A. 2035 LQ GP EIR - NOP & Comment LtrsTerra Nova/La Quinta General Plan EIR
Technical Appendices
APPENDIX A
Draft Environmental Impact Report, Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Responses to NOP
Prepared by
Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc.
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
November 22, 2010
A-1
Notice of Preparation
Date: November 22, 2010
To: Responsible Agencies and Interested Parties
From: Nicole Sauviat Criste, Planning Consultant, City of La Quinta
Subject: Transmittal of Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report
(DEIR) for the La Quinta General Plan Update, City of La Quinta, Riverside County,
California
Enclosed please find the above referenced NOP to prepare a Draft EIR for the City of La Quinta
General Plan Update.
The project involves the assignment of land use designations on incorporated lands, and its Sphere of
Influence. The Notice of Preparation is your opportunity to provide comments and suggestions for
issues that should be addressed in the Draft EIR. The enclosed material includes regional and vicinity
maps, and the draft Land Use Designations and allocation tables.
A Scoping Meeting has been scheduled for December 8, 2010, at 2:00 PM. The Scoping Meeting will
be held in the Study Session Room at City Hall, located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
92253.
The NOP comment period runs from November 24, 2010 to December 23, 2010. If you have
comments, please submit them prior to December 22, 2010. You may FAX comments to the attention
of Nicole Sauviat Criste, Terra Nova Planning & Research, at FAX No. (760) 341-4455 within this
time frame. Please also send hard copies to the City, attention Andrew Mogensen, via mail to the
address below to assure legible and reproducible originals.
Mr. Andy Mogensen
Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
P. O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
If you have any questions regarding the enclosed or require additional information, please do not
hesitate to contact me at (760) 341-4800 or Mr. Mogenson at (760) 777-7125.
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Environmental Checklist Form
1. Project title: La Quinta General Plan Update, General Plan Amendment No. 2010-121
2. Lead agency name and address: City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
3. Contact person and phone number: Andrew J. Mogensen, AICP
760-777-7125
4. Project location: The City Limits including the Sphere of Influence for the City of La Quinta.
(See Project Location below)
5. Project sponsor's name and address: City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
6. General Plan Designation: Multiple 7. Zoning: Multiple
8. Description of project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later
phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off -site features necessary for its
implementation. Attach additional sheets if necessary.) (See Project Description below)
9. Surrounding land uses and setting: Briefly describe the project's surroundings: (See
Surrounding Land Uses below)
10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or
participation agreement.)
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INTRODUCTION
The City of La Quinta, an incorporated community located in central Riverside County, California, is
undergoing a comprehensive Update to the city's General Plan. The General Plan is a State mandated
document that provides a "blueprint" for cities and highlights a city's long-term goals, policies and
programs. California Government Code (Section 65300) requires that incorporated cities and counties
prepare a General Plan to regulate the physical development of all lands under the jurisdiction of the
community, including legally recognized Sphere of Influence. The La Quinta General Plan Update
will incorporate all lands within the City's jurisdictional boundary and the surrounding Sphere of
Influence area. The city's current and existing General Plan was most recently adopted March 20,
2002, and it is anticipated the new updated General Plan will be adopted in 2011.
PROJECT INFORMATION
The General Plan Update includes all lands within the jurisdiction boundary of La Quinta, as well as
those in the Sphere of Influence. These two areas combined will be addressed and referred to as the
"General Plan Update Planning Area" for purposes of this document. The General Plan Update
Planning Area encompasses approximately 30,957 acres, including 22,855 acres in the jurisdictional
boundary and 8,101 acres within the Sphere of Influence (see Tables 3 & 4). The Sphere of Influence
includes areas that may become annexed into the City of La Quinta in the future.
Over the past year, the City of La Quinta has been engaged with the community to discuss overall and
specific goals regarding the City's future. A series of public workshops, City Council meetings and
Planning Commission meetings have been held to discuss significant community issues. The General
Plan Update will include changes to existing land use designations and provide new goals, policies
and programs for all General Plan elements within the Planning Area.
A detailed assessment of existing land use designations in the General Plan Update Planning Area has
been conducted, and changes to land use designations will occur in the City and Sphere of Influence.
Existing land uses have been consolidated and combined into new land use designations. The
proposed land use designations are described below in Table 2 and are shown in Exhibit 4.
California Government Code Section 65302 requires that a General Plan include the following seven
elements: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and Safety. These
statutory elements will be addressed in the La Quinta General Plan Update. A Sustainable
Community Element and Economic Development Element will be added to the Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL/EXISTING CONDITIONS
Project Location
The City of La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area is situated in the south central region of
the Coachella Valley, located in the central portion of Riverside County, California (See Exhibit 1,
Regional Location Map). The Planning Area is in what is known as the Salton trough, which is a
fault -controlled valley basin with expansive and varying geography and biological habitats. The
topography of the region is varied and includes areas nearly 200 feet below sea level and mountain
peaks rising approximately 11,500 feet above sea level. Within the General Plan Update Planning
Area, elevations range from 1,600 feet above sea level, along peaks of Coral Reef Mountains in the
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southwestern portion of the Planning Area, to a low of 190 feet below sea level in the southeastern
portion of the Sphere of Influence.
The boundaries of the General Plan Update Planning Area can be generally described as being bound
on the north by Hovley Lane East, on the south by Avenue 64, on the west and southwest by the
Santa Rosa Mountains, and on the east by Harrison Street. The boundaries of the Planning Area are
illustrated in Exhibit 2 (Vicinity Map). More specifically, the Planning Area is situated in the
following USGS Quads: La Quinta, Indio, Palm Desert, and Valerie, California. A detailed
description of the incorporated City limits and Sphere of Influence is found below.
The incorporated City limits of the City of La Quinta can be more specifically described as the
following:
• Portions of Section 25 and all of Section 36, Township 5 South, Range 6 East;
Sections 1,12,13,24, and 25, Township 6 South, Range 6 East; portions of Section 17
18, 19, 20,28,29, and 30, and all of Sections 31 and 32, Township 5 South, Range 7
East; portions of Section 26, 35 and all of Sections 4, 5, 6,7,8,9,10,15,16,17,18, 19, 29,
21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33 and 34, Township 6 South, Range 7 East; Sections 4 and 5,
Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian.
The Sphere of Influence of the City of La Quinta includes the following:
• Portions of Section 18, Township 5 South, Range 7 East; and portions of Section 12,
13, 26 and 35 and all of Sections 11, 14, 23, 24, 25, and 36, of Township 6 South,
Range 7 East; all of Section 19, 30, 31 of Township 6 South, Range 8 East of the San
Bernardino Baseline Meridian.
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LA Quinta 21135 General Plan Update
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La Quinta, California
Current Land Designations and Uses
La Quinta is currently governed by the 2002 Comprehensive General Plan, which was adopted on
March 20, 2002 and subsequently amended. The 2002 General Plan, as currently amended,
encompasses the incorporated City of La Quinta,; two Sphere of Influence areas, one located at the
north end of the City in the Darby Road area, and one located east of the City limits; and a Planning
Area 2, which was outside and east of the City's Sphere of Influence. The 2002 Land Use Map, as
seen in Exhibit 3, shows the delineation between these three areas and the differing land uses. Table 1
shows a statistical summary of land uses from the 2002 General Plan.
Ineorporated La Quinta
According to Exhibit 3, the current city limits are generally bound on the west by Washington Street
and the Santa Rosa Mountains, on the north by Hovley Lane East, on the east by Jefferson Street and
Monroe Street, and on the south by Avenue 64. The City is comprised of a flat valley floor containing
sand dunes and sand fields, and low mountains, foothills and alluvial fans, which are characteristic of
the desert environment. Development within the City is located primarily on the valley floor. The
mountains and foothills in the western portion of the city are designated as Open Space. Historically,
flat areas within La Quinta were agricultural lands, however recent growth has led to increased
urbanization of residential, commercial, and resort developments within the jurisdictional boundary.
The current land use pattern in La Quinta is similar to the low density residential and resort
developments found throughout the Coachella Valley. Current residential land uses designations
include Very Low Density, Low Density, Medium Density, Medium -High Density, and High Density
Residential. According to Table 1, approximately 40% of the City is designated residential, of which
76% is considered Low Density Residential. Many of the golf course communities found throughout
La Quinta, such as PGA West, are designated as Low Density Residential. Medium Density
Residential is the second most common residential land use designation and makes up approximately
17% of residential uses. Medium Density Residential is predominantly found in the Cove community
of La Quinta, but is also found in the northern region of the City near Highway 111. High Density
Residential land uses make up only 1 % of residential land uses, and are generally found north of
Avenue 48, between Adams Street and Dune Palms Road and along Washington Street in the far
northwest corner of the City.
The majority of residential areas in incorporated La Quinta are developed. Vacant lots still are found
interspersed throughout the City, and south of Highway 111. Areas designated as Very Low Density
Residential, for the most part, are built with single family homes at densities no greater than two
dwelling units per acre. Land uses assigned the Low Density Residential designation are the most
prevalent in the City, and are predominantly developed as master -planned subdivisions and golf
course communities. These residential subdivisions are built primarily with single family homes at
densities of approximately three dwelling units per acre. Vacant land in the southeastern and southern
portions of the City remains available for Low Density Residential development. Land uses
associated with Medium Density Residential are predominately found in the Cove, and include a mix
of single and multi -unit homes developed at densities of up to eight dwelling units per acre. The
southern portion of the Cove is predominantly single family homes, whereas the northern portion of
the Cove has a mix of both single and multi -unit residential. Vacant lands still exist in the form of
scattered parcels in the Cove. Land uses associated with the Medium -High Residential designation
are found in the far southern portion of the City, and consist of planned communities. Land uses
associated with High Density Residential areas are developed as multi -family dwelling units with
densities of up to sixteen units per acre. These land uses are found in the northern portion of La
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Quinta near Washington Street, on lands immediately south of Highway 111, and near Avenue 48 and
Adams Street.
Commercial and office land use designations are also scattered throughout the City. Approximately
6% of all lands are designated commercial, and include Mixed/Regional Commercial, Community
Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Commercial Park, Office, Tourist Commercial, and Village
Commercial. Mixed/Regional Commercial and Tourist Commercial designations are the most
prevalent commercial land uses, and make up 33% and 29% respectively, of all commercial land
uses. Commercial and Office designations are located primarily along Washington Street, Highway
111, Jefferson Street, Monroe Street, and within the Village area.
Land uses associated with the Mixed/Regional Commercial designation are found along Highway
111, in the northern portion of the City, and include major retail centers with multiple anchor tenants,
small shops, coffee houses, restaurants, banks, and service stations. They also include big box retail
centers, such as the Walmart Supercenter, Costco, Home Depot, Target and Kohl's. The Tourist
Commercial designation is found in various locations throughout La Quinta, and land uses associated
with this designation include large resort -style facilities and smaller hotels. Land uses associated with
the Community Commercial designation include retail centers and professional office space, and
typically have large-scale anchors and a variety of retail outlets. Land uses associated with the
Neighborhood Commercial designation are similar to those found in Community Commercial,
however these uses are smaller scale and have primarily one anchor tenant, small shops, banks, small
restaurants, and coffee houses. The La Quinta Village Shopping Center at the corner of Washington
Street and Calle Tampico is an example of typical uses found in the Neighborhood Commercial
designation. Land uses associated with the Village Commercial designation include art galleries,
restaurants, cafes, apparel stores, and resort uses. These uses are found only in the Village area, south
of the La Quinta Evacuation Channel and west of Washington Street. Commercial Park designations
are located only in the northern portion of La Quinta, and uses within this designation include office
and light industrial uses. Land uses associated with the Office designation occupy the least amount of
acreage in incorporated La Quinta, as seen in Table 1. This land use is found along Washington Street
north of the Whitewater Channel and consist of professional office use.
There are no industrial land uses currently within the City, however industrial designated lands are
located in the Sphere of Influence. The City of La Quinta has numerous open space and park areas
within the city limits. Approximately 53% of lands are set aside for parks and open space, which
include Park Facilities, Open Space, Golf Course Open Space, and Watercourse/Flood Control
designations. The adopted General Plan has 5,505 acres devoted to natural open space. The scenic
mountains and foothills that make up the southwestern and western portion of the City are designated
as continuous Open Space areas, and will continue to protect the scenic nature of the area.
Sphere of Influence
The 2002 General Plan Land Use Plan includes a Sphere of Influence area of 1,398 acres. The
northern Sphere of Influence is located north of Darby Road, east of Washington Street, and west of
Adams Street. The central Sphere of Influence is located north of Avenue 53, west of Monroe Street,
south of Avenue 52, and east of Madison Street. The southern Sphere of Influence was located north
of Avenue 60, south of Avenue 58, west of Monroe Street, east of Quarry Lane. The Sphere of
Influence areas are governed by the Riverside County General Plan, until annexed into the City of La
Quinta. Once incorporated, these areas fall under the land use designations proposed by the La Quinta
General Plan.
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The 2002 General Plan designates approximately 77% of land uses in the Sphere of Influence as
Residential. Commercial and Open Space are also found, and located in the southern Sphere of
Influence. The northern and central Sphere of Influence areas are currently designated as Low
Density Residential, which allows up to four dwelling units per acre. As it stands, the north Sphere of
Influence land use designation is consistent with the Riverside County General Plan, however the
central Sphere of Influence is not. The County designations for the central Sphere of Influence
include Estate Residential and Very Low Density Residential. The Estate Residential and Very Low
Residential require two and one acre minimum acreage, respectively, whereas the City's Low Density
Residential allows quarter acre lots. The southern Sphere of Influence is designated by the 2002 La
Quinta General Plan as Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Open Space,
Mixed/Regional Commercial, and Major Community Facility. The County of Riverside General Plan
Land Use Map shows similar land uses, except some areas in the far eastern portion, which are
designated Agriculture.
Existing land uses in the northern Sphere of Influence are typical of the Low Density designation.
Current land uses include vacant land, single family homes, and limited agriculture and ranching. The
central Sphere of Influence is also designated as Low Density Residential, and is developed in single
family dwelling units. In the southern Sphere of Influence, current land uses include vacant lands,
single family homes, and golf course open space.
Planning Area I and 2
The 2002 La Quinta General Plan also includes two separate Planning Areas, Planning Area 1 and
Planning Area 2 (see Exhibit 3). Planning Area 1 is approximately 3,850 acres located primarily east
of Monroe Street, north of Avenue 62, west Jackson Street and south of Avenue 52. Planning Area 2
is approximately 8,191 acres, and includes the area east of Jackson Street, as shown in Exhibit 3. The
Riverside County General Plan governs the two Planning Areas. The 2002 La Quinta General Plan
created land use designations for these areas in anticipation of potential future annexation.
The 2002 La Quinta General Plan designates 90%, or 3,457.8 acres, of Planning Area 1 as
Residential. Approximately 2,998.4 acres, or 80% of all residential lands, is Low Density Residential.
Other land use designations include Medium Density Residential, Medium -High Density Residential,
Community Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Open Space, and Golf Course Open Space.
Planning Area 1 is not consistent with the County's General Plan Land Use Map, as the County
designations show most of the area as Agriculture. The only portion consistent with the County is in
the southwestern portion of Planning Area 1, which shows Medium High Density Residential and
Open Space designations in both plans. Planning Area 1 is also included in the City's
Agriculture/Equestrian Overlay, which allows agricultural and equestrian land uses to continue until
otherwise developed.
Existing land uses within Planning Area 1 are typical of the Agriculture designation of the County of
Riverside General Plan, rather than designations provided under the 2002 La Quinta General Plan.
Land uses include vacant parcels, agricultural uses, and very low density residential uses.
Planning Area 2 is the larger of the two Planning Areas, accounting for 8,191.7 acres. Residential
designations make up approximately 82% of all land uses with 90% designated as Low Density
Residential. There are 380.1 acres of commercial uses, including Mixed/Regional Commercial,
Community Commercial, and Office. Planning Area 2 is the only area to have industrial lands.
Approximately 380.3 acres, or 5%, of lands are within the Industrial land use designation. Other land
use designations include Major Community Facilities and Open Space. Planning Area 2 is
inconsistent with the County General Plan as the County Land Use Map shows the majority of land
under the Agriculture designation. Areas that are consistent include an area near Jackson Street and
Avenue 54, which is designated Low Density Residential, and the Kohl Ranch Specific Plan area on
the southeastern portion of Planning Area 2. Planning Area 2 also includes the City's
Agriculture/Equestrian Overlay.
Existing land uses within Planning Area 2 are also more typical of the Agriculture designation, found
under the County of Riverside General Plan, than designations provided under the 2002 La Quinta
General Plan. Land uses include vacant parcels, polo fields, agricultural uses, and very low density
residential uses. Two larger subdivisions exist along Jackson Street, located south of Avenue 54 and
north of Airport Blvd.
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Table 1
Current General Plan Land Use Statistical Summary
Sphere of
Sphere
City Limits
City
Limits
Influence
of
Influence
PI
P1
P2
P2
Grand
General Plan
Devel-
Un-
Devel-
Un-
Devel-
Un-
Devel-
Un-
Designations
oped
developed
Total
oped
developed
Total
oped
developed
Total
oped
developed
Total
Total
VLDR Very Low
Density up to 2
du/ac
261
198.2
459.2
0
0
64.4
64.4
523.6
LDR Low Density
up to 4 du/ac
3,202.5
3,096.9
6,299.4
549.5
286.5
836
2,447.20
551.2
2,998.4
5,213.6
846.8
6,060.3
16,194.1
MDR Medium
Density up to 8
du/ac
1,063.9
324.2
1,388.1
171.7
66.2
237.9
58.2
62.7
120.8
358.8
100.5
459.3
2,206.10
MHDR Medium -
High Density up to
12 du/ac
14.5
69
83.4
0
259.7
78.9
338.6
422
HDR High
Density up to 16
du/ac
0.6
86.7
87.3
93.7
71.4
165.1
252.4
Total Residential
Acreage
4,542.4
3,775.0
8,317.5
721.3
352.7
1,073.90
2,765.0
692.7
3,457.8
5,730.4
1,018.70
6,749.1
19,598.2
M/RC Mixed
Commercial
87.9
309
397
4.5
4.5
0
69.3
14.3
83.6
485
CC Community
Commercial
24.2
93.7
117.9
7.2
2.9
10
219.7
33.1
252.8
380.7
NC Neighborhood
Commercial
61.8
50.8
112.5
47.2
2.5
49.7
162.2
CP Commercial
Park
64
64
64
O Office
39.9
39.9
43.7
43.7
83.6
TC Tourist
Commercial
206.2
145.3
351.5
351.5
VC Village
Commercial
64.4
68.8
133.2
133.2
Total
Commercial
Acreage
444.5
771.5
1,216.0
4.5
0
4.5
54.4
5.3
59.7
332.7
47.3
380.1
1,660.2
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Table 1
Current General Plan Land Use Statistical Summary
City Limits
City
Limits
Total
Sphere of
Influence
Sphere
of
Influence
Total
P1
P1
Total
P2
P2
Total
Grand
Total
General Plan
Designations
Devel-
oped
Un-
developed
Devel-
oped
Un-
developed
Devel-
oped
Un-
developed
Devel-
oped
Un-
developed
IIndustrial
319.7
60.6
380.3
380.3
MC Major
Community
Facilities
178.3
13.1
191.3
2
2
29
29
36.7
36.7
259
P Park Facilities
601.3
128
729.3
729.3
OS Open Space
1,246.2
4,258.7
5,505.00
44.5
44.5
496.2
149.4
645.6
6,195.1
G Golf Course
Open Space
3,125.3
986.7
4,111.90
229.8
88
317.8
198.8
59.8
258.6
4,688.3
W
Watercourse/Flood
Control
468.9
132.8
601.7
601.7
Total Other
Acreage
5,619.90
5,519.3
11,139.2
1 231.8
88
319.8
227.8
1 104.3
332.1
815.9
246.6
1 1,062.5
12,853.6
Grand Total
10,606.7
10,065.8
20,672.6
957.6
440.7
1,398.30
3,047.3
802.3
3,849.5
6,879.0
1,312.70
8,191.7
34,112.00
Total Acreage
10,606.7
10,065.8
20,672.6
957.6
440.7
1,398.3
3,047.3
802.3
3,849.5
6,879.0
1,312.7
8,191.7
34,112.0
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EXHIMT 3
City of La Quinta
2002 General Plan Land Use
Map
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Surrounding Land Uses
The City of La Quinta is located in the eastern Coachella Valley along the base of the Santa Rosa
Mountains. A number of jurisdictions surround the City, including the cities of Palm Desert, Indian
Wells, Indio, Coachella, and the County of Riverside. Starting on the north side of the City, the
surrounding land uses fall within the jurisdictions of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and unincorporated
Riverside County. The land uses within these jurisdictions are very similar to northern portion of La
Quinta and include low -density residential neighborhoods, commercial uses, and entertainment
facilities. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which is situated just west of Washington Street in Indian
Wells, is a 55-acre tennis and entertainment facility that includes a year-round, world -class tennis
club, and a 16,000 seat stadium.
Land uses to the northeast and east are within the jurisdictions of Indio, Coachella and unincorporated
Riverside County, and are primarily commercial, residential, and agricultural uses. The City of Indio
has numerous large commercial centers nearby, including the Indio Plaza Shopping Center and the
Indio Fashion Mall along Highway 111. Residential uses in Indio and Coachella tend to be more
typical of the open neighborhood developments found in northern areas of La Quinta, rather than the
private gated communities found in southern La Quinta. The unincorporated communities of Thermal
and the Vista Santa Rosa Community lie to the east of La Quinta. The land uses in Thermal include
light industrial uses, which are generally associated with agricultural production, as well as residential
and commercial uses. The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located in the westerly part of
Thermal, just east of the La Quinta Sphere of Influence. The Vista Santa Rosa Community is a
County recognized community whose boundaries extend from Avenue 50 on the north, to Monroe
Street on the west, to State Route 86 (Harrison Street) on the east, and south to Avenue 66. Vista
Santa Rosa is a producer of date and a variety of seasonal crops with rural residential uses, equestrian
activities and polo facilities.
The land uses to the east and south of the La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area are within
Riverside County and areas subject to Native American Tribal jurisdiction. These areas are primarily
used for agricultural purposes, residential uses, and open space.
Finally, the land uses surrounding the western border of La Quinta are primarily within the County of
Riverside, and are designated for open space conservation. The Santa Rosa Mountains are public
lands that provide undisturbed views of majestic mountains, and provide a beautiful backdrop for La
Quinta.
General Plan Update Preferred Alternative Land Use Plan
The preferred alternative land use plan proposed by the General Plan Update is shown on the General
Plan Update Land Use Map (Exhibit 4). The General Plan Update addresses future development for
La Quinta and the city's two Sphere of Influence areas. The Plan is proposing changes to the existing
land use designations found under the 2002 General Plan. Many of the existing land use designations
from the 2002 General Plan have been consolidated into new land use designations. Very Low
Density Residential and Low Density Residential, for example, have been consolidated into what is
now being called Low Density Residential. It is expected that the Zoning designations will remain as
they currently are, and will continue to provide greater specificity relating to land use intensity.
Planning Area 1 and Planning Area 2 have also been removed and are now limited to the Sphere of
Influence designated by the Local Agency Formation Commission. The northern Sphere of Influence
area from the 2002 General Plan will remain the same for the updated plan. The central and southern
-15-
Sphere of Influence areas from the 2002 General Plan Land Use Map have been incorporated into the
City, as reflected on the new land use plan. A detailed description of the new land use designations is
provided in Table 2. Since 2002, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) has amended
the City's Sphere of Influence, and several annexations have occurred. The LAFCO action resulted in
a Sphere of Influence which totals 8,102 acres, primarily east of the existing City limits. Annexations
have occurred since the adoption of the 2002 General Plan: at the north end of the City, east of
Washington Street in the vicinity of Darby Road; and the areas which were the central and southern
Spheres of Influence; lands between Avenue 60 and Avenue 62, west of Monroe, and lands east of
Monroe, between Avenues 59 and 61. Altogether, since adoption of the General Plan in 2002,
approximately 2,183 acres of land have been annexed into the City.
Table 2
La Quinta General Plan
Proposed Land Use Designations
Land Use Designation (Density) Purpose of Land Use
Residential Land Uses
Low Density Residential, (LDR) Low Density allows for larger lot single-family residential
(0-4 dwelling unit per gross development, subdivisions, country club communities, and the
acres) clustering of condominiums or town homes with common area
amenities. Equestrian uses are allowed on lots of 1 /2 acre or
larger. This is the most common land use designation in the City.
Medium/High Density Allows single family attached and detached units on smaller lots
Residential, (M/HDR) -- particularly in the Cove. Multi -family units including
(0-16 dwelling units per gross condominiums, town homes and apartments with common area
acres) amenities are also appropriate in this designation.
Commercial Land Uses
General Commercial (GC) Allows larger community scale shopping centers on parcels 20
acres or larger in size along major arterials. Uses in this
designation include a wide range of commercial activities,
including all types of retail sales, grocery stores, automobile
sales, professional and medical office buildings, restaurants and
similar activities.
This designation also allows for Mixed Use developments, which
combine residential and retail uses in one project.
Tourist Commercial (TC) Allows resort hotels, tourist commercial retail developments,
recreational uses, restaurants and timeshare or fractional
ownership. Allows for resort mixed use activities such as single
and multi -family residential units, golf courses, timeshares, RV
parks and resorts with the preparation of a Specific Plan.
Village Commercial (VC) Allows retail, professional office, hotels and pedestrian oriented
retail development. This designation also allows for Mixed Use
developments, which combine, residential and retail uses in one
project. General retail stores, including all types of consumer
-16-
Table 2
La Quinta General Plan
Proaosed Land Use Designations
Land Use Designation (Density) Purpose of Land Use
goods, furniture and appliance sales, auto repair and sales are
permitted in this designation. Restaurants, both sit-down and fast
food, gasoline service stations and general office (ancillary to
retail uses) are also permitted in this designation. There is no
minimum size for project sites in this designation, but
assemblage of smaller parcels is encouraged.
Industrial Land Uses
Industrial/Light Manufacturing Allows for non-polluting industrial uses operating entirely in an
(I/LM enclosed structure. Outdoor storage is permitted if fully screened
from view. Uses include clean manufacturing, airport related
uses, warehousing and distribution, and mini -storage.
Other Land Uses
Major Community Facilities This designation is applied to existing or planned municipal,
educational, non-profit and/or religious organizations, or public
service facilities. Typical land uses within this designation
include civic centers and other governmental offices, fire
stations, schools, facilities for non-profit organizations and utility
substations.
Open Space (OS) This designation includes parks, open space, golf courses, and
watercourses.
Incorporated La Quinta
The General Plan Update Use Map shows the new land use designations proposed by the General
Plan Update. As mentioned above, the new land use map shows changes and consolidations from the
2002 General Plan land use designations. Discussed below are the changes found throughout the
incorporated portion of the General Plan Update Planning Area.
The General Plan Update proposes changes to residential land use designation definitions in the City.
Very Low Density Residential, which allowed up to two units per acre, is being combined with Low
Density Residential. The new designation will be called Low Density Residential, and will allow 0 to
4 units per acre. As shown in Table 3, approximately 5,847 acres, or 26% of total lands, are
designated for Low Density Residential. There are 1,676 acres of vacant Low Density Residential
area that will accommodate about 5,028 new units. Currently there are 19,307 dwelling units already
within the Very Low and Low Density Residential land use designations. Medium Density (0-8 units
per acre), Medium High Density (0-12 units per acre), and High Density (0-16 units per acre) will be
consolidated into Medium/High Density Residential. Medium/High Density Residential will allow 0
to 16 units per acre. Many areas in the City including the Cove area, areas south of PGA West, and
north of Highway 111, will change from Medium Density Residential to Medium/High Density
Residential. The Medium High Density Residential designation found in the far southern portion of
the City, west of Monroe Street and south of Avenue 60, will also change to Medium/High Density
Residential. Additionally, the remaining area of High Density Residential from the 2002 General Plan
will change to Medium/High Density Residential. As shown in Table 3, approximately 1,632 acres,
or 7% of total lands, are designated for Medium/High Density Residential. There are 350 acres of
-17-
vacant Medium/High Density Residential available that will accommodate approximately 3,153 new
units. Currently there are 2,182 multi -family units within the Medium/High Density Residential land
use designation. The La Quinta General Plan Update also allows for mixed use residential to be a
component of General Commercial, Tourist Commercial and Village Commercial. However, the
potential for residential development in these designations cannot be currently quantified, as
development standards and location will be determined in the Zoning Ordinance. These units,
therefore, have not been included in the build out calculations for the City.
In summary, the La Quinta General Plan Update proposes to accommodate approximately 29,669
homes on 7,478 acres of residential land within incorporated areas. This includes 21,489 existing
units and 8,180 proposed units within the incorporated areas of the City.
The General Plan Update proposes changes to commercial designations in the City. Mixed/Regional
Commercial, Community Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Commercial Office and
Commercial Park will be consolidated into the new General Commercial designation. The largest
concentration of General Commercial will continue to occur along Highway 111 between
Washington Street and Jefferson Street. As shown in Table 3, approximately 570 acres, or 2% of total
lands, will be designated as General Commercial. Currently, based on average lot coverage of 22%,
there are estimated to be 3,672,282 square feet of existing General Commercial space, and also
assuming 22% building coverage, 1,786,308 square feet of space could result from future
development.
Resort Mixed Use and Tourist Commercial will be consolidated into the Tourist Commercial
designation. The Resort Mixed Use designation was not assigned to any parcel of land under the 2002
General Plan, but was rather designed for the preparation of a Specific Plan. According to Table 3,
approximately 347 acres, or 2% of total lands, will be designated as Tourist Commercial. Currently,
based on average lot coverage of 22%, there are 1,996,181 square feet of existing Tourist
Commercial space, and also assuming 22% building coverage, 1,382,232 square feet of space could
result from future development.
The Village Commercial designation proposed for the General Plan Update will not change from the
2002 General Plan. The Village Commercial designation occurs only within the Village area of La
Quinta. Approximately 90 acres, or 0.4% of total lands, are designated for Village Commercial.
Currently, based on average lot coverage of 22%, there are 741,740 square feet of Village
Commercial space, and also assuming 22% building coverage, 123,623 square feet of space could
result from future development. In total, the City of La Quinta General Plan Update proposes to
accommodate approximately 2,802,607 square feet of new commercial space within incorporated
areas.
In summary, the La Quinta General Plan Update proposes to accommodate 9,648,366 square feet of
commercial land uses within incorporated areas. This includes 6,410,202 square feet of existing
commercial square footage and 3,238,163 square feet of future development.
The General Plan Update proposes changes to open space and recreation designations in the City.
Park, Open Space, Golf Course and Watercourse will be consolidated into the Open Space
designation. The majority of Open Space in La Quinta exists in the western and southwestern portion
of the City, however all golf courses, parks, lakes, and watercourses throughout the city are also
designated Open Space. Table 3 shows there to be approximately 12,038.8 acres of Open Space
designated for La Quinta. Open Space will account for approximately 53% of all lands within the
City.
Major Community Facilities and Street Rights -of -Way designations will not change from the 2002
General Plan. Currently there are 238 acres of developed Major Community Facilities, and 160
proposed for future development. In total, 398 acres will develop as Major Community Facilities.
Land set aside for Street Rights -of -Way include 1,672.0 acres that are currently developed, and 261.7
acres proposed for future development. In total, 1,933.7 acres, or approximately 8% of incorporated
lands, will develop as Street Rights -of -Way.
Table 3
Proposed Land Use Summa —City Limits
Land Use Designation
Developed
Acres
Vacant
Acres
Total
Acres
Existing
Units
Potential
Units
Total
Units
Low Density Residential
4,170.6
1,675.9
5,846.5
19,307
5,028
24,335
Medium/High Density
Residential
1,281.4
350.3
1,631.7
2,182
3,153
5,335
Total
5,452.0
2,026.2
7,478.2
21,489
Existing
SF
8,180
Potential
SF
29,669
Total SF
General Commercial
383.2
186.4
569.6
3,672,282
1,786,308
5,458,591
Tourist Commercial
208.3
138.6
346.9
1,996,181
1,328,232
3,324,412
Village Commercial
77.4
12.9
90.3
741,740
123,623
865,363
Total
668.9
337.9
1,006.8
6,410,202
3,238,163
9,648,366
Major Community Facilities
238.0
160.0
398.0
Open Space
6,518.0
5,520.8
12,038.8
Street Rights -of -Way
1,672.0
261.7
1,933.7
Grand Total
14,548.9
8,306.6
22,855.5
Sphere of Influence
The Sphere of Influence boundaries have changed since the 2002 General Plan. As shown in the
General Plan Update Land Use Map, Exhibit 4, there are two Sphere of Influence areas, including a
northern portion and the eastern portion. The northern Sphere of Influence is located north of Fred
Waring Drive and east of Washington Street, at Darby Road. The boundaries for the northern Sphere
of Influence are the same as they were in the 2002 General Plan. The eastern Sphere of Influence
includes the area east of Monroe Street. The boundaries for the eastern Sphere of Influence have
changed from the 2002 General Plan due to recent annexations and interest to reduce the overall size
of the Sphere. Exhibit 4 reflects changes that have occurred and shows the new boundary. The new
eastern Sphere of Influence boundary includes lands primarily east of Monroe Street, south of
Avenue 52, west of Harrison Street, and north of Avenue 62. A small area east of Monroe Street,
directly north and south of Avenue 60, is included in the incorporated City.
The General Plan Update currently designates those lands in the northern Sphere of Influence as Low
Density Residential. Low Density Residential is also the main designation proposed for the eastern
-19-
Sphere of Influence. According to Table 4, 7,379.1 acres, or approximately 91% of total Sphere of
Influence lands, are designated for Low Density Residential. Medium/High Density Residential land
uses are minimal in the Sphere of Influence, as only 24 total units are proposed under this
designation. Approximately 20,731 new residential units are proposed in the Sphere of Influence.
Currently, there are only about 786 units total in the Sphere of Influence. A large portion of the
Sphere of Influence to the east of the City consists of the unincorporated community of Vista Santa
Rosa. Although the Low Density Residential land use designation has been applied to Vista Santa
Rosa, policy in the General Plan Update will require the master planning of the area after adoption of
the General Plan, to address specific issues of density, equestrian lifestyle, and associated items
important to the community.
Non-residential designations are also proposed in the Sphere of Influence, including General
Commercial, Industrial/Light Manufacturing, and Major Community Facilities. These designations
will occur only in the eastern Sphere of Influence. General Commercial designations are proposed
along Monroe Street, Van Buren Street and Harrison Street. According to Table 4, 285.1 acres, or
approximately 2,732,170 square feet of space could occur in the General Commercial designation,
primarily on the west side of Harrison Street, adjacent to the Jacqueline Cochran Airport. Currently,
assuming 22% building coverage, there are estimated to be 273,121 square feet of existing
commercial uses within the General Commercial land use designation in the Sphere of Influence.
Industrial/Manufacturing lands are proposed along Airport Blvd. and Harrison Street, and will
accommodate 611,408 square feet of space for industrial use. There are currently no industrial/light
manufacturing uses in the Sphere of Influence. Major Community Facilities are also found in the
eastern Sphere of Influence and will provide 29.8 total acres for municipal services, schools and
similar pubic and quasi -public facilities. Currently most of these facilities are built, as only 1.6 acres
are available for future development. In regards to Street Rights -of -Way, the Sphere of Influence will
see 318.5 acres devoted to this land use, with most occurring in future development.
-20-
Table 4
Pro osed Land Use Summar — Sphere of Influence Only
Land Use Designation
Developed
(Acres)
Vacant
(Acres)
Total
(Acres)
Existing
Units
Potential
Units
Total Units
Low Density Residential
567.0
6,812.7
7,379.7
786
20,438
21,224
Medium/High Density
Residential
0.2
24.4
24.6
-
293
293
Total
1 567.2
6,837.1
7,404.3
786
20,731
21,517
Potential
SF
Total SF
Existing
SF
General Commercial
28.5
256.6
285.1
273,121
2,459,049
2,732,170
Total
28.5
256.6
285.1
273,121
2,459,049
2,732,170
AL
Existing
SF
Potential
SF
Total SF
Industrial/L t. Mfg.
0.0
63.8
63.8
-
611,408
611,408
Total
0.0
63.8
63.8
-
611,408
611,408
IL
Major Community Facilities
28.2
1.6
29.8
Street Rights -of -Way
66.9
251.6
318.5
Grand Total
690.8
7,410.7
8,101.5
General Plan Update Total Planning Area
The La Quinta General Plan Update land use tables are summarized below in Table 5. According to
the total Planning Area calculations, the General Plan Update will accommodate 28,838 new
residential units among 8,863.3 acres of vacant land designated for Low Density and Medium/High
Density Residential. Currently, there are approximately 22,275 existing residential units among 6,019
developed acres. A grand total of 51,113 residential dwelling units are proposed on 14,882.5 acres of
land devoted to residential uses at buildout.
Approximately 5,697,212 square feet of new commercial space will be provided among General,
Tourist and Village Commercial designations. Currently, there are 6,683,324 square feet of existing
commercial space among all the commercial designations. A grand total of 12,380,536 square feet of
commercial uses are proposed at buildout, in both the City and the Sphere of Influence.
Finally, the General Plan Update is proposing 63.8 acres of Industrial/Light Manufacturing, and 162
acres of new Major Community Facilities. Currently, there are zero acres developed as industrial
uses, and 266 acres developed as Major Community Facilities.
-21-
Table 5
Proposed Land Use Summary -- Total
Land Use Designation
Developed
(Acres)
Vacant
(Acres)
Total
(Acres)
Existing
Units
Potential
Units
Total
Units
Low Density Residential
4,737.6
8,488.6
13,226.2
20,093
25,466
45,559
Medium/High Density
Residential
1,281.6
374.7
1,656.3
2,182
3,372
5,554
Total
6,019.2
8,863.3
14,882.5
22,275
28,838
51,113
Existing
SF
Potential
SF
Total SF
General Commercial
411.7
443.0
854.7
1 3,945,403
4,245,358
8,190,761
Tourist Commercial
208.3
138.6
346.9
1,996,181
1,328,232
3,324,412
Village Commercial
77.4
12.9
90.3
741,740
123,623
865,363
Total
697.4
594.5
1,291.9
6,683,324
5,697,212
12,380,536
Industrial/Lgt. Mfg.
0.0
63.8
63.8
0
611,408
611,408
Major Community
Facilities
266.2
161.6
427.8
Open Space
6,584.9
5,520.8
12,038.8
Street Rights -of -Way
2,362.8
513.3
2,252.2
Grand Total
15,239.7
15,717.3
30,957.0
-22-
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-23-
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at
least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the following checklist.
X
Aesthetics
Biological Resources
Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Mineral Resources
Public Services
Utilities / Service
Systems
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Agriculture Resources
Cultural Resources
Hydrology / Water
Quality
Noise
Recreation
X
Air Quality
X
Geology /Soils
X
Land Use / Planning
X
Population / Housing
X
Transportation/Traffic
Mandatory Findings of Significance
DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the
environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the
project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
X I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and
an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one
effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable
legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier
analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed
adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable
standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Signature
Date
-24-
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately
supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each
question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources
show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project
falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is
based on project -specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose
sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project -specific screening analysis).
2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off -site as well as on -
site, cumulative as well as project -level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as
operational impacts.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the
checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than
significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is
appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or
more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is
required.
4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where
the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant
Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation
measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level
(mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced).
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA
process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration.
Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were
within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to
applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation
measures based on the earlier analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or
refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site -specific
conditions for the project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information
sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a
previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the
page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or
individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however,
lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a
project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected.
9) The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance
-25-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista? (La Quinta General Plan Exhibit
X
3.6 "Image Corridors")
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited to,
trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
X
buildings within a state scenic highway?
(California DOT: www.dot.ca.gov)
c) Substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of the site and
X
its surroundings? (Project Description)
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare, which would adversely
X
affect day or nighttime views in the area?
(Project description)
I.
a. Although the General Plan Update project is not a construction project, the Plan will
provide policy and programs to facilitate new development within the incorporated areas,
as well as the proposed Sphere of Influence. The 2002 General Plan Exhibit 3.6 "Image
Corridors" provides a good indication of where existing image corridors, or scenic vistas
exist. The General Plan will provide policies and programs to protect scenic vista areas,
and the City Zoning Ordinance will provide regulations related to building bulk and
mass. Review of future development plans will provide any mitigation needed to protect
scenic vistas. Further assessment of substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista should be
made in the EIR.
b. The grading and construction activities that will occur as a result of implementation of
the General Plan Update have potential to damage scenic resources, including vegetation,
rock outcroppings, and historic buildings. No portion of the Planning Area is adjacent to
or visible from an officially designated state scenic highway according to the California
Department of Transportation. A number of recorded historic -period buildings exist in
the La Quinta Planning Area. Potential impacts to these structures from implementation
of the General Plan, and mitigation to reduce any such impacts to less than significant
levels, will be discussed in the EIR.
c. The implementation of the La Quinta General Plan Update will allow for continued
urbanization and the potential to degrade the existing visual character of the City and
surrounding areas. Land clearing, grading and construction activity have the potential to
impact existing scenic resources, especially in the Sphere of Influence, which is
predominantly agricultural in nature. Future development is expected to be compatible
with existing land uses, nonetheless, these issues should be further addressed in the EIR.
-26-
d. The City of La Quinta enjoys good visibility of dark night skies due to desert dry air.
Dark nighttime skies are considered a valued scenic resource. The General Plan Update
will facilitate development that has the potential to create substantial light and glare from
increased urbanization. The EIR will include further analysis and mitigation measures.
-27-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES:
Would the roject:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown on the
maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
X
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use? (California Department of
Conservation)
b) Conflict with existing zoning for
X
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act
contract? (California Department of
Conservation)
c) Involve other changes in the existing
environment, which, due to their location
X
or nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
(General Plan Update Land Use Map, RCIP)
II.
a. According to the Riverside County Important Farmland Map of 2008, the California
Department of Conservation has identified lands in the far eastern portion of incorporated
La Quinta, and areas in the Sphere of Influence as Prime Farmland and Unique Farmland.
Prime Farmland are lands that have the best combination of physical and chemical
features able to sustain long-term agricultural production, and Unique Farmland has
lesser quality soils used for growing the State's leading crops. The General Plan Update
designates these areas for future residential and commercial development. Potentially
Significant impacts to these lands will be further assessed in the EIR.
b. The General Plan Update will provide new land use designations for the City and Sphere
of Influence. Currently the Sphere of Influence is under County jurisdiction, which
designates some of these lands for Agricultural use. The General Plan Update proposes
residential, commercial, and industrial use designations, which have the potential to
conflict with the County's existing zoning. Annexation of these areas into the City of La
Quinta will allow these lands to be under designations set by the General Plan Update. It
is unknown whether any lands within the General Plan planning are under Williamson
Contract. The long-term impacts to lands currently agriculturally designated, and under
the Williamson Act need to be identified and evaluated in the EIR.
c. The General Plan Update proposes to re -designate lands under the County of Riverside
General Plan from agriculture to residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The
General Plan Update, therefore, will result in the conversion of farmland to non-
agricultural uses. This potential significant impact should be further assessed in the EIR.
-28-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
III. AIR QUALITY: Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable air
X
quality plan? (2007 Air Quality Management
Plan)
b) Violate any air quality standard or
contribute substantially to an existing or
projected air quality violation? (2007 Air
X
Quality Management Plan)
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable
net increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non -
attainment under an applicable federal or
X
state ambient air quality standard
(including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)? (2007 Air Quality Management
Plan)
d) Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations?
X
(General Plan Land Use Map)
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people? (General
X
Plan Land Use Map)
f) Generate greenhouse gas emissions
X
either directly or indirectly, that may
have a significant impact on the
environment? SCAQMD
g) Conflict with an applicable plan,
policy or regulation adopted for the
X
purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases? (SCAQMD)
a. The General Plan Update Planning Area is located within the South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD). The SCAQMD's jurisdiction consists of two air
basins, including the South Coast Air Basin, and the Riverside County portion of the
Salton Sea Air Basin, which includes the Coachella Valley. In 2007, the SCAQMD
finalized the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), which proposes policies and
measures to achieve federal standards for healthful air quality for all SCAQMD areas,
including Salton Sear Air Basin. The La Quinta General Plan Update does not propose to
-29-
conflict with the implementation of the AQMP. However, as changes in the land use map
are proposed, potential increases in intensity could result in greater air emissions, and
thereby conflict with the Plan. Issues related to the AQMP will be further assessed in the
EIR.
b. The La Quinta General Plan Update proposes new land use designations that may
generate particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), pollutant emissions that are subject to
local and regional air quality plans. Buildout of the proposed General Plan Planning
Area, which includes the Sphere of Influence, has the potential to result in exceedances
of established SCAQMD air quality thresholds. Issues related to potential violation of an
established air quality standard will be further assessed in the EIR.
c. According to the SCAQMD's 2007 Air Quality Management Plan, the Coachella Valley
exceeds the federal ozone standard and is classified as a "serious" ozone non -attainment
area. Temporary impacts such as grading and construction of future development caused
by the proposed General Plan Update are expected to result in a net increase in these
pollutants. Permanent impacts and increases in pollutants from mobile sources such as
automobiles and other vehicular traffic, and stationary sources such as HVAC systems,
also have potential to generate pollutants during the buildout of the General Plan
Planning Area. The level of impacts should be analyzed and appropriate mitigation
measures set forth in the EIR.
d. The proposed General Plan Update has the potential to facilitate development of new
facilities considered sensitive receptors, such as day care facilities, schools, and elder
care facilities. Sensitive receptor exposure to pollutant concentrations will be evaluated in
the EIR.
e. The La Quinta General Plan Update proposes primarily a mix of low -density residential
and commercial uses. A small area in the eastern portion of the Sphere of Influence is
designated as industrial and light manufacturing, which may create limited amounts of
objectionable odors. The General Plan Update does propose to change land uses in the
Sphere of Influence from the County's agriculture designation to non-agricultural uses,
which may help alleviate existing odors related to agricultural production. Potential
impacts should be further evaluated in the EIR.
f. The La Quinta General Plan Update proposes land use designations in the Sphere of
Influence that would facilitate urbanization in areas currently used for agricultural
purposes. Increased activities related to urbanization, such as automobile use, energy
demand, and construction activities, would potentially increase levels of known
greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO2),
ozone (03) and hydrofluorocarbons. Potential significant impacts to greenhouse gas
production should be furthered evaluated in the EIR.
g. A Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan for the City of La Quinta is currently being developed
to provide general information about greenhouse gases and climate change. The Plan will
help determine the 2005 inventory and baseline, the 2020 forecast under business as
usual conditions, and the proposed reduction measures that will enable the City of La
Quinta to achieve the targeted reduction level. The goal of the Plan is to limit greenhouse
gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Potential significant impacts related to
greenhouse gases must be analyzed in the EIR in the context of the Greenhouse Gas
-30-
Reduction Plan, and any other plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.
-31-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES --
Would the roject:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications,
on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local
X
or regional plans, policies, or regulations,
or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (CVMSHCP, p. ES-1 ff)
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, regulations or by the
X
California Department of Fish and Game
or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
(CVMSHCP, p. ES-1 ff)
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh,
k
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption,
or other means? (CVMSHCP, p. ES-1 ff)
d) Interfere substantially with the
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or with
k
established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites? (CVMSHCP, p.
ES-1 ff)
e) Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or
X
ordinance? (CVMSHCP, p. ES-1 ff)
f) Conflict with the provisions of an
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
X
other approved local, regional, or state
habitat conservation plan? (CVMSHCP, ES-
1)
-32-
IV.
a. A number of plants and animals occurring within the La Quinta General Plan Planning
Area are considered special status species, which includes species listed as threatened or
endangered by federal and state governments. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) was finalized in 2008 to address the need for
conservation of unfragmented habitat areas for a number of special status species. The
General Plan Update will abide by the CVMSHCP and provide policies and programs
intended to protect these species, including protection of sensitive habitats. A biological
resources study will be prepared for the General Plan Update, to determine what species
could be impacted by the buildout of the General Plan, and what mitigation measures
may be needed to reduce impacts to these species. The EIR should further evaluate
potential impacts to sensitive species.
b. The City of La Quinta and the Sphere of Influence contain areas of valuable habitat that
support special status species. Many of these threatened species are located within the
sandy flats and dunes and Sonoran Desert Scrub habitats found throughout the Planning
Area. There are several ephemeral stream courses and natural water courses present in the
Planning Area. The potential for future development associated with the General Plan
Update to impact these resources should be further assessed in the EIR.
c. There are numerous ephemeral streams and waterways in the Planning Area, although no
wetlands are known. The Whitewater River/Coachella Valley Storm Channel bisects the
northern portion of the General Plan Planning Area. Any future development project
under the General Plan Update that proposes to alter a streambed or bank of a potential
wash will require site -specific California Streambed Alteration Agreement permitting
with the California Fish and Game Code. The potential for future development associated
with the General Plan, and the impact on these resources, should be further assessed in
the EIR.
d. The General Plan Planning Area includes a variety of migrating avian species. Many of
these avian species rely on nesting habitats found throughout the Planning Area including
Desert Dry Wash Woodland habitats. Many of the migrating bird species are not
designated as species of concern; however, nearly all of them are protected by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The CVMSHCP provides conservation areas to protect
habitat necessary for these migrating birds. The General Plan Update will facilitate
development on lands currently vacant and that may be used as corridors by wildlife, and
therefore has the potential to impede ability of wildlife to move throughout the Planning
Area. The General Plan will abide by the CVMSHCP in regards to preserving important
corridors and habitat areas, however the EIR should further evaluate impacts to migratory
wildlife.
e. The City of La Quinta does not have goals, policies, programs, or ordinances, such as a
tree preservation policy or ordinance, which mandates the protection of specific
biological resources. The City of La Quinta's participation in the CVMSHCP provides
preservation and conservation of special status species found throughout the region.
These issues will further be evaluated in the EIR.
f. The General Plan Update Planning Area is within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The CVMSHCP is a regional conservation
planning effort that encompasses approximately 1.2 million acres of the Coachella
-33-
Valley, including the City of La Quinta and Sphere of Influence. The CVMSHCP and
Final EIR/EIS were released in early 2006 for local jurisdiction approval, and were
finalized in 2008. The CVMSHCP's goal is to minimize and mitigate impacts related to
the taking of many special status species and provide for conservation of lands associated
with such species. The City of La Quinta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding,
otherwise known as the "Planning Agreement", to participant in efforts of the
CVMSHCP. The buildout of the General Plan, as it relates to implementation of the
CVMSHCP, must, however, be considered in the EIR, to assure that it is consistent with
the requirements of that Plan.
-34-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would
the roject:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a historical resource as
X
defined in ' 15064.5? (2002 LQ General Plan,
MEA, p.97-ff, p. 88-ff)
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in
X
the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to ' 15064.5? (2002 LQ
General Plan, MEA, p.97-ff, p. 88-ff)
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
X
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature? (2002 LQ General Plan,
MEA, p.97-ff, p. 88-ff)
d) Disturb any human remains, including
X
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries? (2002 LQ General Plan, MEA, p.97-
ff, P. 88-ff)
V.
a. Based on cultural resources surveys, the Planning Area is known to contain a number of
historical sites. Therefore, future development facilitated by implementation of the
General Plan Update has potential to result in alteration or destruction of historical
resources. The General Plan includes policies and programs, including review of
development plans to assess potential impacts to cultural resources and continued
preservation efforts, which are expected to reduce potential impacts to less than
significant levels. These issues should, nonetheless, be addressed in the EIR.
b. Based on past archaeological resource surveys, the Planning Area is known to contain a
number of archaeological sites. Therefore, future development facilitated by
implementation of the General Plan Update has the potential to result in alteration or
destruction of archaeological resources. The General Plan includes policies and
programs, including review of development plans to assess potential impacts to
archaeological resources and continued preservation efforts, which are expected to reduce
potential impacts to less than significant levels. These issues should, nonetheless, be
addressed in the EIR.
c. Invertebrate fossils have been discovered primarily in the southern portion of the General
Plan Planning Area, south of Avenue 52 and east of Jefferson Street, in areas known to
have been within the ancient Lake Cahuilla beds. The General Plan Update includes
policies and programs, including review of development plans to assess potential impacts
to paleontological resources and continued preservation efforts, which are expected to
reduce potential impacts to less than significant levels. These issues should, nonetheless,
be addressed in the EIR.
-35-
d. California law requires that any human remains found when excavations occur be
reported to law enforcement. Further, law enforcement is required to determine if the
remains have the potential to be culturally significant to local Native American Tribes,
and to contact the Tribes if they are determined to be so. The General Plan Update
policies will abide by California law and include communication with Native American
groups to mitigate any significant impact related to disturbing of human remains. These
issues should, nonetheless, be addressed in the EIR.
-36-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would
the project:
a) Expose people or structures to
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault,
as delineated on the most recent Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area
X
or based on other substantial evidence of
a known fault? (2002 LQ General Plan, MEA,
p.97-ff )
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? (2002
X
LQ General Plan, MEA, p.97-ff.)
iii) Seismic -related ground failure,
including liquefaction? (2002 LQ General
X
Plan, MEA, p.97-ff.)
iv) Landslides? (2002 LQ General Plan,
X
MEA, p.97-ff.)
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or
the loss of topsoil? (2002 LQ General Plan,
X
MEA, p.97-ff)
c) Be located on expansive soil, as
defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
Building Code, creating substantial risks
to life or property (2002 LQ General Plan,
MEA, p.97-ff.)
d) Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
X
disposal of wastewater? (2002 LQ General
Plan, MEA, p.97-ff.)
VI.
a.
The General Plan Update Planning Area is not located within the boundaries of an
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Hazard Zone. The San Andreas Fault Zone, which is a
mapped Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, is located approximately 3.5 miles
northeast of the General Plan Planning Area. The close proximity to the San
-37-
Andreas Fault Zone would expose people to extreme shaking from an earthquake
within the Fault zone, however because the Planning Area is not within the zone,
implementation of the General Plan Update would not expose people to a surface
rupture within the Fault Zone. The General Plan Update will provide policies and
programs that will lessen effects of nearby surface rupture associated with a
geological event. Surface rupture concerns will be further evaluated in the EIR.
ii. There are several earthquake faults in proximity to the General Plan Update
Planning Area, including the San Andreas Fault zone, San Jacinto fault zone and
others. As mentioned earlier, the San Andreas Fault zone is approximately 3.5
miles from the Planning Area, and the San Jacinto is approximately 16.3 miles
southwest of the area. The San Andreas Fault zone has the potential to cause a
magnitude 8.0, according to the California Geological Survey. The Planning Area
would experience significant ground shaking during an earthquake on nearby
faults, as seen from previous earthquakes. Future development within the
proposed General Plan area has potential to expose people and structures to
hazards associated with strong seismic groundshaking, however strict building
codes and the policies and programs from the General Plan Update should help
mitigate impacts to less than significant levels. Issues related to seismic ground
shaking should be further assessed in the EIR.
iii. Earthquakes can cause seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction and
slope failure. Liquefaction occurs in saturated, loose, or fine -to medium -grained
sands and silty soil typically in areas where shallow groundwater tables exist.
Extreme seismic shaking causes water to fill pores between soil grains and thus
can cause soils to lose strength and behave like liquid or semi -viscous substances.
Liquefaction can cause buildings to sink, tilt, or slump and buried structures, such
as septic tanks, to rise above the ground surface. The eastern portion of the
General Plan Planning Area exhibits soils that have moderate to high liquefaction
susceptibility. Potential significant impacts need to be assessed in the EIR.
iv. Slope failure is another seismic related ground failure and occurs when seismic
shaking causes unstable slopes to produce landslides and rockfalls. The foothills
and mountains in the southern and western portions of the General Plan Update
Planning Area is susceptible very high slope failure. The General Plan Update
will provide policies and programs to address seismic related ground failure,
however potential significant impacts need to be assessed in the EIR.
b. The General Plan Update Planning Area is susceptible to erosion due to extreme
topographic relief between the valley and the surrounding mountains. The various soil,
rock, and vegetation scattered throughout these areas contribute to conditions favorable to
erosion, runoff, and sedimentation processes. Strong winter rains, monsoon storms and
wildfires can further contribute to erosion along steep slopes. Strong winds also cause
erosion in the undeveloped sandy dunes found in the northern portion of the Planning
Area are also susceptible to erosion. Natural erosion is exacerbated by human activities
such as agriculture and land development, including grading, alteration of natural
drainage patterns, soil compaction, cut and fill slopes, and decrease in impermeable
surfaces. Erosion caused by future development activities proposed by the General Plan
Update, has the potential to affect soils. The General Plan Update policies and programs
-38-
would provide mitigation measures to reduce significant effects related to substantial soil
erosion or the loss of topsoil. The EIR will further assess erosion issues.
c. Expansive soils include fine-grained soils, such as silt and clay, which can undergo
significant volumetric changes due to changes in moisture content. The La Quinta
General Plan Planning Area is susceptible to expansive soils, particularly in eastern
portions of the Planning Area, including the Sphere of Influence. The General Plan
Update will address mitigation measures to reduce soil expansion associated with
development. Risks associated with expansive soil should be further evaluated in the
EIR.
d. The Coachella Valley Water District is responsible for sanitary sewage collection in the
entire General Plan Update Planning Area. Many homes and business south of Airport
Blvd within the Sphere of Influence, however, currently operate on individual private
septic systems. It is anticipated that development proposed after the General Plan Update
will require connecting to CVWD sewage lines. The suitability of soils in areas that will
continue to support septic systems or alternative wastewater treatment systems should be
further evaluated in the EIR.
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Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS --Would the roject:
a) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through the
routine transport, use, or disposal of
X
hazardous materials? (2002 LQ General Plan
MEA, p. 95 ff.)
b) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and accident
conditions involving the release of
X
hazardous materials into the
environment? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p.
95 ff.)
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one -quarter
X
mile of an existing or proposed school?
(2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p. 95 ff.)
d) Be located on a site which is included
on a list of hazardous materials sites
X
compiled pursuant to Government Code
Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it
create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment? www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov)
e) For a project located within an airport
land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would
X
the project result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working in the project
area? (General Plan land use map)
f) For a project within the vicinity of a
private airstrip, would the project result in
a safety hazard for people residing or
X
working in the project area? (General Plan
land use map)
g) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
X
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA p. 95 ff)
-40-
h) Expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving wildland fires, including where
X
wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas
or where residences are intermixed with
wildlands? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA p. 95
ff)
VII.
a. The La Quinta General Plan Planning Area and Sphere of Influence are located near four
hazardous materials transportation corridors. The Southern Pacific Railroad, U.S.-
Interstate 10, are located approximately 2.5 miles north of the Planning Area and State
Highway 86 occurs immediately east of the Sphere of Influence. State Highway I I I runs
through the northern portion of the Planning Area. All four transportation corridors have
the potential to be involved in the transport of hazardous wastes and materials. The
proposed General Plan Update will facilitate continued urbanization that may result in
development that includes the production, storage, use or transport of hazardous or toxic
materials. Potential hazards to existing and future development should be further assessed
in the EIR.
b. The City of La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area is primarily a residential
community, with some commercial and agricultural related uses. The Planning Area does
not have heavy industrial uses that have the potential to release large amounts of
hazardous materials, however smaller scale hazardous/toxic materials generators, such as
dry cleaning facilities, agricultural uses, auto repair shops, and gas stations exist and
could potentially release hazardous materials into the environment. The City also has
high-pressure natural gas transmission and supply lines that are 2 to 8 inches in diameter
and traverse most of the developed areas of the City, including along Washington Street,
Highway 111, and Harrison Street right-of-ways. The General Plan Update will facilitate
new development in the Planning Area, which may increase the number of smaller scale
hazardous material generators. The General Plan Update will provide goals, policies, and
programs to alleviate the risk associated with the release of toxic and hazardous materials
through land use planning. Risk associated with release of hazardous materials into the
environment should be further addressed in the EIR.
c. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development, which may include both new
schools and additional small-scale hazardous material generators. The Plan, however,
will provide policies and programs that discourage incompatible land uses, such as
hazardous emission generators locating adjacent to schools. Through careful review of
development plans and good land use planning, the General Plan Update is expected to
minimize impacts associated with emitting hazardous waste within one -quarter mile of an
existing or proposed school, however the EIR should further address these issues.
d. The General Plan Update Planning Area, which includes the Sphere of Influence, is not
on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code 65962.5.
However, the EIR will need to further assess if any hazardous sites exist that could
potentially create a significant hazard to the public or environment.
e. The Bermuda Dunes Airport occurs 2.5 miles north of the City limits. The City is outside
that airport's area of influence. The Jacqueline Cochrane Regional Airport is located east
-41-
of the Sphere of Influence portion of the General Plan Update Planning Area, directly
east of Harrison Street. The proposed General Plan Update would facilitate primarily
light industrial and commercial development in proximity to the airport. Potential adverse
impacts to future development in proximity to the airport should be further assessed in
the EIR.
f. The General Plan Update Planning Area does not occur in the vicinity of any private
airstrip, therefore future development proposed by the General Plan will have no impact
on safety of future populations residing in the area. No further discussion of this issue is
necessary.
g. The General Plan Update Planning Area is subject to significant environmental hazardous
such as earthquakes, floods, and other hazards which can threaten life and property in the
area. The City of La Quinta developed the City's Multi -Hazard Functional Plan in 1996
to prepare for emergency situations. New development facilitated by the proposed
General Plan Update is not expected to interfere with Multi -Hazard Functional Plan,
however the EIR should address impacts associated with new development and
population growth on the adopted emergency response plan.
h. The General Plan Update Planning Area is situated in a region subject to wildland fires
due to topographic relief, and areas containing brush -covered hillsides. The western
portion of the Planning Area is located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, which is
vegetated with sparse Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub, Desert Dry Wash Woodland
communities, and Sonoran Mixed Woody and Succulent Scrub. The region is also subject
to strong winds and extreme summer daytime temperatures. The General Plan provides
policies and programs to ensure adequate provision of fire protection services and
emergency services accessibility to development. The EIR should thoroughly assess
potential adverse impacts to future development.
-42-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER
QUALITY -- Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements? (2002 LQ
X
General Plan MEA, p. 93 ff.)
b) Substantially deplete groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that there
would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or
a lowering of the local groundwater table
level (e.g., the production rate of pre-
X
existing nearby wells would drop to a level
which would not support existing land uses
or planned uses for which permits have
been granted)? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA,
p.92 ff.)
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a
X
stream or river, in a manner which would
result in substantial erosion or siltation on -
or off -site? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p.107-
ff.)
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a
X
stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in flooding on -
or off -site? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p.107-
ff.)
e) Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
X
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff? (2002 LQGeneral Plan MEA,
p.107-ff.)
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water
quality? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p.92-ff.)
X
-43-
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood
hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood
}{
Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate
Map or other flood hazard delineation
map? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p.107-ff.)
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard
area structures which would impede or
redirect flood flows? (2002 LQ General Plan
X
MEA, p.107 ff.)
i) Expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or death
X
involving flooding, including flooding as a
result of the failure of a levee or dam?
(2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p. 107-ff.)
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or
X
mudflow? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p. 107-
ff.)
VIII.
a. Groundwater quality in the Coachella Valley is considered generally good to excellent,
however concentrations of total dissolved solids continue to threaten water quality.
Increases in total dissolved solids have occurred due to agricultural production, use of
fertilizers at golf courses, and continued importation of Colorado River water. The City
of La Quinta, however, participates in the National Pollution Elimination System
(NPDES), which requires adoption of stormwater management plans and programs to
reduce effects of pollutants entering stormwater systems. Effluent from septic systems
also threaten water quality, and many existing uses within the Sphere of Influence are
currently operating with septic systems. Waste discharge leakage has the potential to
violate discharge requirements. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development
into the Planning Area, and may cause a reduction in water quality, however goals,
policies, and programs are expected to help reduce impacts on water quality. The EIR
should further analyze impacts associated with water quality.
b. The Coachella Valley is located in the Whitewater River Sub -basin. Within the
Whitewater Sub -basin, the Valley is broken further into the upper Thermal and lower
Thermal subareas. The expansion of development and agriculture in the Coachella
Valley, and particularly in the lower Thermal sub -basin, over which La Quinta occurs,
has been shown to deplete groundwater storage supplies. The Coachella Valley Water
District (CVWD) and Desert Water Agency import water from the Metropolitan Water
District of Southern California (MWD) to recharge groundwater in the Whitewater Sub -
basin in the Upper Thermal subarea. The CVWD also operates a recharge facility south
of Lake Cahuilla in the lower Thermal subarea to recharge local groundwater supplies.
The proposed General Plan Update will facilitate new development, which may result in
reduction of groundwater due to increased consumption and increased amount of
impervious areas. The EIR should further assess potential impacts to groundwater
resources.
-44-
c. The City of La Quinta and Sphere of Influence are located in a desert climate, however
periodic summer monsoonal rains and winter storms can cause intense long and short -
duration rainfall. The main storm channels in the City include the Coachella Valley
Stormwater Channel, located north of Highway 111, and Bear Creek, located in the Cove.
The General Plan Update will facilitate new development in the Planning Area, which
may lead to increased impervious surfaces and therefore increased drainage into existing
stormwater channels. The increased discharge into stormwater channels may create
impacts related to erosion or siltation, both within and outside the Planning Area. The
General Plan Update will include policies and programs to require on -site stormwater
management improvements, however the EIR should further address issues related to
drainage.
d. The City of La Quinta and Sphere of Influence can experience long and short -duration
rainfall events during summer monsoonal rains and winter storms. Storm runoff generally
flows into channels in the City, including the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel,
located north of Highway 111, and the La Quinta Evacuation Channel, located in the
Cove. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development in the Planning Area,
which may lead to increased impervious surfaces and therefore increased drainage into
existing stormwater channels. The increased discharge into stormwater channels may
potentially create impacts related flooding, both within and outside the Planning Area.
The General Plan Update will include policies and programs to require on -site
stormwater management improvements, however the EIR should further address issues
related to flooding.
e. Occasional intense rainfall events can occur in the Planning Area during summer
monsoons and winter storms. These large rainfall events may exceed the capacity of
stormwater drainage systems and cause substantial additional sources of polluted runoff.
The majority of the General Plan Update Planning Area, and especially the Sphere of
Influence, is located on the flat valley floor. New development caused by the
implementation of the General Plan Update, may create additional impervious surfaces
and increase runoff. The management of local drainage is the responsibility of the City,
while regional drainage is maintained by the Coachella Valley Water District. The
General Plan Update will provide policies and programs to address project -generated
runoff on -site, and improvements to the City's stormwater management system. Impacts
related to excessive runoff should be further evaluated and discussed in the EIR.
f. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development and increased urbanization
within the Planning Area. Increased urbanization will result in a larger amount of
impervious surfaces, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and buildings. These
impervious surfaces have the potential to collect pollutants, such as car oil, paints,
degreasers, fertilizers, nitrates, total dissolved solids, salts, tire residue, and other
pollutants. Increased runoff due to rainfall, car washing, and general washing has the
potential to collect pollutants and carry them into stormwater drainage systems and
further into groundwater sources, thereby degrading water quality. The City of La Quinta
participates in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which
requires adoption of stormwater management plans and programs to reduce effects of
pollutants entering stormwater systems. Impacts related to increased water quality
degradation should be further evaluated in the EIR.
-45-
g., h. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps show areas of high risk,
moderate and low risk, and undetermined risk areas. According to the Master Drainage
Plan for the City of La Quinta, all developed areas within city limits are now outside the
100-year flood zone. Areas in the city that are shown in Zone A, which are high risk
areas, are primarily restricted to flood control channels, detention or retention basins, and
golf course locations. FEMA maps continue to show, however that many areas in the city
limits and Sphere of Influence are in Zone X, which are moderate and low risk areas
susceptible to 500-year floods. The General Plan Update includes policies and programs
intended to avoid and reduce flood -related hazards and will abide by programs such as
the Master Drainage Plan. The EIR should further address these issues.
The California Office of Emergency Services indicates there are no existing dams that
have the potential to inundate the La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area. Lake
Cahuilla is a water storage facility with more than 50-acre feet of capacity, located in the
city limits in the western portion of the city. The lake does not fall under the purview of
the Division of Dam Safety because an artificial barrier or dam does not impound it.
Throughout the General Plan Update Planning Area, levees and dikes exist that have the
potential to fail. CVWD and the County Flood District have studied these facilities for
failure. The General Plan Update will provide policies and programs to limit risk
associated with a failed levee and restrict development away from major drainage
channels. The EIR should further evaluate the potential impacts of a failed dam or levee.
j. The City and its Sphere of Influence are not located near a coastline and therefore not
subject to risk associated with a tsunami. The mudflow risk in the Planning Area is most
likely to occur along the base of the foothills and in the alluvial fan portions of the city,
however, the development of drainage channels such as the Bear Creek Channel and the
La Quinta Evacuation Channel in the Cove area, help mitigate the risk associated with
mudflow. Inundation caused by seiche is associated with aboveground water tanks, which
have the potential to fail and rupture during strong ground shaking. According to the
Coachella Valley Water District, there are ten water reservoirs in the La Quinta General
Plan Planning Area. The reservoirs are constructed of welded steel and are built to
current seismic standards. Another concern is seiche from Lake Cahuilla. The programs
and policies set forth in the La Quinta General Plan Update will address the effects and
impacts associated with seiche, and should be further addressed in the EIR.
-46-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING -
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established
X
community? (Aerial photo)
b) Conflict with any applicable land use
plan, policy, or regulation of an agency
with jurisdiction over the project
(including, but not limited to the general
plan, specific plan, local coastal
X
program, or zoning ordinance) adopted
for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating
an environmental effect? (2002
GeneralPlan, Riverside County RCIP)
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
X
conservation plan? (CVMSHCP, ES-1)
IX.
a. The proposed General Plan Update will facilitate new development within the City of La
Quinta and Sphere of Influence. The physical change in the region from increased
urbanization has the potential to significantly alter the existing character, especially in the
Sphere of Influence, from an agricultural community to an urbanized community. The
effects of the change in character can result in physically dividing an established
community. The change of character in the Sphere of Influence should be assessed in the
EIR.
b. The General Plan Update will address future development in the Sphere of Influence
areas, which is currently governed by the County of Riverside. The Sphere of Influence
will continue to develop under existing County land use policy unless annexed into the
City of La Quinta. Impacts associated with conflicts between the goals, policies and
programs established by the proposed General Plan Update and other applicable land use
plans or regulations, including the current Riverside County General Plan, are considered
less than significant, however the EIR should address these issues.
c. The General Plan Update Planning Area is within the area covered by the Coachella Valley
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The CVMSHCP is a regional
conservation planning effort that encompasses approximately 1.2 million acres of the Coachella
Valley, including the City of La Quinta and Sphere of Influence. The CVMSHCP goal is to
minimize and mitigate impacts related to the taking of special status species and provide for
conservation of lands associated with such species. The City of La Quinta has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to participant in efforts of the CVMSHCP. The La Quinta
General Plan Update, therefore, will have less than significant impact on the provisions set forth
by the Conservation Plan.
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Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would
the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would be of
X
value to the region and the residents of
the state? (2002 General Plan, MEA p. 71 ff.)
b) Result in the loss of availability of a
locally -important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local
X
general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan? (2002 General Plan, MEA p. 71 ff.)
0
a., b. The State of California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology
released a report in 1988 identifying mineral resources in the Palm Springs Production -
Consumption Region, which includes the General Plan Update Planning Area. The
mineral resources found on the valley floor are limited to sand and gravel. The rocky
outcroppings in the Little San Bernardino and Santa Rosa Mountains have potential to
exhibit such mineral resources as copper, limestone, and tungsten. The majority of the
General Plan Update Planning Area was determined to have little or no mineral
resources. A small area southwest of Lake Cahuilla was once mined for sand and gravel,
but has since been converted into a planned residential golf course. The future potential
for the use of mineral resources should be further discussed in the EIR.
-48-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XI. NOISE Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation
of noise levels in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or
X
noise ordinance, or applicable standards
of other agencies? (2002 LQ General Plan
MEA p. 111 ff.)
b) Exposure of persons to or generation
of excessive groundborne vibration or
X
groundborne noise levels? (2002 LQ
General Plan MEA p. 111 ff.)
c) A substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing without the
X
project? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA p. 111
ff.)
d) A substantial temporary or periodic
increase in ambient noise levels in the
X
project vicinity above levels existing
without the project? (2002 LQ General Plan
MEA p. 111 ff.)
e) For a project located within an airport
land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport,
X
would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels? (2002 LQ General
Plan MEA, p112, Jacq. Cochran Regional
Airport Master Plan, p. 5-1 ff)
f) For a project within the vicinity of a
X
private airstrip, would the project expose
people residing or working in the project
area to excessive noise levels? (Land Use
Plan)
XI.
a. California Government Code 65302 requires that General Plans include a Noise Element
to identify and analyze noise problems in a community and establish noise standards. The
previous General Plan has created noise standards and uses the Community Noise
Equivalent Level (CNEL) as a unit of measurement used to describe and numerically
weight noise. CNEL relies on decibels as the unit of measurement for noise, and creates a
-49-
weighted average of the intensity of sound based on time of day. The City has previously
determined that a CNEL of 65 dBA of exterior noise is acceptable in residential areas.
The City has provided a list of acceptable CNEL that are compatible with varying land
uses. The proposed General Plan Update will facilitate development of varying uses
including residential, commercial, and industrial uses, which may result in increases in
short-term construction noise and permanent noise caused by increased traffic volumes.
Impacts associated with noise due to the implementation of the General Plan Update
should further be studied in the EIR.
b. The General Plan Update will facilitate development requiring short-term grading and
construction activities. These construction activities may result in heavy machinery, such
as bulldozers, excavators, pile drivers, and augers, to be used, and might cause temporary
groundborne vibrations or an increase in groundborne noise levels. The impacts
associated with groundborne vibration and groundborne noise levels should be assessed
in the EIR.
c., d. Ambient noise levels include the combination of noise from all sources near and far.
Within the General Plan Update Planning Area, many existing factors, both mobile and
stationary, are responsible for creating elevated levels of ambient noise, including motor
vehicular traffic, railway traffic, airplanes, and mechanical noises associated with
commercial, residential and other facilities. Future development facilitated by the
proposed General Plan Update will result in changes to the ambient noise level. These
include temporary increases generated by construction activity and permanent increases
associated with traffic. The EIR should further address ambient noise levels caused by
permanent and temporary activities associated with the implementation of the General
Plan Update.
e. The Jacqueline Cochran Airport currently generates noise levels of approximately 60 to
75 dBA CNEL, all of which remain within airport property. Plans are underway to
expand the 17-35 runway, which is a north -south runway, by 1500 feet. The airport is
situated just east of Harrison Street, near the eastern border of the General Plan Update
Planning Area. Land on the west side of Harrison Street will be within the Sphere of
Influence, and are designated primarily for industrial and commercial uses. Low Density
Residential, however, is proposed just to the west of these commercial and industrial
areas, and may be impacted by the airport noise levels. The noise impacts related to the
airport, including the airport expansion, will need to be further assessed in the EIR.
f. There are no private airstrips within or adjacent to the General Plan Planning Area.
-50-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING —
Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth
in an area, either directly (for example,
by proposing new homes and businesses)
or indirectly (for example, through
X
extension of roads or other
infrastructure)? (General Plan Land Use Map)
b) Displace substantial numbers of
existing housing, necessitating the
X
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere? (General Plan Land Use Map,)
c) Displace substantial numbers of
X
people, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere? (General
Plan Land Use Map)
XII.
a. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development including new residential,
commercial, industrial, and major community facilities, and thus directly induce
substantial population growth in the Planning Area. The new development will also
create new road extensions and infrastructure, which may indirectly induce population
growth outside the Planning Area. The potentially significant impacts associated with
population growth should be further assessed in the EIR.
b., c. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development within the Planning Area,
however, it will not cause displacement of existing housing or people currently residing
in the area. New development would occur on existing vacant land. Therefore, the
General Plan Update is not expected to impact or cause the displacement of existing
housing and people.
-51-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES
a) Would the project result in substantial
adverse physical impacts associated with
the provision of new or physically
altered governmental facilities, need for
new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental impacts,
in order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the
public services:
Fire protection? (2002 LQ General Plan
X
MEA, p. 57)
Police protection? (2002 LQ General Plan
X
MEA, p. 57)
Schools? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p. 52
X
ff.)
Parks? (2002 LQ General Plan MEA, p. 47 ff)
X
Other public facilities? (2002 LQ General
X
Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
XIII.
a. The City of La Quinta contracts with the County of Riverside for fire services, and
provides fire protection and medical response. Currently there are three fire stations
within the La Quinta city limits and three others in the surrounding region, including
Mecca, Coachella, and Thermal. The City of Indio also has four stations. New
development caused by implementation of the General Plan Update will require
additional fire protection in order to maintain acceptable service ratios. The expansion of
fire protection activities may result in the need for new fire stations to accommodate
appropriate response times, and therefore development of these new facilities may cause
significant environmental impacts. The EIR should address potential impacts associated
with development of new fire protection facilities, however subsequent EIR's may be
necessary when it is determined where new stations will be built.
b. The City contracts for police services through the County of Riverside. The La Quinta
Police provide patrol officers, motorcycle officers, school resource officers, community
service officers, investigators, gang task force members, narcotics task force, Special
Enforcement Team, traffic reconstruction unit, a community policing office and citizen
volunteers. The County Sheriff's Department serves unincorporated areas in the vicinity
of La Quinta, including the Sphere of Influence. New development caused by
implementation of the General Plan Update will require additional police protection in
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order to maintain acceptable service ratios. The expansion of police protection services
may result in the need for new police facilities to accommodate appropriate response
times. These new facilities may cause significant environmental impacts. The EIR should
address potential impacts associated with development of new police protection facilities,
as well as the need for additional personnel.
c. The La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area is served by two school districts; the
Desert Sands Unified School District and the Coachella Valley Unified School District.
The Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) serves students living west of
Jefferson Street and north of Avenue 48. There are a total of 34 DSUSD schools
including 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 5 high schools, one continuation
school and one independent study school. The Coachella Valley Unified School District
(CVUSD) serves students living east of Jefferson and south of Avenue 48 in the Planning
Area. The CVUSD currently operates 22 schools including 14 elementary schools, 3
middle schools, 4 high schools, and one adult school. California Government Code
allows school districts to charge development fees to help finance local school services.
New development caused by implementation of the General Plan Update will require
additional schools to accommodate new residents. The EIR should address potential
impacts associated with development of new schools, and the demand on existing
facilities.
d. The General Plan Update Planning Area has a variety of parks and recreation facilities
operated by three agencies including the Riverside County Regional Parks and Open
Space District, the Desert Recreation District, and the City of La Quinta Community
Service Department. The Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District
operates and maintains Lake Cahuilla County Park, located southeast of the Cove
community in La Quinta. The County also maintains many of the Class I trails
throughout the Planning Area. The Desert Recreation District owns and maintains
Frances Hack La Quinta Community Park and the city's swimming pool at Fritz Burns
Park. The City of La Quinta owns, operates, and maintains three mini -parks, five
neighborhood parks, two community parks, and one recreational senior center. The City
also maintains many of the multi -use trails throughout the City, and owns the SilverRock
golf course, a public golf course. Future development facilitated by the proposed General
Plan Update will result in additional population that is expected to utilize existing parks
and result in a need for additional facilities. The Quimby Act standards allow city's to
exact and require the dedication of a minimum of 3 acres of parkland per 1,000
population, or in -lieu fees, or both. The General Plan Update will facilitate future
development, and therefore require the necessary allocation and development of
additional parklands. The General Plan includes policies and programs intended to
ensure the adequate allocation and funding of sufficient parklands. The EIR should
further evaluate the impact of future development, and quantify the anticipated future
need.
e. New development caused by implementation of the General Plan Update will require
additional facilities such as libraries, medical facilities, public utility facilities, and other
community facilities to accommodate new growth. The development of new facilities
may cause significant environmental impacts. The EIR should address potential impacts
associated with development of new community facilities.
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Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XIV. RECREATION --
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks
or other recreational facilities such that
X
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
(Project description; General Plan Exhibit 5.1)
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities,
X
which might have an adverse physical
effect on the environment? (2002 LQ
General Plan, MEA p.48-ff. )
XIV.
a. New development caused by implementation of the General Plan Update will increase
the population in the area, and therefore increase usage of existing neighborhood parks,
regional parks, and recreation facilities. An increase in usage of these facilities may cause
impacts related to physical deterioration. The EIR should quantify the potential impact,
and provide adequate mitigation to assure physical deterioration is limited.
b. The increase in population and demand will require development of new parks and
facilities. The Quimby Act standards allow cities to exact or require the dedication of a
minimum of 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 population from developers when new
development occurs. The General Plan Update will address the development of additional
park and recreation and facilities needed to accommodate a growing population. The EIR
should quantify the potential impact, and provide adequate mitigation to assure an
adequate level of park land for build out conditions.
-54-
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC --
Would the project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic, which is
substantial in relation to the existing
traffic load and capacity of the street
system (i.e., result in a substantial
increase in either the number of vehicle
X
trips, the volume to capacity ratio on
roads, or congestion at intersections)?
(2002 LQ General Plan, MEA, p.29)
b) Exceed, either individually or
cumulatively, a level of service standard
established by the county congestion
X
management agency for designated roads
or highways? (2002 LQ General Plan, MEA,
p.17 ff.)
c) Result in a change in air traffic
patterns, including either an increase in
X
traffic levels or a change in location that
results in substantial safety risks? (No air
traffic involved in project)
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible
X
uses (e.g., farm equipment)? (2002 LQ
General Plan MEA, p. 31)
e) Result in inadequate emergency
X
access? (Application materials)
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?
X
(Project description)
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans,
or programs supporting alternative
X
transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle
racks)? (2002 LQ General Plan, MEA, p.17 ff.)
XV.
a. As reported in the 2002 General Plan, average daily traffic counts were expected to
double as a result of the estimated buildout. The proposed General Plan Update will
facilitate additional development and population growth and potentially result in a
substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on
-55-
roads, or congestion at intersections. The EIR should further assess the potential
significant impacts related to increase traffic.
b. The General Plan Update will encourage new growth in the Planning Area and result in
increased traffic loads and capacity of the street system. The City of La Quinta
established an acceptable minimum Level of Service (LOS) of "D" in the 2002 General
Plan. The traffic study provided for the 2002 General Plan analyzed 20 intersections in
the Planning Area, and all intersections were operating at acceptable levels, or at LOS
"D" and above. The extent to which future development could exceed established LOS
standards for designated roads is unclear and will be assessed in the EIR.
c. The General Plan Update will encourage new growth in the Planning Area and may
potentially increase in the amount of people using the Jacqueline Cochran Airport,
however impacts to air traffic volumes are expected to be minimal. Impacts, therefore,
are determined to be less than significant and will be addressed in the EIR.
d. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development in the Planning Area and
potentially increase traffic volumes on existing roads. According to the 2002 General
Plan Master Environmental Assessment, existing intersections are operating at acceptable
LOS "D". The General Plan Update will create policies and programs to reduce traffic
hazards and avoid creating dangerous intersections. The Planning Area also has
numerous agricultural areas that may create incompatible uses, such as farm equipment
using local roads. The General Plan Update will reduce farm equipment on roadways, as
land uses will change from agricultural uses to residential, commercial and industrial
uses. Impacts related to hazardous design features and incompatible uses, therefore, are
expected to be less than significant but will be discussed in the EIR.
e. The General Plan Update will facilitate additional population growth throughout the
Planning Area and will increase demand for emergency services. The goals, policies, and
programs of the General Plan Update will alleviate concerns related to emergency access
by encouraging development of new facilities, such as new fire stations, police facilities,
and medical facilities to accommodate the growing population. The EIR should address
issues related to emergency service and access.
f. The General Plan Update will encourage new growth in the Planning Area and will
increase vehicle use and parking demand. The Plan, however, will provide new policies
and programs to encourage public transit, non -vehicular transit, and adequate parking
facilities for new developments. The EIR should further assess impacts related to parking
capacity.
g. The existing General Plan 2002 highlights multi -purpose trails, and routes safe for golf
carts, that provide for alternative modes of transportation. The new General Plan Update
will continue to provide policies and programs that promote alternative modes of
transportation, thus reducing impacts to less than significant. The EIR should further
address this issue.
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Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE
SYSTEMS. Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment
requirements of the applicable Regional
X
Water Quality Control Board? (General
Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
b) Require or result in the construction of
new water or wastewater treatment
facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could
X
cause significant environmental effects?
(General Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
c) Require or result in the construction of
new storm water drainage facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
X
significant environmental effects?
(General Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
d) Have sufficient water supplies
available to serve the project from
existing entitlements and resources, or
X
are new or expanded entitlements
needed? (General Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
e) Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider that
serves or may serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the project's
X
projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
(General Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
X
project's solid waste disposal needs?
(General Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
g) Comply with federal, state, and local
statutes and regulations related to solid
X
waste? (General Plan MEA, p. 58 ff.)
-57-
XVI.
a. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) operates and maintains sewage collection
facilities for the La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area. The CVWD currently
operates two wastewater facilities including the Avenue 38 wastewater plant and the
Mid -Valley Reclamation Plant. CVWD continuously increases capacity of these plants as
development occurs. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development which
will generate additional wastewater effluent into wastewater treatment facilities. The new
Plan will meet the requirements set forth by the CVWD. However the EIR should further
address these impacts.
b. As described above, there are two wastewater treatment facilities already in place in the
region. CVWD is able to increase capacity of its wastewater treatment plants through
construction of new ponds, aeration plants, and other infrastructure. The expansion of
these facilities, or the need for new wastewater facilities, has the potential to create
significant impact to the environment. The EIR should further address the potential
significant environmental impacts associated with new or expanded wastewater facilities.
c. The General Plan Update will facilitate new development in the Planning Area, which
would require construction of new stormwater drainage facilities. The City of La Quinta
is responsible for building and maintaining local storm drains. The City requires that new
development install on -site retention basins capable of handling runoff from a 100-year
storm. Development of new storm drainage facilities has the potential to cause significant
environmental impacts. The EIR will further assess these potential impacts.
d. The Coachella Valley Water District provides potable water to the General Plan Update
Planning Area. The CVWD has numerous wells and reservoirs used to provide water for
residents. The General Plan Update will facilitate new population growth and increased
water demand, and will provide policies and programs related to minimizing such
demand. The EIR should quantify the impacts associated with increased water demand
and determine whether CVWD has sufficient water supplies available to serve General
Plan buildout.
e. The Coachella Valley Water District provides wastewater treatment to the City of La
Quinta. The General Plan Update will facilitate development and result in increased
wastewater demand. CVWD is able to increase capacity of its wastewater treatment
plants through construction of new ponds, aeration plants, and other infrastructure. The
EIR should further address impacts to CVWD and whether it has adequate capacity to
serve the increased demand from the Planning Area.
£, g. Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc. serves the La Quinta General Plan Planning Area for solid
waste collection and disposal services. Future solid waste generated by the proposed
General Plan Update would be transported to several regional landfills. The General
Plan Update will encourage new population growth, and thus generate increased solid
waste disposed of into landfills. The Plan will provide policies and programs to reduce
impacts related to solid waste, such as recycling programs, however the EIR should
asses the existing capacities of local landfills and address the impacts associated with
solid waste disposal at buildout.
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Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE --
a) Does the project have the potential to
degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish
or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-
sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a
X
plant or animal community, reduce the
number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods
of California history or prehistory? (2002
LQ General Plan, MEA, p.74)
b) Does the project have the potential to
X
achieve short-term, to the disadvantage
of long-term environmental goals?
c) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively
considerable" means that the incremental
effects of a project are considerable
X
when viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects, the effects of
other current projects, and the effects of
probable future projects)?
d) Does the project have environmental
effects which will cause substantial
X
adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
XVII.
a. A number of plants and animals occurring within the La Quinta General Plan Planning
Area are considered special status species, which includes species listed as threatened or
endangered by federal and state governments. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) was finalized in 2008 to address the need for
conservation of unfragmented habitat areas with special status species. The General Plan
Update will abide by the CVMSHCP and provide policies and programs intended to
protect these species, including protection of sensitive habitats. The EIR should analyze
impacts to these species, and impacts to sensitive species not covered by the CVMSHCP,
in order to quantify the level of impact, and determine what mitigation measures will be
required.
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The Planning Area is known to contain a number of historical and archaeological sites.
These sites are considered significant, and warrant proper protection under federal, state,
and local statutes and regulations. Future development has the potential to disturb sites
not yet known in the City and its Sphere of Influence. The EIR should fully assess this
potential and provide appropriate mitigation.
b. The General Plan Update has potential to result in short-term benefits to the disadvantage
of long-term environmental goals. However, the General Plan Update will be providing a
Sustainable Community Section that will highlight goals, policies and programs intended
to reduce short-term impacts to long-term environmental goals. The EIR shall further
evaluate the short-term versus long-term goals.
c. The General Plan Update is proposing new land use designations and policies for the City
of La Quinta and Sphere of Influence. Changes to existing land use will inevitably
encourage increased urbanization, especially in the Sphere of Influence. Although each
new development project may only have individually limited impacts on an
environmental resource, the approval of each additional future development project will
create impacts that may be cumulatively considerable on various environmental
resources. The EIR should determine what impacts are cumulatively considerable.
d. The General Plan Update will facilitate continued urbanization, which may result in
direct and indirect adverse impacts to human beings. Some of the direct impacts caused
by new development may include increased traffic hazards, exposure to noxious odors
and chemicals from various uses, and temporary air pollution caused by construction
activities. Indirect impacts may include exposure to hazards associated with strong
seismic ground shaking caused by nearby faults, threats to limited water sources, and
impacts to air quality. These potentially significant impacts should be fully evaluated in
the EIR.
� ti F rye
v
�1 FCA f
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Governor's Office of Planning and Research
State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit
Notice of Preparation
November 24, 2010
To: ' Reviewing Agencies
Re: General Plan Update
SCH# 2010111094
nf`�M,�,��
a
Q` +p
N
ui
�f�� aF C ALiF6��ap.
Cathleen Cox
Acting Director
Attached for your review and comment is the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the General Plan Update draft
Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Responsible agencies must transmit their comments on the scope and content of the NOP, focusing on specific
information related to their own statutory responsibility, within 30 des of receipt of the NOP from the Lead
Ate. This is a courtesy notice provided by the State Clearinghouse with a reminder for you to comment in a
timely manner. We encourage other agencies to also respond to this notice and express their concerns early in the
environmental review process.
Please direct your continents to:
Andrew Mogensen
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
with a copy to the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research. Please refer to the SCH number
noted above in all correspondence concerning this project.
If you have any questions about the environmental document review process, please call the State Clearinghouse at
(916)445-0613.
Sincerely,
Scott Morgan
Director, State Clearinghouse
Attachments
cc: Lead Agency
1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044
TEL (916) 445-0613 FAX (916) 323-3018 www.opr.ca.gov
Document Details Report
State Clearinghouse Data Base
SCH# 2010111094
Project Title General Plan Update
Lead Agency La Quinta, City of
Type NOP Notice of Preparation
Description Update of the La Quinta General Plan, to encompass all mandated Elements, and add a Sustainable
Community and an Economic Development Element. The Update will include modifications to the
Land Use Map, but will not significantly change land use patterns in the City. The Update also
includes planning and land use designations for the City's Sphere of Influence.
Lead Agency Contact
Name Andrew Mogensen
Agency City of La Quinta
Phone (760) 777-7125
email
Address
P.O. Box 1504
City La Quinta
Project Location
County Riverside
City La Quinta
Region
Cross Streets City-wide
Lat / Long 33' 3" N / 116' 31' 0" W
Parcel No.
Township Range
Proximity to:
Highways Hwy 111
Airports Jacqueline Cochran
Railways
Waterways Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel
Schools
Land Use
Fax
State CA Zip 92253
Section
Base
Project Issues Aesthetic/Visual; Agricultural Land; Air Quality; Archaeologic -Historic; Biological Resources;
Drainage/Absorption; Flood Plain/Flooding; Forest Land/Fire Hazard; Geologic/Seismic; Minerals;
Noise; Population/Housing Balance; Public Services; Recreation/Parks; Schools/Universities; Septic
System; Sewer Capacity; Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading; Solid Waste; Toxic/Hazardous;
Traffic/Circulation; Vegetation; Water Quality; Water Supply; Wetland/Riparian; Growth Inducing;
Landuse
Reviewing Resources Agency; Cal Fire; Office of Historic Preservation; Department of Parks and Recreation;
Agencies Department of Water Resources; Department of Fish and Game, Region 6; Office of Emergency
Management Agency, California; Native American Heritage Commission; Public Utilities Commission;
California Highway Patrol; Department of Housing and Community Development; Caltrans, District 8;
Air Resources Board, Transportation Projects; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 7
Date Received 11/24/2010 Start of Review 11/24/2010 End of Review 12/23/2010
Note: Blanks in data fields result from insufficient information provided by lead agency.
rlvr Li Sif1171.1L1011 LIST
Resources Agency
Resources Agency
Nadell Gayou
❑ Dept. of Boating & Waterways
Mike Sotelo
❑ California Coastal
Commission
Elizabeth A. Fuchs
❑ Colorado River Board
Gerald R. Zimmerman
❑ Dept. of Conservation
Rebecca Salazar
❑ California Energy
Commission
Eric Knight
Cal Fire
Allen Robertson
❑ Central Valley Flood
Protection Board
James Herota
Office of Historic
Preservation
Wayne Donaldson
Dept of Parks & Recreation
Environmental Stewardship
Section
❑ California Department of
Resources, Recycling &
Recovery
Sue O'Leary
❑ S.F. Bay Conservation &
Dev't. Comm,
Steve McAdam
Dept. of Water Resources
Resources Agency
Nadell Gayou
Ll
Conservancy
Fish and Game
❑ Depart. of Fish & Game
Scott Flint
Environmental Services Division
❑ Fish & Game Region 1
Donald Koch
❑ Fish & Game Region 1E
Laurie Harnsberger
❑ Fish & Game Region 2
Jeff Drongesen
❑ Fish & Game Region 3
Charles Armor
❑ Fish & Game Region 4
Julie Vance
❑ Fish & Game Region 5
Don Chadwick
Habitat Conservation Program
Fish & Game Region 6
Gabrina Gatchel
Habitat Conservation Program
❑ Fish & Game Region 6 I/M
Brad Henderson
Inyo/Mono, Habitat Conservation
Program
❑ Dept. of Fish & Game M
George Isaac
Marine Region
Other Departments
❑ Food & Agriculture
Steve Shaffer
Dept. of Food and Agriculture
❑ Depart. of General Services
Public School Construction
❑ Dept. of General Services
Anna Garbeff
Environmental Services Section
❑ Dept. of Public Health
Bridgette Binning
Dept. of Health/Drinking Water
Independent
Commissions. Boards
❑ Delta Protection Commission
Linda Flack
Cal EMA (Emergency
Management Agency)
Dennis Castrillo
❑ Governor's Office of Planning
& Research
State Clearinghouse
Vounty: NNt1 cA(,1t
Native American Heritage
Caltrans, District 8
Comm.
Dan Kopulsky
Debbie Treadway
❑ Caltrans, District 9
Public Utilities Commission
Gayle Rosander
Leo Wong
❑ Caltrans, District 10'
❑ Santa Monica Bay Restoration
Tom Dumas
Guangyu Wang
❑ Caltrans, District 11
❑ State Lands Commission
Jacob Armstrong
Marina Brand
❑ Caltrans, District 12
❑ Tahoe Regional Planning
Chris Herre
Agency (TRPA)
Cherry Jacques
Business. Trans & Housin
❑ Caltrans - Division of
Aeronautics
Sandy Hesnard
❑ Caltrans - Planning
Terri Pencovic
California Highway Patrol
Scott Loetscher
Office of Special Projects
1kHousing & Community
Development
CEQA Coordinator
Housing Policy Division
Dept. of Transportation
❑ Caltrans, District 1
Rex Jackman
❑ Caltrans, District 2
Marcelino Gonzalez
❑ Caltrans, District 3
Bruce de Terra
❑ Caltrans, District 4
Lisa Carboni
❑ Caltrans, District 5
David Murray
❑ Caltrans, District 6
Michael Navarro
❑ Caltrans, District 7
Elmer Alvarez
Cal EPA
Air Resources Board
❑ Airport Projects
Jim Lemer
Transportation Projects
Douglas Ito
❑ Industrial Projects
Mike Tollstrup
SCH# 2 U 1.011 Lo - 4
Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB)
❑ State Water Resources Control
Board
Regional Programs Unit
Division of Financial Assistance
❑ State Water Resources Control
Board
Student Intern, 401 Water Quality
Certification Unit
Division of Water Quality
❑ State Water Resouces Control Board
Steven Herrera
Division of Water Rights
❑ Dept. of Toxic Substances Control
CEQA Tracking Center
❑ Department of Pesticide Regulation
CEQA Coordinator
❑ RWQCB 1
Cathleen Hudson
North Coast Region (1)
❑ RWQCB 2
Environmental Document
Coordinator
San Francisco Bay Region (2)
❑ RWQCB 3
Central Coast Region (3)
❑ RWQCB 4
Teresa Rodgers
Los Angeles Region (4)
❑ RWQCB 5S
Central Valley Region (5)
❑ RWQCB 5F
Central Valley Region (5)
Fresno Branch Office
❑ RWQCB 5R
Central Valley Region (5)
Redding Branch Office
❑ RWQCB 6
Lahontan Region (6)
❑ RWQCB 6V
Lahontan Region (6)
Victorville Branch Office
RWQCB 7
Colorado River Basin Region (7)
❑ RWQCB 8
Santa Ana Region (8)
❑ RWQCB 9
San Diego Region (9)
❑ Other
Last Updated on 03/24/10
Appendix C
Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal
Mau to: State Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3044, Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 (916) 445-0613 S C H # 6
For Hand DeliverylStreetAddress: 1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 �) /
Project Title: City of La Quinta General Plan Update
Lead Agency. City of La Quints Contact Person: Andrew MogenSen
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1504 Phone: 760-777-7125
city: La Quinta Zip: 92253 county: Riverside
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Project Location: county: Riverside City/Nearest community: La Quinta
Cross Streets: City-wide
Zip Code:
Longdade/latitude (degrees, minutes and seconds): 33 ." 66 '3 ° N / 116 ° 31 ' 0 • W Total Acres: 30,957
Assessor's Parcel No.: WA See below Section: Twp.: Range: Base:
Within 2 Miles: State Hwy q: 111 Waterways: Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel
Airports: Jacqueline Cochran Railways: Schools:
Document Type:
CEQA: ♦❑ NOP
❑ Draft FIR
NEPA: ❑ Not Other. ❑ Joint Document
Early
ClEarcoos
❑ Neg Dee
❑ Supplement/Subsequcut EIR
(Prior SCH No.)
❑ EA ❑Final Document
❑ Draft Lgt 0 Other.
ElMit Neg Dec
Other.
❑ FONS ' R/ VfRSIOEcco�
— — — — — — — — —
Locai Action Type:
— — — — — — — — — — —
— — — — — — — — — — — - — — — — —
AVV
Q General Plan Update
❑ Specific Plan
❑ Rezone L4RRy 4 7pI Annexadou
4❑1
❑ General Plan Amendment
❑ Master Plan
❑ Prezone By .1/4ygR` Redevelopment
'
❑ General Plan Element
❑ Community Plan
❑ Planned Unit Development
❑ Site Plan
❑ Use Permit El - coastal Permit
❑ Land Division Subdivisioon,- t"Other:
(
Development Type:
McYfL-----—----------———---—-—---—-----—--0eP- — — — — — —
U?
❑Residential: Units 51,113
Acres14,882
❑ Office 4& Acres Employees
❑ Commerc4al:Sq.ft. i�T AxresT= Employees
❑ Transportation Type
❑ Mining: Mineral
❑ Industrial: SqA UT —Mr Aeres63.8 Employee
❑ Power: Type MW
Educational:
❑ Waste Tieatment:Type
❑ Recreational:
Hazardous Waste:Type
❑ WaterFacilities:Type
MOD
❑❑ Other. 'der -eke''
Project Issues Discussed in Document:
BY,
❑� Aesdtetisual
❑ Fiscal
ounty ofP�.,� rs'oc ,
❑Q RecreationtParks L+I veget on
❑� Agricultural Land
Q Flood Plain/Flooding
i] Schools/tlniversitie V] Water Quality
[] Air Quality
❑O Forest Land/Firc Hazard
Q Septic Systems Q Water Supply/Groundwater
i] Archeological/Historical
Geologic/Seismic
Q Sewer Capacity (l Wetland/Riparian
Biological Resources
Q Minerals
❑ Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading Q Growth Inducement
❑ Coastal Zone
❑ Noise
Q Solid Waste Land Use
❑� Drainage/Absorption
Q PopulatiowHousing Balance
❑ ToxidHazardous ❑ Cumulative Effects
❑ Economid7obs
Q Public Services/Facilities
❑ Traffic/Circulation ❑ Other.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Designation:
Not Applicable
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Project Description: (please use a separate page i►necessary)
Update of the La Quinta General Plan, to encompass all mandated Elements, and add a Sustainable Community and an
Economic Development Element. The Update will include modifications to the Land Use Map, but will not significantly change
land use patterns in the City. The Update also Includes planning and land use designations for the City's Sphere of Influence.
Sections affected:
Portions of Section 25 and all of Section 36, Township 5 South, Range 6 East; Sections 1,12,13,24, and 25,
Township 6 South, Range 6 East; portions of Section 17 18, 19, 20.28,29, and 30, and all of Sections 31 and
32, Township 5 South, Range 7 East; portions of Section 26, 35 and all of Sections 4, 5,
6,7,8,9,10,15,16,17,18, 19. 29, 21. 22. 27, 28, 29, 30, 33 and 34, Township 6 South, Range 7 East; Sections
4 and 5, Township 7 South, Range 7 East. Portions of Section 18, Township 5 South, Range 7 East; and
portions of Section 12, 13. 26 and 35 and all of Sections 11, 14, 23, 24, 25, and 36, of Township 6 South,
Range 7 East; all of Section 19, 30, 31 of Township 6 South, Range 8 East of the San Bernardino Baseline
Meridian.
Reviewing Agencies Checklist
Lead Agencies may recommend State Clearinghouse distribution by marking agencies below with and "X".
If you have already sent your document to the agency please denote that with an "S".
X
Air Resources Board
Office of Emergency Services
Boating & Waterways, Department of
X Office of Historic Preservation
California Highway Patrol
_ Office of Public School Construction
X
Caltraw District # 8
_ Parks & Recreation, Department of
_
Caltrans Division of Aeronautics
_ Pesticide Regulation, Department of
X
Caltrans Planning
Public Utilities Commission
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
X Regional WQCB # 7
X
Coachella Valley Mtns. Conservancy
_ Resources Agency
Coastal Commission
_ S.F. Bay Conservation & Development Comm.
Colorado River Board
_ San Gabriel & Lower LA. Riven & Mitts. Conservancy
Conservation, Department of
_ San Joaquin River Conservancy
Corrections, Department of
_ Santa Monica Mina. Conservancy
_
Delta Protection Commission
_ State Lands Commission
Education, Department of
_ SWRCB: Clean Water Grants
Energy Commission
_ SWRCB: Water Quality
X
Fish & Game Region # 6
_ SWRCB: Water Rights
Food & Agriculture, Department of
_ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Forestry and Fire Protection, Department of
_ Toxic Substances Control, Department of
General Services, Department of
_ Water Resources, Department of
Health Services, Department of
X
Housing & Community Development
_ Other:
Integrated Waste Management Board
Other:
X
Native American Heritage Commission
_
Local Public Review Period (to be filled in by lead agency)
Starting Date November 24, 2010
Lead Agency (Complete If applicable):
Ending Date December 23, 2010
Consulting Firm: Terra Nova Planning & Research Applicant
Address: 42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101 Address:
City/State/zip: Palm Desert, CA 92211 city/State/zip:
Contact: Nicole Sauviat Cristo of,—..
phone:760-341-4800
Signature of Lead Agency Representative
Authority cited: Section 21083, Public Resnr
Resources Code.
a�dud 2009
United States Department of the
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Pahn Spruigs-South Coast Field Office
7
1201 Bird Center Drive
.� Palm Springs, CA 92262-8001
(760) 833-7100 Fax (760) 833-7199
Visit us on die /ntentet at
wwsti: b/m.gv u, ca ljmhnspnig y'
In Reply Refer to:
1610 (P)
CAD060.03
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Planning Consultant
Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc.
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Dear Ms. Criste:
n� )'FJ
DEC 15 2010
Interior 1
TAKE PRIDE
INAMERICA
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Palm Springs -South Coast Field Office, has
received the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for
the City of La Quinta General Plan Update. The BLM would like to comment on the
NOP regarding Current Land Designations and Uses, Surrounding Land Uses, and the
Land Use/Planning section of Environmental Factors Potentially Affected (Section IX).
Regarding these sections of the NOP, and the upcoming DEIR, please note that much
of the lands within the current city limits are public lands managed by the BLM. Most of
these public lands are within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National
Monument, and some public lands are also within the Santa Rosa Wilderness. These
lands are generally shown or designated as Open Space in the tables and maps of the
NOP. We believe it would be he!nf!!I to identify tho National Monument and Santa Rosa
r•-
Wilderness as distinct land uses. The DEIR should also address impacts to resources
of the National Monument, particularly resources and values identified for protection in
the National Monument legislation and the National Monument Management Plan.
Readers of the document should be made aware that although these public lands are
within the city limits of La Quinta, the City's General Plan will not have jurisdiction over
federally managed public lands. Conversely, the DEIR can emphasize that the National
Monument is not intended to affect private land or local land use plans within the
National Monument boundary. The BLM and the cities of the Coachella Valley
cooperated on the preparation of the National Monument Management Plan, and
continue to coordinate land use planning through the participation of the cities, including
La Quinta, on the National Monument Advisory Committee.
The BLM will continue to work with the City of La Quinta to ensure consistency with the
goals and objectives of the various land use and conservation plans in the Coachella
Valley. For further questions please contact Jim Foote, National Monument Manager,
or Greg Hill, Planning and Environmental Coordinator at (760) 833-7100.
Sincerely,
John R. Kalish
Field Manager
Cc:
Mr. Andy Mogensen
Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
PO Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
United States Department of the Interior
In Reply Refer To:
FWS-ERIV-09B0023-11 TA0185
Mr. Andy Mogensen
Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box1504
La Quinta, California 92253
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Ecological Services
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office
6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101
Carlsbad, California 92011
DEC 2 7 2010
CITY OF LA O� IINTA_
o �BRl 4R DF►'P,".TpP Apo
U-
F'TMT & wrr.cna F E
FAMC11.
194
�S1r
DEC 2 22010
Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for a General Plan
Update for the City of La Quinta
Dear Mr. Mogensen:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the subject notice of preparation
(NOP). The City of La Quinta (City) is preparing to update its General Plan and has determined
an Environmental Impact Report (FIR) should be prepared. The FIR will analyze the effects of
the Draft General Plan's goals, policies and anticipated development capacity. Elements to be
considered in the General Plan Update include land use, community mobility, community
facilities and services, open space and conservation, public safety and housing.
The primary concern and mandate of the Service is the protection of public fish and wildlife
resources and their habitats. The Service has legal responsibility for the welfare of migratory
birds, anadromous fish, and endangered animals and plants occurring in the United States. The
Service is also responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
In October 2008, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued a permit under section
10(a)(1)(B) of the Act for the Final Recirculated Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The CVMSHCP provides for region -wide environmental
protection while streamlining compliance with the Act, as well as the California Endangered
Species Act and Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act. The Coachella Valley
Conservation Commission and the local jurisdictions that have been permitted under the
CVMSHCP are responsible for implementing all requirements of the CVMSHCP and our permit.
The City is a CVMSHCP Permittee, and the City and its Sphere of Influence are within the
CVMSHCP Plan Area. Section 15125(d) of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act requires that an FIR discuss any inconsistencies between a
proposed project and applicable general plans and regional plans, including habitat conservation
plans and natural community conservation plans. The Service requests that the draft EIR for the
TAKE PRIDEO 4,
INAMERICA.- .__
Mr. Andy Mogensen, City of La Quinta (FWS-ERIV-09B0023-11TA0185) 2
proposed General Plan Update fully address the effects of any proposed changes in land use
designations on all applicable aspects of CVMSHCP implementation and reserve assembly.
If you have any questions, or if we can assist you in evaluating the scope of this effort, please
contact Carol Roberts of my staff at (760) 431-9440 extension 271.
Sincerely,
/I � /I R / I �p --t
Kennon A. Corey
T* Assistant Field Supervisor
cc:
Nicole Sauviat Criste, Terra Nova Planning & Research
Leslie MacNair, California Department of Fish and Game
Katie Barrows, Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION of
GOVERNMENTS
Main Office
818 West Seventh Street
12th Floor
Los Angeles, California
90017-3435
t (213) 236.1800
f (213) 236-1825
www.scag.ca.gov
Officers
President
Larry McCallon, Highland
First Vice President
Pam O'Connor, Santa Monica
Second Vice President
Glen Becerra, Simi Valley
Executive/Administration
Committee Chair
Larry McCallon, Highland
Policy Committee Chairs
Community, Economic and
Human Development
Bill Jahn, Big Bear Lake
Energy & Environment
Margaret Clark, Rosemead
Transportation
Greg Pettis, Cathedral City
December 22, 2010
Mr. Andrew Mogensen
Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
amogensen(D.la-auinta.orq
it)' Gt 1.0
RE: SCAG Comments on the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the
City of La Quinta General Plan Update [120100347]
Dear Mr. Mogensen,
Thank you for submitting the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City
of La Quinta General Plan Update 1120100347] to the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) for review and comment. SCAG is the authorized regional agency for Inter -Governmental
Review of Programs proposed for federal financial assistance and direct development activities, pursuant
to Presidential Executive Order 12372 (replacing A-95 Review). Additionally, pursuant to Public
Resources Code Section 21083(d) SCAG reviews Environmental Impact Reports of projects of regional
significance for consistency with regional plans per the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines,
Sections 15125(d) and 15206(a)(1). SCAG is also the designated Regional Transportation Planning
Agency and as such is responsible for both preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and
Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) under California Government Code Section 65080
and 65082.
SCAG staff has reviewed this project and determined that the proposed project is regionally significant
per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Sections 15125 and/or 15206. The
proposed project is a comprehensive update to the City's General Plan.
Policies of SCAG's Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Compass Growth Visioning (CGV) that may
be applicable to your project are outlined in the attachment. The RTP, CGV, and table of policies can be
found on the SCAG web site at: htto://seag_ca.gov/ici . For ease of review, we would encourage you to
use a side -by -side comparison of all SCAG policies with a discussion of the consistency, non -
consistency or non -applicability of the policy and supportive analysis in a table format (example
attached).
The attached policies are meant to provide guidance for considering the proposed project within the
context of our regional goals and policies. We also encourage the use of the SCAG List of Mitigation
Measures extracted from the RTP to aid with demonstrating consistency with regional plans and policies.
When available, please send environmental documentation ONLY to SCAG's main office in Los
Angeles and provide a minimum of 45 days for SCAG to review. If you have any questions regarding
the attached comments, please contact Bernard Lee at (213) 236-1895 or leeb@scag.ca.gov. Thank
you.
and Assessment Services
The Regional Council is comprised of 84 elected officials representing 190 cities, six counties,
six CountyTransportation Commissions and a Tribal Government representative within Southern California.
10.4. f 0
December 22, 2010
Mr. Mogensen
SCAG No.120100347
COMMENTS ON THE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA GENERALPLAN UPDATE
[120100347]
PROJECT LOCATION
The City of La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area is situated in the south central region of the
Coachella Valley, located in the central portion of Riverside County, California. The boundaries of the
General Plan Update Planning Area can be generally described as being bound on the north by Hovley
Lane East, on the south by Avenue 64, on the west and southwest by the Santa Rosa Mountains, and on
the east by Harrison Street.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of La Quinta, an incorporated community located in central Riverside County, California, is
undergoing a comprehensive Update to the city's General Plan. The General Plan is a State mandated
document that provides a "blueprint" for cities and highlights a city's long-term goals, policies and
programs. California Government Code (Section 65300) requires that incorporated cities and counties
prepare a General Plan to regulate the physical development of all lands under the jurisdiction of the
community, including legally recognized Sphere of Influence. The La Quinta General Plan Update will
incorporate all lands within the City's jurisdictional boundary and the surrounding Sphere of Influence area.
The city's current and existing General Plan was most recently adopted March 20, 2002, and it is
anticipated the new updated General Plan will be adopted in 2011.
The General Plan Update includes all lands within the jurisdiction boundary of La Quinta, as well as those
in the Sphere of Influence. These two areas combined will be addressed and referred to as the "General
Plan Update Planning Area" for purposes of this document. The General Plan Update Planning Area
encompasses approximately 30,957 acres; including 22,855 acres in the jurisdictional boundary and 8,101
acres within the Sphere of Influence. The Sphere of Influence includes areas that may become annexed
into the City of La Quinta in the future.
CONSISTENCY WITH REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Regional Growth Forecasts
The DEIR should reflect the most current SCAG forecasts, which are the 2008 RTP (May 2008)
Population, Household and Employment forecasts. The forecasts for your region, subregion and city are
as follows:
Adopted SCAG Regionwide Forecasts'
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035
Population
Households
Employment
19,418,344
20,465,830
21,468,948
22,395,121
23,255,377
24,057,286
6,086,986
6,474,074
6,840,328
7,156,645
7,449,484
7,710,722
8,349,453
8,811,406
9,183 029
9,546,773
9.913.376
10.287.125
Page 2
December 22, 2010
Mr. Mogensen
Adopted CVAG Subregion Forecasts'
2010 2015
Population
Households
Employment
SCAG No. 120100347
2020 2025", 2030 2035
507,318
590,368
712,462
827,009
929,522
j 1,045,814
174,485
202,268
241,275
281,289
317,209
354552
196,475
220,121
244 519
267,606
1-289.564
315289
Adopted City of La Quinta Forecasts'
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2036
50,049
52,922
54,787 56,440
57,
Population
45,272
The 2008 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) also has goals and policies that may be pertinent to this
proposed project. This RTP links the goal of sustaining mobility with the goals of fostering economic
development, enhancing the environment, reducing energy consumption, promoting transportation -friendly
development patterns, and encouraging fair and equitable access to residents affected by socio-economic,
geographic and commercial limitations. The RTP continues to support all applicable federal and state laws in
implementing the proposed project. Among the relevant goals and policies of the RTP are the following:
Regional Transportation Plan Goals:
RTP G1 Maximize mobility and accessibility for all people and goods in the region.
RTP G2 Ensure travel safety and reliability for all people and goods in the region.
RTP G3 Preserve and ensure a sustainable regional transportation system.
RTP G4 Maximize the productivity of our transportation system.
RTP G5 Protect the environment, improve air quality and promote energy efficiency.
RTP G6 Encourage land use and growth patterns that complement our transportation investments.
RTP G7 Maximize the security of our transportation system through improved system monitoring,
rapid recovery planning, and coordination with other security agencies.
GROWTH VISIONING
The fundamental goal of the Compass Growth Visioning effort is to make the SCAG region a better
place to live, work and play for all residents regardless of race, ethnicity or income class. Thus, decisions
regarding growth, transportation, land use, and economic development should be made to promote and
sustain for future generations the region's mobility, livability and prosperity. The following "Regional
Growth Principles" are proposed to provide a framework for local and regional decision making that
improves the quality of life for all SCAG residents. Each principle is followed by a specific set of strategies
intended to achieve this goal.
Principle 1: Improve mobility for all residents.
GV PIA Encourage transportation investments and land use decisions that are mutually supportive.
GV P1.2 Locate new housing near existing jobs and new jobs near existing housing.
GV P1.3 Encourage transit -oriented development.
GV PIA Promote a variety of travel choices
Page 3
December 22, 2010
Mr. Mogensen
SCAG No. 120100347
Principle 2: Foster livability in all communities.
GV P2.1 Promote infill development and redevelopment to revitalize existing communities.
GV P2.2 Promote developments, which provide a mix of uses.
GV P2.3 Promote 'people scaled, " walkable communities.
GV P2.4 Support the preservation of stable, single-family neighborhoods.
Principle 3: Enable prosperity for all people.
GV P3.1 Provide, in each community, a variety of housing types to meet the housing needs of all income
levels.
GV P3.2 Support educational opportunities that promote balanced growth.
GV P3.3 Ensure environmental justice regardless of race, ethnicity or income class.
GV P3.4 Support local and state fiscal policies that encourage balanced growth
GV P3.5 Encourage civic engagement.
Principle 4: Promote sustainability for future generations.
GV P4.1 Preserve rural, agricultural, recreational, and environmentally sensitive areas
GV P4.2 Focus development in urban centers and existing cities.
GV P4.3 Develop strategies to accommodate growth that uses resources efficiently, eliminate pollution
and significantly reduce waste.
GV P4.4 Utilize `green" development techniques
CONCLUSION
As the clearinghouse for regionally significant projects per Executive Order 12372, SCAG reviews the
consistency of local plans, projects, and programs with regional plans. This activity is based on SCAG's
responsibilities as a regional planning organization pursuant to state and federal laws and regulations.
Guidance provided by these reviews is intended to assist local agencies and project sponsors to take
actions that contribute to the attainment of regional goals and policies.
All feasible measures needed to mitigate any potentially negative regional impacts associated with the
proposed project should be implemented and monitored, as required by CEQA. We recommend that you
review the SCAG List of Mitigation Measures for additional guidance, and encourage you to follow them,
where applicable to your project. The SCAG List of Mitigation Measures may be found here:
http://www.scag.ca..qov/igr/documents/SCAG IGRMMRP 2008.pdf
Page 4
December 22, 2010
Mr. Mogensen
SCAG No.120100347
SUGGESTED SIDE BY SIDE FORMAT - COMPARISON TABLE OF SCAG POLICIES
For ease of review, we would encourage the use of a side -by -side comparison of all SCAG policies with a
discussion of the consistency, non -consistency or not applicable of the policy and supportive analysis in a
table format. All policies and goals must be evaluated as to impacts. Suggested format is as follows:
The complete table can be found at: http://www.scag.ca.gov/igrl
• Click on "Demonstrating Your Project's Consistency With SCAG Policies"
• Scroll down to "Table of SCAG Policies for IGR"
SCAG Regional Tran
Plan Goals and Compass Growth
Regional Transportation Plan Goals
Princi
Goal/ Policy Text Statement of Consistency,
Principle Non -Consistency, or Not Applicable
Number _
RTP G1 Maximize mobility and accessibility for ail people j Consistent: Statement as to why
and goods in the region. Not -Consistent: Statement as to why
or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why
RTP 62 Ensure travel safety and reliability for all people and Consistent: Statement as to why
goods in the region. Not -Consistent: Statement as to why
or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why
RTP G3 Preserve and ensure a sustainable regional
transportation system.
Etc. Etc.
Consistent: Statement as to why
Not -Consistent: Statement as to why
or
Not Applicable: Statement as to why
Page 5
OF
AY 7x
,j
z
dkANDO
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
TRANSPORTATION AND
LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Transportation Department
December 21, 2010
Andy Mogensen, Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
P. O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
Qa'��'ar�osv vEeP.
Juan C. Perez, P.E., T.E.
Direclor of Transporlation
DEC 2 2 2010
CITY OF LA QIJINTA
RE: Notice of Preparation of Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan Update
Dear Mr. Mogensen:
Thank you for sending the Riverside County Transportation Department the Notice of
Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of La Quinta
General Plan Update.
The General Plan Update could result in the intensification of land uses, which in turn
could lead to increases in traffic volumes. The Transportation Department would request
that the traffic study for the General Plan Update address potential impacts and mitigation
measures on all roadways in the County General Plan that might be affected.
If a modeling process is to be used for the traffic analysis, model inputs and assumptions
should be thoroughly documented. Please be aware that the recently developed Riverside
County Traffic Analysis Model (RIVTAM) is the suggested model for transportation
planning purposes countywide.
Thank you again for the opportunity to review the NOP. We look forward to receiving
the Draft EIR and the traffic analysis for the General Plan Update.
FK:rg
Sincerely, f ,
Farah Khorashadi
Engineering Division Manager
4080 Lemon Street, 8th Floor • Riverside, California 92501 • (951) 955-6740
P.O. Box 1090 • Riverside, California 92502-1090 • FAX (951) 955-3198
ZTRI
Established in 1918 as a public agency
Coachella Valley Water District
Directors: Officers:
Patricia A. Larson, President Steven B. Robbins, General Manager -Chief Engineer
Peter Nelson, Vice President Julia Fernandez, Board Secretary
Tellis Codekas
Franz W. De Klotz Redwine and Sherrill, Attorneys
Russell Kitahara December 21, 2010
File: 1150.14
Andrew Mogensen
Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
Post Office Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
Dear Mr. Mogensen:
DEC 2 3 Z010
CITY OF LA O(JiNTA
't.ANNING DEPAP Vr F II
Thank you for affording the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) the opportunity to
review the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the
La Quinta General Plan Update. CVWD provides domestic water, wastewater, recycled
water, irrigation/drainage, regional stormwater protection and groundwater management
services to a population of 265,000 throughout the Coachella Valley in Southern
California.
At this time, CVWD submits the following comments regarding the proposed project:
1. Page 43, Section VIII a) — The first two sentences of this paragraph do not provide
an accurate description of groundwater quality in the Coachella Valley. These
sentences should be replaced with the following text:
Groundwater quality in the Coachella Valley is highly variable and includes areas
with groundwater that is generally good to excellent, and some areas with elevated
levels of salinity. This condition can be caused by natural soil features, discharge of
waste, irrigation using surface water or recycled water, and/or water supply
augmentation using surface water or recycled water.
2. CVWD provides irrigation and drainage services to approximately 65,000 acres of
productive agricultural lands in the Coachella Valley. This system includes 485
miles of irrigation pipeline laterals (laterals) and approximately 166 miles of drain
pipelines (drains). The laterals were constructed by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation
in the 1940's and 1950's. The drainage system was constructed by CVWD in the
1950's and 1960's. Many of these facilities have easements that are not recorded
with the County of Riverside. From the text under Planning Area 1 and 2 and also
Exhibit 4, the General Plan Land Use Map of this DEIR, it appears that some 8,200
acres of agricultural land will be affected under the proposed General Plan. As the
population growth extends into the agricultural areas of the Coachella Valley, these
Andrew Mogensen
City of La Quinta 2 December 21, 2010
existing facilities will need to be replaced and/or protected in order to fully serve the
remaining agricultural lands and any non -potable water systems utilizing this water
source.
If you have any questions, please contact Luke Stowe, Senior Environmental Specialist,
at extension 2545.
Yours ver ly,
Mark Johnson
Director of Engineering
LS:ch/eng/env/10/Dec/La Quinta DEIR
South Coast
Air Quality Management District
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178
(909) 396-2000 • www.agmd.gov
December 16, 2010
Mr. Andy Mogensen
Principal Planner
DEC 2 0 2010
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
CITY OF LA a INTA
La Quinta, CA 92253
`LntdA!"wJ!� n�'?: ' f""_• `li
Notice of Preparation of a CEQA Document for the
La Quinta General Plan Update
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above -
mentioned document. The SCAQMD's comments are recommendations regarding the analysis of potential air quality
impacts from the proposed project that should be included in the draft environmental impact report (EIR). Please send
the SCAQMD a copy of the Draft EIR upon its completion. Note that copies of the Draft EIR that are submitted to the
State Clearinghouse are not forwarded to the SCAQMD. Please forward a copy of the Draft EIR directly to SCAQMD
at the address in our letterhead. In addition, please send with the draft EIR all appendices or technical documents
related to the air quality and greenhouse gas analyses and electronic versions of all air quality modeling and
health risk assessment riles. These include original emission calculation spreadsheets and modeling files not
Adobe PDF files). Without all riles and supporting air quality documentation, the SCAQMD will be unable to
complete its review of the air quality analysis in a timely manner. Any delays in providing all supporting air
quality documentation will require additional time for review beyond the end of the comment period.
Air Quality Analysis
The SCAQMD adopted its California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbook in 1993 to assist
other public agencies with the preparation of air quality analyses. The SCAQMD recommends that the Lead Agency
use this Handbook as guidance when preparing its air quality analysis. Copies of the Handbook are available from the
SCAQMD's Subscription Services Department by calling (909) 396-3720. Alternatively, the lead agency may wish to
consider using the California Air Resources Board (GARB) approved URBEMIS 2007 Model. This model is available
on the SCAQMD Website at: www.urbemis.com,
The Lead Agency should identify any potential adverse air quality impacts that could occur from all phases of the
project and all air pollutant sources related to the project. Air quality impacts from both construction (including
demolition, if any) and operations should be calculated. Construction -related air quality impacts typically include, but
are not limited to, emissions from the use of heavy-duty equipment from grading, earth-loading/unloading, paving,
architectural coatings, off -road mobile sources (e.g., heavy-duty construction equipment) and on -road mobile sources
(e.g., construction worker vehicle trips, material transport trips). Operation -related air quality impacts may include,
but are not limited to, emissions from stationary sources (e.g., boilers), area sources (e.g., solvents and coatings), and
vehicular trips (e.g., on- and off -road tailpipe emissions and entrained dust). Air quality impacts from indirect sources,
that is, sources that generate or attract vehicular trips should be included in the analysis.
The SCAQMD has developed a methodology for calculating PM2.5 emissions from construction and operational
activities and processes. In connection with developing PM2.5 calculation methodologies, the SCAQMD has also
developed both regional and localized significance thresholds. The SCAQMD requests that the lead agency quantify
PM2.5 emissions and compare the results to the recommended PM2.5 significance thresholds. Guidance for
calculating PM2.5 emissions and PM2.5 significance thresholds can be found at the following internet address:
http://www.agmd. og_ v/cega/handbook/PM2 5/PM2 5.html.
Andy Mogensen -2- December 16, 2010
In addition to analyzing regional air quality impacts the SCAQMD recommends calculating localized air quality
impacts and comparing the results to localized significance thresholds (LSTs). LST's can be used in addition to the
recommended regional significance thresholds as a second indication of air quality impacts when preparing a CEQA
document. Therefore, when preparing the air quality analysis for the proposed project, it is recommended that the lead
agency perform a localized significance analysis by either using the LSTs developed by the SCAQMD or performing
dispersion modeling as necessary. Guidance for performing a localized air quality analysis can be found at
http://www.agmd. og v/cega/handbook/LST/LST.html.
In the event that the proposed project generates or attracts vehicular trips, especially heavy-duty diesel -fueled vehicles,
it is recommended that the lead agency perform a mobile source health risk assessment. Guidance for performing a
mobile source health risk assessment ("Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Analyzing Cancer Risk from Mobile
Source Diesel Idling Emissions for CEQA Air Quality Analysis") can be found on the SCAQMD's CEQA web pages
at the following internet address: http•//www aqmd og v/cega/handbook/mobile toxic/mobile toxic.html. An analysis
of all toxic air contaminant impacts due to the decommissioning or use of equipment potentially generating such air
pollutants should also be included.
Mitigation Measures
In the event that the project generates significant adverse air quality impacts, CEQA requires that all feasible
mitigation measures that go beyond what is required by law be utilized during project construction and operation to
minimize or eliminate significant adverse air quality impacts. To assist the Lead Agency with identifying possible
mitigation measures for the project, please refer to Chapter 11 of the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook for
sample air quality mitigation measures. Additional mitigation measures can be found on the SCAQMD's CEQA web
pages at the following internet address: www.agmd. og v/ceqa/handbook/mitigation/MM intro.html Additionally,
SCAQMD's Rule 403 — Fugitive Dust, and the Implementation Handbook contain numerous measures for controlling
construction -related emissions that should be considered for use as CEQA mitigation if not otherwise required. Other
measures to reduce air quality impacts from land use projects can be found in the SCAQMD's Guidance Document for
Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning. This document can be found at the following
internet address: hqp://www.aqmd.gov/prdas/aqguide/aqguide.htm1. In addition, guidance on siting incompatible land
uses can be found in the California Air Resources Board's Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community
Perspective, which can be found at the following internet address: http://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/handbook.pdf. CARB's
Land Use Handbook is a general reference guide for evaluating and reducing air pollution impacts associated with new
projects that go through the land use decision -making process. Pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines § 15126.4
(a)(1)(1)), any impacts resulting from mitigation measures must also be discussed.
Data Sources
SCAQMD rules and relevant air quality reports and data are available by calling the SCAQMD's Public Information
Center at (909) 396-2039. Much of the information available through the Public Information Center is also available
via the SCAQMD's World Wide Web Homepage (http://www.agind.ggy).
The SCAQMD is willing to work with the Lead Agency to ensure that project -related emissions are accurately
identified, categorized, and evaluated. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please call Ian MacMillan,
Program Supervisor, CEQA Section, at (909) 396-3244.
Sincerely,
/J
A
Ian MacMillan
Program Supervisor, CEQA Inter -Governmental Review
Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources
IM
RVC 101201-01
Control Number
• • c,
• ! !,o 4is
DESERT
RECREATION DISTRICT
December 6, 2010
Mr. Andy Mogensen, Principal Planner DEC — 8 9
City of La Quinta
810
P.O. Box 1504 CI7) OFLfi r,:,,,`-rp,
La Quinta, CA 92253 �- A
Dear Mr. Mogensen:
The Desert Recreation District would like to thank you for the opportunity to review and
comment on The Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the La
Quinta General Plan Update.
On page 52, letter d paragraph, the following changes should be made:
1. The Desert Recreation District does not own, or manage, the Fritz Burns Park swimming
pool.
2. Missing from the report is the Coral Mountain Open Space site of 620 acres of which the
District has plans to develop into a park with trails and an interpretive center. The District
leases this site currently from the Bureau of Reclamation (25 yr. lease) with an option to
renew for an additional 25 year lease. The park site is located in the southern city limits
south of Avenue 58 and east of Jefferson Street and adjacent to Lake Cahuilla Regional Park
on the western edge of the lake.
Again, thank you for this opportunity. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need more
information.
Sincerely:
Meaghan Ellsworth
Assistant to the General Manager
cc: Kevin Kalman, Interim General Manager
L.
45-305 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201 • Tel: 760.347.3484 • Fax: 760.347.4660
MORON60
DEC -8 IiD MIISSON
CIP of LA ; �z INDIANS
December 6, 2010
Andy Mogensen, Principal Planner
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
SUBJECT: Notice of Preparation of a
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the
La Quinta General Plan Update
City of La Quinta
Riverside County, California
Dear Mr. Mogensen:
A SOVEREIGN NAWN
Thank you for contacting the Morongo Band of Mission Indians regarding the above
referenced project. The Tribe greatly appreciates the opportunity to review the project
and, respectfully, offer the following comments.
The project is outside of the Tribe's current reservation boundaries but within an area that
may be considered a traditional use area or one in which the Tribe has cultural ties (e.g.
Cahuilla/Serrano territory). Because the project involves an update to the City of La
Quinta General Plan, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians asks that you impose specific
conditions regarding cultural and/or archaeological resources and buried cultural
materials on any subsequent development plans or entitlement applications as follows:
o If human remains are encountered during grading and other construction
excavation, work in the immediate vicinity shall cease and the County
Coroner shall be contacted pursuant to State Health and Safety Code
§7050.5.
o In the event that Native American cultural resources are discovered
during project development/construction, all work in the immediate
vicinity of the find shall cease and a qualified archaeologist meeting
Secretary of Interior standards shall be hired to assess the find. Work on
the overall project may continue during this assessment period.
If significant Native American cultural resources are discovered, for
which a Treatment Plan must be prepared, the developer or his
archaeologist shall contact the Morongo Band of Mission Indians
12700 PUMARRA ROAD - BANNING, CA 92220 - 951-849-4697 - FAX:951-849-4425
("Tribe')I. If requested by the Tribe, the developer or the project
archaeologist shall, in good faith, consult on the discovery and its
disposition (e.g. avoidance, preservation, return of artifacts to tribe, etc.).
If I may be of further assistance with regard to this matter, please do not hesitate to
contact me at your convenience.
Very truly yours,
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Franklin A. Dancy,
Director of Planning
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians realizes that there may be additional tribes claiming
cultural affiliation to the area; however, Morongo can only speak for itself. The Tribe has no
objection if the archaeologist wishes to consult with other tribes and if the city wishes to revise the
condition to recognize other tribes.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Southern California Agency
1451 Research Park Drive, Suite 100
Riverside, California 92507-2154
Telephone (951) 276-6624 Telefax (951) 276-6641
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
Attention: Mr. Andy Morgensen, Principal Planner
IN REPLY REFER TO:
Water Resources
DEC - 6 2018
CM OF LA v •?V-TA
DEC 0 2 2010
Subject: Response to Notice of Preparation, (NOP), of a Draft EIR for the City of La Quinta
General Plan Update.
Dear Mr. Morgensen,
Thank you for providing the Bureau of Indian Affairs, (BIA), Southern California Agency, (SCA) with
the NOP of a Draft EIR for the City of La Quinta General Plan Update describing the intent of the
proposed project.
As you are aware, various Indian bands in the region and the BIA are concerned with potential
significant impacts to Real Property, Water Quality and Natural Resources Federal Trust Assets
within the Lower Whitewater River Watershed, on and beneath the surface of the following Indian
Reservations:
• Aqua Caliente Indian Reservation
• Cabazon Indian Reservation
• Torres Martinez Indian Reservation
• Augustine Indian Reservation, Morongo Indian Reservation; and
• Twenty -Nine Palms Indian Reservation.
Accoraing to your NO , both T urres-Martinez and Augusirri� �Iiuia'� r::�::w}�rs,s �.;,;�, �� �ule City of
La Quinta. The United States holds legal title to the land and natural resources within the above
listed Indian Reservations and has a fiduciary responsibility. Accordingly, pursuant to Cal. Pub.
Res. Environmental documents Code Section 21092.2, the Agency requests the copies of any and
all future notices and environmental documents concerning City activities within the Whitewater
River Watershed be sent to:
• Regional Director
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Pacific Regional Office
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
TAKE PR I DE`�
NAM E R l CA ��,�
• Superintendent
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Pacific Region, Southern California Agency
1451 Research Park Drive, Ste 100
Riverside, CA 92507
Superintendent
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Pacific Region, Palm Springs Agency
P.O. Box 2245,
Suite 201, (2"d Floor),
Palm Springs, CA 92262
It is unclear if the BIA Pacific Regional Office or the BIA Palm Springs Agency received a copy of
the NOP from the City of La Quinta. The Southern California Agency Received your NOP on
November 24, 2010.
If there are any questions or clarification needed regarding the content of this letter, please do not
hesitate to contact Ms. Christina Mokhtarzadeh, Hydrologist Southern California Agency at (951)
276-6624 ext. 257 or Gilbert Stuart, Agency Environmental Specialist at (951) 276-6624 ext 256.
Sincerely;
Superintendent
Cc Regional Director, Pacific Region, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Water Rights Specialist, Pacific Region, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Chairperson, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla In ;lans
Chairperson, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
Chairperson, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Chairperson, Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
Chairperson, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
Regional Solicitor, U.S. Department of the Interior
Superintendent, Palms Springs Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Page 2 of 2
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
GOVERNOR
December 1, 2010
Andrew Mogensen
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
Cal E-N U-
CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY
MATTHEW R. BETTENHAUSEN
SECRETARY
i I lul �-a
DEC -- 3 2010
CIiY OF L4 019INTA
'.L<NNING n-pP
RE: Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta's
General Plan Update
Dear Mr. Mogensen:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your Notice of Preparation for a Draft
Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the city's general plan update. In preparing the general
plan and accompanying DEIR, the city should examine the sections of state planning law that
involve potential hazards the city may face. For your information, I have underlined specific
sections of state planning law where identification and analysis of hazards are discussed (see
Attachment A).
Prior to the release of the draft general plan or within the DEIR, city staff or your consultants
should examine each of the requirements in state planning law and determine if there are hazard
issues within the community which the general plan should address. A table in the DEIR (or
general plan) which identifies these specific issues and where they are addressed in the general
plan would be helpful in demonstrating the city has complied with these requirements. If the
DEIR determines that state planning law requirements have not been met, it should recommend
that these issues be addressed in the general plan as a mitigation measure.
We note that state planning law includes a requirement for consultations with state agencies in
regard to information related to hazards. Cal EMA would be happy to share all available
information at our disposal to facilitate the city's ability to comply with state planning and
environmental laws.
If you have any questions about these comments, please contact Andrew Rush at (916) 845-8269
or andrew.rush@calema.ca.gov.
7
Sincerely,
Dennis Castrillo
Environmental Officer
cc: State Clearinghouse
3650 SCHRIEVER AVENUE • MATHER, CA 95655
RECOVERY BRANCH
(916) 845-8200 [OFFICE] • (916) 845-8385 [FAx]
Attachment A
Hazards and State Planning Law Requirements
General Plan Consistency
65300.5. In construing the provisions of this article, the Legislature intends that the general plan
and elements and parts thereof comprise an integrated, internally consistent and compatible
statement of policies for the adopting agency.
Seven Mandated Elements
65302. The general shall consist of a statement of development policies and shall include a
diagram or diagrams and text setting forth objectives, principles, standards, and plan proposals.
The plan shall include the following elements:
(a) A land use element that designates the proposed general distribution and general location
and extent of the uses of the land for housing, business, industry, open space, including
agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public
buildings and grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories of public
and private uses of land. The location and designation of the extent of the uses of the land for
public and private uses shall consider the identification of land and natural resources pursuant to
paragraph (3) of subdivision (d). The land use element shall include a statement of the standards
of population density and building intensity recommended for the various districts and other
territory covered by the plan. The land use element shall identify and annually review those
areas covered by the plan that are subject to flooding identified by plain mapping prepared
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water Resources.
The land use element shall also do both of the following:
(1) Designate in a land use category that provides for timber production those parcels of real
property zoned for timberland production pursuant to the California Timberland Productivity Act
of 1982, Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 51100) of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5.
(2) Consider the impact of new growth on military readiness activities carried out on military
bases, installations, and operating and training areas, when proposing zoning ordinances or
designating land uses covered by the general plan for land, or other territory adjacent to military
facilities, or underlying designated military aviation routes and airspace.
(A) In determining the impact of new growth on military readiness activities, information
provided by military facilities shall be considered. Cities and counties shall address military
impacts based on information from the military and other sources.
(B) The following definitions govern this paragraph:
(i) "Military readiness activities" mean all of the following:
(I) Training, support, and operations that prepare the men and women of the military for
combat.
(II) Operation, maintenance, and security of any military installation.
(III) Testing of military equipment, vehicles, weapons, and sensors for proper operation or
suitability for combat use.
(ii) "Military installation" means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for
any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Defense as
defined in paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Section 2687 of Title 10 of the United States Code.
11Page
(b) A circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed
major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and ports, and other
local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan.
(c) A housing element as provided in Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580).
(d) (1) A conservation element for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural
resources including water and its hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors,
fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources. The conservation element shall consider
the effect of development within the jurisdiction, as described in the land use element, on natural
resources located on public lands, including military installations. That portion of the
conservation element including waters shall be developed in coordination with any countywide
water agency and with all district and city agencies, including flood management, water
conservation, or groundwater agencies that have developed, served, controlled, managed, or
conserved water of any type for any purpose in the county or city for which the plan is prepared.
Coordination shall include the discussion and evaluation of any water supply and demand
information described in Section 65352.5, if that information has been submitted by the water
agency to the city or county.
(2) The conservation element may also cover all of the following:
(A) The reclamation of land and waters.
(B) Prevention and control of the pollution of streams and other waters.
(C) Regulation of the use of land in stream channels and other areas required for the
accomplishment of the conservation plan.
(D) Prevention control and correction of the erosion of soils, beaches, and shores.
(E) Protection of watersheds.
(F) The location, quantity and quality of the rock, sand and gravel resources.
(3) Upon the next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2009, the conservation
element shall identify rivers, creeks, streams, flood corridors, riparian habitats, and land that may
accommodate floodwater for purposes of groundwater recharge and stormwater management.
(e) An open -mace element as provided in Article 10.5 (commencing with Section 65560).
(f) (1) A noise element which shall identify and appraise noise problems in the community.
The noise element shall recognize the guidelines established by the Office of Noise Control in
the State Department of Health Care Services and shall analyze and quantify, to the extent
practicable, as determined by the legislative body, current and projected noise levels for all of the
following sources:
(A) Highways and freeways.
(B) Primary arterials and major local streets.
(C) Passenger and freight on-line railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems.
(D) Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft
overflights, jet engine test stands, and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions
related to airport operation.
(E) Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards.
(F) Other ground stationary noise sources, including, but not limited to, military installations,
identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.
(2) Noise contours shall be shown for all of these sources and stated in terms of community
noise equivalent level (CNEL) or day -night average level (Ldn). The noise contours shall be
prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following generally accepted noise modeling
techniques for the various sources identified in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive.
2 1 P a g e
(3) The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the
land use element that minimizes the exposure of community residents to excessive noise.
(4) The noise element shall include implementation measures and possible solutions that
address existing and foreseeable noise problems, if any. The adopted noise element shall serve as
a guideline for compliance with the state's noise insulation standards.
(g) (1) A safety element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks
associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground
failure tsunami seiche and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides,
subsidence liquefaction, and other seismic hazards identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8
(commencing with Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic
hazards known to the legislative body; flooding; and wild land and urban fires. The safety
element shall include mqpping of known seismic and other geologic hazards. It shall also address
evacuation routes military installations, peakload water supply requirements, and minimum road
widths and clearances around structures, as those items relate to identified fire and geologic
hazards.
(2) The safety element, upon the next revision of the housing element on or after January 1,
2009, shall also do the following:
(A) Identify information regarding flood hazards, including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Flood hazard zones. As used in this subdivision, "flood hazard zone" means an area subject
to flooding that is delineated as either a special hazard area or an area of moderate or minimal
hazard on an official flood insurance rate map issued by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency. The identification of a flood hazard zone does not imply that areas outside the flood
hazard zones or uses permitted within flood hazard zones will be free from flooding or flood
damage.
(ii) National Flood Insurance Program maps published by FEMA.
(iii) Information about flood hazards that is available from the United States Army Corps of
Engineers.
(iv) Designated floodway maps that are available from the Central Valley Flood Protection
Board.
(v) Dam failure inundation maps prepared pursuant to Section 8589.5 that are available from
the Office of Emergency Services.
(vi) Awareness Floodplain Mapping Program maps and 200-year flood plain maps that are or
may be available from, or accepted by, the Department of Water Resources.
(vii) Maps of levee protection zones.
(viii) Areas subject to inundation in the event of the failure of project or nonproject levees or
floodwalls.
(ix) Historical data on flooding, including locally prepared maps of areas that are subject to
flooding, areas that are vulnerable to flooding after wildfires, and sites that have been repeatedly
damaged by flooding.
(x) Existing and planned development in flood hazard zones, including structures, roads,
utilities, and essential public facilities.
(xi) Local, state, and federal agencies with responsibility for flood protection, including special
districts and local -offices of emergency services.
(B) Establish a set of comprehensive goals, policies, and objectives based on the information
identified pursuant to subparagraph (A), for the protection of the community from the
unreasonable risks of flooding, including, but not limited to:
3 1 P a g e
(i) Avoiding or minimizing the risks of flooding to new development.
(ii) Evaluating whether new development should be located in flood hazard zones, and
identifying construction methods or other methods to minimize damage if new development is
located in flood hazard zones.
(iii) Maintaining the structural and operational integrity of essential public facilities during
flooding.
(iv) Locating, when feasible, new essential public facilities outside of flood hazard zones,
including hospitals and health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency
command centers, and emergency communications facilities or identifying construction methods
or other methods to minimize damage if these facilities are located in flood hazard zones.
(v) Establishing cooperative working relationships among public agencies with responsibility
for flood protection.
(C) Establish a set of feasible implementation measures designed to carry out the goals,
policies, and objectives established pursuant to subparagraph (B).
(3) After the initial revision of the safety element pursuant to paragraph (2), upon each revision
of the housing element, the planning agency shall review and, if necessary, revise the safety
element to identify new information that was not available during the previous revision of the
safety element.
(4) Cities and counties that have flood plain management ordinances that have been approved
by FEMA that substantially comply with this section, or have substantially equivalent provisions
to this subdivision in their general plans, may use that information in the safety element to
comply with this subdivision, and shall summarize and incorporate by reference into the safety
element the other general plan provisions or the flood plain ordinance, specifically showing how
each requirement of this subdivision has been met.
(5) Prior to the periodic review of its general plan and prior to preparing or revising its safety
element each city and county shall consult the California Geological Survey of the Department
of Conservation the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, if the city or county is located
within the boundaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Drainage District, as set forth in
Section 8501 of the Water Code and the Office of Emergency Services for the purpose of
including information known by and available to the department, the office, and the board
required by this subdivision.
(6) To the extent that a county's safety element is sufficiently detailed and contains appropriate
policies and programs for adoption by a city, a city may adopt that portion of the county's safety
element that pertains to the city's planning area in satisfaction of the requirement imposed by this
subdivision.
Consistency with Airport Land Use Plans
65302.3. (a) The general and any applicable specific plan prepared pursuant to Article 8
(commencing with Section 65450)shall be consistent with the plan adopted or amended
pursuant to Section 21675 of the Public Utilities Code.
Review of Safety Element
65302.5. (a) At least 45 days prior to adoption or amendment of the safety element each county
and city shall submit to the Division of Mines and Geology of the Department of Conservation
4 1 P a g e
one copy of a draft of the safety element or amendment and any technical studies used for
developing the safety element. The division may review drafts submitted to it to determine
whether the incorporate known seismic and other geologic hazard information, and report its
findings to the planning agency within 30 days of receipt of the draft of the safety element or
amendment pursuant to this subdivision. The legislative body shall consider the division's
findings prior to final adoption of the safety element or amendment unless the division's findings
are not available within the above prescribed time limits or unless the division has indicated to
the city or county that the division will not review the safety element. If the division's findings
are not available within those prescribed time limits, the legislative body take the division's
findings into consideration at the time it considers future amendments to the safety element.
Each county and city shall provide the division with a copy of its adopted safety element or
amendments. The division may review adopted safety elements or amendments and report its
findings. All findings made by the division shall be advisory to the planning agency and
legislative body.
(1) The draft element of or draft amendment to the safety element of a county or a city's general
plan shall be submitted to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and to every local
agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county at least 90 days prior to
either of the following:
(A) The adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general plan for each county hat
contains state responsibility areas.
(B) The adoption or amendment to the safety element of its general for each city or county
that contains a very high fire hazard severity zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (b) of
Section 51177.
(2) A county that contains state responsibility areas and a city or county that contains a very high
fire hazard severity zone as defined pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 51177, shall submit
for review the safety element of its general plan to the State Board of Forestry and Fire
Protection and to every local agency that provides fire protection to territory in the city or county
in accordance with the following dates as specified unless the local government submitted the
element within five years prior to that date:
(A) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the San Diego Association of
Governments: December 31, 2010.
(B) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the Southern California Association of
Governments: December 31, 2011.
(C) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the Association of Bay Area
Governments: December 31, 2012.
(D) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the Council of Fresno County
Governments, the Kern County Council of Governments, and the Sacramento Area Council of
Governments: June 30, 2013.
(E) Local governments within the regional jurisdiction of the Association of Monterey Bay Area
Governments: December 31, 2014.
(F) All other local governments: December 31, 2015.
(3) The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection shall and a local agency may, review the
draft or an existing safety element and report its written recommendations to the planning agency
within 60 days of its receipt of the draft or existing safety element. The State Board of Forestry
and Fire Protection and local agency shall review the draft or existing safety element and may
offer written recommendations for changes to the draft or existing safety element regarding both
of the following:
(A) Uses of land and policies in state responsibility areas and very high fire hazard severity
zones that will protect life, property, and natural resources from unreasonable risks associated
with wildland fires.
(B) Methods and strategies for wildland fire risk reduction and prevention within state
responsibility areas and very high hazard severity zones.
(b) Prior to the adoption of its draft element or draft amendment, the board of supervisors of the
county or the cif council of a city shall consider the recommendations made by the State Board
of Forestry and Fire Protection and any local agency that provides fire protection to territory in
the city or county. If the board of supervisors or city council determines not to accept all or
some of the recommendations if any, made by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection or
local agency, the board of supervisors or city council shall communicate in writing to the State
Board of Forestry and Fire Protection or to the local agency, its reasons for not
accepting the recommendations.
Open Space Plans
65560. (a) "Local open -space plan" is the open -space element of a county or city general plan
adopted by the board or council, either as the local open -space plan or as the interim local open -
space plan adopted pursuant to Section 65563.
(b) "Open -space land" is any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and
devoted to an open -space use as defined in this section and that is designated on a local, regional
or state open -space plan as any of the following:
(1) Open space for the preservation of natural resources including, but not limited to, areas
required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and wildlife
species; areas required for ecologic and other scientific study purposes; rivers, streams, bays and
estuaries; and coastal beaches, lakeshores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands.
(2) Open space used for the managed production of resources, including but not limited to,
forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production
of food or fiber; areas required for recharge of groundwater basins; bays, estuaries, marshes,
rivers and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and areas
containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply.
(3) Open space for outdoor recreation, including but not limited to, areas of outstanding scenic,
historic and cultural value; areas particularly suited for park and recreation purposes, including
access to lakeshores, beaches, and rivers and streams; and areas which serve as links between
major recreation and open -space reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and
streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors.
(4) Open space for public health and safety, including but not limited to areas which require
special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake
fault zones unstable soil areas flood plains watersheds areas presenting high fire risks areas
required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs and areas required for the
protection and enhancement of air quality.
;; .
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
13
CHAIR January 5, 2011
Simon Housman
Rancho Mirage Mr. Andy Mogensen, Principal Planner
VICE CHAIRMAN City of La Quinta Planning Department
Rod Ballance P. O. Box 1504
Riverside La Quinta CA 92253
COMMISSIONERS RE: Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the La
Arthur Butler Quinta General Plan Update, City of La Quinta
Riverside
Robin Lowe Dear Mr. Mogensen:
Hemet
Thank you for providing the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) with a
John Lyon copy of the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La
Riverside
Quinta General Plan Update. We respectfully request to receive a copy of the Draft
Glen Holmes Environmental Impact Report upon its completion.
Hemet
Greg Pettis On page 40 of the initial study, the text of item Vll.e. states that "the City is outside [Bermuda
Cathedral City Dunes Airport's] area of influence." This statement is inaccurate. As can be seen from the
maps available online at www.rcaluc.ora„ the Bermuda Dunes Airport Influence Area
extends southerly to the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel. The city limits include
primarily areas within Compatibility Zone E, but a portion of this area is located within
STAFF Compatibility Zone D. The City's northern sphere of influence area is located within
Director Compatibility Zone E. (A copy of the Bermuda Dunes Airport Compatibility Map is attached
Ed Cooper to this letter, for future reference.)
John Guerin
Russell Brady The only portion of the City of La Quinta within Compatibility Zone D is an area located
Barbara Santos northerly of Fred Waring Drive and westerly of Jefferson Street. The City's proposed land
County Administrative Center use designation for this site is Low Density Residential (0 to 4 dwelling units per acre). This
4080LemonSt,14thFloor. land use designation is not consistent with Countywide compatibility criteria for Compatibility
Riverside, CA92501 Zone D; however, to the extent that this reflects existing land uses or uses that have received
(951) 955-5132
their final discretionary approval (e.g., a recorded tract map), a finding of consistency could
still be made by the Airport Land Use Commission. Compatibility Zone E does not restrict the
m density or intensity of land uses.
The current boundaries of the City of La Quinta lie outside the Airport Influence Area for
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, but the sphere of influence extends into this area and
is included primarily in Compatibility Zones D and E. Small portions of Compatibility Zones C
and B1 extend into the area directly southwesterly of the Airport Boulevard/Harrison Street
intersection. This area is within the community of Vista Santa Rosa, where the Commission
has indicated a willingness to consider special policies if large expanses of open area can be
preserved in perpetuity. (Please see the attached letter from the Airport Land Use
Commission to the Riverside County Planning Department regarding this issue.)
Pursuant to Section 21676(b) of the California Public Utilities Code, "prior to the amendment
of a general plan ... the local agency shall first refer the proposed action to [ALUC]." At the
appropriate time prior to action (ideally before Planning Commission consideration, but
definitely before City Council action), the new General Plan shall be submitted to the Airport
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION January 5, 2011
Land Use Commission for a consistency review. (A copy of the "Application for Major Land
Use Action Review" form is attached, for your convenience.)
We urge your consideration of the Countywide Policies of the 2004 Riverside County Airport
Land Use Compatibility Plan, the 2004 Bermuda Dunes Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan,
and the 2005 Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan in proposing
land use designations for properties within the Airport Influence Areas of these two airports.
Additionally, the California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook published by the State of
California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, is an excellent resource
that should be consulted in your efforts to provide for a General Plan that furthers the
objectives of airport land use compatibility planning.
Until a determination is made that the General Plan is consistent with the above -referenced
Compatibility Plans, all major land use actions, including divisions of land into five or more
lots and nonresidential developments with a total floor area of 20,000 square feet or greater,
with or without legislative actions such as general plan amendments, specific plans and
specific plan amendments, and zoning changes, affecting land within the Airport Influence
Areas of Bermuda Dunes Airport and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport are subject to
ALUC review. The ALUC will review for conformance with ALUCP compatibility criteria,
including land use intensity, noise, and height.
If you have any questions, please contact John Guerin, ALUC Principal Planner, at (951)
955-0982.
Sincerely,
RIVERSIDE COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
C+
Attachments (3): Bermuda Dunes Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Map
Letter to Riverside County Planning re: Vista Santa Rosa
Application for Major Land Use Action Review
cc: Nicole S. Criste, Terra Nova Planning & Research
2
INDIVIDUAL AIRPORT POLICIES AND COMPATIBILITY MAPS CHAPTER 3
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0
Legend
Compatibility Zones
Airport Influence Area Boundary
0 Zone A
0 Zone Bi
Zone B2
Zone C
Zone D
0 Zone E
Boundary Lines
Airport Property Line
..-, City Limits
Note
Southwestern edge of Airport Influence Area
boundary measured from a point 200 feet beyond
runway ends in accordance with FAA airspace
protection criteria (FAR Part 77). All other
dimensions measured from runway ends and
centerlines.
See Chapter 2, Table 2A for compatibility criteria
associated with this map.
Riverside County
Airport Land Use Commission
Riverside County
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
Policy Document
(Adopted December 2004)
Map BD-1
Compatibility Map
Bermuda Dunes Airport
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
April 14, 2008
CHAIR
Simon Housman Mr. Jerry Jolliffe Deputy Planning Director
Rancho Mirage �'Y � p Y g
VICE CHAIRMAN County of Riverside Planning Department
Rod Ballance 4080 Lemon Street, 9d' Floor
Riverside Riverside CA 92501
HAND DELIVERY
COMMISSIONERS
Arthur Butler RE: AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION (ALUC) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Riverside File No.: Not Applicable
Robin Lowe Related File No.: Vista Santa Rosa Concept Plan
Hemet
John Lyon Dear Mr. Jolliffe:
Riverside
Glen Holmes On April 10, 2008, the Vista Santa Rosa Concept Plan was brought before the Riverside County
Hemet
Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) on an informal (non -vote) basis. As proposed on that
Melanie Fesmire date, the Commission expressed its conceptual support for the Plan, provided that the following
Indio
amendments are made so as to allow the Plan to be eligible for a finding of consistency with the
2005 Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, pursuant to Section
3.3.6 of the Countywide Policies of the 2004 Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility
STAFF Plan:
Director
Ed Cooper COMMENDED AMENDMENTS:
John Guerin
Brenda Ramirez The Airport Land Use Commission recommends that the Count of Riverside incorporate the
Sophia Nolasco � Y �
Barbara Santos amendments specified herein (or substantively similar text as acceptable to the ALUC Director)
County Administrative Center into the Vista Santa Rosa Concept Plan and submit the revised text to ALUC staff for
4080 Lemon St., 9m Fw. concurrence prior to final adoption by the County.
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955.5132
1. The Concept Plan shall be amended to add the boundaries of Airport Zones B 1, C, D, and
E.
www.rcaluc.org
2. Table 2A of the Countywide Policies of the Riverside County Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan shall be incorporated into the Vista Santa Rosa Concept Plan as an
Appendix.
3. A statement shall be added in the discussion of Policy Area 1 stating that residential
densities in the portion of Planning Area 1 in Airport Zone D shall be not less than five
dwelling units per acre.
4. Policy Areas 3 and 4 shall include policies that require new residential units (other than
individual dwelling units on existing legal lots and second units) in Airport Zone D to
either comply with the density criteria of Table 2A (which allows clustered development
Airport Land Use Commission
Page 2
envelopes of five or more dwelling units per acre, but otherwise restricts density to a
maximum of one dwelling unit per five acres, in accordance with Option A below), or
with the specifications of Option B or Option C, as stated below.
5. The Plan shall include a statement that all legislative actions in the Airport Influence Area
shall be submitted to the Airport Land Use Commission for mandatory review and that all
major land use actions as defined in the Riverside County Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan within that area shall be submitted to the Airport Land Use
Commission for advisory review.
6. The Plan shall include a statement that all projects ten acres or larger within Airport Zone
D shall set aside ten percent of land area in qualified open areas not less than 300 feet in
length and 75 feet in width and free from obstructions, unless the project is located in a
development area within which a 50-acre contiguous open space area has been
established or is being concurrently established. The qualified open areas may include
pastures, polo and soccer fields, golf course fairways, drainage easements, and roadways.
Trees, light poles exceeding four feet in height, and trash enclosures are not permitted in
such open areas.
7. At the time of the adoption of the Vista Santa Rosa Concept Plan or sooner, the County
must agree to amend the Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan to incorporate current
compatibility criteria for Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in its Policy Areas text and
tables.
8. The discussion of Lifestyle Corridors should include a statement that schools, lakes,
streams, and water features (other than existing water features) will not be located in the
portion of the east -west corridor located in Airport Zone D, and that commercial and
public -use structures and uses therein would be required to comply with person intensity
limits.
9. A statement shall be added in the discussion of Other Land Use Types stating that, if the
property at the northwest corner of 60t' Avenue and Harrison Street is developed pursuant
to the Community Center Overlay, residential densities in that area shall not be less than
five dwelling units per acre.
10. The section addressing "Compatibility with Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport" shall
be rewritten to delete the reference to "the portions of the parcels proposed for
designation as High Density Residential along Harrison Street," since the Plan no longer
proposes any residential designations for land in Airport Zones B 1 and C. The reference
to "the portion of the parcel proposed as Commercial Tourist that is located at the
southwest corner of Harrison Street and Airport Boulevard" should be replaced with a
reference to "Commercial Tourist and Business Park uses," and should simply state that
the intensity of uses shall comply with the person intensity limits of the applicable
Airport Zone, as specified in Table 2A.
11. Section D should include a separate paragraph describing "qualified open areas in Airport
Zones," as defined in the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
2
Airport Land Use Commission
Page 3
The designations of the portions of Policy Areas 3 and 4 within Airport Zone D for residential
development at densities of 0.5 to 3.0 dwelling units per acre is inconsistent with the 2005
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, in that Airport Zone D
prohibits intermediate residential densities greater than 0.2 dwelling units per acre and less
than 5.0 dwelling units per net acre, unless special findings are made pursuant to Section
3.3.6 of the 2004 Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. However, the
community's overall vision of open space, agriculture, and roadways with wide setbacks to
preserve vistas is compatible with appropriate design for residential communities in the
vicinity of airports.
There are several factors that are unique to the Vista Santa Rosa community as it relates to the
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport:
a. The Vista Santa Rosa Concept Plan is built around the concept of "open space -
oriented community amenities" and requires minimum proportions of project average
that must be allocated to such amenities in order for a project with a density greater
than one dwelling unit per acre to be approved.
b. The Plan was initiated in response to citizen action by residents of Vista Santa Rosa
interested in maintaining the rural atmosphere of the community.
C. The entire Vista Santa Rosa area lies outside the 55 dB(A) CNEL contour on maps
depicting noise contours based on the ultimate activity levels for Jacqueline Cochran
Regional Airport.
d. The inclusion of Vista Santa Rosa in Airport Zone D (with the exception of the
easterly 500 feet) is attributable to Runway 12-30. The standard lateral distance from
Runway 17-35 used in demarcating Zones D and E at this airport is 8,000 feet, and
only the easterly 500 feet is located within this 8,000-foot lateral distance.
e. According to the Airport Activity Data Summary of the adopted Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan, Runway 12-30 is expected to account for not more than 10% of
annual activity by single engine and twin -engine piston aircraft and not more than 4%
of annual activity by twin -engine turboprop aircraft, helicopters, and small business
j ets.
f. The maximum pavement strength of Runway 12-30 is 20,000 pounds, compared with
a maximum pavement strength of 174,000 pounds for Runway 17-35. Therefore, it is
unlikely that Runway 12-30 would be utilized for air cargo service in the future.
g. The Concept Plan offers an opportunity for the community to be designed in a manner
that improves safety in the long term by assuring that, as the community transitions
from agricultural to suburban estate residential uses, provision will be made for either
a larger proportion of land area available for emergency landing or one large
emergency landing area that would be clearly visible to aircraft pilots.
Q
Airport Land Use Commission
Page 4
In light of all of these factors, the Airport Land Use Commission agreed that there is
reasonable justification for consideration of special criteria to be applied when evaluating the
proposed intermediate densities within the Vista Santa Rosa community. These special
criteria would allow for development at an overall density of 0.2 to 2.5 dwelling units per acre
provided that an avigation easement is conveyed to the County Economic Development
Agency as owner -operator of Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport and that a substantially
larger proportion or area of open space is provided.
The alternatives for residential development in the Airport Zone D area are as follows:
OPTION A
Development at a density of one dwelling unit per five acres, development at an overall
density of five or more dwelling units per acre within residential areas, or development within
clustered pods of five or more dwelling units per acre (net density of residential planning
areas including roads less than 74 feet in width). Such development is subject to recordation
of a deed notice and, if the project is 10 acres or larger in area, the required 10% of project
acreage in qualified ALUC open area. (Option A is consistent with Table 2A density
criteria.)
OPTION B
Development at an overall density of 0.2 to 1.5 dwelling units per acre may be found
consistent pursuant to Section 3.3.6, provided that an avigation easement is recorded and that
not less than 15% of project acreage is dedicated to qualified open areas not less than 75 feet
in width and not less than 600 feet in length.
Development at an overall density of 1.5 to 2.5 dwelling units per acre may be found
consistent pursuant to Section 3.3.6, provided that an avigation easement is recorded and that
not less than 20% of project acreage is dedicated to qualified open areas not less than 75 feet
in width and not less than 600 feet in length.
OPTION C
Development at an overall density of 0.2 to 2.5 dwelling units per acre may be found
consistent pursuant to Section 3.3.6, provided that an avigation easement is recorded. In lieu
of dedicating the percentages of open areas specified in OPTION B above, the development
may choose to set aside an area of 50 contiguous acres of qualified open area with no linear
dimension less than 600 feet, with such qualified open area to be dedicated as open area in
perpetuity. Once such an area is set aside for this purpose, this area will meet the open area
requirement for up to 450 acres of development area (excluding that open area) within the
portion of Airport Zone D located northerly of 60t' Avenue.
If you have any questions, please contact John Guerin, Airport Land Use Commission
Principal Planner, at (951) 955-0982.
0
Airport Land Use Commission
Page 5
Sincerely,
RIVERSIDE COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
Edward C. Cooper, Director
JGG:bks
cc: ALUC Staff
Michael Gialdini, Office of Fourth District Supervisor Roy Wilson
Y:\ALUC\JCRA\VistaSantaRosaCommentsALUCApr08.doc
5
ALUC Identification No.
APPLICATION FOR• • USE ACTION
COUNTYRIVERSIDE AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
PROJECT PROPONENT (TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT)
Date of Application
Property Owner Phone Number
Mailing Address
Agent (if any) Phone Number
Mailing Address
PROJECT LOCATION (TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT)
Attach an accurately scaled map showing the relationship of the project site to the airport boundary and runways
Street Address
Assessor's Parcel No. Parcel Size
Subdivision Name Zoning
Lot Number Classification
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (TO BE COMPLETED BYAPPLICANT)
If applicable, attach a detailed site plan showing ground elevations, the location of structures, open spaces and water bodies, and the heights of structures and trees,
include additional project description data as needed
Existing Land Use
(describe)
Proposed Land Use
(describe)
For Residential Uses Number of Parcels or Units on Site (exclude secondary units)
For Other Land Uses Hours of Use
(See Appendix C) Number of People on Site Maximum Number
Method of Calculation
Height Data Height above Ground or Tallest Object (including antennas and trees) ft.
Highest Elevation (above sea level) of Any Object or Terrain on Site ft.
Flight Hazards Does the project involve any characteristics which could create electrical interference, ❑ Yes
confusing lights, glare, smoke, or other electrical or visual hazards to aircraft flight?
No
If yes, describe
REFERRING AGENCY (TO BE COMPLETED BY AGENCY STAFF)
Date Received
_
Type of Project
Agency Name
❑ General Plan Amendment
❑ Zoning Amendment or Variance
Staff Contact
❑ Subdivision Approval
Phone Number
❑ Use Permit
Agency's Project No.
El Public Facility
❑ Other
ALUC REVIEW (TO BE COMPLETED BY ALUC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
Application
Date Received
By
Receipt
Is Application Complete? ❑ Yes
❑
No
If No, cite reasons
Airport(s) Nearby
_
Primary
Compatibility Zone(s) ❑ A
❑
B1
❑ B2 ❑ C ❑ D ❑ E ❑ Ht.
Criteria
Review
Allowable (not prohibited) Use? ❑ Yes
❑
No
Density/Intensity Acceptable? ❑ Yes
❑
No
Open Land Requirement Met? ❑ Yes
❑
No
_
Height Acceptable? ❑ Yes
❑
No
Easement/Deed Notice Provided? ❑ Yes
❑
No
Special Conditions
Describe:
Supplemental
Noise
Criteria
Review
Safety
Airspace
Protection
Overflight
ACTIONS TAKEN (TO BE COMPLETED BYALUC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
ALUC Executive
❑ Approve
Date
Director's Action
❑ Refer to ALUC
ALUC
❑ Consistent
Date
Action
❑ Consistent with Conditions (list conditions/attach additional pages if needed)
❑ Inconsistent (list reasons/attach additional pages if needed)
August 2007
__
_
A. NOTICE: Failure of an applicant to submit complete or adequate information pursuant to Sec-
tions 65940 to 65948 inclusive, of the California Government Code, MAY constitute grounds for
disapproval of actions, regulations, or permits.
B. SUBMISSION PACKAGE:
ALUC REVIEW
1......
Completed Application Form
1......
Project Site Plan — Folded (8-1/2 x 14 max.)
1......
Elevations of Buildings - Folded
1 Each .
8'/2 x 11 reduced copy of the above
1......
8'/2 x 11 reduced copy showing project
in relationship to airport.
1 Set
Floor plans for non-residential projects
4 Sets..
Gummed address labels of the
Owner and representative (see Proponent).
1 Set..
Gummed address labels of all property
owners within a 300' radius of the
project site. If more than 100 property
owners are involved, please provide
pre -stamped envelopes (size #10), with
ALUC return address.
4 Sets..
Gummed address labels of the
referring agency (City or County).
1......
Check for Fee (See Item "C" below)
STAFF REVIEW (Consult with ALUC staff
planner as to whether project qualifies)
1 ..... Completed Application Form
1 ..... Project Site Plans — Folded (8-1/2 x 14 max.)
1 ..... Elevations of Buildings - Folded
1 ..... 8'/2 x 11 Vicinity Map
1 Set. Gummed address labels of the
Owner and representative (see Proponent).
1 Set . Gummed address labels of the referring
agency.
1 .....Check for review —See Below
C. FEE SCHEDULE (Effective August 14, 2007): Approved by Resolution 2007-03:
ALUC REVIEW
Change of Zone; Conditional Use Permit; Gen- Specific Plan Review
eral Plan Amendment; Parcel Map or Plot/Site Initial Project Review
Plan Review and Variance
Amended Project Review
Initial Project Review $ 1,188.00
Amended Project Review $ 792.00
Tract Map Review
Community Plan Review
Initial Project Review $1,353.00
Initial Project Review
Amended Project Review $ 908.00
Amended Project Review
General Plan Element Review
Initial Project Review $3,300.00
Amended Project RevJew $2,195.00
Other Environmental Assessments Review
Initial Project Review $1,492.00
Amended Project Review $ 990.00
$2,911.00
$1,947.00
$3,300.00
$2,145.00
Environmental Impact Report Review
Initial Project Review $2,723.00
Amended Project Review $1,815.00
Building Permit Review
Initial Project Review $ 512.00
Amended Project Review $ 347.00
Please make out check payable to:
Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission or A. L. U. C.