CC Resolution 2024-003 Hampton Inn Hotel EA 2022-0011RESOLUTION NO. 2024 — 003
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM TO
THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
2017-0009 PURSUANT TO SECTION 15164 OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT IN THAT NO
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO THE PROJECT ARE
PROPOSED THAT RESULT IN NEW SIGNIFICANT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
CASE NUMBER:
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2022-0011
APPLICANT: VERDANT LAQUINTA LLC
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California did, on January 16,
2024, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider a request by Verdant LaQuinta LLC,
for a 125 -room hotel project at the southwest corner of Auto Centre Drive and La Quinta
Drive, more commonly described as:
Assessor Parcel Number 600-340-060
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing
notice in The Desert Sun newspaper on January 5, 2024, as prescribed by the Municipal
Code. Public hearing notices were also mailed to all property owners within 500 feet of the
site; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California did, on
December 12, 2023, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider this request and
recommended adoption of the Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration for
Environmental Assessment 2022-0011; and
WHEREAS, at said Public Hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission
did make the following mandatory findings pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act
to justify approval of said Environmental Assessment, incorporated herewith as Exhibit A:
1. The proposed project will not have the potential to degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife population to
drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, reduce the number, or restrict the range of rare or endangered plants
or animals, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California
Resolution No. 2024-003
Environmental Assessment 2022-0011
Project: Hampton Inn Hotel
Adopted: January 16, 2024
Page 2 of 3
history or prehistory. Potential impacts can be mitigated to be less than
significant.
2. The proposed project will not result in impacts which are individually limited or
cumulatively considerable when considering planned or proposed development
in the immediate vicinity. Potential impacts can be mitigated to be less than
significant.
3. The proposed project will not have environmental effects that will adversely affect
the human population, either directly or indirectly. Potential impacts associated
with biological resources, cultural and tribal resources, and noise can be
mitigated to be less than significant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Quinta,
California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and correct, and constitute the Findings of
the City Council in this case.
SECTION 2. That the City Council hereby does adopt Environmental Assessment 2022-
0011 adopting an Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration with mitigation
measures incorporated herewith as Exhibit A.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta City
Council held on this 16th day of January 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, McGarrey, Sanchez, and Mayor Pro Tem
Pena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Evans
ABSTAIN: None
JOHN NA,Mayor Pro Tem
City of La Qui ta, California
Resolution No. 2024-003
Environmental Assessment 2022-0011
Project: Hampton Inn Hotel
Adopted: January 16, 2024
Page 3 of 3
F-11111 11 *3 IF
l
MONIKA RADEVA, tily Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
A
WILLIAM H. IHRKlf, City Attorney
City of La Quinta, California
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-003 - EXHIBIT A
Environmental Assessment 2022-0011
Project: Hampton Inn Hotel
Adopted: January 16, 2024
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6
THE CENTRE AT LA QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN INITIAL STUDY ADDENDUM NO. 1
Specific Plan Amendment No. SP2022-0003
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007
t(v Qa4&(V
GEM of the DESERT —
City of La Quinta
Design and Development
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
Contact: Sijifredo Fernandez, Associate Planner
Applicant:
Greens Group
8815 Research Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Prepared by:
Christine
Saunders
;�ssaciaf�:
christine@csaundersassociates.com
714-488-1529
June 2023
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 June 2023
The Centre at La Quinto Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK................................................1
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 PRIOR ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS ANALYZED...................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Mitigation Measures........................................................................................................2
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 6 .............................................. 6
1.4 RATIONALE FOR PREPARATION OF AN INITIAL STUDY ADDENDUM ............................................ 6
1.5 DOCUMENT CONTENT AND FORMAT.......................................................................................... 8
1.6 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - INITIAL STUDY ADDENDUM NO. 1 ..................................................... 8
1.7 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.............................................................................9
1.8 CONTACT PERSON...................................................................................................................... 10
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................11
2.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 PROJECT SITE SETTING................................................................................................................ 11
2.3 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS........................................................................................................ 12
2.3.1 Regulatory Components and Entitlements.................................................................... 12
2.3.2 Physical Components..................................................................................................... 14
2.3.3 Operations.....................................................................................................................15
2.3.4 Construction Phases and Schedule................................................................................16
3 PROJECT SUMMARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION....................................................23
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED............................................................... 25
3.2 DETERMINATION........................................................................................................................ 25
4 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS.......................................................................................................26
4.1
AESTHETICS.................................................................................................................................29
4.1.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................29
4.1.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................30
4.1.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................30
4.2
AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY RESOURCES
....................................................................................31
4.2.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................31
4.2.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................32
4.2.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................32
4.3
AIR QUALITY................................................................................................................................
33
4.3.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................33
4.3.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................37
4.3.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................37
4.4
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES............................................................................................................
38
4.4.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................39
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.4.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................39
4.4.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................41
4.5
CULTURAL RESOURCES...............................................................................................................42
4.5.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................42
4.5.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................43
4.5.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................44
4.6
ENERGY.......................................................................................................................................45
4.6.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................45
4.6.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................46
4.6.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................46
4.7
GEOLOGY AND SOILS..................................................................................................................47
4.7.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................48
4.7.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................49
4.7.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................50
4.8
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS...................................................................................................51
4.8.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................51
4.8.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................52
4.8.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................52
4.9
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS....................................................................................
53
4.9.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................54
4.9.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................55
4.9.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................55
4.10
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY............................................................................................
56
4.10.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................57
4.10.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................59
4.10.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................59
4.11
LAND USE AND PLANNING.........................................................................................................
60
4.11.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................60
4.11.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................61
4.11.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................61
4.12
MINERAL RESOURCES.................................................................................................................62
4.12.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................62
4.12.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................62
4.12.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................62
4.13
NOISE..........................................................................................................................................
63
4.13.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................64
4.13.2 Mitigation Measures......................................................................................................65
4.13.3 Conclusion......................................................................................................................65
4.14
POPULATION AND HOUSING......................................................................................................66
4.14.1 Discussion.......................................................................................................................66
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June 2023
4.14.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.14.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES......................................................................................................................
4.15.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.15.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.15.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.16 RECREATION............................................................................................................................
4.16.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.16.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.16.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.17 TRANSPORTATION...................................................................................................................
4.17.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.17.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.17.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.18 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES................................................................................................
4.18.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.18.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.18.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.19 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS............................................................................................
4.19.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.19.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.19.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.20 WILDFIRE..................................................................................................................................
4.20.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.20.2 Mitigation Measures...................................................................................................
4.20.3 Conclusion...................................................................................................................
4.21 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE..............................................................................
4.21.1 Discussion....................................................................................................................
4.21.2 Conclusions.................................................................................................................
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1— Specific Plan Mitigation Measures..........................................................................................
Table 2 — Existing and Proposed Development Standards - The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan (SP)
Table 3 - Proposed Project Compliance with Revised Design Standards ................................................
Table 4 — Surrounding Land Use.............................................................................................................
Table 5 - Summary of 2018 Project Emissions........................................................................................
Table 6 — Summary of Construction and Operational Related Regional Pollutant Emissions ................
Table 7 - Local Construction Emissions at the Nearest Receptors..........................................................
Table 8 — Proposed Project and Land Use Element General Plan Consistency ......................................
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1
- Regional Vicinity..........................................................................................................................17
Figure 2
- Local Vicinity Map: Aerial Base...................................................................................................18
Figure 3
- Specific Plan Amendment 5 Boundaries.....................................................................................19
Figure 4
- Conceptual Commercial Parcel Site Plan per Specific Plan Section 2 .........................................20
Figure 5
- Proposed Commercial Parcel Site Plan.......................................................................................21
Figure6
- Landscape Plan............................................................................................................................22
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A La Quinta Hampton Inn Air Quality, Global Climate Change, and Energy Impact Analysis,
Ganddini Group, Inc June 13, 2023
Appendix B-1 Hydrology Study for La Qunita Hampton Inn, Woodard Group, April 2022
Appendix B-2 Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan for Greens Group, APN 600-340-060,
Woodard Group, April 2022
Appendix C La Quinta Parking and Traffic Consistency Study (JN 0232-0023), Trames Solutions, Inc.,
October 26, 2022
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
1 INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Greens Group (Applicant) proposes to construct the 125 -room hotel with a pool (Proposed Project)
that the City of La Quinta (City) approved in 2018 on Assessor Parcel No. (APN) 600-340-060 (Project Site).
While the number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the Proposed
Project includes the following revisions: the building size would increase from 40,500 square feet (SF) to
73,645 SF; parking would be reduced from the 150 spaces approved to 125 spaces; and a Centre at La
Quinta Specific Plan Specific Plan Amendment to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) from 0.35 to 0.61 for
only APN 600-340-060 in the Regional Commercial Zone (Proposed Project).
The Project Site is south of Auto Centre Drive, west of La Quinta Drive, and east of Auto Center Way South
in the zone of Planning Area II of The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 (Specific Plan). The City of
La Quinta (City) originally adopted the Specific Plan in July 1997, and it has been amended five times.
Implementation of the Proposed Project would require approval of the following entitlements:
Specific Plan Amendment No. 6 — SP2022-0003: To amend Table 3.1 "Development Standards" to
increase the maximum development density from 42,700 to 74,645 SF, increase Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
from 0.35 to 0.61 for the Regional Commercial Zone, which would be applicable only to APN 600-340-
060, and add a category for "Hotel Parking" to identify hotel parking standards to reflect the current
hotel design.
• Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007: to develop APN 600-340-060 with a three-story 125 -
room, 73,645 SF hotel with a pool, and 125 parking spaces for the use of hotel guests and employees.
The purpose of this environmental analysis is to:
• Analyze the proposed amendment of the development standards in the Specific Plan to increase the
FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 and corresponding 31,700 SF increase of the proposed hotel.
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The Specific Plan area is bounded by Adams Street to the west, Auto Centre Drive to the north and La
Quinta Drive and the existing Walmart to the east (Figure 1 — Regional Vicinity). An apartment
development lies on the southerly boundary. The Project Site is south of Auto Centre Drive, west of La
Quinta Drive, and east of Auto Center Way South. The Proposed Project is located to the south along Auto
Centre Drive, west of La Quinta Drive, and east of Auto Center Way South (Figure 2 — Local Vicinity Map:
Aerial Base).
1.2 PRIOR ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS ANALYZED
The City adopted the Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 and Environmental Impact Report (EIR,
State Clearinghouse No. 1997011055) in July 1997, to allow for the development of 275,000 square feet
for nine new car dealership pads and/or auto related commercial pads on two of the nine pads. It also
allowed for development of a 400, 000- square- foot mixed regional commercial center in three planning
areas. Planning Areas I and II encompassed the auto center component and Planning Area III was
designated for the mixed regional commercial center.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
Several amendments have been approved since the original approval. Amendment No. 5, approved in July
2018, subdivided Planning Area II (PA II) into two separate land use areas: the northerly 2.8 acres of the
site would remain General Commercial and the remaining 19.2 acres, located south of the General
Commercial, was amended to a Medium High Density Residential General Plan land use designation and
a Medium Density zoning designation (Figure 3 —Specific Plan Amendment S Boundaries).
The Initial Study approved for Amendment No. 5 in July 2018 (First Carbon Solutions, 2018, herein referred
to as the "2018 TCLQ Initial Study") assessed the environmental impacts of a 131 -unit residential
community and the development of a 125 -room hotel with a pool in the General Commercial area. The
hotel was described as three stories in height, with 13,500 square feet per floor, for a hotel building total
of 40,500 square feet, and would include 150 parking spaces for the use of hotel guests and employees
(Figure 4 — Conceptual Commercial Parcel Site Plan per Specific Plan Section 2). The City approved the
2018 TCLQ Initial Study along with mitigation measures that were incorporated and would be
implemented to reduce impacts to less than significant.
1.2.1 Mitigation Measures
The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified mitigation measures that would reduce impacts to less than
significant. The Mitigation Measures are summarized in Table 1- Specific Plan Mitigation Measures.
Table 1— Specific Plan Mitigation Measures
Topic Area
MM Number
Mitigation Measure
Air Resources
MM AIR -1
During site preparation and grading activities, all off-road construction
equipment greater than 150 horsepower (>150 HP) shall be ARB certified
Tier 3 or better.
Biological
MM BIO -1
Construction during Breeding Season and Pre -construction Breeding Bird
Resources
Surveys
To be in compliance with the MBTA and the California Fish and Game
Code, and to avoid and reduce direct and indirect impacts on migratory
non -game breeding birds, and their nests, young, and eggs to less than
significant levels, the following measures shall be implemented.
• All ground -disturbing activities, including removal of vegetation,
which would remove or disturb potential nest sites shall be
scheduled outside the breeding bird season, if feasible. The
breeding bird nesting season is typically from January 15 through
September 15, but can vary slightly from year to year, usually
depending on weather conditions. Removing all physical features
that could potentially serve as nest sites outside of the breeding bird
season also would help to prevent birds from nesting within the
project site during the breeding season and during construction
activities.
• If project activities that would remove or disturb potential nest sites
cannot be avoided during January 15 through September 15, a
qualified biologist shall conduct a pre -construction clearance and
nesting bird survey to search for all potential nesting areas, breeding
birds, and active nests or nest sites within the limits of project
disturbance up to seven days prior to mobilization, staging and other
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June 2023
Topic Area MM Number Mitigation Measure
disturbances. The survey shall end no more than three days prior to
vegetation, substrate, and structure removal and/or disturbance.
• If no breeding birds or active nests are observed during the pre -
construction survey, or if they are observed and would not be
disturbed, then project activities may begin, and no further
mitigation would be required.
• If an active bird nest is located during the pre -construction survey
and potentially would be disturbed, a no -activity buffer zone shall
be delineated on maps and marked (flagging or other means) up to
500 feet for special -status avian species and raptors, or 75 feet for
non -special status avian species, at the discretion of the qualified
biologist. The limits of the buffer shall be demarcated so as to not
provide a specific indicator of the location of the nest to predators
or people. Materials used to demarcate the nests would be removed
as soon as work is complete, or the fledglings have left the nest.
Buffer zones shall not be disturbed until a qualified biologist
determines that the nest is inactive.
• Birds or their active nests shall not be disturbed, captured, handled
or moved. Inactive nests may be moved by a qualified biologist, if
necessary, to avoid disturbance by project activities.
Cultural Resources MM CUL -1 Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the applicant shall retain the
services of a qualified archaeologist and Tribal Monitor. Copies of
contracts with monitoring archaeologists and Tribal Monitors shall be
provided to the City prior to the issuance of any ground -disturbing
permit. Full-time archaeological monitoring shall be conducted by a
qualified archaeologist for excavations that will exceed 3 feet in depth.
In the event that buried cultural resources are discovered during
construction, the archaeologist shall be permitted to stop construction
operations within 50 feet of the find and the Applicant and/or the
Applicant's representative shall immediately notify the City. The
archaeologist shall determine whether the finding requires further
study. The Applicant shall include a standard inadvertent discovery
clause in every construction contract to inform contractors of this
requirement. The archaeologist shall make recommendations
concerning appropriate measures that will be implemented to protect
the resource(s), including but not limited to excavation and evaluation
of the finds in accordance with Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Any previously undiscovered resources found during construction within
the project area should be recorded on appropriate Department of Parks
and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms and evaluated for significance in terms
of CEQA criteria. The archaeologist shall provide the City with a report of
all monitoring activities within 30 days of completion of these activities.
Cultural Resources MM CUL -2 Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the applicant shall retain the
services of a qualified geologist or paleontologist. Full-time monitoring
shall be conducted for all excavations that exceed 3 feet in depth. In the
event that paleontological resources are discovered during construction,
the paleontologist shall be permitted to stop construction operations
within 50 feet of the find and the Applicant and/or the Applicant's
representative shall immediately notify the City. The paleontologist shall
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Topic Area
MM Number
Mitigation Measure
determine whether the finding requires further study. The Applicant
shall include a standard inadvertent discovery clause in every
construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement. The
paleontologist shall make recommendations concerning appropriate
measures that will be implemented to protect the resource(s), including
but not limited to excavation and evaluation of the finds in accordance
with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Guidelines. Any fossils
recovered during mitigation shall be deposited in an accredited and
permanent scientific institution. The paleontologist shall provide the City
with a report of all monitoring activities within 30 days of completion of
these activities.
Cultural Resources
MM CUL -3
In the event of the accidental discovery of any human remains on the
project, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5; Health and Safety Code
Section 7050.5; and Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 5097.94 and
5097.98 must be followed. If during the course of project development
there is accidental discovery of any human remains, the following steps
shall be taken:
1. There shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site,
or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent
human remains until the County Coroner is contacted to
determine if the remains are Native American and if an
investigation of the cause of death is required. If the coroner
determines the remains to be Native American, the coroner
shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC) within 24 hours, and the NAHC shall identify the person
or persons it believes to be the "most likely descendant" (MLD)
of the deceased Native American. The MLD may make
recommendations to the landowner or the person responsible
for the excavation work, for means of treating or disposing of,
with appropriate dignity, the human remains, and any
associated grave goods as provided in Public Resource Code
Section 5097.98, Environmental Issues.
Noise
MM NO1-1
The project shall supply an alternate mechanical ventilation system for
all proposed residential units that will permit windows to remain closed
for prolonged periods of time.
Transportation
MM TRANS -1
Curb -and -gutter and sidewalk improvements are in place but shall be
modified accordingly, based on proposed driveway locations.
The project shall construct curb -and -gutter and sidewalk improvements
along the project's western boundary along the southern extension of
Auto Center Way.
Adams Street & Driveway 1—Modify the raised median to provide
the following storage lengths:
• Southbound Left -Turn Lane: Improve the raised median to
provide a pocket length of 100 feet to meet City standards for
deceleration lanes and to allow right-in/right-out and left -in
access only.
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Topic Area I MM Number I Mitigation Measure
June 2023
Page 5
Auto Center Way & Driveway 2—Construct the intersection with the
following:
• Construct east leg to facilitate ingress and egress access to the
proposed hotel.
Driveway 3 & Auto Centre Drive—Construct the intersection with
the following:
• Construct south leg to facilitate ingress and egress access to
the proposed hotel.
• Westbound left -turn lane: provide a minimum of 50 feet of
storage within the existing two -way -left turn lane (painted
median).
La Quinta Drive & Driveway 4—Construct the intersection with the
following:
• Construct west leg to facilitate ingress and egress access to the
proposed residential use.
• Northbound left -turn lane: provide a minimum of 50 feet of
storage within the existing two -way -left turn lane (painted
median).
Tribal/Cultural
MM TRI -1
Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the applicant shall retain the
Resources
services of a qualified archaeologist and Tribal Monitor. Copies of
contracts with monitoring archaeologists and Tribal Monitors shall be
provided to the City prior to the issuance of any ground -disturbing
permit. Full-time archaeological monitoring shall be conducted by a
qualified archaeologist for excavations that will exceed 3 feet in depth.
In the event that buried cultural resources are discovered during
construction, the archaeologist shall be permitted to stop construction
operations within 50 feet of the find and the Applicant and/or the
Applicant's representative shall immediately notify the City. The
archaeologist shall determine whether the finding requires further
study. The Applicant shall include a standard inadvertent discovery
clause in every construction contract to inform contractors of this
requirement. The archaeologist shall make recommendations
concerning appropriate measures that will be implemented to protect
the resource(s), including but not limited to excavation and evaluation of
the finds in accordance with Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Any previously undiscovered resources found during construction within
the project area should be recorded on appropriate Department of Parks
and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms and evaluated for significance in terms
of CEQA criteria. The archaeologist shall provide the City with a report of
all monitoring activities within 30 days of completion of these activities.
Tribal/Cultural
MM TRI -2
Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the applicant shall retain the
Resources
services of a qualified geologist or paleontologist. Full-time monitoring
shall be conducted for all excavations that exceed 3 feet in depth. In the
event that paleontological resources are discovered during construction,
the paleontologist shall be permitted to stop construction operations
within 50 feet of the find and the Applicant and/or the Applicant's
representative shall immediately notify the City. The paleontologist shall
determine whether the finding requires further study. The Applicant
shall include a standard inadvertent discovery clause in every
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
Topic Area I MM Number I Mitigation Measure
Tribal/Cultural
Resources
construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement. The
paleontologist shall make recommendations concerning appropriate
measures that will be implemented to protect the resource(s), including
but not limited to excavation and evaluation of the finds in accordance
with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Guidelines. Any fossils
recovered during mitigation shall be deposited in an accredited and
permanent scientific institution. The paleontologist shall provide the City
with a report of all monitoring activities within 30 days of completion of
these activities.
MM TRI -3 In the event of the accidental discovery of any human remains on the
project, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5; Health and Safety Code
Section 7050.5; and Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 5097.94 and
5097.98 must be followed. If during the course of project development
there is accidental discovery of any human remains, the following steps
shall be taken:
1. There shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site, or
any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent human
remains, until the County Coroner is contacted to determine if the
remains are Native American and if an investigation of the cause
of death is required. If the coroner determines the remains to be
Native American, the coroner shall contact the Native American
Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours, and the NAHC shall
identify the person or persons it believes to be the "most likely
descendant" (MLD) of the deceased Native American. The MLD
may make recommendations to the landowner or the person
responsible for the excavation work, for means of treating or
disposing of, with appropriate dignity, the human remains, and
any associated grave goods as provided in Public Resource Code
Section 5097.98, Environmental Issues.
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT NO.6
Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) No. SP2022-0003 would amend Table 3.1 "Development Standards" to
increase the maximum development density from 42,700 to 74,400 SF, increase Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
from 0.35 to 0.61 which would be applicable only to APN 600-340-060, and add a category for "Hotel
Parking" to identify hotel parking standards.
1.4 RATIONALE FOR PREPARATION OF AN INITIAL STUDY ADDENDUM
The Proposed Project is a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resource Code §
21000 et seq.: "CEQA"). The primary purpose of CEQA is to inform the public and decision makers as to
the potential impacts of a project and to allow an opportunity for public input to ensure informed
decision-making. CEQA requires all state and local government agencies to consider the environmental
effects of projects over which they have discretionary authority. CEQA also requires each public agency
to mitigate or avoid any significant environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of projects
subject to CEQA.
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Pursuant to Section 15367 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of La Quinta (the City) is the lead agency
for the Proposed Project. The lead agency is the public agency that has the principal responsibility for
conducting or approving a project. The City, as the lead agency for the Proposed Project, is responsible
for preparing environmental documentation in accordance with CEQA to determine if approval of the
discretionary actions requested and subsequent development of the Proposed Project would have a
significant impact on the environment.
The Proposed Specific Plan Amendment No. 6 includes changes to development standards that were
analyzed in a previously adopted environmental document, namely the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, subd. (a) provides that the lead agency or a responsible agency shall
prepare an addendum to a previously certified Environmental Impact Report or Negative Declaration (ND)
if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or ND have
occurred (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15164, subd. (a)).
An addendum need not be circulated for public review but can be included in or attached to the Final EIR
or ND (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, subd. (c)). The decision-making body shall consider the addendum
with the Final EIR prior to making a decision on the project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, subd. (d)).
An agency must also include a brief explanation of the decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR or ND
pursuant to Section 15162 (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, subd. (e)).
Consequently, once an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or Negative Declaration (ND) has been certified
for a project, no subsequent EIR or ND is required under CEQA unless, based on substantial evidence the
conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 are met:
(1) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or
negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial
increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
(2) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken which
will require major revisions of the previous EIR or Negative Declaration due to the involvement of new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant
effects; or
(3) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with
the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as complete or the Negative
Declaration was adopted, shows any of the following:
(A) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative
declaration;
(8) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the
previous EIR;
(C) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible,
and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project
proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative, or
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(D) Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in
the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but
the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.
This 2018 TCLQ Initial Study Amendment No. 1 and attached documents constitute substantial evidence
supporting the conclusion that preparation of a supplemental or subsequent EIR is not required prior to
approval because the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 are not met. Therefore, an
Addendum to 2018 TCLQ Initial Study can be prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.
1.5 DOCUMENT CONTENT AND FORMAT
This 2018 TCLQ Initial Study Addendum No. 1 is based on the Environmental Checklist Form (Form), as
suggested in Section 15063(d)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended, and includes a series of
questions about the Project for each of the listed environmental topics. The format of the Form has been
revised to evaluate the categories in terms of any changed condition (e.g., changed circumstances, project
changes, or new information of substantial importance) that may result in a changed environmental result
(e.g., a new significant impact or substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified significant
effect) (CEQA Guidelines § 15162[a]).
The Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1 is organized as follows:
• Section 1— Introduction, Background, Regulatory Framework. This section introduces the scope of
the Project, the City's role in the Project, the regulatory requirements for Project approval, as well as
a summary of findings.
• Section 2 — Proiect Description. This section details the Proposed Project components and general
environmental setting.
• Section 3 — Proiect Summary and Environmental Determination. This section summarizes the Project
and actions to be undertaken by the City. This section also provides the determination of the
environmental document to be approved by the City.
• Section 4 — Environmental Analysis. This section contains the Environmental Checklist Form (Form),
as suggested in Section 15063(d)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended, and includes a series
of questions about the Project for each of the listed environmental topics. Refer to Section 4 of this
document for details as to how the Form has been modified to determine if the environmental
impacts associated with the Project trigger conditions pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162
which would identify if an Amendment or an Addendum should be prepared.
1.6 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS -INITIAL STUDY ADDENDUM NO. 1
Based on the analysis in Section 4, the Addendum concludes the following:
The Proposed Project will not cause significant effects on the environment that were not
examined in 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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• All potentially significant impacts of the Proposed Project are mitigated and avoided pursuant
to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 21081 of the Public Resources Code, as a result of
the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
• The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study examined at a sufficient level of detail the Proposed Project's effects
on the environment to enable those effects to be mitigated or avoided by site-specific revisions,
the imposition of conditions, or by other means in connection with the approval of the Proposed
Project.
• The Proposed Project is consistent with the Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029, the
applicable local land use plans, and zoning of the City of La Quinta.
• No substantial changes are proposed to the implementation of the Centre at La Quinta Specific
Plan 97-029 through the Proposed Project which will require major revisions of 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study.
• No substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the
Proposed Project is being undertaken, which will require major revisions in 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study.
• Lastly, no new information has become available, which was not known and could not have been
known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study was approved, with mitigation measures
incorporated, as complete that is relevant to the conclusions and findings of 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study.
1.7 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following reports and/or studies are applicable to development of the Project Site and are hereby
incorporated by reference:
• La Quinta 2035 General Plan, City of La Quinta, (GP), adopted February 19, 2013 (Available at:
https://www.laquintaca.gov/business/design-and-development/planning-division/2035-la-quinta-
general-plan)
• The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029, Amendment No. 5, Specific Plan Amendment 2017-0003,
(CLASP), adopted July 3, 2018.
• Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, La Quinta—The Centre at La Quinta (APN 600-340-048)
Project, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California, prepared by FirstCarbon Solutions, March 2018
(herein referred to as 2018 TCLQ Initial Study).
• Resolution No. 2018- 038, EA 2017- 0009; GPA 2017- 0001; TTM 2017- 00071PM 37359); SP 2017-
0003; SDP 2017- 0012, The Centre at La Quinta, Adopted: July 3, 2018, City of La Quinta.
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1.8 CONTACT PERSON
Any questions about the preparation of the Initial Study, its assumptions, or its conclusions should be
referred to the following:
Attn: Sijifredo Fernandez, Associate Planner
Community Development Department — Planning Division
Design and Development
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
Phone: (760) 777-7023
Email: SFernandez@LaQuintaCA.gov
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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Greens Group (Applicant) proposes to construct the 125 -room hotel with a pool that was approved
by the City of La Quinta (City) in 2018 for APN 600-340-060 (Project Site). While the number of rooms and
number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the Proposed Project includes increasing the
building size from 40,500 square feet (SF) to 73,645 SF, and parking would be reduced from the 150 spaces
approved to 125 spaces.(Figure 5 — Proposed Commercial Parcel Site Plan). The building size increase is
due to changes as a result of the hotel's final design which was modified from the conceptual design
evaluated in the 2018 Initial Study prepared for Specific Plan Amendment 5.
The Proposed Project Site lies within the Regional Commercial area of The Centre at La Quinta Specific
Plan 97-029 (Specific Plan), which was originally adopted by the City of La Quinta (City) in July 1997.
Implementation of the Proposed Project would require a sixth amendment to The Centre at La Quinta
Specific Plan to increase the FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 for Assessor Parcel No. (APN) 600-340-060 and add a
category for "Hotel Parking" to identify hotel parking standards to reflect the current hotel design.
2.2 PROJECT SITE SETTING
The Project Site is part of The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan No. 97-029. The City of La Quinta in July
1997 approved The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan No. 97- 029 ("Specific Plan") with amendments for a
99.3 -acre Project located east of Adams Street, south of Highway 111 and west of Dune Palms Road. The
entire Specific Plan area is designated General Commercial on the Land Use Element of the General Plan
and is zoned CR - Regional Commercial on the City of La Quinta Zoning Map. The entire Specific Plan is
built out except for Planning Area II which is regulated by Specific Plan Amendment No. 4. This area has
remained undeveloped for over 20 years. Specific Plan Amendment No.5 allowed the construction of
medium density detached housing and a hotel near services and employment in Planning Area II.
Specifically, the Project Site consists of an irregularly shaped undeveloped lot and is bounded on the north
by Auto Centre Drive, on the south by undeveloped residential land which was approved as part of Specific
Plan Amendment 5, on the east by La Quinta Drive, with commercial development beyond, and on the
west by Auto Centre Way South, with vacant Regional Commercial land beyond.
The Project Site lies within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) La Quinta, California 7.5 Minute
Quadrangle map (USGS 2012). The property elevation is approximately 69 feet above mean seal level
(amsl). Surface drainage flows to the east-southeast toward the lower elevations.
The property has never been developed, except for agricultural fields during the early 1960s until early
1970s.
Site Land Use and Zoning
Land Use: The City' s General Plan was adopted in February 2013 and governs the land uses planned for
the Specific Plan area. The existing General Plan Land Use designation for the Project Site is General
Commercial (GC). The full range of commercial uses can occur within this designation, ranging from
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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 the City's Land Use Policy 7.1, mixed use development is also appropriate in
this designation. 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.
Zoning: According to the City of La Quinta Zoning Map, the Project Site is zoned as CR (Regional
Commercial), which is a commercial category within the General Commercial Land Use. This zoning
designation applies to most commercial land on Highway 111 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. The CR district is intended to provide a
broad range of goods and services serving the entire region. Representative land uses include corporate
headquarters, regional service centers, research and development facilities, major community facilities,
major medical facilities, overnight commercial lodging, entertainment, and automobile -oriented sales and
services.
2.3 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
2.3.1 Regulatory Components and Entitlements
Specific Plan Amendment: The Regional Commercial land use development standards for the Specific
Plan are identified in Specific Plan Section 3.1.2 — Standards, specifically, Table 3.1: Development
Standards - Regional Commercial. The Specific Plan Standards allow for a maximum development intensity
of 42,700 SF with a FAR of 0.35 and does not provide parking calculation guidance for a hotel.
The Proposed Project would amend Table 3.1 "Development Standards- Regional Commercial" to increase
the maximum development density from 42,700 to 74,400 SF, increase FAR from 0.35 to 0.61, and add a
category for "Hotel Parking" to identify hotel parking standards to reflect the proposed hotel design. Table
2 — Existing and Proposed Development Standards identifies the existing development standards from
Table 3.1 in the Specific Plan. Proposed additions to Table 3.1, are reflected in underlined text (underlined
text) and deletions are reflected in strikeout text (s+r�-A).
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Table 2 — Existing and Proposed Development Standards - The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan (SP)
Development Element
SP
Regional Commercial
Auto Centre Drive
42,700 SF
FAR 0.35
FAR .35
Maximum development intensity
20' building/
20' building/
Auto Center Way South
74,400 SF'
FAR .611
FAR .611
10' landscape
Minimum lot size
2.8 Acres
-
Maximum structure height*
50'
50'
Maximum number of stories
4
4
Minimum public street setbacks
*Setbacks shall be increased 0.5' for every foot above 35 feet in height
Hotel Parking — New Development Standard Category
A new category for Hotel Parking would be added to The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan, Table 3.1,
Development Standards -Regional Commercial to require one parking space per room, with a minimum of
1.1 space per room and a maximum of 1.3 spaces per room.
The proposed parking rate is not based on City standards identified in the City of La Qunita Zoning Code,
Section 9.150, Table 9-12. The proposed parking is derived from a Project -specific study (Appendix C - La
Quinta Parking and Traffic Consistency Study (JN 0232-0023), prepared by Trames Solutions, Inc,
October 26, 2022) which used the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) manual that summarizes
parking demand findings for a variety of land uses. The manual titled Parking Generation (5th Edition,
2019) provides recommended parking rates for uses based on independent variables. For land use code
310 (Hotel), the manual indicates that the average parking rate is 0.74 and the 85th percentile parking
rate is 0.99 parking spaces per room for suburban areas. This rate accounts for hotels that include
supporting facilities such as restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, recreational facilities, and retail/service
shops. The study in Appendix C also reviewed hotel parking standards in cities near La Quinta.
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20' building/
20' building/
Auto Centre Drive
10' landscape
10' landscape
20' building/
20' building/
Auto Center Way South
10' landscape
20' building/
20' building/
La Quinta
10' landscape
50' building/
Minimum setback adjacent to residential parcels
50'*
10' landscape
Landscape
5% of total site
5% of total site
Hotel Parking
1 space per room
1 space per room (min)
1.3 space for room (max)
1' Applicable only to APN 600-340-060
*Setbacks shall be increased 0.5' for every foot above 35 feet in height
Hotel Parking — New Development Standard Category
A new category for Hotel Parking would be added to The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan, Table 3.1,
Development Standards -Regional Commercial to require one parking space per room, with a minimum of
1.1 space per room and a maximum of 1.3 spaces per room.
The proposed parking rate is not based on City standards identified in the City of La Qunita Zoning Code,
Section 9.150, Table 9-12. The proposed parking is derived from a Project -specific study (Appendix C - La
Quinta Parking and Traffic Consistency Study (JN 0232-0023), prepared by Trames Solutions, Inc,
October 26, 2022) which used the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) manual that summarizes
parking demand findings for a variety of land uses. The manual titled Parking Generation (5th Edition,
2019) provides recommended parking rates for uses based on independent variables. For land use code
310 (Hotel), the manual indicates that the average parking rate is 0.74 and the 85th percentile parking
rate is 0.99 parking spaces per room for suburban areas. This rate accounts for hotels that include
supporting facilities such as restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, recreational facilities, and retail/service
shops. The study in Appendix C also reviewed hotel parking standards in cities near La Quinta.
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2.3.2 Physical Components
The Proposed Project would be designed to comply with the Revised Development Standards for the
Regional Commercial land use development as identified in Table 3 — Proposed Project Compliance with
Revised Design Standards.
Table 3 - Proposed Project Compliance with Revised Design Standards
Minimum public street setbacks
SP
Regional Commercial
Proposed Project
Development Element
10' landscape
10' landscape
10' landscape
as Revised
as Revised
Compliance
42,700 SF
20' building/
20'+ 4'= 24' building /
Maximum development
FAR 0.35
FAR .35
Total Building area: 73,645
intensity
74,400 SF1
FAR .611
FAR 0.6
FAR .611
20' building/
20' building/ 10' landscape
Minimum lot size
2.8 Acres
-
2.8 Acres
Maximum structure height*
50'
50'
46'
Maximum number of stories
1 4
4
3
Minimum public street setbacks
1: Applicable only to APN 600-340-060
*Setbacks shall be increased 0.5' for every foot above 35 feet in height
Site Plan: The Proposed Project would include the construction of a total of a 125 -room hotel with a pool.
The 73,645 SF hotel is an "L" shape, with portions of the building fronting Auto Center Way and the
southern boundary. The pool, patio area and dog park would face Auto Center Drive and screened by a 5 -
foot -high cement block wall. An earthen retention basin is proposed for the east side, along La Quinta
Drive.
The hotel entrance is along the southern boundary. While medium density residentially zoned property
exists along the southern property boundary (which was approved in Specific Plan Amendment 5), the
building is set back approximately 83 feet from the southern property boundary, with parking and
landscaping planned within the setback area. Additionally, the residential development includes a
concrete wall at the property line, which would be installed by the residential development.
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20' building/
20' building/
20'+ 4'= 24' building /
Auto Centre Drive
10' landscape
10' landscape
10' landscape
36'-6" provided
20' building/
20' building/
20'+ 4'= 24' building /
Auto Center Way South
10' landscape
10' landscape
10' landscape
24'-5" provided
20' building/
20' building/
20' building/ 10' landscape
La Quinta
10' landscape
10' landscape
315' provided
Minimum setback adjacent
50 '
50' building/
83' building
to residential parcels
10' landscape
Landscape
5% of total site
5% of total site
29%
Hotel Parking
parking provided:
(New Development
1 space per room
1 space per room (min)
1/room, 125 spaces (includes 5
Element)
1.3 space for room (max)
ADA)
1: Applicable only to APN 600-340-060
*Setbacks shall be increased 0.5' for every foot above 35 feet in height
Site Plan: The Proposed Project would include the construction of a total of a 125 -room hotel with a pool.
The 73,645 SF hotel is an "L" shape, with portions of the building fronting Auto Center Way and the
southern boundary. The pool, patio area and dog park would face Auto Center Drive and screened by a 5 -
foot -high cement block wall. An earthen retention basin is proposed for the east side, along La Quinta
Drive.
The hotel entrance is along the southern boundary. While medium density residentially zoned property
exists along the southern property boundary (which was approved in Specific Plan Amendment 5), the
building is set back approximately 83 feet from the southern property boundary, with parking and
landscaping planned within the setback area. Additionally, the residential development includes a
concrete wall at the property line, which would be installed by the residential development.
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Site Access and Circulation. Primary vehicular access to the Project Site is by one 30 -foot -wide driveway
along Auto Center Drive, and one 30 -foot -wide driveway along Auto Center Way, both with reciprocal
access and unrestricted turning movements onto both roadways. Parking is situated along the southern
boundary, along the east side of the Site, and along the northeast portion of the Site, along Auto Center
Drive.
Architectural Style. The Proposed Project is designed with neutral earthtones, with rust and blue accents,
along with varying elevations at the entrance to reduce the effect of massing.
Landscape. The landscape concept provides a comprehensive, layered drought tolerant plant palette with
species commonly found throughout La Quinta, such as hybrid palo verde, crepe myrtle, sweet acacia,
and shoestring acacia, as shown in Figure 6 — Landscape Plan. Crepe myrtle and shrubs would line the
southern boundary. The parcel abutting the Project Site is vacant and planned for residential. The
residential development would construct a block wall on the residential parcel. Until then a chain link
fence may be installed at the property line to delineate the property boundary.
Parking. The Project Site contains a total of 125 parking spaces which includes five Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) -compliant stalls. Fourteen of the 125 stalls would be "oversized parking" to
accommodate larger vehicles such as RVs or truck and tractor trailers. Pursuant to Section 5.106.5.2 of
the 2023 California Green Building Standards Code (CCR, Title 24, Part 11— CalGreen), EV charging would
be provided.
Stormwater Management. The Project proposes an 8,865 SF earthen retention basin on the eastern end
of the Project Site. Construction of the Proposed Project would also require the construction contractor
to prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as the Project Site is more than 1 acre.
Utilities and Services. Public water and sewer are served by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD).
Electrical service is readily available through Imperial Irrigation District (IID), and natural gas is available
through the Southern California Gas Company. Solid waste services would be provided by Burrtec Waste
Industries, the contract waste hauler for the City.
Off -Site Improvements. The off-site civil work would consist of the driveway approaches along Auto
Center Drive and Auto Center Way South. There is existing sidewalk and curb and gutter along Auto Center
Drive, which would remain. New sidewalk and curb and gutter are planned for Auto Center Way South.
Additionally, the Project will be conditioned to dedicate right-of-way (ROW) per the City's direction.
2.3.3 Operations
The hotel is planned to be managed as a Hampton Inn. The hotel would be staffed 24/7, year-round and
is anticipated to be operated by approximately 11 staff members. During the day, the typical shift will
consist of seven housekeepers, two front desk clerks, one part time maintenance person, and one hotel
manager from gam to 4pm. During the swing shift and overnight shift, there would be one employee in
the hotel.
The hotel services do not require a designated loading and delivery area. The deliveries anticipated would
typically consist of small sundry items for the hotel market. These deliveries are typically made daily by a
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small van, no larger than 24 -foot -long. Because the quantities are small, the time required to load and
unload the delivery typically requires less than 10 to 15 minutes and are made during off-peak times. All
laundry facilities are on site; therefore, no laundry deliveries are necessary.
Each guestroom would have a vanity area, work desk, a built-in refrigerator, microwave, and bathroom
with a shower. Each room will also have a flat screen television, clothes closet, and a variety of bed sizes
(e.g., king, or double queen beds). Amenities for hotel guests include an exercise room, ski lockers, bicycle
accommodations, guest laundry, a business center, an indoor pool, outdoor patio, and a fire pit. Exterior
cameras would be mounted at building entrances, the patio area, and the parking lot.
The anticipated occupancy has seasonal variability but is estimated at 78 percent.
2.3.4 Construction Phases and Schedule
Construction is anticipated to occur in one phase, beginning in Spring 2024, and last approximately 14
months, with an opening date in 2025. Initial site improvements include demolition, grading and
underground infrastructure followed by building construction, paving and landscape, and painting
activities. The grading quantities are anticipated to balance on site and little to no import or export of fill
material is anticipated. Project construction would require the use of heavy equipment such as dozers,
scrapers, paving machines, concrete trucks, and water trucks.
Construction activities include the following:
Site preparation. The site preparation phase would consist of removing any vegetation, prior to grading
and last for approximately one week. The onsite equipment would consist of one grader, one scraper, and
one of either a tractor, loader, or backhoe.
Grading. The grading phase would occur after completion of the site preparation phase and is anticipated
to occur over four weeks. The grading activities are anticipated to be balanced, which would not require
any dirt to be imported or exported from the Project Site. The onsite equipment would consist of one
grader, one rubber -tired dozer, and two tractors, loaders, or backhoes.
Building Construction — Construction of the hotel would occur after the completion of the grading phase
and is anticipated to occur over 10 months. The onsite equipment would consist of the simultaneous
operation of one crane, two forklifts, one generator, three welders, and one of either a tractor, loader, or
backhoe.
Final Site Paving and Landscaping—The paving phase would consist of paving the onsite road and surface
parking spaces and site landscaping. The paving phase would occur after completion of the building
construction phase and was modeled as occurring over four weeks. The onsite equipment is anticipated
to consist of the simultaneous operation of one cement and mortar mixer, one paver, one paving
equipment, two rollers, and one of either a tractor, loader, or backhoe.
Architectural Coating. The application of architectural coatings would occur after completion of the
paving phase. The onsite equipment would consist of various stucco application equipment and paint
compressors. The coatings could occur over approximately two months.
Best Management Practices During Construction. The Applicant and construction contractor would be
required to conform to conform to Federal, State, and Local regulations which are identified throughout
this document.
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Christine
Saunders Specific Plan Amendment No. SP2022-0003 and
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 and
The Centre at La Quinta Initial Study Addendum No. 1
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Source: Sitescapes.
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
3 PROJECT SUMMARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
1. Project Title: The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6
La Quinta Hotel
2. Lead Agency Name: City of La Quinta
Address Design and Development
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
3. Contact Person: Sijifredo Fernandez, Associate Planner
Phone: (760) 777-7023
Email: SFernandez@LaQuintaCA.gov
5. Project Location: Auto Centre Drive, between Auto Center Way and La Quinta Drive
Assessor Parcel No 600-340-060
La Quinta USGS Quad; TSS, R7E, Sect. 29
Latitude 33.70701 N, Longitude 116.28319 W
4. Applicant: Greens Group
Address 8815 Research Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
6. General Plan Designation: Specific Plan —The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan
7. Zoning Designation: Regional Commercial (CR)
8. Description of Project: The Greens Group (Applicant) proposes to construct the 125 -
room hotel with a pool (Proposed Project) that was approved
by the City of La Quinta (City) in 2018 for Assessor's Parcel No.
(APN) 600-340-060 (Project Site). While the number of rooms
and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018,
the following revisions are proposed: the building size would
increase from 40,500 square feet (SF) to 73,645 SF; parking
would be reduced from the 150 spaces approved to 125
spaces; and a Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Specific Plan
Amendment to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) from 0.35
to 0.61 for the Regional Commercial Zone on APN 600-340-
060 (Proposed Project).
9. Surrounding Land Uses:
Surrounding land uses are identified in Table 4—Surrounding Land Use.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
Table 4 — Surrounding Land Use
Direction
Existing Land Use Description
North
Auto Centre Drive, auto dealerships north of Auto Centre Drive
East
La Quinta Drive, Commercial and parking beyond
South
Vacant, zoned for medium density residential
West
Adams Street, medium density residential beyond
10. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required:
The following ministerial approvals are required for the Project:
• South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD): Permits as needed for construction; and
• State Water Resources Control Board — approval of a General Industrial Activities Storm Water
Permit and the General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit for construction activity over 1
acre.
11. California Native American Consultation:
HAVE CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES TRADITIONALLY AND CULTURALLY AFFILIATED WITH THE
PROJECT AREA REQUESTED CONSULTATION PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION
21080.3.1? IF SO, IS THERE A PLAN FOR CONSULTATION THAT INCLUDES, FOR EXAMPLE, THE
DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS TO TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES, PROCEDURES
REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY, ETC.?
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21080.3.1(b) states that "Prior to the release of a negative
declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report for a project, the lead agency
shall begin consultation with a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally affiliated
with the geographic area of the proposed project if..." and identifies various conditions relative to tribal
consultation.
The environmental review for this Project is an Addendum to The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Specific
Plan Initial Study, therefore, Native American consultation in accordance with Public Resources Code
Section 21080.3.1 does not apply.
However, Government Code Section 65453 requires local governments to use the same processes for
adoption and amendment of specific plans as for general plans. The adoption of general plans and specific
plans require tribal consultation prior to the amendment or adoption of general or specific plans.
This Project includes an amendment to The Centre at La Qunita Specific Plan, therefore, the City
conducted tribal consultation in accordance with SB18.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
Based on the analysis in Section 4, the environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected
by the Proposed Project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated
by the checklist on the following pages. None of the environmental factors were checked because the
Proposed Project would not result in any potential significant impacts after the implementation of the
recommended mitigation measures.
❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture and Forestry Resources ❑ Air Quality
❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Energy
❑ Geology / Soils ❑ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ❑ Hazards & Hazardous Materials
❑ Hydrology / Water Quality ❑ Land Use/ Planning ❑ Mineral Resources
❑ Noise ❑ Population / Housing ❑ Public Services
❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation ❑ Tribal Cultural Resources
❑ Utilities / Service Systems ❑ Wildfire ❑ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
3.2 DETERMINATION
Based on this initial evaluation, the following finding is made:
Signature Date
Name
Title
Page 25
The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
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.
The proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT is required.
The proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless
mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in
an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by
mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to
be addressed.
Although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all
X
potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant
to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Signature Date
Name
Title
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The questions posed in the checklist are derived from 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and the most current CEQA
Guidelines Checklist Form. The purpose of the checklist is to evaluate the categories in terms of any
changed condition (e.g., changed circumstances, project changes, or new information of substantial
importance) that may result in a changed environmental result (e.g., a new significant impact or
substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified significant effect) (CEQA Guidelines § 15162).
USE OF THE INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST
For the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study, the Checklist Form located in Appendix G of the 2018 CEQA Guidelines
was used to analyze Project impacts. Since that time, the California Natural Resources Agency (the
"Natural Resources Agency") has made significant changes to the CEQA Guidelines effective in 2018 and
2019, and subsequently, the Checklist Form in Appendix G, which are not reflected in the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study.
The amendments addressed legislative changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
clarified certain portions of the existing CEQA Guidelines, and updated the CEQA Guidelines to be
consistent with recent court decisions. The following major changes to the 2019 CEQA Guidelines include:
• Added sections: 15064.3 (transportation) and 15234 (remand procedures).
• Amended sections: 15004, 15051, 15061, 15062, 15063, 15064, 15064.4, 15064.7, 15072, 15075,
15082, 15086, 15087, 15088, 15094, 15107, 15124, 15125, 15126.2, 15126.4, 15152, 15155,
15168, 15182, 15222, 15269, 15301, 15357, 15370, and Appendix G, Appendix M and Appendix
N.
As a result of the amendments, the Appendix G Checklist Form was also significantly revised. Many
checklist sections underwent minor modifications and clarifications to incorporate the revised CEQA
statute revisions. However, two new checklist sections were added — "Energy" and "Wildfire" — in 2019.
Another legislative change that occurred was with respect to Traffic/Transportation. Section 15064.3 of
the CEQA Guidelines was added to remove Level of Service (LOS) as an environmental effect and instead
relying on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the metric for transportation impact analysis.
Checklist Form Comparison Organization
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21166, and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164, subd.
(a), the 2023 Appendix G Checklist Form has been prepared to evaluate the Applicant's Proposed Project.
Additionally, the Checklist Form provides response columns for evaluation consistent with the
considerations listed under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, subd. (a) as to whether an Addendum or an
Amendment would be appropriate for the analysis of the Proposed Project.
A "no" answer does not necessarily mean that there are no potential impacts relative to the
environmental category, but that there is no change in the condition or status of the impact as analyzed
in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and addressed with mitigation measures.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
EXPLANATION OF CHECKLIST EVALUATION CATEGORIES
Environmental Subject Area
The checklist utilized is from Appendix G of the 2023 CEQA Guidelines. As discussed, most of the
evaluation criteria only underwent minor changes, clarifications, or were moved to various other sections,
and two criteria sections — Energy and Wildfire - have been added. For this analysis, revisions to the
evaluation criteria between the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study evaluation and the 2023 Guidelines will be noted
in underlined type (underlined) for added text and strikeout text (s+r�, it) for deleted text in the criteria
in this section.
Conclusion in 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and Related Documents
This column identifies the conclusion of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study relative to the Environmental Subject
Area listed under each topic as identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Do the Proposed Changes Involve New Impacts?
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, subd. (a)(1), this column indicates whether the Proposed
Project would result in new significant environmental impacts not previously identified or mitigated by
the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study or whether the Proposed Project would result in a substantial increase in the
severity of a previously identified significant impact.
New Circumstances Involving New Impacts?
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, subd. (a)(2), this column indicates whether the Proposed
Project results in substantial changes with respect to the circumstances under which the Project is
undertaken that will require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study due to the involvement of new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified
significant effects.
New Information Requiring New Analysis or Verification?
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, subd. (a)(3)(A-D), this column indicates whether new
information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the
exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study was adopted, shows any of the
following:
(A) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative
declaration;
(B) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the
previous EIR;
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
(C) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible,
and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project
proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or
(D) Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the
previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but
the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.
If the additional analysis completed as part of this environmental review were to find that the conclusions
of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study remain the same and no new significant impacts are identified, or identified
impacts are not found to be substantially more severe, or additional mitigation is not necessary, then the
question would be answered "no" and no additional environmental document would be required.
Discussion
The Discussion section provides a narrative of the assumptions and conclusions identified in the 2018
TCLQ Initial Study and analyzes how those conclusions compare to the 2023 Proposed Project.
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures /Applicable/Not Applicable
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, subd. (a)(3), this table indicates any previously adopted
mitigation measures identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study to address effects in the related impact
category. The response will also address if the existing mitigation measures apply to the Proposed Project,
or if revisions are required to reduce impacts. The identified mitigation measures will be implemented
with the construction of the Proposed Project, as applicable.
Conclusion
A discussion of the conclusion relating to the analysis is contained in each section. This section identifies
the appropriateness of the use of an Amendment under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 or an Addendum
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 to approve the Proposed Project.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.1 AESTHETICS
4.1.1 Discussion
Summary of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study:
According to the La Quinta General Plan, the Project Site is not located in an area that has scenic resources
such as trees, rock outcroppings or historic buildings. The Project vicinity is urbanized and is either
commercial or residential development.
Views of the Santa Rosa Mountains can be seen from neighboring residential developments toward the
west and southwest, but the proposed three-story hotel would not impact these views.
The City of La Quinta is located within the boundaries of the Mount Palomar Nighttime Lighting Policy
Area and the City has an Outdoor Light Control Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 9.100.150, Outdoor
Lighting) to protect the night sky and prevent light impacts. The Project would be required to comply with
this ordinance. While the Project would increase the lighting in the immediate area, it will not produce
significant light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Although the
Proposed Project would add additional lighting sources on-site, these new sources of lighting would be
like existing lighting patterns in the area. Potential impacts would be less than significant, and no
mitigation is required.
Page 29
Do the
New
New
Impact
Proposed
ChangesInvolve
Circumstances
Information
Conclusion in
New
Involving New
Requiring
CEQA THRESHOLDS
2018 TCLQ
or
New Analysis
Initial Study
or More
Severe
More Severe
or
Impacts?
Impacts?
Verification?
I. AESTHETICS: Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:
Less Than
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
Significant
No
No
No
Impact
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but
not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
No Impact
No
No
No
buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the
existing visual character or quality of public views of
the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those
that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage
No Impact
No
No
No
point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the
project conflict with applicable zoning and other
regulations governing scenic quality?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
Less Than
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in
Significant
No
No
No
the area?
Impact
4.1.1 Discussion
Summary of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study:
According to the La Quinta General Plan, the Project Site is not located in an area that has scenic resources
such as trees, rock outcroppings or historic buildings. The Project vicinity is urbanized and is either
commercial or residential development.
Views of the Santa Rosa Mountains can be seen from neighboring residential developments toward the
west and southwest, but the proposed three-story hotel would not impact these views.
The City of La Quinta is located within the boundaries of the Mount Palomar Nighttime Lighting Policy
Area and the City has an Outdoor Light Control Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 9.100.150, Outdoor
Lighting) to protect the night sky and prevent light impacts. The Project would be required to comply with
this ordinance. While the Project would increase the lighting in the immediate area, it will not produce
significant light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Although the
Proposed Project would add additional lighting sources on-site, these new sources of lighting would be
like existing lighting patterns in the area. Potential impacts would be less than significant, and no
mitigation is required.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Proposed Project would be located on a parcel within the TCLQSP boundary and is the same hotel
Project that was analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. Although the Proposed Project would increase
the footprint of the building, the number of stories would be consistent with what was previously
analyzed, therefore, views from the surrounding properties would not be obstructed. The Proposed
Project is surrounded on the east and west by existing commercial, and additional residential
development is proposed to the south of the Project Site. The Proposed Project would be consistent with
the urbanized nature of the Project area and would be required to comply with the City's lighting
ordinance. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with the previous Aesthetics analysis in
the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
4.1.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts. Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to
Aesthetics.
4.1.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.2 AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY RESOURCES
4.2.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The Project site is in an area that is designated Urban and Built-up Land by the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program. The Project Site is located within The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan area and
Page 31
Do theNew
Impact
Proposed
Circumstances
New Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Changes Involve
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ Initial
New or More
or
Analysis or
Study
Severe Impacts?
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES:
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may
refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California
Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining
whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies
may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the
state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy
Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the
California Air Resources Board.
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland
or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared
No Impact
No
No
No
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
No Impact
No
No
No
use or a Williamson Act 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
No Impact
No
No
No
4526), or timberland zoned Timberland
Production (as defined by Government Code
section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or
No Impact
No
No
No
conversion offorest land to non -forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of Farmland,
No Impact
No
No
No
to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest
land to non -forest use?
4.2.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The Project site is in an area that is designated Urban and Built-up Land by the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program. The Project Site is located within The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan area and
Page 31
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
according to La Quinta's Zoning Map, the Site is currently designated CR (Regional Commercial). There is
no land identified in the City's 2035 General Plan as designated for agriculture or farming. Development
of the currently vacant Project Site would have no impact on agricultural resource criteria in this subject
area.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Proposed Project would occur within the same parcel as the Project analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study. There would be no change in the analysis.
4.2.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts. Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to
Agriculture and Forestry Resources.
4.2.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.3 AIR QUALITY
4.3.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The analysis in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study was based on the Air Quality Impact Analysis report prepared
by Urban Crossroads dated November 13, 2017.
The Proposed Project identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study was to subdivide The Centre at La Quinta
Specific Plan Planning Area II (PA II) into two separate land use areas: the northerly 2.8 acres of the site
will remain General Commercial to be developed with a 40,500 SF hotel, with the remaining 19.2 acres
proposed to be a Medium High Density Residential development (2018 Proposed Project)
Page 33
Do the
Proposed
New
New
Impact
Changes
Circumstances
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New
Involving New or
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
or More
More Severe
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
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
Less Than
No
No
No
applicable air quality plan?
Significant
NA—
NA—
NA—
substantially to an existing eF eEt„a ^ ality
Less Than
Removed
Removed
Removed
Violation
Significant
from
from
from
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
Less Than
project region is non -attainment under anNo
Significant
No
No
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard?
Less Than
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
Significant
pollutant concentrations?
With
No
No
No
Mitigation
Incorporated
d) Create objectionable Result in other emissions
Less Than
(such as those leading to odors adversely affectingNo
Significant
No
No
a substantial number of people?
4.3.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The analysis in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study was based on the Air Quality Impact Analysis report prepared
by Urban Crossroads dated November 13, 2017.
The Proposed Project identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study was to subdivide The Centre at La Quinta
Specific Plan Planning Area II (PA II) into two separate land use areas: the northerly 2.8 acres of the site
will remain General Commercial to be developed with a 40,500 SF hotel, with the remaining 19.2 acres
proposed to be a Medium High Density Residential development (2018 Proposed Project)
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
Threshold 111 (a) — Air Quality Conformity
The 2018 Proposed Project was found to be consistent with the 2016 Air Quality Management Plan
(AQMP) which was released in March 2017, as defined in Chapter 12, Section 12.2, and Section 12.3 of
the SCAQMD's CEQA Air Quality Handbook (1993). The consistency indicators assessed were as follows:
• Consistency Criterion No. 1 refers to violations of the California Ambient Air Quality Standards
(CAAQS) and NAAQS. CAAQS and NAAQS violations would occur if regional emission thresholds
were exceeded. The 2018 Proposed Project's construction -source emissions would not exceed
applicable SCAQMD's regional thresholds of significance.
Consistency Criterion No. 2: The 2018 Proposed Project would not exceed the assumptions in the
AQMP based on the years of Project build -out phase.
Threshold 111 (b) — Construction and Operational Emissions
Tables 2 and 3 in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that construction and operation of the 2018 Project
would not exceed the 2018 SCAQMD thresholds of significance. Table 5 - Summary of 2018 Project
Emissions summarizes the data identified in Tables 2 and 3 in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Table 5 - Summary of 2018 Project Emissions
Year
Emissions (pounds per day)
VOC
NOX
CO
So.
PMia
PM2.5
Maximum Daily Emissions -
Construction
55.72
71.75
36.69
0.07
23.46
13.07
Total Maximum Daily
Emissions - Operations
23.73
37.15
82.89
0.24
14.24
6.59
SCAQMD Regional Threshold
75
100
550
150
150
55
Threshold Exceeded?
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Notes:
NOx = nitrogen oxides; VOC = volatile organic compounds; CO = carbon monoxide; PMlo = particulate matter with an
aerodynamic resistance diameter of 10 micrometers or less; PM2.5 = particulate matter with an aerodynamic resistance diameter
of 2.5 micrometers
The maximum daily emissions are the maximum emissions compared from summer and winter seasons. Source of emissions:
Urban Crossroads.
Projects that exceed the project -specific significance thresholds are considered by the SCAQMD to be
cumulatively considerable. This is the reason project -specific and cumulative significance thresholds are
the same. Conversely, projects that do not exceed the project -specific thresholds are not considered to
be cumulatively significant. The 2018 Proposed Project's construction and operational related emissions
would not exceed the applicable SCAQMD regional thresholds. Therefore, the 2018 Proposed Project
would have a less than significant impact related to criteria pollutant emissions on both a project -level
and cumulative basis.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
With respect to impacts to sensitive receptors, the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study assumed active disturbance on
approximately 3.5 acres per day during the site preparation phase and 4 acres per day during the grading
phase of construction for both the hotel and residential component.
As shown on Table 5 of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study, emissions during construction activity would have the
potential to exceed SCAQMD's Localized Significant Thresholds (LSTs) for emissions of PM10 and PM2.5.
As such Mitigation Measure (MM) AIR -1 requiring all off-road construction equipment greater than 150
horsepower used during site preparation and grading activities to be California Air Resources Board
(CARB) certified Tier 3 or better, was included to reduce the potential localized impact.
With respect to odors, potential sources of construction odors include equipment, but construction odor
is temporary. Potential operational odors generated by the 2018 Proposed Project would include disposal
of miscellaneous refuse. SCAQMD Rule 402 acts to prevent occurrences of odor nuisances. Consistent
with City requirements, all project -generated refuse would be stored in covered containers and removed
at regular intervals in compliance with solid waste regulations. Potential operational -source odor impacts
would therefore be considered less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
Threshold 111 (a) — Air Quality Conformity
The 2018 Proposed Project was found to be consistent with the 2016 AQMP which was released in March
2017, as defined in Chapter 12, Section 12.2, and Section 12.3 of the SCAQMD's CEQA Air Quality
Handbook (1993).
The current Proposed Project proposes to construct the 125 -room hotel with a pool that was evaluated
in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and approved by the City as part for Assessor Parcel No. (APN) 600-340-060
(Project Site). While the number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the
building size would increase from 40,500 SF to 73,645 SF, and parking would be reduced from the 150
spaces approved to 125 spaces.
Because the Proposed Project includes only minor revisions to square footage and parking that were
assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study, the 2023 Proposed Project would still be consistent with the 2016
AQMP, and no further analysis is required.
Threshold 111 (b) — Construction and Operational Emissions
A Project -level air quality analysis was prepared for the 2023 Proposed Project to update the regulatory
and emission standards from the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and compare the Project potential emissions to
current air quality standards (Appendix A— La Quinta Hampton Inn Air Quality, Global Climate Change,
and Energy Impact Analysis). The latest version of CaIEEMod was used to estimate the onsite and offsite
construction emissions. The emissions incorporate SCAQMD Rule 402 and 403. Rule 402 and 403 (fugitive
dust) are not considered mitigation measures as the Project by default is required to incorporate these
rules during construction. The results of the analysis are identified in Table 6 - Summary of Construction
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
and Operational Related Regional Pollutant Emissions and Table 7 - Local Construction Emissions at the
Nearest Receptors.
Table 6 - Summary of Construction and Operational Related Regional Pollutant Emissions
Notes:
Source: CalEEMod Version 2022.1.1.13.
(1) On-site grading PM -10 and PM -2.5 emissions show compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 for fugitive dust.
(2) Construction, painting, and paving phases may overlap.
(3) Source: CalEEMod Version 2022.1.1.13; the higher of either summer or winter emissions
Table 7 - Local Construction Emissions at the Nearest Receptors
Activity
Pollutant Emissions
On -Site Pollutant Emissions (pounds/day)
(pounds day)
Activity
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM10
PM2.5
Maximum Daily Construction
10.10 0.37
0.34
Paving
4.63
6.50 0.20
0.19
Emissions
50.90
30.60
20.90
0.11
6.38
2.73
Maximum Daily Operational
Emissions
6.79
6.20
55.50
0.13
3.98
0.82
SCAQMD Thresholds
75
1 100
1 550
1 150
1 150
55
Exceeds Thresholds?
No
I No
I No
I No
I No
No
Notes:
Source: CalEEMod Version 2022.1.1.13.
(1) On-site grading PM -10 and PM -2.5 emissions show compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 for fugitive dust.
(2) Construction, painting, and paving phases may overlap.
(3) Source: CalEEMod Version 2022.1.1.13; the higher of either summer or winter emissions
Table 7 - Local Construction Emissions at the Nearest Receptors
Activity
On -Site Pollutant Emissions (pounds/day)
NOx CO PM10
PM2.5
Grading
15.90
15.40 2.61
1.57
Building Construction
9.44
10.10 0.37
0.34
Paving
4.63
6.50 0.20
0.19
Architectural Coating
0.88
1.14 0.03
0.03
SCAQMD Thresholds'
296
3,409 44
12
Exceeds Threshold?
No
No No
No
Source: Calculated from CalEEMod and SCAQMD's Mass Rate Look -up Tables for 2 acres at a distance of loom, to be conservative, in SRA 30
Coachella Valley.
(1) The nearest sensitive receptors to the project are the existing multi -family residential uses with property lines located approximately 605
feet (-185 meters) to the west and 895 feet (-270 meters) to the south, the single-family residential uses with property lines located
approximately 640 feet (-195 meters) to the southwest and 947 feet (-288 meters) to the southeast of the project site; therefore, to be
conservative, the 100 meter threshold was used.
Note: The proposed project will disturb up to a maximum of 2 acres per day (see Table 7 of Appendix A).
The construction and operational emissions for the 2023 Proposed Project would not exceed the
SCAQMD's daily emission thresholds at the regional level as demonstrated in Table 6, and therefore would
be considered less than significant. The data provided in Table 7 shows that none of the analyzed criteria
pollutants would exceed the local emissions thresholds at the nearest sensitive receptors. Therefore, a
less than significant local air quality impact would occur from construction of the 2023 Proposed Project.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.3.2 Mitigation Measures
June 2023
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
MM AIR -1 During site preparation and grading Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is
activities, all off-road construction substantially similar to that which was analyzed
equipment greater than 150 horsepower in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
(>150 HP) shall be ARB certified Tier 3 or
better.
4.3.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved 2018
TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Page 38
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Q
2018 TCLQ Initial
More
or
Analysis or
Study
Severe
More Severe
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES:
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on any
Less Than
species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or
Significant
special status species in local or regional plans,
With
No
No
No
policies, or regulations, or by the California
Mitigation
Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and
Incorporated
Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans,
No Impact
No
No
No
policies, regulations or by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands as defined by
SeEteen 404 of the Clean ` ateF ^^t (including, but
No Impact
No
No
No
not limited to, marsh, 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 established native resident or
No Impact
No
No
No
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
Less Than
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
Significant
No
No
No
preservation policy or ordinance?
Impact
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
No Impact
No
No
No
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
Page 38
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.4.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Biological resources were analyzed for the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study in a Biological Resource Assessment
Technical Memorandum for Assessor's Parcel Number 600-340-048 at 79315 Highway 111, La Quinta,
California, prepared by FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) and included in Appendix B in the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study.
The Project parcel consisted of an undeveloped property with uncultivated areas having a sparse cover of
desert shrubs and weeds. The site is bordered by commercial (auto mall) and industrial uses to the north
and east, and single-family and multi -family residential uses to the south and west.
In 2018, the Project Site consisted primarily of land that has been disturbed from human activity.
Disturbed lands were no longer recognizable as a native or naturalized vegetation association, but they
continued to retain a soil substrate. The Project Site was moderately disturbed by construction activities,
including light rough grading, excavation of three retention basins, existence of a large stormwater outfall
basin, the installation of basic utility infrastructure, and creation of 1:1 berm slopes (for wind erosion
control) along the western, southern, and eastern boundaries.
While the Project Site is disturbed, it was found to support open space, shrubs, and trees that could
potentially provide cover, foraging, and nesting habitat for resident and migratory birds. These birds are
protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and/or the California Fish and Game Code (§§ 3503,
3503.5, 3513, and 3800), which render it unlawful to take native breeding birds, and their nests, eggs, and
young. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 13I0-1 was determined to be needed to help to avoid,
eliminate, or reduce direct impacts on breeding birds to less than significant levels.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project would occur within the same area as that was analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The
Project Site has continued to be graded since the time of the 2018 Biological Resources Assessment, and
the conditions are unchanged. There are no new sensitive species that have been listed by State and
Federal agencies that would directly impact the Specific Plan area, or Project Site. There are no new
policies, Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans that have been adopted
that would impact the Project Site.
4.4.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures
Applicable/Not Applicable
MM BIO -1
Construction during Breeding Season and Pre-
Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project
construction Breeding Bird Surveys
occurs on the same parcel as assessed in
To be in compliance with the MBTA and the California
the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Fish and Game Code, and to avoid and reduce direct
and indirect impacts on migratory non -game
breeding birds, and their nests, young, and eggs to
less than significant levels, the following measures
shall be implemented.
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Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
• All ground -disturbing activities, including
removal of vegetation, which would remove or
disturb potential nest sites shall be scheduled
outside the breeding bird season, if feasible. The
breeding bird nesting season is typically from
January 15 through September 15, but can vary
slightly from year to year, usually depending on
weather conditions. Removing all physical
features that could potentially serve as nest sites
outside of the breeding bird season also would
help to prevent birds from nesting within the
project site during the breeding season and
during construction activities.
• If project activities that would remove or disturb
potential nest sites cannot be avoided during
January 15 through September 15, a qualified
biologist shall conduct a pre -construction
clearance and nesting bird survey to search for
all potential nesting areas, breeding birds, and
active nests or nest sites within the limits of
project disturbance up to seven days prior to
mobilization, staging and other disturbances.
The survey shall end no more than three days
prior to vegetation, substrate, and structure
removal and/or disturbance.
• If no breeding birds or active nests are observed
during the pre -construction survey, or if they are
observed and would not be disturbed, then
project activities may begin, and no further
mitigation would be required.
• If an active bird nest is located during the pre -
construction survey and potentially would be
disturbed, a no -activity buffer zone shall be
delineated on maps and marked (flagging or
other means) up to 500 feet for special -status
avian species and raptors, or 75 feet for non -
special status avian species, at the discretion of
the qualified biologist. The limits of the buffer
shall be demarcated so as to not provide a
specific indicator of the location of the nest to
predators or people. Materials used to
demarcate the nests would be removed as soon
as work is complete, or the fledglings have left
the nest. Bufferzones shall not be disturbed until
a qualified biologist determines that the nest is
inactive.
• Birds or their active nests shall not be disturbed,
captured, handled or moved. Inactive nests may
be moved by a qualified biologist, if necessary,
to avoid disturbance by project activities.
Page 40
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.4.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
A due diligence assessment for the Project Site was conducted June 17, 2016. This due diligence
investigation consisted of a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records search, a
review of historic aerial photography and maps for the subject parcel, a Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File Search, a paleontological literature review and localities database
search, and a reconnaissance -level survey.
With respect to historical resources, the 2018 Proposed Project area itself had been studied through
surveys in 1992 and 1997 and monitoring during excavations and grading conducted in 1999/2000 and
again in 2008. The pedestrian survey confirmed that the upper 3 feet of soil within the 2018 Project area
had been locally excavated and engineered to its current compaction (approximately 75 percent).
Therefore, the potential to encounter historical resources within the uppermost strata is non-existent. No
impacts are expected to occur.
Page 42
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Inv
Involve New or
Involving New
or
Requiring New
2018 TCLC!
Initial Study
More
More
More Severe
Analysis or
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES:
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource ;;,;defined in
No Impact
No
No
No
pursuant to 15064.5?
Less Than
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
Significant
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
With
No
No
No
to 15064.5?
Mitigation
Incorporated
6) DiFee y OF indiFeEtly destrey ^ unique
(NA - Moved
(NA - Moved
Refer to
(NA -Moved
^leenteleg;^^l r site e que elsg;^
Section 4.7
to
to Geological
to
feature?
Geological
Geological
Criterion
Resources in
VII(f)
Resources in
Guidelines)
Resources in
Guidelines)
Guidelines)
Less Than
c) Disturb any human remains, including those
Significant
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
With
No
No
No
Mitigation
Incorporated
4.5.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
A due diligence assessment for the Project Site was conducted June 17, 2016. This due diligence
investigation consisted of a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records search, a
review of historic aerial photography and maps for the subject parcel, a Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File Search, a paleontological literature review and localities database
search, and a reconnaissance -level survey.
With respect to historical resources, the 2018 Proposed Project area itself had been studied through
surveys in 1992 and 1997 and monitoring during excavations and grading conducted in 1999/2000 and
again in 2008. The pedestrian survey confirmed that the upper 3 feet of soil within the 2018 Project area
had been locally excavated and engineered to its current compaction (approximately 75 percent).
Therefore, the potential to encounter historical resources within the uppermost strata is non-existent. No
impacts are expected to occur.
Page 42
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
June 2023
With respect to archaeological resources, the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that the general area is
highly sensitive for pre -historic resources. Disturbance of these resources could result in significant
impacts during grading activities. As such, implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL -1 was determined
to be necessary to reduce impacts to less than significant levels.
Although the Project site is not known to contain any human remains or burial grounds, the Project area
has been identified as highly sensitive for archaeological resources, which could include human remains.
As such, implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL -3 was deemed necessary to reduce impacts to less
than significant levels.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Proposed Project would occur within the same area as that was analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study, and the conditions are unchanged.
4.5.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures
Applicable/Not Applicable
MM CUL -1
Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the
Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project occurs
applicant shall retain the services of a qualified
on the same parcel as assessed in the 2018
archaeologist and Tribal Monitor. Copies of
TCLQ Initial Study.
contracts with monitoring archaeologists and
Tribal Monitors shall be provided to the City
prior to the issuance of any ground -disturbing
permit. Full-time archaeological monitoring
shall be conducted by a qualified archaeologist
for excavations that will exceed 3 feet in depth.
In the event that buried cultural resources are
discovered during construction, the
archaeologist shall be permitted to stop
construction operations within 50 feet of the
find and the Applicant and/or the Applicant's
representative shall immediately notify the
City. The archaeologist shall determine
whether the finding requires further study. The
Applicant shall include a standard inadvertent
discovery clause in every construction contract
to inform contractors of this requirement. The
archaeologist shall make recommendations
concerning appropriate measures that will be
implemented to protect the resource(s),
including but not limited to excavation and
evaluation of the finds in accordance with
Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines. Any
previously undiscovered resources found
during construction within the project area
should be recorded on appropriate Department
of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms and
evaluated for significance in terms of CEQA
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
June 2023
4.5.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Page 44
criteria. The archaeologist shall provide the City
with a report of all monitoring activities within
30 days of completion of these activities.
MM CUL -3
In the event of the accidental discovery of any
Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project occurs
human remains on the project, CEQA
on the same parcel as assessed in the 2018
Guidelines Section 15064.5; Health and Safety
TCLQ Initial Study.
Code Section 7050.5; and Public Resources
Code (PRC) Sections 5097.94 and 5097.98 must
be followed. If during the course of project
development there is accidental discovery of
any human remains, the following steps shall be
taken:
1. There shall be no further excavation or
disturbance of the site, or any nearby area
reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent
human remains until the County Coroner is
contacted to determine if the remains are
Native American and if an investigation of the
cause of death is required. If the coroner
determines the remains to be Native American,
the coroner shall contact the Native American
Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours,
and the NAHC shall identify the person or
persons it believes to be the "most likely
descendant" (MLD) of the deceased Native
American. The MLD may make
recommendations to the landowner or the
person responsible for the excavation work, for
means of treating or disposing of, with
appropriate dignity, the human remains, and
any associated grave goods as provided in
Public Resource Code Section 5097.98,
Environmental Issues.
4.5.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.6 ENERGY
4.6.1 Discussion
In December 2018, the Natural Resources Agency revised Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines to include
a checklist item relating to a project's impacts relating to Energy. Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines now
includes a checklist item that provides the following questions (as shown in the Table above):
The City approved the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study on July 3, 2018, approximately six months before the State
added the above checklist items to the CEQA Guidelines. California courts have held that where a new
guideline or threshold is adopted after the certification of an EIR, an Addendum to the EIR need not
include additional environmental analysis relating to that guideline or threshold where the potential
environmental impact at issue in the new guideline or threshold was known or could have been known at
the time the EIR was certified (Citizens Against Airport Pollution v. City of San lose (2014) 227 Cal.App.4th
788, 806 [even though CEQA Guidelines were amended on March 18, 2010 to address greenhouse gas
emissions, lead agency's 2010 Addendum to a 1997 EIR did not require analysis of greenhouse gas
emissions because "information about the potential environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions
was known or could have been known at the time the 1997 EIR and the 2003 SEIR for the [project] were
certified"]; Concerned Dublin Citizens v. City of Dublin (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 1301, 1319-1320 ["the
adoption of guidelines for analyzing and evaluating the significance of data does not constitute new
information if the underlying information was otherwise known or should have been known at the time
the EIR was certified"]; see also Citizens for Responsible Equitable Environmental Development v. City of
San Diego (2011)196 Cal.App.4th 515, 532.).
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The City, as the Lead Agency knew or could have known the impacts at issue in the above -referenced
threshold (i.e., the potential environmental impacts of energy inefficiency) when 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was adopted in July 2018. Though the hotel was approved in 2018, the design is subject to the most
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Severe
More Severe
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Impacts?
VI. ENERGY:
Would the project:
a) Result in a potentially significant environmental
Not
Analyzed
NA
NA
NA
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?
Not
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
Analyzed
NA
NA
NA
renewable energy or energy efficiency?
4.6.1 Discussion
In December 2018, the Natural Resources Agency revised Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines to include
a checklist item relating to a project's impacts relating to Energy. Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines now
includes a checklist item that provides the following questions (as shown in the Table above):
The City approved the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study on July 3, 2018, approximately six months before the State
added the above checklist items to the CEQA Guidelines. California courts have held that where a new
guideline or threshold is adopted after the certification of an EIR, an Addendum to the EIR need not
include additional environmental analysis relating to that guideline or threshold where the potential
environmental impact at issue in the new guideline or threshold was known or could have been known at
the time the EIR was certified (Citizens Against Airport Pollution v. City of San lose (2014) 227 Cal.App.4th
788, 806 [even though CEQA Guidelines were amended on March 18, 2010 to address greenhouse gas
emissions, lead agency's 2010 Addendum to a 1997 EIR did not require analysis of greenhouse gas
emissions because "information about the potential environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions
was known or could have been known at the time the 1997 EIR and the 2003 SEIR for the [project] were
certified"]; Concerned Dublin Citizens v. City of Dublin (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 1301, 1319-1320 ["the
adoption of guidelines for analyzing and evaluating the significance of data does not constitute new
information if the underlying information was otherwise known or should have been known at the time
the EIR was certified"]; see also Citizens for Responsible Equitable Environmental Development v. City of
San Diego (2011)196 Cal.App.4th 515, 532.).
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The City, as the Lead Agency knew or could have known the impacts at issue in the above -referenced
threshold (i.e., the potential environmental impacts of energy inefficiency) when 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was adopted in July 2018. Though the hotel was approved in 2018, the design is subject to the most
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current Title 24 building codes that require energy efficiency. Therefore, the Project, as proposed in 2018
would not result in a wasteful use of energy.
Threshold VI (a) Energy Practices
An energy analysis was performed for the 2023 Proposed Project (Appendix A). Electrical service will be
provided by Imperial Irrigation District. The analysis in Appendix A identifies that the Project construction
and operations would not result in the inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary consumption of energy. The
2023 Proposed Project does not include any unusual characteristics or construction processes that would
require the use of equipment that would be more energy intensive than is used for comparable activities
and is a hotel project that is not proposing any additional features that would require a larger energy
demand than other hotel projects of similar scale and configuration. The energy demands of the Project
are anticipated to be accommodated within the context of available resources and energy delivery
systems. The Project would therefore not cause or result in the need for additional energy producing or
transmission facilities. Therefore, the impact to threshold VI (a) is less than significant, and no mitigation
is required.
Threshold VI (b) Energy Policies
The analysis in Appendix A identifies that the 2023 Proposed Project, which is like the 2018 Proposed
Project, would not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
Therefore, the impact to threshold VI (b) is less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
4.6.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were identified because this No Mitigation Required. The analysis in Appendix A
criterion was not analyzed. supports the findings that all impacts associated
with the 2023 Proposed Project are less than
significant and do not require mitigation.
4.6.3 Conclusion
The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study did not include the Energy environmental factor in its checklist, therefore,
California law does not require the City to analyze these impacts in this Addendum. Nonetheless, the
Proposed Project will follow all building codes relative to energy efficiency which would follow all laws
and plans that would not result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation. A
Project -specific energy study was performed for the 2023 Proposed Project, which identified that all
potential impacts were less than significant.
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
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Impacts?
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS:
Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
• Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on other
No Impact
No
No
No
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication
42.
Less Than
• Strong seismic ground shaking?
Significant
No
No
No
Impact
Less ThanSignificant
• Seismic -related ground failure, including
No
No
No
liquefaction?
Impact
Less Than
• Landslides?
Significant
No
No
No
Impact
Less Than
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
Significant
No
No
No
topsoil?
Impact
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable,
or that would become unstable as a result of the
Less Than
project, and potentially result in on- site or off-site
Significant
No
No
No
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or
Impact
collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-
Less Than
1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
Significant
No
No
No
substantial risks to life or property?
Impact
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4.7.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Faults and seismic concerns. No portion of the TCLQ Specific Plan area is located within an Alquist-Priolo
Fault Hazard Zone. Strong seismic shaking associated with earthquakes is a hazard that can be anticipated
to affect all structures in Southern California at some point in their life. The most significant step taken to
mitigate the potential for ground shaking on development projects has been the enactment of strict
building codes for construction or retrofit of buildings subject to ground shaking hazards.
Liquefaction and Subsidence. According to the County of Riverside, the site is situated within a Moderate
liquefaction zone. Based on the Geotechnical Analysis conducted for the 2018 Proposed Project, the risks
associated with liquefaction are considered negligible. Therefore, the impacts would be less than
significant.
Landslides. According to the geotechnical investigation, there are no signs of slope instability in the form
of landslides, rock falls, earthflows or slumps were observed at or near the subject site. The site is situated
on flat ground and not immediately adjacent to any slopes or hillsides. As such, risks associated with slope
instability were negligible.
Soil Erosion/Loss of Topsoil. The Project Site is currently an undeveloped lot. Within the Project area, there
is a natural sand migration process called "blowsand" that has direct and indirect effects on air quality.
Blowsand produces particulate matter (PM10) in two ways: (1) by direct particle erosion and
fragmentation as natural PM10, and (2) by secondary effects, as sand deposits on road surfaces. During
the construction phase of the Project, the area may be exposed to soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
However, the Project would comply with SCAQMD fugitive dust regulations (Rules 403 and 403.1) and
would prevent the loss of soil through wind or water erosion by implementing an effective combination
of erosion and sediment control and good housekeeping Best Management Practices (BMPs). The Project
would be required to prepare a fugitive dust control plan to comply with Rule 403.1,and La Quinta
Municipal Code Section 6.16, as well as other regulations, to reduce the potential impacts from the loss
of topsoil. Following compliance with SCAQMD fugitive dust rules and NPDES regulatory requirements,
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Impacts?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use
of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
No Impact
No
No
No
systems where sewers are not available for the disposal
of wastewater?
Less Than
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
Significant
resource or site or unique geologic feature?
With
No
No
No
Mitigation
Incorporated
4.7.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Faults and seismic concerns. No portion of the TCLQ Specific Plan area is located within an Alquist-Priolo
Fault Hazard Zone. Strong seismic shaking associated with earthquakes is a hazard that can be anticipated
to affect all structures in Southern California at some point in their life. The most significant step taken to
mitigate the potential for ground shaking on development projects has been the enactment of strict
building codes for construction or retrofit of buildings subject to ground shaking hazards.
Liquefaction and Subsidence. According to the County of Riverside, the site is situated within a Moderate
liquefaction zone. Based on the Geotechnical Analysis conducted for the 2018 Proposed Project, the risks
associated with liquefaction are considered negligible. Therefore, the impacts would be less than
significant.
Landslides. According to the geotechnical investigation, there are no signs of slope instability in the form
of landslides, rock falls, earthflows or slumps were observed at or near the subject site. The site is situated
on flat ground and not immediately adjacent to any slopes or hillsides. As such, risks associated with slope
instability were negligible.
Soil Erosion/Loss of Topsoil. The Project Site is currently an undeveloped lot. Within the Project area, there
is a natural sand migration process called "blowsand" that has direct and indirect effects on air quality.
Blowsand produces particulate matter (PM10) in two ways: (1) by direct particle erosion and
fragmentation as natural PM10, and (2) by secondary effects, as sand deposits on road surfaces. During
the construction phase of the Project, the area may be exposed to soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
However, the Project would comply with SCAQMD fugitive dust regulations (Rules 403 and 403.1) and
would prevent the loss of soil through wind or water erosion by implementing an effective combination
of erosion and sediment control and good housekeeping Best Management Practices (BMPs). The Project
would be required to prepare a fugitive dust control plan to comply with Rule 403.1,and La Quinta
Municipal Code Section 6.16, as well as other regulations, to reduce the potential impacts from the loss
of topsoil. Following compliance with SCAQMD fugitive dust rules and NPDES regulatory requirements,
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Project implementation would result in a less than significant impact involving soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil.
Septic Tanks. The Project does not propose the use of septic tanks. The sanitary sewage collection and
treatment system in the City is operated and maintained by the Coachella Valley Water District, which
extends service based upon approved designs and improvements constructed by the private developer.
There is an existing 18 -inch sewer main in Adams Street and an existing 8 -inch sewer line in Auto Center
Drive for the development to connect to.
Paleontological Resources. (This criterion was moved to Section VII Geology and Soils in the 2019
Guidelines from Section V Cultural Resources update). The paleontological records search conducted for
the 2018 Proposed Project identified that while there are no known fossil localities within the Project
area, there is a locality on record in similar conditions.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Proposed Project would be located on a parcel within the TCLQSP boundary and is the same hotel
Project that was analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project would increase the
footprint of the building, and therefore, increase the subsurface disturbance necessary for the hotel
building footings.
4.7.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures
Applicable/Not Applicable
MM CUL -2
Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the applicant
Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project
shall retain the services of a qualified geologist or
occurs on the same parcel as assessed in the
paleontologist. Full-time monitoring shall be conducted
2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
for all excavations that exceed 3 feet in depth. In the
event that paleontological resources are discovered
during construction, the paleontologist shall be
permitted to stop construction operations within 50
feet of the find and the Applicant and/or the Applicant's
representative shall immediately notify the City. The
paleontologist shall determine whether the finding
requires further study. The Applicant shall include a
standard inadvertent discovery clause in every
construction contract to inform contractors of this
requirement. The paleontologist shall make
recommendations concerning appropriate measures
that will be implemented to protect the resource(s),
including but not limited to excavation and evaluation
of the finds in accordance with the Society of Vertebrate
Paleontology Guidelines. Any fossils recovered during
mitigation shall be deposited in an accredited and
permanent scientific institution. The paleontologist
shall provide the City with a report of all monitoring
activities within 30 days of completion of these
activities.
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4.7.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
4.8.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The City of La Quinta had not adopted its own numeric threshold of significance for determining impacts
with respect to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A screening threshold of 4.8 MT CO2 per service
population per year is used to determine whether a significant impact would occur. The Project would be
required to comply with the community -wide greenhouse gas reduction measures and programs for new
development included in the City of La Quinta's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. This approach is a widely
accepted screening threshold used by numerous cities in the South Coast Air Basin and is based on the
SCAQMD staff's proposed GHG screening threshold for stationary source emissions for non -industrial
projects, as described in the SCAQMD's Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold for Stationary Sources,
Rules, and Plans (SCAQMD Interim GHG Threshold). The SCAQMD Interim GHG Threshold identifies a
screening threshold to determine whether additional analysis is required. The 2018 Project's estimated
GHG emissions were determined to be not significant.
AB 32 requires California to reduce its GHG emissions by approximately 28.5 percent when compared to
GHG emissions produced under a "Business as Usual" scenario. As of 2018, the City had set forth reduction
targets consistent with AB 32 and aimed to reduce CO2e emissions to 10 percent below 2005 levels by
2020 and 28 percent below 2005 by 2035. The analysis identified that the Project was considered
consistent with the City's GHG Reduction Plan.
The Project would not interfere with the State's implementation of (i) Executive Order B-30-15 and SB
32's target of reducing statewide GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 or (ii) Executive
Order S -3-05's target of reducing statewide GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050
because it would not interfere with the State's implementation of GHG reduction plans described in the
ARB's Updated Scoping Plan, including providing for 12,000 megawatts of renewable distributed
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Severe
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VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS:
Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas
emissions, either directly or indirectly,
Less Than
No
No
No
None
that may have a significant impact on
Significant
the environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan,
policy or regulation adopted for the
Less Than
No
No
No
None
purpose of reducing the emissions of
Significant
g
greenhouse gases?
4.8.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The City of La Quinta had not adopted its own numeric threshold of significance for determining impacts
with respect to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A screening threshold of 4.8 MT CO2 per service
population per year is used to determine whether a significant impact would occur. The Project would be
required to comply with the community -wide greenhouse gas reduction measures and programs for new
development included in the City of La Quinta's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. This approach is a widely
accepted screening threshold used by numerous cities in the South Coast Air Basin and is based on the
SCAQMD staff's proposed GHG screening threshold for stationary source emissions for non -industrial
projects, as described in the SCAQMD's Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold for Stationary Sources,
Rules, and Plans (SCAQMD Interim GHG Threshold). The SCAQMD Interim GHG Threshold identifies a
screening threshold to determine whether additional analysis is required. The 2018 Project's estimated
GHG emissions were determined to be not significant.
AB 32 requires California to reduce its GHG emissions by approximately 28.5 percent when compared to
GHG emissions produced under a "Business as Usual" scenario. As of 2018, the City had set forth reduction
targets consistent with AB 32 and aimed to reduce CO2e emissions to 10 percent below 2005 levels by
2020 and 28 percent below 2005 by 2035. The analysis identified that the Project was considered
consistent with the City's GHG Reduction Plan.
The Project would not interfere with the State's implementation of (i) Executive Order B-30-15 and SB
32's target of reducing statewide GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 or (ii) Executive
Order S -3-05's target of reducing statewide GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050
because it would not interfere with the State's implementation of GHG reduction plans described in the
ARB's Updated Scoping Plan, including providing for 12,000 megawatts of renewable distributed
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generation by 2020, the California Building Commission mandating net zero energy homes in the building
code after 2020, or existing building retrofits under AB 758. Therefore, the Project's impacts on
greenhouse gas emissions in the 2030 and 2050 horizon years would be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
A Project -level GHG analysis was conducted for the 2023 Proposed Project (Appendix A). To determine
whether the project's GHG emissions are significant, this analysis uses the SCAQMD screening threshold
of 3,000 MTCO2e per year for all land uses. The analysis in Appendix A shows that the total for the
Proposed Project's emissions (without credit for any reductions from sustainable design, and/or
regulatory requirements) would be 2,236.3 (million tons CO2e) MTCO2e per year. According to the
thresholds of significance established by the SCAQMD, a cumulative global climate change impact would
occur if the GHG emissions created from the on-going operations of a proposed project would exceed the
SCAQMD draft threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e per year for all land uses. Therefore, as emissions do not
exceed 3,000 MTCO2e per year, operation of the 2023 Proposed Project would not create a significant
cumulative impact to global climate change.
There have been no changes to applicable GHG plans and policies since the time of the 2018 Initial Study
analysis. Implementation of the Proposed Project would also be required to comply with all applicable
plans and policies. Therefore, there is no change in this analysis.
4.8.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts. Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to
Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Additionally, the
Project -level GHG analysis confirmed that there
are no significant impacts that warrant mitigation.
4.8.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
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Impacts?
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
Less Than
environment through the routine transport, use, orNo
Significant
No
No
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
Less Than
No
No
No
and accident conditions involving the release of
Significant
hazardous materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
No Impact
No
No
No
within 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,
No Impact
No
No
No
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
No Impact
No
No
No
airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or
excessive noise for people residing or working in the
project area?
f) ..f ") ,-,+„
(NA -
NA-
NA -
F9F a eet within the ViGiRity a
Removed
Removed
Removed
uld the eet ref -rl+;n a -, Safety hzaFd
'StFiP ein +her
r
f9F
No Impact
from
from
from
e�+ area')
p ple siding a 9FI(iRg
Guidelines)
Guidelines)
Guidelines)
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere
Less Than
with an adopted emergency response plan or
Significant
No
No
No
emergency evacuation plan?
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly to a significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving wildland fires? including wheFe r ildlands
aFe adjacent to urbanized areas or wheFe residenees
arp.,+.,.-... i...,.J ..,i+h . ,ildl- nd';')
No Impact
No
No
No
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4.9.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
A Phase I ESA was prepared for the Project Site by EEI Geotechnical & Environmental Solutions (2016) and
is included in Appendix C of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Phase I ESA did not identify any Recognized
Environmental Conditions (RECs) that would pose a hazard.
The Project would involve the routine transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials throughout the
construction and operations phase. All handling would be required to comply with all applicable local,
state, and federal regulations. Compliance with regulations would reduce all impacts to less than
significant.
The Project Site is not located within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school. The nearest school is La
Quinta High School, located 0.54 -mile northeast of the Project Site.
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control compiles a list, most known as a Cortese List, of
known sites containing hazardous materials. The Project Site is not listed as a known site containing
hazardous materials.
An emergency operations center (ECC) is the base of operation during emergency situations and is
considered a critical facility. The La Quinta Civic Center building has been designated the City's primary
EOC. The Riverside County Administrative Centers in Riverside and Indio, which have been designated the
County's EOCs, and the County's mobile EOC may also be employed to aid during an emergency. The
Proposed Project would not impair the operation of EOCs or physically interfere with the emergency
response plan.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project would occur within the footprint of the Project analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ
Initial Study. While the number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the
2023 Proposed Project includes the following: the building size would increase from 40,500 SF to 73,645
SF; parking would be reduced from the 150 spaces approved to 125 spaces; and a Centre at La Quinta
Specific Plan Specific Plan Amendment would be required to increase the FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 for the
Regional Commercial (CR) Zone to implement the 2023 Proposed Project.
Although the building size would be larger than analyzed in 2018, the construction and operations,
transport and use of hazardous materials would still be required to follow all federal, state, and local
regulations. The 2023 Proposed Project would be reviewed by the City's fire department for compliance
with fire department access. Therefore, the 2023 Proposed Project is materially like the Proposed Project
analyzed by the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study, and the impacts would be the same as identified in the 2018 TCLQ
Initial Study.
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4.9.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to Hazards
and Hazardous Materials.
4.9.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.10 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
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Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
More Severe
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY:
Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
Less Than
discharge requirements or otherwise substantiallyNo
Significant
No
No
degrade surface or ground water quality?
b) Substantially deplete decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that the project may impede
Less Than
sustainable groundwater management of the basin
there would be -, net deficit ; aquifer volume or
NO
NO
NO
loweringof the local groundwater table levelSignificant
(e
the .. . ducti.,n Fate Of pFe existing n -,.-hy wells
fisting land uses eF planned f...-y0hieh p ....itS
have been g nted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or area, including through the alteration
Less Than
of the course of a stream or river, or through the
Significant
No
No
No
addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would res -4 4 sa*bstant+al elcasie rs+te?:
(assessed as
• result in substantial erosion or siltation
criterion X.c)
onsite or offsite;
No
No
No
Less Than
Significant
(assessed as
• substantially increase the rate or amount
criterion X.d)
of surface water runoff in a manner which
Less Than
Significant
No
No
No
would result in flooding on or offsite;
• create or contribute to runoff water which
(assessed as
criterion X.e)
Less Than
No
No
No
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
Significant
polluted runoff; or
(assessed as
• impede or redirect flood flows?
criterion X.h)
No
No
No
No Impact
Page 56
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.10.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Water Quality. The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program is designed to eliminate sedimentation,
siltation, and the accumulation of urban pollutants within surface water run-off to protect water quality
in receiving waters. Development projects are required to submit and receive approval of a Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to issuance of grading permits and to also submit a Water
Quality Management Plan (WQMP) detailing how storm waters will be controlled and treated during the
Page 57
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
Initial Study
More
Severe
or
More Severe
Analysis or
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
(formerly
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
criterion X.i)
No
No
No
release of pollutants due to project inundation?
No Impact
(assessed as
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a
criterion X.b)
water quality control plan or sustainable
No
No
No
groundwater management plan?
Less Than
Significant
d) Substantially alteF the existing dFainage pattem
.,f +h., ar^'' -, including threugh the -.I+.,r+ien
Referto
(N/A —
(N/A —
(N/A —
of the course of a str.,arn o ubst ,Bally
in
rate surfacer
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
the or n of off
manner hich . Id
whichwouldresult an floodingoff_
X(c)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
i
of !'r.,-,+., a ntri hi u+., R_, eff ..,atel:..,h ieh . Irl
,,,� +h., ,. ,.i+t., ..f �
,, rplannedn,plannedCriterion
Referto
(N/A —
(N/A —
(N/A —
exceed-y existing
., +„r apa , , „h + I
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
StE)FmSystems pFeviden+i
a ddi+ieRal SOUFees of polluted r A?
X(c)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
f) Otherwise substantially egr-,.J., water quality?
Referto
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
X(a)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
.,) of-.,.,, h..usi....within a 10 year fl.....J h-.z-,ra -, rea
Referto
(N/A —
(N/A —
(N/A —
..+h.,rfl.,.,.J h- „-,r,�
insurance
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Plead Rate Map t,r
deli. eati.,.. Fnap?
X(c)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
h) olaee within a Inn , rfl.,...J hazard aFea
Referto
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
StFLI .+„Fes 1.0hich „I,- impede ! Fedwrect flood
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
flews?
X(c)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
i) E.,pese r pl^ , struEtures to „ifeEan+ rill, E)
Referto
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
!OSiRjUFY F death involving fleedin Eluding
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
fleeding as result of the failure of ., 1.,yee OF daFn?
X(c)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
i) IY.uYdatien h.,. ieh tsunami UdflAw)
Referto
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
X(c)
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
4.10.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Water Quality. The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program is designed to eliminate sedimentation,
siltation, and the accumulation of urban pollutants within surface water run-off to protect water quality
in receiving waters. Development projects are required to submit and receive approval of a Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to issuance of grading permits and to also submit a Water
Quality Management Plan (WQMP) detailing how storm waters will be controlled and treated during the
Page 57
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
project operational timeline. These two programs in concert are designed to protect receiving water
quality and to assist in maintaining the Waste Discharge Requirements established by the Regional Water
Quality Control Board for the local watershed. Enforcement of these programs minimizes impacts to
water quality and ensures waste discharge requirements are continually met.
Groundwater Supplies and Recharge: In compliance with legislative requirements, the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD) has prepared its 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). The UWMP
provides information on the present and future water resources and demands and assesses CVWD's water
resource needs. The UWMP also accounts for new growth and development that is expected to occur
within the La Quinta Planning Area. CVWD has concluded that it can meet the water demands of its
customers in normal, single dry, and multiple dry years between 2015 and 2035. Therefore, Project
implementation, which included both the residential subdivision and hotel, would not deplete
groundwater supplies, and impacts would be less than significant.
Change in Drainage Patterns. The City's stormwater collection system includes catch basins, drainage
basins, pumping stations, and force mains. Except for the storm drain system discharging into the existing
retaining basin to the southeast, there are no storm drain pipes to connect to. As part of the Project,
construction activities including grading, paving and site improvements may result in loose sediment.
However, Project implementation would comply with all local, state, and federal requirements, and would
ensure that the Project would not alter the existing drainage pattern such that significant impacts to on -
or off-site erosion and/or siltation would occur.
The City has adopted a Master Drainage Plan, which is currently in effect. Project drainage facilities would
be subject to compliance with the Master Drainage Plan and must be reviewed/approved by the Public
Works Department. The Project would result in an increase in impervious surface areas. However, the
Project would also be subject to compliance with the City's Municipal Code Section Chapter 8.70: Surface
Water Management and Discharge Controls, and the City's La Quinta Drainage Area Management Plan
(DAMP), and thus would result in less than significant impacts on drainage patterns and flooding.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project lies within the same study boundary as analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
A Project level hydrology study was prepared for the Proposed Project (Appendix B-1- Hydrology Study
for La Qunita Hampton Inn, prepared by Woodard Group, April 2022), as well as a WQMP that identifies
proposed stormwater control measures for the 2023 Proposed Project (Appendix B-2 - Project Specific
Water Quality Management Plan for Greens Group, APN 600-340-060, prepared by Woodard Group,
April 2022).
The existing drainage pattern flows from the east property line to the west property line of the site at
approximately 1.5% slope. One 8,865 SF earthen retention basin is proposed on the eastern end of the
Project Site to capture the 100 -year storm event onsite and infiltrate within 48 hours. The Project
incorporates Site Design Best Management Practices to fully address the Pollutants of Concern where and
to the extent feasible.
Page 58
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
June 2023
The 2023 Project is the same as what was proposed in 2018 in terms of lot coverage for the building and
parking. The 8,865 SF earthen retention basin was determined through a Project -specific hydrology study
and WQMP to be adequate for controlling stormwater for the 2023 Proposed Project.
4.10.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were identified because all impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
were less than significant. as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to
Hydrology and Water Quality. A Project -specific
WQMP determined that the proposed retention
basin would meet stormwater requirements of the
proposed development.
4.10.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Page 59
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
4.11.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The Project proposed to develop 131 residential dwelling units and 125 hotel rooms on a 22 -acre lot in
the City of La Quinta. Project approvals assessed under the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study included a Zone Change
to change the current zoning of the Project Site from Regional Commercial (CR) to Medium density
residential (RM) for a 19.2 -acre portion of PA II. Amendment 5 of The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan
identified high density detached housing and a hotel. The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that the 2018
Proposed Project met the General Plan related general plan policies and did not propose design guideline
changes to the Specific Plan. Therefore, potential impacts were less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project would occur within the footprint of the Project analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ
Initial Study. While the number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the
2023 Proposed Project includes the following: the building size would increase from 40,500 SF to 73,645
SF; parking would be reduced from the 150 spaces approved to 125 spaces; and a Centre at La Quinta
Specific Plan Specific Plan Amendment would be required to increase the FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 for the
Regional Commercial (CR) Zone to implement the 2023 Proposed Project. Table 8 — Proposed Project and
Land Use Element General Plan Consistency identifies the various General Plan policies that would be
consistent with the Proposed Project, including the proposed increased FAR for the Project Site.
Page 60
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
More Severe
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING:
Would the project result in:
a) Physically divide an established community?
No Impact
No
No
No
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a
C—conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction ever the
Less Than
prejeet (inelu ding but net limited to the general plar.
Significant
No
No
No
^ adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
G) C011fliCt with aRy applicable habitat r-., ser ,a+ion
No Impact
(N/A —
(N/A —
(N/A —
.,I.,.. ^-,+„r.,l community conser,.,+;^., plan'?
Referto
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Criterion
Revised
Revised
Revised
IV(f)
4.11.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The Project proposed to develop 131 residential dwelling units and 125 hotel rooms on a 22 -acre lot in
the City of La Quinta. Project approvals assessed under the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study included a Zone Change
to change the current zoning of the Project Site from Regional Commercial (CR) to Medium density
residential (RM) for a 19.2 -acre portion of PA II. Amendment 5 of The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan
identified high density detached housing and a hotel. The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that the 2018
Proposed Project met the General Plan related general plan policies and did not propose design guideline
changes to the Specific Plan. Therefore, potential impacts were less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project would occur within the footprint of the Project analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ
Initial Study. While the number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the
2023 Proposed Project includes the following: the building size would increase from 40,500 SF to 73,645
SF; parking would be reduced from the 150 spaces approved to 125 spaces; and a Centre at La Quinta
Specific Plan Specific Plan Amendment would be required to increase the FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 for the
Regional Commercial (CR) Zone to implement the 2023 Proposed Project. Table 8 — Proposed Project and
Land Use Element General Plan Consistency identifies the various General Plan policies that would be
consistent with the Proposed Project, including the proposed increased FAR for the Project Site.
Page 60
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
Table 8 — Proposed Project and Land Use Element General Plan Consistency
General Plan Policy Proposed Project
LAND USE ELEMENT
Policy LU --- 2.1 Consistent. The 2023 Proposed Project maintains the
Changes and variations from the Zoning Ordinance in a mix of commercial and residential identified in the 2018
Specific Plan will be offset by high quality design, Specific Plan Amendment.
amenities and mix of land uses.
Policy LU --- 6.2 Consistent. The number of rooms and number of stories
Maintain commercial development standards in the would be same as approved in 2018, and the revisions
Zoning Ordinance, including setbacks, height, pad to increase the building size from 40,500 SF to 73,645
elevations and other design and performance SF as well as the Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan
standards that assure a high quality of development. Specific Plan Amendment to increase the floor area
ratio (FAR) from 0.35 to 0.61 for the hotel in the
Regional Commercial Zone maintains the high-quality
design as envisioned in the 2018 approval. The
proposed SPA for the increased FAR and hotel parking
standards apply only to APN 600-340-060.
4.11.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to Land Use
and Plannine
4.11.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Page 61
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.12 MINERAL RESOURCES
4.12.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
According to the City of La Quinta General Plan, most of the City, including the Project site, lies within
Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ)-1. MRZ-1 lands are areas where adequate information indicates that no
significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood for their presence exists.
According to the La Quinta General Plan Geologic Map, the Project Site contains alluvial sand and clay of
valley areas. Impacts were determined to be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. Impacts would be less than
significant.
4.12.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. I as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to Mineral
Resources
4.12.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Page 62
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XII. MINERAL RESOURCES:
Would the project result in:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
Less Than
mineral resource that would be of value to theNo
Significant
No
No
region and residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
Less Than
No
No
No
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or
Significant
other land use plan?
4.12.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
According to the City of La Quinta General Plan, most of the City, including the Project site, lies within
Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ)-1. MRZ-1 lands are areas where adequate information indicates that no
significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood for their presence exists.
According to the La Quinta General Plan Geologic Map, the Project Site contains alluvial sand and clay of
valley areas. Impacts were determined to be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. Impacts would be less than
significant.
4.12.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. I as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to Mineral
Resources
4.12.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Page 62
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.13 NOISE
Page 63
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Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
Mitigation
2018 TCLQ
More
or
Analysis or
Measure
Initial Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XIII. NOISE:
Would the project result in:
a) Expo wl:e of s t^ ^
Generation of a substantial
Less Than
temporary or permanent increase in
Significant
With
No
No
No
N-1
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of
the project in excess of standards
Mitigation
established in the local general plan
Incorporated
or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
Generation of excessive groundborne
Less Than
No
No
No
None
vibration or groundborne noise
Significant
g
levels?
e) A substantial Rt i
w ^e -se --r in the ^
Referto
(N/A —
(N/A —
(N/A —
(N/A —
bi^.nt level eet
;�;�;�.. ^..^�� ^,,;��;�� ...;},,^„}
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
above
t� ^�^;^rt
#W-�4
XIII(a)
Revised
Revised
Revised
Revised
^ai�;�
Referto
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
ambient
n
�^ 4 ;^+�^rease ^^ein
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
i ^„t }pit ^ ^�+� ejeng ct},;^;^;+„ abeve
XIII(a)
Revised
Revised
Revised
Revised
c) For a project located within the
vicinity of a private airstrip or an
airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within
No Impact
No
No
No
None
two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
f) F9F a eet within the vicinity ..f a
pFivate uldthe ^ eet
Referto
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
expese ^ple Fesiding ^F WeFl-iRg it
Criterion
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
the r ^,.t area to ^
levels?
XIII(c)
Revised
Revised
Revised
Revised
Page 63
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.13.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
A Project -level Noise Impact Analysis report prepared by Urban Crossroads dated July 7, 2017, was
prepared, and is contained in Appendix D of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Project would include
construction of a minimum 6 -foot -high noise barrier to shield the outdoor living areas (backyards) of the
residential lots adjacent to Adams Street.
Project -related construction noise of the hotel is expected to create temporary and intermittent noise
impacts at receivers surrounding the Project Site but was identified to be less than significant because
construction would comply with the City's noise ordinances.
For operational noise, the hotel use was expected to generate stationary -source noise levels from pool
activity, rooftop air conditioning units, a transformer, an emergency backup generator, and parking lot
vehicle movements. These noise sources could potentially result in noise impacts to the proposed
residential land uses that would be located directly south of the hotel site. The calculated combined hourly
noise levels associated with the rooftop air conditioning units, parking lot vehicle movements, park
activity, outdoor pool/spa activity, a pad -mounted transformer, and an emergency backup generator are
expected to range from 32.1 to 48.1 dBA L50 at the sensitive off-site receiver locations. These noise levels
when averaged over a 24-hour period would not exceed the City's exterior noise level standard of 65 dBA
CNEL for residential homes, nor would they exceed the interior noise level standard of 45 dBA CNEL.
Therefore, impacts from the stationary noise sources of the proposed hotel land use on the proposed
residential land uses would be less than significant.
One existing stationary noise source in the Project study area is the Walmart loading docks located
immediately east of the Project Site. Noise -generating activities at Walmart include truck pass by events,
loading and unloading of material, forklift movements, and storage container bin activities.
Mitigation Measure N0I-1 to supply alternate mechanical ventilation for the residential units planned to
the south of the hotel was identified as required to reduce potential truck passing noise impacts from the
Walmart to less than significant levels.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project occurs on the same site as analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. While the
number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the 2023 Proposed Project
includes: an increase in the building size from 40,500 SF to 73,645 SF; reduced parking from the 150 spaces
approved to 125 spaces; and a Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Specific Plan Amendment would be
required to increase the FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 for the hotel parcel in the Regional Commercial (CR) Zone
to implement the 2023 Proposed Project.
Construction noise would remain less than significant because construction would comply with the City's
ordinances.
Page 64
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
Though the building size has been increased by 33,145 SF, or 45 percent increase in density, the stationary -
source noise levels from pool activity, rooftop air conditioning units, a transformer, an emergency backup
generator, and parking lot vehicle movements are anticipated to be similar to what was analyzed in the
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. Noise pass by from the nearby Walmart was identified as more of an impact than
the proposed hotel, and as such Mitigation Measure NOI-1 was required for the residential units planned
for south of the hotel. Any potential impacts to the planned residential units from the increase in the hotel
building size would also be off -set by Mitigation Measure NOI-1.
4.13.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
MM NOI-1 The project shall supply an alternate mechanical Not Applicable. This mitigation measure is
ventilation system for all proposed residential specific to the residential units planned for
units that will permit windows to remain closed the south of the hotel.
for prolonged periods of time.
4.13.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Page 65
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.14 POPULATION AND HOUSING
4.14.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The 2018 Proposed Project includes the construction of 131 medium-high density single-family residential
units and a 125 -room hotel. According to the United States Census Bureau, the average household size in
2016 is 2.6 persons per household. The Project is anticipated to generate approximately 341 new
residents, which is consistent with the population forecast for the City.
The Project Site is vacant and therefore would not displace existing housing or require the construction
of housing elsewhere.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and does not include housing. Hotel patrons
are not considered permanent residents with respect to analyzing impacts on population and housing.
Impacts would be less than significant.
Page 66
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
Mitigation
2018 TCLQ
More
or
Analysis or
Measure
Initial Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING:
Would the project result in:
a) Induce substantial population
growth in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes
Less Than
No
No
No
None
and businesses) or indirectly (for
Significant
g
example, through extension of roads
or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of
existing housing, necessitating the
No Impact
No
No
No
None
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
e) Displace S-Uh-Stantial numbers A
�I'. .-i+-,+i.,,. the(N/A
—
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
peeneee
No Impact
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
Revised
Revised
Revised
Revised
4.14.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
The 2018 Proposed Project includes the construction of 131 medium-high density single-family residential
units and a 125 -room hotel. According to the United States Census Bureau, the average household size in
2016 is 2.6 persons per household. The Project is anticipated to generate approximately 341 new
residents, which is consistent with the population forecast for the City.
The Project Site is vacant and therefore would not displace existing housing or require the construction
of housing elsewhere.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and does not include housing. Hotel patrons
are not considered permanent residents with respect to analyzing impacts on population and housing.
Impacts would be less than significant.
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4.14.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to
Population and Housing.
4.14.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES
4.15.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
While the Proposed Project could potentially result in an increased number of calls for police and fire
services, the nominal increase in population generated by the residential units and hotel would not
require the construction of new police or fire facilities or the expansion of existing facilities to
accommodate new staff or equipment. Therefore, impacts to police and fire protection would be less than
significant.
Because the Project would be required to pay school impact fees in accordance with state law, the
Proposed Project would not result in adverse physical impacts to schools. Therefore, potential impacts
would be less than significant.
The Project would provide adequate recreational facilities to the residents and hotel guests so that the
Project would not increase the demand for nearby recreational facilities. The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
analysis identified that the Project provides 3.2 acres of open space for a total of 0.01 acres of open space
per estimated new resident generated by the housing component, therefore, the Project far exceeds the
Quimby Act and City requirements for open space. Therefore, impacts related to parkland from the Project
would be less than significant.
The residential component of the Proposed Project represents less than a 1 percent increase in the City's
population. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not result in a significant impact to public facilities,
Page 68
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Proposed
Changes
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New
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CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
More Severe
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES:
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:
Less Than
a) Fire Protection?
No
No
No
Significant
Less Than
b) Police Protection?
No
No
No
No
Less Than
c) Schools?
No
No
No
Significant
Less Than
d) Parks?
No
No
No
Significant
Less Than
e) Other Public Facilities
No
No
No
Significant
4.15.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
While the Proposed Project could potentially result in an increased number of calls for police and fire
services, the nominal increase in population generated by the residential units and hotel would not
require the construction of new police or fire facilities or the expansion of existing facilities to
accommodate new staff or equipment. Therefore, impacts to police and fire protection would be less than
significant.
Because the Project would be required to pay school impact fees in accordance with state law, the
Proposed Project would not result in adverse physical impacts to schools. Therefore, potential impacts
would be less than significant.
The Project would provide adequate recreational facilities to the residents and hotel guests so that the
Project would not increase the demand for nearby recreational facilities. The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
analysis identified that the Project provides 3.2 acres of open space for a total of 0.01 acres of open space
per estimated new resident generated by the housing component, therefore, the Project far exceeds the
Quimby Act and City requirements for open space. Therefore, impacts related to parkland from the Project
would be less than significant.
The residential component of the Proposed Project represents less than a 1 percent increase in the City's
population. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not result in a significant impact to public facilities,
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
nor require the development of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities. Impacts to public facilities
would be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and does not include housing or increases in
population. The 2023 Proposed Project proposes the same number of rooms as identified in the 2018
TCLQ Initial Study assessment, therefore, the impacts to public services are the same as previously
analyzed. Impacts would be less than significant.
4.15.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to Public
Services.
4.15.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.16 RECREATION
4.16.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
According to the City's General Plan, La Quinta currently has 218.75 acres of Quimby Act Parkland within
its city limits. The Project does not propose new or physically altered park facilities. The Project involves
construction of 131 residential dwelling units and a 125 -room hotel. As analyzed in the Land Use and
Planning section, the Project is estimated to generate 341 new residents in the City. The Proposed Project
includes 3.2 acres of common open space (active). The Project would provide adequate recreational
amenities within the Project to meet the anticipated activities of the community. Therefore, the potential
impacts associated with recreational facilities would be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and does not include housing or increases in
population. The 2023 Proposed Project proposes the same number of rooms as identified in the 2018
TCLQ Initial Study assessment, therefore, the impacts to public services are the same as previously
analyzed. Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
4.16.2 Mitigation Measures
The 2010 FBSP Initial Study did not identify that mitigation was required to reduce impacts to less than
significant.
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Changes
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Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XVI. RECREATION:
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
Less Than
recreational facilities such that substantialNo
Significant
No
No
physical deterioration of the facility would occur
or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or expansion
Less Than
of recreational facilities which might have an
Significant
No
No
No
adverse physical effect on the environment??
4.16.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
According to the City's General Plan, La Quinta currently has 218.75 acres of Quimby Act Parkland within
its city limits. The Project does not propose new or physically altered park facilities. The Project involves
construction of 131 residential dwelling units and a 125 -room hotel. As analyzed in the Land Use and
Planning section, the Project is estimated to generate 341 new residents in the City. The Proposed Project
includes 3.2 acres of common open space (active). The Project would provide adequate recreational
amenities within the Project to meet the anticipated activities of the community. Therefore, the potential
impacts associated with recreational facilities would be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and does not include housing or increases in
population. The 2023 Proposed Project proposes the same number of rooms as identified in the 2018
TCLQ Initial Study assessment, therefore, the impacts to public services are the same as previously
analyzed. Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
4.16.2 Mitigation Measures
The 2010 FBSP Initial Study did not identify that mitigation was required to reduce impacts to less than
significant.
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Revisions to Mitigation Measures:
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to
Recreation.
4.16.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.17 TRANSPORTATION
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Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
More Severe
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
Impacts?
Verification?
Impacts?
XVII. TRANSPORTATION /TDA:
Would the project:
a) Conflict with aR appIieab4e_pLqgram plan, ordinance or
policy establishing „f „ff,,.+,.,,,ners fee the
penfeFinanee e# addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian
Less Than
facilities? taking ie+e - nt all modes of transportation
, ncludln"g mass transit and nen meterized travel and
.,le nt components of thecirculation s+eincluding
but net limited to intersections, streets, highways e.J
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths and Fnass transit?
i.
Significant
No
No
No
b) Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b){�}?_�en€41e
with an applicable anagemen�ogFa„r
Not
eludingh„+ net limited +e level of rep4ee standards -,ort
tFayel demand Fn ' er ether standards established by
es+ient agency fer designates)
the a my a ., ....
Analyzed
No
No
No
e) Result ehangein aiF+r-,ffie patterns eluding either
N/A—
N/A—
N/A —
.. tFaffie levels or change ie leeatien that
Removed
Removed
Removed
re-SuAS in substantial safety risks?
from
from
from
No Impact
Guidelines,
Guidelines,
Guidelines,
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
Section IX(e)
Section IX(e)
Section IX(e)
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
Less Than
No
No
No
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
Significant
equipment)?
Less Than
d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
Significant
With
No
No
No
Mitigation
Incorporated
f) Genfliet with -glee+est eelieies plans
N/A—
N/A—
N/A —
regarding public transit, bicycle, edestr R facilities,
Removed
Removed
Removed
otherwise decrease the perferr,.,anree A -.r safety of such
Refer to
from
from
from
facilities?
Section
Guidelines,
Guidelines,
Guidelines,
XVII(a)
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
Section
Section
Section
XVII(a)
XVII(a)
XVII(a)
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.17.1 Discussion
This Environmental Subject Area underwent major revisions since the preparation of the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study. While most of the revisions represent combining multiple individual criterion into single criterions
for evaluation, the major revision was to Criterion XVII(b). CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3 provides that
transportation impacts of projects are, in general, best measured by evaluating the project's vehicle miles
traveled (VMT). Automobile delay (often called Level of Service [LOS]) will no longer be considered as an
environmental impact under CEQA, which is reflected in this revised criterion. However, many
jurisdictions, including the City of LaQuinta, continue to use LOS in their General Plans as a benchmark for
satisfactory operation of its roadways while using VMT for CEQA purposes. Because use of VMT was
adopted after the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study, VMT was not studied for the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
A Project -level Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) report was prepared by Urban Crossroads dated November
20, 2017, and is contained in Appendix E of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2018 Proposed Project included
a zone change for a portion of the Project Site from Regional Commercial to residential.
The traffic study identified that the 2018 Proposed Project consisting of a mix of Regional Commercial and
residential would generate 7,748 fewer trip -ends per day with 50 fewer AM peak -hour trips and 661 fewer
PM peak -hour trips compared with the land uses and intensities that could occur under the current
General Plan designations where the entire Project Site was zoned Regional Commercial.
All impacts were determined to be less than significant or no impact, except for threshold XVII (d) relative
to emergency access. For that threshold it was determined that Regional access to the Project Site is
provided via Highway 111 and the 1-10 Freeway via Washington Street.
Access to the Project Site would be provided to Adams Street, Auto Centre Drive, and La Quinta Drive via
the following driveways:
• Adams Street via Via Grazianna/Driveway 1 (full access)
• Auto Center Way via Driveway 2 (full access)
• Auto Centre Drive via Driveway 3 (full access)
• La Quinta Drive via Driveway 4 (full access)
Implementation of Mitigation Measure TRANS -1 to develop roadways to City standards was
recommended to address site access improvements for the Project. With the implementation of
Mitigation Measure TRANS -1, the Project's impacts to adequate emergency access would be reduced to
a less than significant level.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project would occur within the footprint of the Project analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ
Initial Study. While the number of rooms and number of stories would be same as approved in 2018, the
2023 Proposed Project includes the following: the building size would increase from 40,500 SF to 73,645
SF; parking would be reduced from the 150 spaces approved to 125 spaces; and a Centre at La Quinta
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Specific Plan Specific Plan Amendment would be required to increase the FAR from 0.35 to 0.61 for the
Regional Commercial (CR) Zone to implement the 2023 Proposed Project.
Given that the number of hotel rooms available would not change, it is assumed that the traffic generated
by the hotel room would remain unchanged from that which was analyzed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Specific Plan Amendment — Hotel Parking
The issue of parking is not addressed by a CEQA threshold. However, the 2023 Proposed Project includes
a Specific Plan Amendment to add a specific "Hotel Parking" category to the Specific Plan Section 3.1.2 —
Standards, specifically, Table 3.1: Development Standards - Regional Commercial. Therefore, to assess the
Proposed Specific Plan Amendment to add requirements for "Hotel Parking," a parking and traffic
consistency study was conducted for the 2023 Proposed Project (Appendix C - La Quinta Parking and
Traffic Consistency Study (JN 0232-0023), prepared by Trames Solutions, Inc, October 26, 2022).
The study in Appendix C identifies that based on the City's parking requirements 138 spaces would be
required for the hotel. The Project's proposal to only provide 125 parking spaces would leave a shortfall
of 13 spaces. However, the study in Appendix C analyzed the parking requirements using the Institute of
Transportation Engineers, which resulted in the hotel only needing 124 spaces, leaving a surplus of one
space. The study in Appendix C noted that due to the studies performed by the Institute of Transportation
Engineers and parking rates from other nearby cities, the parking demands for the 125 -room hotel would
range from 107 to 125 parking spaces. Furthermore, due to the convenience and cost savings of ride
sharing, a further reduction in the parking demand can be assumed. Therefore, 125 spaces were deemed
adequate. Therefore, the impacts of adding a "Hotel Parking" requirement to the Specific Plan's design
standards would be less than significant.
Vehicle Miles Traveled
The City adopted a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Policy in June 2020 which outlined the thresholds of
significance for the purposes of analyzing transportation impacts in accordance with CEQA. Projects would
be exempted from having to prepare a VMT analysis if it met certain criteria based on land use type,
transit priority area, and the project being in a low VMT area. These types are exempted as they are
presumed to have a less than significant impact on the environment.
The Proposed Project is consistent with the transit priority screening criterion 1 — Has a floor area ratio
(FAR) of less than 0.75. The Proposed Project has a FAR of 0.61. Therefore, the Project would not conflict
or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b) relative to VMT.
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4.17.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures
MM TRANS- Curb -and -gutter and sidewalk improvements
1 are in place but shall be modified accordingly,
based on proposed driveway locations.
The project shall construct curb -and -gutter
and sidewalk improvements along the
project's western boundary along the
southern extension of Auto Center Way.
Adams Street & Driveway 1—Modify the
raised median to provide the following
storage lengths:
- Southbound Left -Turn Lane:
Improve the raised median to
provide a pocket length of 100 feet
to meet City standards for
deceleration lanes and to allow
right-in/right-out and left -in access
only.
Auto Center Way & Driveway 2—
Construct the intersection with the
following:
- Construct east leg to facilitate
ingress and egress access to the
proposed hotel.
Driveway 3 & Auto Centre Drive—
Construct the intersection with the
following:
- Construct south leg to facilitate
ingress and egress access to the
proposed hotel.
- Westbound left -turn lane: provide a
minimum of 50 feet of storage
within the existing two -way -left turn
lane (painted median).
La Quinta Drive & Driveway 4—
Construct the intersection with the
following:
- Construct west leg to facilitate
ingress and egress access to the
proposed residential use.
- Northbound left -turn lane: provide a
minimum of 50 feet of storage
within the existing two -way -left turn
lane (painted median).
Page 75
June 2023
Applicable/Not Applicable
Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project would
construct roadway improvements that are
specific to the hotel, per the direction of the
City. The 2023 Proposed Project includes
driveway approaches along Auto Center Drive
and Auto Center Way South. There is existing
sidewalk and curb and gutter along Auto Center
Drive, which would remain. New sidewalk and
curb and gutter are planned for Auto Center
Way South. Additionally, the Project will be
conditioned to dedicate ROW per the City's
direction.
The design of the Proposed Project implements
Driveways 2 and 3 as identified in MM TRANS -
1.
Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007 lune 2023
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.17.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.18 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.18.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Tribal Cultural Resources (TCRs) can include wood, stone, foundations, and other structural remains;
debris-filled wells or privies; and deposits of wood, glass, ceramics, and other refuse. The general area has
been shown to be highly archaeologically sensitive for both prehistoric and historic resources. The
abundance of previously recorded cultural resources within the immediate vicinity of the Project area
exhibits no clear distribution pattern, which is due to the proximity of the Project area to the boundaries
of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Furthermore, four resources (two historic and two prehistoric) have been
previously recorded within the Project area, indicating that the subject parcel itself has a high sensitivity
to produce both historic and prehistoric resources. However, these were determined to be ineligible for
the National Register or California Register and were destroyed because of previous excavations on-site.
The City conducted consultations consistent with Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) and Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) with
tribes as designated by Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The Viejas Tribal Government
responded that the Project Site has little cultural significance to the Viejas Tribal Government. The
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians responded that they were unaware of specific cultural resources that
may be affected by the Proposed Project.
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Proposed
Changes
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New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ Initial
More
or
Analysis or
Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES:
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California
Native American tribe, and that is:
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
No Impact
No
No
No
register of historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
Less Than
No
No
No
5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
Significant
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.
4.18.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Tribal Cultural Resources (TCRs) can include wood, stone, foundations, and other structural remains;
debris-filled wells or privies; and deposits of wood, glass, ceramics, and other refuse. The general area has
been shown to be highly archaeologically sensitive for both prehistoric and historic resources. The
abundance of previously recorded cultural resources within the immediate vicinity of the Project area
exhibits no clear distribution pattern, which is due to the proximity of the Project area to the boundaries
of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Furthermore, four resources (two historic and two prehistoric) have been
previously recorded within the Project area, indicating that the subject parcel itself has a high sensitivity
to produce both historic and prehistoric resources. However, these were determined to be ineligible for
the National Register or California Register and were destroyed because of previous excavations on-site.
The City conducted consultations consistent with Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) and Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) with
tribes as designated by Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The Viejas Tribal Government
responded that the Project Site has little cultural significance to the Viejas Tribal Government. The
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians responded that they were unaware of specific cultural resources that
may be affected by the Proposed Project.
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The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians responded to the AB 52 consultation letter that although the
Project Site is outside of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians territory, it is within the Tribe's
Traditional Use Area and therefore requested that an archaeological monitor be present during ground
disturbing activities.
Mitigation Measures TRI -1, TRI -2, and TRI -3 were determined to be required to address all tribes'
requests and ensure that the Project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of
a tribal cultural resource.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The 2023 Proposed Project occurs on the same site assessed by the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. Because the
2023 Proposed Project includes a Specific Plan Amendment, the City conducted an SB 18 consultation.
Only one tribe (Agua Caliente) has responded with interest in scheduling an agency -to -agency meeting.
The City responded by sending them a copy of the latest cultural resources information, including the
mitigation measures identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Agua Caliente tribe indicated that
implementation of Mitigation measures TRI -1, TRI -2 and TRI -3 continued to be sufficient to address their
concerns.
4.18.2 Mitigation Measures
2018
TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures
Applicable/Not Applicable
MM TRI -1
Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the
Applicable. The 2023 Project Site is the
applicant shall retain the services of a qualified
same as analyzed in 2018, and for which,
archaeologist and Tribal Monitor. Copies of
through tribal consultation, the mitigation
contracts with monitoring archaeologists and
measure was determined to continue to be
Tribal Monitors shall be provided to the City prior
necessary to address unanticipated tribal
to the issuance of any ground -disturbing permit.
resources.
Full-time archaeological monitoring shall be
conducted by a qualified archaeologist for
excavations that will exceed 3 feet in depth. In
the event that buried cultural resources are
discovered during construction, the
archaeologist shall be permitted to stop
construction operations within 50 feet of the find
and the Applicant and/or the Applicant's
representative shall immediately notify the City.
The archaeologist shall determine whether the
finding requires further study. The Applicant
shall include a standard inadvertent discovery
clause in every construction contract to inform
contractors of this requirement. The
archaeologist shall make recommendations
concerning appropriate measures that will be
implemented to protect the resource(s),
including but not limited to excavation and
evaluation of the finds in accordance with
Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines. Any
previously undiscovered resources found during
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June 2023
1. There shall be no further excavation or
disturbance of the site, or any nearby
area reasonably suspected to overlie
adjacent human remains until the
County Coroner is contacted to
determine if the remains are Native
American and if an investigation of the
cause of death is reauired. If the
Page 79
construction within the project area should be
recorded on appropriate Department of Parks
and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms and evaluated
for significance in terms of CEQA criteria. The
archaeologist shall provide the City with a report
of all monitoring activities within 30 days of
completion of these activities.
MM TRI -2
Prior to any ground -disturbing activities, the
Applicable. The 2023 Project Site is the
applicant shall retain the services of a qualified
same as analyzed in 2018, and for which,
geologist or paleontologist. Full-time monitoring
through tribal consultation, the mitigation
shall be conducted for all excavations that
measure was determined to continue to be
exceed 3 feet in depth. In the event that
necessary to address unanticipated tribal
paleontological resources are discovered during
resources.
construction, the paleontologist shall be
permitted to stop construction operations within
50 feet of the find and the Applicant and/or the
Applicant's representative shall immediately
notify the City. The paleontologist shall
determine whether the finding requires further
study. The Applicant shall include a standard
inadvertent discovery clause in every
construction contract to inform contractors of
this requirement. The paleontologist shall make
recommendations concerning appropriate
measures that will be implemented to protect
the resource(s), including but not limited to
excavation and evaluation of the finds in
accordance with the Society of Vertebrate
Paleontology Guidelines. Any fossils recovered
during mitigation shall be deposited in an
accredited and permanent scientific institution.
The paleontologist shall provide the City with a
report of all monitoring activities within 30 days
of completion of these activities.
MM TRI -3
In the event of the accidental discovery of any
Applicable. The 2023 Project Site is the
human remains on the project, CEQA Guidelines
same as analyzed in 2018, and for which,
Section 15064.5; Health and Safety Code Section
through tribal consultation, the mitigation
7050.5; and Public Resources Code (PRC)
measure was determined to continue to be
Sections 5097.94 and 5097.98 must be followed.
necessary to address unanticipated tribal
If during the course of project development
resources.
there is accidental discovery of any human
remains, the following steps shall be taken:
1. There shall be no further excavation or
disturbance of the site, or any nearby
area reasonably suspected to overlie
adjacent human remains until the
County Coroner is contacted to
determine if the remains are Native
American and if an investigation of the
cause of death is reauired. If the
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coroner determines the remains to be
Native American, the coroner shall
contact the Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours,
and the NAHC shall identify the person
or persons it believes to be the "most
likely descendant" (MLD) of the
deceased Native American. The MLD
may make recommendations to the
landowner or the person responsible for
the excavation work, for means of
treating or disposing of, with
appropriate dignity, the human
remains, and any associated grave
goods as provided in Public Resource
Code Section 5097.98, Environmental
Issues.
4.18.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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4.19 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Page 81
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ Initial
More
or
Analysis or
Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS:
Would the project:
a)E)(.,.,ed -..-+,,,.,-,teFtFeat,....ent F .,ts A
(N/A—
(N/A—
(N/A—
the applue,"'^ Regienal ` ateF QUality G^
Removed
Removed
Removed
No Impact
from
from
from
Guidelines)
Guidelines)
Guidelines)
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction
of new or expanded water, or wastewater
treatment or storm water drainage, electric power,
No Impact
natural gas, or telecommunications facilities e -r
and Less Than
No
No
No
expansien .,f existing facil the construction or
Significant
relocation of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
b) Req sire ^ „I+ in the c .,,-+.-, �e+ffieR of ..
No
StE)existing FFf.., facilities, +a,^ chitE01954,, s 9F , f .nsie, „I ,
Impact
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
eause ifi, ant ^ ntal ^ffeets?
Revised)
Revised)
Revised)
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
Less Than
development during normal, dry, and multiple dryNo
Significant
No
No
years f. -..m existing enti+l.,m. nts -and FesewFees, e+
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
Less Than
project that it has adequate capacity to serve theNo
Significant
No
No
project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
Less Than
Significant
No
No
No
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment
of solid waste reduction goals? Remi.
dila with Seffie+ee peFFnitted eapare+ty to
..-date the er+'.- ^lid - ste di, -^l sal
needs?
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
No Impact
No
No
No
regulations related to solid waste?
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4.19.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Wastewater Facilities and Demand
Sanitary sewer collection and treatment facilities are provided by the CVWD within most of the City. There
are existing sewer mains in Adams Street and Auto Center Drive to which the Project would connect to.
The CVWD determined it had sufficient capacity to service the Project. Additionally, the Project would pay
a connection fee that would financially assist toward future expansion and upgrading wastewater
drainage infrastructure if required. Impacts to wastewater connection and service were determined to be
less than significant.
As stated in the General Plan EIR, it is assumed that domestic wastewater flows are equivalent to the
potable water demand projections. Therefore, the Project, consisting of 131 residential units and a 125 -
room hotel would generate 66.04 acre-feet of wastewater per year, or 58,957 gallons per day. The amount
of wastewater generated by the Project would account for a nominal 1.47 percent of the remaining
capacity of the Mid -Valley Water Reclamation Plant (WRP-4). The impacts would be less than significant.
Stormwater Facilities and Demand
Pursuant to the WQMP, the Project would be required to implement stormwater best management
practices that limit the volume and flow of stormwater to the municipal storm sewer system (Appendix F
of the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study). Therefore, overall, impacts would be less than significant.
Water Facilities and Demand
The commercial development permitted under the current zoning (Regional Commercial with floor area
ratio of 0.35) would be 335,412 square feet in size. The water demand of a corporate building (permitted
under the existing Regional Commercial zone) would be 12.78 acre-feet per year (34g/sf/day x 335.412
ksf x 365 = 4,162,462 gallons, or 12.78 acre-feet).
Although the Project would result in increased water usage beyond existing conditions (since the site is
currently vacant) and what was planned under the City's General Plan, the increased water demand only
accounts for a negligible amount of CVWD's water supply. No new or expanded water supply entitlements
would be needed. Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
Solid Waste Facilities and Demand
The City has a solid waste service agreement with Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC for the
collection and transport of solid waste to landfill sites. The Edom Hill Transfer Station accepts solid waste
from the City. All waste received at the Edom Hill Transfer Station is transferred to one of three landfills:
Lambs Canyon Landfill near Beaumont, Badlands Landfill near Moreno Valley, and EI Sobrante Landfill
near Corona. According to the CalRecycle Estate Solid Waste Generation rates website, the 125 -room
hotel would generate 250 pounds of solid waste per day (2pounds/room/day).The residential
development would generate 1,602 pounds of solid waste per day (12.23lbs/household/day)33. In total,
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the Project would generate 1,852 pounds of solid waste per day. The three existing landfills described
above would have long-term capacity sufficient for expected solid waste generated by the Project, and
Burrtec plans to provide service to accommodate future development. Impacts were less than significant.
Solid waste disposal services must follow federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to the
collection of solid waste. Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and proposes the same number of rooms as
identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study assessment, therefore, the impacts to utilities and service systems
are the same as previously analyzed. Impacts would be less than significant.
4.19.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. I as 2018 Proposed Project with respect to Utilities
and Service Systems.
4.19.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.20 WILDFIRE
4.20.1 Discussion
An analysis of the wildfire risk was not required by the CEQA Guidelines at the time the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study was prepared and therefore was not analyzed. However, the wildfire risk was known at the time of
the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and is covered briefly by Guidelines Criterion IX(g) which evaluated a Project's
potential hazard to expose people and structures to wildfire. The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that
the Project Site is located within an urban area and not adjacent to wildlands. In addition, according to
the CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, the Project Site is not located within a Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Therefore, Project implementation would not expose people or structures
to a significant risk involving wild land fires.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and proposes the same number of rooms as
identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study assessment, therefore, the impacts to utilities and service systems
are the same as previously analyzed. Impacts would be less than significant.
Page 84
Do the
Proposed
New
New
Impact
Changes
Circumstances
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ
More
or
Analysis or
Initial Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XX. WILDFIRE:
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones,
Would the project:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
Not
Analyzed
No
No
No
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
Not
Analyzed
No
No
No
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to, pollutant concentrations from
a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of wildfire?
c) Require the installation or maintenance of
Not
Analyzed
No
No
No
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks,
emergency water sources, power lines or other
utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may
result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the
environment?
d) Expose people or structures to significant risks,
Not
Analyzed
No
No
No
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post -fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?
4.20.1 Discussion
An analysis of the wildfire risk was not required by the CEQA Guidelines at the time the 2018 TCLQ Initial
Study was prepared and therefore was not analyzed. However, the wildfire risk was known at the time of
the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study and is covered briefly by Guidelines Criterion IX(g) which evaluated a Project's
potential hazard to expose people and structures to wildfire. The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that
the Project Site is located within an urban area and not adjacent to wildlands. In addition, according to
the CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, the Project Site is not located within a Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Therefore, Project implementation would not expose people or structures
to a significant risk involving wild land fires.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and proposes the same number of rooms as
identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study assessment, therefore, the impacts to utilities and service systems
are the same as previously analyzed. Impacts would be less than significant.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.20.2 Mitigation Measures
2018 TCLQ Initial Study Mitigation Measures I Applicable/Not Applicable
No mitigation measures were required to reduce impacts Applicable. The 2023 Proposed Project is the same
because all impacts were less than significant. I as 2018 Proposed Proiect with respect to Wildfire.
4.20.3 Conclusion
The Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously approved
2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the implementation of
the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and no new information
has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
4.21 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
4.21.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Implementation of the 2018 Proposed Project was determined not degrade the quality of the
environment; substantially reduce the habitats of fish or wildlife species; cause a fish or wildlife population
to drop below self-sustaining levels; threatens to eliminate a plant or animals; or eliminate important
examples of major periods of California history or prehistory with the incorporation of the identified
mitigation measures.
The Air Quality and Transportation/Traffic analyses presented in Section 3 and Section 16, respectively, of
2018 TCLQ Initial Study considered cumulative impacts and determined that cumulative air quality and
traffic impacts would be less than significant. The 2018 Proposed Project would have less than significant
Page 86
Do the
New
Impact
Proposed
Changes
Circumstances
New
Information
CEQA THRESHOLDS
Conclusion in
Involve New or
Involving New
Requiring New
2018 TCLQ Initial
More
or
Analysis or
Study
Severe
More Severe
Verification?
Impacts?
Impacts?
XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE:
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a
Less Than
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
Significant
population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
With
No
No
No
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community,
Mitigation
substantially reduce the number or restrict the
Incorporated
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 impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively considerable?
Less Than
("Cumulatively considerable" means that the
Significant
incremental effects of a project are considerable
With
No
No
No
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
Mitigation
projects, the effects of other current projects, and
Incorporated
the effects of probable future projects)?
Less Than
c) Does the project have environmental effects
Significant
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
With
No
No
No
Mitigation
Incorporated
4.21.1 Discussion
Summary of 2018 TCLQ Initial Study
Implementation of the 2018 Proposed Project was determined not degrade the quality of the
environment; substantially reduce the habitats of fish or wildlife species; cause a fish or wildlife population
to drop below self-sustaining levels; threatens to eliminate a plant or animals; or eliminate important
examples of major periods of California history or prehistory with the incorporation of the identified
mitigation measures.
The Air Quality and Transportation/Traffic analyses presented in Section 3 and Section 16, respectively, of
2018 TCLQ Initial Study considered cumulative impacts and determined that cumulative air quality and
traffic impacts would be less than significant. The 2018 Proposed Project would have less than significant
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The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
impacts to all other resource areas discussed in the analysis section, above. No additional mitigation
measures would be required to reduce cumulative impacts to less than significant levels.
Previous sections of this Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration reviewed the Project's potential
impacts related to air quality, geology/soils, hazards/hazardous materials, noise, vibration, and other
environmental issue areas that could impact human beings. Implementation would not displace or
otherwise significantly impact existing residences. As concluded in these previous discussions, the 2018
Project would result in less than significant environmental impacts with implementation of project design
features, conditions, and recommended mitigation measures. Therefore, with implementation of the
specified mitigation, the project would cause less than significant adverse effects on human beings.
2023 Proposed Project Analysis
The Project Site is in the same area as assessed in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The 2023 Proposed Project
is related to the hotel element of the 2018 Proposed Project and proposes the same number of rooms as
identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study assessment.
And though the hotel size and FAR would increase, the impacts would be the same as identified in the
2018 TCLQ Initial Study because the primary environmental categories which would be applicable to the
increased FAR include stormwater controls, noise, and aesthetics. This analysis identified that the 2023
Project would comply with the latest stormwater management controls; noise was determined to be the
same as the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study because the number of rooms were the same; and the building would
be designed using high quality materials and architectural treatments thereby reducing the potential
aesthetic impacts. Overall, the 2023 Proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts on
humans.
All applicable mitigation measures identified in the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study apply to the 2023 Proposed
Project and were determined adequate and feasible to reduce the 2023 Proposed Project impacts.
4.21.2 Conclusions
The 2018 TCLQ Initial Study identified that all resource topics associated with the Project were analyzed
in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines and found to pose no impact, less than significant impact, or
less than significant impact with mitigation.
The 2023 Proposed Project would not result in any impacts beyond those identified in the previously
approved 2018 TCLQ Initial Study. The Proposed Project contains no substantial changes to the
implementation of the TCLQ Specific Plan, there have been no substantial changes in circumstances, and
no new information has become available, not known and could not have been known, at the time that
2018 TCLQ Initial Study was approved, that would require major revisions to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study.
Therefore, none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for preparation of
a subsequent EIR have occurred with respect to any of the Environmental Subject Areas in the most
current CEQA Guidelines.
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CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 sets out the conditions in which an adopted MND can be revised or
amended:
(a) The lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously certified EIR if some
changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for
preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.
(b) An addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor technical changes or
additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation
of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred.
(c) An addendum need not be circulated for public review but can be included in or attached to the final
EIR or adopted negative declaration.
(d) The decision-making body shall consider the addendum with the final EIR or adopted negative
declaration prior to making a decision on the project.
(e) A brief explanation of the decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR pursuant to Section 15162 should
be included in an addendum to an EIR, the lead agency's required findings on the project or elsewhere
in the record. The explanation must be supported by substantial evidence.
Based on this analysis, all the conditions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 have been met, and an
Addendum to the 2018 TCLQ Initial Study is the appropriate document to approve the Proposed Project.
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CZ) Associates lune 2023
Appendix A
La Quinta Hampton Inn Air Quality, Global Climate Change, and
Energy Impact Analysis
Ganddini Group, Inc
June 13, 2023
Christine Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007
Saunders The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
CZ) Associates lune 2023
Appendix B-1
Hydrology Study for La Qunita Hampton Inn
Woodard Group
April 2022
Christine Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007
Saunders The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
CZ) Associates lune 2023
Appendix B-2
Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan for Greens Group
APN 600-340-060
Woodard Group
April 2022
Christine Site Development Permit No. SDP2022-0007
Saunders The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan 97-029 Amendment No. 6 - SP2022-0003
The Centre at La Quinta Specific Plan Initial Study Addendum No. 1
CZ) Associates lune 2023
Appendix C
La Quinta Parking and Traffic Consistency Study (JN 0232-0023)
Trames Solutions, Inc
October 26, 2022