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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1995 0215 CC REG ITEM 11GITEM A G. _ A G E N D A R E P O R T C I T Y O F M O O R P A R K` TO: The Honorable City Council FROM: Jaime Aguilera, Director of Community Developmedt �" Deborah S. Traffenstedt, Senior Planner DATE: February 8, 1995 (CC Meeting of 2- 15 -95) SUBJECT: CONSIDER SCOPE OF WORK FOR SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WHICH ESTABLISHES THE TIME PERIOD FOR COMPLETION OF THE EIR BACKGROUND A joint City Council /Planning Commission workshop was held on May 25, 1994, to discuss the draft land use and circulation plan submitted by the Levy Company (applicant) for the Specific Plan No. 1 project. At that workshop, staff was authorized by the City Council to distribute a Notice of Preparation of a Draft EIR and directed to schedule a subsequent meeting before the Council for discussion of project alternatives. The Notice of Preparation was distributed in September 1994 to responsible and trustee agencies and interested parties. Based on preliminary environmental studies, neighborhood meetings, and the comments received from other agencies, a draft scope of work for the EIR was subsequently prepared. The Community Development Committee reviewed the draft Scope of Work for the EIR at their January 12, 1995 meeting, and provided comments to staff as discussed in the following section of this report. DISCUSSION EIR Scope of Work A draft Scope of Work for the Specific Plan No. 1 EIR is attached, which describes the issues to be addressed concerning the project's effects on the environment, along with the specific analytical methods to be employed in the preparation of the EIR. Based on comments from the Community Development Committee, staff is recommending that the EIR Scope of Work be revised to include analysis of an alternative consisting of no Route 118 Bypass through the property (assuming a northerly alignment for the future highway). Analysis of the "No Route 118 Bypass Alternative" is recommended, because there is the potential that a future State Route 118 freeway corridor could be located to the north of the current City limits, and then connect with and be coincident with dst- 2- 8- 95 11:44pmC:\WP51\SP- 1 \CC2- 15.BIR 00112 The Honorable City Council February 8, 1995 Page 2 a new State Route 23 alignment between Broadway and the existing State Routes 23 and 118 freeways. The intent for the Specific Plan No. 1 EIR would be that the "No Route 118 Bypass Alternative" would illustrate how the land use would be planned for the project area if there were no future highway or six -lane City arterial roadway bisecting the property. The Specific Plan No. 1 EIR would also identify how potential impacts would change, if there were no Route 118 Bypass through the property. It is beyond the scope of the Specific Plan No. 1 EIR to fully analyze the impacts of locating the future highway along a northerly alignment. This alternative would not be consistent with the current City Circulation Element. Another proposed circulation alternative, that is not consistent with the existing Circulation Element, is the "High Street Extension Alternative." This alternative has been included based on prior direction from the City Council at the May 1994 workshop. A High Street extension will require that Redevelopment Agency owned property be used to allow for a wider street section. The EIR will analyze the potential environmental impacts of the extension of High Street. Staff will require that the Traffic Study analyze the proposed street width and intersection design to assure that it conforms to City, County and State (highway) standards. Attached to this report are several draft exhibits, which illustrate several of the proposed land use and circulation alternatives for Specific Plan No. 1. The attached exhibits are conceptual, only, and do not represent the quality of exhibit to be included in the EIR. For example, the "Reduced Grading Concept Alternative" exhibit in the EIR will include contour information, so as to illustrate how grading will be reduced. EIR Time Period for Completion The California Environmental Quality Act requires that each local agency shall establish time limits, not to exceed one year for completing and certifying environmental impact reports. CEQA does permit, however, that a reasonable extension of the time period may be provided for in the event that compelling circumstances justify additional time and the project applicant consents thereto. Staff and the applicant have agreed that there are compelling circumstances which justify a time period longer than one year for completion of the EIR. One such circumstance is that the applicant has elected to follow the specific plan processing option (as established by City Council) that allows the applicant to directly hire the environmental consultant. Staff, therefore, does not have dst- 2- 8- 95 /1:44pmC: \WP51 \SP- 1 \CC2- I5.EIR 00113 The Honorable City Council February 8, 1995 Page 3 complete control over the EIR completion schedule. Another justification for a longer time period is that the City agreed to circulate the Notice of Preparation prior to receipt of a draft Specific Plan document. Although the City could have elected to wait until a draft Specific Plan had been submitted, there are advantages to obtaining other agency input prior to completion of detailed plans. Since the one -year EIR processing time period for this project could be interpreted as beginning at the time of distribution of the Notice of Preparation, rather than actual submittal of the draft Specific Plan, staff is recommending that an Agreement is required to clarify the processing time period. A draft Agreement is attached (Attachment 3). Staff is requesting that the City Council authorize the City Manager, with City Attorney concurrence, to approve the final language and sign the Agreement between the City and the Levy Company establishing the EIR processing time period. The proposed time period is one year beginning on the first day of the public review period for the Draft EIR and Specific Plan. RECOMMENDATION 1. Discuss Specific Plan No. 1 land use and circulation alternatives to be analyzed in the EIR. 2. Approve the draft Scope of Work for the Specific Plan No. 1 EIR, including staff's proposed modification to the Alternatives section. 3. Authorize the City Manager to approve the final language and sign an Agreement, which establishes the time period for an EIR certification decision for the Specific Plan No. 1 project. Attachments: 1. Draft Scope of Work for Specific Plan No. 1 EIR 2. Draft Alternative Exhibits 3. Draft Agreement dst- 1- 8- 95 /1:44PMC: \WP51 \SP- 1 \CC2- 15.EIR 00J 14 DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK Environmental Impact Report for Levy Property Specific Plan No.1 PROPOSED PROJECT RECEIVED DEC Q 2 1994 City of Moorpark The proposed project entails adoption of a Specific Plan, pursuant to Section 65451 of the California Government Code, setting forth standards, guidelines and planning procedures for the long -term development of the 285 acre Levy property. The project site is located in the rolling hills north of Poindexter Avenue, immediately west of the former Moorpark High School, beginning approximately 1600 feet west of Moorpark Avenue (State Route 23) and extending approximately 1400 feet west of Gabbert Road (see Figure 1). The purpose of the Specific Plan is to implement the land use objectives for this site, as stated in the City of Moorpark General Plan Land Use Element, adopted by the Moorpark City Council on May 13, 1992. These objectives include examining the existing environmental and public service system;; in the project area to define planning opportunities and constraints and to create and implement a development plan that expands the City's housing stock with various product types, with provisions for public amenities and services that not only serve this site, but benefit the larger community. Pursuant to the Land Use Element, the number, of dwelling units that may be developed shall not exceed 415, unless the property owner agrees to provide public improvements, public services and /or financial contributions that the City Council determines to be of substantial public benefit to the community, in which case the number of dwelling units shall not exceed 620. In addition, a mininium of three acres shall be designated as Public Institutional within the project site ATTACF ' ENT I 00115 The specific plan will include distinct elements setting forth policies, objectives, performance standards and City approval procedures with respect to: land uses, circulation, public services, infrastructure, open space, urban design, architectural and landscape themes, grading restrictions and development phasing. In addition to the proposed Specific Plan application No. 93-2, the project requires approval by the City of Moorpark for General Plan Amendment 93 -2 and Zone Change 93 -4. The proposed land use and circulation concepts are illustrated in Figure 2 and are briefly summarized as follows: Land Use Units /Acres Low Density Residential 40 du /50 acres Medium Density Residential 300 du /75 acres Very High Density Residential 280 du /28 acres Institutional 4 acres Park 11 acres Open Space 93 acres Caltrans Corridor 20 acres Stormwater Detention 4 acres Total Project Area: 285 acres Total Dwelling Units: 620 Primary access will be provided by the extension of Casey Road, connecting Walnut Canyon on the east and Gabbert Road on the west. A preliminary internal circulation plan is shown in Figure 2. A trail element r�, proposed along the western and northern perimeters of the site, to connect to the City 4 planned regional trail system. 00116 o o SITE LOCATION S�a a: 1-_20001 M...a F-► O~, PROPOSED PROJECT SPECFIC PLAN No. 1 THE LEVY COMPANY/ CrtY OF YOORPARK LANG USE PLAM COTAL ANEW RcjGVelOf m r+ Arco PREPARATION OF DRAFT EIR The following describes the issues to be addressed concerning this project's effects on the environment, along with the specific analytical methods to be employed in the preparation of the environmental impact report. These methods will result in the completion of a document that satisfies the most current statutory requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Moorpark procedures for implementing CEQA. The issues that will be addressed in each technical section of the EIR have been defined on the basis of an environmental sensitivity analysis previously completed by Impact Sciences, Inc., and the results of a detailed Initial Study that was circulated for a 30 -day revievv and comment period as part of a Notice of Preparation of an EIR that was sent to state, county and local agencies. The purpose of the NOP was to identify environmental concerns and areas of responsibility for these agencies, with respect to this project, to be addressed in the EIR. Administrative Draft EIR Introduction Impact Sciences, Inc. incorporates an Introduction section into each of its EIRs based on one assumption; the general public is exposed to an EIR very few times, and as such must be educated about its intent, content, and format. The Introduction section of this EIR will focus on educating the reader with regard to what to expect from the document, and facilitate their successful participation in the environmental review process. The Introduction section of the EIR will fulfill these goals. Executive Summary To facilitate a quick review of the project, an executive summary will be prepared that will include an illustrated project description, the conclusions of the impact analyses, mitigation measures, and a summary of the project alternatives. 00119 Project Description The EIR project description will include a summary of the Specific Plan description highlighting the principal land uses, circulation and infrastructure features and buildout characteristics and intensities. Illustrations from the Specific Plan will be incorporated as necessary to supplement this written description. Environmental Setting The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a description of the environment on and in the vicinity of the project site as it exists prior to project implementation. The Environmental Setting section of the EIR will summarize site description data developed during field investigations by Impact Sciences and other environmental consultants retained by the project applicant, and will include a general description of the existing land uses which occur on and adjacent to the proposed project site. This description of the site and surrounding environment is useful in providing a verbal picture of the project area, enabling the reader to more readily comprehend the environmental analyses and conclusions of t1w EIR. Several City and regional planning documents provide information concerning land use designations, development restrictions, air quality management restrictions and other plans and policies that are intended to ensure the orderly growth and development of the project area. As required by CEQA, the project would be compared with these plans and policies to determine project consistency Cumulative Impacts Database Identification of an accurate and complete database defining other reasonably foreseeable past, present and future development activities that could add to the proposed project's environmental effects and result in cumulative impacts is an important component of the environmental review and "design year" process. Utilizing information provided by City staff from various departments, Impact Sciences, Inc. will prepare a draft cumulative project set, obtain review comments from Department staff, and generate a final cumulative project listing for inclusion in the EIR. This will consist of a list and a location map, identifying approv,ed projects, planned projects and projects under construction. r, 0012!) Environmental Impact Analyses and Recommended Mitigation Measures For each of the topics to be addressed in the EIR, a standard format will be followed. This will consist of a description of the current environmental conditions pertaining to that topic, an assessment of the changes in those conditions that would result from the proposed project, the significance of those changes with respect to criteria established by law or local policy and measures to mitigate the project's effects to below the level of significance, if possible. Where relevant, an assessment of cumulative impacts will be presented, concerning the combined effect of this project, together with other planned, pending or active projects affecting the same environmental conditions. Specific analytical approaches and information products to be developed for the various topics included in the EIR are defined below, Aesthetics and Light and Glare This section will define the changes in the project site's visual character, as seen from surrounding private residences and public roadways. Those areas of the project site that are highly visible to a surrounding audience will be identified via a visual sensitivity map derived from field investigations, along with black and white photographs from selected viewing locations, and the proposed development concept will be evaluated to determine how those � iews will be modified. Black and white renderings of proposed housing product types that illustrate the proposed development concepts will be presented, if available irom the applicant. An analysis of the proposed grading and development concept,, with regard to impacts on the southern most ridgeline parallel to Poindexter Avenue, (designated as a "horizon line" in the City's Land Use Element) and on slopes of }treater than 20 percent gradient will be conducted. This will be illustrated with topographic base maps that define the location and extent of the horizon line and all existing slope areas of 20 percent or greater incline, together with a topographi, map that defines the proposed limits of grading that affect these significant lantitorms. A review of the specific plan proposals relative to outdoor lighting will be conducted to ensure that appropriate limitations on outdoor lighting are included to minimize light and glare impacts and to avoid any glare impacts at the Moorpark Ci d ege Observatory. 00121 A survey will be conducted to identify the locations, number, types, sizes and health of the trees that are found on the project site, as a basis for assessing the impact of tree removals that would result from the proposed grading concept. This will be accomplished by a comprehensive field survey in which each tree on the project site will be tagged with an identification number and information will be collected by Impact Sciences' staff biologist and landscape architect regarding the species, height and general health of each tree. Tree locations will be generally identified during the field surveys and mapped on a 100 -foot scale base topography map. The results of the tree survey will be documented in a summaw report, containing the information taken for each tree and a written discussion of the survey results. Using this report as a baseline, an analysis of the project's impacts on existing trees will be presented in the EIR analysis of the project's visual impacts, with respect to the existing landscape environment. Air Quality Air quality is a topic that requires a broad approach in dealing with both on -site and off -site impacts. The State of California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCIJ) have developed standards by which a project's impact on ambient air quality :an i)e assessed. These standards are incorporated in the ARB's Guidelines for Air OualijY. Impact Assessments: General Development and Transportation Projects (Guidelines for Air Oualit{ Impact Assessments. 1983) and the APCD's Guidelines for Air Ouality Impact Analyysgs (Guidelines, 1989). The information presented below provides an outline of the individual analyses which will be conducted based upon the most current Air Quality Management Plan (A MP and guidelines in order to meet the procedura ', requirements of the ARB, the APCD, and the City of Moorpark. The existing air quality environment in Moorpark, Ventura County, and the South Central Coast Air Basin will be described utilizing; data made available by the ARB. In order to ensure compliance with federal as .yell as state and local air quality standards, applicable standards for the respective governmental units will be identified. The existing air quality informatwn will be compared to these standards to provide an accurate frame of reference in �A 11 1ch �o consider the project's potential to r 001242 impact the ambient air quality environment. Traffic data inputs will be obtained from Austin -Foust Associates, with respect to existing, future- without - project and future - with- project traffic volumes. Localized air quality concentrations (i.e., carbon monoxide "hot spots ") affecting emission sensitive land uses will be analyzed utilizing a screening model developed by the APCD and "CALINE4," a computer model developed by the California Department of Transportation and the ARB (ARB, AOAT -3: Air Quality Analysis Tools 1989). Specific analysis locations will be approved by the Director of Community Development. The results of this multiple wind directional analysis will be compared to State of California and federal one - and eight -hour CO standards. This assessment will include an analysis of potential air quality impacts associated with the future alignment of SR -118 within the project site. to determine whether abutting land uses could be significantly affected. A quantitative discussion of the potential impacts of construction vehicle emissions and fugitive dust (during site grading and construction) will be presented, based on data provided by the project applicant. Net regional air emissions expected to be generated at full buildout of the proposed project will be calculated, utilizing URBEMIS #2, a computer modeling tool developed and distributed by the ARB (AOAT -2: Air Quality Analysis Tools, 1987), enabling the EIR to determine more precisely the net impact of the proposed project. The results of the URBEMIS #2 program will be compared to APCD standards for selected pollutants, ,Mcl a determination will be made as to whether or not the proposed project would result in a development that would emit "significant" amounts of regional pollutant emissions. Project - related changes in CO concentrations on the project site and at the off -site emission sensitive land uses will again Ix- analyzed utilizing the screening model developed by the APCD and the CALINFA computer model. The net change in emissions at these locations resulting from project - generated traffic will be compared to the applicable one- and eight -hour CO standards. Special emphasis will also be afforded to assessing the impact of traffic emissions at residential units located along nearby roadways and at nearby school sites. "he potent ial for toxic air pollutants and odors that could affect local residents would ,iIso be identified and discussed. 00.123 The EIR will contain an analysis of the project's consistency with Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) identified in the 1991 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), as well as the draft 1994 AQMP. Emphasis will be afforded to including as many of the TCMs identified in the AQMP into the mitigation of operational impacts. Mitigation measures necessary to offset any potential project - generated impacts to ambient air quality will be identified based on methodologies available from the APCD and other sources. This discussion will focus on innovative measures which could reduce impacts to the air environment of Moorpark through various implementation programs. A quantitative discussion of air quality emissions generated by cumulative development activity within the project vicinity, will be presented. This discussion will focus on the cumulative impact of growth- induced traffic volume increases on localized carbon monoxide concentrations. Energy Construction and operation of the proposed project would result in the use of various forms of fuel and energy. Petroleum -based fuels would be consumed by construction machinery and vehicles. Long -term fuel consumption would occur as a result of vehicle travel to and from the project site, as well as home cooling and heating systems that are supplied by purveyors who use petroleum based fuels in the production of electrical energy. Natural gas and electricity from non - petroleum sources such as hydroelectricity and perhaps other technologies would also ix consumed by home cooling and heating systems. Likely forms of energy use associated with the proposed development concepts will be identified and estimates of project - related electricity, natural gas and gasoline consumption will be calculated. Energy conserving or energy wasting features of the specific plan will be identified. Methods of reducing total energy consumption through site and building design and reductions in \ eliicle miles traveled will be identified. 00124 Housing and Population This project is of large size and would substantially expand the City's housing stock and resident population. To determine the significance of this growth, an analysis of the population potential and buildout time frame will be prepared. This will be compared to existing City and countywide plans to determine whether the population growth that would result from this project would be consistent with existing population forecasts for this area. In addition, the projected development mix and timing will be evaluated for consistency with the City's existing and proposed growth management ordinances. The project's effect on the City's and subregional jobs /housing balance will be calculated. This EIR section will include a discussion of the project's impact on the one housing unit and household that exists on the project site The housing component of the specific plan will be reviewed for conformance with housing policies in the adopted Redevelopment Plan, conformance with the housing production requirements of California Redevelopment Law, and for conforrrunce with applicable goals, policies and objectives contained in the City's Housing Element of the General Plan. Proposed housing types and affordability will also M)e evaluated with respect to any City inclusionary housing requirements. Human Health /Risk of Upset The primary objective of this section is to identify any natural or human -built hazards that may affect this site and surrounding properties and to develop methods of mitigating those hazards to a safe level to protect construction workers as well as existing and future residents. For example, the site is identified by the Ventura County Fire Protection District as a "high fire hazard area. Further, past farming or oil production activities may have left hazardous waste materials on the site. The EIR will discuss the site's fire hazard with respect to its open space and vegetation characteristics and will examine the spe(, -ic plan's open space and landscaping components to determine if this hazard will .)e adequately mitigated through project design. This section will also incorporate the results of a Phase I level hazardous waste assessment to be prepared by a ha<<jrdous waste specialist under separate contract to the applicant. The Phase I report will determine the likelihood of encountering hazardous substances during fioure grading; activities and will include 001.25 appropriate remedial measures, if needed, to ensure that construction workers and nearby residents are not exposed to such substances. Noise As with air quality, the analysis of impacts to the noise environment would require a broad approach in dealing with both on -site and off -site impacts. Noise levels within the project site may be affected by sources in the project vicinity. In contrast, project - generated noise may affect surrounding uses. The Noise Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan identifies interior and exterior noise standards for various land uses. Consequently, our effort would focus or noise impacts which could exceed these adopted standards. Approved modeling methodologies will be used to predict existing and future exterior noise environments on and near the project site. Consideration will be given to the site's proximity to existing and proposed roadway s, the Southern Pacific railroad tracks and existing residential uses. Existing noise sources in the project area will be identified and reviewed. Such noise sources will include: • vehicular traffic utilizing surrounding major arterials and local collectors; and • train movements along the southern boundary of the project site • general human activity present in tho vicinity Existing noise levels will be modeled for the project site as well as for each roadway identified in the Traffic and Circulation section of the EIR. Specific modeling locations will be approved by the Director of Community Development. With the modeling results, noise contours will be developed and will be presented as graphic illustrations. The significance of these existing contour; relati; e to, the adjacent land uses will be discussed. Noise impacts associated with construction activities will be identified. Future noise levels (pre- and post- project) due to increase:-, in roadway traffic volumes would also be modeled for the project site's major roadway , the alignment of future State Route 118, and selected off -site locations. Specific rn +,(ieling locations will be approved by the 00126 Director of Community Development. Post - project noise contours will be developed and presented as graphic illustrations. Potential changes in noise sources as a result of new stationary uses on the site will be assessed. With this information, noise conflicts associated with changes in the noise environment can be determined. This includes an assessment of potential impacts to the proposed on -site uses as well as nearby residences and the Chaparral Middle School. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to alleviate any significant impact created. Biological Resources Impact Sciences, Inc. staff biologists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of flora and fauna found on site and will evaluate the impacts of the Specific Plan on any sensitive habitat(s) that may be identified. Specific tasks to be performed are identified below. Literature Review: Prior to initiation of field investigations, pertinent literature will be reviewed. Specific data sources include the California Department of Fish and Game's (CDFG) Natural Diversity Data 13ase, lists of sensitive plant and animal species and natural communities provided by the CDFG and other recognized authorities, museum and herbarium record, the OWs General Plan database and other information readily available at the r.'�ty of Moorpark. Walkover Survey: Walkover surveys will be performed for identification of the plants and animals indicated above. Vegetati(in communities will be field checked, identified and mapped, generating a vegetation map of the site. Any areas of particular biological sensitivity (i.e., raptoa roosts or nests, etc.) will also be mapped. Results of a comprehensive tree study (see prt-vious description under Aesthetics), with respect to the biological value of the existint; tree,, on the project site, will be presented. Impact Analysis /Mitigation Measures: An ,o�,sessment of the extent and significance of the project's grading impacts with respec t to removal of sensitive, unique, rare or endangered plant and wildlife habitat kvr_ be prepared. This will also include an assessment of whether the project would inhibit the replenishment of existing native plant species and whether the landscaping . >mponent if the specific plan could result in the establishment of invasive plant spec ify that would compete with native plants that remain on and near the project site. 1 ssibie constraints on the range of rare or 00 12 endangered animal species that may occur on or utilize the project site will be identified. The fragmentation of the site's open space will be assessed in terms of the reduction in the site's overall biological resource value. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended, if necessary, to mitigate any significant impacts. Public Services The proposed project would increase the demand for fire, police, and paramedic services, schools, libraries and parks and recreational facilities. Each of these topics will be addressed in the EIR, as follows. The significance of the project's demand for fire protection and law enforcement services will be evaluated in consultation with the Ventura County Fire and Sheriff's Departments, who provide these services to the City on a contractual basis. Increased demand on library facilities will be assessed in consultation with the Ventura County Library Services Agency. The total potential student generation will be quantified, by elementary, middle and high school level, to assess impacts on existing and planned Moorpark Unified School District (MUSE)} tacilities. Specific concerns identified by the County Fire Department and the MUSD in their responses to the NOP will be addressed. Measures that would reduce potentially significant impacts will be developed with the assistance of these agencies The project's demand for park land will be quantified, in accordance with the standards set forth in the City's Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Element of th,- General Plan, compared to the amount of public park land proposed as part of the specific plan plus any required Quimby fees, and evaluated to determine whether any net impacts oli parks and recreation resources would result. An analysis of the proposed trail element, with respect to impacts on existing trail facilities, as well as an analysa�, of the plan's consistency with local and regional master planned trail facilities, will )e prepared Earth This EIR section will summarize the results of a preliminary soils and geology report supplied by the project applicant, as explained below. It is assumed that this report will address surface and subsurface soils imi the site with respect to development 001428 suitability, constraints, and applicable mitigation measures to the satisfaction of the City engineer. In addition, this section will summarize the results of a paleontology study provided by the project applicant. A geology study of the entire project site will be completed to determine the extent of geological constraints, the presence of possible unique geologic features and the general nature of grading and design measures needed for safe, stable site development based on the land use element of the specific plan, This study will identify the depths to groundwater under the project site and will determine whether project grading could intercept an aquifer. The impacts of post -deg elopment wind and water erosion, as well as necessary mitigation measures, will also be included as part of the geotechnical study. The impacts of water erosion will also be addressed as part of the hydrology study relating to the analysis of debris basins. Information concerning site - specific grading and geotechnical engineering considerations, as well as locations and abandonment status of old wells, will be provided during future grading plan checks associated with individual project development proposals and will not be included in the EIR or the specific plan. A determination of the site's sensitivity for paleontological resources and recommendations for future investigations, grading controls or other mitigation measures will b,, made by a professional paleontologist. Transportation /Circulation This section of the EIR will consist of a summary of a traffic study to be prepared by Austin -Foust Associates, Inc. (AFA), who has considerable and recent experience in this area. The study will address the trip generation, trip distribution and intersection impact analysis associated with the propo,,ed land use and circulation plan. It will also include a long range analysis that utilizes the most current citywide traffic model data to estimate the cumulative increase in traffi( through the year 2010, as well as a short range analysis for the projected year .1, 0) ,,onditions, to examine phased project development in relation to roadway neAl,, and to satisfy Ventura County CMP requirements. Potential impacts will bc, i .amined in relation to the existing and planned circulation system, including an ,inalysis of project and cumulative traffic distribution with and without the completion of the planned SR 118 Bypass. The specific elements of the roadway netriNork Co be evaluated shall be determined through consultation with the City of Moorpark 7 raffic Engineer and through review of 00129 the Ventura County Congestion Management Plan. The traffic analysis will be consistent with the requirements of the Ventura County Congestion Management Plan as well as the City of Moorpark Traffic Study guidelines. An analysis of the specific plan's impact on existing bicycle facilities, as well as an analysis of the specific plan's Plann¢ci consistency with local and regional trail and pathway facilities, will be prepared. Finally, potential increases in traffic hazards to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists attributable to this project's traffic will be evaluated; this analysis will include a consideration of local school traffic, and a review of the Gabbert Road and private road crossing of the Southern Pacific Railway tracks Utilities This section will incorporate the results of preliminary utility studies and conceptual master utility plans to be provided by the project applicant, as part of the specific plan. The EIR will present a description of existing utility systems and facilities serving this property and this part of Moorpark, proposed on -site utility systems included the specific plan, proposed connections to existing off -site facilities and will assess potential impacts on local utilit.� facilities and supplies, as follows. Additionally, a determination of how the mi -site public roadways and street lighting system will be added to the City's street maintenance system will be made, in consultation with the City Engineer. Water: A project of this magnitude would substantially increase water demand in this area. The increased demand will be quantified and evaluated in consultation with the Ventura County Waterworks District No. L, which distributes water to the City of Moorpark, and with the Calleguas Municipal Water District, which supplies imported water to the VCWD for distribution throughout the City of Moorpark. Significant extensions to or expansions of off -site water ,apply and distribution facilities required to provide an adequate water supply to the developed site will be identified. Total project and cumulative water demand will ht,, compared to VCWD and Calleguas MWD demand projections for this area. Water + ,nservation measures such as the use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes on Ow protect site will be discussed. Wastewater: A project of this magnitude Vrould substantially increase wastewater generation and the need for wastewater colle, Lion and treatment facilities provided by the Ventura County Waterworks District ""o (V('WD). The increased demand 00130 requires quantification and evaluation in consultation with the VCWD to determine whether significant extensions of or expansions to off -site wastewater collection and treatment facilities would be required to serve the developed project site. Storm Drainage: Given that this specific plan would allow for land alteration and site development, alteration of present surface drainage patterns are expected and a substantial amount of impervious surface area would be introduced to the project site. The pre- and post- development site runoff condition will be evaluated to determine the effects on drainage patterns, times of concentration and the rate and amount of runoff, compared to existing conditions. The conceptual master drainage concept will be evaluated to determine whether it will adequately control post - development runoff conditions, in accordance with Ventura Counter Flood Control District standards, and to determine what effect it would have on existrng drainage facilities such as the Walnut Canyon Flood Control Channel along the ',� ruth site boundary. Stormwater quality control considerations, pursuant to regional or local implementation programs for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Svr:terr, will be discussed. Solid Waste Disposal: A project of this magnitude would generate a substantial amount of solid wastes, including hazardous waste,,. on im annual basis, over the life of the project. Solid wastes would also be generated during the construction phases. Given the mandate of AB 939, which stipulates that local governments must reduce the disposal of solid wastes at landfills by 259/o by the N,e.ir 11195 and by 50% by the year 2000, the solid waste generation of this project will tx quantified and evaluated with respect to Ventura County Solid Waste Management I iepartment's Guidelines for Preparation of Environrnental Assessments for Solid Wars Orpacts and the City's Solid Waste Reduction Plan. Water Resources An evaluation of pre- and post - development hydrology and drainage system . requirements will be conducted to determine whether the project would significantly alter present surface drainage patterns and whether it would expose persons or property to flood hazards. A portion of the project site is located within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) RX) year flood hazard area (Zone "A" of the Flood Insurance Rate Map 060712 - 0005A). Area,, within the 100 -year flood hazard zone occur along the south site boundary, on eitht�i rice of t ;abbert Road, and in the low- 00131 lying area between Gabbert Road and the nearest hillside to the east. Site development may alter ground elevations or otherwise affect the course or flow of flood waters in the FEMA - designated 100 -year flood hazard zones. A U.S.G.S. - designated blue line stream occurs along the east side of Gabbert Road. The proposed grading/ drainage concepts will be reviewed to determine whether this natural drainage would be significantly altered. The discussion of hydrology will also include an analysis of water quality with respect to the applicability of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements relating to non -point discharges, as well as the policies and guidelines contained in the Ventura County Water Management Plan and the Los Angeles County Regional Water Quality Control Board Water Control Plan, Los Angeles Region, Santa Clara River and Los Angeles River Basins. An evaluation of the project's water demand, as well as water demand associated with cumulative development, with respect to impacts on public water supplies will also be conducted. A specific water supply issue of concern, expressed by both the Calleguas Municipal Water District and the County of Ventura Public Works Agency Water Resources and Development Department in their responses to the Notice of Preparation, is how this project will affect the overdrafted North Las Posas Groundwater Basin which underlies the project site and the C rty of Moorpark. The use of detention or retention basins to control runoff could result in net additions to or maintenance of current groundwater storage through infiltration,, percolation. No deep excavations are anticipated as part of the grading plan; hovve ler, the results of a geologic study which identifies depths to groundwater will be re,luired to Determine whether an aquifer could be intercepted by cuts or excavations. I'he EIR will address these issues and will identify groundwater conservation measure,, already included in the specific plan or which could be added to the plan, to redrace this project's reduction of groundwater absorption at this site. Cultural Resources A complete Phase I archaeological survey of the project site was conducted by W and S Consultants in March 1994. The purpose of this survey was to inventory and evaluate any known historical or prehistoric archaeological sites lying within the property, and to identify and record previously unknomi cultural resources. No evidence of any 0013 cultural resources were found, however, some possibility exists that historical resources may be present within the central portion of the project area. This section of the EIR will summarize the results of W and S Consultants survey, including recommendations for further monitoring of grading activities in the central project area. Alternatives Pursuant to current state law regarding CEQA, a reasonable range of alternatives will be defined and evaluated that are structured to reduce or avoid one or more of the potentially significant impacts of the proposed project, and which are considered consistent with the objectives of the City and /or the project applicant. Alternative land use, grading or circulation concepts will be illustrated on black and white exhibits. Each of these alternatives will be assessed in a qualitative manner, except where simple calculations of demand or impact quantities can be made and compared to the level of impact magnitude associated with the proposed project. This will provide the City's decision makers with sufficient information to assess the comparative environmental advantages /disadvantages betAeen a reasonable range of project alternatives. The alternatives will include, but are not necessarily limited to: (1) Development of a maximum of 415 dwelling units, in accordance with the current Land Use Element policies; (2) Reduced grading, in accordance with the City's proposed Hillside Ordinance; and (3) Proposed project with an extension of High Street from its current terminus into the project site. (This circulation alternative could also be applied to other alternative land use or grading concepts). To establish a baseline for comparison, the "No- Project" alternative, i.e. leave the ,ite in its presently vacant condition, will also be prepared, as required by CEQA. 'Ilia environmentally superior alternative will be identified. Environmental Policy and Other Integrative Sections As required by CEQA, the balance of the EIR will contain all legally required sections for a project of this type, including an assessment of the project's growth inducement potential, short -term versus long -term impact,, irretrievable and irreversible impacts, statement of impacts found not to be significant, references, and organizations and persons consulted. 00133 MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM A mitigation monitoring program (MMP) will be prepared in a six - column format, including the identification of project impacts, mitigation measures / timing, residual impact level, responsible party, monitoring; agency, and monitoring action. At the City's discretion, the MMP will either be included in the Draft EIR or will be provided as a separate document for the consideration of the City's decision makers as they make their environmental findings pursuant to CE(,; A SUBMIT ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT EIR TO CITY FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT Uponcompletion of the Administrative Draft EIR as outlined above, Impact Sciences, Inc. will transmit seven (7) copies for review by City staff PREPARATION AND CIRCULATION OF DRAFT EIR Upon completion of City staff review, Impact Sciences, Inc. will retrieve the combined City staff comments from the Community Development Department. Comments would be incorporated by modifying the Administrative Draft EIR as necessary to ensure adequate, accurate, and complete assessment rf pertinent environmental issues, prior to release for public review. Three 'check.' copes of the revised Administrative Draft will be submitted for final City review and approval. At the direction of City staff, Impact Sciences, Inc. will be responsible for the printing and distribution of the Draft EIR and Draft Specific Plan, for the required 45 -day public review and comment period. Copies %N ill he sent to all agencies and entities on the City's EIR Distribution list. Impact Sciences Inc. would prepare all legal notices associated with Draft EIR distribution for City review approval and publication. PREPARATION OF RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS AND FINAL EIR Pursuant to City of Moorpark requirements f rr the implementation of CEQA, Impact Sciences, Inc. will prepare written responses to comments received during the public review period. This will include responses t( all verbal comments recorded at public 00134 hearings as well as written comments received by the City. The draft Response to Comments volume will be provided to City staff for their review, corrected per staff's direction, and published as the Final EIR. At the City's discretion, the Final EIR document may consist solely of comments and responses to comments concerning the Draft EIR, along with corrections or clarifications to affected pages of the Draft EIR, or it may consist of the entire Draft EIR, including corrections and clarifications, along with the comments and responses to comments. DECISION - MAKING PROCESS The Impact Sciences, Inc. Project Manager and other key members of the consulting team will attend hearings before the Moorpark Planning Commission and City Council to present the Draft Specific Plan and Draft EIR and to respond to questions posed by members of the Commission /Council or the public. Attendance at up to eight (8) public hearings is anticipated (two before the Planning Commission and six before the City Council). It is also anticipated that Impact Sciences will attend up to four other meetings with the Planning Commission and/or City Council, as directed by City staff. OPTIONAL TASK - PREPARATION OF STAFF REPORTS, FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS If requested by City staff, Impact Sciences, Inc. taff will prepare all appropriate inputs to City staff reports. These inputs would include findings, resolutions and text that would summarize the impacts and conclusions of the EIR. Further, we would prepare additional text that would identify specific methods by which mitigation measures could be incorporated as part of this, project's design. Through this text, it is our intent to build a verbal bridge between the HR and the planning and approval process. PREPARE FINAL DOCUMENTS Following final action on the EIR and Specific Plan by the City Council, modifications to the Specific Plan, Final EIR, or Mitigation Monitoring Program will be made, if directed by the City. Final documents would be filed with the City's Community Development Department by the project apple( ant 21 0013-0 RECEIVED DEC 1 1994 City Of Mnnrr,�r� DEVELOPMENT PLANNING SERVICES 651 Via Alondra, Suite 714 Camarillo, CA 93012 (805) 484 -8303 • Fax: 484 -8993 November 30, 1994 Ms. Debbie Traffenstedt Community Development Department 799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, CA 93021 Dear Debbie: SUBJECT: Specific Plan No. 1 In response to our recent discussions I am enclosing revised schematic land use plan and alternative plan exhibits for use with the Impact Sciences, Inc. EIR Scope of Work report which you have received under separate transmittal. The revisions include removal of the High Street extension from Alternatives 2 and 3; however, the High Street extension would be feasible in all plan alternatives. The exhibits are as follows: PROPOSED PROJECT: The 620 unit proposal which was presented to the City Council at our last workshop. ALTERNATIVE 1 /HIGH STREET EXTENSION_ The proposed 620 unit project with the inclusion of a High Street connection. ALTERNATIVE 2 /REDUCED GRADING CONCEPT,:_ This plan, with 510 units, generally complies with the proposed Hillside Ordinance. ALTERNATIVE 3/415 DWELLING UNITS This alternative has a build -out of 415 homes Upon review of the additional "east side" circulation options it was determined that the topography of the Guny property and the Walnut Canyon residential area make it unrealistic to connect the east side of Specific Plan #1 to Walnut Canyon Road "at- grade" anywhere north of Casey Road. A collector road through that area would involve severe constraints: off -site grading through 80 foot high hillsides with natural slope gradients from 35% to 80 %; unsafe roadway grades approaching Walnut Canyon Road of 8% to 12 %; removal of as many as ten existing residences along the west side of Walnut Canyon Road. Additionally, the grading profile and street grades required to make an "at- grade" connection to Walnut Canyon Road would not be consistent with Caltrans roadway grades for the future extension of SR 118. ATTACHMENT Public Agency Entitlement • Planning Deign • Project Management 00136 Ms. Debbie Traffenstedt Community Development Department CITY OF MOORPARK November 30, 1994 Page Two Another alternative discussed was a road south of Casey Road and north of High Street through the old high school property. This alternative would involve significant grading through the center of the high school property with a connection to Charles Street "threading" through the civic center property, south of city hall and north of the library. The resulting division of the civic center and loss of parking and pedestrian access to the library make this an undesirable alternative from a land use planning perspective. From a traffic engineering point of view neither of the east side circulation options discussed above are superior to the High Street extension. The majority of trips from Specific Plan #1 will go south, east, or west; very few will utilize northbound Walnut Canyon Road. A first -run of the 50% build -out traffic model for Specific Plan #1 (year 2000) and preliminary intersection engineering for Casey Road and High Street extension indicate that both intersections could adequately handle project - generated and future regional projected traffic volumes. In fact, the extension of High Street from Specific Plan #1 to Moorpark Avenue provides for superior traffic distribution at the Moorpark Avenue /High Street intersection than does the Casey Road only configuration or the two east side circulation options. This is because Specific Plan #1 project - generated trips would utilize the new extension of High Street rather than Casey or the two option roads, thereby decreasing traffic on northbound and southbound Moorpark Avenue /Walnut Canyon Road north of High Street in the civic center area. I look forward to presenting this material, as well as the EIR scope of work, to the Community Development Committee and the City Council at the earliest possible date. Please call me if you have any questions or require further information. Sincerely, Dennis Hardgrave for The Levy Company cc: The Levy Company 00 1377 PROPOSED PROJECT SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 1 THE LEVY COMPANY/ CITY OF MOORPARK LAND USE PLAN L LOW DENSITY M MEDIUM DENSITY VH VERY HIGH I INSTITUTIONAL P PARK OS OPEN SPACE CAL TRANS CORRIDOR CASEY RD./ GABBERT STORMWATER DETENTION TOTAL PROJECT AREA TOTAL PROJECT UNITS is .OS I. 0 0 :w W TOTAL AREA 63.5 80.0 20.0 4.0 10.0 60.0 29.0 14.5 4.0 285.0 Ac. 620 DU R�dcv�bPr"�n� >�r�cz boron dcI67- t ALTERNATIVE 1 HIGH STREET EXTENSION SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 1 THE LEVY COMPANY/ CITY OF MOORPARK LAND USE PLAN TOTAL AREA L LOW DENSITY 63.5 M MEDIUM DENSITY 80.0 It�%iA1 TRAIL VH VERY HIGH 20.0 I INSTITUTIONAL 4.0 P PARK 8.0 L OS OPEN SPACE 60.0 CAL TRANS CORRIDOR 29.0 CASEY RD. / HIGH ST. / GABBERT 16.5 STORMWATER DETENTION 4..0_ M TOTAL PROJECT AREA 285.0 Ac. ` TOTAL PROJECT UNITS 620 DU ` • OS VH D -� OS I OS VH VH CIS _ r t. OS r POINDEXIER AVE. 1 D D 1-- w m m Q O C'3 O W LOS ANGELES AVE. C I t CASEY RD. Civic : -ENTER HIGH ST. ,,,�ftmft Q Y 0- Q 8 2 • OS 1 D . •• B - OS I•••• ,,OS G t. D ALTERNATIVE 2 REDUCED GRADING CONCEPT f- SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 1 THE LEVY COMPANY/ CITY OF MOORPARK 03 LAND USE PLAN UNITS TOTAL AREA OPEN SPACE L LOW DENSITY (40u) 63.5 36.0 M MEDIUM DENSITY (230u) 80.0 30.5 VH VERY HIGH (240u) 20.0 0 1 INSTITUTIONAL 4.0 0 P PARK 8.0 OS OPEN SPACE 60.0 60.0 CAL TRANS CORRIDOR 29.0 CASEY RD. HIGH ST. GABSERT 15.5 STORMWATER DETENTION 4.0 TOTALS 510u 285.0 Ac. 126.5 Ac. • OS 1 D . •• B - OS I•••• ,,OS G t. D 7 VH alo POINDEXTER AVE. LOS ANGELES AVE. r t CASEY RD. CIVIC CENTER HIGH ST. Y a. a fr QO�j 0 f- 03 m O 0 O 1.r C 7 VH alo POINDEXTER AVE. LOS ANGELES AVE. r t CASEY RD. CIVIC CENTER HIGH ST. Y a. a fr QO�j VI rei Cl C! IT 0 �r AL I F- ANATIVE 3 415 DWELLING UNITS SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 1 THE LEVY COMPANY/ CITY OF MOORPARK LAND USE PLAN UNITS TOTAL AREA OPEN SPACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MOORPARK AND THE LEVY COMPANY ESTABLISHING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) PROCESSING TIME PERIOD FOR THE SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 1 PROJECT THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this day of If 1995, by and between the CITY OF MOORPARK, a municipal corporation located in the County of Ventura, State of California ( "City ") and the Levy Company, a California limited partnership. W I T N E S S E T H WHEREAS, the Levy Company is the sole owner of property located in the City of Moorpark, within the area identified as Specific Plan No. 1 on the City's General Plan land use map (Assessor's Parcel Numbers: 511 -0- 020 -015, 511 -0- 020 -025, 511 -0- 020 -035, 511 -0- 020 -045, 511 -0- 020 -055, and 500 - 340 -045); and WHEREAS, the Levy Company has filed an application for a General Plan amendment, zone change, and specific plan for a project hereinafter referred to as the Specific Plan No. 1 Project; and WHEREAS, in September 1994, a Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was distributed for the Specific Plan No. 1 Project; and WHEREAS, the application for the Specific Plan No. 1 project cannot be deemed complete by the City until after the Levy Company submits a draft Specific Plan, which is in compliance with the Government Code and City General Plan content requirements; and WHEREAS, the Levy Company and the City concur that a reasonable extension of the time period for completing and certifying the EIR for the Specific Plan No. 1 project is justified; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, benefits and premises contained herein, the parties agree as follows: I. APPLICATION COMPLETENESS The City and the Levy Company hereby application for the Specific Plan No. 1 accepted as complete by the City, within following City receipt of a draft Specific compliance with the Government Code and content requirements. dat- 2- 2- 95 13:25pmC:\WP51\SP- 1\CTR2LEVY.CO 1 A-17ACHMENT 3 agree that the project will be 30 (thirty) days Plan, which is in City General Plan 0014 II. TIME LIMIT FOR COMPLETING AND CERTIFYING EIR The City and the Levy Company hereby agree that the one -year time limit for completing and making a certification decision for the Specific Plan No. 1 Project EIR shall begin on the first day of the public review period for the Draft EIR. In no event shall this Agreement require City certification of the EIR prepared by the Levy Company's environmental consultant for the Specific Plan No. 1 Project. III. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS In no event or circumstance, shall this Agreement be deemed to limit or otherwise be deemed a waiver of any right, obligation, claim, cause of action, or defense that either party may have under any applicable California or federal law. IV. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. V. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all heirs, successors, and assigns. VI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS A. Any notice to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, and all such notices and any other document to be delivered shall be delivered by personal service or by deposit in the United States mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, with postage prepaid, and addressed to the party for whom intended as follows: To: City of Moorpark Director of Community Development 799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, CA 93021 To: Levy Company Attention A. A. Milligan P. 0. Box 2575 Ventura, CA 93002 -2575 Either party may, from time to time, by written notice to the other, designate a different address or contact person, which shall be substituted for the one above specified. Notices or other documents shall be deemed delivered upon receipt by personal service or as of the second (2nd) day after deposit in the United States mail. dst- 2- 2- 95 13:25pmC:\WP51 \SP- 1 \CTR2LBVY.CO 2 00143 B. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed, construed or represented by the City or the Levy Company or by any third person to create the relationship of principal or agent, or of a partnership, or of a joint venture, or of any other association of any kind or nature between the City and the Levy Company. C. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and all prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, are hereby merged herein. This Agreement shall not be amended in any way except by a writing expressly purporting to be such an amendment, signed and acknowledged by both of the parties hereto. D. Should interpretation of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, be necessary, it is deemed that this Agreement was prepared by the parties jointly and equally, and shall not be interpreted against either party on the ground that the party prepared the Agreement or caused it to be prepared. E. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed, or shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor shall any such waiver constitute a continuing or subsequent waiver of the same provision. No waiver shall be binding, unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver. F. In the event any action, suit or proceeding is brought for the enforcement of, or the declaration of any right or obligation pursuant to this Agreement or as a result of any alleged breach of any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, from the losing party, and any judgment or decree rendered in such a proceeding shall include an award thereof. G. Cases involving a dispute between the City and the Levy Company may be decided by an arbitrator if both sides agree in writing, with costs proportional to the judgment of the arbitrator. H. This Agreement is made, entered into, and executed in Ventura County, California, and any action filed in any court or for arbitration for the interpretation, enforcement or other action of the terms, conditions or covenants referred to herein shall be filed in the applicable court in Ventura County, California. dat- 2- 2- 95 13:25pmC: \WP51 \SP- 1 \CTR2LEVY.CO 3 00144 I. The captions and headings of the various and Articles and Paragraphs of this Agreement are for convenience and identification only and shall not be deemed to limit or define the content of the respective Articles and Paragraphs hereof. CITY OF MOORPARK : BY Steven Kueny City Manager ATTEST: BY Lillian E. Hare City Clerk dst- 2- 2- 951 3:25ppmC:\WP51 \SP- 1 \CTR2LEVY.CO 4 THE LEVY COMPANY: A. A. Milligan General Partner 00145