PC Resolution 2013-022PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2013 - 022
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO
THE CITY COUNCIL CERTIFICATION OF A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREPARED
FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2013-125
CASE NO.: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2013-631
2014-2021 LA QUINTA HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta did, on the 22nd
day of October, 2013, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider the proposed
General Plan Amendment for the 2014-2021 Housing Element Update (hereinafter,
"Project"); and,
WHEREAS, the City has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration
under Environmental Assessment 2013-631 , in compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., (CEQA Guidelines); and,
WHEREAS, the Community Development Director has determined that said
Project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, and that a
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact should be filed; and,
WHEREAS, the City did mail and published a Notice of Intent to adopt the
Negative Declaration in compliance with Pubic Resources Code Section 21092 on the
91" day of October, 2013; and
WHEREAS, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of
all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did make the
following findings to justify a recommendation to the City Council for certification of
said Environmental Assessment:
That the Environmental Assessment has been prepared and processed in
compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines and the City's implementation
procedures. The Planning Commission has independently reviewed and
considered the information contained in the Environmental Assessment, and
finds that it adequately describes and addresses the environmental effects of
the Project. Based upon the Initial Study, the comments received thereon, and
the entire record of proceeding for this Project, the Planning Commission finds
Planning Commission Resolution 2013 - 022
Environmental Assessment 2013-631
2014-2021 La Quinta Housing Element Update
Adopted: October 22, 2013
Page 2
that there are no significant environmental effects resulting from this Project.
2. The Project will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of
the community, either indirectly, or directly, in that no significant impacts were
identified by Environmental Assessment 2013-631 .
3. The Project 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.
4. There is no evidence before the City that the Project will have the potential for
an adverse effect on wildlife resources or the habitat on which the wildlife
depends.
5. The Project 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 under Environmental
Assessment 2013-631.
6. The Project 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 City will not be
affected by the Project.
7. The Project will not create 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.
8. The Planning Commission has considered the proposed Negative Declaration
and any comments received thereon, and there is no substantial evidence in
light of the entire record that the project may have a significant effect on the
environment. The Element is a planning document and adoption of the Housing
Element into the La Quinta General Plan will not directly result in changes to the
physical environment.
Planning Commission Resolution 2013 - 022
Environmental Assessment 2013-631
2014-2021 La Quinta Housing Element Update
Adopted: October 22, 2013
Page 3
9. The Planning Commission has considered Environmental Assessment 2013-631
and said assessment reflects the independent judgment of the City.
10. The City has, on the basis of substantial evidence, rebutted the presumption of
adverse effect set forth in 14 California Code of Regulations 753.5(d).
11. Based upon the Initial Study and the entire record of proceedings, the Project
has no potential for adverse effects on wildlife as that term is defined in Fish
and Game Code §71 1.2., and a Finding of No Effect has been issued by the
California Department of Fish and Game, pursuant to Fish and Game Code
711.4.
13. The location of the documents which constitute the record of proceedings upon
which the Planning Commission decision is based upon, are located in the La
Quinta City Hall, Planning Department, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta,
California, 92253
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
La Quinta, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and correct, and constitute the
findings of the Planning Commission in regard to this Environmental Assessment.
SECTION 2. That it does hereby recommend to the City Council certification of a
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 2013-
631 (Exhibit "A") for the reasons set forth in this Resolution and as stated in the Initial
Study (Exhibit "B"), on file in the Planning Department and attached hereto.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta
Planning Commission held on this 22"d day of October, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Blum, Weber, Wright, and Chairperson Barrows
NOES: Commissioner Wilkinson
ABSENT: None
Planning Commission Resolution 2013 - 022
Environmental Assessment 2013-631
2014-2021 La Quinta Housing Element Update
Adopted: October 22, 2013
Page 4
ABSTAIN: None
U
KATIE BAR S, Chairperson
City of La Quinta, California
rS JOHNSON, Community Development Director
ity of La Quinta, California
EXHIBIT
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Pursuant to the procedures of the City of La Quinta for the implementation of the California Environmental
Quality Act, the City has completed an Initial Study for the project described below:
Project: City of La Quinta Housing Element Update
City Case No.s: Environmental Assessment 2013-631
General Plan Amendment 2013-125
Project Location: City-wide, as an adopted element of the La Quinta General Plan.
Project Proponent: City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Project Description: The La Quinta Housing Element is a state -mandated general plan
element that establishes the City's vision for addressing existing and
future housing needs. The 2014-2021 Housing Element Update has been
prepared to identify and address La Quinta's housing needs through
2021. As required by state law, the Housing Element describes
community demographics, housing characteristics, the residential
development potential of vacant and underutilized sites, and potential
constrains to housing. The Housing Element is not a development plan
and it is not an entitlement. Rather, it is a policy document that
encourages the rehabilitation, preservation, and construction of housing
in compliance with provisions of state housing law.
Summary of Impacts: Attached is the Initial Study prepared for the City of La Quinta Housing Element
Update. The Initial Study reviews potential environmental effects associated with
the proposed project. Please review the Initial Study for more information.
Availability of Documents:
The Initial Study and all documents referenced therein, are available for review at the City of La Quinta
Community Development Department, located at 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253.
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
CITY OF LA QUINTA
CEQA Environmental Checklist
Environmental Assessment 2013-631
EXHIBIT B.
1
Project title: Housing Element Update, Case No. GPA 2013-125
CEQA Lead agency name and address: City of La Quinta
2.
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Contact persons and phone number: City of La Quinta
3.
Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner
(760) 777-7025
4.
Project location: City-wide
Project sponsor's name and address: City of La Quinta
5.
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
6.
General Plan Designation: All
7.
Zoning: All
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.)
The City is required to update its Housing Element on a schedule established by the
California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This update will
address future housing needs for the period from 2014 to 2021.
The Housing Element describes the City's existing and planned housing demand for the
8.
planning period. It addresses housing for all income groups, but focuses on housing for
lower income households, special needs households, and senior residents. The planning for
future housing demand is governed by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA),
also established by HCD.
The Housing Element is a policy document only. There will be no development resulting
from the adoption of the Housing Element.
Surrounding land uses/zoning and setting:
9.
The Housing Element applies to all residentially designated lands in the City.
Other public agencies whose approval is or may be required (e.g., permits, financing approval,
or participation agreement.)
10.
None.
-1-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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 checklist on the following pages.
Aesthetics
Agriculture Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Geology/Soils
Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Hydrology/Water
Quality
Land Use/Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise
Population/Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation/Traffic
Utilities/Service Systems
Mandatory Findings of Significance
DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation:
X
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.
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.
k��- zcv3
Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner Date
-2-
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City of La Quinta General Plan exhibit
L A TERRA NOVA® Planning Area Boundaries 1-3
Pl--O9 R.. — A- La Quinta, California
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiring, program EIR or EIS, or other CEQA
or NEPA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or EIS or negative
declaration or FONSI. 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
-3-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
X
scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited to,
trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
X
buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing
X
visual character or quality of the site and
its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial
_........ _.—_-
-
X
light or glare, which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and EIR; Zoning Ordinance; Housing Element Update.
I. a)-d) The Housing Element Update will have no impact on aesthetics. No development will
result from adoption of the update. Future projects will be reviewed under CEQA, and
their impacts to scenic vistas, visual character and light and glare will be assessed
individually as they are considered.
-4-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES:
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown on the
X
maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agri-
X
cultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
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?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and EIR.
II. a)-c) The Housing Element Update will have no impact on agricultural resources. Should
housing projects be proposed on agricultural lands in the future, their impacts will be
addressed specific to the project. Lands in agriculture are currently located in the
southeastern portion of the City, but most lands actively being cultivated are outside the
City limits, in the Sphere of Influence.
-5-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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 implementa-
X
tion of the applicable air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or
contribute substantially to an existing or
X
projected air quality violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable
X
net increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non -attain-
ment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including
re -leasing emissions, which exceed
quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to
X
substantial pollutant concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a
X
substantial number of people?
f) Generate greenhouse gas emissions
either directly or indirectly, that may
X
have a significant impact on the
environment?
g) Conflict with an applicable plan,
X
policy or regulation adopted for the
purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report; South Coast Air Quality
Management District CEQA Handbook, 1993; Coachella Valley State Implementation Plan for PM10,
Air Quality Management Plan; Housing Element Update.
III. a)-g) The Housing Element Update will have no impact on air quality. The City will assess
future housing projects as they are proposed. However, since all lands in the Sites
inventory are designated for residential land uses, it is expected that they will be
consistent with the SCAQMD's planning documents.
Impacts associated with traditional pollutants, such as ozone and P M10, as well as
greenhouse gas impacts will be calculated for each project, and mitigation measures
implemented if necessary.
-6-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES --
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
X
directly or through habitat modifications,
on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local
or regional plans, policies, or regulations,
or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
X
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, and regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game
or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
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,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption,
or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the
X
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or
X
ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an
X
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
other approved local, regional, or state
habitat conservation plan?
.7_
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report and Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation Plan and EIR/EIS, 2007.
IV. a)-f) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on biological resources.
Individual projects will be addressed as they are brought forward, but there are no lands
proposed on the Sites Inventory that occur in conservation areas. All projects will be
required to pay the mitigation fee, unless such fee is waived by the City Council for
affordable housing developments.
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 20t3-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would
the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a historical resource as
X
defined in 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in _
the significance of an archaeological
X
resource pursuant to 15064.5?
X
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal
X
cemeteries?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report.
V. a)-d) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on cultural resources. The
City routinely requires that individual sites be studied for archaeological, historic and
paleontological resources as projects are proposed. This policy will apply to future
housing projects, and should resources be identified, mitigation measures will be
proposed.
-9-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
y
X
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault,
X
as delineated on the most recent Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of
a known fault?
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
X
iii) Seismic -related ground failure,
X
including liquefaction?
..... -.. _...
iv) Landslides?
X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or
X
the loss of topsoil?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as
X
defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
Building Code, creating substantial risks
to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately
X
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative waste water disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of waste water?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report; "Soils Survey of Riverside County,
California, Coachella Valley Area," U.S. Soil Conservation Service, September 1980.
VI. a)-e) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on geology. There are no
Alquist Priolo hazard zones on lands identified for housing. Individual projects will be
assessed for potential impacts relating to landslides, liquefaction and other hazards, if
applicable. The soils in the City are generally not expansive, but individual soil studies
would identify this hazard prior to development. New development of any kind in the
City is required to connect to sanitary sewer services provided by the CVWD. No
impacts associated with septic tanks are expected.
-10-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
VIL HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
�._.............
MATERIALS --Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or
X
the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or
X
the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
X
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one -quarter mile
of an existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a
X
list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land
X
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the project result
in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the area?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
X
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically
X
interfere with an adopted emergency response
or evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant
X
risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland
fires, including where wildlands are adjacent
to urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report.
-11-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
VII. a)-h) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on hazards or hazardous
materials. Projects proposed in the future will undoubtedly result in small quantities of
hazardous materials being stored and used in individual units, but no large generator of
such materials would be expected in the implementation of the Housing Element.
Individual projects will be reviewed under CEQA, and impacts addressed on a case by
case basis.
-12-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
X
waste discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater
-,_...... .-.
X
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-
existing nearby wells would drop to a
level which would not support existing
land uses or planned uses for which
permits have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
X
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a
stream or river, in a manner resulting in
substantial erosion/siltation on- or off -site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage
X
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a
stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a
manner that would result in flooding on -
or off -site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which
X
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
f) Place housing within a 100-year flood
X
hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood
Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate
Map or other flood hazard delineation
map?
g) Place within a 100-year flood hazard
X
area structures, which would impede or
redirect flood flows?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and EIR.
-13-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
VIII. a)-g) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on hydrology. The City
will assess each future project under CEQA as it is presented. It will apply its standard
requirements, including compliance with NPDES, preparation of SWPPP and WQMP
and Best Practices to all projects. Generally, lands included in the Sites Inventory is not
located within a 100 year flood zone.
3[I
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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?
b) Conflict with any applicable land use
X
plan, policy, or regulation of an agency
with jurisdiction over the project
(including, but not limited to the general
plan, specific plan, local coastal
program, or zoning ordinance) adopted
for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating
an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat
X
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
IX. a)-c) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on land use. The parcels
included in the Sites Inventory are designated and zoned for residential uses, and
development on those parcels will be required to comply with the City's Zoning
requirements. No changes in the Land Use Map will be required as a result of the
adoption of the Update. All projects will be required to comply with the requirements of
the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
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Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would
the project:
X
a) Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would be of
value to the region and the residents of
the state?
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a
locally important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report; Mineral Land Classification:
Aggregate Materials in the Palm Springs Production -Consumption Region, prepared by the California
Department of Conservation Division of Mines and Geology, 1988.
X. a) & b) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on mineral resources.
Lands on the Sites Inventory are not located on land identified for mineral resource
extraction. There are no such lands in the City.
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Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
X
of noise levels in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or
noise ordinance, or applicable standards
of other agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation
X
of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundbome noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in
X
ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing without the
project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic
X
increase in ambient noise levels in the
project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport
X
land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
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?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and EIR.
XI. a)-f) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on noise. Projects will be
assessed under CEQA as they are proposed in the future, including the preparation of
noise analyses when required. These studies will provide mitigation where appropriate
and necessary. No lands on the Sites Inventory is located adjacent to an airport or airstrip.
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Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
X
in an area, either directly (for example,
by proposing new homes and businesses)
or indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of
X
existing housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of
X
people, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report.
XII. a)-c) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on population or housing.
The purpose of the Housing Element is to plan for future growth, not to induce it. All
sites on the Lands Inventory are vacant, and will therefore not impact existing
communities or housing units.
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Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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 perform-
ance objectives for any of the public
services:
Fire protection?
X
Police protection?
X
Schools?
Parks?
X
X
Other public facilities?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report.
XIII. a) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on public services. Future
projects will be reviewed individually, but are all expected to contribute to the City's
developer impact fee funds, and to the State mandated school funding. Further, the City
implements the requirements of the Quimby Act, to address future parks needs.
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Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XIV. RECREATION --
_Impact
X
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks
or other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
X
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities,
which might have an adverse physical
effect on the environment?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Environmental Impact Report.
XIV. a) & b) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on recreation. Future
projects will be expected to contribute to the City's developer impact fee funds. Further,
the City implements the requirements of the Quimby Act, to address future parks needs.
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Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
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
X
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
trips, the volume to capacity ratio on
roads, or congestion at intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually or
X
cumulatively, a level of service standard
established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads
or highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic
X
patterns, including either an increase in
traffic levels or a change in location that
results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a
�
e. .
feature ( g ,sharp curves or
designX
dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency
X
access?
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans,
X
or programs supporting alternative
transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle
racks)?
Sources: Zoning Ordinance, La Quinta General Plan and EIR.
XV. a)-g) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on traffic or transportation.
Future projects will be required to implement the City's requirements for traffic studies,
and to complete required traffic improvements, if applicable. All lands on the Sites
Inventory are designated for residential development, and are therefore considered in the
City's recent city-wide traffic analysis completed for the General Plan. Mitigation
measures, if required, will be applied to individual projects as they occur.
-21-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE
i
SYSTEMS
Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment
X
requirements of the applicable Regional
Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of
X
new water or wastewater treatment
facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of
X
new storm water drainage facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
_.... .....
d) Have sufficient water supplies
X
available to serve the project from
existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements
needed?
e) Result in a determination by the
X
wastewater treatment provider that
serves or may serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the project's
projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
X
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project's solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, & local
X
solid waste statutes and regulations?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report
XVI. a)-g) Adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on utilities. Individual
projects will be required to comply with the City's requirements for sanitary sewer
connection and solid waste disposal. The City will impose its standard requirements
relating to storm water, including compliance with NPDES standards.
-22-
Terra Nova/City of La Quinta
General Plan Amendment GPA 2013-125
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No
Significant
Significant w/
Significant
Impact
Impact
Mitigation
Impact
XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE --
X
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
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?
X
b) Does the project have the potential to
achieve short-term, to the disadvantage
of long-term environmental goals?
X
c) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively consider-
able" means that the incremental effects
of a project are considerable when
viewed in connection with the effects of
past projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probable
future projects)?
X
d) Does the project have environmental
effects, which will cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
Sources: La Quinta General Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report.
XVII. a)-d) The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on biological or
cultural resources. The Housing Element proposes no changes in land use, and is
therefore consistent with the General Plan in terms of future development potential and
long term goals for the community. Each individual project will be reviewed under
CEQA to assure that any potential impacts on people are reduced to less than significant
levels.
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