RPVCCA_CC_SR_2012_11_07_03_Draft_EIR_Zone_2_Landslide_MoratoriumCrrYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:.
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND TY COU ell MEMBERS
JOEL ROJAS,COMMUNITY DE l PMENT DIRECTOR
NOVEMBER 7,2012
1I
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACl REPORT (DRAFT
EIR)FOR THE ZONE 2 LANDSLIDE MORA TORIUM
ORDINANCE REVISIONS (location:"Zone 2"of the
City's landslide Moratorium Area)~
REVIEWED:CAROLYN lEHR,CITY MANAGER W--
Project Manager:Eduardo Schonborn,AICP,Senior Planne~
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a public meeting for the sole purpose of obtaining comments on the Draft
Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR)for the Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance
Revisions from the general public and from the City Council.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2009,the City Council directed Staff to pursue a "two-track"environmental review of
revisions to the City's Landslide Moratorium Ordinance in response to the Court of Appeals'
adverse decision in the Monks case.Based upon this direction,a Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND)was certified by the City Council in conjunction with the first "track"of
,this process to revise the Landslide Moratorium Ordinance to allow the Monks plaintiffs to
apply for Landslide Moratorium Exceptions (LMEs)for their sixteen (16)vacant lots in Zone
2.The second "track"ofthis process is to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
that will assess potential environmental impacts arising from the adoption of an ordinance
that would allow the owners of the other thirty-one (31)vacant lots in Zone 2 to pursue
development of their properties along with any cumulative impacts of allowing development
of all forty-seven (47)of these properties.
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
November 7,2012
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On February 1,2011,the City Council conducted a public scoping meeting to provide a
forum for agencies and members of the community to comment on the environmental
issues that should be addressed in the forthcoming EIR for the proposed project.In
accordance with CEQA,a Draft EIR has been prepared and is now circulating for a 60-day
public review and comment period.
The role of the City Council at this meeting is to conduct a public meeting for the public to
provide verbal comments on the Draft EIR,in a public forum.No other action on the
project is to be taken at this meeting.All verbal comments made at the meeting along with
written comments submitted to the City during the 60-day public comment period,will be
responded to in writing in the Final EIR.Therefore,comments on the merits of the
proposed project should be held until the merits of the Landslid~Moratorium Ordinance
Revisions are considered.It is anticipated that such consJderation will occur after the
completion of the Final EIR (FEIR),sometime by Spring 2013.
BACKGROUND
In 2002,a group of Portuguese Bend property owners filed a Moratorium Exclusion
application to exclude their undeveloped lots within the area known as "Zone 2"from the
provisions of the Landslide Moratorium.Shortly after this application was deemed
incomplete for processing,the applicants filed suit against the City.Eventually,the case
(Monks v.Rancho Palos Verdes)was decided in the applicants'/plaintiffs'favor.In
December 2008,the California Court of Appeal reversed the favorable decision of the trial
court and found that the City had "taken"the plaintiffs'property by virtue of the adoption of
Resolution No.2002-43,which required plaintiffs and other owners of undeveloped
properties in Zone 2 to prove a zone-wide factor of safety of 1.5 before individual
development applications in that area could be approved by the City.Following the
decision by the Court of Appeal,the City's options were to either acquire the properties
from the plaintiffs or to remove the regulatory impediments that prevented the development
of the sixteen (16)Monks plaintiffs'lots.Due to the potential economic impact to the City
that would arise from the purchase of these properties ($16 million to $32 million),the City
Council determined that the development impediments should be removed.Accordingly,
the City Council immediately rescinded Resolution No.2002-43.
As a result of the adverse decision by the Court of Appeal,Staff identified several
alternatives in considering a proposed code amendment.On June 2,2009,Staff presented
an update on the status of the Code Amendment to the City Council,which included laying
out options for the environmental analysis of the proposal.The City Council directed Staff
to pursue a "two-track"parallel process,whereby a Code Amendment to allow
development of the sixteen (16)Monks plaintiffs'lots would be pursued immediately,
followed by a similar amendment to allow development of the other 31 undeveloped lots in
Zone 2.
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
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In October 2009,the City Council adopted an amendment to the Landslide Moratorium
Ordinance,which created a new Landslide Moratorium Exception category to allow the
owners of the sixteen (16)Monks plaintiffs'lots to apply for LMEs for the construction of
new homes (Ordinance No.498)1.In December 2009,a further revision to the amendment
to the Landslide Moratorium Ordinance (Ordinance No.501 U)was approved by the City to
allow site grading for the development of each of the Monks plaintiffs'lots not to exceed
1,000 cubic yards of combined cut and fill,and with no import in excess of 50 cubic yards.
A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)was certified by the City Council in conjunction
with these actions.2
Notwithstanding all of these actions by the City,and the fact that some of the plaintiffs are
currently developing their properties with single family residences,the Monks plaintiffs
continue to assert that the City has taken their properties,so that the City should be
required to pay additional compensation to them.To that end,they have filed another
1 As of the writing of this Staff Report,all 16 Monks plaintiff lots have been issued LMEs.Further,five (5)
Monks plaintiffs have obtained building permits to commence construction of their residences,and are at
various stages of construction.Of the five,one residence has been completed and the bUilding permit was
finaled in August 2012.
2 A lawsuit was filed that challenged the City Council's approval of the mitigated negative declaration.
Following a ruling by the Los Angeles County Superior Court upholding the City Council's certification of
the mitigated negative declaration,that lawsuit was dismissed.
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
November 7,2012
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appeal to the California Court of Appeal from the latest ruling by the Los Angeles County
Superior Court in the City's favor,which is pending.
PROPOSED PROJECT
Consistent with the Council's 2009 direction,a Code Amendment is now being considered
that would revise the Landslide Moratorium Ordinance to create another exception that
would permit the owners of the other thirty-one (31)undeveloped lots in Zone 2 to develop
those lots with new single family residences.The development criteria for these lots
include the following:
• A fotal of forty-seven new single-story,ranch-style resideQces with attached or
detached three-car garages,with a minimum living ar,eS"of 1,500 square feet and
maximum living area of 4,000 square feet or 15%of gross lot area,whichever is
less;
•Less than 1,000 cubic yards of grading (cut and fill combined)per lot,with no
more than 50 cubic yards of imported fill per lot;
•Maximum 25%(RS-1)or 40%(RS-2)net lot coverage;
•Maximum building height of 16 feet for residences and 12 feet for detached
accessory structures;
•Minimum front setbacks of 20 feet,minimum rear setbacks of 15 feet,minimum
street-side setbacks of 10 feet,and minimum interior side setbacks of five feet,
with setbacks along private street rights-of-way measured from the easement
line rather than the property line;and,
•No subdivision of existing lots within Zone 2.
DISCUSSION
INITIAL STUDy/NoTICE OF PREPARATION
The City and its environmental consultant (Rincon Consultants)began the CEQA review
process by evaluating the project's potential impacts based on an environmental checklist.
As a result,an Initial Study was prepared in accordance with CEQA.The City distributed
the Initial Study to ·the public,accompanied by a Notice of Preparation (NOP)for
~,preparation of the EIR,on January 3,2011,initiating a 30-day public scoping period.The
purpose of the NOP was to indicate formally that the City was preparing a Draft EIR for the
Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions project and,as Lead Agency,to solicit
input regarding the scope and content of the Draft EIR.The NOP was distributed to all
Responsible Agencies,as well as other agencies;to property owners within Zone 2 and
within a 500-foot radius of Zone 2;to those registered on the list-serve for this project;and
the Notice was posted on the City's website.
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The City received 25 letters in response to the Nap.Further,the City Council received 6
public comments at the scoping session regarding the Nap and Initial Study held on
February 1,2011.Copies of these letters can be found in Appendix A of the Draft EIR.
DRAFT EIR SCOPING PROCESS
After the Nap comment period ended,the Draft EIR was prepared taking the prior
comments into account.After completing the Draft EIR,the document was made available
to the public on September 21,2012 for a 60-day public comment period that will conclude
on November 20,2012.Copies of the DEIR were provided to the City Council on
September 20,2012.The Draft EIR contains a summary table of the environmental
concerns 'raised during the Nap scoping period and identifies where in the DEIR they are
addressed (Table 1-1,page 1-1 of the Draft EIR).In additioJ),£opies of the Initial Study,
Notice of Preparation,and letters received in response to the Nap are included in
Appendix A of the Draft EIR.
The role of the City Council at the scoping meeting is to provide the forum for the public to
provide verbal comments on the Draft EIR.No decision or recommendation on the project
applications will be made at the scoping meeting. Therefore,comments on the merits of
the Code revisions should be held until the public hearing(s)on the Code revisions are
conducted.Such hearings will be held after the completion of the Final EIR,most likely in
Spring,2013.All interested parties will be notified of those hearings in the same manner
by which this scoping meeting was advertised.
Staff envisions the scoping meeting to involve a brief presentation by staff and/or the EIR
consultant describing the project and EIR process,followed by the opening of the public
meeting to hear comments from the public.At the conclusion of public comments,the City
Council will have an opportunity to offer their own comments regarding the Draft EIR.
DRAFT EIR ANAL YS/S AND CONCLUSIONS
As indicated in the attached Initial Study,the project will not cause or create any significant
impacts,or will have less than significant impacts upon several issue areas.However,
through the scoping process and the preparation of the Initial Study,the proposed project
,will have potential significant environmental impacts on the factors discussed below,which
are analyzed in detail in Section 4 (Environmental Impact Analysis)of the Draft EIR.The
impacts and mitigation measures related to these environmental factors are summarized in
Table ES-1,in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR.The Executive Summary
is attached for easy reference.The conclusions of the impact analyses for these factors
are summarized as follows:
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
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•Aesthetics
The Draft EIR identifies visual impacts that may arise as a result of developing the
existing vacant parcels.This includes the visual impacts associated with the change
from a vacant undeveloped parcel and its associated appearance,to a developed
appearance.This also includes the visual impacts associated with the potential for
removal or alteration of existing mature trees and vegetation.The DEIR also
identifies lighting/illumination as causing a potential significant impact.However,it
was determined that the aesthetic impacts would be less than significant with
mitigation.Mitigation measures are being considered that would reduce these visual
impacts to less than a significant level,including neighborhood compatibility analyses,
tree 'replacement,if necessary,and adherence to the Municipal Code exterior lighting
standards (the analysis can be found on pages 4.1-1 thr.9~h 4.1-13 in the Draft EIR).
•Air Quality
The Draft EIR identifies impacts relating to air quality based on short-term impacts
resulting from construction,specifically with regard to fugitive dust.In terms of these
short-term impacts,the Draft EIR states that mitigation measures can reduce the
impacts to a level of less than significant.These mitigation measures include
construction methods and activities to control fugitive dust during construction.The
air quality analysis can be found on pages 4.2-1 through 4.2-16 in the Draft EIR.
•Biological Resources
The Draft EIR identifies potential impacts to sensitive plant communities;wetland
habitat and jurisdictional drainages;wildlife movement;and,consistency with the
City's NCCP.Since a number of properties in Zone 2 abut the City's NCCP Nature
Preserve,the Draft EIR identifies a potential introduction of non-native plant species
onto the Preserve from on-site landscaping.However,with the implementation ofthe
recommended mitigation measures,impacts are expected to be less than significant.
The biological resources analysis can be found on pages 4.3-1 through 4.3-24 in the
Draft EIR.
•Cultural Resources
The Draft EIR identifies potential impacts to as-yet undetected areas of prehistoric
archaeological significance.However,with the implementation of the recommended
mitigation measure,which requires a qualified archeologist to monitor the site during
grading and excavation,this impact will be reduced to a level that is less than
significant.The cultural resources analysis can be found on pages 4.4-1 through 4.3-
9 in the Draft EIR.
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•Fire Protection
The Draft EIR identifies potential impacts to fire protection as a result of the area
being located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.However,with the
implementation ofthe recommended mitigation measures requiring a fuel modification
plan pursuant to the standards of the LA County Fire Department,this impact will be
reduced to a less than significant level.The fire protection analysis can be found on
pages 4.7-1 through 4.7-5 in the Draft EIR.
•Geology and Soils
The'Draft EIR evaluates geologic and soil conditions in Jerms of slope stability,
erosion,soil contamination,faulting and seismicity..,-Uquefaction,and bedrock
subsidence.A substantial amount of geotechnical reports and studies have been
prepared for the area.However,based on the numerous historical reports,the Draft
EIR identifies that with the implementation of recommended mitigation measures,the
impacts identified could be reduced to a less than significant level.The mitigation
measures include limiting the amount of grading on each lot,imposing a maximum
structure size,requirements regarding construction methods and techniques,and
recordation of covenants against the individual lots.The analysis discussion can be
found on pages 4.5-1 through 4.5-23 in the Draft EIR.
•Hydrology and Water Quality
The Draft EIR evaluates potential impacts on hydrology,water quality and water
supply as they relate to existing conditions and changes resulting from the project.
The Draft EI R also evaluates the conditions relating to hydrology and water quality on
a short-term and long-term basis.Mitigation measures to address short-term impacts
include NPDES review,when appropriate,and implementing construction BMPs to
deal with construction-related impacts,measures to minimize sediment discharge and
storm water treatment.The long-term impacts are due to the increased impermeable
surface area,which may increase the amount of storm water flows and localized
flooding,and flood hazards.Mitigation measures to address long-term impacts
include a requirement that each lot provide an onsite storm water detention facility
and conveyance system,maintaining existing drainage patterns,and minimizing the
character of runoff.Such mitigation measures are intended to reduce the impacts to
a level of insignificance.The hydrology and water quality analysis and discussion can
be found on pages 4.8-1 through 4.8-18 in the Draft EIR.
•Noise
The Draft EIR evaluates potential impacts relating to noise on a short-term
(construction impacts)and long-term basis.The analysis describes existing noise
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
November 7,2012
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conditions within the project area and estimates future noise levels based on noise
modeling.Based on the analysis conducted,the Draft EIR concludes that short-term
noise impacts from construction would intermittently generate high noise levels on
and adjacent to the site.However,mitigation measures are recommended to ensure
that construction hours are within the City's allowable hours,which would reduce the
impacts to a less than significant level.The noise analysis can be found on pages
4.9-1 through 4.7-11 in the Draft EIR.
•Transportation and Circulation
The Draft EIR evaluates the potential for the proposed project to result in significant
impacts on traffic and circulation during construction,incluqiing impacts on the local
and regional roadway system,intersections,and ingresstegress to the project site
entrance.The analysis contained in the Draft EIR is based on a traffic impact study
prepared by Linscott,Law and Greenspan Engineers (See Appendix G in the Draft
EIR).The Draft EIR concludes that the potential increase in vehicles traveling on the
surrounding roadway network after complete build-out would not result in significant
impacts.However the increase under cumulative conditions would result in significant
impacts at three study intersections,which includes the intersections of Hawthorne at
Via Rivera,Seahill and Tramonto Drives at Palos Verdes Drive South,and Forrestal
Drive at Palos Verdes Drive South.Mitigation requiring proportionate fair share
contributions for the HawthorneNia Rivera and Seahill-Tramanto/Palos Verdes Drive
South intersections for restriping and modifications would reduce the impacts to these
intersections to a less than significant level.Mitigation for the Forrestal/PV Drive
South intersection is via a traffic signal.Although installation of a traffic signal is
technically feasible,there may be policy reasons that would lead to a determination
that a traffic signal is inappropriate and infeasible.If the City Council determines that
signalization is not feasible,and a traffic signal is not installed,then the impacts to
this intersection would be significant and unavoidable;thus requiring a Statement of
Overriding Considerations that would be presented to the City Council prior to
certification of the Final EIR and adoption of the Ordinance revisions.The traffic and
circulation discussion can be found on pages 4.1 0-1 through 4.10-27 in the Draft EIR.
•Utilities and Service Systems
The Draft EIR evaluates potential impacts to the City's wastewater conveyance
infrastructure system (i.e,sewer system).The analysis indicates that the existing
sewer system has the capacity to handle the additional 47 new residences.However,
the conveyance systems from the vacant lots to the sewer line would have to be
extended.As such,mitigation measures are recommended that would require
participation in the sewer assessment district,agreements to provide easements,and
restrictions on holding tank systems.As such,incorporation of the mitigation
measures identified in the DEIR would reduce the impacts to a less than significant
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
November 7,2012
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level.The utilities and service systems discussion can be found on pages 4.11-1
through 4.11-6 in the Draft EIR.
DRAFT EIR COMMENT PERIOD
The Draft EIR is currently being circulated for public review and comment for 60 days,
which is longer than the minimum 45-day review period required by CEQA.The Draft EIR
became available on Friday September 21,2012 and the comment period will end on
Tuesday,November 20,2012.A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR has been
transmitted to the State Clearinghouse,Responsible Agencies,local interested parties,and
list-serve subscribers.Hard copies of the Draft EIR are available to review and/or
purchase at City Hall.In addition,copies are available for viewing at Hesse Park and the
local libraries.Furthermore,the document is available on th&C1ty's website to view and/or
download.
As indicated above,the comment period will conclude on Tuesday,November 20,2012.
Until then,all interested agencies and parties have the opportunity to provide written
comments on the content of the Draft EIR.In addition,the public has an opportunity this
evening to provide oral comments on the Draft EIR in a public forum.All written comments
received by the City will be given equal consideration as any oral comments received this
evening.
All written comments and oral testimony received during the comment period will be
provided to the City's environmental consultant,which will provide a written response in the
Final EIR.The Final EIR will contain formal responses to the comments received during
the Draft EIR comment period,including any changes to the EIR text as a result of the
comments.Depending on the extent and quantity of comments received from the general
public and from public agencies,Staff anticipates that the Final EIR will be completed by
Spring,2013.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ESTIMA TED PROCESSING STEPS AND TIMELINE
At the conclusion ofthe Draft EIR comment period,all verbal and written comments will be
reviewed,assessed and responded to in the Final EIR.Provided below is a summary of
the processing steps that will follow this evening's meeting.This timeline is an estimate
and may be subject to changes based on the number of comments received and the scope
of the issues raised.
•November 7,2012 -City Council meeting to receive comments on the Draft EIR.
•November 20,2012 -CommenUcirculation period officially ends.
•December 2013 thru February 2013 -Response to comments drafted and
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MEMORANDUM:Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions -Draft EIR
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reviewed,and additional analysis conducted if necessary
•Spring 2013 -Final EIR and response to comments,and Code revisions presented
to the City Council for action.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER RECUSAL
Councilmember Jim Knight resides and owns property within 500-feet of the Zone 2
boundary.In consultation with the City Attorney,it has been determined that
Councilmember Knight has a potential conflict of interest and should recuse himself as a
Council Member from participating in this comment session and future City Council
meetings regarding this item.However,Council Member Knight may testify at the hearing
as would any other property owner whose property is potentially qffected by the proposed
Code revision....
STAFF ATTENDANCE AT PORTUGUESE BEND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PBCA)MEETING
On October 18,2012,Staff attended a meeting with the PBCA.The purpose of the
meeting was not to obtain comments on the DEIR.Rather,Staff gave an overview of the
process,the status of the DEIR,and presented the next steps involved with the proposed
Code Amendments.Although there were some questions and comments from the
audience,Staff encouraged audience members to submit those comments in writing or
present them orally at the November i h meeting so that they can be officially addressed in
the responses to comments in the Final EIR.Notwithstanding,the major points that were
raised by the audience included hydrology and drainage,impacts to local roadways and
traffic,and geology.
ATTACHMENTS
•Summary Table of Environmental Impacts
•Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions Draft EIR (under separate cover)
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SUMMARY TABLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
3-11
Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
•Alternative 4:Reduced Housing Units Alternative -This alternative assumes that the
Landslide Moratorium Ordinance revisions would allow up to 19 new residential units
within the project area.Development potential would not be increased on the other 28
vacant or underdeveloped parcels,and they would remain in their current condition.
AREAS OF CONTROVERSY/ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED
Based on public comments raised during the scoping period on the Notice of Preparation,areas
of controversy have been identified in several issue areas,most notably in relation to potential
geologic hazards;area drainage and potential water quality impacts;and traffic,including
construction and emergency access.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Table ES-l summarizes the proposed project's significant environmental impacts,
recommended mitigation,and residual impacts.Please note that a number of potential impacts
are addressed in the Initial Study (Appendix A to the EIR),where'tH'ey were determined to be
less than significant without the need for mitigation measures or further analysis in the EIR.
These include impacts related to:
•Agricultural Resources
•Land Use and Planning
•Mineral Resources
•Population and Housing
•Public Services
•Recreation
Please refer to the Initial Study,Appendix A to this EIR,for further information related to these
issues.
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
AESTHETICS
AES-1 The project area is located None required.Less than significant without
within a scenic public viewshed of the mitigation.
Pacific Ocean and the Palos Verdes
hillsides and coastline.Individual lots
and some private roads within the
project area also have views of the
ocean,hillsides and open space.
However,because the lots where
development could be facilitated by the
proposed ordinance revisions are
located within a private community
consisting of highly variable topography
and substantial tree cover,the potential
develooment of uo to 47 new sinale-
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-4
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
family residences would not have a
substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista.This is a Class III less than
significant impact.
AES-2 Parcels within Zone 2 contain
vegetation of varying types and
densities,and the development of
residences on up to 47 undeveloped
and underdeveloped private lots
within the project area would likely
result in the removal of mature trees
and vegetation.As tree groupings
within the project area have been
identified as scenic resources in the
General Plan,impacts would be Class
II,significant but mitigable.
AES-3 The potential development of
additional residences within the Zone 2
project area would introduce new
structures and new landscaping and
hardscape on up to 47 open and
mostly undeveloped sites throughout
the Portuguese 8end community.This
would incrementally increase the
density of development throughout the
112-acre project area.Although the
general land use pattern and scale and
type of development would be
maintained,impacts to the existing
visual character and quality ofthe
project area and its surroundings
would be Class II,significant but
mitigable.
AES-4 The proposed ordinance
revisions would result in new sources
of light and glare within the project
area due to introduction of up to 47
new residences and associated
lighting.Some of the new light and
glare would be visible from public and
private viewpoints.This would be a
Class II,significant but mitigable.
AES-2 As part of approvals for
development on the individual subject
lots,the City shall require that future
development on the affected lots avoid
removal of or substantial damage to
existing trees to the extent feasible.
Where tree removal or substantial
damage cannot be feasibly avoided
during development,tree replacement .,..
shall be required using a ratio,stock,
species and monitoring requirements
sufficient to ensure a minimum 1:1
replacement five or more years after
removal.When selecting replacement
tree species,consideration should be
given to species that,as they grow to
full stature,would be less likely to result
in obstruction of views for adjacent
properties.
AES-3 Compatibility Analysis.All new
residences shall be subject to
neighborhood compatibility analysis
under the provisions of Section
17.02.030.8 (Neighborhood
Compatibility)of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code.
AES-4 Exterior Illumination.
Exterior illumination for new residences
shall be subject to the provisions of
Section 17.56.030 (Outdoor Lighting for
Residential Uses)of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code.Key standards
that must be adhered to include the
following:
•No outdoor lighting shall be
permitted where the light source is
directed toward or results in direct
illumination of a parcel ofproperty
or properties other than that upon
which such light source is
ES-5
Implementation of Mitigation
Measure AES-2 would
reduce impacts to a less
than significant level.
Implementation of Mitigation
Measure AES-3 would
reduce impacts to a less
than significant level.
Adherence to the code
requirements listed in
Mitigation Measure AES-4
would reduce the impacts of
lighting from new residential
development to less than
significant levels.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
physically located.Individual,
nonreflector,incandescent light
bulbs,not exceeding one hundred
fifty watts each,or an aggregate of
one thousand watts for each lot or
parcel shall be permitted.On lots
exceeding fifteen thousand square
feet,an additional one hundred
watts in the aggregate shall be
permitted for each one thousand
five hundred square feet of area or
major fraction thereof,by which the
lot or parcel exceeds fifteen "thousand square feet;provided",?
that in no event shall the aggregate
exceed two thousand watts.As
used herein,the term "watts"is
irrespective of the voltage.
•No outdoor lighting shall be
permitted where the light source or
fixture,if located on a building,
above the line of the eaves,or if
located on a standard or pole,more
than ten feet above arade.
AIR QUALITY
AQ·1 Onsite construction activity AQ·1 (a)Fugitive Dust Control Implementation of mitigation
would generate air pollutant emissions Measures.The following shall be measures AQ-1(a)and AQ-
that would not exceed SCAQMD implemented during construction to 1(b)would reduce impacts
construction thresholds for ROC,NOx,minimize fugitive dust emissions:to a less than significant
CO,PM10 and PM2.5.However,level.
construction-related emissions would •Soil with 5%or greater silt content
exceed SCAQMD LSTs for PM10 and that is stockpiled for more than two
PM2.5.With implementation of days must be covered and treated
mitigation,temporary construction with soil binders to prevent dust
impacts would be Class II,significant generation.
but mitigable.•Trucks transporting material must
be tarped from the point of origin or
must maintain at least two feet of
freeboard.
•Soil stabilizers must be applied to
unpaved roads to prevent excess
amounts of dust.
•All material excavated or graded
must be treated with soil binders
preferably in the moming,midday
and after work is done for the day.
•Ground cover must be replaced in
disturbed areas as quickly as
possible.
•All clearing,grading,earth moving,
or excavation activities must cease
during periods of high winds (i.e.,
greater than 20 mph averaged over
one hour)so as to prevent
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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excessive amounts of dust.
•The contractor must provide
adequate loading/unloading areas
that limit track-out onto adjacent
roadways through the utilization of
wheel washing,rumble plates,or
another method achieving the same
intent.
•All material transported off-site must
be securely covered to prevent
excessive amounts of dust.
•Face masks must be used by all
employees involved in grading or "
excavation operations during dry""ii'
periods to reduce inhalation of dust
which may contain the fungus which
causes San Joaquin Valley Fever.
•All residential units located within
500 feet of the construction site
must be sent a notice regarding the
construction schedule of the
proposed project.A sign legible at a
distance of 50 feet must also be
posted in a prominent and visible
location at the construction site,and
must be maintained throughout the
construction process.All notices
and the signs must indicate the
dates and duration of construction
activities,as well as provide a
telephone number where residents
can inquire about the construction
process and register complaints.
•Visible dust beyond the property line
emanating from the project must be
prevented to the maximum extent
feasible.
•These control techniques must be
indicated in project specifications.
Compliance with the measure shall
be subject to periodic site
inspections by the City.
AQ-1(b)Construction Vehicles.
Trucks and other construction vehicles
shall not park,queue and/or idle at the
project sites or in the adjoining public or
private rights-of-way before 7:00 am,
Monday through Saturday,in
accordance with the permitted hours of
construction state in Section
17.56.020.8 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code.
AQ-2 Operation of new residences None required.Less than significant without
that could be built as a result ofthe mitiaation.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-7
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
proposed ordinance revisions would
generate air pollutant emissions.
However,emissions would not exceed
SCAQMD operational significance
thresholds for ROG,NOX,CO,PM10
and PM2.5.Therefore,operational air
quality impacts would be Class III,less
than significant.
AQ-3 Traffic that could be generated None required.Less than significant without
by new residences constructed as a mitigation.
result of adoption of the proposed
ordinance.revisions,together with
cumulative traffic growth in the area,"would not create carbon monoxide 'r
concentrations exceeding state or
federal standards.Localized air quality
impacts would therefore be Class III,
less than significant.
AQ-4 Adoption of the proposed None required.Less than significant without
ordinance revisions would have the mitigation.
potential to generate population
growth,but such growth would be
within the population projections upon
which the Air Quality Management Plan
(AQMP)are based.Therefore,impacts
associated with AQMP consistency for
the project would be Class III,less than
slanificant.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
B10-1 Special Status Species.None required.Less than significant without
Potential development that would be mitigation.
facilitated by the proposed ordinance
revisions would not significantly affect
special status species due to the lack
of suitable habitat,level and frequency
of existing human disturbance onsite,
and existing regulations under the
Natural Overlay Control District (OC-1)
that would restrict construction to areas
not likely occupied by the San Diego
desert wood rat.While the increased
human presence is considered
adverse,it would not be substantially
different or increased over existing
conditions,and no significant effect is
anticipated.Therefore,impacts to
Special Status Species would be Class
III,less than significant.
B10-2 Sensitive Plant Communities.B10-2 Biological Survey.For lots Implementation of Mitigation
Development of some of the that are identified as containing Measure 810-2 would
undeveloped lots in Zone 2 has the sensitive habitat on the City's most-reduce impacts to a less
potential to significantly impact existing recent vegetation maps and/or that abut than significant level.
or regrown Coastal Saoe Scrub habitat,anv portion of the current or proposed
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-8
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either through the direct removal of
habitat during construction or as a
result of Fire Department-mandated
fuel modification on and/or off site (Le.,
in the Reserves)after construction of
new residences.In that event,effects
to this sensitive plant community would
be considered potentially significant
and impacts would be Class II,
significant but mitigable.
BIO-3 Wetland Habitat and
Jurisdictional Drainages.Construction
activities within eight lots adjacent to
Altamira Canyon could potentially affect
jurisdictional drainage areas.This
impact is considered Class II,
significant but mitigable.
BIO-4 Wildlife Movement.No
significant impacts are anticipated with
respect to night lighting and noise aiven
r
future boundary of the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve,each applicant shall
be required to prepare a biological
survey as a part of a complete
application for the development of the
lot.Said survey shall identify the
presence or absence of sensitive plant
and animal species identified in the
City's adopted NCCP on the subject
property,and shall quantify the direct
and indirect impacts of the construction
of the residence upon such species,
including off-site habitat impacts as a
result of Fire Department-mandated flJet...
modification.The applicant and/or any
successors in interest to the subject
property shall be required to mitigate
such habitat loss through the payment
of a mitigation fee to the City's Habitat
Restoration Fund.
BIO 3(a)Agency Coordination.The
City shall review each application for
construction and determine if proposed
development is within the drainage
channel within Altamira Canyon.If so,
the applicant shall be required to obtain
permits,agreements,and/or water
quality certifications or correspondence
indicating that none are necessary from
applicable state and federal agencies
regarding compliance with state and
federal laws governing work within
jurisdictional waters.Such agencies
would include the California Department
of Fish and Game,the United States
Army Corps of Engineers,and the Los
Angeles Regional Water Quality Control
Board.The applicant shall provide such
permits and/or agreements prior to the
granting of a building or grading permit.
BIO 3(b)Habitat Restoration.In the
event an application for construction
would result in the loss of riparian or
wetland vegetation,the applicant shall
restore such habitat at a minimum ratio
of 1:1 for temporary loss and 3:1 for
permanent loss.Such restoration can
occur either on site or within disturbed
areas of the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve as determined and approved
bv the City.
BIO-4 Nesting Bird Surveys and
Avoidance.The City shall require that
tree orunina and removal is conducted
ES-9
Implementation of mitigation
measures B10-3 (a-b)would
reduce impacts to a less
than significant level.
Implementation of Mitigation
Measure B10-4 would
reduce impacts to a less
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
the existing residential use of the area.outside of the bird breeding season than significant level.
Although the regionally important (generally February 1 through August
habitat area (RIHA)is protected by the 31).If vegetation clearing (including tree
policies of the Natural Overlay District pruning and removal)or other project
(OC-1),tree removal associated with construction is to be initiated during the
development facilitated by the bird breeding season,pre-construction
proposed project could affect birds nesting bird surveys shall be conducted
including the Califomia gnatcatcher.by a qualified biologist.To avoid the
Impacts to nesting birds as a result of destruction of active nests and to
tree removal would be Class II,protect the reproductive success of
significant but mitigable.birds protected by MBTA and the Fish
and Game Code of California,nesting
bird surveys shall be performed twice I"
per week during the three weeks prigr ',.
to the scheduled felling of the trees on
the site.The surveys shall be
conducted by a qualified biologist
approved by the Community
Development Director.If any active·
non-raptor bird nests are found,the
tree(s)or vegetation shall not be cut
down and a suitable buffer area
(varying from 25-300 feet)depending
on the particular species found is
established from the nest,and that area
is avoided until the nest becomes
inactive (vacated).If any active raptor
bird nests are found,a suitable buffer
area (typically 250-500 feet from the
nest)depending upon the species,the
proposed work activity,and existing
disturbances associated with land uses
outside of the site,shall be determined
and demarcated by the biologist with
bright orange construction fencing,
flagging,construction lathe,or other
means to mark the boundary.All
construction personnel shall be notified
as to the existence of the buffer zone
and to avoid entering the buffer zone
during the nesting season.No ground
disturbing activities shall occur within
this buffer until the City-approved
biologist has confirmed that
breeding/nesting is completed and the
young have fledged the nest.Nesting
birds surveys are not required for
construction activities occurring from
September 1 to January 31.
810-5 Local Policies and Ordinances.None required.Less than significant without
The proposed ordinance revisions mitigation.
would not conflict with local policies or
ordinances protecting biological
resources.Impacts would be Class III,
less than significant.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-10
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
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B10-6 Conflict with Adopted Habitat BIO 6(a)Structure Location.To avoid Less than significant.
Preservation Plan or Natural the need for continued fuel
Communities Conservation Plan.management within the Filiorum
Potential development under the Reserve,the City shall require that all
proposed ordinance revisions would structures for those lots abutting the
have the potential to conflict with Filiorum Reserve property boundary are
guidelines of the NCCP.Therefore,located at least 100 feet from that
impacts would be Class II,significant boundary.
but mitigable.
BIO 6(b)Perimeter Fences.As part
of approvals for development on the
individual subject lots,the City shall
require that lots adjoining the Filiorum
Reserve are fenced sufficient to pre~!imt;.
the ready egress of domestic animals
into the Reserve.In addition,no gates
or other means of ingress into the
Reserve shall be permitted.
BIO 6(c)Construction Best
Management Practices.The following
measures shall be required for those
lots that abut Reserve lands as part of
construction monitoring for the site:
•Contractors shall be educated
regarding the off-site Reserve and the
need to keep equipment and
personnel within the project site prior
to the initiation of construction.
•Temporary construction fencing shall
be placed at the planned limits of
disturbance adjacent to the Reserve.
•Construction should be scheduled to
avoid the bird nesting season (see
Mitigation Measure 810-4 above).
•Construction grading adjacent to
drainages shall be scheduled for the
dry season whenever feasible.
BI0-6(d)Construction Staging and
Stockpiling Areas.Grading and
building plans submitted for City review
and approval for those lots abutting
Reserve lands shall identify areas for
construction staging,fueling and
stockpiling if needed.These areas shall
be located as far as practical from
Reserve lands,and not closer than 50
feet from the PVNP boundarv.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
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CR-1 Potential development that the
proposed ordinance revisions could
facilitate on the undeveloped lots,
which could include up to 1,000 cubic
yards of grading per lot,has the
potential to disturb as-yet undetected
areas of prehistoric archaeological
significance.This is considered a
Class II,significant but mitigable,
impact.
CR-1 Archaeological Monitoring.
Prior to the commencement of grading,
the applicant shall retain a qualified
archeologist to monitor grading and
excavation.In the event undetected
buried cultural resources are
encountered during grading and
excavation,work shall be halted or
diverted from the resource area and the
archeologist shall evaluate the remains
and propose appropriate mitigation
measures.
Implementation of Mitigation
Measure CR-1 would reduce
impacts to a less than
significant level.
CR-2 Grading for development that
could be facilitated by the proposed
ordinance revisions has low potential
to disturb any paleontological
resources.Impacts to paleontological
resources would be Class III,less
than sianificant.
CR-3 Grading for development that
could be facilitated by the proposed
ordinance revisions has the potential
to disturb human remains,including
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries.With adherence to
existing regulations that address
discovery of human remains during
grading and construction,impacts
would be Class III,less than
sianificant.
GEOLOGY
None required.
None required.
,Less than significant without
'flo'mitigation.
Less than significant without
mitigation.
GEO-1 Seismically-induced ground
shaking could result in the exposure
of people and structures that could be
introduced to the area as a result of
the proposed ordinance revisions to
adverse effects.However,mandatory
compliance with applicable CBC
requirements would reduce impacts to
a Class III,less than sianificant,level.
GEO-2 Construction on individual
lots in Zone 2 facilitated by the
proposed ordinance revisions could
cause or accelerate erosion,such that
slope failure could occur.Operation
of the project,which would allow for
47 single-family homes to be
developed in the project area,could
potentially cause or accelerate
downstream erosion.However,with
implementation of Mitigation Measure
HWQ-1 and Mitigation Measure
HWQ-4 identified in Section 4.8,
Hydrology and Water Quality,impacts
would be Class II,sianificant but
r
None required.
Mitigation Measure HWQ-1,as
identified in Section 4.8,Hydrology and
Water Quality,would be required to
reduce erosion during construction to a
less than significant level.In addition,
pursuant to Mitigation Measure HWQ-4
in Section 4.8,Hydrology and Water
Quality,each of the individual
developers would be required to comply
with each of the points listed below,
pursuant to the review and approval by
the City Building Official:
•Illustrate that point flow on each of
the properties is either normalized,
ES-12
Less than significant without
mitigation.
Impacts would be less than
significant with
implementation of mitigation
measures HWQ-1 and
HWQ-4.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
mitigable.attenuated adequately,or will reach
an acceptable conveyance such as a
storm drain,channel,or natural
drainage course.All runoff shall be
directed to an acceptable
conveyance and shall not be allowed
to drain to localized sumps or
catchment areas with no outlet.·Maintain existing drainage pattems
and outlet at historical outlet points·Minimize changes to the character of
the runoff at property lines.
Changes in character include "concentration of flow outletting ofJ,to':;.
adjacent properties or increasing the
frequency or duration of runoff
outletting onto adjacent properties·Reduce increases in runoff by
utilizing appropriate and applicable
low impact development principles·Provide onsite detention facilities or
conveyance to acceptable off-lot
conveyance devices·Minimize "Dry Weather"runoff which
could add to the total infiltration from
the oroiect
GEO-3 The project area is located on GEO-3(a)Geotechnical Impacts would be reduced to
a geologic unit that could be unstable Recommendations.Prior to issuance below a level of significance
or could potentially become unstable of any Grading Permit or Building under CEQA with
as a result of development facilitated Permit,individual project applicants implementation of mitigation
by the proposed ordinance revisions.shall comply with all recommendations measures GEO-3(a)and
With implementation of mitigation contained within the Geotechnical Study GEO-3(b)and compliance
measures GEO-3(a)and GEO-3(b),prepared by LGC Valley,Inc.,dated with applicable requirements
impacts would be Class II,significant March 29,2011,including the following:of the most recent CBC.
but mitigable.·Conform to the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes Landslide Moratorium
Ordinance (Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code Chapter 15.20).·Less than 1,000 cubic yards of
grading (cut and fill combined)per
lot,with no more than 50 cubic yards
of imported fill per lot.·The property owners shall agree to
participate in the Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District and/or
o~errecognaedorapproved
districts whose purpose is to
maintain the land in a geologically
stable condition.No proposed
building activity may cause lessening
of stability in the zone.·Prior to issuance of a building
permit,a geotechnical report shall be
submitted to and aooroved by the
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
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Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
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City's geotechnical reviewers
indicating what,if any,lot-local and
immediately adjacent geologic
hazards must be addressed and/or
corrected prior to,or during
construction.Said report shall
specify foundation designs based on
field and laboratory studies.·All houses shall connect to a public
sanitary sewer system.Any
necessary easements shall be
provided.·Stonn drainage improvements to
000
reduce lot infiltration of run-off shall')"
be designed and approved by the
City prior to issuance of building
pennits.·All lot drainage deficiencies,if any,
identified by City staff shall be
corrected.The design of pools,
ponds and sumps shall be subject to
City review and approval.·Runoff from all buildings and paved
areas shall be collected and directed
to the street or to an approved
drainage course as approved by the
City Engineer.·All other relevant building code
requirements shall be met.
GEO-3(b)Covenant.Individual project
applicants shall submit for recordation a
covenant agreeing to construct the
project strictly in accordance with the
approved plans and agreeing to prohibit
further projects on the subject site
without first filing an application with the
Director pursuant to the terms of
Chapter 15.20 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code.Such covenant
shall be submitted to the Director for
recordation prior to the issuance of a
build ina permit.
GEO-4 The project area is in a Mitigation measures GEO-3(a)and Impacts would be reduced to
Seismic Hazard Zone for earthquake-GEO-3(b)above would be required to below a level of significance
induced landslides.Therefore,reduce impacts to a less than significant under CEQA with
project area development would level.In particular,Mitigation Measure incorporation of mitigation
inherently be subject to risks GEO-3(a)would require each applicant measures GEO-3(a)and
associated with seismically-induced to submit a geotechnical report for GEO-3(b).
landslides.However,with review and approval by the City's
implementation of mitigation geotechnical reviewers indicating any
measures GEO-3(a)and GEO-3(b)geologic hazards that need to be
requiring that potential new addressed andlor corrected prior to
construction on each lot be designed construction.In addition,Mitigation
in compliance with site-specific Measure GEO-3(b)would reauire each
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-14
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
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Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
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geotechnical recommendations,individual project applicant to record a
impacts would be Class II,significant covenant agreeing to construct the
but mitigable.project strictly in accordance with the
approved plans.Because each
individual single-family residential site
would be required to prepare a
geotechnical report and would be
required to construct the project strictly
according to approved plans,potential
seismically-induced landsliding effects
would be addressed on a site-specific
basis.
GEO-5 The project area is not None required.,Less than significant without
susceptible to liquefaction,ground 'jfo mitigation.,,,,,,
lurching,lateral spreading or seismic
settlement.Impacts would be Class
III,less than significant.
GEO-6 Soils within the project area Implementation of mitigation measures With implementation of
are moderately to highly expansive.GEO-3(a)and GEO-3(b)would be mitigation measures GEO-
With implementation of mitigation required to reduce impacts related to 3(a)and GEO-3(b),impacts
measures GEO-3(a)and GEO-3(b),expansive soils.Mitigation Measure related to expansive soils
impacts related to expansive soils GEO-3(a),as described above,requires would be reduced to a less
would be Class II,significant but that the project conform to the City of than significant level.
mitigable.Rancho Palos Verdes Landslide
Moratorium Ordinance,grade less than
1,000 cubic yards per lot,participate in
ACLAD and/or other recognized or
approved districts whose purpose is to
maintain the land in a geologically
stable condition,and submit a
geotechnical report to the City's
geotechnical reviewers prior to
construction.Further,Mitigation
Measure GEO-3(b)would ensure that
these geotechnical report
recommendations are actually
implemented into the project by
requiring individual project applicants to
record a covenant agreeing to construct
the project strictly in accordance with
the approved plans.With
implementation of the recommendations
contained in the geotechnical report as
required by Mitigation Measure GEO-
3(a)and by constructing the project
strictly according to approved plans as
required by Mitigation Measure GEO-
3(b),impacts related to expansive soils
would be reduced to a less than
significant level.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-15
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
GHG-1 Development that could be None required.Less than significant without
facilitated by the proposed ordinance mitigation.
revisions would generate additional
GHG emissions beyond existing
conditions.However,GHG emissions
generated by full development
potential within Zone 2 would not
exceed relevant significance
thresholds.Further,the proposed
project would be generally consistent
with the Climate Action Team GHG
reduction .strategies,the 2008
Attorney General Greenhouse Gas "Reduction Measures and the '!I'
CAPCOA GHG Model Policies Guide.
Impacts would be Class III,less than
significant.
FIRE PROTECTION
FIRE-1 The project area is located in FIRE-1 (a)Fuel-Load Vegetation Upon implementation of
a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Management.Each applicant shall be mitigation measures FIRE-
Zone and is adjacent to the required to prepare a fuel modification 1(a)and FIRE-1(b),impacts
Portuguese Bend and Upper Filiorum plan pursuant to the requirements of related to fire hazards would
subareas of the Rancho Palos Verdes LACFD.The LACFD shall review and be less than significant.
Nature Preserve on the north,east approve the plan prior to issuance of a
and west.New residences building or grading permit.The fuel
constructed as a result of adoption of modification plan shall at a minimum
the proposed ordinance revisions include the following:
could expose people or structures to
risks associated with wildland fires.•Vegetation clearance requirements
Impacts would be Class II,significant around all new structures within a
but mitigable.minimum 100 foot buffer,or greater,
as determined by LACFD;
• A landscaping plan using plants
recommended for the Rancho Palos
Verdes area and selected from the
desirable plant list for setback,
irrigated,or thinning zone;and
• A regularly scheduled brush
clearance of vegetation on and
adjacent to all applicable access
roads,power lines,and structures.
FIRE-1(b)Fire Protection
Requirements.New,single-family
residences and related accessory
structures shall be designed to
incorporate all fire protection
requirements of the City's most recently
adopted Building Code,to the
satisfaction of the Buildina Official.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
HWQ-1 During construction of the HWQ-1 Construction pollution,Impacts would be less than
proposed project,the soil surface sediment and erosion control.Prior significant with
would be subject to erosion and the to issuance of any Grading Permit or implementation of Mitigation
downstream watershed,includina the Buildina Permit,each applicant shall Measure HWQ-1.
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
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Pacific Ocean,could be subject to prepare a Construction Erosion Control
temporary sedimentation and and Water Quality Plan for the review
discharges of various pollutants.and approval of the Building Official.
However,with implementation of The applicant shall be responsible for
Mitigation Measure HWQ-1,impacts continuous and effective
relating to the potential for discharge implementation of the plan during
of various pollutants,including construction of each residence.The
sediment,would be Class II,plan shall include Best Management
significant but mitigable.Practices that may include,but not be
limited to,the following:
•Erosion Control.Eroded sediments
from areas disturbed by construction "and from stockpiles of soil shall be"',.
retained on site to minimize sediment
transport from the site to streets,
drainage facilities or adjacent
properties via runoff,vehicle tracking
or wind.Utilize erosion control
techniques,such as soil stabilizers,
covering soil during construction,wind
blocking devices,cease grading
during high winds,use of soil binders
(watering graded soils should be
avoided),filtration devices,and
stabilizing ingress/egress points.
Reduce fugitive dust to the maximum
extent practicable.
•Erosion from slopes and channels
shall be controlled by implementing
an effective combination of BMPs (as
approved in Regional Board
Resolution No.99-03),such as the
limiting of grading schedule during the
wet season;inspecting graded areas
during rain events;planting and
maintenance of vegetation on slopes;
and covering erosion susceptible
slopes.
•Pollutant Detainment Methods.
Protect downstream drainages from
escaping pollutants by capturing
materials carried in runoff and
preventing transport from the site.
Examples of detainment methods that
retard movement of water and
separate sediment and other
contaminants are silt fences,hay
bales,sand bags,berms,silt and
debris basins.
•Construction Materials Control.
Construction related materials,
wastes,spills or residues shall be
retained on site to minimize transport
from the site to streets,drainage
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-17
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Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
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facilities or adjoining properties by
wind or runoff.Runoff from equipment
and vehicle washing shall be
contained at construction sites unless
treated to remove sediment and
pollutants.Non-Stormwater runoff
from equipment and vehicle washing
and any other activity shall be
contained at the project site.
•RecyclinglDisposal.Maintain a clean
site.This includes proper recycling of
construction related materials and
equipment fluids.I"
•Cleanup and dispose of small OJ.'''
construction wastes (i.e.,dry
concrete)aoorooriatelv.
HWQ-2 Development that would be HWQ-2 NPDES Review.Any Impacts would be less than
facilitated by the proposed ordinance development proposal located within,significant with
revisions would incrementally adjacent to or draining into a designated implementation of Mitigation
increase the amount of impermeable Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)Measure HWQ-2..
surfaces in the project area,and and involving the creation of two
potential new development would thousand five hundred square feet or
also generate various urban more (>2,500 SF)of impervious
pollutants such as oil,herbicides and surface shall require the review and
pesticides,which could adversely approval by the City's National Pollutant
affect surface water quality.With Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
implementation of Mitigation consultant prior to building permit
Measure HWQ-2,impacts related to issuance.
surface water quality would be Class
II,sianificant but mitiaable.
HWQ-3 Potential buildout under the None required.Less than significant without
proposed ordinance revisions would mitigation.
incrementally increase the amount of
impermeable surface within the
project area,which would affect the
location and amount of infiltration.
Based on the hydrologic and geologic
conditions in the project area,impacts
related to groundwater recharge
would be Class III,less than
significant.
HWQ-4 Potential buildout under the HWQ-4 Flooding.Prior to issuance of Impacts would be less than
proposed ordinance revisions would any grading permit or building permit,significant with
incrementally increase the amount of the applicant for any individual implementation of Mitigation
onsite impermeable surface area,construction project shall comply with Measure HWQ-4
which may increase storm water the following,pursuant to the review
flows and create localized flooding.and approval by the City Building
However,with implementation of Official:
Mitigation Measure GEO-3 and
Mitigation Measure HWQ-4,buildout ·Illustrate that point (concentrated)
under the ordinance revisions would flow on each of the properties is
result in a flow rate generally similar either normalized,attenuated
to existing conditions.Therefore,adequately,or will reach an
impacts related to storm water runoff acceptable conveyance such as a
would be Class II,sianificant but storm drain,channel,or natural
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-18
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
mitigable.drainage course.All runoff shall be
directed to an acceptable
conveyance and shall not be allowed
to drain to localized sumps or
catchment areas with no outlet.·Maintain existing drainage patterns
and outlet at historical outlet points·Minimize changes to the character of
the runoff at property lines.
Changes in character include
concentration of flow outletting onto
adjacent properties or increasing the
frequency or duration of runoff ,';
outletting onto adjacent propertie~',.·Reduce increases in runoff by"
utilizing appropriate and applicable
low impact development principles·Provide onsite detention facilities or
conveyance to acceptable off-lot
conveyance devices·Minimize "Dry Weather"runoff which
could add to the total infiltration from
the oroiect
HWQ-5 Adoption of the proposed HWQ-5 Standards of Construction in Impacts would be less than
ordinance revisions would allow for a Flood Zone 0 Area.Prior to significant with
the construction of up to 47 single-issuance of any grading permit or implementation of Mitigation
family homes within the project area.building permit,the applicant for any Measure HWQ-5
Several of the single-family homes construction project located in an area
could be constructed in an area in designated as Zone D by FEMA shall
which there is a potential for flood comply with the following,pursuant to
hazards to exist.However,with Section 15.42.120 of the City of Rancho
implementation of Mitigation Palos Verdes Municipal Code.Plans
Measure HWQ-5,flooding impacts shall be reviewed and approved
would be Class II,significant but accordingly by the City Building Official:
mitigable.·All new construction shall be
designed to be adequately anchored
to prevent flotation,collapse or
lateral movement of the structure
resulting from hydrodynamic and
hydrostatic loads,including the
effects of buoyancy·All new construction shall be
constructed with materials and utility
equipment resistant to flood damage·All new construction shall be
constructed using methods and
practices that minimize flood
damage·All new construction shall be
constructed with electrical,heating,
ventilation,plumbing and air
conditioning equipment and other
service facilities that are designed
and/or located so as to orevent
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-19
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
NOISE
Impact Mitigation Measures
water from entering or accumulating
within the components during
conditions of f100dina
Significance After
Mitigation
N-1 Short-term project construction
would intermittently generate high
noise levels on and adjacent to the
site.This would be a Class II,
significant but mitigable impact.
N-2 Construction facilitated by the
proposed ordinance revisions could
generate intermittent levels of
groundborne vibration affecting
residences and other buildings near
the project site.However,these
impacts are temporary in nature and
would not exceed existing
thresholds.Therefore,impacts
would be less than sianificant.
N·3 Traffic generated by the
potential development of up to 47
new residences in Zone 2 would
incrementally increase noise levels
on area roadways.However,the
increase in noise would not exceed
significance thresholds and would
therefore be Class III,less than
significant.
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULA TlON
N·1 Construction Schedule.
Permitted hours and days of
construction activity are 7:00 a.m.to
7:00 p.m.,Monday through Saturday,
with no construction activity permitted
on Sundays or on the legal holidays
specified in Section 17.96.920 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
without a special construction permit.
None required.
None required.
Compliance with this
mitigation measure would
reduce construction noise
impacts of the proposed
project to a less than
significant level.
'if'Less than significant without
mitigation.
Less than significant without
mitigation.
T-1 The potential increase in
vehicles traveling on the surrounding
roadway network from buildout
under the proposed ordinance
revisions would not result in
significant impacts at any of the
study area intersections under
existing plus project conditions.
However,the increase in vehicle
trips under cumulative conditions
would result in significant impacts at
three of the study area intersections.
Mitigation Measure T-1(a)would
reduce impacts to a less than
significant level at the intersection of
Hawthorne BoulevardNia Rivera.
However,mitigation measures T-1 b
through c were found to be infeasible
and would not reduce cumulative
impacts to a less than significant
level at Forrestal Drive/Palos Verdes
Drive South and Seahill Drive-
r
T -1 (a)Hawthorne BoulevardNia
Rivera.The individual project
applicants shall provide a proportionate
fair share contribution to the City to
restripe the southbound approach of Via
Rivera to provide two lanes (a 10-foot
wide single left-turn lane and a 12-foot
wide optional through-right combination
lane)and/or a traffic signal shall be
installed at the intersection of
Hawthorne Boulevard and Via Rivera in
order to improve overall operations and
assignment of motorist right-of-way.
T-1(b)Seahill Drive·Tramonto
Drive/Palos Verdes Drive South.The
individual project applicants shall
provide a proportionate fair-share
contribution towards the modification of
the intersection to provide an
acceleration lane to better facilitate the
northbound left-turn movement (from
ES-20
Mitigation Measure T-1(a)
would reduce the potentially
significant project-related
impact to the intersection of
Hawthorne BoulevardNia
Rivera to a less than
significant level.
Mitigation Measure T-1(b»
would require the applicant
to provide a proportionate
fair-share contribution
towards the modification of
the intersection to provide
an acceleration lane to
better facilitate the
northbound left-turn
movement (from Seahill
Drive)onto westbound Palos
Verdes Drive South.
However,since the fair
share contribution to this
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
Tramonto Drive/Palos Verdes Drive Seahill Drive)onto westbound Palos mitigation measure would
South.Impacts at these two Verdes Drive South.(Note that the City not allow the City tb fully
intersections would therefore be can only require a fair share payment;implement the measure
Class I,significant and unavoidable.therefore,implementation of the absent of other funding
improvements required in this Mitigation resources,the mitigation
Measure cannot be guaranteed.was conservatively deemed
Impacts at this intersection would be infeasible and no feasible
significant and unavoidable).mitigation measures were
identified that would mitigate
T-1(c)Forrestal DrivelPalos Verdes project-related impacts at
Drive South.A traffic signal shall be this location.Impacts would
installed at this intersection in order to be significant and
improve overall operations and J,mavoidable.
assignment of motorist right-of-way.fJ'
(Note that impacts at this intersectioH Mitigation Measure T-1(c)
have been assumed to be significant would require a traffic signal
and unavoidable.Please see to be installed at this
discussion under Significance After intersection.Although
Mitigation for furlher explanation.)installation of the signal may
be technically feasible,there
may be other policy reasons
for finding the traffic signal
inappropriate and infeasible
at this time.If the City were
to approve signalization of
the intersection,the impact
would be reduced to less
than significant.If,however,
the City determines that
signalization is not feasible,
no other feasible mitigation
measures were identified
that would mitigate project-
related impacts at this
location.Therefore,
assuming that the City does
not authorize signalization of
the intersection,the project's
impact at this intersection
would be significant and
unavoidable.
T -2 The proposed project would None required.Less than significant without
increase traffic levels along mitigation.
roadways in the vicinity of the project
site.However,the projected
increases are below City-adopted
thresholds at both studied street
segments.Therefore,impacts to
these two street segments would be
Class III,less than sianificant.
T -3 Based on Los Angeles County None required.Less than significant without
Congestion Management Program mitigation.
(CMP)criteria,impacts to CMP
identified freeway monitoring
seaments and arterial intersections
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
as a result of buildout under the
proposed project would be Class III,
less than siqnificant.
T -4 Access to the project site during None required.Less than significant without
construction activity and during the mitigation.
operational phase of the project
would be provided via Narcissa
Drive and Peppertree Drive.
Although there would be an increase
of traffic during construction activity,
construction traffic would not result
in any significant impacts.In
addition,emergency access during
c"
both construction and operational ',,"
phases would be adequate to serve
the Portuguese Bend community.
Therefore,impacts relating to site
access and circulation would be
Class III,less than siqnificant.
T -5 Development facilitated by the None required.Less than significant without
proposed project would not conflict mitigation.
with adopted policies,plans,or
programs supporting alternative
transportation.Impacts relating to
alternative transportation would be
less than siqnificant.
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
U-1 Wastewater conveyance and U-1 Holding Tank System.If the Less than significant with
treatment systems are adequate to director of Public Works determines that implementation of mitigation
serve the potential for up to 47 new the sanitary sewer system cannot measures U-1 through U-5.
residences to be built in the project accommodate a new connection at the
area.However,individual new time of building permit issuance,the
residences that could be constructed project shall be connected to a City
under the proposed ordinance approved holding tank system until such
revisions would require the time as the sanitary sewer system can
extension of wastewater conveyance accommodate the project.In such
facilities.This impact would be cases,once the sanitary sewer system
Class II,significant but mitigable.becomes available to serve the project,
as determined by the Director of Public
Works,the holding tank system shaH be
removed,and the project shall be
connected to the sanitary sewer
system.
U-2 Additional Plumbing.If the
project involves additional plumbing
fixtures,or additions of habitable space
which exceed 200 square feet,or could
be used as a new bedroom,bathroom,
laundry room or kitchen,and if the lot or
parcel is not served by a sanitary sewer
system,septic systems shall be
replaced with approved holding tank
systems in which to dispose of on-site
waste water.The capacity of the
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ES-22
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
required holding tank system shall be
subject to the review and approval of
the City's Building Official.For the
purposes of this mitigation measure,the
addition of a sink to an existing
bathroom,kitchen or laundry room shall
not be construed to be an additional
plumbing fixture.For those projects
which involve additions of less than 200
hundred square feet in total area and
which are not to be used as a new
bedroom,bathroom,laundry room or
kitchen,the applicant shall submit for
recordation a covenant specifically ij.r..
agreeing that the addition of the
habitable space will not be used for
those purposes.Such covenant shall be
submitted to the Director for recordation
prior to the issuance of a building
permit.For lots or parcels which are to
be served by a sanitary sewer system
on or after July 6,2000,additional
plumbing fixtures may be permitted and
the requirement for a holding tank may
be waived,provided that the lot or
parcel is to be connected to the sanitary
sewer system.If a sanitary sewer
system is approved and/or under
construction but is not yet operational at
the time that a project requiring a
landslide moratorium exception permit
is approved,the requirement for a
holding tank may be waived,provided
that the lot or parcel is required to be
connected to the sanitary sewer system
pursuant to Section 15.20.110 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code,
or by an agreement or condition of
project approval.
U-3 Participation in Future Sewer
and/or Storm Drain Assessment
District.If the lot or parcel is not served
by a sanitary sewer system,the
applicant shall submit for recordation a
covenant agreeing to support and
participate in existing or future sewer
and/or storm drain assessment districts
and any other geological and
geotechnical hazard abatement
measures required by the City.Such
covenant shall be submitted to the
Director prior to the issuance of a
building permit.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Zone 2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions EIR
Executive Summary
Table ES-1
Summary of Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures,and Residual Impacts
Impact Mitigation Measures Significance After
Mitigation
U-4 Sewer and Storm Drain
Easement.If the lot or parcel is not
served by a sanitary sewer system,the
applicant shall submit for recordation a
covenant agreeing to an irrevocable
offer to dedicate to the City a sewer and
storm drain easement on the subject
property,as well as any other easement
required by the City to mitigate landslide
conditions.Such convenant shall be
submitted to the Director prior to the
issuance of a building permit.
U-5 Inspection of Sewer Lateral.If 'j}>
the lot or parcel is served by a sanitary
sewer system.the sewer lateral that
served the applicant's property shall be
inspected to verifty that there are no
cracks,breaks or leaks and,if such
deficiencies are present,the sewer
lateral shall be repaired or
reconstructed to eliminate them,prior to
the issuance of a building permit for the
project that is being approved pursuant
to the issuance of a moratorium
exception permit.
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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