HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - VEHICLE DISPLAY OVERLAY (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item: 10
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
February 8, 2011
Patrick Leclair
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TITLE 17
OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) TO ADD A
VEHICLE DEALER SALES (VDS) OVERLAY ZONE, MODIFY
THE EXISTING UDC TO PROHIBIT AUTO DEALERS OUTSIDE
OF THE VDS OVERLAY ZONE, AND TO MODIFY THE NORTH
VALENCIA AND NORTH VALENCIA II SPECIFIC PLANS TO
BE CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE VDS
OVERLAY ZONE
Community Development
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct second reading and adopt an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING
MASTER CASE 10-096, UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 10-007, TO
AMEND THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE, THE NORTH VALENCIA SPECIFIC
PLAN, AND THE NORTH VALENCIA II SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW FOR THE
CREATION OF THE VEHICLE DEALER SALES OVERLAY ZONE AND ADOPTING A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION."
BACKGROUND
At the January 25, 2011, City Council meeting, the City Council conducted a public hearing and
introduced and passed to second reading, an ordinance to amend the Unified Development Code
(UDC), the North Valencia Specific Plan, and the North Valencia II Specific Plan to create a
Vehicle Dealer Sales (VDS) Overlay Zone. The VDS Overlay Zone creates an area in the City
where automobile and light truck dealers can be located, while prohibiting them throughout the
rest of the City. Consolidating the location of vehicle sales in the City will encourage the reuse
of the existing vacant dealers in the City, while allowing all of the dealers in the City to share the
s� l
mutual benefit of proximity to one another including marketing.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
No direct fiscal impact is anticipated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance - Vehicle Dealer Sales Overlay Zone Ordinance
Exhibit "A" - Proposed Unified Development Code Amendments
Exhibit "B" - Proposed VDS Overlay Zone Map
Negative Declaration and Initial Study
Z
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING MASTER CASE 10-096, UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 10-007, TO AMEND THE UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE, THE NORTH VALENCIA SPECIFIC PLAN, AND THE NORTH
VALENCIA II SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW FOR THE CREATION OF THE VEHICLE
DEALER SALES OVERLAY ZONE AND ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita General Plan requires the implementation of the
City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code (UDC) to be in compliance with the
Government Code of the State of California;
WHEREAS, there has been an increase in the number of requests to establish vehicle and
light truck dealers throughout the City in locations that have not been developed to accomodate
vehicle display, and/or the customer traffic associated with vehicle and light truck sales;
WHEREAS, vacancies exist on the Creekside Road corridor where vehicle dealers have
traditionally existed, and the infrastructure exists for the restablishment of vehicle dealers exists;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita adopted an Urgency Ordinance
on August 24, 2010 to place a 45 -day moratorium on the establishment of any new businesses
dealing with the sale or rental of vehicles or light trucks in the City;
WHEREAS; the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita extended the 45 -day
moratorium by 10 months and 15 days at their September 28, 2010, City Council meeting to
allow time to research and prepare an amendment to the Unified Development Code to address
the establishment of vehicle and light truck sales in the City;
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments are consistent with and further implement the
Goals and Policies of the City of Santa Clarita General Plan;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the
project on December 21, 2010, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA
91355. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the aforementioned meeting was duly noticed in
accordance with Government Code 65090. At this meeting, the Planning Commission, by a 5-0
vote, adopted Resolution P10-38, recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance
approving Master Case 10-096, Unified Development Code Amendment 10-007 and adopt the
Negative Declaration prepared for the project.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita conducted a duly noticed public
hearing on the project on January 25, 2011, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa
Clarita, CA 91355. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the aforementioned meeting was
duly noticed in accordance with Government Code 65090. At this meeting, the City Council
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opened the public hearing, considered the staff report, staff presentation, and public testimony on
the proposed amendments, introduced the ordinance by the City Council to modify the Unified
Development Code, and passed the ordinance to a second reading on February 8, 2011.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The proposed amendments to the Santa Clarita Unified Development Code,
the North Valencia Specific Plan, and the North Valencia II Specific Plan identified in Master
Case 10-096 (UDC 10-007) are consistent with the City of Santa Clarita General Plan.
SECTION 2. The proposed amendments to the Santa Clarita Unified Development Code
identified in Exhibit "A" along with the proposed Vehicle Dealer Sales Overlay Zone Map
attached as Exhibit "B" are hereby adopted.
SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based
upon the foregoing facts and findings in the Initial Study prepared for the project, the City
Council further finds, approves, and determines as follows:
a. An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
b. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental
agencies and the public and all comments received, if any, have been considered. The
document was posted and advertised on November 30, 2010, in accordance with CEQA.
The public review period was open from November 30, 2010, through December 21,
2010.
C. Staff found that there were no impacts created as a result of the proposed project and a
Negative Declaration has been prepared for the project in accordance with the CEQA.
The Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment of the City of Santa Clarita.
d. The location of the documents and other material which constitutes the record of
proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is based is the Master Case
10-096 project file within the Community Development Department and is in the custody
of the Director of Community Development.
SECTION 4. That if any portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, that portion shall
be stricken and severed, and the remaining portions shall be unaffected and remain in full force
and effect.
SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from its
passage and adoption.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause
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the same to be published as required by law.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Kevin Tonoian, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance 11- was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a
regular meeting of the City Council on the 25th day of January, 2011. That thereafter, said
Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 8th day
of February 2011, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance and
was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806).
CITY CLERK
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
CERTIFICATION OF
CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE
I, , City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby
certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original Ordinance 11- , adopted by the City
Council of the City of Santa Clarita, CA on February 8th, 2011, which is now on file in my
office.
Witness my hand and seal of the City of Santa Clarita, California, this day of
2011.
City Clerk
By
Deputy City Clerk
Unified Development Code Amendment 10-007
EXHIBIT "A"
17.12.050 Commercial Use Type Classifications.
23. Vehicle Sales and Services
a. Automobile and Light Truck Sales and Services
(1) Body Repair and Painting
(2) Commercial Storage
(3) Gas Sales
(4) Repair and/or Maintenance
(5) Sales and Rea A Sales
(B) Rentals
(6) Wash
(A) Manual/Self-Service
(B) Full -Service
b. Boat and Camper/Recreational Vehicle Sales and Services
17.12.050 Commercial Use Type Classifications.
23. Vehicle Sales and Services—includes establishments primarily engaged in the sale, rental, and
service of automobiles, boats, heavy equipment, recreational vehicles and large trucks. This
includes retail, wholesale and used vehicle operations. The following are vehicle sales and
services use types:
a. Automobile and Light Truck Sales and Services—includes establishments primarily
engaged in the sale, rental and service of automobiles and light trucks. The following are
automobile sales and services use types:
(1) Body Repair and Painting—includes establishments primarily engaged in body repair
and painting of automobiles within an enclosed building. Auto body repair uses shall be
in accordance with Section 17.17.040(L). Typical uses include automobile painting
shops and body repair shops.
(2) Commercial Storage includes facilities providing overnight and/or long-term
storage of automobiles for a fee, but excludes impound yards. This is an independent
use type and does not include parking that is required for uses pursuant to this code.
Typical uses include commercial parking garages.
(3) Gas Sales—includes establishments primarily engaged in the dispensing and retail sale
of gas and may include as an accessory and subordinate use the sale of oils, lubricants
and similar automobile related merchandise. Gas sales shall be in accordance with
Section 17.17.040(B). Typical uses include gas stations.
(4) Repair and/or Maintenance—includes establishments primarily engaged in the repair
of automobiles within an enclosed building and may include the accessory and
subordinate sale of parts and related merchandise used to repair automobiles. Does not
include body repair and painting. Automobile repair and maintenance uses shall be in
accordance with Section 17.17.040(L). Typical uses include, but are not limited to,
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 2 of 10
brake shops, general repair garages, auto glass shops, oil change/lubricating shops,
muffler shops, stereo and accessory installation, tire shops, transmission repair shops
and tune-up shops.
(5) Sales and Rentals—includes establishments primarily engaged in the sale, brokerage,
and/or rental of automobiles. Typical uses include automobile rental agencies and new
and used automobile sales lots.
A Sales
(B) Rentals
(6) Wash—includes the washing, polishing and detailing of automobiles. Typical uses
include automobile detailing services and car washes. Automobile washing uses shall
be in accordance with Section 17.17.040(C).
(A) Manual/self-service (no attendants);
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Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 4 of 10
17.16.045 VS—Vehicle Services Overlay Zone.
A. Purpose. In an effort to reduce the proliferation of auto -related uses along commercial corridors,
the vehicle services (VS) overlay zone designates certain areas within the City whereby the
placement and concentration of vehicle services is encouraged. The purpose is to establish
standards for the clustering of these uses in areas of the City once all environmental factors have
been properly mitigated.
B. Permitted Uses. The following vehicle service uses shall be permitted where the symbol "P"
appears; a minor use permit is required where the symbol "M" appears, uses are prohibited
where the symbol "X" appears.
1. Vehicle Sales and Services
a. Automobile and Light Truck Sales and Services
(1) Body Repair and Painting& M
(2) Commercial Storage M
(3) Gas Sales P
(4) Repair and/or Maintenance P
(5) Sales and Den., l� A Sales X
B Rentals P
b. Boat and Camper/R.V. Sales an&Services
(1) Commercial Storage M
(2) Repair P
(3) Sales and Rental P
Motorcycle Sales and Services P
Body repair- and painting shall be eensideFed a pefmitted (P) iise when ineidental to and/or -
VII G11V
. Is as a dealer -ship selling newvehieles.
C. Property Development Standards. The following requirements shall apply to the vehicle
service uses described above in addition to the requirements of the underlying zone. Additional
regulations may be specified as conditions of approval as part of the permitting process. Any
deviations from the property development standards will require the approval of an Adjustment
or a Variance as described in Section 17.03.050 of this Code.
1. General Requirements. The general requirements of the underlying zones shall apply to
any development within the vehicle services overlay zone.
a. All street setbacks shall be landscaped and maintained in accordance with the
underlying zone.
b. All signage, including banners, shall be in conformance with Chapter 17.19.
c. All uses shall comply with the City Noise Ordinance.
d. All modifications to the structure and uses proposed within shall comply with all
applicable building, stormwater and fire codes and City ordinances.
e. There shall be no outdoor display or storage of vehicle parts and supplies goods for
sale.
/0
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 5 of 10
Special Requirements. The following special requirements shall apply to development in
the vehicle services overlay zone.
a. All operations must be conducted within an enclosed building.
b. All repair activities as described in this section shall be confined to the hours of seven
a.m. to ten p.m., Monday through Friday, and eight a.m. to seven p.m. on Saturday and
Sunday.
c. All parking for employees and customers, in addition to all required circulation, shall
be provided on-site and available during all business hours.
d. The dismantling of vehicles for purposes other than repair is prohibited.
e. No damaged or wrecked vehicles shall be stored for purposes other than repair, unless
the approval of a vehicle impound facility is obtained. Any vehicle awaiting repair for
more than thirty (30) days shall be removed from the location or stored in an enclosed
building.
f. All fencing shall be solid masonry of decorative nature to the satisfaction of the
Director of Community Development with no metal panels, chain link, barbed wire or
razor fencing permitted.
g. All body repair and painting facilities shall meet the following criteria:
(1) All paint spray booths shall be within an enclosed building.
(2) All damaged or wrecked vehicles awaiting body repair shall be within an area
enclosed by a minimum seven (7) foot high solid masonry wall as to not be visible
from residential uses or the public right-of-way. (Ord. 05-19 § 2, 12/13/05)
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 6 of 10
17.16.046 VDS—Vehicle Dealer Sales Overlay Zone.
A. Purpose. In an effort to reduce the proliferation of auto -related uses throughout the City and to
concentrate them in a central, regional serving .location, the vehicle dealer sales (VDS) overlay
zone designates certain areas within the City whereby the placement and concentration of vehicle
dealer sales is allowed. The purpose is to establish standards for the clustering of these uses in
areas of the City once all environmental factors have been properly mitigated.
B. Permitted Uses. The following vehicle service uses shall be permitted where the symbol "P"
appears,• a minor use permit is required where the symbol "M" appears.
1. Vehicle Sales and Services
a. Automobile and Light Truck Sales and Services
Body Repair and Painting*
M
Commercial Storage
P
Gas Sales
P
Repair and/or Maintenance*
M
Rentals
P
Sales
P
b. Boat and Camper/R.V. Sales and Services
Commercial Storage
M
Q• Repair
P
Sales and Rental
P
* Bodv repair. painting, and/or vehicle repair and maintenance shall be considered a
permitted (P) use when incidental to
and/or on the same premises as a dealership selling new vehicles.
C Property Development Standards The following requirements shall apply to the uses
described above in addition to the requirements of the underlying zone. Additional regulation
may be specified as conditions of approval as part of the permitting process Any deviations from
the property_ development standards will require the approval of an Adjustment or a Variance as
described in Section 17.03.050 of this Code.
1 General Requirements. The general requirements of the underlying zones shall apply to
any development within the vehicle dealer sales overlay zone.
a. All street setbacks shall be landscaped and maintained in accordance with the
underlyingzone.
b. All signage including banners shall be in conformance with Chapter 17.19.
c. All uses shall comply with the City Noise Ordinance.
d. All modifications to the structure and uses proposed within shall comply with all
applicable building, stormwater and fire codes and City ordinances.
e. There shall be no outdoor display or storage of vehicle parts and supplies goods for
sale.
Id-
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 7 of 10
2. Special Requirements. The following special requirements shall apply to development in
the vehicle dealer sales overlay zone.
a. All operations must be conducted within an enclosed building.
b. The dismantling of vehicles for purposes other than repair is prohibited.
c. No damaged or wrecked vehicles shall be stored for purposes other than repair, unless
the approval of a vehicle impound facility is obtained.
d. All fencing shall be solid masonry of decorative nature to the satisfaction of the
Director of Community Development with no metal panels, chain link, barbed wire or
razor fencing permitted.
e. All body repair and painting facilities shall meet the following criteria:
(l) All paint spray booths shall be within an enclosed building_
(2) All damaged or wrecked vehicles awaiting body repair shall be within an area
enclosed by a minimum seven (7) foot high solid masonry wall as to not be visible
from residential uses or the public right-of-way. (Ord. XX § 2, XX/XX/XX)
13
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 8 of 10
17.18.130 Schedule of Off -Street Parking Requirements.
D. Schedule of Off -Street Parking Requirements by Use Type. The following use types shall
provide the number of parking spaces indicated below:
23. Vehicle Sales and Services
a. Automobile Sales and Services
(1)
Body Repair and Painting
1 space per each 400 square feet; plus required parking for
additional uses on site.
(2)
Commercial Storage
As determined by the Director.
(3)
Gas Sales
Minimum 5 spaces; plus required parking for additional uses on
site.
(4)
Repair and/or Maintenance
1 space per each 400 square feet; plus required parking for
additional uses on site.
(5)
Sales and Ae,,A Sales
(B) Rentals
1 parking space for every 250 square feet of office space;
plus sufficient parking in vehicle display areas to
accommodate all vehicles in onsite inventory offered for
sale or lease as determined by the Director.
(6)
Wash
(1) Manual/Self-Service
3 car stacking distance in front of each bay for washing, drying
and vacuuming of cars; plus required parking for additional
uses on site.
(2) Full Service
Minimum 2,000 square foot queuing area for incoming cars;
plus a minimum 3,000 square feet of area beyond the exit of the
washing area; plus required parking for additional uses on site.
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 9 of 10
MODIFICATIONS TO NORTH VALENCIA SPECIFIC PLAN (DATED MARCH 1998)
Modify page 7-3 (Pony League) to include the following:
7.2.1 Land Use Component
Commercial (COM)
The Commercial (COM) land use is intended for retail and service uses of a community -wide
nature that attract people from beyond the immediate neighborhood. The extension of the
automobile dealerships along Creekside Road could occur in this area subject to the standards
identified in the Vehicle Dealer Sales Overlay Zone in Section 17.16.046 of the City's UDC.
Modify Page 11-8 (Permitted Use Chart) to read as follows:
PERMITTED USE CHART RES COM BP REC SC OS
Automobile PIIak-, n4 -rental agencies X C P X X X
Automobile dealers and sales X X* X X X X
*Development of automobile sales and dealers are permitted in the Pony League land use component
subject the standards of the City's Unified Development Code Section 17.16.046 (Vehicle Dealer and
Sales Overlay Zone).
Exhibit "A"
UDC 10-007
Page 10 of 10
MODIFICATIONS TO NORTH VALENCIA II SPECIFIC PLAN (DATED JANUARY 25,
2000)
Modify Page 7-8 (Permitted Use Chart) to read as follows:
PERMITTED USE CHART RES COM BP MU OS
Automobile srental agencies X C P C X
Automobile dealers and sales X X X X X
/1�
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
[X] Proposed [ ] Final
MASTER CASE NO: Master Case 10-096
PERMIT/PROJECT
NAME: Unified Development Code Amendment 10-007
APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302
Valencia, CA 91355
LOCATION OF THE
PROJECT: Citywide
DESCRIPTION OF
THE PROJECT: The City of Santa Clarita is preparing Unified Development Code
Amendment 10-007 consisting of an amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) that
would: 1. Create the Vehicle Dealer Sales (VDS) overlay zone in the City's UDC and prohibit the
establishment of any new vehicle and light truck sales in the City with the exception of those
properties located in the VDS zone; 2. Amend the North Valencia I Specific Plan to ensure
consistency with the proposed amendment to the UDC; and 3. Amend the North Valencia 11 Specific
Plan to ensure consistency with the proposed amendments to the UDC.
Based on the information contained in the Initial Study prepared for this project, and pursuant to the
requirements of Section 15070 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Santa Clarita
[X] CityCouncil [ ] Planning Commission [ ] Director of Planning and Building Services
finds that the project as proposed or revised will have no significant effect upon the environment, and that a
Negative Declaration shall be adopted pursuant to Section 15070 of CEQA.
Mitigation measures for this project
[ ] Are Not Required [ ] Are Attached [X] Are Not Attached
Lisa M. Webber, AICP
PLANNING MANAGER
Prepared by:
Approved
Patrick Leclair, Associate Planner
(Name/Title)
Jeff Hogan AICP, Interim Planning Manager
(Name/Title)
Public Review Period FroW November 30, 2010 To December 21, 2010
Public Notice Given On November 30, 2010
[X] Legal Advertisement [ ] Posting of Properties [X] Written Notice
CERTIFICATION DATE:
S:\CD\CURREN'nl2010\]0-096\10-096 Draft ND.doc
INITIAL STUDY .
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Project Title/Master Case Number: Master Case 10-096
Unified Development Code Amendment (UDC 10-007)
Lead Agency name and address: City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Contact person and phone number: Patrick Leclair
Associate Planner
(661) 255-4330
Project location: Citywide
Applicant's name and address: City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
General Plan designation: N/A
Zoning: N/A
Description of project and setting: The City of Santa Clarita is preparing Unified
Development Code Amendment 10-007 consisting of
an amendment to the Unified Development Code
(UDC) that would:
1. Create the Vehicle Dealer Sales (VDS) overlay zone
in the City's UDC and prohibit the establishment of any
new vehicle and light truck sales in the City with the
exception of those properties located in the VDS zone;
2. Amend the North Valencia I Specific Plan to ensure
consistency with the proposed amendment to the UDC;
and
3. Amend the North Valencia II Specific Plan to ensure
consistency with the proposed amendments to the UDC.
The proposed amendment to the UDC would create the
new VDS overlay zone. Properties in the VDS overlay
zone include properties that have traditionally included
vehicle sales and associated uses such as the properties
along the Creekside Road corridor, the property located
to the north and south of Auto Center Drive, and the
/`l
Master Case 10-096
UDC 10-007
Page 2 of 29
property located at the northwest and southwest corners
of the intersection of Magic Mountain Parkway and
Railroad Avenue/Bouquet Canyon Road. The River
Oaks shopping center located at the northeast corner of
McBean Parkway and Magic Mountain Parkway has
been excluded from the VDS zone given its use of the
site as a shopping center while the retail center located
at the northeast corner of Valencia Boulevard and
Magic Mountain Parkway has been included in the
VDS zone given that it is surrounded on three sides by
vehicle dealers and could be easily converted to a
vehicle dealer. The existing Vehicle Services overlay
zone would be removed from the properties along the
Creekside Road corridor. The remaining Vehicle
Services overlay zone boundaries throughout the City
will remain in place and will not be modified.
The requirements of the base zoning designations will
remain in place for all properties in the VDS, However
the VDS overlay will provide regulations and
development standards that will allow for the
establishment of automobile and light truck sales. All
properties outside the VDS would be prohibited from
establishing any new automobile and light truck sales.
Any legally established automobile and light truck sales
located outside the VDS overlay will be permitted to
operate provided that the use is not discontinued for a
period of up to 180 days. Once the use has been
discontinued for a period of 180 days, vested rights
associated with the vehicle sales on the project site will
be considered to be void and the property would be
required to comply with the provisions of the UDC in
place at that time.
Surrounding land uses: N/A
Other public agencies whose N/A
approval is required:
A. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at
1Past nne imnant that is a "Patentially Significant Imnact" or a "Less than Significant with
Mitigation" as indicated by the checklist on the following s.
[ ] Aesthetics [ ] Agriculture Resources [ ] Air Quality
[ ] Biological Resources [ ] Cultural Resources [ ] Geology/ Soils
[ ] Greenhouse Gas [ ] Hazards & Hazardous [ ] Hydrology / Water
Emissions Materials Quality
[ ] Land Use / Planning [ ] Mineral Resources [ ] Noise
[ ] Population / Housing [ ] Public Services [ ] Recreation
Mandatory Findings of
Transportation / Traffic [ ] Utilities / Service Systems [ ] 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
environment, 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 environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
[ J I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, 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.
�I
Master Case 10-096
UDC 10-007
Page 4 of 29
[ J I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, 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
DECLA TION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the
propo�dXproject, nAthing further is required.
JL I 6-=') It/36/10
Patrick Leplair, Associate Planner Date
/ 11 30
Planning Manager Date
�a-
Master Case 10-096
UDC 10-007
Page 5 of 29
C. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
I. AESTHETICS - Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
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 [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that [ ] (] [ ] [X]
would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
e) Other ( ] [ ] [ ] ( ]
II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST 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. In determining whether impacts to forest resources,
including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to
information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment
Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement
methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources
Board. 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?
a 3
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b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or
a Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning
of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220 (g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non -forest use?
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] I I [X]
[] [] [] [X]
[] [] [] [X]
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment [ ] [ ] [ J . [X]
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
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 [ J [ ] [ ] [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
non -attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including releasing
emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
concentrations?
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e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
number of people?
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] I [] [X]
f) Other [ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
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?
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 [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
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 [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
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 [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance? Oak trees?
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
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?
h) 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?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the [ ]
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to'15064.5?
c)' Directly or indirectly destroy or impact a unique [ ]
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred [ ]
outside of formal cemeteries?
e) Other [ ]
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial [ ]
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
[X]
[X[ ]
m4w
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as [ ] [ ] [] [X]
delineated on 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? [ ]
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including [ ]
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides? [ ]
b) Result in substantial wind or water soil erosion or the [ ]
loss of topsoil, either on or off site?
c) Be located on a geologic unit 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?
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 ground surface relief [ J
features?
g) Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic [ ]
yards or more?
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
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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
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] [] [X]
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS- Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on [ ] [ ]
the environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the [ ] [ ]
emissions of greenhouse gasses?
VIII. 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?
b) 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 environment
(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
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
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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?
f) 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?
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact . with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] [] [X]
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 intermixed with
wildlands?
i) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential [ ]
health hazards (e.g. electrical transmission lines, gas
lines, oil pipelines)?
j) Other [ ]
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY - Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste [ ]
discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or [ ]
j interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer
volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table
jlevel (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)?
[X]
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Potentially Less Than Less Than
No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the [ ] [ ] [ ]
[XJ
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 [ ] [ ] [ ]
[XJ
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 manner
j which would result in flooding on- or off-site?
I
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would [ ] [ ] [ J
[XJ
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? [ ] [ ] [ J
[XJ
g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as [ ] [ ] [ J
[XJ
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 [ ] [ ] [ ]
[XJ
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of [ ] [ ] [ J
[XJ
loss, injury or death involving flooding, including
j flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
I
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? [ ] [ ] [ ]
[XJ
I
k) Changes in the rate of flow, currents, or the course [ ] [ ] [ J
[X]
and direction of surface water and/or groundwater?
i) Other modification of a wash, channel creek or river? [ J [ ] [ J
[X]
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
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 environmentally 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?
v) 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.)
A Cause harm to the biological integrity of drainage [ ]
systems, watersheds, and/or water bodies?
vii) Does the proposed project include provisions [ ]
for the separation, recycling, and reuse of materials
both during construction and after proj ect
occupancy?
31
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
X. 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?
XI. 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?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally [ ]
[ ] [ ] [X]
important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan?
c) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and [ ]
[ ] [ ] [X]
inefficient manner?
32,
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
XII. NOISE - Would the project result in:
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?
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area,
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)?
[X]
[X]
[] [] [] [X]
30
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c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating
the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
XIV. 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:
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] I [X1
i) Fire protection? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
ii) Police protection? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
iii) Schools? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
iv) Parks? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
XV. RECREATION - Would the project:
i
a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
regional parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of the facility
would occur or be accelerated?
b) Include recreational facilities or require the [ ] [ ] [ 1 [X]
construction or expansion of recreational facilities"
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC - Would the project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy [ ]
establishing measures of effectiveness for the
performance of the circulation system, taking into
account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non -motorized travel and relevant
components of the circulation system, including but
not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass
transit?
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management [ ]
program, including, but not limited to level of
service standard and travel demand measures, or
other standards established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including [ J
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 [ ]
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? [ ]
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs [ ]
regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian
facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or
safety of such facilities?
g) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? [ ]
H [] [XJ
[] [] [X]
[l [] [X]
11 [] [X7
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Potentially Less Than Less Than
No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS - Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
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 [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
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 [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
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?
0 Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted [ ] [ ] [ ]
�]
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
regulations related to solid waste?
3 6�
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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 [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
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 [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
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 [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
XVII. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME `DE MINIMUS' FINDING
a) Will the project have an adverse effect either [ ] [] [ ] [X]
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." ,
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D. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND/OR EARLIER ANALYSIS:
Section and Subsections
Evaluation of Impacts
I. AESTHETICS
a. -d.) No Impact: The City of Santa Clarita is located within
Southern California's Santa Clarita Valley, which is bounded by the
San Gabriel Mountains to the south and east, the Santa Susana
Mountains to the southwest, and the mountains of the Los Padres and
Angeles National Forests to the north. The surrounding natural
mountains and ridgelines, some of which extend into the City,
provide a visual backdrop for much of the City. Other scenic
resources within or visible from the City include the Santa Clara
River corridor, forested/vegetated land, and a variety of canyons and
natural drainages in portions of the City.
The proposed amendments to the City's Unified Development Code
create an overlay zone that will locate automotive dealers in one
central location in the City where vehicle sales has historically been
concentrated, excluding the location of additional vehicle and light
truck sales throughout the remaining portions of the City outside of
the overlay zone. The properties within the overlay zone are
predominantly developed in the urban center of the City. At this time
it is difficult to predict the future development pattern of properties
within the proposed overlay zone and any aesthetic impacts can
therefore, not be addressed at this time. Should any future
development be proposed within.the overlay zone, further analysis
must be conducted in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
Therefore, no impact to aesthetics is anticipated with the proposed
amendments.
II. AGRICULTURE
a. -e.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC will not
RESOURCES
affect any farmland identified by the California Resources Agency,
farmland designated under a Williamson Act Contract, and will not
convert any farmland to non-agricultural use. Further, the
amendments will not impact any forest lands, or any timberland
zoned Timberland Production by the Government Code Section
51104(g). The proposed amendments are regulatory in nature and
address the creation of the Vehicle Dealer Sales overlay zone in the
City.
Therefore, the amendments are not anticipated to have an impact on
agricultural, farmland, or forest resources.
39
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III. AIR QUALITY a. -e.) Less than Significant Impact: The City of Santa Clarita is
within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which is boundedby the
San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north
and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. The air quality
in the SCAB is managed by the South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD).
The SCAB has a history of recorded air quality violations and is an
area where both state and federal ambient air quality standards are
exceeded. Because of the violations of the California Ambient Air
Quality Standards (CAAQS), the California Clean Air Act requires
triennial preparation of an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
The AQMP analyzes air quality on a regional level and identifies
region -wide attenuation methods to achieve the air quality standards.
These region -wide attenuation methods include regulations for
stationary -source polluters; facilitation of new transportation
technologies, such as low -emission vehicles; and capital
improvements, such as park-and-ride facilities and public transit
improvements.
The most recently adopted plan is the 2007 AQMP, adopted on June
1, 2007. This plan is the South Coast Air Basin's portion of the State
Implementation Plan (SIP). This plan is designed to implement the
California Clean Air Act an in turn implement the Federal Clean Air
Act administered by the EPA. The AQMP accommodates population
growth and transportation projections based on the predictions made
by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
Thus, projects that are consistent with employment and population
forecasts are consistent with the AQMD.
The proposed amendments to the UDC will not alter any of the
aforementioned measures directly in that the proposed amendments
will address the creation of a Vehicle Dealer Sales overlay zone for
the location of new and used vehicle sales in the City. The potential
impacts as a result of any future car dealers would be subject to the
applicable air quality regulations under CEQA in place at the time
that future analysis is conducted. However, future dealers and any
associated impacts are speculative at this time and can not be
addressed.
Therefore, no impact is anticipated to air quality as a result of the
proposed amendments to the UDC.
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IV. BIOLOGICAL
a. -g.) No Impact —The proposed amendments to the UDC, in and of
RESOURCES
themselves do not include the modification of any habitat and would
not otherwise affect any candidate, sensitive or special status species
identified by the Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Further, the proposed UDC amendments will not
have any adverse affect on any riparian habitat, wetlands as defined
by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other biological resources
as the proposed amendments include land that is located in an urban
portion of the City that has been predominantly entitled and/or
developed. The proposed UDC amendments create a Vehicle Dealer
overlay zone that will encourage the location of all vehicle and light
truck sales in one centralized location in the City where vehicle sales
has historically been located in the City. The amendments will not
alter any wildlife corridor or migratory fish corridor and will not
affect any regulation or code protecting such resources.
Therefore, the proposed UDC amendments are not anticipated to
have an impact to biological resources.
V. CULTURAL
a. -d.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the Unified
RESOURCES
Development Code will not have any impact on cultural resources in
the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed amendments will not alter
any unique geological feature, paleontological resource, any human
remains or affect any historical or archeological resource. The
proposed amendments will establish an overlay zone for the location
of automobile and light truck sales can be located in the City. While
no construction is proposed with these amendments, the potential
impact of any future construction is too speculative to evaluate at this
time. This UDC amendment would be required to comply with Goal
10 of the City's Open Space and Conservation Element, to protect the
historical and culturally significant resources, which contribute to
community identity and a sense of history as well as CEQA.
Therefore, no impact to archeological, historical or cultural resource
would be caused by the proposed UDC amendments.
VI. GEOLOGY AND
a. -i.) No Impact — Southern California has numerous active and
SOILS
potentially active faults that could affect the City. As stated in the
City's General Plan, the City is susceptible to geologic hazards in the
event of a major earthquake (magnitude 8.3) along the San Andreas
Fault. This could result in ground failure and liquefaction. However,
the proposed amendments to the UDC would not change the
requirements of future development to follow all state and City
building codes/regulations. The proposed amendments would
address the creation of an overlay zone to regulation the location of
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automobile and light truck sales in the City. Although no
construction is proposed at this time, any future construction would
be required to address the geologic and/or soils conditions on their
project site prior to the issuance of any building permits on the
project site.
Therefore, the proposed UDC amendments are not anticipated to
have any impact related to geology and soils.
VII. GREENHOUSE a. -b.) No Impact — "Greenhouse gases" (so called because of their
GAS EMISSIONS role in trapping heat near the surface of the earth) emitted by human
activity are implicated in global climate change, commonly referred
to as "global warming." These greenhouse gases contribute to an
increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere. The principal
greenhouse gases (GHGs) include carbon dioxide _(CO2), methane,
and nitrous oxide. Collectively GHGs are measured as carbon
dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Fossil fuel consumption in the transportation sector (on -road motor
vehicles, off-highway mobile sources, and aircraft) is the single
largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for approximately half
of GHG emissions globally. Industrial and commercial sources are
the second largest contributors of GHG emissions with about one-
fourth of total emissions.
California has passed several ,bills and the Governor has signed. at
least three executive orders regarding greenhouse gases. GHG
statues and executive orders (EO) include Assembly Bill (AB) 32,
Senate Bill (SB) 1368, Executive Order (EO) S-03-05, EO S-20-06
and EO S-01-07.
AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, is one
of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation that
California has adopted. Among other things, it is designed to
maintain California's reputation as a "national and international
leader on energy conservation and environmental stewardship."
Most notably AB 32 mandates that by 2020, California's GHG
emissions be reduced to 1990 levels,
The proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code address
the establishment of an overlay zone that would locate all automobile
and light truck sales in one central place in the City. The proposed
amendments would not result in major alterations to any air quality
plan as it relates to any greenhouse emissions. However, the location
of automotive sales in one central location in the City would have the
potential to reduce vehicle trips from customers, giving them an
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option to park once and shop among the various dealers in the area.
Therefore, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to have any
impact related to greenhouse gas emissions.
VIII. HAZARDS AND
aA.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC would not
HAZARDOUS
directly expose people to health hazards or hazardous materials,
MATERIALS
interfere with any emergency response plans, or any land use within
2 miles of an airport, airfield, or otherwise impact any airport land
use plan. The proposed amendments to the Unified Development
Code address the establishment of an overlay zone that would locate
all automobile and light truck sales in one central place in the City.
Therefore, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to have any
impact to hazards or hazardous materials.
IX. HYDROLOGY
a.-1.) No Impact — The proposed project would not impact water
AND WATER
quality standards, nor affect groundwater supplies. The proposed
QUALITY
amendments to the Unified Development Code address the
establishment of an overlay zone that would locate all automobile
and light truck sales in one central place in the City. The
amendments will not result in direct impacts on hydrology and water
quality. Further, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to
impact any 100 -year flood hazard area, tsunami, drainage pattern,; or
runoff of Stormwater Management systems. Any construction related
activity within the proposed overlay zone would comply with the
zoning codes in place at the time that revisions are requested,
including any additional CEQA review.
Therefore, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to have an
impact to hydrology and water quality.
X. LAND USE AND
a.) No Impact — No established community would be disrupted or
PLANNING
physically divided due to the proposed amendments, and therefore,
no impact is anticipated.
b.) No Impact' — The proposed amendments to the Unified
Development Code address the establishment of an overlay zone that
would locate all automobile and light truck sales in one central place
in the City. The proposed amendment to the UDC is consistent with
the City's General Plan in that it encourages the creation of economic
centers in the City that would provide services to its residents.
Therefore, no impact related to land use and planning is anticipated
with the proposed amendments to the UDC.
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C.) No Impact — The proposed amendments do not affect current City
standards regarding habitat conservation plans, natural community
preservation plans, and/ or the policies of agencies with jurisdiction
over resources and resource areas within the City since no
development is proposed at this time. All future development would
be subject to the standards and regulations established by the City at
the time revisions are requested.
Therefore, the project would have no impact on conservation plans.
XI. MINERAL AND
a. -c.) No Impact — Gold mining and oil production historically have
ENERGY
been the principal mineral extraction activities in and around the
RESOURCES
Santa Clarita Valley. Other minerals found in the planning area
include construction aggregate, titanium, and tuff. Mineral resources
and extraction areas are shown in Exhibit OS -5 of the City's General
Plan. The proposed UDC amendment is not expected to affect
mineral resources in the city. Therefore, no impact related to mineral
and energy resources is anticipated.
XII. NOISE
a. -d.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC will not
expose persons to the generation of a significant increase in noise
levels, groundborne vibration, or increase ambient noise The
proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code address the
establishment of an overlay zone that would locate all automobile
and light truck sales in one central place in the City. The UDC
amendment, in fact, does not propose any development at this time
and therefore, there would not be an impact to noise levels in the city.
The proposed amendments do not remove any noise -related
regulations and would not foreseeably lead to a change in the
generation of noise at this time.
Therefore, a less than significant impact is anticipated with relation to
noise.
e. -f) No Impact — There are no airports, airfields, or airport land use
plans within the City. Therefore, the proposed UDC amendments
would cause no impacts related to airport noise.
XIII. POPULATION
a. -c.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC are not
AND HOUSING
anticipated to induce substantial population growth in the Santa
Clarita Valley, either directly or indirectly, nor would any of the
proposed provisions cause displacement of existing homes or people.
The proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code address
the establishment of an overlay zone that would locate all automobile
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and light truck sales in one central place in the City. The property
affected by the proposed amendments are further not located in any
residential zone and would only affect future commercial land uses
on previously developed land in the City. The proposed project is a
regulatory adjustment and does not include any development activity
at this time. The proposed UDC amendments would not alter the
City's population projections consistent with the City's General Plan.
Therefore, the project would have no impact to population and
housing.
XIV. PUBLIC a)i. No Impact — The proposed amendments will not directly increase
SERVICES the need for fire protection services. However, any future
development would be subject to any applicable development fees,
which are established to compensate for growth. Since, the proposed
UDC amendments are not anticipated to have a direct impact on fire
protection services, and future development would remain subject to
development fees, the amendments would have no impact to fire
services.
a)ii. No Impact — The proposed amendments are not anticipated to
directly increase the need for police services. However, any future
development would be subject to development fees, which are
established to compensate for growth. Since, the proposed UDC
amendments would have no direct impact on police services, and
future development would remain subject to development fees, the
amendments would have no impact to police services.
a)iii. No Impact — The proposed project is not anticipated to directly
increase the population of the City of Santa Clarita. However, any
future residential development would be subject to school
development fees, which are established to compensate for growth.
Since, the proposed UDC amendments would have no direct impact
on school services, and future development would be subject to
school development fees, the amendments would have no impact to
school services.
a)iv. No Impact — The proposed project is not anticipated to directly
increase number of persons using public parks. However, any future
development would be subject to park impact fees, which are
established to compensate for residential growth. Since, the proposed
UDC amendments would have no direct impact on parks, and future
development would remain subject to park impact fees, the
amendments would have no impact to parks.
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XIV. RECREATION
a. -b.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC will not
have any impact on recreational amenities within the City of Santa
Clarita. The proposed project is a regulatory adjustment and does not
include any development activities at this time. Any subsequent
approvals would be required to comply with the Parks and.Recreation
Element in the City's General Plan and would be subject to the City's
park impact fees.
Therefore, no impact to recreation is anticipated with the proposed
UDC amendments.
XV.
a. -g.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC are
TRANSPORTATION /
regulatory in nature and are not anticipated to have direct
TRAFFIC
developmental impacts that alter traffic load or capacity on street
systems. The proposed amendments to the Unified Development
Code address the establishment of an overlay zone that would locate
all automobile and light truck sales in one central place in the City.
Any subsequent development would be regulated by the City's UDC,
General Plan, and transportation policies and would be subject to
additional CEQA review to determine project related impacts.
However, at this time, since no new development is being proposed,
and no impact to traffic is anticipated as a result of the proposed
UDC amendments.
XVI. UTILITIES AND
a. -g.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the City's Unified
SERVICE SYSTEMS
Development Code do not include any new development at this time.
The proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code address
the establishment of an overlay zone that would locate all automobile
and light truck sales in one central place in the City. Therefore, the
project would not result in the construction of new water facilities,
expansion of existing facilities, affect drainage patterns, water
treatment services, and furthermore, no impacts to landfill capacity
would occur. Any subsequent development would be required to
comply with the City's General Plan and the requirements of the
Regional Water Quality Control Board and all applicable utility
purveyors. Compliance with these requirements would ensure all
federal, state and local statutes and imposed regulations are met.
Therefore, no impact to utilities or service systems is anticipated as a
result of the approval of the proposed amendments.
XVII. MANDATORY
a. -c.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the UDC will not
FINDINGS OF
have a significant impact on the environment that would lead to a
SIGNIFICANCE
substantial reduction in habitat of a fish or wildlife species, or reduce
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or restrict the number of rare, threatened or endangered species. The
proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code address the
establishment of an overlay zone that would locate all automobile
and light truck sales' in one central place in the City. As such, the
proposed amendments do not remove any established City
regulations that protect any plant and animal species. The proposal
would not contribute to any cumulative impacts and would not cause
environmental effects that would adversely affect humans.
XVIII. DEPARTMENT
a.) No Impact —The legislative intent of the Department of Fish and
OF FISH AND GAME
Game `De Minimus' Finding is "to extend the current user -based
`DE MINIMUS'
funding system by allocating the transactional costs of wildlife
FINDING
protection and management to those who would consume those
resources through urbanization and development..." (AB 3158,
Chapter 1706, Statutes of 1990, effective January 1, 1991, Section
1(c)). However, the proposed UDC amendments would not entitle
any new development; and any future development proposal seeking
discretionary approval would remain subject to CEQA and the CDFG
Code. Since, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to have a
significant adverse effect either individually or cumulatively, on fish
and wildlife resources, the project's impacts on fish and wildlife are
de minimus.
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