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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RESO 15,945RESOLUTION NO. 15,945 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PREPARED FOR THE BONITA MEADOWS SUBDIVISION (S-1-87) AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD-1-87) REQUESTED BY SEYMOUR OSTROW (CASE FILE NO. IS-87-15) WHEREAS, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines and the National City Environmental Guidelines; and WHEREAS, a public notice of the availability of the draft EIR, designating a 30-day public review period ending on October 28, 1988 was provided in accordance with Section 21092 of the Public Resources Cute of the State of California; and WHEREAS, a final EIR was prepared in accordance with CEQA, State CEQA Guidelines and the National City Environmental Guidelines, and consists of the draft EIR, the list of individuals, organizations or agencies commenting on the draft EIR, comments received on the draft EIR and responses to comments; and WHEREAS, on March 6, 1989 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and considered the final EIR, at which time staff reported on the major issues, significant impacts and mitigations, as well as comments received fiuu individuals, organizations, and public agencies on the draft EIR and the responses given thereto; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission heard public testimony on the final EIR and adequately addressed such testimony; and WHEREAS, the final EIR identified certain significant environmental impacts requiring mitigation at the development stage; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission found that changes or alterations have been required in, or incoipurated into, the proposed project, which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects thereof as identified in the final EIR; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission found that the proposed (revised) project, and originally proposed project, would have significant but mitigated effects in the areas of noise, aesthetic/visual character, landform, hydrology and biology as explained in the Planning Department Report to the City Planning Commission regarding Case File No. IS-87-15 dated March 6, 1989; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission certified that the final EIR has been completed in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), State CEQA Guidelines and National City Environmental Guidelines; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council, having final approval authority over the project, make the above findings, and adopt the explanation of findings, certify that the final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and National City Environmental Guidelines, and review and consider the information contained in the EIR prior to rendering the final decision on project approval, and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the Final Environmental Impact Report and environmental findings and recommendations of the Planning Cbnmission; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of National City, California, finds that changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project, which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects thereof as identified in the final EIR; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council finds that the proposed (revised) project, and originally proposed project, would have significant but mitigated effects in the areas of noise, aesthetic/visual character, landform, hydrology and biology as explained in the Planning Department Report to the City Planning Caurnission regarding Case File No. IS-87-15 dated March 6, 1989; attached and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A"; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City Council certifies that the final EIR has been cumpleted in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act Law, State CEQA Guidelines and National City Environmental Guidelines. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of April, 1989. ,t-e� tc ILL- C.c — GEORGE H. WATERS, MAYOR ATTEST: LOR ANNE PEOPLES, ITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: GEO}7GE H. EISER, III -CITY ATTORNEY EXPLANATICti OF ENVIRCRENTAL FINDINX TO BE ADOPIED wrix C ERTIFICATICN OF THE FINAL EIR NOISE The southern and eastern boundaries of the project are adjacent to Sweetwater Road and proposed Reo Drive, respectively. Expected noise levels from traffic on adjacent roadways will exceed levels permitted in the City's noise ordinance for single-family residential use. The results of the noise study indicate that the average hourly sound levels of 60 dBA or more will occur within 176 ft. fran the centerlines of Sweetwater Road and Reo Drive. Required conditions (mitigation): a. Sound attenuation walls or berms along the eastern and southern property lines, varying fran 2 ft. to 8 ft. in height, based on an acoustical study, shall be constructed to reduce traffic noise to acceptable levels of 60 dBA or less for outdoor yard areas. b. An acoustical study shall be submitted with building plans to determine and provide adequate noise attenuation, i.e. maximum interior noise levels of 45 (MA fran 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and otherwise 55 dBA for residences within the 176 ft. distance from the centerlines of Sweetwater Road and Reo Drive, consistent with the City's noise ordinance. 2. AESTHETIC/VISUAL CHARACTER The dhange from a vacant field with grasses and eucalyptus trees to residential development with the permitted density of one detached dwelling per 5,000 sq.ft. will alter the app.arance of the property. Immediately to the west of the site is a church, and a 114 unit condominium project on 16.42 acres. TO the south across Sweetwater Road are single-family residences on minimum 5,000 sq.ft. lots and vacant property. The area to the east, located in the County and primarily rural in character, is developed with single-family residences. TO the north is a single-family residence on a 3-acre parcel zoned RS-2-PUD. Reo Drive is proposed for construction in the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan. The original plans indicated portions of the project site and property to the east in the County were to be dedicated for construction of Reo Drive along the entire length of the project's easterly boundary. Information received fran the County of San Diego requires realignment of Reo Drive so that it is situated entirely within National City. The plans have been revised showing the 74 ft. right-of-way located entirely within the site. Relocation of Reo Drive has resulted in a reduction of net buildable area. Therefore, the original proposal. of 47 units has been reduced to 45 units. This 74 ft. wide right-of-way will separate the project from residences to the east in the County. EXHIBIT A Required mitigation: Landscaping shall be provided to buffer the project from adjacent roadways as well as to lessen visual impacts of the development to the rural character of properties to the north and east. The landscape plan would be subject to subsequent approval by the City. Conditions of approval for the landscape plan should include planting of trees along the perimeter of the site, planting of creeping vine along noise attenuation walls, and landscaping treatment to identify the two entryways to the project. 3. /ANDEORM (GRADING, SDIL STABILITY) The low lying portion of the site carries drainage from properties to the north and northeast. Time central portion of the property is approximately 10-15 ft. below the grade of Sweetwater Road. Approximately 27,000 cubic yards of fill is to be imported to raise the site. Approximately 8,000 cubic yards are to be cut. Because of the disturbed character of the site, no archaeological artifacts are expected to be uncovered during grading. The soils report, prepared by Geotechnical Exploration, Inc., indicates groundwater was encountered at the surface of the site. Unsuitable soils having a medium expansion potential were encountered in the upper 5 ft. of the site. Recommended measures include the reworking and placement of unsuitable soils to a minimum depth of 5 ft. below existing grade. A minimum of 10 ft. of compacted fill, consisting of 5 ft. of reworked soils below existing grade and 5 ft. of imported fill, will be placed beneath all structures and improvements. Recommended measures in the soils report also include specialized grading techniques and dewatering should groundwater - saturated soils be encountered during excavation for the drainage channel. All grading activities should be overseen by a qualified geotechnical engineer. Required mitigation: Grading plans shall be submitted to the satisfaction of the City engineer and incorporate necessary measures identified in the soils report prepared by Geotechntcal Exploration, Inc., dated October 31, 1987, or other soils report required by the City Engineer. All grading activities shall be overseen by a cualified geotechnical engineer. 4. HYDROLOGY The major portion of the low-lying site is affected by drainage from properties to the northeast. Proposed plans indicate an underground channel, 26 ft. in width, within a 35 ft. wide easement. It will be adequate for a 100-year flood. On -site iraprovenents above the 35 ft. wide drainage easement include private roadways, parking spaces, walkways, and a small pond. No buildings are proposed over the easement. The Public Works Dept. has indicated that underground channels are generally easier to maintain than open, uncovered channels. Also, undergrounding the channel mitigates safety concerns for accidental drownings as well as concerns for the dumping of debris, which may occur with an open channel. Required mitigation: A covered channel with a capacity for carrying a 100 year flood shall be constructed. 5. BIOLOGY A biological survey was completed at the site on September 16, 1987. None of the species identified in the survey were found to be classified as rare, endangered or otherwise sensitive species. There is a small pond along the central -eastern property line formed by channelized runoff fram properties to the east. Drainage traverses the site from northeast to southwest. Garments from the California Department of fish and Game indicate that the small pond and drainage area is classified as wetlands. As indicated in their comments, as wetland compensation plan is required to avoid cc offset the net loss of wetland acreage and wetland habitat prior to certification of the final EIR. In addition, they require notification for diversion of drainage (natural flow) onsite after the project has been approved. The applicant applied for a Department of the Army Permit with the Army Corps of Engineers for proposed filling of the wetlands. The Army Corps comments indicate that the project is covered under the nationwide permit for discharge of fill into non -tidal wetlands; an individual permit is not required. The verification of the nationwide permit requires compliance with standard conditions and is valid for two years. Removal of 45 eucalyptus trees from the southeastern portion of the site will have a non -significant effect on biological resources. They will be replaced by other trees with project landscaping. Required mitigation: a. The existing small pond located along the central -eastern property line is to be replaced with a man-made pond along the south property line, as indicated on proposed plans. A wetlands compensation plan which precludes a net loss of both wetland acreage and wetland habitat values has be approved to the satisfaction of the California Department of Fish and Game. b. A Streambed Alteration Permit for alteration of on site drainage obtained frau the Department of Fish and Game after the project is approved. c. Native riparian vegetation, including willow, sycamore and cottonwood trees, shall be planted around the perimeter of the replacement pond to replace wildlife habitat. d. Related, native plant species shall be located in open space areas to provide resource continuity throughout the project as recommended in the biological survey report included in the Draft EIR as attachment 4. B. Non -significant Effects (Possible tiitigation) 6. Land Use The project is a one -lot subdivision for 45 detached, single- family oondaniniums, each with an attached 2-car garage. Access and circulation within the site is provided by 24 ft. wide private streets. Amenities include a pool, Jacuzzi, picnic and barbecue area, children's playground, and a pond. 44 guest parking spaces are provided; 25 of those spaces are on -site and the remaining 19 spaces are on Sweetwater Road. The net area of the site is 5.175 acres after dedications of private streets within the project and Reo Drive (public right-of- way). The proposed density is 1 unit per 5,009 sq.ft. or 8.7 dwelling units per acre. The proposed density is the maximum that could be considered on the site, consistent with the RS-2- PUD zone. The cne-lot subdivision involves the ormership of airspace and a percentage (1/45) of the common area for each condaniniva unit. To the south across Sweetwater Road are single-family residences constructed under the RS-2 designation (1 unit per 5,000 sq.ft.). TO the west of the project is a church on a 2.1 acre parcel and 114 attached condaniniun units on 16.5 acres. TO the east are single-family residences on large lots, minimum 1 acre in size, located in the County. Adjacent to the north is a single-family residence on a 3 acre parcel. Area to the east and north of the site is rural in character with large trees and mature landscaping. The site will provide a transition between the attached condominium development to the west and the lower density neighborhood to the east. Development of Reo Drive as a 74 ft. right-of-way will also provide a buffer to separate the site fran properties to the east. Recrninended mitigation: None 7. Traffic The traffic study was prepared by Federhart and Associates. The 45 single-family, detached condominiums will be served by two 24 ft. wide private streets. Access to the site will be provided by two intersections, one (existing) on Sweetwater Road at the southwest corner of the site and the other on Reo Drive at the northeast corner of the property. The Sweetwater Road intersection exists as a private access easement for the church located adjacent to the west. Standard trip generation rates indicated in the San Diego Traffic Generator's manual (SANDAG) are 10 average daily trips per single-family residence. Therefore, the project's trip generation is 450 average daily trips. The analysis addressed short-term and long-term impacts to traffic in the project area. Short-term traffic impacts address project traffic volumes prior to the completion of the entire Reo Drive linkage to Route 54. Long-term traffic impacts refer to project traffic volumes after Reo Drive is constructed to connect with Route 54. Both short- term and long -tern impacts were determined insignificant and within the capacity of the street system. No short -tern irg:acts to the level of service cr intersection capacity were identified at the intersections of Sweetwater Road at Ring Road and proposed Reo Drive at Route 54. An analysis of the Sweetwater Road and proposed Reo Drive intersection indicates sight distance is inadequate. Recommended mitigation: Recommended mitigation measures to reduce non -significant traffic impacts include the following: 1. Widening of the private road at the Sweetwater Road intersection north of Sweetwater Road to provide two outbound and one inbound lane to mitigate potential delays of outbound, right turn traffic caused by delays by outbound, left turn traffic; 2. Full width improvements of the 74 ft. wide Reo Drive right- of-way adjacent to the site including roadway, curb, gutter and sidewalk; 3. Improvements to widen the northernhalf of Sweetwater Road, including curb, gutter, sidewalk and parallel parking (19 off -site Guest parking spaces); 4. Signing and physical barriers to prohibit left turns onto Sweetwater Road fran Reo Drive and onto Reo Drive fran Sweetwater Road until Reo Drive is completed to Route 54 and a traffic light is installed; 5. Payment by the developer of the project's share of costs, to be determined by the Engineering Department, for installation of the required traffic signal at the intersection of Reo Drive and Sweetwater Road. 8. OJt• IUNITY FACILITIES AND CES Comments received fran the Chula Vista School District (Elementary) and Sweetwater Union High School District indicate that the development will impact existing school facilities. The Chula Vista School District and Sweetwater Union high School District expect the increase in enrollment to be 13 and 14 students respectively. Payment of school fees or voluntary agreement by the developer to participate in some other funding mechanism will mitigate non -significant impacts to educational facilities. Payment of fees will be verified during the building permit process. Other community facilities and services are available. Water and sewer facilities are available in the area with adequate capacity to serve the project. No increase in police and fire department staff or equipaent is necessary to serve the project. Gas and electric facilities can be extended to the site from Sweetwater Road Reamed Mitigation: 1. The developer shall contribute $8,000 toward the project's share of costs for completed sewer improvements.