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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - HASLEY HILLS ANNEX (2)Agenda Item: 15 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT Ix PUBLIC HEARING City Manager Approval: ` Item to be presented by: James Chow . DATE: April 22, 2008 SUBJECT: HASLEY HILLSNALENCIA COMMERCE CENTER (VCC) ANNEXATION, MASTER CASE 07-206 — CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 07-003, PREZONE 07-002, AND REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR ANNEXATION 08-005, SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT 07-001 TO THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) DEPARTMENT: Community Development RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council conduct a Public Hearing and adopt a Resolution approving General Plan Amendment (GPA) 07-003, adopt a Resolution of Application authorizing staff to submit an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission to amend the Sphere of Influence and annex approximately 1,430 acres of land located at the northwest corner of I-5 and SR -126 and approve the Negative Declaration prepared for the project. Introduce and pass to second reading an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA TO APPROVE PREZONE NO. 07-002 (MASTER CASE 07-206) FOR THE HASLEY HILLS/VALENCIA COMMERCE CENTER ANNEXATION AREA GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF INTERSTATE 5 AND STATE ROUTE 126, ALONG THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA. BACKGROUND The City of Santa Clarita fielded an initial inquiry regarding annexation of the Hasley Hills and VCC areas over three years ago. Over the past three years, a citizen's support group known as the Castaic Annexation Support Team (CAST), in cooperation with business owners in the c Ordinance passed to Adopt esb, Second reading Valencia Commerce Center (VCC), have been diligently collecting signatures from residents of the Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs neighborhoods and business owners of the VCC in support of annexation. On April 11, 2007, members of CAST submitted signatures from 72% of residents and/or business owners to the City's Community Development Department. The 72% of signatures submitted by CAST exceeded the City's requirement of 60% of property owners, which was the annexation initiation policy in place at the time. During the May 22, 2007 City Council meeting, members of CAST and other community members requested that the Council take formal action to initiate proceedings for annexation of approximately 1,430 acres that include the communities of Hasley Hills, Live Oak, North Bluffs, and VCC. On July 10, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to initiate the GPA and PRZ applications and authorized funding for the preparation of a map, legal description, environmental review, and Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) application fees that would be required to process an annexation. Currently, there are incorporation and annexation studies underway for the unincorporated areas west of I-5. These studies were initially anticipated to begin in .the Spring of 2007 and take five to six months to process. Over the Summer of 2007, it became clear that this timeline was no longer realistic as the time needed for the County to collect data and for the consultants to prepare the incorporation and annexation studies would take longer than expected. On December 20;'2007, staff from the County CEO's office, members of the Castaic Area and West Ranch Town Councils, and the City's Annexation Subcommittee met to receive an update on the west side 'incorporation and annexation studies. The Subcommittee and Town Councils' best estimation as to the processing and completion of these studies is that all County data would be provided to the consultants by July 2008; the first draft of the studies would be completed by September 2008; and completion and availability of the studies for the communities' consideration would occur in February 2009. Also during the meeting, the Town Councils expressed their desire for the City to wait to pursue any annexation west of I-5 until these studies are completed and the residents in the communities have had time to consider incorporation or annexation. At the request of the members of CAST, the City Council at their January 22, 2008 regular meeting, directed City staff to continue processing the Hasley Hills/VCC annexation as authorized in July 2007. On February 20, 2008, the Castaic Area Town Council passed, by unanimous vote, 'a motion to oppose the City of Santa Clarita's submission of an annexation application to LAFCO. At the Planning Commission meeting on March 4, 2008, members of CAST voiced their support of the proposed annexation, GPA and PRZ, while members of the Castaic Area Town Council expressed their desire for the City to wait to pursue any annexation west of I-5 until the incorporation studies are completed. After receiving public. testimony, the Planning Commission, by a unanimous vote, recommended that the City Council approve the Prezone and General Plan Amendment for the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center Annexation. PROJECT DESCRIPTION This is a request for a GPA, PRZ, and Sphere of Influence Amendment associated with the annexation of the Hasley Hills/VCC area. The City of Santa Clarita is considering annexation of approximately 1,430 acres of land generally located at the northwest corner of I-5 and SR -126. This is also a request for authorization from the City Council to submit an application to LAFCO for the annexation of the project area. Pursuant to Section 56758 of the Government Code, this area must be consistent with the City's adopted Sphere of Influence, therefore a Sphere of Influence Amendment is proposed as a part of this project. Project Area The proposed project consists of approximately 1,430 acres of land which includes 808 acres of industrial area, 48 acres of coinmercial area, 571 acres of residential area, and 5.36 acres of open space area. The project area is generally located at the northwest corner of I-5 and SR -126 and is accessed by major thoroughfares which include The Old Road, Hasley Canyon Road, and Commerce Center Drive. A large portion of the proposed project consists of developed properties including a combination of industrial, commercial and residential uses. The southern portion of the project includes the Valencia Commerce Center, which consists of approximately 6 million square feet of industrial buildings across 808 acres of developed campus area. Major tenants include but are not limited to Remo, Deluxe Media, Star Nail International, GG Industries, Mann Kind, Aquafine, Hydro Systems, and U.S. Postal Service. The northern portion of the project consists of 1,531 single-family residential units across 571 acres within the Hasley Hills, Live .Oak and North Bluffs subdivisions. Neighborhood commercial centers in the northern area include Hasley Canyon Village, Hasley Marketplace, Hasley Crossroads, and the Tutor Time Center. Located in the Live Oak community is Live Oak Elementary School and Hasley Canyon County Park. The vacant and undeveloped areas within the proposed project are limited to two ridgelines and the Castaic Creek which are located along the west and southeast portions of the project site, respectively. The project does not include "Gateway V", which is the remaining 596 acres of industrial campus in the VCC located adjacent to SR -126, or 36 acres of land located adjacent to Industry Drive. These properties, which consist of vacant land, are currently owned by the Newhall Land and Farming Company (NLF). Contrary to the initial study prepared for this annexation, the project area has since been revised to reflect the exclusion of Gateway V and the 36 acres from the proposed annexation as reflected on the attached Annexation Area Map. The subject site is also included within the boundaries of the 2004 County -adopted Castaic Area Community Standards District (CSD); however, because the area has already -been developed or approved for development under the County, the project site is exempt from these provisions, pursuant to Section 22.44.137.0 of the Los Angeles County Planning and Zoning Code. Project Pursuant to the State of California Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, annexing cities are required to prezone land. The City proposes a GPA and Prezone that would designate the project area with City of Santa Clarita zoning and General Plan designations consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development on the project site. Currently, the project area is included in the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan planning area and consists of land use designations that include RS (Residential Suburban), RVL (Residential Very Low), RE (Residential Estate), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), and BP (Business Park), as shown in Table A. The land use designations for the majority of the project area would not change with this project. However, the proposed General Plan Amendment involves the amendment of several "GPA Areas" including 289 acres of RVL and RE to BP, 14 acres of BP to RS, 27 acres of BP to CN, and 5.36 acres of RS to OS. The attached General Plan Amendment/Area Change map identifies each of the above-mentioned GPA areas. In addition, under the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles, the project area consists of the following zoning designations: RPD -5000, RPD -6000, R-1-5000, MPD, M-1.5, M -1.5-13P, C-2, and C-3, and C -3-13P. The proposed prezone designations are consistent with County land use planning and existing development, as shown in Table B. The proposed prezone designations for the annexation area include BP, CN, RS and OS. More specifically, the proposed BP prezone area consists of 704 acres of County -designated M -1.5 -DP, 51 acres of MPD, and 51 acres of M-1.5; the proposed CN prezone area includes 22 acres of County -designated C-3, 18 acres of C -3-13P, and 9, acres of C-2; the proposed RS prezone area includes 313 acres of County -designated RPD -6000, 141 acres of RPD -5000, and 120 acres of R-1-5000; and the proposed OS prezone area includes 5.36 acres of County -designated R-1-5000. The attached prezone map identifies the proposed zoning for the annexation area. The project area was developed under the Los Angeles County land use planning policies and the development of the project area was reviewed under separate environmental documentation currently on file with the County. No new development is proposed as a part of this project. The residential neighborhoods known as Hasley Hills, North Bluffs, and Live Oak have been fully built -out. The Valencia Commerce Center was approved under Los Angeles County -approved Master Conditional Use Permit 87-360 for 12.6 million square feet of industrial office and commercial development. Four of the five phases of the VCC have been largely built -out and consist of 6 million square feet of building area. GPA 07-003 and PRZ 07-002 propose to designate the project area so that City of Santa Clarita residential, commercial, and industrial land use and zoning designations are consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development. TABLE A: W4_ ° ` PDN,A 5 aAx 5 E ESIGNATION "' .caar+nfl...ttk .,F. �'p.�M�92+k+r �^r � �'..A� @- . F'n EXISTING`I;AND QAll '� q t� f � a•a@P%v_ .o„5.K.o".Ev.G �� i C:V" S (Residential Suburban) Single -Family Residential VL (Residential Very Low) Valencia Commerce Center (VCC) E (Residential Estate) VCC/Vacant areas P (Business Park) VCC CN (Commercial Neighborhood) Commercial Centers TABLE B: ki6A,a EXISTINGi COUNTY Z®NING x e r: -1-5000 (Single -Family Residential) PD — 5000 (Residential Planned Development) PD — 6000 (Residential Planned Development) — 1.5 (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing) — 1.5 — DP (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing — Development Program) PD (Manufacturing Industrial Planned Development) C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial) C-3 (Unlimited Commercial) C -3 -DP (Unlimited Commercial — Development Program) ANALYSIS The requested General Plan Amendment and Prezone would bring the City's land use designations into compliance with the existing Hasley Hills/VCC annexation area uses and development. No new development is proposed with this land use designation change. Upon annexation to the City of Santa Clarita, the proposed General Plan designations and zoning for the Hasley Hills/VCC annexation area would become effective. General Plan Consistency A large majority of the project area, which consists of existing development, is consistent with the City's General Plan. Most of the existing uses including the single-family residences in the Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs subdivisions, the commercial centers, and the industrial and office buildings in the VCC were built consistent with the City's General Plan. However, some developed areas that exist in the Hasley HillsNCC area are not consistent with the City's adopted General Plan land use map. In order to ensure consistency between the existing uses and the City's General Plan, an amendment to the General Plan for these GPA areas is necessary. These GPA areas are identified in Table C and include the following: 1) 14 acres of HOA maintained slope that would be re -designated from BP to RS; 2) 27 acres of neighborhood commercial centers that would be re -designated from BP to CN; 3) 289 acres of industrial and office buildings, the U.S. Postal Service distribution center, and two ridgelines, all within the VCC, that would'be re -designated from RVL and RE to BP; and 4) 5.36 acres of the Hasley Canyon Park that would be re -designated from RS to OS. These General Plan amendments would ensure the annexation area's consistency with the General Plan and the appropriate land use designation for the existing development and uses. This proposal includes amending the General Plan to designate the project area with the following designations (see attached map for proposed General Plan Amendment areas): Table: C G"RA xlkingIt—Plan Existing Use k Proposed City G.eherd Plan reaAN .x O- R8"c Area #1 BP (Business Park) HOA Maintained RS (Residential Suburban) Slope Area #2 BP (Business Park) C o m m e r c i a l CN (Commercial Neighborhood) Centers Area #3 RVL and RE Industrial/Office BP (Business Park) rea #4 RS (Residential Suburban) Public Park OS (Open Space) The proposed General Plan Amendment is also consistent with objectives of the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan and development policies. More specifically, the Land Use Element Policy 4.15 states, "Maintain or enhance the character of the various communities through compatible land use standards and design guidelines, while promoting an overall identity to the Santa Clarita Valley" (L-31). This proposed land use designation change complies with this policy because the land use designation change will bring the developed area into compliance with the City's Unified Development Code and the City's General Plan. Unified Development Code Consistency Whereas the City's General Plan map designates land uses for the Santa Clarita Valley, the City's zoning map does not include the proposed annexation area at this time because the area is outside of Santa Clarita's city limits. The City of Santa Clarita zoning map must be consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map designations. Because of the proposed annexation of this area to the City of Santa Clarita, a zoning designation must be established that is consistent with the existing uses and development of the area. A map that depicts the prezone changes is attached, and the Los Angeles County existing zoning designations for the project area are attached and shown in Table D: Table D: xisti'ng County of Los' Angeles Z61 gC Proposed � ty of Santa�Clant°a Pre oZ ne e' r ; � — 1 — 5000 (Single -Family residential) RS (Residential Suburban) and OS (Open Space) PD — 5000 (Residential Planned RS (Residential Suburban) Development) PD — 6000 (Residential Planned RS (Residential Suburban) Development) — 1.5 (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing) BP (Business Park) — 1:5 — DP (Restricted Heavy BP (Business Park) Manufacturing — Development Program) MPD (Manufacturing Industrial Planned BP (Business Park) Development) C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial) CN (Commercial Neighborhood) C-3 (Unlimited Commercial) CN (Commercial Neighborhood) C -3 -DP (Unlimited Commercial — CN (Commercial Neighborhood) evelopment Program) The proposed prezone change requested is consistent with the density of development that currently exists in the project area. The single family residences in the Hasley Hills, .Live Oak, and North Bluffs subdivisions were developed under the County's R-1-5000, RPD -5000, and RPD -6000 development standards for density which are equivalent to the City's RS zone. The proposed RS zone requires a mid-range density of 5 dwelling units per gross acre and a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet, both of which are consistent with the existing County zoning. The existing commercial centers within the project area were developed under the County's C-2, C-3, and C -3-13P development standards for density and uses which are consistent with the City's CN zone. The proposed CN zone limits the floor area ratio to 0.375: 1, which is comparable to the existing County zoning. Lastly, the industrial, manufacturing, and office uses that exist in VCC were developed under the County's MPD, M-1, and M -1.5 -DP development standards for density and uses which are consistent with the City's BP zone. The proposed BP zone for the VCC limits the floor area ratio to 1.0: 1.0, which is comparable to the existing County zoning. With this prezone change, the project area (Hasley HillsNCC) would be consistent with the City's Unified Development Code and General Plan. Community Response As part of the review of the proposed annexation, Prezone, and General Plan Amendment, public studies. It is unknown at this time if LAFCO will approve any annexation requests for the area west of 1-5 prior to the west side communities having had an opportunity to determine whether they wish to initiate incorporation; however, because the two processes would occur simultaneously, LAFCO will have the benefit of knowing the information derived from the studies. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Council may choose not to adopt the Resolutions and Ordinance and not pass to a second reading on May 13, 2008. 2. Other direction as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT A fiscal impact analysis prepared for this project indicates that annexation of the Hasley Hills/VCC area would result in a positive net fiscal impact on the City. ATTACHMENTS Resolution (Adopting GPA and Negative Declaration) Exhibit A - General Plan Amendment Map Resolution (LAFCO Application) Exhibit A - Legal Description Exhibit B - Map of Boundaries Ordinance Exhibit A - Prezone Map Vicinity Map Annexation Area Map Existing General Plan Map Existing Zoning Map Planning Commission Staff Report available in the City Clerk's Reading File Planning Commission Resolution available in the City Clerk's Reading File Negative Declaration available in the City Clerk's Reading File Initial Study available in the City Clerk's Reading File CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROJECT TITLE: Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center (VCC) Annexation Prezone, General Plan Amendment, Sphere of Influence Amendment, LAFCO application APPLICATION: MASTER CASE NUMBER 07-206 , Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request to submit an annexation application to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center Annexation. In addition, this is a request for a General Plan Amendment (GPA), prezone, Sphere of Influence Amendment, and annexation of approximately 1,433 acres of inhabited land containing 1,531 developed single-family residences, 808 acres of a developed office/business park with approximately 6 million square feet of buildings, an elementary school, and a public park. The prezone will establish City of Santa Clarita zoning designations for the annexation area consistent with the existing uses and development in the project area that will activate upon completion of the annexation. No new development is proposed as part of the General Plan Amendment, Prezone, Sphere of Influence Amendment, and annexation application request. Current County of Los Angeles Zoning R-1-5000, RPD -5000, RPD -6000 (Residential) C-2, C-3, C -3 -DP (Commercial) M-1.5, M -1.5-13P, MPD (Manufacturing/Industrial) Proposed Citv of Santa Clarita Zonine/General Plan RS (Residential Suburban) CN (Commercial Neighborhood) BP (Business Park) OS (Open Space) PROJECT LOCATION: The proposed annexation area is generally located at the northwest corner of Interstate 5 and State Route 126 in the Castaic community, along the westerly boundary of the City of Santa Clarita in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles (Refer to the attached Vicinity Map). A DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION has been prepared for this proposed project and the public review period was from February 1, 2008 to March 4, 2008. A copy of the negative declaration and all supporting documents are available at the Planning Division public counter, located in the City Hall Building at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. A copy of the negative declaration is also available on the City's Planning webpage at www.santa-clarita.com/planning. The City of Santa Clarita City Council will conduct a public hearing on this matter on the following date: DATE: April 22, 2008 TIME: At or after 6:00 p.m.. LOCATION: Council Chamber, City Hall 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91355 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 written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clarita at, or prior to, the public hearing. For further information regarding this proposal, you may visit the City's Planning webpage at www.santa- clarita.com/planning or contact the City of Santa Clarita, Department of Community Development, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Third Floor, Santa Clarita, CA 91355; Telephone: (661) 255-4330, James Chow, Associate Planner. Dated: March 19, 2008 Sharon L. Dawson, CMC City Clerk Publish Date: March 21, 2008 RESOLUTION NO. 08- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA; APPROVING MASTER CASE 07-206, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 07- 003, TO AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP AFFECTING 1,430 ACRES GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF INTERSTATE 5 AND STATE ROUTE 126, ALONG THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AND APPROVING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: a. Beginning in 2005, a petition drive of property owners in the area known as Hasley Hills and Valencia Commerce Center occurred in favor of annexation into the City of Santa Clarita. Because a majority of property owners in the area are in favor of annexation, the City of Santa Clarita began annexation proceedings, which includes a request to amend the City's General Plan Land Use Map (GPA 07-003) to re -designate the project area with appropriate designations consistent with existing development. These designations include BP (Business Park), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), RS (Residential Suburban), and OS (Open Space), as shown in Exhibit A, General Plan Amendment/Area Change Map. b. On April 11, 2007, members of the Castaic Area Support Team (CAST) submitted signatures from 72% of residents and/or business owners to the City's Community Development Department for the communities of Hasley Hills, Live Oak, North Bluffs, and Valencia Commerce Center. c. On July 10, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to initiate the pre- annexation proceedings which includes amending the General Plan Land Use Map and authorized funding for the preparation of a map, legal description, environmental review, and Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) application fees that are required to process this annexation. d. On January 22, 2008, the City Council directed City staff to proceed with the processing of the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center annexation, prior to completion of a study for incorporation of a larger area that includes the subject site. e. The subject site is located adjacent to the western boundary line of the City of Santa Clarita, at the northwest corner of Interstate 5 and State Route 126. f. The subject site consists of approximately 1,430 acres of land contiguous to the corporate limits of the City of Santa Clarita. Resolution Page No. 2 g. The subject site is built out with residential uses in the Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs neighborhoods, commercial uses in the four neighborhood commercial centers, industrial/office uses in the Valencia Commerce Center, and open space uses in the Hasley Canyon Park. No new development is proposed with this land use designation change. h. The subject site is included in the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan planning area and consists of land use designations that include RS (Residential Suburban), RVL (Residential Very Low), RE (Residential Estate), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), and BP (Business Park). Surrounding land uses to the west of the project consists of vacant land and the Chiquita Canyon landfill, within unincorporated territory in the County of Los Angeles. The land use to the north consists of a residential community along Hillcrest Parkway, within unincorporated territory in the County of Los Angeles. The land to the south of the proposed annexation area is undeveloped land that is part of the final phase of the Valencia Commerce Center located in unincorporated territory in the County of Los Angeles. The area to the east of the subject site is vacant property located within the City of Santa Clarita and Interstate 5 and vacant land owned by the County of Los Angeles within unincorporated County territory. j. Proposed General Plan Amendment 07-003 involves the amendment of several GPA r Areas that include 289 acres of RVL and RE to BP, 14 acres of BP to RS, 27 acres of BP to CN, and 5.36 acres of RS to OS, as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto. k. On February 1, 2008, an environmental Initial Study was prepared for GPA 07-003, PRZ 07-002, Annexation 08-005, and Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 for the Hasley Hills/VCC Annexation. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Initial Study concluded that no significant adverse environmental impacts were associated with the project and a Negative Declaration was prepared. 1. The envirarimental document has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public for a 30 -day public review period from February 1, 2008 to March 4, 2008, and posted with the County Clerk. in. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on GPA 07-003 on March 4, 2008. This public hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita. At the hearing, the Planning Commission considered staff s presentation, staff reports, the Negative Declaration prepared for the project, and public testimony on the proposal. The Planning Commission recommended approval of General Plan Amendment 07-003 and the Negative Declaration prepared for the project to the City Council. Resolution Page No. 3 n. Public participation and notification requirements pursuant to Sections 65090, 65391, and 65854 of the Government Code of the State of California were duly followed,, o. The City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on GPA.07-003 on April 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita. The City Council public hearing was advertised in the Signal on March 21, 2008 and by direct first-class mail to property owners of the subject site and to property owners within 1,000 feet. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, the City Council further finds as follows: a. The City Council, hereby finds that the proposed Negative Declaration prepared in connection with GPA 07-003, PRZ 07-002, Annexation 08-005, SOI Amendment 07-001 has. been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, has been reviewed and considered by the City Council, and reflects the independent judgment of the City Council and that based on the Initial Study and the entire record of proceedings,.there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the City Council approves the Negative Declaration for the project as included in the agenda packet for the April 22, 2008 City Council Meeting. The Director of Community Development is hereby designated as the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings in this matter. The documents and materials are on file in the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355. SECTION 3. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows: a. The proposed General Plan Amendment 07-003 is consistent with the goals, policies and objectives of the General Plan in that the proposed land use change is consistent with existing development for the subject site; and b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65358 (a), General Plan Amendment 077003 is deemed to be in the public interest and is in compliance with Section 65358(b) in that the Land Use Element has been amended no more than four times in the current calendar year; and c. Based upon the testimony and other evidence, if any, received at the public hearing, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and on its behalf, the Commission further finds and determines that this proposal is consistent with the City's General Plan. Resolution Page No. 4 SECTION 4. The City Council hereby approves Master Case 07-206 which includes General Plan Amendment 07-003 (herein included as Exhibit A) to amend the General Plan Land Use Map for the area known as the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center Annexation and approves the Negative Declaration prepared for the project. SECTION 5. 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. PASSED AND APPROVED this MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) day of 11: I, Sharon L. Dawson, City Clerk, of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. was regularly introduced and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 2008 by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK S:\CD\ANNEX\Castaic\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)\GPA.PRZ\C1TY COUNCIL\07-206 CC. Resolution.GPA. Environmental. doe RESOLUTION NO. 08- A RESOLUTION OF APPLICATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY INITIATE PROCEEDINGS TO AMEND THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND FOR THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN INHABITED TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA (MASTER CASE NO. 07-206 — SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT 07-001 AND ANNEXATION 08-005) WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita desires to initiate proceedings pursuant to the Cortese - Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, commencing with Section 56000 of the California Government Code, for a Sphere of Influence Amendment and annexation on approximately 1,430 acres of unincorporated county territory; and WHEREAS, the territory proposed to be annexed is inhabited, and a description of the boundaries is set forth in Exhibit A, and a map of the boundaries is set forth in Exhibit B, attached and by this reference incorporated; and WHEREAS, the short form designation of the proposal is Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 and Annexation No. 2008-05 (Master. Case No. 07-206), which includes the area known as Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center; and WHEREAS, this proposal is currently inconsistent with the City of Santa Clarita's Sphere of Influence as designated by the Local Agency Formation Commission, and would require amending thereof pursuant to this proposal; and WHEREAS, no terms or conditions are requested by the property owners, for this proposed annexation at this time; and WHEREAS, the reasons for this proposed annexation are to propose a logical extension of City boundaries, to respond to the property owners' request for City services and to promote sound land use and planning practices in the affected territory; and WHEREAS, the majority of property owners of the subject site have indicated consent to the annexation and as evidenced by written petition to the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita has considered all evidence, oral and documentary, and is advised of the foregoing. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, does hereby determine and find as follows: SECTION 1. This Resolution of Application is hereby adopted by the City Council, and the Resolution Page 2 Local Agency Formation Commission of Los Angeles County is hereby requested to initiate proceedings for the annexation of that territory described in Exhibit A and mapped in Exhibit B, incorporated by this reference, according to the terms and conditions stated above, if any, without notice and hearing by the Local Agency Formation Commission, and in the manner provided by the Cortese -Knox Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000; and SECTION 2. The City Council hereby directs and authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to file the application with LAFCO to amend the City's adopted Sphere of Influence and annex the subject site to the City of Santa Clarita on behalf of the City Council. SECTION 3. The City Council hereby directs and authorizes the City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita to forward a certified copy of this Resolution with applicable fees and other information as required by Section 56383 of the Government Code to the Executive Officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission of Los Angeles County; and SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and certify this record to be a full, true, correct copy of the action taken. Resolution Page 3 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of - )2008. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) 0 I, Sharon L. Dawson, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of , 2008 by the following vote of Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK S:\CD\ANNEX\Castaic\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)\GPA.PRZ\CITY COUNCIL\07-206 CC. Resolution, LAFCO. Application. doe Exhibit "A" Page 1 of 10 EXHIBIT "A" LEGAL DESCRIPTION CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ANNEXATION NO. 2008-05 HASLEY HILLS - VALENCIA COMMERCE CENTER Partly in the Rancho San Francisco and partly in Fractional Sections 1, 2 and 11, Township 4 North, Range 17 West, San Bernardino Meridian. Beginning the q g at point of intersection of the centerline of the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5) with that certain course having a bearing and distance of South 85°33'30" East 36.20 feet in the northerly boundary of Parcel 8 as shown on Licensed Surveyor's Map filed in book 27 pages 27 to 31, of Record of Surveys, in the office of the Recorder of the County of Los Angeles, said point of beginning being an angle point in the boundary of the City of Santa Clarita as the same existed on March 25, 2008; thence (Ll) along said centerline South 32018102" East 1046.36 feet to the, beginning of a tangent curve concave northeasterly having a .radius of 3000.00 feet; thence (C2) continuing southeasterly along said centerline and said curve through a central angle of 25°19'25" an arc distance of 132.5.94 feet; thence (L3) tangent to said curve and continuing along said centerline South 57037'27" East 963.79 feet to the northeasterly prolongati-.on of that certain course having a bearing and distance of North 50°22'54" East 2637.29 feet in the centerline of State Route 126 X:\ADMINWORD D0CS\LECALS\EX1iI8ITS\6000 EXHIBITS\8399 EXH.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 2 of 10 as shown on map filed in book 171, pages 34 to 48, of Record of Surveys, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L4) along said northeasterly prolongation and last said centerline South 50°23'12" West 827.29 feet to a point on the westerly line of the land described in deed to the State of California recorded April 19, 1949 as instrument no. 3137 in book. 29881 page 252, of official records, in the office of the Recorder of said County, on a non -tangent curve concave northeasterly having a radius of 2080.00 feet, a radial line through said point bears North 48°55135' East; thence (C5) northwesterly along said westerly line and last said curve through a central angle of 08°32'35" an arc distance of 310.14 feet; thence (L6) continuing along said westerly line and tangent to last said curve North 32°31'50" West 411.70 feet to the southeasterly corner of Parcel Map No. 17949-01 per map filed in book 282 pages 94 to 99, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L7) along the southerly boundary of said Parcel Map No. 1.7949-01 South 57°27'47" West 879.18 feet to an angle point therein; thence (L8) continuing along said southerly boundary North 82059'36" West 282.07 feet to an angle point therein; thence (L9) continuing along said southerly boundary North 83°37'15" West 84.00 feet to the southwesterly corner of said Parcel Map at the beginning of a non -tangent curve concave westerly having a radius of 1358.00 feet, to which last said course is radial; thence (C10) northerly along the westerly boundary of said Parcel Map and' last said curve through a central angle of 39°22'98" an arc distance of. 933.37 feet; thence (Lll) continuing along last said westerly boundary and tangent to last said curve North 33°00'03" West 1105.87 feet to the X:\ADfl1tAW0RD DOCSV.F.GALS\EXHIBITS\8000 EXHIBITS\8399 EXH.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 3 of 10 northwesterly corner of said Parcel Map No. 17949-01 on the southerly line of Parcel 2 of that certain 300 foot wide strip of land as described in document recorded in book D-143 page. 449, of official records, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L12) along said southerly line South. 70056152" West 1018.39 feet to the easterly line of Parcel 15 as shown on said Licensed Surveyor's Map; thence (L13) along the easterly boundary of said Parcel 15 North 18°58'45" East 50.95 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave westerly having a radius of 220.00 feet; thence (C14) continuing northerly along last said easterly boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 33°,10'00" an arc distance of 127.35 feet; thence (L15) continuing along said easterly boundary and tangent to last said curve North 14°11'15" West 64.27 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave easterly having a radius of 180.00 feet; thence (C16) continuing northerly along last said easterly boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 13°50'00" an arc distance of 43.46 feet; thence (L17) continuing along said easterly boundary and tangent to last said curve North 00°21'15" West 70.1.5 feet to the .beginning of a tangent curve concave easterly having a radius of 180.00 feet; thence (C18) continuing northerly along last said easterly boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 29°40'00" an arc distance of 93.20 feet; thence (L19) continuing along said easterly boundary and tangent to last said curve North 29018'45" East 26.04 feet to the beginning of a X:\AD)IIN\UORD DOCS\LEGALS\EXHI13ITS\8000 EXHIBITS\8399 EXH.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 4 of 10 tangent curve concave northwesterly having a radius of 120.00 feet; thence (C20) continuing northeasterly along last said easterly boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 21°45'01" an arc distance of 45.55 feet to the northerly line of Parcel 3 of that certain 160 foot wide strip of land as described in said document recorded in book D-143 page 449; thence (1,21) along last said northerly line and along the southerly boundary of Tract No. 36655 per map filed in book 1067 pages 70 to 83, inclusive of Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, and along the southerly boundary of Parcel Map No. 22992 per map filed in book 297 pages 42 to 51, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County', South 70056'52" West 1469.71 feet to an angle point in the southerly boundary of said Parcel Map No. 22992; thence (L22) along the Southeasterly boundary of said Parcel Map No. 22992 South 47°07'29" West 1186.44 feet to a point on the centerline of Commerce Center Drive as shown on said Parcel Map No. 22992 on a non -tangent curve concave easterly having a radius of 2000.00 feet, a radial line through last said point bears North 78°00'44" East; thence (C23) southerly along last said centerline and last said curve through a central angle of 17°55'37" an arc distance of 625.77 feet; thence (L24) tangent to last said curve and along the centerline of Commerce Center Drive as shown on Parcel Map No. 20839 per map filed in book 273 pages 38 to 43,'inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, South 29054153" East 428.01 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave northeasterly having a radius of 5000.00 feet; thence X:\ADMIN\NORD DOCS\ LECALS\EXH I BITS\ 80 0 0 EXHIBITS\8399 EXH.DOC r. Exhibit "A" Page 5 of 10 (C25) continuing southeasterly along last said centerline and last said curve through a central angle of 11°14'22" an arc distance of 980.83 feet to the intersection with the centerline of Franklin Parkway as shown on Parcel Map No. 26363 per map filed in book 353 pages 44 to 56, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, at the beginning of a non -tangent curve concave southerly having a radius of 2500.00 feet, a radial line through said intersection bears South 35°45'20" East; thence (C26)westerly along last said centerline and last said curve through a central angle of 14°06'16" an arc distance of 615.42 feet; thence (L27) tangent to last said curve and continuing along last said centerline South 40008'24" West 1655.61 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave southeasterly having a radius of 1500.00 feet; thence (C28) continuing southwesterly along last said centerline and last said curve through a central angle of 29025'35" an arc distance of 770.38 feet; thence (L29) radial to last said curve North 79°17'11" West 42.00 feet to the westerly line of said Franklin Parkway; thence (L30) along the southerly boundary of Parcel Map No. 22261 per map filed in book 273 pages 27 to 37, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, South 79014'23" West 537.10 feet; thence (L31) continuing along last said southerly boundary North 55°53'09".West 407.18 feet; thence (L32) continuing along last said southerly boundary South 71°18'09" West 393.32 feet; thence (L33) continuing along last said southerly boundary North 57°02'21" West 358.85 feet; thence X:\AT)MI!A!)ORD C+OCS\LEGALS\EXIIIBI'I'S\POOU EXHIBITS\8399 EXH.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 6 of 10 (L34) continuing along last said southerly boundary North 25°04'04" West 655.46 feet to the northwesterly boundary of said Parcel Map No. 22261; thence (L35) along 'last said northwesterly boundary North 47°07'35" East 316.66 feet. to the boundary of the land described in deed recorded June 21, 2001 as instrument no. 01-1069400, of official records, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L36) along last said boundary North 42052125" West 600.01 feet; thence (L37) continuing along last said boundary North 23021'45" East 648.65 feet; thence (L38) continuing along last said boundary North 10°14129" West 640.65 feet; thence (L39) continuing along last said boundary North 54°32'53" West 701.69 feet to the northwesterly line of the Rancho San Francisco per map recorded in book 1 pages 521 and' 522, of Patents, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (1,40) along said northwesterly line North 33'11'11" East 205.00 feet to the southerly boundary of Parcel Map No. 19784-02 per map filed in book 285 pages 90 to 99, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L41) along said southerly boundary North 89°37'15" West 1316.62 feet to the northwest corner of Government Lot 1 of Fractional Section 11, Township 4 North, Range 17 West, San Bernardino Meridian. thence (L42) along the westerly line of said Fractional Section 11 North 00°31'38" East 1321.31 feet to the west quarter corner of said Fractional Section 11; thence (L43) continuing along the westerly line of said Fractional Section 11 North 00032'20" East 2642.45 feet to the northwest corner of said Fractional Section 11; thence X:\APAINVIORD DOCS\LEGALS\EXHIBITS\8000 BX14IBITS\8399 EXH.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 7 of 10 (L44) along the northerly line of said Fractional Section 11, South 89°50'16" East 1744.82 feet to the boundary of Parcel Map No. 20685-01 per map filed in book 327 pages 21 to 31, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L45) along last said boundary North 49°59'08" West 269.29 feet; thence (L46) continuing along last said boundary North 47°48'57" West 105.66 feet; thence (L47) continuing along last said boundary North 49°59'08" West 271.67 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave northeasterly having a radius of 842.00 feet; thence (C48) continuing northwesterly along last said boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 07°15'47" an arc distance of 106.74 feet; thence ' (L49) tangent to last said curve and continuing along last said boundary and along the boundary of Parcel Map No. 20685 per map filed in book 335 pages 45 to 53, inclusive of Parcel Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, North 42043'21" West 592.91 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave northeasterly having a radius of 978.00 feet; thence (C50)continuing northwesterly along said boundary of Parcel Map No. 20685 and last said curve through a central angle of 25022'04" an arc distance of 433.01 feet; thence (L51) tangent to last said curve and continuing along last said boundary North 17°21'17" West 1.51 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave easterly having a radius of 218.00 feet; thence (C52) continuing northerly along last said boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 80°10'59" an arc distance of X:\ADTiINUdCRD DOCS\LEGALS\EXHI$1T.5\8008 TXHI$IT3\8399 EXH.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 8 of 10 305.08 feet to the beginning of a tangent reverse curve concave northwesterly having a radius of 51.00 feet; thence (C53) continuing northeasterly along last said boundary and last said curve through a central angle of 60°39134" an arc distance of 53.99 feet; thence (L54) tangent to last said curve and continuing along last said boundary North 02°1.0'08" East 9.10 feet to the northwesterly corner of said Parcel Map No. 20685; thence (1,55) leaving last said boundary North 02°10104" East 40.00 feet to a point on the centerline of Hasley Canyon Road as shown on said Parcel Map No. 20685 on a non -tangent curve concave southwesterly having a radius of 1800.00 feet, to which last said course is radial; thence (C56) southeasterly along last said centerline and said curve through a central angle of 33°16129" an arc distance of 1045.36 feet to the westerly prolongation of that certain course .shown as North 89°49'17" West 624.62 feet in the northerly boundary of Tract No. 45084 per map filed in book 1254 pages 12 to 39, inclusive of Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L57) along said westerly prolongation and last said northerly boundary South 89°49'17" East 692.48 feet to an angle point therein; thence continuing along the boundary of said Tract no. 45084 the following ten courses, (L58) North 00010'46" East 49.36 feet; thence (L59) North 19°55'14" East 110.00 feet; thence (L60) North 55°48148" East 260.00 feet; thence (L61) South 89028'58" East 50.00 feet; thence (1,62) South 00°31'02" West 68.00 feet; thence (L63) South 89°28'58" East 27.63 feet; thence (L64) North 41°29'16" East 427.31 feet; thence X:\ADPMA',IORD D0CS\LEGALS\EXHIBITS\8000 EXHIBITS\8399 EXIi.DOC Exhibit "A" Page 9 of 10 (L65) North 29°47'36" East 293.06 feet; thence (L66) North 03053"33" East 514.04 feet; thence (L67) South 89°48'18" East 838.47 feet to the westerly boundary of Tract No. 44800-01 per map, filed in book 1250 pages 57 to 75, inclusive of Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L68) along last said westerly boundary and the westerly boundary of Tract No. 44800 per map filed in book 1251 pages 81 to 91, inclusive of Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, North 00°17'51 East 2638.99 feet; thence (1,69) along the northerly boundary of said Tract No. 44800 and the northerly boundary. of Tract No. 44800-03 per map filed in book 1251 pages 71 to 80, inclusive of Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County, South 89°5243" East 1260.25 feet to an angle point therein; thence (L70) continuing along said northerly boundary of Tract No. 44800- 03 South 89°50'33" East 1518.53 feet to an angle point therein; thence (1,71) along the northeasterly boundary of said Tract No. 44800-03 South 50°19'41" East 109.99 -feet to an angle point therein; thence (L72) along the easterly boundary of said Tract No. 44800-03 South 18°12"54" East 427.09 feet to the most northerly corner of Tract No. 44460 per map filed in book 1104 pages 15 to 48, inclusive of Maps, in the office of the Recorder of said County; thence (L73) along the boundary of said Tract No. 44460 South 18022'37" East 710.11 feet to an angle point therein; thence (L74) along last said boundary South 64°22.'39" East 227.07 feet; thence (L75) along last said boundary North 73°3151" East 35.02 feet to an angle point therein; thence X:\AIP4IN\P1ORU DOCS\LEGAL,$\EXHIBIT&\OOOO EXHIBTTSM99 EXH.UOC Exhibit,"A" Page 10 of 10 (L76) leaving last said boundary North 72047130" East 170.82 feet to a point on the centerline of said Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5) on a non -tangent curve concave westerly having a radius of 3000.00 feet, to which last said course is radial; thence (C77) southerly along last said centerline and last said curve through a central angle of 26°35100" an arc distance of 1391.90 feet; thence (L78) tangent to last said curve and continuing along last said centerline South 09°22'30" West 999.16 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave easterly having a radius of 3518.00 feet; thence (C79) continuing southerly along last said centerline and last said curve through a central angle of 41°40'32" an arc distance of 2558..91 feet; thence (L80) tangent to last said curve and continuing along last said centerline South 32018'02" East 447.02 feet to the point of beginning. Containing 1,429.63 Acres, more or less. M 4 � X:\ADMIMHORD DOGS\LEGAL$\EXHIBITS\KOOO EXHIBITS\8399 EXII.DOC "sEe DUAL 'B' "' CCT N S. " SHOWN HEREON 2SSS 2— TB66 015 000 el 7- 2- 016 29'72 2.66 117 2— .1 G 2� Terse111 C2 - IS 1-1. SCALE: ]"�00` .1A G A "W '�� LEGEND 90 COT —S, G0 nn— It 11 L� C,� P—L (D v'W, "P (D P3—uAv 11 7-1-01 P�wWA,R� 10 —55 Ofl & 11=—T 0 AD­3= OR. B S.p 0'E v C -1A — C. W =E�,2,),%q0W— —DED I DETAIL TO Il..l I -CT SEC. I$$ T 2— 12 2.11 2.11 d C PARCEE 2.11 IMS e I-13 11 --Z 2"1 11 2111 DETAIL '8* EMIF R= IOT TO SCALE amm.y;I M' 2116 017 '8 -6 03, 20 2 MS I -S 2.61 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 1 2— 1— M. MS OST 2— —1 286e01 21:: Cl ll5. ,-1�2 2.. 05, .2-12 Ill: 'LO, Sb BW«DI ANNEXATION No. 2008-05 I OF M SHE" AS 911011H AO IIIA1 BITN 1M CD. 1.:l 2.1 0. 11 127 02 I"— 31 21 21-2 200 C17 1 -11 - 038 27 027 J 7 �O 12 117 ll_ ISE, 7� 21� 12 .1 5]-B3 —S —2. 060 aee 2 5] 2;; 1 — 01 127 Ill 2 2'2�1 T 83-69 0'2 1 12 321 .21 —.1 127 " M;� 84' ", .15 —, C'l 77­ 7 127; 'Al' 1211 C. .-Sl -- SCALE: ]"�00` .1A G A "W '�� LEGEND 90 COT —S, G0 nn— It 11 L� C,� P—L (D v'W, "P (D P3—uAv 11 7-1-01 P�wWA,R� 10 —55 Ofl & 11=—T 0 AD­3= OR. B S.p 0'E v C -1A — C. W =E�,2,),%q0W— —DED I DETAIL TO NOT SCALE C PARCEE 2.11 11 --Z DETAIL '8* EMIF R= IOT TO SCALE amm.y;I M' EXHIBIT A" CITY OF SANTA CLARITA H.N.Y. ANNEXATION No. 2008-05 M SHE" AS 911011H AO IIIA1 BITN 1M CD. DEFILE CENIER' rA ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA TO APPROVE PREZONE NO. 07-002 (MASTER CASE 07-206) FOR THE HASLEY HILLS/VALENCIA COMMERCE CENTER ANNEXATION AREA, GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF INTERSTATE 5 AND STATE ROUTE 126, ALONG THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: a. Beginning in 2005, a petition drive of property owners in the area known as Hasley Hills and Valencia Commerce Center occurred .and ballots indicating a majority of property owners in the area are in favor of annexation into the City of Santa Clarita. b. Because a majority of property owners in the area are in favor of annexation, on July 10, 2007, the City Council authorized initiation of annexation proceedings, which includes a request to prezone the subject site with appropriate zoning designations that would become effective upon annexation. These designations include BP (Business Park), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), RS (Residential Suburban), and OS (Open Space). C. Such prezoning would become effective upon annexation and designated upon the Zoning Map incorporated within and part of Title 17 of the City's Unified Development Code. d. The Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearings on Prezone 07-002 on March 4, 2008. On March 4, 2008 the Planning Commission voted 5 - 0 to recommend that the City Council approve Prezone 07-002 for the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center annexation area. Notice of said public hearing was given in the manner required by the Santa Clarita Municipal Code and State law. e. On April 22, 2008, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue, commencing at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, City of Santa Clarita. f. The documents and other materials, which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is based, are on file within the Community Development Department and are in the custody of the Director of Community Development. r Ordinance Page 2 SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received at the hearing, and upon the . study and investigation made by the Planning Commission and on its behalf, the City Council further finds as follows: a. The purpose of the proposal is to prezone the subject site from Los Angeles County zoning designations to City of Santa Clarita zoning consisting of RS (Residential Suburban), OS (Open Space), Business Park (BP), and Commercial Neighborhood (CN) upon adoption of proposed General Plan Amendment No. 07-003, approved under separate resolution, prior to annexation. b. That the prezone has been reviewed for consistency with the City's proposed General Plan Amendment No.07-003. C. Public participation and notification requirements pursuant to Sections 65090 and 65391 of the Government Code of the State of California were duly followed. SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the testimony and other evidenced received, the City Council finds as follows: a. The City Council, hereby finds that the proposed Negative Declaration prepared in connection with GPA 07-003, PRZ 07-002, Annexation 08-005, SOI Amendment 07-001 has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, has been reviewed and considered by the City Council, and reflects the independent judgment of the City Council and that based on the Initial Study and the entire record of proceedings, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the City Council approves the Negative Declaration for the project as included in the agenda packet for the April 22, 2008 City Council Meeting. The Director of Community Development is hereby designated as the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings in this matter. The documents and materials are on file in the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355. SECTION 4. FINDINGS FOR PREZONE. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows: a. Prezone 07-003 is consistent with the objectives of the Unified Development Code, the General Plan and development policies of the City in that the proposed prezoning designations are consistent with existing land uses in the area and would not result in a substantive change to the existing zoning of the project site, as the area and the adjacent developed area is developed in compliance with the proposed zones' development standards. SECTION 5. The City Council hereby introduces and passes to second reading, this ordinance approving Prezone 07-003 as described herein and shown on attached Exhibit A. Ordinance Page 3 SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law. PASSED, APPROVED,.AND ADOPTED this day of , 2008. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Sharon L. Dawson, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at the regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 2008. That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at the regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 2008 by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK S:\CD\ANNEX\Castaic\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)\GPA.PRZ\CITY COUNCIL\07-206 Ordinance.Prezone.doc F s • �WHfI!a S a .. — !t A V 1 �fii�ill Y p \I Ipll I � ./A1111111 m I � i � s{ina Gwura Aa al Aw pt a. / PRE i -ZONE ./' y\\ l i IHasby HllH Nalpncla Commpmp Cm" l'___ ,meq--1Garu rwu — i re antic.. xr. .uFi.n..R. &akl Qi Sa.rra Q,,aura - L/ VCC/Hasley Hills Vicinity Map Angeles National Angeles Forest Amusement Park® National Water College/ University Forest City Outline VCG Hasley Hills _ Proposed Annexation m p% - Hospienrytal - Town Center Mall iL F' "„ v castaic Lake oe° r j.,roleuoa uwounzetvnxmannex_vcc_nasleymus_vionity.mxd BEtlYL ' I p use 1,6 Fr ji a.t O`� � V'MENCF ffM1FPM y Y 1 40 P_ERNNNLILL.. O MM Yw MAELEY NILLL GL,%C'ZR PI O VALENCIA COMMERCE CENT= Com,- ANNEXATION yw, J�yr `ALL. Legend 'R -- I -IWryMYYMYmYCsrf�re tfiun I i ®ERYCYAR� (=gWiwiiw r ip 4 J _ � S ' I 5N T � m P u CENTER RD I ¢PP f¢ � o l O l" p use 1,6 Fr ji a.t O`� � V'MENCF ffM1FPM y Y 1 40 P_ERNNNLILL.. READING FILE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA STAFF REPORT MASTER CASE NO. 07-206 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 07-003, PREZONE NO. 07-.002 DATE: March 4, 2008 TO: Chairperson Berger and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Paul D. Brotzman, Director of Community Development Lisa M. Hardy, AICP, Planning Manager CASE PLANNER` James Chow, Associate Planner APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita REQUEST: This is a request for a General Plan Amendment (GPA) and Prezone (PRZ) associated with the annexation of approximately 1,433 acres of land containing 1,531 developed single-family residences, 808 acres of a developed office/business park, an elementary school, and a public park. The project proposes a General Plan Amendment and Prezone to designate the area as BP (Business Park), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), RS (Residential Suburban), and OS (Open Space), consistent with L.A. County land use planning. LOCATION: The project area is known as Hasley Hills and Valencia Commerce Center (VCC). The proposed Hasley Hills/VCC annexation is generally located at the northwest corner of Interstate 5 and State Route 126 in the Castaic community, along the westerly boundary of the City of Santa Clarita in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles. The proposed project area can also be located on page 4459 and 4549 of the 2008 Thomas Guide — Los Angeles County Street Guide and the attached vicinity reap. BACKGROUND The City of Santa Clarita fielded an initial inquiry regarding annexation of the Hasley Hills and VCC areas over three years ago. Over the past three years, a citizen's support group known as the Castaic Annexation Support Team (CAST), in cooperation with business owners. in the VCC, have been diligently collecting signatures from residents of the Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs neighborhoods and business owners of the VCC in support of annexation. On April 11, 2007, members of CAST submitted signatures from 72% of residents and/or business owners to the City's Community Development Department. The 72% of signatures submitted by CAST exceeded the City's requirement of 60% of property owners, which was the annexation initiation policy in place at the time. During the May 22, 2007 City Council meeting, members of CAST and other community members requested that the Council take formal action to initiate Master Case 07-206 Hasley Hills/IICC Annexation March 4, 2008 Page 2 oJ'8 proceedings for annexation of approximately 1,433 acres that include the communities of Hasley Hills, Live Oak, North Bluffs, and VCC. On July 10, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to initiate the GPA and PRZ applications and authorized funding for the preparation of a map, legal description, environmental review, and Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) application fees that would be required to process an annexation. At this time, there are incorporation and annexation studies underway. for the unincorporated areas west of I-5. These studies were initially anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2007 and take five to six months to process. Over the Summer of 2007, it becarme clear that this timeline was no longer realistic as the time needed for the County to collect data and for the consultants to prepare the incorporation and annexation studies would take longer than expected. On December 20, 2007, staff from the County CEO's office, members of the Castaic Area and West Ranch Town Councils, and the City's Annexation Subcommittee met to receive an update on the west side incorporation and annexation studies. The Subcommittee and Town Councils' best estimation as to the processing and completion of these studies is that all County data would be provided to the consultants by July 2008; the first draft of -the studies would be completed by September 2008; and completion and availability of the studies for the communities' consideration would occur in February 2009. Also during the meeting, the Town Councils expressed their desire for the City to wait to pursue any annexation west of I-5 until these studies are completed and the residents in the communities have had time to consider incorporation or annexation. At the request of the members of CAST, the City Council at their January 22, 2008 regular meeting, directed City staff to continue processing the Hasley Hills/VCC annexation as authorized in July 2007. If recommended for approval by the Planning Commission, it is anticipated that the GPA and PRZ applications would be forwarded to the City Council for consideration 'in April 2008 and, if approved, an application would be filed with LAFCO by June of 2008. Annexation applications are typically processed by' LAFCO 'in six to twelve months, at which time the incorporation studies should be completed. It is unknown at this time if LAFCO will process any annexation requests for the area west of I-5 until those communities have had an opportunity to determine whether they wish to initiate incorporation. If incorporation is initiated, LAFCO will not process an annexation application for any area included within the boundaries of incorporation, unless that effort is unsuccessful. PROJECT DESCRIPTION This is a request for a GPA and PRZ associated with the annexation of the Hasley Hills/VCC area. The City of Santa Clarita is considering annexation of approximately 1,433 acres of land generally located at the northwest coder of I-5. and SR -126. Project Area The proposed project consists, of approximately 1,433 acres of land which includes. 808 acres of industrial area, 48 acres of commercial area, 571 acres of residential area, and 5.36 acres of open space area. The project area is generally located at the northwest corner of I-5 and SR -126 and is accessed Master Case 07-206 Hasley HillslVCC Annexation March 4, 2008 Page 3 of 8 by major thoroughfares which include The Old Road, Hasley Canyon Road, and Commerce Center Drive. A large portion of the proposed project consists of developed properties including a combination of industrial, commercial and residential uses. The southern portion of the project includes the Valencia Commerce Center, which consists of approximately 6 million square feet of industrial buildings across 808 acres of developed campus area. Major tenants include but are not limited to Deluxe Media, Star Nail International, GG Industries, Mann Kind, Aquafine, Hydro Systems, and U.S. Postal Service. The northern portion of the project consists of 1,531 single-family residential units across 571 acres within the Hasley Hills, Live Oak and North Bluffs subdivisions. Neighborhood commercial centers in the northern area include Hasley Canyon Village, Hasley Marketplace, Hasley Crossroads, and the Tutor Time Center. Located in the Live Oak community is Live Oak Elementary School and Hasley Canyon County Park. 'The vacant and undeveloped areas within the proposed project are limited to two. ridgelines and the Castaic Creek which are located along the west and southeast portions of the project site, respectively. The project does not include "Gateway V", which is the remaining 596 acres of industrial campus in the VCC located adjacent to SR -126, or 36 acres of land located adjacent to Industry Drive. These properties, which consist of vacant land, are currently owned by the Newhall Land and Fanning Company (NLF). Contrary to the initial study prepared for this annexation, the project area has since been revised to reflect the exclusion of Gateway V and the 36 acres from the proposed annexation as reflected on the attached Exhibits A through E. The subject site is. also included within the boundaries of the 2004 County -adopted Castaic Area Community Standards District (CSD); however, because the area has already been developed or approved for development under the County, the project site is exempt from these provisions, pursuant to Section 22.44.137.0 of the Los Angeles County Planning and Zoning Code. Project Pursuant to the State of California Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, annexing cities are required to prezone land. The City proposes a GPA and Prezone that would designate the project area with City of Santa Clarita zoning and General Plan designations consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development on the project site. Currently, the project area is included in the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan planning area and consists of land use designations that include RS (Residential Suburban), RVL (Residential Very Low), RE (Residential Estate), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), and BP (Business Park), as shown in Table A. The land use designations for the majority of the project area would not change with this project. However, the proposed General Plan Amendment involves the amendment of several "GPA Areas" including 289 acres of RVL and RE to BP, 14 acres of BP to RS, 27 acres .of BP to CN, and 5.36 acres of RS to OS. The attached General Plan Amendment/Area Change map identifies each of the above-mentioned GPA areas. In addition, under the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles, the project area consists of the following zoning designations: RPD -5000, RPD -6000, R-1-5000, MPD, M-1.5, M -1.5 -DP, C-2, and C-3, and C -3 -DP. The proposed prezone designations are consistent with County land use planning Master Case 07-206 Hasley Hills/VCC Annexation March 4, 2008 Page 4 of 8 and existing development, as shown in Table B. The proposed prezone designations for the annexation area include BP, CN, RS and OS. More specifically, the proposed BP prezone area consists of 704 acres of County -designated M -1.5 -DP, 51 acres of MPD, and 51 acres of M-1.5; the proposed CN prezone area includes 22 acres of County -designated C-3, 18 acres of C -3 -DP, and 9 acres of C-2; the proposed RS prezone area includes 313 acres of County -designated RPD -6000, 141 acres of RPD - 5000, and 120 acres of R-1-5000; and the proposed OS prezone area includes 5.36 acres of County - designated R-1-5000. The attached prezone map identifies the proposed zoning for the annexation area. The project area was developed .under the Los Angeles County land use planning policies and the development of the project area was reviewed under separate environmental documentation currently on file with the County. No new development is proposed as a part of this project. The residential neighborhoods known as Hasley Hills, North Bluffs, and Live Oak have been fully built -out. The Valencia Commerce Center was approved under Los Angeles County -approved Master Conditional Use Pen -nit 87-360 for 12.6 million square feet of industrial office and commercial development. Four of -the five phases of the VCC have been largely built -out and consist of 6 million square feet of building area. GPA 07-003 and PRZ 07-002 propose to designate the project area so that City of Santa Clarita residential, commercial, and industrial land use and zoning designations are consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development. RS (Residential Suburban) Single -Family Residential RVL (Residential Very Low) Valencia Commerce Center (VCC) RE (Residential Estate) VCC/Vacant areas BP (Business Park) VCC CN (Commercial Neighborhood) Commercial Centers TABLE B: s EXISTING COUNTY ZONING gp� R-1-5000 (Single -Family Residential) RPD — 5000 (Residential Planned Development) RPD — 6000 (Residential Planned Development) M — 1.5 (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing) M — 1.5 — DP (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing — Development Program) MPD (Manufacturing Industrial Planned Development) C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial) C-3 (Unlimited Commercial) C -3 -DP (Unlimited Commercial — Development Program) Master Case 07-206 Hasley Hills/VCCAnneration March 4, 2008 Page 5 of 8 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS An environmental analysis, evaluating the impacts of the project, was conducted as part of the project review. Included in this assessment was the review of Gateway V, consisting of 596 acres, and 36 acres along Industry Drive. Since completion of the initial study, the project area has been revised to exclude these undeveloped properties. The revised project includes the annexation of 1,433 acres that are comprised primarily of developed properties and existing uses. Therefore, it is detennined that the proposed GPA, PRZ, and annexation would not have a significant effect on the environment. The requested GPA and PRZ are consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development and uses that currently exist in the project area. The Negative Declaration was prepared and circulated for public review and comment beginning February 1, 2008 through March 4, 2008. ANA T .VCTR The requested General Plan Amendment and Prezone would bring the City's land use designations into compliance with the existing Hasley Hills/VCC annexation area uses and development. No new development is proposed with this land use designation change. Upon annexation to the City of Santa Clarita, the proposed General Plan designations and zoning for the Hasley Hills/VCC annexation area would become effective. . General Plan Consistency A large majority of the project area, which consists of existing development, is consistent with the City's General Plan. Most of the existing uses including the single-family residences in the Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs subdivisions, the commercial centers, and the industrial and office buildings in the VCC were built consistent with the City's General Plan. However, some developed areas that exist in the Hasley Hills/VCC area are not consistent with the City's General Plan. In order to ensure consistency between the existing uses and the City's General Plan, an amendment to the General Plan for these GPA areas is necessary. These GPA areas are identified in Table C and include the following: 1) 14 acres of HOA maintained slope that would be re -designated from BP to RS; 2) 27 acres of neighborhood commercial centers that would be re -designated from BP to CN; 3) 289 acres of industrial and office buildings, the U.S. Postal Service distribution center, and two ridgelines, all within the VCC, that would be re -designated from RVL and RE to BP; and 4) 5.36 acres of the Hasley Canyon Park that would be re -designated from RS to OS. These General Plan amendments would ensure the annexation area's consistency with the General Plan and the appropriate land use designation for the existing development and, uses. This proposal includes amending the General Plan to .designate the project area with the following designations (see attached map for proposed General Plan Amendment areas, labeled Exhibit E): Moster Case 07-206 Hoslcy HillslVCC Annexation March 4, 2008 Pagc 6 oj'8 Table: C GPA°Areal; Existing City General Plan Existng,LTse 'µ'' ProposedgC1ty GeneralPlan} R —� 1 — 5000 (Single -Family residential) RS (Residential Suburban) and OS (Open Space) RPD — 5000 (Residential Planned Development) RS (Residential Suburban) Area #1 BP (Business Park) HOA Maintained RS (Residential Suburban) M — .1.5 — DP (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing — BP (Business Park) Slope Area #2 BP (Business Park) Commercial Centers CN (Commercial Neighborhood) Area #3 RVL and RE hldustrial/Office BP (Business Park) Area #4 RS (Residential Suburban) Public Park OS (Open Space) The proposed General Plan Amendment is also consistent with objectives of the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan and development policies. More. specifically, the Land Use Element Policy 4.15 states, "Maintain or enhance the character of the various communities through compatible land use standards and design guidelines, while promoting an overall identity to the Santa Clarita Valley" (L-31). This proposed land use designation change complies with this policy because the land use designation change will bring the developed area into compliance with the City's Unified Development Code and the City's General Plan, Unified Development Code Consistency Whereas the City's General Plan map designates land uses for the Santa Clarita Valley, the City's' zoning map does not include the proposed annexation area at this time because the area is outside of Santa Clarita's city limits. The City of Santa Clarita zoning map must be consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map designations. Because of the proposed annexation of this area to the City of Santa Clarita, a zoning designation must be established that is consistent with the existing uses and development of.the area. A map that depicts the prezone changes is attached and labeled Exhibit C, and the Los Angeles County existing zoning designations for the project area are attached as Exhibit B, and shown in Table D: Table D: �Exishng County of Los AngelesZomng ` { ProposedCity of�Santa ClantaPrezone �, Al m R —� 1 — 5000 (Single -Family residential) RS (Residential Suburban) and OS (Open Space) RPD — 5000 (Residential Planned Development) RS (Residential Suburban) RPD — 6000 (Residential Planned Development) RS (Residential Suburban) M — 1.5 (Restricted Heavy, Manufacturing) BP (Business Park) M — .1.5 — DP (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing — BP (Business Park) Development Program) Master Case 07-206 Hasley HillslVCC Annexation March 4, 2008 Page 7 of 8 MPD (Manufacturing Industrial Planned Development) BP (Business Park) C-2 (Neighborhood. Commercial) . CN (Commercial Neighborhood) C-3 (Unlimited Commercial) CN (Commercial Neighborhood) C -3 -DP (Unlimited Commercial — Development Program) CN (Commercial Neighborhood) The proposed prezone change requested is consistent with the density of development that currently exists in the project area. The single family residences in the. Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs subdivisions were developed under the County's R-1-5000, RPD -5000, and RPD -6000 development standards for density which are equivalent to the City's RS zone. The proposed RS zone requires a mid-range density of 5 dwelling units per gross acre and a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet, both of which are consistent with the existing County zoning. The existing commercial centers within the project area were developed under the County's C-2, C-3, and C -3 -DP development standards for density and uses which are consistent with the City's CN zone: The proposed CN zone limits the floor area ratio to 0.375: 1, which is comparable to the existing County zoning. Lastly, the industrial, manufacturing, and office uses that exist in VCC were developed under the County's MPD, M-1, and M -1.5 -DP development standards for density and uses which are consistent with the City's BP zone. The proposed BP zone for the VCC limits the floor area ratio to 1.0: 1.0, which is comparable to the existing County zoning. With this prezone change, the project area (Hasley Hills/VCC) would be consistent with the City's Unified Development Code and General Plan. Community Response As part of the review of the proposed annexation, Prezone, and General Plan Amendment, public notice was mailed to property owners within the Hasley Hills/VCC annexation area as well as all property owners within a 1,000 -foot radius of the project area. As mentioned above, the City's Annexation Subcommittee met with the Castaic Area and West Ranch Town Councils on December 20, 2007. At the meeting, the Town Councils expressed their desire for the City to wait to pursue any annexation west of I-5 until studies are completed and communities have had time to . consider incorporation or annexation. On February 20, 2008, the Castaic Area Town Council passed, by unanimous vote, a motion to oppose the City of Santa Clarita's submission of an annexation application to LAFCO. Attached herein, is a letter of opposition from the Castaic Area Town Council. Staff has revised the project area map to exclude 596 acres of undeveloped property located adjacent to SR -126 as well as 36 acres located adjacent to Industry Drive. Both of these areas are owned by NLF. Crimson Resource Management (CRM), an oil production company with mineral rights on one of NLF's properties along Industry Drive, has made the request to be excluded from the annexation. Attached herein is a letter from CRM. The revised project area map excludes CRM's site. Staff has also received one phone call from a resident in opposition to the project, and several phone calls for general information. Master Case 07-206 /-Insley Hills/VCC Annexation March 4, 2008 Page 8 of 8 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1) Open the public hearing; 2) Receive testimony from the public; and 3) Adopt Resolution No. P08-04, recommending to the -City Council that it adopt a resolution to adopt the Negative Declaration and approve Master Case 07-206; General Plan Amendment 07-003, Prezone 07-002, Annexation 07-003, and Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 for the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center Annexation. ATTACHMENTS Resolution No. P08-04 Draft Negative Declaration and Initial Study VCC/Hasley Hills Vicinity Map (Exhibit A) Existing Los Angeles County Zoning Designation Map (Exhibit B) Proposed Prezone Map (Exhibit C) Existing General Plan/Land Use Map (Exhibit D) General Plan Amendment/Area Change Map (Exhibit E) Correspondence S:\CD\ANNEX\Castaic\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)\GPA.PRZ\PLANNING COMM IS S ION\07-206. Staff Repoit.HH.VCC.doc RESOLUTION NO. P08-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MASTER CASE NO. 07-206 FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 07-003, AN AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP, AND PREZONE 07-002, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREZONING APPROXIMATELY 1,433 ACRES, AND ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE PROJECT, GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF INTERSTATE 5 AND STATE ROUTE 126, WEST OF THE EXISTING CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CITY LIMITS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANNEXATION THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The Plamling Commission does hereby make the following findings of fact: a. Beginning in 2005, a petition drive of property owners in the area known as Hasley Hills and Valencia Commerce Center occurred and ballots indicating a majority of property owners in the area (approximately 72%) are in favor of annexation into the City of Santa Clarita. Because a majority of property owners in the area are in favor of annexation, the City of Santa Clarita began annexation proceedings, which include requests to amend the City's General Plan Land Use Map (GPA 07-003) and Prezone (07-002) to re -designate the project area with appropriate designations that would be activated upon annexation. These designations include BP (Business Park), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), RS (Residential Suburban), and OS (Open Space), as shown in Exhibit A, proposed Prezone Map, and Exhibit B, General Plan Amendment/Area Change Map. b. On April 11, 2007, members of the Castaic Area Support Team (CAST) submitted signatures from 72% of residents and/or business owners to the City's Community Development Department for the communities of Hasley Hills, Live Oak, North Bluffs, and Valencia Commerce Center. c: On July 10, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to initiate the annexation and authorized fielding for the preparation of a map, legal description, environn-lental review, and Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) application fees that are required to process this annexation. d. On January 22, 2008, the City Council directed City staff to proceed with the processing of the Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center annexation. e. The project site is located adjacent to the western boundary line of the City of Santa Clarita, at the northwest corner of Interstate 5 and State Route 126. Resolution P08-04 Alf aster Cuss 07-206 Page 2 qJ S f. The project site consists of 1,433 acres of land contiguous to the corporate limits of the City of Santa Clarita on the eastern boundary of the project area. g.. The project area is built out with residential uses in the Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs communities, commercial uses .in the four neighborhood commercial centers, industrial/office uses in the Valencia Commerce Center, and open space uses in the Hasley Canyon Park. No new development is proposed with this land use designation change. h. Currently, the project area is zoned R-1-5000 (Single -Family Residence), RPD -5000 (Residential Planned Development), RPD-6000(Residential Planned Development), M - L5 (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing), M -1.5 -DP (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing — Development Program), MPD (Manufacturing Industrial Planned Development), C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-3 (Unlimited Commercial), C -3 -DP (Unlimited Commercial — Development Program) by the County of Los Angeles. The land use to the west of the project consists of vacant land and the Chiquita Canyon landfill, within the County of Los Angeles. The land use to the north of the Hasley Hills/VCC annexation area consists of a residential community along Hillcrest Parkway, within the County of Los Angeles. The land to the south of the proposed annexation area is undeveloped land that is part of the final phase of the Valencia Commerce Center and located in the County of Los Angeles. The area to the east of the proposed annexation is Interstate 5 and vacant land owned by the County of Los Angeles and vacant property located within the City of Santa Clarita. On February 1, 2008, an environmental Initial Study was prepared for GPA 07-003, PRZ 07-002, Annexation 07-003, Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 for the Hasley I-lills/VCC Annexation. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Initial Study concluded that no significant adverse environmental impacts were associated with the project and a Negative Declaration was prepared. k. The environmental document has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public for a 30 -day public review period from February 1, 2008 to March 4, 2008, and posted with the County Clerk. During the public review period, two letters were received with regard to the project. These letters were addressed in the staff report and have been made a part of the public record. m. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue on March 4, 2008. This public hearing was held at 7.00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita. At the hearing, the Planning Commission considered staff presentations, staff reports, the Negative Declaration prepared for the project, public testimony on the proposal. Resolution P08-04 Master Case 07-206 Page 3 of 5 n. Public participation and notification requirements pursuant to Sections 65090, 65391, and 65854 of the Government Code of the State of California were duly followed. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. The Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the Initial Study prepared for the project and finds and determines as follows: The Planning Commission, hereby finds that the proposed Negative Declaration prepared in connection with GPA 07-003, PRZ 07-002, Annexation 07-003, SOI Amendment 07- 001 has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, has been reviewed and considered by the Planning Connnnission, and reflects the independent judgment of the Planning Commission and that based on the Initial Study and the entire record of proceedings, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the Planning Commission adopts the Negative Declaration for the project as included in the agenda packet for the March 4, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting. The Director of Community Development is hereby designated as the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings in this matter. The documents and materials are on file in the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355. SECTION 3. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the Plamling Commission hereby recommends that the City Council find as follows: a. The proposed General Plan Amendment 07-003 is consistent with the goals, policies and objectives of the General Plan in that the proposed land use change is consistent with existing development and/or existing development entitlements for the subject site; and b. The proposed General Plan Amendment 07-003 is in compliance with Section 65358(b) of the Government Code in that the Land Use Element has been amended no more than four times in the current calendar year. c. Based upon the testimony and other evidence, if any, received at the public hearing, and upon studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and on its behalf, the Commission further finds and determines that this proposal is consistent with the City's General Plan: SECTION 4. PREZONE FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council find as follows: a. The proposed Prezone 07-002 is required under Section 56375(a)(3) of the Government . Code in that prior to the Local Agency Fon-nation Commission taking an action on an Resolution P08-04 Master Case 07-206 Paoe 4 q/5 annexation, annexing land must be prezoned by the annexing city. b. The proposed Prezone 07-002 amending the City of Santa Clarita Zoning Map is consistent with existing development and/or existing development entitlements for the subject site; and c. The proposed Prezone 07-002 is consistent with the objectives of the Unified Development Code and development policies of the City of Santa Clarita. SECTION 5. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council hereby adopt the Negative Declaration prepared for the project and approve Master Case 07-206 for General Plan Amendment 07-003 and Prezone 07-002 as described in Sections 1 through 4 above. SECTION 6. The Planning Commission Secretary shall certify to the adoption of.this Resolution and certify this record to be a full, complete, and correct copy of the action taken. n Resolution P08-04 Alaster Case 07-206 Page 5 of 5 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED tl is/4th day of March, 2008. ATTF,ST: / I -SA M. HARIIY; PLANNING COM ARY MIKt'BTERGM% CHAIRPERSON PLANNING COMMISSION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Lisa M. Hardy, Planning Commission Secretary of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 4th day of March, 2008 by the following vote of the Planiling Commission: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: BERGER, BURKHART, KENNEDY, OSTROM, TRAUTMAN NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE S:\CD\ANNEX\Ca mic\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)\GPA.PRZ\PLANNING COMMISSION\07-206.Rcsolution. PlanningCommission. DOC 1 r CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NEGATIVE DECLARATION [X] Proposed [ ] Final -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MASTER CASE NO: 07-206 PERMIT/PROJECT NAME: General Plan Amendment No. 07-003, Prezone No. 07-002, Annexation No. 07-003, and Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 for the Valencia Commerce Center/Hasley Hills Annexation APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita LOCATION OF THE PROJECT: The proposed annexation area is generally located at the northwest coiner of Interstate 5 and State Route 126 in the Castaic community, along the westerly boundary of the Cityl of Santa Clarita in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: This is a request for a Sphere of Influence Amendment, General Plan Amendment (GPA), prezone, and annexation of approximately 2,064 acres of land containing 1,531 developed single-family residential homes, a 1,400 -acre office/business park campus with approximately 6 million square feet of buildings, an elementary school, and a public park. The project proposes a prezone and a General Plan Amendment to designate the area as BP (Business Park), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), RS (Residential Suburban), and OS (Open Space), consistent with L.A. County land use planning. The General Plan and City's zoning designation is consistent with the density of development that currently exists in Valencia Commerce Center and Hasley Hills areas. No development is proposed as part of this annexation, Sphere of Influence Amendment, General Plan Amendment and prezone. Based on the infonnation contained in the Initial Study prepared for this project, and pursuant to the requirements of Section 15065 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Santa Clarita [X] City Council [X] Planning Conunission [ ] Director of Community Development finds that the project as proposed or revised will have no significant effect upon the environment, and that a Negative Declaration shall be adopted pursuant to Section 15070 of CEQA. Mitigation measures for this project [X] Are Not Required [ ] Are Attached [ ] Are Not Attached Paul D. Brotzman Director of Commun' y D opment Prepared by: James Chow, Associate Planner (Si ture) (Name/Title) Approved by: N "(X�- 741' � Sharon Sorensen, Senior Planner (Signature) (Name/Title) Public Review Period From February 1, 2008 To March 4, 2008 Public Notice Given On February 1, 2008 [X] Legal Advertisement [X] Posting of Properties [X] Written Notice, CERTIFICATION DATE: S:\CD\ANNEX\Castaic\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)\Environmental Review\Initial Study.NegDec\NegDec VCC.HasleyHills Annexation.doc . INITIAL STUDY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Project Title/Master Case Number: Valencia Commerce Center/Hasley Hills Annexation — Master Case 07-206, Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001, General Plan Amendment 07-003, Prezone 07- 002, Annexation 07-003 Lead Agency name and address: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Contact person and phone number: James Chow Associate Planner Project location: The proposed project is generally located at the northwest conger of Interstate 5 and State Route 126 in the Castaic community, along the westerly boundary of the City of Santa Clarita in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles. The project area totals approximately 2,064 acres of land and consists of the communities of Valencia Commerce Center, Live Oak, Hasley Hills, and . North Bluffs. The proposed annexation area can be accessed by Hasley Canyon Road, Conn-nerce Center Drive, The Old Road, Industry Drive, Witherspoon Parkway, and Franklin Parkway. The project area consists of industrial, commercial and residential development with compatible uses, including an industrial park, four commercial centers, three residential subdivisions, a public elementary school, and a 5.4 -acre public park. The proposed project area can also be located on page 4459 and 4549 of the 2008 Thomas Guide — Los Angeles County Street Guide. See the attached vicinity snap. Applicant's name and address: City of Santa Clarita Planning Division 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 2 of 42 General Plan designation: RS (Residential Suburban): Live Oak, Hasley Hills, North Bluffs residential areas CN (Commercial Neighborhood): Hasley Canyon Village BP (Business, Park): Valencia Commerce Center (VCC) RVL (Residential Very Low) and RE (Residential Estate): Eastern portions of VCC Zoning: Existing County of Los Angeles zoning for the project area is M-1.5 (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing), M -1.5 - DP (Restricted Heavy Manufacturing — Development Program), MPD (Manufacturing Industrial Planned Development), C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial), C -2 - DP (Neighborhood Commercial — Development Program), C-3 (Unlimited Commercial), C -3 -DP (Unlimited Commercial — Development Program), R-1- 5000 (Single -Family Residence), RPD -5000 (Residential Planned Development), RPD-6000(Resideiitial Planned Development). P" Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 3 of 42 Description of project and setting: This initial study was prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a Sphere of Influence Amendment, General Plan Amendment (GPA), Prezone- (PRZ), and Annexation (ANX) for the Valencia Commerce Center (VCC)/Hasley Hills area. The City of Santa Clarita proposes the annexation of approximately 2,064 acres of land at the northwest corner of Interstate 5 and State Route 126. Pursuant to Section 56758 of the Govemmnent Code, this area must be consistent with the City's adopted Sphere of Influence. Therefore a Sphere of Influence Amendment is also proposed as a part of this project. Setting: The proposed project, consists of approximately 2,064 acres of land which includes 1,430 acres of industrial area, 59 acres of commercial area, 570 acres of residential area, and 5.36 acres of open space area. The project area is generally located at the northwest corner of I-5 and SR -126 and is accessed by major thoroughfares which include The Old Road, Hasley Canyon Road, Commerce Center Drive, Franklin Parkway, Witherspoon Parkway, Industry Drive, and Cambridge Avenue. A large portion of the proposed project consists of developed properties including a combination of industrial, commercial and residential uses. The southern portion of the project includes the Valencia Commerce Center, which consists of approximately 6 million square feet of industrial buildings across 1,400 acres of campus area. Major tenants include but are not limited to Deluxe Media, Star Nail International, GG Industries, Mann Kind, Aquafine, Hydro Systems, and U.S. Postal Service. The northern portion of the project consists of 1,531 single-family residential units across 570 acres within the Hasley Hills, Live Oak and North Bluffs subdivisions. Neighborhood commercial centers in the northern area include Hasley Canyon Village, Hasley Marketplace, and Hasley, Crossroads. Located in the Live Oak community is Live Oak Elementary School and Hasley Canyon County Park. The.project also includes vacant properties in the VCC, which includes "Gateway V," the fifth and final industrial campus in the VCC located adjacent to and to the north of SR -126. Gateway V encompasses 214 acres of vacant land and at build out would include 4.2 million square feet of buildings. Furthermore, other vacant and undeveloped areas within the proposed project include a ridgeline and the Castaic Creek which are located along the northwest and southern portions of the project site respectively. Project: The City of Santa Clarita proposes an annexation of approximately 2,064 acres of unincorporated territory generally located at the northwest corner of I-5 and SR -126 to the City of Santa Clarita. As a part of the annexation, the City proposes a General Plan Amendment and prezone that would designate the project area with City of Santa Clarita zoning and General Plan designations consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development on the project site. A Sphere of Influence Amendment consistent with the boundary of the proposed annexation is also included as a part of this project. �3 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 4 of 42 Currently the project area is included in the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan.planiing area and consists of City of Santa Clarita land use designations that include RS (Residential Suburban), RVL (Residential Very Low), RE (Residential Estate), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), and BP (Business Park). The land, use designations for the majority of the project area would not change with this project. However, the proposed General Plan Amendment involves the amendment of several "GPA Areas" including 324 acres of RVL and RE to BP, 14 acres of BP to RS, 27 acres of BP to CN, and 5.36 acres of RS to OS. The attached General Plan Amendment/Area Change neap identifies each of the above-mentioned GPA areas. Upon annexation of the project area, the new General Plan designations would be activated. In addition, under the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles, the project area consists of the following zoning designations: RPD -5000, RPD -6000, R-1-5000, MPD, M-1.5, M -1.5 -DP, C-2, C -2 -DP, and C-3, and C -3 -DP. The proposed prezone would change the existing zoning to correspond with the City of Santa Clarita zoning and designate the project area so that the proposed prezone designations are consistent with County land use planning and existing development. The proposed prezone designations for the annexation. area include BP, CN, RS and OS. More specifically, the proposed BP prezone area consist of 1,330.62 acres of County - designated M -1.5 -DP, 50.94 acres of MPD, and 47.18 acres of M-1.5; the proposed CN prezone area includes 22.44 acres of County -designated C-3, 18.64 acres of C -3 -DP, 10.2 acres of C -2 - DP, and 8.88 acres of C-2; the proposed RS area includes 313.69 acres of County -designated RPD -6000, 140.8 acres- of RPD -5000, and 114.82 acres of R-1-5000; and the proposed OS area includes 5.36 acres of County -designated R-1-5000. The attached prezone map identifies the proposed zoning for the annexation area. The project area was developed under the Los Angeles County land use plamling policies and the development of the project area was reviewed under separate environmental documentation currently on file with the. County. No new development is proposed as a part of this project. The residential subdivisions known as Hasley Hills, North Bluffs, and Live Oak have been fully built out. The Valencia Commerce Center was approved under Los Angeles County -approved Master Conditional. Use Permit 87-360 for 12.6 million square feet of industrial office and commercial development. In .addition to the City's Development Review process, individual buildings proposed ,in the future in VCC would be subject to conditions of approval and mitigation measures approved under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County for that project as well as architectural design standards described in the CC&Rs recorded for the Valencia Commerce Center and overseen by Newhall Land and Farm. GPA 07-003 and PRZ 07-002 propose to designate the project area so that City of Santa Clarita residential, commercial, and industrial land use and zoning designations are consistent with Los Angeles County land use planning and existing development. I The subject site is also a part of the 2004 County -adopted Castaic Area Community Standards District (CSD); however, because the area has already been approved for development under the County, the project site is exempt from CSD provisions pursuant to those�provisions. n Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment. 07-001 Page 5 of 42 Surrounding land uses: Located to the. north of the proposed project site is a ridgeline that separates the project area from the residential community along Hillcrest Parkway to the north. Located to the east is the Interstate 5 freeway, which separates the project area from the City of Santa Clarita city limits and the Pitchess Detention Center. To the south of the project site are State Route 126 and the future Newhall Ranch development which would consist of the Landmark Village and Entrada communities. To the west of the proposed project is an undeveloped area with a ridgeline that separates the project area from the community of Val Verde and the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. Other public agencies whose Local Agency Fon-nation Commission approval is required: Los Angeles County 700 N. Central Avenue Glendale, CA 91203 5 Figure 1— Project LocationNicinity Map — Hasley HillsNalencia Commerce Center IF 1 f I r Fil4ure 2 — Existing Zoning Map — Hasley.HilIsNalencia Commerce Center 'i S11 1110111111i�llll mw Ib. EXISTING ZONING (Hasley Hills I Valencia Commerce Conter) , Emn c., Ik 1.S t -un t Figure 3 — Prezone Map — Hasley Hills/Valencia Commerce Center aq, NO, os Mb BW Fan z -iftf. ms'�v .4A,� - - -,- -­ -, ,:,, 6 50 PRE-ZONE (Ii.,Isy Hills! U—i. C..-.. Center) _... 1#`�,7 tom{ i �n � fh ... � 2..1 yaL �5��� �: <YA vi, r.— t4 S.— ez— PRE-ZONE (Ii.,Isy Hills! U—i. C..-.. Center) vi, r.— Figure 4 — Existing General Plan Map — Hasley HiHsNalencia Commerce Center gg� �g- 7n ' -M FAN wn ,5 ­ IN' . ED og, gf�_ KK M :Vv W_ ujIffft 7 g iV a Nt N�z Tg .1 Y" �W 2,� L A" M." M -M® ?A- r - 31 'RE 7! ItcAZ .%5MOU r®r3l Rew 14 Q RE WY -21;W11 F EXISTING GENERAL PLAN lHasley Hills! Valencia C*nimerct Center) ma - gma A4 IV- rs Figure 5 — GPA/Area ChanIze Map — Hasley HillsNalencia Commerce Center v.j yam,...:. i.� .� ��,13�.lAI�i�T �.....' �.]'lU nti.�l'l! � � � PP11I ylt•y` � � �� C � ". t �f"tr�i. .!"�fi�'."""—�--•^• `� a 1 ���4��.�L�"iu;r"t�>�j���ti�,� f>/ Sr_a:'E,.:3..e�:a i�.s:; :1 I i! _ •��"rmi`y �I aG',�=�"`� i.��1�iT,+.�^x'fs^•s � i�! s3 9 "44%.. f�.�I..,yY =":.,'•4`it� i gra ., rFai u• ZION - I` �j�.• ���;/ lf��+ �Rl t�, 14 33 Sr�� 3�Jr ..> �i ✓Apf13f' P�7.1,Tv, "i�;'� l V a- {t $ 3ilIl/jjt�F t1'tri 'Ka'��CS1i'y'r�+�k SN =;t 1l filGPA ! AREA CHANGE far r �„M jr ,eft /r'%1 •' ' s, y✓ (Hasley Hills l Valencia Commerce Center) 0 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 11 of 42 A. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" or a 'Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Measures Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. [ ] Aesthetics [ ] Biological Resources [ ] Agriculture Resources [ ] Air Quality [ ] Cultural Resources [ ] Hazards & Hazardous [ ] Hydrology / Water Materials Quality [ ] Mineral Resources [ ] Noise [ ] Geology /Soils [ ] Land Use/ Planning . [ ] Population / Housing [ ] Public Services [ ] Recreation [ ] Transportatioi�Traff c [ ] Utilities / Service Systems [ ] Mandatory Findings of Significance B. DETERMINATION: On the basis of this initial evaluation: [X] I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the enviromnent, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. [ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will. not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. [ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the enviroiunent, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. [ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the enviromnent, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. 11 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 12 of 42 [ ] I find that although the proposed project. could have a significant effect on the environinent, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. James CXdw, Associate Planner Sharon Sorensen, Senior Planner Date Date 12 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 13 of 42 C. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: I. AESTHETICS - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, primary/secondary ridgelines, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? • Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation [] [] [x] I [] [] [x] I d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that [ ] would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? e) Other II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES - In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997)' prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or [ ] [ ] [] [x] Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farinland, to non-agricultural use? 13 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 14 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation d) Other [ ] [ ] [] [x] III. AIR QUALITY Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district ,may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a)' Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute [] [] [x] [] substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nori-attaininent under an applicable federal or state mi -abient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial [ ] . [ ] [x] [] number of people? f) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or [ ] [ ] {x] [ ] through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, .or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 14 0 1 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 15 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact ;Impact with Impact Mitigation b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Oak trees? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? g) Affect a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) or Significant Natural Area (SNA) as identified on the City of Santa Clarita ESA Delineation Map?. g) Other V. CULTURAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in '15064.5? 15 [] [] [] [X] [] [] [] [X] [] [] [X] [] Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 16 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with . Impact Mitigation b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to '15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy or impact a unique [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred. [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] outside of formal cemeteries? e) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial [ ] . [ ] [x] [ ] adverse effects,, including the risk of loss, injury, or . death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on [ ] [ ] [] [x] the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning, Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] iii) Seismic -related. ground failure, including [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] liquefaction? iv) Landslides? [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] b) Result in substantial wind or water soil erosion or the [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] loss of topsoil, either on or off site? 16 • Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 17 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- [ ] [ ] 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the [ ] [ ] use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? f) Change in topography or groundsurface relief [ ] [ ] features? g) Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic [ ] [ ] yards or more? h) Development and/or grading on a slope greater than [ ] [ 10% natural grade? i) The destruction, covering or modification of any [ ] [ ] unique geologic or physical feature? j) Other [ ] [ ] VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ] [ ] environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? 17 [x] Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 18 of 42 • Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ] enviroiunent through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving explosion or the release of hazardous materials into the enviromnent (including, but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals, fuels, or radiation)? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or [ ] acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within ,one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a 'site which is included on a list of [ ] hazardous materials . sites compiled pursuant to Govermnent Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan [ ] or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? fj For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, [ ] would the 'project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project, area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with [ ] an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of [ ] loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intennixed with wildlands? [x] [X] • Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 19 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation i) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] health hazards (e.g. electrical transmission lines, gas lines, oil pipelines)? j) Other [ ] VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY - Would the project: a) Violate any water 'quality standards or waste [ ] discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or [ ] interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such .that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the [ ] site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would. result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter.the existing drainage pattern of the [ ] site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a maiuier which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would [ ] exceed the capacity of existing or plamled stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 0 Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 19 A [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] [x] [ ] I I [x] -[] 0 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 20 of 42 • Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place, within a 100 -year flood hazard area, structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by.seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? k) Changes in the rate of flow, currents, or the course and direction of surface water and/or groundwater? i) Other modification of a wash, channel creek or river? 1) Impact Stormwater Management in any of the [ ] following ways: i) Potential impact of project construction and project [ ] post -construction activity on storm water runoff? ii) Potential discharges from areas for materials storage, [ ] vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or equipment maintenance (including washing), waste handling, hazardous materials handling or storage, delivery areas or loading docks, or other outdoor work areas? iii) Significant enviromnentally harmful increase in the [ ] flow velocity or volume of storm water runoff? iv) Significant and environmentally harmful increases [ ] in erosion of the project site or surrounding areas? 20 [ ] [X] [X] [] [x] • Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 21 of 42 • Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation v) Storm water discharges. that would significantly [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] impair or contribute to the impainnent of the beneficial uses of receiving waters or areas that provide water quality benefits (e.g. riparian corridors, wetlands, etc.) vi) Cause harm to the biological integrity of drainage [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] systems, watersheds, and/or water bodies? vii) Does the proposed project include provisions for [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] the separation, recycling, and reuse of materials both during construction and after project occupancy? IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project: a) Disrupt or physically divide an established [ ] [ ] [x] [] community (including a low-income or minority community)? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or. [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program,_ or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] plan, natural community conservation plan, and/or policies by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? X. MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? 21 L Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 22 of 42 b) Result in the foss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery. site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? d) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? XI. NOISE - Would the project result in: t. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation [] [] [] [x] a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels [ ] in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive [ ] groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise [ ] levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in [ ] ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a.project located within an airport land use plan [ or, where such,a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, [ ] would the.project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would the project: 22 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 23 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere (especially affordable housing)? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES - Would the project result in: a) Substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i) Fire protection? ii) Police protection? iii) Schools? iv) Parks? XIV. RECREATION - Would the project: 23 [] [] [] [x] [] [] [x]' I [] [] I [x] I [] [x] I Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 24 of 42 a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation [] [] [x] [] b) Include recreational facilities or require the [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the enviromnent? XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] . either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., fann equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? [ ] [ ] [x] f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? [ ] [ ] [x] 24 • Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 25 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? h) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? [ ] XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS - Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the [ ] applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or [ ] wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm [ ] water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the [ ] project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater [ ] treatment provider which serves or may serve the, project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted [ ] capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal need's? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes, and [ ] regulations related to solid waste? 25 [ ] [x] [ ] I [x], [] [ ] [x] [ ] [ ] [x] [ ] Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 26 of 42 Potentially Less Than Less Than , No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE: a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the [ ] [ ] quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to. ` eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered .plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually [ ] [ ] limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which [ ] [ ] will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? XVII. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME `DE MINIMUS' FINDING a) Will the . project have an adverse effect either [ ] individually. or cumulatively, on fish and wildlife resources? Wildlife shall be defined for the purpose of this question as "all wild animals, birds, plants, fish, amphibians, and. related ecological communities,, including the habitat upon which the wildlife depends for it's continued viability." 26 [x] [x] [x] Initial Study. Master Case 07-206 Amlexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 27 of 42 D. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND/OR EARLIER ANALYSIS: Section and Subsections Evaluation of Impacts I. AESTHETICS The proposed project consists of the annexation, prezone, General Plan Amendment and Sphere of Influence Amendment for the Valencia Commerce Center (VCC)/Hasley Hills areas which is largely developed with business park, office, and commercial buildings, single.family homes, a public school and park. The project includes the annexation of approximately 2,064 acres of land but proposes no new development. The project area includes a 1,400 - acre business park campus, of which 214 acres have yet to be developed. Prior to development of additional uses within the VCC, the design of any new development would be subject to the architectural design guidelines established under the County - approved Master CUP for the VCC as well as the City's development review process and architectural design guidelines. The annexation area is surrounded by and includes several ridgelines. However, no development is proposed on any of these ridgelines and any future development near these ridgelines "would be subject to the City of Santa Clarita Ridgeline Preservation Ordinance. Therefore no significant impacts on a scenic vista are anticipated as a result of the project. The proposed land use designations would not substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, primary/secondary ridgelines, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway. Although ridgelines are located within the annexation area, no new development would occur as a part of this project. However, approximately 214 acres within the VCC have yet to be developed as part of the final phase of the business park expansion. Impacts related to scenic resources are anticipated to be less than significant. The proposed project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. The Hasley Hills, Live Oak, and North Bluffs areas of the project have been fully built out. However, there is still development potential in the VCC area as 4.2 million square feet of building has yet to be constructed pursuant to the County -approved Master CUP. Impacts related to the existing visual character of the site and its surroundings including new sources of light or glare that may affect day time or 27 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 28 of 42 J night time views are anticipated to be less than significant. II. AGRICULTURAL There are currently no agricultural operations being conducted on the RESOURCES proposed project area, and the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan does not identify any important farmlands or any lands for farmland use. In addition, the site, is not within an area of Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland, Grazing Land, or Farnland of Local Importance as identified by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection on the Los Angeles County Important Farmland 2002 map (California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, 2004). Therefore, the project will not have an impact that could result in conversion of farmland to non-agricultural use. Furthermore, the majority of the project area has been developed with the exception of a 214 -acre business park campus adjacent to SR 126, watershed areas, and hillside areas and ridgelines along the northernmost and westernmost portions of the annexation area. None of these developed or undeveloped areas are zoned for agricultural, purposes and the prezone and General Plan Amendment would not designate these areas for agricultural use. The proposed designations would be consistent with the types of uses and development currently on the project site. The project area under the County of Los Angeles does not have any agricultural zoning designations, nor does the City's or County's General Plan identify any agricultural land use designations. Further, there. is no Williamson Act contract land in the City. Therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with zoning for agricultural use or Williamson Act contracts, and would have no related impacts. III. AIR QUALITY The project site is located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The proposal is to amend the SOI and annex 2,064 acres to the City of Santa Clarita and designate the project area with applicable zoning and general plan designations consistent with existing development that would activate upon amlexation of the project area. No new development is proposed with this application. However, there are approximately 214 acres within VCC that have yet to be developed under, a County -approved Master CUP. The proposal to amend the City's SOI, annex land to the City, and amend the City's General Plan and prezone land consistent with County? approved land use planning would therefore have a less than significant impact with regard to the obstruction of the Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 29 of 42 implementation of the SCAQMD's air quality plan or directly violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. The proposed project would not directly result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non -attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). However, because there is development potential on 214 acres of land in the VCC, future development may have an impact on the net increase of any criteria pollutant; however, impacts related to a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant are considered less than significant. The project area has primarily been developed with uses consistent with the surrounding uses in and outside of the unincorporated Comity territory arid City of Santa Clarita limits. No new development is proposed with this annexation, prezone and general plan amendment application. There is however vacant. land within the proposed annexation area that may be developed in the future as a part of a County -approved Master CUP. The project as proposed is not anticipated to significantly expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations or directly create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. No significant impacts related to air quality is anticipated. No further environmental review is necessary.. IV. BIOLOGICAL No new development is proposed with the project. The proposal RESOURCES would not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. No significant impact on wildlife resource is anticipated to occur. The project entails the annexation of 2,064 acres of land into the City of Santa Clarita and proposes no new development. However, 214 acres of previously graded vacant land that could accommodate 4.2 million square feet of . building have yet to be developed. in the southern portion of VCC. If Castaic Creek is chanlelized in the future, those improvements will be evaluated for. impacts to biological resources. The proposed project would not have a direct 29 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 30 of 42 adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service and would not interfere substantially or have significant impacts with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. Therefore, any impacts would be considered less than significant. No new development is proposed, therefore the project would not have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. However, 214 acres of land in VCC have yet to be developed as part of the final phase of the business park expansion which may impact protected wetlands if located on site; however, no significant impact related to federally protected wetlands is anticipated. Upon annekation, the project area would be required to comply with all City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code and City requirements. The. proposed zoning and General Plan designations would be consistent with all County land use plarming policies and the current uses and development in the project area. The proposal would not conflict with any L.A. County or City of Santa Clarita policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation .policy or ordinance. Upon aimexation, any oak trees in would be protected by the City of Santa Clarita Oak Tree Ordinance and Preservation and Protection Guidelines. The proposed project would not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Conlinunity Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. The proposed application would not change any state or federally designation on the project area. No development is proposed with the SOI, annexation, prezone and General Plan Amendment application. The proposal would not affect a County -designated Significant Ecological Area (SEA) or Significant Natural Area (SNA) as identified on the City of Santa Clarita ESA Delineation 30 0 .0 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 31 of 42 31 No impact related to biological resources is anticipated. No further environmental review is necessary. V. CULTURAL The proposed project would not directly cause a substantial adverse RESOURCES change in the significance of any known cultural or archaeological resource pursuant to Section 1506.4.5 of the Government Code. However, future development of still -undeveloped areas within the VCC may have a less than significant impact on an archeological resource pursuant to 15064.5. The proposal would not directly or indirectly destroy or impact a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. General Plan Amendment 07-003 is subject to requirements of SB 18, Local and Tribal Intergovernmental Consultation Law, including consultation with local Native American tribes identified by the California Native American Heritage Commission. The proposed project is not anticipated to result in a significant impact related .to cultural resources. VI. GEOLOGY AND The proposed project consists of an annexation of the Valencia SOILS Connmerce Center and Hasley Hills areas into the City of Santa Clarita. No new development is proposed with the prezone and General Plan Amendment application. However, development may occur in the near future as part of the final phase of the VCC expansion. Because of the potential of development in the near future, the project may -have a less than significant impact with regard to exposure of people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects. The proposed project does not include a development proposal. The project area has been developed with a range of residential and commercial uses. The development was reviewed and approved by Los Angeles County. Review of impacts from earthqualce-related causes on development of the site was included in a separate enviromnental analysis. No new development is proposed with this project so, the proposal would not directly result in soil erosion. It is anticipated however that in the foreseeable future, development would occur as part of the fifth phase of VCC. Any new development would be subject to the review of the City and all applicable development code requirements. Therefore, no significant impacts related to substantial wind or water soil erosion or the loss of topsoil is anticipated on or off site as a result of the project. 31 L, Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 32 of 42 No impacts related to geologic units or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on-. or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse are anticipated to occur as a result of this proposal and would not have an impact related to expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), creating substantial risks to life or property. No development is proposed with this project. No change _ in topography or ground surface relief features or earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic yards or more or grading on a slope greater than 10% natural grade would occur with approval of this project. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact related to Geology and Soils. No further environmental review is necessary. VII. HAZARDS AND The proposed project would not store, use, or generate hazardous HAZARDOUS materials, and would not utilize any acutely hazardous materials. No MATERIALS development is proposed with this prezone and General Plan Amendment application, however, development of the undeveloped portion of VCC can be expected to occur in the future. The City of Santa Clarita zoning and General Plan designations would be consistent with the existing development and uses in the project area. The application would not create a significant hazard to the public or the enviromnent through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. The proposed project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving explosion or the release of hazardous .materials into the envirorunent (including, but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals, fuels, or radiation). No new development is proposed as part of this project. However, development of the undeveloped portion of VCC can be expected to occur in the future. The proposed project does not propose any new development and the project would not store, use,. or generate substantial amounts of hazardous materials, and would not utilize any acutely hazardous materials. Therefore, impacts are considered less than significant. No impact related to a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 32 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 33 of 42 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the enviromnent would occur with the prezone and General Plan Amendment application. The project area is not located within an airport land use plan nor is it within two miles of a public airport or public use airport. The prezone and General Plan Amendment would not result in a safety Hazard for people residing or working in the project area. The project area is not within the vicinity of a private airstrip. The prezone and General Plan Amendment would not result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. No development is proposed with this project. The proposal would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The proposed project does not propose any development and would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands. The prezone and General Plan Amendment would no expose people to existing sources of potential health hazards (e.g. electrical transmission lines, gas lines, oil pipelines). No impact related to hazards or hazardous materials is anticipated. No further enviromnental review is necessary. VIII. HYDROLOGY The proposed annexation, prezone and General Plan Amendment AND WATER would not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge QUALITY requirements. No new development is proposed. The project would not substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or plamied uses for which pen -nits have been granted). The proposed City of Santa Clarita zoning and General Plan designations would not substantially alter the existing drainage 33 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07=001 Page 34 of 42 C pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site. The project would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a mamier which would result in flooding on- or off-site because no development is proposed as a part of this application for annexation. No development is proposed, therefore, this project would not create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. No further envirom-riental review is necessary. The project would not otherwise substantially degrade water quality in the project area because the proposed zoning and General Plan designations would be consistent with the existing development and land use planning in the project area. No development is proposed with this application. The application would not place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation,map and the proposed project would not place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows. The project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam. No development is proposed. The project would hot create inundation by seiche, tsunami, or inudflow in the project area. No development is associated with this prezone and General Plan Amendment application. No changes in the rate of flow, currents, or the course and direction of surface water and/or groundwater would occur. No modification of a wash, chamlel .creek or river is proposed. No impact would result from the proposed annexation, SOI amendment, 34 0 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 35 of 42 prezone, or general plan amendment. The proposed project would result in a less than significant impact to Stornwater Management. The project consists of no development, however prior to annexation, the property owners would have to elect to pay an annual City of Santa Clarita Stormwater Drainage Fee. The City's stornwater program provides street catch -basin cleaning a minimum.of once a year, thereby reducing trash, debris, and potential neighborhood flooding. Furthermore, because no development is proposed as a part of this project, the proposed annexation .would not create any impacts to Stomwater Management of any of the following ways: i) No potential impact of project construction and project post - construction activity on storm water runoff ii) No potential discharges from areas for materials storage, vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or equipment maintenance (including washing), waste handling, hazardous materials handling or storage, delivery areas or loading docks, or other outdoor work areas iii) No significant environmentally harniful increase in the flow velocity or volume of storm water runoff iv) No significant and environmentally harmful increases in erosion of the project site or surrounding areas v) No storm water discharges that would significantly impair or contribute to the impairment of the beneficial uses of receiving waters or areas that provide water quality benefits (e.g. riparian corridors, wetlands, etc.) vi) The proposal would not cause harm to the biological integrity of drainage systems, watersheds, and/or water bodies vii) Provisions for the separation, recycling, and reuse of materials both during construction and after project occupancy is not necessary. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact related to hydrology and water quality. No further enviromnental review is IX. LAND USE AND The project does not propose any new development with this PLANNING annexation, Sphere of Influence Amendment, prezone and General Plan Amendment. The proposed industrial, commercial and residential zoning designations would be consistent with the existing development and County land use planning in the project area, as well as the development surrounding the project area. Furthermore, 35 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 36 of 42 the project area is located within the. Castaic Area Community Standards District (CSD), a planning area for zoning regulation purposes that was established in 2004 by the County of Los Angeles. The project site is exempt fiom the provisions of the CSD since the residential portions and most of the business park were constructed prior to establishment of the CSD. The remaining undeveloped portions of the VCC are also exempt as the Master CUP affecting this development was approved prior to the CSD. Therefore, all zoning regulations currently in place under these prior County approvals have already been established for the project; therefore the project site is not subject to the CSD. Impacts related to the disruption or physical division of an established community (including low-income or minority community) are not anticipated to occur since no new development that has not already been approved would be constructed. The proposed annexation of the Valencia Commerce Center/Hasley Hills area includes a request for a Sphere of Influence Amendment, prezone, and General Plan Amendment to change the existing County of Los Angeles zoning and jurisdictional authority. The change to City zoning and land use would result in a less than significant impact as it is consistent with existing County of Los Angeles land use plan, policy, and regulations. Currently the area consists of City land use designations that include RS, RVL, RE, CN, and BP. The land use designations for the majority of the annexation area would not change with this project. However, the proposed General Plan Amendment involves the amendment of several "GPA Areas" including 324 acres of RVL and RE to BP, 27 acres of BP to RS, 27 acres of BP to CN, and 5.36 acres of RS to OS. Despite the proposed General Plan Amendment for each of the above-mentioned areas, these "GPA Areas" are largely built out with commercial or industrial development. The only "GPA Area" that is undeveloped consists of a secondary ridgeline and is located in the northwest portion of the project site. Furthermore, the proposed General Plan designations would be consistent with the existing approved development within the proposed amiexation area. The attached General Plan Amendment/Area Change map identifies each of the above-mentioned "GPA Areas". Upon annexation of the project area, the new General Plan designations would be activated. In addition, under the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles, the project area consists of the following zoning designations: RPD - 36 11 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 37 of 42 9 37 5000, RPD -6000, R-1-5000, MPD, M-1.5, M -1.5-13P, C-2, C -2-13P, and C-3, and C -3 -DP. The proposed prezone would change the existing zoning to correspond with the City of Santa Clarita zoning and designate the project area so that proposed prezone designations are consistent with County land use planning and existing development. The proposed prezone for the.anlexation area includes RS, CN, BP and OS. The attached prezone snap identifies the proposed zoning for the aimexation' area. Upon annexation of the project area, the new zoning would be activated. The proposed project would not conflict with any applicable Habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, and/or policies by agencies with jurisdiction over the project, such as the Army Corps of Engineers, or the California Department of Fish and Game's jurisdiction over Castaic Creek because the proposal would not change the applicable state or federal designations in the project area. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact related to land use and plaruiing. No further environmental review is necessary. X. MINERAL AND The proposed project would not result in the loss of availability of a ENERGY known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the RESOURCES residents of the state. No further environmental review is necessary. The proposed SOI amendment, annexation, prezone and General Plan Amendment that would be consistent with the existing development and uses in the project area would not result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan and would not use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient mauler. No further environmental review is necessary. No impact related to mineral and energy resources is anticipated. No further environmental review is necessary. XI. NOISE The proposed project proposes no development and therefore there would be no exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the City's General Plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. Furthermore, because no development is proposed with the annexation, there would be no exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. 37 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 38 of 42 The project would not create a substantial pei-rnanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. No development is anticipated with this prezone and General Plan Amendment application, therefore a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project would not occur. The project area is not located within an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, therefore, the prezone and General Plan Amendment would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. The project area is not within the vicinity of a private airstrip and would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. No impact related to noise is anticipated. No further enviromnental review is necessary. XII. POPULATION No development is proposed with the prezone and General Plan AND HOUSING Amendment. The- project area contains and is surrounded by infrastructure that is adequate for the previously approved residential and commercial development by Los Angeles County in the project area. The proposed residential and commercial designations would be consistent with the existing development and uses in the project area. The application would not displace existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere (especially affordable housing). The proposed residential and commercial designations would not displace people, necessitating the construction or replacement housing elsewhere, as the proposal would be consistent with the existing uses and County -approved development in the project area. No impact related to population and 'housing is anticipated. No further enviromnental review is necessary. XIII. PUBLIC The proposed project would not create any significant adverse SERVICES impacts to public services. Fire service, school district, and many govermnent services will remain unaffected. Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 39 of 42 39 The annexation area will experience an increase in police patrols and response time due to the City's increased police presence. The City also provides more frequent road maintenance and is typically more responsive to requests for repairs. In addition, the City provides increased streetlight patrols and responsiveness to correct malfunctioning streetlights. The annexation would result in a negotiated tax transfer between the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles which would be used to partially fund public services. Furthermore, the City would likely make upgrades to the existing Hasley Canyon Park as part of the City's parks program as it has in the past with previous annexations. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact related to public services. No further environmental review is necessary. XIV. RECREATION No new development is proposed with the proposed project that would cause direct increase in usage of existing parks and recreational facilities. However, payment of lower parks and recreation program fees by residents within the project site once they are annexed to the City of Santa Clarita may increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other City recreational facilities that may cause a minor impact on these facilities. The proposed project does not include new development of residential units that would require park development fees or implementation of new recreational facilities. The proposed annexation area does include a public park known as Hasley Canyon County Park, which is in good condition. However, upon annexation, the City may upgrade the park and other recreational facilities. Impacts related to the expansion or upgrade of recreational facilities or parks is considered less than significant. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact relate to recreation. No further environmental review is necessary. XV. The project site has been developed with industrial, commercial and TRANSPORTATION / residential uses which were analyzed under a separate environmental TRAFFIC document. The prezone and General Plan Amendment would not cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections. No development is proposed, therefore, the prezone and General Plan Amendment would not exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a 39 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 40 of 42 level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. The project would not result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. No development is proposed, therefore, the application would not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). No development is proposed with this application. The project area is adjacent to existing infrastructure and City of Santa Clarita incorporated land. The prezone and General Plan Amendment would not result in inadequate emergency access. No development is proposed with the prezone and General Plan Amendment, therefore, the proposal would not result in inadequate parking capacity. Upon annexation, the City may construct new bus stops and improvements to existing bus stops. This may have a minor impact; however, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. Upon annexation, the City may make improvements to sidewalks and bike lanes. These improvements would reduce hazards and barriers for pedestrians. Therefore, irnpacts are anticipated to be less than significant. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact related to transportation and traffic. No further environmental review is necessary. XVI. UTILITIES AND The project would not exceed wastewater treatment requirements of SERVICE SYSTEMS the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board, as the site is already developed. No development is proposed with this SOI amendment, amlexation, prezone and General Plan Amendment. Therefore, this application would not require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, that have not already been considered, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. M O s 1` Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 41 of 42 The project would not require or result in the construction of new stone water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects because no development is proposed. The project area has sufficient water supplies available to serve existing and approved development from existing entitlements and resources. No new or expanded entitlements'are needed. The project would not result in a detennination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves the project that it has adequate capacity to serve existing and projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments. The project area is currently served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project site's solid waste disposal needs. The project area would be subject to City franchise agreements for both business and residential. Impacts related service by a landfill is considered less than significant. The project area currently complies with federal, state, and County statutes and regulations related to solid waste. Businesses would also become subject to City's Standard Urban Storm water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) upon annexation. No impact related to utilities and service systems is anticipated. No further enviromnental review is necessary. XVII. MANDATORY The project does not propose new development. However, there is FINDINGS OF development potential in the remaining undeveloped portion of VCC. SIGNIFICANCE Future development in this area may have the potential to.degrade the quality of the enviromnent, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Any future development however, would be reviewed by the City to ensure compliance with all previously approved development and environmental standards and design guidelines, including mitigation measures as required by the County. Therefore, the project would not result in a significant impact related to degradation of the quality of the environment or habitat of fish and wildlife species. 41 I7 Initial Study Master Case 07-206 Annexation 07-003, Prezone 07-002, General Plan Amendment 07-003 Sphere of Influence Amendment 07-001 Page 42 of 42 • S:\CD\ANNEXICASTAIC\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)TWIRONMENTAL REVIENrQNITIAL STUDY.NEGDECUNITIAL STUDY.VCC.HASLEY.DOC 42 The project does not propose new development and would not have direct impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable. However, the remaining undeveloped portion of VCC I ay be developed in the foreseeable future. Any new development would go through a design review process and would have to adhere to the development standards and the City's General Plan. -Therefore, any impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. No development is proposed as a part of this project. An undeveloped area totaling roughly 214 acres is a part of a master plan ied business park and would be developed in the future. This new development would be reviewed to ensure compliance with the UDC and the General Plan, but may still cause effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. However, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact related to the Mandatory findings -of significance. No further environmental review is necessary. XVII. DEPARTMENT The project would not have an adverse effect either individually or OF FISH AND GAME cumulatively, on fish and wildlife resources? Wildlife shall be `DE MINIMUS' defined for the purpose of this .question as "all wild animals, birds, FINDING plants, fish, amphibians, and related ecological communities, including the habitat upon which the wildlife depends for its continued viability." No further environmental review is necessary. No impact related to Department of Fish and Game `De Minimus' finding is anticipated. No further environmental review is necessary. S:\CD\ANNEXICASTAIC\MC 07-206 (GPA, PRZ, ANX)TWIRONMENTAL REVIENrQNITIAL STUDY.NEGDECUNITIAL STUDY.VCC.HASLEY.DOC 42