Loading...
CC Resolution 2002-043 RESOLUTION NO. 2002-43 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PREPARED FOR THE 2002 LA QUINTA GENERAL PLAN UPDATE IS RECOGNIZED AS ADEQUATE AND COMPLETE; RECOGNIZING THE OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS TO CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS; AND, RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED, BUT CAN BE REASONABLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY MITIGATED, IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE EIR WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302, the 2002 La Quinta General Plan Update has been prepared; and WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report (hereinafter "EIR") has been prepared and circulated, pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970; and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of California and the City of La Quinta, in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality ~ct of 1970 (hereinafter "CEQA"), as amended (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et. seq.), and the State Guidelines for the implementation of CEQA, as amended (14 Cal. Code of Regs. Sections 15000 et. seq.), that the City shall not approve a project unless there is no feasible way to lessen or avoid significant effects; meaning all impacts have been avoided to the extent feasible or substantially lessened and any remaining unavoidable significant impacts are acceptable based on CEQA, Section 1 5093; and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of California and the City of La Quinta, in accordance with the provisions of the CEQA, as amended (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et. seq.) and the State Guidelines for implementation of CEQA, as amended (14 Cal. Code of Regs., Sections 15000 et. seq.) that the City shall balance the benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks prior to project approval; meaning that if the benefits of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse environmental effects are outweighed by the project benefits; and Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 2 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta has read and considered all environmental documentation comprising the EIR, has found that the EIR considers all potentially significant environmental impacts of the proposed project and is complete and adequate, and fully complies with all requirements of CEQA; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and adopted certain overriding considerations to adverse environmental impacts, and specified CEQA Findings and Statement of Facts; and WHEREAS, prior to action on the project, the City Council has considered all significant impacts, mitigation measures, and project alternatives identified in the EIR, and has found that all potentially significant impacts on the project have been lessened or avoided to the extent feasible; and WHEREAS, Section 15093(b) requires, where the decision of the City Council allows the occurrences of significant effects which are identified in the EIR, but are not mitigated, the City must state in writing the reasons to support its action based on the EIR and/or other information in the record; and WHEREAS, the CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines provide that no public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been completed and which identifies one or more significant effects of the project unless the public agency makes written findings for each of the significant effects, accompanied by a statement of facts supporting each finding. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta does hereby certify the EIR for the 2002 La Quinta General Plan Update as adequate and complete. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta makes the Statement of Overriding Considerations as shown on attached Exhibit "A" entitled "Statement of Overriding Considerations," which is incorporated herein as though set forth at length. · BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta adopts the CEQA Findings and Statement of Facts as shown on the attached "Exhibit B" entitled "CEQA Findings and Statement of Facts," which exhibit is incorporated herein as though set forth at length. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 3 PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a meeting of the La Quinta City Council, held on this 20th day of March, 2002, by the following vote, to wit: AYES' Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ~ ~,~~ yor- JOHI~JJ.. PER City ol~La Ouinta, nia ATTEST: City of La Quinta, California (City Seal) APPROVED AS TO FORM: cl~i[~~~ ~t ~ ~ ~, f o ~n~ ty Attorney Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 4 RESOLUTION NO. 2002-43 EXHIBIT "A" STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS The City hereby adopts and makes this statement of overriding considerations concerning the project's unavoidable significant impacts to explain why the project's benefits override and outweigh its unavoidable impacts. This project will create substantial benefits including enhancing the quality of life necessary to attract new residents, businesses and visitors to the City, resulting in increased investment within the City. The City finds that the project's unavoidable impacts are acceptable in light of these and other project benefits. Each benefit set forth below constitutes an overriding consideration warranting approval of the project, independent of other benefits, despite each and every unavoidable impact. Each overriding consideration identified below applies independently to each unavoidable impact. 1. Adoption of the General Plan update will provide the City with a comprehensive and cohesive statement of goals, policies, and programs upon which decisions relating to the City's current and anticipated needs shall be based. 2. Implementation of the General Plan update will further enhance the quality of life necessary to attract new residents, businesses and visitors to the City, and will generally promote increased investment and development, jobs associated with new and/or expanded construction, and the provision of public services and facilities for a larger population base, and further economic development within the City. 3. The orderly and coordinated expansion of public services and facilities, as provided for by the proposed General Plan update, will provide for improved public health, safety and welfare and will help avoid the undesirable impacts of uncontrolled, noncontiguous development. 4. Impacts identified as significant are generally associated with normal growth and progress and would be much more severe without implementation of the proposed General Plan update. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 5 RESOLUTION NO. 2002-43 EXHIBIT "B" CEQA FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF FACTS A. INTRODUCTION The City of La Quinta proposes to adopt the 2002 La Quinta General Plan Update. Because the proposed action constitutes a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended, and the State Guidelines for the implementation of CEQA, as amended, the City has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR). The FEIR identifies certain significant effects which may occur as a result of the project, or which may occur on a cumulative basis in conjunction with the project and other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. CEQA and the State Guidelines require that no public agency approve or carry out a project for which an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been completed and which identifies one of more significant effects of the project unless the public agency makes one of more of the following written findings for each of the significant effects, accompanied by a Statement of Facts supporting each finding. The possible findings include the following: 1. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects as identified in the Final EIR. 2. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. 3. Specific economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR. The City has determined that the EIR is complete and has been prepared in accordance with CEQA and the Guidelines. The City proposes to approve the proposed project, and the findings set forth herein are made. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 6 B. EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE INSIGNIFICANT As part of the Initial Study process, the Environmental Checklist Form suggested by the CEQA Guidelines and utilized by the City of La Quinta was reviewed to assure that all environmental issues required to be addressed by CEQA would be addressed in the EIR. It was determined that the proposed project would have no impact on the following environmental areas of concern: 1) federally protected wetlands, 2) local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, 3) rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, 4) safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area, in the vicinity of a private airstrip, 5) physical division of an established community, 6) displacement of substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere, 7) displacement of substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere, 8) change in air traffic patterns, 9) substantial increase in hazards to a design feature or incompatible uses. C, EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE MITIGATABLE TO A LEVEL OF INSIGNIFICANCE Land Use ImPacts General Plan Buildout of the General Plan planning area (as illustrated in the Program EIR) will allow for an estimated buildout population of approximately 207,970. Under the proposed General Plan, residential acreage will decrease from an existing 35,753 acres to approximately 32,951 acres, but the number of dwelling units projected at buildout will increase from an existing 12,141 units to 78,952 units. This is largely due to the anticipated long-term conversion of agricultural land to Iow-density residential development. Under the proposed General Plan, commercial acreage will increase from 1,624 existing acres to 1,997 acres, and industrial acreage will increase from 1,360 acres to 1,947 acres. The majority of the increase in commercial lands will occur adjacent to the Desert Resorts Regional Airport, and the increase in industrial lands will occur in the vicinity of Interstate-lO and the Bermuda Dunes Airport, and east of Highway 111 in Thermal. Public and quasi-public lands will increase slightly from 2,404 existing acres to 2,483 acres. The amount of land area dedicated as Open Space will increase from 12,357 existing acres to 14,1 20 acres. This increase is primarily due to the dedication of additional golf courses in the central portion of the planning area. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 7 Should the boundaries of the planning area be modified as illustrated in the Draft General Plan and Master Environmental Assessment, substantial reductions in buildout population and development potential will be realized. Under this scenario, the entire planning area contains a total of 34,150 acres, including 19,663 residential acres, 1,882 commercial acres, 380 industrial acres, 260 public and quasi-public acres, and 11,965 open space acres. At buildout, there will be approximately 55,365 dwelling units and a population of about 146,1 91. Annexation NO. 12 Implementation of Annexation No. 12 will add approximately 5,420 acres to the City limits. Proposed land use designations in the annexation area include 4,669 residential acres, 99 commercial acres, 42 acres of community facilities development, and 610 acres of open space. An Agricultural Overlay will be applied to 3,279 acres which are designated for Iow-density residential development. At buildout, the number of dwelling units in the annexation area is projected to increase from approximately 232 existing units to an estimated 12,225 units, and the population is projected to increase from approximately 639 residents to 33,61 9. These increases are largely due to the projected conversion of agricultural land to Iow-density residential development. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment Implementation of the Sphere-of-Influence (SOl) Amendment will expand the City's SOl by 8,205 acres. The amendment is an administrative action that will provide the City with a greater degree of involvement in urban development occurring in the area. Lands within the SOl will remain under the jurisdiction of Riverside County, and current County land use designations will remain in effect. However, should the SOl be annexed into the City in the future, the area would be under the City's jurisdiction. Proposed General Plan land use designations include 6,772 residential acres, 371 commercial acres, 384 industrial acres, 37 acres of community facility development, and 641 acres of open space. An Agricultural Overlay will be applied to 5,71 9 acres designated for Iow and very Iow density residential development. At buildout, the number of dwelling units in the SOl is projected to increase from an existing 837 units to 19,243 units, and the population is projected to increase from an existing 2,304 residents to 52,918. These increases are associated with the projected conversion of agricultural lands to Iow-density residential development. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise being implemented, which will mitigate this impact to the extent feasible. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 8 a. Individual project proposals, especially those involving a mix of residential land uses and those in close proximity to sensitive land uses, shall be fully assessed during the project review process to assure that all land use compatibility issues are addressed and mitigated, as necessary. b. An "Agricultural Overlay" shall be applied to lands currently utilized or identified as agricultural to allow agricultural uses to continue until such time as the landowner chooses to develop and to preserve the Iow- density character of these lands. c. Where residential development is proposed immediately adjacent to lands used for agricultural purposes, a minimum lO0-foot buffer zone shall be provided between the shared property line and new residential structures. d. The City will continue to provide a variety of housing opportunities and commercial uses to adequately serve the needs of the local and regional population. e. Sensitive biological and environmental lands will be protected and preserved as Open Space. A "Hillside Overlay" will be applied to lands occurring above the toe of slope of the Santa Rosa and Coral Reef Mountains to protect these valuable resources from impacts of urban development. Soils and Geology Impacts General Plan Although the General Plan planning area does not contain any known active or potentially active faults, it is located in close proximity to the San Andreas and San Jacinto Fault Zones, and buildout of the planning area may be significantly impacted by strong seismic ground shaking. Given the composition of local soils, strong ground motions could induce liquefaction in the eastern portion of the planning area, and slope instability within and adjacent to the slopes of the Santa Rosa and Coral Reef Mountains. Alluvial fan and blowing sand deposits may be susceptible to collapse and/or hydrocompaction, and lacustrine deposits associated with ancient Lake Cahuilla may be moderately to highly expansive, thereby resulting in damage to structures and foundations built upon them. Increased development and ground surface disruption in the northern planning area may be significantly impacted by wind erosion. Continued regional groundwater overdraft could result in subsidence at valley margins and associated damage to structures sensitive to changes in elevation, such as canals and sewers. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 9 Annexation No. 12 Implementation of the proposed annexation action will not, in and of itself, result in adverse geologic impacts. However, given the proximity of the annexation area to the San Andreas and San Jacinto Fault Zones, future buildout of the annexation area will expose additional people and structures to strong ground shaking. Development will also be susceptible to liquefaction, collapsible and expansive soils, and seismically induced settlement. Portions of the area are designated as moderate to extreme wind hazard areas, and development will be highly impacted by wind erosion. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action, which will not, in and of itself, result in adverse geologic impacts. However, future development that occurs in the SOl area will be adversely impacted by strong seismic ground shaking and other geologic hazards. Due to the presence of loose, sandy, unsaturated soils and a relatively shallow depth to groundwater, the area is highly susceptible to liquefaction, collapsible soils, and seismically induced settlement. The lacustrine and alluvial fan deposits that comprise the underlying soils are moderately to highly expansive, and given their ability to shrink and swell, can result in structural damage to buildings and other structures built upon them. Moderate to extreme wind erosion poses an additional threat to development. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being implemented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of insignificance. Among these are the following: a. Proper structural engineering, which takes into account the forces that will be applied by anticipated ground motions, shall provide mitigation for ground shaking hazards. Seismic design shall be in accordance with the most recently adopted editions of the Uniform Building Code and/or International Building Code and the seismic design parameters of the Structural Engineers' Association of California. b. The City's Emergency Preparedness staff shall undertake and maintain a seismic hazard reduction program which should consist of the identification and mapping of geologic and seismic hazards, the expedient retrofitting and rehabilitation of weak or damaged structures, and the enforcement of fire and building codes. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 10 c. Proposals for development on wind or stream-deposited sediment on the valley floor shall include site-specific subsurface geotechnical investigations that address settlement, liquefaction, and collapsible soils. These hazards can generally be mitigated by proper excavation, compaction, and foundation design techniques. d. The City shall continue to require expansive soils testing as part of its grading and building codes, and shall assure the implementation of site- specific mitigation measures which minimize these hazards, such as the use of reinforcing steel in foundations, drainage control devices, overexcavation and backfilling with non-expansive soils. e. All grading permit requests shall include a soil erosion prevention plan. Blowing dust and sand during grading operations shall be mitigated by adequate watering of soils prior to and during grading, and limiting the area of dry, exposed soils during grading. f. Where development is proposed adjacent to or in close proximity to steep slopes, site-specific geotechnical studies shall be conducted to evaluate the potential for rock fall and/or landslides, and to establish appropriate mitigation measures which minimize these hazards on a site-specific basis. g. Hillside areas shall continue to be protected under the City's Hillside Conservation Zone Ordinance. h. The City shall continue to support and encourage local and regional groundwater conservation measures in an effort to mitigate potential subsidence resulting from groundwater overdraft. Hydrol¢cjy Imoacts General Plan Continued urbanization of undeveloped Sites and the intensification of land uses throughout the planning area could result in significant hydrological impacts. Such impacts may include increased run-off from parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces, alterations in existing drainage patterns, the accumulation of debris during large storms, and the contamination of surface and ground waters associated with pollution runoff. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 11 Annexation NO. 12 · Approximately 300 acres within the annexation area are contained within the 500-year floodplain. Otherwise, the flood hazard potential in the area is minimal. The proposed annexation action is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, result in adverse hydrological impacts. However, future development facilitated by the annexation action will generate increased runoff, and the conversion of agricultural lands to urban uses will result in a reduction in permeable soils, thereby altering existing drainage patterns and volumes. Sphere-of-lnfluen~ Amendment Flooding in the SOl amendment area is associated with the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and adjacent lands. The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, result in adverse hydrological impacts. However, future development occurring in the SOl area will contribute to increased runoff and the increased potential for pollution of surface and ground waters. The conversion of agricultural lands to residential development will further contribute to potential flooding hazards. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise required for subsequent environmental review, which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance. The mitigation measures include the following: a. Floodways, stormwater channels, and major drainage facilities shall be designated as Open Space-Watercourse in the General Plan land use plan. b. The City shall assure that adequate evacuation routes, as well as ingress and egress access for emergency response vehicles and personnel, are clearly marked and available to residents of the Cove during a major flood event. c. All projects within the City limits shall construct storm drainage and hydrologic improvements to conform to the City's master hydrology and storm drain improvement program, where applicable. d. The City shall continue to require the construction of on-site stormwater retention basins to reduce the need for an costs of stormwater conveyance facilities, and to provide enhanced opportunities for groundwater recharge. Development adjacent to the Coachella Valley Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 12 Stormwater Channel shall continue to have the option of discharging directly into the channel, if approved b¥ the Coachella Valley Water District. e. Development encompassing acreage, and that with the potential to generate significant runoff, shall be required to prepare and submit a hydrology study and mitigation plan which implements regional and local requirements, policies, and programs. Water Resources Impacts General Plan Buildout of the General Plan planning area is projected to result in a demand for 114.3 million gallons of water per day, or approximately 350 acre-feet per day. If not adequately mitigated, such demand will result in significant impacts to water resources. Continued development in the planning area will also increase the potential for groundwater contamination. Annexation No. 12 Future development facilitated by the proposed annexation action will increase the demand for water in the annexation area. At buildout, the demand is projected to be approximately 18.5 million gallons of water per day. This represents a substantial increase over existing demand and is largely due to a significant population increase projected at buildout. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, result in significant impacts to water resources. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, development in the SOl area is projected to demand about 29.1 million gallons of water per day at buildout. Future development will also increase the potential for surface and ground water contamination. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise required for subsequent environmental review, which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance. The mitigation measures applied include the following: Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 13 a. All future development projects shall be carefully analyzed by the City, Coachella Valley Water District, and/or Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company to determine the potential impacts of such activities on local groundwater resources. b. The City shall support and cooperate with the Coachella Valley Water District in the development of a permanent groundwater recharge facility within the planning area. c. The City shall continue to implement its Water Conservation Ordinance to encourage the use of drought-tolerant landscaping in public and private development as a means of reducing water consumption. All development plans shall adhere to the City's ordinance. d. The City shall support and cooperate with the Coachella Valley Water District's efforts to expand tertiary wastewater treatment capacities and to encourage the use of tertiary treated water in the planning area. e. The City shall encourage and/or require that new and existing development connect to the existing sewage system, to the greatest extent practical, to minimize the potential risks of groundwater contamination associated with the use of septic tanks and seepage pits. f. The City shall promote and encourage the protection and wise utilization of the Valley's domestic water supplies to assure the long-term viability and availability of clean and healthful water resources. Biological Im_oacts General Plan Continued development in the planning area wili have significant impacts on native wildlife and plant species. Direct impacts will include habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, the removal of breeding and foraging habitat, and the loss of native species. Indirect impacts will include increased predation by domestic pets, increased noise and glare, increased disturbances from foot and vehicular traffic, and increased competition from non-native plant species. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 14 Annexation No. 12 Although much of the annexation area has been disturbed by cultivation, plowing, grading, and other land surface disturbances, vacant land in the annexation area may still contain suitable nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of endemic wildlife species. Buildout of the annexation area will contribute to continued habitat loss and degradation, as well as indirect impacts associated with human activities, ranging from increased foot traffic and off-highway vehicle use to increased light and glare. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The SOl amendment area is not known to contain critical or essential habitat for sensitive biological species. Much of the land in the SOl area has already been disturbed by grading, disking, plowing, cultivation, and similar activities, and therefore the region provides marginal habitat for native plant and wildlife species. Nonetheless, continued development in the SOl area will contribute to further impacts to biological species, particularly indirect impacts, such as increased noise, traffic, and predation from domestic pets. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise being implemented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of insignificance. Among the mitigation measures are the following: a. The Land Use Element of the General Plan shall designate all areas above the toe of slope of the Santa Rosa and Coral Reef Mountains as Open Space for the protection of the Peninsular bighorn sheep and other species occurring in these habitats. b. The Land Use Element shall designate Sections 25 and 30, Township 30 South, Range 6 East, which occur within the Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness Study Area, as Open Space. c. Development occurring within the mitigation fee boundaries of the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan shall pay the mitigation fee in effect prior to the issuance of building permits. d. Where new development is proposed on lands with the potential to harbor sensitive species, focused species surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate season to detect the presence of sensitive species and appropriate, site-specific mitigation measures. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 15 e. The City shall continue to participate in the development of the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. f. The City shall support and promote the integration of biological resource and open space/conservation principles into the design and development of roadways and highways, stormwater detention/retention basins, and public parks and private open space areas. Cultural Resources Im_oacts General Plan Continued disturbance and development of undeveloped lands can be expected to result in damage and/or destruction of archaeological and/or historic resources, some of which may be of important cultural significance. Considering the high number of known archaeological and historic sites within the planning area, no undeveloped lands should be considered free of cultural resources prior to being investigated. Mountainous slopes, canyons, and alluvial fans may be particularly sensitive for cultural resources. Buildout of the area will also contribute to the long-term loss of the community's historic agrarian sites, including farmland, date palm groves and citrus orchards. Annexation NO. 12 Given its proximity to the shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, the annexation area has a high sensitivity for archaeological and historic resources. Continued development in the annexation area will increase the potential for disturbance and/or destruction of important cultural artifacts. Buildout will also remove elements of the region's agricultural past and will change its rural character to a more urban environment. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment Implementation of the proposed SOl amendment will not, in and of itself, adversely impact cultural resources. However, should the SOl area be annexed by the City in the future, its buildout will contribute to the disturbance and/or destruction of sensitive archaeological and historic resources. Buildout of the SOl will transform the existing rural character of the region to a Iow-density residential environment and will remove elements of its agrarian past. Findings: 1. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project which will mitigate this impact to the extent feasible. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 16 a. The City shall maintain and update on a regular basis its existing historic resources inventory to reflect the current status of historic resources, identify potential historic resources, and include non-traditional property types. The City shall develop a strategy for surveying currently unsurveyed areas of the planning area, and shall assure that newly identified resources are incorporated into the historic resources inventory. b. The City shall develop a system of incentives and regulations that encourage the preservation, maintenance, and/or rehabilitation of historical resources by property owners, local citizens, and private developers, through the continuation and expansion of federal and state programs that provide tax and other incentives for the rehabilitation of historically and/or architecturally significant structures and other mechanisms. c. All development projects that require discretionary city action shall be reviewed by a qualified archaeologist, historian, and/or architectural historian prior to final approval in order to identify potential impacts to historical resources and appropriate mitigation measures. All such sites shall be surveyed, unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that a survey is unnecessary. d. A qualified archaeologist and/or Native American representative shall provide on-site monitoring during ground-disturbing activities in areas of high sensitivity. e. The City shall adopt a proactive approach in code enforcement to prevent deterioration of historic buildings, structures, and districts and shall consider incorporating historic preservation into the City's zoning ordinance to create historic zoning districts and/or overlays, where appropriate. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 17 Noise Impacts General Plan At buildout of the planning area, noise impacts will be generated primarily by two sources: 1) increases in vehicular traffic on local and regional roadways, and 2) construction activity. Noise generated by traffic represents a long-term noise impact. Construction noise will typically result in short-term, but occasionally intrusive impacts. Other noise sources will include lawn care machinery, household appliances, and outdoor mechanical equipment, such as heating, cooling and ventilation equipment. Development in close proximity to the Union Pacific Railroad, Bermuda Dunes Airport, and Desert Resorts Regional Airport may be exposed to short-term noise impacts associated with rail and air traffic. Given that noise from vehicular traffic will represent a long-term and potentially excessive impact, this impact could be considered significant if not adequately mitigated. Annexation No. 12 At buildout of the annexation area, noise impacts will be primarily associated with increasing traffic volumes and construction activity. Although construction activity will represent a temporary, short-term impact, traffic noise will be long-term. Less significant impacts will be generated by outdoor mechanical equipment, household appliances, and other site-specific sources. In the overall, the existing rural noise environment will be replaced by that of a more urban community. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, result in significant adverse noise impacts. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, its buildout will result in significant noise level increases generated by vehicular traffic, construction activity, and on-site mechanical equipment. Development in close proximity to the Desert Resorts Regional Airport will be exposed to occasional, but intrusive noise impacts associated with air traffic. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise required for subsequent environmental review which will mitigate this impact to the extent feasible. a. The City shall continue to enforce its noise control ordinance to assure acceptable exterior noise levels are maintained. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 18 b. All construction equipment operating in the planning area shall be fitted with well-maintained, functional mufflers to limit noise emissions. 'Fo the greatest extent feasible, earth moving and hauling routes shall be located away from nearby existing residences. Any development project involving blasting or pile driving operations shall have a focused, acoustical study conducted to establish the level and duration of off-site noise and vibration impacts and appropriate mitigation measures. c. Where necessary, silencers and/or barriers shall be required around outdoor equipment, such as ventilation systems and air compressors. Appropriate sound barriers shall be provided surrounding any and all public facilities capable of generating disturbing noise levels, such as water pumping stations. d. Potential noise impacts shall be considered in final site plans for all proposed projects within the planning area. Factors to be considered shall include the strategic arrangement of housing to provide necessary shielding of outdoor living areas and the incorporation of additional setbacks from roadways or construction of additional noise barriers. e. All commercial and industrial projects, which are to be located adjacent to residential land uses and land use designations, shall be required to prepare a noise impact analysis which assesses the potential impacts of the project and provides for adequate mitigation measures to assure that City noise standards for residential land uses are maintained. f. The City shall encourage a city-wide circulation pattern that places primary traffic loads on major arterials and preserves local neighborhood noise environments by limiting roadways to local traffic to the greatest extent practical. Visual Impacts General Plan Buildout of the planning area will result in the development of new structures, signage, lighting, utility infrastructure, and other elements of the built environment. Improper or hasty development could obstruct Scenic views of the nearby Santa Rosa and Coral Reef Mountains and/or more distant views of the valley landscape and may detract from the existing natural and built aesthetics of the area. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 19 Ann~x~ti0n NO. 12 Continued development in the annexation area will result in adverse impacts' to visual and aesthetic resources, particularly the transformation of the existing rural environment to a developed urban community. Elements of the built environment, such as structure, signs, fences, lighting, and utility infrastructure, will diminish existing viewsheds. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, adversely impact the region's visual resources. However, should the SOl be annexed by the City in the future, its buildout will transform the existing environment, which is largely rural and agrarian in character, to a more urbanized landscape, characterized by new structures, signage, lighting, roadways, and other elements of the built environment. Findings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise required for subsequent environmental review which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance. Mitigation measures include those listed below. a. New development shall incorporate landscape designs and materials that complement the native desert envirOnment. b. Overhead utility lines shall be undergrounded to the greatest extent possible through the establishment of an undergrounding program and guidelines. c. The City shall coordinate with utility providers to assure that utility infrastructure, including wells, substations, and switching/control facilities, are effectively screened to preserve scenic viewsheds and limit visual clutter. d. Outdoor lighting shall be limited to the minimum height, number of fixtures, and intensity needed to provide sufficient security and identification in each development, making every reasonable effort to protect the community's night skies. e. The General Plan Land Use Map shall designate the Santa Rosa and Coral Reef Mountains as Open Space with a Hillside Overlay. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 20 f. Should agricultural lands be converted to urban land uses, elements of the past agricultural uses, such as date palm groves and citrus orchards, shall be incorporated into on-site open spaces, streetscapes and landscape designs. g. Planning and design of residential neighborhoods and street corridors shall provide distinctive and characteristic design elements, such as entry monumentation and landscaping, which preserve and enhance the viewsheds enjoyed from these areas. h. Development proposed along scenic highways, roadways and corridors shall be reviewed for compatibility with the natural and built environments to assure maximum viewshed protection and pedestrian and vehicular activity. Public Services and Facilities Impacts Gener@l Plan Buildout of the General Plan planning area is projected to generate a student population of approximately 33,268 students, which will place additional demands on the Coachella Valley and Desert Sands Unified School Districts. The City will require approximately 103,985 square feet of library space and 415,940 volumes, as well as 208 law enforcement personnel. Additional fire department personnel will also be required to adequately protect life and property from fire hazards. The buildout population will also increase the demand for local and regional medical services and facilities. At buildout, development in the City is projected to generate an estimated 234,238 tons of solid waste per year and is projected to consume approximately 114.3 million gallons per day (mgd) of potable water, 1.04 billion kilowatt-hours per year of electricity, and 708 million cubic feet per month of natural gas. Buildout will also increase the demand for telephone, cable television, and sanitary sewer services and infrastructure. Annex~tiQn NO. 12 'Buildout of the annexation area is projected to result in a student population of approximately 5,029, which will impact facilities and services provided by the Coachella Valley Unified School District. The buildout population will require an estimated 33 law enforcement personnel, additional fire department personnel, and health services. At buildout, approximately 26,069 tons of solid waste are projected to be generated per year. Other resources to be demanded include 18.5 million gallons of water per day, 85.5 million kilowatt-hours per year of electricity, and 80.8 million cubic feet per month of natural gas. Sanitary sewer, cable, and telephone services and facilities will need to be extended to adequately serve the area. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 21 Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not,. in and of itself, adversely impact the provision of public services. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, its buildout is projected to generate a student population of 8,1 89, which will place additional demands on the Coachella Valley Unified School District. The buildout population will require about 53 law enforcement personnel, as well as additional firefighters and heath care professionals. An estimated 53,272 tons of solid waste per year are anticipated at buildout, which will increase the demand for landfill space. The buildout population is expected to demand approximately 29.1 million gallons of water per day, 222.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, and 163.8 million cubic feet of natural gas per month. Additional sewer, cable, and telephone services and facilities will also be required. Findings: 1. Changes of alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project, which substantially lessen significant environmental effects as identified in the Final EIR. a. The City shall cooperate in the collection of statutory school mitigation fees from developers to fund the construction and reconstruction of public schools. The City shall coordinate with the Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts to provide high quality education facilities and services to serve the buildout population. b. The City shall continue to coordinate with the Riverside County Library System to assure that adequate library facilities and services are provided to meet the needs of the buildout population. c. The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County Fire Department and Sheriff Department to provide high levels of fire protection and law enforcement within the City. The Fire arid Sheriff Departments shall review new development proposals to assure adequate emergency access, signage, and internal circulation are provided. d. The City shall continue to promote solid waste source reduction and recycling programs and shall ensure that all household materials are handled, stored, and/or disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and standards. With the impending closure of the Edom Hill Landfill, the City shall coordinate with Waste Management of the Desert to evaluate and select a viable alternative landfill site(s). Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 22 e. The City shall coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District and Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company, as appropriate, to assure a long-term, high-quality supply of potable water for City residents. The City shall support future groundwater recharge efforts and the expanded use of recycled water in the planning area. f. The City shall work closely with Imperial Irrigation District, Southern California Gas Company, Verizon, and Time Warner to assure the timely and coordinated expansion of electricity, natural gas, telephone, and cable services and facilities throughout the City. g. The City shall encourage and/or require, where appropriate, the utilization of energy-efficient appliances, lighting fixtures, and mechanical equipment in new development, and shall encourage the use of alternative energy sources and other energy conservation measures. h. The City shall coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District to assure that all development is connected to a city-wide sanitary sewer system, to the greatest extent possible, and to assure that adequate wastewater collection and treatment facilities are provided to serve the long-term needs of the City. Socio-Economic Impacts General Plan Buildout of the General Plan planning area is projected to have a net positive effect on the City's economy. Major revenue sources will include property taxes, sales taxes, and transient occupancy taxes, while additional revenue sources will be generated from developer impacts fees, building permits, business licenses, and other development-related fees. New development will also generate additional costs associated with the provision of general government administration and other public services provided by the City. Annexation NO. 12 The economy of the annexation area is not expected to be self-sustaining at buildout, as its annual costs are expected to outweigh its annual revenues. This is largely due to the fact that the majority of land in the annexation area will be designated for residential development, and the costs associated with providing municipal services to residential lands are typically greater than any property tax or other revenues they may generate. When considered as part of the larger General Plan planning area (described above), these costs will be offset by other City revenues. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 23 Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, impact the City's economy. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, at buildout, the costs associated with the provision of municipal services are projected to exceed the revenues generated by development. This is primarily because the vast majority of lands in the SOl area will be designated for residential uses, which typically have limited revenue-generating capabilities. Revenues will be further constrained due to limited commercial and industrial acreage and a lack of hotel/motel acreage. Nonetheless, development in other parts of the City is expected to offset these costs. Fin~ling,s: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise required for subsequent environmental review which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance. Mitigation measures include those identified below. a. The City shall continue to identify potential public and private revenue sources to finance infrastructure improvements in the Village and along the Highway 1 1 1 commercial corridor. Where appropriate, the City shall enter into agreements with developers that lead to their shared participation in financing such improvements. b. Evaluate the demand for a new regional shopping mall in the eastern Coachella Valley and determine the feasibility of attracting such a facility to La Quinta. c. Continue to support the development of new golf and/or luxury hotel/resort facilities within the City. d. Promote in-fill development in existing commercial centers, particularly along the Highway 11 1 corridor. e. Continue to fast-track the development permitting process and assist in the design of on- and off-site improvements for project proposals expected to substantially enhance the City's economic base. f. Promote and consider further investments in art, theater, and related development proposals that preserve or enhance the City's cultural resources and expand the City's economic base. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 24 D. SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTED Agricultural Resources Im_~acts General Plan Under the currently adopted General Plan, 19,938 acres in the planning area are designated for agricultural uses, many of which are classified as prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance. The proposed General Plan designates 17,615 of these acres for Iow and very Iow-density residential development with an Agricultural Overlay. Such a designation provides for the continuation of existing agricultural activities until the landowner chooses to develop, at which time any Williamson Act contracts in effect would be terminated. The proposed General Plan designates the remaining 2,323 acres for Iow-density residential development, with no Agricultural Overlay. Implementation of the proposed Plan would result in the complete conversion of these acres from agriculture to residential uses and would require the cancellation of any Williamson Act contracts currently in effect. Indirect impacts associated with the conversion of agricultural lands will include 1) noise, air quality, and odor incompatibilities where agricultural and residential uses are adjacent or in close proximity to one another, 2) the long-term transformation of the easterly portion of the planning area from a rural, agrarian region to a Iow-density urban environment, 3) increased traffic volumes and associated light and glare, 4) and the replacement of permeable soils with impervious surfaces, which may alter existing drainage patterns. Annexation No. 12 Approximately 3,782 acres in the annexation area are currently designated for agricultural uses by the Riverside County General Plan. Should the area be annexed into the City, 3,280 acres will be designated for Iow-density residential development with an Agricultural Overlay, which will allow landowners to continue to farm until they choose to develop. The remaining 502 acres, located west of Monroe Street between 58th and 60th Avenues, will be designated for Iow-density residential development with no Agricultural Overlay, and all opportunities to farm these lands would be lost. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment Approximately 5,651 acres in the SOl area are currently designated for agricultural uses by the Riverside County General Plan. The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, impact agricultural resources. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, approximately 5,651 acres will be designated for Iow-density residential development (up to 4 du/ac) with an Agricultural Overlay, and an additional 68 acres will be designated for very Iow- Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 25 density residential development (up to 2 du/ac) with an Agricultural Overlay. Landowners will have an opportunity to farm these lands until they choose to develop. This represents a 68-acre increase in agricultural acreage compared to existing conditions. F. indings: 1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise being implemented, which will mitigate this impact to the extent feasible. a. An "Agricultural Overlay" land use designation shall indicate those lands on which agricultural activities may continue until such time as the landowner chooses to develop. b. Where residential development is proposed immediately adjacent to land used for agricultural purposes, a minimum 100-foot buffer shall be provided between the shared property line and new residehtial structures. Such a zone may consist of open space, but may also include landscaping treatments, earthen berms, or other appropriate design features, as approved by the City. c. The City shall cooperate with government and other appropriate agencies to assure that environmentally sound agricultural practices, which are in compliance with local, state and federal agricultural codes, are utilized on all agricultural lands within the City boundaries. d. Should agricultural lands be converted to urban land uses, elements of past agricultural uses, such as date palms or citrus orchards, shall be incorporated into on-site open space areas, streetscapes, and landscape designs, to the greatest extent practical. e. All surface or subsurface disturbances, which may aggravate wind erosion in the planning area, shall comply with the City's Dust Control Plan requirements, air quality mitigation measures set forth the Final EIR, and other applicable air quality regulations. 2. Most significant environmental effects that can be feasibly avoided have been reduced by virtue of mitigation measures in the Final EIR or otherwise incorporated into the Plan as set forth in "1" above. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 26 3. The remaining unavoidable significant effects are acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving greater weight to the remaining unavoidable significant effect, and in view of the following fact: a. Impacts identified from the proposed General Plan are considered significant only on a cumulative basis in association with other projects occurring on a local and regional scale. Traffic/Circulation Im_~acts General Plan At General Plan buildout, development in the planning area is projected to generate 1,200,1 50 daily trip-ends (28% more than expected upon buildout of the currently adopted General Plan). Twenty major intersections in the planning area are expected to operate at acceptable levels-of-service (LOS D or better) at project buildout, assuming optimized signal timing and adequate timing for pedestrian crossings. Although most of the roadway segments in the planning area will continue to operate at acceptable level-of-service (LOS) D, fifteen segments have been identified as exceeding typical average daily traffic (ADT) capacities. Among these are two segments along Washington Street and five segments along Highway 111. Most of the identified impacts are associated with projected growth in background traffic through the 2020 period. Due to the physical constraints of mountain topography and existing development patterns in the City, opportunities for construction of new roadways to augment the existing circulation system and relieve congestion on existing arterials is limited. Where capacities will be exceeded, intersection improvements and the widening of existing roadways may allow the roadway segments to operate at acceptable levels. Annexation NO. 12 At buildout, all roadway segments within the annexation area are projected to operate at acceptable levels-of-service (LOS D or better) without mitigation. The major intersection modeled in this area, Jackson Street at Airport Boulevard, is also projected to operate at LOS D at buildout. Nonetheless, continued development will contribute to increased traffic volumes throughout the annexation area, and small-scale roadway and intersection improvements may be required over the long-term. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 27 Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, impact traffic and circulation. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, its buildout will contribute to increased traffic volumes and congestion on area roadways. Nevertheless, at buildout, all roadway segments in the SOl area are projected to operate at acceptable levels-of-service (LOS D or better) without mitigation. The area's two major intersections, Jackson Street at Airport Boulevard and Harrison Street at Airport Boulevard, are also projected to operate at LOS D. Findings: 4. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise being implemented, which will mitigate this impact to the extent feasible. a. An upgraded and functional roadway classification system shall be implemented which includes Augmented Majors, Major Arterials, Primary Arterials (A), Primary Arterials (B), Secondary Arterials, Modified Secondaries, Collector Streets, and Local Streets. b. Intersection improvements shall be implemented and intersection monitoring locations shall be established at appropriate locations to optimize roadway levels-of-service. c. The City shall establish and maintain a master plan of roads, which sets forth detailed improvement plans and priority schedules for implementation. The goals of the plan shall be the operation of roadway segments and intersections at a minimum V/C ratio of 0.90 and LOS D without further mitigation. d. The City shall continue to coordinate and cooperate with Caltrans, CVAG, Riverside County, and adjoining cities with regard to the phasing of highway improvements that assure acceptable operating levels along Interstate-10 and its interchanges, Highway 111, Highway 86, Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and other major roadways serving intercity traffic. e. The City shall encourage the utilization of mass/public transit. Prior to the approval of development proposals, the City and developers shall confer with the Sunline Transit Agency to determine whether and where bus turnouts and covered bus shelters shall be placed within the project and project vicinity. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 28 f. To minimize the number and length of vehicle trips traveled within and in the vicinity of the City, the General Plan Land Use Map shall be maintained to provide for a balanced mix of employment and housing opportunities. In support of same, the City shall encourage the use of multi-occupant modes of transportation and shall encourage employers to utilize telecommuting opportunities, home-based employment, and part-time or non-peak hour work schedules. g. The City shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive Trails Master Plan of continuous, convenient multi-use trails and bicycle routes that connect residential, commercial, schools, parks, and other community activity centers. h. The City shall incrementally implement the comprehensive Circulation Element Golf Cart Plan, and shall consult and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions regarding the use of uniform signage and symbols. 5. Most significant environmental effects that can be feasibly avoided have been reduced by virtue of mitigation measures in the Final EIR or otherwise incorporated into the Plan as set forth in "1" above. 6. The remaining unavoidable significant effects are acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving greater weight to the remaining unavoidable significant effect, and in view of the following fact: a. Impacts identified from the proposed General Plan are considered significant only on a cumulative basis in association with other projects occurring on a local and regional scale. Air Quality Impacts General Plan The proposed project will generate short- and long-term mobile emissions from increased motor vehicle activity, as well as short- and long-term stationary source emissions from the operation of construction equipment, the consumption of natural gas, and the generation of electricity. Fugitive dust emissions will also increase as new development occurs and undeveloped sites are disturbed and graded. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 29 Annexation NO. 12, Buildout of the annexation area will contribute to short- and long-term pollutant emissions associated with increased vehicle trips, increased construction activity, and increased consumption of natural gas and electricity. Fugitive dust emissions will increase as vacant parcels are graded and land surfaces are disturbed. While these impacts are not expected to be as significant as those generated by General Plan buildout (described above), they will, nonetheless, contribute to the long-term degradation of local and regional air quality. Sphere-of-Influence Amendment The proposed SOl amendment is an administrative action that will not, in and of itself, impact air quality. However, should the area be annexed by the City in the future, its buildout will contribute to regional air quality degradation. Short- and long-term impacts will be generated as a result of increased vehicle emissions, grading of vacant parcels, construction activity, and increased consumption of natural gas and electricity. Findings: 1. Changes and other measures have been made in or incorporated into the plan, or are otherwise required for subsequent environmental review, which will partially mitigate to the extent feasible this significant impact, including the following: a. Development and grading permits s'hall be reviewed and conditioned to require the provision of all available methods of assuring minimal pollutant emissions from the proposed project. b. The Land Use Element of the General Plan shall be developed and routinely updated to locate air pollution point sources, such as industrial facilities, away from residential areas and other sensitive receptors. c. The City shall encourage the phasing and staging of development projects to assure the lowest construction-related pollutant emission levels practical, and shall require the use of water trucks, temporary irrigation systems, and other measures which will limit fugitive dust emissions during site disturbance and construction. d. The City shall initiate and encourage the use of alternative, clean energy sources for transportation, heating, and cooling. Pilot studies and/or demonstration programs shall be initiated to promote these uses. Resolution No. 2002-43 General Plan EIR Adopted: March 20, 2002 Page 30 e. The City shall promote the development of pedestrian-oriented retail centers, community-wide trails, and dedicated bike lanes to encourage alternatives to motor vehicle travel. These components shall be integrated and periodically updated in the General Plan Circulation Element. f. The City shall strive to maintain a balance between housing, commercial, and industrial growth, and shall encourage mixed-use development within the planning area to reduce the length of vehicle trips and associated moving vehicle emissions. g. The City shall conduct an initial study for all projects which exceed any of the SCAQMD pollutant emission threshold.criteria, and shall require detailed air quality analyses for all applications which have the potential to adversely impact air quality. h. Encourage developers to adopt ride-share, vanpool, flex-time, and telecommuter programs to reduce peak hour vehicular traffic. i. A PM10 Management Plan for construction operations shall be submitted with all development proposals and shall include detailed descriptions of dust management controls to be implemented. 2. Most significant environmental effects that can feasibly be avoided have been substantially reduced by virtue of mitigation measures in the Final EIR or otherwise incorporated into the plan as described in "1" above. 3. The remaining unavoidable significant effects are acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving greater weight to the remaining unavoidable significant effect, and in view of the following fact: a. Impacts identified from the proposed General Plan are considered significant only on a cumulative basis in association with other projects occurring on a local and regional scale.