HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - GP CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEND (2)AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING
DATE: November 25, 1997
City Mana,
Item to be
Jeffrey Lambert
SUBJECT: GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building Services
1. City Council receive staff report; open the public hearing; receive public
testimony; discuss the project; and close the public hearing.
2. Adopt Resolution 97-143, to Approve the Circulation Element Amendment (Master
Case No. 97-111, Previous Master Case No. 93-198, General Plan Amendment No. 97-
002).
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At its September 30, 1997 special meeting, the City Council approved Resolution 97-113,
approving the Circulation Element Amendment. At the request of Councilman Boyer, the
Council conducted a special meeting on October 21, 1997 and acted on a 4-1 vote to reconsider
the Circulation Element Amendment and directed staff to schedule a public hearing at the
November 25, 1997 regular Council meeting.
The Council's action to reconsider the Circulation Element Amendment was based on three
issues: (1) width of Newhall Ranch Road between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road
(six vs. eight lanes), (2) width of Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and the I-5
Freeway (six vs. eight lanes), and (3) the elimination of The Old Road between Valencia
Boulevard and McBean Parkway. Although the City Council's reconsideration discussion was
limited to these three issues, the entire Circulation Element Amendment may be discussed at
this meeting.
Following Council direction, staff has prepared a proposed amendment to the Circulation
Element of the City's General Plan. The preparation of this amendment includes an
Environmental Impact Report and an extensive public outreach program. Council received the
Proposed Circulation Element Text on June 3, 1997 and a copy of the Draft EIR on June 16,
1997. A Final EIR. was distributed to the Planning Commission on September 2, 1997 and to
the Council on September 10, 1997. The Final EIR includes the Draft EIR Responses to
Comments, Mitigation Monitoring and ReProgram Prog�am (MMRP) and Summary of Community
Meetings. Continued TO:.! Z_( -�� Agenda
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The Circulation Element Amendment is intended to accomplish two goals: to select a roadway
network for the center of the City which accommodates the removal of SR 126 from the General
Plan and to update the General Plan policies to reflect current conditions in the Santa Clarita
Valley. An executive summary of the text changes is attached to this report. Generally, these
changes update the General Plan to reference an increasingly diversified transportation system.
These changes include reference to the Metrolink service, bus service and other improved transit
services such as the proposed high-speed rail. In addition, recommended text changes
encourage development standards that ensure local streets will function as designed and
developments will encourage non -vehicular access by bus; pedestrian and bicycle.
The City Council directed staff to conduct an extensive public outreach program for the
Circulation Element Amendment. This program consisted of two full page ads in the paper and
three interactive community workshops. In addition, staff has gathered a mailing list of 350
interested citizens and groups and has kept this group informed throughout the review process.
The most significant theme expressed by the community was to encourage the City to remove
the Caltrans SR 126 roadway from the General Plan. This can only be accomplished by selecting
one of the six alternatives described in the Circulation Element Amendment EIR. City staff, the
City Council, the Planning Commission, and the community have been working towards this end
since 1992.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission held five public hearings between July 15, 1997 and September 10,
1997 to consider the amendment, its environmental effects, and testimony from the public and
from staff and City consultants. Through extensive discussions, the Planning Commission made
a number of changes to the original Circulation Element text; these changes are listed in
Resolution 97-113.
The EIR for this project identified the following five issue areas as having significant impacts
that cannot be mitigated to levels less than significant: Air Quality, Earth Resources, Biological
Resources, Noise, and Aesthetics. In addition to their consideration of significant impacts, the
Commission reviewed the proposed mitigation measures and weighed the public benefits of the
amendment against the impacts. These project benefits include promoting an acceptable local
and regional transportation system that accommodates land use expansion as envisioned in the
City General Plan and providing for efficient transportation by including policies for reducing
single -occupancy vehicle trips, encouraging voluntary trip reduction methods, providing roadway
designs that include bikeways and encouraging technological advances to minimize air quality
impacts (Resolution 97-112).
The Planning Commission also gave consideration to the EIR analysis which shows that several
roadway links will reach a level of service (LOS) of "F" with the build out of the City's General
Plan. Hearing this and listening to testimony from the Newhall Land and Farming Company,
the Planning Commission designated these critical roadway links as 8 -lane divided major
highways, similar to the existing designation for Bouquet Canyon Road between Seco Canyon
Road and Soledad Canyon Road. The Commission made the following recommendations
regarding roadway widths and number of lanes:
Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquet Canyon Road and Interstate 5 Freeway as an 8 -lane
major arterial (this roadway is presently designated as an 8 -lane limited access expressway);
Maeic Mountain Parkwav between Valencia Boulevard and Interstate 5 Freeway as an S-
lane major arterial;
McBean Parkway between. Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road as an 8 -lane major
arterial; and
Valencia Boulevard between Magic Mountain Parkway and Interstate 5 Freeway; the
Commission was split 2-2 on approval of this roadway link as an 8 -lane major arterial.
As stated above, the Commission was unanimous in their recommendation to the City Council
on all aspects of the Circulation Element Amendment (text and roadway alternative) except
increasing the designation of Valencia Boulevard to an 8 -lane divided major highway.
This hearing was advertised with a display ad in the Signal and mailing of the public notice to
over 350 individuals and associations. This list included everyone who attended the scoping
meeting and community workshops, all who commented on the EIR and all the homeowner
associations.
ANALYSIS
Although the entire Circulation Element is before the City Council, the analysis portion of this
report will focus on those issues raised by the City Council at its October 21, 1997 meeting
where an action was taken to schedule this reconsideration public hearing. Other material
attached to this report will summarize other issues raised by the Planning Commission, the
public, and the City Council at its September 30, 1997 special meeting.
Newhall Ranch Road
Newhall Ranch Road was previously designated as an 8 -lane limited access expressway from
I-5 to State Route 14. Based upon the EIR traffic analysis which showed Newhall Ranch Road
at gridlock with 6 lanes, the Planning Commission recommended that Newhall Ranch Road be
reduced only to an 8 -lane arterial (city street with traffic signals) from Bouquet Canyon Road
to the I-5 and a 6 -lane arterial from Bouquet Canyon Road to its terminous at Golden Valley
Road. At its September 30, 1997 meeting, the City Council amended the Planning Commission's
recommendation by limiting Newhall Ranch Road to a 6 -lane arterial from McBean Parkway
east to its terminous at Golden Valley Road. In addition, the City Council eliminated the super
truck route designation for Newhall Ranch Road.
If Newhall Ranch Road is limited to six lanes, the segment between McBean Parkway and
Bouquet Canyon Road will reach gridlock (LOS "F") approaching the build out of the City's
General Plan and the County's Community Plan. Should Newhall Ranch Road be allowed to be
8 -lanes, the City will avoid gridlock and this segment will likely be at LOS "D" or "E." The City
Council discussed a concern that an 8 -lane segment between McBean and Bouquet would be
harmful to the existing residents in the Northbridge community or the new residents in the
North Valencia development. However, gridlock caused by a 6 -lane limit is likely to cause more
harm in increased traffic congestion, increased noise and worsened air quality. But, in light of
the Council's concerns with an 8 -lane roadway, staff has suggested a mitigation measure which
may reduce some of the impacts either roadway width will cause: significantly increased median
with mature landscaping to further reduce noise, improve air quality, and improve the
aesthetics of a larger roadway.
Valencia Boulevard
Valencia Boulevard was previously designated as a 6 -lane arterial. Based upon the EIR traffic
analysis showing gridlock (LOS "F") on Valencia Boulevard between McBean and the I-5, the
Planning Commission considered widening this segment to an 84ane arterial. However, the
Planning Commission split 2-2 on this issue. At its September 30, 1997 meeting, the City
Council amended the Planning Commission's recommendation by limiting this segment of
Valencia Boulevard to six lanes. If Valencia Boulevard is limited to 6 -lanes, this segment will
reach gridlock (LOS "F") approaching the build out of the City's General Plan and the County's
Community Plan. Should this segment be increased to eight lanes, this segment is likely be at
LOS "D" or "E."
Since the Council's discussion on this specific matter centered around the existing mature trees
along .Valencia Boulevard, staff has suggested a mitigation measure which may address this
issue: require The Newhall Land and Farming Company to plant and maintain new trees at the
ultimate right of way now. When the widening is required in the future, these new trees will
be mature enough to replace the existing trees.
The Old Road
The Old Road was previously designated in both the City's General Plan and the County s Plan
of Highways. The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to remove The Old Road
from the City's General Plan but agreed that The Old Road could still be built because of its
designation in the County's Plan of Highways. However, the City Council at its September 30,
1997 meeting, voted to remove The Old Road from the City's General Plan. This action was
taken to avoid impacts on the SEA —oak woodland. However, the Council's action does not
preclude the construction of The Old Road because it still is listed on the County's Plan of
Highways and is part of the proposed Westridge development project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following are issues raised by members of the public:
Augmented Intersections:
A concern was raised that the City was obligated to pay for the augmented intersections
proposed in the Circulation Element Amendment. This is not true. No financing plan is
discussed in the Circulation Element; it only identifies the roadway plan. It is likely that any
augmented intersections will be paid for through future development.
Northerly By -Pass:
It was suggested that the Circulation Element should include the Northerly By -Pass and that
a Los Angeles County study of this roadway was not distributed to the City Council or the
Planning Commission for consideration during deliberations on the Circulation Element. First,
the County study was distributed to both the Planning Commission and the City Council and
the Planning Commission considered this report in making its recommendation to the City
Council. The County report recommended against any further consideration of this roadway
because it did not address the circulation challenges facing the Santa Clarita Valley and it was
significantly more expensive and had significantly more environmental impacts than other
alternatives.
Newhall Ranch:
It was suggested that by including the Newhall Ranch project in the cumulative analysis of the
Circulation Element Amendment EIR, the City was supporting this project. This is simply not
true. The California Environmental Quality Act requires an EIR to include a cumulative
analysis and requires that this analysis include all known projects (whether approved or not).
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Take no action at this time; provide direction to staff to return at the next available City
Council meeting with additional information and resolutions.
2. Make no changes to Resolution No. 97-113 and let the action of September 30, 1997 stand.
3. Other actions as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
No additional fiscal impacts to the City's general fund are expected as a result of this
Circulation Element Amendment reconsideration.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A - Circulation Element Amendment History Chart
Exhibit B - Proposed Circulation Element Text - Executive Summary
Exhibit C - Resolution 97-112 (as approved by the City Council on September 30, 1997)
Exhibit D - Resolution 97-113 (as approved by the City Council on September 30, 1997)
Exhibit E - Level of Service (LOS) descriptions
Exhibit F - Resolution 97-143 (Rescinding Resolution 97-112, Certifying EIR and Adopting
Statement of Overriding Considerations)
Exhibit G - Resolution 97-144 (Rescinding Resolution 97-113 and Approving the Circulation
Element Amendment)
READING FILE
Planning Commission Resolutions P97-15 and P97-16
Planning Commission Staff Reports and Minutes from: July 15, 1997; July 23, 1997; August
19, 1997; September 2, 1997; September 10, 1997
Circulation Update 2
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CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES
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A public hearing on this matter and associated potential environmental impacts, if any, will be
conducted by the City of Santa Clarita City Council at a Special Meeting on:
DATE: November 25, 1997
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: City Council Chambers
23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
APPLICATION: Master Case No. 97-111 (Previous Master Case No. 93-198)
General Plan Amendment No. 95-002
Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) SCH No. 96112028
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project under consideration is a proposed Amendment to the
City's Circulation Element and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
prepared for this project. The main purpose of the Amendment is to identify a new Master Plan
of Arterial Highways, primarily affecting the center of the City, for the purpose of identifying
an alternative east -west route to SR -126 as presently exists on the City's General Plan.
The Amendment also includes policies concerning other important transportation -related issues.
These new policies, seek to: clarify roadway and bikeway development standards; encourage
pedestrian -oriented development design; increase rail opportunities (Metrolink, high speed rail,
light rail); encourage traffic calming where appropriate; encourage traffic signal
synchronization; consider implementation of vehicle weight limits on certain roadways; and
implement strategies to reduce single -occupancy vehicle trips.
The EIR prepared for this project analyzes seven different roadway network alternatives at an
equal level of detail.
PROJECT PROPONENT: City of Santa Clarita
A FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (comprised of the Draft Environmental
Impact Report, the Responses to Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report, any
subsequent changes to the text of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, and the Mitigation,
Monitoring and Reporting Program) has been prepared for this proposed project and has been
available for public review since 4:00 p.m. on September 4. 1997 at:
City Hall
Department of Planning and Building Services
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Ste. 302
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
A copy of the Final Environmental Impact Report has also been available for public review since
4:00 p.m. on September 8, 1997, at the Canyon Country Library (18536 Soledad Canyon Road)
and the Valencia Main Library (23743 W. Valencia Boulevard) 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 Clerk, City of Santa Clarita at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact Conal McNamara of the City
of Santa Clarita Department of Planning and Building Services at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Third
Floor, Santa Clarita, CA'91355. Telephone: (805) 255-4330.
Ken Pulskamp
Assistant City Manager
Jeff Lambert, AICP
Planning Manager
Posted: Santa Clarita City Hall and Sheriffs Department
Published: The Newhall Signal, November 3, 1997
aAcd\advance\circelpn.cdm
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE
September 1997
6/25/91
City's first General Plan Circulation Element Adopted.
11/10/92
City Council adopted General Plan Amendment 92-02 (Master Case 92-154)
which amended the Circulation Element for clarity and to identify the Lyons
Avenue Extension.
10/92
Council passed a motion to reject the north and south alignments of State
Route 126 as they were proposed in the Caltrans' Draft EIR.
City Council made a referral to the newly formed Citizens Transportation
Advisory Committee (CTAC) to receive further community input regarding an
alternative east/west roadway network in the City.
7/93
CTAC recommendations were presented to the Planning Commission. The
Planning Commission conducted public hearings on this topic, made
refinements in the alternative roadway patterns to be studied, and
forwarded its recommendation to the City Council.
12/21/93
Planning Commission recommended a network that the City Council should
consider in studying an amendment to the Circulation Element.
9/13/94
Council awarded a contract to Meyer Mohaddes Associates, Inc. to conduct a
traffic study (the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study) for the purpose of
examining the existing circulation system and four alternative road networks
in an effort to recommend a superior and acceptable highway system which
would eliminate `the super truck" State Route 126 from the City's General
Plan, while providing a suitable alternative east/west connector with a
network of supporting arterial highways, essential to mobility in the Clarita
Valley.
1/3/95
At the City Council Study Session, staff presented the preliminary findings of
the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study to be used in the environmental
document for the proposed amendments to the Circulation Element of the
General Plan. The presentation included highlights of the traffic study for
the four alternative circulation networks recommended or endorsed by the
CTAC, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. The study at that
time concluded that neither the. current Circulation Element nor any of the
four potential circulation plans would meet the City's General Plan minimum
level of service goal (LOS -D). The City Council directed staff to prepare
additional analysis and try to develop a network that best meets the future
circulation goals of the Valley. Two additional alternatives were ultimately
analyzed as part of an iterative process to develop a superior alternative. The
scenarios and the conclusions of the traffic study are described in the Draft
Final Center City Circulation EI m nt 4t, dy (June 1995).
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE
Coned
10/10/95
Council authorized staff to proceed with recruiting an EIR consultant. At
that time, it was anticipated that Scenario 5 from the Center City Circulation
Element Study would be treated as the preferred alternative -for purposes of
environmental analysis.
11/13/95
At City Council request, staff held a community meeting to discuss the
adoption of a new circulation system. The purpose of the meeting was to
present the City's proposed circulation system amendment to the General
Plan to citizens, and to ask their assistance in identifying the most
appropriate way to involve the community in the adoption of a new citywide
circulation system which would help to solve the on-going problem of traffic
congestion. Two things became clear through this process: (1) that it was
premature to consider Scenario 5 as the preferred alternative, and (2) that
there was a need to keep the community informed and involved in all
activities, studies, input opportunities. and recommended actions relating to
altering the City's future circulation system.
12/12/95
City Council appropriated $100,000 for the public participation process and
preparation of the legally required environmental impact report and
authorized an agreement with Willdan Associates to oversee the General Plan
Amendment process for an amount not to exceed $30,000.00.
9/3/96
The Council authorized Rincon to prepare the Circulation Element EIR and
oversee the public participation plan for the EIR project for $187,000. Meyer
Mohaddes was authorized to perform the traffic study for the project for
$23,000. The Council directed the formation of a steering committee and
appointed Councilwoman Darcy and Councilwoman Heidt to represent the
Council on the committee. The Council appropriated an additional $140,000
for these projects. ($210,000 less the $70,000 remaining from the previous
allocation of $100,000= $140,000)
9/17/96
The steering committee representatives from the Planning Commission,
Chairman Brathwaite and Commissioner Killmeyer are chosen.
9/19/96
The role of Willdan Associates is changes to that of technical reviewer. The
Community Development Department takes the lead for project management
of the amendment process.
10/15/96
Kick-off meeting for the Circulation Element EIR and the steering committee
are held.
11/5/96
Notice of Preparation of an environmental impact report 30 -day public review,
period begins. NOP comment period ends December 9, 1996.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE
Cont'd
11/18/96
Second Steering Committee meeting to finalize public participation
information for the planned December 4, 1996 EIR Scoping Meeting.. Full
page Circulation Element Update ads appeared in the Signal on Sundays,
November 24, 1996 and December 1, 1996.
12/4/96
Third Steering Committee meeting followed by the public EIR Scoping
meeting held in Council Chambers and attended by approximately 150
people. The Scoping Meeting was taped and aired several times over the
following weeks on Cable TV.
12/10/96
Agenda Report received by the Council providing an update on the Circulation
Element Amendment progress.
1/28/97
Council approves an additional $13,000 to cover the cost of additional traffic
modeling and public outreach efforts.
3/4/97
Council Study Session to review the status of the Circulation Element
Amendment and review the proposed DEIR alternatives.
3/18/97
Fourth Steering Committee meeting to review descriptions of trip reduction
alternatives and alternative circulation network possibilities. Schedule the
finalizing of alternatives. Review possible newsletter content, community
workshop format and content and schedule.
4/15/97
Fifth Steering Committee meeting to finalize alternative descriptions, discuss
preliminary model results, review the draft Circulation Element Amendment
text, review newsletter and community workshop locations.
6/8/97
Circulation Update H two-page advertisement in the Signal to advertise the
upcoming release of the Draft EIR and three community workshops for June
26, June 28 and July 10, 1997. This advertisement also serves as the public
notice for the.first Planning Commission public hearing on this project
scheduled for July 15, 1997. This advertisement was reprinted on Sunday,
June 15, 1997.
6/16/96
Draft EIR released for a 45 -day public review period ending July 31, 1997.
Notice of Completion sent to the State Clearinghouse and Notice of
Availability sent to Los Angeles County and the various agencies. The DEIR
was distributed to Council and Commission members.
6/26/97
First Community Workshop held at the Boys and Girls Club in Newhall. This
workshop was attended by approximately 30 people.
6/28/97
Second Community Workshop held a Sierra Vista Junior High School and
attended by approximately 20 people.
7/10/97
Community Workshop held at Arroyo Seco Junior High School.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE
Cont'd
7/15/97
First Public Hearing on the Circulation Element Text and Draft
Environmental Impact Report before the Planning Commission. Subsequent
hearings held on July 23, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997 and September
10, 1997.
9/10/97
The Planning Commission Considers the Final EIS., Closes the Public Hearing
and Recommends Adoption of Alternative 4 to the City Council with
Transporation Demand Management (TDM) strategies on a voluntary basis.
9/30/97
First City Council Public Hearing on the Circulation Element Text and Final
EIIZ
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RESOLUTION NO. 97-112
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
TO CERTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CIRCULATION
ELEMENT AMENDMENT AND
TO ADOPT A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
THAT WEIGHS PROJECT BENEFITS AGAINST SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
FOR THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT
MASTER CASE NO. 97-111 (PREVIOUS MASTER CASE NO. 93-198)
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-002
THE CI'T'Y COUNCIL OF THE CITE OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows:
a. On June 25, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-98, adopting the General
Plan of the City of Santa Clarita and Certifying the Environmental Impact Report.
b. An Initial Study was prepared- for this project on November 4, 1996. A Draft
Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) SCH No. 96112028 was prepared for this
project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )by Rincon
Consultants: Inc following the 30 -day public review period for the Notice of Preparation
(NOP) beginning November 4, 1996 and a formal scoping meeting held on December 5,
1996. Following the scoping meeting, the NOP circulation period was extended two
additional weeks to December 19,1996. The Draft EIR and Notice of Circulation (NOC)
for this project was released for a 45 -day public review period on June 16, 1997. Two
duly noticed public hearings on the Draft EIR were held before the Planning Commission
during the public review period on July 15, 1997 and on July 23, 1997. The public review
period ended on July 31, 1997. The Draft EIR analyzes seven circulation network
alternatives, including Alternative 1 which is the No Project Alternative under CEQA.
C. The Draft EIR, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit A, identifies the following
issue areas as significant but unavoidable: earth resources (roads crossing active fault
lines), air quality (pollutant emissions during construction), biological resources
(degradation of riparian habitat; intrusion into. significant ecological area), noise (during
constractioWand aestheticsAight and glare (alteration of important ridgelines; change
in community character/viewshed alteration; community -wide change in nighttime
lighting conditions). These impacts are the same level of significance for all alternatives
studied in the Draft EIR.
d. The Draft EIR identifies the following issue areas as significant but feasibly mitigable
to a less than significant level: hydrology/flooding, noise (traffic noise on new roadways),
risk of upset, public services/utWties/energy, cultural resources. These impacts are the
same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR. A mitigation
monitoring reporting program has been prepared to mitigate these potentially significant
impacts to a less than significant level and is included as part of the Final EIR.
Reso. P97-112
Page 2
e. The Draft EIR identifies the following issue areas as less than significant: earth
resources (slope destabilization due to grading; fill settling or rebounding; landslide
movements; seismic ground shaking, liquefaction); air quality (San Joaquin Valley Fever;
long-term vehicle emissions); hydrology/flooding (increase in flood height from
construction in floodplain), population and housing (displacement; growth inducing
impacts), and public services/utilities/energy. These impacts are the same level of
significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR.
f. The Draft EIR identifies beneficial impacts for transportation/circulation. These impacts
are the same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR.
g.. Duly noticed public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on July 15, 1997,
July 23; 1997, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997, and September 10, 1997 in the City
Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita; at 7:00 p.m.
h. The Response to Comments on the DEIR and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) was prepared and provided to the Planning Commission on September
2, 1997. The Draft EIR together with the Responses to Comments and the MMRP,
herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit B, together are considered the Final EIR.
The Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997, herein incorporated by
reference as Exhibit C, also contains circulation policies that mitigate potential
circulation impacts and was considered by the Commission. The Planning Commission
considered the Final EIA; as well as information provided in staff reports, the
amendment text and through public testimony, prior to adopting Resolution P97-15
recommending that the City Council certify the Environmental Impact Report, adopt a
Statement of Overriding Considerations, and prior to adopting Resolution P97-16
recommending that the City Council approve the Circulation Element Amendment as
modified by the resolution.
i. The City Council received the Proposed Circulation Element Text on June 3, 1997, the
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project on June 17, 1997 and the Final
Environmental Impact Report for the project on September 9, 1997. Copies of all the
Planning Commission staff reports and minutes have been provided to the Council in the
City Council reading file 10 days prior to the September 30, 1997 public hearing.
j. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on September 30; 1997 in the
City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. The
public notice for this project was mailed to over 300 residents/businesses who expressed
interest in this project and an eighth -page ad was placed in the main section of the
Signal Paper on September 9, 1997.
SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and the City Council and on its behalf, the
City Council finds:
Reso. P97-112
Page 3
a. That the Final Environmental Impact Report for this project is adequate and complete.
b. That the Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the Final EIR in reaching
its recommendation to the City Council and that the City Council has reviewed and
considered the Final EIR in reaching its decision.
C. That changes and alterations have been required and incorporated into the circulation
element amendment project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect because the policies of the element itself reduce impacts upon the
transportation system and mitigation measures included in the AMIPR are made
conditions of approval for this project.
SECTION 3. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf,
the City Council finds that the Circulation Element Amendment will have the following benefits:
a. Promotes an acceptable local and regional transportation system that accommodates
land use expansion as envisioned in the City General Plan and the Los Angeles County
Area Plan.
b. Provides for roadways that will accommodate regional growth, including local regional
housing needs, as projected by the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG).
C. Provides for efficient transportation including policies for reducing single -occupancy
vehicle trips, trip reduction methods, roadway design (e.g. augmented intersections and
cross sections for class one and class two bikeways) and technological advances (e.g.
traffic light synchronization and alternate fuel vehicle usage) that minimize air quality
impacts upon the Valley and the region.
d. Encourages a variety of transportation options that stimulate economic development
opportunities in the Santa Clarita Valley and aid in providing for the jobs -housing
balance.
e. Reduces Circulation Element environmental impacts because removal of SR -126 east'of
Golden Valley Road from the Arterial Network of highways will reduce the need for a
bridge crossing of the Santa Clara River in the Canyon Country area, reduce impacts
upon biology, particularly the Santa Clara River Significant Ecological Area (SEA),
reduce the amount of earth movement, and not dislocate residential units.
f. Responds to the concerns of numerous residents that SR -126 would be placed through
their neighborhood by removing the SR426 designated link on Newhall Ranch Road east
of Golden Valley.
g. Provides policies to encourage pedestrian.friendly environments, encourage construction
Reso. P97-112
Page 4
of bikeways, and encourage roadways appropriate for neighborhoods by providing for
traffic calming and vehicle weight limits.
h. Identifies and encourages expansion of transit opportunities in Santa Clarita including
local bus service, commuter bus service, dial -a -ride service, Metrolink commuter train
service, and possible extension of light-rail and high-speed rail.
SECTION 4. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf,
the Council further finds that the Final EER analyzes a whole range of project alternatives at
a program level and that the environmental impacts of the proposed eight -lane divided major
highway links recommended for approval are not significantly different from the impacts of six -
lane divided major highways anticipated under the seven alternatives studied, particularly
Alternative 4, .the recommended alternative. The existing Circulation Element already identifies
an eight -lane major highway cross section and identifies a portion of Bouquet Canyon Road as
an eight -lane major highway, so precedent exists for the identification of additional eight -lane
major arterials in the General Plan. The reasons for supporting the finding that the additional
environmental impacts anticipated from an eight -lane rather than a six -lane major arterial are
less than significant are as follows for each proposed eight -lane roadway link:
a. Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway- Approximately
half of this roadway link, from Citrus Street to McBean Parkway has already been
constructed to accommodate an eight -lane roadway. The link between McBean Parkway
to the Southern California Edison Powerline easement, approximately .5 miles, is
already studied at the project level as an eight -lane arterial and is analyzed a part of the
traffic analysis for the North Valencia Specific Plan EIR. This leaves less than one mile
of roadway widening for further analysis. Given that this area is would not bisect a
significant ecological area, ridgeline, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone or other unique
topographical or biologically unique area, widening the roadway an extra two lanes may
result in additional impacts, however, these would not be significant given the program
level of analysis in the Circulation Element Amendment Final EIR. As shown in the
Final EER traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of Magic Mountain
Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway from a six -lane to an eight -lane
divided major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout
from LOS 'F" as shown in the Draft EIR, to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic
circulation.
b. McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road- Approximately
half of this roadway link, from Valencia Boulevard to Creekside Drive has already been
constructed to accommodate an eight -lane roadway. The link between Creekside Drive
to Newhall Ranch Road, approximately .5 miles, is already studied at the project level
as an eight -lane arterial as part of the traffic analysis for the North Valencia Specific
Plan and Annexation EIR. This link includes the widening of the bridge over McBean
Parkway which is already identified as a significant impact and subject to a Statement
of Overriding Considerations (SOC) under the North Valencia Specific Plan and
Reso. P97-112
Page 5
Annexation EIR. Given that the remainder of this roadway link would not bisect a
ridgeline; Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone or other unique topographical or
biologically unique area, widening the roadway an extra two lanes may result in
additional impacts, however, these would not be significant given the program level of
analysis of the Circulation Element Amendment Final EIR. As shown in the Final EIR
traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of McBean Parkway between
Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road from a six -lane to an eight -lane divided
major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout from LOS
"!?"as shown in the Draft EIR, `o LOS "E", thereby improving traffic circulation.
SECTION 5. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council finds that the Final
Environmental Impact Report identifies certain significant environmental effects and feasible
mitigation measures that mitigate potential significant impacts to levels less than significant
for each of these impacts with the exclusion of earth resources, air quality, biological resources,
noise and aesthetics/light & glare. In accordance with CEQA Sections 15091 and 15093, a
description of each significant impact and rational for finding that changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR is detailed below:
a. Air Quality: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendmentwould
directly generate emissions during construction of roadways and indirectly contribute
to regional air pollution by accommodating motor vehicle traffic in the City. Project -
related construction activity would occur sporadically over a number of years.
Alternative 4 would exceed maximum daily significance thresholds within the South
Coast Air Quality Management Districts (SCAQMD) Air Quality Handbook for NOx and
PM10. Although construction activity would occur only sporadically, impacts on worst-
case construction days are considered significant and unavoidable even with the
implementation of mitigation measures to reduce the impacts. New transportation
infrastructure would not directly generate long-term air emissions but would
accommodate an increase in traffic and associated air pollutant emissions. Once
construction activities are concluded, the project, with mitigation measures AQ(a)-1,
AQW-2 and AQ(a)-3 as identified, would not create significant long-term impacts to local
air quality.
A quality impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above
will provide a certain reduction in air quality impacts; however, the benefits of the
Project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental
effects on air quality and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is considered
acceptable. -
b. Earth Resources: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would
result in roadways across active faults which would pose a potentially significant impact
from fault rupture during a seismic event. Design and construction solutions are
generally available to reduce all seismic and geologic hazards to risk levels considered
acceptable. Mitigation measures ER -1(a); ER -1(b), E114(c), ER -3(a), ER -5(a) and ER -6(a)
Reso. P97-112
Page 6
have been identified to reduce the significance of impacts although some risk of damage
to roadway infrastructure would remain. Ground rupture on active fault lines could
damage roads, which is considered a potentially significant and unavoidable impact.
Earth resource impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified
above will provide a certain reduction in these impacts; however, the benefits of the
project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental
effects on earth resources and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is
considered acceptable.
C. Biological Resources: Buildout of the roadway system as envisioned under Alternative
4 for the Circulation Element would result in significant and unavoidable impacts to
biological resources within the City. The most significant impacts are associated with
the loss of riparian habitats and disturbance to the significant ecological areas along the
Santa Clarita River, San Francisquito Creek and the oak savanna west of Interstate 5.
Mitigation measures B -2(a), B -2(b), B -2(c), B -2(d), B -2(e), B -2(f), B -2(g), B-3, B -4(a), B -
4(b), B -5(a), B-5(b)are proposed tb reduce the effects on plant and animal resources
through realignment or elimination of certain roadways and the requirement for site
specific survey and mitigation plans for sensitive plants and animals prior to
construction. Nonetheless, biological impacts associated with the roadway network
buildout and accompanying growth of the City is anticipated to result in unavoidable
significant impacts. Overall biological resource impacts are considered lowest under
Alternative 4, and are lower than those anticipated under the existing major arterial
highway network.
Biological resources impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures
identified above will provide a certain reduction in these impacts; however, the benefits
of the project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse
environmental effects on biological resources and the adverse environmental effect on
biological resources is considered acceptable.
d. Noise: Construction activity associated with Alternative 4 would have the potential to
generate significant impacts to sensitive receptors in the vicinity of construction sites.
Tragic noise would potentially exceed normally acceptable levels on all major roadway
segments and would be greater under the existing major arterial network than under
Alternative 4. Mitigation measures N -1(a), N -1(b), N -1(c), N -1(d) N -2(a), and N -2(b)
have been added to the project to reduce short-term roadway construction noise impacts
and long-term traffic noise impacts. Long-term traffic -related noise impacts can be
reduced to a less than significant level through the use of sound walls, berms, setbacks,
and/or the use of rubberized asphalt in street paving.
Short-term noise impacts from roadway construction are significant, even though the
mitigation measures identified above in Section 3 will provide a certain reduction in
construction noise; however, the benefits of the project identified above outweigh the
unavoidable adverse environmental effects on earth resources and the adverse
Reso. P97-112
Page 7
environmental effect on air quality is considered acceptable
e. Aesthetics: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would result
in significant alteration of important ridgelines, change in community
character/viewshed alteration, and communitywide change in nighttime lighting
conditions. The substantial amount of grading that would occur under Alternative 4,
although less than that required for the existing master plan of arterial highways, would
result in substantial changes to the natural topography of the City, altering primary and
secondary ridgelines. Such alteration potentially conflicts with City policies for ridgeline
preservation and hillside development and is considered a significant and unavoidable
impact. New roadways under Alternative 4, as under the existing planned roadway
network, would result in significant and unavoidable impacts on viewsheds as well.
Mitigation measures AES -1(a), AES -1(b), AES -1(c), AES -1(d), AES -2(a), AES -2(b), AES -
2(c), AES -2(d), AES -3(a), AES -3(b), AES -3(c) have been added to -the project to reduce the
amount of landform alteration, particularly on ridgelines, to minimize the potential for
roadways to affect scenic vistas and to reduce light and glare produced from development
of roadways that would extend the urban lighted area of the City, alter the nighttime sky
view, and produce daytime glare from reflective metallic materials and glass associated
with vehicles. While these mitigation measures may reduce potential impacts to some
degree,. impacts relating to alteration of the overall rural nature of the public view
cannot generally be mitigated, although Alternative 4 would have less impacts on public
views than the existing planned roadway network because Alternative 4 proposes fewer
roadway miles. Likewise, the mitigation measures may reduce the significant effects,
yet the increase in artificial light and glare resulting from roadway development would
remain as a significant and unavoidable under both Alternative 4 and the existing
roadway network, although Alternative 4 would have lesser impacts because of its fewer
roadway miles.
Aesthetic impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above
will provide a certain reduction in aesthetic impacts; however, the benefits of the project
identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on
aesthetics and the adverse environmental effect on aesthetics is considered acceptable.
SECTION 6. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council has reviewed and
considered the environmental information contained in the Final EIR SCH No. 96112028 and
determines that it is adequate and in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.).. In compliance with CEQA Section 15093, the
City Council has considered the project benefits in Section 3 as balanced against the unavoidable
adverse environmental effects in Section 5 and hereby determines that the benefits outweigh
the unavoidable adverse environmental effects; therefore, the City Council determines that this
resolution comprises a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) that considers project
benefits in light of significant adverse project impacts and the adverse environmental effects are
considered acceptable. The City Council hereby certifies the Final EIR documents and adopts
a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) that is contained herein in Section 3 and
Reso. P97-112
Page 8
Section 5.
SECTION 7. By the adoption of this Resolution, the City Council certifies the
environmental impact report and adopt an SOC that identifies the benefits of the project as
balanced against its unavoidable environmental risks, but has not granted any approval or
entitlement on this project.
SECTION 8.The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
Reso. P97-112
Page 9
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this int -h day of sPntamhpr
19 97.
i
ATTEST:
SHARON L. DAWSON,
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §
CITY OF SANTA CLARTTA )
1, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, 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 30th day of _ September 19 97 by the following vote of the City
Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boyer, Darcy, Beidt, Rl.ajic, Smyth
NOES: COUNCQ.MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCII.MEMBERS: None
CITY CLERK
Reso. P97-112
Page 10
Exhibit A
Draft Environmental Impact Report
June 1997
Incorporated by Reference
Reso. P97-112
Page 11
Exhibit B
Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR
and
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Incorporated by Reference
Reso. P97-112
Page 12
Exhibit C
Proposed Circulation Element Text
June 1997
Incorporated by Reference
RESOLUTION NO. 97-113
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA APPROVING
REMOVAL OF STATE ROUTE 126 FROM THE MASTER PLAN OF ARTERIAL
HIGHWAYS AND OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT
MASTER CASE NO. 97.111(PREVIOUS MASTER CASE NO. 93-198)
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-002
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows:
a. On June 25, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91.98, adopting the General
Plan of the City of Santa Clarita and Certifying the Environmental Impact Report.
b. In November 1992 the City Council adopted General Plan Amendment 92-02 (Master
Case No. 92-154) that revised the Circulation Element teat for clarity and added the
Lyons Avenue Extension as a planned arterial roadway with a connection to Dockweiler
Drive.
C. On October 13, 1992 the City Council, by minute action, urged Caltrans to find an
alternative route for SR 126 and then directed staff to find another east -west route
through the City center.
d. A City Manager's Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed to
study an east -west route and presented their recommendation to the Planning
Commission in July 1993. The Planning Commission recommended network was
presented to the City Council in December 1993 for consideration in studying a possible
Circulation Element Amendment.
e. In September 1994, the City Council commissioned the Center City Traffic and Mod lino
Study to examine the existing General Plan circulation system and four alternative
roadway networks recommended or endorsed by CTAC, the Planning Commission, and
the City Council. .
f. The findings of the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study were presented to the City
Council at a January 1995 study session and, subsequently, two additional alternatives
were added to the study and were included in the Draft Final Center City Circulation
Element Study. dated June 1995.
g. On November 13, 1995, a community meeting was held to present the City's
recommended circulation system amendment (Scenario 5 from the tuft ''n 1 Center
City Circulation Element Study), however, based on the meeting response, the Council
determined that the CEQA process should be used to study various alternatives at an
equal level of detail, with no preferred alternative.
h. An Initial Study was prepared for this project on November 4, 1996. A Draft
Reso. 97-113
Page 2
Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) SCH No. 96112028 was prepared for this
project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )by Rincon
Consultants, Inc following the 30 -day public review period for the Notice of Preparation
(NOP) beginning November 4, 1996 and a formal scoping meeting held on December 5,
1996. Following the scoping meeting, the NOP circulation period was extended two
additional weeks to December 19,1996. The Draft EIR and Notice of Completion (NOC)
for this project was released for a 45 -day public review period on June -16,1997. Two
duly noticed public hearings on the Draft EIR were held before the Planning Commission
during the public review period on July 15, 1997 and on July 2.3, 1997. The public review
period ended on July 31, 1997: The Draft EIR analyzes seven circulation network
alternatives, including Alternative 1 which is the No Project Alternative under CEQA
I. Duly noticed public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on July 15, 1997,
July 23, 1997, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997, and September 10, 1997 in the City
Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 7:00 p.m.
j. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on September 30, 1997 in the
City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m.
k. The Circulation Element identifies the general location and extent of existing and
Proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public
transportation facilities all correlated with the land use element of the General Plan.
The Circulation Element Amendment is consistent with the objectives of the General
Plan.
1. The Circulation Element Amendment includes the following project objectives: Identify
the primary east -west corridor alternative to an extension of SR -126; Remove SR -126 as
a limited access expressway from the Master Plan of Arterial Highways; Identify the
existing and planned standards for major, secondary, and limited secondary highways
in the City; Identify the primary features of the City's transit system; Reduce the level
of vehicular trips in general, and specifically the use of autos for drive -alone trips;
Identify alternative commute options including Metrolink, commuter buses, park-and-
ride, and telecommuting, Encourage land use planning that supports these mobility
goals; Establish mobility corridors within the City.
m. The Circulation Element, as amended, may necessitate subsequent amendment of other
elements of the General Plan including'the noise element, air quality element, open
space and conservation element and land use element.
SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf,
the City Council further finds and determines that the proposed General Plan amendment is
consistent with the goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and that the proposed
amendment complies with all other applicable requirements of state law and local ordinances.
Reso. 97-113
Page 3
SECTION 3. The City of Santa Clarita City Council has reviewed and considered the
environmental information contained in the Draft and Final EIR SCH No. 96112028 and
determines that it is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public
Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) The Planning Commission has adopted Resolution P97-
15 that recommends certification of the Final EIR documents and recommends adoption of a
Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC). The City Council has adopted Resolution 97-112
on September 30, 1997 that certifies the Final EIR and adapts a Statement of Overriding
Considerations.
SECTION 4. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council approves the following:
a. The roadway network analyzed in the Draft EIR as Alternative 4 (Augmented Newhall
Ranch Road Reduction) with the addition of Transportation Demand'Management (TDM)
measures as listed in the Draft EIR Table 2.5 on a voluntary basis with the exception of
Parking Pricing Strategies which would be eliminated.
b. Recommend that an acceptable Circulation Element Level of.Service (LOS) for the
General Plan be less than "D" for the following roadway links based on the DEER
Transportation/Circulation (Section 5.8) projected Volume -to -Capacity ratios (Figure 5.8-
4) and analysis for Alternative 4:
1. Bouquet Canyon Road, between Cinema Drive and Seco Canyon Road and
between Santa Clarita Parkway and Haskell Canyon Road.
2. Newhall Ranch Road, between Bouquet Canyon Road and west of I-5 Freeway.
3. Soledad Canyon Road, between west of Golden Valley Road and east of Sierra
Highway.
4. Magic Mountain Parkway, between west of TheOldRoad and east of Bouquet
Canyon Road.
5. Valencia Boulevard, between west of the I-5 Freeway and east of Bouquet Canyon
Road.
6. McBean parkway, between north of Newhall Ranch Road and south of Valencia
Boulevard, and north of Decoro Road.
7. Orchard Village .Road, between McBean Parkway and Wiley Canyon Road. -
8. Via Princessa, between west of San Fernando Road and Sierra Highway.
9. Seco Canyon Road; between north of Decoro Road and Bouquet Canyon Road.
10. Rye Canyon Road, between The Old Road and north of Newhall Ranch Road.
11. Wiley Canyon Road, between Orchard Village Road and west of San Fernando
Road.
12. Pico Canyon Road, between. west of Valencia Boulevard and SR•126.
13. Sierra Highway, between Dockweiler Drive and Santa Clarita Parkway.
14. SR -126, between east of Avenue Stanford and Chiquito Canyon Road.
15. The Old Road, between Rye Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard.
16. I.5 Freeway, between Calgrove Boulevard and the southerly Planning Area
Boundary.
17. SR -14, between San Fernando Road and I-5 Freeway.
..I
Reso. 97-113
Page 4
18. San Francisquito Canyon Road, north of Copperhill Road.
19. Lyons Avenue, between I-5 Freeway and east of Wiley Canyon Road, and between
Newhall Avenue and San Fernando Road.
20. Copperhill Road, between Newhall Ranch Road and north of Decoro Road, and
between McBean Parkway and Seco Canyon Road.
C. The Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997 (Attachment A), herein
incorporated by reference, with the following changes:
1. Re -order the circulation policies, add a new traffic calming policy, add a new
traffic synchronization policy, add a new truck limitation policy, add a new
Traffic Calming text andexhibit, and add a revised Table C-1 (Attachment B).
2. Include Augmented Intersection text.
3. Remove Avenue Scott as a Secondary Highway east of McBean Parkway to
Hillsborough Parkway.
4. Remove Rio Vista Drive as a Major Highway from the Lyons Avenue Extension
to Via Princessa.
5. Designate Lyons Avenue as a Major Highway from The Old Road to Dockweiler
Drive as presently exists on the General Plan.
6. Designate Golden Valley Road as a Major Highway from SR -14 to Newhall Ranch
- Road.
7. Designate Golden Valley Road as a Secondary Highway from Newhall Ranch
Road to Plum Canyon and from Placenta Canyon to SR -14
8. Designate Newhall Ranch Road as a Major Highway from 1-5 to Golden Valley
Road.
9. Change the Proposed Text Major Highway discussion (Page C-7) fifth line from
the top- level 'F- to show level "E'.
10. Remove Bouquet Canyon Road as a Major Highway from Seco Canyon Road to
the Angeles Forest Boundary and designate Bouquet Canyon Road as a Major
Highway from Seco Canyon to Vasquez Canyon Road and a Secondary Highway
from Vasquez Canyon Road to the Angeles National Forest Boundary.
11. Remove Castaic Road as a Secondary Highway from SR -126 to Lake Hughes Road
and designate Castaic Road as a Secondary Highway from Newhall Ranch Road
to Lake Hughes Road
Reso.97.113
Page 5
12. Remove Parker Road as a limited secondary highway since it is already covered
under listings for major and secondary highways.
13. Designate the following roadway segments as eight -lane major highways:
Newhall Ranch Road between McBean Parkway and the I-5. Freeway,
Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway.
McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road.
14. The Circulation Element incorporates and is consistent with specific plans
previously adopted by the City of Santa Clarita. It is recognized that
roadway corridors and intersection augmentations depicted on maps in the
environmental analysis for the Circulation Element are conceptual only.
No specific roadway alignments or intersection augmentations have been
determined for areas covered by an adopted specific plan. Where a specific
plan has been adopted and approved, the Circulation Element has
incorporated roadway alignments and intersection characteristics that are
consistent with such adopted specific plans.
15. Modify the Truck Route narrative (Attachment B ) to remove reference to super -
truck routes and eliminate Exhibit C-10 Truck Routes and Super Truck Routes
(STAA).
16. The Lyons Avenue Extension includes an at -grade crossing of the railroad, rather
than a bridge.
17. Delete the major highway segment of The Old Road between Valencia Blvd and
McBean Parkway.
18. Strengthen the language in support of the Ventura Rail Line (Attachment B)
d• The proposed map exhibits of the Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997
(Attachment A) are hereby amended to reflect the changes noted above.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
SAcd\council\chvm2.Uw
Reso. 97-113
Page 6
PASSED, APPROVED AND
nPtnmh, r 19-17—.
ATTEST:
SHARON L. DAWSON
- CITYCLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
ADOPTED this 30th day
CITY COUNCIL
of
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, 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 30th day of September
19-U by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Darcy, Heidt, Klajic, Hoyer, Smyth
NOES: COUNCILMEM 3ERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
E �1
Exhibit A
Proposed Circulation Element Text
June 1987
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit B
The purpose of this exhibit is to respond to the Planning Commission's request to list the various
Policies identified under the six goal statements of the Pmoos d Circulation ElIem nt Amendment
T=- This exhibit also includes a new traffic calming policy (Policy No. 1.22), new traffic
calming text to be inserted between the "Collector and Local Streets" and "Augmented
Intersections" narratives (page C-38 of the pronocea Circulation Eleme mendment Text1 and
an attached traffic calming graphic that will be included as part of the recommended Proposed
Circulation Element Amendment Text. This exhibit also includes new policies concerning vehicle
weight limits(Policy No. 1.23) and traffie synchronization (Policy No. 1.24). All new proposed text
is highlighted.
The following goals and supporting policies are the general policies used to guide the
development of the Circulation Plan contained in the Circulation Plan and the
implementation programs outlined in the Implementation Plan Section. The policies further
define the goals and describe the intent of the goals. As such, the policies serve as guides by
which to measure goal achievement and tailor specific programs. Tbs lle rti¢ Iisted.i
a ofp�rtanoe;cvtthitzude�reps2$ The Goals and Policies area direct result
of the issues discussed in the Statement of Issues Section.
The general policies outlined below must be applied and implemented pursuant to the plans
and implementation programs contained in the following sections, and in conjunction with
the other elements of the General Plan.
Need for Arterial Street System
GOAL 1: To provide a circulation system to move people and goods safely and efficiently
Polesthroughout the City of Santa Clarita and the general Planning Area.
:
�aati
Maintain a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) which incorporates a funding program for
the construction of improvements to the City's roadway system. Specific improvement
proposals should be determined for the entire community and all local benefit, cost,
feasibility, and safety issues should be considered.' Seek alternative funding opportunities to
provide adequate transportation and circulation improvements.
O (1.18)
Seek alternative funding opportunities to provide adequate transportation and
circulation facilities.
Preliminary. hnplementafloti
Adopt a program of street and highway landscaping (i.e., median planting and street trees)
to enhance the appearance of the City's circulation system.
1.4(1.13)
Enforce dual access requirements where appropriate for safety and circulation purposes.
1.5 (1.15)
Establish street standards which are sensitive to topographical constraints, necessary grade
separations and other special needs.
Develop design standards for roadway and intersection improvements to safely and
efficiently accommodate existing and projected transportation patterns and circulation.
1.7(l.20)
Provide reasonable traffic flow and consider the adoption of a limited access policy which
would provide guidelines and criteria by which reciprocal access and parking agreements
may be provided to consolidate and minimize traffic interruptions.
IS (1.24)
Establish a traffic impact "threshold of significant" condition which wrll require appropriate
mitigation for projects whmretra!$drieriuzaiiysinrrlnru4temrorr«..ita«..,..�A:»
1.9(l.25) ..............._...__:..:..:..__.:.:.:....,..
Where alignments are known, the preservation of corridor rights-of-way should be
immediately established.
LAO (1.21)
Pursue and develop a Congestion Management Program (CMP) to promote and ensure
realistic and feasible traffic distribution and growth throughout the City of Santa Clarita
and the general Planning Area.
"
%iemestl�t£tt
Lit (1.1)
Improve circulation facilities to provide improved levels of service and standards of safety
over current traffic operations with a priority to improve local transportation patterns.
t .. (1.2)
Maintain appropriate levels of service at all intersections in the City during peak hours to
ensure that traffic delays are kept to a minimum.
i!U (1.3)
Preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods by discouraging the flow of truck and
through traffic in these areas consistent with circulation and emergency needs.
Work cooperatively with County, regional and state agencies to integrate the City's
circulation system with that of the surrounding region.
Maximize and improve the operating efficiency and safety of the existing roadway system
wherever possible.
1.16 (1.10)
Limit the number of intersections and driveways on all major, secondary and limited
secondary roadways to accommodate a safe, efficient and steady flow of traffic.
1.17 (1.11)
Develop and maintain an appropriate supertruck (trucks with an extended trailer length of
approximately 48' to 60) and truck route program which will accommodate the needs of the
commercial and industrial uses within the City, and the general Planning Area, but will also
provide for the protection and preservation of the City's circulation system and residential
areas. Avoid establishing truck routes in areas which contain natural, scenic or other
resources.
1.18-(1.14)
Require vehicular access to higher density land uses and commercial developments from
major, secondary and limited secondary roadways, and not from low density residential
neighborhoods.
1:19':(1.17)
Maintain adequate access to state highways and freeways serving the Santa Clarita
Planning Area including Interstate 5 on the west, State Route 14 on the southeast and State
Route 126 on the northwest.
32O (1.18)
Optimize use of all major, secondary and limited secondary roadways while minimizing use
of all collectors and local streets. Encourage development design that ensures that local
streets function as designed and not as collector streets or other higher capacity roadways.
IM (1.22)
Establish roadway alignments and require apnrouriate dedication of riamr f.wa. f,.,..n
19fsiate�
L26 (1.7)
Continue to work with the County in developing and maintaining planned roadways.
Maintain the Santa Clarita Valley Consolidated Traffic Model to regularly review future
traffic projections as development occurs and land uses change.
1#2 I.29)
Encourage schools and parents to use the Suggested Routes to School Plan.
1.28" (1.26)
Discourage the creation of new gated private roadways that block area -wide through routes.
1.29 (1.5)
Encourage consistent through -street names.
Need for Local and Regional Transit Services
GOAL 2: Promote a diversified public transportation system that is safe, convenient,
efficient, and meets the identified needs of the City of Santa Clarita and the
general Planning Area.
Policies:
Coordinate local transit planning with regional transportation planning agencies and transit
agencies in adjacent communities.
U (2.7)
Identify and reserve locations for future commuter rail stations.
2.3(2.8)
Pursue the development of a local car pool information and routing program. The program
can provide alternative transportation for concentrated users.
it(2.9)
Explore the use of the railroad right-of-way for intra -valley and commuter use between SR -
14 and any proposed station locations.
Incorporate accommodations and facilities to support local transit services (i.e., bus lanes,
bus stops and bus shelters) in new and redeveloped projects, where feasible that are
consistent with local transit planning.
XG (2.2)
Provide for the mobility of City residents to access local services and employment,
particularly for those who may experience mobility difficulties, including the elderly,
disabled, low income residents and youth.
&1 (2.4)
Develop multi -modal transit facilities that are strategically located in the Planning Area
convenient to major local residential and employment centers.
ZA (2.5)
Develop adequate pedestrian access and encourage the use of these systems.
Z9 (2.6)
Require right-of-way dedication and/or construction of appropriate facilities in support of a
public transportation system in new and redeveloped projects.
ild
Explore the expansion of rail service to Ventura County, to Los Angeles, and to the Antelope
Valley. Encourage connections to future high-speed rail that may be located through the
Santa Clarita Valley. .
Transportation Alternatives
GOAL 3: To promote safe and effective alternatives to the personal automobile that will
meet the needs of all Planning Area residents.
&1 (3.5)
Develop, with the support of other agencies, alternative transportation systems throughout
the City and Planning Area.
111*1113",
O*Jii�
&X(3.4)
Develop an integrated system of bus service that reaches all major concentrations of
residential development and employment.
Provide a system of sidewalks or pathways, tunnels and bridges in residential, commercial
and industrial areas that features a safe, attractive and convenient environment, integrating
pedestrians and bicycles in a manner harmonious with the surrounding neighborhoods.
X4 (3.6)
Identify and reserve rights-of-way for local transit to connect to regional systems.
W3.9)
Establish multi -use corridors and reserve appropriate rights-of-way.
Maintain the Master Plan of Bikeways that is coordinated with the County plan for the
Santa Clarita Valley and regional network, including Ventura County, in order to provide an
adequate system for the safe and efficient movement of cyclista.
34 (3-3)
Promote bicycle and pedestrian accessibility to all commercial, industrial, multi -family
residential, and Public facilities, including parks, schools, and centers of civic activity.
(3.7)
Promote ride -sharing.
39 (3.8)
Consider the establishment of a pedestrian only district that is bicycle -friendly.
Parking Facilities
Iatptementatifla
5:2(5.4)
Encourage the development and utilization of the Metrolink commuter rail system.
5.3 (5.5)
Encourage linkages between the City's transportation system, regional rail, light rail, and
high speed rail.
5.4 (5.5)
Encourage the creation of High -Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and other methods to
increase the capacity of the SR -14 and I.5.
1Sisaiinteiiapee
54(5.2) ` .....
Encourage intergovernmental coordination and cooperation among all agencies and levels of
government for the planning, management, financing, and implementation of transportation
system improvements.
5.6:1(5.3)
Work cooperatively with regional transportation agencies to develop and improve mass
transit system connections between the City, metropolitan Los Angeles, Los Angeles
International Airport, the Antelope Valley and Ventura County.
Trip Reduction Methods
GOAL 6: Encourage the implementation of trip reduction methods to reduce daily auto
trip generation through alternate transportation, land use planning and other
strategies.
Policies:
)n
6i (6.9)
Develop marketing and customer service plans to promote widespread use of alternatives to
the auto. Target public agencies, major employers, the Chamber of Commerce,
Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), etc., to encourage commute patterns
using public transit.
Develop coordinated plans for land use, circulation, and transit with City and County
departments to concentrate high density housing, employment and commercial areas close to
transit corridors.
U)
Encourage implementation of the City's General Plan, Transportation Development Plan,
Bikeway Master Plan, Infrastructure Master Plan and other documents with transportation
policies through new development and redevelopment.
(6.6)
Encourage flexibility in development standards to permit higher floor area ratios and lower
GOAL 4: To provide for and ensure an adequate supply of off-street private and public
parking to meet the needs of local residents and visitors to the City and the
Planning Area.
Prel%n#aary Implementation
4.1
Provide parking requirements for various types of land uses which consider travel patterns,
mode split, and vehicle size. Periodically review and update these standards as these factors
change over time.
Impie:nentai£oti
..............
4.2
Provide public parking resources and transportation alternatives in response to the demand
for such facilities (including park-and-ride facilities), through development exactions, special
assessment districts or other appropriate funding mechanisms.
4.3
Screen and/or buffer large parking areas from public view through the use of landscape
setbacks, earth berms and hedge screens (to headlight level) and trees and landscaping in
parking areas while providing convenient pedestrian access.
4.4
On -street parking. should generally be eliminated from all major, secondary and limited
secondary roadways.
4.5 (4.7)
In addition to the retention of park-and-ride opportunities near the Antelope Valley
Freeway, suitable park-and-ride locations near Interstate 5 should be investigated.
46i (4.5j ::::.-..._.
Encourage enclosed bicycle lockers at major destinations.
4ij (4.6)
Consider the use of shared parking and jointly operated parking structures, as appropriate.
Regional System Impacts
GOAL 5: Parsee an aggressive posture in the region in advocating a regional
Polices, transportation system.
i�iiimrxasrgixmgs
5.1
Advocate at the local, state and federal level Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
and transit programs, including rail transit and local coordinated busways/routes and bike
stations.
delivery of finished products to the marketplace. Commercial uses require the delivery of
sales goods to market and the transferring of commercial inventories.
Desirnftteeii3egular truck routes within the Circulation Element
Plan serve to minimize the effects of truck traffic within the circulation system, including
noise and reduced roadway and intersection capacity. Additionally,truck routes serve to
identify additional structural requirements imposed on the arterial roadway system and
minimize the effects of structural deterioration within the circulation system. 'Duck routes
are planned to service the commercial and industrial components of the land use plan
adequately and provide sufficient access to the regional freeway system. Generally, truck
routes are placed away from residential and light retail commercial uses and function along
roadways leading from industrial and business park uses.
u=V=QrUOO( truck routes shall be appropriately designated with street signs. In order to
facilitate and maintain peak commerter traffic flows, truck travel should be encouraged
during off peak periods. These off peak periods generally range from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
and from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Continuous rail connection between the Santa Clarita Metrolink line and Ventura is desired
in the future The City
1 will
opportunities to re-establish this rail connection through either a freight or light vstem "
.... ....
S:\cd\advance\dre1=5.1hs
parking requirements for commercial developments that provide and maintain transit
facilities and that subsidize shared -ride programs.
Implementation
9.5(6.2)
Encourage `transit friendly" residential, commercial and industrial development that
provides convenient pedestrian and bicycle access.
6.6 (6.3)
Encourage new development to use pedestrian "zippers" or walkways to provide a
convenient link between different residential neighborhoods and between residential
neighborhoods and commercial centers.
W (6.4)
Encourage the location of convenience services, such as day care, at transit centers.
&8 (6.7)
Synchronize the expansion of public transportation facilities with new development with
implementation of "pay as you go for expansion of public transportation facilities
&0 (6.10)
Use attractive bus stops and transfer points to promote transit.
M (6.11)
Encourage implementation of transportation demand management strategies including
telecommuting, compressed work weeks, and aggressive ride -sharing promotion.
h�fsiaten�asoe
Support improvements to Congestion Management Plan (CMP) facilities and aid in the
implementation of the CMP to improve mobility corridors in the Santa Clarita Valley and
North Los Angeles County region.
One of the primary goals of the Circulation Element is to provide for the safe and efficient
movement of traffic and goods. To ■ssiab in - f tMe1
-e--- -- d--. •vows are G 19). Industrial uses require truck access
for the delivery of raw materials or unfinished parts, the shifting of inventories and the
TABLEC-l(A) -
LEVELS OF SERVICE (LOS). VOLUME TO CAPACIPY(V/C) RATIOS & SERVICE
VOLUMES FOR URBAN ARTERIAL FUGHWAYS
Level of
V�
Average Daily Traffic Service Volumes
Service ce
8 -Cane
6-1.411e 4 -Lane 4 -Lane 2 -Lane
N. 6
Free Pow -low volumes:
Divided
48.000
Divided Divided 000
36-.000 24,000 0
little or no delay through-
16.5.00ed
(28.000)
out the day or during peals
hours.
B
50.54
Stable Flow . relatively
54.000
40.400 27.000 18.000 7.500
low volumes: acceptable
(32.000)
delays experienced through.
out the day, some peak hour
C
,0.71
congestion.
Stable Flow - relatively
60.000
45.000 30.000 20.000 10.000
low volumes: acceptable
(36.000)
delays experienced rhrough.
out the day. some peak hour
D
50.87
congestion.
Approaching Unstable Flow.
66.000
49.500 33.000 22.000 12.500
poor. yet tolerable delays
(40.000)
experienced throughout the
day. Peak hours may
experience significant
E
congestion and delays.
51.00
Unstable Flow - heavy
72400
54.000 36.000 24.000 15.000
congestion and delays
(44.000)
experienced throughout the
day and during peak horns.
Volumes at or near capacity.
F
> 1.00+
Forced Flow - both speeds
This condition represeacs system
and Oow of traffic can drop
breakdown and does not
to zero. Stoppages may
have a specific
occur for long periods with
relationship to service volumes.
vehrcles badnng up from one
intersection through another.
(Referred m as "gridlock"
condition.)
AUGMENTED MMRSECTIONS: Frill add 15`b to the above roadway capacity.
SOURCE: F6ghway Capacity Manual, Special Report 209; KHR Associates, 1987.
+NOTE ()X -)OM a Canacim F.v r ;..,;»w A....Y- ` .. -__ _ . _ . . .
i
U�
n
LD
z
z
Q
U
TABLE C-l(A)
LEVELS OF SERVICE (LOS), VOLUME TO CAPACTTY(V/C) RATIOS & SERVICE
VOLUMES FOR URBAN ARTERLAL tUGNWAYS
L
Lev
evel of
V/C
Average Daily Traffic Service Volumes
lCo
Q
8 -Lane
6 -Lane 4 -Lore 4-Laae
2.Lanc
A
50.36UaLnidsti
Ftlaw volumes;
Divided
48.000
Divided Divided Undivided
36.000
little or no rtelay through-
24000 16.000
(28 000)
5.000
out the day or during peak
hours.
B
5034
Stable Flow - relatively
54,000
40,400 27,000 18.000
7.500
low volumes: acceptable
(32.000)
delays experienced through.
out the day; some peak hour
C
50.71
congestion.
Stable Flow - relatively
60,000
45.000 30.000 20.000
10.000
low volumes; acceptable
(36,000)
delays experienced through.
out the day, some peak hour
D
congestion.
50.87
.Approaching Unstable Flow.
66.000
49,500 33.000 22.000
12.500
poor, yet tolerable delays
(40.000)
experienced throughout the
day. Peak hours may
experience significant
congestion and delays.
E
51.00
Unstable Flow . heavy
72.000
54,000 36.000 24.000
15.000
congestion and delays
(44.000)
experienced throughout the
day and during peak hours.
Volumes at or near capacity.
F
> 1.00+
Forced Flow - both speeds
This condition «presents system
and flow of traffic can drop
brawn and does nes
m Zero. Stoppages may
have a specific
occur for long periods with
relationship to service volumes.
vehicles bac)ang up from we
imersectitan through another.
(Referred to as-gridlock-
condidoa)
AUGMENTED M477MECT[ONS: Wall add i S% to the above roadway capacity.
SOURCE: MghwayCapaciry Manu24 Special Report 209; I=Xuoc(ates, 1987.
+NOTE:. (XX.)DM s rinaciry F.m, r r.,.;..w
RESOLUTION NO. 97-144
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RESCINDING RESOLUTION 97-113,
APPROVING REMOVAL OF STATE ROUTE 126 FROM THE MASTER PLAN OF
ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS AND OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE CIRCULATION
ELEMENT - MASTER CASE NO. 97-111 (PREVIOUS MASTER CASE NO. 93-198)
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-002
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows:
a. On June 25, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-98, adopting the General
Plan of the City of Santa Clarita and Certifying the Environmental Impact Report.
b. In November 1992 the City Council adopted General Plan Amendment 92-02 (Master
Case No. 92-154) that revised the Circulation Element text for clarity and added the
Lyons Avenue Extension as a planned arterial roadway with a connection to Dockweiler
Drive.
C. On October 13, 1992 the City Council, by minute action, urged Caltrans to find an
alternative route for SR 126 and then directed staff to find another east -west route
through the City center.
d. A City Manager's Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed to
study an east -west route and presented their recommendation to the Planning
Commission in July 1993. The Planning Commission recommended network was
presented to the City Council in December 1993 for consideration in studying a possible
Circulation Element Amendment.
e. In September 1994, the City Council commissioned the Center City Traffic and Modeling
Study to examine the existing General Plan circulation system and four alternative
roadway networks recommended or endorsed by CTAC, the Planning Commission, and
the City Council.
f. The findings of the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study were presented to the City
Council at a January 1995 study session and, subsequently, two additional alternatives
were added to the study and were included in the Draft Final Center City Circulation
Element Study, dated June 1995.
g. On November 13, 1995, a community_ meeting was held to present the City's
recommended circulation system amendment (Scenario 5 from the Draft Final Center
City Circulation Element Study}, however, based on the meeting response, the Council
determined that the CEQA process should be used to study various alternatives at an
equal level of detail, with no preferred alternative.
h. An Initial Study was prepared for this project on November 4, 1996. A Draft
Reso. 97-113
Page 2
Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR.) SCH No. 96112028 was prepared for this
project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )by Rincon
Consultants, Inc following the 30 -day public review period for the Notice of Preparation
(NOP) beginning November 4, 1996 and a formal scoping meeting held on December 5,
1996. Following the scoping meeting, the NOP circulation period was extended two
additional weeks to December 19, 1996. The Draft EIR and Notice of Completion (NOC)
for this project was released for a 45 -day public review period on June 16, 1997. Two
duly noticed public hearings on the Draft EIR. were held before the Planning Commission
during the public review period on July 15, 1997 and on July 23, 1997. The public review
period ended on July 31, 1997. The Draft EIR. analyzes seven circulation network
alternatives, including Alternative 1 which is the No Project Alternative under CEQA
I. Duly noticed public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on July 15, 1997,
July 23, 1997, August 19,1997, September 2, 1997, and September 10, 1997 in the City
Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 7:00 p.m.
j. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on November 25, 1997 in the
City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m.
k. The Circulation! Element identifies the general location and extent of existing and
proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public
transportation facilities all correlated with the land use element of the General Plan.
The Circulation Element Amendment is consistent with the objectives of the General
Plan.
1. The Circulation Element Amendment includes the following project objectives: Identify
the primary east -west corridor alternative to an extension of SR426; Remove SR -126 as
a limited access expressway from the Master Plan of Arterial Highways; Identify the
existing and planned standards for major, secondary, and limited secondary highways
in the City; Identify the primary features of the City's transit system; Reduce the level
of vehicular trips in general, and specifically the use of autos for drive -alone trips;
Identify alternative commute options including Metrolink, commuter buses, park-and-
ride, and telecommuting; Encourage land use planning that supports these mobility
goals; Establish mobility corridors within the City.
In. The Circulation Element, as amended, may necessitate subsequent amendment of other
elements of the General Plan including the noise element, air quality element, open
space and conservation element and land use element.
SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf,
the City Council further finds and determines that the proposed General Plan amendment is
consistent with the goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and that the proposed
amendment complies with all other applicable requirements of state law and local ordinances.
Reso. 97-113
Page 3
SECTION 3. The City of Santa Clarita City Council has reviewed and considered the
environmental information contained in the Draft and Final EIR SCH No. 96112028 and
determines that it is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public
Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) The Planning Commission has adopted Resolution P97-
15 that recommends certification of the Final EIR documents and recommends adoption of a
Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC). The City Council has adopted Resolution 97-143
on November 25, 1997 that certifies the Final EIR. and adopts a Statement of Overriding
Considerations.
SECTION 4. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council approves the following:
a. The roadway network analyzed in the Draft EIR as Alternative 4 (Augmented Newhall
Ranch Road Reduction) with the addition of Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
measures as listed in the Draft EIR Table 2.5 on a voluntary basis with the exception of
Parking Pricing Strategies which would be eliminated.
b. Recommend that an acceptable Circulation Element Level of Service (LOS) for the
General Plan be less than `D" for the following roadway links based on the DEIR
Transportation/Circulation (Section 5.8) projected Volume -to -Capacity ratios (Figure 5.8-
4) and analysis for Alternative 4:
1. Bouquet Canyon Road, between Cinema Drive and Seco Canyon Road and
between Santa Clarita Parkway and Haskell Canyon Road.
2. Newhall Ranch Road, between Bouquet Canyon Road and west of I-5 Freeway.
3. Soledad Canyon Road, between west of Golden Valley Road and east of Sierra
Highway.
4. Magic Mountain Parkway, between west of The Old Road and east of Bouquet
Canyon Road.
5. Valencia Boulevard, between west of the I-5 Freeway and east of Bouquet Canyon
Road.
6. McBean Parkway, between north of Newhall Ranch Road and south of Valencia
Boulevard, and north of Decoro Road.
7. Orchard Village Road, between McBean Parkway and Wiley Canyon Road.
8. Via Princessa, between west of San Fernando Road and Sierra Highway.
9. Seco Canyon Road, between north of Decoro Road and Bouquet Canyon Road.
10. Rye Canyon Road, between The Old Road and north of Newhall Ranch Road.
11. Wiley Canyon Road, between Orchard Village Road and west of San Fernando
Road.
12. Pico Canyon Road, between west of Valencia Boulevard and SR -126.
13. Sierra Highway, between Dockweiler Drive and Santa Clarita Parkway.
14. SR -126, between east of Avenue Stanford and Chiquito Canyon Road.
15. The Old Road, between Rye Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard.
16. I-5 Freeway, between Calgrove Boulevard and the southerly Planning Area
Boundary.
17. SR -14, between San Fernando Road and I-5 Freeway.
Reso.97-113
Page 4
18. San Francisquito Canyon Road, north of Copperhill Road.
19. Lyons Avenue, between I-5 Freeway and east of Wiley Canyon Road, and between
Newhall Avenue and San Fernando Road.
20. Copperhill Road, between Newhall Ranch Road and north of Decoro Road, and
between McBean Parkway and Seco Canyon Road.
C. The Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997 (Attachment A), herein
incorporated by reference, with the following changes:
1. Re -order the circulation policies, add a new traffic calming policy, add a new
traffic synchronization policy, add a new truck limitation policy, add a new
Traffic Calming text and exhibit, and add a revised Table C-1 (Attachment B).
2. Include Augmented Intersection text.
3. Remove Avenue Scott as a Secondary Highway east of McBean Parkway to
Hillsborough Parkway.
4. Remove Rio Vista Drive as a Major Highway from the Lyons Avenue Extension
to Via Princessa.
5. Designate Lyons Avenue as a Major Highway from The Old Road to Dockweiler
Drive as presently exists on the General Plan.
6. • Designate Golden Valley Road as a Major Highway from SR -14 to Newhall Ranch
Road.
Designate Golden Valley Road as a Secondary. Highway from Newhall Ranch
Road to Plum Canyon and from Placenta Canyon to SR -14
8. Designate Newhall Ranch Road as a Major Highway from 1-5 to Golden Valley
Road.
9. Change the Proposed Text Major Highway discussion (Page C-7) fifth line from
the top- level "F" to show level "E".
10. Remove Bouquet Canyon Road as a Major Highway from Seco Canyon Road to
the Angeles Forest Boundary and designate Bouquet Canyon Road as a Major
Highway from Seco Canyon to Vasquez Canyon Road and a Secondary Highway
from Vasquez Canyon Road to the Angeles National Forest Boundary.
11. Remove Castaic Road as a Secondary. Highway from SR -126 to Lake Hughes Road
and designate Castaic Road as a Secondary Highway from Newhall Ranch Road
to Lake Hughes Road.
Reso. 97-113
Page 5
12. Remove Parker Road as a limited secondary highway since it is already covered
under listings for major and secondary highways.
13. Designate the following roadway segments as eight -lane major highways:
Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquet Canyon Road and the I-5 Freeway.
Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway.
McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road and
Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and I-5 Freeway.
14. The Circulation Element incorporates and is consistent with specific plans
previously adopted by the City of Santa Clarita. It is recognized that
roadway corridors and intersection augmentations depicted on maps in the
environmental analysis for the Circulation Element are conceptual only.
No specific roadway alignments or intersection augmentations have been
determined for areas covered by an adopted specific plan. Where a specific
plan has been adopted and approved, the Circulation Element has
incorporated roadway alignments and intersection characteristics that are
consistent with such adopted specific plans.
15. Modify the Truck Route narrative (Attachment B ) to remove reference to super -
truck routes and eliminate Exhibit C-10 Truck Routes and Super Truck Routes
(STAR).
16. The Lyons Avenue Extension includes an at -grade crossing of the railroad, rather
than a bridge.
17. Delete the major highway segment of The Old Road between Valencia Blvd and
McBean Parkway.
18. Strengthen the language in support of the Ventura Rail Line (Attachment B)
19. Rescind Resolution Resolution 97-113.
d. The proposed map exhibits of the Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997
(Attachment A) are hereby amended to reflect the changes noted above.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
SAcd\counci1\dreres2.1hs
Reso. 97-113
Page 6
PASSED,
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this
19_.
HAMILTON C. SMYTH, MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
SHARON L. DAWSON
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
day of
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, 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 the City Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 97-143
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TO RESCIND RESOLUTION 97-112,
TO CERTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CIRCULATION
ELEMENT AMENDMENT AND
TO ADOPT A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
THAT WEIGHS PROJECT BENEFITS AGAINST SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
FOR THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT
MASTER CASE NO. 97-111 (PREVIOUS MASTER CASE NO. 93-198)
GENERAL. PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-002
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows:
a. On June 25, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-98, adopting the General
Plan of the City of Santa Clarita and Certifying the Environmental Impact Report.
b. An Initial Study was prepared: for this project on November 4, 1996. A Draft
Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) SCH No. 96112028 was prepared for this
project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )by Rincon
Consultants, Inc following the 30 -day public review period for the Notice of Preparation
(NOP) beginning November 4, 1996 and a formal scoping meeting held on December 5,
1996: Following the scoping meeting, the NOP circulation period was extended two
additional weeks to December 19, 1996. The Draft EIR and Notice of Circulation (NOC)
for this project was released for a 45 -day public review period on June 16, 1997. Two
duly noticed public hearings on the Draft EIR were held before the Planning Commission
during the public review period on July 15, 1997 and on July 23, 1997. The public review
period ended on July 31, 1997. The Draft EIR analyzes seven circulation network
alternatives, including Alternative 1 which is the No Project Alternative under CEQA.
C. The Draft EIR, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit A, identifies the following
issue areas as significant but unavoidable: earth resources (roads crossing active fault
lines), air quality (pollutant emissions during construction), biological resources
(degradation of riparian habitat; intrusion into significant ecological area), noise (during
construction)and aesthetics/light and glare (alteration of important ridgelines; change
in community character/viewshed alteration; community -wide change in nighttime
lighting conditions). These impacts are the same level of significance for all alternatives
studied in the Draft EIR.
d. The Draft EIR identifies the following issue areas as significant but feasibly mitigable
to a less than significant level: hydrology/flooding, noise (traffic noise on new roadways),
risk of upset, public services/utilities/energy, cultural resources. These impacts are the
same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR. A mitigation
monitoring reporting program has been prepared to mitigate these potentially significant
impacts to a less than significant level- and is included as part of the Final EIR.
Reso. P97-112
Page 2
e. The Draft EIR identifies the following issue areas as less than significant: earth
resources (slope destabilization due to grading; fill settling or rebounding; landslide
movements; seismic ground shaldng; liquefaction); air quality (San Joaquin Valley Fever;
long-term vehicle emissions); hydrology/flooding (increase in flood height from
construction in floodplains), population and housing (displacement; growth inducing
impacts), and public services/utilities/energy. These impacts are the same level of
significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR.
f. The Draft EIR. identifies beneficial impacts for transportation/circulation. These impacts.
are the same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR.
g.. Duly noticed public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on July 15, 1997,
July 23, 1997, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997, and September 10, 1997 in the City
Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 7:00 p.m.
h. The Response to Comments on the DED3 and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) was prepared and provided to the Planning Commission on September
2, 1997. The.Draft EIR together with the Responses to Comments and the MMRP,
herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit B, together are considered the Final EIR.
The Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997, herein incorporated by
reference as Exhibit C, also contains circulation policies that mitigate potential
circulation impacts and was considered by the Commission. The Planning Commission
considered the Final EIR, as well as information provided in staff .reports, the
amendment text and through public testimony, prior to adopting Resolution P97-15
recommending that the City Council certify the Environmental Impact Report, adopt a
Statement of Overriding Considerations, and prior to adopting Resolution P97-16
recommending that the City Council approve the Circulation Element Amendment as
modified by the resolution.
L The City Council received the Proposed Circulation Element Text on June 3, 1997, the
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project on June 17, 1997 and the Final
Environmental Impact Report for the project on September 9, 1997. Copies of all the
Planning Commission staff reports and minutes have been provided to the Council in the
City Council reading file 10 days prior to the November 25, 1997 public hearing.
j. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on November 25, 1997 in the
City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. The
public notice for this project was mailed to over 300 residents/businesses who expressed
interest in this project and an eighth -page ad was placed in the main section of the
Signal Paper on November 3, 1997.
SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and the City Council and on its behalf, the
City Council finds:
Reso. P97-112
Page 3
a. That the Final Environmental Impact Report for this project is adequate and complete.
b. That the Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the Final EIR in reaching
its recommendation to the City Council and that the City Council has reviewed and
considered the Final EIR in reaching its decision.
C. That changes and alterations have been required and incorporated into the circulation
element amendment project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect because the policies of the element itself reduce impacts upon the
transportation system and mitigation measures included in the DA PR are made
conditions of approval for this project.
SECTION 3. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf,
the City Council finds that the Circulation Element Amendment will have the following benefits:
a. Promotes an acceptable local and regional transportation system that accommodates
land use expansion as envisioned in the City General Plan and the Los Angeles County
Area Plan.
b. Provides for roadways that will accommodate regional growth, including local regional
housing needs, as projected by the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG).
C. Provides for efficient transportation including policies for reducing single -occupancy
vehicle trips, trip reduction methods, roadway design (e.g. augmented intersections and
cross sections for class one and class two bikeways) and technological advances (e.g.
traffic light synchronization and alternate fuel vehicle usage) that minimize air quality
impacts upon the Valley and the region.
d. Encourages a variety of transportation options that stimulate economic development
opportunities in the Santa Clarita Valley and aid in providing for the jobs -housing
balance.
e. Reduces Circulation Element environmental impacts because removal of SR -126 east of
Golden Valley Road from the Arterial Network of Highways will reduce the need for a
bridge crossing of the Santa Clara River in the Canyon Country area, reduce impacts
upon biology, particularly the Santa Clara River Significant Ecological Area (SEA),
reduce the amount of earth movement, and not dislocate residential units.
f. Responds to the concerns of numerous residents that SR -126 would be placed through
their neighborhood by removing the SR -126 designated link on Newhall Ranch Road east
of Golden Valley.
g. Provides policies to encourage pedestrian -friendly environments, encourage construction
Reso. P97-112
Page 4
of bikeways, and encourage roadways appropriate for neighborhoods by providing for
traffic calming and vehicle weight limits.
h. Identifies and encourages expansion of transit opportunities in Santa Clarita including
local bus service, commuter bus service, dial -a -ride service, Metrolink commuter train
service, and possible extension of light-rail and high-speed rail.
SECTION 4. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf,
the Council further finds that the Final EIR. analyzes a whole range of project alternatives at
a program level and that the environmental impacts of the proposed eight -lane divided major
highway links recommended for approval are not significantly different from the impacts of six -
lane divided major highways anticipated under the seven alternatives studied, particularly
Alternative 4, the recommended alternative. The existing Circulation Element already identifies
an eight -lane major highway cross section and identifies a portion of Bouquet Canyon Road as
an eight -lane major highway, so precedent exists for the identification of additional eight -lane
major arterials in the General Plan. The reasons for supporting the finding that the additional
environmental impacts anticipated from an eight -lane rather than a six -lane major arterial are
less than significant are as follows for each proposed eight -lane roadway link.
a. Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway- Approximately
half of this roadway link, from Citrus Street to McBean Parkway has already been
constructed to accommodate an eight -lane roadway. The link between McBean Parkway
to the Southern California Edison Powerline easement, approximately .5 miles, is
already studied at the project level as an eight -lane arterial and is analyzed a part of the
traffic analysis for the North Valencia Specific Plan EIR. This leaves less than one mile
of roadway widening for further analysis. Given that this area is would not bisect a
significant ecological area, ridgeline, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone or other unique
topographical or biologically unique area, widening the roadway an extra two lanes may
result in additional impacts, however, these would not be significant given the program
level of analysis in the Circulation Element Amendment Final EIR. As shown in the
Final EIR. traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of Magic Mountain
Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and l-5 Freeway from a six -lane to an eight -lane
divided major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout
from LOS "F" as shown in the Draft EIR, to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic
circulation.
b. McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road- Approximately
half of this roadway link, from Valencia Boulevard to Creekside Drive has already been
constructed to accommodate an eight -lane roadway. The link between Creekside Drive
to Newhall Ranch Road, approximately .5 miles, is already studied at the project level
as an eight -lane arterial as part of the traffic analysis for the North Valencia Specific
Plan and Annexation EIR.. This link includes the widening of the bridge over McBean
Parkway which is already identified as a significant impact and subject to a Statement
of Overriding Considerations (SOC) under the North Valencia Specific Plan and
Reso. P97-112
Page 5
Annexation EIR. Given that the remainder of this roadway link would not bisect a
ridgeline, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone or other unique topographical or
biologically unique area, widening the roadway an extra. two lanes may result in
additional impacts, however, these would not be significant given the program level of
analysis of the Circulation Element Amendment Final EIR. As shown in the Final EIR
traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of McBean Parkway between
Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road from a six -lane to an eight -lane divided
major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout from LOS
"F" as shown in the Draft EIR., to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic circulation.
C. Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquest Canyon Road and I-5 Freeway - Alternative 1
of the Final EIR. includes an analysis of Newhall Ranch Road as an eight -lane major
highway. Additionally, a portion of this roadway is within the City and the remaining
area is proposed for annexation into the City as part of the North Valencia annexation,
presently under application at LAFCO. The portion of Newhall Ranch Road between
Bouquet Canyon Road and the San Francisquito Creek Bridge is already analyzed as an
eight -lane divided major highway at the project level through the North Valencia Specific
Plan and Annexation EIR.
d. Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and I-5 Freeway - The widening of this
link of Valencia Boulevard has been analyzed in the EIR for the North Hills project and
was approved in Spring 1997. Since environmental impacts of this link have already
been analyzed at the project level and have been found to be less than significant as
approved, the environmental impacts of this roadway link would likewise be less than
significant at a program level analysis. As shown in the Final EIR traffic analysis for
Alternative 4, changing the designation of Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway
and I-5 Freeway from a six -lane to an eight -lane divided major arterial would mitigate
traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout from LOS "F" as shown in the Draft EIR
to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic circulation.
SECTION 5. By adoption of this Resolution, the -City Council finds that the Final
Environmental Impact Report identifies certain significant environmental effects and feasible
mitigation measures that mitigate potential significant impacts to levels less than significant
for each of these impacts with the exclusion of earth resources, air quality, biological resources,
noise and aesthetics/light & glare: In accordance with CEQA Sections 15091 and 15093, a
description of each significant impact and rational for finding that changes or alterations have
been required in, or incorporated into, the. project which avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR is detailed below:
a. Air Quality: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would
directly generate emissions during construction of roadways and indirectly contribute
to regional air pollution by accommodating motor vehicle traffic in the City. Project -
related construction activity would occur sporadically over a number of years.
Alternative 4 would exceed maximum daily significance thresholds within the South
Coast Air Quality Management Districts (SCAQMD) Air Quality Handbook for NOx and
Reso. P97-112
Page 6
PM10. Although construction activity would occur only sporadically, impacts on worst-
case construction days are considered significant and unavoidable even with the
implementation of mitigation measures to reduce the impacts. New transportation
infrastructure would not directly generate long-term air emissions but would
accommodate an increase in traffic and associated air pollutant emissions. Once
construction activities are concluded, the project, with mitigation measures AQ(a)-1,
AQW-2 and AQ(a)-3 as identified, would not create significant long-term impacts to local
air quality.
Air quality impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above
will provide a certain reduction in air quality impacts; however, the benefits of the
project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental
effects on air quality and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is considered
acceptable.
b. Earth Resources: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would
result in roadways across active faults which would pose a potentially significant impact
from fault rupture during a seismic event. Design and construction solutions are
generally available to reduce all seismic and geologic hazards to risk levels considered
acceptable. Mitigation measures ER -1(a),. ER -1(b), ER -1(c), ER -3(a), ER -5(a) and ER -6(a)
have been identified to reduce the significance of impacts although some risk of damage
to roadway infrastructure would remain. Ground rupture on active fault lines could
damage roads, which is considered a potentially significant and unavoidable impact.
Earth resource impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified
above will provide a certain reduction in these impacts; however, the benefits of the
project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental
effects on earth resources and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is
considered acceptable.
C. Biological Resources: Buildout of the roadway system as envisioned under Alternative
4 for the Circulation Element would result in significant and unavoidable impacts to
biological resources within the City. The most significant impacts are associated with
the loss of riparian habitats and disturbance to the significant ecological areas along the
Santa Clarita River, San Francisquito Creek and the oak savanna west of Interstate 5.
Mitigation measures B -2(a), B -2(b), B -2(c), B -2(d), B -2(e), B -2(f), B 2(g), B-3, B -4(a), B -
4(b), B -5(a), B-5(b)are proposed to reduce the effects on plant and animal resources
through realignment or elimination of certain roadways and the requirement for site
specific survey and mitigation plans for sensitive plants and animals prior to
construction. Nonetheless, biological impacts associated with the roadway network
buildout and accompanying growth of the City is anticipated to result in unavoidable
significant impacts. Overall biological resource impacts are considered lowest under
Alternative 4, and are lower than those anticipated under the existing major arterial
highway network.
Reso. P97-112
Page 7
Biological resources impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures
identified above will provide a certain reduction in these impacts; however, the benefits
of the project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse
environmental effects on biological resources and the adverse environmental effect on
biological resources is considered acceptable.
d. Noise: Construction activity associated with Alternative 4 would have the potential to
generate significant impacts to sensitive receptors in the vicinity of construction sites.
Traffic noise would potentially exceed normally acceptable levels on all major roadway
segments and would be greater under the existing major arterial network than under
Alternative 4. Mitigation measures N -1(a), N -1(b), N -1(c), N -1(d) N -2(a), and N -2(b)
have been added to the project to reduce short-term roadway construction noise impacts
and long-term traffic noise impacts. Long-term traffic -related noise impacts can be
reduced to a less than significant level through the use of sound walls, berms, setbacks,
and/or the use of rubberized asphalt in street paving.
Short-term noise impacts from roadway construction are significant, even though the
mitigation measures identified above in Section 3 will provide a certain reduction in
construction noise; however, the benefits of the project identified above outweigh the
unavoidable adverse environmental effects on earth resources and the adverse
environmental effect on air quality is considered acceptable.
e. Aesthetics: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would result
in significant alteration of important ridgelines, change in community
character/viewshed alteration, .and communitywide change in nighttime lighting
conditions. The substantial amount of grading that would occur under Alternative 4,
although less than that required for the existing master plan of arterial highways, would
result in substantial changes to the natural topography of the City, altering primary and
secondary. ridgelines. Such alteration potentially conflicts with City policies for ridgeline
preservation and hillside development and is considered a significant and unavoidable
impact. New roadways under Alternative 4, as under the existing planned roadway
network, would result in significant and unavoidable impacts on viewsheds as well.
Mitigation measures AES -1(a), AES -1(b), AES -1(c), AES -1(d), AES -2(a), AES -2(b), AES -
2(c), AES -2(d), AES -3(a), AES -3(b), AES -3(c) have been added to the project to reduce the
amount of landform alteration, particularly on ridgelines, to minimize the potential for
roadways to affect scenic vistas and to reduce light and glare produced from development
of roadways that would extend the urban lighted area of the City, alter the nighttime sky
view, and produce daytime glare from reflective metallic materials and glass associated
with vehicles. While these mitigation measures may reduce potential impacts to some
degree, impacts relating to alteration of the overall rural nature of the public view
cannot generally be mitigated, although Alternative 4 would have less impacts on public
views than the existing planned roadway network because Alternative 4 proposes fewer
roadway miles. Likewise, the mitigation measures may reduce the significant effects,
yet the increase in artificial light and glare resulting from roadway development would
Reso. P97-112
Page 8
remain as a significant and unavoidable under both Alternative 4 and the existing
roadway network, although Alternative 4 would have lesser impacts because of its fewer
roadway miles.
Aesthetic impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above
will provide a certain reduction in aesthetic impacts; however, the benefits of the project
identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on
aesthetics and the adverse environmental effect on aesthetics is considered acceptable.
SECTION 6. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council rescinds Resolution 97-
112. The City Council has reviewed and considered the environmental information contained
in the Final EIR SCH No. 96112028 and determines that it is adequate and in compliance with
the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.). In
compliance with CEQA Section 15093, the City Council has considered the project benefits in
Section 3 as balanced against the unavoidable adverse environmental effects in Section 5 and
hereby determines that the benefits outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects;
therefore, the City Council determines that this resolution comprises a Statement of Overriding
Considerations (SOC) that considers project benefits in light of significant adverse project
impacts and the adverse environmental effects are considered acceptable. The City Council
hereby certifies the Final EIR documents and adopts a Statement of Overriding Considerations
(SOC) that is contained herein in Section 3 and Section 5.
SECTION 7. By the adoption of this Resolution, the City Council rescinds Resolution 97-
112, certifies the environmental impact report and adopt an SOC that identifies the benefits of
the project as balanced against its unavoidable environmental risks, but has not granted any
approval or entitlement on this project.
SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
S..c Odra Llhs
Reso. P97-112
Page 9
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of
19_.
HAMILTON C. SMYTH, MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
SHARON L. DAWSON,
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
1, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, 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 the City
Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK
Reso. P97-112
Page 10
Exhibit A
Draft Environmental Impact Report
June 1997
Incorporated by Reference
Reso. P97-112
Page 11
Exhibit B
Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR.
and
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Incorporated by Reference
Reso. P97-112
Page 12
Exhibit C
Proposed Circulation Element Text
June 1997
Incorporated by Reference
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT
• PROPOSED CIRCULATION ELEMENT TEXT
DATED JUNE 1997
�•
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 10
In 1992 the City Council directed City staff to reassess the center City circulation network as
a result of a Caltrans study to extend State Route 126 through the City. A City Citizens
Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed to study the roadway system and
gather public input on an alternative east -west corridor through the City. In 1993, CTAC
presented its findings to the City Planning Commission. The Planning Commission
subsequently held public hearings on the circulation issue to further solicit public input on
east -west roadway system options. In December 1993, the network recommendations of
both CTAC and the Planning Commission were presented to the Council the purpose of
identifying a roadway network to use as the basis of study for a Circulation Element
amendment.
0
In September 1994, the City Council authorized the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study
to review.the existing planned circulation system and four alternative roadway networks as
earlier identified by CTAC, the Planning Commission and Council. The study was completed
in January 1995 and concluded that neither the existing circulation system nor any of the
four networks studied would meet the City's General Plan level of service goals. In an effort
to find a superior alternative; an additional two alternative networks were studied in the
Draft Final Center City Circulation Element Study which was prepared June 1995.
In November 1995, a community meeting was held to present a recommended circulation •
network and to identify an appropriate community public participation process prior to
proceeding with the amendment. Due to public comments received, it was determined that
the environmental review process would review various circulation element amendment
alternatives at an equal level of detail. In September 1996, the Council created a Steering
Committee with members of the City Council and Planning Commission to work with staff
and consultants to direct preparation of the environmental document, Circulation Element
amendment text, and an extensive public participation process. The Steering Committee
held a scoping meeting in December 1996 an information from this public input became the
basis for the seven circulation alternatives studied in the environmental impact report (EIR)
prepared for this project.
In addition to the environmental scoping meeting, the community participation process
includes three public workshops to discuss the alternatives and their environmental impacts,
two newsletters distributed to the public and published in the newspaper, and public
hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council.
SUNEWAR.Y OF TEXT CHANGES
Suggested changes in the Circulation Element received through the various public meetings,
in-house staff review, consultation with other agencies, and the Steering Committee have
been incorporated into the proposed amendment.. Although the primary purpose of the
Circulation Element amendment is to resolve the issue of the removal of SR 126 and identify •
an east -west corridor between I-5 and SR 14, the amendment text includes a comprehensive
update on various transportation issues and new policies. The changes include minor
LL
ES -1
clarifications and corrections, as well as substantive alterations and additions to City
• circulation policy. New circulation topics addressed include enhancement of the pedestrian
environment, Metrolink, transit, dial -a -ride, multi -use corridors, Congestion Management
Plan (CMP) roadways, bikeways, light rail and high speed rail discussions have been added.
For purposes of the text' amendment, Newhall Ranch Road replaces SR 126. The following
tables summarize the changes in Circulation Element goals and policies and proposed
changes to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways.
•
•
M.,,.
., ..o. > .. , ,. . s.: <.> ., ...>._. s
s ¢ .s
d(Iii sTfi ?:.2.. j '..£V31
,M:: x, .�c•F .:�'�'
r �`. s.
To provide a circulation system to move people and 1.19 Maximize use of all major, secondary and
goods safely and efficiently throughout the City of • limited secondary roadways while
Santa Clarita and the general planning area. minimizing use of all collectors and local
- streets. Encourage development design that
ensures that local streets function as
designed and not as collector streets or other
higher capacity roadways. -
1.28 Discourage the creation of new gated private
roadways that block area -wide through
routes.
Promote a diversified public transportation system
2.2 Provide for the mobility of City residents to
that is safe, convenient, efficient, and meets the
access local services and employment,
identified needs of the City of Santa Clarita and the
particularly for those who may experience
general planning area.
mobility difficulties, including the elderly,
disabled, low income residents and Youth.
2.4 Develop multi -modal transit facilities that
are strategically located in the City,
convenient to major local residential and
employment centers.
2.10 Explore the expansion of rail service to
Ventura County, to Los Angeles, and to the
Antelope Valley. Encourage connections to
-
future high-speed rail that may be located
through the Santa Clarita Valley.
To promote safe and effective alternatives to the
3.3 Promote bicycle and pedestrian accessibility
personal automobile that will meet the needs of all
to all commercial, industrial, multi -family
planning area residents
residential, and public facilities, including
parks, schools, and centers of civic activity..
Pursue an aggressive posture in the region in
5.3 Work cooperatively with regional
advocating a regional transportation system.
- transportation agencies to develop and
improve mass transit system connections
between the City, metropolitan Los Angeles,
Los Angeles International Airport, the
Antelope Valley and Ventura County.
ES -2
(Continued) - -
5.4 Encourage the development and utilization
of the :Metrolink commuter rail and high
Pursue an aggressive posture in the region in,
speed rail.
advocating a regional transportation system. }
5.5 Encourage linkages between the City's
transportation system, regional rail and
' high-speed rail.
`
5.6 Encourage the creation of High -Occupancy
- - -
Vehicle (HOV) lanes and other methods to
'
increase the capacity of the SR -14 and I.S.
Encourage the implementation of trio reduction -
6.1 Develop coordinated Plans for land use,
methods to reduce daily auto trip generation through
- circulation. and transit with City and -
County departments to concentrate high
land use planning and other strategies.
' density housinz employment and
commercial areas close to transit corridors.
6.2 Encourage "transit -friendly'' commercial and
industrial development that provides
convenient pedestrian and bicycle access.
- -
6.3 Encourage new development to use
Pedestrian "zippers" or walkways to Provide
a convenient link between different
residential neighborhoods and commercial
.
centers.
- -
6_4 Encourage the location of convenience -
services. such as day care, at Transit
-
Centers.
-
'.
6.5 Encourage implementation of the City's
General Plan, Transportation Development
Plan- Bikeway Plan. Infrastructure Master
- -
Plan and other documents with
transportation policies through new
development and redevelopment.
-
6_6 Encourage flexibility in development
' -
standards to permit a higher floor area ratio
-
and lower parking requirements for
'
commercial development that Provide and
maintain transit facilities and that subsidize
shared -ride Programs.
-
6.7 Synchronize the expansion of public
transportation facilities with new
-
development with implementation of"Pay as
you go" for extension of public
transoortation facilities.
"
6.8 Suyoort improvements to Congestion
Management Plan (Cb1P) facilities and aid
'
in the implementation of the CMP to
-
improve mobility corridors in the Santa
Clanta Valley and North Los Angeles
-
County Reeion.
6.9 Develop marketing and customer service
-
plans to promote widespread use of
-
alternatives to the auto. Target public
-
agencies, maior employers, the Chamber of
-
Commerce. Transoortation Management
Associations (THAs). etc., to encourage
' commute patterns using public transit.
•
•
i
(Continued)
r 1
L J
s
6.10
Encourage the implementation of trip reduction
methods to reduce daily auto trip generation through lid
land use planning and other strategies.
Che underlined tern: is or000sed to ha
Use bus stovs and transfer Points to promote
transit with attractive and readable
information and schedules,
Encourage implementation of travel demand
management strategies including
The proposed Circulation Element amendment includes several changes to the Master Plan
of Arterial Highways, which identifies Major Highways (at least 6 lanes), Secondary
Highways (4 lanes), and Limited Secondary Highways. The proposed changes include
upgrading or downgrading roadway designations, changing the limits of roadways, and
adding new roadways. The following table shows the roadways to be changed on the Master
Plan of Arterial Highways:
ES -4
g.
Oro
f : 3+ar�gTiwuyts
<.,.,..,._:.<,
`�rtadary
�l�X�
� :::.;
Roadway
Limits
Roadway
Limits
Ave Tibbits
Newhall Ranch Rd to
"A" Street
Poe Pkwy to Valencia
Magic Mountain
Blvd
Parkway
Backer Rd
Castaic Rd to SR 126
Ave Scott
McBean Pkwy to
Hillsborough Pkwy
Bouquet Cyn Rd
Magic Mnt Pkwy to
Biscailuz Dr
The Old Road to Castaic
Soledad Cyn Rd and
Rd
Seco Cyn Rd to the
Angeles Forest boundary
-
Castaic Rd
Ridge Route to Lake
Copperhill Dr
Seco Cyn to Bouquet Cyn
Hughes Rd
Rd
Copperhill Dr
Rye Cyn Rd to Seco Cyn
Decoro Dr
Copperhill Dr to Seco
Rd
Cyn Rd
Golden Valley Rd*
SR 14 to Newhall Ranch
Dickason Dr
Newh311 Ranch Rd to
Rd*
Decoro Dr
Lake Hughes Rd
I-5 to the Angeles Forest
Golden Valley Rd
Newhall Ranch Rd, to
boundary
Plum Cyn Rd
Lyons Ave
The Old Road to
Hillcrest Pkwy
Sloan Cyn Rd to The Old
Dockweiller or PIacerita
Road
Cyn Rd*.
Magic Mountain Pkwy
I-5 to Via Princessa
Jake's Way
Sierra Hwy to Lost Cyn
Rd
McBean Pkwy
I-5 to Copperhill Dr
Parker Rd
Sloan Cyn Rd to The Old
Road
Newhall Ranch Rd*
1-5 to Golden Valley*
Poe Pkwy
Valencia Blvd to
Stevenson Ranch Pwky
ES -4
4;
(Continued)
The Old Road to Castaic
Ridge Route
I-5 to Northlake Blvd
Rd
Parker Rd
- -
Valencia Blvd to west of
Sand Cyn Rd -
Soledad Cyn Rd to Sierra
Pico Cyn Rd
The Old Road
Hwy.
Rio Vista Dr
Lyons Ave Ext to Via
The Old Road
Pico Cyn Rd to Calgrove
Princessa
Blvd and Backer Rd to
no. of Sloan Cyn Rd
Sand Cyn Rd -
Placenta Cyn to Soledad
16th Street
Orchard Village Rd to
Cyn Rd
San Fernando Rd
Santa Clarita Pkwy
Bouquet Cyn Rd to SR
14
StevensonRanch Pw ky
'
I -a to Pico Cyn Rd
Chiquito Cyn Rd
SR 126 to Del Valle Rd
The Old Rd
Pico Cyn Rd to Backer
Henry Mayo Dr
The Old Road to Magic
Rd and so. of Caigrove
Mountain Pkwy
Blvd.
-k
'4t2``hC$BTLWAjiiUtt'4t�ak'2if�,jrig- `:
Ridge Route -
I-5 to no. ofNotthlake
GYIatIg$thr'cighthe atcextdala>proces&;.¢ ._. ':.
...
Blvd
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Circulation Element Draft environmental impact report (EIR) is under preparation and
is anticipated to be released for public review on June 17, 1997. Seven alternative
circulation systems will be analyzed in the Draft EIR. These include Alternative 1- the
existing planned circulation system that includes all of the roadways planned as part of the
current Circulation Element with the exception that the extension of SR 126 through the
City would be replaced with Newhall Ranch Road as a 6 -lane major arterial highway.
Alternative 2 (Newhall Ranch Road Reduction) and Alternative 3 (Golden Valley Road
Network) propose additional roadways. Alternative 4 and Alternative 5 (based upon
Alternatives 2 and 3) seek to add additional capacity to the base roadway network through
the augmentation of intersections to provide additional turn lanes which aid traffic flow.
Finally, Alternative 6 and Alternative 7 (based on Alternatives 2 and 3) contain aggressive
transportation demand management (TDM) measures, such as parking pricing strategies, to
reduce the number of automobile trips. The EIR will provide the environmental information
necessary for evaluating alternatives and provide a basis for decision-making.
,Please contact Laura Stotler of the City's Community Development Department at (805)
255.4330 for information on obtaining -copies of the Proposed Circulation Element Text and
the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Circulation Element Amendment.
s:\cd\advance\cirelmt411v - -
ES -5
P
i'1
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