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CC Resolution 2022-003 EA 2021-0010 Housing & Safety Elements Updates RESOLUTION NO. 2022 - 003 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2020-0001 FOR THE 2022-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND UPDATES TO 2035 GENERAL PLAN CHAPTER IV, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS CASE NUMBER: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2021-0010 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California did, on February 15, 2022, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider Environmental Assessment 2021-0010 for the 2022-2029 Housing Element Update and updates to 2035 General Plan Chapter IV, Environmental Hazards (Safety Element), as mandated by State law; and WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing notice in The Desert Sun newspaper on February 4, 2022, as prescribed by the Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California did, on January 11 and January 25, 2022, hold duly noticed Public Hearings and after review and consideration of this item, and hearing all public testimony, adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2022-002 and recommended adoption of said Environmental Assessment; and WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department prepared an Initial Study and found that the proposed amendments to the General Plan will have a less than significant impact on the environment, and a Negative Declaration has been prepared; and WHEREAS, the City published a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration, and provided a public comment period for said Initial Study from October 28 to November 16, 2021; and WHEREAS, at said Public Hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the City Council did make the following findings to justify approval of Environmental Assessment 2021-0010: Resolution No. 2022-003 Environmental Assessment 2021-0010; Housing and Safety Element Updates Adopted: February 15, 2022 Page 2 of 3 1. Environmental Assessment 2021-0010 has been prepared and processed in compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines and the City’s implementation procedures. 2. The General Plan Amendment does not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, have an adverse effect on wildlife, achieve short term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long term environmental goals, or cumulatively result in significant impacts to the environment. 3. The City Council 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. 4. Based on the entire record of proceedings for this project, the City Council finds that the project will have no significant effect on the environment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, as follows: SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the Findings of the City Council in this case. SECTION 2. That it does hereby adopt a Negative Declaration for Environmental Assessment 2021-0010, prepared for General Plan Amendment 2020-0001, for the 2022-2029 Housing Element Update and updates to 2035 General Plan Chapter IV, Environmental Hazards as listed in the enclosed Exhibit A, incorporated herewith by this reference. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City of La Quinta City Council held on this 15th day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, and Mayor Evans NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None CITY OF LA QUINTA 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Phone: (760) 777-7000 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY Project Title: La Quinta Housing and Safety Element Updates Case No: GPA 2020-0001 Lead Agency: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7000 Applicant: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7000 Contact Person: Cheri Flores Planning Manager City of La Quinta (760) 777-7069 Project Location: City-wide General Plan Designation: All Zoning: All Surrounding Land Uses: Not applicable. The Housing and Safety Elements apply to all lands throughout the City. Project Description: Housing Element Update The Housing Element is one of the required Elements of the General Plan. It characterizes demographics of the City population and existing housing stock, and analyzes the future needs for housing in the City, with a focus on affordable housing and housing for special needs households, including seniors, disabled persons (including developmental disabilities), large families, single parent households and the homeless. It also provides the City’s policy makers with Goals, Policies and Programs intended to facilitate the development and preservation of adequate housing supply to meet these needs. The State has established a mandatory update schedule for Housing Elements, every eight years. This Update addresses the planning period from 2021 to 2029. During this cycle, the City has been allocated the following housing units under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) developed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG): RESOLUTION NO. 2022-003 EXHIBIT A ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 15, 2022 La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 2 Table 1 Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2021–2029 Type of Housing Very Low1 Low Moderate Above Moderate Total New Units 420 269 297 544 1,530 1 Note that the Very Low category consists of 50% extremely low income units (210) and 50% very low income units (210). This Update consists primarily of statistical updates (particularly relating to updating the 2010 Census and American Community Survey information in the Element to 2018 American Community Survey information), and reassessing housing needs based on these changes in demographics. Compared to the previous Housing Element, some sites have been added or removed from the vacant land inventory identified for future housing development. However, all sites in the inventory would be developed according to their General Plan and zoning designations. The Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) will be applied to all identified inventory sites, with a density of up to 30 units per acre. The sites inventory is provided in Table 2, as is the map of available sites. Table 2 Vacant Land Inventory Map Key APN Acres Existing GP Existing Zoning Projected Density Projected Yield Very Low, Low and Moderate Income Sites 1 646-070-016 13.84 MHDR RMH (AHO) 20 280 2 770-156-007, 770- 156-010, 770-181- 009 0.98 VC VC 14 14 3 (City Owned) 773-078-005, 773- 078-006, 773-078- 007, 773-078-016, 773-078-017, 773- 078-034 1.68 MC/VC MC/VC 14 8 7 604-032-042 1.88 MHDR RMH 12 22 8 (City Owned) 600-030-010, 600- 030-012, 600-030- 024 2.72 MHDR RMH 19 52 9 600-390-024 15.14 CG CP/CR 18 273 10* 600-080-001, 600- 080-002, 600-080- 003, 600-080-004, 600-080-005, 600- 080-006, 600-080- 007, 600-080-008, 600-080-009, 600- 080-041 4.13 MHDR RM 10 42 11 643-020-025 4.81 CG CR 26 126 12* 600-340-050, 600- 340-051 17.47 MHDR RM 8 140 La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 3 Table 2 Vacant Land Inventory Map Key APN Acres Existing GP Existing Zoning Projected Density Projected Yield 13 (City Owned) 600-020-057 6.42 CG CR 18 116 Total Very Low, Low and Moderate Income Sites 1,072 *Moderate income site Above Moderate Income Sites Acres Existing GP Existing Zoning Projected Density Projected Yield 15 Various 40.76 LDR/OS- R RVL/PR 3 90 16 Various 37.43 LDR RL/PR 3 60 17 Various 29.56 LDR RL 3 94 18 Various 20.72 LDR RL 3 57 19 Various 33.07 LDR RL 3 85 20 Various 28.76 LDR RL 3 70 Total Above Moderate Sites 456 Total All Sites 1,528 La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 4 La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 5 This Update does not propose any significant change in policy; all changes in policy reflect the changes to the inventory and changes in state laws. Most recently in 2017, a series of bills with updates to Housing Element law (Cal. Gov. Code, § 65000 et seq.) were passed to address the state-wide housing crisis. For example, Assembly Bill (AB) 686 (stats. 2018, ch. 958) requires that all housing elements due on or after January 1, 2021 must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with the core elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule (2015). The Housing Element Update addresses the AFFH requirement by analyzing potential patterns of segregation and equal access to opportunity. The proposed policies aim to promote housing development and conservation of existing units for all segments of the City population, through incentivizing lot consolidation, fostering collaboration with local organizations and other government agencies, and providing adequate information and support on fair housing implementation. Safety Element Update The Safety Element is updated along with the Housing Element as required by state law. As required by Government Code § 65302, with this update of the Housing Element, the City must also address updates to fire and flood hazard management. The Safety Element Update includes a Flood Hazard Zones Map (Exhibit IV-6) which reflects the current FEMA flood zones, and a Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map (Exhibit IV-7) which provides the current fire hazard mapping by CalFire. The Safety Element also addressed climate change impacts and adaptation, including its interaction with fire, flood, drought, and extreme heat hazards. The Update addressed emergency preparedness at local and regional levels with reference to the City’s and County’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. Project Location and Limits: City of La Quinta (Exhibit 1) Township 5 South & 6 South, Range 6 East BM Township 5 South & 6 South, Range 7 East BM Other Required Public Agency Approvals: None. PACIFIC OCEAN CALIFORNIA • DeNrt Hot Springs .,. _.P.li!'ff Sptlno-C.the<Jtlll City • --- .. - Rat'IChoMir99& Palm DMert lndlo s.o Indian Wells A � ..:;:-::-... La�Q.iilii taA -".. ---• .. RIVERSIDE COUNTY Pl.ANNING & AE.SeAAcH, IN¢. Regional Location Map La Quinta, California - E,l ---- Q La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 7 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 and Forestry Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy Geology /Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards & Hazardous Materials Hydrology / Water Quality Land Use / Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population / Housing Public Services Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources Utilities / Service Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of Significance La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 8 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. Signature October 26, 2021 Date La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 9 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on- site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 10 I. AESTHETICS -- Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? X c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? X d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; La Quinta Municipal Code. Setting The City of La Quinta is located in the central Coachella Valley, which is a desert valley that extends approximately 45 miles in Riverside County, southeast from the San Bernardino Mountains to the northern shore of the Salton Sea. The Santa Rosa Mountains border the City on the south and southwest, forming a dramatic backdrop to the City’s western boundary. The foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains extend to the south-central portion of the City, known as the Coral Mountains. The Coral Mountains rise about 1,000 feet above sea level, and as their name implies, they look like giant coral reefs springing up from the valley floor. The Cove area of the City is situated within the Coral Mountains. Other mountains providing a visual resource for La Quinta include the San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest, Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, and the Indio Hills to the northeast and east below the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Discussion a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on aesthetics, scenic vista or light and glare. Future housing projects, as they are proposed, will be subject to City review for project design including architecture and landscaping and environmental review under CEQA for potential impacts on the environment including aesthetics. The City’s General Plan and Municipal Code set building height limits and do not allow large or bulky structures that La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 11 may block scenic vistas. Future housing projects facilitated by this Update will be developed in accordance with applicable zoning and other regulations on scenic quality, and this Update proposes no change to these regulations. There are no state designated scenic highways in the City. The General Plan designates City Image Corridors, and the Municipal Code includes provisions such as setback and building height for development along the Image Corridors to protect scenic resources (Section 9.50.020). Future development will be subject to Section 9.100.150 (Outdoor Lighting) and other applicable sections of the Municipal Code, including parking lot lighting photometric standards. The plan check process includes detailed review of landscape and lighting plans, which will prevent significant impacts from light and glare. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 12 II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? X b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? X c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? X d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? X e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan, July 2012; City of La Quinta Official Zoning Map, July 2016; Important Farmland: 1984-2018, California Department of Conservation. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 13 Setting In the City of La Quinta, agriculture has been an important factor in local history and in its economy. Although most farms within the incorporated regions of La Quinta no longer exist, agriculture is still an economic factor east of the City. According to the most recent California Important Farmlands mapping (2018), most of the City is mapped as urban and built-up land. There are some parcels mapped as Prime Farmland and Farmland of Local Importance within the City, at its southern boundary. No Williamson Act lands occur within the City. The City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance specify limited permitted agricultural uses. The Low Density Agriculture/Equestrian Residential Overlay covers a quarter section of land at the southwest corner of Ave 52 and Monroe St, a small triangular area north of Ave 62 near Madison St and is applied over the entire Sphere of Influence area as this area is more rural in nature. The City’s General Plan does not include Forestry or Forest Production designations, nor does the City have zones for these uses. The City sits on the desert floor and the foothills of Santa Rosa Mountains, and no forestry or forest production lands occur in the desert climate. Discussion a-e) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents, and in and by themselves will not impact any agricultural land. One of the sites (Site 16) in the vacant land inventory identified for housing development occurs on Farmland of Local Importance. However, the site has been designated for urban uses (residential development) and out of agricultural production for some time. Given the limited area compared to important farmland in Riverside County, the General Plan EIR concluded that no significant impact would occur on agriculture in the region. The Housing Element Update proposes no changes to the land use designations and would have no impact on loss or conversion of farmland. Because there are no Williamson Act contract lands in the City, no impact would occur regarding conflict with zoning or any such contract. Given the absence of forest land, timberland or timberland zoned for timberland production in the City, the Housing Element would not rezone forest land or timberland as defined by the Public Resources Code and Government Code. There will be no loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. This Update to the Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan will not impact any agricultural or forest land, nor would it result in the conversion of such land to non- agricultural or non-forest uses. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 14 III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? X b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non- attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? X c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? X d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? X Source: 2035 La Quinta General Plan; “Final 2016 Air Quality Management Plan,” prepared by South Coast Air Quality Management District, March 2017; “Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology,” prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Revised, July 2008; “2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan,” August 1, 2003. Setting The City of La Quinta is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The SCAQMD is one of the 35 air quality regulatory agencies in the State of California, and all development within the SSAB is subject to SCAQMD’s 2016 Air Quality Management Plan and the 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan. The SCAQMD operates and maintains regional air quality monitoring stations at numerous locations throughout its jurisdiction. The Project site is located within Source Receptor Area (SRA) 30 (Coachella Valley), which includes monitoring stations in Palm Springs, Indio and Mecca. Criteria air pollutants are contaminants for which state and federal air quality standards (California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)) have been established. The SSAB exceeds state and federal standards for fugitive dust (PM10) and ozone (O3). Health risks associated with PM10 and ozone pollution include respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, asthma and even high blood pressure. Ambient air quality in the SSAB, including the City of La Quinta, does not exceed state or federal standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, sulfur dioxide, lead, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, or Vinyl Chloride. In order to achieve attainment for PM10 in the region, the 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 Management Plan was adopted, which established strict standards for dust management for development proposals. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 15 Discussion a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on air quality. The Updates are to the General Plan, a policy document, and will not generate any construction or development. The Safety Element Update addresses new information on flooding and fire hazards, as well as climate resilience, which will not result in air emissions. The sites identified for future housing will be developed according to densities allowed by the La Quinta General Plan, which was used to develop population forecasts in the 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). The RTP/SCS serves as the basis of land use and transportation controls of the 2016 AQMP. Because the proposed Update is consistent with the RTP/SCS, it is considered consistent with the AQMP. As future housing development is proposed, the City will undertake CEQA review on an individual project level and assess potential impacts on air quality for each project, including emissions of criteria pollutants, pollutant concentrations near sensitive receptors, and emissions of odors. All future projects will be required to comply with SCAQMD rules and City requirements for construction related activities in accordance with the 2016 AQMP and 2003 SIP. Typical measures include, but are not limited to, the implementation of fugitive dust control measures (SCAQMD Rule 403.1, Municipal Code Chapter 6.16) and the use of low VOC content coatings (SCAQMD Rule 1113). The City’s General Plan Policy AQ-1.4 calls for protection of sensitive receptors from pollution through siting polluters away from sensitive receptors including residential development. The Housing Element will facilitate development and renovation of residential units, which typically do not emit odors that would adversely affect a substantial number of people. Mitigation measures will be implemented as necessary in compliance with SCAQMD rules and City requirements. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 16 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? X b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? X c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? X d) Interfere substantially with the 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? X e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? X f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan, July 2012; Coachella Valley MSHCP; La Quinta Municipal Code. Setting The Coachella Valley is located within the Sonoran Desert, a subdivision of the Colorado Desert. The Sonoran Desert hosts a wide range of biological resources that are highly specialized and endemic to the region. The City of La Quinta is within the boundaries of and a permittee under the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP).1 The CVMSHCP is a comprehensive regional plan that balances growth in the Coachella Valley with the requirements 1 Recirculated Final Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan; Figure 8-3. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 17 of federal and state endangered species laws. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area, designated by the CVMSHCP, extends into the City in its south and west portions, which are the foothills of Santa Rosa Mountains. Discussion a-f) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents and will have no impact on biological resources. The sites identified for future housing development are not located within or adjacent to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area, or any other Conservation Area designated in the Plan. This Update will not facilitate development beyond what is currently allowed under the General Plan. There are many washes and streambeds in La Quinta. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will require site-specific biological studies, when appropriate, during the CEQA process. The project-level studies will determine the presence of jurisdictional waters and riparian habitats, and the necessary permits and mitigation. Most future housing sites are infill sites in an urban setting and have very limited potential to serve as wildlife corridors or nursery sites. The project-level biological studies will identify any potential impacts on, and provide mitigation for wildlife corridors, nursery sites, and habitats and species protected under the CVMSHCP and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The City may also require such studies for species not covered by the CVMSHCP (General Plan Policy BIO-1.2). This Update will not conflict with any policies or ordinances that protect biological species, or any habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 18 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5? X b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to '15064.5? X c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan, July 2012. Setting Native Americans, namely the Cahuilla people, occupied lands throughout the Coachella Valley approximately 8,000 to 12,000 years ago. The Cahuilla Indians were a Takic-speaking people consisting of hunters and gatherers. Among this tribe were separate groups including the Pass Cahuilla, who occupied the modern day San Gorgonio Pass and Palm Springs area, the Mountain Cahuilla, who occupied the San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the Desert Cahuilla, who occupied the eastern Coachella Valley, which includes modern day La Quinta. The Coachella Valley saw the first noted European explorations in the 1820’s. By the 1870’s non- native settlements began to occur across the Coachella Valley, as new federal laws opened lands for new settlers. The discovery of underground water sources began to increase farming activities throughout the valley in the early 20th century. Tourism reached La Quinta and the Coachella Valley in the 1920’s. The City of La Quinta conducted two city-wide Historical Resources Surveys, which occurred in 1996–1997 and 2006; these two studies were updated in 2010 as part of the General Plan Update. In the City and Sphere of Influence (SOI), approximately 280 buildings and other built features have been identified as having the potential to be historically significant. Portions of the City are located within the ancient Lake Cahuilla, and approximately 500 archaeological sites, both historic and prehistoric, and approximately 170 isolates (localities with fewer than three artifacts) have been discovered in the City and SOI. Discussion a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not interfere with protection or significance of any cultural resources. The Safety Element Update addresses new mapping and policy relating to flooding and fire hazards, and will not result in any construction which might disturb cultural resources. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 19 As future housing projects are proposed, the City will require site-specific cultural resource surveys to assess potential impacts to historical resources, and provide mitigation to reduce impacts to less than significant levels. The sites identified for housing in the Housing Element Update are vacant, and unlikely to contain historic resources. Prehistoric resources on these sites, if any, will be assessed as development is proposed and the City completes cultural resource studies for these sites as part of the CEQA process. The City will also consult with interested tribes on potential cultural resources pursuant to AB 52 (stats. 2014, ch. 532) and/or Senate Bill (SB) 18 (stats. 2004, ch. 905), as it did for this Update (please see Tribal Cultural Resources, below). While Native American burial sites have been uncovered in the City, the site-specific studies and necessary mitigation measures will help reduce potential impacts regarding human remains or Tribal resources. In addition, should any previously unidentified or unanticipated human remains be discovered during project development, state law requires that all activity stop, that the coroner be notified to determine the nature of the remains and whether Native American consultation is needed. This requirement of law assures no impact would occur to cemeteries or human remains. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 20 VI. ENERGY -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? X b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; La Quinta Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2013). Setting Energy sources include nuclear energy, fossil fuels (e.g., oil, coal and natural gas) and renewable sources (e.g., wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower). Electrical service to the City is provided by Imperial Irrigation District (IID). Natural gas service to the City is provided by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Both IID and SoCalGas provide assistance and incentive programs to help conserve energy. The City of La Quinta Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2012) includes measures to promote energy efficiency and local generation of renewable energy. Such measures include expanding rooftop solar systems citywide, encouraging energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits of existing buildings, and providing information to residents and businesses on programs, incentives and rebates for retrofitting. Discussion a, b) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Elements are policy documents, and their updates will have no impact on the consumption of energy resources or state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency. The proposed Housing Element contains goals, policies and programs to promote energy conservation, such as LEED and Green Building certifications and programs offered by utility companies. Construction and rehabilitation of housing, as they are proposed in the future, will be required to meet the requirements in the California Green Building Standards Code (California Building Code Title 24 (CBC)) to ensure wise and efficient use of energy sources. New residential development will be constructed zero-net-energy (ZNE) per the 2019 CBC. Future housing developments would result in the consumption of petroleum-based fuels related to vehicular travel. While future housing projects have the potential to increase the overall City vehicle miles traveled (VMTs), the proposed Update will not interfere with improved fuel efficiency standards and will not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of transportation energy resources. The Safety Element Update consists of mapping and policy relating to fire and flooding hazards, which will have no impact on energy consumption. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 21 The proposed Updates will not conflict with current energy standards and conservation goals laid out in the City’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2013). Overall, no impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 22 VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? X ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? X iv) Landslides? X b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? X c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on-or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? X d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? X e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? X f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan, July 2012. Setting The City is located in the central portion of the Coachella Valley, which is the northwestern extension of the Salton Trough, a tectonic depression formed by regional faulting. The Salton Trough is roughly 130 miles long and 70 miles wide and extends from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 23 Regional soils range from rocky outcrops within the mountains bordering the valley, to coarse gravels of mountain canyons and recently laid fine- and medium-grained alluvial (stream- deposited) and aeolian (wind-deposited) sediments on the central valley floor. Sediments from the surrounding mountains are carried into and across the valley through seasonal streams. The Whitewater River is the primary natural drainage for the valley and generally flows northwest to southeast. It is channelized in most of the valley, including the City (Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel). Episodic flooding of major regional drainages and strong, sustained winds channeled through the San Gorgonio Pass result in the deposition of sand and gravel on the valley floor. Discussion a-f) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on geology and soils. The Safety Element Update includes additions relating to fire and flood hazards, and these additions will have no impact on geologic, soil, or paleontological resources, as they will not result in any development. There are no Alquist Priolo fault zones in the City, and there will be no impact on fault rupture. However, the many active faults in the region, including the San Andreas Fault Zone, have the capability of generating up to a magnitude 8.0 earthquake on the Richter scale. The City enforces the latest California Building Code (2019 CBC) and Uniform Building Code including seismic design and earthquake hazard reduction in existing buildings (Municipal Code Chapters 8.02 & 8.12). For future housing projects and rehabilitation, earthquake-resistant construction and hazard reduction methods prescribed by the Building Codes will be implemented to minimize potential structural damage. Several sites identified in the Housing Element Update (#16-20) for future housing development are located in the moderate or high liquefaction susceptibility areas identified in the General Plan (Exhibit IV-3). The City requires site-specific studies for any development proposed in the areas identified to be susceptible to liquefaction. The General Plan also mapped areas subject to earthquake-induced slope instability (Exhibit IV-3). Development is generally very limited in these areas. Ground subsidence is considered a regional hazard in the Coachella Valley, and is being addressed through water management programs by CVWD. Ground subsidence has not been identified on any of the housing inventory sites. Future housing projects may result in soil erosion primarily during construction. A dust management plan will be part of the standard requirements imposed through conditions of approval to minimize fugitive dust generated during the building process (Chapter 6.16, LQMC). Grading and construction would occur in accordance with erosion control requirements imposed by the City pursuant to grading permit regulations. These requirements will minimize potential impacts on soil erosion. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 24 Soils in various portions of the City are comprised of alluvial and aeolian sediments, which are prone to collapse and/or hydroconsolidation. For future housing projects, the City requires site- specific geotechnical studies for areas where these soils are present to analyze potential risks and provide specific engineering recommendations. The lacustrine deposits associated with ancient Lake Cahuilla underlying much of the City contain varying amounts of clay and silt, which may be expansive. Site-specific geotechnical studies will be required to guide appropriate site design and engineering techniques to mitigate the expansive soil hazard. New development in the City will be required to connect to sanitary sewer services provided by the CVWD. No impacts associated with septic tanks are expected. The eastern half of the City is designated as high paleontologic sensitivity in the General Plan (Exhibit III-4). The City requires new development projects proposed for areas of high sensitivity for paleontological resources to prepare paleontological resource surveys during the entitlement process and a paleontological monitor during earth moving activities. These requirements will minimize potential impacts to paleontological resources. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 25 VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? X b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; La Quinta Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2013). Setting Certain gases in the earth’s atmosphere, classified as greenhouse gases (GHGs), play a critical role in determining the earth’s surface temperature. Prominent GHGs contributing to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated compounds. Sources of GHGs include both natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) processes. Anthropogenic emissions of these GHGs in excess of natural ambient concentrations are responsible for intensifying the greenhouse effect and have led to a trend of unnatural warming of the earth’s climate, known as global climate change or global warming. State laws, such as AB 32 (stats. 2006, ch. 488) and SB 32 (stats. 2016, ch. 249), require all cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. SB 32 is the extension of AB 32 which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. To protect air quality locally and contribute to the State mandate to reduce air quality emissions, the City of La Quinta has adopted a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2013) that is consistent with the goals of AB 32 and S-3-05, which calls for a statewide GHG emission reduction to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Discussion a, b) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents and will have no impact on greenhouse gas emissions, as they will not generate any construction or development. The Housing Element identifies local programs offered by the City and utility providers that help reduce GHG emissions, as well as policies and programs to support energy conservation, thereby reducing project-level GHG emissions. The City’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (2013) provided reduction goals and specific measures for municipal and community wide activities; those applicable to housing development and rehabilitation include energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction and use of energy efficient appliances and fixtures. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will undertake CEQA review, and assess potential impacts for each project on greenhouse gas emissions using the tiered GHG thresholds established by SCAQMD. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 26 The Safety Element Update affects mapping and policy relating to flooding and fire hazards, which will not have any effect on GHG emissions. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 27 IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? X b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? X c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? X d) Be located on a site which is included on a 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? X e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? X f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? X g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; California Department of Toxic Substances Control “EnviroStor” Database, accessed April 2021; State Water Resources Control Board, GeoTracker, accessed April 2021; Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Policy Document, adopted December 2004. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 28 Setting A hazardous material is defined as a substance or combination of substances which may either (1) cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. The proper management of hazardous materials is a common concern for all communities. Since the 1970s, governments at the federal, state, and local levels became increasingly concerned about the effects of hazardous materials on human health and the environment. Numerous laws and regulations were developed to investigate and mitigate these effects. As a result, the storage, use, generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials are highly regulated by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Discussion a-g) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not impact hazards or hazardous materials. The mapping of flood zones and fire hazard areas in the Safety Element will aid the City and future developers in determining how best to protect their properties from these hazards. Future housing development will be required to consider potential impacts as part of the CEQA process, though the potential impacts are likely to be negligible, as housing development does not generate significant use, storage or transport of hazardous materials. There are many schools throughout the City, and some are near lands designated for housing. However, as noted, housing development typically generates minimal hazardous materials which are under stringent County, state and federal regulations. The sites identified for affordable housing or housing in general are not identified by the state as having or previously having had hazardous materials issues. The nearest airport to the City is Bermuda Dunes Airport, located approximately 0.61 miles north of the City at its closest point. Sites #7, 8, 10 are located within Zone E per the Bermuda Dunes Airport Compatibility Map, and residential uses are generally compatible uses within Zone E. No other sites are located within the airport land use compatibility plan, and none of the sites are located within or near any noise contours of the airport. Implementation of the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and General Plan Safety Element would minimize potential impacts to residential development by ensuring land use compatibility and locating residential uses at a safe distance from the airport. The Jaqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located in the Sphere of Influence, but is 3.5 miles east of the existing City limits and the closest identified sites for above moderate income households (sites 15, 16 and 17). These sites are well outside the airport’s influence area, and will not be impacted by the airport. Housing developments are expected to occur primarily on infill sites and on the City’s developed street system. The City has established emergency evacuation routes for neighborhoods and is improving roadways that cross the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel to provide all-weather crossings. The site plans and emergency access for future housing projects will be subject to La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 29 approval by the Fire and Police Departments to ensure adequate emergency access. No impact to emergency access or evacuation routes is anticipated. The Safety Element Update refers to the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) updated in 2017 and Riverside County Multi- Jurisdictional LHMP approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018, which provide guidance on hazard mitigation and emergency response in and around the City, and support safe evacuation efforts during an emergency. The Safety Element Update contains the current fire hazard mapping by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). According to CalFire, there are no state responsibility areas or any very high fire hazard severity zones in the City. The sites identified for future housing are not located adjacent to any fire hazard zone. Future housing projects will also be subject to applicable fire codes and Fire Department review and inspection. This Update will not expose people or structures to a significant risk associated with wildfire hazards. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 30 X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? X b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? X c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: (i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; X (ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site; X (iii) create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or X (iv) impede or redirect flood flows? X (d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? X (e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 31 Setting La Quinta is located in the Coachella Valley, where rainfall on the valley floor averages 3 inches annually and 5 to 6 inches in the foothills. Several watersheds drain the adjoining elevated terrain of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains towards the valley floor. Most rainfall occurs during the cooler months of November through March, but occasional high-intensity thunderstorms and tropical storms occur in late summer and early fall. Summer storms pose a greater threat of localized flooding than winter storms because of their high intensity and short duration. The City implements standard requirements for the retention of storm flows and participates in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to protect surface waters from pollution. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) provides domestic water and sewer services to the City of La Quinta. CVWD’s primary water source is groundwater extracted through a system of wells located throughout the City and region. In addition to groundwater, CVWD relies on imported water brought to the region by regional canals. CVWD also maintains water storage tanks throughout its service area, including ten existing or planned tanks in the City and its Sphere, with capacities ranging from 250,000 to 10 million gallons. CVWD is responsible, under the California Water Code, for analyzing its current and future water supply, and assuring that sufficient supply is available to serve land uses within their service area, through the preparation of an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). CVWD is required to periodically update the Plan. CVWD has two wastewater treatment plants serving the City, Water Reclamation Plant 7 (WRP- 7) located at Madison Street and Avenue 38 and the Mid-Valley Water Reclamation Plant (WRP- 4) located on Filmore Street in Thermal. For all land in the City located south of Miles Avenue, sewage is treated at WRP-4, which has a capacity of 9.9 million gallons per day. There is currently excess capacity at WRP-4. WRP-4 does not include tertiary treatment facilities; however, plans are underway to extend the tertiary-treated water delivery system to other areas in the valley. CVWD also implements the requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board pertaining to domestic water quality and wastewater discharge. Discussion a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on hydrology and water quality. The City and CVWD implement water quality standards and waste discharge requirements to prevent contamination of water sources during construction and operation. Future housing developments will be reviewed under CEQA to assure that they meet these standards. CVWD has prepared an Urban Water Management Plan 2015 Update, which is a long-term planning document that helps CVWD plan for current and future water demands. The Plan demonstrates that CVWD has available, or can supply in the future, sufficient and reliable water supplies to serve future development in the City. The proposed housing sites are expected to develop under the designations by the City’s 2035 General Plan; therefore, the water demand is addressed in the UWMP. The Housing and Safety Elements Updates will not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 32 The City requires all new development and/or redevelopment projects equal to or greater than one acre to prepare and submit a Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) to the City Engineer for approval, and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) included in the WQMP, as required by the City’s NPDES implementation agreement (Municipal Code Chapter 8.70). A minimum requirement for drainage facilities of containing a 100-year storm event is included in the City’s standards (Municipal Code Section 13.24.120). These standard requirements will be enforced during project entitlement and environmental review processes and will ensure that future housing projects do not cause significant impacts related to drainage patterns due to siltation, polluted runoff and flooding. The City is located inland and is not subject to tsunamis. The Safety Element updates the FEMA flood hazard zones map (Exhibit IV-6). According to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps, housing sites in the City are not located in the 100-year special flood hazard areas. Areas of potential flooding are limited to the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, La Quinta Evacuation Channel, creeks near the foothills, and the nearby alluvial fans. The General Plan Safety Element provides policies and programs to minimize potential impacts regarding flooding and calls for cooperation with CVWD to minimize the potential for inundation from levee or water tank failure. The applicable standard requirements, as well as project-level hydrology studies, will serve to minimize potential impacts on water resources. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 33 XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Physically divide an established community? X b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; City of La Quinta Official Zoning Map, July 2016. Setting The City is located in the center of the Coachella Valley, and is largely built out, with the exception of lands in its southern half. The General Plan and Zoning Ordinance allow a broad range of residential product, commercial and institutional facilities, limited light industrial uses and open space. The City of La Quinta has over half (53.3%) its land designated as Open Space, 31.7% as residential lands, and 4.4% as commercial lands. Discussion a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on land use. The updates to the Safety Element will facilitate the safe development of future land uses across the City by implementing updated mapping, data and policy designed to protect public safety. The sites identified for future housing are vacant. Some of the inventory sites for above moderate income households are located within existing communities, but are planned for development to build out these communities, not divide them. Future development of any of the identified sites is not expected to physically divide or impact an established community. All the sites identified in the vacant land inventory allow residential uses, and are expected to be developed under their General Plan and AHO zoning designations. Future housing projects will be subject to the development standards set forth in the zoning ordinance (Municipal Code Title 9) or effective Specific Plans. The Housing Element Update will not conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation. No impact would occur. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 34 XII. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact 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? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; “Mineral Land Classification Map, Aggregate Resources Only, Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region,” California Division of Mines and Geology, 1987. Setting The California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) addresses the loss of regionally significant mineral deposits to urban development. The Act requires the Department of Conservation to create Production-Consumption Regions. The City is located in the Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region. This region covers approximately 631 square miles of the Coachella Valley from near Cabazon to Thermal. The City is generally designated as Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ) 3 on the west, and MRZ-1 on the east. MRZ-1 indicates areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. MRZ-3 indicates areas containing known or inferred mineral occurrences of undetermined mineral resource significances. No active mining or extraction sites occur in the City, nor are any proposed or designated for such uses. Discussion a, b) No Impact. The adoption and implementation of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not result in the loss of availability of a locally or regionally important mineral resource. The flooding and fire hazard mapping and policy in the Safety Element will not affect mineral resources. The sites identified for future housing development are designated for residential uses in the General Plan and on the City Zoning Map, which would not accommodate mineral resource recovery. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 35 XIII. NOISE - Would the project result in: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Generation of substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? X b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? X c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? X Sources: 2035 General Plan Noise Element; La Quinta Municipal Code. Setting The primary source of noise in the City of La Quinta is traffic. Section 9.100.210 of the City’s Municipal Code governs noise control in the City. The current noise standards allow noise levels of 65 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM, and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM for noise sensitive uses, including residential units. This standard is more stringent than the CNEL standard and can be modified by City Council. Discussion a-c) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates represent amendments to policy documents and would not generate construction or development. The updates to flood and fire hazard mapping and policy will not impact noise levels in the City, nor do they have potential to create new sources of noise. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to analyze noise issues during the CEQA review and building permit processes. Project-level noise studies may be required by the City to assess impacts from roadway and surrounding development, where necessary. The City may also require acoustical analysis to verify exterior and interior noise standard compliance during building plan check reviews. Should noise levels at future housing sites exceed city standards, mitigation would be required such as noise attenuation walls, setback from roadways, and landscape buffers. Construction of future housing development will create temporary noise and/or vibration sources. Construction noise is exempt from the noise standards set forth in Section 9.100.210 of the Zoning Ordinance; however, it is restricted to certain days of the week and times of day that are considered La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 36 less sensitive (Municipal Code Section 6.08.050). As noted, under CEQA review, individual projects will need to assess whether their construction will potentially impact surrounding uses and any sensitive receptors. In the long term, housing development will be required to comply with the operational noise levels established in the Zoning Ordinance related to residential property, and are not expected to cause significant impacts on noise and vibration. The nearest airport to the City is Bermuda Dunes Airport, located approximately 0.61 miles north of the City at its closest point. All sites identified for future housing development in the Housing Element are located outside the noise contours of the Bermuda Dunes Airport. The Jaqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located 3.5 east of the City limits, and due to distance will not impact noise levels within the City. No impact will occur regarding exposing people to excessive noise levels. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 37 XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING – Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? X b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State, January 1, 2021. Setting The City of La Quinta has a population of approximately 41,247 persons, which is expected to grow to 47,700 in 2045.2 Currently, the City is composed of a mix of single-family, multi-family, and mobile home development, but the majority (87.9%) of housing units are single-family homes. Discussion a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on population and housing. The Element provides goals, policies and programs to facilitate housing development and preserve the existing housing stock, but does not create any immediate need for housing. As population grows in the City, demand for housing will increase and the sites identified for future housing in the vacant land inventory will be developed under the provisions of the General Plan, including the Housing Element and the zoning ordinance. The Housing Element will not induce growth, insofar as the identified sites are located on existing streets, and utilities and public facilities are available in the immediate area. No new road or utility infrastructure is anticipated other than onsite connections. Because the identified sites are vacant, future housing development would not displace any existing housing or require replacement housing elsewhere. No impact will occur. The Safety Element Update consists of additions to fire and flood hazard mapping and discussions of hazard management, and will not result in any development, population or housing. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required 2 2020-2045 RTP/SCS Demographics and Growth Forecast by Southern California Association of Governments. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 38 XV. PUBLIC SERVICES Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? X Police protection? X Schools? X Parks? X Other public facilities? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan. Setting Fire Protection The County of Riverside Fire Department (RCFD) provides fire protection to the City of La Quinta on a contract basis. The City of La Quinta has fire stations at three locations throughout the City: 44555 Adams Street north of Highway 111, 78111 Avenue 52 in the Cove area, and 54001 Madison Street in the eastern City. Police Protection The City of La Quinta contracts for police services with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. There are two Police Department offices that serve the City: Civic Center Community Policing Office located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the regional Sheriff’s Station located at 86-625 Airport Boulevard in Thermal. Schools There are two school districts providing public education to students in kindergarten through 12th grade in La Quinta: Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD). Both districts receive funding from state funds and local property taxes. The districts are authorized to collect school facilities fees as provided for in Government Code Section 53080 et. seq. and 65995 et seq. on a per square foot basis for new residential development. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 39 Parks The City of La Quinta currently operates 11 city parks, the Civic Center Campus, and three nature preserve areas. All city parks, with the exception of the Civic Center Campus, provide a children’s playground facility. La Quinta Municipal Code Chapter 13.48 establishes criteria for dedicating land, or payment of in lieu fees for construction of new parks or recreational facilities or rehabilitation of existing facilities. All residential developments subdivisions containing five or more parcels are required to pay a park development fee, dedicate land, or both. The City General Plan sets a requirement for providing a minimum of 5 acres per 1,000 population. Discussion a) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents and will not directly result in any development. The adoption of the Updates will have no impact on public services. The Safety Element Update will more clearly identify flooding and fire hazards, and prevent the location of public facilities in hazard areas. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be reviewed to determine potential impacts on public services during the CEQA process. In general, sites identified for future housing in the vacant land inventory are urban infill sites. These sites will be developed under the allowable densities in the General Plan and Zoning Code. The majority of the City is well served by public services, and thus new development on those sites are least likely to have significant impacts on public services. The sites identified for future housing are not located in or near a fire hazard zone. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to provide emergency access following the Riverside County Fire Department’s design guidelines. Future housing development will be required to pay development impact fees toward fire protection services at building permit issuance and school developer fees in place at the time development occurs. Future projects will also need to participate in the City’s parkland in-lieu fee program to offset impacts associated with parks generated by new residents. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 40 XVI. RECREATION -- Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact 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? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan. Setting There are approximately 5,259 acres of open space areas set aside for recreational facilities in the City, including a variety of city owned and maintained parks and facilities, County owned parks, Desert Recreation District facilities and public and private golf courses. In addition, there are approximately 6,933 acres of natural open space areas within the City offering hiking trails, equestrian trails, and other passive recreation opportunities. The Desert Recreation District also provides park facilities and recreation programs throughout the Coachella Valley. The Desert Recreation District owns and operates the La Quinta Community Park, and is proposing a Discovery Center near Lake Cahuilla. Discussion a, b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not generate any new development or redevelopment directly. No impact on recreation will occur. Future projects will be reviewed for their potential impacts on recreational resources during the CEQA process. Applicable parkland program in-lieu fees and development impact fees will be assessed to cover the additional costs of providing recreational services to new residents. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 41 XVII. TRANSPORTATION -- Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? X b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? X c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? X d) Result in inadequate emergency access? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; Coachella Valley Association of Governments Active Transportation Plan. Setting All roadways in the City are classified into various roadway types based on number of lanes and other facilities, including bicycle lanes, sidewalks and parkways. The City’s acceptable Level of Service (LOS) for both roadway segments and intersection operations is LOS D or better. CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3 sets forth guidelines for implementing SB 743 (stats. 2013, ch. 386), which requires amendments to the CEQA Guidelines (pre-2019) to provide an alternative to LOS for evaluating transportation impacts. Changes to CEQA Guidelines were adopted in December 2018, which require all lead agencies to adopt vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as a replacement for automobile delay-based level of service (LOS) as the new measure for identifying transportation impacts for land use projects. This statewide mandate went into effect July 1, 2020. To aid in this transition, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) released a Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA (December 2018). Based on OPR’s Technical Advisory, the City of La Quinta has prepared their Vehicle Miles Traveled Analysis Policy. Discussion a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates are policy documents that will not generate any development directly or propose any changes to transportation in the City. No impact will occur regarding transportation. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to analyze potential traffic impacts and prepare traffic impact studies that include VMT analysis, where necessary. The projects will also be required to meet City standards on roadway improvements, parking, and emergency access either through mitigation under CEQA or conditions of approval. Prior to construction, both the Fire Department and Police Department will review the project site plan to ensure safety measures are addressed, including emergency access and geometric design. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 42 The sites identified for future housing occur on the City’s developed street system, and will not interfere with the system. Most sites are relatively close to bus stops served by SunLine bus routes, existing and proposed bike routes, as well as multi-use paths. No impact is anticipated on alternative transportation. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 43 XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES— Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.i(k), or X ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan, July 2012. Setting As discussed in the Section V, Cultural Resources, the Coachella Valley has been home to Cahuilla people for millennia. They were Takic-speaking and lived in various groups in the area. The Desert Cahuilla occupied the eastern Coachella Valley, including the modern day La Quinta. Today, Native Americans of Pass or Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Native American reservations in and near the Coachella Valley, including the Cabazon, Augustine, Torres Martinez, Twenty-nine Palms, Agua Caliente, and Morongo. Numerous cultural resources are found throughout the valley which have provided valuable insight into the prehistory and history of the Valley. Discussion i, ii) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements Update will have no impact on tribal cultural resources, as it will not generate construction or development directly, nor expand available sites for future development. The City conducted AB 52 (stats. 2014, ch. 532) and SB 18 (stats. 2004, ch. 905) consultation and sent out written letters to 14 tribes. The City received one response from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who indicated that it had no concerns regarding the Updates, and concluded consultation. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 44 As noted, as many as 500 archaeological sites of historic and prehistoric origins and approximately 170 isolates have been identified in the City of La Quinta and its SOI. Portions of the City were covered by the ancient Lake Cahuilla, and are known to contain remnants of tribes living near the lake shores based on archaeological surveys and communication with local tribes. As future housing projects are proposed, the City will conduct formal government-to-government consultation with local tribes pursuant to AB 52 and/or SB 18. Mitigation will be implemented based on input from tribes, where necessary, to avoid impacts to tribal cultural resources. The City requirements of site surveys for new development and standard requirements including the CEQA review process will ensure any potential impacts to tribal cultural resources are identified and addressed at the individual project level. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 45 XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? X b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? X c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which 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? X d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? X e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? X Source: La Quinta 2035 General Plan; 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (Final Report), CVWD, July 1, 2016; Sanitary Sewer Management Plan, CVWD, December 1, 2019. Setting The City of La Quinta is served by the following utility providers: Utility Service Provider(s) Electricity Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Natural gas Southern California Gas Water Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Wastewater Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Solid waste Burrtec Telecommunications Spectrum, Frontier Discussion a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on utilities and service systems because they will not generate construction or development directly. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 46 As future housing development is proposed, the potential impacts on utilities will be considered during the entitlement process and CEQA review. CVWD is responsible, under the California Water Code, for analyzing its current and future water supply, and assuring that sufficient supply is available to serve land uses within its service area, through the preparation of an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). The latest 2015 UWMP used the City’s General Plan land uses as a basis for planning. Similarly, CVWD also conducts long-range planning for sewer services partly based on the General Plan land uses in its Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (2019). CVWD has demonstrated sufficient capacities to serve the City for domestic water and wastewater treatment. Burrtec provides solid waste services to the City on a contract basis, and will charge a per unit fee on future housing units. Regional landfills have sufficient capacity to accommodate future development in the City. The energy and telecommunications service providers also plan their infrastructure according to local development and population growth. All future housing projects will be required to analyze their demand for utility services at the individual project level. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 47 XX. WILDFIRE. If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? X b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? X c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? X d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? X Sources: La Quinta 2035 General Plan Draft EIR; Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP) maps, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Setting Wildfires can occur in undeveloped areas and spread to urban areas where landscape and structures are not designed and maintained to be ignition resistant. A wildland-urban interface (WUI) is an area where urban development is located in proximity to open space or “wildland” areas. The potential for wildland fires represents a hazard where development is adjacent to open space or within close proximity to wildland fuels or designated fire severity zones. While the western portion of the City, such as the Cove, is located near the urban-wildland interface, the wilderness areas that surround La Quinta are made up of granitic rock and sparse desert vegetation and thus does not provide the explosive fuels needed for wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has mapped areas of significant fire hazards in the state through its Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP). These maps place areas of the state into different Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) based on a hazard scoring system using subjective criteria for fuels, fire history, terrain influences, housing density, and occurrence of severe fire weather where urban conflagration could result in catastrophic losses. La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 48 Discussion a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on wildfire. The Safety Element has been updated, and added a section on fire hazard and the most recent fire hazard mapping by CalFire. There is no state responsibility area or very high fire hazard severity zone (VHFHSZ) in the City of La Quinta. The sites identified for future housing in the vacant land inventory are not located in or near a state responsibility area or VHFHSZ. As future housing projects are proposed, they will be required to provide emergency access following the Riverside County Fire Department’s design guidelines. The City has established emergency evacuation routes for its neighborhoods, to assure that residents can leave their neighborhoods safely. The Safety Element Update also referred to the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) updated in 2017 and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional LHMP approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018, which provide guidance on hazard mitigation including fire hazards and emergency response in and around the City. No impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures: None required Monitoring: None required La Quinta Housing & Safety Element Updates October 2021 49 XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact a) Does the project have the potential to substantially 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, substantially 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 impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” 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 c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? X a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will not impact the environment. As discussed above, sites identified for future housing are not located within a CVMSHCP- designated conservation area. The Update will not impact biological or cultural resources, nor human beings directly or indirectly. Under state law, relevant sections in the Safety Element including fire hazard, flood hazard, climate change and emergency preparedness are being updated along with the Housing Element, and both are consistent with each other and the balance of the General Plan. The sites identified for future housing will be developed under General Plan designations and guidelines, and such development will not impact long term environmental goals. Cumulative impacts of future development have been addressed in the General Plan and its Environmental Impact Report where necessary, and will also be considered at the project level as projects are proposed under the Housing Element. C�a Qal�fra - CAL IFORNIA - CERTIFICATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2022-003 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE) CITY OF LA QUINTA ) I, MONIKA RADEVA, City Clerk of the City of La Quinta, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution containing fifty-two (52) pages is a full, true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2022-003 of the City of La Quinta entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2020-0001 FOR THE 2022- 2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND UPDATES TO 2035 GENERAL PLAN CHAPTER IV, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS CASE NUMBER: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2021-0010 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA Resolution 2022-004 was adopted by the La Quinta City Council on the 15th day of February, 2022. Dated: February 24, 2022 i� f MONIKA RADrzVA, City Cldfl City of La Quinta, California