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CC RES 2014-073 RESOLUTION NO. 2014-73 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) IN CONNECTION WITH ADOPTING A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE END OF THE CURRENT VISUAL CORRIDORS SECTION (PAGE C-12 OF THE LCP) OF THE CORRIDOR ELEMENT OF THE CITY'S LOCAL COASTAL PLAN (COASTAL SPECIFIC PLAN) TO ALLOW FLAG POLES UP TO 70-FEET IN HEIGHT THAT MEET SPECIFIC STANDARDS IN THE CITY'S COASTAL ZONE. WHEREAS, on July 9, 2014, the California Coastal Commission conducted a meeting to consider a number of items related to Trump National that were previously approved by the City Council but have been awaiting Coastal Commission approval, including the existing 70-foot high flag pole that was approved by the City Council in 2007; and, WHEREAS, at the July 9, 2014 meeting, the Coastal Commission did not approve the flag pole because the City's Local Coastal Plan (LCP) does not address flag poles in the Coastal Zone, and the Coastal Commission suggested that the City make a specific amendment to the City's LCP to allow flag poles in the Coastal Zone; and, WHEREAS, on July 29, 2014, the City Council initiated the process to amend the City's LCP to specifically address the height of flag poles in the City's Coastal Zone; and, WHEREAS, on October 14, 2014, the Planning Commission, at a duly noticed public hearing, reviewed the proposed text amendment to the LCP and recommended, via minute order, that the City Council approve the proposed text with one minor modification replacing "American flag" with the text "flag of the United States of America;" and, WHEREAS, on October 16, 2014, pursuant to the City's Municipal Code, a public notice was published in the Peninsula News and mailed to property owners within and adjacent to the City's Coastal Zone, within a 500-foot radius of the project site and to interested parties including list-serve subscribers, inviting public comments on the proposed text amendment to the City's LCP to allow flag poles, exceeding 16-feet in height, within the Coastal Zone; and, WHEREAS, on November 4, 2014, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the proposed amendment to the LCP; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council has independently reviewed and analyzed the proposed text amendment to the end of the current Visual Corridors Section (page C-12 of the LCP) of the Corridor Element of the City's Local Coastal Plan (Coastal Specific Plan) to allow flag poles up to 70-feet in height that meet specific parameters in the City's Coastal Zone in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and determined that the proposed text amendment to the LCP will require a Negative Declaration, which determined that the proposed amendment will not create any significant or potential impacts to the surrounding environment because the proposed parameters only allow flag poles to be erected on property of at least 120 acres in size that either is owned by or subject to an easement dedicated to the City that provides public amenities, such as public parking, restrooms, and bench seating. Thus, these parameters will prevent such flag poles from proliferating the City's Coastline and creating adverse impacts to the environment, particularly views from the public roadway and public trails. In accordance with Section 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City Council hereby adopts a Negative Declaration, which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference, and certifies that the Negative Declaration was completed in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and State and local guidelines with respect thereto and approves the Negative Declaration. Section 2. Visual Corridors section (page C-12 of the LCP) of the Corridor Element of the City's Local Coastal Plan (Coastal Specific Plan) is hereby amended by adding a new section titled "Flag Poles" to read as follows: Flag Poles Flag poles in the Coastal Zone are permitted up to 12-feet in height, as measured from adjacent grade, with no discretionary review, or up to 16-feet in height, as measured from adjacent grade, with a Site Plan Review application to ensure there is no significant view impairment caused by the flag pole above 12-feet in height. Flag poles in the Coastal Zone may exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum height of 70-feet, as measured from adjacent grade provided the following parameters are met: • One flag pole exceeding 16-feet in height is permitted for any parcel of 120 acres or more, provided that, within the 120-plus-acre legal parcel, the land on which the flag pole is erected is owned by or dedicated to the City so as to allow for public access and to allow only the flag of the United States of America to be flown on said flag pole; • The flag pole shall be consistent with the height restrictions identified in the visual corridors section of the LCP; • An approved Variance Permit to exceed the City's 16-foot height limit must be obtained from the City; and, • The property where the flagpole is located must provide a minimum of 20 free public parking spaces, public restrooms, drinking fountain, and public bench seating. Section 3. The City Council finds that the public and affected agencies have had ample opportunity to participate in the LCP amendment process because as part of the public hearing process, the following public notice was circulated, inviting Resolution No. 2014-73 Page 2 of 4 participation and comments, for both the October 14, 2014 Planning Commission meeting and the November 4, 2014 City Council meeting: • Mailed to approximately 1,500 residents within the City's entire coastal zone and properties adjacent to the Coastal Zone; • Mailed to interested parties on file with the City; • Mailed to property owners within a 500-foot radius of the Trump National Project site; • Published, at a 1/8 page, in the Peninsula News at least 15-days before the scheduled hearings; • Posted on the City's website; • Emailed to list-serve subscribers for both the Trump Project (964 subscribers) and Breaking News (2,049 subscribers); • Emailed to the Coastal Commission's Long Beach office; • Posted with the Los Angeles County Clerk's office and sent to the State Office of Planning and Records pursuant to CEQA; and, • Circulated to list of local, state and federal agencies. In addition to the above, the public notice citing the proposed amended language along with the Negative Declaration (pursuant to CEQA) was circulated on September 22, 2014; accordingly, more than 6 weeks notice was provided to the public. Section 4. The City Council finds that the LCP amendment conforms to the requirements of the Coastal Act in that the proposed text amendment to the LCP to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height within the City's Coastal District is drafted in a manner that is consistent to the policies and objectives of the Coastal Act because such flag poles will be considered to be a visitor-serving public amenity. This is achieved through parameters that require such a flag pole to be located on land owned or deeded to the City and that certain amenities will be available to accommodate public access, such as free public parking, restrooms, seating areas, and drinking fountains. Moreover, the parameters require that only the flag of the United States of America will be flown on such flag poles. These public amenities are intended to ensure access by the public is available and that public amenities are also available for the public's enjoyment while viewing the flag of the United States of America consistent with the intent of the Coastal Act. Section 5. The City Council finds that the proposed amendment to the LCP is consistent with the provisions of the City's LCP and the City's General Plan, Land Use Plan, and Zoning Map because consideration of coastal resources, hazard areas, coastal access and land use was factored in the parameters established under the Visual Corridors Element. For example, a flag pole exceeding 16-feet in the City's Coastal Zone will require approval of a Variance, a discretionary planning entitlement, which assesses potential impacts, particularly view impacts from the public right-of-way and public trails, as required by the View Corridors Element of the LCP. Moreover, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) will be required to be processed, and it is through the CDP process that certain findings will need to be made to ensure that the proposal conforms to the City's coastal policies, such as meeting the height requirements set Resolution No. 2014-73 Page 3 of 4 forth in the Visual Corridors Element of the LCP, as well as protecting visual resources from public streets and trails. Furthermore, the proposed text amendment to the LCP would not result in a significant alteration of the City's coastline, nor would it introduce a pattern of development that will adversely impact the City's coastline because according to the City's Zoning Code and Zoning Map, such flag poles can only be erected on property of at least 120 acres in size that either is owned by or subject to an easement dedicated to the City. In fact, as currently proposed, flag poles exceeding 16-feet in height can only be permitted in the City on a portion of the Trump National property that is conditioned to be deeded to the City for public access as a Veterans Memorial because all remaining parcels throughout the City's coastal zone are less than 120 acres in area. Section 6. The City Council finds that a procedure has been established to ensure adequate notice is provided to interested persons and agencies of impending development proposed after certification of the LCP amendment because one of the parameters to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height, within the City's Coastal Zone is with the approval of a Variance. The Variance is a discretionary application considered at a public hearing that is duly noticed to property owners within a 500-foot radius of the subject property and is published in the local newspaper. Additionally, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is also required for such a flag pole and through the noticing process, interested parties, including the Coastal Commission, will receive notification of a pending application for a flag pole that is proposed to exceed 16-feet. Section 7. The time within which judicial review of the decision reflected in this Resolution, if available, must be sought as governed by Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure and other applicable short periods of limitation. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 4th day of November 2014. um.w Mayor Attest: gad,4_ i' / City Clerk State of California ) County of Los Angeles ) ss City of Rancho Palos Verdes ) I, Carla Morreale, the City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the above Resolution No. 2014-73 was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on Novemb- _4, 2014. City Clerk Resolution No. 2014-73 Page 4 of 4 City of Rancho Palos Verdes ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM 1. Project title: Planning Case No. Z0N2014-00329) - Local Coastal Plan Amendment and Environmental Assessment 2. Lead agency name/address: City of Rancho Palos Verdes Community Development Department 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 3. Contact person and phone number: Ara Mihranian, AICP, Deputy Community Development Director City of Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 544-5228 4. Project location: City's Coastal Zone City of Rancho Palos Verdes County of Los Angeles 5. Project sponsor's name and address: City of Rancho Palos Verdes Community Development Department 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 6. General plan designation: Varies 7. Coastal plan designation: Yes 8. Zoning: Varies 9. Description of project: The proposed project is a Coastal Specific Plan Amendment (CSPA) to add the following underlined text to the end of the current Visual Corridor section (page C-12 or the LCP) of the Corridors Element: FjQPoles Flag poles in the Coastal Zone are permitted up to 12-feet in height, as measured from adacent *rade with no discretiona review or u• to 16-feet in hei•ht as measured from adsacent •rade with a Site Plan Review as•lication to ensure there is no si•nificant view impairment caused by the flag pole above 12-feet in height. Flag poles in the Coastal Zone • Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 1 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 ma exceed 16-feet in hei•ht us to a maximum hei•ht of 70-feet as measured from ad acent rade provided theL _ 2Nin ammeters. are met: • One flag pole over 16-feet per property The flagpole shall be consistent with the heis ht restrictions identified in the visual corridors of the Coastal S secific Plan • The flas sole must be located on sr°sert owned or dedicated to the Cit that allows for public access to the flagpole, • The flagpole must be located in an area where there is no significant impairment of a view from a major arterial street in the City or from a single family residence in the City. • The property underlying and surrounding the flag pole must be a minimum of 120- acres in total area and must provide a minimum of 20 free public parking spaces, public restrooms, drinking fountain, and public bench seating: and • An approved Variance Permit(to exceed the 16-foot height limit) must be obtained from the City. • 10. Description of project site(as it currently exists): The City of Rancho Palos Verdes was incorporated in 1973 and consists of a total area of about 13.6 square miles with 7.5 miles of coastline. Elevations range from sea level to 1,480 feet. The population of the City is over 42,000 and the character of the community is primarily residential with about 15,000 single-family residences, 40 multi-family properties and 155 commercial/institutional parcels. The City is largely built out, with most development activity in the City's single-family neighborhoods consisting of the expansion and/or redevelopment of existing residences, with the occasional development of new residences on existing vacant lots. There are few large contiguous parcels remaining to be subdivided for single-family residential use. 11. Surrounding land uses and setting:. .. ....._..,...•_ _ ..••••••••••••.6—aetuan••=mna:::=L:,....,,,,nsmanex.osas • •,—..:•,••••• •••>.•••sg , ••.4,:a.....•x..4.4....•mr.:4—rr•— •••.•••sme.....144..•••••3:.•••”...................n.11.1....111..2.)...,,,••,i ......,•••••...•. Land Uses Significant Features ...... ...._...•....._,,,,,s>,2,,, ,,,,? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..,•.•.•••,.k.....t222r...X2.......,..,V.,r..=ZD=n=k=.ftl:,SSMiak....V.42.4 ta,,,.......1.1... .,...,W .•...... On-site and .,...... ......_ adjacent to Existing residential, commercial, insti- the City's tutional and open space land uses in the See description above. Coastal City of Rancho Palos Verdes Zone NortheaThe cities of Lomita and Los Angeles serve st, East& The cities of Lomita and Los Angeles as gateways to the Port of Los Angeles and (Harbor City, Wilmington and San the harbor area. They are developed with a Southeast Pedro) mixture of single- and multi-family of the City .. Lof the City residential,commercial and industrial uses. South & The Pacific Ocean borders the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for roughly 7.5 miles, Southwest Pacific Ocean and includes tidepools and sandy beaches. There is a State marine reserve at Abalone Page 2 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 2 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Land Uses Significant Features Cove. The City of Palos Verdes Estates is the oldest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Northwest The City Palos Verdes Estates It is primarily developed with single-family of the City of residential neighborhoods,with commercial and multi-family development at Lunada Bay and Malaga Cove. The cities of Rolling Hills Estates and .. Rolling Hills were both incorporated in the 1950s, and both emphasize a semi-rural North of the The cities of Rolling Hills Estates and equestrian lifestyle. The major commercial City Rolling Hills center on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is located in the City of Rolling Hills Estates. The City of Rolling Hills is gated and contains no commercial development. 12. Other public agencies whose approval is required: California Coastal Commission Page 3 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 3 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 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"as indicted by the checklist on the following pages. [ j Aesthetics {-7,..] Agricultural Resources n Air Quality _ „..... .. .._, i----I B• iological Resources pi C• ultural Resources C .......] Geology/Soils ..„. Li G• reenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards&Hazardous Materials r-i Hydrology/Water Quality EJ ,•“.......•... _......„.... Ell L• and Use/Planning Ej M• ineral Resources L 1 Noise --- _. Population/Housing_ Elr 1 Public Services [ i Recreation [ J Transportation/Traffic E- j Utilities/Service Systems Li Mandatory Findings of Significance _ DETERMINATION: On the basis of this initial evaluation: [Li I find that the project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. i____J 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. Fl I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. Li 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 must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. 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 DECLARATION,including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed on the propos-• 4 4s.- •°thing further is required. -,‘ Signature: Date: Sestember 22,2014 Printed Name: Ara Mihranian,Desuty Director For: City of Rancho Palos Verdes Page 4 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 4 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact 1. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a X scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock X outcroppings, and historical buildings, within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its X surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect X day or nighttime views in the area? Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone subject to the parameters cited in the"Project Description" section of this assessment. One of the parameters states that a flag pole exceeding 16-feet in the Coastal Zone shall be consistent with the height restrictions identified in the View Corridor section of the LCP(Figure 26). This is to ensure that a flag pole would not encroach into views of prominent features,such as Catalina Island,Point Fermin,or Point Vicente Light House. Additionally,another parameter requires a flag pole proposed to exceed the 16-foot height limit receive approval of a Variance application by the City which is a discretionary application that is considered at a duly noticed public hearing. It is during this discretionary(Variance) process, that potential impacts associated with the installation of a proposed flag pole that exceeds 16-feet in height would be assessed, including but not limited to, aesthetic and view impacts such as protecting scenic resources and scenic vistas. Therefore,since the proposed text amendment to the City's LCP does not approve"by right"the installation of flag poles up to 70-feet in height,any physical modifications or alterations to existing land and/or structures as a result of project implementation will be addressed through separate environmental analysis consistent with CEQA during the discretionary permitting process described herein. As such. there will be no significant aesthetic impacts aesthetic resources as a result of the proposed LCP Amendment. 2.AGRICULTURE&FOREST RESOURCES', Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the X Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resource Agency,to non-agricultural use? 1 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 Page 5 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 5 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act X contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)). timberland (as X 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 X use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment that, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of X Farmland, to a non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? Comments: a-e)Although properties in the City's Coastal Zone are not specifically zoned or otherwise officially designated for agricultural use,noncommercial agricultural uses of one-acre or less are permitted by right and through a conditional use permit when greater than one-acre on all property zoned Residential-Single-Family,1 DU/acre(RS-1). Since the LCP amendment involves allowing flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height up, to a maximum of 70-feet in height,no substantial effect upon agricultural resources is expected to result from the proposed LCP Amendment. As such,there will be no environmental impacts resulting from the proposed project with respect to agricultural resource issues. , . 3. AIR QUALITY2. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation X of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or X projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non- attainment under an applicable federal X or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to X substantial pollutant concentrations? 2 Where available,the significant criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control districts may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Page 6 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 6 of 18 Environmental Checklist. Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact l i e) Create objectionable odors affecting a X substantial number of people? Comments: a--e)The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located within a five-county region in southern California that is designated as the South Coast Air Basin(SCAB). Air quality management for the SCAB is administered by the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP)to address federal and state air quality standards. Although high level of air quality is prevalent in Rancho Palos Verdes since the ocean is the primary air recharge area region,allowing flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height, in the Coastal Zone will not result in emission discharge. Therefore,there will be no air quality impacts resulting from the LCP Amendment. 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) 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, X 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 habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans. policies,or regulations, X or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. 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, X 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 X established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local polices or ordinances protecting biological X resources, such as tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, X Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or Page 7 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 7 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact state habitat conservation plan? Comments: a-e) The City of Rancho Palos Verdes participates in the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCP)which is a state program adopted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S.Department of Fish and Wildlife Service that helps identify and provide for the area-wide protection of natural wildlife while allowing for compatible and appropriate local uses. There are various types of vegetation communities identified in the City's NCCP and the General Plan. Said vegetation communities include,but are not limited to,Coastal Sage Scrub,Chaparral and Grasslands. It should be noted that any applicable flag poles will be located on developed properties outside of sensitive biological resources. Therefore, there will be no impact to any species, riparian habitat, sensitive natural community, wetlands, biological resources or to any adopted habitat conservation plan as a result of the LCP Amendment. 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource X as defined in§15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological X resource pursuant to§15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or X unique geologic feature? d) Disturbed any human remains, including those interred outside of X formal cemeteries? Comments: a-d) The proposed project involves an amendment to the City's LCP to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,subject to specific parameters to minimize impacts to the surrounding environment. The proposed project would not result in significant physical modifications or alterations of land(aside for the foundation to support a flag pole)that could impact cultural resources. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed. Accordingly, there will be no impacts upon cultural resources. 6. GEOLOGY/SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: I) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State X Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?3 ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X iii) Seismic-related ground failure, in- X 3 Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. Page 8 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 8 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.ZON2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact cluding liquefaction? iv) Landslides? X b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the X loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geological unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and X potentially result in on- or off-site landslide,lateral spreading,subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-6 of the Uniform X Building Code (1994), thus creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal X systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Comments: a-e) The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed. In addition,the proposed project does not include any physical modifications or alterations of the existing land or structures;thus,there are no impacts to geology and soils conditions. 7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may X have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with any applicable plan,policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of X reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Comments: a-b) The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone, The project will not result in any emissions of greenhouse gasses since the proposed LCP Amendment is to allow the placement of flag poles on developed properties subject to certain parameters to minimize impacts to the City's Coastal Zone.As such,there will be no greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the Code Amendment. 8. HAZARDS&HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine X transport,use,or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public X or the environment through reasonably - - - Page 9 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 9 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. ZON2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact fcoornedsietieoanbsle invoulpvsinegt the end releaseacco accident hazardous materials into the environ- ment? 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 complied pursuant to Government 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? 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? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires,including where X wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. a-d)All applicable site-specific environmental analysis would be reviewed prior to any construction of a flag pole to identify potential adverse impacts or conditions. If hazardous material is found,appropriate remediation and mitigation methods would be incorporated to prevent creating any hazardous condition for the public and the environment during the discretionary permitting process. Therefore,there is no impact caused by the proposed amendment. e,f)There are no airports located within or in close proximity of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Therefore,there is no impact caused by the proposed amendment. g-h)Since the project does not involve any development,but rather an amendment to the text of the LCP to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone,the project,as its proposed,will not interfere with any adopted emergency response or evacuation plan. Further,thepro'ect will not Page 10 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 10 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact exposureresult in the • people or s any adverse risks. Therefore,there would be no impact caused by proposed . • Violate9. HYDROLOGYANATER QUALITY. Would the project: quality standardsor wastewater discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or • groundwater recharo- such that there nearbywould be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater (e.g.,the production rate of pre-existing s • • s•to. level which would notres o land uses or planned uses forpermits been • existingc) Substantially alter the drainage pattern of area, • • through the alterationof • of stream or river, in a manner which • rresult in substantial • siltation • or s • Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of or -a including through the alteration of the course of a stream or or substantially ratethe or amount • runoff on- or • w e) Create or contribute runoff water would exceed the capacity of existing or plannedstormwater drainage or provide substantial additional sources • polluted rune? quality?Otherwise substantially degrade wr ter g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area, as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood X 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 X involving flooding,including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? Page 11 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 11 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or X mudflow? Comments: The proposed project is LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed. The proposed project does not include any physical modifications or alterations of the existing land or structures that will impact hydrology or water quality. As such,there will be no impacts with respect to hydrology and water quality as a result of the proposed LCP Amendment. 10.LAND USE/PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established corn- X munity? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including,but not limited to the general X plan,specific plan,local coastal plan,or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Corn- X munity Conservation Plan? Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone.Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed.Any physical modifications or alterations to existing land and/or structures as a result of the project will be addressed through separate environmental analysis consistent with CEQA as part of the discretionary permitting process. Therefore, there will be no significant land use or planning impacts associated with the LCP Amendment, '11.MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be X of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local X general plan,specific plan,or other land use plan? Comments: According to the Natural Environment Element of the General Plan,areas in Rancho Palos Verdes were quarried for basalt,diatomaceous earth,and Palos Verdes stone between 1948 and 1958. However,the proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height up to a maximum of 70-feet in height within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed. Therefore, there will be no significant impacts to mineral resources associated with the LCP Amendment. Page 12 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 12 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. ZON2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact 12.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 X noise ordinance, or applicable stan- dards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or X groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project X vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the X 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 a public use airport, X 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 X people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed. As such,there will be no significant noise impacts associated with the proposed Code Amendment. 13. POPULATION/HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes or businesses)or indirectly(e.g., X through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the X construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction X of replacement housing elsewhere? Page 13 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 13 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed.Since the proposed project would enact revisions to the City's LCP to allow the installation of flag poles on limited properties within the Coastal Zone, it will not have any impacts to population or housing, and no existing housing or persons would be displaced as a result of the proposed project. Therefore,the proposed LCP Amendment will have no impact upon population and housing. 14.PUBLIC SERVICES. a) Would the project result in 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 im- pacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the following public services: i) Fire protection? X ii) Police protection? X iii) Schools? X iv) Parks? X v) Other public facilities? X Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. The proposed project will not result in the need for added protection services or the need for schools, added parks, or other public facilities. As such, there will be no environmental impacts resulting from the proposed LCP Amendment with respect to public services issues. 15.RECREATION. a) Would the project increase the use of neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that X substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, X which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Comments: The proposed projectis a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone subject to certain parameters,such as requiring flag poles that exceed 16-feet in height to be located on property owned by the City or dedicated to the City for public access,and that the property accommodate certain facilities(benches,drinking fountains,public parking,etc.). Such flag poles,if allowed per the LCP Amendment,would not significantly increase the use of a park or park facilities because such improvements would likely already be in place or proposed to be installed to accommodate park visitors.Moreover,the location of a flag pole in the Coastal Zone will not result in the physical deterioration of park grounds or facilities. As Page 14 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 14 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact such,the proposed project would have no impacts related to the construction or expansion of recreational facilities. 16.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 X 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 standards and travel demand measures, or other X standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic x 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 X dangerous intersections) or incom- patible uses(e.g.farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency ac- X cess? f) Conflict with adopted policies,plans,or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or X otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. The proposed project does not include any physical modifications or alterations of the existing land or structures and thus no traffic generation will result from the proposed LCP Amendment. As such,the proposed project would have no impacts related to traffic and transportation. 17.UTILITIES/SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment require- ments of the applicable.Regional Water X Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of X new water or wastewater treatment Page 15 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 15 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact • 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 X construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing X 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 X 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 X project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statures and regulations related to solid X waste? Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone and will not result in requiring added utilities to a site that would accommodate such a flag pole because such a property will already have or proposed to have utilities that can accommodate drinking fountains,restrooms,etc.for park visitors. Thus,there will be no increase in demand for utilities or service systems as a result of the proposed LCP Amendment. As such,the proposed project would have no utilities or service systems impacts. Page 16 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 16 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No. Z0N2014-00329 (LCP Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact 18.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 X 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? Comments: As described above,the proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed.The proposed project does not include any physical modifications or alterations of the existing land or structures other than the construction of flagpoles. As such, the amendment to the City's CSP will not significantly 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; or reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal. The proposed LCP Amendment will not eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or pre-history. Therefore,the effects of the proposed project upon the natural environment and cultural resources will be less than significant. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively X considerable?4 Comments: The proposed project is a LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height, up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. Any physical modifications or alterations will be made to properties in the Coastal Zone that either are owned by the City or on properties upon which the City has an existing easement. These properties already are developed. The proposed project does not include any physical modifications or alterations of the existing land or structures, and the approval of the proposed project will not directly grant any entitlement to develop. Any physical modifications or alterations to existing land and/or structures as a result of the project objectives will be addressed through separate environmental analysis consistent with CEQA during the permitting process. As such, the project does not have impacts that are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial X adverse effects on human beings,either directly or indirectly? Comments: The proposed project LCP amendment to allow flag poles to exceed 16-feet in height,up to a maximum of 70-feet in height,within the City's Coastal Zone. As discussed above,all of the potentially environmental effects of the proposed project are expected to have no impacts. As such,the project does not have environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or indirectly. 19.EARLIER ANALYSES. 4 "Cumulatively considerable"means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of the past projects,the effects of other current projects.and the effects of probable future projects. Page 17 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 17 of 18 Environmental Checklist Case No.ZON2014-00329 (LCF' Amendment) September 22, 2014 Less Than Significant Potentially with Less Than Issues and Supporting Information Significant Mitigation Significant No Sources Sources Impact Incorporated Impact Impact Earlier analysis may be used where,pursuant to the tiering,program EIR,or other CEQA process,one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or Negative Declaration. Section 15063(c) (3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following items: a) Earlier analysis used. Identify and state where they are available for review. Comments: Not applicable. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. Comments: Not applicable, c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are"Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,"describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions of the project. Comments: Not applicable. Authority: Public Resources Code Sections 21083 and 21087. Reference: Public Resources Code Sections 21080(c),21080.1,21080.3,21082.1,21083,21083.3,21093,321094, 21151;Suncistrorn v. County of Mendocino,202 Cal.App. 3d 296(1988);Leonofff v.Monterey Board of Supervisors, 222 Cal.App.3d 1337(1990). 20.SOURCE REFERENCES. City of Rancho Palos Verdes,Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan,and associated Environmental Impact Report. Rancho Palos Verdes,California as amended through August 2001. 2 City of Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Map 3 South Coast Air Quality Management District. CEQA AIR Quality Handbook,Diamond Bar,California: November 1993(as amended). 4 Official Maps of Seismic Hazard Zones provided by the Department of Conservation of the State of California,Division of Mines and Geology 5 City of Rancho Palos Verdes Archeology Map. 6 City of Rancho Palos Verdes,Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Rancho Palos Verdes, California as adopted August 2004 7 Institute of Traffic Engineers,ITE Trip...Generation 7th Edition. 8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes Geographic Information System(GIS)database and maps 9 State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection,VeuijiatiEirellazard Severity Zone Maps. Sacramento,California,accessed via website,March 2008 10 —Official Maps of Tsunami Inundation Areas provided by the Department of Emergency Management of the State of California and the California Geological Survey 11 City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code 12 Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List(i.e.,'Cortese List") 13 Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates Joint Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan Housing Element Page 18 Resolution No.2014-73 Exhibit A 18 of 18