HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-30 - AGENDA REPORTS - COUNTY MONITORING (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor George Pederson and Members of C'ty Cquncil
FROM: George A. Caravalho, City Manager
DATE: March 30, 1994
SUBJECT: COUNTY MONITORING
BACKGROUND:
The City adopted its General Plan on June 25, 1991. Economic Development and Community
Revitalization Element Policy 2.4 of the City's General Plan states: "Seek a Memorandum of
Understanding, or other cooperative effort with the County of Los Angeles, regarding allocations
of approvals of development on the City's periphery and In the planning area:' In August, 1990,
the City Council directed staff to begin reviewing and monitoring development projects proposed
in the unincorporated areas of the Santa Clarita Valley. At that time, County Monitoring was
established as a high priority by the Council and one Assistant Planner was assigned, full-time, to
Identify and monitor all projects in the County which might have an impact on the City of Santa
Clarita. Specific duties assigned were:
1) Learn the County's development process and become a daily liaison. to County Regional
Planning staff;
2) Review County agendas, notices, bulletins, project plans, staff reports, and environmental
documents for consistency and adequacy;
3) Prepare comment letters and technical responses to County projects;
4) Apprise the City Council of unusual or controversial projects and seek Council direction; and
5) Attend County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings, as needed, to
present the City's position on significant or controversial projects.
The County Monitoring Program, administered by the Community Development Department, has
been in continuous operation for approximately forty-four months, and is the only one of its kind
in Los Angeles County.
In December of 1992, the Planning Division of the City of Santa Clarita Community Development
Department and the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department completed the Joint City -
County Planning Program Background Report. This report identifies program goals and contains
recommended procedures to coordinate planning efforts in the Santa Clarita Valley. Planning staff
has used this report to refine its approach of monitoring development activities in the
unincorporated portions of the City's planning area.
ANALYSIS:
The Monitoring Program continues to be a high priority in the Planning Division and requires a
significant commitment of staff resources. In 1993, staff reviewed twenty-three project applications
submitted to the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department, and attended over a dozen
hearings and meetings at County offices. An additional 18 projects of regional (not necessarily
Agenda Item:
"County") scope and significance were also reviewed. Comments prepared by City staff on these
projects have generally been comprehensive in nature, especially where proposals may be
controversial due to impacts to City services and systems. Review and comments are oriented
toward project compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, City and County General
Plans, and the County's Development Monitoring System. Occasionally, comments also address
policy issues as determined by the City Council. The on-going County Monitoring effort has
provided a vehicle for the City to follow development trends in the unincorporated area, and for the
City to advise the County of our concerns regarding individual and cumulative development in the
Santa Clarita Valley.
The City's participation in the County's development review process has resulted in the ability of
the City to become a consistent informational resource to residents in the City and also the
unincorporated area of the Santa Clarita Valley. This is evident by the numerous inquiries received
from residents outside of the City, and especially the areas which have annexed to the City since
our Incorporation. We have also provided information to developers pursuing project approval In
the County. This has allowed us the opportunity to work with various developers (Newhall Land
and Farm, Paragon Homes, Relly/Pearlman/Mitchell, Weston Development, J-Blak Partnership, and
others) pursuing projects in the unincorporated area. We believe that these efforts show the
development community that the City is interested in facilitating top-quality development.
Land use densities in the General Plan were based on the existing capacity of the planning area
roadway system (at the time of General Plan adoption). Because the Council has been concerned
with consistency in land use decisions for the Santa Clarita Valley, staff was directed to work with
the County to establish a joint City/County traffic model. The model was completed in the summer
of 1993 and is in use to assure accurate assessment of development impacts to the Valley's
circulation system. Consistency in identifying these Impacts has led to the formulation of more
appropriate and uniform traffic mitigation measures for both City and County approved projects.
(Additional information regarding this effort will be presented to Council at a later date.)
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and discuss.
Attachments:
County/Regional Monitoring Review - 1993 Projects list and map.
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COUNTY/REGIONAL MONITORING REVIEW - 1993 PROJECTS
COUNTY PROJECTS:
1. Croation Park
2. Tesoro Del Valle (Clougherty Ranch);
Entitlements requested: General Plan Amendment; Zone Change; Tentative Tract Map(s);
Conditional Use Permit; Oak Tree Permit. Location: West side of San Francisquito
Canyon Road at Copperhill Road, north and west of the Santa Clarita City boundary. The
proposed project consists of approximately 1800 acres. 3029 residential units are
proposed to be developed on 624 acres of the site, including 2027 single-family lots, 34
estate sized lots, 1002 multi -family homes, two school sites, 1083 acres of open space,
and 91 acres of parks.
3. Castaic Creek Golf Course (County Project #93-081)
Notice of Consultation for Project 93-081 (located east of the Interstate 5 freeway, west
of Castalc Creek, and south of Tapia Canyon Road, in the Castaic area of the Santa Clarita
Valley.) This project is located on the same site as the previously planned "Golden State
Business Park
4. TTM 51789 (County Project No. 94-021)
located on the north side of Copperhill Drive, 1300 feet west of Haskell Canyon Road,
Santa Clarita Valley planning area. Cucamonga Development Company's project. This
proposal includes 194 -unit single family residential units and a zone change (from the
existing Heavy Agricultural zone to Residential Planned Development) on a vacant 79.0
acre site.
5. TPM 23635 (County Project No. 92-242)
Proposed subdivision of a 20 acre parcel into four lots, located at 30045 Arline Street.
The Initial Study was prepared for this project on March 4, 1993. We understand that
County staff's review of the proposal is preliminary at this time, and that further review
is needed before approval can be granted. The map included in the package of materials
which we received does not illustrate the size, shape, location, topography, and bounds
of the proposed lot -split. Although the Initial Study does not Indicate that any specific
mitigation measures are needed for this project, the map and associated materials do not
provide adequate detail to support this determination. A reduction of project density may
be appropriate because this site is in an area having steep hillsides and significant
ridgelines.
6. TPM 51829
Proposed 5 -lot subdivision and conditional use permit for hillside development, located
at 16742 Placerita Canyon Road (SCV Planning area). Based upon our review of the TTM,
it appears that this residential lot -split is consistent with existing uses on adjacent
properties.
South River Vesting Tentative Map 51281 (County Project No. 92-121)
Valencia Company's South River Neighborhood project. Notice of Preparation (NOP) of
a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed "South River Neighborhood"
project. Based on the limited detail of the plans Included with the NOP, we question the
appropriateness of preparing the DEIR at this time. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(COE) is preparing a program level environmental review to obtain a general development
permit (or series of permits) for several NLF along the Santa Clara River between Golden
Valley Road and Castaic Junction. Consistency between the County's DEIR and the
COE's Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should
be maintained.The State mandated Regional Congestion Management Program (CMP) also
has requirements regarding the analysis of land use and transportation impacts which a
project may have on local and regional transportation systems. The preparation of the
DEIR should address these impacts In conformance with the CMP guidelines.
8. VFW CUP 93.169 (County Monitoring)
A new VFW application to establish a meeting hall with on-site alcohol sales at the
northeast corner of Sierra Highway and Baker Canyon Road in the unincorporated area.
This is a 2.8 acre site approximately one mile north of the City boundary. County staff is
also asking the RPC to consider a categorical exemption from CEQA for this project.
9. Arbor Park (County Monitoring)
NEWHALL LAND AND FARMING'S ARBOR PARK PROPOSAL [L.A. CO PROJECT NO. 87-
262-(5)] TO DEVELOP A 195 UNIT CONDOMINIUM PROJECT ON 17.9 ACRES ON
NEWHALL RANCH ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 1/3 MILE WEST OF BOUQUET CANYON
ROAD. As proposed, the project appears to be inconsistent with the City and County
General Plans. It exceeds the mid -point density of the RM zone, and appears to conflict
with the intent of the Santa Clara River SEA. Clarification is needed on the density issue
because the project description has changed from 250 units on 20.5 acres to 195 units on
17.9 acres. Our other areas of concern are the potential impacts to the Santa Clara River
and adjacent biological resources, and transportation/circulation.
10. Pico Canyon (County Project No. 89445)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROJECT NO. 89445. From a planning perspective, our biggest
concerns will be in the following areas: Hillside development, grading, oak tree removal.
Density is the key factor for this project, which will dictate the overall Impacts to the
existing topography, the amount of grading necessary, and the number of oak trees to be
removed. The gross density of this project, for 75 dwelling units on 17.1 acres, is 4.4
dwelling units per acre. The City's General Plan land use designation of the project site
is RS (Residential Suburban, 3.3-6.6 units per acre). The County's land use designation
for the site is U2 (Urban -2, 3.4-6.6 units per acre) and HM (Hillside Management). The
City's General Plan (Land Use Policy 5.4) discourages the removal of the Hillside
Management overlay designation in the unincorporated area for urbanization proposals.
11. North Lake Specific Plan (County Monitoring)
3,000+ residential units northwest of Lake Castaic.
12. Bee Canyon Mobile Home Park (County Monitoring)
This proposal includes 3.2 million cubic yards of grading for the construction of 921
manufactured housing units on 501 acres. The SCV Areawide General Plan land use
designations for the project site are Urban 1 (1.1 to 3.3 dwelling units per acre), and
Hillside Management (HM). The project site is zoned A-2.1 (Heavy Agriculture, one -acre
minimum). We would appreciate the opportunity to review the Specific Plan when it
becomes available. We anticipate that the proposed 901 units will result in potential
impacts to the City in the following areas: Traffic; Schools; Hillsides; Noise;Drainage;
Development Monitoring System; Recreation; Growth inducing impacts.
13. Los Angeles County Project #93-132 - Church at Skycrest Circle
Notice of Consultation for project located at McBean Parkway and Skycrest Circle;
Negative Declaration for modified project.
14. TTM 45440 (County Project #88.151)
Project is located fronting on the west side of Mc Bean Parkway, between Decoro Dr. and
Copperhill Dr. This project has been revised to increase the total number of dwelling
units from 363 to 390, and to add a 3.65 acre church site. The City has previously
submitted comments on this project on November 21, 1991, (letter) on combined Projects
88.151 and 88-321 (a.k.a "East Copperhill" project). Our concern is for a current
evaluation of traffic conditions and potential impacts. Our Traffic Engineering staff had
previously requested an up -dated traffic impact study, but has yet receive this
Information.
15. TTM 46389 (County Project #88-321)
Project 88-321; Tentative Tract Map 46389 is located fronting on the east side of Mc Bean
Parkway, between Decoro Dr. and Copperhill Dr.) It appears that this project has been
revised to reduce the number of single-family lots from 865 to 751, reduce the number of
condominium units from 536 to 530, and add 124 duplex lots. This revision will result in
a net decrease of 27 dwelling units from 1432 to 1405. At this point, our only remaining
concern is for a current evaluation of traffic conditions and potential impacts.
16. TTM 45023 (County Project No. 86-522) The Colony
Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) -- The Colony Project
Project No. 86-522 The proposed Colony project site is located adjacent to the City of
Santa Clarita immediately east of the Antelope Valley Freeway at Lost Canyon Road on
the South bank of the Santa Clara River. G.H. Palmer Associates, the applicant, is
proposing the construction of 752 condominium units on a vacant a 46.2 acre parcel of
land. Project development would require 387,000 cubic yards of grading, and removal of
three oak trees. Requested entitlements for this proposal include a sub -plan amendment,
a vesting tentative tract map, a zone change, a conditional use permit, and an oak tree
permit.
17. Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation ORV Park at Baker/Hume Canyon
Los Angeles County is pursuing funding for an Off -Road Vehicle (ORV) park and/or master
plan for a facility which may be located in the Baker Canyon / Hume Canyon Area.
Potential environmental issues include the following: Noise, air quality degradation, traffic
congestion, trespassing, safety, drainage/erosion, biota (habitat degradation), aesthetics,
cultural resources. The cumulative Impact of the issues will result in the alteration of the
existing land use of the project site.
18. Los Angeles County Mountain View projects
Four contiguous Tentative Tract Maps. Staff reviewed the County's written responses to
the comments on the Environmental Impact Reports prepared for the Mountainview
projects.
19. Valencia Marketplace (County Project)
The proposed Valencia Marketplace project site is located immediately adjacent to the City
of Santa Clarita, south of Mc Bean Parkway, north of Pico Canyon Road, and east of the
Old Road. As proposed by the Riley Pearlman Company, the applicant, the project would
provide approximately 859,740 square feet of regional and community oriented retail
commercial development on approximately 84 acres owned by the Newhall Land and Farm
Company. Project development would require 1.7 million cubic yards of grading, removal
of 105 oak trees, and numerous improvements to local infrastructure, both in the County
and the City. Required entitlements for this proposal include a general plan amendment,
a vesting tentative tract map, a zone change, a conditional use permit, and an oak tree
permit.
20. TTM 51876 (County Monitoring)
Proposed Tentative Tract Map No. 51786, located on the west side of The Old Road, one
mile south of Parker Road, Santa Clarita Valley planning area for the Larwin Company's
project. This proposal includes a zone change (form C3 -DP to R2 -DP) and conditional use
permit for 64 single-family residential condominium units on two lots on a vacant 7.25
acre site. This project would result in a gross density of 8.8 dwelling units per acre, and
would require 22,500 cubic yards of grading for streets and building pads.
21. Stevenson Ranch Phase 4 (County Monitoring)
Sanborn Ranch Project is actually another phase in the Stevenson Ranch, located
between McBean Parkway and Pico Canyon Road
22. TTM 31803 (County Monitoring)
AKA the Loh Project, located south of Plum Canyon Road and west of the northern
terminus of Whites Canyon Road.
23. Monarch Hills (County Monitoring)
510 unit residential project located northwest of the Soledad Canyon Road/Sierra Highway
intersection.
REGIONAL PROJECTS:
24. California Resources Agency Revisions to CEQA
25. Tujunga Ranger District Improvement Projects
Improvement Projects for the Tujunga Ranger District: Our office has reviewed the public
notice of February 10, 1994, issued by District Ranger Clara Johnson. The notice
indicates that proposed improvement projects include timber stand improvement,
watershed stabilization, fishery habitat improvement, and tree planting.
26. Cal Fish and Game Coastal Sage Scrub NCCP
Draft Conservation and Process Guidelines for Coastal Sage Scrub Natural Communities
Conservation Planning (NCCP) Draft Conservation Guidelines and Amended Process
Guidelines. The City of Santa Clarita is interested in monitoring the progress of this
proposed conservation program. Although the Santa Clarita Valley is not identified as an
NCCP program target area, we would like to become acquainted with the adopted program
so that we may coordinate our conservation efforts to be consistent with the approach
employed by this program. Several species of this habitat type exist in our planning area.
27. Newhall County Water District Sewer Line
Meeting at the Newhall County Water District (NCWD) offices to discuss the status of the
trunk sewer line owned by the NCWD within the Santa Clara River at Lost Canyon Road.
This sewer was constructed with grant money available to the district approximately 25
years ago. The NCWD Board of Directors, at that time, was Interested in providing sewer
collection service to the public. The present Board of Directors no longer wants to
provide sewer service, but is compelled to maintain a sewer line which serves residential
development within both the incorporated and unincorporated areas. It is estimated that
City residents utilize 40% of the flow In the pipe, while County residents utilize 60%. Most,
if not all, of the approximately 2000 foot line is now within the City limits.
28. CPUC General Order 131-D (Regional Monitoring)
Construction of Electric Power Lines and Substations Between 50 and 200 Kilovolts (GO
131-D). General Order No. 131-D sets forth new rules for electric power lines and
substations operating between 50 and 200 kilovolts, and is intended to provide legislation
clarifying the jurisdictional responsibility of local agencies where such facilities are
constructed.
29. Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management Plan
The development of a regional plan for the Santa Clara River to incorporate trails from the
Santa Clarita Valley to the Pacific Ocean. Phase I of this project is to define the study
area, collect relevant background Information, identify regulatory parameters, and assess
the current status of the Santa Clara River from the Lang Station area to the Pacific
Ocean. The activities in Phase I will be used to establish the scope of work for Phase II
of the project. Phase II will Include Interaction between the Project Steering
Committee/work groups, technical analyses for decision-making, and a geographic
information system display of findings and alternatives.
30. Happy Camp Regional Park - Ventura County
Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park Environmental
Impact Report (EIR). The project may have a potential impact on water delivery and
consumption. Should potable water be supplied by the Calleguas Municipal Water District
(CMWD), we anticipate potential impacts to the Santa Clarita Valley and the Santa Clara
River. Currently the CMWD and the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern
California are preparing an EIR for the proposed West Valley Project, which includes the
"Santa Clara Valley" pipeline alternative. The Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park project
may Intensify the need for potable water delivery, and may influence the CMWD and the
MWD to opt for the Santa Clara Valley alternative. The EIR for the Happy Camp Canyon
project should address the potential impacts of the Santa Clara Valley alternative.
31. SCAG Regional Comprehensive Plan (Regional Mobility Element)
32. Pacific Pipeline (Regional Monitoring)
The Pacific Pipeline Project would provide an additional means to transport the increased
production of Santa Barbara offshore crude oil to refineries in Los Angeles. This proposed
pipeline is 171 miles long, and has a capacity of 130,000 barrels per day. The Draft EIR
generally addresses many relevant issue areas, considering the size, scope, and regional
nature of the project. Our concerns are primarily focused upon the potential Impacts to the
City of Santa Clarita, its residents, and resources.
33. MWD West Valley Project (Regional Monitoring)
The CLWA pipeline alignment traverses the City in an east -to -west orientation from the
Rio Vista Treatment Plant site along Newhall Ranch Road through Castaic junction. Two
alternative routes are due to be addressed in the Draft EIR. Both will pass through the Rio
Vista Treatment Plant. The southerly route would extend south and through the San
Fernando Valley. The northerly route would extend west and be located along the Santa
Clara River. Both routes would appear to have pipelines though the Santa Clarita Valley.
These alignments, with associated options, would likely result in the disruption of the use
of several street rights-of-way should the project be constructed.
34. SCAQMD SOx NOx Reclaim (Regional Monitoring)
35. Caltrans Maintenance Yard Relocation (Regional Monitoring)
Located at the southwest corner of the 1-5/SR 126 junction.
36. Newhall County Water System Upgrade (County Monitoring)
Notice of Preparation for the Initial Study and proposed Negative Declaration prepared for
this project. The Initial Study prepared for this project should be revised to provide the
following information: increase in the system's capacity; oak trees which may be
removed, or encroached upon; disruption to public roadways.
37. Caltrans freeway reconstruction projects
Reconstruction of the collapsed freeway sections in Newhall Pass. Newhall Pass is a
significant "choke point" for the regional wildlife migration corridor. The reconstruction
process now underway presents a superior opportunity to improve the situation.
Specifically, reconstruction of the damaged freeway sections in the Newhall Pass could
include design features to accommodate and improve this wildlife movement corridor.
We hope Caltrans will establish design criteria for the preservation and enhancement of
this environmentally critical corridor.
38. Notice of Preparation (NOP) 1994 Revision to the Air Quality Management Plan
Letter expressing the City's desire to participate in the preparation and review of the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for this project. We wish to coordinate with the
SCAOMD to plan and implement clean air objectives for the South Coast Air Basin,
including the implementation of land use, transportation, housing, and energy objectives
consistent with these clean air objectives.
39. Legislative Review
Review all legislation proposed, and listings in the League of California Cities bulletin.
40. Palmdale City project / public hearing agenda review
41. Lancaster City project / public hearing agenda review
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