting in 2,145 single-family residences and 918 multi-family residential units in Solvang.
Density ranges would be between zero and 20 dwelling units per acre. The 2045 General Plan would provide the framework for the addition of approximately 211 employees to Solvang, spread across the following land uses:
Tourist Commercial: 97 employees
Professional/Office: 71 employees
Retail Commercial: 40 employees
General Commercial: 2 employees
Public/Institutional: 1 employee
With relatively limited opportunities for new development in Solvang, the 2045 General Plan emphasizes infill and reuse development within City limits, encourages high-density and mixed-use projects where appropriate, and supports development that compliments the existing natural and built environment. Future development would occur where existing roads, water, and sewer are in place and minimize development impact on existing infrastructure and services.
Specific land use designations are currently proposed by the 2045 General Plan. These land use designation amendments are to ensure consistency with existing land uses, such as public utilities, recreational facilities, and parks. These amendments would change the development potential for some of the land use designations proposed by the 2045 General Plan.
The 2045 General Plan serves as the City’s long-term development blueprint through 2045, contains goals and policies guiding land use and infrastructure decisions through 2045, and brings the General Plan up to date in response to latest State and regional plans and regulations related to housing,4 climate-related hazards,5 emergency evacuation routes and access, water supply, and 4 The City has recently adopted the Solvang Housing Element as part of the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and to comply with California Government Code Sections 65580 to 65589.11. 5 Pursuant to Senate Bill 379, which amended California Government Code Section 65302. 569
mobility. As such, the updated policies of the proposed 2045 General Plan are the focus of the description below, and the development opportunities under the umbrella of the 2045 General Plan are discussed in detail under the proposed Land Use Element description.
2.6.2 Proposed General Plan Element Aspects
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element contains the Land Use Map as well as the policies and standards that directly shape land use decisions and the resulting physical development of Solvang. The Land Use Element includes goals, policies, and programs intended to guide land development in Solvang. The Land Use Element addresses the type and intensity of development allowed on a site, the mix of uses permitted within Solvang, and the character of the community. The Land Use Element also determines the general location of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space uses.
This Element balances land use issues, opportunities, and constraints with the community’s other needs and desires. Figure 2-4 shows the proposed 2045 General Plan Land Use Map. Consistent with the proposed 2045 General Plan Land Use Map, the 2045 General Plan would also influence the rezoning of properties to be consistent with the recently adopted Housing Element and other proposed zoning changes.
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Figure 2-4 Proposed Land Use Map
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Proposed Land Use Designations
The Land Use Element would establish 14 separate land use designations to provide a mixture of land uses for the City. The proposed Land Use Element would remove the agriculture land use designation included in the current General Plan, and thus would have one less land use designation. The land uses proposed by the 2045 General Plan are described in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3 Proposed Land Use Designations
Land Use Designation Description
Residential
Density
Minimum
Intensity (Floor
Area Ratio)
Residential
Guest Ranch This designation is established to recognize the approximately 30 acres of the Alisal Ranch located
within the city. Allowed uses include guest lodging,
employee housing, restaurants, and recreation and
entertainment.
N/A 0.34
Estate Residential This designation allows for low-density, large lot single-family residential development. This
designation is characterized by estate ranchettes
with detached single-family residences.
0-1.0 dwelling unit
per 3 acres
N/A
Low Density Residential This designation allows for single-family residential development. This designation is characterized by
detached single-family residences on large parcels.
0-1.0 dwelling unit
per acre
N/A
Low/Medium Density
Residential
This designation allows for single-family residential
development. This designation is characterized by
detached single-family residences on large parcels.
0-2.0 dwelling
units per acre
N/A
Medium Density
Residential
This designation allows for single- and multifamily
residential development. This designation is
characterized by detached single-family and/or
medium-density, multifamily residences on smaller
parcels.
3.0-7.0 dwelling
units per acre
N/A
High Density
Residential
This designation allows for multifamily residential
development. This designation is characterized by
duplexes, triplexes, row houses, apartments,
and/or condominiums. These properties could have
increased density based on State Law.
8.0-20.0 dwelling
units per acre
N/A
Mobile Home Park This designation allows for the development of mobile home parks.
0-8.0 dwelling
units per acre
N/A
Commercial
Tourist Commercial The Tourism Commercial designation allows for a mix of commercial establishments, residential,
professional office, hotels, hospitality uses, visitorserving uses, and entertainment venues. This designation provides for a variety of uses with an
emphasis on visitors-serving within the Danish
theme downtown area. The ground floor shall
remain a non-residential use for all vertical mixeduse developments.
Up to 20.0
dwelling units per
acre
0.65 572
Land Use Designation Description
Residential
Density
Minimum
Intensity (Floor
Area Ratio)
Retail Commercial This designation allows for commercial establishments intended to serve the everyday
needs of Solvang residents. This designation is
characterized by specialty shops, grocery stores,
personal service establishments, and residential
mixed-use development. Residential is permitted in
this designation only in a vertical mixed-use format.
For vertical mixed-use developments, the ground
floor shall remain a non-residential use.
0-20.0 dwelling
units per acre
0.65 General Commercial This designation allows for large scale commercial establishments and is characterized by wholesale,
heavy commercial uses, and residential mixed-use
development. Residential is permitted in this
designation only in a vertical mixed-use format. For
vertical mixed-use developments, the ground floor
shall remain a non-residential use.
Up to 20.0
dwelling units per
acre
0.65 Professional/Office This designation allows for a range of office uses and is characterized by medical centers, general
office uses, and residential mixed-use development.
Residential is permitted in this designation only in a
vertical mixed-use format. The ground floor shall
remain a nonresidential use for all vertical mixeduse developments. 0-20.0 dwelling
units per acre
0.65 Industrial
Light Industry This designation allows for a range of light industrial land uses. This designation is characterized by light
manufacturing, research and development
facilities, warehouses, and processing facilities.
N/A 0.23
Resource and Public Institutional
Open Space/Recreation This designation allows for public parks, indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment uses, and
open space.
N/A N/A
Public/Institutional This designation allows for a variety of public and quasi-public uses, and is characterized by schools,
places of assembly, hospitals, and public utility
facilities.
N/A 0.23
Proposed Land Use Element Goals and Policies
The goals and supportive policies of the proposed Land Use Element are shown in Table 2-4. 573
Table 2-4 Proposed Land Use Element Goals and Policies
ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal LU-1 To promote high-quality development of a well-balanced and functional mix of land uses that preserves and enhances Solvang’s community character and tourism.
Policy LU-1.1 Compact Urban Form. The City shall maintain a compact urban form.
Policy LU-1.2 Infill Development. The City shall support and promote infill development that is compact, mixeduse, and pedestrian friendly.
Policy LU-1.3 Residential Land Use. Although most of the city is built out, the City shall designate a full range of residential land uses that provide for a variety of housing types, locations, and densities, including accessory dwelling units.
Policy LU-1.4 Commercial Land Use. The City shall designate a mix of commercial uses, including retail, general, and tourist commercial, to promote both the tourist economy and the needs of residents of Solvang and the Santa Ynez valley.
Policy LU-1.5 Village Area. The City shall continue to encourage a mix of uses in close proximity to each other in the Village Area (including both the Village Core and Mission Design Districts), including governmental services and facilities, cultural and recreational activities, a broad range of retail activities, business offices, entertainment, transit services, and housing.
Policy LU-1.6 Mixed-use. The City shall encourage mixed-use developments with a residential component to further enhance the range of housing opportunities provided to residents.
Policy LU-1.7 Industrial Land Use. The City shall encourage the development of more industrial uses in the M-1 zone to expand the City’s job base, including light industrial facilities, research and development parks, and heavy equipment maintenance yards.
Policy LU-1.8 Support Existing Industrial Development. The City shall support maintaining and expanding existing industrial uses within the Urban Growth Boundary area, including changes that require a popular vote, if necessary.
Policy LU-1.9 Open Space and Recreational Land Use. The City shall maintain and correctly designate an adequate amount of open space and recreational land uses to meet the needs of the entire community, consistent with City park standards.
Policy LU-1.10 Public and Institutional Land Use. The City shall designate institutional land uses to meet the social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and educational needs of the community.
Goal LU-2 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Solvang residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods.
Policy LU-2.1 Regional Housing Needs Fair Share. The City shall provide an adequate amount of appropriately zoned land to accommodate new housing units to meet the City’s fair share regional housing needs allocations.
Policy LU-2.2 Existing Neighborhoods. The City shall attempt to maintain and enhance the quality of existing residential neighborhoods, ensuring adequate public facilities such as parks, streets, water supply, wastewater, and drainage while implementing required State Housing Laws.
Policy LU-2.3 Neighborhood Infill. The City shall allow infill development as required by State Law including ADU’s, JADU and density bonus.
Policy LU-2.4 High-density Residential Development. The City shall encourage new high-density residential development located in areas close to services and transit with appropriate site planning, and comply with objective design standards, and landscape criteria.
Goal LU-3 To ensure that existing and proposed commercial development is consistent with the overall character of the city.
Policy LU-3.1 New Commercial Development. The City shall ensure that new commercial development is appropriately located and is consistent with the Community Design Element of the General Plan.
Policy LU-3.2 High-quality Building Design. The City shall require distinctive and high-quality commercial building design, construction, and site planning that respects the character of Solvang and does not allow the use of “franchise architecture”.
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ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Policy LU-3.3 Commercial Amenities and Impact Mitigation. The City shall require new or expanded commercial or office areas to include provisions for adequate off-street parking, pathways connecting building entries to the public sidewalk, bicycle parking, mitigation of traffic impacts, adherence to architectural and low-water landscaping standards, and mitigation of land use conflicts with adjacent residential uses.
Goal LU-4 To protect, promote, and enhance the Village Area and the Village Core and Mission Design Districts. It is Solvang’s principal tourist attraction and the essential component of the City’s identity.
Policy LU-4.1 Tourist-Related Land Uses. The City shall assure that the Village Area is the primary focus of touristrelated land uses.
Policy LU-4.2 Village Area Mixed-use Development. The City shall encourage a mix of uses and mixed-use developments that integrate housing and commercial uses in the Village Area.
Policy LU-4.3 Safe Pedestrian Environment. The City shall encourage and/or undertake design improvements in the Village Area to create a safe, convenient, and pleasant pedestrian environment.
Policy LU-4.4 New Pedestrian Facilities. The City shall require new development in the Village Area to include pedestrian-oriented amenities such as, but not limited to, lighting, wider sidewalks, clearly marked pedestrian crossings, seating areas, landscaping, signage, and shaded areas.
Policy LU-4.5 Pedestrian Facility Design. The City shall design and manage City roadway and pedestrian facilities to minimize conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and encourage Caltrans to do the same on State highway facilities.
Goal LU-5 To encourage mixed-use development projects that create vibrant, walkable districts.
Policy LU-5.1 Compatibility with Adjacent Uses. The City shall require new mixed-use development to be compatible with adjacent land uses, through site and architectural design techniques that establish buffers between uses and minimize negative impacts.
Policy LU-5.2 Mixed-use Design. The City shall require new mixed-use development to minimize the number of access driveways and provide pedestrian friendly access.
Policy LU-5.3 Pedestrian Orientation. The City shall require new mixed-use development to include amenities that create a comfortable environment for walking, sitting, and socializing.
Goal LU-6 To encourage, facilitate, and support the development of new employment and industrial uses.
Policy LU-6.1 Attract Industrial Uses. The City shall encourage and support new development of industrial uses that provide jobs for city residents, increase the tax base, and are designed and operated in a way that is compatible with surrounding uses.
Policy LU-6.2 Industrial Design Standards. The City shall ensure that new industrial development contributes to the overall attractiveness of the community through appropriate site design, architectural design, and landscaping. And particularly at gateways to the city.
Policy LU-6.3 Industrial Area Screening. The City shall require industrial development to screen loading and open storage areas so that they are not visible from public roadways.
Goal LU-7 To ensure and preserve adequate space throughout the city for public and institutional uses.
Policy LU-7.1 Institutional Land Use Designation. The City shall allow the development of publicly owned facilities, schools, churches, hospitals and medical centers, cemeteries, and retirement care facilities and convalescent homes where appropriate.
Policy LU-7.2 Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Building. The City shall preserve and maintain the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Building and encourage its use for appropriate community events.
Policy LU-7.3 City Hall. The City shall provide conveniently located public facilities to support local government and city services with appropriate public access and participation.
Policy LU-7.4 Library. The City shall support a conveniently located public library facility with appropriate services, public access and participation.
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Policy LU-7.5 Senior Serving and Retirement Care Facilities. The City shall support senior serving and retirement care facilities.
Policy LU-7.6 Mission Santa Inés. The City shall support religious, cultural, educational, community oriented, and agricultural uses at Mission Santa Inés that are compatible with existing land uses.
Goal LU-8 To preserve the City’s identity as separate and unique from surrounding areas.
Policy LU-8.1 Community Separators. The City shall work with Santa Barbara County and the City of Buellton to protect the agricultural areas surrounding the city boundaries and Sphere of Influence to serve as “greenbelt” open space to separate communities in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Policy LU-8.2 Open Space Designations. The City shall designate riparian and publicly owned lands along the Santa Ynez River, Alisal Creek, Adobe Creek, Alamo Pintado Creek, and other appropriate locations as open space.
Policy LU-8.3 Compact Development Pattern. The City shall maintain a compact development pattern by promoting infill development that minimizes urban sprawl and is compact, mixed-use, and pedestrian friendly.
Goal LU-9 To promote the effective use and implementation of the General Plan Land Use Diagram.
Policy LU-9.1 Land Use Diagram. The City shall maintain and implement a Land Use Diagram describing the types of allowed land uses by geographic location and the density of allowed uses within each designation.
Policy LU-9.2 Zoning Designations. The City shall ensure that zoning designations and maps are consistent with the Land Use Diagram (Figure LU-1 in the proposed Land Use Element) In addition, the City shall ensure that amendments to the General Plan land use designations, Land Use Diagram or General Plan text are consistent with the Guiding Principles, and relevant goals and policies.
Goal LU-10 To provide a clear framework for the ongoing administration, maintenance, and implementation of this General Plan consistent with State law.
Policy LU-10.1 General Plan Review. The City shall conduct a technical review of the General Plan every eight years and revise and update as necessary to assure compliance with State law and responsiveness to current City needs, including a jobs/housing balance and adequate municipal revenues to maintain adequate level of public services.
Policy LU-10.2 Implementation Program Monitoring. The City shall maintain and annually review the General Plan Implementation Programs. As part of this process, the City shall update the prioritization of programs based on applicability, relevance, timing of initiation, and availability of funding.
Policy LU-10.3 Eight Year Review of the Housing Element Update. The City shall, as directed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), update and implement a Housing Element every eight years that provides policy and programs to encourage the provision of safe, well-designed, accessible, sanitary, and affordable residential areas where people of all ages can live, work, and play. This includes an equitable distribution of parks and public facilities to all residential areas consistent with legal requirements.
Community Design Element
The Community Design Element looks at the key components of urban form and architectural style in Solvang and describes the physical features that, together, create Solvang’s distinct community character. The Community Design Element discusses anticipated urban design enhancements related to urban form, architectural styles, landscape, lighting, pedestrian-oriented environments, and the City’s Design Districts. The Community Design Element sets forth the City’s goals and policies aimed at enhancing Solvang’s visual character.
Proposed Community Design Element Goals and Policies
Goals and supportive policies of the proposed Community Design Element are shown in Table 2-5. 576
Table 2-5 Proposed Community Design Element Goals and Policies ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal CD-1 To establish the natural and man-made environmental balance of the city and to design and coordinate a unified community that will enhance the two Design Districts (Village Area and Mission) and the historic and rural image and character of the entire city.
Policy CD-1.1 Community Identity. The City shall strengthen the visual identity of the city at its borders and in its spheres of influence to reflect the unique character of the community.
Policy CD-1.2 Design Elements. The City shall maintain a comprehensive, but flexible, design vocabulary of shapes, colors, textures, materials, fixtures, and symbols to maintain the city’s image in the design districts to differentiate the city from adjacent areas.
Policy CD-1.3 Neighborhood Centers. The City shall promote the establishment of citywide recognizable village or neighborhood centers as part of future developments to enhance public and community gathering places.
Policy CD-1.4 Building Element Proportion. The City shall encourage building elements to be in proportion with existing development in all neighborhoods, including building massing and height.
Policy CD-1.5 Preservation of Community Identifiers. The City shall encourage the preservation or establishment of significant landmarks, view corridors, and focal points.
Policy CD-1.6 Commercial Development Maintenance. The City shall require commercial developments to regularly maintain their properties.
Policy CD-1.7 Gateway Identification. The City shall identify and develop gateways including pathways, primary entry points, and landmarks that distinguish the city from the surrounding region.
Policy CD-1.8 Gateway Components. The City shall support the implementation of distinctive signage, paving materials, and environmentally friendly, drought-tolerant landscaping for primary entries to the city.
Policy CD-1.9 Wayfinding. The City shall establish consistent and coordinated roadway signage to direct visitors and residents from entry points to areas of interest throughout the city, including areas for parking.
Policy CD-1.10 Collaboration with Cal Trans. The City shall coordinate with Cal Trans to find innovative approaches for roadway design enhancements that are consistent with the design vision for which the city is known.
Policy CD-1.11 Streetscape Continuity. The City shall promote visual continuity along city streets through consistent use of hardscape materials, landscape plantings, street lighting, and directional signage which reinforce the hierarchy of the street system established in the Mobility Element of the General Plan.
Policy CD-1.12 Multi-Modal Streetscapes. The City shall require new development to create and/or upgrade streetscapes to be multimodal, thus creating streetscapes that are walkable, pedestrian-oriented, tree-shaded, and bike-friendly.
Policy CD-1.13 Emphasis of Nodes. The City shall encourage streetscape treatments at activity nodes and major decision-making points by use of changes in paving materials and lighting, accent plantings and theme signage to reinforce their importance.
Policy CD-1.14 Street Trees and Tree Canopy. The City shall require street trees citywide, including in medians, to create an expanded tree canopy and to reduce the urban heat island effect.
Policy CD-1.15 Streamlined Public Places. The City shall reduce visual clutter along city streets, particularly temporary sidewalk signs and sidewalk merchandise sales.
Policy CD-1.16 Compliance with Sign Standards. The City shall require all signs to meet design standards criteria and to be consistent with the overall streetscape design.
Policy CD-1.17 Implementation of Public and Municipal Signs. The City shall restrict public and municipal signs to those that are necessary to ensure public safety, control, or direct traffic, and provide locational information. The use of internationally recognized symbols to display information shall be required wherever possible.
Policy CD-1.18 Design of Public and Municipal Signs. The City shall require that public and municipal signs be designed per the streetscape standards and installed to minimize their adverse aesthetic impact. 577
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Policy CD-1.19 Multi-tenant Signs. The City shall require multi-tenant buildings or developments to provide consolidated commercial signage to limit the overuse of signs on a single building and/or site.
Policy CD-1.20 Cohesive Signage. The City shall require signage to be integrated into the overall site and architectural design process to provide signs that are consistent with architectural style, color, material, and landscaping themes.
Policy CD-1.21 Promotion of Outdoor Community Gathering Spaces. The City shall promote the location and development of outdoor public focal points and gathering places in a hierarchy of interest ranging from neighborhoods, design districts (Village Area and Mission Area), to citywide.
Policy CD-1.22 Application of Open Space and Landscaping. The City shall apply open space, landscaping, and urban design standards and guidelines for commercial and residential developments to strengthen the identity and image of the city.
Policy CD-1.23 Drought-tolerant Landscaping. The City shall require that all public landscaping in medians, on City property, and within public gathering spaces is drought tolerant.
Policy CD-1.24 Sustainable Landscape Design. The City shall require landscaping plans for all development to include drought tolerant plants with low water irrigation consistent with State law and to maximize the use of trees for energy efficiency, climate control, screening, shading (especially of parking lots), and aesthetics.
Policy CD-1.25 Linkages through Open Space. The City shall promote citywide linkages using open spaces areas, parks, trails, and paths to connect activity centers, residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and the Village Area.
Policy CD-1.26 Landscaping Buffering. The City shall require the use of landscaping such as trees, shrubs, and trellised vines to mitigate the effects of building mass and provide benefits to the environment.
Policy CD-1.27 Landscape and Open Space Buffering. The City shall require open space uses or landscaped buffers into new development where appropriate to improve aesthetic appeal and provide buffers between potentially incompatible uses within the city.
Policy CD-1.28 Use of Form to Define Edges. The City shall use greenbelts, open space areas, signage, and gateway features to define community edges and form.
Policy CD-1.29 Tree and Natural Feature Preservation. The City shall require the preservation of existing trees and natural features (e.g., drainage courses, rock outcrops) in the overall landscape design to the maximum extent feasible.
Policy CD-1.30 Compatibility with Existing Development. The City shall ensure that new development incorporates design features that provide transition from existing development, specifically when adjacent development is of lesser density and/or intensity.
Policy CD-1.31 Undergrounding of Utilities. The City shall require that utilities be underground in new development to the maximum extent feasible.
Policy CD-1.32 Incorporate of the Natural Grade. The City shall require new streets and development to be designed to follow and incorporate the natural features of the landscape.
Policy CD-1.33 Sustainable Site Design. The City shall encourage new development to incorporate climate considerations into site design and include sustainable design methods to address solar access, water conservation and retention, and wind conditions.
Policy CD-1.34 Developments in High Visibility Areas. The City shall ensure that new development on sites with high visibility, such as on hillsides or in the highway corridors, is designed to minimize adverse visual impact.
Policy CD-1.35 Variation in Multifamily Residential Site Planning. The City shall require the use of varied setbacks, lot orientation, and placement of dwelling units for new multifamily residential developments.
Policy CD-1.36 Clustering of Development. The City shall encourage cluster style development to maximize open space preservation and density for diversity of housing types.
Policy CD-1.37 Residential Lot Width. The City shall encourage lot width along residential streets to be varied. 578
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Policy CD-1.38 Hillside Development. The City shall require new development on major ridge lines, canyon edges, and hilltops to be designed and constructed to blend into the natural environment without creating adverse visual impacts. Such design and construction techniques should include siting, massing, scale, and grading that are visually consistent with the natural topography.
Policy CD-1.39 Natural Grade and Slopes. The City shall ensure any all-hillside grading maintains the natural appearance of slopes.
Policy CD-1.40 Slope Stabilization. The City shall require revegetation of graded slopes to assist in slope stabilization.
Policy CD-1.41 Hillside Landscape Design. The City shall require hillside residential development projects to use plant materials which screen structures and present an appearance that integrates residences with the natural appearance of the area.
Policy CD-1.42 Fencing in Hillside Areas. The City shall require fences on hillsides to be of open design to allow passage of native wildlife.
Goal CD-2 To maintain and enhance unique, vibrant, and architecturally diverse districts in the city that evoke community traditions and history.
Policy CD-2.1 Village Area Old-World Danish Architecture. The City shall require all new development and redevelopment of existing properties to be designed using the theme and design vernaculars of traditional and historic Old-World Danish architecture.
Policy CD-2.2 Village Area Design Standards. The City shall retain comprehensive and consistent design standards for the Village Area that sustain and enhance the existing trademark architectural vernacular that reflects Old-World Danish architecture.
Policy CD-2.3 Village Area Expansion. The City shall retain the Village Area Design District.
Policy CD-2.4 Signs in the Village Area Design District. The City shall collaborate with public and private groups to promote special events using a designed and consistently located and applied to banner per a temporary sign plan for areas within the Village Area.
Policy CD-2.5 Parking Lot and Alley Maintenance. The City shall require ongoing maintenance by property owners of private parking lots and alleys in the Village Area.
Policy CD-2.6 Village Area Lighting. The City shall require street and structure lighting using Dark Skies standards to minimize visual and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky.
Policy CD-2.7 Village Area Wayfinding. The City shall provide wayfinding to denote the location and route for visitors to visit landmarks and focal points in the Village Area.
Policy CD-2.8 Village Area Parking Lots and Structures. The City shall require all parking lots and structures to include design or screening methods to minimize the visual and lighting impact on surrounding neighborhoods and the environment.
Policy CD-2.9 Architectural Design Features. The City shall require the use of Old-World Danish architectural style throughout the Village Area and shall enforce the Design Guidelines as adopted.
Policy CD-2.10 Awnings. The City shall encourage awnings on doors and windows to accentuate the architectural character of buildings.
Policy CD-2.11 Varied Elevations. The City shall require new buildings within the Village Area to incorporate varied elevations to create additional visual interest.
Policy CD-2.12 Blank Walls. The City shall prohibit the use of blank walls fronting a primary or secondary street.
Policy CD-2.13 Roof Styles. The City shall require all new buildings to incorporate roof designs and pitch that reflect Old-World Danish design.
Policy CD-2.14 Fenestration in relation to Building Orientation. The City shall encourage new buildings in the Village Area, specifically along Mission Drive, to be oriented toward the primary street front and include fenestration in the form of doors and windows.
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Policy CD-2.15 Parking Access. The City shall require when feasible, that vehicular parking is accessed from an alley, easement, or secondary street, and not the primary street, to limit interference with the pedestrian experience.
Policy CD-2.16 Parking Location. The City shall require that parking is not located or oriented at the front of the building.
Policy CD-2.17 Parking Areas. The City shall require that parking areas do not conflict with pedestrian-oriented areas and pathways.
Policy CD-2.18 Pedestrian Experience. The City shall encourage new development to provide internal pedestrian spaces, pathways, walkways, and/or openings that face the street.
Policy CD-2.19 Courtyards and Gathering Spaces. The City shall encourage all developments to include courtyards and gathering spaces to emulate that of European cities. Developments are encouraged to include seating areas, lighting, public art, landscaping, dining areas, and other public amenities in courtyards.
Policy CD-2.20 Landscaping. The City shall encourage landscaping to be used to relieve the appearance of solid unbroken elevations.
Policy CD-2.21 Modern Landscaping. The City shall prohibit modern landscaping techniques (e.g., earth mounding and the use of boulders) in the Village Area.
Policy CD-2.22 Tree Grates. The City shall require the use of tree grates around trees in walkways.
Policy CD-2.23 Landscaping and Lighting. The City shall require, for safety reasons, that all trees and landscaping do not block or obscure parking lots and street lighting.
Policy CD-2.24 Landscaping Visibility. The City shall require that landscaping does not block the vision of motorists at pedestrian crossings.
Policy CD-2.25 Walking Surface Paving. The City shall require decorative paving materials for all walking surfaces consistent with the surroundings.
Policy CD-2.26 Solid Waste and Recycling Enclosures. The City shall require that solid waste and recycling enclosures be treated and integrated into the overall site design and are screened.
Policy CD-2.27 Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture Requirement. The City shall require all new development and redevelopment to be designed using the theme and design vernaculars of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Policy CD-2.28 Spanish Style Signage. The City shall require cohesive sign designs that are consistent with the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style of the Mission Design District.
Policy CD-2.29 Landscaping. The City shall require landscaping to be drought tolerant, with an emphasis on native and Mediterranean landscaping. Palm trees are prohibited as part of any landscaping plan in this Mission Design District.
Policy CD-2.30 Stucco Cladding. The City shall require the exterior of buildings to use stucco cladding as the primary, but not exclusive, exterior building material.
Policy CD-2.31 Arcades. The City shall encourage the use of arcades with porticos.
Policy CD-2.32 Roof Style. The City shall require that roof structures be low in pitch using the gable application.
Roof materials and configurations shall be compatible with the architectural style. The use of wood or composite shingles is prohibited.
Policy CD-2.33 Decorative Elements. The City shall encourage the use of decorative elements, such as adobe and brick in foundations, tile on entrance steps, decorative attic vents, and chimney caps.
Policy CD-2.34 Front Entries. The City shall encourage the incorporation of a front entry porch, stoop, or similar covered front entry element at the primary entrance to the building.
Policy CD-2.35 Gathering Spaces. The City shall encourage developments to include gathering spaces in the form of paseos, courtyards, and patios, and gardens similar to those found in traditional Spanish and Mission design.
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Policy CD-2.36 Design Theme for Streetscape. The City shall encourage a consistent design theme with the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style for all public realm and streetscape features including but not limited to lighting, benches, wayfinding, and landscaping.
Policy CD-2.37 Fencing. The City shall require that new or remodeled development to include fencing that is either wrought iron, split rail wood, or solid stucco wall. The inclusion of solid wall or pillar components is encouraged. Chain link fencing and vinyl fencing is prohibited.
Policy CD-2.38 Architecture. The City shall encourage high-quality architecture in the style of rural California origins and ranch styles using minimal massing, low rooflines, façade articulation, fenestration, and simple rooflines that reflect a human scale environment.
Policy CD-2.39 Colors. The City shall encourage the use of colors that blend with the surrounding buildings and natural setting.
Policy CD-2.40 Hillside Landscaping Design. The City shall require that hillside properties be designed to minimize formal landscape planting and hardscapes and locate them close to the residence, follow the natural topography, and preserve native trees, native plant and wildlife habitats, and migration corridors.
Policy CD-2.41 Hillside Development. The City shall prohibit development on steep slopes and require additional review to ensure that the siting and design of structures preserve hillside areas.
Policy CD-2.42 Screening of Parking and Storage Areas. The City shall encourage screening to be used to obscure the view of parking and/or storage areas, including trash enclosures, adjacent to a public street or pedestrian area.
Economic Development Element
The Economic Development Element, a new component of the proposed 2045 General Plan, includes policies to promote a vibrant business mix to attract tourists, provide essential services for residents, and maintain the fiscal health of the City.
Proposed Economic Development Element Goals and Policies Goals and supportive policies of the proposed Economic Development Element are shown in Table 2-6.
Table 2-6 Proposed Economic Development Goals and Policies ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal ED-1 To provide a unique and attractive visitor experience that highlights the cultural heritage of Solvang and the surrounding region and offers world class amenities appropriate to the scale of the community.
Policy ED-1.1 City Beautification. The City shall invest in the beautification of the City and efficient and appropriate wayfinding signage to offer the best possible visitor experience.
Policy ED-1.2 Destination Image and Amenities. The City shall encourage the development of modern services such as electric vehicle charging stations and high-speed internet availability.
Policy ED-1.3 Visitor Facilities. The City shall support the development of facilities that would attract business travel and other mid-week trade, such as a conference center or other meeting facilities.
Policy ED-1.4 Visitor Attractions. The City shall work with the Chamber of Commerce, other organizations, the business community, and cultural institutions to offer a wide range of visitor experiences such as evening activities, agri-tourism, museums, galleries, wine tasting and breweries.
Policy ED-1.5 Marketing. The City shall support the coordination of local and regional tourism marketing efforts and events to ensure efficient visitor attractions that reach diverse markets. 581
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Policy ED-1.6 Public Facilities. The City shall encourage comfortable and useful public facilities to support a positive visitor experience, including parking, restrooms, public gathering spaces, water fountains, and pedestrian spaces., etc.
Goal ED-2 To encourage a vibrant mix of businesses that supports the tourism economy while also providing essential services for residents and living wage job opportunities.
Policy ED-2.1 Business Start-ups. The City shall ensure that City permitting processes are conducive to business start-ups and expansions.
Policy ED-2.2 Business Development. The City shall work with the Chamber of Commerce, event coordinators, and other economic development organizations to encourage locally owned businesses and attractions that complement the unique and distinctive character of the Solvang community.
Policy ED-2.3 Business Attraction. The City shall work with other organizations like REACH and the Chamber of Commerce to encourage new businesses and visitor attractions that would enhance the existing business mix to benefit both local residents and visitors.
Policy ED-2.4 Remote Work Opportunities. The City shall promote Solvang as a location for remote work opportunities by working with the hotels and other businesses to provide access to broadband and strategic workspaces around the city.
Policy ED-2.5 Light Industrial Jobs. The City shall consider opportunities for compatible industries with long-term viability in the City’s industrial zones within the Urban Growth Boundary and Sphere of Influence.
Goal ED-3 To expand education and training opportunities for local workers as well as housing and transportation options that support employees of all income levels.
Policy ED-3.1 Workforce Training. The City shall encourage area colleges, community groups and training agencies to establish programs that would benefit the Solvang workforce.
Policy ED-3.2 Workforce Housing. As part of the City’s overall housing goals, the City shall encourage housing designed and priced to be affordable to workers employed in Solvang, particularly in new mixed-use developments.
Policy ED-3.3 Transportation. The City shall support efforts to improve local and regional transit options to increase worker accessibility to job opportunities in Solvang and the broader region.
Goal ED-4 To ensure that Solvang remains a vital member of the regional economy through collaboration with economic development and planning partner agencies.
Policy ED-4.1 Business Expansion. The City will coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce, event planners, vintner organizations and REACH to encourage businesses to expand in Solvang and not in the surrounding communities.
Policy ED-4.2 Economic Infrastructure. The City shall support regional efforts to establish future-oriented infrastructure systems and human capital resources that can benefit Solvang, such as sustainable energy, improved broadband, expanded transportation options, workforce housing and workforce training.
Goal ED-5 To maintain a vibrant economy that provides a strong and resilient fiscal foundation for City Government.
Policy ED-5.1 Tourism Funding. The City shall continue to support local and regional tourism promotional funding efforts.
Policy ED-5.2 Fiscal Management. The City shall recognize the important but volatile fiscal benefit of the tourism industry for Solvang by maintaining strong budget reserve policies to help weather economic downturns.
Policy ED-5.3 Local Financing Programs. The City shall support financing mechanisms such as assessment districts to facilitate business and property owner financing of new facilities to support economic development.
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Mobility Element
The Mobility Element addresses the movement of people and goods throughout Solvang. Solvang’s transportation network and services provide mobility for residents, employees, and visitors, and serve goods movement throughout Solvang. The transportation network includes the roadway network, walking, bicycling, public transit, and tourist- and recreation-oriented travel. Figure 2-5 shows Solvang’s existing roadway network and Figure 2-6 shows Solvang’s existing pedestrian network. Figure 2-7 shows existing bicycle facilities in Solvang, as well as in the greater Santa Ynez Valley. These networks are discussed in greater detail in Section 4.14, Transportation. 583
Figure 2-5 Existing Roadway Network
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Figure 2-6 Existing Pedestrian Network
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Figure 2-7 Existing Bicycle Facilities
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Proposed Mobility Element Goals and Policies
Goals and supportive policies of the proposed Mobility Element are shown in Table 2-7.
Table 2-7 Proposed Mobility Element Goals and Policies
ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal MOB-1 To provide a street network to move people and goods safely and efficiently.
Policy MOB-1.1 Transportation Funding. The City shall identify roadway needs and identify and evaluate potential revenue sources for financing roadway system development and improvement projects and pursue viable revenue sources to meet the roadway system funding needs. This includes coordinating with SBCAG to pursue competitive Federal/State grant funding opportunities.
Policy MOB-1.2 Transportation System Capacity. The City shall use its discretionary authority over land use development to ensure that development levels do not exceed the capacity of the City’s transportation systems.
Policy MOB-1.3 Level of Service. The City shall maintain a minimum level of service D at all intersections during normal peak hours and level of service E during “average tourist season peak hours” to ensure that traffic delays are kept to a minimum.
Policy MOB-1.4 VMT Thresholds. The City shall establish VMT thresholds for determining transportation impacts for CEQA as well as screening criteria for CEQA streamlining.
Policy MOB-1.5 New Development Access. The City shall require new development to be served by roads of adequate capacity and design standards to provide reasonable access in accordance with City standards.
Policy MOB-1.6 Rights-of-way Preservation. The City shall reserve and protect adequate rights-of-way to accommodate future roadway widening projects.
Policy MOB-1.7 Mission Drive Improvement. The City shall coordinate with the California Department of Transportation to make modifications to Mission Drive (SR 246) to improve traffic flow.
Policy MOB-1.8 Residential Area Parking and Traffic Control. The City shall preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods by discouraging tourism related parking by providing adequate Village Center parking, enforcing speed limits, and prohibiting truck and bus traffic in these areas.
Policy MOB-1.9 Safe Speeds. The City shall enforce speed limits and consider lower posted speeds as warranted.
Policy MOB-1.10 Residential Traffic Diversion. The City shall maintain minimum levels of service on city streets in order to avoid diversion of through traffic into residential neighborhoods.
Policy MOB-1.11 Regional Coordination for Roadway Management. The City shall coordinate with SBCAG, the City of Buellton, the Chumash Tribe, Santa Barbara County, the California Department of Transportation, and other jurisdictions in the planning and funding of regional transportation alternatives. Mission Drive (SR 246) shall not be widened to four lanes through the Village Area instead, emphasis shall be placed on developing regional transportation alternatives.
Policy MOB-1.12 Air Quality Impact Reduction. The City shall work to reduce the air quality impacts of motor vehicle use by reducing traffic congestion and promoting efforts to reduce fossil fuel-based motor vehicle use, including support for a citywide network of all electric charging station types (e.g., Level 1, Level II, Tesla, Mega-charging).
Policy MOB-1.13 Future Automotive Technology. The City shall work with Caltrans and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that City streets are designed and striped to safely accommodate connected and autonomous vehicles.
Policy MOB-1.14 Tribal Coordination on Circulation. The City shall coordinate with the Chumash Tribe on alternative traffic and circulation mitigation solutions for future projects funded or managed by the Tribe in the City.
Policy MOB-1.15 Roadway Capacity. The City shall require roads to be of adequate width for use in times of emergency.
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Goal MOB-2 To promote safe alternatives to motorized transportation that meet the needs of all city residents.
Policy MOB-2.1 Bicycle Master Plan. The City shall adopt a master plan of bikeways on public property and shall develop bikeways as needed and feasible.
Policy MOB-2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Routes on New Roadways. The City shall incorporate bicycle routes or trails into the design of new or expanded roadways when feasible.
Policy MOB-2.3 Safe Bikeway System. The City shall allocate resources to maintain a safe bikeway system by ensuring pavement is of good quality, mode separation is implemented where feasible, and signs and markings are maintained.
Policy MOB-2.4 Pedestrian Facilities. The City shall provide a system of sidewalks or pathways that provides a safe environment for pedestrians.
Policy MOB-2.5 New Pedestrian Access. The City shall require new development to provide adequate pedestrian access.
Policy MOB-2.6 Wheelchair Ramps. The City shall require the installation of wheelchair ramps on all new sidewalks.
Policy MOB-2.7 New Facilities in Existing Neighborhoods. The City shall encourage the installation of sidewalks, pedestrian paths, bikeways, and wheelchair ramps in existing neighborhoods, where appropriate and support Safe Routes to Schools funding.
Goal MOB-3 To provide an adequate supply of public parking to meet the needs of residents and visitors to the city.
Policy MOB-3.1 Monitor Parking Needs. The City shall continue to monitor the parking situation in the downtown area and consider the creation of programs limiting parking if needs arise. This may include revising existing standards, programs, or fees, the implementation of paid parking, the implementation of timed parking, or other programs to limit long-term parking, increase parking capacity, and encourage economic activity.
Policy MOB-3.2 Parking Construction Coordination. The City shall work cooperatively with developers and the business community to identify funding mechanisms for the construction of future public parking facilities or maximize use of current underutilized private parking facilities.
Policy MOB-3.3 Alternative Parking Measures. The City shall consider all parking alternatives such as valet parking, the construction of a parking structure, remote parking lots, or engaging in a public private partnership as alternative parking measures to address demand.
Policy MOB-3.4 Parking for New Development. The City shall require new or expanded development to provide adequate off-street parking or offer the financial means for parking to be provided.
Policy MOB-3.5 Micro-Mobility Parking. The City shall review and consider the use of alternative transportation modes by providing adequate parking for small vehicles such as zero emission vehicles, scooters, and bicycles.
Policy MOB-3.6 Increase Turnover of Prime On-street Parking Spaces. The City shall consider parking time limits in the most in-demand parking areas to increase turnover of parking spaces, increase parking opportunities to active shoppers, and reduce instances of employees parking in prime downtown parking.
Goal MOB-4 To provide a safe network of streets that reduce automobile dependence without sacrificing mobility are safe for all users.
Policy MOB-4.1 Complete Streets. The City shall create guidelines to facilitate the installation of non-automobile serving infrastructure along its streets, including sidewalks and bike trails.
Policy MOB-4.2 Street Closures. The City shall analyze the potential for streets to be closed to vehicular traffic or otherwise modified to improve travel routes available to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Policy MOB-4.3 Safe Streets. The City shall pursue and enact traffic calming measures as appropriate to meet the policy objectives, as conditions warrant.
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Policy MOB-4.4 Curbside Management. The City shall analyze access to high-use curb space to facilitate curbside pick-up and drop-off for transportation network and delivery companies without unduly obstructing access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Policy MOB-4.5 E-Scooters. The City shall study the implementation of micro-mobility transportation alternatives.
Goal MOB-5 To reduce traffic congestion and vehicle trips through more efficient infrastructure and support for trip reduction programs.
Policy MOB-5.1 VMT Management. The City shall work with SBCAG and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution District to identify trip and VMT reduction opportunities.
Policy MOB-5.2 TDM. The City shall encourage employers to promote carpooling, public transportation, and allow telecommuting.
Policy MOB-5.3 Park-and-Ride Lots. The City shall work with the SBCAG to plan park and ride lots at suitable locations serving long distance and local commuters.
Policy MOB-5.4 TSM. The City shall explore options for telematics-based parking and route management systems to smooth traffic flow.
Policy MOB-5.5 Supporting ITS Infrastructure. The City shall assess the suitability and adequacy of broadband infrastructure in the city to support future ITS implementation and capacity for telework within the City.
Goal MOB-6 To participate in a public transportation system that is safe, convenient, efficient and meets the identified need of the Solvang community.
Policy MOB-6.1 Transit Service Use and Expansion. The City shall support the use of the public transportation system as well as the expansion of transit operations when demand levels are sufficient to warrant increased service.
Policy MOB-6.2 Regional Transit Network. The City shall work with SBCAG and other nearby cities and jurisdictions to ensure that the regional transit network offers access for those with limited mobility options.
Policy MOB-6.3 Transportation Access for Mobility Impaired. The City shall support the public transportation system to accommodate the mobility needs of residents, especially of transit dependent persons such as the elderly and disabled.
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element The Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element is a new component of the proposed 2045 General Plan. The purpose of the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element is to present goals, policies, and programs related to public facilities and community services within City limits.
Public facilities provide convenient and efficient services and assist maintaining existing population and providing for ongoing growth within Solvang. Figure 2-8 shows existing public facilities and infrastructure in Solvang.
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Figure 2-8 Existing Public Facilities and Infrastructure 590
Proposed Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Goals and Policies Goals and supportive policies of the proposed Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element are shown in Table 2-8.
Table 2-8 Proposed Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Goals and Policies
ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal PFS-1 To maintain an adequate level of service in the City’s water system to meet the needs of existing and future residents, businesses, and new development.
Policy PFS-1.1 Water Supply Sources. The City shall continue to maintain a water supply program consisting of multiple sources of water, water conservation and groundwater management to accommodate projected water demand and provide for reliable water supply.
Policy PFS-1.2 Adequate Fire Flows. The City shall insure the provision of water supply, storage, and adequately sized pipelines to provide fire flows to meet the recommendations of the Fire Chief, City Engineer, and Utilities Director.
Policy PFS-1.3 Water Supply and Infrastructure. The City shall ensure there is adequate water supply and infrastructure in place or that it will be available in place and prior to approving any new development. The City will consider existing and future water supply and demand prior to project approval.
Policy PFS-1.4 Water Line Maintenance. The City shall systematically replace or repair leaking and deteriorated water lines.
Policy PFS-1.5 Cost of New Infrastructure. The City shall require that the costs of improvements to the water distribution system that are necessary for new developments are financed by the property owner and/or developer.
Policy PFS-1.6 Water Efficient Landscaping. The City shall require new development to comply with the State water efficient landscaping requirements.
Goal PFS-2 To operate and maintain the City’s sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant facilities to provide adequate capacity for existing residents, businesses, and future development.
Policy PFS-2.1 Wastewater System Capacity. The City shall continue to expand water treatment, distribution, and storage facility systems for potable and non-potable systems as necessary to accommodate the needs of existing and planned development.
Policy PFS-2.2 Cost of New Infrastructure. The City shall require that the costs of improvements to the wastewater and water reclamation system that are necessary for new development are financed by the property owner or developer.
Policy PFS-2.3 Pursue Infrastructure Funding. The City will pursue available funding from county, state, and federal grants.
Policy PFS-2.4 Protect Groundwater Quality. The City shall preserve and protect groundwater quality through the implementation of best practices and innovative methods for modern wastewater disposal.
Goal PFS-3 To reduce solid waste entering local landfills through waste management and recycling.
Policy PFS-3.1 Waste Management. The City shall continue to coordinate with the contractor to improve its solid waste management system through emphasis on waste prevention, reuse, recycling, composting, and appropriate disposal.
Policy PFS-3.2 Reduce Municipal Solid Waste. The City shall reduce municipal solid waste generation by employing a wide range of innovative techniques, including electronic communications to reduce paper usage and buying products with less packaging or in bulk, where feasible.
Policy PFS-3.3 Recycling Collection. The City shall require all new projects to provide sufficient and accessible space for the storage and collection of recyclable materials and organic waste separate in addition to, space for refuse storage and collection.
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Goal PFS-4 To coordinate with law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency service providers to ensure a safe community and protect city residents and property.
Policy PFS-4.1 Police Staffing. The City shall coordinate with the county to ensure adequate staffing and facilities to achieve desired levels of public safety.
Policy PFS-4.2 Community Policing Strategies. The City shall promote community policing strategies that support community partnerships and problem-solving techniques that build public trust and proactively address public safety issues.
Policy PFS-4.3 School Security and Safety. The City shall encourage local law enforcement to collaborate with the Solvang School District to study and implement measures that enhance the security of schools and the safety of students, teachers, and administrators.
Policy PFS-4.4 Tourist and Visitor Safety. The City shall coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce, hotels, and downtown businesses to train employees about crime prevention.
Policy PFS-4.5 Mutual Aid Agreements. The City shall maintain mutual aid agreements among fire protection and emergency service providers to ensure residents and property are adequately served and to facilitate the efficient use of available resources.
Policy PFS-4.6 Emergency Medical Services. The City shall coordinate emergency medical services between agencies serving the city.
Goal PFS-5 The City shall work to reduce fire risk to structures, property, and residents.
Policy PFS-5.1 Fire Safety Information. The City shall coordinate with County Fire Department to inform homeowners of the risk of fire and ways to prevent loss, including information about methods for fire protection at the urban/wildland interface.
Policy PFS-5.2 Defensible Space. The City shall coordinate with the County Fire Department to work with residents and businesses to provide “defensible space” around structures to provide fire fighters with sufficient room to defend structures and maneuver.
Policy PFS-5.3 Fire Flows. The City shall ensure that adequate peak load water fire-flows are maintained throughout the city and shall regularly monitor fire-flows to ensure adequacy.
Goal PFS-6 Improve the health and quality of life for all Solvang residents.
Policy PFS-6.1 Collaboration for Improved Health. The City shall collaborate with local health officials, planners, nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, hospitals, local health clinics, and community groups to improve community health.
Policy PFS-6.2 Health in All Policies. The City shall prioritize the overall health of Solvang residents in its strategies, programs, daily operations, and practices.
Policy PFS-6.3 Address Health Inequities. The City shall address health inequities in Solvang by striving to remove barriers to healthy living, avoiding disproportionate exposure to unhealthy living environments, and providing a high quality of life for all residents, regardless of income, age, or ethnicity.
Goal PFS-7 To provide and maintain park facilities with a range of recreational opportunities for City residents of all ages and abilities.
Policy PFS-7.1 Recreation Services. The City shall continue to provide and facilitate quality recreational services, including programs, classes, special events, and facilities to all members of the community in a courteous and efficient manner.
Policy PFS-7.2 Parks and Recreation System. The City shall continue to operate and maintain a parks and recreation system which provides important environmental, social, personal and economic benefits to meet the needs of the City’s residents.
Policy PFS-7.3 Park Facility Use. The City shall continue to maximize the use of each park facility by creatively adapting the recreation opportunities available, as community needs change and evolve.
Policy PFS-7.4 Facility Master Plans. The City shall create Master Plans for each park or recreation facility and periodically review and update the plans and estimate implementation costs to respond to changing needs.
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Policy PFS-7.5 Neighborhood Impacts. When preparing new, or updating existing, park and facility plans, the City shall consider the effects on surrounding neighborhoods for issues such as noise, light and glare, and traffic and parking in order to minimize impacts on neighborhood quality of life.
Policy PFS-7.6 Intergovernmental Coordination. The City shall maintain open communication with the State, the County, the City of Buellton, local organizations, and the school districts to establish mutual goals and timelines for achieving those goals.
Policy PFS-7.7 Park Safety. The City shall continue to maintain and improve safety in existing parks and design park improvements to facilitate security and policing.
Policy PFS-7.8 Park Patrols. The City shall coordinate with the law enforcement to provide mobile patrols of parks and recreation events.
Policy PFS-7.9 Neighborhood Watch. The City shall coordinate with neighborhood watch programs to provide added security in park areas.
Policy PFS-7.10 Public Awareness. The City shall increase resident awareness of available park and recreational facilities and opportunities by periodically providing public information and activity guides and maintaining cooperative relationships with local media outlets and local organizations.
Policy PFS-7.11 Undeveloped Natural Areas. The City shall conserve and enhance the publicly owned undeveloped natural areas of Adobe Creek and Alamo Pintado Creek for the passive use and enjoyment of the public.
Policy PFS-7.12 Recreation Activities at State Parks. The City shall coordinate with the State to maintain recreational activities for residents and visitors at the Santa Ines Mission Mills State Park, State Parks Department, and Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation management objectives.
Policy PFS-7.13 Urban Trails Plan. The City shall prepare an urban trails plan and program in coordination with neighboring Cities.
Goal PFS-8 To provide high-quality, cost-effective park operation and maintenance.
Policy PFS-8.1 ADA Compliant Parks and Facilities. The City shall design park and recreation facilities that are ADA accessible and energy and resource efficient.
Policy PFS-8.2 Energy-Efficient Parks and Facilities. When creating new, or updating existing park and facility plans, the city should incorporate energy and resource efficient concepts to the extent feasible.
Policy PFS-8.3 Water Efficient Parks. The City shall use drip irrigation and other water efficient methods in parks to the extent feasible.
Policy PFS-8.4 Drought Tolerant Landscaping. The City shall use drought tolerant landscaping, solar oriented structures, and structures with natural lighting during daylight hours, where feasible.
Policy PFS-8.5 Park Facility Maintenance. The City shall reduce City Park facility maintenance costs wherever feasible including use of durable materials.
Policy PFS-8.6 Long-term Park Maintenance and Operating Cost Estimate. The City shall estimate the long-term maintenance and operating costs associated with a proposed project in conjunction with accepting or developing a new park.
Policy PFS-8.7 Park Net Benefit. The City shall ensure that it receives a net benefit to the City park and recreation system when an existing or proposed park is impacted by private or quasi-public infrastructure and other easements.
Goal PFS-9 To use a variety of funding sources to acquire, develop, expand, and maintain the City’s parks, facilities, recreation opportunities and natural areas.
Policy PFS-9.1 Capital Improvement Program. The City shall continue to list potential park projects in the City’s Ten-Year Capital Improvement Program project list.
Policy PFS-9.2 Development Impact Fees. The City shall maintain and update projected costs for new park and recreation facilities to provide a basis of reviewing and updating development impact fees collected by the City to be used to fund improvements.
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Policy PFS-9.3 Quimby Act. The City shall adopt a Quimby Act Park dedication ordinance at the ratio of one acre of parkland for each 1,000 in population added by proposed subdivisions, or payment of park in lieu fees.
Policy PFS-9.4 Park Grant and Bond Funding. The City shall continue to pursue grants and park bond funding for construction of new parks, major park maintenance projects, or to upgrade or add new facilities to existing parks.
Policy PFS-9.5 Local Partnerships. The City shall explore funding arrangements and partnerships with other regional agencies.
PFS-10 To provide Solvang with distinguished schools, programs, and learning opportunities.
Policy PFS-10.1 Solvang School District Partnership. The City shall continue to confer with and work jointly with the Solvang School District on issues of mutual interest, including new school sites or facilities.
Policy PFS-10.2 School District Facility Planning. The City shall continue to forward all residential development proposals to the Solvang School District and the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District for review with regard to school capacity and potential school sites.
Policy PFS-10.3 Solvang Library. The City shall continue to support the Solvang Library to improve the library facilities and expand their service to the community.
Environment and Sustainability Element
The Environment and Sustainability Element is a new component of the proposed 2045 General Plan. The purpose of the Environment and Sustainability Element is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources that make Solvang a unique place. The Environment and Sustainability Element addresses a broad range of topics, including water quality and supply, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, open space, cultural and natural resources, mineral resources, and biological resources. Figure 2-9 shows existing designated open space in Solvang.
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Figure 2-9 Existing Open Space
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Proposed Environment and Sustainability Element Goals and Policies Goals and supportive policies of the proposed Environment and Sustainability Element are shown in Table 2-9.
Table 2-9 Proposed Environment and Sustainability Element Goals and Policies ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal ENV-1 To protect and provide access to important space areas within the city and within the region.
Policy ENV-1.1 Open Space Management. The City shall manage city-owned open space designated land for the protection of sensitive biological resources primarily as a preserve.
Policy ENV-1.2 Support Regional Open Space. The City shall support the efforts of Santa Barbara County, and other jurisdictions, the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and other agencies, organizations, and private landowners to establish and maintain open space lands in the region.
Policy ENV-1.3 Maintain Agricultural Lands. The City shall support Santa Barbara County to retain the Agriculture designation in viable farming units on lands surrounding the City and support implementation of the Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan.
Policy ENV-1.4 Open Space Access. The City shall continue to provide access to open space resources, with interpretive information, when doing so is consistent with protection of the resources, and with the security and privacy of affected landowners and occupants.
Goal ENV-2 To protect important scenic resources within the city’s plan area.
Policy ENV-2.1 Protect Scenic Qualities. The City shall protect and enhance the important scenic qualities within the City Limits, including scenic views of rolling hillsides and agricultural lands.
Policy ENV-2.2 Urban Forest. The City shall protect the urban forest created by mature trees in existing developed areas and require planting of approved trees and landscaping in new development.
Policy ENV-2.3 Scenic Transportation Corridors. The City shall support efforts by Santa Barbara County to protect the scenic qualities of transportation corridors serving the City and region.
Policy ENV-2.4 Greenbelts. The City shall work with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Buellton, and other jurisdictions and agencies, to preserve the scenic character of the greenbelts and buffers surrounding Solvang and enhance the gateways to the City.
Policy ENV-2.5 City Gateways. The City shall support efforts to enhance and improve city gateways.
Goal ENV-3 To protect natural open space areas, sensitive native vegetation, and wildlife communities and habitat.
Policy ENV-3.1 Natural Resource Protection. The City shall protect sensitive natural resources, wildlife communities and habitats within the open spaces.
Policy ENV-3.2 Educational Programs. The City shall encourage and support educational programs in the local schools and park programs that enhance public appreciation and awareness of the natural environment, and programs on how to manage development to preserve native wildlife populations.
Policy ENV-3.3 Minimize Impacts of Development. The City shall ensure new development does not significantly deplete, damage, or alter existing critical wildlife habitat or populations such as coastal oak woodland along Alamo Pintado Creek, Alisal Creek, and Adobe Creek and riparian habitat along the Santa Ynez River.
Policy ENV-3.4 Support Local and Regional Efforts. The City shall support and participate in local and regional efforts of local, State and federal resource agencies (e.g., Santa Barbara County, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cost Guard, local land trusts and conservation organizations) to protect, restore and maintain viable, contiguous areas of habitat for sensitive plant and animal species along Alamo Pintado Creek, Alisal Creek, and Adobe Creek and the Santa Ynez River.
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Policy ENV-3.5 Preserve Creek Corridors. The City shall preserve the ecological integrity of creek corridors that support riparian resources by preserving native riparian plants and, to the extent feasible, removing invasive nonnative plants. If preservation of the ecological integrity of existing resources is found to be infeasible, adverse impacts to riparian resources shall be fully mitigated consistent with the requirements of applicable State and Federal regulations.
Goal ENV-4 To protect the historic and cultural resources in order to preserve the heritage of native peoples and the area’s earliest settlers.
Policy ENV-4.1 Protect Archaeological Resources. The City shall provide for the protection of both known and potential archaeological resources citywide. To avoid significant damage to important archaeological sites, all available measures shall be explored at the time of a development proposal. Where such measures are not feasible and development would adversely affect identified archaeological or paleontological resources, mitigation shall be required in accordance with the relevant provisions of federal and State laws.
Policy ENV-4.2 Collaboration with Chumash. The City shall continue a positive and collaborative working relationship with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians through continued consultation and collaboration with respect to the preservation of, or the mitigation of impacts to, specified Native American places, features, and objects.
Policy ENV-4.3 Central Coast Information Center Referrals. The City shall continue to refer development proposals that may adversely affect archaeological sites to the University of California Santa Barbara Central Coast Information Center for review and comment.
Goal ENV-5 To preserve and enhance Solvang’s Historic and Danish heritage.
Policy ENV-5.1 Protect Significant Sites and Buildings. The City shall protect and enhance Solvang’s historically and architecturally significant sites and buildings.
Policy ENV-5.2 Support Property Owners. The City shall encourage the efforts of property owners to preserve and renovate historic and architecturally significant structures. Where such buildings cannot be preserved intact, the City shall seek to preserve the building facades and ensure renovations are consistent with the applicable standards set forth in the Community Design Element and design guidelines.
Goal ENV-6 To achieve environmentally responsible reclamation of mineral extraction sites.
Policy ENV-6.1 Mineral Extraction Site Reclamation. The City shall require the environmentally responsible reclamation of mineral extraction sites within the City and shall work with other agencies in the area to do the same.
Policy ENV-6.2 Mineral Extraction Site Reclamation. The City shall require the environmentally responsible reclamation of mineral extraction sites within the City and shall work with other agencies in the area to do the same.
Policy ENV-6.3 Mineral Extraction. The City shall work with existing mineral extraction operations to minimize impacts to human health and the environment.
Goal ENV-7 To maintain an adequate level of service in the City’s water system to meet the needs of existing and future development.
Policy ENV-7.1 Adequate Water Supply. The City shall continue to work with water providers to ensure adequate water supply is available to the community. Further, the City shall impose limitations or moratoriums on new development or redevelopment when the water supply of existing customers will be adversely impacted.
Policy ENV-7.2 Diverse Water Supply. The City shall pursue a water supply program consisting of the development of multiple sources of water, water conservation, and groundwater management to accommodate projected water demand and provide as best possible for water supply security.
Policy ENV-7.3 Water Conservation Measures. The City shall require new development and redevelopment projects to incorporate water conservation measures to reduce water demand through the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), relevant sections of Title 24 and LEED certification, and other conservation policies and programs.
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ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal ENV-8 To foster effective communication, cooperation, and coordination in developing and operating community and regional air quality programs.
Policy ENV-8.1 Reduce Air Pollution. The City shall cooperate with the efforts of the SBCAPCD to reduce emission of air pollutants and their precursors and ensure ongoing attainment of federal and State ambient air quality standards.
Policy ENV-8.2 Particulate Emissions Reduction. The City shall work with the SBCAPCD to reduce particulate emissions from construction, grading, excavation, and demolition to the maximum extent feasible.
Policy ENV-8.3 Air Quality Mitigation Measures. The City shall ensure all air quality mitigation measures are feasible, implementable, and cost effective.
Policy ENV-8.4 Mitigation Measures. The City shall require new development and redevelopment to incorporate measures from the most recent SBCAPCD Clean Air Plan to reduce air quality impacts to a less than significant level.
Policy ENV-8.5 Air Quality Education Programs. The City shall support the efforts of local public and private groups that provide air quality education programs.
Goal ENV-9 To reduce the air quality impacts of motor vehicles and small engine use.
Policy ENV-9.1 Workforce Housing Opportunities. The City shall support expansion of workforce housing opportunities in Solvang to reduce the volume and distance of home-to-work commute trips by motor vehicle.
Policy ENV-9.2 Commuter Trip Reduction. The City shall support regional transportation programs that reduce single-rider commuter related vehicle trips.
Policy ENV-9.3 Alternative Modes of Transportation. The City shall encourage the use of alternative transportation modes, including transit, walking, and bicycling.
Policy ENV-9.4 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. The City shall encourage the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle charging facilities in commercial, residential, and industrial development.
Policy ENV-9.5 Fuel Efficient Vehicles. The City shall encourage adoption of alternative fuel vehicles including electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, or other fuel-efficient vehicles, for personal transportation.
Policy ENV-9.6 City Fleet and Equipment. The City shall work toward converting 100 percent of non-emergency City vehicles to electric, hybrid, flex-fuel, or alternative fuels. In addition, the City shall replace gaspowered mowers and other equipment with electric or hybrid models and to use alternative carbon-free models where possible.
Policy ENV-9.7 Sustainable Development Patterns. The City shall continue to promote patterns of development that minimize dependence on personal automobiles and reduce VMT and GHG.
Goal ENV-10 To reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
Policy ENV-10.1 State GHG Reduction Goals. The City shall work with the SBCAPCD, SBCAG and Santa Barbara County to comply with statewide greenhouse gas reduction goals as established in AB 32, SB 375 and subsequent Executive Orders and legislation.
Policy ENV-10.2 Regional Climate and Sustainability Plans. The City shall implement the relevant provisions of the Santa Barbara County Energy plans to reduce emissions.
Policy ENV-10.3 GHG Reduction Preference. The City shall give preference to vendors which reduce or eliminate indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy ENV-10.4 GHG Thresholds. The City shall establish and maintain GHG thresholds to evaluate non-exempt discretionary projects consistent with CEQA. Projects above those thresholds shall mitigate their GHG emissions and locally offset the remaining GHG emissions if necessary.
Policy ENV-10.5 Prioritize GHG Reduction in Development. The City shall support new development that is compact, mixed-use, transit oriented, and reduces GHG emissions by lowering vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and promoting energy-efficient building design and site planning 598
ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal ENV-11 To encourage community action to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Policy ENV-11.1 Green Business Program. The City shall encourage businesses to obtain certification under the Santa Barbara County Green Business Program.
Policy ENV-11.2 Sustainability Education. The City shall partner with the local school districts, waste haulers, food banks, and other local organizations to integrate sustainability and environmental literacy into the academic curriculum and educate the community on waste diversion and recycling.
Policy ENV-11.3 Local Partnerships. The City shall partner with local businesses and organizations to secure grants and incentives for facilitating GHG reduction projects such as energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Goal ENV-12 To incorporate sustainable building and development practices into the city’s development regulations.
Policy ENV-12.1 Green Building Code. The City shall require through the State Building Code energy efficient construction and sustainable building practices by continuing to implement the Green Building Code.
Policy ENV-12.2 Green Building Practices. The City shall support the use of green building practices in the planning, design, construction, management, renovation, operations, and demolition of all public and private buildings and projects, including:
Land planning and design techniques that preserve the natural environment and minimize disturbance of the land.
Site development to reduce erosion, minimize paved surfaces and runoff and protect vegetation, especially trees.
Water conservation indoors and outdoors.
Energy efficiency in heating/cooling systems, appliances, lighting, and the building envelope. Selection of materials based on recyclability, durability and the amount of energy used to create the material.
Waste reduction, reuse and recycling during construction and throughout the life of the project.
Other new aspects of green design and construction included in LEED™ or other certification programs.
Control nighttime lighting to lower energy use, reduce glare, and prevent illumination of the night sky.
Policy ENV-12.3 LEED Certified City Buildings. The City shall design and construct all new or renovated City buildings to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating requirements.
Policy ENV-12.4 Passive Temperature Regulation. The City shall to the extent feasible, require the orientation of buildings to maximize passive solar heating during cool seasons, avoid solar heat gain in warm seasons, enhance natural ventilation and effective use of daylight, and to maximize opportunities for the installation of solar panels.
Policy ENV-12.5 Co-Generation Facilities. The City should promote and encourage co-generation projects, office, and industrial facilities, provided they meet all applicable air quality standards and provide a net reduction in GHG emissions associated with energy production.
Policy ENV-12.6 Emerging Technologies. The City shall remain informed of and support the inclusion of new and emerging technologies for carbon-free and energy efficient design. Support may include permit streamlining procedures, reduced fees, rebate and financing information, or other incentives at the City’s discretion.
Goal ENV-13 To reduce Green House emissions (GHG) related to energy consumption.
Policy ENV-13.1 Energy Efficiency Incentives. The City shall work with energy providers and developers on voluntary incentive-based programs to encourage the use of energy efficient designs and equipment in existing buildings.
Policy ENV-13.2 Renewable Energy for Homes. The City shall encourage installation of renewable energy sources for new homes per the new state building codes.
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Policy ENV-13.3 Building Emissions Reductions Plan. The City shall consider the adoption of an ordinance for all new buildings to meet State emissions reductions targets by 2045.
Policy ENV-13.4 Energy Retrofit Program. The City shall encourage homeowners and building owners to retrofit their structures with energy efficiency improvements.
Policy ENV-13.5 Low Income Energy Efficiency. The City shall partner with community service agencies and organizations to support energy efficient projects for low-income residents. Eligible projects may include installation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, lighting, water heating equipment, and insulation and weatherization.
Policy ENV-13.6 Renewable Energy in Open Space. The City shall allow renewable energy projects in areas zoned for open space, where consistent with all the elements of this General Plan, and other uses and values.
Goal ENV-14 To become a zero-waste community through responsible procurement, waste diversion, and innovative strategies.
Policy ENV-14.1 Zero Waste. The City shall promote activities that reduce waste and increase waste diversion, including sourcing products with reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging; establishing food diversion programs; and promoting and educating on waste diversion and its importance.
Policy ENV-14.2 Household Waste Programs. The City shall coordinate with the contract waste management company to provide convenient, easy-to-use programs for bulky items and household hazardous waste.
Safety Element
The Safety Element evaluates natural hazards and safety hazards in Solvang and outlines goals and policies to minimize risk to life and property. The primary natural hazard threats for Solvang are earthquakes, wildfire, drought, localized flooding, and an increased number of high heat days. Many of the goals and policies in this element correspond to local and regional safety priorities such as those established in the County of Santa Barbara’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a multi-jurisdictional document that helps coordinate participating jurisdictions to reduce risk from the most prevalent natural disasters in Santa Barbara County. Likewise, many of the goals and policies correspond to the City’s Emergency Management Plan. In addition, Solvang noise characteristics are described within the 2045 General Plan Safety Element including descriptions of common sources of noise as well as goals and policies to lessen noise for sensitive land uses (e.g., residences, schools, medical facilities).
Proposed Safety Element Goals and Policies
The goals and supportive policies of the proposed Safety Element are shown in Table 2-10. 600
Table 2-10 Proposed Safety Element Goals and Policies
ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Goal SAF-1 To ensure that City emergency response procedures are appropriate and coordinated with the County in the event of natural or human-made disasters.
Policy SAF-1.1 Emergency Response Programs. The City shall support local and regional response programs that provide emergency and other services to the public when a disaster occurs.
Policy SAF-1.2 Community Education and Organization. The City shall develop and support preparedness programs that educate and organize the community, especially vulnerable populations, to respond appropriately to disasters.
Policy SAF-1.3 Interjurisdictional Coordination. The City shall work to improve coordination and information sharing among city, County and State programs and agencies to reduce the risks of disasters.
Policy SAF-1.4 Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services. The City shall continue to work with Santa Barbara County to maintain local law enforcement and fire protection services in a state of readiness to ensure adequate protection for the citizens of Solvang.
Policy SAF-1.5 Standardized Emergency Management System. The City shall continue to support efforts to ensure local agency compliance with the State’s Standardized Emergency Management System.
Policy SAF-1.6 Command Center. The City shall continue to coordinate with the county to designate and develop a command center for use during times of emergency, such as the Veterans Hall.
Policy SAF-1.7 Critical Facilities. The City shall continue to maintain existing and expand critical facilities outside of flood, seismic, and high fire hazard zones whenever feasible.
Policy SAF-1.8 Mutual Aid Agreements. The City shall continue to maintain mutual aid agreements and communications links with surrounding jurisdictions for assistance during times of emergency.
Policy SAF-1.9 Communication and Media Protocols. The City shall continue to maintain emergency communication resources, protocols, and improve information transfer to the media and public during emergencies.
Goal SAF-2 To prevent and/or reduce loss of life, injury, and property damage due to geologic and seismic hazards, including ground shaking, fault rupture, and liquefaction.
Policy SAF-2.1 Earthquake Resistant Design. The City shall continue to require earthquake resistant designs for all structures and utilities.
Policy SAF-2.2 Critical Facilities Placement. New critical structures such as hospitals, police substations, fire stations, emergency communication centers, schools, high occupancy buildings and bridges shall be located away from high-risk earthquakes, landslides, and liquefaction zones.
Policy SAF-2.3 Geotechnical Reports. The City shall continue to require the preparation of geotechnical reports and impose appropriate mitigation measures for new development in areas of potential seismic or geologic hazards to ensure, within the limits of technical and economic feasibility, that new structures are able to withstand the effects of seismic activity, including liquefaction, slope instability, expansive soils, or other geologic hazards.
Policy SAF-2.4 Underground Utilities. The City shall continue to require the design of underground utilities, particularly water and natural gas mains, to resist seismic forces in accordance with state requirements.
Policy SAF-2.5 Identification and Abatement of Risk for Existing Structures. The City shall identify and encourage risk abatement for existing structures that will be hazardous during an earthquake event, especially high occupancy structures that have the greatest potential effect on public safety.
Policy SAF-2.6 Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. The City shall continue to enforce the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act that requires geologic studies to be performed so that habitable structures and essential facilities will be sited away from active and potentially active faults.
Goal SAF-3 To reduce the potential damage to structures and infrastructure from landslide hazards.
Policy SAF-3.1 Landslide and Slope Instability Hazard Mitigation. The City shall continue to require development to avoid and/or mitigate any potential impacts a project contributes to landslides and slope instability hazards on neighboring property, appurtenant structures, utilities, and roads. 601
ID Goal and Supportive Policies
Policy SAF-3.2 Expansion of Development in Areas of Landslide Activity. The City shall prohibit the expansion of existing structures or developments in areas of known landslide activity except when the project incorporates measures to reduce the potential for loss of life and property.
Policy SAF-3.3 New Development in Areas of Landslide Activity. The City shall prohibit new development in areas of known landslide activity unless development plans indicate that the hazard can be reduced to a less than significant level prior to beginning development.
Goal SAF-4 To prevent and/or reduce loss of life, injury, and property damage due to flooding.
Policy SAF-4.1 Development in Floodplains. The City shall not approve new development in areas subject to a 100-year flood event, based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping or on other updated mapping acceptable to the City, unless and until the flood hazard has been mitigated.
Policy SAF-4.2 Mitigate Flooding. The City shall require new development and redevelopment to incorporate flood reduction measures into the project design in areas known to be prone to flooding.
Policy SAF-4.3 Dam Inundation. The City shall update and maintain the Emergency Management Plan to minimize the risk to life and property due to dam failure.
Policy SAF-4.4 Reducing Flood Impacts. The City shall require mitigation to less than significant levels for new development with the potential to increase flooding impacts.
Policy SAF-4.5 100-Year Flood Plains. The City shall require development on land subject to a 100- year flood event, based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping or on other updated mapping acceptable to the City, to conform to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards.
Policy SAF-4.6 New Parcels. The City shall prohibit the creation of parcels upon which the presence of easements, floodplain, marsh or riparian habitat, or other features would leave insufficient land to build and operate structures. This action item shall not apply to open space lots specifically created for dedication to the City or another appropriate party for habitat protection, flood control, drainage, or wetland maintenance.
Goal SAF-5 To prevent and/or reduce loss of life, injury, and property damage due to wildland and structural fires.
Policy SAF-5.1 Protect New Development. The City shall require new developments designed to protect life and property from wildfires and structural fires relative to the identified risk level.
Policy SAF-5.2 Fire Equipment Access and Resources. The City shall require that new development provides for adequate fire equipment access and fire suppression resources.
Policy SAF-5.3 Road and Building Identification. The City shall require that all roads and buildings are properly identified by name or number with clearly visible signs in order to promote faster response times.
Policy SAF-5.4 Work with Homeowners on Fire Safety. The City shall work with and educate homeowners to improve fire safety and defensibility.
Policy SAF-5.5 Fire Safety Improvements. The City shall encourage fire safety improvements for existing homes and commercial buildings
Goal SAF-6 To coordinate with fire protection and emergency service providers to ensure adequate fire facilities, equipment, and services are available to protect city residents and property from fire.
Policy SAF-6.1 County Fire Department Staffing. The City shall work with Santa Barbara County Fire Department to maintain fire department staffing levels and response times consistent with National Fire Protection Association standards.
Policy SAF-6.2 Mutual Aid Agreements. The City shall continue to maintain mutual aid agreements among fire protection and emergency service providers to ensure residents and property are adequately served and to facilitate the efficient use of available resources.
Policy SAF-6.3 Peak Fire-Flow. The City shall continue to ensure that adequate peak load water fire-flows are maintained throughout the city and shall regularly monitor fire-flows to ensure adequacy.
Policy SAF-6.4 Homeowner Resources. The City shall continue to work with local agencies to inform homeowners of the dangers and appropriate responses to fire and ways to prevent loss. 602
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Goal SAF-7 To reduce the potential for exposure of humans and the environment to hazardous substances.
Policy SAF-7.1 Hazardous Material Storage and Disposal. The City shall require proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials, including medical waste, to prevent leakage, potential explosions, fires, or the escape of harmful gases, and to prevent individually innocuous materials from combining to form hazardous substances, especially at the time of disposal.
Policy SAF-7.2 Designated Routes for Transport of Hazardous Materials. The City shall designate and continue to enforce safe routes through the City for the transport of hazardous materials.
Policy SAF-7.3 Testing and Remediation of Contaminated Sites. The City shall require testing for contamination in areas suspected as potentially hazardous and shall require that the remediation of hazardous areas takes place prior to development in cooperation with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.
Goal SAF-8 To ensure that Solvang remains a relatively safe community with a low incidence of crime.
Policy SAF-8.1 Public Safety. The City shall continue to maintain a high-level of public safety in Solvang.
Policy SAF-8.2 Design Review. The City shall ensure through design review that crime prevention and safety are incorporated into new development projects, especially for residential subdivision and commercial development.
Policy SAF-8.3 Education on Personal Safety. The City shall continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Sheriff to support volunteer and educational programs to inform the public regarding personal safety.
Goal SAF-9 To promote the safe operation of the airport and protect the safety of city residents.
Policy SAF-9.1 Coordinate with the ALUC. The City shall coordinate with the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) on land use planning around the Santa Ynez Airport and the City’s Plan Area.
Policy SAF-9.2 Airport Area of Influence. The City shall submit development proposals for land within the airport area of influence for review by the ALUC for consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
Policy SAF-9.3 Airport Land Use Consistency. The City shall work to achieve consistency between General Plan land uses and the ALUP, when and where it is appropriate. Measures may include restrictions on permitted land uses and development criteria, including height restrictions.
Goal SAF-10 To protect city residents, visitors and infrastructure from the hazards associated with falling trees.
Policy SAF-10.1 Tree Maintenance. The City shall continue to maintain trees on City property to minimize hazards, and work with property owners to do the same.
Goal SAF-11 To reduce, minimize and manage noise and vibration to the greatest extent feasible.
Policy SAF-11.1 Roadway Project Noise Mitigation. The City shall work with Caltrans to require the inclusion of noise mitigation measures along Highway 246 near residential units in the design of new roadway projects where necessary to maintain acceptable noise levels for adjacent uses.
Policy SAF-11.2 Noise Mitigation in Design. The City shall require the use noise mitigation measures where appropriate in the design of new development and redevelopment, especially for residential or other noise-sensitive land uses adjacent to major roads or noise-generating commercial or industrial areas to ensure internal noise levels of the receiving noise-sensitive uses remain at acceptable levels.
Policy SAF-11.3 Sensitive Areas. The City shall ensure acceptable noise levels are maintained near schools, hospitals, and other noise sensitive areas through proper land use decisions and site plan review.
Policy SAF-11.4 Vibration Impacts. For projects involving the use of major vibration generating equipment (e.g., pile drivers, vibratory rollers) that could generate groundborne vibration levels in excess of 0.2 in/sec ppv, the city may require a project-specific vibration impact assessment to analyze potential groundborne vibrational impacts and may require measures to reduce ground vibration levels. 603
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Goal SAF-12 Reduce the potential and severity of short- and long-term health emergencies, control the rate and extent of the spread of an illness, reduce economic and social displacement, and reduce loss of life.
Policy SAF-12.1 State and County Minimum Requirements. The City shall implement all minimum requirements from appropriate State of California and Santa Barbara County agencies relative to declared public health emergencies.
Policy SAF-12.2 Interagency Coordination. The City shall work closely with the State of California and Santa Barbara County health officials to make certain that City needs are considered and addressed and to inform residents of programs and resources in a timely manner.
Policy SAF-12.3 Communication and Education. The City shall continue to maintain and enhance communications and education resources to provide timely and up-to-date information concerning public health emergencies, with specific focus on vulnerable populations.
Policy SAF-12.4 Public Health Emergency Minimize Disease Spread. The City shall collaborate with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and other jurisdictions to implement measures that minimize the risk of disease spread based on best available data.
Policy SAF-12.5 Resources. The City shall work with the State of California and Santa Barbara County to maintain a supply of resources necessary to track, respond to, and recover from a public health emergency.
Policy SAF-12.6 Organizational Partnerships. The City shall partner with organizations responsible for essential health care and human services to ensure those services are provided as early as possible to respond during, and recover after, a public health emergency or event.
Policy SAF-12.7 Disease Vector Control. The City shall work collaboratively with other agencies to control vectors such as mosquitos to protect Solvang residents from vector-borne diseases.
Goal SAF-13 To reduce and/or prevent loss of life, injury, and property damage due to climate impacts.
Policy SAF-13.1 Water Conservation. The City shall continue to support water conservation programs and efficiency upgrades through education, regulation, and incentives. The city will work with hotels and restaurants to encourage water use reduction measures.
Policy SAF-13.2 Climate Resilient Public Facilities. The City shall require development, renovation, and maintenance of public facilities to be designed to minimize vulnerabilities to climate impacts such as heat, fire, and drought.
Policy SAF-13.3 Resilience Hubs. The City shall establish community facilities that provide a safe harbor to vulnerable populations during climate hazard events such as fires, poor air quality, extreme heat, and floods (known as resilience hubs).
Policy SAF-13.4 Building Retrofits. The City shall support retrofits of existing structures to better withstand climate impacts, including extreme heat, poor air quality, fire, and floods.
Policy SAF-13.5 Green Infrastructure. The City shall encourage development and redevelopment projects incorporate green infrastructure such as street trees, landscaping, and green and cool roofs to mitigate the effects of extreme heat events.
Policy SAF-13.6 Climate Adaptation Planning. The City shall continue to evaluate and plan for climate change impacts and coordinate planning efforts with Santa Barbara County and other jurisdictions and agencies.
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2.6.3 Construction
Given the programmatic nature of the 2045 General Plan, specific projects details and locations that could result in the future within these land use areas are unknown at this time. Future discretionary projects would require project-level environmental review analysis.
2.7 Required Actions and Approvals
Implementation of the 2045 General Plan would require the following approvals:
City Council – EIR Certification
City Council – Adoption of the 2045 General Plan
City Council – Approve Proposed Rezoning
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3 Environmental Setting
This section provides a general overview of the environmental setting for the City of Solvang (City) Comprehensive General Plan Update (referred to in this Environmental Impact Report [EIR] as “2045 General Plan” or “proposed project”). More detailed descriptions of the environmental setting for each environmental issue area can be found in Section 4, Environmental Impact Analysis.
3.1 Regional Setting
Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in central Santa Barbara County, approximately 25 miles northwest of Santa Barbara and 6 miles north of the Pacific Ocean (see Section 2.1, Planning Area Location and Setting, in Section 2, Project Description). The city of Buellton is located about 3 miles to the west, the township of Santa Ynez is located 2 miles to the east, and the communities of Los Olivos and Ballard are located two to three miles to the north. State Route 246 (also known as Mission Drive) bisects Solvang and provides a key regional east-west link between Highway 101 and State Route 154.
Solvang is situated primarily along an alluvial plain formed by the Santa Ynez River and on the southeastern edge of the Purisima Hills. Solvang is surrounded by the Purisima Hills to the north, the upper Santa Ynez Valley to the east, the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, and the lower Santa Ynez Valley to the west.
3.2 Physical Setting
The 2045 General Plan covers approximately 3.1 square miles (1,968 acres) of land within Solvang’s Planning Area. Solvang is characterized as a compact city which has evolved into a widely recognized tourist destination in the village core due to its unique architecture. The Mission District contains the Mission Santa Inés and the surrounding open space around the mission. Other influences include surrounding wineries and agricultural uses, and the Chumash reservation and casino. A breakdown of existing land uses in the Planning Area is provided in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 Existing Land Uses
Land Use Acres Percent
Agriculture 6.1 0.3%
Commercial 119.5 6.1%
Industrial 42.2 2.1%
Miscellaneous 22.9 1.2%
Office 24.3 1.2%
Public and Quasi Public 34.2 1.7%
Recreational and Open Space 230.3 11.7%
Residential 1,069.0 54.3%
Roadways and Parking Lots 306.0 15.5%
Vacant 113.4 5.8%
Total 1,968.0 100%
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Solvang is located within the Alisal Creek-Santa Ynez River sub-watershed which is approximately 25,817 acres in size and includes portions of the city of Buellton. The local climate in Solvang is characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters.
3.3 Baseline and Cumulative Project Setting
3.3.1 EIR Baseline
Section 15125 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines states that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) “should include a description of the physical environmental conditions in the vicinity of the project, as they exist at the time the notice of preparation is published.” Section 15125 states that this approach “normally constitute[s] the baseline physical conditions by which a lead agency determines whether an impact is significant.” This EIR evaluates impacts against existing conditions for the baseline year of 2023, which is the year that the Notice of Preparation (NOP) was published.
3.3.2 Approach for Impact Analysis
The programmatic nature of the 2045 General Plan necessitates a general approach to the evaluation of existing conditions and impacts associated with the proposed project. As a programmatic document, this EIR presents a regionwide assessment of the impacts of the 2045 General Plan. Because the EIR is a long-term document intended to guide actions over 20 years into the future, analysis relies on program-level and qualitative evaluation. Quantitative analyses are provided where applicable with available information. During future stages in planning and implementation of specific elements of the 2045 General Plan, project-specific CEQA documents will be prepared by the appropriate project implementation agency.
3.3.3 Approach for Cumulative Analysis
CEQA defines cumulative impacts as two or more individual actions that, when considered together, are considerable or will compound other environmental impacts. Cumulative impacts are the changes in the environment that result from the incremental impact of development of the proposed project and other nearby projects. For example, traffic impacts of two nearby projects may be insignificant when analyzed separately but could have a significant impact when analyzed together. Cumulative impact analysis allows an EIR to provide a reasonable forecast of future environmental conditions and can more accurately gauge the effects of a series of projects.
Because the proposed project is comprised of the 2045 General Plan, rezoning, and pending development projects considered by the 2045 General Plan, cumulative impacts are treated somewhat differently than would be the case for a project-specific development. Section 15130 of the State CEQA Guidelines provides the following direction relative to cumulative impact analysis:
Impacts should be based on a summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document, or in a prior environmental document which has been adopted or certified, which described or evaluated regional or areawide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact.
By its nature, a general plan considers cumulative impacts insofar as it considers cumulative development that could occur within a city’s plan area over a defined timeframe. Therefore, the analysis of project impacts also largely constitutes the cumulative analysis. The 2045 General Plan 607
addresses cumulative conditions by design. As such, the environmental analysis of the 2045 General Plan presented throughout this EIR is a cumulative analysis consistent with CEQA policies.
The cumulative impact analyses included in each of the environmental issue areas addressed in Section 4 of this EIR examine impacts associated with implementation of the 2045 General Plan, in addition to implementation of projected development for Santa Barbara County, which surrounds Solvang, to address cumulative effects from growth extending beyond the Plan Area.
When evaluating cumulative impacts, CEQA allows the use of either a list of past, present, and probable future projects, including projects outside the control of the lead agency, or a summary of projections in an adopted planning document, or a combination of the two approaches. The cumulative analysis presented below uses a projections-based approach. (See CEQA Guidelines Section 15130B)(1). Land use and growth projections for the City, which are the subject of analysis throughout this EIR, are combined with the growth projections for the adjoining County. Santa Barbara County borders Solvang to the north, south, east, and west. The City of Buellton is located approximately 1.6 miles west of Solvang. Buellton and Solvang do not share any boundaries; however, due to proximity, Buellton is considered when evaluating cumulative impacts. Buellton is also included in the overall Santa Barbara County projections. Therefore, for most issue areas, Santa Barbara County is referred to in this analysis as the “cumulative impact analysis area.” Table 3-2 shows the 2020 population and housing units and the 2045 projected population and housing units for the City of Solvang and Santa Barbara County. However, for some topics where cumulative impacts are more localized (e.g., noise) or broader (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions), the cumulative impact area may be smaller or larger than the County. If a different cumulative impact area other than the County was used, it is noted under the “cumulative impact” section in the applicable subsection of Chapter 4.
Table 3-2 Population and Housing Projections of Cumulative Analysis Area, 2020-2045 Population Housing Units
2020 2045 2020 2045
City of Solvang 5,644 6,300 2,5661 3,0632
Santa Barbara County 444,895 517,500 159,317 184,000
1 2,566 existing housing units reflect 2019 buildout data (Mintier Harnish 2023), which was used in the table to maintain consistency throughout the EIR analyses. 2 3,063 projected housing units are based on 2019 buildout data (Mintier Harnish 2023), which was used in the table to maintain consistency throughout the EIR analyses.
Sources: Census 2020a, 2020b; SBCAG 2019; Mintier Harnish 2023 As shown in Table 3-2, the City comprised approximately 1.3 percent of the 2020 County population and 1.6 percent of the number of housing units in the County in 2020. By 2045, this proportion is expected to remain similar (approximately 1.2 percent of the County population and 1.7 percent of housing units in the County). Thus, under both current and forecasted future conditions, the City represents a relatively small portion of the growth in the cumulative analysis impact area.
Analysis of the cumulative effects of the 2045 General Plan for each environmental issue area is presented at the ends of Sections 4.1 through 4.17.
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4 Environmental Impact Analysis
This section discusses the possible environmental effects of the City of Solvang (City) Comprehensive General Plan Update (referred to in this Environmental Impact Report [EIR] as “2045 General Plan” or “proposed project”) for the specific issue areas that were identified through the scoping process as having the potential to experience significant effects. A “significant effect” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15382:
means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance. An economic or social change by itself shall not be considered a significant effect on the environment. A social or economic change related to a physical change may be considered in determining whether the physical change is significant.
The assessment of each issue area begins with a discussion of the environmental setting related to the issue, which is followed by the impact analysis. In the impact analysis, the first subsection identifies the methodologies used and the “significance thresholds,” which are those criteria adopted by the City and other agencies, universally recognized, or developed specifically for this analysis to determine whether potential effects are significant. The next subsection describes each impact of the proposed project, mitigation measures for significant impacts, and the level of significance after mitigation. Each effect under consideration for an issue area is separately listed in bold text with the discussion of the effect and its significance. Each bolded impact statement also contains a statement of the significance determination for the environmental impact as follows:
Significant and Unavoidable. An impact that cannot be reduced to below the threshold level given reasonably available and feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires a Statement of Overriding Considerations to be issued if the project is approved per §15093 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. An impact that can be reduced to below the threshold level given reasonably available and feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires findings under §15091 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Less than Significant. An impact that may be adverse but does not exceed the threshold levels and does not require mitigation measures. However, mitigation measures that could further lessen the environmental effect may be suggested if readily available and easily achievable. No Impact. The proposed project would have no effect on environmental conditions or would reduce existing environmental problems or hazards.
Following each environmental impact discussion is a list of mitigation measures (if required) and the residual effects or level of significance remaining after implementation of the measure(s). In cases where the mitigation measure for an impact could have a significant environmental impact in another issue area, this impact is discussed and evaluated as a secondary impact. The impact analysis concludes with a discussion of cumulative effects, which evaluates the impacts associated with the proposed project in conjunction with other planned and pending developments in the area listed in Section 3, Environmental Setting.
The Executive Summary of this EIR summarizes all impacts and mitigation measures that apply to the proposed project.
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4.1 Aesthetics
The analysis in this section describes current visual conditions in and around Solvang and evaluates the potential aesthetic and visual impacts of the proposed 2045 General Plan, including impacts to scenic vistas, scenic resources, visual character and quality, and light and glare.
4.1.1 Setting
a. Existing Visual Conditions
The City of Solvang is located in central Santa Barbara County. The primary arterial roadway in Solvang is State Route (SR) 246 (also known as Mission Drive). The city is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its agricultural lands, rolling hills, open spaces, rural character, scenic roadways, and natural features. Solvang is surrounded by the Purisima Hills to the north, the upper Santa Ynez Valley to the east, the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, and the lower Santa Ynez Valley to the west. Views south of SR 246 include rolling foothills and the Santa Ynez Mountains. To the east and west of Solvang, primary views are comprised of agricultural operations with scattered development. To the north, views include open space and scattered residential development. b. Scenic Resources
Most communities identify scenic resources as important assets that form community identity.
Scenic resources can be natural or man-made features such as trees, rock formations, historic buildings, and public art. Scenic resources in Solvang include scenic vistas and open space. Scenic vistas visible from Solvang include views overlooking the Santa Ynez River and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, as well as the hillsides within and surrounding Solvang. In addition, there are a variety of open space features both within Solvang’s City limits and in the surrounding area that contribute to the rural character of the community such as Alamo Pintado Creek, Alisal Creek, Adobe Creek, Hans Christian Andersen Park, Sunny Fields Park, Solvang Park, and undeveloped land adjacent to Mission Santa Inés. City gateways, which are designated entry points to Solvang, also serve as scenic resources due to their prominence when entering and exiting Solvang. c. Scenic Roadways
California’s Scenic Highway Program designates scenic highways with the intention of protecting these corridors from change that would diminish the aesthetic value of adjacent lands. A highway is designated as an eligible scenic highway when the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) determines that the roadway corridor qualifies for official status. The status of an officially designated scenic highway changes when the local governing body applies to Caltrans for scenic highway approval, adopts a Corridor Protection Program, and receives notification that the highway has been officially designated. Designated scenic highways are required to have an approved Corridor Protection Program and remain in compliance to maintain scenic highway status. According to the Caltrans State Scenic Highway Map, there are no eligible or officially designated scenic highways in Solvang (Caltrans 2023).
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d. Visual Character
The visual character of Solvang has contributed to the city being recognized as the “Danish Capital of America.” Solvang’s architecture, landscaping, streetscape, and landmarks, focal points, and gateways make up the visual character of Solvang. These are each described below.
Architecture
The architecture in the Village Area uses traditional Old-World Danish design elements. This architectural style is the primary feature contributing to Solvang’s identity and visual character. In general, this architectural style involves the use of half-timbering on structures with roofing materials such as wood (or in the instance of many buildings, painted to appear to be half timbers), tile, metal finished to look like copper, and thatch. Structures in the city incorporating this style include Hamlet Square and Tivoli Square. Other structures of note in the Village Area include three Danish-style windmills, the Round Tower – a small-scale replica of Copenhagen’s Rundetaarn – and the First Street building with its entwined dragon tail spire, a local interpretation of the spire on The Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen.
Solvang's Mission District also offers a distinct architectural style. The Mission District showcases a unique blend of Danish and Spanish architectural influences, reflecting the town's rich cultural history. The buildings in this district often feature half-timbered facades adorned with intricate Nordic designs, alongside elements reminiscent of traditional Spanish missions, such as stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and arched doorways.
Outside of the Village Area and Mission District, the city is not uniformly developed with a single architectural style. For example, most residential neighborhoods are developed with traditional California ranch style. As a result, the Danish architectural character of the city is focused within the Village Area and Mission District.
Landscaping
Apart from linking the community’s-built environment with the natural environment, landscaping contributes to a pedestrian-friendly area with shade, screening, decorative color, softening of architectural features, delineation of outdoor spaces, and erosion control. The City has incorporated cohesive functional landscaping within public or private areas which is intended to complement the architectural character of surrounding development. Landscaping is used to emphasize gateways and focal points and frame the scenic vistas that link the city with the surrounding area.
Streetscape
Streetscapes offer pedestrians an impression of Solvang’s overall character. The pedestrian’s perspective includes the material, width, and condition of the sidewalks, the availability of amenities such as street furniture, light fixtures, landscaping, and shade, the use of signage, and the nature of street crossings. In Solvang’s Village Area, streetscapes complement the architectural character of surrounding buildings.
Landmarks, Focal Points, and Gateways
Landmarks and focal points are prominent natural or man-made features that are easily recognized and provide points of reference that people can use for orientation purposes. Landmarks also provide a sense of place and can make a lasting impression on visitors who may come to identify the community in terms of a landmark. Landmarks and focal points in Solvang include Mission Santa 613
Inés, the Veterans Memorial Building, Bethania Lutheran Church, Elverhøj Museum, numerous windmills throughout town, and the Round Tower. These structures function as landmarks based on historic and cultural significance, location, and visibility.
Major entrances to the city provide visitors with first impressions of Solvang and represent opportunities to enhance the city's identity. Most of Solvang’s visitors enter the city on SR 246 from the west or east, but others utilize Alamo Pintado Road or Alisal Road. The cedar trees lining SR 246 between Buellton and Solvang are outside the City limits but create a memorable delineation of the entry into Solvang.
e. Light and Glare
Light and glare from indoor or outdoor uses can reduce visibility of the night sky, create potential hazards to drivers, and be a nuisance to residential areas. The City has typical light conditions found in suburban areas (e.g., roadway lighting, commercial parking lot and building lighting, residential buildings, headlights from motor vehicles). Sources of daytime glare include direct beam sunlight and reflections from windows, architectural coatings, glass, and other shiny reflective surfaces.
Nighttime lighting and glare are produced by both stationery and mobile sources. Stationary sources of nighttime light include structure illumination, decorative landscape lighting, lighted signs, and streetlights. The main sources of light pollution in Solvang are streetlights and exterior lighting for the downtown area, as well as lighting along SR 246. The primary source of mobile nighttime light is motor vehicle headlights. Sources of light and glare in the downtown area and residential areas include street lighting along roadways, lit building exteriors and signage, and parking lot lighting.
4.1.2 Regulatory Setting
a. Federal Regulations
No existing federal regulations pertain to the visual resources in the City. b. State Regulations
Caltrans Scenic Highways
Caltrans defines a scenic highway as any freeway, highway, road, or other public right-of-way, that traverses an area of exceptional scenic quality. Suitability for designations as a State scenic highway is based on the vividness, intactness, and unity of their view corridors, as described in Caltrans’ Scenic Highway Guidelines (Caltrans 2008):
Vividness is the extent to which the landscape is memorable. This is associated with the distinctiveness, diversity, and contrast of visual elements. A vivid landscape makes an immediate and lasting impression on the viewer.
Intactness is the integrity of visual order in the landscape and the extent to which the natural landscape is free from visual intrusions (e.g., buildings, structures, equipment, grading). Unity is the extent to which development is sensitive to and visually harmonious with the natural landscape.
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c. Local Regulations
Solvang General Plan
California Government Code Section 65300 describes the scope and authority of local jurisdictions to prepare, adopt, and amend general plans. Communities prepare general plans to guide the longterm physical development of the jurisdiction, and any land within the jurisdiction’s Sphere of Influence. At a minimum, the California Government Code requires general plans to address land use, circulation, housing, noise, conservation, open space, and safety issues. The City’s current General Plan includes the Community Design Element (adopted in 1988), Land Use Element and Circulation Element (adopted in 2008), Parks and Recreation Element (adopted in 2009), Noise Element (adopted in 2013), Housing Element (adopted in 2023), and the Safety Element and Conservation and Open Space Element (adopted in 2016). The General Plan is currently undergoing a comprehensive update, which is evaluated throughout this EIR. Please refer to Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.6, 2045 General Plan Components, for more information related to the 2045 General Plan update.
Solvang Municipal Code – Title 11 (Zoning Regulations)
The City’s Zoning Regulations (Title 11) are to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan.
While General Plan designations are more generalized in nature, the Zoning Code and zoning districts provide specific controls on land use, density or intensity of development, and development standards to implement the City’s General Plan goals and policies. The City’s Zoning Regulations provide standards for protection of visual resources, compatible design, and illumination for new development in the City associated with zoning.
Title 11, Chapter 12, Section 18 of the City’s Municipal Code outlines regulations for exterior area lighting. According to Section 18, all exterior lighting should protect the night sky, minimize glare, and light trespass, and not be directed toward any area zoned or developed for residential, mixeduse, or hotel/motel uses. All exterior lighting fixtures should be fully shielded. Through these lighting regulations, the City aims to maintain architecturally attractive exterior lighting that will protect the beauty of Solvang’s natural setting and enhance its Danish/Northern European architecture and small-town character.
4.1.3 Impact Analysis
a. Methodology and Significance Thresholds
The assessment of aesthetic impacts involves qualitative analysis that is inherently subjective in nature. Different viewers react to views and aesthetic conditions differently. This evaluation measures the existing visual environment of the City, described above, against the proposed project, analyzing the nature of the anticipated change. This analysis focuses on land use changes envisioned under the proposed 2045 General Plan and the aesthetic impacts on the community in terms of arrangement of built to open space, density and intensity of development, and height, according to the thresholds of significance discussed below.
The following thresholds of significance are based on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Appendix G. For the purposes of this EIR, implementation of the proposed project may have a significant adverse impact if it would do any of the following:
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1. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.
2. Substantially damage scenic resources, including trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway.
3. In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings; or conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality in urbanized areas.
4. Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.
b. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold 1: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Impact AES-1 THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY OBSTRUCT SCENIC VISTAS, AND THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
As stated in Section 4.1.1(b), scenic vistas visible from Solvang include views overlooking the Santa Ynez River, views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the hillsides within and surrounding Solvang. In addition, there are a variety of open space features both within Solvang’s City limits and in the surrounding area that contribute to the rural character of the community, such as Alamo Pintado Creek, Alisal Creek, Adobe Creek, Hans Christian Andersen Park, Sunny Fields Park, Solvang Park, and undeveloped land adjacent to Mission Santa Inés.
The 2045 General Plan would facilitate development in Solvang that could affect scenic vistas through obstruction of views, alteration of natural landscapes, and changes to the City’s skyline.
However, the 2045 General Plan includes the following objectives and policies within the Environment and Sustainability Element that would minimize impacts to scenic vistas:
Goal ENV-2: To protect important scenic resources within the city’s plan area. Policy ENV-2.1: Protect Scenic Qualities. The City shall protect and enhance the important scenic qualities within the City Limits, including scenic views of rolling hillsides and agricultural lands.
Policy ENV-2.3: Scenic Transportation Corridors. The City shall support efforts by Santa Barbara County to protect the scenic qualities of transportation corridors serving the City and region. Policy ENV-2.4: Greenbelts. The City shall work with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Buellton, and other jurisdictions and agencies, to preserve the scenic character of the greenbelts and buffers surrounding Solvang and enhance the gateways to the City.
As stated in Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.5, 2045 General Plan Objectives, one of the primary objectives of the 2045 General Plan is to conserve and protect open space to preserve the scenic beauty of Solvang’s natural surroundings. Policies in the proposed Environment and Sustainability Element would encourage the protection of scenic vistas. Goal ENV-2 aims to protect important scenic resources within the Planning Area; this goal would be implemented through Policy ENV-2.1, which requires protection of scenic views of rolling hillsides and agricultural lands; Policy ENV-2.3, which requires protection of scenic qualities of transportation corridors; and Policy ENV-2.4, which requires preservation of the scenic character of the greenbelts and buffers surrounding Solvang. These policies would ensure development would not adversely affect scenic vistas throughout Solvang.
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Several policies in the 2045 General Plan’s Community Design Element are intended to preserve specific vistas of the hillsides that surround Solvang:
Policy CD-1.34: Developments in High Visibility Areas. The City shall ensure that new development on sites with high visibility, such as on hillsides or in the highway corridors, is designed to minimize adverse visual impact.
Policy CD-1.38: Hillside Development. The City shall require new development on major ridge lines, canyon edges, and hilltops to be designed and constructed to blend into the natural environment without creating adverse visual impacts. Such design and construction techniques should include siting, massing, scale, and grading that are visually consistent with the natural topography.
Policy CD-1.41: Hillside Landscape Design. The City shall require hillside residential development projects to use plant materials which screen structures and present an appearance that integrates residences with the natural appearance of the area. Policy CD-2.40: Hillside Landscaping Design. The City shall require that hillside properties be designed to minimize formal landscape planting and hardscapes and locate them close to the residence, follow the natural topography, and preserve native trees, native plant and wildlife habitats, and migration corridors.
Policy CD-1.34 would ensure that new development on sites with high visibility, such as on hillsides or in the highway corridors, is designed to minimize adverse visual impact. Policy CD-1.38 would require new development on major ridge lines, canyon edges, and hilltops to be designed and constructed to blend into the natural environment without creating adverse visual impacts. Policy CD-1.41 would require hillside residential development projects to use plant materials that screen structures and present an appearance that integrates residences with the natural appearance of the area. Policy CD-2.40 would prohibit development on steep slopes and require additional review to ensure that the siting and design of structures preserve hillside areas. Implementation of these policies from the 2045 General Plan would minimize the potential for future development facilitated by the proposed project to adversely affect scenic vistas of Solvang’s hillsides.
The 2045 General Plan considers an area of potential growth at the Old Lumberyard site and proposes to construct four, two-story hotel buildings; one, one-story hotel building; one, three-story multi-family residential building; and one, two-story building that would contain a hotel lobby and mechanical car parker on the site (for additional details, please refer to Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.5.1, Land Use Allowance). The abovementioned 2045 General Plan goals and policies pertaining to protection of scenic vistas and hillside vistas would apply to development at the Old Lumberyard site, and would minimize the potential for this development to adversely affect scenic vistas in Solvang.
The 2045 General Plan also considers an area of potential growth at the Alama Pintado site (Site C) and would potentially construct three, three-story apartment buildings featuring one- and twobedroom units on the site (for additional details, please refer to Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.5.1, Land Use Allowance). Similar to development on the old Lumberyard site, the abovementioned 2045 General Plan goals and policies pertaining to protection of scenic vistas and hillside vistas would apply to development at the Alama Pintado site and would minimize the potential for this development to adversely affect scenic vistas in Solvang.
Adherence to 2045 General Plan policies would minimize the potential for new development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan to have a substantially adverse effect on views overlooking the 617
Santa Ynez River, views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, views of Solvang’s hillsides, or views of Solvang’s open space features. Therefore, the proposed project’s impact on scenic vistas would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required because this impact would be less than significant.
Threshold 2: Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? Impact AES-2 THERE ARE NO DESIGNATED STATE SCENIC HIGHWAYS IN SOLVANG. THEREFORE, THERE WOULD BE NO IMPACT.
As discussed in Section 4.1.1(b), according to the Caltrans State Scenic Highway Map, there are no eligible or officially designated scenic highways in Solvang (Caltrans 2023). Therefore, the project would not have the potential to substantially damage scenic resources within a state scenic highway, and there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required because there would be no impact.
Threshold 3: In non-urbanized areas, would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? Impact AES-3 THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT THAT DEGRADES SOLVANG’S EXISTING VISUAL CHARACTER. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Per CEQA Guidelines Section 15387, the City of Solvang is not an “urbanized area” because it is not a city with a population of 50,000 or more. However, the city is considered urbanized by definition of the County of Santa Barbara. As Solvang is considered non-urbanized pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15387, the following analysis discusses whether the project would substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views within and surrounding Solvang.
The visual character of Solvang has contributed to the city being recognized as the “Danish Capital of America.” As stated in Section 4.1.1(d), Solvang’s architecture, landscaping, streetscape, and landmarks, focal points, and gateways make up the visual character of Solvang. The overall vision of the proposed 2045 General Plan would preserve this visual character. As stated in Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.5, 2045 General Plan Objectives, a project objective includes maintaining Solvang’s urban form and architectural style to preserve the city’s distinct community character. As discussed under Impact AES-1, policies from the proposed Environment and Sustainability Element and Community Design Element would protect the scenic natural resources that contribute to the City’s visual character, including the surrounding hillsides.
With limited opportunities for new development in Solvang, the proposed 2045 General Plan Land Use Element emphasizes infill and reuse development within City limits, encourages high-density and mixed-use projects where appropriate, and supports development that complements the existing natural and built environment. Goals and policies from the Land Use Element that pertain to visual character include the following:
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Goal LU-1: To promote high-quality development of a well-balanced and functional mix of land uses that preserves and enhances Solvang’s community character and tourism. Goal LU-3: To ensure that existing and proposed commercial development is consistent with the overall character of the city.
Policy LU-5.1: Compatibility with Adjacent Uses. The City shall require new mixed-use development to be compatible with adjacent land uses, through site and architectural design techniques that establish buffers between uses and minimize negative impacts.
The proposed 2045 General Plan Community Design Element identifies key components of urban form and architectural style in Solvang and describes the features that create Solvang’s distinct community character. The Community Design Element discusses anticipated urban design enhancements related to urban form, architectural styles, landscape, lighting, pedestrian-oriented environments, and the City’s Design Districts. The Community Design Element also sets forth the City’s goals and policies aimed at enhancing Solvang’s visual character, including the following:
Goal CD-1: To establish the natural and man-made environmental balance of the city and to design and coordinate a unified community that will enhance the two Design Districts (Village Area and Mission) and the historic and rural image and character of the entire city. Goal CD-2: To maintain and enhance unique, vibrant, and architecturally diverse districts in the city that evoke community traditions and history.
Goal CD-1 would be implemented through Policies CD-1.1 through CD-1.42. Goal CD-2 would be implemented through Policies CD-2.1 through CD-2.42. For the full text of policies CD-1.1 through CD-1.42 and CD-2.1 through CD-2.42, please refer to Section 2, Project Description. These policies would ensure that new development or redevelopment under the proposed project would be consistent with existing architectural styles (including the Old-World Danish architectural style throughout the Village Area), landscaping, courtyards, streetscapes, signage, and colors.
The 2045 General Plan considers an area of potential growth at the Old Lumberyard site and proposes to construct four, two-story hotel buildings; one, one-story hotel building; one, three-story multi-family residential building; and one, two-story building that would contain a hotel lobby and mechanical car parker on the site (for additional details, please refer to Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.5.1, Land Use Allowance). The abovementioned 2045 General Plan goals and policies pertaining to encouragement of development that complements Solvang’s natural and built environment, as well as enhancement of Solvang’s visual character, would apply to development at the Old Lumberyard site, and would minimize the potential for this development to degrade visual character.
The 2045 General Plan also considers an area of potential growth at the Alamo Pintado site (Site C) and would potentially construct three, three-story apartment buildings featuring one- and twobedroom units on the site (for additional details, please refer to Section 2, Project Description, Subsection 2.5.1, Land Use Allowance). The abovementioned 2045 General Plan goals and policies pertaining to encouragement of development that complements Solvang’s natural and built environment, as well as enhancement of Solvang’s visual character, would apply to development at the Alamo Pintado site, and would minimize the potential for this development to degrade visual character.
As Solvang is considered urbanized by definition of the County of Santa Barbara, the following discussion regarding the 2045 General Plan’s conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality is included for informational purposes. Development and redevelopment 619
that may occur under the 2045 General Plan would be governed by the abovementioned policies, which would be applied and enforced through the City’s standard development review procedures.
These plans and procedures work together to protect Solvang’s aesthetic resources and are a means to retain the community’s character, while providing enhancements in certain areas of the city.
Future development would also be required to comply with the City’s Municipal Code standards governing scenic quality. For these reasons, future development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would not conflict with regulations governing scenic quality in urbanized areas.
In addition to adherence to proposed 2045 General Plan goals and policies, all new development and modifications to existing structures facilitated by the proposed project, including development at the Old Lumberyard site and Alamo Pintado site, would be subject to design, density, and height standards applicable to land use and zoning designations. Compliance with established standards and the above goals and policies in the proposed 2045 General Plan would ensure that new development complements and enhances the City’s existing visual character and quality and does not conflict with existing regulations that govern scenic quality. Therefore, new development associated with the proposed project would not substantially degrade Solvang’s existing visual character or quality of public views and would not conflict with applicable regulations that govern scenic quality, and the impact to visual character and quality would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required because this impact would be less than significant.
Threshold 4: Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? Impact AES-4 NEW DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN COULD INCREASE LIGHT AND GLARE EFFECTS IN AND AROUND SOLVANG. HOWEVER, NEW DEVELOPMENTS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO EXISTING REGULATIONS IN THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL CODE AND PROPOSED 2045 GENERAL PLAN POLICIES TO PROTECT DARK SKIES AT NIGHTTIME. THEREFORE, THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE A LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH LIGHT AND GLARE.
The proposed project would facilitate development that could introduce new sources of light and glare in Solvang, resulting in increased ambient nighttime lighting. New sources of light and glare could be installed for infill development, new development in currently vacant or undeveloped lots, or modification of existing buildings. Specific sources of light could include streetlights, light fixtures in parking lots, signage on businesses, exterior building illumination, interior lighting passing through building fenestration, and outdoor lighting at recreational facilities. Reflective building and vehicles’ surfaces, and the headlights of motor vehicles, could generate additional glare.
Compliance with the following, proposed 2045 General Plan Community Design Element policies would minimize adverse effects from light spillover to nearby properties:
Policy CD-2.6: Village Area Lighting. The City shall require street and structure lighting using Dark Skies standards to minimize visual and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky. Policy CD-2.8: Village Area Parking Lots and Structures. The City shall require all parking lots and structures to include design or screening methods to minimize the visual and lighting impact on surrounding neighborhoods and the environment. 620
For street and structure lighting that use Dark Skies standards, Policy CD-2.6 would minimize visual and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky. Policy CD-2.8 would require all parking lots and structures to include design or screening methods to minimize the lighting impact on surrounding neighborhoods and the environment. In addition to these General Plan policies, compliance with Title 11, Chapter 12, Section 18 of the City’s Municipal Code would reduce potential light and glare impacts associated with exterior lighting by requiring that exterior lights minimize glare and light trespass, are shielded, and protect the night sky.
Adherence to existing City lighting requirements within the Solvang Municipal Code and proposed 2045 General Plan policies would ensure light and glare impacts from new development facilitated by the proposed project would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required because this impact would be less than significant.
4.1.4 Cumulative Impacts
Regional cumulative impacts consider the City-wide impacts together with similar impacts of reasonably anticipated regional projects/programs. The general approach to cumulative impact analysis used in this EIR, as well as the determination of the cumulative impact analysis area, is discussed in Section 3, Environmental Setting, Subsection 3.3, Baseline and Cumulative Project Setting.
Cumulative development would contribute to the gradual change in Solvang to one of more urban character, incrementally contributing to regional urbanization and altering the aesthetic character of Solvang. Ongoing potential for future residential development, and particularly for multi-unit residential development and mixed-use development, would alter regionally important views.
However, existing development procedures in compliance with jurisdictions’ design standards and municipal codes would substantially reduce potential impacts to scenic views from reasonably foreseeable development. As a result, cumulative development would not significantly impact regionally important views or vistas.
Forecasted growth policies in the Cities of Solvang and Buellton and in the County of Santa Barbara encourage infill development, including new medium- and high-density housing, and development near existing transportation corridors. However, given the extensive tracts of open space (including agriculture) in and around Solvang, and existing and proposed policies to ensure high-quality urban design, these changes to the urban character of Solvang would not be regionally significant.
Consequently, the potential to substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of Solvang would not result in a cumulatively significant impact.
Cumulative development would introduce new sources of light and glare that would contribute to a cumulative increase in sources of light and glare. However, new sources of light and glare would be introduced primarily within urbanized areas where sources of light and glare exist, thereby minimizing the introduction of sources of light and glare that could affect day or nighttime views.
Cumulative development would follow jurisdictions’ design standards and municipal codes, which would require minimization of light- and glare-generating sources. Consequently, the potential to create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect surrounding areas or important public day or nighttime views in the area would not result in a cumulatively significant impact.
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4.2 Air Quality
This section describes current air quality conditions in and around the City of Solvang and analyzes the air quality impacts of the proposed General Plan Update (2045 General Plan or proposed project).
4.2.1 Setting
a. Climate
The project planning area is part of the South Central Coast Air Basin (SCCAB) that includes all of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The climate of the Santa Barbara County area and all of the SCCAB is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the location of the semi-permanent high-pressure cell in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The Mediterranean climate of the region produces moderate average temperatures, although slightly more extreme temperatures can be reached in the winter and summer. The proximity of the Pacific Ocean tends to moderate temperature near the coast while the steep mountain ranges produce a significant "orographic effect." Orographic effect occurs when storms approaching the county from the Pacific Ocean are forced upward against the mountains resulting in increased precipitation release with topographic elevation. The orographic effect, in conjunction with steep, short watersheds occasionally result in flash flooding along the county's south coast. Santa Barbara County is situated among a series of transverse mountain ranges, the only ranges within the continental United States to trend in an east-westerly direction. Most of the County's developed areas are located along the coastal plain and in the inter-mountain valleys, such as Solvang which is located within the Santa Ynez Valley. The warmest months of the year in Solvang are July and August, with an average maximum temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest months of the year are December and January with an average minimum temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The climate is semi-arid, with rainfall concentrated in the winter months. Table 4.2-1 summarizes local climatic conditions.
Table 4.2-1 Climatic Conditions in Solvang
Average annual rainfall 22.1 inches
Average maximum temperature (annual) 78 °F
Average minimum temperature (annual) 45 °F
Warmest month(s) July & August
Coolest month(s) December & January
Source: U.S. Climate Data 2023.
Note: Data is based on historic climate in Santa Ynez, California, which is adjacent to Solvang’s eastern border. b. Air Pollutants of Primary Concern
The federal and State Clean Air Act (CAA) mandate the control and reduction of certain air pollutants. Under these laws, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) have established the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for “criteria pollutants” and other pollutants, which are discussed in more detail under Section 4.2.2, Regulatory Setting. Primary criteria pollutants are emitted directly from a source (e.g., vehicle tailpipe, an exhaust stack of a 622
factory, etc.) into the atmosphere and include carbon monoxide (CO), VOC (volatile organic gases)/reactive organic gases (ROG),1 nitric oxide (NOX), particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead (Pb). Secondary criteria pollutants are created by atmospheric chemical and photochemical reactions primarily between ROG and NOX. Secondary pollutants include oxidants, ozone (O3), and sulfate and nitrate particulates (smog). The characteristics, sources and effects of criteria pollutants are discussed in the following subsections.
Ozone
Ozone (O3) is a highly oxidative unstable gas produced by a photochemical reaction (triggered by sunlight) between NOX and ROG. ROG is composed of non-methane hydrocarbons (with specific exclusions), and NOX is composed of different chemical combinations of nitrogen and oxygen, mainly nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NOX is formed during the combustion of fuels, while ROG is formed during the combustion and evaporation of organic solvents. As a highly reactive molecule, O3 readily combines with many different atmosphere components. Consequently, high O3 levels tend to exist only while high ROG and NOX levels are present to sustain the O3 formation process. Once the precursors have been depleted, O3 levels rapidly decline. Because these reactions occur on a regional rather than local scale, O3 is considered a regional pollutant. In addition, because O3 requires sunlight to form, it mainly occurs in concentrations considered serious between April and October. People most at risk from O3 include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. In addition, people with reduced intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, are at greater risk from O3 exposure.
Depending on the level of exposure, O3 can cause coughing and a sore or scratch throat; make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously and cause pain when taking a deep breath; inflame and damage the airways; make the lungs more susceptible to infection; aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis; and increase the frequency of asthma attacks (USEPA 2023a).
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a localized pollutant found in high concentrations only near its source. The primary source of CO, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, is automobile traffic's incomplete combustion of petroleum fuels. Therefore, elevated concentrations are usually only found near areas of high traffic volumes. When CO levels are elevated outdoors, they can be of particular concern for people with some types of heart disease. These people already have a reduced ability to get oxygenated blood to their hearts in situations where they need more oxygen than usual. As a result, they are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO when exercising or under increased stress.
In these situations, short-term exposure to elevated CO may result in reduced oxygen to the heart accompanied by chest pain, also known as angina (USEPA 2023b).
Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a by-product of coal, oil, gas or diesel fuel combustion. The primary sources are motor vehicles and industrial boilers, and furnaces. The principal form of NOx produced by combustion is nitric oxide (NO), but NO reacts rapidly to form NO2, creating the mixture of NO and NO2, commonly called NOx. NO2 is a reactive, oxidizing gas and an acute irritant capable of 1 CARB defines VOC and ROG similarly as, “any compound of carbon excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate,” with the exception that VOC are compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions. For the purposes of this analysis, ROG and VOC are considered comparable in terms of mass emissions, and the term ROG is used in this EIR.
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damaging cell linings in the respiratory tract. Breathing air with a high concentration of NO2 can irritate airways in the human respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions, and visits to emergency rooms. Longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO2 may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. People with asthma and children and the elderly are generally at greater risk for the health effects of NO2 (USEPA 2023c). NO2 absorbs blue light and causes a reddish-brown cast to the atmosphere and reduced visibility. It can also contribute to the formation of O3/smog and acid rain.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is included in a group of highly reactive gases known as “oxides of sulfur.” The largest sources of SO2 emissions are from fossil fuel combustion at power plants (73 percent) and other industrial facilities (20 percent). Smaller sources of SO2 emissions include industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore and burning fuels with a high sulfur content by locomotives, large ships, and off-road equipment. Short-term exposures to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO2 (USEPA 2023d).
Particulate Matter
Suspended atmospheric PM10 (particular matter with diameter of 10 microns or less) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 microns or less) are comprised of finely divided solids and liquids such as dust, soot, aerosols, fumes, and mist. Both PM10 and PM2.5 are emitted into the atmosphere as by-products of coal, gas, or diesel fuel combustion and wind erosion of soil and unpaved roads. The atmosphere, through chemical reactions, can form particulate matter. The characteristics, sources, and potential health effects of PM10 and PM2.5 can be very different. PM10 is generally associated with dust mobilized by wind and vehicles. In contrast, PM2.5 is generally associated with combustion processes and formation in the atmosphere as a secondary pollutant through chemical reactions. PM10 can cause increased respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, premature death, reduced visibility, surface soiling. For PM2.5, short-term exposures (up to 24-hours duration) have been associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity days. These adverse health effects have been reported primarily in infants, children, and older adults with preexisting heart or lung diseases (CARB 2023a).
Lead
Lead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment, as well as in manufacturing products. The major sources of Pb emissions historically have been mobile and industrial. However, due to the USEPA ’s regulatory efforts to remove Pb from gasoline, atmospheric Pb concentrations have declined substantially over the past several decades. The most dramatic reductions in Pb emissions occurred before 1990 due to the removal of Pb from gasoline sold for most highway vehicles. Pb emissions were further reduced substantially between 1990 and 2008, with reductions occurring in the metals industries at least partly due to national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (USEPA 2014). As a result of phasing out leaded gasoline, metal processing is currently the primary source of Pb emissions. The highest Pb level in the air is generally found near Pb smelters. Other stationary sources include waste incinerators, utilities, and Pb-acid battery manufacturers. Pb can 624
adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, and cardiovascular system depending on exposure. Pb exposure also affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The Pb effects most likely encountered in current populations are neurological in children. Infants and young children are susceptible to Pb exposures, contributing to behavioral problems, learning deficits, and lowered IQ (USEPA 2023e).
Toxic Air Contaminants
In addition to the criteria pollutants discussed above, Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) are airborne substances and a diverse group of air pollutants that may cause or contribute to an increase in deaths or serious illness, or that may pose a present or potential hazard to human health. TACs include both organic and inorganic chemical substances that may be emitted from a variety of common sources, including gasoline stations, motor vehicles, dry cleaners, industrial operations, painting operations, and research and teaching facilities. One of the main sources of TACs in California is diesel engine exhaust that contains solid material known as diesel particulate matter (DPM). More than 90 percent of DPM is less than one micron in diameter (about 1/70th the diameter of a human hair) and thus is a subset of PM2.5. Because of their extremely small size, these particles can be inhaled and eventually trapped in the bronchial and alveolar regions of the lungs (CARB 2023a).
TACs are different than criteria pollutants because ambient air quality standards have not been established for TACs. TACs occurring at extremely low levels may still cause health effects and it is typically difficult to identify levels of exposure that do not produce adverse health effects. TAC impacts are described by carcinogenic risk and by chronic (i.e., long duration) and acute (i.e., severe but of short duration) adverse effects on human health. People exposed to TACs at sufficient concentrations and durations may have an increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health effects. These health effects can include damage to the immune system, as well as neurological, reproductive (e.g., reduced fertility), developmental, respiratory, and other health problems (USEPA 2023f).
c. Current Air Quality
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD) monitors criteria pollutant levels to assure that air quality standards are met, and if they are not met, develops strategies to meet the standards. Depending on if the standards are met or exceeded, the air basin is classified as being in “attainment” or as “non-attainment.” Santa Barbara County is in non-attainment for the 1-hour and 8-hour State standards for ozone and PM10 State standard, as discussed under Section 4.2.2, Regulatory Setting (SBAPCD 2023).
More than 250 air quality monitoring stations operated by federal, State, and local agencies comprise the California Ambient Air Monitoring Network, including ten stations in Santa Barbara County (CARB 2023b). The nearest monitoring station to Solvang is the Santa Ynez – Airport Road station that is located within the City of Santa Ynez, approximately two miles east of the city. The Santa Ynez – Airport Road station collects data on ozone. The nearest monitoring station with NO2, CO, and PM10 data is at Los Flores Canyon #1 station, approximately 9 miles southeast of the city.
The nearest monitoring station with PM2.5 data is at Lompoc-S H Street station, approximately 17 miles west of the city. The data collected at these stations are generally considered to be representative of the baseline air quality experienced in Solvang. Table 4.2-2 summarizes the annual air quality data for the local airshed. As shown, PM10 measurements exceeded the State and federal standards in 2021 and 2022. In addition, PM2.5 measurements exceeded the federal standards in 625
2020. No other State or federal standards were exceeded at these monitoring stations. Since SO2 is in attainment with the SCCAB region, it is not monitored at the nearest air monitoring stations and therefore ambient air quality is not reported for this pollutant.
Table 4.2-2 Ambient Air Quality Data
Pollutant 2020 2021 2022
Ozone (ppm), Worst 1-Hour 1 0.079 0.076 0.070
Number of days of State exceedances (>0.09 ppm) 1 0 0 0 Ozone (ppm), 8-Hour Average 1 0.067 0.061 0.064
Number of days of State exceedances (>0.07 ppm) 1 0 0 0 Number of days of federal exceedances (>0.07 ppm) 1 0 0 0 Carbon Monoxide (ppm), Highest 8-Hour Average2 1.00 4.5 0.60 Number of days above CAAQS or NAAQS (>9.0 ppm) 0 0 0
Nitrogen Dioxide (ppm), Highest 1 Hour2 0.010 0.062 0.012 Number of days above CAAQS (>0.180 ppm) 0 0 0
Number of days above NAAQS (>0.100 ppm) 0 0 0
Particulate Matter <10 microns, µg/m3, Worst 24 Hours 2 72.9 50.7 48.1 Number of days above State standard (>50 µg/m3) 2 6 1 0 Number of days above federal standard (>150 µg/m3)2 0 0 0 Particulate Matter <2.5 microns, µg/m3, Worst 24 Hours 3 85.6 18.4 20.7 Number of days above federal standard (>35 µg/m3) 3 8 0 0 Notes: ppm = parts per million; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter 1 Data from the Santa Ynez – Airport Road Station
2 Data from the Los Flores Canyon #1 Station
3 Data from the Lompoc-S H Street Station
Source: CARB 2023b
d. Sensitive Receptors
Federal and State AAQS have been established to represent the levels of air quality considered sufficient, with an adequate margin of safety, to protect public health and welfare. They are designed to protect that segment of the public most susceptible to respiratory distress, such as children under 14; the elderly over 65; persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise; and people with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases.
Sensitive receptor locations are therefore typically associated with residences, schools, and hospitals. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital is located at 2050 Viborg Road in Solvang. Additional sensitive receptors in the plan area include residences and K-12 schools located throughout the city.
Schools in Solvang are identified in Section 4.13, Public Services and Recreation.
4.2.2 Regulatory Setting
The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) governs air quality in the United States. In addition to being subject to federal requirements, air quality in California is also governed by more stringent regulations under the California Clean Air Act (CCAA). At the federal level, the USEPA administers the CAA. Both CAAs are administered by CARB at the State level and at the regional and local levels by air quality management districts. SBAPCD regulates air quality at the regional level for Santa Barbara County. 626
a. Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards
The federal and state governments have authority under the federal and state CAA to regulate emissions of airborne pollutants and have established AAQS for the protection of public health. An air quality standard is defined as “the maximum amount of a pollutant averaged over a specified period of time that can be present in outdoor air without harming public health” (CARB 2023c.) The USEPA is the federal agency designated to administer air quality regulation, while CARB is the state equivalent in California. Federal and state AAQS have been established for six criteria pollutants: O3, CO, NO2, sulfur dioxide, PM10, PM2.5, and lead. AAQS are designed to protect those segments of the public most susceptible to respiratory distress, such as children under the age of 14, the elderly (over the age of 65), persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise, and people with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases (USEPA 2023g). In addition to the federal criteria pollutants, the CAAQS also specify standards for visibility-reducing particles, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride (CARB 2023d). Table 4.2-3 lists the current NAAQS as well as the CAAQS for regulated pollutants.
Table 4.2-3 Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards Pollutant Averaging Time NAAQS CAAQS
Ozone 1-Hour – 0.09 ppm
8-Hour 0.070 ppm 0.070 ppm
Carbon Monoxide 8-Hour 9.0 ppm 9.0 ppm
1-Hour 35.0 ppm 20.0 ppm
Nitrogen Dioxide Annual 0.053 ppm 0.030 ppm
1-Hour 0.100 ppm 0.18 ppm
Sulfur Dioxide Annual − −
24-Hour − 0.04 ppm
1-Hour 0.075 ppm 0.25 ppm
PM10 Annual − 20 µg/m3
24-Hour 150 µg/m3 50 µg/m3
PM25 Annual 12 µg/m3 12 µg/m3
24-Hour 35 µg/m3 −
Lead 30-Day Average − 1.5 µg/m3
3-Month Average 0.15 µg/m3 −
NAAQS = National Ambient Air Quality Standards; CAAQS = California Ambient Air Quality Standards; ppm = parts per million; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter
Source: USEPA 2023g
USEPA and CARB designate air basins or portions of air basins and counties as being in “attainment” or “nonattainment” for each of the criteria pollutants. Areas that do not meet the AAQS standards are classified as nonattainment areas. The NAAQS (other than O3, PM10, PM2.5, and those based on annual averages or arithmetic mean) are not to be exceeded more than once per year. The NAAQS for O3, PM10, and PM2.5 are based on statistical calculations over one- to three-year periods, depending on the pollutant. The CAAQS are not to be exceeded during a three-year period. The attainment status for Santa Barbara County is included in Table 4.2-4. 627
Pursuant to the CAA, USEPA designates areas as attainment, nonattainment, or maintenance for each criteria pollutant based on whether the NAAQS has been achieved. Whether an area meets the state and federal standards is based on air quality monitoring data. Areas that are unclassified have insufficient monitoring data for a specific pollutant to determine attainment or nonattainment status, although unclassified areas are typically treated as attainment for a specific pollutant. Since attainment and nonattainment designation is pollutant-specific, an area may be classified as nonattainment for one pollutant and attainment for another. Similarly, because the state and federal standards differ, an area could be classified as attainment for the federal standards of a pollutant and as nonattainment for the state standards of the same pollutant. The region is designated as a nonattainment area for the state standards PM10 and unclassified for the federal standards PM10 (CARB 2022).
Table 4.2-4 Attainment Status of Criteria Pollutants in Santa Barbara County Pollutant State Designation Federal Designation
O3 Nonattainment Unclassified/Attainment
PM10 Nonattainment Unclassified/Attainment
PM2.5 Attainment Unclassified/Attainment
CO Attainment Unclassified/Attainment
NO2 Attainment Unclassified/Attainment
SO2 Attainment Unclassified/Attainment
O3 = Ozone; NO2 = nitrogen dioxide; CO = carbon monoxide; SO2 = sulfur dioxide; PM10 = particulate matter 10 microns in diameter or less; PM2.5 = particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter.
Sources: CARB 2022, USEPA 2023h
b. Federal Regulations
The USEPA is responsible for enforcing the federal CAA. The USEPA is also responsible for establishing the NAAQS. The NAAQS are required under the 1977 CAA and subsequent amendments. The USEPA regulates emission sources that are under the exclusive authority of the federal government, such as aircraft, ships, and certain types of locomotives. The agency has jurisdiction over emission sources outside state waters (e.g., beyond the outer continental shelf) and establishes various emission standards, including those for vehicles sold in states other than California. Automobiles sold in California must meet the stricter emission standards established by the CARB.
c. State Regulations
California Clean Air Act
The CCAA was enacted in 1988 (California Health & Safety Code (H&SC) Section 39000 et seq.).
Under the CCAA, the state has developed the CAAQS, which are generally more stringent than the NAAQS. Table 4.2-3 lists the current state standards for regulated pollutants. In addition to the federal criteria pollutants, the CAAQS also specify standards for visibility-reducing particles, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. Similar to the federal CAA, the CCAA classifies specific geographic areas as either “attainment” or “nonattainment” areas for each pollutant, based on the comparison of measured data within the CAAQS.
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California Air Toxics Program
A TAC is an air pollutant that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness, or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health. TACs may result in long-term health effects such as cancer, birth defects, neurological damage, asthma, or genetic damage, or short-term acute effects such as eye watering, respiratory irritation, runny nose, throat pain, and headaches. TACs are considered either carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic based on the nature of the health effects associated with exposure.
In 1983, the California Legislature enacted a program to identify the health effects of TACs and to reduce exposure to these contaminants to protect the public health (Assembly Bill [AB] 1807: Health and Safety Code Sections 39650–39674). The Legislature established a two-step process to address the potential health effects from TACs. The first step is the risk assessment (or identification) phase.
The second step is the risk management (or control) phase of the process.
The California Air Toxics Program establishes the process for the identification and control of TACs and includes provisions to make the public aware of significant toxic exposures and for reducing risk.
Additionally, the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Information and Assessment Act (AB 2588, 1987, Connelly Bill) was enacted in 1987 and requires stationary sources to report the types and quantities of certain substances routinely released into the air. The goals of the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Act are to collect emission data, identify facilities having localized impacts, ascertain health risks, notify nearby residents of significant risks, and reduce those significant risks to acceptable levels. The Children's Environmental Health Protection Act, California Senate Bill (SB) 25 (Chapter 731, Escutia, Statutes of 1999), focuses on children's exposure to air pollutants. The act requires CARB to review its air quality standards from a children's health perspective, evaluate the statewide air quality monitoring network, and develop any additional air toxic control measures needed to protect children's health.
State Implementation Plan
The SIP is a collection of documents that set forth the state’s strategies for achieving the AAQS. In California, the SIP is a compilation of new and previously submitted plans, programs (such as monitoring, modeling, and permitting), district rules, state regulations, and federal controls. CARB is the lead agency for all purposes related to the SIP under state law. Local air districts and other agencies, such as the Department of Pesticide Regulation and the Bureau of Automotive Repair, prepare SIP elements and submit them to CARB for review and approval. CARB then forwards SIP revisions to the USEPA for approval and publication in the Federal Register. The items included in the California SIP are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations at 40 Code of Federal Regulations 52.220.
The 2022 Santa Barbara County Ozone Plan is the SIP for Santa Barbara County. The 2022 Ozone Plan (2022 Plan) accommodates growth by projecting the growth in emissions based on different indicators. For example, population forecasts adopted by SCCAB are used to forecast populationrelated emissions. Through the planning process, emissions growth is offset by basin-wide controls on stationary, area, and transportation sources of air pollution.
In addition, the following California Code of Regulations would be applicable to the 2045 General Plan:
Engine Idling. In accordance with Section 2485 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, the idling of all diesel-fueled commercial vehicles (weighing over 10,000 pounds) during construction shall be limited to five minutes at any location. 629
Emission Standards. In accordance with Section 93115 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, operation of any stationary, diesel-fueled, compression-ignition engines shall meet specified fuel and fuel additive requirements and emission standards. d. Local Regulations
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT
As the local air quality management agency, the SBCAPCD is required to monitor air pollutant levels to ensure that state and federal air quality standards are met and, if they are not met, to develop strategies to meet the standards. Depending on whether the standards are met or exceeded, the SCCAB is classified as being in “attainment” or “nonattainment.” In areas designated as nonattainment for one or more air pollutants, a cumulative air quality impact exists for those air pollutants, and the human health impacts described in Section 2.1, Environmental and Regulatory Setting, are already occurring in that area as part of the environmental baseline condition.
Under state law, air districts are required to prepare a plan for air quality improvement for pollutants for which the district is in non-compliance. The 2001 Clean Air Plan (2002) was the first plan prepared by SBCAPCD and established specific planning requirements to maintain the state one-hour O3 standard. In 2006, CARB revised the CAAQS and added an 8-hour average to the O3 standard. Both components of the standard must now be met before CARB can designate an area to be in attainment. The most recent 2022 Ozone Plan was adopted by SBCAPCD in December 2022 and was the seventh update to the 2001 Clean Air Plan. The 2022 Ozone Plan addresses the state O3 standards only because SBCAPCD is designated “attainment” for the federal 8-hour O3 standards, including the most recent standard of 0.070 ppm promulgated by the United States EPA in 2015.
To minimize potential impacts from Project emissions, the SBCAPCD implements rules and regulations for emissions that may be generated by various uses and activities. The rules and regulations detail pollution-reduction measures that must be implemented during construction and operation of Projects. Rules and regulations relevant to the Project include the following:
Rule 345 (Control of Fugitive Dust from Construction and Demolition Activities). This rule establishes fugitive dust control requirements for any activity associated with construction or demolition of a structure or structures.
Rule 323.1 (Architectural Coatings). This rule establishes volatile organic content limits for architectural coatings that are manufactured, blended, repackaged, supplied, sold, or offered for sale within the SBCAPCD. Rule 323.1 limits the volatile organic content to 50 grams per liter for flat coatings and 100 grams per liter for nonflat coatings and traffic marking coatings. Rule 329 (Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt Paving Materials). This rule establishes ROC content limits pertaining to the manufacture, application, and sale of cutback and emulsified asphalt materials for paving, construction, and maintenance of streets, highways, parking lots, and driveways.
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4.2.3 Impact Analysis
a. Significance Thresholds and Methodology
Significance Thresholds
This analysis follows the guidance and methodologies recommended in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines and SBCAPCD’s Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents (2022a). Pursuant to the State CEQA Guidelines, air quality impacts related to the proposed project would be significant if the project would:
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 in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard; c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations; and/or d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people.
According to the SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents, a proposed project would have a significant air quality impact on the environment if operation of the project would:
a) Emit from all project sources (both stationary and mobile) less than 240 pounds per day of ROC; b) Emit from all project sources (both stationary and mobile) less than 240 pounds per day of NOX; c) Emit from all project sources (both stationary and mobile) less than 80 pounds per day of PM10; d) Emit less than 25 pounds per day of ROC from motor vehicle trips only; e) Emit less than 25 pounds per day of NOX from motor vehicle trips only; and f) Not cause or contribute to a violation of any California or National Ambient Air Quality Standard (except ozone); or
g) Not exceed the public notification health risk thresholds adopted by the SBCAPCD of 10 excess cancer cases in a million for cancer risk or a Hazard Index of more than 1.0 for non-cancer risk; or
h) Be consistent with the latest adopted in federal and state air quality plans for Santa Barbara County
The SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents state that due to the relatively low background ambient CO levels in Santa Barbara County, localized CO impacts associated with congested intersections are not expected to exceed the CO health-related air quality standards. As such, CO hotspot analyses are not required.
Plan Consistency
Consistency with land use and population forecasts in local and regional plans, including the 2022 Ozone Plan (previously known as the Clean Air Plan), is required under CEQA for all projects.
The 2022 Ozone Plan relies primarily on the land use and population projections provided by SBCAG and CARB on-road emissions forecast as a basis for vehicle emission forecasting (SBCAPCD 2022b).
The 2022 Ozone Plan uses SBCAG’s Countywide Regional Transportation Demand Model for on-road 631
mobile source emissions estimates and SBCAG’s socio-economic projections contained in the most recent RTP/SCS to form the basis for some stationary and area source growth forecasts.
The SBCAPCD's Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents states that any general plan amendment that would provide for increased population growth above that forecasted in the most recently adopted Ozone Plan is inconsistent with the Ozone Plan and may have a significant impact on air quality (SBCAPCD 2022a).
Toxic Air Contaminants
The USEPA considers those pollutants that could cause cancer risks between one in 10,000 (1.0 x 10 4) and one in one million (1.0 x 10-6) for risk management. Proposition 65 (California Health and Safety Code Section 25249.6), enacted in 1986, prohibits a person in the course of doing business from knowingly and intentionally exposing any individual to a chemical that has been listed as known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity without first giving clear and reasonable warning. For a chemical that is listed as a carcinogen, the “no significant risk” level under Proposition 65 is defined as the level that is calculated to result in not more than one excess case of cancer in 100,000 individuals (1.0 x 10-5). The SBCAPCD recommends the use of this risk level (also reportable as 10 in one million) as the significance threshold for TACs. The SBCAPCD also recommends that the non-carcinogenic hazards of TACs should not exceed a hazard index (the summation of the hazard quotients for all chemicals to which an individual would be exposed) of 1.0 for either chronic or acute effects (SBCAPCD 2022a).
Methodology
The assessment of potential environmental impacts related to air quality is based on a review of regional air quality plans and data within the 2045 General Plan. As a programmatic document, this EIR presents a citywide assessment of the 2045 General Plan. The baseline for analysis used in this section and throughout this EIR is the existing condition. Table 4.2-5 summarizes the land use assumptions used in the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod):
Table 4.2-5 CalEEMod Land Use Assumptions
Land Use Categories Existing (2015) Proposed Project
Residential – Mid-Rise Apartments1 769 Dwelling Units 918 Dwelling Units Residential – Single Family 1,797 Dwelling Units 2,145 Dwelling Units Commercial – General Office Building1 1,887,795 Square Feet 2,011,230 Square Feet Recreational – Hotel N/A 50 Rooms
Parking – Enclosed Structure N/A 24 Spaces
Parking – Parking Lot N/A 226 Spaces
N/A = not applicable.
1 Based on existing and proposed project employee projections through an assumption of 585 square feet of commercial space per employee (Natelson Paper 2023).
Construction Emissions
Construction-related emissions are temporary but may still cause adverse air quality impacts.
Construction of development associated with the 2045 General Plan would generate temporary emissions from three primary sources: the operation of construction equipment (e.g., scrapers, loaders, dump trucks, etc.); ground disturbance during site preparation and grading, which creates 632
fugitive dust; and the application of asphalt, paint, or other oil-based substances. At this time, there is not sufficient detail to allow project-level analysis and thus it would be speculative to analyze project-level impacts. Rather, construction impacts for the 2045 General Plan are discussed qualitatively.
Operational Emissions
Operational emissions were estimated using CalEEMod, version 2022.1. CalEEMod uses default and project-specific information, including the project’s land uses, square footage for different uses (e.g., multi-family residence, hotel, etc.), and location, to estimate a project’s operational emissions.
Land use assumptions are included in Table 4.2-5.
Operational emissions would be comprised of mobile source emissions, energy emissions, and area source emissions. Area source emissions are generated by landscape maintenance equipment, consumer products, and architectural coating. Default CalEEMod assumptions for fireplaces were used to estimate hearth emissions from the 2045 General Plan. Emissions attributed to energy use include electricity and natural gas consumption for space and water heating. The energy use estimates account for the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). This is a conservative assumption since the energy use estimates do not account for potential energy efficiency measures required by the subsequent Title 24 update in 2022, as well as anticipated future updates. Mobile source emissions were estimated using vehicle activity data presented in Section 4.14, Transportation. Table 4.2-6 shows average daily VMT for the 2015 existing condition and proposed project conditions.
Table 4.2-6 Vehicle Activity Data (Daily) for the Proposed Project Activity Existing (2015) Proposed Project
VMT 79,225 98,343
VMT = Vehicle Miles Traveled
Source: DKS 2023
b. Projects Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold 1: Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
Impact AQ-1 GROWTH RESULTING FROM THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN IS ANTICIPATED AND WOULD NOT CONSTITUTE SUBSTANTIAL UNPLANNED POPULATION GROWTH. THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS WOULD UPDATE THEIR GROWTH PROJECTIONS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN DURING THE NEXT PLANNING CYCLE. THROUGH MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-1, THE PROJECT WOULD
INCORPORATE SBCAPCD STANDARD FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL MEASURES THAT ARE REQUIRED BY THE SBCAPCD GUIDELINES TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE CLEAN AIR PLAN. THEREFORE, IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.
The SBCAPCD Guidelines state that a project is consistent with the Clean Air Plan if its direct and indirect emissions have been accounted for in the Clean Air Plan’s emissions forecast assumptions and if it would incorporate the standard fugitive dust control measures recommended by SBCAPCD during construction activities. The 2022 Ozone Plan’s direct and indirect emissions inventory for the County as a whole is reliant on population projections provided by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). SBCAG generates population projections based on local 633
General Plans. In this case, SBCAG utilized population projections contained in the City of Solvang General Plan, which are based on existing and anticipated land uses in the city. As discussed further in Section 4.12, Population and Housing, the project would lead to an increase of approximately 1,187 residents, increasing Solvang’ total population to 7,042, which is above SBCAG’s 2045 population forecast of 6,300 residents. This growth, however, would not be unplanned since it is contemplated by the 2045 General Plan. Although projected housing and population growth in Solvang in 2045 exceeds SBCAG’s 2045 forecasts, SBCAG would update their growth projections to be consistent with the 2045 General Plan during the next planning cycle. Therefore, because the 2045 General Plan is designed for planned and orderly growth, as mandated by the State, growth impacts would be less than significant.
As stated above, per SBCAPCD Guidelines to be consistent with the Clean Air Plan, a project must incorporate the standard fugitive dust control measures recommended by SBCAPCD during construction activities. These are included as Mitigation Measure AQ-1, and impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Mitigation Measures
AQ-1 SBCAPCD’s Construction Impact Mitigation: PM10 Mitigation Measures The applicant shall require all construction contractors to implement the basic construction mitigation measures recommended by SBCAPCD to reduce fugitive dust emissions. Emission reduction measures will include, at a minimum, the following measures:
During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site and from exceeding SBCAPCD’s limit of 20 percent opacity for greater than three minutes in any 30-minute period. At a minimum, this should include wetting down such areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. Increased watering frequency shall be required whenever the wind speed exceeds 15 miles per hour (mph). Reclaimed water shall be used whenever possible.
However, reclaimed water shall not be used in or around crops for human consumption. The amount of disturbed area shall be minimized.
On-site vehicle speeds shall be no greater than 15 mph when traveling on unpaved surfaces. A track-out prevention device shall be installed and operated where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto paved streets. The track-out prevention device can include any device or combination of devices that are effective at preventing track out of dirt such as gravel pads, pipe-grid track-out control devices, rumble strips, or wheel washing systems. If stockpiling of material is involved, soil stockpiled for more than one day shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation. After clearing, grading, earth moving or excavation is completed, the disturbed area shall be treated by watering, or using roll-compaction, or revegetating, or by spreading soil binders until the area is paved or otherwise developed so that dust generation will not occur. All driveways and sidewalks to be paved/surfaced shall be completed as soon as possible. The contractor or builder shall designate a person or persons to monitor the dust control program and to order increased watering, as necessary, to prevent transport of dust off-site.
Their duties shall include holiday and weekend periods when work may not be in progress. The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the SBCAPCD prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or map clearance.
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The project applicant shall comply with SBCAPCD Rule 345: Control of Fugitive Dust from Construction and Demolition Activities, including all applicable standards and measures therein.
Significance After Mitigation
With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, the project would be consistent with the Clean Air Plan per the SBCAPCD guidelines through implementation of the required standard fugitive dust control measures. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Threshold 2: Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
Impact AQ-2 INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN WOULD GENERATE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL-RELATED EMISSIONS. SUCH EMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN ADVERSE IMPACTS TO REGIONAL AIR QUALITY. IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES IN THE PROPOSED 2045
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS WOULD REDUCE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS. OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS GENERATED FROM THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT EXCEED SBCAPCD OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS THRESHOLDS. HOWEVER, SPECIFIC PROJECT-LEVEL
DETAILS FOR CONSTRUCTION ARE UNKNOWN AT THIS LEVEL OF PLANNING AND INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS MAY EXCEED SBCAPCD THRESHOLDS. THEREFORE, IMPACTS WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE.
Construction
Construction of development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan may involve activities that result in air pollutant emissions. Construction activities such as demolition, grading, construction worker travel, delivery and hauling of construction supplies and debris, and fuel combustion by on-site construction equipment would generate pollutant emissions. These construction activities would temporarily create emissions of dust, fumes, equipment exhaust, and other air contaminants, particularly during site preparation and grading. The extent of daily emissions, particularly ROC and NOX emissions, generated by construction equipment, would depend on the quantity of equipment used and the hours of operation for each project. The extent of PM2.5 and PM10 emissions would depend upon the following factors: 1) the amount of disturbed soils; 2) the length of disturbance time; 3) whether existing structures are demolished; 4) whether excavation is involved; and 5) whether transporting excavated materials offsite is necessary. Dust emissions can lead to both nuisance and health impacts.
SBCAPCD does not currently have quantitative thresholds of significance for plan-level construction that would apply to the proposed project. However, CEQA requires that the short-term impacts such as exhaust emissions from construction equipment and fugitive dust generation during grading be analyzed. If an individual project’s construction emissions fall below the project-level thresholds, the project’s impacts on regional air quality would be individually and cumulatively less than significant. According to the SBCAPCD’s Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents, it recommends quantification of construction-related emissions and suggest a 25 tons per year threshold for ROC or NOX as a guideline for determining the significance of construction impacts (SBCAPCD 2022a). This is a limit that requires offsets if the construction activity is for a project that requires SBCAPCD permits and also provides guidance for other construction projects involving standard grading and building activities. In addition, standard dust control measures must be implemented for any discretionary project involving earthmoving activities, regardless of size or 635
duration. According to the SBCAPCD, proper implementation of these required measures reduces fugitive dust emissions to a level that is less than significant (SBCAPCD 2022a).
Construction of development envisioned under the 2045 General Plan would temporarily increase air pollutant emissions, possibly creating localized areas of unhealthy air pollution concentrations or air quality nuisances. To promote clean air quality to protect public health and safety and to minimize adverse air quality impacts, the 2045 General Plan includes Policies ENV-8.2, ENV-8.3, and ENV-8.4 in the Environmental and Sustainability Element, which would minimize emissions of air containments associated with buildout of the2045 General Plan. These policies are listed below. Policy ENV-8.2: Particulate Emissions Reduction. The City shall work with the SBCAPCD to reduce particulate emissions from construction, grading, excavation, and demolition to the maximum extent feasible.
Policy ENV-8.3: Air Quality Mitigation Measures. The City shall ensure all air quality mitigation measures are feasible, implementable, and cost effective. Policy ENV-8.4: Mitigation Measures. The City shall require new development and redevelopment to incorporate measures from the most recent SBCAPCD Clean Air Plan to reduce air quality impacts to a less than significant level.
In addition, development projects would be required to adhere to SBCAPCD’s fugitive dust control measures, which are listed above in Impact AQ-1.
While consistency with SBCAPCD’s Guidelines through implementation of fugitive dust control measures would reduce impacts from construction emissions to less than significant for the majority of projects, specific project-level details are unknown at this level of planning and individual projects may still exceed SBCAPCD thresholds. Therefore, construction impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
Operation
Reasonably expected future development from the 2045 General Plan would generate long-term regional air pollutant emissions, which would result from mobile sources (motor vehicle exhaust) and area sources, such as consumer products and natural gas combustion. Emissions from motor vehicle exhaust were estimated using VMT data for existing conditions (2015), and proposed project (2045). The impact analysis is based on comparing existing conditions to future with project conditions. Table 4.2-6 under Methodology shows the estimated regional daily VMT associated with all vehicle trips with the Solvang study area. As shown in Section 4.14, Transportation, implementation of the 2045 General Plan would result in 22.18 VMT per capita and 21.52 VMT per employee. Total VMT would increase from existing conditions that can be attributed to regional growth, as well as the increases in households and employment in the Solvang study area, which are described in Section 4.12, Population and Housing.
Operation of development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would generate criteria air pollutant emissions associated with area sources (e.g., architectural coatings, consumer products, and landscaping equipment), energy sources (i.e., use of natural gas for space and water heating), and mobile sources (i.e., vehicle trips to and from the project site). The 2045 General Plan would increase residential and commercial land uses under 2045 buildout. Operational emissions were based on the project characteristics described in Section 2, Project Description, and the existing and buildout year scenario estimates of the 2045 General Plan land uses within the Solvang study area in 636
Table 4.2-5. In addition, mobile vehicle trip data and reasonably anticipated development estimates presented in Table 4.2-6 were used to generate estimates of daily regional emissions.
Table 4.2-7 shows the net difference in operational emissions from the existing conditions and proposed project. As shown in Table 4.2-7, regional thresholds would not be exceeded as a result of the development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan. The 2045 General Plan would increase area and energy source emissions when compared to existing conditions. Area emissions would increase through the use of consumer products, which is the predominant contributor to operational ROC emissions. The use of consumer products varies by land use type and is typically analyzed on a project-specific scale. Energy emissions would increase through consumption of electricity and natural gas from the development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan over existing land uses.
While VMT is expected to increase over time as a result of the buildout of the 2045 General Plan, NOx and CO emissions from mobile sources are generally expected to decrease as a result of statewide emissions reductions measures. The VMT increase would result in a minor increase in PM emissions, which primarily comes from brake and tire wear. None of the criteria pollutant increases from the 2045 General Plan buildout compared to the existing uses would exceed SBCAPCD thresholds. Therefore, the 2045 General Plan operations would be less than significant.
Table 4.2-7 Estimated Operational Emissions
Maximum Daily Emissions (pounds per day)
Emissions Source ROC NOx CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
Existing (2015)
Mobile 2 28 132 1 56 15
Area 170 2 227 <1 <1 <1
Energy 2 34 19 <1 3 3
Total 174 63 379 1 59 18
Proposed Project
Mobile 1 11 82 <1 69 18
Area 195 2 266 <1 <1 <1
Energy 2 40 22 <1 3 3
Total 198 53 370 1 73 21
Net Daily Emissions
Change from Existing Conditions 24 (10) (9) <1 14 3
Threshold (area + energy + mobile) 240 240 N/A N/A 80 N/A Threshold Exceeded? No No N/A N/A No N/A
Threshold (mobile only) 25 25 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Threshold Exceeded? No No N/A N/A N/A N/A
ROC = reactive organic compounds, NOX = nitrogen oxides, CO = carbon monoxide, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, PM10 = particulate matter 10 microns in diameter or less, PM2.5 = particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter Notes: All emissions modeling was completed using CalEEMod. See Appendix C for modeling results. Some numbers may not sum precisely due to rounding. Emission data is pulled from “mitigated” results, which account for compliance with regulations (including SBCAPCD Rule 323.1) and project design features. Emissions presented are the highest of the winter and summer modeled emissions. 637
Mitigation Measures
Refer to Impact AQ-1 for Mitigation Measure AQ-1.
Significance After Mitigation
While consistency with SBCAPCD’s Guidelines through implementation of fugitive dust control measures would reduce impacts from construction emissions to less than significant for the majority of projects, specific project-level details are unknown at this level of planning and individual projects may still exceed SBCAPCD thresholds. Therefore, construction impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
Threshold 3: Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
Impact AQ-3 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN COULD RESULT IN
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY THAT COULD PRODUCE TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANT EMISSIONS IN PROXIMITY TO RESIDENTIAL RECEPTORS. MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-1 WOULD REQUIRE LARGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO USE EQUIPMENT MEETING CARB TIER 3 OR HIGHER FOR OFF-ROAD HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL ENGINES, WHICH WOULD REDUCE TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANT EMISSIONS. HOWEVER, TIER 3 OR HIGHER EMISSION STANDARD EQUIPMENT OR LEVEL 3 DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTERS CANNOT BE GUARANTEED TO BE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE. THEREFORE, IMPACTS WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE.
Construction-related activities facilitated by the 2045 General Plan would result in DPM exhaust emissions from off-road, heavy-duty diesel equipment associated with site preparation (e.g., excavation, grading, clearing), building construction, and other construction activities. DPM is identified as a TAC by CARB. The potential cancer risk from the inhalation of DPM (discussed in the following paragraphs) outweighs the potential non-cancer health impacts (CARB 2023a) and is therefore the focus of this analysis.
Generation of DPM from construction typically occurs in a single area for a short period. Future construction would occur over approximately 21 years (assuming a buildout year of 2045) on lots of two to five acres, but use of diesel-powered construction equipment in any one area would likely occur in less than one year for an individual project and would cease when construction is completed in that area. It is impossible to quantify risk without identified specific project details and locations.
The extent of DPM emissions from any individual construction project depend upon the following factors: (1) the amount of disturbed soils; (2) the length of disturbance time; (3) whether existing structures are demolished; (4) whether excavation is involved; and (5) whether transporting excavated materials off site is necessary. DPM emissions would be reduced during the other phases of individual project construction because activities such as building construction and architectural coating require less diesel-fueled construction equipment.
As discussed in Section 4.2.3.a, SBCAPCD has not established plan-level significance thresholds for construction air pollutant emissions, and SBCAPCD CEQA guidance does not require preparation of a health risk assessment for short-term construction emissions. At this time, development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan does not have sufficient detail (e.g., construction schedule, amount of soil export, specific buildout parameters) to allow for project-level analysis given the programmatic nature of the plan. As a result, it would be speculative to analyze project-level impacts. In addition, SBCAPCD does not recommend project-level emissions thresholds for construction activity. 638
Therefore, a more qualitative approach to characterizing construction-related air emissions has been employed for this analysis.
According to the OEHHA, construction of individual projects lasting longer than 2 months could potentially expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations and therefore could result in potentially significant health risk impacts.
Individual residential development projects within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, that have construction durations longer than two months, and are larger than single-family residences, ADUs, or duplexes can result in potentially significant health risk impacts when Tier 3 or higher construction equipment, which results in substantially lower TAC emissions than older construction equipment, is not utilized. SBCAPCD recommends diesel equipment meeting the CARB Tier 3 or higher emission standards be used in place of older construction equipment to the maximum extent feasible (SBCAPCD 2022a). As a result, the construction of certain individual housing development projects – those with three or more units and a construction duration longer than two months that take place within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors – could result in potentially significant health risk impacts if construction equipment does not meet CARB Tier 3 or higher for off-road heavy-duty diesel engines. Therefore, this impact would be potentially significant, requiring mitigation.
Operation
Development facilitated by the project could accommodate a net increase of approximately 497 additional residential units and 211 new jobs in Solvang. CARB’s guidelines do not designate residential uses as land uses that generate substantial TAC emissions. As a result, this analysis considers quantities of hazardous TACs that could be generated by new residential uses (e.g., cleaning solvents, paints, landscape pesticides, etc.) as below thresholds warranting further study under the California Accidental Release Program. Development facilitated by the 2045 General Plan in accordance with land use and zoning regulations would not site land uses that typically generate TAC near sensitive receptors. Additionally, if the proposed commercial and retail uses site a new stationary TAC source, like an emergency generator, then said stationary source would be required to receive a permit. The permitting process would ensure that the stationary source does not present a health risk to existing nearby sensitive receptors. Therefore, the 2045 General Plan would not result in exposure of existing sensitive receptors to significant carcinogenic or toxic air contaminants and would be consistent with CARB and SBCAPCD guidelines.
To minimize health risks to sensitive receptors located near roadways, the 2045 General Plan includes the following proposed goal and policies that aim to improve air quality and minimize exposure to TAC:
Policy MOB-1.12: Air Quality Impact Reduction. The City shall work to reduce the air quality impacts of motor vehicle use by reducing traffic congestion and promoting efforts to reduce fossil fuel-based motor vehicle use, including support for a citywide network of all electric charging station types (e.g., Level 1, Level II, Tesla, Mega-charging). Policy ENV-9.6: City Fleet and Equipment. The City shall work toward converting 100 percent of non-emergency City vehicles to electric, hybrid, flex-fuel, or alternative fuels. In addition, the City shall replace gas-powered mowers and other equipment with electric or hybrid models and to use alternative carbon-free models where possible.
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Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measure would be implemented due to potentially significant health risk impacts from TAC exposure during project construction.
AQ-1 Construction Equipment Exhaust Control Measures
For individual residential projects facilitated by the 2045 General Plan that would develop three or more units, would involve demolition, mass grading, or excavation and trenching phases longer than two months and would be located within 1,000 feet of existing sensitive receptors, the City shall enforce a project specific Condition of Approval requiring off-road heavy-duty diesel engines to meet CARB-certified Tier 3 or higher emission standards or employ CARB-certified Level 3 diesel particulate filters to the extent that this equipment is commercially available. “Commercially available” shall be defined as the availability of required equipment in geographic proximity to the project site and within a reasonable timeframe relative to critical path construction timing. If Tier 3 or higher emission standard equipment or Level 3 diesel particulate filters are not commercially available, documentation shall be provided by the project applicant to the City stating that Tier 3 equipment or higher emission standard or Level 3 diesel particulate filters are not commercially available with supporting evidence from the contractor. If CARB-certified Level 3 diesel particulate filters are utilized, they shall be kept in working order and maintained in operable condition according to manufacturer’s specifications, as applicable.
Significance After Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would reduce potential residual health risk impacts associated with exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations of DPM and TACs to the extent feasible. However, as Tier 3 or higher emission standard equipment or Level 3 diesel particulate filters cannot be guaranteed to be commercially available, impacts are conservatively assessed as significant and unavoidable.
Threshold 4: Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Impact AQ-4 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2045 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT CREATE
OBJECTIONABLE ODORS THAT COULD AFFECT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE OR EXPOSE FUTURE RESIDENTS TO ODORS THAT WOULD PRODUCE A PUBLIC NUISANCE OR HAZARD. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
The occurrence and severity of objectionable odors depend on a number of factors, including the nature, frequency, and intensity of the source; the wind speeds and direction; and the sensitivity of the receiving location. Although objectionable odors seldom cause physical harm, they can be perceived as a nuisance, cause distress among the public, and result in citizen complaints.
The 2045 General Plan would facilitate the development of additional housing units in a primarily urbanized area with existing residential and commercial land uses. Construction activities for development forecasted in accordance with the 2045 General Plan may produce temporary odors.
Examples of potential odors produced by construction activities include concentrations of unburned hydrocarbons from construction equipment tailpipes and reactive organic gases/compounds from architectural coatings. Such odors generally disperse rapidly from individual project sites, occur at magnitudes that would not affect substantial numbers of people, and would be limited to the temporary construction period.
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The SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents (2022) states that certain projects have the potential to cause significant odor impacts because of the nature of their operation and their location. Examples include fast food restaurants, bakeries, and coffee roasting facilities. In addition, wastewater treatment plants, landfills, confined animal facilities, composting stations, food manufacturing plants, refineries, and chemical plants. The 2045 General Plan would not create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people or expose future residents to odor in concentrations that would produce a public nuisance or hazard. In addition, it is likely project odors would not be distinguishable due to vehicle exhaust on State Route 246. Therefore, operational odor impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required because this impact would be less than significant.
4.2.4 Cumulative Impacts
Regional cumulative impacts consider the City-wide impacts together with similar impacts of future development in and around Santa Barbara County. The general approach to cumulative impact analysis used in this EIR is discussed in Section 3, Environmental Setting. Project related air pollution may combine with other cumulative projects to violate criteria pollutant standards if the existing background sources cause nonattainment conditions. Air districts manage attainment of the criteria pollutant standards by adopting rules, regulations, and attainment plans, which comprise a multifaceted programmatic approach to such attainment.
The geographic scope for analyzing cumulative air quality impacts is the SCCAB. The SCCAB is designated a nonattainment area for the ozone CAAQS and the PM10 CAAQS. The SCCAB is in attainment of all other NAAQS and CAAQS. Therefore, cumulative air quality impacts related to PM10 and ozone are potentially significant.
As described under Impact AQ-1, the SBCAPCD’s approach for assessing cumulative impacts is based on consistency with the latest adopted Ozone Plan. The 2045 General Plan would result in exceedance of the population forecasts for the City of Solvang in the 2022 Ozone Plan. However, this growth would not be unplanned since it is contemplated by the 2045 General Plan. SBCAG would update their growth projections to be consistent with the 2045 General Plan during the next planning cycle. Therefore, the 2045 General Plan is designed for planned and orderly infill growth to meet housing goals, as mandated by the State. Additionally, SBCAPCD standard dust control measures are required for all earthmoving activities in the SBCAPCD’s jurisdiction and would be implemented through Mitigation Measure AQ-1, which would reduce Citywide emissions of PM10 from construction facilitated by the2045 General Plan. Therefore, the 2045 General Plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the 2022 Ozone Plan.
As identified under Impact AQ-2, the 2045 General Plan would not exceed SBCAPCD operational emissions thresholds for ROC, NOX, and PM10. However, at this stage of planning, project-specific details regarding construction activity are currently unknown and could potentially exceed SBCAPCD thresholds after mitigation. Therefore, the 2045 General Plan would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants for which the project region is non-attainment. As shown under Impact AQ-3, construction activity may result in a potentially significant impact related to DPM and TAC exposure within the City. Health risk impacts are localized to the immediate vicinity of DPM and TAC sources, such that people affected by construction-related TAC emissions generated at one housing site would likely not be affected by construction-related TAC emissions generated at another housing site should construction activities occur simultaneously. Discussion of 641
these impacts considers the cumulative nature of the pollutants in the region; for example, the cancer risk and non-cancer risk thresholds have been set pursuant to existing cancer risks in the area and exceeding those thresholds would be considered a cumulative impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would reduce concentrations of DPM and TAC emissions from construction activity associated with future development under the 2045 General Plan. However, Tier 3 or higher emission standard equipment or Level 3 diesel particulate filters cannot be guaranteed to be commercially available. Therefore, the project’s contribution to cumulative air quality impacts related to these pollutants would result in a cumulatively considerable impact.
Cumulative projects would adversely affect sensitive receptors from odor emissions if cumulative projects were typical odor-producing land uses. Construction of cumulative projects would result in construction equipment-related odors; however, the temporary nature of construction would ensure less than significant cumulative odor impacts. In addition, it is likely individual project odors would not be distinguishable due to vehicle exhaust on State Route 246. Therefore, operational odor impacts would be less than significant.
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4.3 Biological Resources
This section addresses the existing environmental conditions for biological resources in the City of Solvang, California and its Sphere of Influence (SOI), herein referred to as the Planning Area, and the potential impacts to biologicals resources resulting from implementation of the 2045 General Plan.
This section includes vegetation communities and landscapes, waterbodies and wetlands, specialstatus species, sensitive natural communities, nesting birds, critical habitat, and wildlife corridor habitat in the Planning Area.
4.3.1 Setting
The City of Solvang has a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, moist winters. The Planning Area lies approximately 9 miles north of the Pacific Ocean on the northern side of the Santa Ynez Mountain range and features agricultural lands, rolling hills, open spaces, rural character, scenic roadways, and natural features. The elevation ranges from approximately 300 to 630 feet in elevation. The varied topography supports several natural habitats that contribute to the overall ecological balance of the area, including annual grasslands, coastal oak woodlands, coastal scrub, deciduous orchard, pasture, mixed chapparal, valley foothill riparian, and valley oak woodlands. In addition, the Santa Ynez River and numerous streams flow through the Planning Area, which also provide habitat for various wildlife species. The Planning Area also contains urban and suburban development.
The previous adopted General Plan designated two City-designated open space parcels located within the Planning Area. They are located south of State Route (SR) 246 near Nykobing and behind the residential area along Aarhus Drive. The open space consists of relatively undisturbed natural habitats consisting of a variety of vegetation communities. These open space areas often feature parks, such as Creekside Place Park located along Rebild Drive and Alisal Commons Park located at the north end of Glen Way. These parks offer residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking, biking, and picnicking. The city also has two natural open space parcels managed by Nyborb Estates homeowners Association, including one 2.67-acre parcel located south of SR 246 near Nykobing and a 9.00-acre parcel located behind the homes along Aarhus Drive.
Figure 4.3-1 illustrates the open spaces in the Planning Area.
In addition to the open spaces, there are three California Protected Areas within the Planning Area for conservation purposes: Alisal Commons Park, Hans Christian Anderson Park, and Sunny Fields Park. California Protected Areas are lands that are protected for open space purposes and include regional parks, forests, preserves, and wildlife areas as well as urban parks that are mainly open space. Other parks that are not designated as California Protected Areas in the Planning Area include Creekside Place Park and Solvang Park. Figure 4.3-2 illustrates the California Protected Areas and parks within the Planning Area, distinguished by Active Parks (A) and Passive Parks (P) (City of Solvang 2021).
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Figure 4.3-1 Designated Open Space in Planning Area
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Figure 4.3-2 California Protected Areas and Parks in Planning Area 646
4.3.1.1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
The primary vegetation communities in the Planning Area consist of annual grassland, coastal oak woodland, coastal scrub, deciduous orchard, mixed chaparral, valley foothill riparian, and valley oak woodland (City of Solvang 2021). These vegetation communities were identified as occurring in the Planning Area by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Wildlife Habitat Relationships classification scheme (CWHR) (Mayer and Laudenslayer 1988) (CDFW 2023a). These vegetation communities constitute approximately 36 percent of the Planning Area, the majority consisting of annual grassland, with the remaining areas in the Planning area consisting of urban (64 percent), barren (1 percent), and lacustrine (˂1 percent) areas. Further descriptions of these vegetation communities are provided below and illustrated in Figure 4.3-3.
Annual Grassland
Annual grasslands are characterized by open grasslands composed primarily of non-native annual plant species, including wild oats (Avena fatua), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), red brome (Bromus rubens), and foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum). This vegetation community occurs mostly on flat plains to gently rolling foothills. Species composition depends largely on weather patterns and livestock grazing. Fall rains cause germination of annual plant seeds. Plants grow slowly during the cool winter months, remaining low in stature until spring, when temperatures increase and stimulate more rapid growth. Many wildlife species use this community for foraging, such as blacktailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), coyote (Canis latrans), and a variety of bird species (CDFW 2023a).
Pasture
Pasture vegetation is a mix of perennial grasses and legumes that normally provide 100 percent canopy closure. Old or poorly drained pastures may have patches of weeds in excess. The mix of grasses and legumes varies according to management practices such as seed mixture, fertilization, soil type, irrigation, weed control, and the type of livestock on the pasture. Pastures are planted on flat and gently rolling terrain and may be irrigated. Pastures are used by a variety of wildlife depending upon geographic area and types of adjacent habitats. Ground-nesting birds, including waterfowl, nest in pastures if adequate residual vegetation is present at the onset of the nesting season (CDFW 2023a). Figure 4.3-3 classifies the Skytt Mesa subdivision and Sunny Fields Park as Pasture; this is indicative of available CDFW data and not representative of existing site conditions.
Coastal Oak Woodland
Coast oak woodland is a native vegetation community that consists of deciduous and evergreen hardwoods, typically dominated by coast live oak trees (Quercus agrifolia). Coast live oak woodlands are variable, ranging from dense woodlands (sometimes intergrading with mixed evergreen forests) on the more mesic north-facing slopes and canyons, to an open savanna on drier, more exposed slopes where the soils are usually shallower. The understory may range from absent to dense.
Typical understory species include shade tolerant shrubs such as native blackberry (Rubus ursinus), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum); and native herbaceous plants such as fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum), miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), and various fern species. Coastal oak woodlands are found in coastal foothills and valleys and provides important habitat for wildlife, including nesting sites, foraging areas for small mammals, and microclimates suitable for amphibians, reptiles, and fungi (CDFW 2023a). 647
Figure 4.3-3 Vegetation Communities in Planning Area
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Coastal Scrub
Coastal scrub is a native vegetation community that is typically found on stabilized backdune slopes, ridges, and flats along the coast. Soils are typically sandy to sandy loam. Central coastal scrub typically forms a mosaic with other communities including coast bluff scrub, maritime chaparral, coast live oak woodland, and coastal prairie. Vegetation in this habitat type is composed of soft scrub of moderate to high cover and is dominated by native mock heather (Ericameria ericoides), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), black sage (Salvia mellifera), common California-aster (Lessingia filaginifolia var. filaginifolia), dune bush lupine (Lupinus chamissonis), and sticky monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus). Central coastal scrub provides habitat for a variety of vertebrate species (CDFW 2023a).
Deciduous Orchard
Deciduous orchards are typically dominated by a single species of tree, such as almonds, apples, apricots, peaches, pecans, and walnuts. Trees range in height at maturity depending on the species, ranging from 10 feet for dwarf varieties to upwards of 60 feet for pecans and walnuts. The understory is usually composed of low-growing grasses, which are often intensively managed.
Orchards are planted on deep fertile soils which once supported productive and diverse natural habitats. The orchards still provide anthropogenic habitat that offers wildlife, such as deer and rabbit that commonly browse on the tree foliage, an area for foraging and cover that allows animals to move through the region. Many wildlife species act as biological control agents by feeding on weed seeds and insect pests (CDFW 2023a).
Mixed Chaparral
Mixed chaparral is a native vegetation community that is dominated by several shrubby species instead of a single dominant species. Most species grow to a height of three to 10 feet but can sometimes take the form of dwarf woodland with a canopy of more than 13 feet in height. Mixed chaparral communities often develop into dense thickets with little to no understory. Shrubs commonly found in this vegetation community include native chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), birchleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), toyon, California buckeye (Aesculus californica), poison oak, sumac (Rhus aromatica), and hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia). Mixed chaparral occurs on all aspects, but at lower elevations, it generally is found on north-facing slopes.
This pattern is especially true in southern California. Generally, it occurs on steep slopes and ridges with relatively thin, well-drained soils. Mixed chaparral provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as California quail (Callipepla californica), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), and brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) (CDFW 2023a).
Valley Foothill Riparian
Valley foothill riparian is a native vegetation community that contains mostly winter deciduous trees, such as native cottonwood (Populus spp.), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and valley oak (Quercus lobata). The canopy height can grow up to 98 feet in a mature riparian forest.
Typical understory shrub layer species include native California blackberry, blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), poison oak, and willows (Salix spp.). This vegetation community is found in valleys bordered by sloping alluvial fans, slightly dissected terraces, lower foothills, and coastal plains. They are generally associated with low velocity flows, flood plains, and gentle topography.
Valleys provide deep alluvial soils and a high water table. The substrate is coarse, gravelly or rocky soils more or less permanently moist. Valley foothill riparian habitats provide food, water, migration 649
and dispersal corridors, and escape, nesting, and thermal cover for an abundance of wildlife (CDFW 2023a).
Valley Oak Woodland
Valley oak woodland is a native vegetation community that typically includes an open to continuous, or savannah-like (less than 10 percent cover, but evenly distributed) tree canopy dominated by native valley oaks (Quercus lobata). The shrub layer is sparse to open, and the herbaceous layer typically includes a wide range of grasses. Valley oak woodlands are typically found in valley bottoms, summit valleys, on gentle to somewhat steep, lower to upper slopes and ridgetops. Soil textures are various, including loams and clays. Historically, these woodlands ranged across alluvial terraces of large valleys and low rolling hills. However, most valley oak woodlands are gone, having been cut down for firewood or agriculture. These woodlands provide food and cover for many species of wildlife (CDFW 2023a).
4.3.1.2 Waterbodies and Wetlands
The Planning Area is in the Santa Ynez River watershed (HUC 12-180600100508) and consists of four main waterbodies: Santa Ynez River, Alamo Pintado Creek, Adobe Creek, and Alisal Creek. The Santa Ynez River originates in the San Rafael Mountains and flows westerly about 90 miles to the ocean.
The Santa Ynez River runs east to west along the southern city limit boundary, and passes under the Alisal bridge crossing. Alamo Pintado Creek, Adobe Creek, and Alisal Creek are all tributaries to the Santa Ynez River within the Planning Area. The major rivers and streams in Solvang and the surrounding region are shown in Figure 4.3-1.The Santa Ynez River watershed supports a variety of fish communities and is identified as a Critical Habitat for steelhead trout, which is federally listed as endangered and a candidate for State listing as endangered in Southern California. In addition, the river and its watershed form an extensive riparian habitat with nearby chaparral and oak woodland habitat, which support a variety of plant and wildlife species.
In addition to these waterbodies, the Planning Area contains one small wetland feature, approximately 14,000 square feet (0.32 acres) in size, mapped by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). The wetland is mapped near Nykobing at the cross street of Vester Sted and Midtenhof, within a partially developed area. The NWI identifies this feature as a temporarily flooded, palustrine wetland that was excavated by humans.
Based on recent aerial imagery, the wetland feature is presumed to be absent.
4.3.1.3 Special-Status Species
For the purposes of this analysis, special-status species include the following:
Species listed as threatened or endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), including proposed and candidate species;
Species listed as candidate, threatened, or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA);
Species designated as Fully Protected by the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC), and species identified as a CDFW Species of Special Concern or on the CDFW Watch List; Plant species protected by the Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) (State Rare); Plant species with California Native Plant Society (CNPS) California Rare Plant Ranks (CRPR) 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.
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Queries of scientific databases administered by the USFWS, CDFW, and CNPS were conducted to obtain comprehensive information regarding State and federally listed species as well as other special-status species considered to have potential to occur within the City’s Planning Area. The query of the CDFW California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFW 2023b) and Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS) (CDFW 2023c) included the City’s Planning Area and an additional 5-mile radius.
The USFWS Critical Habitat Portal was also reviewed to obtain information on limits of federally defined Critical Habitat for endangered species that may occur within the Planning area and the additional 5-mile radius. The CNPS’s Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2023) was also reviewed and queried the Solvang, California USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle and the surrounding eight quadrangles (Zaca Creek, Los Alamos, Santa Rosa Hills, Sacate, Gaviota, Tajiguas, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos). Species that occur in habitats that are not present within the Planning Area and species known to be extirpated from the region were excluded from further evaluation.
A table has been provided as Appendix D that lists the special-status wildlife and plants identified in the desktop review as occurring in the region. Further discussion on species that have a potential to occur within the Planning Area is provided below, determined by an evaluation of potentially occurring suitable habitat, nearest documented occurrences, and recently observed records for each species.
Special-Status Wildlife
A total of 21 special-status invertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species have the potential to occur in the Planning Area. Of the 21 special-status wildlife species with the potential to occur in the Planning Area, the following species have federal and/or State listing status (CDFW 2023d):
California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) – federally-listed threatened Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii) – candidate for State-listed endangered foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii pop. 6) – South Coast Distinct Population Segment (DPS) – federally-listed endangered, State-listed endangered
least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) – federally-listed endangered, State-listed endangered monarch – California overwintering population (Danaus plexippus plexippus pop. 1) – candidate for federal listing
southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) – federally-listed endangered, Statelisted endangered steelhead – southern California DPS (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 10) – federally-listed endangered, candidate for State-listed endangered
southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) – proposed federally-listed threatened tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) – federally-listed endangered vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) – federally-listed endangered Special-Status Plant Species
A total of 30 special-status plant species have the potential to occur within the Planning Area. Of these 30 special-status plant species, the following have federal and/or State listing status (CDFW 2023e):
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La Graciosa thistle (Cirsium scariosum var. loncholepis) – federally-listed endangered, candidate State-listed threatened
seaside bird’s-beak (Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. littoralis) – candidate State-listed endangered Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra increscens ssp. villosa) – federally-listed endangered, candidate State-listed threatened
Vandenberg monkeyflower (Diplacus vandenbergensis) – federally-listed endangered Lompoc yerba santa (Eriodictyon capitatum) – federally-listed endangered, candidate Statelisted rare Santa Ynez false lupine (Thermopsis macrophylla) – candidate State-listed rare
4.3.1.4 Sensitive Natural Communities
Sensitive natural communities are native vegetation communities, associations, or sub-associations that support concentrations of special-status plant and/or wildlife species, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife. Sensitive natural communities are special-status plant communities considered sensitive by federal, State, and local agencies due to their rarity or value in providing habitat for vegetation, fish, and wildlife. Sensitive natural communities present within the Planning Area include (CDFW 2023f):
Southern California Steelhead Stream
Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
Southern Willow Scrub
Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest
Valley Oak Woodland
4.3.1.5 Bats
While there are no specific laws in California protecting bats as a specific type of wildlife, ten species of bats are currently considered Species of Special Concern by the CDFW. Additionally, the Western Bat Working Group lists some as High Priority (for consideration of conservation measures). Both special-status and common species of bats may roost in a variety of habitats and structures such as trees with exfoliating bark, tree hollows, broad leafed trees, palm fronds, bridges, hollow beams, mines, caves, rocky crevices, attics, and eaves of buildings. Bats typically have a maternity season (generally from April 1 through August 31) and maternity roosts will be situated in areas to raise young. Depending on the species, some bats may not migrate and will use the same roost yearround. Additionally, bats may go into torpor (a temporary hibernation) during colder months (generally November to February) where bats may not be detectable while they are in deep sleep, making any potential relocations or evictions more challenging during this time frame. Because bat species identification is typically gathered through acoustical detectors that record the inaudible ultrasonic calls of bats, not all special-status species have been documented in scientific databases, such as the CDFW’s CNDDB, and may occur in areas where suitable habitat may be present.
4.3.1.6 Nesting Birds
Migratory or other common nesting birds, while not designated as special-status species, are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and CFGC in the Planning Area. Common avian species may nest in vegetation, including native and ornamental vegetation, and in man-made structures, such as power poles or the eaves of buildings. Birds typically construct their nests during 652
the breeding season, which is generally February 1 through September 15, and beginning January 1 for all raptor species.
4.3.1.7 Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is a term used in the federal Endangered Species Act to identify specific geographic areas that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species that may require special management or protection. These habitats provide suitable conditions that may provide nesting/denning sites, foraging areas, cover, and other resources that are essential to the species’ survival, reproduction, and genetic diversity. Critical habitat areas have been developed because the species face various threats to its habitat, including urban development, agriculture, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. The habitat areas were defined based on scientific studies and analysis of the species’ habitat requirements. The designation of critical habitat does not necessarily restrict all human activities within the designated areas; however, it requires federal agencies to consult with the USFWS or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), also referred to as NOAA Fisheries, to ensure that all proposed actions or projects do not adversely modify or destroy the critical habitat. It is also important to note that the species may also occur outside these designated areas within similar habitats occurring throughout the City’s Planning Area and consultation with the USFWS/NOAA Fisheries is still required in the event suitable habitat for the species may be impacted.
The USFWS Critical Habitat Portal (USFWS 2023a) was reviewed to obtain information on limits of federally defined Critical Habitat occurring within the City’s Planning Area and a 5-mile radius. Based on this review, four defined Critical Habitat areas were determined to occur for the following four federally-listed species: vernal pool fairy shrimp, southern California steelhead, California red-legged frog, and southwestern willow flycatcher. Brief summaries of these species and their defined Critical Habitat areas are provided below.
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
Vernal pool fairy shrimp are a federally-listed threatened species in which the USFWS has designated Critical Habitat in which consists of vernal pool habitats, characterized by small, shallow water bodies with no permanent outlet. Defined Critical Habitat for the species occurs approximately 2.8 miles east of the City’s Planning Area, near Santa Ynez. No Critical Habitat for this species occurs within the Planning Area; however, the species may occur in vernal pool habitats present outside defined Critical Habitat areas.
Southern California Steelhead
Steelhead are a federally-listed endangered species in which the NOAA Fisheries has designated Critical Habitat along the entire length of the Santa Ynez River. Solvang only has about 500 feet length of the Santa Ynez River and most of that is along the Alisal Bridge crossing, within the Planning Area, and few associated tributaries outside of the Planning area, to the east and west. The Santa Ynez River consists of an important water source that provides connection to the Pacific Ocean, offering anadromous species, such as steelhead, important fresh water spawning, rearing, and migration habitat.
California Red-legged Frog
California red-legged frog is a federally-listed threatened species in which the USFWS has designated Critical Habitat in two areas in the Santa Ynez Mountains, approximately 3 miles 653
southwest and southeast of the Planning Area. These areas consist of important water sources, such as streams or stock ponds, which the species uses for breeding, and upland areas for foraging and shelter (USFWS 2010). The species is also known to occur in similar habitats outside federally defined critical habitat areas, including the Santa Ynez River and Alamo Pintado Creek.
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Southwestern willow flycatcher is a federally and State-listed endangered species in which the USFWS has designated Critical Habitat areas along the Santa Ynez River, approximately 1.3 miles west of the Planning Area. These areas consist of optimal riparian habitat for nesting, migration, and foraging (USFWS 2013). Although no Critical Habitat for this species has been delineated within the Planning Area, the species may still occur in similar habitats outside federally defined Critical Habitat areas, including the riparian habitats along the Santa Ynez River within the northern extent of the Planning Area.
4.3.1.8 Wildlife Corridor Habitat
Wildlife corridors are generally defined as connections between habitat patches that allow for physical and genetic exchange between otherwise isolated animal populations. Such linkages may serve a local purpose, such as between foraging and denning areas, or they may be regional in nature, allowing movement across the landscape. Some habitat linkages may serve as migration corridors, wherein animals periodically move away from an area and then subsequently return.
Examples of barriers or impediments to movement include housing and other urban development, roads, fencing, unsuitable habitat, or open areas with little vegetative cover.
Many local wildlife species, including mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes, coyotes, and mule deer, depend on access to large areas of connected habitats for feeding and dispersal. Urban development patterns have the potential to fragment habitats and limit the ranges of wildlife.
Wildlife corridors represent the last remaining access areas that connect fragmented patches of habitat. Maintaining and enhancing existing habitat linkages is essential to ensuring the preservation of regional natural resources, biodiversity, and sensitive species.
No designated wildlife movement corridors are present within the Planning Area (Spencer et al. 2010). However, the Planning Area is near the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, and incorporates portions of the Santa Ynez River and associated tributaries, which provide suitable wildlife movement corridors for wildlife to travel locally and are important in linking non-contiguous or fragmented wildlife habitats. Due to the existing level of development, the urban areas of the Planning Area restrict wildlife movement and are not considered wildlife corridors.
4.3.2 Regulatory Setting
a. Federal Regulations
Endangered Species Act
The USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) share responsibility for implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Generally, the USFWS implements the FESA for terrestrial and freshwater species, while the NOAA Fisheries implements the FESA for marine and anadromous species. Projects that would result in “take” of any threatened or endangered animal species, or a threatened or endangered plant species if occurring on federal land, are required to obtain permits from the USFWS or NOAA Fisheries through either Section 7 (interagency consultation with a federal 654
nexus) or Section 10 (Habitat Conservation Plan) of the ESA, depending on the involvement by the federal government in funding, authorizing, or carrying out the project. The permitting process is used to determine if a project would jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species and what measures would be required to avoid jeopardizing the species. “Take” under federal definition means to harass, harm (which includes habitat modification), pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Proposed or candidate species do not have the full protection of the ESA; however, the USFWS and NOAA Fisheries advise project applicants that they could be elevated to listed status at any time.
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
The USFWS also has responsibility for project review under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.
This statute requires that all federal agencies consult with USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, and the State’s wildlife agency (CDFW) for activities that affect, control, or modify streams and other water bodies.
Under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, and the CDFW review applications for permits issued under Section 404 and provide comments to USACE about potential environmental impacts.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the USFWS.
The list of migratory bird species protected by the law, in regulations at 50 Code of Federal Regulations Part 10.13, is primarily based on bird families and species included in the four international treaties. A migratory bird species is included on the list if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
It occurs in the United States or United States territories as the result of natural biological or ecological processes and is currently, or was previously listed as, a species or part of a family protected by one of the four international treaties or their amendments. Revised taxonomy results in it being newly split from a species that was previously on the list, and the new species occurs in the United States or United States territories as the result of natural biological or ecological processes.
New evidence exists for its natural occurrence in the United States or United States territories resulting from natural distributional changes and the species occurs in a protected family.
In 2004, the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act (MBTRA) limited the scope of the MBTA by stating the MBTA applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or United States territories, and that a native migratory bird species is one that is present as a result of natural biological or ecological processes. The MBTRA requires the USFWS to publish a list of all nonnative, human-introduced bird species to which the MBTA does not apply, and an updated list was published in 2020. The 2020 update identifies species belonging to biological families referred to in treaties the MBTA implements but are not protected because their presence in the United States or United States territories is solely the result of intentional or unintentional human-assisted introductions.
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Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the USFWS, from "taking" bald or golden eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs. The Act provides criminal penalties for persons who "take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald eagle ... [or any golden eagle], alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof." The Act defines "take" as "pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb." Clean Water Act Section 404
Congress enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA) “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters.” Section 404 of the CWA authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), to issue permits regulating the discharge of dredged or fill materials into the "navigable waters at specified disposal sites."
Section 502 of the CWA further defines "navigable waters" as “waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.” “Waters of the United States” are broadly defined at 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 328.3 to include navigable waters, perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, as well as wetlands, marshes, and wet meadows. In recent years, the USACE and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have undertaken several efforts to modernize their regulations defining “waters of the United States” (e.g., the 2015 Clean Water Rule and 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule), but these efforts have been frustrated by legal challenges which have invalidated the updated regulations.
As of May 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision regarding Sackett vs. EPA Limits CWA Jurisdiction, whereas, reducing the CWA’s geographic reach and the definition of “waters of the United States”. In this decision, the Court decided the following, in summary:
“Adjacent wetlands” are waters of the United States only if there is a continuous surface connection between the wetland and a navigable or relatively permanent water body, such that it is difficult to determine the boundary between the wetland and the water body. The opinion notes that “temporary interruptions to surface connection may sometimes occur because of phenomena like low tides or dry spells”.
The Significant Nexus Standard, introduced by the Court in prior decisions and codified in the agencies’ current regulations, is not mentioned in the CWA, and therefore the EPA has no statutory basis to impose it. Additionally, the standard includes ecological factors whose use in determining jurisdiction is not supported by the statute. Although jurisdiction over tributaries was not addressed by the Court, current regulations rely upon the Significant Nexus Standard to establish jurisdiction over tributaries that flow infrequently. The decision hints that these tributaries will be non-jurisdictional going forward, stating, “…the [CWA’s] use of “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming geographical features that are described in ordinary parlance as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes.” Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 requires authorization from the USACE for the construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the United States. Structures or work outside the limits defined for navigable waters of the United States require a Section 10 permit if 656
the structure or work affects the course, location, or condition of the water body. The law applies to any dredging or disposal of dredged materials, excavation, filling, re-channelization, or any other modification of a navigable water of the United States, and applies to all structures and work. It further includes, without limitation, any wharf, dolphin, weir, boom breakwater, jetty, groin, bank protection (e.g., riprap, revetment, bulkhead), mooring structures such as pilings, aerial or subaqueous power transmission lines, intake or outfall pipes, permanently moored floating vessel, tunnel, artificial canal, boat ramp, aids to navigation, and any other permanent, or semi-permanent obstacle or obstruction. It is important to note that Section 10 applies only to navigable waters, and thus does not apply to work in non-navigable wetlands or tributaries. In some cases, Section 10 authorization is issued by the USACE concurrently with CWA Section 404 authorization, such as when certain Nationwide Permits are used.
b. State Regulations
California Endangered Species Act
The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish and Game Code Section 2050 et. seq.) prohibits take of State-listed threatened or endangered. Take under CESA is defined as “Hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill” (Fish and Game Code sec. 86).
This definition does not prohibit indirect harm by way of habitat modification, except where such harm is the proximate cause of death of a listed species. Where incidental take would occur during construction or other lawful activities, CESA allows the CDFW to issue an Incidental Take Permit upon finding, among other requirements, that impacts to the species have been minimized and fully mitigated. Unlike the federal ESA, CESA’s protections extend to candidate species during the period (typically one year) while the California Fish and Game Commission decides whether the species warrants CESA listing.
Avian Protection Laws
California Fish and Game Code sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 describe unlawful take, possession, or destruction of native birds, nests, and eggs. Section 3503.5 of the Code protects all birds-of-prey and their eggs and nests against take, possession, or destruction of nests or eggs. Section 3513 makes it a State-level offense to take any bird in violation of the federal MBTA.
Native Plant Protection Act
The Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) requires the CDFW to establish criteria for determining if a species, subspecies, or variety of native plant is endangered or rare, and prohibits the take of listed plant species. Effective in 2015, CDFW promulgated regulations (14 CCR 786.9) under the authority of the NPPA, establishing that the CESA’s permitting procedures would be applied to plants listed under the NPPA as "Rare." With this change, there is little practical difference for the regulated public between plants listed under CESA and those listed under the NPPA.
CWA Section 401
Section 401 of the CWA requires an applicant requesting a federal license or permit for an activity that may result in any discharge into navigable waters (such as a Section 404 Permit) to provide State certification that the proposed activity will not violate State and federal water quality standards. In California, CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification (Section 401 Certification) is issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) and by the State Water Resources 657
Control Board (SWRCB) for multi-region projects. The process begins when an applicant submits an application to the RWQCB and informs the USACE (or the applicable agency from which a license or permit was requested) that an application has been submitted. The USACE will then determine a “reasonable period of time” for the RWQCB to act on the application; this is typically 60 days for routine projects and longer for complex projects but may not exceed one year. When the period has elapsed, if the RWQCB has not either issued or denied the application for Section 401 Certification, the USACE may determine that Certification has been waived and issue the requested permit. If a Section 401 Certification is issued it may include binding conditions, imposed either through the Certification itself or through the requested federal license or permit.
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Porter-Cologne Act) is the principal law governing water quality regulation in California. It establishes a comprehensive program to protect water quality and the beneficial uses of water. The Porter-Cologne Act applies to surface waters, wetlands, and ground water and to both point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Pursuant to the PorterCologne Act (California Water Code section 13000 et seq.), the policy of the State is as follows:
The quality of all the waters of the State shall be protected All activities and factors affecting the quality of water shall be regulated to attain the highest water quality within reason
The State must be prepared to exercise its full power and jurisdiction to protect the quality of water in the State from degradation
The Porter-Cologne Act established nine RWQCBs (based on watershed boundaries) and the SWRCB, which are charged with implementing its provisions and which have primary responsibility for protecting water quality in California. The SWRCB provides program guidance and oversight, allocates funds, and reviews RWQCB decisions. In addition, the SWRCB allocates rights to the use of surface water. The RWQCBs have primary responsibility for individual permitting, inspection, and enforcement actions within each of nine hydrologic regions. The SWRCB and RWQCBs have numerous nonpoint source related responsibilities, including monitoring and assessment, planning, financial assistance, and management.
Section 13260 of the Porter-Cologne Act requires any person discharging or proposing to discharge waste that could affect the quality of waters of the State to file a Report of Waste Discharge with the appropriate RWQCB. The RWQCB may then authorize the discharge, subject to conditions, by issuing Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs). While this requirement was historically applied primarily to outfalls and similar point source discharges, the SWRCB’s State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State, effective May 2020, make it clear that the agency will apply the Porter-Cologne Act’s requirements to discharges of dredge and fill material as well. The Procedures state that they are to be used in issuing CWA Section 401 Certifications and WDRs, and largely mirror the existing review requirements for CWA Section 404 Permits and Section 401 Certifications, incorporating most elements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. Following issuance of the Procedures, the SWRCB produced a consolidated application form for dredge/fill discharges that can be used to obtain a CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification, WDRs, or both. 658
CFGC Section 1600 et seq.
Pursuant to CFGC Section 1600, the CDFW has authority over all perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral rivers, streams, and lakes in the State, and requires any person, State or local governmental agency, or public utility to notify the CDFW before beginning any activity that would “substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow of, or substantially change or use any material from the bed, channel, or bank of, any river, stream, or lake, or deposit or dispose of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or lake” that supports fish or wildlife resources.
A stream is defined as a “body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation” (CCR, Title 14 Section 1.72). A Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement may be required for any project that would result in an adverse impact to a river, stream, or lake. CDFW jurisdiction typically extends to the top of the bank and out to the outer edge of adjacent riparian vegetation if present. However, the CDFW can take jurisdiction over a body of flowing water and the landform that conveys it, including water sources and adjoining landscape elements that are byproducts of and affected by interactions with flowing water without regard to size, duration, or the timing of flow.