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Appendix A Notice of PreparationAppendixA— Notice of Preparation La Quinta Village Build -out Plan EIR City of La Quinta City of La Quinta Notice of Preparation Date: October 5, 2015 To: Responsible Agencies and Interested Parties Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report Project Title: La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Project Location: Within the City of La Quinta, generally between Eisenhower Drive, Washington Street, Calle Tampico and Avenue 52 t N Not to scale Vicinity Map The City of La Quinta (City) has undertaken a planning process to develop a build -out plan for the Village, its traditional downtown. The project area consists of approximately 137 acres of land, generally located south of Calle Tampico, east of Eisenhower Drive and west of Washington Street. In addition, the 9.3 -acre property at the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street, currently developed as a commercial center, is included in the project area. The City, acting as the Lead Agency, has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should be prepared for the proposed Village Build -Out Plan for its downtown area. The EIR will be prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of the City's Village Build -Out Plan, anticipated to occur over the next 20 years -- through 2035. There is no actual time table for ultimate build out to occur, as development will be driven by market forces and demand for new residential units and additional non-residential uses. However, 2035 represents the horizon year for the City's General Plan, therefore it is reasonable to assume a similar time frame for the build -out of the City's downtown area. Attached to this Notice of Preparation is an Initial Study and Environmental Checklist prepared for the proposed project, in accordance with Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, which identified potential impacts of the proposed Village Build -Out Plan. 1 City of La Quinta Notice of Preparation Much of the information utilized to conduct this Initial Study was found in the Program Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, which was prepared in 2012. The Village is included in the area that was analyzed in the General Plan EIR. Although the Program EIR for the City of La Quinta General Plan 2035 proved to be a useful resource during the preliminary evaluation of the proposed Village Build -Out Plan, most of the environmental issues identified in the Environmental Checklist will require more focused analysis to determine whether development under the Build -Out plan will cause significant environmental impacts. The General Plan Program EIR contained adequate information to conclude that no significant impacts will affect agricultural or forestry resources and mineral resources. The referenced Program EIR also provided adequate information to analyze specific questions in other sections where No Impact was found. These sections will be included in the Village Build -Out Plan Project EIR in a section called Impacts Found to be Less Than Significant. The EIR for the La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan will analyze the following sections from the environmental checklist for significant environmental impacts: • Aesthetics • Air Quality • Biological Resources • Cultural Resources • Geology/Soils • Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Hazards and Hazardous Waste • Hydrology and Water Quality • Land Use and Planning • Noise • Population and Housing • Public Services • Recreation • Transportation and Traffic • Utilities- Including Energy as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Appendix F: Energy Conservation • Cumulative Impacts • Alternatives to the Proposed Build -Out Plan This Notice of Preparation also solicits comments and questions from responsible agencies, trustee agencies, federal, state and local agencies and the general public, on the scope and content of the environmental document to be prepared to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. Comments received in response to this Notice will be reviewed and considered in determining the scope of the EIR. Due to time limits as defined by CEQA, responses should be sent at the earliest possible date, but no later than November 4, 2015. Comments and questions may be directed to: Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 760-777-7125 wnesbit@la-guinta.or Please include the name, phone number, and address of your agency's contact person in your response. 2 La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Draft Environmental Assessment 2015-003 October 2015 Lead Agency: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Contact: Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner 760-777-7125 Prepared by: The Altum Group 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 219 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-4750 La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Draft Environmental Assessment 2015-0003 Lead Agency: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Contact: Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner Prepared by: The Altum Group 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 219 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Contact: Nancy Ferguson I he Aitum Group October 2015 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Table of Contents Chapter1 - Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1 ExistingConditions.................................................................................................................................... 1 Build -Out Plan - Future Development.................................................................................................... 19 Build -Out Schedule................................................................................................................................. 20 Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required.............................................................................. 23 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected.......................................................................................... 24 Determination......................................................................................................................................... 24 Chapter 2 — Environmental Checklist......................................................................................................... 25 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts..................................................................................................... 26 Aesthetics............................................................................................................................................ 29 Agricultureand Forestry.....................................................................................................................31 AirQuality...........................................................................................................................................33 BiologicalResources........................................................................................................................... 35 CulturalResources..............................................................................................................................39 Geologyand Soils................................................................................................................................ 41 GreenhouseGas Emissions.................................................................................................................43 Hazards and Hazardous Materials...................................................................................................... 44 Hydrologyand Water Quality.............................................................................................................48 LandUse and Planning........................................................................................................................ 51 MineralResources.............................................................................................................................. 53 Noise................................................................................................................................................... 54 Populationand Housing......................................................................................................................56 PublicServices..................................................................................................................................... 58 Recreation........................................................................................................................................... 60 Transportation/Traffic........................................................................................................................ 61 Utilities and Service Systems.............................................................................................................. 63 Mandatory Findings of Significance.................................................................................................... 65 EarlierAnalyses................................................................................................................................... 67 Chapter3 — References.............................................................................................................................. 68 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT List of Exhibits Exhibit1 Regional Vicinity................................................................................................................. 3 Exhibit 2 City of La Quinta Corporate Boundary................................................................................ 5 Exhibit 3 General Plan Designations..................................................................................................7 Exhibit 4 Zoning Designations............................................................................................................ 9 Exhibit 5 Project Site and Vicinity.................................................................................................... 13 Exhibit6 Site Photos........................................................................................................................ 15 Exhibit 7 Village Build -out Plan Analysis.......................................................................................... 21 List of Tabl Table 1 Existing Conditions in the Project Area............................................................................ 11 Table 2 New and Potential Development in the Project Area ...................................................... 19 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Chapter 1- Introduction The City of La Quinta (City) has undertaken a planning process to develop a build -out plan for the Village, its traditional downtown. The project area consists of approximately 137 acres of land, generally located south of Calle Tampico, east of Eisenhower Drive and west of Washington Street. In addition, the 9.3 -acre property at the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street, currently developed as a commercial center, is included in the project area. Exhibit 1, Regional Location, shows the location of the City in relation to the larger Coachella Valley area of Riverside County. Exhibit 2, City of La Quinta City Boundaries, shows the City's corporate boundary with the project area highlighted. The City, acting as the Lead Agency, has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should be prepared for the proposed Village Build -Out Plan for its downtown area. The EIR will be prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of the City's Village Build -Out Plan, anticipated to occur over the next 20 years -- through 2035. There is no actual time table for ultimate build out to occur, as development will be driven by market forces and demand for new residential units and additional non-residential uses. However, 2035 represents the horizon year for the City's General Plan, therefore it is reasonable to assume a similar time frame for the build -out of the City's downtown area. This Initial Study has been prepared in order to describe the proposed project, review potential environmental effects that may result from the implementation of the Village Build -Out Plan, and to identify those environmental effects that have the potential to be significant. It is these potentially significant environmental effects that will be evaluated further in the EIR. The EIR process begins with the public review of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) which includes this Initial Study. The NOP will circulate for 30 days, and at the end of that time the comments received on the NOP will be incorporated into the environmental evaluation of the proposed Village Build -Out Plan. Existing Conditions The project area consists of approximately 137 acres of land, generally located south of Calle Tampico, east of Eisenhower Drive and west of Washington Street. In addition, the 9.3 -acre property at the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street, which is currently developed as a commercial center, is included in the project area. 1 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Exhibit 1, Regional Location, shows the location of the City of La Quinta in relation to the larger Coachella Valley area of Riverside County. Exhibit 2, City of La Quinta City Boundaries, shows the City's corporate boundary with the project area highlighted. Exhibit 3, Land Use Designations, shows the existing general plan land use designations for sites in the project area. The Land Use designations for the project area are Village Commercial, General Commercial (Ralph's Shopping Center), Major Community Facilities (Civic Center), and Recreational Open Space (La Quinta Community Park). Land Uses within the Village Commercial designation include a mix of uses including commercial, professional office, and residential. Exhibit 4, Zoning Designations, shows the existing zoning designations for sites in the project area. Zoning in the project area include Village Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial (Ralph's Shopping Center), Major Community Facilities (Civic Center), and Parks and Recreation (La Quinta Community Park). Land Use Designation Definitions Village Commercial The Village Commercial Designation applies specifically to the traditional Commercial core of the City, and allows specialty retail; such as boutiques and art galleries as well as restaurants, professional offices and services, and hotels. Apartments, condominiums and live -work space is also appropriate in this designation. As established In Policy LU -7.1, mixed use development is allowed in this designation. Mixed use projects can include vertical or horizontal combinations of land uses that are integrated through pedestrian connections and common areas; or can be residential units added to existing commercial development. Major Community Facilities The Major Community Facilities Land Use designation has been assigned to existing or planned municipal, educational or public facilities; such as City and School District facilities and buildings, utility facilities and buildings, fire stations, and public parking lots and similar uses. Recreational Open Space The Recreational Open Space designation applies to parks, recreation facilities (such as driving ranges, club houses and athletic facilities), and public and private golf courses. General Commercial This land use designation applies to the majority of commercial land in the City. The full range of commercial uses can occur within this designation, ranging from supermarkets and drugstores in a neighborhood shopping center, to major national retailers in large buildings. General Commercial uses also include professional offices, service businesses, restaurants, hotels or motels, research and development and warehousing or similar low impact quasi -industrial projects. As established in Policy LU -7.1, mixed use development is also appropriate in this designation. 2 EIG The Altum Group Regional Vicinity La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 1 Y u ccs N WE S MCI 0ngo Va1R }' Dcsexl Hot 5pringc Y:Iiilr ::.I�r pillow Ra - 401 rh Palm Spr n qa kp c re}� rn hmu 1r[ y v•l4T w9 rrrwnr Palm 4 Spfogs 9y I x,,�non RIl Ramon Rd Thousand nn, D[r.01 shot. Or p Galhedral Dx alnFwn yr City r., k$11514•Dr Han Cho C—trro Club n• Ild l" .. •�� Q 42ndA— PA" 3 Dolly Fr ad Wk+ll.q D. 0 CA -1I I ludo inrq�e yC Iuli A..ay. I� w ria dB Gall L>y horn ctut� uMli Cvachegl � I�Iu-b - 52nd Ava O 96 w •� YAlrncrE Br rel mal C 711 Nnd Ar. _ sv S,eMre Tuan_ III •c La GGfi Aw Klo, nne: In:ll ar: �u�.� lin :prt'11ign �, °i rlr :a I1W Rasnlnr�l7n R ['3 erY •d I[i11 145 ------- -------- ._.. -------- ------------------ .____.-- -__ «---.-.___---- ____________.1 ----------------- 1 inch = 6 miles EIG The Altum Group Regional Vicinity La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 1 EIG The Altum Group City of La Quinta Corporate Boundary La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 2 11 I.IL 1.. i 0 a a rMm E Hpylt•y Lrl k: S,'tnd Ave I AYerI)e as ...I. 'fin ..,u �•"luh e _ j m I�ring Cr •I• .. Fr erl W annp ❑r _ 1 .I. Avenue 44 ..•tsa to r:P-Fii -...-c,.. �. ... . 111 lye }sln`aY Dr "!n N c� .. I. e..l •:I . C Frdii tri .lub - CA•771 P«tat e,_..,. Blvtl 3 AvenueU I..r. � 11111. l,lr e4� nv. 1.11 s •••1 �'llu[� AVenuQ 50 501h Aae Averytte 52 � 52ntl Ave Q Fidr PNS TOW—, r a � � Gn1JLlub r'Ivtr - E op v q 54th Ave 5 W AY• Q ale •' a6ullla A R .,. R.IEM dl nll Me 4 d -• r-.�o ;;eal Auporl BWd F lin-Ir i 5prl. Ave I lll,r N - r. !•111, v I iL• X O r,,n-I P 6 t 0 beth Ave - a 601h Pre Legend 62 r1 AV0 La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Project Area nitr. A•- s QCity of La Quinta Corporate Boundary 1 inch = 1.5 miles EIG The Altum Group City of La Quinta Corporate Boundary La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 2 1 inch = 400 feet The Altum Group General Plan Designations La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Project Description r AVENIDA ULTIMO. N f _ Z DESERT FALL �. W ; E L{ - lo S AVENIDA TUJU ' GA �2'`. WINTER COVE SPRINGTIME ��9 ~p. +� UTMWo0 11 Cts W' _ z i y- AVENIDA NA'RMA ' m a . 7%,� — — _ _ Legend O - La Quinta Village Build -out Project Boundary - O W - -L `Q Zoning Designations o CN Neighborhood �07 Commercial �i�9tijO- w CALLEESTADO C/1LLEF-O�gTU/�/q Q_ p m Q FP Floodplain GC Golf Course MC Major Community W CgLLE CqD/Q U U U - Facilities W W , AVENIDA NUESTRA _ PR Parks and Recreation - ¢ � C;4LLE HIDALGO _ - AVENUE 52 Q Q CALLE BARCELONA AVENUE 5 z a � RC Cove Residential o RL Low Density Residential RM Medium Density Residential ,� w cALLE SINALOA Right -of -Way VC Village Commercial Source: Esri, Digital Globe, GeoE.ye�i_cubed USGS, AEX, Get y 1 inch = 400 f The Altum Group Set Zoning Designations La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Project Description Exhibit 4 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Mixed use projects can include vertical mixed use — where retail/office occurs on the ground floor, with residential units above; horizontal mixed use — where retail/office uses and higher density residential occur next to each other, and are integrated through pedestrian connections and common areas; or mixed use added to existing commercial development where the residential project abuts or wraps around an existing commercial development. Exhibit 5, Project Site and Vicinity, shows boundaries of the Build -Out plan project area. Exhibit 6, Site Photos, shows typical properties in the area. The locations of the site photos are shown in Exhibit 5. The surrounding area outside the boundaries of the project site is largely developed with residential uses. Table 1, Existing Conditions in the Project Area, lists the land use types' development data in the project area. There are approximately 20 acres of vacant land in the project area that could be developed with a mix of uses, such as commercial, professional, and/or residential. Table 1 Existing Conditions in the Project Area Land Use Dwelling Units Square Feet Acres Residential Single Family 4 0.99 Multi -Family 273 14.01 Commercial Commercial 5241875 51.75 Other Land Uses Hotels + Casitas 290 11.75 Civic Center 18.82 School 12.74 Park 6.50 Vacant 20.18 Total 567 524,875 136.74 Source: City of La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Land Use Data, August 2015. 11 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT This page intentionally left blank. 12 4.. !v; oleo v k'A k. "-Aty. "IF 4 G MWAVA IF, Nt. '0 0. The Altura Group Ire 4 I X LU M Le J LU -7.,4; -' 744V GALLE FSTADO LL, . 71 LLf Ow LLI 1w r Project Site and Vicinity La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study W.1i UW7 TM LLJ m LLJ 0 J Legend ■ IDA NUESTR 0 Village Commercial Zoning District AVFNLJF 52 M Village Design Guideline Boundary LLI ilii N Photo Locations Ld S The Altura Group Ire 4 I X LU M Le J LU -7.,4; -' 744V GALLE FSTADO LL, . 71 LLf Ow LLI 1w r Project Site and Vicinity La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 5 W.1i w) LLJ LLJ 0 J Legend ■ IDA NUESTR 0 Village Commercial Zoning District AVFNLJF 52 M Village Design Guideline Boundary Village E I R Project Area N Photo Locations W�r E S Exhibit 5 Source: Site Visit, 2015 The Altum Group Photo 4: View of vacant land in the project area facing west. Santa Rosa Mtns are in the background. Site Photos La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 6 Source: Site Visit, 2015 The Altum Group Photo 8: View of the park at the La Quinta Civic Center complex, facing northeast. Site Photos La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Exhibit 6 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Build -Out Plan - Future Development Future development in the project area assumes development of the remaining vacant properties, as well as redevelopment of underutilized properties with more intensive uses. This would include residential development at densities of 20-30 dwelling units per acre, which is higher than the density allowed under the High Density Residential designation, up to 16 dwelling units per acre'. Table 2, New and Potential Development Opportunities in the Project Area, lists new land uses that could be developed on the vacant parcels, and potential land uses that could be developed on the underutilized properties. Exhibit 7, Village Build -Out Plan Analysis, shows a geographic representation of the table below. Table 2 New and Potential Development in the Project Area Source: City of La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Land Use Data, August 2015. Notes: 1 Residential unit count includes existing residences 'The Village Commercial zoning designation allows multifamily residential dwellings such as condominiums, apartments and similar housing types at densities determined on a site specific basis, based on the development capacity for the proposed uses on the site. The planning commission ultimately determines the density of a proposed project (Municipal Code Section 9.65.020). 19 Non - Land Use Acres Residential Residential Units' Square Feet Vacant Land 20.70 436 288,330 Land with the Potential for 30.20 794 511,456 Redevelopment Existing Developed Properties with no 85.90 Change in Land Use or Increased Density 1,230 +290 hotel & Total 136.74 casitas 960,711 Source: City of La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Land Use Data, August 2015. Notes: 1 Residential unit count includes existing residences 'The Village Commercial zoning designation allows multifamily residential dwellings such as condominiums, apartments and similar housing types at densities determined on a site specific basis, based on the development capacity for the proposed uses on the site. The planning commission ultimately determines the density of a proposed project (Municipal Code Section 9.65.020). 19 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Build -Out Schedule The City's planning effort is focused on streamlining the regulatory process and facilitating a broad range of uses; developing a build -out scenario that addresses maximum potential commercial square footage and residential units; developing a network of public spaces and pedestrian, bike, and golf cart routes throughout the area; and assuring that infrastructure is planned to accommodate build -out. The street grid is in place, and no major changes are anticipated. The City's General Plan was adopted in 2013 and focused on the next 20+ years, through 2035. It is the City's intent to allow the Village area to continue to develop through market forces including demand for additional housing, commercial uses, and professional office space. A 20 year build -out scenario, similar to what was assumed in the General Plan would also apply to the Village area. 20 51 The Altura Group ■ f � f ■ ■ `, r �, T� � ,s,�o:f ■ ' S AVENIQA LA FONDA I ■ E 27.200 aF � . 36.-09AC ■ E � - n_-. i� �. F ■ ■� ■ ■l w - -.- , ,.. d I � J E 716 ❑rl., '� o •'. "J 3,,00n c1 13.6040 s,c( _ ■ . " '.700 sF L:d's .IM1 AC < .BB AC Sq9 AC 'J LLI 944 sr .. p .n,oc At`a.; 2 _:x.g :•,;,��+ P X19 ❑V LLI rrnwMAC DES 'lr VVINTER,�( Nllr a. ' •r,wxa Q F r.,, so a 1 %AC .78 RC ,,e AC LL1 !'. CJ] [A LU AA ' 1404=t N ■ 1.11 AC l.L. 1[ ,75 RC ■ 6.5 AC's.. C UALLE P. s! —� TADO . X9 AS S A -r2 RC �► O , ou LU LL, ,.,i.ow LUZ CE] ]3�L n o ¢ 0 © 9Z AC z LU z CALLE HIDALGOw 0 1.034.} t=j ].68AC n QLLJ d r L C. !-1 2 ■ - a ,.mv Ar o ■ Uj z Q � J Lim Lu CALLE SINALOA I.P. 4go ell At ,-,3AC 11 �..................... - 9250W 5.32 AC 3.39 AC MM Jdo ,,LI" ,nAC ■ 'T `T - AUENIDANUESTRA asoou ��■•�` AVENUE 5J w' DEACON OR 01 Village Build -out Plan Analysis La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Legend Vacant Land Potential Redevelopment Existing Development Not to be changed —'" Village Commercial —..� Boundary N Assessor's Parcels WZ6_41>E 1��L S Exhibit 7 AVENIQA LA FONDA I r Pr fn <:D ::D< O :DJ x low—, IL d1'# Id1 ■ N - r - • i LLJ JLJL LLI __j wz ,,LI" ,nAC ■ 'T `T - AUENIDANUESTRA asoou ��■•�` AVENUE 5J w' DEACON OR 01 Village Build -out Plan Analysis La Quinta Village Build -out Plan Initial Study Legend Vacant Land Potential Redevelopment Existing Development Not to be changed —'" Village Commercial —..� Boundary N Assessor's Parcels WZ6_41>E 1��L S Exhibit 7 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required Agency Permit/Approval Required FEDERAL Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act, Section 404 Nationwide Permit if jurisdictional waters of the U.S. may be affected by construction or operation of the project. STATE State Water Resources Construction Stormwater General Permit; Notice of Intent to Control Board, Region 7 Comply with Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); Industrial Stormwater General Permit; Approval of O&M SWPPP. South Coast Air Quality PM -10 Plan for compliance with Rule 403.1; Dust Control in Management District the Coachella Valley. REGIONAL Coachella Valley Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Association of (CVMSHCP) (Payment of fees); Transportation Uniform Governments (CVAG) Mitigation Fee (TUMF). Coachella Valley Water Permits to discharge into the La Quinta Evacuation Channel. District (CVWD) 23 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 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. ❑X Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture and Forestry X❑ Air Quality X❑ Biological Resources X❑ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ❑X Land Use/Planning X❑ Population/Housing Resources ❑X Cultural Resources ❑ Hazards and Hazardous Materials ❑ Mineral Resources ❑X Public Services X❑ Geology/Soils X❑ Hydrology/Water Quality X❑ Noise X❑ Recreation X❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑X Utilities and Service Systems X❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance DETERMINATION: On the basis of this initial evaluation: ❑I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑1 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. ❑X 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 describe 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. 10/05/2015 Signature 24 Date LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Chapter 2- Environmental Checklist Project Title: Environmental Assessment 2015-0003 for La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Lead Agency Name and Address: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Contact Person and Phone Number: Wallace Nesbit Principal Planner 760-777-7125 Project Location: East of Eisenhower Drive, West of Washington Street, between Calle Tampico and Avenue 52 Project Sponsor's Name and City of La Quinta Address: 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 General Plan Designation: Village Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Major Community Facilities, Parks and Recreation Zoning Designation: Village Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Major Community Facilities, Parks and Recreation 25 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT LelMIMAY1IIQL1K9124►1y/1.101Z1►ViIAZI CAN IIVill_«&I 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. 26 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 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. 27 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT This page intentionally left blank. LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT I. AESTHETICS Sources: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; La Quinta Municipal Code Section 9.100.150 Outdoor Lighting Setting: The City of La Quinta is located along the eastern slope of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Santa Rosa Mountains make up the southern branch of the San Jacinto Mountains. The Santa Rosa Mountains form the backdrop to the City's western boundary and the Village area. The foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, known as the Coral Reef Mountains, are located within the La Quinta City boundary and rise about 1,000 feet above sea level. The Cove area of the City is situated at the base of these mountains. The La Quinta Village area is located at the northeastern edge of the Cove area. These mountains are visible from the La Quinta Village area. Impact Discussion a) Potentially Significant Impact. The La Quinta Village area is a predominantly developed urban area, with several vacant parcels throughout the area which may be developed in the future. The project includes a Zone text amendment to increase height limits in the area to 50 feet. This may partially obscure views of the mountains that are visible from the Village area or from locations north and east looking south and west. Impacts could result from the increase in building heights. This issue will be further analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 29 Potential Less Than Less Than Significant Significant w/ Significant No Impact Impact Mitigation Impact I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, ❑ ❑ ❑ trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and D ❑ ❑ ❑ its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely ❑ ❑ affect day or nighttime views in the ❑ area? Sources: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; La Quinta Municipal Code Section 9.100.150 Outdoor Lighting Setting: The City of La Quinta is located along the eastern slope of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Santa Rosa Mountains make up the southern branch of the San Jacinto Mountains. The Santa Rosa Mountains form the backdrop to the City's western boundary and the Village area. The foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, known as the Coral Reef Mountains, are located within the La Quinta City boundary and rise about 1,000 feet above sea level. The Cove area of the City is situated at the base of these mountains. The La Quinta Village area is located at the northeastern edge of the Cove area. These mountains are visible from the La Quinta Village area. Impact Discussion a) Potentially Significant Impact. The La Quinta Village area is a predominantly developed urban area, with several vacant parcels throughout the area which may be developed in the future. The project includes a Zone text amendment to increase height limits in the area to 50 feet. This may partially obscure views of the mountains that are visible from the Village area or from locations north and east looking south and west. Impacts could result from the increase in building heights. This issue will be further analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 29 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT b) No Impact. There are no state scenic highways near the project area; therefore the project would have no impact. This issue does not warrant further analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. C) Potentially Significant Impact. The La Quinta Village Design Guidelines apply to the project area. The proposed project would be consistent with these guidelines, except for the proposed increase in the height limit to 50 feet. This change could impact the existing visual character of the Village. This issue will be further analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. d) Less Than Significant Impact. The Build -Out Plan will facilitate development of residential and commercial space over the next 20 years. New sources of light and glare would be introduced into the area due to these developments. Individual development projects would include the analysis of light and glare impacts in the area at the time those projects are proposed. The General Plan 2035 maintains policies and programs currently in effect that limit lighting, and the City's Municipal Code (Section 9.100.150) requires shielding and filtering of certain types of lighting and prohibits certain lighting types in order to minimize adverse effects of lighting. Each project will be required to comply with the policies and programs of the General Plan and with the Municipal Code therefore, there would be less than significant impacts. This issue will be discussed in the EIR. 30 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY 31 Potential Less Than Less Than Significant Significant w/ Significant No Impact Impact Mitigation Impact II. AGRICULTURAL 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 Department 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: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X contract? 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 El El El Z timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non -forest ❑ ❑ ❑ use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 or nature, could result in conversion of 31 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non -forest use? Sources: City of La Quinta Zoning Map; California Department of Conservation, Riverside County Important Farmland 2012; Riverside County Williamson Act Map, 2008. Setting: The La Quinta Village area is zoned as Village Commercial in the City's zoning ordinance and on the zoning map. The project is not designated by the State as Prime or Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance but is designated as being Urban and Built-up Land. This category is classified as land that is occupied by structures with a building density of at least 1 unit to 1.5 acres, or approximately 6 structures to a 10 -acre parcel. Common examples of which include residential, industrial, commercial, institutional facilities, cemeteries, airports, golf courses, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment, and water control structures. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The entire La Quinta Village area is located within the Urban and Built-up Land Category on the Riverside County Important Farmland Map prepared under the State's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Because there is no important farmland within the project area, the project would not impact important farmland. b) No Impact. The La Quinta Village area is zoned Village Commercial in the City's zoning ordinance and on the City's zoning map. Because the project area is not zoned for agricultural use, the project would have no impact. Additionally, no parcels within the project area are designated as Williamson Act lands. c, d) No Impact. There is no forest land or timberland within the city, therefore the project would have no impact. e) No Impact. Based on the above discussion, the project would not convert farmland to non-agricultural use or forest land to non -forest use. The project would have no impact. There would be no impacts to Agricultural and Forestry Resources as a result of this project. This issue does not warrant further analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 32 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT III. AIR QUALITY Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: Air quality in a given location is influenced by the type and concentration of pollutants emitted locally and regionally. The City of La Quinta, along with the rest of the Coachella Valley, is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB). The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for establishing the criteria by which air quality is measured in the Coachella Valley. Air quality within the Coachella Valley has deteriorated over the last few decades due to increased development and construction activities both locally and regionally. While local emissions of pollutants affect air quality in the Coachella Valley, some of the air quality degradation can be attributed to 33 Potential Less Than Less Than Significant Significant w/ Significant No Impact Impact Mitigation Impact III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal ❑X ❑ ❑ or State ambient air quality standard El (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to El ❑ substantial pollutant concentrations? El e) Create objectionable odors affecting a El ❑ substantial number of people? El Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: Air quality in a given location is influenced by the type and concentration of pollutants emitted locally and regionally. The City of La Quinta, along with the rest of the Coachella Valley, is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB). The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for establishing the criteria by which air quality is measured in the Coachella Valley. Air quality within the Coachella Valley has deteriorated over the last few decades due to increased development and construction activities both locally and regionally. While local emissions of pollutants affect air quality in the Coachella Valley, some of the air quality degradation can be attributed to 33 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT sources outside of the SSAB, particularly from within the South Coast Air Basin, located west of the region. Impact Discussion a, b, c, d, e) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the project, air quality emissions could exceed SCAQMD thresholds and standards which could result in potentially significant impacts. Because of this, potential air quality issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. An Air Quality Analysis will be performed in order to determine the emissions that may exceed thresholds and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce emissions. 34 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 35 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status ❑ ❑X ❑ species in local or regional plans, policies, El or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any 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? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with ❑ ❑ ❑X established native resident or migratory ❑ wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological ❑ ❑X ❑ El resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? 35 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Sources: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; CVMSHCP Conservation Areas GIS Data, downloaded December 2013; US Fish and Wildlife Service, List of Migratory Bird Species Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as of December 2, 2013, http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/regulationspolicies/mbta/mbtandx.html, accessed September 2015. Setting: The project is located in an area which is urban in character. Most land within the project area is either built-up or vacant. According to the City's General Plan EIR, the project area is located within an urban area with no vegetation communities in the area (GP EIR Figure III -1, Vegetation Communities). Additionally, the City's General Plan EIR does not show any critical habitat for sensitive species to be located within the project area (GP EIR Figure III -2, CNDDB, Critical Habitat & Modeled Habitat). The major waterway in the City is the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, also known as the Whitewater River, west of Washington Street. A number of smaller, mostly unnamed streams drain from the Santa Rosa Mountains, including Bear Creek, which enters the Cove at the south end and follows its westerly perimeter flowing into the La Quinta Resort Golf Course and ultimately into the La Quinta Evacuation Channel. The La Quinta Evacuation Channels flows northeast through the City and drains into the Whitewater River Channel just north of Highway 111 and east of Jefferson Street. No waterways or streams flow through the project area; therefore there is no riparian habitat or wetlands within the area (GP EIR Figure III -1). Impact discussion: a) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The City's General Plan EIR does not show any critical habitat for sensitive species or any sensitive species to be located within the project area (GP EIR Figure III -2, CNDDB, Critical Habitat & Modeled Habitat). The project would not modify any sensitive habitats or disturb any sensitive species. However, burrowing owl (Athena cunicularia) has the potential to inhabit undeveloped, vacant parcels in the project area. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for the project and mitigation measures will be included within the EIR. b) No Impact. As shown in the City's General Plan EIR, there are no riparian habitats or natural communities within the project area. The project would have no impact. This issue does not warrant further discussion in the EIR to be prepared for this project. C) No Impact. As shown in the City's General Plan EIR, there are no riparian habitats or natural communities within the project area. The project would have no impact. This issue does not warrant further discussion in the EIR to be prepared for this project. d) Less Than Significant Impact. Because the project area is urban in nature with buildings, streets and human disturbance, the project area would not be suitable for use as a wildlife corridor. There are vacant properties scattered throughout the area. However, they do not have sufficient connectivity to support use as wildlife corridors. The project 36 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT would not impact wildlife corridors. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. e) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. There are several goals and policies in the City's General Plan regarding biological resources that apply to the project area. These are evaluated below. GOAL BI0-1: The protection and preservation of native and environmentally significant biological resources and their habitats. Policy BI0-1.1: Continue to implement the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Program BI0-1.1.a: Building permits shall not be issued for projects required to pay the MSHCP local development mitigation fee until such time as the fee has been paid to the City. Individual projects within the project area would be required to pay CVMSHCP fees prior to receiving their building permits and would comply with these policies. Policy BI0-1.2: Where appropriate, site-specific, species-specific surveys shall be required for the seven species not covered by the MSHCP. Program BI0-1.2.a: The Planning Department will, in conjunction with the entitlement process, require the preparation of biological resource surveys by a qualified biologist on properties identified on Exhibit 111-2 as having potential habitat for the following species: Glandular Ditaxis, California Ditaxis, Prairie Falcon, Black -tailed Gnatcatcher, Loggerhead Shrike and Pocketed Free -tailed Bat, if the development proposal occurs in an area identified as having potential for the species, as described in this Element. Program BI0-1.2.c: Prior to the issuance of any ground disturbing permit for fallow lands outside Conservation areas, the City will require protocol compliant surveys for burrowing owl. Policy BI0-1.4: Comply with the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBIA). Program BI0-1.4.a: Throughout the City, prior to the removal of vegetation on a development site between March and August, a qualified biologist shall determine whether any bird nests or young occur on the site, and if they occur, provide mitigation measures compliant with the MBIA. Exhibit III -2 of the City's General Plan does not show any special species within the Village area. However, according to the General Plan, the burrowing owl species has the 37 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT potential to occur throughout the City and Sphere of Influence, where undeveloped or fallow land occurs. There are many undeveloped, vacant parcels in the Village area which could suffice as habitat. Burrowing owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Prior to ground disturbing activities, individual projects would be required to have protocol compliant surveys for burrowing owl. Policy 810-1.6: Native desert plant materials should be incorporated into new development projects to the greatest extent possible. Invasive, non- native species shall be discouraged. Because of the ongoing drought in California, the trend has been to use native desert plant materials for water savings. The projects within the Village will be required to implement this into their landscape plans and will be compliant with this policy. The project area is urbanized, and has little potential to support native biological resources, but could potentially impact these policies, specifically regarding the burrowing owl. This issue will be further discussed in the EIR to be prepared for the project and mitigation measures will be included. f) No Impact. The project is located within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) area. The CVMSHCP is a comprehensive plan that covers the Coachella Valley and identifies certain species which are sensitive. The CVMSHCP is made up of 21 conservation areas. The Santa Rosa Conservation area is the nearest to the project area. The project area is not within the conservation area nor does it border the conservation area. The project would not impact the conservation area. Individual projects within the project area would be required to pay CVMSHCP fees prior to receiving their building permits. The project would not impact the CVMSHCP or any other habitat conservation plans. This issue will does not warrant further discussion in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 9U., LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; La Quinta Historical Resources Data Base/Map (http://www.la-guinta.org/your- government/community-deve lopment/pIan ning-division/historic-preservation/historic-resources-survey-database-and- map), Accessed August 31, 2015. Setting: The City of La Quinta and the Coachella Valley region have a rich cultural past. It is believed that the earliest human settlements occurred 8,000 to 12,000 years ago by Native Americans. Prehistoric records show that early Native American peoples in the Coachella Valley were from the Takic speaking Cahuilla tribe. The City of La Quinta contains many structures that are eligible for national and local historic recognition. There are multiple buildings within the boundaries of the Village Build -Out Plan that have been deemed as historical sites by either the State of California or the City of La Quinta. The well- known Vale La Quinta Subdivision sales office is now the cornerstone of the La Quinta Historical Museum on the south side of Avenida Montezuma. The original lumber yard and building are located to the east of the museum. There are several additional potentially historic houses and commercial properties located within the vicinity of the Village Build -Out Plan, inventoried by the City in 2012. Paleontological resources refer to fossilized records of previous life forms found beneath the ground or among exposed geologic features. Fossils are nonrenewable remains of vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, or marine organisms that are typically more than 10,000 years of age. 39 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ defined in §15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ resource pursuant to §15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal ❑ ❑ ❑X ❑ cemeteries? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; La Quinta Historical Resources Data Base/Map (http://www.la-guinta.org/your- government/community-deve lopment/pIan ning-division/historic-preservation/historic-resources-survey-database-and- map), Accessed August 31, 2015. Setting: The City of La Quinta and the Coachella Valley region have a rich cultural past. It is believed that the earliest human settlements occurred 8,000 to 12,000 years ago by Native Americans. Prehistoric records show that early Native American peoples in the Coachella Valley were from the Takic speaking Cahuilla tribe. The City of La Quinta contains many structures that are eligible for national and local historic recognition. There are multiple buildings within the boundaries of the Village Build -Out Plan that have been deemed as historical sites by either the State of California or the City of La Quinta. The well- known Vale La Quinta Subdivision sales office is now the cornerstone of the La Quinta Historical Museum on the south side of Avenida Montezuma. The original lumber yard and building are located to the east of the museum. There are several additional potentially historic houses and commercial properties located within the vicinity of the Village Build -Out Plan, inventoried by the City in 2012. Paleontological resources refer to fossilized records of previous life forms found beneath the ground or among exposed geologic features. Fossils are nonrenewable remains of vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, or marine organisms that are typically more than 10,000 years of age. 39 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Paleontological sensitivity refers to the degree to which a geologic formation is likely to produce significant nonrenewable fossils, based on past discoveries within a particular geologic formation. Sedimentary units tend to have high sensitivity due to their potential for significant paleontological resources. According to the Paleontological Sensitivity Map in the City's General Plan EIR (Exhibit III -4), the Village area is within areas of undetermined and high paleontological sensitivity. Impact discussion: a) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the project, historical resources within or near the Village area could potentially be impacted by new development or redevelopment occurring in the Village area. Because of this, potential issues pertaining to historical resources will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. b) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the project, archaeological resources within or near the Village area could potentially be impacted by new development or redevelopment occurring in the Village area. Because of this, potential issues pertaining to archaeological resources will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. C) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the project, paleontological resources within the Village area could potentially be impacted by new development or redevelopment occurring in the Village area. Because of this, potential issues pertaining to paleontological resources will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. d) Less Than Significant Impact. As with any development project, there is potential to uncover human remains during earthmoving activities. State Health Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that no further ground disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made necessary findings as to the origin and disposition of the remains pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. Should the remains be determined to be of Native American descent, the Native American Heritage Commission shall be consulted to determine the appropriate disposition of said remains. Because the project is required to comply with the State Health Safety Code, impacts regarding human remains would be less than significant. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. 40 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS 41 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ 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 ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ iii) Seismic -related ground failure, ❑ X ❑ ❑ including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and ❑ X ❑ ❑ potentially result in on or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X alternative waste water disposal systems 41 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012. Setting: The City of La Quinta is located in the Coachella Valley, a geologically and seismically active region. This region, along with much of southern California, occurs along the boundary of the Pacific and North American Tectonic Plates. These plates make up the San Andreas Fault system, considered the "Master Fault" in Southern California due to its influence over seismic hazards in the region and the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes it is responsible for. The southern segment of the San Andreas Fault zone is located to the north of the project site. The San Jacinto fault zone is located to the south of the project site. Due to its proximity to highly seismic faults, there is potential for moderate to strong seismic shaking on site during the life of the proposed project, but it is not located within any State of California or County of Riverside designated fault zones. The native soils onsite consist primarily of sandy loam with alluvial deposits. Ancient Lake Cahuilla occurred in the region, leaving lacustrine clay deposits layered throughout the soil as well. Impact Discussion a -d) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Geologic hazards in La Quinta may include landslides and slope instability, compressible, collapsible, or expansive soils, soil corrosivity, ground subsidence, erosion, and wind-blown sand. Also, the site is located within a seismically active area of California near the San Andreas Fault; therefore, the site is susceptible to strong seismic activity. With implementation of the project, there is potential to expose people or structures to substantial adverse effects regarding geologic hazards. Because of this, potential geotechnical issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project and mitigation measures will be included that would reduce geologic hazards. e) No Impact. Any future development within the project boundaries of The Village will be required to be connected to the sewer system. Therefore, there will be no need for septic tanks and there will be no impact. This issue does not warrant further analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 42 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are present in the atmosphere naturally, released by biological sources or formed by secondary chemical reactions taking place in the atmosphere. However, in the past 200 years, substantial quantities of GHG have been released into the atmosphere, enhancing the natural GHG effect, which is believed to be causing global warming. The City of La Quinta has prepared a comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction plan in order to systematically identify emission sources and reduce emission levels. The City, in keeping with AB 32, has set a reduction target of 10% below 2005 levels for the years 2020. The 2005 inventory estimated the community -wide emissions totaled 460,946 metric tons of CO2e. Therefore, in order to achieve 2020 reduction targets, community -wide emissions of GHG will have to be reduced to 414,852 metric tons of CO2e. Impact discussion: a -b) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the future projects, GHG could be emitted, which could result in potentially significant impacts. Because of this, potential greenhouse gas emissions issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. A Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis will be performed in order to determine the emissions that may exceed thresholds and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce emissions. 43 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS — Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of ❑X reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are present in the atmosphere naturally, released by biological sources or formed by secondary chemical reactions taking place in the atmosphere. However, in the past 200 years, substantial quantities of GHG have been released into the atmosphere, enhancing the natural GHG effect, which is believed to be causing global warming. The City of La Quinta has prepared a comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction plan in order to systematically identify emission sources and reduce emission levels. The City, in keeping with AB 32, has set a reduction target of 10% below 2005 levels for the years 2020. The 2005 inventory estimated the community -wide emissions totaled 460,946 metric tons of CO2e. Therefore, in order to achieve 2020 reduction targets, community -wide emissions of GHG will have to be reduced to 414,852 metric tons of CO2e. Impact discussion: a -b) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the future projects, GHG could be emitted, which could result in potentially significant impacts. Because of this, potential greenhouse gas emissions issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. A Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis will be performed in order to determine the emissions that may exceed thresholds and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce emissions. 43 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 44 Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant Significant w/ Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the ❑ ❑ ❑X ❑ routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and ❑ ❑ ❑x ❑ accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within ❑ ❑ 0 ❑X one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? 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? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically ❑ ❑ ❑X ❑ interfere with an adopted emergency 44 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; Western Riverside County Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; Envirostor database website, http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/, accessed August 27, 2014; Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Volume 1 Policy Document, October 2004 Setting: The City of La Quinta is predominantly a residential community with scattered commercial centers and limited quasi -industrial areas. There are currently no heavy industrial facilities in the incorporated City or Sphere which generate large quantities of hazardous waste; however, smaller scale hazardous/toxic material generators exist throughout the region. These include dry cleaning businesses, auto repair shops, gas stations, medical facilities, and pest control companies. Additionally, golf courses use and store pesticides and fertilizers that can be harmful to human health. According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control, there are no hazardous waste sites in La Quinta or its Sphere listed under Government Code 65962.5. Two airports are located near the project area, the Bermuda Dunes Airport and the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. The Bermuda Dunes Airport is a small privately owned airport located 5 miles north of the Village area, just south of Interstate 10, and west of Jefferson Street in the Bermuda Dunes community. The airport averages approximately 110 flights a day. The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is a public airport located over 7.5 miles east of the Village area, east of Harrison Street and between Airport Boulevard on the north and Avenue 60 on the south. The airport is a general aviation airport and handles approximately 209 flights a day. The airport houses a variety of private, corporate, and charter aircrafts that accommodate business travelers, tourists, and residents. Impact Discussion a -b) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed Village Build -Out Plan would allow for the development of new residential and commercial uses in the Village area. Residential uses have the potential to use and store household cleaning supplies, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and other potentially hazardous materials. The amount of hazardous materials utilized by these new residential uses will be typical of what is found within existing neighborhoods throughout the region. The relatively small amount 45 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT of hazardous materials and chemicals found in households may pose a minimal danger to the household during a spill or accidental release, however these household spills and accidents are not expected to create significant hazards. Hazardous waste centers throughout the Coachella Valley are available for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste. Commercial uses proposed for the area could also use and store small amounts of hazardous materials. Commercial, industrial and municipal generators of hazardous materials are regulated by federal, State, and local agencies regarding the proper use, disposal and cleanup of hazardous materials. The Riverside County Department of Health is responsible for managing a list of all hazardous waste generators in the County. New hazardous waste generators that are located in the project area will be required to abide by County Department of Environmental Health policies, and register on the hazardous waste generator list. With the continued implementation of federal, State and local regulations and programs, these impacts will be less than significant. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. C) Less Than Significant Impact. Benjamin Franklin Elementary School is located within the Village area project boundary at the intersection of Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive. John Adams Elementary School is located just outside the Village area on the northeast corner of Desert Club Drive and Springtime Way. The project does not include uses that would handle significant amounts of hazardous materials; therefore, the project would not cause hazardous emissions near these schools. The project would have a less than significant impact. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. d) No Impact. According to the City's General Plan EIR and the California Department of Toxic Substances Envirostor database, there are no hazardous materials sites in the City. Therefore, the project would not be located on any hazardous materials sites. The project would have no impact. This issue does not warrant analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. e -f) No Impact. The project area is located over two miles from the Bermuda Dunes and Jacqueline Cochran Airports and is not within any land use compatibility zones of either airport; therefore, the project would have no impact. This issue does not warrant analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. g) Less Than Significant Impact. The City prepared an Emergency Operations Plan to prepare for emergencies, and has instituted a Code RED notification system to help notify the public, through telephone calls, about emergencies such as water 46 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT contamination, evacuation notices, wildfires, bomb threats, hazardous spills, and other emergency situations. The City is also involved in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. The project would follow the City's emergency plans to encourage safety for residents and visitors to the Village area. The project would have a less than significant impact. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for this project. h) No Impact. The project area is located within an urban, developed area and is not near any wildlands. According to the Western Riverside County Fire Hazard Severity Zones map prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), the Village area is not located within a fire hazard area. The Santa Rosa Mountains, which are west and south of the Cove area, are within a very high fire hazard area. Since the project is not located within a fire hazard area mapped by CALFIRE, the project would have no impact regarding wildland fires. This issue does not warrant analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 47 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY M. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre- El ❑ El nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on - or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase D ❑ ❑ ❑ the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on - or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or D ❑ ❑ ❑ provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ quality? M. LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate D ❑ ❑ ❑ Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or D ❑ ❑ ❑ redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ mudflow? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; FEMA Flood Map Service Website, accessed August 27, 2015. Setting: The climate in the Coachella Valley is generally temperate, but seasonal storms can produce significant amounts of precipitation within short periods of time, causing flash flooding on the valley floor. FIRM Panel 06065C2241G shows that the north portion of the project site is located within Zone X, area of 0.2% annual chance flood. The project site is subject to flash flooding along natural or man- made channels and sheet flooding across the valley floor. Increased development has intensified local flooding because areas for natural filtration are covered with impervious structures like roadways and buildings. Impact Discussion a -i) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of new development projects, hydrology and water quality could potentially be negatively impacted. Because of this, potential Hydrology and Water Quality issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. A Preliminary Hydrology Analysis will be performed in order to determine any substantial impacts the project may have on Hydrology. Water Quality will also be assessed and best management practices will be identified. Any possible mitigation measures which would reduce those impacts to less than significant levels will be identified. j) Potentially Significant Impact. The project is located too far inland to be inundated by tsunami. Although, Lake Cahuilla is located southeast of the project site, the Lake is located at a lower elevation than the project area. Therefore, the project site would not 49 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT be inundated by seiche. There is potential for mudflow to occur within the project area during major storms; therefore, this issue will be further analyzed in the EIR. 50 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT X. LAND USE AND PLANNING Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: The project is located in an area that is currently developed with mostly commercial uses. The General Plan update for 2035 designates the site as follows: General Plan: Current designation is General Commercial (GC), Village Commercial (VC), Major Community Facilities (MC), Open Space -Recreation (OS -R) Zoning: Current designation is Neighborhood Commercial (CN), Village Commercial (VC), Major Community Facilities (MC), and Parks and Recreation (PR) The Village Build -Out Plan aims at development of the remaining vacant properties within project boundaries, as well as redevelopment of underutilized properties with more intensive uses. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The project area includes established residential areas such as apartment complexes along Eisenhower and quasi -residential areas in the Embassy Suites hotel along Calle Tampico. There are no established residential areas in the Village area. The project intends to include new residential areas and would not divide any established 51 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact X. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project: a) Physically divide an established ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general ❑ ❑ ❑ plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X conservation plan? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: The project is located in an area that is currently developed with mostly commercial uses. The General Plan update for 2035 designates the site as follows: General Plan: Current designation is General Commercial (GC), Village Commercial (VC), Major Community Facilities (MC), Open Space -Recreation (OS -R) Zoning: Current designation is Neighborhood Commercial (CN), Village Commercial (VC), Major Community Facilities (MC), and Parks and Recreation (PR) The Village Build -Out Plan aims at development of the remaining vacant properties within project boundaries, as well as redevelopment of underutilized properties with more intensive uses. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The project area includes established residential areas such as apartment complexes along Eisenhower and quasi -residential areas in the Embassy Suites hotel along Calle Tampico. There are no established residential areas in the Village area. The project intends to include new residential areas and would not divide any established 51 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT communities. The project would have no impact. This issue does not warrant analysis in the EIR to be prepared for the project. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project could have potentially significant impacts regarding land use policies of the City, especially concerning compatibility between newer developments and historical resources. Potential land use compatibility issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. C) No Impact. As discussed previously, the project is located within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The Santa Rosa Conservation area is the nearest to the project area. The project area is not within the conservation area nor does it border the conservation area. The project would not impact the conservation area. Individual projects within the project area would be required to pay CVMSHCP fees prior to receiving their building permits. The project would not impact the CVMSHCP or any other habitat conservation plans. This issue does not warrant analysis in the EIR to be prepared for the project. 52 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XI. MINERAL RESOURCES Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; Special Report 159, California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines & Geology, 1998. Setting: The State of California has recognized the importance of mineral resources for construction materials and other economic purposes. 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, which are areas where significant mineral resources of statewide importance and regional significance are produced and consumed, and a classification system that identifies lands where significant mineral resource deposits are located. 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. Lands within the Production -Consumption Region are classified according to the presence of valuable mineral resources. The project area is located within Mineral Resource Zone 1 (MRZ-1). This zone includes areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. Impact Discussion a -b) No Impact. Based on the information presented above, the project would not result in a loss of availability of mineral resources. Additionally, the project area is urban and developed in nature and would not support mining activities. The project would have no impact to mineral resources. There would be no impacts to Mineral Resources as a result of this project. This issue does not warrant further analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 53 Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant Significant w/ Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XI. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 of value to the region and the residents of the state? 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 use plan? (Special Report 159, CA Dept. of Conservation, Division of Mines & Geology, 1998) Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; Special Report 159, California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines & Geology, 1998. Setting: The State of California has recognized the importance of mineral resources for construction materials and other economic purposes. 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, which are areas where significant mineral resources of statewide importance and regional significance are produced and consumed, and a classification system that identifies lands where significant mineral resource deposits are located. 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. Lands within the Production -Consumption Region are classified according to the presence of valuable mineral resources. The project area is located within Mineral Resource Zone 1 (MRZ-1). This zone includes areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. Impact Discussion a -b) No Impact. Based on the information presented above, the project would not result in a loss of availability of mineral resources. Additionally, the project area is urban and developed in nature and would not support mining activities. The project would have no impact to mineral resources. There would be no impacts to Mineral Resources as a result of this project. This issue does not warrant further analysis in the EIR to be prepared for this project. 53 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XII. NOISE Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Volume 1 Policy Document, October 2004 Setting: Sources of noise throughout the City are caused primarily by motor vehicle traffic on City streets, particularly major roadways. This includes general operation of cars, trucks, and bus lines. Other noise generators in the City include those associated with commercial uses and construction 54 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XII. NOISE - Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the ❑ ❑ ❑ project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Volume 1 Policy Document, October 2004 Setting: Sources of noise throughout the City are caused primarily by motor vehicle traffic on City streets, particularly major roadways. This includes general operation of cars, trucks, and bus lines. Other noise generators in the City include those associated with commercial uses and construction 54 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT noise. These noises include loading dock operations, trucks entering and leaving commercial centers, and mechanical equipment, such as fans, motors, and compressors. Construction noise is another type of noise found in the City and is generally short-term in nature. Typical construction equipment that generates noise includes: trucks, bulldozers, graders, concrete mixers, pile drivers and other mobile and fixed construction equipment. As noted in the Hazards and Hazardous Materials section, the project is located near two airports, the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport and the Bermuda Dunes Airport. The project area is located over two miles from either airport and is not located within any noise contours of either airport. Impact discussion: a- d) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the Village Build -Out Plan would add new residents and businesses to the area which could increase noise levels, especially during construction. Because of this, potential issues affecting noise will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. Impacts and any possible mitigation measures will be identified which would reduce those impacts. e -f) No Impact. The project area is not located within the airport land use plans of either the Jaqueline Cochran Regional Airport or the Bermuda Dunes Airport. The project would not have an impact. This issue does not warrant analysis in the EIR to be prepared for the project. 55 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; California Department of Finance E-5 Population and Housing Estimates, 2015. Setting: There are 23,489 dwelling units within City limits. The current population, according to the California Department of Finance E-5 Report, is 39,694. The General Plan Update estimates a total of up to 31,603 residential dwelling units within City limits, which would result in development of an additional 8,114 dwelling units that could support an additional 20,528 people, assuming an average household size of 2.53. At General Plan build out, the population size within city limits is projected to be 79,956, based on full occupancy of the 31,603 dwelling units that are proposed under the General Plan Update. The project proposes to add approximately 1,230 dwelling units to the area at a density range of 20-30 dwelling units per acre. These additional units have the potential to add 3,112 residents to the City. Impact Discussion a) Potentially Significant Impact. The project would induce population growth in the area because it proposes to add new dwelling units and businesses. Potential population and housing issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the potential project. Impacts and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce those impacts will be included in the EIR. 56 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING — Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and Z El El El businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑X ❑ ❑ replacement housing elsewhere? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012; California Department of Finance E-5 Population and Housing Estimates, 2015. Setting: There are 23,489 dwelling units within City limits. The current population, according to the California Department of Finance E-5 Report, is 39,694. The General Plan Update estimates a total of up to 31,603 residential dwelling units within City limits, which would result in development of an additional 8,114 dwelling units that could support an additional 20,528 people, assuming an average household size of 2.53. At General Plan build out, the population size within city limits is projected to be 79,956, based on full occupancy of the 31,603 dwelling units that are proposed under the General Plan Update. The project proposes to add approximately 1,230 dwelling units to the area at a density range of 20-30 dwelling units per acre. These additional units have the potential to add 3,112 residents to the City. Impact Discussion a) Potentially Significant Impact. The project would induce population growth in the area because it proposes to add new dwelling units and businesses. Potential population and housing issues will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the potential project. Impacts and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce those impacts will be included in the EIR. 56 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT b -c) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The project has the potential to redevelop or demolish existing residential units in the Village area, at the discretion of property owners. This could displace existing housing or people. This issue will be further analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project and mitigation measures will be included to reduce impacts. 57 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012. Setting Fire Protection Fire protection services within La Quinta are provided by the Riverside County Fire Department through a contractual agreement with the City. There are three City -owned fire stations in the City of La Quinta. Three additional stations within the County Fire Department system are available for emergency response as well. Police Protection La Quinta contracts annually with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for police services. Within the City, the Department operates as the La Quinta Police Department. There are two Police Department offices in the City and the Sheriff's Department also uses a third location in Thermal for police services and jail facilities. 1�3 Potential Less Than Less Than Significant Significant w/ Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ Police protection? ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ Schools? ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ Parks? ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ Other public facilities? ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012. Setting Fire Protection Fire protection services within La Quinta are provided by the Riverside County Fire Department through a contractual agreement with the City. There are three City -owned fire stations in the City of La Quinta. Three additional stations within the County Fire Department system are available for emergency response as well. Police Protection La Quinta contracts annually with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for police services. Within the City, the Department operates as the La Quinta Police Department. There are two Police Department offices in the City and the Sheriff's Department also uses a third location in Thermal for police services and jail facilities. 1�3 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Schools DSUSD serves students located within the project vicinity. There are seven DSUSD schools in La Quinta, including three elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one alternative school. In addition, the District's administrative offices are located in the City, on Dune Palms Road, south of Highway 111. Parks See Section 2.XV for discussion on parks. Other Facilities The La Quinta Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico, within the project area. The City owns the library facility, which is operated by Riverside County. Impact Discussion a) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the project, Public Services could potentially be impacted. Because of this, potential issues affecting public services will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the potential project. Impacts and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce those impacts will be included in the EIR. 59 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XV. RECREATION Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012. Setting: The City of La Quinta Community Services Department maintains fourteen parks throughout the City. There are two parks within the project boundary. Civic Center Park is the larger of the two, located adjacent to La Quinta City Hall, La Quinta Wellness Center, and La Quinta Library. The 17.5 acre park contains walking paths lined with park benches and vegetation, and a large pond in the middle of the property. La Quinta Community Park is located west of Old Town La Quinta. The 6.5 -acre park is owned and maintained by the Desert Recreation District and it includes a 5,000 square foot community center, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic pavilion. Lake Cahuilla County Park is located in La Quinta. The 845 -acre park is approximately 3 miles southeast of the project site, offering activities like fishing, equestrian trails, camping, and hiking. Lake Cahuilla is operated and maintained by Riverside County. Impact Discussion a -b) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the Village Build -Out Plan, recreational facilities could potentially be negatively impacted. Because of this, potential issues affecting will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the potential project. Impacts and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce those impacts will be included in the EIR. .e Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XV. RECREATION -- a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012. Setting: The City of La Quinta Community Services Department maintains fourteen parks throughout the City. There are two parks within the project boundary. Civic Center Park is the larger of the two, located adjacent to La Quinta City Hall, La Quinta Wellness Center, and La Quinta Library. The 17.5 acre park contains walking paths lined with park benches and vegetation, and a large pond in the middle of the property. La Quinta Community Park is located west of Old Town La Quinta. The 6.5 -acre park is owned and maintained by the Desert Recreation District and it includes a 5,000 square foot community center, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic pavilion. Lake Cahuilla County Park is located in La Quinta. The 845 -acre park is approximately 3 miles southeast of the project site, offering activities like fishing, equestrian trails, camping, and hiking. Lake Cahuilla is operated and maintained by Riverside County. Impact Discussion a -b) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the Village Build -Out Plan, recreational facilities could potentially be negatively impacted. Because of this, potential issues affecting will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the potential project. Impacts and any possible mitigation measures which would reduce those impacts will be included in the EIR. .e LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC 61 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ and non -motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑X traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ access? f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, ❑ ❑ ❑ or programs regarding public transit, 61 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 Setting: The Village area is served by several roadways. Regional roadways which would serve the area include Interstate 10 to the north, Highway 111 to the north, and Highway 86S to the east. Local roadways that serve the area include Washington Street, Eisenhower Drive, Avenida Bermudas, Calle Tampico, Desert Club Drive, Avenida La Fonda and Avenue 52. Washington Street is classified as a Major Arterial in the City's General Plan. Eisenhower Drive, Calle Tampico and Avenue 52 are classified as Primary Arterials. Desert Club Drive and Avenida La Fonda are not designated in the General Plan; however, they are important to the circulation of the Village area. Impact Discussion a -b) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the project would introduce more vehicles into the area due to potential development of vacant land and potential redevelopment of the area with residences and commercial uses. This could have a potentially significant impact regarding traffic and circulation of the area. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. A Traffic Impact Analysis will be prepared for the project to determine potential impacts and possible mitigation measures to address impacts. C) No Impact. Given the distance from the Village area to the nearest airports, 5 miles to Bermuda Dunes Airport and more than 7 miles to the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, the project would not impact air traffic patterns. This issue does not warrant further analysis in the EIR to be prepared for the project. d -f) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the project would introduce more vehicles into the area due to potential development of vacant land and potential redevelopment of the area with residences and commercial uses. This could have a potentially significant impact regarding traffic and circulation of the area. This issue will be discussed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. A Traffic Impact Analysis will be prepared for the project to determine potential impacts and possible mitigation measures to address impacts. M LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 63 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional D ❑ ❑ ❑ Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the D ❑ ❑ ❑ construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or ❑ ❑ ❑ are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the ❑ ❑ ❑ project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, State, and local statutes and regulations related to solid D ❑ ❑ ❑ waste? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 63 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Setting: The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) provides water services to the City and the project area. Groundwater is CVWD's primary domestic water source; water is extracted from deep wells located throughout the City and region. CVWD also relies on imported water, which is used to supply recharge basins located near Palm Springs, and in Martinez Canyon, south and east of the City. Sanitary sewer collection and treatment facilities are provided by the Coachella Valley Water District. Where sewer facilities are not available, residences utilize septic systems. CVWD is the regional stormwater agency for the City and maintains regional drainage facilities which collect runoff from areas outside the City, including surrounding mountains. The City of La Quinta is responsible for local facilities, which collect and convey runoff from local streets and properties to regional channels and basins. The City has a Master Drainage Plan which describes local facilities and is used to manage and document the location and condition of existing stormwater management facilities The City has a franchise agreement with Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC (Burrtec) for the provision of solid waste disposal in the City. Non -hazardous household, commercial and most non- hazardous industrial solid waste collected is taken to the Edom Hill Transfer Station in Cathedral City. From there, waste is transported to the Lamb Canyon regional landfill, which is owned and operated by Riverside County. Impact discussion: a- g) Potentially Significant Impact. With implementation of the project, utilities and service systems within the Village area could potentially be impacted by new development or redevelopment occurring in the Village area. Because of this, potential issues pertaining to utilities and service systems will be analyzed in the EIR to be prepared for the project. 64 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 a -d) Potentially Significant Impact. The project could potentially impact wildlife species or examples of California history due to new development or redevelopment occurring in the Village area. Additionally, the project could have cumulatively considerable impacts as well as adverse impacts on 65 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ of long-term environmental goals? c) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are ❑X ❑ ❑ ❑ considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial ❑x ❑ ❑ ❑ adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Source: Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research, July 2012 a -d) Potentially Significant Impact. The project could potentially impact wildlife species or examples of California history due to new development or redevelopment occurring in the Village area. Additionally, the project could have cumulatively considerable impacts as well as adverse impacts on 65 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT human beings. Because of this, an EIR will be prepared for the project to evaluate the extent that the project will negatively affect the environment. The Program EIR for the La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan will analyze the following sections from the environmental checklist for substantial environmental impacts: Aesthetics Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards and Hazardous Waste Hydrology and Water Quality Land Use and Planning Noise Population and Housing Public Services Recreation Transportation and Traffic Utilities- Including Energy as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Appendix F: Energy Conservation LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT XIX. EARLIER ANALYSES A significant amount of analysis of environmental issues has already been conducted for the area in the General Plan Program EIR. Much of this information can be incorporated by reference into the Village Build -Out Plan project -level EIR in order to avoid redundancy and focus on the issues related specifically to the City's goals for the Village. a) Earlier analyses used. Much of the information utilized to conduct this initial study was found in the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, which was prepared by Terra Nova Planning and Research in 2012. The Village is included in the area that was analyzed in the General Plan EIR. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Although the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of La Quinta General Plan 2035 proved to be a useful resource during this initial study, most of the environmental topics in the checklist will need further analysis to determine whether or not development under the Build -Out plan will cause substantial environmental impacts. The referenced EIR contained adequate information to conclude that no significant impacts will affect agricultural/forestry and mineral resources. The referenced EIR also provided adequate information to analyze specific questions in the following sections: Agricultural and Forestry Resources, Mineral Resources, and questions in other sections where No Impact was found. These sections will be discussed in the Project EIR in a section called Impacts Found to be Less Than Significant. c) Mitigation measures. No mitigation measures have been incorporated at this time. Further analysis in the EIR will outline mitigation measures to be incorporated to reduce environmental impacts during project development and operation. 67 LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Chapter 3 - References California Department of Conservation, Riverside County Important Farmland Map, 2012. California Department of Conservation, Riverside County Williamson Act Map, 2008. California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines & Geology, Special Report 159, 1998. California Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates, 2015. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Western Riverside County Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map, January 2010. California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Envirostor database website, http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/, accessed August 27, 2015. City of La Quinta, La Quinta Municipal Code Section 9.100.150 Outdoor Lighting; Section 9.65.020 Village Commercial Permitted Uses City of La Quinta, Zoning Map, June 2013. City of La Quinta, Historical Resources Data Base/Map, http://www.la-cluinta.org/your- government/community-development/planning-division/historic-preservation/historic-resources- survey-database-and-map), Accessed August 31, 2015. Coachella Valley Association of Governments, CVMSHCP Conservation Areas GIS Data, downloaded December 2013. FEMA Flood Map Service Website, https://msc.fema.gov/portal, accessed August 27, 2015. Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission, Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Volume 1 Policy Document, October 2004. Terra Nova Planning and Research, Draft Environmental Impact Report for The City of La Quinta General Plan 2035, July 2012. US Fish and Wildlife Service, List of Migratory Bird Species Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as of December 2, 2013, http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/regulationspolicies/mbta/mbtandx.html, accessed September 2015. M From: Wally Nesbit To: Cheri Flores(cheri.flores(c�thealtumarouD.com); Nancy Ferguson(nancy.ferauson(c�thealtumarouo.com) Cc: Nicole Criste Subject: FW: City of La Quinta Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report - La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 10:08:21 AM NOP comment received from ALUC Wallace Nesbit I Principal Planner City of La Quinta 78495 Calle Tampico - La Quinta, CA 92253 Ph. 760.777.7069 wne sbit&la-quinta. org Website: www.la-quinta.org From: Guerin, John [mailto:JGUERIN@rctlma.org] Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2015 6:00 PM To: Wally Nesbit Cc: Cooper, Ed; Santos, Barbara Subject: City of La Quinta Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report - La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Thank you for providing the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission with a copy of the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for this project, along with a CD copy of the Environmental Assessment. Based on the vicinity map and project description, the project area is located southerly of Avenue 50, westerly of Washington Street, northerly of Avenue 52, and easterly of Eisenhower Drive. This area is located outside the boundaries of all Airport Influence Areas. Therefore, provided that no airports, heliports, or structures 200 feet or greater are proposed, ALUC has no comments or recommendations. John Guerin, Principal Planner Riverside County ALUC 4080 Lemon Street, 14th Floor Riverside CA 92501 (951) 955-0982 iguerin(@rctlma.org %FtEDrj Sia � o Desert Sands Unified School District � 47-950 Dune Palms Road • La Quinta, California 92253 • (760) 771-8515 • FAX: (760) 771-8522 V} BERMUDA DUNES BOARD OF EDUCATION: Wendy Jonathan, Matteo Monica, Gary Tomak, Michael Duran, Donald B. Griffith, RANCHO MIRAGE 0 SUPERINTENDENT: Dr. Ga Rutherford PALM INDIAN WELLS - COACHELLA ��' -Facilities - �' LA QUINTA p INDI❑ y October 12, 2015 City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California 92253 Attention: Mr. Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner Re: City of La Quinta Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for Proposed Village Build - Out Plan Dear Mr. Nesbit: Thank you for providing the above -referenced Notice. On behalf of Desert Sands Unified School District ("District"), we are providing the following comments and suggestions regarding the City of La Quinta Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for Proposed Village Build -Out Plan. Based on a review of the available documentation, we understand the Proposed Village Build -Out Plan will include changes to the land use designations utilized within the City. We understand that new and potential developments within the project area include 436 residential units on vacant land and 794 residential units in land with the potential for redevelopment. To the extent this expected increased development is served by the District, there will be an increased need for additional interim and permanent school facilities to serve students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 (collectively "School Facilities"). The District currently has the requirement for developers to pay school fees to support additional school facilities generated from development within the District's boundaries. The District looks forward to working collaboratively with the City and respective developers as the District has done in the past to accommodate additional students as development occurs. These impacts on the District's School Facilities need to be addressed in the EIR as a means for such further development to pay its fair share of the "True Cost" of new School Facilities and the student generation rate within the District. Such is of particular significance since, as the City is aware, the Legislature and Governor have failed to place a "School Bond Measure" on the ballot. Finally as noted above, it is important for the City to note that the School Facility Program (SB 50) bond authority is exhausted for new construction of School Facilities, with some exceptions. While there has been discussion of major changes to the current state school building program, it is unknown, at this time, what the new funding program will look like, if it is changed. The current lack of "State Funding" available to the District only further compounds the burden of accommodating additional students stemming from development in the District boundaries. We greatly appreciate your attention and consideration of this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned if you have any questions or comments. Sincerely, Patrick Cisneros Director Facilities Services Enclosure November 2, 2015 Mr. Wallace Nesbit Project Planner Community Development Department City of La Quinta 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 SUBJECT: La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan NOP of an EIR Dear Mr. Wallace: www, i id. com Pursuant to the City of La Quinta's Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan, where the City proposes to develop a build -out plan for its traditional downtown area which encompasses approximately 137 acres of land, generally located south of Calle Tampico, east of Eisenhower Drive and west of Washington Street in addition to the 9.3 -acre property at the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street; the Imperial Irrigation District has reviewed the preliminary information and has the following comments: 1. The City should be advised that additional IID electrical infrastructure and/or modification thereof may be needed to service the project. IID Energy La Quinta Division Customer Operations, 81-600 Avenue 58 La Quinta, CA 92253, telephone nos. (750) 398-5841 and (760) 398-5890 should be contacted for further information regarding electrical service for the project and the infrastructure that may be needed. 2. The City will be required to provide rights-of-way and easements for any distribution line extension (conduit system, cable and underground structures) needed to serve the project. 3. Any construction or operation on IID property or within its existing and proposed right of way or easements including but not limited to: surface improvements such as proposed new streets, driveways, parking lots, landscapes and all water, sewer, storm water or any other above ground or underground utilities; will require an encroachment permit, or encroachment agreement (depending on the circumstances). A copy of the IID encroachment permit application and instructions for its completion can be found at the IID website: ht_tp:/Iwww.iid,com/home/showdocument?id=3306. The IID Real Estate Section should be contacted at (760) 339-9239 for additional information regarding encroachment permits or agreements. 4. Any new, relocated, modified or reconstructed IID facilities required for and by the project (which can include but is not limited to electrical utility substations, electrical transmission and distribution lines, etc.) need to be included as part of the project's lt.•IPERIAL IRRIC-JAI I(}N DIS -TRI{ OPERATING I-IEA0Q0ARTER% - PCBOX 93; . WIPERIAI, CA 92251 Mr. Wallace Nesbit November 2, 2015 Page 2 CEQA and/or NEPA documentation, environmental impact analysis and mitigation. Failure to do so will result in postponement of any construction and/or modification of IID facilities until such time as the environmental documentation is amended and environmental impacts are fully mitigated. Any and all mitigation necessary as a result of the construction, relocation and/or upgrade of IID facilities is the responsibility of the project proponent. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 760-482-3609 or at dvargas@iid.com. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter. ')Resp Ily, Do Id Vargas Environmental Regulatory Complianoe Administrator Kevin Kelley — General Manager Mike Pacheco — Manager, Water Dept Tina Shields — Co -Manager, Water Dept Carl Stills — Manager. Energy Dept Eduwvijes A Luta — Partfolio Mgmt. Ofrreer Jamie Asbury — Deputy Energy Manager, Critical Business & Regulatory Affairs Vance Taylor —Asst. General Counsel Robert Laurie—Asst. General Counsel Angela Evans - Manager Distribution Services & Maintenance Operations Oscar Kebriti — Supt. Gen. Project Implementation, Energy Dept. Michael P Kemp—Superintendent, Real Estate& Environmental Compliance Harold Walk Jr — Supervisor, Real Estate Randy Gray -- ROW Agent, Real Estate Jessica Lovecchio — Environmental and Salton Sea Programs November 4, 2015 Mr. Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California 92253 Phone: [760] 777-7125 E-mail: wnesbit@la-quinta.org Sidi: hLRn CALIF OPMA ASSOCIATION of GOVERNMENTS RE: SCAG Comments on the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Main Office Report for the La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan [SCAG N0. IG R8630] B18 West 7th Street 12th Floor Dear Mr. Nesbit, Las Angeles, California 9WI7-3135 Thank you for submitting the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan ("proposed project") to the Southern California IQ131236-IMO Association of Governments (SCAG) for review and comment. SCAG is the authorized f(213)23&1825 regional agency for Inter -Governmental Review (IGR) of programs proposed for federal financial assistance and direct development activities, pursuant to Presidential Executive wwwscag.ca.gov Order 12372. Additionally, SCAG reviews the Environmental Impact Reports of projects of regional significance for consistency with regional plans pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines. Officers President SCAG is also the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency under state law, CherylVregas-Walker, El Centro and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) including its First Vice President Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) component pursuant to SB 375. As the Michele ManineZSanta Ana clearinghouse for regionally significant projects per Executive Order 12372, SCAG reviews the consistency of local plans, projects, and programs with regional plans.' Guidance Secarrd Ylce President Margaret Finlay. Duane provided by these reviews is intended to assist local agencies and project sponsors to take actions that contribute to the attainment of the regional goals and policies in the RTPISCS. lmrne+diate Past President Carl Morehouse. San Buenaventura SCAG staff has reviewed the Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report Executive/Administration for the La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan in the Riverside County. The proposed project Committee Chair includes the build -out development of the La Quinta Village area, the City's traditional CherylVregas-WaIkeI,ElCentro downtown. The project area encompasses 137 acres and the proposed project will develop the remaining 20.7 acres of vacant land which will include 1,230 residential units, Policy Committee Chairs a 290 room hotel, and 960,711 square feet of non-Tesidential uses. Community, Economic and Human Development bill Jahn, Big 8ewLake When available, please send environmental documentation to SCAG, s office in Los Angeles or by email to sunt@scag.ca.gov providing, at a minimum, the full public Energy&Environment Deharah Robertson, Rialto comment period for review. If you have any questions regarding the attached comments, please contact the Inter -Governmental Review (IGR) Program, attn.: Lijin Sun, Esq„ Senior Transporiatib�i Regional Planner, at (213) 236-1882 or sunI0,scael.ca.gov. Thank you, Ahnwapner, San Bernardino Associated Governments Sincerely, � � lz-;� Ping Chang Program Manager II, Land Use and Environmental Planning ' SB 375 amends CEQA to add Chapter 4.2 Implementation of the Sustainable Communities Strategy, which allows for certain CEQA streamlining for projects consistent with the RTPISCS. Lead agencies (including local jurisdictions) maintain the discretion and will be solely responsible for determining "consistency" of any future project with the SCS. Any "consistency" finding by SCAG pursuant to the !GR process should not be construed as a finding of consistency under SB 375 for purposes of CEQA streamlining. The Regional Council consists of 66 elected officials representing 191 cities, six counties, six County Transportation Commissions, one representative from theTransportativn Corridor Agencies, one Tribal Government representative and one representative for the Air Districts within Southern California. 2015.9.3 pmletl zn Mcyo[ rl piopV cl1 November d, 2015 Mr. Nesbit. SCAG No. IGR8630 Page 2 COMMENTS ON THE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE LA QUINTA VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN [SCAG NO. IGR86301 CONSISTENCY WITH RTPISCS SCAG reviews environmental documents for regionally significant projects for their consistency with the adopted RTP/SCS. 2012 RTPISCS GOALS The SCAG Regional Council adopted the 2012 RTP/SCS in April 2012. The 2412 RTPISCS links the goal of sustaining mobility with the goals of fostering economic development, enhancing the environment, reducing energy consumption, promoting transportation -friendly development patterns, and encouraging fair and equitable access to residents affected by socio-economic, geographic and commercial limitations (see http://rtpscs_scag_ca.gov). The goals included in the 2012 RTPISCS may be pertinent to the proposed project. These goals are meant to provide guidance for considering the proposed project within the context of regional goals and policies. Among the relevant goals of the 2012 RTPISCS are the following: SCAG 2412 RTPISCS GOALS RTPISCS G1: Align the plan investments and policies with improving regional economic development and competitiveness RTPISCS G2: Maximize mobility and accessibility for all people and goods in the region RTPISCS G3. Ensure travel safety and reliability for all people and goods in the region RTPISCS G4 Preserve and ensure a sustainable regional transportation system RTPISCS G5: Maximize the productivity of our transportation system RTP15CS G& Protect the environment and health for our residents by improving air quality and encouraging active transportation (non -motorized transportation, such as bicycling and walking) RTPISCS GT Actively encourage and create incentives for energy efficiency, where possible RTPISCS G8: Encourage land use and growth patterns that facilitate transit and non -motorized transportation RTPISCS G9: Maximize the security of the regional transportation system through improved system monitoring, rapid recovery planning, and coordination with other security agencies For ease of review, we encourage the use of a side-by-side comparison of SCAG goals with discussions of the consistency, non -consistency or non -applicability of the policy and supportive analysis in a table format. Suggested format is as follows. November 4, 2015 Mr. Nesbit SLAG No. IGR8630 Page 3 SCAG 2012 RTPISCS GOALS Goal Analysis RTPISCS G1: Align the plan investments and policies with improving Consistent: Statement as to why; regional economic development and competitiveness Not -Consistent: Statement as to why,- hy;Or 22,091,000 Or 46,300 Not Applicable: Statement as to why: 7,325,000 DEIR2 page number reference RTP)SCS G2: Maximize mobility and accessibility for all people and Consistent: Statement as to why; goods in the region Not -Consistent: Statement as to why; 11,900 Or Not Applicable: Statement as to why, DEIR a e number reference etc. etc. RTPISCS STRATEGIES To achieve the goals of the 2012 RTPISCS, a wide range of strategies are included in SCS Chapter (starting on page 152) of the RTPISCS focusing on four key areas: 1) Land Use Actions and Strategies; 2) Transportation Network Actions and Strategies; 3) Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Actions and Strategies and; 4) Transportation System Management (TSM) Actions and Strategies. If applicable to the proposed project, please refer to these strategies as guidance for considering the proposed project within the context of regional goais and policies_ To access a listing of the strategies, please visit http;llrtpscs.scag.ca.gov/Documents/2012/final/f2Ol2RTPSCS.pdf (Tables 4.3 — 4.71 beginning on page 152). REGIONAL GROWTH FORECASTS At the time of this letter, the most recently adopted SCAG forecasts, at the jurisdictional level, consists of the 2020 and 2035 RTPISCS population, household and employment forecasts. To view them, please visit http:flscag.ca.ttovlDocuments12012AdoptedGrowth Forecast PDF, pdf. The forecasts for the region and applicable jurisdictions are below. Adopted SCAG Region Wide Forecasts Adopted City of La Quinta Forecasts Year 2020 Year 2035 Year 2020 Year 2035 Population 19,663,000 22,091,000 41,600 46,300 Households 6,458,000 7,325,000 16,600 17,904 Employment 8,414,000 9,441,000 10,600 11,900 MITIGATION SCAG staff recommends that you review the SLAG 2012 RTPISCS Final Program EIR Mitigation Measures for guidance, as appropriate. See Chapter 6 (beginning on page 143) at: ht# :llrt scs.sca .ca. ov/Documents! eirf2Dl2/final/Final2Ol2PEIR. df As referenced in Chapter 6, a comprehensive list of example mitigation measures that may he considered as appropriate is included in Appendix G: Examples of Measures that Could Reduce Impacts from Planning, Development and Transportation Projects. Appendix G can be accessed at: htti2:lirtpsscs.stag.ca.gavfDocumentsipeir/2012/final/2012fPEIR_AppendixG ExampleMeasures_pdf South Coast Air Quality Management District 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91755-4178 (909) 396-2000 * www.agmd.gov October 16, 2015 RECEIVED Wallace Nesbit, Principal Planner OCT 2 4 2 U 1r] City of La Quinta 78495 Calle Tampico CM OF LA QUINTa La Quinta, CA 92253 COMMUNM DEVELOPMENT Revised Notice of Preparation of a CEQA Document for the La Ouinta Villaize Build -Out EA 2015-03 Pro'ect The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) staff appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above-mentioned document. The SCAQMD staff's comments are recommendations regarding the analysis of potential air quality impacts from the proposed project that should be included in the draft CEQA document. Please send the SCAQMD a copy of the CEQA document upon its completion. Note that copies of the Draft EIR that are submitted to the State Clearinghouse are not forwarded to the SCAQMD. Please forward a copy of the Draft EIR directly to SCAQMD at the address in our letterhead. In addition, please send with the draft EIR all appendices or technical documents related to the air quality and greenhouse gas analyses and electronic versions of all air quality modeling and health risk assessment files. These include original emission calculation spreadsheets and modeling files not Adobe PDF files). Without all files and supporting air quality documentation, the SCAQMD will be unable to complete its review of the air quality analysis in a timely manner. Any delays in providing all supporting air quality documentation will reauire additional time for review beyond the end of the comment period. Air Onality Analysis The SCAQMD adopted its California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbook in 1993 to assist other public agencies with the preparation of air quality analyses. The SCAQMD recommends that the Lead Agency use this Handbook as guidance when preparing its air quality analysis. Copies of the Handbook are available from the SCAQMD's Subscription Services Department by calling (909) 396-3720. More recent guidance developed since this Handbook was published is also available on SCAQMD's website here: http://www.agmd.gov/liomelregulatioils/eegalair- quality-analysis-llandbooklcega-air-quality-handbook-(1993). SCAQMD staff also recommends that the lead agency use the CaIEEMod land use emissions software. This software has recently been updated to incorporate up-to-date state and locally approved emission factors and methodologies for estimating pollutant emissions from typical land use development. CaIEEMod is the only software model maintained by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) and replaces the now outdated URBEMIS. This model is available free of charge at: www.caleemod.com. The Lead Agency should identify any potential adverse air quality impacts that could occur from all phases of the project and all air pollutant sources related to the project. Air quality impacts from both construction (including demolition, if any) and operations should be calculated. Construction -related air quality impacts typically include, but are not limited to, emissions from the use of heavy-duty equipment from grading, earth-loading/unloading, paving, architectural coatings, off-road mobile sources (e.g., heavy-duty construction equipment) and on -road mobile sources (e.g., construction worker vehicle trips, material transport trips). Operation -related air quality impacts may include, but are not limited to, emissions from stationary sources (e.g., boilers), area sources (e.g., solvents and coatings), and vehicular trips (e.g., on- and off-road tailpipe emissions and entrained dust), Air quality impacts from indirect sources, that is, sources that generate or attract vehicular trips should be included in the analysis. The SCAQMD has also developed both regional and localized significance thresholds. The SCAQMD staff requests that the lead agency quantify criteria pollutant emissions and compare the results to the recommended regional significance thresholds found here: htt :llwww.a md. ovldocsldefauit-sourcelceallhandbooklsea ind-air- unlit -si ]ficance- thresho df?sfvrsn=2. In addition to analyzing regional air quality impacts, the SCAQMD staff recommends calculating localized air quality impacts and comparing the results to localized significance thresholds (LSTs). LSTs can be used in addition to the recommended regional significance thresholds as a second indication of air quality impacts when preparing a CEQA document. Therefore, when preparing the air quality analysis for the proposed project, it is Wallace Nesbit -2- October 16, 2015 recommended that the lead agency perform a localized analysis by either using the LSTs developed by the SCAQMD or performing dispersion modeling as necessary. Guidance for performing a localized air quality analysis can be found at: http://www. agmd.g:ov/home/regulations/ceg a/air-qual iiy-analysi s-handbook/local ized-s ign ificance-thresholds. In the event that the proposed project generates or attracts vehicular trips, especially heavy-duty diesel -fueled vehicles, it is recommended that the lead agency perform a mobile source health risk assessment. Guidance for performing a mobile source health risk assessment ("Health Risk assessment Guidance for Analyzing Cancer Rask front Mobile ,Source Diesel Idling Emissions far CEQA Air Quality Analysis") can be found at: http://www.agmd.gov/home/regulations/cegalair- auality.-analysis-handbook/mobile-source-toxics-analysi i. An analysis of all toxic air contaminant impacts due to the use of equipment potentially generating such air pollutants should also be included. In addition, guidance on siting incompatible land uses (such as placing homes near freeways) can be found in the California Air Resources Board's Aar Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Perspective, which can be found at the following internet address: http://www.arb.ca.govlch/handbook.pdf. CARB's Land Use Handbook is a general reference guide for evaluating and reducing air pollution impacts associated with new projects that go through the land use decision-making process. Mitigation Measures In the event that the project generates significant adverse air quality impacts, CEQA requires that all feasible mitigation measures that go beyond what is required by law be utilized during project construction and operation to minimize or eliminate these impacts. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15126.4 (a)(1)(D), any impacts resulting from mitigation measures must also be discussed. Several resources are available to assist the Lead Agency with identifying possible mitigation measures for the project, including: • Chapter I I of the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook • SCAQMD's CEQA web pages at: http://www.agmd.pov/home/regulations/cega/air-quali -analysis- handbook/m itigation-measures-and-control-efFc iencies. • CAPCDA's Quant,fying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures available here: http://www.capcoa.org/wp-content/uploadsl20 ] p/ I 1 /CAPCOA-Quanti licat i on -Report -9-14-F i nal.pdf. • SCAQMD's Rule 403 — Fugitive Dust, and the Implementation Handbook for controlling construction -related emissions • Other measures to reduce air quality impacts from land use projects can be found in the SCAQMD's Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning. This document can be found at the following internet address: http;//www.agmd.&ov/docs/default-source/planningjair-quality- gu i d an ce/com p lete-gui dan ce-document. p d Psfvrs n=4. Data Sources SCAQMD rules and relevant air quality reports and data are available by calling the SCAQMD's Public Information Center at (909) 396-2039. Much of the information available through the Public Information Center is also available via the SCAQMD's webpage (http://www.Nmd.gov The SCAQMD staff is available to work with the Lead Agency to ensure that project emissions are accurately evaluated and mitigated where feasible. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact meat iTw9ng_I aagmd.gov or call me at (909) 396-3176. Sincerely, AS" WO Jillian Wong, Ph.D. Program Supervisor Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources RVC 151006 -07 Control Number 6`4�Ck of Pi.Wyp� STATE OF CALIFORNIA " GOVERNOR'S OFFICE of PLANNING AND RESEARCH F°" STATE CLEAN' NGHOUSE AND PLANNING UNIT �r4'��FceuF°��tiF EDMUND G. BROWN M KENALM GOVE"OR DIR.EMR Notice of Preparation October 5, 2015 To: Reviewing Agencies Re: La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan SCM# 2015101019 Attached for your review and comment is the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the La Quanta Village Build -Out Plan draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Responsible agencies must transmit their comments on the scope and content of the NOP, focusing on specific information related to their own statutory responsibility, within 3i5 da sof recti t of the NOP {Toni the .L ead Adent . This is a courtesy notice provided by the State Clearinghouse with a reminder for you to comment in a timely manner. We encourage other agencies to also respond to this notice and express their concerns early in the environmental review process. Please direct your comments to: Wallace Nesbit City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico P.O. Box 1544 La Quinta, CA 92253 with a copy to the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research. Please refer to the SCH number noted above in all correspondence concerning this project. If you have any questions about the environmental document review process, please call the State Clearinghouse at (916)445-0613. Sincerely, Scott man fff! Director, State Clearinghouse Attachments cc: Lead Agency RECEIVED OCT 13 2015 CITY OF LA QUINTA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 140010th Street P.O. Box 3044 Sacramento, California 95812-3044 (916) 445-0613 FAX (916) 323-3018 www.opr.ca.gov Document Details Report State Clearinghouse Data Base SCH# 2015101048 Project Title La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Lead Agency La Quinta, City of Type NOP Notice of Preparation Description The City of La Quinta has undertaken a planning process to develop a build -out plan for the Village, its traditional downtown. The project area consists of approximately 137 acres of land, generally located south of Calle Tampico, east of Eisenhower Drive and west of Washington Street. In addition, the 9.3 acre property at the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street, currently developed as a commercial center, is included in the project area. There are approximately 20 acres of vacant land in the project area that could be developed with a mix of uses - commercial, professional, and/or residential. Future development in the project area assumes development of the remaining vacant properties, as well as redevelopment of underutilized properties with more intensive uses. Lead Agency Contact Name Wallace Nesbit Agency City of La Quinta Phone (760) 777-7125 email Address 78-495 Calle Tampico P.O. Box 1504 City La Quinta Fax State CA Zip 92253 Project Location County Riverside City La Quinta Region Cross Streets Washington Street and Calle Tampico LatlLong 33° 40' 34.1" N 1116° 18' 18.9" W Parcel No. Township 6S Range 716E Section 116 Base SBB&M Proximity to: Highways No Airports No Railways No Waterways Le Quinta Evacuation Channel Schools Land Use Village Commercial, Recreational Open Space, Major Community Facilities, General Commercial Project Issues Aesthetic/Visual; Agricultural Land; Air Quality; Archaeologic -Historic; Biological Resources; Drainage/Absorption; Forest Land/Fire Hazard; Geologic/Seismic; Minerals; Noise; Population/Housing Balance; Public Services; Recreation/Parks; Schools/Universities; Sewer Capacity; Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading; Solid Waste; ToxiclHazardous; Traffic/Circulation; Water Quality; Water Supply; Growth Inducing; Landuse; Cumulative Effects Reviewing Resources Agency; Department of Conservation; Office of Historic Preservation; Department of Parks Agencies and Recreation; Department of Water Resources; Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 6; Department of Housing and Community Development; Office of Emergency Services, California; Native American Heritage Commission; California Highway Patrol; Caltrans, District 8; Air Resources Board; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 7 Date Received 10/0512015 Start of Review 10/05/2015 End of Review 11/03/2015 Note: Blanks in data fields result from insufficient information provided by lead agency. Print Fgrm Appendix C Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3044, Sacramento, CA 95812-3944 (415) 4-45-0613 "CEEar, For Hand Deliveryl&reer Address: 1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Project Title: La Quinta Village Build -Out Plan Lead Agency: City Of La Quinta Contact Person, Wallace Nesbit Mailing Address: 78-495 Calle Tarri ico Phone: 760-777-7125 City: La Quinta Zip: 92253 County: Riverside — _ — — _ — — _ — — — — — — — — Project Location County: Riverside City/Nearest Community: La Quinta Cross streets: Washington Street and Calle Tampico Zip Code: 92253 Longitude/Latitude (degrees, minutes and seconds): 33 *40 34.1 r N 1 116 -18 ' 18.9 " W Total Acres: 137 Assessor's Parcel No.: See attached map Section: 1,6 ^ Twp.: T65 Range: R67E Base: 81313M Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: none Waterways: La Quinta Evacuation Channel AirpoTts: none Railways;7 none Schools: See Attached Document Type:— _ - - -- - - — - ii.. ti� - a Ea CEQA. © NOF ❑ Draft BIR_ - j EPA: ElN01 Other: E] Joint Document ❑ Early Cons E]Suppleme tlSubse�enr ❑ EA El Final Document ❑ Neg Dec (Prior SCK N } E] Draft EIS ❑ Other: El Mit Neg Dec Other: ❑ FONSI ----__------___,�_�..--- - - - - - - Local Action Type: ❑ General Plan Update ❑ Specific Plan ❑ Rezone ❑ Annexation ❑ General Plan Amendment X❑ Master Plan ❑ Prezone ❑ Redevelopment ❑ General Plan Element ❑ Planned Unit Development ❑ Use Permit ❑ Coastal Permit ❑ Community Plan ❑ Site Plan ❑ Land Division (Subdivision. etc.) ❑ Other: — — — — — _ — Developmem Type: ❑X Residential: Units 567 Acros26.75 © Office.: Sq.ft. 262,437 AcresEmployees ❑ Transportation: Type ❑X Commercia):Sq.ft.2�2�i� Acres25.875 Employees ❑ Mining: Mineral ❑ Industrial: Sq.ft. Acres — Employees ❑ Power. Type MW ❑ Educational: ❑ Waste Treatment:Type MGD ❑ Recreational: ❑ Hazardous Waste -Type ❑ Water Facilities:Type MOD ❑ Other: .. — — — _ — _ _ _ Project Issues Discussed in Document: ® AestheticfVisual ❑ Fiscal ® Recreation/Parks ❑ Vegetation ® Agticultural Land ❑ Flood Plain/Flooding N Schools/Universities ❑X Water Quality ❑X Air Quality Q Forest Land/Fire Hazard ❑ Septic Systems Q Water SupplylGrotiuidwater ® Archeological/Historical N Geologic/SeismicX❑ Sewer Capacity ❑ WetlandlRiparian © Biological Resources NX Minerals Soil ErosionlCompaction/Orading ❑Q Q-owth Inducement ❑ Coastal Zone ❑X Noise X❑ Solid Waste ❑x Land Use ® DrainagetAbsorption Q Population/Housing Balance ❑X Toxic/Hazardous Q Cumulative Effects ❑ EconomiclJobs © Public Service sfFacilities © Traffic/Circulation ❑ other: — — .. — — _ Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Designation: Village Commercial, Recreational Open Space, Major Community Facilities, General Ccmmerclal — — — — — — — — — — - Project Description (please use a separate page if necessary) The City of La Quinta (City) has undertaken a planning process to develop a build -out plan for the Village, its traditional downtown. The project area conslsts of approximately 137 acres of land, generally located south of Ca Ile Tampico, east of Eisenhower Drive and west of Washington Street. In addition, the 9.3 -acre property at the northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street, currently developed as a commercial center, is included in the project area. There are approximately 20 acres of vacant land in the project area that could be developed with a mix of uses - commercial, professional, and/or residential. Future development In the project area assumes development of the remaining vacant properties, as well as redevelopment of underutilized propertles with more Intensive uses. Note. The State Clearinghouse will assign idant(p7cruion numbers forall n"p projects. ffa SCHnu+nwralready exisufor a project (e.g. Norice ofPrepararion or previous dlnji document) p lease f ll in. Rehsed 2010 N Schools within two mile radius of woiect site: John Adams Elementary School Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Henry S. Truman Elementary School La Ruinta Middle School La Quinta High School NOP Distribution List Resources Agency Resources Agency Nadell Gayou ❑ Dept of Boating & Waterways Denise Peterson ❑ California Coastal Commission Elizabeth A. Fuchs ❑ Colorado River Board Lisa Johansen Dept. of Conservation Elizabeth Carpenter ❑ California Energy Commission Eric Knight ❑ Cat Fire Dan Foster ❑ Central Valley Flood Protection Board James Herota Office of Historic Preservation Ron Parsons ® Dept of Parks & Recreation Environmental Stewardship Section ❑ California Department of Resources, Recycling & Recovery Sue O'Leary ❑ S.F. Bay Conservation & Devi. Comm. Steve McAdam Dept. of Water Resources Resources Agency Nadell Gayou Fish and Game ❑ Depart of Fish & Wildlife Scott Flint Environmental Services Division ❑ Fish & Wildlife Region 1 Curt Babcock ❑ Fish & Wildlife Region 1E Laurie Hamsberger ❑ Fish & Wildlife Region 2 Jeff Drongesen ❑ Fish & Wildlife Region 3 Charles Armor ❑ Fish & Wildlife Region 4 Julie Vance ❑ Fish & Wildlife Region 5 Leslie Newton -Reed Habitat Conservation Program 0 Fish & Wildlife Region 6 Tiffany Ellis Habitat Conservation Program ❑ Fish & VAldf ife Region 611M Heidi Calvert InyolMono, Habitat r—� Conservation Program U Dept. of Fish & Wildlife M George Isaac Marine Region Other Departments ❑ Food & Agriculture Sandra Schubert Dept. of Food and Agriculture ❑ Depart. of General Services Public School Construction ❑ Dept. of General Services Anna GarbefF Environmental Services Section ❑ Delta Stewardship Council Kevan Samsam Housing & Comm. Dev. CEQA Coordinator Housing Policy Division Independent Commissions, Boards IBJ Delta ProMellon Commission Michael Machado County; ,,, SCH# DES (Office of Emergency Services) Marcia Scully Native American Heritage Comm_ Debbie Treadway ❑ Public Utilities Commission Supervisor ❑ Santa Monica Bay Restoration Guangyu Wang ❑ State Lands Commission Jennifer Deleong ❑ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TBPA) Cherry Jacques Cal State Transportation Agency CaISTA ❑ Caltrans - Divlsion of Aeronautics Philip Crimmins ❑ Caltrans — Planning HO LD-IGR Tem Pencwvic is California Highway Patrol Suzann Ikeuchi Office of Special Projects Dept. of Transportation ❑ Caltrans, District 1 Rex Jackman ❑ Caltrans, District 2 Marcelina Gonzalez ❑ Caltrans, District 3 Eric Federicks — South Susan Zanchi - North ❑ Caltrans, District Patricia Maurice ❑ Caltrans, District 6 Larry Newland ❑ Caltrans, District 6 Michael Navarro ❑ Caltrans, District 7 Dianna Watson ® Caltrans, District 8 Mark Roberts ❑ Caltrans, District 9 Gayle Rosander ❑ Caltrans, District 14 Tom Dumas ❑ Caltrans, District 11 Jacob Armstrong ❑ Caltrans, District 12 Maureen El Harake Cal EPA Air Resources Board All Other Projects Cathi Slaminski ❑ Transportation Projects Nesamani Kalandiyur ❑ IndustriallEnergy Projects Mike Tollstrup ❑ State Water Resources Control Board Regional Programs Unit Division of Financial Assistance ❑ State Water Resources Control Board Karen Larsen Division of Drinking Water ❑ state Water Resources Control Board Student Intern, 401 Water Quality Certification Unit Division of Water Quality ❑ State Water Resouces Control Board Phil Crader Division of Water Rights ❑ Dept. of Toxic Substances Control CEQA Tracking Center ❑ Department of Pestkide Regulation CEQA Coordinator 2015 10 10 19 Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) ❑ RWQCB 1 Cathleen Hudson North Coast Region (1) ❑ RWQCB 2 Environmental document Coordinator San Francisco Bay Region (2) ❑ RWQCB 3 Central Coast Region (3) ❑ RWQCB 4 Teresa Rodgers Los Angeles Region (4) ❑ RWQCB 65 Central Valley Region (5) ❑ RWQCB 6F Central Valley Region (5) Fresno Branch Office ❑ RWQCB 5R Central Valley Region (5) Redding Branch Office ❑ RWQCB 6 Lahonttann Region (6) Ll RWQCB 6v Lahontan Region (6) Victarville Branch Office W RWQCB 7 Colorado River Basin Region (7) ❑ RWQCB 8 Santa Ana Region (8) ❑ RWQCB 9 San Diego Region (9) ❑ Other Conservancy Last Updated 6/2312015