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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-09-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - RESO P90-27 SOLEDADCYN (2)AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented , i 4 PUBLIC BEARING DATE: September 10, 1991 SUBJECT: Appeal of Planning Commission decision (Resolution No. P90-27) on Master .Case No. 90-153; Conditional Use Permit No. 90-021. The project site is located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BACKGROUND The City Clerk's office has received an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision of June 4, 1991 to deny Master Case No. 90-153; Conditional Use Permit No. 90-021. The appellant is Tandam Builders, the applicant. This appeal was previously scheduled on the City Council's July 9, 1991 agenda. A postponement was requested by the applicant to allow them adequate time to prepare for the appeal hearing. This case was originally before the Planning Commission on May 7, 1991. This case was continued (as an open public hearing) to the May 21, 1991 meeting. The Planning Commission directed staff to return with a formal resolution for denial of the proposal at the June 4, 1991 Planning Commission meeting. ANALYSIS The applicant is proposing to construct a 113,000 square foot retail commercial shopping center at this 9.13 acre site. This construction will require the removal of the existing school facilities located at the project site. These facilities include the Sulphur Springs School District offices, Soledad Canyon Elementary School, and the Pauline B. Chase Special Education School. The traffic study prepared for this project by Robert Crommelin and Associates (February 11, 1991), states that: "...the proposed project will increase existing traffic flow by about 4,600 vehicle trips per day." "The AM peak has been estimated at 107 vehicle trips...", "The PM peak was estimated at 376 vehicle trips...". The assessment of traffic impacts has-been made by the City's traffic engineering staff. Traffic engineering recommendations include the following: ,� Agenda Item Page 2 MCO 90-153 1) Ingress and egress to and from Soledad Canyon Road shall be restricted to right -turns. 2) The proposed median of Soledad Canyon Road. be constructed as a continuous median from Vilna Avenue to Homyr Place. 3) The proposed driveway on Luther Drive immediately north of Mandan Street be relocated to a more northerly location. 4) On-site circulation should be provided so that all parking facilities can be accessed from any location of the site. 5) Realign Luther Drive so that a four-way intersection is formed with Homyr Place, Luther Drive, and Soledad Canyon Road. The applicant is opposed to the realignment of Luther Drive with Homyr Place. However, staff has determined that this, realignment would improve the traffic circulation pattern along Soledad Canyon Road (as well as Luther Drive and Homyr Place) by eliminating existing conflict points without encumbering access to any business or residence. This mitigation measure is preferred by staff as the most effective means to alleviate the traffic impacts of the proposed project, as.well as an opportunity to improve the existing cumbersome traffic configuration of two signalized intersections off -set by 80 feet, or 140 feet from centerline to centerline. The applicant chose not to redesign the project in conformance with this recommendation. The Planning Commission indicated that they would have approved this project with the redesign, subject to landscaping on' Mandan Street and parking which meets all City codes. The applicant opposes this improvement because the road realignment would traverse the north-west portion of the applicant's property, thereby requiring modification of the proposed project. The applicant has suggested alternative traffic mitigation measures which would not result in the placement of any roadway across the existing project site area. These alternatives have been reviewed by City Traffic Engineering staff, and found to be less desirable than the .recommended realignment of Luther Drive with- Homyr Place. The applicant has indicated that all other staff recommended mitigation measures and conditions are acceptable. It is possible that the applicant's suggested traffic improvements could be found to be more acceptable if the intensity of the project was decreased. This could be achieved by eliminating floor space through removal of the free-standing buildings, reducing the number and area of the smaller lease spaces, and allowing only low traffic intensity uses to occur at the project site. Staff has received several letters in favor and in opposition to this proposed project. The primary concerns of the adjacent property owners and occupants include: Traffic impacts; access; the loss of school facilities; the loss of open space and recreational opportunities; the availability of goods and services. Page 3 MC8 90-153 RECOMMENDATION 1. Receive the staff presentation; 2. Open the public hearing and receive testimony; 3. Uphold the Planning Commission's decision for denial of Master Case No. 90-153 (Conditional Use Permit No. 90-021); or 4. Adopt the Negative Declaration of Environmental Effect prepared for this project and approve the application contingent upon the applicant redesigning the.project to accommodate staff's recommended on-site and off-site improvements, including the realignment of Luther Drive with Homyr Place. ATTACHMENTS 1. Planning Commission Resolution No. P91-27. 2. Memos from City Traffic Engineering 3. Project site plan. 4. Staff report dated May 7, 1991. 5. Appeal request from Sage Institute on behalf of the applicant. 6. Negative Declaration and Initial Environmental Assessment. LMH:JC/383 PUBLIC HEARING ?ROC=DURS 1. Mayor Opens Hearing a. States Purpose of Hearing Z. City Clerk Reports on Hearing Notice 3. Staff Report (City Manager) or (City Attorney) or (RP Staff) 4. Proponent Argument (30 minutes) S. Opponent Argument (30 minutes) 6. Five-minute Rebuttal (Proponent) a. Proponent 7. Mayor Closes Public Testimony 8. Discussion by Council 9. Council Decision 10. Mayor Announces Decision 0 0 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEALING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DENIAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-021, A PROPOSAL FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF A PROJECT.SITE FROM AN EXISTING SCHOOL TO A COMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTER ON A 9.13 ACRE PARCEL, WHICH INCLUDES FOUR BUILDINGS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 113,000 SQUARE FEET, ALONG VITH.454 PARKING SPACES AND APPURTENANT LANDSCAPING LOCATED AT 18830 SOLEDAD CYN. RD.; SOUTHEAST.CORNER OF THE SOLEDAD CANYON RD./ LUTHER DRIVE INTERSECTION, IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: A Public Hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita to consider an appeal from applicant, Tandem Builders, Inc. regarding the Planning Commission's denial of Conditional Use Permit 90-021. This. is a proposal for ' the redevelopment of the project site from an existing school to a commercial shopping center on a 9.13 acre parcel which includes four buildings with a total area of 113,000 square feet; along with 454 parking spaces and appurtenant landscaping. The proposed project area is at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road; southeast corner of the Soledad Canyon Road/Luther Drive intersection, in the City of Santa Clarita. • The hearing will be held by the- City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., let Floor, Santa Clarita, the 9th day of July, 1991, at or after 6:30 p.m. Proponents, opponents, and any interested persons may appear and be heard on this matter at that time. Further information may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office, Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., 3rd Floor, Santa Clarita. If you wish to challenge this order in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council, at, .or prior to, the public hearing. Date: June 12, 1991 Donna N. Grindey City Clerk Publish Date: June'14, 1991 0 i RESOLUTION NO. P91-27 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, DENYING MASTER CASE NO. 90-153 (PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-021 TO ALLOY THE DEVELOPMENT OF 113,000 SQUARE FOOT COMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED AT 18830 SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD) THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Planning Commission does hereby make the following findings of fact: a. An application' for a conditional use permit was filed with the City of Santa Clarita by Tandam Builders, Inc. (the °applicant°) on July 17, 1990. The property for which this application has been filed is located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road, at the intersections .of Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive, and Luther Drive and Mandan Street. (Assessor Parcel Number 2803-029-301, a legal .description of which is on file in the Department of Community Development.) b. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing school facilities at this flat 9.13 acre site and construct a 113,000 square foot commercial shopping center. The main building would have a floor area of 96,500 square feet with an anchor tenant occupying 50,000 square feet of the structure; the remaining area to be occupied by several small -shop tenants. Three additional detached commercial buildings (of 3,000 square feet, 6,500 square feet, and 7,000 square feet) along the frontage of Soledad Canyon Road are also included in the proposal. C. The subject parcel is zoned C -1 -DP (Restricted Business -Development Program Zone) and is designated as CC (Community Commercial) by the City of Santa Clarita draft General Plan. d. The site is currently occupied by the Soledad Canyon Elementary School, the offices of the Sulphur Springs School District, and the Pauline B. Chase Special Education School. The total, number of students enrolled at both schools is approximately 600. e. The surrounding uses are: Retail commercial, single :family residential, and a church (to the north), church and multi -family residential (to the south), single family residential (to the east), and retail commercial (to the west). f. The application was circulated for review upon receipt. The City of Review Committee (DRC) met on August project. RESO:P91-27 (Page 1) City Department and agency Santa Clarita Development 23, 1990, to review this g. Requests to the applicant for additional information included the following: Intersection realignment plan; road improvement plan; a traffic impact study; a sign plan; verification of setback distances; a description of all uses proposed for the site and the size of their respective areas; a parking lot layout; waste storage area plan; and a landscaping and lighting plan. This requested information was needed to review the applicant's project for compliance with the applicable City Codes. h. Public services and utilities are existing to the subject property. i. This project was reviewed pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff prepared an Initial Environmental Assessment for this project. Staff has determined that, with- specific design changes and mitigation measures, a Negative Declaration of Environmental Effect could be adopted for this project. j. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on May 7. 1991 ",:113 P.M. The meeting was held at the City Council Chambe_ ,_0 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita. SECTION 2. Based upon the above findings of fact, oral and written testimony and other evidence received at the public hearing held for the project, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and on its behalf, the Planning Commission further finds follows: a. At the hearing of May 7, 1991, the Planning Commission considered the staff report prepared for this project and received testimony on this proposal. b. The City's draft General Plan designation for the project site is Community Commercial (CC). The proposed use of the property as a retail commercial shopping center is consistent with this land use designation. C. The 9.13 acre parcel is suitable for commercial :retail development. d. Currently, Luther Drive intersects Soledad Canyon Road to the south; Homyr Place intersects Soledad Canyon Road to the north. Luther Drive and Homyr Place are offset from each other by 140 feet from centerline to centerline. Both of these intersections along Soledad , Canyon Road are controlled by traffic signalization. The project as proposed would impact these intersections by increasing traffic flow volumes, increasing traffic obstruction at and between these intersections, and creating additional conflict points at project driveways. The realignment of Luther Drive with Homyr Place would reduce the project's anticipated traffic impacts to an insignificant level by eliminating one of the traffic signals but allowing all RESO:P91-27 (Page 2) existing maneuvers and access to remain available to' motorists under traffic signal control. This road improvement its the preferred mitigation measure recommended by City traffic engineering staff. However, the applicant's development plans for the proposed project do not include provisions for a realignment of the intersections of Luther Drive -.and Homyr Place along Soledad Canyon Road. As an alternative, the applicant has proposed the construction of a raised median and the removal of the existing traffic signal control at Homyr Place along Soledad ICanyon Road. The City's traffic engineering staff has reviewed this alternative and finds it acceptable, but less desirable due to the "median locking" of Homyr Place. The construction of this proposed median would result in restricting the access of Homyr Place to right -turns only, to and from Soledad Canyon Road. This restriction would adversely impact the occupants and users of properties accessed via Homyr Place by creating increased travel distances and requiring an increased number of "U-turn" maneuvers to and from the site. The City's traffic engineering staff also examined the possibility of shortening Luther Drive to a cul-de-sac which would terminate approximately 450 feet south of Soledad Canyon Road. This option is undesirable because access via Luther Drive to properties south of Mandan Street would be eliminated. This would result in increased traffic volumes on Vilna ,Avenue to access these properties. e. The. project site as proposed is not adequately served by highways or streets of sufficient width, and improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such use would generate. The project site does not have adequate !access from Soledad Canyon Road, Luther Drive, or Mandan Street. Traffic generated by the proposed project would not be adequately served by the existing roadways and circulation pattern. The City's traffic engineering staff has recommended the widening of Luther Drive to accommodate the increased traffic to and from the proposed project site, however the applicant has not revised the project plans to include this improvement. The proposed site is adequately served. by other public or private service facilities as are required. All other utilities and public services are existing and available to serve. the project site. I f. The proposed site is not adequate in size and shape to accommodate the yards, walls, fences, parking and loading facilities, landscaping, and other development features prescribed in this title, or as otherwise required in order to integrate said use with uses in the surrounding area. On-site automobile and pedestrian circulation is -inadequate because not all parking facilities are accessible . from any location on-site. The project does not comply with applicable.City codes regarding parking, landscaping, height, and yard requirements. RESOiP91-27 (Page 3) g. This project as designed would adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing in the surrounding area; be materially detrimental to the use, enjoyment or valuation of property of other persons located in the vicinity of the subject property; jeopardize, endanger or otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety or general welfare since this project does not conform Ito the development standards of the subdivision and zoning ordinance and is incompatible with surrounding land uses. Publiclservi needs of the region were considered and balanced against c..: housing needs of local residents. SECTION 3. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the Planning Commission hereby determines as follows: a. Based on the Initial Study, the proposal would have a significant effect upon the environment because the recommended mitigation measures have not integrated into the project design to reduce all identified impacts to a level of insignificance. b. As submitted, this project would have.an adverse environmental impact due to the loss of recreational opportunities, and increased traffic flow volumes and conflict points. C. The proposed project would be incompatible with the existing uses in the vicinity because it is in conflict- with draft General Plan policies 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.9, and 1.10 of th- Circulation Element, and policies 1.5, 1.17, and 1.18 lof Public Services, Facilities, and 'Utilities Element. As designed, the proposed project would not provide improved levels of service and safety standards over current traffic operations. Nor would appropriate levels of service be maintained at adjacent intersections during peak hours. Adverse impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhood would result from the increased flow of car and truck traffic due to service loading/delivery areas and employee parking located along Mandan Street. The City's recommended design changes and improvements would limit the number`of intersections and driveways on Soledad Canyon Road, a major roadway within the City. These recommended design changes and improvements would promote a safe, efficient, and steady flow of traffic by maximizing and improving the operating efficiency of the City's roadway system. This development should be prohibited unless the applicant is willing to provide these improvements. The applicant has' not shown that, by removing the existingl school facilities and constructing this commercial shopping center, a high standard of education would be promoted and growth would be accommodated to meet future school district needs. RESO:P91-27 (Page 4) d. The Planning Commission hereby denies Master Case No., 90-153 (CUP 90-021) for a conditional use permit to allow a retail commercial shopping center at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 4th day of June, 19911 i� uis Brathwaite, Chairman Planning Commission I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a Reslolution adopted by the Planning Commissi .ity of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on t::d 4th day of June, 1991, iby the following vote of the Commission: AYES: Commissioners: Voodrow, Cherrington, Modugno, Brathwaite. NOES: Garasi ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None i nn M. Ma rig, Director Community Development RESO:P91-27 (Page 5) 7 CITY OF SAMA CLARITA I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M TO: Lynn Harris, Director of Community Development FROM: Ed line, Traf c ngineer `7 DATE: July 1, 1991 SUBJECT: CANYON SPRINGS SHOPPING CENTER TRAFFIC IMPACTS The June 26, 1991 meeting in the Manager's Office with the school district and the developer produced some technical traffic issues which should be clarified. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide additional information relative to those issues. ! It became apparent that no one at the meeting disputed the fact; that the realignment of Luther Drive to meet and form a conventional; four-way signalized intersection with Homyr Place would be clearly the best traffic solution. The question remained as to the economics of the realignment due to the cost of the improvements and long term loss of revenue from the project. It was equally apparent that the applicant's original proposal to eliminate the Homyr Place signal was not considered politically viable. The applicant has now adopted a previously designed third alternative that calls for retention of the off -set between Luther Drive and Homyr Place and creation of side-by-side left turn lanes. This design was developed by the City prior to the subject project application. To describe this alternative as "acceptable" to City staff is 'a little overstated. A better term would be "workable". As I stated at the Planning Commission hearing on this project, my preferences for the three alternatives in a descending order are: 1. Realign Luther 2. Eliminate Homyr 3. Side -by -aide left turns When discussing efficiency of the intersection, operation, both #1 and. #2 are approximately the same. The applicant's traffic.engineer hasireported that a level of service "D" will .be realized for both #1 and #2 based on volume/capacity (V/C) ratio of 0.827 and 0.825 respectively. Their report shows the aide -by -side (#3) to operate at a V/C ratio of 0.847. While' the V/C still translates to a level of service "D", the 2 percentage point difference in V/C ratios is considered significant by previous definitions of "significant". Furthermore, the 0.847 rounds off to 0.85 which has been our informal threshold of acceptability for traffic impacts. While discussing intersection efficiency, it's important to realize that the realignment of Luther Drive is more than aligning two short streets which on their own have no regional significance. The realignment provides a superior intersection performance with respect) to the efficiency of traffic flow on Soledad Canyon Road. The school district points out that a significant amount of traffic on Soledad Canyon Road at Luther Drive will be displaced to Whites Canyon Road/Via Princessa when that road becomes available in about 1S months. That's certainly true. Other recent studies, including the City's Traffic Model indicate however, that the current volume of traffic on Soledad Canyon Road will be restored within a few years and ultimately surpassed as development and traffic growth occurs in the area. Therefore', maximum efficiency at the intersection is extremely important to the long term effectiveness of Soledad Canyon Road as &.regional highway. The issue of cost to the school 'district is an important aspect of the discussion. The school district has placed a value on the loss of potential revenue from the site. It is difficult to quantify the societal cost of the less efficient intersection. The 2 percent' drop in performance will translate to an increase in delay which translates to an increased cost of using the highway. Moreover, the societal cost of having an intersection that is more complicated and consequently more confusing is significant. While, again, difficult to predict or quantify, an intersection which is non -conventional can be expected to experience a higher accident frequency due to the confusion element. The side-by-side operation, with -internal clearances and programed visibility heads will be less efficient and offer more confusion than a conventional four-way intersection with conventional signal phases and standard clearance intervals. Therefore, while the aide -by -aide operation can be termed "workable", it is not the traffic engineering staff's preferred alternative. EC:rd:1519 RECEIVED CITY OF SANTA CLARITA MAY 3 1 1by1 LYNN M: HARRIS I N T E R 0 F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M Mreewr of CommuNy 0•Y. I TO: Rich Henderson Principal Planner C�/� FROM: Ed Cline, Traffic Enginedr DATE: May 31, 1991 SUBJECT: PROPOSED RETAIL DEVELOPMENT, SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD AND LUTHER.DRIVE I have just reviewed the recent correspondence provided by the applicant (Tandan Builders) regarding the traffic mitigation measures associated with their project. There are several points which I believe are substantially misrepresented in the document. They are: Comment: The applicant indicates that the traffic issue regarding Luther Drive has been "recently" introduced by the traffic engineer. Response: Our August 17, 1990, December 6, 1990 and May 7, 1991 memos clearly point to the need to. address the intersection issue. A copy of these memos are attached. Comment: The applicant indicates that their traffic solutions are the "most effective method of mitigating the concerns of City staff." Response: Actually, I have gone on record indicating that their solution, Exhibit "A", is acceptable from the traffic engineering point of view. I have also indicated that the realignment of Luther Drive to meet Homyr is the most effective solution. Furthermore, the applicant has now endorsed the City's original "side-by-side" left -turn pocket arrangements .as the solution to the .traffic issue. The applicant alludes to the .idea that Exhibit "B" is acceptable by the City. I have clearly represented that .our traffic engineering order of. preference is, in a descending order: • Best - Realign Luther Drive. • Acceptable - Eliminate Homyr Signal (Exhibit "A"). • Workable but not recommended in light of opportunity to create a more favorable solution to the present undesirable off -set signalized intersection (Exhibit "B"). EC:hds:991 Attachments cc: John Medina Lynn Harris CITY 0£ SANTA CLARITA I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M TO: Lynn Harris, pirector of Community Development FROM: John Mediga.&Vxector of Public Works DATE: May 7, 199 SUBJECT: MASTER CAS's 90-153, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-021 TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY REVIEW Our review of the Canyon Springs Shopping Center Traffic Study (revised March 13, 1991) has indicated that there are several unresolved issues as follows: • The realignment of Luther Drive to achieve a four-way intersection with Soledad Canyon Road at Homyr Place • Roadway width of Luther Drive between Soledad Canyon Road and Mandan Street • Proposed "median -locking" of Homyr Place to limit ingress/egress from/to Soledad Canyon Road to right turns only • Vehicular/pedestrian access. between the employee parking facilities and the main parking facilities • Left turn access from the project onto Soledad Canyon Road is still considered undesirable, however, left turns from Soledad Canyon Road into the project main driveway As no longer considered undesirable. MSM:gmm-1243 cc: Jim Van Winkle Dick Kopecky Ed Cline Michael Murphy CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEPV OFFICE M E M O RAND , .q TO: Lynn Harris, Director of Community Development FROM: Michael S. Murphy, Traffic Engineer DATE: December 6, 1990 SUBJECT: CUP 90-021 - CANYON SPRINGS SHOPPING CENTER RECEIVED DEC 0 6 1990 PUBLIC v/J"n "I''."MENT On OF SANTA CLARIFA Ole As requested by Jeff Chaffin, we have reviewed the submitted plan dated November 21, 1990 for this project from a . traffic engineering and transportation planning perspective and submit the following: 1. The plan indicates a left -turn lane and corresponding opening in the (proposed) median on Soledad Canyon Road for site access to the main driveway. It is recommended that all site access/egress from/to Soledad Canyon Road be restricted to right turns and that the (proposed) median on Soledad Canyon Road be constructed as a continuous median from Vilna Avenue to Homyr Place. 2. The plan appears to indicate that Homyr Place (not shown on the plan) would be "median -locked" in that Homyr Place traffic at Soledad'Canyon Road would be restricted to "right-in"/"right-out" if the median were to be constructed as shown. We believe that there could be considerable opposition from the current users, of Homyr Place to any reduction in potential access/egress options (i.e., full access/egress versus right -turn in/out) and corresponding removal of the traffic signal system from the intersection. 3. On-site circulation should be provided whereby all parking facilities can be accessed from any location on-site. 4. It is recommended that the proposed driveway on Luther Drive immediately north of Mandan Street be relocated to a more northerly location. 5, ,The issue of the realignment of Luther Drive, addressed as Item #1 in our August 17, 1990 memo (copy attached), has not been resolved. We believe that until this issue is resolved, any additional review of project driveway locations, site access/egress and circulationp atterns would be premature. MSM:hds Attachment cc: John Medina Jim Van Winkle Richard Kopecky Wayne Weber CITY OF SANTA CLARITA I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M TO: Jeff Chaffin, Assistant Planner FROM: Michael S. Murphy, Traffic Engineer DATE: August 17, 1990 SUBJECT CUP 90-021 As requested, we have reviewed the submitted plan for this project from a . traffic engineering and transportation planning perspective and submit the following: 1. Realign Luther Drive so that a four-way intersection is formed with Homyr Place, Luther Drive and Soledad Canyon Road. 2. Install raised median on Soledad Canyon Road from Luther Drive to Vilna Avenue. 3. Provide a Traffic Study which will identify traffic impacts generated by this project on nearby streets and intersections. The study should incorporate existing traffic volumes with site -generated volumes, projected future volumes with site -generated volumes, and identify mitigative measures. Any mitigation proposed should be fully, discussed. Those discussions should include, but not be limited to, the following: a. implementation responsibilities b. financing c. scheduling considerations d, monitoring MSM:hds cc: John Medina Jim Van Winkle Richard Kopecky Wayne Weber / / / 7e4 �d I I I LUTHER DRIVE VILNA AVENUE I HN PLACE —ted s y e Iwo z 0 N 0� LUTHER DRIVE VILNA AVENUE I HN PLACE —ted CITY OF SANTA CLARITA I N T E R 0 F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M T0: Chairman Brathwaite and Members of the Planning Commission -7 -2 FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development%� DATE: June 4, 1991 SUBJECT: Director's Report; item 13. Tandam Builders proposal (MCI 90-153; CUP 90-021). The applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the project site from an existing l school to a commercial shopping center on a 9.13 acre parcel. The proposal includes four buildings with a total area of 113,000 square feet for commercial use, along with 454 parking spaces and appurtenant landscaping. LOCATION: The project .site is located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road; southeast corner of the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive. The project proponent has proposed alternative traffic mitigation measures for the project in response to staff's recommendations. The applicant . has submitted correspondence discussing these mitigation measures, which have been based upon a misunderstanding of the Traffic Engineering staff's recommendations. Enclosed please find the most recent memo from the City's Traffic Engineering- staff to the City's Planning staff. This memo clarifies the traffic improvements recommended for the Tandam Builder's proposal. Thank you CITY OF SANTA.CLARITA I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M TO: Chairman Brathwaite and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development DATE: May 21, 1991 SUBJECT: Continued Public Hearing of the -Tandem Builders proposal (MCI 90-153; CUP 90-021). The applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the project site from an 'existing school to a commercial shopping center on a 9.13 acre parcel. The proposal includes four buildings with a total area .of 113,000 square feet for commercial use, along with 454 parking .spaces and appurtenant landscaping. LOCATION: The project site is located at 18830 Soledad ,Canyon Road; southeast corner of the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive. BACKGROUND: This case was .previously before the Planning Commission on May 7, 1991. This item was continued due to the expiration of time allowed to hold a public hearing, in accordance with Planning Commission policy. Director Harris requested that the Commissioners retain all materials on this .item for the continued hearing. The status of this application and ,the staff recommendation remains unchanged. JC:297 CITY OF.SANTA CLARITA I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M T0: Chairman Brathwaite and Members of the Planning Commission �� FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development/ 7/ - DATE: May 15, 1991 SUBJECT: Continued Public Hearing of the Tandem Builders proposal ',(Master Case Number 90-153; Conditional Use Permit No. 90-021). The applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the project site from an existing school to a commercial shopping center on a 9.13 -acre parcel. The proposal includes four buildings with a total area of' 113,000 square feet for commercial use, along with 454 parking spaces and appurtenant landscaping. LOCATION: The project site is located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road; southeast corner of the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive. BACKGROUND: This case was previously before the Planning Commission on May 7, 1991. This item was continued due to the expiration of time allowed to hold a public hearing in accordance with Planning Commission policy. Subsequently, City staff met with the applicant to resolve the traffic issues associated with the project. Staff has; amended the original Planning Commission report to reflect the resolutions to the (traffic issues. The amended staff report is attached for your review. BCA:dls:71 Attachment: Amended Staff Report of May 71 1991 Agenda Item: L CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AMENDED STAFF REPORT Master Case Number 90-153 Conditional Use Permit No. 90-021 DATE: May 7, 1991 TO: Chairman Brathwaite and Members of thePlanningCommission FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development APPLICANT: Tandem Builders, Inc. CASE PLANNER: Jeff Chaffin, Assistant Planner II LOCATION: 18830 Soledad Canyon Road REQUEST: The applicant is requesting approval of'a conditional use permit to allow a commercial shopping center development at' this site. The proposal includes four buildings with a total area of 113,000 square feet, along with 454 off-street parking spaces. PROJECT Theapplicant is proposing to remove the existing school facilities at this flat 9.13 -acre site and construct a 113,000 square foot commercial shopping center. The main building will have a floor area of 96,500 square feet with an anchor tenant occupying 50,000 square feet of the structure; the remaining area to be occupied by several small -shop tenants. Three additional detached commercial buildings (of 3,000, 6,500, and 7,000 square feet) along the frontage of Soledad Canyon Road are also included in the proposal. BACKGROUND: The project site is located at the southeast corner of the Soledad Canyon/ Luther Drive intersection. The site is currently occupied by the Soledad Canyon Elementary School, the offices of the Sulphur Springs School District, and the Pauline B. Chase Special Education School. The total number of students enrolled at both schools is approximately 600. GENERAL PLAN ; ZONING; LAND USE: The Santa Clarita Areawide General Plan, draft City General Plan, Zoning, and existing land use of the project site and adjacent properties: LA CO SCV Draft City Zone Existing General Plan General Plan Land -Use Project P CC C1 -DP Elementary school and school district offices. North C,U2 RS C2, R-1-7000 Retail -commercial; Single -Family Residential 9 LA CO SCV Draft City Zone General Plan General Plan South W/S, U3 - RM C -1 -DP, A-1-10,000 R -3-12U East U2 RM A-1-7500 West C CC CPD, C2 KEY: A-1-7500 A-1-10,0002 C CC C -1 -DP C-2 CPD P RM RS U2 U3 W/S Existing Land Use Multi -family and single- family residential; church. Single -Family Residential. Retail -commercial. Light Agricultural, 7,500 square foot minimum lot size. Light Agricultural, 10,000 square foot minimum lot size. Commercial Community Commercial Restricted Business -Development Program Zone Neighborhood Business Zone. Commercial Planned Development Zone. Public Service Facilities Residential Moderate (6.7 to 15.0 units per acre). Residential Suburban (3.4 to 6.6 Units per acre). Urban 2 (3.4 to 6.6 Units per acre). Urban 3 (6.7 to 15.0 Units per acre). Floodway/floodplain, Significant Ecological Area. ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: The environmental review of this project includes an Initial Study,, to evaluate the impacts of this proposal. The environmental concerns includes: traffic circulation, and aesthetics. It has been determined that. this proposed project will not have an adverse environmental impact with the implementation of the recommended conditions of approval. A Negative Declaration of Environmental Effect.was prepared for this project. INTERDEPARTMENT/INTERAGENCY REVIEW: Comments and recommendations were requested from departments and agencies which would be affected by this project. Comments received were considered by the Community Development Department as part of the project review, and recommendations will be included in the conditions of approval. ANALYSIS: The project site is located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road, fronting on Soledad Canyon Road, Luther Drive, and Mandan Street. The applicant is proposing to remove the existing school facilities at this 9.13 -acre site and construct a 113,000 square foot commercial shopping center. The immediate vicinity is comprised of high and moderate density residential uses, a church, and commercial uses. The project would provide an additional shopping center. 3 The proposed shopping center would be for retail use only, and any future proposed restaurant would require a Conditional Use Permit. The proposal is consistent with the draft General Plan designation, which is Community Commercial. As proposed, the project would increase traffic congestion and noise. The project would also eliminate an existing elementary school, and an existing Special Education school for physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged children. The total enrollment for both of these schools.is approximately 600 students. The school district.is transferring these students to Honby School with no•loss of classroom time. The proposed project will eliminate the existing school yard playground and landscaping. This would result in the loss of recreational opportunities and visual quality for the neighborhood. However, the. shopping center would incorporate landscaping which would shade parking area and increase the visual quality of the center. The .General Plan addresses the need for adequate traffic circulation, school facilities, and recreational opportunities. Circulation Element Policy Nos. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.9, and 1.10 directly apply to this project,' as well as Policy Nos. 1.5, 1.17, and 1.18, of the City's draft General 'Plan Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities Element. A key issue with respect to traffic and circulation on this project is the signal at Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive/Homyr Place. This location was signalized several years ago as one intersection. Under the current arrangements, traffic using both Luther -Drive and Homyr Place, enjoy full access in either direction and the relative protection .of traffic signal control. City staff, however, has identified the need to provide additional signal phases for left.turning traffic from Soledad Canyon Road, specifically in the westbound direction. The applicant's traffic engineer has developed a concept in which westbound left turns at Soledad Canyon Road would have a separate protected phase. This concept includes elimination of the signal equipment at Soledad Canyon Road and Homyr Place and installation of a raised median with landscaping on Soledad Canyon Road through Homyr Place to eliminate potentially conflicting left turns into and out of Homyr Place. The City's Traffic Engineer has reviewed the applicant's proposal and has found. it acceptable from the traffic engineering point -of -view. Staff has concerns over the acceptability of'this plan by the commercial property owners and other present users of Homyr Place including a church and a day .care center. The immediately affected property owners/users on Homyr Place have been contacted by City staff and are informed of the public hearing for this proposal. if a consensus can be. reached with the present users of Homyr Place on the elimination of the signal and left turn ingress and egress, staff supports the applicant's solution to this key issue. If for any reason the Commission finds that no consensus has been reached with respect to Homyr Place or wishes to leave the .Homyr Place intersection signalized for any reason, staff has developed an alternative proposal. This alternative proposal would realign Luther Drive through the applicant's site to create a four-way intersection at Homyr Place. This new intersection could be controlled by signals with conventional left -turn phases in both directions. This alternative proposal would require the applicant to dedicate land for street realignment and intersection purposes. The applicant has indicated that this alternate proposal for Luther Drive is totally unacceptable. From a traffic engineering point -of -view, both solutions work to accommodate the proposed floor area. The Negative Declaration addresses the need for traffic improvements for the proposed project. Correspondingly, the City Traffic Engineering staff has prescribed certain improvements for the project: 1. Ingress/egress from/to Soledad Canyon Road shall be restricted to right turns at the project's most easterly driveway. 2. The proponent shall provide a right -turn lane on Soledad Canyon Road for traffic turning right into the project's main driveway, to the satisfaction -of the City Engineer. 3. Left -turns from the project's main driveway onto Soledad Canyon Road shall be prohibited. 4. The proponent shall construct raised landscaped median on Soledad Canyon Road along the project's frontage, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. The median shall be configured to. allow only westbound left -turns into the main entrance. 5. The proponent shall reconstruct the south approach of Luther Drive to Soledad _Canyon Road to achieve a five -lane configuration as follows: a. Three northbound approach lanes. b. Two southbound departure lanes. This shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. 6. The proponent shall provide for pedestrian access between the main parking facilities and the "employee's" parking facilities. 7. The proponent shall participate on a pro -rata basis in the funding of the widening of the Soledad Canyon Road bridge over the Santa Clara River. RECOMMENDATION Implementation of the Traffic Engineering Division recommendations and improvements would address potential traffic circulation, pedestrian, and bicycle impacts. The Conditions of Approval will include the necessary Traffic Engineering recommendations providing for the improvements'to mitigate potential auto, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation impacts to an insignificant level. V 1) Adopt the attached Negative Declaration with the finding that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment; 2) approve the project in concept; and 3) direct staff to prepare conditions- of approval and resolution for final action in June, 1991. Attachments: Negative Declaration Environmental Assessment Initial Study Radius Map Vicinity Map BCA:dls:72 g SII City of Santa Clarita City Council 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, California 91355 Subject: Appeal Revision Honorable Mayor -Carlboyer; On behalf of Tandam Builders, Incorporated ("Applicant"), we hereby appeal the Resolution for Denial of Proposed MC# 90-153; C.U.P. 90-021, per the action taken by the Ciyt of Santa Clarita Planning Commission ("Commission") on June 4, 1991. Specifically, the Applicant is appealing the Denial of CUP 90-021, which is an application for a shopping center on existing school district property located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road. The Applicant further appeals the decision of the Commission on the grounds that the Commission did not have the authority to redesign a City street through the school district property, nor impose such a radical redesign on the application as submitted, nor did the Commission review the application on its merits. Therefore, the .Applicant desires that the City of Santa Clarita City Council ("Council') approve the proposed shopping center on the existing site without the proposed "realignment" of the intersection, as requested by three members of the Commission. The Applicant wishes the Council to approve the project with the reconfigured intersection per Exhibit A, attached, or similar reconfiguration. We are prepared to go forward with our appeal on or before July 9, 1991. Dr. Joel Kirsche te' , President. On Behalf of T m Builders Incorporated cc: Sulphur Springs School District, Board Trustees Sulphur Springs School District, Office of the Superintendent Richard Darling, Tandam Builders Sage Institute Incorporated 2835 TOWNSCATE ROAD, SUITE 208 • WESTL4KE VIII tCE, CA 91361 • (8/8) PH -W6 (80S) 4974557 • Far (80S) 4964939 Luther Drive W4� 9 I 13' li' 11, 10 10' It, 11' 1 13• ISO EXHIBIT A 1 r� V1Ititit tltlf I � CITY OF SANTA CLARITA __ i�__�- �• 23920 VALEVCIA BLVD.. Sum E: 300 ' SANTA CLARITA 91355 ' .., (805) 259-2489 CASH RECEIPT j A FUND ACCT. DE: AT , ;�� / TOTAL AMOUNT O/ 77 RECEIVED OF: -7 ADDRESS: rl I CITY & ZIP: PHONE NO: ( ) DRIVERS LICENSE NO.: J FUND ACCT. N0. FOR TOTAL AMOUNT O/ 77 7�S loo I 1 I I I I I I I I I j'(OJ Ivv ❑ CASH CkHECK-N0. ��� ooLLARs I cENrs CASH RECEIPT N0. 25252 RECEIVED BY CUSTOMER COPY 05!29/91 13:18 $805"496 4939 SAGE [NST. INC. --- CTY SNTA CLR(TA x.0001 PLSL kv-E, - rolrvl URGENT zti SAGE INSTITUTE, INCORPORATED }� S URGENT 2531 Townsgate Road, Suite #208 rnEE�l i Ne Westlake Pillage, California 91361 (so57av�.sss� / (sts��vt-oras URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT Telccopier # (805) 496.4939 Date: U R.G E N T URGENT URGENT URGENT TELECOPIER TRANsrr�x, ti*i�itiiiitiitiLiizssiYsiiiiiiiYLYYitiiitiitiLitYYtifttiLYLLYYLLttiii22YYLtiY' PLEASE DELIYER THE FOLLOWING PAGES TO: ATTENTION: Q&) �"� , aUIXjpaJ Plan rxn-g • �AWA FROM: SENT BY: TELECOPDM NO: TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING TINS PAGE: stsscssessssssssssssssssssssesssssscsscsssssisscessesssssesssssscsssstssssssss i COMM EN YINSTRUCITONS: aVCol C)i5}P-C+ PECPfeftlPP-02a-521 05/29/91 15:18 tl805 496 4939 SAGE INST. INC. -». CTY SNTA CL4RITA Z002 03/29/91 15:19 ^!]805 106 .4939 SAGE INST. INC. -- CTY SNTA CLARITA 0003 BACKGROUND For approximately twelve months Tandam Builders, Inc. ("Developer") has been processing CUP #90-021 for a proposed commercial development for the reuse of the Sulphur Springs School District ('District') property located at Luther Drive and Soledad Canyon Road. The Developer has submitted a number of alternative plans to City of Santa Clarita ("Cit}) staff. Recently the staff has requested a more detailed traffic andmitigation plan in order to resolve issues identified by the City Traffic Engineer. After a number of alternatives, the Developer submitted a plan which incorporated a number of traffic and intersection mitigation measures as set forth in Exhibit A. Upon detailed review and analysis; the Developer's traffic engineer, Robert Crommelin and Associates, considered this proposed plan to be the most effective method of mitigating the concerns expressed by City staff. In response to the Developer's proposal, reported in Exhibit A, the City Traffic. Engineer presented an alternative plan at a public hearing on May 21, 1991, represented in Exhibit B. Under the City's alternative design the left turning movements into and out of both Luther Drive and Homyr PIace at Soledad Canyon Road will be permitted as they are under existing striping. Plan B will provide for side-by-side left turn lanes for east and west bound traffic, along with reconfiguration of the lanes and re -timing of traffic lights. A third alternative had been suggested, which calls for Luther Drive to be realigned with Homyr Place to form a four -leg intersection. This realignment would result in a significant loss of developable area and significantly reduce the value of the property due to the Ioss of a strategic comer and the creation of a configuring split parcel marketing concept. The redesign of the intersection is therefore concluded as a nonviable solution due to the projected economic loss to both the District and Developer. 1 05/29/91 15:20 V805 d46 4939 SAGE INST. INC. -»» CTY SNTA CLARITA Z004 After careful consideration, the District and Developer are prepared to accept the Cites alternative plan as set forth in Exhibit B. The rationale for acceptance of the City's plan is the following: 1. Left hand turns along of Soledad Canyon Road are left intact. 2. A proposed widening of Luther Drive allows for additional turning lanes and greater stacking of cars. 3. Enhanced turn out areas into'the main entrance of the center. 4. Completely reconfigured lanes throughout the intersection area. Considering the fact that both Luther Drive and Mandam are limited in traffic volume, the City's proposal per Exhibit B is an exceptable viable solution to all concerns raised to date. 2 05729/91 15:20 $805 dab 4939 - 1 15' 1- 112. Luther Drive 1 91 SAGE INST. UC. --. CTI' SNTA CLARITA 0005 6' 12' 12' 13 15' EXHIBIT A d b sss�! d b 05/29/91 15:21 (x$`805 A06 4939 o Luther Drive ! I! I llt, SAGE INST. INC. CTY SNTA CLARIT.4 2006 10' 1 li' 111' 1 13' 15' EXHIBIT B VAItItIf 05/27/91 18:10 ^&805 -"q 4939 SAGE 1\ST. 1SC. .- CTY SSTA CLARITA . ZOOL, Ms. Lynn Harris Community Planning Director City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Blvd. #300 Santa Clarita, California, 91355 Dear Ms. Harris; RECEIVED MAY 2 8 1991 LYNN M. HARRIS Olromr Of community DCV. May 24, 1991 In respect for the Planning Commission request to re-evaluate the traffic and intersection question pertaining to the Canyon Springs Village application on the eidsting Sulphur Springs School District Property (CUP #90-021), please be advised of the following: 1. The applicant's team and School District staff have reviewed the intersection and proposed intersection solutions. 2. The applicant is prepared to accept the intersection reconfiguration as presented by Mr. Ed Kline, the Cities traffic engineer. If at all possible, pleaseschedule this item for the June 4th public hearing. Our team is available to meet with your staff during the week of the 28th in order to review the details of Mr. Kline's proposed intersection and any other items deemed appropriate by the staff. On Behar of )he Applicant, Joel Kirsienstein, President Sage Institute, Incorporated cc. Sulphur Springs School District, Board of Education Sulphur Springs School District, Office of the Superintendent Richard Darling, Tandam Builders, Inc. Don Murphy, Architect Jim Emmerson, Engineer Antonio Coco, Traffic Engineer Sage Institute Incorporated .,nwLarr. ildrb 2895 TOwN5GA7E ROAD, surrz 208 • wESTL4KE wuAGE, cA 9IJ6I • wo 99i-oul6 (80s) !97.8557 • Far (805) 496-4939 TANDAM BUILDERS, INC. s SULPHUR SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT PREPARED FOR CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CITY COUNCIL REGARDING PROPOSED USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY August 29, 1991 JO ti 2q Prepared By: �J Consultants Sage Institute, Inc. Robert Crommelin and Associates Don Mumhy Architect IN Sif For approximately fifteen months Tandam Builders, Inc. ('Developer") has been processing CUP #90-021 for a proposed commercial development for the reuse of the Sulphur Springs School District ('District") surplus property located at Luther Drive and Soledad Canyon Road. The Developer selected by the District had submitted a number of alternative plans for a proposed neighborhood shopping center to the City of Santa Clarita ('City") staff for review and consideration as related to project design, land use and conformance with existing City standards and City codes. The following represents an overview and analysis of those items which may be pending before the Council. II. TRAFFIC Prior to a public hearing before the City Planning Commission ("Commission"), the staff had requested a more detailed traffic and mitigation plan in order to resolve issues identified by the City Traffic Engineer. After a number of alternatives, the Developer submitted a site plan and a related traffic mitigation plan which incorporated a number of traffic and °intersection mitigation measures as set forth in Exhibit A. Upon detailed review and analysis, the Developer's traffic engineer, Robert Crommelin and Associates, considered this proposed plan to be the most effective method of mitigating the concerns expressed by City staff. In response to the Developer's proposal, reported in Exhibit A, the City Traffic Engineer presented an alternative plan at a public hearing of the Commission on May 21, 1991, represented in Exhibit B. 1 Sage Institute Incorporated 2835 TOWNSGATE ROAD, SUITE 208 • WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361 • (8I8) 991-0646 (805) 497.8557 • Fax (805) 4964939 s 1 Under the City's alternative design the left turning movement of vehicles into and out of both Luther Drive and Homyr Place at Soledad Canyon Road will continue to be permitted to remain similar to existing intersection traffic control striping design. The configuration as set forth in Exhibit B will specifically provide for side-by-side left turn lanes for east and west bound traffic, along with reconfiguration of the lanes and re -timing of traffic lights. A third alternative had been suggested, which calls for Luther Drive to be realigned with Homyr Place to form a four -leg intersection. This realignment would result in a significant loss of developable area and significantly reduce the value of the property due to the loss of a strategic corner and the creation of a reconfigured split parcel marketing concept. This parcel split in order to redesign the intersection is therefore concluded as a nonviable solution due to the projected economic loss to both the District and Developer as well reduced site specific marketing and other amenities for the community. III. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS As reported to the Commission and after careful consideration, the District and Developer are prepared to accept the City's alternative plan as set forth in Exhibit -B. The rationale for acceptance of the City's plan is the following: A. Left hand turns along of Soledad Canyon Road are left intact. B. A proposed widening of Luther Drive allows for additional turning lanes and greater stacking of cars. C. Enhanced turn out areas into the main entrance of the shopping center. D. Completely reconfigured lanes throughout the existing intersection area. E. Traffic flow along Soledad would be similar to all other proposed alternatives. 2 Considering the fact that both Luther Drive and Mandan are limited in traffic volume, the City's proposal per Exhibit B is an acceptable viable solution to all concerns raised to date. V. ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS AND BENEFITS In order to present the adverse impact from the proposed parcel split the developer has prepared a report describing the following: Net Operating Income, Value at Completion, Return on Investment, Total Project Square Footage, Loss of Value Due to Realignment and Rent Reduction Required to Recover Value (Yearly), as set forth in Exhibit C which is projected at an estimated loss of $131,093 annually. IV. PROJECT SUMMARY Unfortunately per a 3,1,1 vote of the Commission, the project was denied due to the fact that the School District and Developer are not in a position to incur the foregoing economic losses associated with the Commission's proposed dividing of the District Property. Therefore, The following additional project information and related market analysis is presented for the Council's review and consideration, specifically in response to Resolution No. P91-27 of Master Case No. 90-153. The property owner and applicant submit for review by the council the following response to a previously distributed staff correspondence dated June 12, 1991. A. The Project Site as proposed is adequately served by highways and streets of sufficient width, therefore the Site has adequate access from Soledad Canyon Road, Luther Drive and Mandan Street, and traffic generated from the proposed project will be adequately served by the existing roadways and circulation pattern. B. The proposed site is more than adequate in size and shape to accommodate the yards, walls, fences, parking and loading facilities, landscaping, and other development features prescribed in the design. The project is in compliance with zoning along Soledad Canyon and with the surrounding area. Also, the Site's parking, landscaping, height, and yard projections adequately serve the projected on-site automobile and pcdestrian circulation as submitted. 3 C. This project, as designed would not adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing in the surrounding area. The project will not jeopardize, endanger or otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety or development standards of the subdivision and zoning. ordinance and is compatible with surrounding land uses and is in compliance with land uses along Soledad Canyon. The project will however provide for the following community benefits. V. COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT The overall community benefits for the City are significant. The following represents the most obvious benefits and are hereby set forth for review and consideration by the Council. A. Ouality Project The project once constructed will be a standard for future commercial developments, especially when one focuses on overall project design, landscaping.and entrance features. B. School District Benefits The income stream from the project will earmark lease payments for the District as on line income for much needed capital outlay construction projects. C. Neighborhood Benefits A first class neighborhood shopping center will be strategically located for surrounding residents in particular and for the community in general. 4 f J D. Emnlovment Opportunities The center will provide a minimum of approximately two hundred (200) employment opportunities ranging from management to individual entrepreneur ownership opportunities, skilled, semi skilled, and part time job opportunities. E. Local Revenues The center will provide approximately $ of sales tax revenue for the City as well as general income revenues for employees to spend elsewhere in the City. F. Land Use The center as proposed is consistent with recently adopted land use and zoning policies for development along Soledad Canyon. V. SUMMARY Therefore, based upon the foregoing information and analysis proposed center will be integrated into the existing conditions along Soledad Canyon, and will be compatible with the existing uses in the vicinity. Appropriate levels of service for traffic operations at adjacent intersections to the Site would be maintained or enhanced per the proposed reconfiguration. of the intersection. per Exhibit B. The design as proposed would promote a safe, efficient, and steady flow of traffic by enhancing the operating efficiency of the City's roadway system. In summary, there is no compelling reason to deny the center or impose such a loss on the project and related income impairment to the District resulting from a proposed reconfigured intersection through the site itself. The Traffic Mitigation as proposed per Exhibit B more than adequately mitigates traffic flow along Soledad with the adverse impact of a realigned intersection. �- 5 Therefore the applicant respectfully wishes that the Council to reconsider the split vote of the Commission and approve the project as submitted or with appropriate fair and reasonable conditions. The request for reconsideration is greatly appreciated by the Property Owner (School District) and the applicant, Tandam Builders. tanu/apMl.pro 2 c r i .^. f / � E t .. y Jwoo L i . owuQ, aag3�7Z i .^. f / � E t .. y Jwoo L � •i JA5 .3 � d I i .^. f / � E t .. y Jwoo L � •i CZ M z fn Z Z E_ w cc w (n o e cc w a N n O _ IL w O 1- ¢N a U 1 t I t I t I � � y LU L CL. «c o e ¢ o aU F cm UE o. a _ L D � J 9 Oy =a U o U,a` V2 In 1990 the City of Santa Clarita evaluated several alternatives to resolve the traffic problems associated with the' jogged" intersection of Soledad Canyon Road with Luther and Homyr Drive.. As part of that process the City resolved to restripe that intersection with two separate left turn lanes, respectively for East and Westbound Soledad Canyon Road traffic. Construction plans along with striping and signal phasing plans were prepared for this solution, which was included in the approved 1990-91 City Budget. At the time when the Canyon Springs Shopping Center was presented, it was felt that additional solutions for the above mentioned intersection became available. Consequently, the traffic alternatives' currently under scrutiny for the intersection of Soledad, Luther and Homyr Roads relate to: a.) the City originally accepted "side-by-side left turn" striping, and b.) the City's current request for realignment of Luther Drive with Homyr Drive. Following is an evaluation of the impact of both alternatives as they relate to issues of Traffic and circulation. The side-by-side Solution will improve future traffic conditions at the intersection form an estimated Intersection Capacity. Utilization (ICU) of about 85 percent to about 89 percent with level of service (LOS) D. The improved value includes an allowance for the increase in "lost time" associated with this solution. Due to the complexity of the signal phasing, this solution might have a "confusion factor created by the multiple signal intersections which cannot be quantified. However, given the commuter type of traffic on Soledad Canyon, it is expected that the impact of the "confusion factor" will disappear once motorists get used to the signal operations. The realigned intersection will improve the ICU by about two percent to a total ICU of about 83 percent, still at LOS D. These ICU's do not take into account the substantial reduction in volumes that Soledad Canyon Road will experience as a result of the Whites Canyon Extension Project and, at a later date, the construction of SR126 South of Soledad Canyon. From the point of view of the flow of traffic on Soledad Canyon Road, the two solutions will not have any impact 'other than these outlined above. The realignment of Luther with Homyr will, however, require the construction of about 700 feet of new road. The reconstruction will occur over the School District right of way. The vacation of the existing Luther Dr. also will be required. This will create an access problem for all the uses which abut Luther Dr. specifically a Mc Donald restaurant, or day care center, and the Lutheran Church. These uses will have to have access easements over the school district property. Also, the Soledad Canyon Road frontage of the school district property will be reduced by about 170 feet. The foregoing analysis sets forth the technical analysis to support the reconfiguration of the intersection area as opposed to the realignment through school district property. lanss/ezhibil.d ft;-q f4 x175 '+ As ....... I Y4Y TV,, < SHOPPING CENTER FINANCIAL INFORMATION- REALIGNMENT/NO REALIGNMENT.::. : -': NO REALIGNMENT_ REALIGNMENT Net Operating Income $909.611 $1,040,705 ($131.094) Value at Completion $9.574,853 $10,954,789 ($1,379,936) Return on Investment 8.41% 14.50% -6.09% Total Project Square Footage 105.000 112,250 (7,250) Loss of Value Due to Reallgmnent ($1.379;936),. Rent Reduction Required to Recover Value (Yearly) $131,693. -2. 0 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA N E G A T I V E D E C L A R A T I O N CERTIFICATION DATE: 7 May 1991 APPLICANT: Tandam Builders TYPE OF PERMIT: Conditional Use Permitcrr? FILE NO.: MCI 90-153; CUP 90-021 r" LOCATION OF THE PROJECT: The 7�}"t �located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road; southeast corner the "', s tion of Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: The applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the project site from an existing school to a commercial shopping center on a 9.13 acre parcel. The proposal includes four buildings with a total area of 113,000 square feet for commercial use, along with 454 parking.spaces and appurtenant landscaping. It is the determination of the: [ ] City Council [X] Planning Commission [ ] Director of Community Development upon review that the project will not have a significant effect upon the environment. Mitigation measures Form completed by: [X] are attached [ ] are not attached (Si1VatJftk) vu Jeff Chaffin. Assistant Planner II (Name and Title) Date of Public Notice: [X] Legal advertisement. [X] Posting of properties. [X] Written notice. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (Initial Study Form B) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA MASTER CASE NO: MC1 90-153 (CUP 90-021) Case Planner: Jeff Chaffin Project Location: The project site is located at 18830 Soledad Canyon Road; southeast corner of the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive. Project Description and Setting: The applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the project site from an existing school to a commercial shopping center on a 9.13 acre parcel. The proposal includes four buildings with a total area of 113,000 square feet for commercial use, along -with 454 parking spaces and appurtenant landscaping. General Plan Designation: CC (Community Commercial) Zoning: C -1 -DP (Restricted Business Zone; Development Program) yy a Applicant: Tandam Builders J Environmental Constraint Areas: Traffic and circulation. A. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth. Vill the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geologic substructures? .................. [ ] [ ] [x] b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil? ............... [x] [ ] [ ] C. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? ........................... [x] [ 1 [ 1 d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features7.................................. [ ] [ 1 1x1 e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? .......... [ ] [ ] [x] f. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or -similar hazards7................................... [ ] [ 1 [x1 FI -2 - C. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? .............. [ ] [ ] [x] d. Other? [ I ( I [x] 3. Water. Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ............................ [x] [ ] [ ] b. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? .............................. I 1 I ) Ix) C., Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? ......................... [ ] d. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, in- cluding but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? [ J e. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? ..................... ( ] A YES MAYBE NO g. Changes in deposition, erosion or siltation? ................................. I ) [ ] Ix] h. Other modification of a wash, channel, creek, or river? ........................... I ] I ] Ix) i. Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic yards or more? ....................... [ ] [ ] [x] j. Development and/or grading on a slope greater than 25Z natural grade? ............ [ ] [ ] [x] k. Development within the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone? ...................... ( ] ( ] [x] 1. Other? ( ] ( ] [x] 2. Air. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial air emissions.or deterioration' of ambient air quality? .................... [ ] [x] [ J b. The creation of objectionable odors? ... [ ) ( I [x] C. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? .............. [ ] [ ] [x] d. Other? [ I ( I [x] 3. Water. Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ............................ [x] [ ] [ ] b. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? .............................. I 1 I ) Ix) C., Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? ......................... [ ] d. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, in- cluding but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? [ J e. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? ..................... ( ] A - 3 - b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? ..... [ ] [ ] [x] C. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ...... [ ] [ ] [x] d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat and/or migratory routes? ........... [ ] [ ] [x] 6. Noise. Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? ........ [ ] [x] [ 1 to YES MAYBE NO f. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or with- drawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? ............ [ ] ( ] [x] g. Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? ............................ [ 1 [ 1 [x] h. Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? .......... [ ] [ ] [x] i. Other? [ ] ( ] [x] 4. Plant Life. Will the proposal result in: t" a. Change in the diversity of species or number of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grasses, crops, and microflora)? ... [ ] [ 1 [x] b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? ...... [ ] [ ] [x] C. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal re- plenishment of existing species? ........... ( ] [ ] [x] d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? ...................................... [ 1 [ ] [x] 5. Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles, fish and insects or microfauna)? .................... ( ] [ 1 [x] b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? ..... [ ] [ ] [x] C. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ...... [ ] [ ] [x] d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat and/or migratory routes? ........... [ ] [ ] [x] 6. Noise. Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? ........ [ ] [x] [ 1 to - 4 - YESMAYBE NO b. Exposure of people to severe or unacceptable noise levels? ................. [ ] [ ] [x] C. Exposure of people to severe vibrations? ... [ l [ ] [x] 7. Light and Glare. Will the proposal produce substantial new light or glare? ................. (x] [ ] [ ] 8. Land Use. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial alteration of the present land use of an area? ....................... [x]� [ ] [ ] b. A substantial alteration of the planned land use of an area? ............... [ ] [ ] [xj C. A use that does not adhere to existing zoning laws? ................................ ( l I 1 [xl d. A use that does not adhere to established development criteria? [ ] [ ] [x] 9. Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? ................................. ( 1 [ 1 [x] b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resources? [ ] [ ] [x] 10. Risk of Upset/Man-Made Hazards. Will the proposal: a. Involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? .......................... [ ] [ ] [x] b. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazard- ous or toxic materials (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? ................................ ( 1 [ 1 [xl C. Possible interference with an emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? ...................................... [ ] [ 1 [xl d. Otherwise expose people to potential safety hazards? ................................... [ 1 [ l Ixl - 5 - 11. Population. Will the proposal: YES MAYBE NO a. Alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? ..................... [ ] ( ] [x] b. Other? [ ] [ ] (x] 12. Housing. Will the proposal: a. Remove or otherwise affect existingk '> housing, or create a demand for additional housing? ........................ [ ] [ ] [x] b. other? [ ] [ ] (x] 13. Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? ........................ [x] [ ] [ ] b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? ................. [x] [ ] [ ] C. Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems, including public transportation? ............................ [x] d. Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? .............................. (x] ( ] ( ] e. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? ....... [x] [ ] [ ] f. A disjointed pattern of roadway improvements? .............................. [ ] ( ] (x] 14. Public Services. Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered govern- mental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? ........................... ( ] ( ] (x] b. Police protection? ......................... [ ] ( ] (x] C. Schools? ................................... (x] ( ] ( ] RV IW -IE YES MAYBE NO d. Parks or other recreational facilities? .... [ ] [ ] [x] e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? . ....... :................... [ ] [ ] [X] f. Other governmental services? ............... [ ] [ ],,,.,,,:.[x] r:. 15. Energy. Will the proposal result in? a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy . .................................... I ] [ ) [xl b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? [ ] [ ] [x] 16. Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? ...................... [ ] [ ] [x] b. Communications systems? .................... [ ] [ ] [x] C. Water systems? ............................. I l [ l [x] d. Sanitary sewer systems? .................... [ ] ( ] [x] e. Storm drainage systems? .................... [ ] I ] [x] f. Solid waste and disposal systems? .......... [ ] [ I [x] g. Will the proposal result in a disjointed or inefficient pattern of delivery system improvements for any of the above? ......... [ ] [ ] [x] 17. Human Health. Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? ... [ ] [ ] [x] b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? ................................... [ ] I I Ix] 18. Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in: a. The obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public? ................... [ ] [ ] [x] b. Will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? ....................... ( ] ( ] [x] 13 - 7 - YES MAYBE NO C. Will the visual impact of the proposal be detrimental to the surrounding area? [ ] [x] [ ] 19. Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? ..................... (x] [ ] I ] F 20. Cultural Resources. a. Will the proposal result in the alteration k' of or the destruction of a prehistoric or historic archaeological site? .............. [ ] ( ] (x] b. Will the proposal result in adverse physical or aesthetic effects to a prehistoric or historic building, structure, or object? ... C. Does the proposal have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? ............. d. Will the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? ..................... 14 Discussion of Impacts. Section Subsection Evaluation of Impact ` +'• Section Evaluation of Impact (source) la -k The site is flat and is occupied by the Soledad Canyon Elementary School, Sulphur Springs School District offices, and the Pauline B. Chase Special Education School. This existing development includes a playground, classrooms, and administrative offices. These school facilities will be removed and replaced with a 113,000 square foot shopping center with a 454 space parking lot. The project will result in soil overcovering. The project site is not within the San Gabriel Fault Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone. (Seismic Zone 1 per the Los Angeles County Santa Clarita Areiwide General Plan). All of the Santa Clarita Valley is within a region of occasional seismic activity. However,,the project site is not on or near any known active fault. The site is not subject to ground shaking, liquefaction, or landslides. The soils report prepared for this project identified no other imminent geological hazard pertinent to this site. This project will not cause any modifications of a wash, channel, creek, or river due to its location. This project will not cause changes in deposition, erosion, or siltation because there shall be no alteration to existing off-site drainage patterns. Project drainage will be conveyed.to existing drainage facilities. No significant drainage impacts are anticipated. Minimal grading, to be balanced on-site: will occur to allow preparation of the site for the proposed buildings and parking lot. The applicant will be required to comply with all City Codes regulating soil erosion during construction; no significant impact is anticipated. A grading concept will be reviewed by, and be to the satisfaction of the City's Public Works Department. No significant geological impact is anticipated for this projeFt. 2.a -d. Short term impacts to air quality due to construction activities are.anticipated.to occur. Fugitive dust can be expected during the demolition -construction phase of the project. The applicant will be required to implement mitigation measures to minimize potential dust impacts resulting from grading activities.. Increased vehicle trips will result due to a change in use from a school to a shopping center. The traffic study prepared for this project, by Robert Crommelin and Associates (February 11, 1991), states that: "...the proposed project will increase existing traffic flow by about 4,600 vehicle trips per day." 'The AM peak has been estimated at 107 vehicle trips...", "The PM peak was estimated at 376 vehicle trips...". This increase in traffic may result in an increase in air emissions which could deteriorate ambient air quality. is An air impact analysis, along with recommendations from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, is needed to accurately M1" assess the.air quality impacts.of this project. 3.a -i The project includes the coverage of this 9.13 acre pircef with an impermeable surface to accommodate the proposed buildings and parking lot. Prior to construction the applicant will be required to submit a conceptual drainage plan. The plan must be to the satisfaction of the City's Public Works Department. The drainage, will be conveyed to existing drainage facilities, which have the capacity to serve this project. No significant impact is. anticipated. The project site is located within Flood Zone C, which is not a flood hazard area (per Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Insurance Rate Map, Community Panel #060729 0365C and 0480C). No exposure or.alteration to flood waters will occur. No significant impacts are anticipated. 4.a -d No oak trees exist on the site or will be affected by this project. Through previous development, the site has been permanently disturbed. The project site has not been identified as a sensitive area for any rare or endangered plant species. Significant impacts to botanical resources are not expected to occur. 5.a -d The site and the immediate vicinity are within an urbanized area and are not identified as a significant wildlife use area. Through previous development, the site has been permanently disturbed. The project site has not been identified as a sensitive area or migratory route for any rare or endangered animal species. Significant impacts to zoological resources are not expected to occur. 6.a -c Short-term impacts of noise and exposure of people to severe vibrations ,.due to the use of heavy equipment, may occur during the construction phase of the project. City codes regulate the hours permitted for construction and the intensity of the noise produced by such activities. If developed as a shopping center, on-site noise -generation may increase significantly above existing levels. A noise study is needed to assess the impacts to the adjacent residential properties, churches, and other businesses. 7. This project shall create a new source of light and glare. The applicant will be required to submit a lighting plan to reduce glare to an insignificant level, in conjunction with a landscape plan for review by City staff. . 14 -10 - The applicant shall also be required to provide staff with a materials board illustrating the types of exterior materials to be used. Adjacent businesses and residences may experience reflected glare during certain hours of the day. The materials to be used by the applicant shall be of the type to minimize reflection and off-site glare. By illuminating only the project area and using non -reflective exterior building materials, off-site glare will be reduced to an acceptable level. As such, no significant impactmli anticipated. 8.a -d. The project site is presently surrounded by residcsntfal�'pr'operties r.., to the immediate east and south. Properties to the ':i north and west are occupied by commercial users. The change from a school site to a shopping center is a substantial alteration of the existing land use of the site. However, the draft General Plan Land Use designation for this site is "CC" (Community Commercial), and the existing zoning is "C -1 -DP" (Restricted Business -Development Program Zone). The proposal is consistent with both the land use designation and the zoning. Because this proposal; is consistent with the draft General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, no significant impact tolanduse is anticipated. 9,a,b. This project is not of the size or type to cause an increase in the usage rate of any natural or nonrenewable resources. Therefore, the impacts of this project to these resources are expected to be insignificant. 10.a -d. Short-term risks and hazards during construction would be alleviated by compliance with all City Codes with respect to construction procedures and the use of hazardous materials and equipment (to be enforced by the Building and Safety Department). ll.a,b The project will result in the creation of commercial retail related jobs. This :will be .beneficial to the City in that the City is currently "housing rich" with a surplus of homes. This will provide a balancing of the jobs -housing ratio within the City. These additional jobs will not have a significant impact on City's population from an environmental perspective. 12.a. No significant impact to housing is anticipated as this project is not of the size or scope to affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional new housing. 13.a -d. As proposed, this project would require a minimum of 452 parking spaces. An on-site parking lot with 454 parking spaces is being provided. The proposed project is in conformance with the City's parking ordinance. The traffic study prepared for this project, by Robert Crommelin and Associates (February 11, 1991), states that: "...the proposed project will increase existing traffic flow by about 4,600 vehicle trips per day." "The AM peak has been estimated at 107 vehicle trips...", "The PM peak was estimated at 376 vehicle -trips...". The assessment of traffic impacts has been made by the City's traffic engineering staff. Traffic engineering recommendations include the following: 17 -11- 1) Ingress and egress to and from Soledad Canyon. ad` t sha"_�1«be restricted to right -turns. V.5, k..,., 2) The proposed median of Soledad Canyon Road' a constructed as a continuous median from Vilna Avenue to Homyr Place. 3) The proposed driveway on Luther Drive immediately north of Mandan Street be relocated to a more northerly location. 4) On-site circulation should be provided so that all parking facilitiescan be accessed from any location of the site. 5) Realign Luther Drive so that a four-way intersection is formed with Homyr Place, Luther Drive, and Soledad Canyon Road. An increased demand on public transportation systems may result from this proposal. The City's traffic engineering staff has determined that additional vehicle traffic generated by this project can be accommodated by existing roadways and.recommended improvements, However, bridge and thoroughfare fees would be required as a condition of approval. Transit development fees will be required to improve public transportation systems. Bicycle and pedestrian hazards may also be increased due to the alteration of traffic patterns. The project as proposed is inconsistent with several of the draft General Plan Circulation Element policies (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.9, and 1.10). Circulation facilities should be improved to provide better levels of service and standards of safety over current traffic operations with a priority to improve local traffic patterns. Appropriate levels of service should be maintained at all intersections in the City during peak hours to ensure that traffic delays are kept to a minimum. The quality of residential neighborhoods should be preserved by discouraging the flow of truck and through traffic in these areas consistent with circulation and emergency needs. The operating efficiency and safety of the existing roadway system should be maximized and improved where possible. The number of intersections and driveways on major arterials and expressways should be limited to promote a safe, efficient, and steady flow of traffic. Implementation of the Traffic Engineering Division recommendations and improvements would address potential traffic, circulation, pedestrian, and bicycle impacts and reduced them to an insignificant level. The proposed project would have an adverse impact on transportation and circulation due to the anticipated impacts from the creation of new conflict points on the existing roadway system, the inadequacy of the on-site circulation and parking pattern, and the decreased level of service created by increased traffic volumes. 12 -12- Vr,-. , °, '- ." Val 14.a -f Because the applicant is leasing the project site from. the Sulphur Springs School District, the School District is considered to be a project proponent. The implementation of this project will result in the elimination of two schools which currently occupy the site. The Soledad Canyon Elementary School with an enrollment of approximately 430 students, and the Pauline B. Chase Special Education School with an enrollment of approximately 170 students. The Pauline B. Chase School is unique in that it provides educational services exclusively for the emotionally, mentally, and physically challenged. Policies 1.5, 1.17, and 1.15, of the City's draft General Plan Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities element, directly apply to this proposed project. These policies require that new developments be prohibited or delayed unless necessary public services and utilities will be available at the time of occupancy or will be provided within a reasonable period of time as part of an adopted improvement plan. Support should be provided to the school districts in promoting a high standard of excellence in the local school system. Ensure appropriate means to facilitate the development of school facilities to accommodate growth and ensure that the school districts can meet future needs by working and cooperating with school districts and developers. The School District has requested that "buffering" be provided between the project site and the adjacent residential properties. However, the School Districts comments did not address the impacts on the area schools that the loss of these facilities would create, nor were any mitigation measures required. It is not known if a new school will be built for the children currently attending Soledad Canyon Elementary School and Pauline B. Chase Special Education School. Should these children be transferred to other schools in the area, this impact must be assessed. The applicant has not been required by the School District to provide for the mitigation of this impact through any conditions of approval. The School District has not specifically indicated that new facilities would be needed. City staff needs additional information addressing these issues to assess this significant impact. 15.a -b The project will not result in the consumption of substantial amounts of fuel or energy. The development of.new energy sources will not result from the implementation of this project. No significant impact on energy is anticipated. IR -13- �;i 16.a -g All required utilities are existing and available to serve the project site. The applicant will be required to obtain the necessary permits and pay all applicable connection fees to the appropriate utility purveyor. This will not result in substantial alteration of any utility service, nor will it require the creation of any new utility system. No significant impact to utility systems is anticipated. 17.a,b. Short-term risks and hazards during construction would be alleviated by compliance with all City Codes with respect to construction procedures and the use of hazardous materials and equipment (to be enforced by the Building and Safety Department). 18.a -c To -scale exhibits will be required for review, including exterior elevations, colored renderings, and materials samples. The height and bulk of the building shall also be assessed upon the receipt of these materials. No aesthetic impacts are anticipated. 19. The existing recreational facilities at the school site include playground equipment and open athletic fields. These facilities are used during school operation, and on weekends and during after school hours by residents living in the area. The school site also provides visual relief with it's large open turf areas along Soledad Canyon Road. The City's draft General Plan Parks and Recreation Element goals and policies of applicable to this project. Quality parks and recreational facilities should be provided, developed, and maintained, and dispersed throughout the area. The improvement, rehabilitation, and maintenance of existing parks and recreational facilities is encourage. Measures to acquire future parkland is also encourage. A combination of local park acreage, park facilities, and recreation programs to serve neighborhood needs should be provided. Additional neighborhood and community parks should be provided in all communities. If constructed, this project will eliminate the existing school yard playground. This will result in the loss of recreational opportunities for adjacent residents. The applicant has not provided for replacement or other mitigation for the loss of this facility. Improvements to the existing City parks system, funds to provide improvements, or the acquisition of new park land are possible mitigation measures which could alleviate these impacts. As proposed, this project will have an adverse impact on existing recreational opportunities. 20.a -d The project site has not been identified as an archaeologically or historically sensitive area. Damage to historical resources or impacts to unique ethnic cultural values is not expected. No significant impacts to cultural resources.is anticipated. ME -14- C. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Section 15065 of the California Environmental Quality Act states, in part, that if any of the following can be answered yes or maybe, the project may have a significant effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Report shall be prepared. YES MAYBE NO 1. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a,,4,": - fish or wildlife population to drop below self sus- 3'R taining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant orw animal community, reduce the number or -restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? ................. [ ] [ ] [x] 2. Does.the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long' -term impacts will endure well into the future.) ............ [ ] [ ] [x] 3. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) [ ] ( ] (x] 4. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ......... [ ] [ ] [x] R1 -15- D. DETERMINATION ss" On the basis of this Initial Study, it is determined that: 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 the mitigation measures described in this Initial Study have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED . ................................................. (x] The proposed project MAY have a significant effect.on the environment, and an'ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required....................................................... LYNN M. HARRIS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA Prepared By: Jeff Chaffin, Assistant Planner II 8 ( i ture) (Name/Title) ( at App ved B Ni Donald M. Williams. Associate Planner (Sign ure) (Name/Title) ( ate JC/256 � as ,P 4p CABRAL ST \RVIEW OR IOa 5 Zj y (• y CANYON g qy GP n HIGH SCH y ��°0. RADIUS MAPr F '"I CHADWAY ST NORTH OAKS \frp"(, ,C'RL. e C'rY PARK B �ABINCTON Rj�' RASiR 4P�E ,F-,MC ' �O_ �� 9OO 2tP`. FOUR OLK$ < O a CEDARCREEK < ST 'Oo. ..� m W wSr y N FAIRWEATHE4 a Si M' J~9�NERf pA ST=S S m FAIRWEATHER �5T ST V DEIICHT O ST V t� �� KIpO KIMBROUGH a ST Canyon °°�y DELIGHT ST ,Q �, v'� 'deco a C. OF C 'l' HOUSE r oW 5T a NEWHOIISE 5T ♦° o Z P 2 1� Country ? 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IF _ F r PRINCE55A P rp SOAK /' �•i �(•. /% BRANCH { to CIP COUNEEkOrLCI VBLIEY l Z' ly�� Y �+ D Fnendl Of THEo a E M � T. \ 0 5 � �I � WWD Valley: aQ Os w s L�(I�Y_ Of f` Opt >ll OE v (OS ANGEL E9 '�\ t j r•r pG06 ON, / / ? v O C(RP 4 R\ENp )Opts $O I e DEL z�, N CH\NtPV\N i OR `AVE n_ \\` O O S\ 51ERgA ESTATES UR—t/� Z'L` t a° LArf ••"1 s \f 0 o r<<i`C-� r/ H.. 9 (` 'L ,w O MOUNTAIN PPICy G :' B9 fC, PO... v o SP1 OALF CT T. .•f}a O /� Y 2 9�a„ 'P ' a C• •L 1. i{' \e- r A ^� p(:�L\2fQ •`f• iC /. fFQ/G CEDAR W yPV •}.PYoVIFIW n \�'/\ SY 'STVO� L•S �'• 'YES OR �o / VfK H ? p Rei a,11K�P ti' Ot "(;u0�o- qYE .r' �; VICINITY MAP MC 90-153 AN EASEMENT OVER THE WEST 30 FEET AND THE SOUTH.30 FEET OF SAID LAND FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES AND PUBLIC UTILITY AND SEWER. PURPOSES, AS RESERVED IN A FINAL DECREE OF CONDEMNATION,'RENDERED IN SUPERIOR COURT, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CASE NO. 828871, PARCEL NO. 1 THEREOF, A CERTIFIED COPY OF. WHICH WAS RECORDED -DECEMBER 23, 1964, AS INSTRUMENT NO. 3397, IN BOOK D-2742 PAGE 3511OF.OFFICIAL RECORDS. AN EASEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE SHOWN BELOW AND RIGHTS INCIDENTAL THERETO AS SET FORTH IN A DOCUMENT : -If\ GRANTED TO: THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PURPOSE:' THE CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION11 CO INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC ROAD AND IHIGHWAY ' PURPOSES RECORDED: MAY 25, 1967 AS INSTRUMENT. NO. 31093;, -- OFFICIAL RECORDS CO0 Aoo �<W / 9\% 3,500 S,F. . I0 •�'�.0 CO v 0 0 10 > I �01 6 FT. oEconATIVE MASONRY 'WALL 0 IU FT 1,AN06( kPF 611imfP!4 -4:91 uze� R ta.00l W lbl* 2,o'aj11 24.4' > LU CY) CO CO 41 77 SITE STATISTICS 00 0 I I IT -1 I I I FF I I I I i I - I , I co�Q L DING0 < Q 0 0 16 EMPLOYE&,-.. yE SITE 411a175 SO. FT (9.4 AC) ENTRANC L < < 8L4LDING 112,250 SO. FT. U PARKIN485 CARS G < PP i \h < ;AND 58,396 SO. FT. LU 0 A CO ND OPEN SPACE j..7 u Lo L 1.0 U) 335 EMPLOYEELLj 000 DBL. 25' POLELIGHT ;METAL HALIDE 100 WATT METAL HALIDE WALL PACKIMTD.P,12'1 60 WATT METAL HALIDE WALL PACK ;MTD..(p,10'2 LIGHTING BUILDING CANOPIES TO BE A MIX OF INCANDESCENT & WARM FLUORESCENT X0 $IN 4 COMPACT. PARKING: q- Irc, I Compactkparking to be 20% of total parking. Distribution C of compact spaces as approved by govqrning jurisdiction. kk \!I S 0 _11 ` -� � v, PERMISSIBLE... */� I' — f-----OLESSEE RESTAURANT PARKING AREA' AREA. AS DEFINED IN LEASE. I MOKLWTEKT 02 FYLOR L .. . ....... N IMAIIN CENTER DRfVE LEGAL—aESCRIPTIOR That. portion of the southwest quarter of Section 21, Township 4 North, Range 15 West, S.B.M. in the City of,Santa Claritae'CounIty t of Los Angeles, State of California, within the following described I bPundaries: Beginning at the intersection of the ' westerly line of No. --T�Kj21987, as shown on map filed in Book -642, pager. 82 to' 84, ihclusive, of Maps, in said co the of the Recorder of unty,l ob with a line parallel with and 60 feet southerly, measured at right angles, from the center line of Soledad Canyon Road, 100 feet wide. LLJ as said center line is shown on said map; thence South 06061471t. E�tst along said westerly line 401.56 feet to the northerly line of, 0 1 z Mandan Street, 60 feet wide, as shown on map of Tract No.; 40583, > cc cc ♦ filed in Book 1040, pages 84 to $7, inclusive; of said maps; thence along LU - said Mandan, Street the following described courses: - South -- a 13 CC 8703013101. West 1.23 'feet,. southwesterly along a curve concave to the southeast having a radius of 351-70 feet a distance of 276.31 feet, southwesterly along a reverse curve concave to the northwest z LU having a radiusof 291.70 feeta distance .229.17 fe4tp South Lu. '0is 87'3013111 West 285.00 feet and westerly, northwesterly, and. z (a northerly along a curve coheave to the northeast.having a radius Cc of 15 feet a distance of 24.14 feet to the easterly 'line of Luther LU Drive, 60 feet wide, as shown on map filed in Book 95 page 52, of ♦ *0 Parcel'Maps, in the office of said recorder; thence North 0*1613011 z cc 0 West along said easterly line 556.34 feet to the beginning of a T. A#) curve concave to the southeast tangent to said easterly line.and . tangent to said parallel line and having a radius of 19 feet; thence northerly, northeasterly. and easterly along said last Z 4N mentioned curve a distance. of 29.11 feet to said parallel line; thence north 87'30129" East along said parallel line .732-21 feet 3: to the point of beginning. Q) I, ACTLJAL./ EjsAL.. fIl DATE REV. BY CUT I DATE RECEIVED. I By REV. DATE REV. �LANDSc,a14AY 2 4 1991 PIWG TYP DATE_• f; ,{ COMMUNITY DEMOPME4 REV. Wry OF, 8A"A. BY DATE REV. BY 0 DATE i BY 6�" S FIT E PLAN DA f TE REV. C3 By CO 71 3�0'"07 DATE REV. BY Co DATE 0 f0- REV, BY I I(FOR'nj$ZAjgr DATE ;42-'C)O 4 - LANE; co co Not I TANDAM BUILDERS, INC By Ev- DATE . 1630 17th STREET BY REV. SANT4 MONICA CA DATE BY g:MP-N. TE- T�:j �2'1 3) 452-0196 Ai=1DATE SUBMITTED ;";N EASEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE* SHOWN BELOW AND RIGHTS INCIDENTAL: THERETO DRAWN BY i ,L4M)bCN6 6ET Li 6oIt—K 5 waxu VA44EG S SET FORTH IN A DOCUMENT -zd-04NjN.GRANTED TO: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CHECKED BY F 73 .21 THE PURPOSE: THE CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTIONI'' PRINTEVAY 22 N.570 30 2 -Ft DATE INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND' REPAIR OFTHE .,. IDRRTY rnR_ZUBLxC__UOAD OR HIGHWAY PROJECT NO. .21)(DrDf �72 PURPOSES L E D A D­G�YD 4 —0-4 SLY LItIIE Mlt4T rY14. RiD.--1 RECORDED: MAY 28, 1970 AS. INSTRUMENT NO.'3444, 1 IN BOOK D4726 PAGE 443 OFFICIAL RECORDS LEFT TURN POCKET FOWSITE ACCESS 1 ;ARCHITECTURE LAND 131-ANNING INTERIOR DESIG,N SPACE PLANNING COPYRIGHT NOTICE 500 (NO A.Cr_F55) THIS DESIGN AND DRAWING IS FOR USE ON THESPECIFIC SITE INDICATED AND IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MURPHY ARCHITECTURE INC. AND SHALL 'NOT BE USED, DUPLICATED OR ALTERED IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT WRITTEN iAPPROYAk.QF MURPHY ARCHITECT_ E, INC,