PCRES 2001-087PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2001-087
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING
CERTIFICATION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
CASE NO.: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2001-417
APPLICANT: BARTON PROPERTIES
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California,
did on the 121h day of June, 2001, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing for
Environmental Assessment 2001-417 for Tentative Tract Map No. 30092 located at
the northwest corner of Avenue 58 and Monroe Street, more particularly described as
follows:
APN: 761-720-020
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, did on
the 3rd day of April, 2001, adopt Resolution 2001-34 certifying Environmental
Assessment 2001-408 for General Plan Amendment 2001-074 and Zone Change
2001-098 affecting this site and those properties to the north; and
WHEREAS, said Environmental Assessment has complied with the
requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act of
1970" (as amended; Resolution 83-68 adopted by the La Quinta City Council) in that
the Community Development Department has prepared an Initial Study (EA 2001-417)
and has determined that although the proposed residential development could have a
significant adverse impact on the environment, there would not be a significant effect
in this case because appropriate mitigation measures were made a part of the
assessment and included in the conditions of approval and a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact should be filed; and
WHEREAS, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments,
if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did find
the following facts, findings, and reasons to recommend to the City Council
certification of said Environmental Assessment:
1. The proposed Tentative Tract Map will not be detrimental to the health, safety,
or general welfare of the community, either indirectly, or directly, in that no
significant unmitigated impacts were identified by Environmental Assessment
2001-417.
PACAROLYMEA PCResoTTM30092Barton.wpd
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2001-087
Environmental Assessment 2001-417 for TTM 30092
June 12, 2001
2. The proposed Tentative Tract Map will not have the potential to degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of rare or
endangered plants or animals or eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory.
3. There is no evidence before the City that the proposed project will have the
potential for an adverse effect on wildlife resources or the habitat on which the
wildlife depends.
4. The proposed Tentative Tract Map does not have the potential to achieve short-
term environmental goals, to the disadvantage of long-term environmental
goals, as no significant effects on environmental factors have been identified
by the Environmental Assessment.
5. The proposed Tentative Tract Map will not result in impacts which are
individually limited or cumulatively considerable when considering planned or
proposed development in the immediate vicinity, as development patterns in the
area will not be significantly affected by the proposed project.
6. The proposed Tentative Tract Map will not have environmental effects that will
adversely affect the human population, either directly or indirectly, as no
significant impacts have been identified which would affect human health, risk
potential or public services.
7. There is no substantial evidence in light of the entire record that the project may
have a significant effect on the environment.
8. The Planning Commission has considered the Environmental Assessment 2001-
417 and the Environmental Assessment reflects the independent judgment of
the City.
9. The City has on the basis of substantial evidence, rebutted the presumption of
adverse effect set forth in 14 CAL Code Regulations 753.5(d).
10. The location and custodian of the City's records relating to this project is the
Community Development Department located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, La
Quinta, California.
c \r`ARnLYMEA PCResoTTM30092Barton.wpd
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2001-087
Environmental Assessment 2001-417 for TTM 30092
June 12, 2001
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the
City of La Quinta, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitutes the findings of
the Planning Commission for this Environmental Assessment.
2. That it does hereby recommend certification of Environmental Assessment
2001-417 for the reasons set forth in this Resolution and as stated in the
Environmental Assessment Checklist and Addendum on file in the Community
Development Department.
3. That Environmental Assessment 2001-417 reflects the independent judgement
of the City.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La
Quinta Planning Commission held on this 121h day of June, 2001, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
tLT�A"���
STEVE ROBBINS, Chairman
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
JE Y HENNFAN, Community Development Director
Ci of La Quinta, California
PACAROLYMEA PCResoTTM30092Barton.wpd
Addendum for Environmental Assessment 2001-417
for Tentative Tract Map 30092
Introduction
This Environmental Assessment has been prepared to supplement EA 2001-408
prepared for General Plan Amendment 2001-074 and Zone Change 2001-098 (City
Council Resolution 2001-34). The purpose of this environmental assessment,
therefore, is to review and quantify all known potential impacts to the environment.
Where appropriate, mitigation measures associated with the physical development of
the undeveloped property have been proposed.
II. c) The proposed annexation area of 280 acres is not listed as significant farmland,
nor is it currently subject to Williamson Act contracts. The land has a County
General Plan designation of Low Density Residential, and is zoned Agriculture,
1-20 acres under the County Zoning Ordinance. The pending annexation action
will not change the current use of the land from agriculture. However, site
development will result in the loss of agricultural land. Residential subdivisions
are being developed to the north of the site, thereby showing that landowners
are receptive to nonagricultural development. The loss of this site for
agriculture is not expected to be significant based on the conclusion of this
assessment and EA 2001-408.
III. a), c) & d)
The development of this project could generate up to 970 average daily trips'.
These trips, plus development of 40 acres to the north (Annexation
Application), could generate the following emissions. The Table below also
includes the SCAQMD thresholds of significance for each potential pollutant.
Running Exhaust Emissions
(pounds/day)
PM10 PM10 PM10
CO ROC NOx Exhaust Brakes Tires
50 mph 158.17 6.08 32.45 -- 0.68 0.68
Daily
Threshold` 550 75 100 150
Based on 3,062 trips/day and average trip length of 10,0 miles, using EMFAC7G Model provided by
California Air Resources Board. Assumes catalytic light autos at 75°F. " Operational thresholds provided by
SCAOMD for assistance in determining the significance of a project.
"Trip Generation, 6th Edition, Volume 1" prepared by the Institute of Transportation Engineers.
Single Family detached housing (210) used.
PACAROLYN\EAAddenT30092Barton. W PD
The Coachella Valley has in the past been a non -attainment area for PM10
(particulate matter of 10 microns or smaller). In order to control PM10, the City
has imposed standards and requirements on development to control dust.
SCAQMD also suggests mitigation for vehicular emissions, which are integrated
into the following mitigation measures for future development:
1 . No earth moving activity shall be undertaken without the review and
approval of a PM10 Management Plan.
2. Construction equipment shall be properly maintained and serviced to
minimize exhaust emissions.
3. Existing power sources should be utilized where feasible via temporary
power poles to avoid on -site power generation.
4. Construction personnel shall be informed of ride sharing and transit
opportunities.
5. Cut and fill quantities will be balanced on site, unless otherwise allowed
by the City Engineer.
6. Any piece of land to be graded shall be pre -watered to a depth of three
feet prior to the onset of grading activities.
7. Watering of any portion of the site or other soil stabilization method shall
be employed on an ongoing basis after the initiation of any grading
activity on the site. Portions of any portion of the site that are actively
being graded shall be watered regularly to ensure that a crust is formed
on the ground surface, and shall be watered at the end of each work day.
8. All disturbed areas shall be treated to prevent erosion until the site is
constructed upon. Pad sites which are to remain undeveloped shall be
seeded with either a desert wildflower mix or grass seed.
9. Landscaped areas shall be installed as soon as possible to reduce the
potential for wind erosion.
10. SCAQMD Rule 403 shall be adhered to, insuring the clean up of
construction -related dirt on approach routes to the site.
11. All grading activities shall be suspended during first and second stage
ozone episodes or when winds exceed 25 miles per hour.
P:\CARO LYN\EAAddenT30092 Barton. W PD
12. All buildings shall conform to energy use guidelines in Title 24 of the
California Administrative Code.
13. Any project on the annexation area lands shall provide for non -motorized
transportation facilities and shall implement all feasible measures to
encourage the use of alternate transportation measures.
14. Based on EA 2001-408, any project proposed on the annexation lands
which generates more than 3,062 trips per day shall be required to
prepared revised air quality calculations which provide an accurate
analysis of the potential impacts caused by the project. This Map
involves 40 acres (50%) of the annexation area.
With the implementation of these mitigation measures, the impacts to air quality
from the proposed annexation will not be significant. Moreover, improvements
in technology which are likely to reduce impacts, particularly from motor
vehicles or the transit route improvements in the future which may occur at the
project site are not included in the analysis.
IV. a) Biological resource analysis has not been performed because the site has been
actively used for farm activities and therefore is not likely to be a valuable
habitat for native species. The land is not in an area of concern for known
sensitive species and is outside the boundary of the Coachella Valley Fringed -
toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan. Impacts from development are not
expected to be significant.
V. a) & b)
Cultural resource surveys were conducted for the subject property2. The survey
found that no significant resources occur on the site.
V. c) A paleontological resource study was performed for the 80 acres at the
southeasterly portion of the annexation area, and the balance of the site has
been previously assessed for paleontologic resources3. The annexation area has
exhibited signs of mollusks, being within the historic lakebed of ancient Lake
Cahuilla, but no vertebrate remains have been located. The mollusks found are
abundant in this area, and do not represent a significant resource. As such, the
Z Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey, prepared by CRM Tech, October, 2000; Phase 1
Archaeological/Historical Survey, prepared by James Brock, MA, RPA dated April 2001.
3 Paleontological Resources Assessment Report, prepared by CRM Tech, October 2000.
Environmental Assessments prepared for the County of Riverside. These include: PP15672, Fast
Track #98-39; TTM 29316 & 29317; Environmental Assessment No. 37276, Amd. No 1. These
analyses cover 200 of the 280 acres proposed for this project.
P:\CAROLYN\EAAddenT30092Barton. WPD
on -site investigation and report found that the impacts on paleontologic
resources are less than significant, and that no further analysis of the site is
necessary.
VI. a) i) & ii)
The site is not located in any Earthquake Fault zones as designated by the State
but is mapped in the Ground Shaking Zone IV meaning seismic events can
cause damage to building under certain occurrences. To ensure structures can
withstand damage from earthquakes, compliance with the Geotechnical
Investigation Report by Sladden Engineering dated February 9, 2001, shall be
met during any site construction work. This requirement will ensure that
impacts from ground failure are reduced to a less than significant level.
VI. a) iii)
This site may be subject to liquefaction due to groundwater being found within
25 to 30 feet requiring "remedial grading including overexcavation and
recompaction." (Sladden Report) To develop the site, the following mitigation
measure shall be implemented:
1. Grading activities and structure development shall comply with the
recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation Report prepared by
Sladden Engineering for TTM 30092 including over -excavation, and other
methods known to reduce the potential for liquefaction impacts on
residential and recreational structures.
VIII. b)
Domestic water is provided by the Coachella Valley Water District, which
extracts groundwater from a number of wells in the Lower Thermal sub -basin.
Development of the site will replace the use of canal water for crop irrigation
purposes and may represent a positive impact insofar as water usage may be
reduced when agricultural irrigation no longer occurs on the site.
Stormwater generated by development will be retained on -site which will
encourage percolation and groundwater recharge. Additionally, City
Ordinances require water conserving plumbing fixtures and landscaping. These
mitigation measures will reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.
VIII. c)-e)
Site development of buildings and parking areas will create impermeable
surfaces creating drainage pattern changes. The project site is located in a C
Flood Zone. The project is required to meet the City's standards for retention
of the 100-year storm on -site. The drainage plan, prepared by Hacker
Engineering, has been reviewed by the City Engineer for compliance with
Section 13.24.120 (Drainage) of the Subdivision Ordinance. Tract conditions
are recommended to ensure compliance assuring the flood control system is
less than significant.
P:\CAROLYN\EAAddenT30092Barton. W PD
XI. a) The development of the area will result in increased noise levels, but these are
not expected to be significant, given that the ambient noise level is, and will
continue to be low. Development on any portion of the site will include
landscaping, berms and walls which will further attenuate sound in the area as
required by Noise Impact Report prepared by P.A. Penardi and Associates dated
April 4, 2001. The impacts from noise are therefore not expected to be
significant.
XIII. a)
The proposed development will have a direct impact on public services and will
be served, once annexed, via City contracts with the County Sheriff and Fire
Department. The project area will generate, at build -out a population of
approximately 276 persons (i.e., 2.85 people per household). Site development
will generate property tax which will offset the costs of added police and fire
services.
The project area will continue to pay the mandated school fees as development
occurs. These fees mitigate the students generated, and offset the impacts to
schools.
The planned development is private and will include a 1.32 acre recreation lot.
In addition to private recreation, residents will have access to existing and
future City parks and other municipal facilities. The collection of property tax,
and the generation of sales tax from these residents' disposable income, will
generate revenues to the City to offset the added costs associated with the
provision of municipal services. Builders within the project area will be required
to participate in the City's Impact Fee Program, which helps to offset roadway
improvements. Site development is not expected to have a significant impact
on municipal services or facilities.
XV. a)
The Village of the Palms project determined traffic impacts for development
would be less than significant°. Under EA 2001-408(City Council Resolution
No. 2001-34) it was determined that a traffic study would not be required,
provided the sites were developed to comply with the LDR General Plan
designation and Impact Mitigation Fees were paid. The implementation of these
mitigation measures will reduce the potential impacts to the circulation system
to a less than significant level.
4
Environmental Assessments prepared for the County of Riverside. These include: PP15672, Fast Track #98-39;
TTM 29316 & 29317; Environmental Assessment No. 37276, Amd. No 1.
P:\CAROLYN\EAAddenT30092Barton. W PD
XVI. a)-f)
The eventual buildout of the site, however, will require service from the utility
providers. The overall impacts on these services is not expected to be
significant, insofar as these suppliers will charge the residents for their services,
and provide improvements to these services as needed. In addition, connection
fees will be required at construction of any project. These fees and charges will
mitigate the potential impacts to a less than significant level.
P:\CAROLYN\EAAddenT30092Barton. W PD
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