Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - APPROVING PREZONE MC 95 242 (2)V AGENDA REPORT City Manager Item to be presented by: Rich Henderson PUBLIC HEARING DATE: March 26, 1996 SUBJECT: APPROVING PREZONE NO. 95-006 (MASTERCASE NO. 95-242) AND APPROVING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION, LOCATED NORTH AND SOUTH OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD, EAST OF AVENUE ANZA, NORTH OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY AND THE AUTO CENTER AND WEST OF VALENCIA BLVD. AND BOUQUET CANYON ROAD ORDINANCE NO. 96-12 RESOLUTION NO. 96-37 DEPARTMENT: Community Development In 1992, residents of Northbridge approached the City with a request for annexation. Were Northbridge to annex, the new City boundary would be illogical, nearly enclosing over 900 acres of undeveloped, unincorporated County area in North Valencia. To address this problem the City began looking into the possibility of annexing this North Valencia area, the majority of which is owned by the Valencia Company. On November 14, 1995, the City Council and Valencia Company approved a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the process to be followed for annexation, beginning with the prezone of the annexation area to be followed by an annexation and development agreement. The City has initiated this prezone consistent with the MOU. Annexation to the City is regulated by the Cortese -Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 (revised 1994) and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). The LAFCO requires that the City prezone the territory prior to annexation. Prezone No. 95-006 is a proposal to prezone a 955.3 -acre area ("North Valencia" Annexation) consistent with the City adopted General Plan for which an EIR was prepared and certified in June 1991 (SCH# 90010683 ). The proposed City zoning is as follows: BP (Business Park)- 196.6 acres, CTC (Commercial Town Center)- 193.3 acres, CC (Community Commercial)- 442.3 acres, RS (Residential Suburban), 16.4, and RM (Residential Moderate)- 106.7 acres. An initial study has been prepared for the prezone based upon the General Plan Final EIR and this has received State Clearinghouse review in compliance with CEQA (letter attached), The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on February 20, 1996. There was one Agenda Item: Ada ted: speaker from the public who spoke in favor of this item and no one spoke against it. At that meeting the Planning Commission adopted Resolution P96-05 which recommended that the City Council approve the Negative Declaration prepared on the project with a finding that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, and adopt the proposed ordinance approving Prezone No. 95-242. Council open the public hearing, adopt Resolution No. 96-37, approving the mitigated negative declaration prepared for the project, with the finding that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment as mitigated; and introduce Ordinance No. 96-12, approving Prezone No.95-006 waive further reading, and pass to a second reading. IY :Cili"kld, Resolution No. 96-37 Ordinance No. 96-12 Negative Declaration Letter from the State Clearinghouse Initial Study (In Reading file in City Clerk's Office) Resolution No. P96-05 Vicinity Map Exhibit A - Legal Description Exhibit B - Map a:\cd\ annex\956arpz.1hs Public Hearing Procedure 1. Mayor opens hearing *States purpose of hearing 2. City Clerk reports on hearing notice 3. Staff report 4. Proponent Argument (30 minutes) 5. Opponent Argument (30 minutes) 6. Five-minute rebuttal (Proponent) *Proponent 7. Mayor closes public testimony 8. Discussion by Council 9. Council decision 10. Mayor announces decision CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING MASTER CASE NUMBER 95-242 (PREZONE 95-006) NORTH VALENCIA PREZONE OF 955 ACRES TO BP, CC, CTC, RM, AND RS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS. THE LOCATION IS NORTH AND SOUTH OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD, EAST OF AVENUE ANZA, NORTH OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY AND THE AUTO CENTER, AND WEST OF VALENCIA BLVD. AND BOUQUET CANYON ROAD IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: Regarding Master Case Number 95-242 (Prezone 95-006) North Valencia Prezone of 955 acres to BP, CC, CTC, RM, and RS consistent with the City's General Plan land use designations. The location is north and south of Newhall Ranch Road, east of Avenue Anza, north of Magic Mountain Parkway and the Auto Center, and west of Valencia Blvd. and Bouquet Canyon Road in the City of Santa Clarita. The hearing will be held by the City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, 1st Floor, Santa Clarita, the 26th day of March, 1996, 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 Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Santa Clarita, California. If you wish to challenge the action taken on this matter 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 of Santa Clarita at, or prior to the public hearing. Dated: February 27, 1996 Donna M. Grindey, CMC City Clerk Publish Date: March 3, 1996 corres.phnvalen.gd RESOLUTION NO. 96-37 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR PREZONE NO. 95-006 (MCN 92-242) FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO AND OUTSIDE THE EXISTING CITY LIMIT., GENERALLY NORTH AND SOUTH OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD, EAST OF AVENUE ANZA, NORTH OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY AND THE AUTO CENTER AND WEST OF VALENCIA BLVD. AND BOUQUET CANYON ROAD. WHEREAS, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find, determine and declare: A. That the City has initiated Prezone No. 95-006 to bring the project area into conformance with the City's General Plan land use designations of BP, CTC, CC, RS, and RM, which became effective December 24, 1992, to allow for the future annexation of the area to the City of Santa Clarita; and B. That such zoning designation for the project site, described in Exhibit A and mapped in Exhibit B, would become effective upon annexation of the project site to the City of Santa Clarita; and. C. That an Initial Study has been prepared for the project and that said study found that no adverse impact to the existing and future environmental resources of the area would result from the proposal which is consistent with the City's adopted General Plan and final EIR (SCH# 90010683 -certified and adopted June 1991); and D. That the Initial Study found that the proposed prezone would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment based on CEQA Section 21083.3 and a proposed Negative Declaration was posted and advertised on January 5, and 30, 1996, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The initial study and proposed Negative Declaration were sent to the State Clearinghouse (SCH# 95121061) in compliance with state CEQA review procedures. A mitigation monitoring and reporting program was prepared for this project; and E. That a proposed Negative Declaration was prepared for the project based on the Initial Study findings and the determination that the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment, would not impact resources protected by the California Department of Fish and Game, and that a fmding of de minimus impact on such resources was appropriate. D. That the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita conducted a public hearing on February 20, 1996, pursuant to applicable law, to consider an RESOLUTION NO. 96-37 Page 2 amendment to the Official Zoning Map for the City of Santa Clarita, and adopted Resolution No. P96-05, with the finding that the Negative Declaration was in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and recommending that the City Council approve Prezone No. 95-006 and the Negative Declaration prepared for the project. F. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, the Council further finds and determines that the proposed Negative Declaration is consistent with the goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and that the Negative Declaration complies with all other applicable requirements of state law and local guidelines. G. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby determines that the Negative Declaration is in compliance with CEQA and that the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment. SECTION 2. The Negative Declaration for the project, attached hereto as Exhibit A and by this reference incorporated herein, is hereby approved. The Director of Community Development is hereby directed to file the Negative Declaration with the County Clerk of the County of Los Angeles. RESOLUTION NO. 96-37 Page 3 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 19 MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA } COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Donna M. Grindey, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the _ day of 19 by the following vote of Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK s: \cd\annex\956ccre.eam ORDINANCE NO. 96-12 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP (PREZONE 95-006) FOR THE AREA LOCATED ADJACENT TO AND OUTSIDE THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS, GENERALLY NORTH AND SOUTH OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD, EAST OF AVENUE ANZA, NORTH OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY AND THE AUTO CENTER AND WEST OF VALENCIA BLVD. AND BOUQUET CANYON ROAD. WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita has proposed and initiated prezoning of approximately 955.3 acres of uninhabited land, located adjacent to and outside the existing City limits, generally north and south of Newhall Ranch Road, east of Avenue Anza, north of Magic Mountain Parkway and the Auto Center and west of Valencia Blvd. and Bouquet Canyon Road in the North Valencia area of the Santa Clarita Valley, prior to annexation to the City of Santa Clarita; and WHEREAS, such prezoning; as described in Exhibit A (Legal Description) and mapped in Exhibit B, would become effective upon annexation and designated upon the Zoning Map incorporated within and made a part of the City's Unified Development Code; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission set March 5, 1996, at the hour of 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California, as the time and place for a public hearing before said Planning Commission, and notice of said public hearing was given in the manner required by the Santa Clarita Municipal Code;and WHEREAS; the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission adopted Resolution P96-05 recommending that the City Council approve the proposed prezoning of the project area to allow for future annexation; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita City Council set March 26,1996, at the hour of 6:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California, as the time and place for a public hearing before said City Council, and notice of said public hearing was given in the manner required by the Santa Clarita Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, at said public hearing, testimony was received, if any, for, and/or against the proposed prezone; and WHEREAS, at said public hearing, said prezone was duly heard and considered. THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows: A. The prezone is a change from Los Angeles County zones RPD 5000 23U, RPD 5000 15U, RPD 5000 9U, Ml'/2, C2, and A2-5 to City of Santa Clarita zones BP, CTC, CC, RS, and RM in conformance in conformance with the City's General Plan and Final EIR (SCH# 90010683) adopted June 1991, and with the City's Ordinance No. 96-12 Page 2 zoning designations which became effective December 24, 1992. B. The Initial Study prepared for the project has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public, and no comments were received. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has been prepared for this project. The public review period was from January 5, 1996 to March 26, 1996. C. Public participation and notification requirements pursuant to Sections 65090, 65091and 65854 of the Government Code of the State of California were duly followed. SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence, if any, received at the public hearing, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and the City Council and on their behalf, the City Council further finds and determines that the project is consistent with the General Plan and complies with all other applicable requirements of State law and local ordinance. SECTION 3. In acting on the prezoning application, the City Council has considered certain principles and standards, and finds and determines as follows: A. That a need for the prezone to the various City zones exists within the project area. B. That the subject property is a proper location for the various City land use designations.. C. That public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good planning practice justify the prezoning designations. D. That the proposed prezoning designations are consistent with existing land uses in the area and would not result in a substantive change to the existing zoning of the subject site. E. That the proposed Prezone 95-006 consists of 955.3 acres of uninhabited land located adjacent to, and outside of the existing City limits, generally north and south of Newhall Ranch Road, east of Avenue Anza, north of Magic Mountain Parkway and the Auto Center and west of Valencia Blvd. and Bouquet Canyon Road in the North Valencia area of the Santa Clarita Valley, as identified in Exhibit A. SECTION 4. The City of Santa Clarita City Council has reviewed and considered the Initial Study prepared for the project and finds and determines as follows: A. Said study found that no adverse impact to the existing and future environment of the area would result from the proposed prezone. Ordinance No. 96-12 Page 3 B. The proposed prezone would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment based on CEQA Section 21083.3 and the proposed Negative Declaration was prepared, posted, and advertised in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SECTION 5. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council does hereby ordain that the application for a prezone is approved, and that the Official Zoning Map of the City of Santa Clarita is hereby amended to designate the subject property as identified in Exhibit B. SECTION 6. This ordinance shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-first day after adoption, or upon the effective date of the annexation of the subject property to the City of Santa Clarita, whichever occurs last. SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify as to the passage of this Ordinance and cause it to be published in the manner prescribed by law: Ordinance No. 96-12 Page 4 PASSED AND APPROVED this day of '19—. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Donna M. Grindey, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of ; 19 . That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of 19 by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS CITY CLERK annex\941ord.eam CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NEGATIVE DECLARATION [ ] Proposed [X] Final ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MASTER CASE NO: MC 95-242, PZ 95-006 PERMIT/PROJECT: North Valencia Prezone APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita LOCATION OF THE PROJECT: North and south of Newhall Ranch Road, east of Avenue Anza, north of Magic Mountain Parkway and the Auto Center and west of Valencia Blvd. and Bouquet Canyon Road. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Prezone of 955 acres to BP, CC, CTC, RM, and RS consistent with the City's General Plan land use designations. Based on the information contained in the Initial Study prepared for this project, and pursuant to the requirements of Section 15065 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Santa Clarita [X] City Council [ ] Planning Commission [ ] Director of Community Development finds that the project as proposed or revised will have no significant effect upon the environment, and that a Negative Declaration shall be adopted pursuant to Section 15070 of CEQA. Mitigation measures for this project [ ] Are Not Required [ ] Are Attached [X] Are Not Attached =--=--------------------------------------------------------------------- KEN PULSKAMP ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER i Prepared b o Laura Stotler. Associate Planner (Signature) (Name/Title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Review Period From January 5, 1996 To March 26 1996. Public Notice Given On January 5 1996. and February 29 1996 By: [X] Legal Advertisement [X] Posting of Properties [X] Written Notice CERTIFICATION cdforms\negdec.frm Page TS:\CONAMANCE\NMAl .LH3 STATE OF CALIFORNIA -BUSINESS AND TRANSPORTATION AGENCY PETE WILSON G.v ., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION _ DISTRICT 7, 120 So. SPRING ST. January 23, 1996 LOS ANGELES, CA 90012-3606 TDD (213) 897-6610 IGR/CEQA 1010 Neg. Dec MC:95-242, PZ 95-006 North Valencia Prezone Vic: Various Ms. Laura Stotler City of Santa Clarita j ? 6 1996 Department of Community Dev. 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, California 91355 Dear Ms. Stotler: Thank you for including the State of California Department of Transportation in the environmental review process for the above mentioned project. We have noted that entitlements have not been processed for nearly half the acreage, and densities could increase over county zoning. we will reserve our comments for the individual development projects as they are processed by the city. Sincerely, Steve Buswell IGR/CEQA Coordinator Transportation Planning RESOLUTION NO. P96-05 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE PREZONE NO. 95-006 (Master Case No. 95-242) WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita has proposed and initiated prezoning of 955.3 acres of property located in the North Valencia area prior to its annexation to the City of Santa Clarita; and WHEREAS, such zoning would become effective upon annexation, as described in Exhibit A and designated upon the Zoning Map in Exhibit B incorporated within and made part of Title 17 of the City's Unified Development Code; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission set February 20, 1996, at the hour of 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California, as the time and place for a public hearing before said Planning Commission, and notice of said public hearing was given in the manner required by the Santa Clarita Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, at said public hearing, time was allotted to take testimony for or against the proposed prezone; now THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa as follows: SECTION 1. The Planning Commission does hereby find and determine that: a. The prezone is a change from Los Angeles County zones RPD 5000 23U, RPD 5000 15U, RPD 5000 9U, Mh/2, C2, and A2-5 to City of Santa Clarita zones BP, CTC, CC, RS, and RM in conformance in conformance with the City's General Plan and Final EIR, (SCH# 90010683) adopted June 1991, and with the City's zoning designations which became effective December 24, 1992. b. The purpose of the proposal is to prezone the project site from various Los Angeles County zones RPD 5000 23U, RPD 5000 15U, RPD 5000 9U, Ml%2, C2, and A2-5 to various City of Santa Clarita zones BP, CTC, CC, RS, and RM to allow for the future annexation of the area to the City of Santa Clarita; and C. That an Initial Study has been prepared for the project, and such study found that no adverse impact to the existing and future environmental of the area would result from the proposal, which is consistent with the City's adopted General Plan and Final EIR (SCH# 90010683 -Certified in June 1991); and d. That the initial study found b. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies, including the State Clearinghouse, and the public, and all comments received, if any, have been considered The public review period was from January 5„1996, to February 20, 1996; and C. Public participation and notification requirements pursuant to Sections 65090, 65091 and 65554 0£ the Government Code of the State of California were duly followed. SECTION 2, Based upon the testimony and other evidence, if any, received at the public hearing, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and on its behalf, the Commission further finds and determines that this proposal is consistent with the City's General Plan, including the various land use designation for the project site, SECTION 3. In making the recommendation contained in this resolution, the Planning Commission has considered certain principles and standards, and finds and determines as follows; a. That a need for the prezone to the various City zones does exist within the area of the subject property; and b. That public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good planning practice justifies the prezone classifications as proposed; and C. That the project site consists of 955.3 acres of land contiguous to the corporate limits of the City of Santa Clarita. SECTION 4.. The City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the Initial Study prepared for the project and finds and determines as follows: a. Said study found that no adverse impact to the existing and future environmental resources of the area would result from the proposal which is consistent with the City's adopted General Plan and Final EIR; and b. The proposed prezone would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment based on CEQA Section 21053.3 and a proposed Negative Declaration was posted and advertised on January 5 and 30, 1996, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The initial study and proposed Negative Declaration were sent to the State Clearinghouse (SCH# 95121061) in compliance with state CEQA review procedures. A mitigation monitoring and reporting program was prepared for this project; and C. The Planning Commission, based upon the findings set forth above, hereby finds the Negative Declaration for this project to have been prepared in compliance with CEQA, and recommends to the City Council that it adopt the Negative Declaration for Prezone No. 95-006. SECTION 5. The Planning Commission hereby further recommends to the City Council that it approve the request for a prezone of the project site to the various City of Santa Clarita zones as proposed. SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution to the Departments of Public Works, Fire, and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, and shall give notice of this recommendation in the manner prescribed by the City Municipal Code. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of Fehrvecv , .195 . vnsley, Chairperson Commission ATTEST: J7%✓��� Ken Pulskamp Secretary, Planning Commission STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Donna M. Grindey, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 20th day of February 19 96 by the following vote of the Planning Commission: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: TOWNSLEY, BRATHWAITE, CHERRINGION, DOUGHMAN AND MODUGNO NOES: ABSENT: LHS amus\9WP0M1h* NONE NONE ice_✓-lll /�, ���,r� ��? CITY CLERK EXISTING CITY BOLWARY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NORTH VALENCIA PREZONE AREA Master Case 95-242, Prezone 95-006 LEGEND C op). 4b CC 0 A- L � r e Q CTC LEGEND C op). 4b CC 0 A- L � r e Q �c CTC ��- CC E16I � C DRIVE ..TC i\ EXISTING CITY BOOPDARY CITY OF SANTA a-ARITA EXISTING CITY BOLMARY ANrEXAT I ON 80OrmARY - - - - - - - - - - Pz> SCALE: 1- = 2000' 1-3-96 EXISTING ` CITY BOL*40ARY S3` �CITv OF SHWA CLARITA m� J(¢y RS. �o RM CITYCITY 1 `qqtr ' ITY I,* r+b� SANTA CLARITA J1�v -11 . �4 of s �TRIN �lcr N H Y (k `r0 C� I Prannsed Zoning RS -Residential Suburban RM -Residential Moderate CC- Community Commerical CTC- Commercial Town Center BP- Business Park Exhibit "A" LEGAL DESCRIPTION PREZONE 95-006 NORTH VALENCIA PREZONE TO CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ZONING DESIGNATIONS EXCLUDING TRACT NO. 44823 AND TRACT NO. 44823-01 THAT PORTION OF THE RANCHO SAN FRANCISCO, IN THE UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 1 PAGES 521 AND 522, OF PATENTS, RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE MOST EASTERLY CORNER OF PARCEL 29 OF PARCEL MAP NO. 12009, IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PER MAP FILED IN BOOK 182 PAGES 47 THROUGH 54, INCLUSIVE OF PARCEL MAPS IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, SAID CORNER BEING A POINT ON THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD AS SHOWN ON MAP OF TRACT NO. 52111, FILED IN BOOK PAGES THROUGH _, INCLUSIVE, OF SAID MAPS, AND BEING AN ANGLE POINT ON THE BOUNDARY OF SAID CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AS EXISTED ON DECEMBER 21, 1995; THENCE LEAVING SAID 'BOUNDARY, PERPENDICULAR TO THE CENTERLINE OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD AS SHOWN ON SAID MAP OF TRACT NO. 52111 90.00 FEET TO THE CENTERLINE OF SAID NEWHALL RANCH ROAD; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID CENTERLINE THROUGH ITS VARIOUS COURSES AND CURVES TO THE CENTERLINE OF MCBEAN PARKWAY AS SHOWN ON MAP OF TRACT NO. 44481 FILED IN BOOK 1115 PAGES 28 THROUGH 48, INCLUSIVE, OF SAID MAPS; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID CENTERLINE OF MCBEAN PARKWAY TO THE NORTHWESTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT 127 OF SAID TRACT NO. 44481 ON SAID CITY BOUNDARY; THENCE EASTERLY AND ALONG SAID CITY BOUNDARY THROUGH ITS VARIOUS COURSES AND CURVES TO TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Exhibit `B" NORTH VALENCIA PREZONE AREA Master Case 95-242, Prezone 95-006 SCALE: I = 2000' 1-3-96 EXISTING CITY BOLWARY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 9�F % EXISTING C% (('' CITY BOL1140My BP .'(� i �ctr SANTA sAA CLARITA o \ P CC cC, z RS.Rolqo �o RM m -k- CC rys C Q RM �•i� CTC Q R CC ! CTCCC B L vp EXISTING p C CREEKSI C(1% i- CITY 80LwARY H R K\ qfN Of2IVE rC �'iQ CITY OF Hq y �%1-1 ? Sem SANTA CLARITA I EXISTING CITY BOL"Wyr An �r CITY OF SANTA CCARITA , P R R K N *R,.. s�rCy `r0 r9 LEGENO: EXISTING CITY BOItCAAY _ _ _ _ RS-Residential Suburban Ar,UCXATION 8oLmARy - - - - - - - - - - RM-Residential Moderate CC- Community Commerical CTC- Commercial Town Center BP- Business Park ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (Initial Study Form B) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA MASTER CASE NO: 95-242 (PZ 95-006) Case Planner: Laura Stotler Project Location: North Valencia/Santa Clarita Valley Project Description and Setting: North Valencia Prezone (see attached) General Plan Designation: City of Santa ClarRa BP, CC, CTC, RM, (VCC), (SEA) Zoning: Current LA County Zoning: A-2-5, M1 1/2, C3, C3DP, CM -DP, RPD -5000 Applicant: The City of Santa Clarfta Environmental Constraint Areas: Jurisdictional change from County to City and different development code requirements. A. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth. Will the proposal result In: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes In geologic substructures? ........................... Il [l b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction orovercovering of the soil? ..........................• C. Change In topography or ground surface relief features? ....................................•• Il [] [y� d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? ............. [ ] [ ] e. Any increase In wind or water erosion of soils, either on or oft the sfte? ........................ [ I [ l f. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards? .......... g. Changes In deposition, erosion or slitaUon? ............ h. Other modiflcatlon of a wash, channel, creek, or river? ..................................... [1 Il i. Earth movement (art and/or fill) of 10,000' cubic yards or more? ................................ [ ] [ ] .1- 2. 3. J. Development and/or grading on a slope greater than 25% natural grade? ................<.. k• Development within the Alqulst•Prbio Special Studies zone? ............ [ ] [ I [vi 1. Other? .. ............... [ ] (] [ri Air. Will the proposal result In: a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? ........................... [ I [ l (y b. The creation of objectionable odors? ............... C. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature, or any change In climate, either locally or regionally? ....................... J d. Other? ...................................... Water. will the proposal result In: a. Changes In absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ............'.................. b. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? C. Change In the amount of surface water In any water body? .................... .. .. [ ] [ ] [►J d. Discharge Into surface watere, or In any alteration of surface water quality, in. cluding but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? .................... e. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? ................ . .... I ] I I Ai f. Change In the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or with. drawais, or through Interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? ................... g. Substantial reduction lathe amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? ...... ..... ................. h. Exposure of people or property to water .2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. related hazards such as flooding? ................ 1. Other? Plant Life. WIII the proposal result In: a. Change In the diversity of species or number of any species of plants (Including trees, shrubs, grasses, crops, and mlcrotfora)? ............ [ ] [ ] V b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? ............. C. Introduction of new species of plants Into an area, or In a barrier to the normal re- plenishment of existing species? ................. • d. Reduction In acreage of any agricultural crop? .................. [] I] I� Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change In the t Iverstty of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, [arid animals Including reptiles, fish and Insects or microfauna)? ......................... b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? ............ C. Introduction of new species of animals Into an area, or result In a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ......... [ ] [ ] I4 d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife _ habitat and/or migratory routes? .................. Noise. Will the proposal result In: a. Increases In existing noise levels? ................ [ ] [ 1 Irl b. Exposure of people to severe or unacceptable noise levels? ...................... I ] I 1 M C. Exposure of people to severe vibrations? .......... • Light and Glare. WIII the proposal produce substantial new light or glare? ......................... [ ] [ ] Land Use. Will the proposal result In: .3- s. 1 D. 11 12. a. Substantial alteration of the present land use of an urea? . . b. A substantial alteration of the planned land use of an area? , ...... [ ) C. A use that does not adhere to existing zoning laws? d. A use that does not adhere to established development criteria? ........................... [ 1 Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. Increase In the rate of use of any natural resources? [) b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable naturalresources? ............................. [ l 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? [ l b. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazard. ous or toxic materials (Including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? I I C. Possible Interference with an emergency response pian or an emergency evacuation plan? ....................................... II d.- Otherwise expose people to potential safety hazards? tl Population. Will the proposal: a. Atter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? .......................... .[ l b. chert. :...'...._................. [) Housing. WIII the proposal:• a. Remove or otherwise affect existing .4- I I Ivf 13. 14. 15. housing, or create a demand for additional housing? ............... b. others ............ [ 1 f 1 6� Transportation/Cl result In: rculatlon. Will the proposal a. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? ..................... [ ] [ ] [v( C. Substantial Impact upon existing transportation systems, Including public transportation? ...................... d. Afferatlons to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? ................................ G. Increase In traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? ................ f. A disjointed pattern of roadway Improvements? 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? ....... ... . • b. Police protection? ............................. C. Schools? ....................... [1 [1 [N d. Parks or other recreational facilities? .............. See Section 19. e. Maintenance of public facilities, Including roads? .............................. I. other governmental services? .................... Energy. Will the proposal result in? a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? b. Substantial Increase in demand upon .5. 16. n. 16. 19. 20. existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? ......... [ 1 [ l yrl Utllltlea. WIII the proposal result In a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? .......................... b• Communications systems? ..... • . • I 1 [ ] frl C. Water systems? ............................... I 1 [ ] [� d. Sanitary sewer systems? ........................ e. Storm drainage systems? ........ [ 1 See Section 3. [ 1 I] f. Solid waste and disposal systems? ................ g. Will the proposal result In a'dlspinted or inefficient pattern of delivery system Improvements for any of the above? J .............. • Human Health. Will.the proposal result In: a• Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? ............ b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? .................................... [1 L1 [ Aesthetics• Will the proposal result In: a. The obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public? ........................ b. WIN the proposal result In the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? ............................. [ ] [ ] 6d' C. WIII the visual Impact of the proposal be detrimental to the surrounding area? ...... • .. • Reoreatlon• WIII the proposal result In an Impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunitles2 ............................ (� [ 1 [ 1 Cultural Resources. j a. WIII the proposal result In the alteration of or the destruction of a prehistoric or -6- historic archaeological site? . b. WIII 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. WIII the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential Impact area? ............ .7. Will the project have an adverse effect either Individually or cumulatively, on fish and wildlife resources? Wildlife shall be defined for the purpose of this question as "all wild animals, birds, plants, fish. amphibians, -and related ecological communities, Including the habitat upon which the wildlife depends for its continued viability." / Section 711.2, Fish and Game Code......................................................................... [ 1 I1 M Discussion of Impacts. See Attachment -8- C. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Section 15065 of the Califomla Environmental Quality Act states, In part, Ito 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 habffat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, Population n drop below sett the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate Important reduce the number or restrict periods of California history or prehistory? .... , . ... portant examples of the a 10 2. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goats? (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.) ................. [] I &i 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 slgnilnt.) ...... ................... I.................. I I 4. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, ehher directly or Indirectly? .... .g- D. DETERMINATION 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.. [ j 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. [ j The proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. [ ) KEN PULSKAMP ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA Prepared By: _Dean Brown/The Plannina Consortium 12122/95 (Signature) (Narnw-Mle) (Date) Ap roved By: (Signature) _ cdtarm8Vnit1a1bJrm Laura Stotler/A«ociate Planner 1227/95 (Name/Tltle) (Date) .10- Attached Information ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION (Initial Study Form B) City of Santa Clarita Master Case No. 95-242 (PZ cgs) Case Planner: Laura Stotler Project Location:. North Valencia/Santa Clarita Valley Project Description and Setting: City of Santa Clarita prezoning of approximately 955 acres of land currently located in the County of Los Angeles. The project involves the prezoning of existing developed and undeveloped lands along and including the Santa Clara River, generally located between Magic Mountain Parkway and Valencia Boulevard on the south, Newhall Ranch Road on the north, Tibbetts Avenue on the west and Bouquet Canyon Road on the east. Exhibit 1 shows the proposed prezone boundaries. The project is proposing prezoning land use designations that are consistent with the Santa Clarita General Plan. General Plan Designations: BP (Business Park), CC (Community Commercial), CO (Commercial Office), CTC (Commercial Town Center), RM (Residential Moderate), General Plan Overlays - VCC (Valley Center Concept) SEA (Significant Ecological Area) Zoning: Current Los Angeles County Zoning - A-2-5 (Agriculture), M11h (Industrial), C-3, C-3 DP, CM -DP (Commercial), RPD 5000 (Residential) Applicant: The City of Santa Clarita Proiect Description and Background The project involves the prezone area of approximately 955 acres of developed and undeveloped land that is currently located in the County of Los Angeles. The prezoning land use designations are consistent with the current City of Santa Clarita General Plan land use designations. The prezone is pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Valencia Company approved November 1995 in which the Valencia Company agrees to cooperate with the City to prezone a portion of North Valencia. Following the prezone, the City and the Valencia Company would consider an Annexation and Development Agreement, should the prezone be approved. Exhibit I shows the area proposed for prezoning, and the location of the probable land uses proposed within that area. Table I provides a summary of the acres for each probable project within the prezone area, its County and City General Plan/Zoning Land Use classifications, the status of the land use entitlement and CEQA clearance for each development within the prezone area. Exhibit 2 shows the Santa Clarita General Plan Land Use classifications for the prezone area. Pursuant to Section I5051(b)(2) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of Santa Clarita is the Lead Agency for this environmental analysis. The Los Angeles County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is acting as a Responsible Agency. No land use entitlements for specific development projects are granted as a pan of this prezone. Entitlement applications for specific development projects, including evaluation of project specific environmental impacts under the requirements of CEQA, will be processed by the City for all J GATEWAYGULF AND ',NTER TIIESIE ENTRY VNLI NII N 17 YANK & S( 110ol IN JSIRLNI, f 7i('A( ( I Nil R I'N ll AC Alb ,-,A—PR0I'0,SIDANNIXAlI0N N 110UNDARI 32,NAl. IIOUQIJL I St NIORS NLP YAR( L 170 ACvr�©INILNI S110PS 72M VALENCIA DEL LAGO 193 il AC SANTA FI: 11 36 2 AC, soul H RIVER IN 1.0 AC 13UIL DLRS SOUTH 23 11 AC ARBOR PARK f PONY I LACUE REC'RI:X'l iON st i E 5 AC. • RETAII, • TOWN CENTER PROJECT NAME 1 -Valencia Del La Golf Academ 3 Arbor Park Builders South "'Santa 2M L nta Fe 11 Bouquet Senior% 7, Inline Shops �.Kftny Leap ,ue 9,,South River fjkValencia Industrial Center VALENCIA COMPANY phr EXHIBIT 1 3LE 1 STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF EXISTING, APPROVED AND PROPOSED PROJECTS WITHIN THE NORTH VALENCIA PREZONE AREA Status of Entitlements. Dedications and Environmental Review County approved ZC, CUP, OTP, VTTM and FEIR - 2M units County approved ZC, CUP, OTP, VTTM and FEIR - 145 units To be processed in City of Santa Clarita To be processed in City of Santa Clarita To be processed in City of Santa Clarita Existing To be processed in City of Santa Clarita Recreation portion is existing - commercial portion to be. processed in City 128 AC outside NLF ownership and existing - 17 AC to be processed in City To be acquired by the City of Santa Clanta To be processed in City of Santa Clarita Summary of Entitlement Abbreviations ZC. - Zone Change .CUP - Conditional Use Permit _ OTP - Oak Tree Permit VTTM Vesting Tentative Tract Mao . FEIR - Final EIR NLF - Newhall Land & Farming vdltabl.pc County City Zoning/ Project/Area Name Acres Zoning General Plan Santa Fc 11 36.2 RPD 5000-9U RM (VC) Bouquet West Seniors 12.6 RPD 5000-23U RM Arbor Park 17.9 RPD 5000-15U (SEA) RM (SEA) (VC) Valencia Del Lago 216.0 A-2.5 (SEA)- CC (SEA) (VC) South River Village 81.0 C-3, C -M -D -P (SEA) CTC (SEA) (VC) ARCO 1.0 C-3 (SEA) CC (SEA) (Ve) Builders South 23.0 A-2-5 (SEA) CC (SEA) (VC) Pony League 48.5 A-2-5 (SEA) CC (SEA) (VC) Valencia Industrial Center 145.0 M-1.5 (SEA) BP (SEA) Santa Clara River and Tributaries 290.6 (SEA) (SEA) (VC) Commercial Recreation 32.5 A-2-5 CC (VC) . Community Park 18:7 A-2-5 (SEA) CC (SEA) (VC) School 6.3 A-2-5 (SEA) CC (SEA) (VC) Circulation Rights -of -Way 26-0 955.3 - Summary of Land Use Abbreviations: County of Los Angeles Zoning .. RPD 5000-9U: Residential Planned Development - 9 du/ac ' . A-2-5: Heavy Agriculture - I unit per 5 acres . C-3:. Unlimited commercial zone . _. C3 -DP: Unlimited Commercial - Development Program (requires CUP) CM -DP: Commercial Manufacturing - Development Program (requires CUP) .. M-1.5; Restricted Heavy Manufacturing . (SEA). Significant Ecological Area Cily of Santa Clarita Zoning/Central Plan :. RM: Residential Moderate ` 6.7 to 15.0 du/ac . CC:. Community Commcmial CTC: Commercial Town Cemer BP:. Business Park - Light Industrial (SEA):. Significant Ecological Area - (VC): Valley Center Concept Status of Entitlements. Dedications and Environmental Review County approved ZC, CUP, OTP, VTTM and FEIR - 2M units County approved ZC, CUP, OTP, VTTM and FEIR - 145 units To be processed in City of Santa Clarita To be processed in City of Santa Clarita To be processed in City of Santa Clarita Existing To be processed in City of Santa Clarita Recreation portion is existing - commercial portion to be. processed in City 128 AC outside NLF ownership and existing - 17 AC to be processed in City To be acquired by the City of Santa Clanta To be processed in City of Santa Clarita Summary of Entitlement Abbreviations ZC. - Zone Change .CUP - Conditional Use Permit _ OTP - Oak Tree Permit VTTM Vesting Tentative Tract Mao . FEIR - Final EIR NLF - Newhall Land & Farming vdltabl.pc ,'lA PREZON I, PROPOS,_.. j ZONING/GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS Legend B p V B Ar i, lir 11 I'. A C C tMOCA 4 R % ilp 41% ,vo \vS B. A tz Z, RS N c V.CE \�R R m �o 0. 1 i3 SRM RMI CJ\ ........... .. BF Ni -is olow Myo.'r.", (SEA) �l A PARKWAY I 1 60 R IF 'c F_ P� R�. /RS -A N R c Cl. J ITY OF SANTA CLARITA VITIAL STUDY - NEGATIVE DECLARATION proposed development that has not yet received its land use entitlements and environmental clearance from the County at the request of project applicants, or following annexation into the City. Projects with approved and current land use entitlements processed by the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department will be accepted by the City of Santa Clarita. This Negative Declaration is being prepared pursuant to Section 21083.3 of the Public Resources Code. This section of the Code states that if a project is consistent with the General Plan of a local agency and an Environmental Impact Report was certified with respect to that General Plan, the application of this section of the Code to the approval of that project shall be limited to effects on the environment which are peculiar to the project and which were not addressed as significant effects in the prior Environmental Impact Report. The City of Santa Clarita General Plan Final EIR was certified by the City Council on June 26, 1991 (SCH #90010683). The Unified Development Code (UDC) and Negative Declaration were adopted by the City Council on November 24, 1992, This prezone action is consistent with the adopted General Plan and UDC land use designations. Therefore, this Negative Declaration addresses effects on the environment which are peculiar to the prezone project which were not addressed in the previous General Plan EIR and UDC Negative Declaration. Prior to annexation, the applicant agrees to prepare a Master Environmental Impact Report that addresses all projects within the prezone area that have not received land use entitlements and CEQA environmental clearances from Los Angeles County. The Master EIR will be prepared and certified by the City prior to entering into an Annexation and Development Agreement with the Valencia Company on all unentitled projects. Impacts of all entitled projects within the prezone area will be analyzed within the Cumulative Impacts Section of the Master EIR. The County of Los Angeles has completed land use entitlements and Final Environmental Impact Reports for the Santa Fe II and Bouquet (West) Seniors projects located in the northeast corner of the prezone area. This Negative Declaration incorporates by reference all conditions of approval and mitigation measures set forth by these County approvals. The County of Los Angeles is also in the process of completing the Draft Environmental Impact Report associated with the Zone Change, Conditional Use Permit and Tract Map applications for the Valencia Del Lago project located in the north -central portion of the prezone area. This land use application and Draft EIR will be accepted by the City for continued processing if the annexation is completed prior to the approval of the entitlements and certification of the Final EIR, If the project is completed by the County Prior to approval of the annexation, the City will accept it and enforce all conditions of approval and mitigation measures adopted by the County. The U.S.. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Lead Agency) is in the process of preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for 404 Permit actions along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries within the area proposed for annexation. This Draft EIS assesses 404 Permit activities that include proposed flood control and transportation projects related to residential, commercial and industrial development on lands owned bl the Valencia Company along the river. This EIS addresses project -specific impacts, indirect and cumulative impacts and a range of alternatives for project specific impacts along the river and tributaries within the area proposed for annexation. The City of Santa Clarita will abide by and help enforce all mitigation measures and monitoring requirements set forth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the proposed 404 Permit. 5- The City of Santa Clarita has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Report for the Santa Clara River Trail project. Segments 3 and 4 of the Trail Project lie within the proposed annexation area. This Negative Declaration incorporates by reference all mitigation measures adopted as a pan of this environmental review process. NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Regional Settine - The Santa Clarita Valley is located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. It is surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains to the south and west, by the San Gabriel Mountains to the east and the Piru Mountains to the north. Natural passes through these ranges are the long established routes taken by Interstate 5 and State Route 14 through these mountains. The Santa Clara River is the major drainage course that flows west towards Ventura out of the northwest portion of the valley. Elevations in the valley range from 1,050 feet above mean sea level along the Santa Clara River up to over 2,000 feet at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in the eastern portion of the city. The San Gabriel Mountains rise to an elevation of 4,000 feet immediately southeast of the city, and continue to rise to over 6,000 feet two miles to the east. The Santa Susana Mountains rise to an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet just southwest of the city. The Piru Mountains also have elevations that exceed 4,000 feet. The valley is surrounded by significant amounts of mountainous open space within the Angeles National Forest and the Los Padres National Forest. Temperatures in the valley range from 25 to 30 degrees fahrenheit during winter to over 100 degrees fahrenheit during the summer. However, these extremes typically occur fewer than 20 days out of the year. Temperatures typically range between 45 to 85 degrees the vast majority of the year. The Santa Clarita Valley typically has approximately 16 inches of rainfall each year. Over recent years, the valley has experienced significantly less than normal rainfall amounts, creating a drought condition. However, the 1992/1993 winter storms provided substantially more than average rainfall, ending local drought conditions. Prevailing winds are from the direction of the Pacific Ocean inland to the east and north at 5 to 10 miles an hour. • Wind patterns change, however, from day to night with coastal to inland flows prevailing in the daytime as temperatures increase, to the opposite at night. High velocity winds from the east (Santa Ana conditions) often create hot, dry winds of 40 to 60 miles per hour, mostly occurring in the fall. Wildland fire hazards exist throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, especially within the foothills and mountains to the west of the project site. Moderate to extreme earthquake hazards also exist throughout the region. Local Settine - The 955 acre prezone area consists primarily of relatively flat farm land and drainage courses that include the Santa Clara River, San Francisquito Creek and Bouqqet Creek. Elevations within the site range from approximately 1,075 feet where the Santa Clara River flows out of the west side of the project up to approximately 1,200 feet along the northern edge of the project. The majority of the site has been disturbed by dry crop farming and ranch operations that began over 100 years ago, However, the drainage courses that run through this farmland contain significant amounts of natural vegetation. This vegetation makes up unique habitats and wetlands that support a variety of sensitive and threatened plant -wildlife and fish species. I M. The entire Santa Clara River drainage area, including the confluence of the river's South Fork Creek is unimproved and supports primarily natural vegetation. The lower portion of San Francisquito Creek also supports natural vegetation. Bouquet Canyon Creek has been channelized through the project site to its confluence with the Santa Clara River. Improved roadways that cross these drainage courses include Valencia Boulevard, Newhall Ranch Road, and McBean Parkway. There are no significant ridgelines or topography within the project area. The only project area with slopes approaching 25% is north of Newhall Ranch Road and east of McBean Parkway. MAN-MADE SETTING Regional Settine - The Santa Clarita Valley contains over 250 square miles and is generally bounded by Ventura County to the west, the Los Padres National Forest to the north, the Angeles National Forest to the east and the Santa Susana Mountains to the south. The City of Santa Clarita currently encompasses approximately 26,880 acres, or 42 square miles. Approximately 46 percent of this land area is undeveloped, 38 percent is devoted to residential land uses, just over 8 percent is occupied by public and institutional uses, while close to 8 percent is occupied by industrial and commercial development. Santa Clarita Valley's estimated population was approximately 161,200 in 199 1. The City's population represents approximately 1.4 percent of Los Angeles County's estimated:8.8 million resident population and approximately 0.4 percent of the State of California's estimated 1990 population of 29.5 million residents. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimates that in 1990, there were approximately 40,000 jobs available within the entire Santa Clarita Valley.. The City of Santa Clarita has been subject to population growth over the last decade. In 1980 the City's estimated population totaled 79,015. The City's population increased by 42,148 between 1980 and 1990, representing an increase of approximately 53.3 percent over a ten year period, an average of approximately 5.3 percent lir 4,215 per annum. This 53.3 percent growth rate was approximately 27 percent greater than the growth rate of Los Angeles County as a whole over the same period of time. The number of existing housing units within the City of Santa Clarita totaled 39,280 units in 1990. This total, averaged by the 121,200 total residents living in the City, translates to an average population ratio of approximately 3.1 persons per household. This average is approximately II percent higher than the Los Angeles county -wide average of 2.8 persons per household. Approximately 75 percent of the total dwelling units located in the City are single-family dwellings; with 7 percent comprised of two to four dwelling units; and 19 percent comprised of five or more dwelling units: Regional land uses in the vicinity of the prezoning area include the Valencia Town Center Regional Mall and the Civic Center to the south, Magic Mountain Amusement Park to the west and the College of the Canyons to the southwest. Local Settine - The prezone area is surrounded on three sides by areas that are already within the municipal boundaries of the City of Santa Clarita. A residential area to the north of the project site (also in County- territory) currently has an application pending with the City and LAFCO for annexation into the City (SECO annexation). - 7 - Properties contiguous to and surrounding the project site are generally developed, and consist of the following: North - Single Family Residential East - Retail Commercial South - Auto Mall, Retail Commercial, Valencia Golf Course West - Valencia Industrial Center Three areas within the project site are also currently developed. These include approximately 1,600,000 square feet of existing industrial development in the northwest corner of the site, eight Pony League ballfields located in the southeastern portion of the prezone area, and an ARCO gas station and car wash located at the southeastern edge of the prezone area. n DISCUSSION OF [ PACTS Section 1. Earth Subsection a. - k. Geology and Grading The prezoning project does not result in direct geotechnical or grading impacts on the environment. No geologic substructures will be changed and no unstable earth conditions will result. The project proposes no grading, compaction or covering of the soil and no changes in topography or ground surface relief features. No unique geologic or physical features are directly affected by the prezoning project. The proposed change in jurisdiction will not change or create erosion of soils or siltation, and will not result in the modification of a wash, channel, creek or river. The prezoning does not directly expose people or property to geologic hazards. No earth movement or grading on slopes over 25% is proposed as a part of this action. The project area is located within the San Gabriel Fault Zone and the associated Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone. Future development within the prezone area will create project specific geotechnical and grading impacts. This includes the displacement and compaction of soils, changes in topography and ground surface relief features, earth movement of more than 10,000 cubic yards and grading on slopes greater than 25% natural grade. Future development could increase erosion and siltation. Development adjacent to the Santa Clara River and San Francisquito Creek could result in modifications to washes, channels, creeks and the river. Future inhabitants of this area will be exposed to geologic hazards such as severe groundshaking due to earthquakes from a variety of fault zones. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report pursuant to Section 21156 of the Public Resources Code. The Master EIR shall evaluate irreversible significant geotechnical and grading effects on the environment of all subsequent specific development projects within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative geotechnical and grading impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential subsequent development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative geotechnical and grading analysis to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. 3. Future development within the prezone area is required to meet all geotechnical, grading, and hillside development performance standards and criteria set forth in the City's Unified Development Code, Chapter 17.20, Grading, and Chapter 17.80, Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside Development. 4. All grading operations will be conducted in accordance with the'recommendations of qualified geotechnical and soils engineering requ;rements approved by the City of Santa Clarita's Building and Safety Department. 5. Future seismic impacts can be mitigated through compliance with the Uniform Building Code and the City's Unified Development Code which requires that all buildings be designed and constructed to resist peak horizontal and vertical movement and lateral stresses produced by anticipated earthquakes. 0m 6. All future development is required to meet specific performance standards and criteria set forth in the City's Unified Development Code to minimize erosion, control drainage and protect persons and property from flooding. Established permit procedures require all development to obtain a NPDES General Construction Permit from the California Regional Water Control Board and/or a General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board prior to the issuance of any grading permit. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other mitigation measures set forth herein and incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse geologic and grading impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 2. Air Subsections a. - c. Air Quality, Odors and Air Moverrent/Climate Alterations The proposed prezoning project does not result in direct deterioration of the ambient air quality in the Santa Clarita Valley or create air emissions or objectionable odors. The project does not alter air movement, moisture or temperature, and does not result in changes in climate, either locally or regionally. Future development within the area proposed for annexation will create, project specific short term and long term emissions that could result in the deterioration of the ambient air quality in the Santa Clarita Valley, Future development is not anticipated to create objectionable odors or to significantly alter air movement, moisture or temperature within the project area. The scale and intensity of future development in this area is consistent with the Santa Clarita General Plan and will not result in any significant change in climate, either locally or regionally.. The prezoning project is located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) and is subject to review with respect to the South .Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). Future development within the project area will be subject to development standards and mitigation measures set forth by the SCAQMD and deemed applicable by the City of Santa Clarita related to short term construction impacts and long term local and regional air quality impacts. MITIGATION MEASURES Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report that evaluates irreversible significant air quality effects of all subsequent development within the annexation area, as well as the cumulative air quality impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative air quality analysis to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. SCAQMD sets forth standard mitigation measures related to short-term construction and long-term local and regional air quality impacts resulting from future development within the area.. Mitigation measures recommended by SCAQMD are intended to reduce pollutant emissions. None of the mitigation measures are strictly required but SCAQMD wants to see all relevant measures applied. All relevant measures shall be included in the Master EIR prior to the approval of the Development Agreement. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, potential significant adverse air quality impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 3. Water Subsections a. - h. Drainage, Flood Waters, Groundwater, and Water Quality The prezoning project does not result in direct water -related impacts on the environment. No changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff will result. The project does not alter the course or flow of flood waters or impact surface water in any water body. The project will not result in any direct discharge into existing surface waters or alterations of surface water quality. No alteration of ground waters or change in the quantity of ground waters will result, and the amount of water available for public water supplies will not be substantially reduced. The project will not directly expose people or property to water related hazards such as flooding. Future development within the prezone area will create protect specific water related impacts. This includes changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns and the rate and amount of surface runoff. Bank stabilization, transportation and recreation improvements along the Santa Clara River could alter the course of flow of flood waters and affect surface water quality within the project area. The ultimate amount of potential development within the annexation area will create a significant new demand on existing water sources. Development adjacent and close to the Santa Clara River and its tributaries could be exposed to flood hazards. MITIGATION MEASURES Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant drainage, flooding, groundwater and water quality effects of all subsequent development within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative hydrology impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative hydrology studies and other analysis to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects to water resources and water quality. All future development is required to meet specific performance standards and criteria set forth in the City's Unified Development Code to minimize erosion, control drainage and protect persons and property from flooding, Established permit procedures require all developments to obtain a NPDES General Construction Permit from the California Regional Water Control Board and/or a General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board prior to the issuance of any grading permit. 4. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation areas. ANALYSIS OFSIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and incorporated by reference potential significant adverse water related impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 4. Plant Lite Subsections a. - d. Rare or Endangered Plants, New Species, and Agricultural Crops The prezoning action does not result in direct project related impacts to the plant and tree resources within the project area. The prezoning consistent with the City's General Plan will not result in the reduction of the number of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants, or a significant change in species diversity. The majority of the area proposed for future development is disturbed farm land devoid of natural plants and trees. However, there are oak trees within the prezone area. The natural plants and trees within the Santa Clara River and its tributaries are proposed to be preserved in open space to be acquired by the City. ' Ranching operations were conducted and agricultural crops were grown on the land by the Newhall Land and Farming Company starting before the turn of the century. Dry barley farming still occurs within portions of the prezone area. Future development within the prezone project area could create specific plant related impacts. Specific development projects could result in a change in the diversity of species or in the number of any species of trees (including protected oaks), shrubs, grasses and other plants. Unique, raze or endangered plant species that are located along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries could be impacted by future transportation improvements, bank stabilization, and recreation improvements. Future development will introduce new plants into the area, and will remove the potential to raise agricultural crops on the project site. MITIGATION MEASURES 1, Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant effects of all subsequent development on plant life within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative biotic impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances will be required to undertake and analyze project specific and cumulative impacts on plant resources, in compliance with the City and State CEQA Guidelines and the City's Oak Tree Ordinance and Guidelines. Future development in this area is required to identify unique, rare or endangered plant species and mitigate potential impacts. 3. The City has prepared a Certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Santa Clara River Trail Project (SCH ,092041041) which identities unique, rare or endangered plant - 12 - species along the river and sets forth adopted mitigation measures to limit impacts of recreation trail improvements within the project area. These mitigation measures are incorporated by reference into this Negative Declaration. 4. All future projects_ shall be designed to avoid the removal of scalebroom scrub, southern cottonwood -willow riparian forest habitats, oak trees and other mature trees to the maximum extent feasible. Where avoidance is not possible, a revegetation project shall be implemented to replace lost habitats where feasible. 5. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S, Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation area. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigating measures and other measures set forth in this Negative Declaration and other adopted environmental documents incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse plant related impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 5. Animal Life Subsections a. - d. Rare or Endangered Animals, Barriers to Migration and Deterioration of Habitat The prezoning action does not result in direct animal related impacts on the environment within the project area. The prezoning will not result in the reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals, or change species diversity. The proposed action does not create barriers to migration corridors or result in the deterioration of existing fish or wildlife habitats and/or migratory routes. The majority of the project site proposed for future development is disturbed farm land with limited natural habitat value. Approximately 290 acres of key habitat area and wildlife corridors (or 35 percent) of the prezone area located along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries within the project area are ultimately being acquired by the City for open space, habitat protection, flood protection and recreation purposes. The California Department of Fish and Game's Natural Diversity Data Base Report for the Newhall quadrangle lists the presence of four sensitive animal species: least Bell's vireo (Viero beUlf ssp. pusillus), Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae), Unarmored threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus ssp. (williamsoni), and San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum ssp. blainvilfii). Additional sensitive wildlife species are also expected to utilize the river corridor habitat area proposed to be dedicated to the City as a part of future actions related to this project. In terms of habitat value and wildlife -migration, it is important to note that the project site is surrounded on almost all sides by urban or suburban development already located within the City of Santa Clarita's municipal boundaries. The proposed prezoning is consistent with the City's General Plan and future development within the prezone area represents a logical infill within an urbanized and suburban setting. Key habitat areas and wildlife corridors along the river and its tributaries are being preserved as a part of future actions related to this project. 13 Future development within the proposed prezone area could create project specific animal habitat related impacts. Specific development projects could result in a change in the diversity of species or in the number of any species of animals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects or microfauna. Unique, rare or endangered animal species that are located along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries could be impacted by future transportation, bank stabilization and recreation improvements. Future development will introduce -additional domestic animal species into the proposed residential areas and could result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals. This development could also result in deterioration to existing fish and wildlife habitat within and along the river and creek corridors. MITIGATION MEASURES I, Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the. City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant effects of all subsequent development on animal life within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative biotic impacts of all related projects. t. All proposed and potential future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances will be required to undertake and analyze project specific and cumulative impacts on native animals and animal habitat areas in compliance with the City and State CEQA Guidelines. Future development within the project area is required to identify unique, rare or endangered animal species and mitigate potential impacts to the greatest extent deemed feasible by the City. --. 3. The City has prepared a Certified Final EIR for the Santa Clara River Trail Project which identifies unique, rare, threatened and endangered animal species along the river within the project area, and sets forth adopted mitigation measures to limit impacts associated with recreation trail improvements on identified animal resources within the annexation areas. These mitigation measures are incorporated into this Negative Declaration. 4. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S. Army Corps.of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation area. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse animal and wildlife habitat impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 6. Noise Subsections a. - c. Noise and Vibration The prezoning action does not result in direct noise impacts on the environment within the project area. The prezoning will not increase existing noise levels, expose people to severe or unacceptable noise levels, or to severe vibrations. Future development within the proposed prezone area could create project specific noise related impacts. Specific development projects could increase existing noise levels and expose people to 14- unacceptable noise levels if City adopted noise performance standards are not met. The City's Noise Element of the General Plan sets forth goals and more specific policies and standards for the protection of persons from unhealthful and unacceptable noise impacts. The adopted Noise and Land Use Compatibility Guidelines (Exhibit N-2) sets forth normally acceptable, conditionally acceptable, normally unacceptable and clearly unacceptable noise levels for all land use classifications within the project area and throughout the remainder of the City, MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant noise and vibration effects of all subsequent development within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative noise impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA or that is not adequately addressed in the Master EIR on the Annexation and Development Agreement will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative noise and vibration studies to ensure compliance with exterior and interior noise level and vibration performance standards set forth in the Noise Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan and within the City's Noise Ordinance, as set forth in Chapter 11.44 of the Code. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse noise impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 7. Light and Glare The prezoning action does not result in direct project related light and glare impacts. The prezoning will not produce new light or glare. Future development within the prezone area will create project specific light and glare impacts, MITIGATION MEASURES 1, Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant light and glare effects of all subsequent development within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative light and glare impacts of all related projects. 2. All future development within the prezone area v`.thout County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of light and glare impacts created by the project. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference. potential significant adverse light and glare impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. - 15 - Section 8. Land Use Subsection a. - d. Land Use Alterations and Adherence to Zoning/Development Standards The proposed prezoning is the first action taken by the City that leads towards changing municipal jurisdiction over approximately 955 acres from the County of Los Angeles to the City of Santa Clarita. The action sets forth the prezoning on the property consistent with the Santa Clarita General Plan, Exhibit L shows generalized land uses proposed by the applicant within the prezone area. Existing development is limited to the Valencia Industrial Park in the northwest corner of the annexation area, the ARCO Gas Station and Car Wash at Bouquet Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard and the Pony League recreation site in the southern portion of the area. LA County has also approved the land use entitlements for Santa Fe 11, Bouquet Seniors and additional development within the Valencia Industrial Center. Projects with applications currently processing within LA County are Valencia Del Lago, and the Golf Academy. All remaining projects will be processed within the City of Santa Clarita, including Arbor Park. All of the land abutting the prezone area to the west, south, east and a portion to the north is currently located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Santa Clarita. The annexation represents a logical infill of a County area surrounded by City -controlled land, where City services and facilities are currently available. The City's Land Use Element of the General Plan sets forth a range of residential, commercial and industrial land uses for the prezone area, as well as two overlay districts. t 6 • The Valley Center Concept (VCC) overlay category is used to designate that central portion of the City which has the potential for creating a Valley -wide focal point. The purpose of the overlay is to permit and encourage master planning at a more detailed level than the general plan providing for a wide range of Valley - wide activities, including higher density residential uses, recreational opportunities and regional community centers. Exhibit 2 shows. the Santa Clarita General Plan Land Use Element map for the proposed prezone area. Significant Ecological Area Overlay (SEA) category is used to designate areas of prime importance to the City and the Valley for protection and preservation, It consists of the Santa Clara River, the Santa Susana Mountains, San Francisquito Canyon, Lyon Canyon and the Valley Oaks Savannah. Other areas which are found to have community -wide, City, Valley and/or regional importance may be designated. Development in these areas is severely limited. Specific ergvironmental studies must be performed to assess the potential for damage or destruction of an SEA prior to approval of any plans for development in an area identified with an SEA overlay. The intent of the SEA designation is to ensure the continued viability of the biota contained within the SEA. It is the City's desire that the SEAS eventually be acquired and protected as a public trust. Following the prezone, the City intends to purchase approximately 290 acres of significant ecological areas along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries to the City for protection, preservation and recreational use. Over the last five years, the City has prepared the Santa Clara River Water and Recreation Features Study (1990), the Santa Clara River Trails Project (with Final E1R 1994), the Santa Clara River Park Project (1995), and other studies to identify and preserve this significant ecological area and enhance recreational opportunities to all Santa Clarita Valley residents, workers and visitors. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is processing a General 404 Permit application and preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement related to the phased development of the Valencia Master Plan along portions of the Santa Clara River and its tributaries within and outside the proposed prezone area. The application addresses proposed Flood control and transportation projects related to development along the river. The EIS addresses project specific impacts, indirect and cumulative impacts and a range of alternatives. The prezoning action does not result in an alteration of the present land use within this area. The City prezoning may result in alterations in the planned land uses within the area. The prezoning is consistent with the Land Use Element goals, policies and objectives, and with the Valley Center Concept Overlay set forth in the Santa Clarita General Plan. The prezoning could lead to changes in parking and loading related development standards within the industrial portions of the project area. Existing industrial land uses were developed under LA County Parking Standards that require 8 -foot wide spaces, whereas the City's Unified Development Code requires 9 -foot wide spaces. The City's loading zone requirements are approximately 10 percent larger than County requirements. Parking standards for office uses are greater in the City than the County, with the City requiring one space per 250 square feet and the County requiring one space per 400 square feet. This may limit expansion of existing office uses within the industrial area and new development would have to meet current City parking standards. Signage standards are also more restrictive under the City. These differences would result in existing non -conforming industrial uses within the developed portions of the Valencia Industrial Complex. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report that evaluates irreversible significant land use effects of all subsequent development within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative land use impacts of all related projects. 2. Future development projects without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of land uses, to identify and mitigate potential significant environmental effects consistent with CEQA. 3. Future development within the project area is required to meet all land use and zoning standards and criteria for the prezoning land use classifications set forth by the Santa Clarita General Plan and Unified Development Code. Land uses proposed by future specific development projects within the prezone area will be required to obtain appropriate City entitlements. 4. The non -conforming parking and loading areas within existing industrial development within the Valencia Industrial Complex shall he considered existing non -conforming and will be "grandfathered" in and allowed as meeting City parking and loading standards. Future expansions of existing industrial uses within the complex will be required to meet new City parking and loading standards for only the new expansion area. - 17 - 5. Prior to the issuance of any grading permit, the City's Community Development Department and Building and Safety Department, shall review and approve plans that document the development project compl ies with all existing zoning standards and established development criteria. 6. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the Cal ifornia'Department of Fish and Game (1603)prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation area. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse land use impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 9. Natural Resources Subsection a. - b. Use and Depletion of Natural and Non-renewable Resources The proposed preioning action does not result in a direct increase in the rate of use of any natural resource, or the substantial depletion of any non-renewable natural resource. Future development within the prezone area will create project specific short term and long term impacts increasing the rate of use of natural resources of oil and gas. MITIGATION MEASURES Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report that evaluates irreversible significant effect on natural and non-renewable resources of all subsequent development within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative natural resource impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential future development in this area without land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative natural resource analysis to identify and mitigate potential significant adverse effects. 3. The scale and intensity of future development will be consistent with adopted plans and will not result in a substantial depletion of any non-renewable natural resource. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse natural resource impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 10. Risk or Upset/Man-Made Hazards Subsections a. - d. Explosions, Hazardous/Toxic Materials, Emergency Plan Interference The project does not create man-made hazards or increase the risk of upset involving an explosion or accident_ The prezoning does not result in the dirty use, storage, transport or disposal of - 18 - hazardous or toxic materials.. The action does not interfere with any emergency responselevaluation plan. Future development within the prezone area could involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances in the event of an accident or other condition. This development could create the potential to store, transport or dispose of hazardous of toxic materials. MITIGATION MEASURES Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report that evaluates irreversible significant man-made hazards of all subsequent development within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative hazard related impacts of all related projects. 2. Developments located within the annexation area without County land use entitlements or CEQA clearances will be required to undertake project -specific analysis or potential man- made hazards. 3. Prezoning is consistent with the General Plan and will not interfere with any City or County emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan. 4. Specific development requirements and performance standards set forth in the City's Unified Development Code. 17.17.050.F (Hazardous Waste Facilities) must be met by all future development within the proposed annexation area. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference, potential significant impacts of man-made hazards can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 11. Population The prezoning action does not significantly alter the location, distribution, density or growth rate of the human population of the project area. Adopted City plans envision a Valley Center Concept for the majority of the prezone area. This concept plan sets forth higher intensity Valley Center and Town Center components that lend themselves to higher residential densities. They also support the concept of a Valley -wide identity and focal point for this area of the City. The prezoning could allow for a significant number of additional dwelling units which would support an estimated residential population of over 10,000. It will also allow for commercial and industrial uses, recreational uses, as well as a significant amount of open space and conservation land to be preserved. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE The population generated by these uses has been planned for in the Santa Clarita General Plan, and is designated by the City and County for commercial, industrial and residential development. The circulation infrastructure has been designed to accommodate the intensity of development contemplated in the prezone action. No potential significant adverse population impacts will result from the annexation and prezoning action.. - 19 - Section 12. Housing The prezoning action will not remove or affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing. The project area prezoning could allow for a significant number of additional dwelling units, A variety of single-family detached, single-family attached and multi -family units are planned within the prezone area. The addition of these units within the project area is anticipated by the General Plan and is not considered a significant impact. Section 13. Transportation/Circulation Subsections a. - r. Vehicular Movement Generation, Parking, Impacts of Existing Transportation Systems, Alteration of Circulation Patterns, Increased Circulation Hazards The prezoning project does not result in the direct generation of additional vehicular movement or alter the present pattern of circulation in the area, or create a demand.for new parking. It does not increase traffic hazards or create a disjointed pattern of roadway improvements. The project area currently contains basic arterial highways and bridges, including McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road. A new section of Newhall Ranch Road, from McBean Parkway to Avenue Tibbetts, is currently under construction. Portions of these arterial highways currently have limited improved right-of-way widths. Future development within the prezone area will create project -specific traffic and circulation impacts. This includes the generation of additional vehicle trips that could have a substantial impact upon existing streets and intersections within and surrounding the project area. New parking facilities will be required for new development. Increases in traffic could create hazards to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The proposed circulation system set forth in the prezoning plans does not create a disjointed pattern of roadway improvements, and is consistent with the City's Master Plan of Highways. As indicated in Section 8 of this Initial Study, the prezoning could lead to changes in parking and loading zone development standards within the developed industrial portions of the project area. The City requires one -foot wider parking spaces and 10 percent larger loading zones than LA County. It will also lead to changes in the amount of parking required for office space within industrial uses. This would result in existing non -conforming industrial uses within the developed portions of the Valencia Industrial Complex. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report that evaluates irreversible significant transportation/circulation effects of all subsequent development within the annexation area, as well as the cumµlative traffic impacts of all related projects. All future development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative traffic and parking studies to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. 3. Future development is required to meet all City performance standards and development criteria for street widening, intersection signalization and parking as set forth by the City's aKim Unified Development Code and within the City's Manual for Preparing Parking Studies 4. Future expansions of existing industrial uses within the Valencia Industrial Complex will be required to meet City parking stall and loading zone standards that are larger than County standards, Existing development and required parking previously approved by the County is "grandfathered" in; only new expansions would he required to provide parking and loading zones at the larger City development standards. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures, other measures set forth herein and other adopted mitigation measures incorporated by reference, potential significant adverse traffic, circulation and parking impacts can be reduced to a level less than significant. Section 14. Public Services Subsection a. e. Fire and Police Protection, Schools, Libraries, Maintenance of Public Facilities The prezoning action is the first step in a change of jurisdiction from the County of Los Angeles to the City of Santa Clarita for the 955 acre project area. Police and fire service within the project area will continue to be provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The prezone area is served by the William S. Hart Union High School District and the Saugus Union School District. The project area is currently served by the Valencia Library located at 23743 West Valencia Boulevard, approximately 1/2 mile from the proposed prezone area. Additional library facilities exist in the Newhall and Canyon Country areas of Santa Clarita. Future development within the prezone area will incrementally impact law enforcement and fire department services. The residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and school uses proposed by the prezoning will put additional demands on the Sheriff/Fire Departments and could affect response times. The City will assume financial responsibility for police/sheriff services in the manpower and equipment to maintain adequate service levels. prezone area after annexation. The project contributes to the need for additional police and New residential development will fire generate new students and the need for additional schools and capital facility improvements to existing schools. A 6.3 acre elementary school site is proposed on the south side Newhall Ranch Road between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road. While this development, by itself, will not represent a significant negative impact, the cumulative effect of this development with others currently planned in the Santa Clarita Valley create a negative impact to the present library infrastructure. Given the County Public Library's shortage of funds, the County Public Library encourages developer participation in a funding mechanism for future library facilities by way of land donation or cash contributions toward the constructiort of new or expanded facilities. MITIGATION MEASURES Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master E[R that evaluates irreversible significant effects on public services of all subsequent development within the prezone area; as well as the cumulative police,. fire, school, library and other public service FAE impacts of all related projects 2. All future development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of public service and facilities impacts to identify and mitigate potential significant effect. 3. Prior to any future development, the applicant shall demonstrate to the City that it has agreements with the Saugus Union School District and the William S. Hart Union High School District for the dedication of land and/or payment of school district impaction fees required by the State. 4., New property tax and sales tax revenue generated from within the prezone area will offset the cost to the City for providing expanded police protection within the project site. Impacts to library facilities will be mitigated by collection of County property taxes from future residents, which will equal a fair share of the cost of future library services. 6. All fire department fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of building permits. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE Development within the prezone area could result in potentially significant public service and facility impacts. The project will incrementally increase the demand on police and fire protection services, schools, libraries and other public services and facilities. Mitigation measures will reduce potentially significant public service and facility impacts to a level less than significant. Section 15. Energy Subsection a. and b. Fuel or Energy Use and Increased Demand on Energy Sources The proposed prezoning does not directly result in the use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy. It does not substantially increase the demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy. Future development within the prezone area will create project specific energy impacts. However, the prezone action starts a process that leads to incorporating an infill area that is currently surrounded by urban and suburban development. 'The project is also consistent with the City's General Plan and the Valley Center Concept. Development within this area will not require new sources of fuel or energy to' be developed. Existing sources will be adequate to meet the fuel and energy use created by future development. No significant impact is anticipated.: Section 16. Utilities Subsection a. - g. Water, Sanitary Sewers, Solid Waste, Electricity, Natural Gas and Communication System - The proposed prezoning does not directly result in a need for new utility systems, or require substantial alterations to public utility facilities. Future development projects within the prezone area will create new demands for public utility services. The residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and public uses will put additional - 22 - demands on public utilities and other agencies responsible for providing water, sewers, electricity, natural gas, solid waste disposal, and telephone service. The project will not result in a disjointed or inefficient pattern of delivery system for any public utility service. The projectissurrounded by urban and suburban land uses that currently have all utility service listed in this section. MITIGATION MEASURES Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant effects of all subsequent development on public utilities within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative water, sewer, solid waste, electricity, natural gas, telephone and other utility impacts of all related projects. 2. All future development within the prezone areathat does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of public utility impacts to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. 3• Water - The applicant shall obtain a Will Serve Letter from the Valencia Water Company prior to development of specific projects within the prezone area. 4. Sewer - The project is located outside the present boundaries of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and would have to be annexed into District No. 32 prior to the provision of sewer service. 5.Sdid W - As a condition of approval for future development within the prezone area, the applicant will agree to participation in the Waste Reduction/Resource Recovery/Recycling programs adopted by the City of Santa Clarita prior to final map recordation. Currently, participation in this recycling effort is conducted on a voluntary basis. Recyclable materials include cans, glass, plastic, and newspapers. Occupants of future residential development will be required to comply with any ordinances passed by the City Council that require recycling programs and the provision of adequate storage areas. All trash shall be stored within enclosed facilities screened from view from surrounding land uses and from adjacent streets. 6. EI r' ' Project design must meet State Title 24 requirements to minimize electricity consumption. All electric services and facilities, with the exception of the existing' transmission lines within the right-of-way, shall be underground and shall be built in accordance with the Southern California Edison Company's policies and extension rules, as regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). 7. Natural Gas Project design must meet State Title 24 requirements to minimize natural gas consumption. All natural gas facilities shall be built in accordance with the Southern California Gas Company's policies and extension rules, as regulated by the CPUC and other Federal regulatory agencies. & Telephone - All telephone service and facilities shall be underground, and shall be built in -23 - accordance with the Pacific Bell Company's policies and extension rules, as regulated by the CPUC. Telephone lines are not affected. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE Development of the proposed project could result in potentially significant infrastructure and utilities impacts. The project will incrementally increase the demand for water, sewer capacity, storm drain capacity, solid waste disposal,, electricity, natural gas, telephone and other public utilities., Mitigation measures will reduce potentially significant infrastructure and utility impacts to a level less than significant. Section 17. Human Health Subsection a. and b. Creation of Potential Health Hazards The prezoning project does not create any direct or indirect health hazards or potential health hazards, and does not expose people to potential significant health hazards. Future development within the prezone area may create construction related dust and noise impacts that may effect human health, These impacts are not anticipated to be significant because specific performance standards set forth in the City's Unified Development Code. Section 18. Aesthetics Subsection a. - c. Obstruction or Scenic Vistas, Creation of Offensive Sites or Visual Impacts Detrimental to the Surrounding Area The prezoning action will not result in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public. It does not result in the creation of aesthetically offensive sites open to public view. Future development within the project area will be similar to development in scale and intensity that currently surrounds the project site. It will not result in the obstruction of any public scenic vista or view recognized by the City or county. The area proposed for development is generally flat and devoid of significant vegetation. The area along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries is being preserved and acquired by the City for permanent protection of its aesthetic quality as an open space, conservation and recreation area. No significant aesthetic impacts are anticipated. Section 19. Recreation The proposed prezoning action will lead to a positive and beneficial impact upon the quality and quantity of existing recreational opportunities within the City of Santa Clarita. Following the prezone, the City intends to acquire approximately 290 acres of land that contains the Santa Clara River and its tributaries for open space, conservation and recreation purposes. The prezone area also contains other significant existing and proposed recreation facilities, including the Pony League Baseball/Softball Center, the Golf Academy Practice Center, and an 18.7 acre community park proposed next to the school site. Additional private recreation facilities are proposed within the residential area. Future development within the prezone area will create project specific recreation impacts. This development is required to comply with Chapter 16.15 of the City's Unified Development Code, -24- which sets forth specific park fees and/or dedicational requirements for all new subdivisions. MITIGATION MEASURES The following mitigation measures are set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Clarita and the Valencia Company: Santa Clara River a. The City will acquire a permanent 290 acre river conservation and recreational use easement for the benefit of the community over the Santa Clara River and its tributaries within the annexation area. The easement and the development project boundaries will be defined as the area covered by the proposed Army Corps of Engineer permit. The easement will convert to fee simple ownership once flood control improvements are complete. b. City will acquire the river conservation and recreational use easement and the river greenbelt and trail easements (described below) for $1.5 million using funds targeted for habitat protection and enhancement, construction of trails, landscaping of greenbelt areas and other purposes. c. Valencia Co. will continue to maintain existing revegetation areas and may elect to provide new revegetation and/or mitigation banking areas in the easement area. 2. River Greenbelt a. The City will acquire an approximately 4.8 mile long multipurpose trail and adjacent greenbelt areas along the river. b. Valencia Co. will landscape and improve the greenbelt for an amount equal to the amount received from the City for acquisition of the river conservation .and recreation use, the river greenbelt and trails easement. 3. Trails - The City will obtain a 4,570 foot long easement for a 16 -foot wide trail in the vicinity of Valencia Boulevard between Bouquet Canyon Road and the South Fork Trail, including an interim trail easement across the -Pony League site. 4. Parks a. The City will he assured that the 20 acre Lake Park proposed within the Valencia Del Lago project will be accessible to the general public for recreational use. Valencia Co. will reserve the right to also provide private recreation areas in the project area. b, The park land and recreational improvements as proposed within the annexation area satisfy the City's Quimby park requirements. 5. Pony League Fields - The City will be assured that the Wm. S. Hart Pony League will have long term use of their existing playing fields and access from Valencia Boulevard. -25 - ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE Development within the prezone area could result in potentially significant recreation impacts: The project will incrementally increase the demand for recreational opportunities within the City. Mitigation measures `'identified above will reduce potentially significant recreation impacts at a level less than significant. Section 20. Cultural Resources Subsection a. - d. Impacts to Prehistoric or Historic Archaeological Sites, Historic Buildings, Cultural Resources, or Religious/Sacred Uses The prezoning action will not result in direct impacts to cultural resources that may or may not be contained within the project area. This area does not contain any previously identified prehistoric or historic archaeological sites. The areas proposed for development have been significantly disturbed over years of discing for raising agricultural crops. No prehistoric or historic building, structure or object exists or is known to exist in these areas. Future development does not have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values or restrict existing religious or sacred uses. Future development and grading within the prezone area has the potential to disturb undetected archaeological, cultural and paleontological resources that may exist on the site. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master EIR that evaluates irreversible significant effects of all subsequent development on cultural resources within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative cultural resource impacts of all related projects. 2. All future development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of public utility impacts to identify cultural resource impacts to identity and mitigate potential significant effects. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the above mitigation measures in the proposed project, significant adverse impacts to archaeological, cultural and paleontological resources will not occur due to the project's implementation. tSPMZ2.Pc -26- DEPARTMENT OF FISC{ AND GAM "DE MINIM S FINDING The proposed prezoning project will not have a direct adverse effect either individually or cumulatively on fish and wildlife resources. Future development projects within the prezone area could have a direct individual and cumulative adverse effect on fish and wildlife resources. These effects have been identified in the Initial Study and Negative Declaration. Specific mitigation measures have been set forth within Sections 3, 4, 5 as well as other sections of the Initial Study to reduce impacts on fish and wildlife resources. The City of Santa Clarita has prepared a Final Impact Report for the Santa Clara River Trail project. Segments 3 and 4 of the Trail Project lie within the proposed prezone area; This Negative Declaration incorporates by reference all mitigation measures adopted to protect fish and wildlife resources as a part of this environmental review process. The County of Los Angeles has completed land use entitlements and Final Environmental Impact Reports for the Santa Fe II and Bouquet (West) Seniors projects located in the northeast corner of the prezone area. This Negative Declaration incorporates by reference all conditions of approval and mitigation measures set forth by these County approvals that effect fish and wildlife resources. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Lead Agency) is in the process of preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Valencia Company's proposed future 404 Permit actions along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries within the prezone area. This Draft EIS assesses the 404 Permit activities associated with the phased development of the Valencia Master Plan that include proposed flood control and transportation projects related to residential, commercial and industrial development on lands owned by the Valencia Company. This EIS addresses project - specific impacts, indirect and cumulative impacts and a range of alternatives for project specific impacts along the river and tributaries within the area proposed for annexation, including potential impacts to fish and wildlife resources, The City of Santa Clarita will abide by all mitigation measures and monitoring requirements set forth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the proposed 404 Permit. The project does not grant land use entitlements for specific development projects within the proposed prezone area that do not already have entitlements approved through the County of Los Angeles. Entitlement applications for specific development projects, including evaluation of project specific impacts to fish and wildlife resources under the requirements of CEQA or that is not adequately examined in the Master EIR on the Annexation Development Agreement, will be processed for all proposed development that has not yet received its land use entitlements and environmental clearance from the County. ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE With the incorporation of the mitigation measures set forth within this Initial Study and Negative Declaration and the mitigation measures incorporated by referenced in the adopted environmental studies listed above, potential project specific and cumulative adverse impacts on fish and wildlife resources can be reduced to a level less than significant. eaproz2.pc 27 - MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN FOR THE NORTH VALENCIA PREZONING PROJECT MASTER CASE NO. 95-242 PREZONE NO. 95-006: LEAD AGENCY: CITYOF SANTA CLARITA Department of Community Development 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300 Santa Clarita, California 91355-2196 Contact Person: Laura Stotler 805/255-4330 PROJECT APPLICANT: THE VALENCIA COMPANY 23823 Valencia Boulevard Valencia, California 91355-2194 Contact Person: Richard A. Knowland 805/255-4251 PREPARED BY: THE PLANNING CONSORTIUM Land Planning and Environmental Studies 1111 Town and Country Road, Suite 37 Orange, California 92668 Contact Person: W. Dean Brown 714/569-0616 February 1996 NORTH VALENCIA PREZONE PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Overview .....:::.......................................... 1 Authority........ ....... ..... ...I .......... I ............... 1 Purpose.......................... ....................... .. 1 Responsibilities ....... . .. . .. . ............................... 1 Compliance File ...:.......................................... 2 Contents ...................... . .......... . 2 Mitigation Measures: Grouped Topics . ............ ........ . . :......... . .... : .. . ... 4 1. Earth (Geology and Grading) ................. ............. 6 2, Air (Air Quality, Odors and Air Movement/Climate Alterations) . 9 3. Water (Drainage, Flood Waters, Groundwater and Water Quality) . 10 4. Plant Life (Rare or Endangered Plants, New Species, 12 Agricultural Crops) .............................. . . .• .. 12 5. Animal Life (Rare or Endangered Animals, Barriers to Migration, Deterioration of Habitat) ......................... 15 6. Noise (Noise and Vibration) ......... .......... : ....... . . 17 7. Light and Glare .....:. ....................... ........ 18 8, Land Use (Land Use Alterations, Adherence to Zoning/ Development Standards) . . ............... . .......... 19 9, Natural Resources (Use and Depletion of Natural and Non - Renewable Resources) .............. .................... . , _ . 24 10. Risk of Upset/Man-Made Hazards (Explosions, Hazardous/Toxic Materials, Emergency Plan Interference) ................ . .... . _ 25 13. Transportation/Circulation (Vehicular Movement Generation; Parking, Impacts of Existing Transportation Systems, Alteration of Circulation Patterns, Increased Circulation Hazards) ........... ................. ....... ....... 26 14. Public Services (Fire and Police Protection, Schools, Libraries, Maintenance of Public Facilities) .. • , • • •.............. 28 16. Utilities (Water, Sanitary Sewers, Solid Waste, Electricity, Natural Gas, Communication Systems) ............. .. . ................ '31 19. Recreation .................... . .................... 36 20. Cultural Resources (Impacts to Prehistoric or Historic Archaeological Sites, Historic Buildings, Cultural Resources, Religious/Sacred Uses) .......... , ..................... . 42 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN FOR THE NORTH VALENCIA PREZONING PROJECT OVERVIEW The Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the North Valencia Prezoning Project identify the potential significant environmental effects of establishing prezone land use designations on approximately 955 acres of developed and undeveloped land that is currently located in the County of Los Angeles. The prezoning land use designations are consistent with the current City of Santa Clarita General Plan land use designations. Should the prezoning be approved by the City of Santa Clarita, the City and the Valencia Company would consider an Annexation and Development Agreement for the prezone project area. Based on the information contained in the Initial Study and Negative Declaration on the prezone project that identifies the potential environmental effects of the proposed action and the mitigation measures set forth to lessen or alleviate those effects, this Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP) sets forth the procedures and process for implementing the measures necessary for mitigation potential environmental effects resulting from the prezone project. AUTHORITY The California Resources Code Section 21081.6 requires a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan that contains a program for the implementation and monitoring of each mitigation measure which the City of Santa Clarita (Lead Agency) has incorporated into the Initial Study and Negative Declaration on the prezone action. PURPOSE The purpose of this MMRP is to ensure that each mitigation measure is fully implemented in a timely manner and, where necessary, to monitor its performance once implemented to ensure its success. Consistent with this purpose, the MMRP specifies, for each mitigation measure, the measurable, objective performance criteria that must be achieved by the end of the implementation time period in order for the measure to be deemed to have avoided or substantially lessened the environmental effect it addresses. The MMRP provides specific steps to ensure full implementation and enforcement of each mitigation measurer The MMRP establishes a reporting system to document monitoring activities and compliance with mitigation measures. It also identifies the party or parties responsible for implementation of the mitigation measures and timing of monitoring activities. RESPONSIBILITIES Unless otherwise specified herein, the applicant or future developer has the responsibility for taking all action necessary to (a) implement the mitigation measure according to the specifications provided for each measure and (b) demonstrating to the agency or individual responsible for monitoring (generally, the City of Santa Clarita) that the action required by the mitigation has been successfully completed (i.e., submittal of reports, permits or other documentation). The government agency responsible for monitoring the mitigation measure must verify that the required action has been successfully completed. Verification by the government agency will typically be accomplished -1- through either staff inspection of the physical result of the mitigation measure or acceptance and approval of documents or plans demonstrating compliance with the mitigation measure. The City may engage a consultant to assist staff as necessary to verify successful implementation (i.e., review technical plans and reports, field verify proper implementation). Both the developer and the monitoring agency share the responsibility for preparing the document stream (paper trail) which is ultimately maintained by the City of Santa Clarita. The City shall designate an Environmental Coordinator who will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the MMRP. Existing inspection officials shall be used wherever possible.: The Environmental Coordinator must notify the City immediately in the event that: (1) any mitigation measure is not being implemented in accordance with all mitigation specifications and consistent with the implementation timing. In this case, the City may impose those sanctions available under its Municipal Code, and/or may grant a time extension, if warranted. (2) it reasonably appears a mitigation measure will not be effective in either avoiding or substantially lessening the significant effect toward which it is directed. In this event, a replacement mitigation measure shall be developed to the satisfaction of the City and implemented by the applicant/developer. The City shall take whatever steps are necessary to insure compliance with the MMRP, including use of stop -work orders. Unless otherwise specified in this MMRP or in later actions taken by the City, all costs associated with the MMRP shall be borne by the applicant/developer, Such costs include all sums expended to implement the mitigation measures and costs incurred by the City of Santa Clarita to monitor and verify implementation of this MMRP. The developer may be reimbursed (in accordance with reimbursement agreements concerning the improvements required by the mitigation measures) for funds expended to implement a mitigation measure to the extent that (a) the developer's contribution is determined to be more than its fair share and (b) other funding sources for implementing that measure become available, COMPLIANCE FILE The City of Santa Clarita will maintain a file (Compliance File) tracking implementation of the MMRP and containing the records upon which the City relies in determining that a mitigation measure has or has not been implemented in accordance with this MMRP. The Compliance File will be made available for review upon request by interested government agencies and members of the public. CONTENTS The MMRP is organized under the same topic structure and order contained in the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) and consists of a separate page (or pages) devoted to each mitigation measure in the IS/ND). However, for ease of implementation, certain mitigation measures concerning the same topic are grouped and a monitoring program set up for the combined set of requirements. For each mitigation measure (or set of measures) that is being imposed, the MMRP specifies the following information: -2- • Mitigation Measure(s). Provides the identification number and sub -letters from the IS/ND, followed by a mitigation statement. This mitigation statement summarizes the required action of the IS/ND mitigation measure as it applies to mitigate the identified impact. • Impact to be Mitigated. Describes the impact which triggers the mitigation requirement. • Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation. Identifies the party or parties responsible for complying with all requirements of the mitigation measure. • Implementation Timing. Indicates when the various steps involved in implementing mitigation requirements shall be performed. • Mitigation Specifications. Details the specific steps required to fulfill mitigation requirements. Mitigation specifications are organized, where appropriate, according to pre -implementation phase, implementation phase, and post -implementation or monitoring phase. Reporting requirements are specified where applicable. The specifications not only incorporate all actions stated in the IS/ND mitigation measures, but also include performance standards developed by the City to ensure that the IS/ND mitigation measures are actually effective in lessening or alleviating the environmental impacts to which they are directed. Complete implementation of each mitigation measure will thus include a demonstration by the developer that the performance criteria are met as a result of the mitigating actions. Agency/Individual Responsible for Monitoring. Identifies the party or parties responsible for verifying (and enforcing, if necessary) compliance with mitigation specifications.. Action by Monitor. States the specific actions required of the monitoring individual/agency to ensure compliance with mitigation specifications. Monitoring Timing. Specifies when actions by the monitor shall be performed. Where appropriate, monitoring timing is linked to existing approval and permitting review processes (e.g., final development plan approval, issuance of grading permit, issuance of Certificate of Occupancy). Overall, the MMRP describes how the applicant/developer will comply with the mitigation measures and how compliance will be verified. Where a mitigation measure is unnecessary, infeasible or within the responsibility of a public agency other than the City of Santa Clarita, the MMRP indicates that fact and refers to the CEQA Findings for further explanation. - 3 - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Grouped Topics Earth, Air, Water, Plant and Animal Life, Noise, Light and Glare, Land Use, Natural Resources, Risk of Upset, Transportation/Circulation, Public Services and Utilities, Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures; 1. Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area, the City shall prepare, consider and certify as complete a Master Environmental Impact Report pursuant to Section 21156 of the Public Resources Code. The Master EIR shall evaluate irreversible significant effects on the environment of all subsequent specific development projects within the prezone area, as well as the cumulative impacts of all related projects. 2. All proposed and potential subsequent development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. Impacts to be Mitigated: Earth, Air, Water, Plant and Animal Life, Noise, Light and Glare, Land Use, Natural Resource, Risk of Upset/Man-Made Hazards, Transportation/Circulation, Public Services and Utilities and Cultural Resource impacts that may result from implementation of future specific development projects that are not known at the time of the prezone action. Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation: The Valencia Company Implementation Timing: Prior to adopting an annexation and development agreement for the prezone project area. Mitigation Specifications; The Master EIR shall evaluate irreversible significant effects on the environment of all subsequent specific development projects, as well as the cumulative impacts of all related projects. All proposed and potential development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. -4- Agency/Individual Responsible for Monitoring: City of Santa Clarita Department of Community Development Action by Monitor: Ensure Master EIR is completed and certified complete prior to adoption of annexation and development agreement.. Ensure project specific impacts of all proposed potential development within prezone project area obtains required clearances in compliance with CEQA prior to specific project approval. Monitoring Timing: Prior to adoption of annexation and development agreement. Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Prior to approval of specific projects without CEQA clearance within the prezone/annexation area. -5- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 1. Earth Subsections a. - k. Geology and Grading Mitigation Measures: 3. Future development within the prezone area is required to meet all geotechnical, grading, and hillside development performance standards and criteria set forth in the City's Unified Development Code, Chapter 17.20, Grading, and Chapter 17.80, Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside Development. All grading operations will be conducted in accordance with the recommendations of qualified geotechnical and soils engineering requirements approved by the City of Santa Clarita's Building and Safety Department. Impacts to be Mitigated: Unstable soil conditions, slope instabilities, and other grading problems that could affect the stability of structures and the safety of its occupants. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company or Implementation: Other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of the first grading permit. Mitigation Specifications; All grading plans will be reviewed by City Staff for compliance with development standards set forth in the Unified Development Code. Geotechnical and Soils Reports prepared by registered geologists and engineers must be reviewed and approved by City Engineers prior to the issuance of any grading permits. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Department of Building and Safety Action by Monitor: Monitor grading and results of ongoing testing (compaction, slope stability, etc.) Monitoring Timing: Prior to final sign -off of grading job card. Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: I Me Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 1. Earth Subsections a. - k. Geology and Grading Mitigation Measures: S. Future seismic impacts can be mitigated through compliance with the Uniform Building Code and the City's Unified Development Code which requires that all buildings be designed and constructed to resist peak horizontal and vertical movement and lateral stresses produced by anticipated earthquakes. Impacts to be Mitigated: Damage from earthquakes to grading, slopes and structures Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company or Implementation: Other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of grading and building permits. Mitigation Specifications: Potential seismic activity and resulting peak horizontal and vertical movement and lateral stresses of all grading, manufactured slopes and buildings must be analyzed. Plans and reports must demonstrate that all proposed grading and structures comply with the Uniform Building Code and the City's Unified Development Code. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Department of Building and Safety Action by Monitor: Review and approve soils, geology and seismicity reports, as well as structural plans for all grading and buildings proposed within the prezone area to ensure compliance with Code requirements and engineer/geologist requirements. Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading and building permit. Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -7- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 1_ Earth Subsections a. - k. Geology and Soils Mitigation Measures: 6. All future development is required to meet specific performance standards and criteria set forth in the City's Unified Development Code to minimize erosion, control drainage and protect persons and property from flooding. Established permit procedures require all development to obtain a NPDES General Construction Permit from the California Regional Water Control Board and/or a General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board prior to the issuance of any grading permit. Impacts to be Mitigated: Minimize erosion by controlling drainage and protecting property and persons from flooding. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit Mitigation Specifications: Issuance of necessary State permits and City clearances Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita and Monitoring: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Action by Monitor: Review and approve all grading and erosion control plans for compliance with City and State standards and other regulations that minimize erosion. On-site monitoring of approved drainage and erosion control measures to ensure compliance. Monitoring Timing: Prior to final sign -off of grading job card Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 2. Air North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - c. Air Quality Mitigation Measures: 3. SCAQMD sets forth standard mitigation measures related to short-term construction and long-term local and regional air quality impacts resulting from future development within the area, Mitigation measures recommended by SCAQMD are intended to reduce pollutant emissions. None of the mitigation measures are strictly required but SCAQMD wants to see all relevant measures applied. All relevant measures shall be included in the Master EIR prior to the approval of the Development Agreement. Impacts to be Mitigated: Project -specific air quality impacts resulting from stationary and mobile source emissions. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to approval of the Master EIR and the Development Agreement for the annexation of the project site.. Mitigation Specifications: Master EIR shall contain all applicable, relevant and reasonable measures recommended by SCAQMD that are intended to reduce pollutant emissions. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Review air quality impacts and mitigation measures set forth in the Master EIR for adequacy Monitoring Timing: Prior to certification of Final Master EIR on the Annexation and Development Agreement Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 3. Water Subsections a. - h. Drainage, Flooding, Groundwater and Water Quality 3. All future development is required to meet specific performance standards and criteria set forth in the City's Unified Development Code to minimize erosion, control drainage and protect persons and property from flooding. Established permit procedures require all developments to obtain a NPDES General Construction Permit from the California Regional Water Control Board and/or a General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board prior to the issuance of any grading permit, Impacts to be Mitigated: Minimize erosion by controlling drainage and protecting property and persons from flooding. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit. Mitigation Specifications: Issuance of necessary State permits and City clearances Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita and Monitoring: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Action by Monitor: Review and approve all grading and erosion control plans for compliance with City and State performance standards and other regulations that minimize erosion. On-site monitoring of approved drainage and erosion control measures to ensure compliance. Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit and prior to final sign -off of grading job card Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion - 10- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 3. Water North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - h. Drainage, Flooding, Groundwater and Water Quality` Mitigation Measures: 4. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation areas. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the prezone area will create project specific water related impacts. This includes changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns and the rate and amount of surface runoff. Bank stabilization, transportation and recreation improvements along the Santa Clara River could alter the course of flow of flood waters and affect surface water quality within the project area. The ultimate amount of potential developmentwithin the annexation area will create a significant new demand on existing water sources. Development adjacent and close to the Santa Clara River and its tributaries could be exposed to flood hazards. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit Mitigation Specifications Obtain required permits from responsible agencies that mitigate potential impacts listed above to levels less than significant Agency/Individual Responsible for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Monitoring: California Department of Fish and Game City of Santa Clarita Action by Monitor: Ensure all mitigation measures set forth in the 404 and 1603 permits are complied with and installed/constructed properly Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of building permits Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion - 11 - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 4. Plant Life Subsections a. - d. Rare or Endangered Plants, New Species and Agricultural Crops 3. The City has prepared and Certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Santa Clara River Trail Project (SCH #92041041) which identifies unique, rare or endangered plant species along the river and sets forth adopted mitigation measures to limit impacts of recreation trail improvements within the project area. These mitigation measures are incorporated by reference into this Negative Declaration. Impacts to be Mitigated: Construction of recreational trail improvements along the Santa Clara River within the prezone area. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company and Implementation: The City of Santa Clarita Implementation Timing See Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for Santa Clara River Trail Project. Mitigation Specifications: See Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for Santa Clara River Trail Project, Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Army Corps of Engineers State Department of Fish and Game Action by Monitor: See Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for Santa Clara River Trail Project. Monitoring Timing: See Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for Santa Clara River Trail Project. Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan -12- Section 4. Plant Life North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Subsections a. - d. Rare or Endangered Plans, New Species and Agricultural Crops 4. All future projects shall be designed to avoid the removal of scalebroom scrub, southern cottonwood -willow riparian forest habitats, oak trees and other mature trees to the maximum extent feasible. Where avoidance is not possible, a revegetation project shall be implemented to replace lost habitats where feasible. 5. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation area. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the prezone project area could create specific plant related impacts. Specific development projects could result in a change in the diversity of species or in the number of any species of trees (including protected oaks), shrubs, grasses and other plants. Unique, rare or endangered plant species that are located along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries could be impacted by future transportation improvements, bank stabilization, and recreation improvements. Future development will introduce new plants into the area, and will remove the potential to raise agricultural crops on the project site. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing; Prior to issuance of first grading permit Mitigation Specifications: Obtain required permits from responsible agencies that mitigate potential impacts listed above to levels less than significant. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers State Department of Fish and Game Action by Monitor: Insure all mitigation measures and conditions of approval set forth in the 404 Federal permit, 1603 State permit and Master EIR are complied with and implemented to the satisfaction of the permitting agencies. - 13 - Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of building permits Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -14 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 5. Animal Life Subsections a. - d. Rare or Endangered Animals, Barriers to Migration and Deterioration of Habitat 3. The City has prepared a Certified Final EIR for the Santa Clara River Trail Project which identifies unique, rare, threatened and endangered animal species along the river within the project area, and sets forth adopted mitigation measures to limit impacts associated with recreation trail improvements on identified animal resources within the annexation areas. These mitigation measures are incorporated into this Negative Declaration. 4. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the 'U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation area. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the proposed prezone area could create project specific animal habitat related impacts. Specific development projects could result in a change in the diversity of species or in the number of any species of animals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects or microfauna. Unique, rare or endangered animal species that are located along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries could be impacted by future transportation, bank stabilization and recreation improvements. Future development will introduce additional domestic animal species into the proposed residential areas and could result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals. This development could also result in deterioration to existing fish and wildlife habitat within and along the river and creek corridors. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company and Implementation: the City of Santa Clarita Implementation Timing. Prior to issuance of first grading permit Mitigation Specifications: Obtain required permits from responsible agencies that mitigate potential impacts listed above to levels less than significant. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers State Department of Fish and Game -15 Action by Monitor: Insure all mitigation measures and conditions of approval set forth in the 404 Federal permit, 1603 State permit and Master EIR are complied with and implemented to the satisfaction of the permitting agencies. Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of building permits Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -16- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 6. Subsections a. - c. Noise and Vibration Mitigation Measures: 2. All proposed and future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA or that is not adequately addressed in the Master EIR on the Annexation and Development Agreement will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative noise and vibration studies to ensure compliance with exterior and interior noise level and vibration performance standards set forth in the Noise Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan and within the City's Noise Ordinance, as set forth in Chapter 11.44 of the Code. Impacts to be Mitigated:. Future development within the proposed prezone area could create.. project specific noise related impacts. Specific development projects could increase existing noise levels and expose people to unacceptable noise levels if the City -adopted noise performance standards are not met. Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation:: The. Valencia Company Implementation Timing: Prior to certification of the Master EIR and approval of the Annexation and Development Agreement Mitigation Specifications: Project -specific noise and vibration studies to ensure projects comply with noise and land use compatibility guidelines set forth by the Santa Clarita General Plan and performance standards required by the City's Noise Ordinance. Agency/Individual Responsible. for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department and Department of Building and Safety Action by Monitor: Review project -specific noise and vibration studies to ensure compliance with General Plan Noise Element and Noise Ordinance Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: 17- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 7, Light and Glare Mitigation Measures: 2. All future development within the prezone area without County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of light and glare impacts created by the project. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the prezone area will create project specific light and glare impacts, Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to certification of the Master EIR and approval of the Annexation and Development Agreement Mitigation Specifications: Analysis of project -specific night lighting and daytime glare impacts Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Department of Building and Safety Action by Monitor: Review and approve final lighting plans to insure all lighting and downward directed and shielded from surrounding land uses. Field inspection of all on-site lighting for compliance. Monitoring Timing: Prior to final sign -off on building permit job card, Monitor: Signature Title: Completion Date: 18- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 8. Subsections a - d Land Use Alterations and Adherence to Zoning/ Development Standards 3. Future development within the project area is required to meet all land use and zoning standards and criteria for the prezoning land use classifications set forth by the Santa Clarita General Plan and Unified Development Code. Land uses proposed by future specific development projects within the prezone area will be required to obtain appropriate City entitlements. Impacts to be Mitigated: Ensuring future development complies with all zoning and Development Code criteria and standards, and that appropriate land use entitlements are obtained for each specific development project Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to the issuance of project -specific land use entitlements Mitigation Specifications: Review plans of all project -specific developments to ensure compliance with Zoning and Development Code criteria and standards and to ensure that all required land use entitlements are obtained prior to approval of project - specific plans Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Review all project -specific plans for compliance with Zoning and Development Code requirements Monitoring Timing: Prior to approval of plans for specific development projects Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -19- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 8. Land Use Subsections a. -d: Land Use Alterations and Adherence to Zoning/Development Standards 4. The non -conforming parking and loading areas within existing industrial development within the Valencia Industrial Complex shall be considered existing non -conforming and will be "grandfathered" in and allowed as meeting City parking and loading standards. Future expansions of existing industrial uses within the complex will be required to meet new City parking and loading standards for only the new expansion area. Impacts to be Mitigated: The prezoning could lead to changes in parking and loading related development standards within the industrial portions of the project areas. Existing industrial land uses were developed under LA County Parking Standards that require 8 -foot wide spaces, whereas the City's Unified Development Code requires 9 -foot wide spaces. The City's loading zone requirements are approximately 10 percent larger than County requirements. Parking standards for office uses are greater in the City than the County, with the City requiring one space per 250 square feet and the County requiring one space per 400 square feet. This may limit expansion of existing office uses within the industrial area and new development would have to meet current City parking standards,. Signage standards are also more restrictive under the City. These differences would result in existing non -conforming industrial uses within the developed portions of the Valencia Industrial Complex. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Implementation: Community Development Department Implementation Timing: Prior to the approval of plans for future expansions of existing uses within the Valencia Industrial Complex:. Mitigation Specifications: Review of all plans for future industrial expansions for compliance with City Code requirements for parking and loading zones. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Analysis of industrial expansion plans for compliance with City Code requirements for parking and loading zones. -20- Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of expansion plan permits Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -21- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 8. Land Use Subsections a. - d. Land Use Alterations and Adherence to Zoning/Development Standards Mitigation Measures: S. Prior to the issuance of any grading permit, the City's Community Development Department and Building and Safety Department shall review and approve plans that document the development project with all existing zoning standards and established development criteria.. Impacts to be Mitigated: Ensure project -specific plans comply with all existing zoning standards and development criteria. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific grading permits Mitigation Specifications: Planning/Community Development Department review ofallproject-specific plans to ensure proper General Plan and Zoning Land Use designations and entitlements are in place for the proposed project Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring, Community Development Department Action by Monitor: see above. Monitoring Timing: see above Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -22- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 8. Land Use North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - d. Land Use Alterations and Adherence to Zoning/Development Standards Mitigation Measures: 6. The applicant shall obtain all permits required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404) and the California Department of Fish and Game (1603) prior to issuance of a grading permit for any project that abuts the Santa Clara River or its tributaries within the annexation area. Impacts to be Mitigated: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is processing a General 404 Permit application and preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement related to the phased development of the Valencia Master Plan along portions of the Santa Clara Rivers and its tributaries within and outside the proposed prezone area. The application addresses proposed flood control and transportation projects related to development along the river, The EIS addresses project specific impacts, indirect and cumulative impacts and a range of alternatives. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of first, grading permit Mitigation Specifications: Obtain required permits from responsible agencies that mitigate potential impacts to levels less than significant Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure proper permits have been obtained from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Fish and Game Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit Monitor:. Signature: Title: Completion -23- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 9. Natural Resources North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - b. Use and Depletion of Natural and Non -Renewable Resources Mitigation Measures: 3. The scale and intensity of future development will be consistent with adopted plans and will not result in a substantial depletion of any non-renewable natural resource. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the prezone area will create project specific short term and long term impacts increasing the rate of use of oil and gas natural resources. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to approval of project -specific land use entitlements Mitigation Specifications: Project -specific development plans must comply with adopted plans and Development Agreement Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Review all project -specific development plans to ensure compliance with adopted plans and Development Agreement Monitoring Timing: Prior to the approval of project -specific land use entitlements Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -24- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 10. Man -Made Hazards North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - d. Explosions, Hazardous/Toxic Materials, Emergency Plan Interference Mitigation Measures: 4, Specific development requirements and performance standards set forth in the City's Unified Development Code 17,17.050.17 (Hazardous Waste Facilities) must be met by all future development within the proposed annexation area. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the prezone area could involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances in the event of an accident or other condition. This development could create the potential to store, transport or dispose of hazardous and/or toxic materials. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to the approval of project -specific plans Mitigation Specifications: Plans must comply with City and County Code requirements for the storage and/or transport of hazardous/toxic materials Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Department of Building and Safety Los Angeles County Fire Department Action by Monitor: Review and sign -off plans that demonstrate compliance with City and County Code requirements for the storage and or transport of hazardous/ toxic materials Monitoring Timing Prior to the approval of project -specific plans Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -25- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 13. Transportation/ Circulation Subsections a. - b. Vehicular Movement Generation, Impacts of Existing Transportation Systems, Alteration of Circulation Patterns, Increased Circulation Hazards Mitigation Measures: 3. Future development is required to meet all City performance standards and development criteria for street widening, intersection signalization and parking as set forth by the City's Unified Development Code and within the City's Manual for Preparing Parking Studies. Impacts to be Mitigated: Provision of adequate circulation improvements within the project site prior to construction of project -specific developments. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Mitigation Specifications: Agency/Individual Responsible for Monitoring: Action by Monitor: Monitoring Timing: Monitor: Signature: _ Title: Completion Date: - Prior to issuance of project -specific use and occupancy permits Street widening and intersection signalization shall be improved and dedicated to the City prior to the issuance of use and occupancy permits for project -specific developments City of Santa Clarita Community Development Department and Traffic and Engineering Department Field inspections and sign-offs/approval of circulation and signalization and street dedications that meet City requirements Prior to issuance of project -specific use and occupancy permits -26- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 13. Transportation/ Circulation Subsections a. - b.. Vehicular Movement Generation, Impacts of Existing Transportation Systems, Alteration of Circulation Patterns, Increased Circulation Hazards 4. Future expansions of existing industrial uses within the Valencia Industrial Complex will be required to meet City parking stall and loading standards that are larger than County standards. Existing development and required parking previously approved by the County is "grandfathered" in; :only new expansions would be required. to provideparking and loading zones at the larger City development standards. Impacts to be Mitigated:: The prezoning could lead to changes in parking and loading zone development standards within the developed industrial portions of the project area. The City requires one -foot wider parking spaces and 10 percent larger loading zones than LA County. It will also lead to changes in the amount of parking required for office space within industrial uses. This would result in existing non -conforming industrial uses within the developed portions of the Valencia Industrial Complex. Agency/Individual Responsible. for City of Santa Clarity Implementation: Community Development. Department and, Department of Building and Safety. Implementation Timing: On-going Mitigation Specifications: Ensure all expansionswithin the Valencia .Industrial Complex meet. new City parking and loading requirements for the expansion area only Agency/Individual Responsible. for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring:.. Community Development Department and Department of Building and Safety Action by Monitor: Review plans of all expansions within the Valencia Industrial Complex for compliance with. City parking and loading requirements Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of building permit Monitor: Signature; Title: Completion. Date: -27- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 14. Public Services North ValenciaPrezone Project Subsections a. - e. Fire and Police Protection, Schools, Libraries, Maintenance of Public Facilities Mitigation Measures: 3. Prior to any future development, the applicant shall demonstrate to the City that it has agreements with the Saugus Union School District and the William S. Hart Union High School District for the dedication of land and/or payment of school district impaction fees required by the State. A 6.3 acre elementary school site is proposed on the south side of Newhall Ranch Road between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road. Impacts to be Mitigated: New residential development will generate new students and the need for additional schools and capital facility improvements to existing schools. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to approval of land use entitlements Mitigation Specifications: The School Districts shall approve agreements with the developer for payment of impaction fees and/or dedication of land Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure agreements between developers and school districts are effectuated Monitoring Timing: Prior to approval of land use entitlements Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 14. Public Services North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - e. Fire and Police Protection, Schools, Libraries, Maintenance of Public Facilities Mitigation Measures: 4. New property tax and sales tax revenue generated from within the prezone area will offset the cost to the City for providing expanded police protection within the project site, 6. All fire department fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of building permits. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development within the prezone area will incrementally impact law enforcement and fire department services. The residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and school uses proposed by the prezoning will put additional demands on the Sheriff/Fire Departments and could affect response times. The City will assume financial responsibility for police/sheriff services in the prezone area after annexation. The project contributes to the need for additional police and fire manpower and equipment to maintain adequate service levels. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific building permits Mitigation Specifications: Payment of Fire Department plan checks fees and other fees Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department Action by Monitor: Ensure collection of required fees Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific building permits Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -29- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 14, Public Services North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - e. Fire and Police Protection, Schools, Libraries, Maintenance of Public Facilities Mitigation Measures: 5. Impacts to library facilities will be mitigated by collection of County property taxes from future residents, which will equal a fair share of the cost of future library services. Impacts to be Mitigated: While this development, by itself, will not represent a significant negative impact; the cumulative effect of this development with others currently planned in the Santa Clarita Valley create a negative impact to the present library infrastructure. Given the County Public Library's shortage of funds, the County Public Library encourages developer participation in a funding mechanism for future library facilities by way of land donation or cash contributions toward the construction of new or expanded facilities. Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation: County Property Tax Collector Implementation Timing: On-going Mitigation Specifications: Collection of County property taxes, a portion of which goes to support LA County Library program Agency/Individual Responsible for Monitoring: N/A Action by Monitor: N/A Monitoring Timing: N/A Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -30- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 16. Utilities North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - g. Water, Sanitary Sewers, Solid Waste, Electricity, Natural Gas and Communication System Mitigation Measures: 3. Water - The applicant shall obtain a Will Serve Letter from the Valencia Company prior to development of specific projects within the prezone area. Impacts to be Mitigated: Ensure availability of domestic water supply for future development within the prezone area. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to development of specific projects within the prezone area Mitigation Specifications: Will -Serve letter and Annexation Agreement documenting Valencia Water Company's ability to provide domestic water service Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure Will -Serve letter and Annexation Agreement are executed Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -31- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 16. Utilities North Valencia Prezone Project Subsections a. - g. Water, Sanitary Sewers, Solid Waste, Electricity, Natural Gas and Communication System Mitigation Measures: 4. Sewer - The project is located outside the present boundaries of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and would have to be annexed into District No. 32 prior to the provision of sewer service. Impacts to be Mitigated: Provision of adequate sewer line service and treatment plant capacity Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to development of specific projects within the prezone area Mitigation Specifications:. Will -Serve letter and Annexation Agreement documenting annexation into County Sanitation District No. 32 Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Verify Will -Serve letter and Annexation Agreement Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of first grading permit Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -32- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 16.. Utilities North Valencia PrezoneProject Subsections a. - g. Water, Sanitary Sewers, Solid Waste, Electricity,. Natural. Gas and Communication System Mitigation Measures: 5. Solid Waste - As a condition of approval for future development. within the. prezone area, the applicant will agree to participation in the Waste Reduction/Resource Recovery/Recycling programs adoptedby the City of Santa Clarita prior to final map recordation. Currently, participation in this recycling effort is conducted on a voluntary basis. Recyclable materials include cans, glass, plastic, and newspapers. Occupants of future residential development will be required to comply with any ordinances passed by the City Council that require recycling programs and the provision of adequate storage areas. All trash shall be stored within enclosed facilities screened from view from surrounding land uses and from adjacent streets. Impacts to be Mitigated: Ensure availability of adequate solid waste. disposal facilities and participation in recycling efforts that minimize refuse disposal amounts. Ensure refuse storage areas are screened from view.. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific building permits Mitigation Specifications: Agreement to participate in waste reduction/resource recovery/recycling programs adopted by City.. Trash storage; areas shall be screened from view .from. surrounding land uses and public streets... Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring;. Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure developer agrees to participate in waste reduction/resource recovery/ recycling programs adopted by the City, Review all project -specific plans to ensure trash storage areas are screened from view.. Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific building permits. Monitor: Signature Title: Completion - 33 - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Section 16. Utilities Subsections a. - g. Water, Sanitary Sewers, Solid Waste, Electricity, Natural Gas and Communication System 6. Electricity - Project design must meet State Title 24 requirements to minimize electricity consumption. All electric services and facilities, with the exception of the existing transmission lines within the right-of-way, shall be underground and shall be built in accordance with the Southern California Edison Company's policies and extension rules; as regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Natural Gas - Project design must meet State Title 24 requirements to minimize natural gas consumption. All natural gas facilities shall be built in accordance with the Southern California Gas Company's policies and extension rules, as regulated by the CPUC and other Federal regulatory agencies. 8. Telephone All telephone service and facilities shall be underground, and shall be built in accordance with the Pacific Bell Company's policies and extension rules, as regulated by the CPUC. Telephone lines are not affected. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development projects within the prezone area will create new demands for public utility services. The residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and public uses will put additional demands on public utilities and other agencies responsible for providing electricity, natural gas, and telephone service. Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company Implementation: or other Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific building permits Mitigation Specifications: Project specific plans must meet Title 24 requirements and all electricity and telephone improvements are placed underground. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Department of Building and Safety Action by Monitor: Review of project -specific plans to ensure they meet Title 24 requirements and that all electricity and telephone improvements are placed underground -34- Monitoring Timing: Prior to issuance of project -specific building permits Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -35- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 19. Recreation North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: Santa Clara River The City will acquire a permanent 290 acre river conservation and recreational use easement for the benefit of the community over the Santa Clara River and its tributaries within the annexation area. The easement and the development project boundaries will be defined as the area covered by the proposed Army Corps of Engineer permit. The easement will convert to fee simple ownership once flood control improvements are complete. b. City will acquire the river conservation and recreational use easement and the river greenbelt and trail easements for $1.5 million using funds targeted for habitat protection and enhancement, construction of trails, landscaping of greenbelt areas and other purposes. C. Valencia Co. will continue to maintain existing revegetation areas and may elect to provide new revegetation and/or mitigation banking areas in the easement area. Impacts to be Mitigated: Provision of adequate open space and recreation facilities for project area residents and the entire City of Santa Clarita. Agency/Individual Responsible for Valencia Company and Implementation: the City of Santa Clarita Implementation Timing: After the Valencia Co.. has obtained the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit for all project area improvements that impact the Santa Clara River and its tributaries Mitigation Specifications: Mitigation requirements per the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 404 Permit and the mitigation measures set forth in the Final EIR and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Plan for the Santa Clara River Trail Project Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure Valencia Company has obtained all permits and clearances from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -36- Monitoring Timing:. Prior to the City's acquiring the River Conservation and Recreation Use Easement in fee simple Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -37- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 19. Recreation North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: 2. River Greenbelt a. The City will acquire an approximately 4.8 mile long multipurpose trail and adjacent greenbelt areas along the river.. b. Valencia Co, will landscape and improve the greenbelt for an amount equal to the amount received from the City for acquisition of the river conservation and recreation use, the river greenbelt and trails easement. Impacts to be Mitigated: Trail construction will impact natural resources adjacent to the Santa Clara River, Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company and Implementation: the City of Santa Clarita Implementation Timing After all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit requirements and mitigation measures have been completed. Mitigation Specifications: Mitigation specifications are set forth in the City's Santa Clara River Trails Project EIR and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Plan as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure Valencia Co, has obtained all permits and clearances from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has complied with all mitigation measures and conditions of approval for the Santa Clara River Trails Project. Monitoring Timing: Prior to fee simple acquisition of the River Conservation and Recreation Use Easement Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 19, Recreation North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: 3. Trails - The City will obtain a 4,570 foot long easement for a 16 -foot wide trail in the vicinity of Valencia Boulevard between Bouquet Canyon Road and the South Fork Trail, including an interim trail easement across the Pony League site. Impacts to he Mitigated: Provision of regional trail connections within the project site Agency/Individual Responsible for The Valencia Company and Implementation: the City of Santa Clarita Implementation Timing: Prior to final approval of Annexation and Development Agreement Mitigation Specifications: Valencia Company shall offer for dedication the trail easement as a part of the Development Agreement for the annexation. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Ensure Development Agreement contains offer of dedication for the above - reference trail Monitoring Timing: Prior to final approval of Development Agreement Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion -39- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 19. Recreation North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: 4. Parks a. The City will be assured that the 20 -acre Lake Park proposed within the Valencia Del Lago project will be accessible to the general public for recreational use. Valencia Co. will reserve the right to also provide private. recreation areas in the project area. b. The park land and recreational improvements as proposed within the annexation area satisfy the City's Quimby park requirements. Impacts to be Mitigated: Public access to the Lake Park proposed within the Valencia Del Lago project. Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation: Valencia Company/Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to recordation of the Final Tract Map Mitigation Specifications: General public access to the Lake Park recreation area within the Valencia Del Lago project.. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Review project -specific plans to ensure adequate public access to the Lake Park recreation area Monitoring Timing: Prior to the recordation of the Final Tract Map for the Valencia Del Lago project Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -40- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Section 19. Recreation North Valencia Prezone Project Mitigation Measures: 5. Pony League Fields - The City will be assured that the Wm. S. Hart Pony League will have long term use of their existing playing fields and access from Valencia Boulevard. Impacts to be Mitigated: Continued use of the existing Pony League fields for public recreation purposes. Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation: The Valencia Company Implementation Timing: Prior to execution of the Annexation Development Agreement Mitigation Specifications: Development Agreement shall specify that the Wm. S. Hart Pony League will have long-term use of the existing playing fields and continued access from Valencia Blvd. Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Review Development Agreement prior to adoption to ensure terms are specified to ensure above condition is met. Monitoring Timing: Prior to the approval and execution of the Annexation Development Agreement Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -41- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan North Valencia Prezone Project Section 20. Cultural Resources Subsection a. - d. Impacts to Prehistoric or Historic Archaeological Sites, Historic Buildings, Cultural Resources, or Religious/Sacred Uses Mitigation Measure(s): 2. All future development within the prezone area that does not have County land use entitlements and environmental clearances in compliance with CEQA will be required to undertake project specific and cumulative analysis of cultural resource impacts to identify and mitigate potential significant effects. Impacts to be Mitigated: Future development and grading within the prezone area has the potential to disturb undetected archaeological, cultural and paleontological resources that may exist on the site. Agency/Individual Responsible for Implementation: Project -Specific Developer Implementation Timing: Prior to the approval of project -specific CEQA environmental clearance Mitigation Specifications: Environmental analysis and measures necessary to mitigate potential cultural resource impacts to levels less than significant Agency/Individual Responsible for City of Santa Clarita Monitoring: Community Development Department Action by Monitor: Review of project -specific environmental documentation to ensure adequate mitigation of potential cultural resource impacts Monitoring Timing: Prior to certification of CEQA environmental clearance for specific development projects within the annexation area Monitor: Signature: Title: Completion Date: -42-