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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-10 - RESOLUTIONS - MC 18-089 BOUQUET PROJ (2)RESOLUTION NO.20-77 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE 18-089 (ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW 18-010; CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 18-004; DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 18-009; HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (CLASS 4) 18-001; LANDSCAPE PLAN REVIEW 19-017; OAK TREE PERMIT (CLASS 4) 19-003; RIDGELINE ALTERATION PERMIT 18-001; AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 82126) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOUQUET CANYON PROJECT IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: a. An application for Master Case 18-089, the Bouquet Canyon Project (Project), was filed by the project applicant, Bouquet Canyon Project Owner, LLC (applicant), with the City of Santa Clarita (City) on May 1, 2018, and deemed complete on May 31, 2018. The property for which this application was filed (hereinafter "Project site") is located east of Bouquet Canyon Road and south of Copper Hill Drive, in the community of Saugus; Assessor's Parcel Numbers: 2812-008-003, -008, -013, -021, -022, -031, -900, 2812-038-002, and 2812- 022-031. The entitlement requests (collectively, "Entitlements") include: 1. Architectural Design Review 18-010 for the review of the proposed building design, styles, and forms. 2. Conditional Use Permit 18-004 to allow for the gating of private roadways, multiple - family (multifamily) development in the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) zone, and for Cluster Development. 3. Development Review 18-009 for the review of the proposed physical design and layout of the Project. 4. Hillside Development Review (Class 4) 18 001 to allow for development on property with an average cross -slope in excess of 10 percent. 5. Landscape Plan Review 19-017 for the review of the proposed landscape plan. 6. Oak Tree Permit (Class 4) 19-003 to allow for the removal of 26 non -heritage sized oak trees, the major encroachment of one oak tree, and the minor encroachment of two oak trees. 7. Ridge line Alteration Permit 18-001 to allow for the development within the Ridgeline Preservation (RP) Overlay Zone. 8. Tentative Tract Map 82126 to subdivide the 74.66-acre Project site into 19 lots. In addition, the residential lots, within the subdivision, would have the ability to create condominium units with a maximum of 375 residential units. b. The Project site is located in the developed community of Saugus along the northern edge of the City, on the eastside of Bouquet Canyon Road and south of Copper Hill Drive. The total development footprint, which includes off -site grading, would cover approximately 74.66 acres. The Project site is designated primarily of the Urban Residential 2 (UR2), Urban Residential 5 (UR5), and Neighborhood Commercial (CN) zones, in addition to areas within the Open Space (OS) and Public/Institution (PI) zones with identical corresponding zone district classifications. The UR2 land use designation is intended for neighborhoods or communities of single-family homes and other residential uses at a maximum density of five dwelling units per one acre. The UR5 land use designation provides for medium- to high - density apartment and condominium complexes in areas easily accessible to transportation, employment, retail, and other urban services. Allowable uses in this designation include multifamily dwellings at a minimum density of 18 dwelling units per one acre and a maximum density of 30 dwelling units per one acre. The CN land use designation provides for small neighborhood commercial districts that serve the short-term needs of residents in the immediate area. Multifamily dwellings may be permitted in this zone with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The areas on the Project site, that are designated as OS and PI zones, would be primarily used for the construction of a new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road, to follow the general alignment identified in the City's General Plan Circulation Element. c. The Project site consists of undeveloped land, covered by a mixture of natural and altered landscapes, prominent hills in the western side, and a stream course flowing from east to west in the northern part of the site. Steep slopes and a prominent ridgeline define the site topography in the western portion of the Project site, while lower, relatively flat land is found in the eastern portion of the Project site. The ridgeline area is identified as a Significant Ridgeline in the General Plan Conservation Element. Bouquet Creek is an ephemeral stream that flows east to west through the northern edge of the site. It is mapped as a floodplain and classified as a 100-year flood hazard zone by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Project site contains a total of 64 oak trees, none of which is designated as a "Heritage" oak tree under the City's Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance. The central portion of the Project site, zoned UR5, is identified in the General Plan Housing Element as a suitable site. d. The surrounding land uses include a mixture of residential uses to the north, west, and south, vacant open space to the south, commercial uses (Canyon Center and Plum Commerce Center) to the southwest, and the Los Angeles County Probation Department Camp Joseph Scott to the east. There is a 2.74-acre parcel that is owned by another party and developed with a single-family residence near the western site boundary, opposite Fan Court, that is not part of the Project site. e. The Project includes the development of a residential community consisting of up to 375 attached and detached, two-story, for -sale housing units located within five distinct neighborhoods (Planning Areas) summarized as follows: Planning Area 1 (PA-D: Single -Family Detached PA-1 is located on the western side of the Project site and is divided into two sections: north and south. The north section consists of nine units with a gated entry and cul-de-sac that provides access from the existing Bouquet Canyon Road, opposite Pam Court. The south section consists of 43 units with access from the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road. A two-lane street would be located between PA-1, Planning Area 2 (PA-2), and Planning Area 3 (PA-3), along the new segment of Page 2of16 Bouquet Canyon Road. Two gated entries would be located at the end of the street with the west gate granting access to PA-1 and the east gate granting access to PA-2 and PA-3. The homes would be designed as two-story structures, with attached, two - car garages on lot sizes averaging 2,447 square feet. Three model types are proposed ranging from three to five bedrooms and three to five baths, with approximately 2,307 to 2,543 square feet of living area. Planning Area I PA-1A): Single -Family Detached PA- 1A is located on the southern side of the Project site and directly east of the Canyon Center commercial center. A gated entry and cul-de-sac are located immediately north of the northern end of the Canyon Center commercial center to provide access from the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road. PA -IA consists of 12 units. The homes would be designed similar to the homes in PA-1. • Planning Area 2 (PA-2): Single -Family Detached/Eight-Pack Cluster PA-2 is located in the center of the Project site and would be accessed through a two- lane street shared between PA-1, PA-2, and PA-3, along the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road. Access to PA-2 would be through a gated entry, which is also shared with PA-3. PA-2 consists of 136 units. The homes would be designed as two-story structures, generally in clusters of eight units (with varying configurations), with attached, two -car garages on lot sizes averaging 1,635 square feet. Four model types are proposed ranging from three to four bedrooms and two to three baths, with approximately 1,498 to 1,801 square feet of total living area. • Planning Area 3 (PA-3): Attached Backyard Towns PA-3 is located on the southern side of the Project site and would be accessed through the two-lane street shared between PA-1, PA-2, and PA-3, along the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road. Access to PA-3 would be through a gated entry, which is also shared with PA-2. PA-3 consists of 90 units. The homes would be designed as two- story, townhome structures with attached, two -car garages, in groups of three attached homes, arranged around a common driveway, and include private backyards. Model types are proposed ranging from three to four bedrooms and three baths, with approximately 1,606 to 1,679 square feet of total living area. Plannine Area 4 (PA-4): Attached Rowtowns with Carriage Units PA-4 is located on the northern side of the Project site. Two driveways along the existing Bouquet Canyon Road would provide access to PA-4. Entry gates are not proposed for PA-4. PA-4 consists of 85 units. The homes would be designed as two- story, townhome structures, with four to seven attached homes in each "row." Each home would have its own attached, two -car garage. Four model types are proposed ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and approximately 721 to 1,521 square feet of total living area. The Project includes amenities such as a recreation center, private and public park areas, trails, and a public trailhead with a parking lot. It also includes roadway improvements and a new drainage system. The Project would require alteration of a significant ridgeline for the construction of a new alignment of Bouquet Canyon Road, in accordance with the City's Page 3 of 16 Circulation Element objectives. Roadway improvements include the closure of a portion of Bouquet Canyon Road between Pam Court and Hob Avenue, the closure of a portion of David Way for the extension of Copper Hill Drive, and removal of the bridge over Bouquet Creek in order to construct a linear park. The Project includes the construction of a new drainage channel that runs parallel to Bouquet Creek and the restoration and revegetation of the existing Bouquet Creek into a low -flow drainage channel. The Project would require approximately two million cubic yards of earthwork to be balanced across the site. The Project would require the removal of 26 non -heritage -sized oak trees and the major encroachment of one oak tree. f. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Public Resources Code, §21000 et seq.), the City of Santa Clarita is the lead agency and the City Council is the decision -making body for the Project. The City's Planning Commission is a recommending body for the Project. g. The City determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared for the Project. The City determined that the following areas must be addressed in the EIR for the Project: aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy consumption, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, public services, transportation/traffic, tribal cultural resources, utilities and service systems, and wildfire. h. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Project EIR was circulated to affected agencies, pursuant to CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), for 45 days, beginning on December 4, 2018, and ending on January 18, 2019. Agencies that received the NOP include, but are not limited to, the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, South Coast Air Quality Management District, law enforcement agencies, school districts, waste haulers, water agencies, and utility companies serving the Santa Clarita Valley in accordance with CEQA's consultation requirements. Comments from public agencies, organizations, and members of the public were received in response to the NOP for the Project. i. A scoping meeting was held at Santa Clarita City Hall on January 9, 2019, to obtain information from the public as to issues that should be addressed in the EIR. Notice of the scoping meeting was published in The Signal newspaper on December 4, 2018. Six people attended the scoping meeting. The topics of concern that were raised at the meeting included traffic, noise, dust, air quality, flood and drainage, and a transparent process. The original Project application, received on May 1, 2018, included a subdivision of 70 lots and the development of 461 residential units located in five planning areas. The architectural designs of the units included two- and three-story homes. After receiving input from the surrounding residents and comments throughout the Development Review Committee (DRC) review process, the applicant decided to decrease the proposed number of units from 461 to 375 and lower the heights of the homes to two stories. k. A site tour of the Project site with the Planning Commission was originally scheduled for April 8, 2020; however, due to COVID-19 measures, the site tour was cancelled. A Page 4 of 16 memorandum, dated April 29, 2020, was sent to the Planning Commission, which included a project description, area maps, site maps, and photo simulations for review. 1. The City prepared a Draft EIR for the Bouquet Canyon Project that addressed all issues raised in comments received on the NOP. The Draft EIR was circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public, in compliance with CEQA. Specifically, the Notice of Availability/Notice of Completion for the Draft EIR was advertised on April 4, 2020, filed and posted on April 6, 2020, and the 60-day public review period ended on June 5, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., in accordance with CEQA regulations. Staff received written comments throughout the comment period, as well as oral testimony at the June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020, and August 18, 2020, Planning Commission meetings for the Project. m. The Planning Commission public hearings for the Project were duly noticed in accordance with the noticing requirements for each of the Entitlements. The Project was advertised in The Signal, through on -site posting prior to the hearing, and by direct first-class mailing to property owners within 1,000 feet of the Project site. In addition, the date and time of each public hearing was posted on the two signs posted at the Project site. n. The Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public meeting on the Project on June 2, 2020. The Planning Commission meeting, along with the subsequent meetings, were conducted remotely, consistent with public health orders issued by the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. These meetings were held at Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at or after 6:00 p.m. The meetings were conducted via Zoom, livestreamed through the City's website, and broadcast on SCVTV Channel 20. o. On June 2, 2020, the Planning Commission opened the public hearing for the Project and received a presentation from staff on the project setting, requested entitlements, and project description. Staff also made a detailed presentation on the Draft EIR Sections (Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Energy Consumption, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, Public Services, Transportation/Traffic, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities and Service Systems, Wildfire, and Project Alternatives). In addition, the Planning Commission received a presentation from the applicant and public testimony regarding the Project. The Planning Commission provided staff direction to bring the Bouquet Canyon Project back to the Planning Commission at the July 7, 2020, meeting with the following: 1) additional information regarding various discussion topics, including traffic, drainage, the proposed row -house designs, emergency egress, recreational facilities, and bicycle parking, and 2) a draft resolution and Conditions of Approval for the Planning Commission to consider. In addition to the applicant, there were three speakers in favor of the Project and one public speaker who was opposed to the Project. There were seven written comments opposed to and nine written comments in favor of the Project submitted to the Commission at the meeting. The Planning Commission closed the public hearing and continued the item to the July 7, 2020, Planning Commission meeting. p. On July 7, 2020, the Planning Commission continued the public meeting to the August 18, 2020, meeting to allow for additional time for staff and the applicant to respond to the Project comments and the comments received during the EIR comment period. One speaker Page 5 of 16 provided comment on the Project expressing concerns over various technical aspects of the Project, as well as expressing concerns over the June 2, 2020, meeting being conducted remotely via Zoom. q. On August 18, 2020, the Planning Commission continued the public meeting to a date uncertain, per the request of the applicant, to allow for additional time to finalize Project details. One speaker provided comment on the Project expressing concerns over riparian habitat, ridgeline alteration, groundwater recharge, and traffic. r. On October 6, 2020, the Planning Commission received a presentation from staff on the follow-up items from the June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020, and August 18, 2020 meetings, along with the applicant's presentation and public testimony. In addition to the applicant, there were a total of 13 speakers (6 in favor of the Project, 1 neutral, and 6 who were opposed to the Project). There was a total of 32 written comments (30 in favor of the Project, 1 neutral, and 1 who was opposed to the Project). The Planning Commission considered the Draft EIR (April 2020) and Draft Final EIR (September 2020) prepared for the Project, as well as information in staff reports, public testimony, and letters submitted to the Planning Commission prior to recommending approval of the Project. s. At the conclusion of October 6, 2020, public meeting, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council certify the Draft Final EIR (Resolution P20-08) and approve the Project (Resolution P20-09). The Planning Commission also recommended that the City Council adopt the Mitigation and Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP). t. Following the October 6, 2020, public meeting, the City prepared the Final EIR (October 2020). The Final EIR contained copies of all comment letters, responses to oral and written comments received on the Draft EIR, Errata Section, and MMRP. Notice of the Final EIR's availability was provided on October 30, 2020, to commenting agencies, organizations, and persons. u. The City Council held a duly -noticed public hearing on the Project on November 10, 2020. This hearing was held at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:00 p.m. v. The City Council received public testimony, closed the public hearing, certified the Final EIR, and adopted all necessary approval documents (e.g., resolutions) for approval of the Project. The Draft EIR (April 2020), Draft Final EIR (September 2020), and Final EIR (October 2020) have been prepared and circulated in compliance with CEQA. w. Based upon the Draft EIR (April 2020), Draft Final EIR (September 2020), and Final EIR (October 2020), staff and consultant presentations, staff reports, applicant presentations, and public comments and testimony, the City Council finds that the Project will not adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing in the area; nor will the Project be materially detrimental to the use, enjoyment, or valuation of property in the vicinity of the Project site; nor will the Project jeopardize, endanger or otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety, or general welfare since the Project conforms with the Zoning Ordinance and is compatible with surrounding land uses. Page 6of16 x. Additionally, the City Council finds that all public hearings pertaining to the Project were duly noticed in accordance with noticing requirements for each of the entitlements. The Project was advertised in The Signal, through on -site posting 14 days prior to each hearing, and by direct first-class mailing to property owners within 1,000 feet of the Project site. y. The location of the documents and other materials for the Master Case 18-089 project file that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is based is found in with the Community Development Department, specifically in the custody of the Director of Community Development. SECTION 2. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 18-089. Based on the above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Bouquet Canyon Project EIR, oral and written testimony, and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and the City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and City Council, the City Council finds as follows: a. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan; The Bouquet Canyon Project is consistent with the Goals and Policies of the General Plan of the City of Santa Clarita. The General Plan designates the Project site as UR2, UR5, and CN zones, in addition to areas within the OS and PI zones. The UR2 zone is intended for single- family homes and other residential uses at a maximum density of five dwelling units per one acre. The UR5 zone provides for medium- to high -density apartment and condominium complexes. Multifamily dwellings are allowable at a minimum density of 18 dwelling units per one acre and a maximum density of 30 dwelling units per one acre. The CN zone allows multifamily dwellings with a CUP. With consideration of the average cross slope calculation, the Project site may have a maximum of approximately 944 units. However, with the physical constraints of the site and the necessity of the realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road, the Project includes a request for a maximum of 375 units located in five planning areas. The State of California required that the General Plan Housing Element includes an inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the zoning and infrastructure available to serve these sites. This inventory is used to identify sites that can be feasibly developed for housing within the planning period in order to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). This section of the Housing Element contains the required inventory of adequate sites for new housing that can be developed to meet the City's housing needs within the planning period. The vacant, approximately 32-acre central portion of the Project site, zoned UR5, is identified in the General Plan Housing Element as a suitable site, Housing Site 2. A UR5 designation allows 18 to 30 units per acre. In general, this classification, along with the density bonus allowances, would allow for up to 1,360 units. However, based on the site's topography, floodway, and other constraints, an estimated 300 units may be reasonably accommodated on the property. This central portion, in addition to other areas of the Project site, would accommodate the development of 375 residential units, amenities, and necessary drainage systems to be consistent with the General Plan, specifically, Mixed Land Uses Goal Page 7 of 16 LU 2: A mix of land uses to accommodate growth, supported by adequate resources and maintaining community assets. In addition, the realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road, extension of Copper Hill Drive, and other roadway improvements is consistent with the Circulation Element. b. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this code; The Project requires the approval of entitlements consisting of an Architectural Design Review, Conditional Use Permit, Development Review, Hillside Development Review, Landscape Plan Review, Oak Tree Permit, Ridgeline Alteration Permit, and Tentative Tract Map in accordance with the City's Unified Development Code (UDC). With the granting of these entitlements, the Project, with its mix of units, recreation area, trails, density, and parking, would be allowed within the applicable underlying zones and compliant with all other application provisions of the UDC. c. The proposal will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity and zone in which the property is located; The Project has been evaluated in accordance with the UDC and the General Plan. The Project has been designed to be in keeping with the provisions of the UDC, as well as the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Project will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity. The Project is designed to be compatible with the surrounding land uses and is in keeping with the development in the vicinity. The proposal was fully evaluated by regulatory agencies through the development review process to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. The Project was also subject to a public hearing process in which interested citizens in the vicinity voiced their opinions before the Planning Commission. Through the application of the Conditions of Approval, the Project will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare and will not be materially injurious to the properties in the vicinity. Furthermore, the Project would complete the Bouquet Canyon Road, Copper Hill Drive, and other circulation improvements. d. The proposal is physically suitable for the site. The factors related to the proposal's physical suitabilityfor the site shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for the proposed use; The Project has been designed to be consistent with the UDC, including the required provisions for hillside development, cluster development, and residential code requirements. The Project site consists of residential development primarily within the UR2, UR5, and CN zones, and trailhead, park areas, and road improvements located within the OS and PI zones. The zones have identical corresponding General Plan designations. The Project was designed under the constraints of a ridgeline and floodplain Page 8 of 16 and the necessity of constructing a realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road. The Project utilized the topography of the Project site to concentrate uses on the flat areas, where possible, utilized cluster development within five planning areas, and altering a portion of the ridgeline for the road realignment. The new segments of Bouquet Canyon Road and Copper Hill Drive are developed within the remaining portions of the site. With the Conditions of Approval, the Project will be suitable for the site and the uses entitled with the Project. 2. The highways or streets that provide access to the site are of sufficient width and are improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such proposal would generate; The Project included a detailed traffic analysis to evaluate the improvements required for the Project. The Project includes the construction of a new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road and the connection of Copper Hill Drive to the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road to follow the general alignment identified in the City's General Plan Circulation Element. The traffic analysis identified multiple areas of roadway improvement requirements to mitigate the traffic impacts of the Project. The applicant is required to construct improvements at the following intersections: David Way and existing segments of Bouquet Canyon Road, Benz Road and Copper Hill Drive, and the eastern location of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road and the existing segment of Bouquet Canyon Road. In addition, the applicant is required pay the Project's fair share contribution to a collective set of improvements around the Project site that would alter and improve traffic flow within the immediate area of the Project site, which includes Benz Road, Copper Hill Drive, Kathleen Avenue, David Way, and Bouquet Canyon Road, among others. The completion of the roadway improvements would ensure the Project will have the necessary traffic infrastructure to service the site and uses in the vicinity of the Project site. The Project will have access from the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road, the existing Bouquet Canyon Road, and Copper Hill Drive. The Project is conditioned to require the completion of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road, subject to the infrastructure phasing plan, to be submitted to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and construction timing as approved by the City Engineer. 3. Public protection services (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriff protection, etc.) are readily available; and The Project site is located in an established, urban environment that is serviced by existing Sheriff and fire protection services. The applicant will pay applicable fees to the Sheriff and Fire Departments to assist in offsetting any impacts to the services necessary to properly service the Project. No new or expanded Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department or Los Angeles County Fire Station facilities would be required to provide public safety and law enforcement services to the Project site. In addition, a detailed wildfire access and emergency analysis was completed and found the Project is designed accordingly to provide safe access. 4. The provision of utilities (e.g., potable water, schools, solid waste collection and disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.) is adequate to serve the site. Page 9 of 16 The Project is in a portion of the City that is developed with access to the necessary utilities to service the Project site. Santa Clarita Valley Water would have sufficient water supplies to meet the Project's water demand. The payment of mandatory development impact fees to each affected school district would sufficiently mitigate the Project's impacts. A sewer area study was conducted for the Project. Los Angeles County Sanitation District would have sufficient wastewater capacity to convey and treat the flows generated by the fully developed Project. The stormwater drainage facilities developed on -site are designed to hold a greater capacity and infiltration than the water quality volume required by the County of Los Angeles Public Works. SECTION 3. SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 82126. Based on the above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Bouquet Canyon Project EIR, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and City Council, the City Council finds as follows: a. The design of the subdivision or type of improvements will not conflict with easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of, property within the proposed subdivision. The Project will not obstruct any public access as a result of the proposed subdivision. The Project includes the construction of a new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road, which includes the connection and continuation of the City's Class II Bike Lane, to follow the general alignment identified in the City's General Plan Circulation Element. In addition, an interconnected public walking trail network is to be constructed within the interior and along the perimeter of the Pr?ject site to integrate the site with the City's existing trail system. A trailhead with a public parking lot and park areas within the eastern portion of the Project site would allow access to the on -site trail network. As part of the Project, three new bus stops will be constructed for the City to integrate the site with the City's existing transit system. The onsite roadways necessary for the Project will be installed and accessible for the future residents, as well as any law enforcement and emergency services. Therefore, the Bouquet Canyon Project will not obstruct any public access with the subdivision of the site. SECTION 4. SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (CLASS 4 1) 8-001. As documented in the Project and based on the above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Bouquet Canyon Project EIR, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports, and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and City Council, the City Council finds as follows: a. That the natural topographic features and appearances are conserved by means of landform grading to blend any manufactured slopes or required drainage benches into the natural topography; b. That natural, topographic prominent features are retained to the maximum extent possible; Page 10 of 16 The grading plan would involve an estimated cut of 2,069,664 cubic yards and a fill of 2,052,237 cubic yards. The total development footprint, including off -site grading, would cover approximately 74.66 acres. All earthwork would be balanced on site with the difference between cut and fill due to shrinkage upon compaction. No import or export of earth will be required. The Project includes grading within the Ridgeline Preservation (RP) overlay zone and the alteration of a portion of the ridgeline to build the General Plan - designated roadway. The Project site contains hillsides in excess of 10 percent average cross - slope requiring the approval of a Hillside Development Review in accordance with the UDC. The grading will blend into the neighboring hillsides, utilize appropriate contour grading techniques to soften the impacts associated with the grading, and will comply with Hillside Development standards of the UDC. c. That clustered sites and buildings are utilized where such techniques can be demonstrated to substantially reduce grading alterations of the terrain and to contribute to the preservation of trees, other natural vegetation and prominent landmark features and are compatible with existing neighborhood; The requested entitlements include a CUP to allow for Cluster Development subject to the requirements of the UDC. This would allow for a concentration of residential units and reductions in minimum lot size in order to preserve the ridgeline and Bouquet Creek to the fullest extent feasible. Over three acres of land is dedicated for the construction of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road and over eight acres of land is dedicated for a drainage channel and Bouquet Creek restoration area. The Project's density is calculated on a project - level rather than a parcel -by -parcel basis, and would allow the development of smaller lots than are customarily permitted in the zones, which would retain or preserve the remaining areas as permanent open space, as in the case of the ridgeline and creek. The north section of PA-1 and the entirety of PA-2, PA-3, and PA-4 are all located in relatively flat areas of the Project site. d. That building setbacks, building heights and compatible structures and building forms that would serve to blend buildings and structures with the terrain are utilized; The Project complies with the applicable setback requirements of the UDC. To ensure construction of each planning area is compliant with the provisions of the UDC, a Condition of Approval (attached as Exhibit A) has been incorporated into the Project requiring the approval of a Development Review application by the Director of Community Development. e. That plant materials are conserved and introduced so as to protect slopes from slippage and soil erosion and to minimize visual effects ofgrading and construction on hillside areas, including the consideration of the preservation of prominent trees and, to the extent possible, while meeting the standards of the Fire Department; The Project includes the grading of the Project site to accommodate the development of the residential uses and roadway improvements. The new slopes will use landform and contour grading techniques to further blend into the existing slopes on the Project site. Planting of the graded slopes will be consistent with the City's landscape ordinance which requires standards relating to the quality, quantity, and functional aspects of landscaping and landscape screening. In addition, the Project shall be compliant with the requirements of the Los Page 11 of 16 Angeles County Fuel Modification Unit for development within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Planting will generally consist of the use of native vegetation and plant material that is compatible with the climate of the Santa Clarita Valley. Furthermore, a condition has been added to the Project that requires a disclosure of the planting requirements in the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). The Project site contains a total of 64 oak trees, varying in size, species, and health. No heritage oak trees were identified on the Project site. As part of the Project, 15 non -heritage -sized oak trees would be removed and would either replaced on -site or required to pay an in -lieu fee into the City's Oak Tree Fund as required by the UDC. The remaining 49 oak trees would be saved. Therefore, planting the graded slopes will be conducted in a manner consistent with the City's landscape, hillside, and oak tree ordinances, as well as the requirements of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. f. That street design and improvements that serve to minimize grading alterations and emulate the natural contours and character of the hillsides are utilized; One of the Project Objectives listed in the Project's EIR states to "minimize grading of a significant ridgeline, while providing the necessary amount of grading to construct the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road in the preferred alignment." In order to facilitate the construction of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road, an alteration of a portion of the significant ridgeline is required. The City's design criteria for arterial roadways limit both the steepness and curve radii of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road. As a result, there is a cut depth of over 100 feet required in order to construct the alignment. The combination of depth of cut, width of the roadway (four lanes plus parkways), and 2:1 slopes adjacent to the roadway would result in a major alteration to the existing ridgeline. This will allow the slope to be planted with drought tolerant landscaping and soften views to the public. The east side of the existing Bouquet Canyon Road (adjacent to the south section of PA-1) and the south side of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road will be integrated into the hillside grading to take advantage of the natural grades to the extent possible. The clustering of units would further minimize impacts. g. That grading designs that serve to avoid disruption to adjacent properties are utilized; and h. That site design and grading that provide the minimum disruption of view corridors and scenic vistas from and around any proposed development are utilized. The Project is not located within any scenic vistas and is not anticipated to have a significant impact to the visual character of the site. The Project includes development on a ridgeline identified as a Significant Ridgeline in the City's General Plan Conservation Element. A portion of the designated ridgeline on the west side of the Project site would be graded in order to build a General Plan -identified alignment for Bouquet Canyon Road. While grading would occur on this ridgeline, the Project would still be consistent with Conservation and Open Space Element Policies because the Project would only alter a portion of the ridgeline and the ridgeline is not the most substantial ridgeline in the community. Based on the evaluations of existing conditions, including the fact that the ridgeline on the Project site is not a character -defining feature of the Saugus community, the Project would not result in a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. Page 12 of 16 SECTION 5. SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR RIDGELIKE ALTERATION PERMIT 18-001. Based on the above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Bouquet Canyon Project EIR, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and City Council, the City Council finds as follows: a. The use or development will not be materially detrimental to the visual character of the neighborhood or community, nor will it endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare; b. The appearance of the use or development will not be substantially different than the appearance of adjoining ridgeline areas so as to cause depreciation of the ridgeline appearance in the vicinity; The Project would not be materially detrimental to the visual character of the site, as the residential use would be appropriate in relation to adjacent uses and the development of the community, as is evidenced by the surrounding residential developments. The proposed buildings would utilize materials and design elements consistent with the Community Character and Design Guidelines for the Saugus community. No new homes or other structures would exceed two stories or 35 feet in height, and the built -environment of all proposed planning areas would be consistent in scale and massing with surrounding residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, the Project provides visual buffers to soften the extent of building massing and maintains views of the site's prominent ridgeline for travelers along Bouquet Canyon Road. Mitigation measures recommended in the EIR and compliance with all local codes ensure that the Project would not endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare. c. The establishment of the proposed use or development will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding properties, nor encourage inappropriate encroachments to the ridgeline area; Implementation of the Project would not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property, nor encourage inappropriate future encroachments into the ridgeline areas. Overall, the Project would not violate the visual integrity of the ridgeline, as the ridgeline on the Project site is indistinguishable from other hills in the surrounding area and the Project would not restrict and views of other ridgelines located off the Project site. d. The proposed use or development demonstrates creative site design resulting in a project that will complement the community character and provide a direct benefit to current and future community residents of not only the proposed use or development, but the residents of the City as a whole; One of the Project Objectives listed in the Project's EIR states to "construct site improvements that achieve a desirable community character which will be compatible with, and enhance the residential character of, surrounding neighborhoods." The Project was designed under the constraints of a ridgeline and floodplain and the necessity of constructing a realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road. The Project utilized the Cluster Development Page 13 of 16 provisions of the UDC for the concentration of residential units primarily on the flat areas and the reductions in minimum lot size in order to preserve the ridgeline and Bouquet Creek to the fullest extent feasible. Through the review process, the proposed number of units of the Project was reduced from 461 units to 375 units and lowered the heights of the homes from two- and three-story homes to only two-story homes in all five planning areas, thereby lowering the potential visual impacts. The General Plan Circulation Element was developed based on analysis of existing conditions in the Santa Clarita Valley, future development in both City and County areas, and anticipated growth. Roadway infrastructure improvements are made as growth occurs in the Santa Clarita Valley and needs are assessed continually by the City. The Project includes the realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road, as designated in the Circulation Element as a secondary highway, which is designed to service both through traffic and to collect traffic from collector and local streets. As conditioned, the Project is required to build the roadway prior to the occupancy of any units. Furthermore, the Project includes other features that would provide a direct benefit to current and future community residents of both the development and City as a whole, including bus stops, public trailhead, trail network, park areas, and amenities. e. The use or development minimizes the effects of grading to the extent practicable to ensure that the natural character of the ridgeline is preserved; f. The proposed use or development is designed to mimic the existing topography to the greatest extent possible through the use of landform contour grading; and One of the Project Objectives listed in the Project's EIR states to "minimize grading of a significant ridgeline, while providing the necessary amount of grading to construct the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road in the preferred alignment." A portion of the designated ridgeline on the west side of the Project site would be graded in order to build the General Plan -identified alignment for Bouquet Canyon Road. The northern portion of the ridgeline would be preserved in its current form, and the middle portion of the ridgeline would be modified to accommodate for a trail and park area, thereby preserving the northern portion of the ridgeline. While grading would occur on this ridgeline, the Project would still be consistent with Conservation and Open Space Element Policies. The Project would conserve natural topographic features and appearances by means of landform grading, so as to blend any manufactured slopes or required drainage benches into the natural topography. The east side of the existing Bouquet Canyon Road and the south side of the new segment of Bouquet Canyon Road will be integrated into the hillside grading to take advantage of the natural grades to the extent possible. g. The proposed use or development does not alter natural landmarks and prominent natural features of the ridgelines. By incorporating Cluster Development, this allows for a concentration of residential units and reductions to development standards in order to preserve the ridgeline and Bouquet Creek to the fullest extent feasible. There are no public scenic overlooks on or adjacent to, the Project site; however, the steep terrain on the Project site could make the site part of a scenic vista when viewed from a distant location. There are other General Plan -designated significant ridgelines in the immediate vicinity of the Project site, all of which are taller than the significant ridgeline on the Project site. While grading would occur on this ridgeline, the Project would still be consistent with Conservation and Open Space Element, because the Page 14 of 16 Project would only alter a portion of the ridgeline, and because the ridgeline on the Project site is not the most substantial ridgeline in the community. SECTION 6. SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR OAK TREE PERMIT (CLASS 4) 19-003 Based on the above findings of fact and recitals and the entire record, including, without limitation, the entire Bouquet Canyon Project EIR, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearings, reports, and other transmittals from City staff to the Planning Commission and City Council, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and City Council, the City Council finds as follows: a. The approving authority shall make one(]) or more of the following findings before granting an oak tree permit: i. The condition or location of the oak trees) requires cutting to maintain or aid its health, balance, or structure; ii. The condition of the tree(s) with respect to disease, danger offalling, proximity to existing lots, pedestrian walkways or interference with utility services cannot be controlled or remedied through reasonable preservation andlor preventative procedures and practices; iii. It is necessary to remove, relocate, prune, cut, or encroach &nto the protected zone of an oak tree to enable reasonable use of the subject property which is otherwise prevented by the presence of the tree and no reasonable alternative can be accommodated due to the unique physical development constraints of the property; or iv. The approval of the request will not be contrary to or in conflict with the general purpose and intent of the code. The Project site contains 64 oak trees that are protected by the City's Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance. The Project consists of the removal of 15 non -heritage sized oak trees and the encroachment of four oak trees, thereby saving 49 oak trees. The City would require replacement oak trees to be planted in the landscaped areas of the Project site to offset the loss the removed of oak trees. If planting on site is not possible, the applicant may donate the replacement oak trees to the City or provide the equivalent monetary value of the replacement trees to the City's Oak Tree Fund. In addition, the Project site contains two Blue Oaks that are uncommon and rare in the community. Therefore, the Project will include Conditions of Approval to provide additional justification, which includes grading plan details, cross -sections, reappraisals, and a transplant study, prior to any proposed removal to be reviewed and approved by the City. The compliance with the City's Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance, including the Standards for Performance of Permitted Work of the Oak Tree Preservation Guidelines, would ensure that the Project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources and impacts. b. No heritage oak tree shall be removed unless one (1) or more of the above findings are made and the review authority also finds that the heritage oak tree's continued existence would prevent any reasonable development of the property and that no reasonable alternative can be accommodated due to the unique physical constraints of the property. It shall further be found that the removal of such heritage oak tree will not be unreasonably detrimental to the community and surrounding area. No heritage oak trees were identified on the Project site. Page 15 of 16 SECTION 7. The City Council approves Master Case 18-089; Architectural Design Review 18-010; Conditional Use Permit 18-004, Development Review 18-009, Hillside Development Review (Class 4) 18-001, Landscape Plan Review 19-017, Oak Tree Permit (Class 4) 19-003, Ridgeline Alteration Permit 18-001, and Tentative Tract Map 82126 for the development of the Bouquet Canyon Project, in the City of Santa Clarita, subject to the Conditions of Approval (Exhibit A). SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and certify this record to be a full, complete, and correct copy of the action taken. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 1 Oth day of November, 2020. ATTEST: CITY CLERK DATE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk, of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 20-77 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 1 Oth day of November, 2020, by the following vote of the City Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Weste, Miranda, McLean, Smyth NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None RECUSED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kellar CITY CLERK Page 16 of 16 1 1