HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-23 - RESOLUTIONS - MC 04-205 NV2 APPROV (2)RESOLUTION NO. 06-57
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE NO. 04-205
(CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 04-015) AND TO CONSIDER THE ADDENDUM TO
THE EIR PREPARED FOR THE NORTH VALENCIA 2 SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW
THE INSTALLATION OF EIGHT FIELD LIGHTS, 80 FEET IN HEIGHT, ONE OF THE
LIGHTS WOULD HAVE A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ANTENNA INCLUDING THE
INSTALLATION OF AN UNMANNED EQUIPMENT CABINET AT HERITAGE PARK
LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MCBEAN PARKWAY AND
NEWHALL RANCH ROAD IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following
findings of fact:
a. On May 5, 2004, entitlement applications were filed by Newhall Land and Nextel
-- Communications (the "applicant") with the Community Development Department
which included a request for the approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) to
allow for the installation of eight field lights that are 80 feet in height. One of the
light poles would carry a wireless antenna at the 62'-0" height level. The
applicant would also install a 14'-0" high equipment cabinet within the park
boundaries. The CUP is required to construct and operate the lights that exceed
35 feet in height in the North Valencia 2 (NV 2) Specific Plan Area, and for the
operation of a wireless antenna in the NV 2 Specific Plan Area. An amendment to
the NV 2 Development Agreement has been prepared between the City of Santa
Clarita and Newhall Land. This amendment would add the installation of the
lights as one of the development agreement project benefits and eliminate the
installation of the Decoro/Copperhill pedestrian bridge. This amendment includes
the dedication of 34.8 acres of the Upland Preserve to the City. The applicant also
submitted an addendum to the certified Final Environmental Impact Report
prepared for the NV 2 Specific Plan Project (SCH NO. 98111201), which does
not identify any new significant impacts resulting from the proposed amendment
to the development agreement or the entitlement requested or a substantial
increase in the severity of previously identified significant impacts; and
b. The application was deemed complete on September 15, 2005; and
C. The site is known as Heritage Park and is located on the northwest corner of
McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road. The project site is described by
Assessor Parcel Number 2810-070-001; and
d. The Zoning and General Plan land use designation for the project site is Specific
Plan (SP) under the NV 2 Specific Plan; and
e. The surrounding land uses consist of residential development to the north of the
project site, McBean Parkway east of the project site, Newhall Ranch Road to the
south of the project site and San Francisquito Creek to the west of the project site;
and
f. This project was reviewed pursuant to the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). An Addendum to the certified Final
Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) prepared for the NV 2 Specific Plan
Project (SCH NO. 98111201) has been prepared for this project. Preparation of
an addendum to this certified Final EIR is supported by the analysis provided
within the addendum which does not identify any new significant environmental
effects, or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant
effects that would require major revisions to the Final EIR, or any new
information of substantial importance, as provided in Public Resources Code
Section 21166 or in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15162 through 15164,
inclusive. As a result, and in accordance with CEQA Guidelines, Section 15164,
the City determined that an EIR Addendum is the appropriate document to
prepare as only minor corrections and changes to the Final EIR were necessary;
and
g. The project was duly noticed in accordance with the noticing requirements for a
conditional use permit and development agreement amendment on
February 14, 2006; and
h. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue
commencing on March 7, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia
Boulevard, Santa Clarita; and
i. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered the staff
presentation, staff report, applicant presentation and public testimony on the
proposal. At this hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution P06-05
recommending that the City Council approve Master Case 04-205 subject to the
conditions of approval (Exhibit "A") and site plan (Exhibit "D"); and
A public hearing was duly noticed for the City Council meeting of May 23, 2006 which was held
at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita,
CA. During this meeting, the City Council received the staff report and public testimony on the
project.
P
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based
upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby find as follows:
a. An Addendum to the NV 2 Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report for
this project has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA);
b. No circulation of the Addendum was necessary under Section 15164 of the
California Environmental Quality Act. The Addendum has been attached to the
certified Final Environmental Impact Report and the Addendum, together with the
NV 2 Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report, has been duly
considered;
C. There is no substantial evidence that the project will have any additional impacts
outside of the impacts evaluated in the NV 2 Specific Plan Environmental Impact
Report. The Addendum reflects the independent judgment of the City of Santa
Clarita; and
d. The location of the documents and other material which constitutes the record of
proceedings upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is made
regarding the Master Case 04-205 project file within the Community
Development Department and all documentation is in the custody of the Director
of Community Development.
SECTION 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing
facts and findings, the City Council hereby find as follows:
a. That the proposed location, size, design and operating characteristics of the
proposed use is in accordance with the purpose of this Development Code, the
purpose of the zone in which the site is located, the Santa Clarita General Plan,
and the development policies and standards of the City; and
This application is for the installation of eight field lights, 80 feet in height in an
existing City Park (Heritage Park). One of the lights will have an unmanned
wireless communication antenna mounted on the pole. An equipment cabinet,
14'-0" in height, will also be installed at the park. The equipment cabinet will
house the equipment necessary to operate the proposed antenna. This cabinet will
be installed outside of any active play area or pedestrian areas used for access
around the park. The height of the light poles, 80'-0", is similar to other lights
that have been installed in parks throughout the City, such as at Bridgeport
Park. The lights will be installed on the two existing playing fields in the
park. The lights will allow for use of the fields after dark, and the antenna is in a
location where cellular service by Nextel Communications is currently in
need. The proposed lighting, antenna and equipment cabinet are in accordance
.97
with the purpose of the City's Development Code, the NV 2 Specific Plan and the
SP designation, the General Plan and the City's development policies and
standards.
b. That the location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the proposed use
will be compatible with and will not adversely affect or be materially detrimental
to adjacent uses, residents, buildings, structures, or natural resources, with
consideration given to:
1. Harmony in scale, bulk, coverage, and density;
The proposed lighting and antenna equipment would be located in an existing
City park. A total of eight lights will be installed around the perimeter of two
playing fields (one light at each comer of the field). The height of the lights is
similar to the lighting at other public parks in the City, therefore, this park will
be developed the same as other parks throughout the City. The lights will
used until 10:00 PM nightly and will be directed downward. The applicant
has submitted a photometric study that demonstrates the proposed lighting will
have a less than significant impact on the adjacent residential neighborhood,
San Francisquito Creek, Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway which is
less than one foot candle on adjacent residential buildings, and that the light
will be clearly directed towards the fields. Lighting systems today redirect
spill light toward the field, significantly reduce glare, and maintain the natural
night sky and stars. These improved lighting systems have been recently
utilized in Central Park, Bridgeport Park and Valencia High School. Taller
standards reduce the number of needed light standards and allow for the lights
to be better directed at the play fields. One of the light poles would have a
wireless antenna mounted to the pole, below the light bulbs. The wireless
antenna and equipment cabinet would be used in compliance with the 1996
Telecommunications Act, and would service the surrounding community for
wireless communication. The lights and wireless equipment would be in
harmony in scale, bulk, coverage and density.
2. The availability of public facilities, services, and utilities;
The project site is located in a developed portion of the City of Santa Clarita
that is currently serviced by sewer, power, gas and water utilities and will not
create a significant demand for additional utilities on the project site. The site
plans and preliminary grading plans show that all utilities exist within the park
and on Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway and that the project will be
able to hook up to the utilities. Fire and police services will be adequate for
the area.
rd
3. The harmful effect, if any, on desirable neighborhood character;
The proposed lights and antenna equipment will be located within an existing
17.59 -acre City park located at the intersection of Newhall Ranch Road
(designated a Major Highway) and McBean Parkway (designated a Major
Highway). The height of the lights, 80 feet, is consistent with the other
lighting installed at parks throughout the City, such as at Bridgeport Park. A
wireless communication antenna would be installed on one of the light
poles. The antenna would match the color and materials of the light pole and
is considered to be co -location because the antenna would be mounted to a
structure. The equipment cabinet that would be installed within the park
would house the equipment necessary to operate the antenna. The equipment
cabinet would be designed with approval from the City's Parks Division,
using a design theme that integrates the Santa Clarita Valley history, such as a
mural in memory of the St. Francis Dam Break. A residential neighborhood is
located to the east of the project site (Heritage Park). The lights will be on no
later than 10:00 PM nightly. The applicant completed a photometric study
that demonstrated the lights would have a less than significant impact on
surrounding properties because less than one foot candle would occur on
adjacent residential buildings, and that the light will be clearly directed
towards the fields. Lighting systems today redirect spill light toward the field,
significantly reduce glare, and maintain the natural night sky and stars. These
improved lighting systems have been recently utilized in Central Park,
Bridgeport Park and Valencia High School. Taller standards reduce the
number of needed light standards and allow for the lights to be better directed
at the play fields. Therefore, the proposed lights and wireless communication
equipments would not have a harmful effect on desirable neighborhood
character.
4. The generation of traffic and the capacity and physical character of
surrounding streets;
The proposal is for the installation of eight field lights, a wireless
communication antenna and an unmanned equipment cabinet to be installed at
an existing City Park (Heritage Park). The site is bound by two Major
Highways (Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway) and San Francisquito
Creek. Though the lighting will provide for use of the fields after dark, the
use of the park will exceed typical use of public facilities due to the
installation of the lights and wireless communication equipment. The
proposed lighting and unmanned wireless equipment will not generate
additional traffic and the capacity and physical characteristic of the
surrounding streets will not be impacted.
61
5. The suitability of the site for the type and intensity of use or development
which is proposed; and
The project site is known as Heritage Park, an existing public park that is
17.59 acres in size. Heritage Park presently includes three lighted tennis
courts, restroom/maintenance building, tot lot, three multi-purpose fields, two
parking lots and various walkways and trails. Lighting of the field space
within the park was not required by the NV 2 Development Agreement. The
park was constructed in conjunction with the development of the NV 2
Specific Plan area. The site is suitable for the installation and use of the
proposed field lights and wireless antenna equipment is suitable for the use of
the site because the proposed equipment is compatible with the existing park
use.
6. The adverse significant effect, if any, upon environmental quality and natural
resources which cannot be mitigated unless the approving authority adopts a
statement of overriding considerations.
An addendum to the NV 2 Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report was
completed that analyzed the changes to the Development Agreement and the
entitlements submitted. This addendum concluded that no further significant
impacts would occur with the installation of the proposed lights and wireless
antenna equipment. The site was analyzed under a previously certified
document (SCH No. 98111201) in compliance with CEQA requirements. In
addition, Heritage Park has been prepared for development as a park site as
part of the original approval of the NV 2 Specific Plan and this project will be
completed in compliance with all City requirements.
C. That the proposed location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the
proposed use and the conditions under which it would be operated or maintained
will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially
injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity; and
The eight proposed field lights and the unmanned wireless equipment would be
installed on the perimeter of two fields in an existing public park (Heritage Park)
which is approximately 17.59 acres in size and located at the intersection of two
Major Highways (Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway). The applicant
submitted a photometric study that demonstrated that light from the eight field
lights would have a less than significant impact the adjacent roadways, San
Francisquito Creek, and the residential neighborhood because less than one foot
candle would reach these areas, and that the light will be clearly directed towards
the fields. Lighting systems today redirect spill light toward the field,
significantly reduce glare, and maintain the natural night sky and stars. These
improved lighting systems have been recently utilized in Central Park, Bridgeport
51
Park and Valencia High School. Taller standards reduce the number of needed
light standards and allow for the lights to be better directed at the play
fields. Consistent with other lighted community parks, the lights would be off
when the fields are not in use and in any case no later than 10:00 PM daily.
The lights would provide additional light on the park site and would provide a
safer park site by providing light on to the fields after dark. The lights and
wireless equipment would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or
welfare or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.
d. That the proposed use will comply with each of the applicabie provisions of the
City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code, except for an approved variance
or adjustment.
The project site requires the approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) to
construct and use wireless communication antenna and equipment on the park
site, and to exceed 35 feet in height for a maximum field light height of
80'-0". With the approval of the proposed CUP, the project site will be consistent
with all regulations established in the City's Unified Development Code
requirements as well as with the goals and policies outlined in the City's General
Plan and the North Valencia 2 Specific Plan. No variance is required with the
proposed development and use.
SECTION 4. Based upon the testimony and other evidence, if any, received at the public
hearing, and upon studies and investigations made by the City Council and on its behalf, the
Council further finds and determines that this proposal is consistent with the City's General Plan,
and the North Valencia 2 Specific Plan and associated development agreement, as amended.
SECTION 5. The City Council does hereby consider the Addendum (attached as
Exhibit "C") to the Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 98111201) prepared for the
North Valencia 2 Specific Plan and approve the entitlement requested under Master Case 04-205;
Conditional Use Permit 04-015 (to install eight field lights, 80 feet in height at Heritage Park and
the installation of wireless equipment at Heritage Park as shown on the attached site plan known
as Exhibit "D"), subject to the conditions of approval as referenced herein as Exhibit "A" and
authorize the City Manager or designees to execute the lease agreement with Nextel
Communications for the lease of one of the light poles and areas for an equipment cabinet at
Heritage Park.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and certify
this record to be a full, complete, and correct copy of the action taken.
7
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of May, 2006.
wl-
ATTEST:
1 7�/
f ✓
Y CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
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 23rd day of May, 2006, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: McLean, Smyth, Ferry, Weste
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kellar
J: l Y CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF SANTA CLARTTA )
CERTIFICATION OF
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
I, Sharon L. Dawson, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that this is a true
and correct copy of the original Resolution No. 06-57, adopted by the City Council of the City of
Santa Clarita, California on May 23, 2006, which is now on file in my office.
Witness my hand and seal of the City of Santa Clarita, California, this — day of
20_
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC
City Clerk
By
Susan Coffman
Deputy City Clerk
Resolution
Exhibit A
Page 1 of 4
RESOLUTION, EXHIBIT A
Master Case 04-205
Conditional Use Permit 04-015
FINAL CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
General Conditions
GCL Unless appropriate permits and entitlements are activated, the approval of this permit
shall expire two years from the date of conditional approval.
GC2. The applicant may file for an extension of the conditional use permit prior to the date of
expiration for a period of time not to exceed one year. If such an extension is requested,
it must be filed no later than 60 days prior to expiration.
GC3. The applicant shall be responsible for notifying the Director of Planning and Building
Services in writing of any change in ownership, designation of a new engineer, or change
in the status of the developer, within 30 days of said change.
GC4. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, the term Applicant shall include the
applicant and any other persons, corporation, or other entity making use of this grant.
The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Santa Clarita, its
agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City or
its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul the approval of this
Subdivision by the City, which action is provided for in Government Code Section
66499.37. In the event the City becomes aware of any such claim, action, or proceeding,
the City shall promptly notify the applicant, or if the City fails to cooperate fully in the
defense, the applicant shall not thereafter be responsible to defend, indemnify, or hold
harmless the City. Nothing contained in this Condition prohibits the City from
participating in the defense of any claim, action, or proceeding, if both the following
occur: 1) The City bears its own attorney's fees and costs; and, 2) the City defends the
action in good faith. The applicant shall not be required to pay or perform any settlement
unless the entitlement is approved by the applicant.
GCS. Details shown on the site plan are not necessarily approved. Any details which are
inconsistent with the requirements of ordinances, general conditions of approval, or City
policies must be specifically approved.
GC6. At any point in the development process, a stop -work order shall be considered in effect
upon the discovery of any historic or prehistoric artifacts and/or remains, at which time
the City shall be notified. The applicant shall hire a qualified consultant that the City
approves to study the site and recommend a course of action, to the satisfaction of the
City.
Resolution
Exhibit A
Page 2 of 4
GC7. The owner, at the time of issuance of building permits, agrees to develop the property in
conformance with the City Code and other appropriate ordinances, including but not
limited to the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Grading Ordinance, Highway Permit
Ordinance, Mechanical Code, Unified Development Code, Sanitary Sewer and Industrial
Waste Ordinance, Electrical Code, and Fire Code. Improvements and other requirements
may be imposed pursuant to such codes and ordinances in accordance with vested rights
as provided for in the Government Code.
GCB. This grant shall not be effective for any purpose until the permittee and the owner of the
property involved (if other than the permittee) have filed with the Director of Planning
and Building Services, their affidavit stating that they are aware of, and agree to accept,
all of the conditions of this grant.
Planning
PL1. This permit authorizes the construction of eight light poles, a maximum of 80 feet in
height around existing athletic fields and an equipment shelter at Heritage Park as
depicted on the approved site plans on file in the Planning Division.
PL2. The maximum height of the poles shall be 80 feet.
PL3. The design of the proposed lighting shall be consistent with the approved site plan. Any
deviation will require the approval of the Director of Planning and Building Services.
PL4. The applicant shall install the lighting as shown on the approved site plan.
PLS. No oak tree encroachment has been approved with this permit
PL6. No other modifications or changes are approved to be made to the North Valencia 2
Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 98111201) different than
those stated in the Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report and the First
Amendment to the Development Agreement attached to Resolution P 06-05.
PL7. This permit authorizes the installation of a wireless communications facility consisting of
one antenna structure mounted at the 62'-0" height level of one field light and associated
equipment enclosure located at Heritage Park, as shown on the approved site plan.
PL8. The antenna support structure, and equipment shelter shall be painted and/or textured to
match the field light poles.
PL9. All antennae shall meet the minimum siting distances to habitable structures required for
compliance with Federal Communications (FCC) regulations and standards governing the
--- environmental effects of radio frequency emissions.
Resolution
Exhibit A
Page 3 of 4
PL10. All accessory/support equipment located within cabinets, shelters, or similar structures
shall be screened from public view with walls, and the design approved by the Parks
Division.
PL11. The telecommunications facilities shall not bear any signs or advertising devices other
than certification, warning, or other required seals or required signs.
PL12. If the antenna and equipment become inoperative or are abandoned, the facility shall be
dismantled and removed no later than ninety (90) days after the discontinuation of use.
PL13. All wire or cables necessary for the operation of the facility or reception of the signal
shall be placed underground, except those wires or cables attached flush to the surface of
a building or the structure of the antenna. Lines shall follow the corridor of least damage.
PL14. The operation of the facility shall not cause interference with any electrical equipment in
the surrounding neighborhoods, including television, radio, telephone or computer use,
nor may the antenna create harmful interference between any other telecommunication
facilities, including City -owned communication facilities.
PL15. All facilities shall comply with City adopted noise standards.
PL16. The proposed wireless communication facility shall be subject to the Wireless
Communications Facility Development Standards and Guidelines as set forth in the
City's Unified Development Code.
PLIT Prior to obtaining Planning Division plot plan approval, the applicant shall obtain
stamped approval from the Los Angeles County Fire Department for all items within its
jurisdiction.
PL18. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall comply with all applicable
regulations and fees of affected agencies.
PL19. It is hereby declared and made a condition of this permit that if any condition hereof is
violated, or if any law, statute or ordinance is violated, the City may commence
proceedings to revoke this approval.
PL20. All requirements of the Unified Development Code and of the specific zoning of the
subject property must be complied with unless set forth in the permit and/or shown on the
approved site plan.
PL21. The lights shall be shut off at 10:OOPM nightly.
Building and Safety
BUL Building permits and electrical permits will be required.
Resolution
Exhibit A
Page 4 of 4
BU2. Submit structural calcs for the footings for each pole type.
BU3. The pole and light assemblies must be approved.
s:\cd\current\2004\04-205\City Council\COA.doc
EXHIBIT C
ADDENDUM TO FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
SCH# 98111201
NORTH
VALENCIA
NO.2
SPECIFIC PLAN
Prepared by:
City of Santa Clarita
Department of Planning & Building Services
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300
Santa Clarita, California 91355
ADDENDUM TO FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan
State Clearinghouse No. 98111201
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE ADDENDUM
This document is an Addendum to the certified Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR)
prepared for the North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan Project (SCH NO. 98111201), which was
certified on January 11, 2000 by the City of Santa Clarita. The Final EIR included all information
required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines, comments
received on the Draft EIR, agency responses to these comments, and supporting technical
appendices. The Final EIR addressed the following environmental topics:
• Earth (Grading and Geological Hazards);
• Air Quality (Mobile Sources and Meteorology);
• Water (Surface Water Runoff, Hydrology and Flood Hazards);
• Plant Life and Wildlife;
• Noise (Mobile Sources);
• Light (Natural and Artificial);
• Land Use (General Plan Elements and Zoning);
• Risk of Upset,
• Transportation and Circulation;
• Public Services (Fire and Sheriff Protection and Schools);
• Energy Conservation;
• Utilities (Sanitary Sewers, Water Resources, and Solid Waste and Disposal);
• Libraries;
• Population/Housing/Employment;
• Parks and Recreation;
• Agricultural Resources;
• Aesthetics and Views; and
• Cultural Resources.
The CEQA Guidelines, Section 15164, provides that an Addendum to a previously certified EIR
be prepared if changes or additions are necessary and none of the conditions in Section 15162 of
the Guidelines triggering preparation of a Subsequent EIR have occurred. Section 15162 requires
that a Subsequent EIR need only be prepared if the following conditions exist:
• Substantial changes in the project have occurred which require major revisions to the
previous EIR due to new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effects;
7
• Substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the project
is being undertaken which require major revisions to the previous EIR due to new significant
environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;
or
• New information of substantial importance has become available since the prior EIR was
certified that shows any of the following:
- The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR;
Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be
feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but
the project proponents decline to adopt the measure or alternative; or
- Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed
in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the
environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measures or
alternative.
The primary factor influencing preparation of this EIR Addendum focuses on minor proposed
project changes that have taken place since the Final EIR was certified. Consideration of these
changes indicates that none of the conditions outlined above that would trigger the need for a
Subsequent EIR have occurred. This conclusion is supported by the analysis provided below
which has not identified any new significant environmental effects, or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effects that would require major revisions to the Final
EIR. As a result, and in accordance with CEQA Guidelines, Section 15164, the City determined
that an EIR Addendum is the appropriate document to prepare as only minor corrections and
changes to the Final EIR were necessary.
SCOPE OF THIS ADDENDUM
As Lead Agency, the City's objective with this Addendum is to make minor technical changes
and additions to the Final EIR, where warranted, in order to ensure that the significant
environmental effects of the Project are adequately evaluated. In keeping with this objective, the
analysis contained in this Addendum assesses only those environmental topics originally
evaluated in the Final EIR that could require updating based on the proposed change in the
Project. Based on this assessment, and where warranted, supplemental analysis is provided to
support minor corrections and changes to the Final EIR, and to support the conclusion that no
c
new significant effects and no increases in impact severity would occur. Unless otherwise noted
or reflected the analysis and mitigation measures contained in the Final EIR remain in effect.
Where supplemental analysis is provided, it is to demonstrate how Final EIR mitigation
measures, revised mitigation measures, or self -mitigating project design features reduce potential
impacts to levels of significance that are equivalent to or less than those identified in the Final
EIR.
1.0 INTRODUCTION/PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Final EIR prepared for the North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan analyzed the physical
environmental effects associated with the annexation of 596.2 acres of land and the entitlement to
develop the undeveloped portion of the annexation area (391.2 acres). Approximately 205 acres
of this area is already developed or entitled for commercial and industrial uses. Development
within the Specific Plan area has been guided by the North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan (NV 2).
The above approval included the development of a community park (Valencia Heritage Park) at
the northwest corner of Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway. The park plan included
development of the site with several multi-purpose fields, a play area, restroom facility, shade
structure, two parking lots with lighting and three lighted tennis courts.
This addendum addresses the following items:
1) The installation of 80 -foot tall lighting standards that would provide for night -use of the
multi-purpose fields as shown on the attached site plan;
2) The inclusion of cellular equipment on one of the light standards; and
3) The construction of an accessory equipment building for the cellular equipment.
All of the above improvements are shown on Attachment A. As indicated above, the Final
EIR prepared for NV 2 addressed nighttime lighting, but with regard to the community park,
only addressed nighttime lighting with respect to parking lot lighting, safety lighting and the
tennis courts. Furthermore, with regard to nighttime lighting the Final EIR discussed the
potential impacts to biological impacts as follows:
10
"Nighttime illumination is known to adversely impact some species of animals in
natural areas. Nighttime light can disturb resting and foraging behavior and can
potentially alter breeding cycles and nesting behavior. Project operation would
increase the number of nighttime light sources on the site. In particular, street
and building lighting associated with development in those areas adjacent to San
Francisquito Creek, if uncontrolled, could adversely impact the composition and
behavioral patterns of those animal species associated with the creek system.
Therefore, because of its potential to eliminate a wildlife community or reduce
the number of special -status species on the site, the potential disruption to
breeding and nesting cycles and behavior of wildlife species remaining on the
project site as a result of increased nighttime light and glare is considered a
potentially significant impact."
Section 2.0 of this Addendum documents and concludes that the inclusion of lighting poles and
standards to provide for nighttime recreational use of play fields would result in no substantial
individual direct, indirect or cumulative effects.
Furthermore, the modified project does not increase the severity of the already insignificant
impacts, or create any new substantial environmental impacts. Therefore, the City of Santa Clarita
City Council has concluded that an addendum is the appropriate environmental document to
prepare under Section 15164 of the CEOA Guidelines.
2.0 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
The technical analysis provided below is intended to discuss the impact potential of inclusion of
lighting poles, standards and cellular equipment ("Improvements") to provide for nighttime
recreational use of play fields at Valencia Heritage Park and for improved cellular service in the
local community.
The installation of the Improvements to the Valencia Heritage Park site would not result in
further or new impacts to Sections 4.1, Geotechnical Hazards; 4.2 Flood; 4.3 Traffic/Access; 4.4
Air Quality; 4.7 Cultural Resources; 4.9 Water Service, 4.10 Wastewater Disposal, 4.11 Solid
Waste Disposal; 4.12 Utilities; 4.13 Education; 4.14 Library Services, 4.15 Fire Protection, 4.16
5
Parks and Recreation, 4.17 Population/Housing/Employment, 4.18 Agricultural Resources, 4.19
Sheriff Services and 4.20 Human Made Hazards of the Final EIR. A park use was planned for the
site as a part of the project description. The inclusion of lighting standards at the park site would
not change any of the impact conclusions to geotechnical hazards, flood, traffic and access, air
quality, cultural resources, water service, wastewater and solid waste disposal, utilities,
education, library services, fire protection, population/housing/employment, agricultural
resources, sheriff services and human made hazards not previously addressed in the Draft and
Final North Valencia Specific Plan EIR. The Improvements facilitate the provision of park and
recreational services proposed for the site and would provide enhanced cellular service in the
local community..
2.1 Noise
The proposed Improvements would facilitate night use of the park, which may create noise
impacts. As analyzed in Section 4.5 of the Final EIR, the proposed project included a park
adjacent to residential units. The Final EIR concluded that noise associated with the park (i.e.,
people talking and cheering, vehicle doors slamming, auto alarms, lawn maintenance, tires
squealing etc.) could be considered an annoyance if they occurred at odd hours (i.e. between
10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.). However, the Final EIR concluded that given the nature of the uses
and the hours of operation of the park, it is not likely that the park would be disruptive and
impacts would be less than significant. The City of Santa Clarita park standards require that
parks cease operations at 10:00 p.m. The Final EIR concluded that "noise levels could be
considered an annoyance if they occur at odd hours (between 10:00PM and 7:00 AM), however
given the nature of these uses, their unlikely hours of operation outside the hours of 10:00 PM
and 7:00 AM and the City Noise Ordinance requirements, the noise levels are not expected to
exceed the City's Noise Compatibility Guidelines or Noise Ordinance." Therefore, the installation
of lighting standards would have a less than significant noise impact.
2.2 Biota
As mentioned above, the Improvements, primarily the lighting of the multi-purpose fields
associated with the park in those areas adjacent to San Francisquito Creek, if uncontrolled, could
adversely impact the composition and behavioral patterns of those animal species associated with
the creek system. A photometric site plan has been prepared (Attachment B), to demonstrate the
C7
light spillage from the play fields to adjacent areas, including the San Francisquito Creek. The
photometric plan demonstrates that no light spillage travels into San Francisquito Creek. Given
that no light spillage travels to San Francisquito Creek, the installation of the improvements
would have a less than significant biota impact.
2.3 Visual Resources
The proposed lighting standards would be 80 -feet in height. As indicated above, the cellular
equipment installed on one of the standards would not increase the height of these standards.
Similar lighting standards are located at Valencia High School, located immediately north of the
North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan northern boundary as well as the Paseo Club (private
recreational facility) located north of the site along Dickason Drive. Consequently, existing
lighting sources used for athletic purposes are located in close vicinity to the proposed lighting
standards and would not create unusual visual perspectives at the site. Therefore, the installation
of lighting standards would have a less than significant visual resources impact.
The accessory cellular equipment building would be one-story and designed to be compatible
with other park buildings on-site.
Conclusion
As proposed the installation of Improvements on the Valencia Heritage Park site would result in
no substantial individual direct, indirect or cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the modified
project does not increase the severity of impacts found to be insignificant in the Final EIR, or
create any new substantial environmental impacts.
7