HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1998 0121 CC REG ITEM 09ATO:
FROM:
DATE:
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF MOORPARK
Honorable City Council
ITEM •
CITY OF MOORPARV. CA I ' -ORMA
City Council M,--..
A,. 1 32-� n- J
Nelson Miller, Director of Community Development
Prepared by Deborah S. Traffenstedt
January 15, 1998 (CC Meeting of 1/21/98)
SUBJECT: CONSIDER HIDDEN CREEK RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT
(SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 8 /SPECIFIC PLAN NO. SP -93 -1, GENERAL
PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GPA -93 -1, AND ZONE CHANGE NO. ZC -93-
3), APPLICANT: HIDDEN CREEK RANCH PARTNERS (PIIBLIC
HEARING CLOSED ON DECEMBER 3, 1997)
BACKGROUND
The January 21, 1998, City Council meeting will be the eighth
Council meeting held to discuss the proposed Hidden Creek Ranch
Specific Plan Project and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The
last two Council meetings were held on December 10, 1997, and
January 7, 1998, following the closing of the public hearing for
public testimony on December 3, 1997. The discussion at the last
two continued meetings has been focused on the Final EIR. At the
January 7, 1998, meeting, the Council's action was to direct staff
to prepare a draft resolution for EIR certification for City
Council consideration, and to continue the meeting to January 21,
1998.
DISCUSSION
A revised List of Mitigation Measures has been prepared, and along
with a revised Table of Contents, is to be included in Volume VI of
the Environmental Impact Report for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific
Plan. The revised Table of Contents and List of Mitigation
Measures will be provided to the Council under separate cover for
insertion into Volume VI. The revised List of Mitigation Measures
incorporates the changes that have been made to the mitigation
measures since circulation of the Draft EIR for public review.
Changes made to the mitigation measures included those that were
necessary due to revisions to the project, such as changes in
Planning Units and changes to the phasing plan. In some instances,
changes were also made in response to Council and public comments
in an attempt to further minimize impacts. Mitigation measures
DST c: \m \staffreports \ccsp8rpt.8
V 0 00 `01-,. ._.
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project
To: Honorable City Council
January 15, 1998
Page 2
that include revisions beyond just a Planning Unit number change
are identified on the Revised List of Mitigation Measures by an
asterisk. A summary will be provided with the Revised List of
Mitigation Measures that provides further explanation regarding the
changes that were made to the mitigation measures.
The revised mitigation measures do not require recirculation of the
EIR prior to certification based on Section 15088.6 of the State
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. To
summarize Section 15088.6, the revised mitigation measures do not
require recirculation of the EIR for the Hidden Creek Ranch
Specific Plan Project for the following reasons:
The project proponents have agreed to implement all of the
proposed revised mitigation measures. (A letter from the
applicant is included in the Volume VI insert, following the
List of Mitigation Measures.)
A new significant environmental impact would not result from
a new mitigation measure proposed to be implemented.
Further discussion of the reasons why recirculation of the Hidden
Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project EIR is not required is included
in the Preface for Volume VI of the EIR.
As directed by the City Council, staff has prepared a draft
resolution for EIR certification for the Council's consideration,
and that resolution is attached to this report.
RECOHMNDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 98- certifying the Final Environmental
Impact Report as completed in compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act, for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
Project (Specific Plan No. 8 /Specific Plan No. 93 -1, General Plan
Amendment No. 93 -1, and Zone Change No. 93 -3), on the application
of Hidden Creek Ranch Partners, L.P.
Attachment: Draft Resolution
DST c: \m \staffreports \ccsp8rpt.8
000002
RESOLUTION NO. 98-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AS COMPLETED IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT, FOR THE HIDDEN CREEK RANCH
SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT (SPECIFIC PLAN NO.
8 /SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 93 -1, GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 93 -1, AND ZONE CHANGE NO. 93 -3),
ON THE APPLICATION OF HIDDEN CREEK RANCH
PARTNERS, L. P.
WHEREAS, an application has been filed by Hidden Creek Ranch
Partners, L.P., also known as Messenger Investment Company, for the
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project, consisting of Specific
Plan No. 8 /Specific Plan No. 93 -1, General Plan Amendment No. 93 -1,
and Zone Change No. 93 -3 for for an approximately 4,323 -acre site
located within the Moorpark Area of Interest in Ventura County,
directly north of the City jurisdictional boundary near Moorpark
College and the Campus Park and Varsity Park residential areas, and
east and south of Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park, Assessor Parcel
Numbers: 500 -0- 120 -035, -55, -065; 500 -0- 170 -135, -205, -255, -
285, -295, -305, -315, -325, -335, -345, -355, -365, -375; 500 -0-
180 -045, -055, -075, -105, -115; 500 -0- 281 -035, -045, -165, -175,
-185, -195, -205, -215; 500 -0- 292 -065, -135, -145; 615 -0- 110 -205,
-215; and 615 -0- 150 -185; and
WHEREAS, the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project (State Clearinghouse No.
94021028) provides an environmental assessment of the proposed
project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), Division 13 of the Public Resources Code of the State of
California, and the State CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, public notice of the availability and distribution of
the Draft EIR was provided in compliance with CEQA; and
WHEREAS, public notice having been given in time, form, and
manner as required by law, the Planning Commission held public
hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project on October 9 and 30, 1995,
and received public testimony regarding the adequacy of the Draft
EIR; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission closed the public hearing for
the Draft EIR at its meeting of October 30, 1995, and reached its
DST Oin\ ewlutions- sp8- einres
Resolution No. 98-
Page 2
decision to recommend certification of the Final EIR at its meeting
on August 12, 1996; and
WHEREAS, public notice having been given in time, form, and
manner as required by law, the City Council held public hearings on
the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project on October 1, 8, and
22, November 12, and December 3, 1997, and received public
testimony on the Final EIR and the proposed Project at those public
hearings; and
WHEREAS, the public hearing was closed on December 3, 1997,
and the City Council discussed the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
Project EIR at continued meetings on December 10, 1997, and January
7 and 21, 1998; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered information added to the
EIR after public notice was given of the availability of the Draft
EIR for public review but before certification, and reached its
decision to not recirculate the EIR for public review and certify
the Final EIR at its meeting on January 21, 1998;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK,
CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds that recirculation
of the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project EIR prior to
certification is not required, pursuant to Section 15088.5 of the
State CEQA Guidelines, and as supported by substantial evidence in
the administrative record, including but not limited to Volume VI
of the EIR; the staff reports prepared for the Council's meetings
on October 1, 8, and 22, November 12, and December 3, 1997, and
January 7 and 21, 1998; correspondence and supplemental information
provided to the City Council; and staff and public testimony at the
public hearings.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby finds that all of the
issues raised at the public hearings and in correspondence and
other supplemental information provided to the Council have been
considered, and the City Council further finds that the Hidden
Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project EIR adequately addresses all
issues raised and no new significant environmental impact has been
identified.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby certifies that the Final
EIR for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project has been
completed in compliance with CEQA and the City's CEQA Procedures.
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Resolution No. 98-
Page 3
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby certifies that the Final
EIR for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project was presented
to the City Council, and that the Council reviewed and considered
the information contained in the Final EIR prior to making any
approval decision for the proposed Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
Project.
SECTION 5. The City Council hereby finds that the Final EIR
for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project reflects the
independent judgment and analysis of the City of Moorpark, as lead
agency.
SECTION 6. As required by Sections 15091 and 15093 of CEQA,
EIR findings, a mitigation monitoring program, and a Statement of
Overriding Considerations, shall be considered by the City Council
prior to any approval decision for the proposed Hidden Creek Ranch
Specific Plan Project.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 1998.
ATTEST:
Deborah S. Traffenstedt
City Clerk
DST cAm\rew1udonc- T8- eir.res
Mayor of the City of Moorpark
006005
t7ia.q(6)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable City Council
IIi
FROM: Nelson Miller, Director of Community Developmeri 460--
Prepared by Deborah S. Traffenstedt -D5-F
DATE: January 16, 1998
SUBJECT: REVISED LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR INSERTION INTO
VOLUME VI OF HIDDEN CREEK RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN (SPECIFIC
PLAN NO. 8) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE APPLICANT (MESSENGER INVESTMENT
COMPANY /HIDDEN CREEK RANCH PARTNERS)
The Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan Project is scheduled for the
Council's January 21, 1998 meeting, as Item 9.A. The staff report
identifies that the revised List of Mitigation Measures for Volume
VI of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would be distributed
separately to the Council, along with a summary describing the
changes to the mitigation measures. The referenced information is
attached to this memorandum, and an asterisk ( *) has been used on
the List of Mitigation Measures to identify revised measures.
The staff report identified that a letter from the applicant,
concurring to revised mitigation measures, is to be included in the
Volume VI insert. That letter has not yet been received, as of
distribution of this memorandum, and will be provided separately.
Attached is a letter, dated January 15, 1998, that responds to
certain issues raised by the Council concerning Valley Fever and
possible contamination from crude oil recovery operations.
If you have any questions regarding the attachments, please contact
US.
Attachments:
1. Summary of Changes to Mitigation Measures
2. Revised Cover Page and Table of Contents for Volume VI of the
EIR
3. Revised List of Mitigation Measures
4. Letter from Messenger Investment Company dated 1 -15 -98
cc: Steve Kueny, City Manager
1 -16 -98
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO MITIGATION MEASURES
HIDDEN CREEK RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN (SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 8)
Subsequent to the release of the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan No. 8 Draft
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) modifications to the proposed project have been
suggested by the project applicant, Messenger Investment Company, in response to
issues raised by the public, agencies, and city staff to further reduce significant
environmental effects associated with project implementation, as well as to respond to
directives of the Planning Commission in their recommendation for project approval.
These suggestions by the project applicant and the City of Moorpark's responses to
comments raised on the draft EIR, recommendations by the Planning Commission and City
Council, and public comment have resulted in modifications to mitigation measures
contained in the draft EIR and the addition of measures to address these issues. An
asterisk has been added to identify revised mitigation measures, other than just planning
unit number changes. The majority of the revisions that were made were minor, such as
changes to the timing of the implementation of some measures.
In accordance with the standards set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15088.5, which addresses recirculation of EIR's prior to
certification, recirculation of the draft EIR because of modifications and additions to
mitigation measures for the Hidden Creek Specific Plan project is not required because:
• No new significant impacts would result from the additional mitigation measures
proposed.
No substantial increase in severity of an impact is anticipated that has been
previously addressed without an increase in mitigation.
• The applicant has not declined to adopt the mitigation measures.
• The draft EIR was not so "inadequate or conclusory" that meaningful comment was
precluded.
CEQA Guidelines do not require a lead agency to consider recirculation of an EIR because
new mitigation or proposed project improvements are included based on responses to
comments submitted on a draft EIR, the Planning Commission's recommendations on the
project, or are otherwise added to improve the project/reduce significant environmental
effects.
The following provides an overview of the modifications and additions to the mitigation
program associated with the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan No. 8 project.
CAM\SP8WMMR EVSUM. SP8
1 -16 -98
Planning Unit Numbering. Subsequent to the release of the draft EIR, the project
applicant has made changes to the numbering to some of the planning units. The
numbering changes have been to better correspond to property ownership and
response to requests to relocate /change land uses (e.g., identify a high school site
rather than an elementary school site, reduce planned commercial land uses, increase
open space, etc.). Therefore, all mitigation measures have been reviewed and
planning unit numbers changed, where appropriate, to reflect the project applicant's
revised land use plan.
Spring Road Connector Roadway. Based on the traffic study prepared for the draft
EIR and the submittal of an application for consideration of development of the
Specific Plan No. 2 site (located east of Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park), the
applicant proposed a revision to the circulation plan for the Hidden Creek Ranch
Specific Plan to include an extension of a roadway across lower Happy Camp Canyon
Regional Park to connect to Spring Road or Walnut Canyon Road, instead of an
extension of Broadway Road through the regional park. The EIR traffic study
indicated that an extension of Broadway Road would provide limited traffic and
circulation benefits to the city (i.e., it would not be well utilized). Further study was
conducted to determine if the extension of a roadway across lower Happy Camp
Canyon Regional Park would result in any new significant impacts that could not be
fully mitigated, that were not already associated with the extension of Broadway Road
across the Park. This study information, provided to the Moorpark Planning
Commission, indicated that a roadway across lower Happy Camp Canyon Regional
Park would not result in any new significant impacts that could not be fully mitigated
or that were different than impacts anticipated with the extension of Broadway Road.
The Planning Commission recommended that a Spring Road connector roadway be
implemented as a part of the proposed Hidden Creek Ranch project, instead of
Broadway Road, but that the extension through the regional park be further to the
north and away from existing residences. A revised alignment was studied, and a
revised study report was provided to the Moorpark City Council in Volume VI of the
EIR. The results of this additional study indicated that no new significant impacts
would occur with this more northerly alignment that were not previously anticipated.
Mitigation measures associated with the Spring Road connector roadway have been
incorporated into the mitigation program for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
project.
Planning Unit 45. The project applicant has requested a zoning designation of
Planning Unit 45 that would conditionally permit a "links style" golf course and open
space on the 450 -acre Planning Unit 45. Additional environmental documentation was
conducted in accordance with city code requirements for a contemplation of a zoning
designation. This documentation included but was not limited to a tree survey and
archaeological investigation. This information was previously provided to the City
Council in Volume VI of the EIR. The revised land use designations for the eastern
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1 -16-98
area of the site, including Planning Unit 45, and the additional mitigation measures
proposed, reduce the potential for significant impact in comparison to the project
analyzed in the Draft EIR.
Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the mitigation program for the
proposed project that would be required to support a zoning designation of Planning
Unit 45 as "Open Space /Golf Course (OS /GC)." A zoning designation of OS /GC for
Planning Unit 45 would not allow for the development of a golf course in this planning
unit as a part of the project; it would only place a zoning designation on the planning
unit that would conditionally permit this land use subject to further review and
consideration by the city.
Timing. Based on changes in the phasing plan for the project and additional review
of the mitigation program of the proposed project, city staff has changed the timing of
the implementation of some measures to conform to standard city practices. For
example, for several mitigation measures that previously required information or
studies to be submitted prior to final approval of a subsequent development project,
the language now reads prior to a determination of application completeness.
Deletion of Planning Units 19B and 42B from Development. City staff has
recommended that Planning Units 19B and 42B be deleted from the project. Planning
Unit 19B is proposed by the project applicant for 15 Rural -High Density (0 - 0.5
dwelling units /acre) single - family detached units on 22.3 gross acres. Planning Unit
42B is proposed as a 2.5 -acre neighborhood park. City staff has recommended that
both of these planning units be permanent undeveloped open space. Staff is
recommending that the dwelling units proposed in Planning Unit 19B be transferred
to another planning unit(s).
A mitigation measure has been incorporated into the mitigation program to include
Planning Unit 19B into the permanent open space of Specific Plan No. 8. Other
mitigation references to Planning Units 19B and 42B have been deleted from the
mitigation program for the proposed project because no significant impacts are
contemplated from retention of these planning units in permanent open space.
Measures That Are No Longer Required. The project applicant has made
modifications to the proposed project that serve to reduce and /or eliminate significant
impacts associated with the project. Where such changes have occurred, portions of
mitigation measures are no longer required /applicable because the impact would no
longer occur. For example, Biological Resources Mitigation Measure No. 1 in the
Draft EIR recommended the realignment of several roadways to reduce /eliminate
impacts to oak trees and noted that the Lagoon /State Route 118 interchange would
result in significant impacts to oak tree resources. The noted roadways have been
realigned and the Lagoon interchange is not currently proposed by the applicant as
a part of the project. Therefore, Biological Resources Mitigation Measure No. 1 has
been modified to remove references to these roadways.
C:1M\SP8\MMREVSUM.SP8 3
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As discussed above, the project applicant had additional technical studies prepared
for Planning Unit 45 to support his request for a zoning designation that would
conditionally permit a golf course within the planning unit. As a part of these studies,
archaeological analysis was conducted. Therefore, Cultural Resources Mitigation
Measure No. 3 in the draft EIR is not required because the studies required in this
measure have already been completed by the project applicant. A new Mitigation
Measure No. 3 has been added based on the findings of the archaeological study of
Planning Unit 45 by W & S Consulting.
Oil Well and Related Facilities. Land Use Mitigation Measure No. 5 has been
modified to identify that a fencelwall plan shall be submitted prior to a determination
of application completeness for the first Master Tentative Map, and that plan shall
identify the type of wall or fencing to be constructed to restrict access to oil and gas
facilities within the specific plan site and to protect the biological habitat and aesthetic
values of open space areas.
Outdoor Lighting. In response to concerns raised regarding potential light and glare
impacts to the Moorpark College Observatory from the Specific Plan project, an
additional mitigation measure has been added to place additional controls on outdoor
lighting. Aesthetics Mitigation Measure No. 10 addresses this issue.
Traffic Measures. Several modifications to the traffic mitigation program have been
made based on recommendations of the Planning Commission to the City Council and
comments made on the draft EIR. These modifications are as follows:
• Transportation and Circulation Mitigation Measure No. 1. This measure has been
modified to: Delete Option 1 B, the Spring Road extension as a mitigation option and
delete Option 1 E, the Spring Road extension plus Campus Park Drive (west) as a
mitigation option (since a Spring Road connector roadway is now proposed as a
part of the project). The options have been renumbered 1A through 1 E.
• Transportation and Circulation Mitigation Measure No. 5. This mitigation measure
was added in response to comments received on the draft EIR. The draft EIR traffic
study identified that its methodology assumed that a citywide capital improvement
program (CIP) or similar fee mechanism would be in place for the Hidden Creek
Ranch Spec Plan project as well as other city development projects. Mitigation
Measure No. 5 requires the citywide CIP or fee program.
• Transportation and Circulation Mitigation Measure No. B. This mitigation measure
requires traffic signal warrant analyses to be prepared for onsite intersections.
• Transportation and Circulation Mitigation Measure No. 9. This measure identifies
that additional subsequent traffic studies may be required to ensure that roadway
improvements are phased with development.
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• Transportation and Circulation Mitigation Measure No. 10. This measure states
that Intersection improvements requirements for the Campus Road /Campus Park
Drive intersection may be imposed as a conditional of approval for the first Master
Tentative Map and/or first tentative tract map, based on more detailed traffic
warrant and intersection design information that shall be submitted as an
application requirement.
Air Quality Measures. All of the dust suppression mitigation measures have been
updated to include the latest known requirements recommended by the Ventura
County Air Pollution Control District, and including the latest modifications made by
Council (such as requiring use of reclaimed water for grading, if feasible and
available, and requiring face masks to be used by all employees involved in grading
or excavation to protect from Valley Fever). In a few limited cases, regulations that
would be imposed on the proposed project have changed, requiring modifications to
the mitigation program. For instance, Air Quality Mitigation Measure No. 1 has been
revised to reflect that the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District's Rule 210,
requiring vehicular trip reduction measures, is no longer in place. On a statewide
bases, such measures can be required as CEQA mitigation, but not as a condition of
approval from air districts.
Hazardous Materials. Public Health and Safety Mitigation Measure No. 1 was
modified to require the clean up of contamination within the boundaries of the
development area and trail system for Specific Plan No. 8. As discussed in the final
EIR, the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment identified minimal contamination
within the Specific Plan site. Locations of potential hazardous materials are the
agricultural orchards on the western portion of the Specific Plan site, oil wells primarily
located in the southeastern portion of the site, and scattered debris on the site. The
agricultural orchards are proposed for development as a part of the proposed project
and would, therefore, be subject to remediation in accordance with regulatory
requirements if contamination is identified. Only Well No.8 and the injection well on
the Moorpark College property are within the planning units proposed for
development. The project applicant, Messenger Investment Company, does not own
the oil wells and oil- related facilities on the Specific Plan site and has no legal control
over oil- related activities outside of the proposed development area.
Valley Fever. In response to concerns raised by the City Council and members of the
community regarding the potential impacts associated with Valley Fever, Short-Term
Air Quality mitigation measures have been modified to update the dust control
measures for the project, including references to Valley Fever.
Reclaimed Water Availability. The mitigation measure requiring reclaimed water to
be used for grading activities has been modified to include the words, "if feasible and
available."
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VOLUME VI
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
SUPPLEMENTAL STUDY INFORMATION
HIDDEN CREEK RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN (NO. 8)
SCH. NO. 94021028
Prepared for:
City of Moorpark
799 Moorpark Avenue
Moorpark, California 93021
Contact:
Deborah S. Traffenstedt
Community Development Department
(805) 529 -6864
Prepared by:
BonTerra Consulting
20321 Birch Street, Suite 201
Newport Beach, California 92660
Contact:
Joan Patronite Kelly, AICP
Principal
January 1998
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
Supplemental Information
VOLUME VI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
1 PROJECT SUMMARY
2 TRAFFIC ISSUES
3 PLANNING UNIT 45 SUPPLEMENTAL STUDY REPORT
3.1 Planning Unit 45 Tree Survey
3.2 Phase II Archaeological Resources Report
4 REVISED SPRING ROAD STUDY
5 GEOTECHNICAL ISSUES
6 AIR QUALITY ISSUES
7 WATER ISSUES
8 SCHOOL ISSUES
9 LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES
ii Table of Contents
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
Supplemental Information
SECTION 9
LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
HIDDEN CREEK RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN (NO. 8)
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES
INTRODUCTION
The Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan EIR has been prepared an a program EIR in
accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, Section 15168. Section 15168 states that a "program EIR is an EIR that can
be characterized as one large project and are related either:
(1) Geographically,
(2) Logical parts in the chain of contemplated actions,
(3) In connection with issuance of rules, regulations, plans, or other general criteria
to govern the conduct of a continuing program, or
(4) As individual activities carried out under the same authorizing statutory or
regulatory authority and having generally similar environmental effects which
can be mitigated in similar ways."
Subsequent activities (e.g., tract maps) are required by CEQA to be evaluated based
on information provided in the program EIR to determine whether any additional
environmental documentation must be prepared.
"(1) If a later activity would have effects that were not examined in the program
EIR, a new Initial Study would need to be prepared leading to either an EIR
or a Negative Declaration.
(2) If the agency finds ... no new effects could occur or no new mitigation measures
would be required (emphasis added), the agency can approve the activity as
being within the scope of the project covered by the program EIR, and no new
environmental document would be required.
(3) An agency shall incorporate feasible mitigation measures and alternatives
developed in the program EIR into subsequent actions in the program...."
Therefore, as subsequent activities which are a part of the Specific Plan project, the City
of Moorpark, as lead agency, has the obligation to determine if these activities have
been adequately addressed in the Hidden Creek Specific Plan (No. 8) Final EIR in
accordance with CEQA, and to determine if any additional environmental documentation
(including mitigation) would be required.
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised- 1 -16-QR
LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES'
The following mitigation measures have been identified in the Hidden Creek Ranch
Specific Plan (No. 8) Final EIR to mitigate, to the degree feasible, all significant
environmental effects of the project. An asterisk ( *) is used to clarify mitigation
measures that have been revised or added following public review of the Draft
EIR.
EARTH RESOURCES
Cut -ond--fi - Slopes
*Concurrent with subsequent onsite geotechnical investigation and prior to approval
of a rough grading permit, the stability of cut and fill slopes shall be evaluated by a
geotechnical engineer. Each planning unit, tract, or parcel map shall be evaluated
separately and appropriate mitigation measures shall be recommended, if
necessary. Measures that can be used to stabilize slopes include buttress fills,
flattening of the slope angle, geotextiles used to increase the strength of the soil
materials used to build fill slopes, and in some cases retaining walls. Use of
geotextiles and landform contour slope design shall be incorporated into site
design /grading plans for all permits or tract/parcel maps requiring grading to create
natural- appearing topography and increased slope stability, provided detailed
stability analysis and demonstration of successful long -term performance is
presented. Mitigation measures may cause alteration to the proposed development
plan and may result in changes to the proposed land use in specific areas.
' The City of Moorpark recognizes that certain infrastructure improvements and /or mitigation requirements are
applicable not only to the project applicant, but also to other property owners /developers in the Hidden Creek
Ranch Specific Plan area, each of which should contribute its pro -rata or fair share of the cost of these
improvements /requirements. In order to differentiate between measures which require the sharing of costs
and those that are the sole responsibility of a specific developer, the project applicant, or property owner,
measures that require cost sharing are denoted with a "(F)" at the end of the measure.
2
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
Compre-s _s__i_ble- SoiL%LSettlements
2. *For all tract/parcel maps requiring the placement of fills in canyon areas, the
geotechnical engineer shall ensure that partial to complete removal and
recompaction of the alluvial deposits to geotechnically competent materials is
performed. Additional compressible materials that will require removal include
topsoil, colluvium, debris flows, landslide debris, and uncontrolled fills. The grading
plan shall be approved by the City Engineer and City Geologist/Geotechnical
Engineer.
3. *Deep canyon fills are expected to undergo secondary settlement. Depending on
the type of fill materials used, most of the settlement will occur during and
immediately after grading. However, most fills experience some settlement after the
completion of grading. Construction of onsite structures shall begin only after
settlement of these materials has been stabilized. In order to determine when
settlement is complete, laboratory testing and analysis by a geotechnical engineer
shall be performed for as- graded conditions on all tracts /parcels in areas over deep
canyon fills. An alternative would be the installation of a settlement monitoring
system. Findings of the stability analysis shall be approved by the City Engineer
and City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer prior to construction.
Expansive S9iLs
4. *Determination of expansivity and development of appropriate remedial measures
shall be performed by a geotechnical engineer prior to initiation of grading and
approval by the City Engineer and City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer. If
expansive clay is encountered at shallow depths, it may be recommended that clay -
rich soils be removed and replaced with nonexpansive granular soil beneath the
structures, concrete slabs, and footings. Mixing during grading of localized
expansive soils with the more common granular nonexpansive soils present onsite
should be sufficient to mitigate this impact.
Erosion
5. Prior to issuance of a grading permit for any development on the Specific Plan site,
the project applicant shall submit an erosion control plan to the City Engineer and
the county Soil Conservation District for their review and approval that includes
measures to reduce the amount of onsite and offsite erosion during construction of
the proposed project. In addition to other erosion control measures, hydroseeding
of affected graded slopes shall be completed within 30 days of grading of the slope
area.
6. Haul routes to be used during construction of the proposed project shall be
approved by the City Engineer and the Director of Community Development prior
to the issuance of the first grading permit. These routes shall be limited to graded
areas only.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
7. *Temporary erosion control measures shall be provided by each developer during
the construction phase, as required by current grading codes. In addition, a
permanent erosion control program for the Specific Plan and Spring Road connector
roadway shall be prepared by the Master Developer and submitted prior to a
determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative Map. The
program shall include the proper care of drainage control devices, proper irrigation,
rodent control, and landscaping.
8. Debris and/or retention basins shall be designed by the project's engineer to
mitigate any debris flows that may emulate from the undeveloped portions of the
site, to ensure that post - development runoff levels are comparable to undeveloped
levels, and to mitigate any debris flows. Following the first season storm after
construction of backbone infrastructure and following heavy rainfall periods, the
project engineer shall field check erosion control devices to confirm that they are
performing as designed. All subsequent annual field checks shall be performed by
the pertinent agency (e.g., Ventura County Flood Control, Maintenance District).
9. The Master Developer shall apply to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for
a General Construction permit by filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) 90 days prior to the
onset of any grading activities. As required by the permit, a stormwater pollution
prevention plan shall be developed to obtain reductions in urban pollutant loading
to the "maximum extent practicable."
Slop_e_&abft
10. *Prior to approval for grading permits, the small landslides in the southern and
central portions of the Specific Plan site shall be evaluated by an engineering
geologist and a geotechnical engineer to determine their lateral extent, depth, and
potential instability from grading. If landslide areas are to be buried under the
proposed fills, partial to complete removal of the landslides during grading as
recommended by the reviewing engineer will be necessary to mitigate the effects
of settlement due to fill loads. The grading plan shall be subject to the approval of
the City Engineer and City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
11. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for the First Master Tentative
Map, the large landslides in the north - central portion of the Specific Plan site
(including, but not limited to, Planning Units 10, 13, 19A, 20, and 36) shall be
evaluated by an engineering geologist and a geotechnical engineer to assess the
most effective remedial measures and to demonstrate development feasibility.
Possible remedial measures include the construction of shear keys and the
establishment of building setbacks which would modify the proposed development
plan. Landslides are generally investigated during the surface geotechnical
investigation for tract and parcel maps. The grading plan shall be subject to the
approval of the City Engineer and City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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12. During the geotechnical investigation for the proposed development and prior to the
issuance of grading permits, mitigation of debris flows and surficial slumping shall
be evaluated. Surficial landslide and debris flow deposits shall either be removed
during mass grading or contained with an adequately -sized retaining device, such
as a debris basin during construction of infrastructure.
13. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative
Map or subdivision map requiring the extension of a roadway across Happy Camp
Canyon Regional Park, landslides that occur along the western margin of lower
Happy Camp Canyon that could affect the Spring Road connector roadway shall be
evaluated to determine their lateral extent, depth, and potential instability due to the
proposed grading. Partial to complete removal of the landslides may be necessary
to mitigate the potential for renewed movement of landslide materials across the
road alignment. At both the western and eastern margins of lower Happy Camp
Canyon, subsurface geologic structure and the strength of existing geologic
materials (and thereby the potential for slope instability) shall be determined. This
would generally be accomplished during a subsurface geotechnical investigation for
the Spring Road alignment.
14. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative
Map or subdivision map requiring the extension of a roadway across Happy Camp
Canyon Regional Park, in areas west of lower Happy Camp Canyon where slopes
would be impacted by the Spring Road connector roadway, the identified landslides
shall be evaluated further to assess the most effective remedial measures to be
applied. A geotechnical investigation that includes a subsurface investigation shall
be performed. Possible remedial measures include the construction of shear keys
and /or the establishment of setbacks; stabilization of landslides is preferred. This
is generally accomplished during a subsurface geotechnical investigation for the
road. All proposed remedial measures shall be approved by the City
Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
15. *Surficial landslide deposits and debris flow deposits shall either be removed or
contained by retaining devices where there is potential to affect the Spring Road
connector roadway. Because of the compressibility of these deposits, removal
within development areas is generally the preferred method to minimize post -
construction settlement.
16. *The stability of proposed cut slopes associated with the Spring Road connector
roadway shall be evaluated by a geotechnical engineer during the geotechnical
grading plan review. The engineer shall recommend the most appropriate
mitigation measure for each case. Measures that can be used to stabilize slopes
include buttress fills, flattening of the slope angle, and in some cases, retaining
walls. Use of geotextiles and landform contour slope designs can be incorporated
into the road design to create natural- appearing graded topography and increase
slope stability.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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For fill slopes, if the natural moisture content of bedrock materials is below the
optimum moisture content for proper compaction, the soils would require the
addition of water during grading. Any oversized materials (greater than 8 inches in
diameter) shall be placed in either deeper portions of the fills (if fill materials are
required) according to accepted methods of windrowing, or should be removed from
the site.
Roadwa-y Eoundation Std
17. *Partial to complete removal and recompaction of the alluvial deposits to
geotechnically competent materials in the canyons shall be required in areas
affected by the Spring Road connector roadway through lower Happy Camp
Canyon Regional Park. The depth of alluvial materials that should be removed in
order to mitigate settlement shall be determined by analysis performed by a
geotechnical engineer during the geotechnical investigation of the alignment area,
and approved by the City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
18. *To allow for the implementation of the Spring Road connector roadway through
Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park, compressible materials that will probably
require removal west of lower Happy Camp Canyon include topsoil, colluvium
infilling swales and landslide grabens, surficial slumps, debris flows, landslide
debris, and unengineered fills. Prior to the start of grading, the area traversed by
the roadway alignment should be stripped of vegetation and debris and disposed
of in an acceptable manner. Any irrigation lines, abandoned underground storage
tanks, and water and oil wells (if encountered) should be removed or capped.
Water and oil wells must be abandoned following the guidelines established by the
California Division of Oil and Gas. Care must be taken to identify and mitigate any
sump deposits encountered onsite. Prior to placement of compacted fill, all
compressible materials shall be removed. Deep canyon fills are expected to
undergo secondary settlement. Depending on the type of fill materials used, most
of the settlement will occur during and immediately after grading. In order to
determine when settlement is complete, laboratory testing and analysis by a
geotechnical engineer should be performed for as- graded conditions.
19. *Determination of expansivity and development of appropriate remedial measures
shall be performed by a geotechnical engineer prior to final design of the Spring
Road connector roadway through Nappy Camp Canyon Regional Park. This
evaluation is usually performed during the subsurface geotechnical investigation.
If expansive clay is encountered at s allow depths, it may be recommended that
clay -rich soils be removed and replaced with a specified thickness of nonexpansive
granular soil beneath the roadway. Mixing during grading of localized expansive
soils with the more common, granular nonexpansive soils present should be
sufficient to mitigate this impact. Alter atively, mitigation of expansive soils can be
accomplished during construction by pre- saturation of the expansive materials
and/or reinforcement of the roadway )ase.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
Seism_i ty
20. *Faults mapped within the development area of the Specific Plan site shall be
examined in the field by a geologic engineer to verify their location and recency of
movement, prior to a determination of application completeness for each tentative
tract map, parcel map, and /or planned development permit or conditional use
permit. If active faults are encountered, the most common and practical method to
mitigate fault rupture is to avoid siting habitable structures across the faults.
Structural setbacks away from the active faults shall be prescribed by a certified
engineering geologist and approved by the City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
Any proposed mitigation for fault rupture, other than a structural setback, shall also
require approval of the City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
21. During mass grading and grading of individual tracts, localized areas of
unconsolidated alluvial deposits shall be removed and replaced with compacted fill.
Areas underlain with artificial fill, especially where placed as part of the oil field
activities or in the reservoirs, shall be removed and recompacted during grading.
Additionally subdrains shall be placed according to a soils engineer's
recommendations along canyon bottoms. A geotechnical engineer shall evaluate
areas of sandy alluvial soils within the proposed development area that will not be
removed during grading for potential liquefaction and provide appropriate mitigation
measures as necessary.
22. During all grading activities for tract maps and discretionary permits, loose,
cohesionless soils that may be susceptible to ground lurching shall be removed and
recompacted based on investigation by a geologist and approved by the City
Engineer.
23. *If the older reservoirs in the southern portion of the site are incorporated into the
development, the dams shall be evaluated by an engineering geologist and
geotechnical engineer to determine seismic stability prior to a determination of
application completeness for the first Master Tentative Map. Inadequate dams shall
be reconstructed or reinforced by the Master Developer following the guidelines
established by the project geologist and approved by the City Engineer.
24. Concurrent with the submittal of the first Master Tentative Map, the Master
Developer shall submit a detailed geologic and soils engineering report meeting the
requirements of the City of Moorpark. If the detailed investigation confirms the
existence of geologic hazards, the City Engineer shall require use limitations or
special earthquake resistant design features as appropriate. Other specific
recommendations included in the report shall be incorporated into the grading,
building, and improvement plans and permits for each discretionary permit required
by the City of Moorpark.
25. *Excavation trenches in areas where identified lineaments may project onto the
Specific Plan site shall be investigated as a part of the preliminary geotechnical
7
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
investigation submitted for tentative maps in Planning Units 32, 33, and 39C. With
the exception of the lineaments between Planning Units 32/33 and 39C, the
lineaments occur west of Specific Plan No. 8. Trenches for lineaments west of
Specific Plan No. 8 shall be excavated as near as possible to the western property
boundary of Specific Plan No. 8, as dictated by the terrain in the areas where
projections of the lineaments onto the specific plan site occur as identified by
Leighton and Associates, Inc. (see map on file at the City of Moorpark dated
November 5, 1997). If active faulting or deformation is observed in the trenches, a
certified engineering geologist and geotechnical engineer shall provide specific
mitigative recommendations for development in these locations, as appropriate.
26. *The potential for damage due to liquefaction of the sediments in Happy Camp
Canyon shall be mitigated. Such measures may include deep piles or caissons,
that are founded on non - liquefiable sediments, or mechanical densification of the
subsurface soils of an at -grade roadway. The area along the Spring Road
connector roadway west and east of Happy Camp Canyon, where localized
unconsolidated alluvial deposits coupled with shallow or perched groundwater
conditions may occur, may be susceptible to liquefaction. However, these shallow
deposits can be removed and replaced with compacted fill as part of normal grading
activities. Additionally, the placement of subdrains along canyon bottoms will help
to remove groundwater that may develop at or above canyon bottom elevation.
Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first subdivision map
requiring the Spring Road connector roadway, a geotechnical investigation shall be
completed which includes an evaluation of areas of sandy alluvial soils within the
proposed area of development that will not be removed during normal grading
operations for potential liquefaction and appropriate mitigation measures shall be
proposed and approved by the City Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer.
27. *Loose, unconsolidated alluvial deposits underlying the Spring Road connector
roadway area shall be removed and replaced with compacted fill. Areas underlain
with existing artificial fill shall also be identified and the fill materials removed and
recompacted. Mitigation alternatives include in -situ densification of the near - surface
soil materials to decrease their susceptibility to settlement or foundations on piles
or caissons extended into deeper subsurface materials that are not settlement
prone for elevated roadway structures.
28. *Loose, cohesionless soils that may be susceptible to ground lurching shall be
identified, removed, and recompacted, if feasible. For roadways that are
constructed on the ground surface, there are locations at which there is no realistic
way in which the hazard of ground lurching can be totally avoided. However,
construction of roadways using asphaltic concrete as opposed to other surfaces, will
allow for quick, relatively easy repair or reconstruction of damaged areas. The
affects of ground lurching on the Spring Road connector roadway shall be evaluated
during the geotechnical investigation. Otherwise, deep piles or caissons may be
needed to fully mitigate this potential impact.
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
WATER RESOURCES
Sulfac-e _Wate _Patte s and Volumes
*Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative
Map and subsequent tract and parcel maps, the Master Developer or merchant
builders shall be responsible for the development of a drainage concept that
ensures detention of runoff as calculated by the preliminary drainage report
(Haaland 1994a). Detention basins shall be constructed by the Master Developer
based on the design in said report or to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and the
Ventura County Flood Control District. Additionally, the drainage concept shall
ensure that project generated runoff will discharge into Strathearn, Happy Camp,
and Canyon No. 2 channels at rates that do not impact downstream areas. The
drainage concept shall be submitted to the Ventura County Flood Control District
and the City Engineer for approval.
Wat"ualty
2. Each planning unit of the Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of
the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination Systems ( NPDES) stormwater
process, the Ventura County 208 Water Quality Management Plan, and the specific
requirements of the county's stormwater permits for construction. The Master
Developer or each merchant builder, prior to the issuance of each grading permit,
shall obtain all necessary permits required for each development area within Hidden
Creek Ranch.
3. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative
Map, the Master Developer shall design and receive approval by the City Engineer
and the Ventura County Flood Control District for a urban runoff management plan.
The urban runoff management plan shall contain, at a minimum, the following
measures to mitigate stormwater runoff quality into the Arroyo Simi:
A. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan in accordance with the states's NPDES
requirements;
B. Incorporate recommended measures as described in the county's 208 Water
Quality Management Plan;
C. Incorporate other measures from the State Municipal Best Management
Practices (BMPs) Manual;
D. Develop a long -term, post- construction water quality management plan,
describing commitments to install and maintain structural facilities and to
conduct nonstructural BMPs consistent with the 208 Water Quality Management
Plan;
9
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
E. Include flood control improvements whose design is sensitive to surface water
quality management; and
F. Develop an integrated golf course management plan focusing on limiting the
amount and type of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides and reducina water
consumption.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative
Map, a plan containing procedures and performance standards that must be
executed to protect or replace biological resources affected or potentially affected
by the Specific Plan shall be submitted by the project applicant and approved by the
City of Moorpark Director of Community Development. This plan is commonly
referred to as a resource management plan (REMP). The REMP shall contain a
summary of mitigation milestones that will identify the schedule for completion and
the party(ies) responsible for their implementation. All revegetation plans identified
below shall include a 5 -year monitoring program that outlines the procedures for
determining the success or failure of the program and reporting requirements for
transmitting this information to resources agencies. The REMP shall include, but
not be limited to, sub - measures A through M. Each sub - measure falls under a
heading of the biological resource affected.
Coast- Li_ve OakWoodland_and-SQOthern -Coast Live Oakes rian Forest
A. The Specific Plan may result in the loss of up to 19 acres of coast live oak
woodland. Under the current land use plan there are a number of oak trees that
will not be affected (located in preserved open space) by project implementation.
However, significant stands of oak trees will be removed by project
implementation. Additionally, a few scattered trees are anticipated to be
unavoidably lost from development of the Specific Plan. Incorporation of trees
into the more site - specific designs of the individual planning units could aid in
the preservation of the more significant stands of oaks. Future potential
development in Planning Unit 45 could result in the loss of approximately 8
acres of coast live oak woodland and southern coast live oak riparian forest.
Concurrent with the submittal of any tentative tract map, a tree study, as defined
in Chapter 12.12 of the City Municipal Code, with a precise evaluation and
mapping of oak and mature trees shall be submitted based on the approved
development project in accordance with the Municipal Code requirements. The
following is a description of the location of the above - mentioned oaks and
recommended avoidance measures. Although the word "shall" is used below,
implementation of each measure may not be feasible. If any of the following
design recommendations or changes are not possible, every attempt should be
il0J,
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
made to minimize grading in effort to reduce the unavoidable affects resulting
from the loss of these trees. However, avoidance of all tree resources may not
be feasible in its entirety for every planning unit. (F)
Planning Unit 40 (Golf Course)
A significant stand of oak trees is located along a drainage within the
northwestern portion of Planning Unit 40. Because this planning unit would be
a golf course, a significant amount of undeveloped open space will be provided,
whereby these trees could be preserved. Therefore, these trees shall be
incorporated into the overall design of the golf course, to the degree feasible.
Planning Unit 45 (Zoning Designation Open Space /Golf Course: no development
permitted without additional environmental review; golf course subject to a
conditional use permit)
Because Planning Unit 45 would only permit open space and conditionally
permit a "links" style golf course, a significant amount of undeveloped open
space will be provided, whereby these trees could be preserved. Therefore,
these trees shall be incorporated into the overall design of the golf course, to the
degree feasible.
Planning Unit 42C (Park)
A significant stand of oak trees is located in the northern portion of this planning
unit. Because Planning Unit 42C is proposed to be a park, it is assumed that a
considerable portion of land associated with this facility will be left undeveloped,
whereby these trees could be preserved. Therefore, these trees shall be
incorporated into the overall design of the park.
Planning Unit 42A (Park)
A significant stand of oak trees is located in the southeastern portion of
Planning Unit 42A. Because this planning unit is proposed to be a park, it is
assumed that a considerable portion of land associated with this facility will be
left undeveloped, whereby these trees could be preserved. Therefore, these
trees shall be incorporated into the overall design of the park.
Planning Unit 4 (Medium - Density- Residential)
A portion of a significant stand of oak trees is located in the northwestern portion
of this planning unit. Grading activities occurring during the development of this
planning unit will result in the removal of these trees. Modifications to this
planning unit shall occur to avoid disruption of these trees.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
A portion of a significant stand of oak trees (which also extends northeasterly
across Hidden Creek Drive and into Planning Unit 2) is located within a large
canyon in the northeastern portion of this planning area. Modifications to this
planning unit shall occur to avoid disruption of these trees.
Planning Unit 2 (Medium- Density - Residential)
As indicated above, a portion of a significant stand of oak trees (which also
extends southeasterly across Hidden Creek Drive and into Planning Unit 4) is
located within a large canyon in the southeastern portion of this planing area.
Modifications to this planning unit shall occur to avoid disruption of these trees.
Planning Units 2, 3, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 29
Planning Unit 2 has approximately 92 trees, Planning Unit 3 has approximately
115 trees, Planning Unit 13 has approximately 3 trees, Planning Unit 14 has
approximately 2 trees, Planing Unit 20 has approximately 15 trees, Planning Unit
21 has approximately 4 trees, Planning Unit 22 has approximately 15 trees, and
Planning Unit 29A has approximately 41 trees.
It has been recognized that due to the scattered location of these trees, an
attempt to avoid their disruption by way of modifying the individual planning units
is assumed to be infeasible.
B. Should significant impacts remain after completion of the design of the planning
units, roadways, and golf course(s), prior to the issuance of a grading permit,
the protection and replacement requirements of Chapter 12.12 of the Moorpark
Municipal Code shall be implemented to reduce the level of impact to below
significant. Specific tree ordinance guidelines include (1) locating grading in
minimum growing areas as required by individual species, (2) no disruption or
removal of structural feeder roots, (3) fencing of trees at or beyond their drip
lines during grading and construction activities, (4) no filling, cutting,
development, or compaction of soil within the dripline, and, (5) such other
measures required by the species of tree to be preserved as recommended by
the consulting arborist, horticulturist, or landscape architect.
C. Potential coast live oak tree transplant candidates, as determined by a certified
arborist, shall be transplanted to an appropriate area identified in the REMP. All
potential transplant candidates shall be identified in the REMP. If relocation is
not possible for all impacted trees, replacement coast live oak trees shall be
planted in suitable locations identified in the REMP. The number and size of
replacement trees shall be identified in the REMP.
* D. A resource management specialist shall be consulted prior to final design and
a determination of application completeness for each development project that
could impact valuable oak and sycamore resources and other trees protected
12
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
by the City Municipal Code to (a) identify oak, sycamore, and other tree
resources that should be preserved, (b) outline measures to protect or preserve
trees within the immediate vicinity of the project, and (c) assist in the design of
landscape buffers and transition zones between the Specific Plan and natural
open space areas. For Planning Unit 45, a resource management specialist
shall be consulted prior to final design and an application of completion
determination for a golf course conditional use permit to (a) identify valuable
oak, sycamore, and other tree resources that should be preserved, (b) outline
measures to protect or preserve trees within the immediate vicinity of the project,
and (c) assist in the design of landscape buffers and transition zones between
the Specific Plan and natural open space areas.
E. Construction guidelines shall be developed in the REMP and shall address
(1) monitoring of affected resources, (2) construction guidelines specific to tree
resources, (3) tree pruning, (4) landscaping and irrigation adjacent to trees, and
(5) arboricultural care.
F. Oak trees that cannot be avoided or transplanted shall be replaced. During the
preparation of a tree report (required for any proposal for urban development,
as defined in Chapter 12.12 of the Municipal Code) for a tentative map and
development permit applications, an appraised value of each tree shall be
established and provided to the city using the most recent edition of the Guide
for Establishing Values of Trees and Other Plants prepared by the Council of
Tree Landscape Appraisers. The dollar value of the trees removed will be
applied to the purchase of replacement trees, their establishment, and
maintenance. Where feasible, replacement trees shall consist exclusively of
indigenous tree species and shall be certified as being grown from a seed
source collected in Ventura County. Replacement trees shall be of varied size
and age classes. A combination of cuttings, seedlings (1 gallon), saplings (5
gallon), and trees (15 gallon, 24 inch, and 36 inch box) shall be planted.
Replacement trees shall be planted and maintained onsite and, if feasible, in the
same general area from which the trees were removed. The tree planting tree
shall be supervised in the field by a qualified restoration specialist.
The replacement trees shall replace the habitat value of the removed oak
woodlands. Replacements shall, for example, be planted adjacent to existing
woodlands to provide an additional buffer between development and open
space areas, or within the remaining oak/walnut woodlands to improve the
habitat value of these areas. Alternatively, trees can be planted in currently
disturbed areas and graded areas that can support these trees.
Replacement trees shall be properly cared for and maintained for 5 years,
including irrigation, weed control, herbivore protection, and replacement.
13
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
All trees replaced shall be monitored for an additional 5 years after tree
maintenance is terminated. During monitoring years 6 through 10, tree mortality
and general site conditions shall be noted. A report, citing the general
conditions and any corrective measures needed shall be prepared and
submitted yearly to the Director of Community Development. If a replacement
tree dies during the 10 -year maintenance and monitoring period, it shall be
replaced. The project applicant shall be financially responsible for the
maintenance, monitoring, and replacement of all trees planted as mitigation for
project impacts through the posting of a specific fund for that purpose.
G. The following measures apply to trees located within 40 feet of grading limits;
these measures, when implemented, will protect the long -term viability of those
trees. No cutting, grading, filling, trenching, or other restructuring of the soil shall
take place within the dripline of a preserved oak. Should a trench, retaining wall,
or other construction requiring any of these procedures be necessary within the
dripline of an oak, a qualified expert shall be present during construction.
No oak shall be pruned so that its size or conformation is substantially altered,
except as absolutely necessary. All pruning cuts shall be made to lateral
branches or at the base of the branch at shoulder rings. Stubbing or dehorning
is not permitted. All pruning shall be accomplished by a qualified expert.
Landscaping requiring irrigation shall not be planted within the dripline of oaks
due to the susceptibility of native oaks to root rot caused by excessive
unseasonable irrigation. The design and installation of landscape irrigation
systems outside the dripline of the oaks shall be such that the area within the
dripline is not wetted during operation of the system. In addition, surface runoff
from impermeable surfaces shall be directed away from oaks; where the natural
topography has been altered, provisions should be made for drainage away from
trunks of oaks so that water will not pond or collect within the dripline of any oak.
Prior to grading, a temporary fence not less than 4 feet in height shall be
installed around the protected zone of trees within the 40 -foot zone adjacent to
development grading. Fencing shall be in place and inspected prior to
commencement of grading. This fencing shall remain in place throughout the
entire period of construction.
1 1471 RI "Fi .TitOGTEMM&"Nremli Y i7
The Specific Plan will result in the loss of up to 291 acres of Venturan coastal sage
scrub. Future development of a golf course in Planning Unit 45 may result in the
loss of approximately 29 acres of Venturan coastal sage scrub. Spring Road will
result in the loss of approximately 1.21 acres of Venturan coastal sage scrub.
H. *Prior to the final design of Planning Units 1 through 15, 17, 19A, 20, 21, 23, 24,
25, 27, 28, 29A, 29B, 38A, 39A, 39B, 40, 42A, 42C, 43, and 44C, and a
14
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
determination of application completeness for an associated development
project, the City of Moorpark shall review design plans to determine the most
appropriate measures available to offset impacts on Venturan coastal sage
scrub. Prior to a determination of application completeness for a conditional use
permit for Planning Unit 45, the City of Moorpark shall review design plans to
determine the most appropriate measures available to offset impacts on
Venturan coastal sage scrub. Mitigation measures that may be required can
include preservation of avoided scrub by resource preservation easement,
acquisition, or other mechanisms, and the restoration, replacement, or
revegetation of removed scrub. The REMP shall outline the planting
methodology for the replacement of Venturan coastal sage scrub, if appropriate.
(F)
The loss of Venturan coastal sage scrub associated with the Spring Road
connector roadway through Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park shall be
mitigated through replacement of this habitat on a 2:1 basis in preserved coastal
sage scrub areas elsewhere within Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park. Plant
species similar to those being removed will serve as a basis for the vegetation
replacement. A vegetation planting and maintenance plan shall be developed
by a qualified habitat restoration specialist that will specify, at a minimum, the
following: (1) the location of the planting site (to be coordinated with the City of
Moorpark, County of Ventura, and other appropriate resource agencies and
jurisdictions); (2) the quantity and species of plants to be planted; (3) planting
procedures; (4) a schedule and action plan to maintain the plantings; and (5) a
list of criteria by which to measure success of the plantings, as well as
contingency measures if the plantings are not successful.
* I. Prior to issuance of a grading permit for Planning Units 2, 3, 4, 6, 38A, 42C,
44A, 45, and roadway alignment of Hidden Creek Drive near Planning Unit 38A,
a formal wetland delineation, pursuant to a California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG) agreement and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ( USACE) permit,
shall be conducted. Disruption of riparian habitat requires consultation with both
agencies. The USACE and CDFG typically require mitigation plans to be
prepared prior to the loss of riparian resources. Mitigation may consist of habitat
replacement at a ratio of 1:1 or greater for each acre lost. (F)
15
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
W-Hdlife Habitat Loss
The loss of wildlife habitat by the construction of the Specific Plan will be considered
a significant impact.
J. Approximately 2,185 acres of the Specific Plan which includes all area
designated on the Specific Plan Land Use Plan as Open Space, Planning Unit
41 and Planning Unit 19B, shall be preserved in permanent open space. A
minimum of 240 acres of the 450 -acre Planning Unit 45 shall be preserved in
permanent open space. The REMP shall (1) specify boundaries of the
preservation areas, (2) provide measures to buffer, control access, and avoid
habitat degradation during construction operations, and (3), formulate guidelines
for the permanent protection of preservation /revegetation areas. The selection
and implementation of preserved open space areas shall be conducted in
coordination with the City of Moorpark and appropriate resources agency
personnel (CDFG and USFWS). Management guidelines which shall be
incorporated into the REMP include the management of land uses (i.e., housing,
fencing, dry farming, and cattle grazing) within the immediate vicinity of the
natural open space areas. In addition, domestic animals, off -road vehicles,
roadway lighting, and recreational activities shall be restricted from the vicinity
of the natural open space areas.
Raptor-Nesting-Sites
K. If construction and habitat removal is proposed during the raptor breeding
season (March to July), a survey shall be conducted for active raptor nests. If
active nests are found, no construction activity shall take place within 500 feet
of an active nest until the young have fledged (as determined by a qualified
raptor biologist). The 500 -foot perimeter around each active nest shall be
fenced by appropriate visible fencing material. Trees containing nests shall be
removed during the non - breeding season only.
L. To offset potential impacts on raptor nesting habitat, the REMP shall address
raptor habitat management for preserved areas that shall include, as
appropriate, perch management (retaining dead limbs and trees) and provision
of artificial nest boxes or platforms.
Indirect Impacts on_Ve_etation_andWildlife
M. Prior to final design of planning units and a determination of application
completeness for an associated residential development project, the number,
type, and orientation of the residential units shall be evaluated by a qualified
biologist for potential intrusion on the biological resources. Prior to a
determination of application completeness for a conditional use permit for
Planning Unit 45, the golf course shall be evaluated by a qualified biologist for
potential intrusion on the biological resources.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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2. *To fully understand the biological resources within Planning Unit 45, focused
surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher, a federally listed threatened species,
and sensitive plant species shall be initiated prior to preliminary project designs and
submittal of an application for a conditional use permit. The locations of occupied
habitat of the gnatcatcher and locations of sensitive plant species will provide
project designers with biological design features worthy of protection and
preservation.
3. *Any golf course constructed in Planning Unit 45 shall be a "links" style golf course.
Links courses are developed with minimal disturbance to the natural habitat with
green tee area, turfed and green link and landing areas and green cup areas, with
native plants remaining between green and turf areas.
4. *A golf course in Planning Unit 45 shall be developed in an environmentally
sensitive manner generally in accordance with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Program for Golf Course Guidelines as sponsored by the Audubon Society of New
York State, Inc.
5. *With respect to Planning Unit 45, fencing and other impediments shall not be
placed in areas that will prevent wildlife movement through the canyon bottoms. A
wildlife biologist shall review the conceptual and final building, landscaping, and
fencing plans for a golf course to ensure that buildings, landscaping, and fencing
are not designed in a manner that will impeded wildlife movement and migration.
The conceptual plan review shall occur prior to a determination of application
completeness for a conditional use permit; the final plan review shall occur prior to
issuance of a zoning clearance for either building or grading permits for a golf
course.
6. *Focused surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher, a federally listed
threatened species, shall be conducted by a permitted biologist, prior to any grading
or construction activities associated with the Spring Road connector roadway
through Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park. If the gnatcatcher is found within or
immediately adjacent to the impact area of the roadway alignment, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game shall be
contacted to develop appropriate avoidance and/or protection measures to limit
disturbance to the gnatcatcher.
7. *Immediately prior to construction or grading activities, a survey shall be conducted
by a qualified biologist to determine if any special- status reptile species are residing
within the Spring Road connector roadway right -of -way through Happy Camp
Canyon Regional Park. Any of these species that are found shall be relocated to
other suitable habitat areas in the Happy Camp Canyon. During construction
17
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
activities, a biologist will be present on the site to monitor these activities to ensure
that none of these species have moved into the construction right -of -way.
Individuals of these species that are found during this monitoring period will be
relocated to other suitable areas within the canyon.
LAND USE AND RELATED PLANNING PROGRAMS
Should the Specific Plan project be approved, the development will be subject to all
applicable regulations of the city's zoning ordinance, and all requirements and
enactments of federal, state, Ventura County, the city authorities, and any other
governmental entities, and all such requirements and enactments will, by reference,
become conditions of project implementation.
The project applicant shall prepare a home buyer /resale notification package that
contains a description and accompanying maps showing the adopted land use
plans for the Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan and surrounding areas, including
the existence of agricultural operations and mineral rights underlying the site. Each
homeowner shall be required to affirm, by signature, that he /she is aware of the
existing and future development plans onsite and in the surrounding area, and that
he /she acknowledges the right of property owners to continue agricultural
operations and mineral extraction operations to the extent allowed under applicable
permits. The contents of the notification package shall be reviewed and approved
by the Director of Community Development prior to the recordation of the first tract
map.
2. The final Specific Plan shall identify the mechanism for ensuring that any required
affordable housing units will be provided and shall also identify the required
submittal and approval time frames if such a mechanism is to be an Affordable
Housing Agreement.
3. The project applicant shall provide a 200 foot buffer from the lot line to any
residential structures adjacent to any onsite or offsite agricultural operations to
reduce the effects of impacts including spraying of pesticides over the adjacent
agricultural operation, noise, dust, etc. This required setback shall be recorded as
a deed restriction with the first tract map and shall be applicable until such time that
agricultural uses are converted or developed as another use.
4. The developer agrees to record a deed restriction meant to inform all prospective
buyers of lots of the adjacent agricultural operations. Prior to recordation of the first
tract map, the project applicant shall submit to the Director of Community
Development proof of said deed restriction recordation.
5. *A conceptual wall and fencing plan shall be submitted prior to a determination of
application completeness for the first Master Tentative Map, and that plan shall
identify the type of wall or fencing to be constructed to restrict access to oil and gas
18
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
facilities within the specific plan site and to protect the biological habitat and
aesthetic values of open space areas. Access to all oil and gas wells, the injector
well, and the tank farm facility within the boundaries of the Specific Plan site shall
be restricted by a wall or security fencing, to prohibit access to the extraction
facilities by any persons other than authorized personnel. Walls would only be
proposed if determined necessary to visually screen the facilities from adjacent uses
and /or to minimize noise conflicts.
AESTHETICS
Onsite-Features
Mitigation Measure 1 of Section 3.3, Biological Resources, related to oak trees, and the
following mitigation measures are required to mitigate project impacts to onsite features:
Prior to approval of all tract maps, grading plans for individual tract maps shall be
reviewed for consistency with the Hillside Management Ordinance and the
preservation of visually prominent ridgelines (horizon lines). Manufactured slopes
shall be designed to follow the natural contours of the surrounding areas in order
to provide visual irregularity.
2. *A conceptual landscape plan shall be submitted with the application for all
subdivision maps, planned development permits and conditional use permits. Prior
to the approval of any final subdivision maps(s), or issuance of a zoning clearance
for a building permit, a detailed landscape plan shall be reviewed and approved by
the City of Moorpark Community Development Department. The plan shall be
prepared and certified by a licensed landscape architect, with expertise in native
plant materials and habitat restoration, taking into account approved planning units,
Community Development standard plans, adopted planned community regulations,
scenic corridor /resource requirements, and Standard Conditions of Approval.
With respect to the Spring Road connector roadway through Happy Camp Canyon
Regional Park, prior to the approval of a grading plan, a detailed landscape plan
shall be reviewed and approved by the City of Moorpark Community Development
Department and County of Ventura. The plan shall be prepared and certified by a
licensed landscape architect, with expertise in native plant materials and habitat
restoration, taking into account approved planning units, Community Development
standard plans, adopted planned community regulations, scenic corridor /resource
requirements, and Standard Conditions of Approval. Appropriate landscaping shall
be required along the roadway so that any medians and /or manufactured slopes
blend into surrounding natural vegetation.
Off site Yiewpomts
3. *As an application completeness requirement for tract maps and associated
planned development permits and conditional use permits, detailed design plans
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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for Planning Units 1, 19A, 20, 29A, 32, 33, 35A, and 36 shall be submitted to the
Community Development Department illustrating the elevation of maximum building
heights in relation to adjacent ridgelines. The intent of this measure is to ensure
that visually prominent residential development is constructed at an elevation lower
than screening ridgelines. Where development is located near ridgelines, care shall
be taken in the design to avoid silhouetting. Berming or landscaping shall be used
to keep roof tops from exceeding the height of ridgelines, where lowering pad
elevations is infeasible.
4. *During construction of the Specific Plan site and Spring Road connector roadway
through Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park, all concrete structures, such as
drainage ditches, detention basins, rip -rap, crib walls, swales, curbs, located in
natural areas shall be constructed with colored concrete (e.g., Omaha Tan) to blend
with the surrounding terrain.
5. *To the extent allowable by other agencies, all infrastructure associated with the
Hidden Creek Specific Plan and Spring Road connector roadway through Happy
Camp Canyon Regional Park shall be placed below grade to avoid visually
prominent facilities.
6. *During construction, any above -grade infrastructure, such as water
tanks /reservoirs, water lines, etc., shall be painted with natural greens, browns, or
other color approved by the Community Development Department, so as to blend
in with surrounding terrain. Substantial effort shall be made to work with
Waterworks District No. 1 to locate water tanks below ground. If this is not allowed
by the District, landscaping /berming shall be provided around the tanks to further
screen the view of the tanks from surrounding areas. Utility lines shall be placed
below ground.
Llf
7. *As an application requirement for tract maps and associated planned development
permits or conditional use permits for Planning Units 35A, 29A, 32, and 33,
drawings showing buffer landscaping and setbacks from the Happy Camp Canyon
ridgeline shall be submitted for review and approval by the Community
Development Department. Buffering shall completely screen residential
development from users in Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park. Appropriate
landscaping shall also be required along Hidden Creek Drive so that medians and
manufactured slopes blend into surrounding natural vegetation. Lighting of Hidden
Creek Drive shall be avoided, or if unsafe, kept to a minimum, to reduce the visual
prominence of the road within the recreation area.
IRMi MT—[r]M►j MoT • - :Zft'olIl.'- - Q•• 1 VT IMWA
8. *In conjunction with review of the lighting plans for planned development permits,
conditional use permits, and all building permits, attention shall be given to the need
20
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
to avoid or minimize lighting glare and "spill- over' effects. Particular emphasis shall
be given to the review of plans for non - residential uses, such as the community
center and neighborhood commercial uses occurring in proximity to residential
areas. Additionally, any plans for night lighting of parks and other outdoor
recreation areas shall address the need to avoid lighting impacts on any nearby
residential areas and the Moorpark College Observatory.
9. Moving the observatory to another location away from lighting areas would mitigate
impacts, but this measure is likely not feasible due to financial considerations and
the inherent difficulty in operating the facility at a distant location from the Moorpark
College campus.
10. *The project shall comply with the outdoor lighting control standards set forth in the
Revised Tuscon and Pima County, Arizona Outdoor Lighting Control Ordinances,
with the following exceptions to these ordinances: Sections 4.4, 4.5, 5 (with respect
to the prohibition under all circumstances of high pressure sodium, metal halide,
and quartz illuminators), Section 9, Section 12.1. These regulations shall be
incorporated as development zoning standards into the Final Specific Plan and
adopted by ordinance. The intent of these standards is to mitigate light and glare
impacts from outdoor lighting to reduce interference with astronomical observations.
The intent is also to encourage, through the regulation of the types, kinds,
construction, installation, and uses of outdoor electrically powered illuminating
devices, lighting practices, and systems to conserve energy without decreasing
safety, utility, security, and productivity while enhancing nighttime enjoyment of
property within the City of Moorpark and its Area of Interest. All outdoor electrically
powered illuminating devices shall be installed in conformance with these
standards, the city building code, electrical code, and sign code, as applicable and
subject to permit and inspection.
11. *To the extent allowable by other agencies, all infrastructure associated with the
Spring Road connector roadway shall be placed below grade to avoid visually
prominent facilities, should there be any.
12. *In conjunction with review of the lighting plans for the Spring Road connector
roadway, attention shall be given to the need to avoid or minimizing lighting glare
and "spill- over" effects.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
Year 2090P__roposed_P__ro ect Scenar_io-Traffic_6Aitigatkmi Measures
*The year 2000 Proposed Project scenario traffic impact analysis identified a
circulation deficiency, (LOS E) in the a.m. peak hour at the Collins Drive /Campus
Park Drive intersection. There are several circulation options that could be
constructed to eliminate the identified deficiency and attain the City of Moorpark
LOS C or better objective. There is a range of intersection improvement options (1 A
through 1 E) to address the projected deficiency at the Collins Drive /Campus Park
Drive intersection as presented below. Alone or in various combinations, as
described, they provide varying degrees of mitigation. The project applicant shall
participate in a city program to implement Options 1 B or 1 C in combination with
Option 1A or to implement Options 1 D or 1 E to achieve the City of Moorpark LOS
C or better performance criteria. The project applicant shall be required to
contribute the appropriate percentage of the cost associated with implementation
of the selected option or complete the required improvement as a development
project condition of approval. (F)
1 A.
im
Signal Phasing Modification
Modify the existing signal phasing at the Collins Drive /Campus Park Drive
intersection to provide a left -turn phase on each approach and a northbound
right -turn green arrow overlap with the westbound left -turn signal phase.
Level of Significance After Mitigation:
improve the ICU ratio to 0.82 (LOS
Moorpark LOS C or better objective.
Intersection Geometric Improvements
The modified signal operation would
D) but would not attain the City of
Implement intersection improvements (i.e., roadway widening and lane
additions) at the Collins Drive /Campus Park Drive intersection. In order to
achieve LOS C or better during the a.m. peak hour, the existing northbound
right -turn lane shall be converted to a free - flowing right -turn lane; the optional
northbound through -right lane shall be converted to a northbound through
lane; a second westbound left -turn lane shall be constructed, and other
improvements may be required as determined by the City Engineer after
review of intersection improvement plans. The northbound lane conversion
will require that the existing south curb -line on Campus Park Drive between
Collins Drive and College View Avenue be relocated to the south to provide
an eastbound acceleration lane for the northbound right -turn vehicles.
Level of Significance After Mitigation: Mitigation Measure 1 B when combined
with Mitigation Measure 1A would lower the ICU ratio to 0.69 (LOS B) and
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
achieve the City of Moorpark LOS C or better objective during the a.m. peak
hour period.
1 C. Campus Park Drive (West) Extension
Connect Campus Park Drive (west) to the project street system. It is
estimated that this circulation link would divert approximately 15 percent of
the project traffic from the Campus Park Drive /Collins Drive corridor to the
Campus Park Drive (west) /Princeton Avenue corridor.
Level of Significance After Mitigation: This option would lower the ICU ratio
of 0.89, but would not achieve the LOS C objective. However, in combination
with the signal phasing modification (1A), the ICU ratio would be lowered to
0.79 and achieve the LOS C objective during the critical a.m. peak hour time
period.
In addition to the improved intersection levels of service along Campus Park
Drive/Collins Drive corridor, this would result in a loop circulation system for
this portion of the City, thus providing good access for emergency vehicles,
school bus routes, etc. The shorter travel distances would reduce the auto
emissions, thus reducing air quality impacts.
Implementation of this mitigation measure could result in the following
potential secondary impacts: increases in noise levels to residential uses
along Campus Park Drive, increases in air emissions at new intersections,
increases in traffic volumes and changes to the character of Campus Park
Drive, biological impacts to undisturbed areas within Happy Camp Canyon
Regional Park, creating demand for staging /parking areas in the southerly
portion of Happy Camp Regional Park for park users, and potential conflicts
with land use plans within County jurisdiction.
1 D. Collins Drive /Campus Park Drive Roundabout
Reconfigure the Collins Drive /Campus Park Drive intersection to provide a
roundabout (an intersection control alternative to 1A).
Level of Significance After Mitigation: Implementation of a roundabout would
result in some encroachment into Paul Griffin Park and Moorpark College.
This design would accommodate the year 2000 Proposed Project scenario
peak hour traffic volumes, with average vehicle delays within the LOS A
range during the a.m. peak hour trim period which achieves the City of
Moorpark LOS C or better objective.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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* 1 E. Lagoon /SR -118 Interchange
Although the Lagoon /SR -118 interchange was originally proposed as part of
the project, the level of development proposed for the Specific Plan site by
the year 2000 would not necessitate the construction of this freeway
interchange by the year 2000. However, the interchange is a mitigation
measure option. This option would achieve the LOS C objective.
Implementation of this mitigation would result in biological and other physical
impacts addressed within the EIR. In summary, these impacts include, but
are not limited to: potential grading and geologic impacts, biological impacts
including impacting a vernal pool and 114 oak trees, potentially impacting
several archaeological sites, and aesthetic /visual impacts of the new
interchange and roadway.
The Planning Commission did recommend that by year 10, following initiation
of construction of the Specific Plan Project, a connector road to either a new
interchange at Lagoon and State Route 118 (SR -118) or a new interchange
at Alamos Canyon and SR -118 shall be constructed, if determined by the
Moorpark City Council to be warranted, based on an updated traffic study,
and subject to required California Environmental Quality Act/National
Environmental Policy Act clearances, and approvals by affected jurisdictions.
2. The project applicant shall be required to contribute the appropriate percentage of
the cost associated with implementation of the Los Angeles Avenue /Tierra Rejada
Road intersection improvement to achieve the City of Moorpark LOS C or better
performance criteria, consisting of the addition of a second westbound left -turn lane
(which could be implemented by re- striping the east and westbound approaches of
this intersection). (F)
3. *If the City Council selects a Broadway extension versus a connector roadway to
Spring Road across lower Happy Camp Canyon Regional park, the project applicant
shall be required to complete and submit to the City of Moorpark a traffic signal
warrant analysis for the Happy Camp Road/Walnut Canyon Road /Broadway
intersection, and appropriate intersection geometric design per city standards to
allow the intersection to operate at LOS C or better for the year 2000 traffic
scenario; the project applicant shall be required to complete the traffic signal
warrant analysis, and contribute the cost of such intersection improvement based
on determination of the proposed project contribution of traffic utilizing the
intersection, when directed by the City, as indicated by traffic conditions. (F)
4. *Prior to approval of any Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan development project,
including a Master Tentative Map and a Parcel Map, a citywide Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) is required to be approved by the city, which will
include a list of planned major infrastructure improvements, a tentative schedule for
24
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
implementation, and a cost for the improvement, as well as the mechanisms or
methods for collecting fees and funding the improvement.
However, should a system of impact fees not be established, another form of
mitigation would be required to ensure that the project's cumulative contribution
towards the need for these facilities is mitigated.
5. The project applicant shall be required to pay citywide Capital Improvement
Program impact fees established by the city to implement the year 2010 circulation
system, as determined necessary by City Council to construct the Year 2010
circulation system, including but not limited to the extension of SR -118 east. (F)
6. The project applicant shall be required to contribute the fair -share percentage cost,
as determined by the City Council, for the improvements to the listed intersections
identified in Table 1 (below) for the year 2010 No Project scenario minimum
circulation system. (F)
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Raviccrl• 1_9R_0R
TABLE 1
YEAR 2010 — PROJECT PERCENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Study Intersection
Project
Percent
Contribution
New Los Angeles Ave. /Science Dr.
4.5
Los Angeles Ave./Spring Ave./Spring Rd.
14.1
Los Angeles Ave./Moorpark Ave.
Los Angeles Ave./Tierra Rejada Rd.
5.5
Collins Dr./Campus Park Dr.a
37.0
Collins Dr. /SR -118 Westbound Rams
34.1
SR -118, East of Collins Dr.'
13.8
SR -118, Collins Dr. to Princeton Ave.b
9,9
SR -118, Princeton Ave. to New L.A. Ave.
Interchange'
2,2
SR -118, SR- 118/SR -23 to Spring Rd.'
19.4
SR -118, Spring Rd. to Walnut Canyon Rd. b
11.1
SR -18, West of Walnut Canyon Rd. b
15.0
SR -118, East of Gabbert Rd.b
15.8
SR -118, West of Gabbert Rd .b
14.3
SR -118, North of Los Angeles Ave.b
5.6
Los Angeles Ave. (SR -118), West of New
Connection'
6,9
SR -23, New L.A. Ave. Interchange to Tierra Rejada
Rd.b
3.3
SR -23, South of Tierra Rejada Rd.b
2.9
' Percent contribution calculated using base year 2010 system.
b Percent contribution based on ADT.
Project traffic reduces total year 2010 demands.
Source: Associated Transportation Engine rs 1995.
7. *If new capacity is required and a reciprocal agreement is signed between the
county and the city, a traffic mitigation fee will be paid by the master developer for
impacts to SR -118, east of Erringer Road where project contribution is more than
10 percent and one peak hour trip. (F)
8. *A traffic signal warrant analysis for onsite and appropriate offsite intersections shall
be prepared and submitted to the city as a part of the master tentative tract map
application for each phase of the Specific Plan development. The traffic signal
warrant analysis shall include intersection geometric designs, per city standards.
The developers shall construct and /or contribute funds for the construction of onsite
intersection improvements and appropriate offsite improvements including but not
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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limited to intersections and improvements related to Campus Park Drive and the
Spring Road connector roadway to ensure that all project traffic impacts are
mitigated to a level of insignificance.
9. *Additional traffic studies may be needed for individual development projects within
the Specific Plan site, as more detailed information for individual planning units is
available. Such additional traffic information may include phasing of onsite and
offsite traffic improvements identified in the draft EIR, onsite signalization/
intersection improvements, ingress /egress into the community commercial center
site, etc. The determination of the need for additional traffic studies will be made
on a project -by- project basis at the time of tract map and /or planned development
permit or conditional use permit application to the city.
10. *Intersection improvements requirements for the Campus Road /Campus Park Drive
intersection shall be considered as a condition of approval for the first Master
Tentative Map and /or first tentative tract map, based on more detailed traffic warrant
and intersection design information that shall be submitted as an application
requirement. Intersection requirements may include and are not limited to
acquisition of right of way, signal installation, and re- striping.
AIR QUALITY
Project
Short -Term Construction Measures
*During clearing, grading, earth moving or excavation operations, dust emissions
should be controlled by regular watering with reclaimed water, if feasible and
available, through paving of construction roads, and other dust prevention
measures. A Dust Control Plan, acceptable to the City Engineer, shall be submitted
concurrently with submittal of the rough (as opposed to the fine) grading plan. This
Dust Control Plan shall include, but is not limited to the following measures:
A. Water all site access roads and material excavated or graded on or off -site to
prevent excessive amounts of dust. Watering shall occur a minimum of at least
two times daily, preferably in the late morning and after the completion of work
for the day. Additional watering for dust control shall occur as directed by the
City. The Dust Control Plan shall indicate the number of water trucks which will
be available for dust control at each phase of grading.
B. Cease all clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations during
periods of high winds (greater than 20 mph averaged over one hour) or anytime
wind speeds are such as to blow excessive dust offsite. The contractor shall
maintain contact with the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) meteorologist for
current information about average wind speeds.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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* C. Water or securely cover all material transported off -site and on -site to prevent
excessive amounts of dust.
* D. Minimize the area disturbed at any one time by clearing, grading, earth moving
and excavation so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust.
* E. Keep all grading and construction equipment on or near the site, until these
activities are completed.
* F. Face masks shall be used by all employees involved in grading or excavation
operations during dry periods to reduce inhalation of dust which may contain the
fungus which causes San Joaquin Valley Fever.
* G. The area disturbed by clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations
shall be minimized to prevent excessive dust generation.
* H. Wash off heavy -duty construction vehicles before they leave the site.
2. *After clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations, and during
construction activities, fugitive dust emissions shall be controlled using the following
procedures:
* A. Apply non - hazardous chemical stabilizers to all inactive portions of the
construction site. When appropriate, seed exposed surfaces with a fast -
growing, soil- binding plant to reduce wind erosion and its contribution to local
particulate levels.
* B. All active portion of the construction site shall be watered sufficiently to suppress
excess dust generation.
3. *At all times, dust emissions shall be controlled using the following procedures:
* A. On -site vehicle speed shall be limited to 15 mph.
* B. All areas experiencing vehicle traffic (e.g. parking areas, dirt roads linking
different construction areas, etc.) shall be sufficiently watered or treated with
environmentally -safe dust suppressants as often as necessary to prevent
excessive amounts of dust.
* C. Periodically sweep public streets in the vicinity of the site to remove silt (i.e., fine
earth material transported from the site by wind, vehicular activities, water runoff,
etc.), which may have accumulated from construction activities.
4. *Ozone precursor construction emissions shall be controlled using the following
measures:
28
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
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* A. Equipment engines shall be maintained in good condition and in proper tune as
set forth in manufacturers specifications.
* B. During smog season (May through October), the construction period shall be
lengthened to minimize the number of vehicles and equipment operating at the
same time.
* C. Construction activities shall utilize new technologies to control ozone precursor
emissions as they become available and feasible.
5. *All diesel engines used in construction equipments shall use reformulated diesel
fuel and high pressure injectors.
6. *During smog season (May- October) the City shall order that construction cease
during Stage III alerts to minimize the number of vehicles and equipment operating,
lower ozone levels and protect equipment operators from excessive smog levels.
The City, at its discretion, may also limit construction during Stage II alerts.
Long -Term Ongoing Operational Measures
The following mitigation measures shall be implemented onsite and incorporated into
the Specific Plan and imposed on all applicable planned development or conditional use
permit projects to reduce project - related emissions of ROC and NOx. Please also refer
to the traffic measures identified in Section 3.6 of the EIR.
7. *For all applicable planned development or conditional use permit projects, project
tenants (employers) shall develop and implement a trip reduction plan containing
strategies to reduce the number of solo drivers commuting to the work site. The
target is to meet a specific average vehicle ridership (AVR) of 1.5 (after 1997).
Increased AVR may be achieved by, but not limited to, the following reduction
measures. (F)
A. Direct financial incentives for employees who carpool, vanpool, buspool, or use
public facilities.
B. Use of fleet vehicles for ridesharing employees for personal errands.
C. Preferential parking for ridesharing employees.
D. Facility improvements which provide preferential access and /or egress for
ridesharing vehicles.
E. Personal rideshare matching and /or active use of computerized rideshare
matching service such as Commuter Computer.
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Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
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F. A guaranteed ride -home program for ridesharing employees in emergency
situations.
G. An onsite day care facility.
H. Facility improvements to encourage bicycling and walking (showers, bicycle
racks, or lockers, etc.)
I. Flexible work schedules to transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
J. Compressed work weeks such as 4/40 or a 9/80 or a 3/36 work schedule where
employees report to work fewer days during a 2 -week period, but no longer work
shifts, than employees who work five 8 -hour days per week.
K. Telecommunicating (i.e., working at home) one or more days per week.
L. Improve the level of service (LOS) for intersections with C or worse to B or better
in year 2010.
8. Prior to occupancy of the 1,300" residential unit, clean -fuel or electric hybrid school
buses should be purchased and maintained, by the project applicant, to transport
elementary and middle school students living at Hidden Creek Ranch. (F)
9. Prior to occupancy of the 800th residential unit, an onsite park and ride lot shall be
constructed, by the project applicant, to promote carpooling. (F)
10. Prior to occupancy of the 1,100th residential unit, the project applicant shall
establish or fund a shuttle service from the onsite residential areas to downtown
commercial areas and MetroLink station in the City of Moorpark. (F)
11. Prior to occupancy of the 2,O00th residential unit, a telecommuting and video
conference facility shall be provided in the community commercial center by the
master developer. (F)
12. *Prior to issuance of a zoning clearance for nonresidential projects, the project
applicant shall make a contribution to a Moorpark Traffic Systems Management
(TSM) Fund of $0.15 per square foot of floor area to fund traffic systems
management programs to reduce emissions from transportation sources. (Note: To
be used if the applicant does not pay the City's TDM Fund fee, that is based on the
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District's formula.) (F)
Trans uortation_Deruand_Management fTDM)-Fund
13. *The Ventura County APCD Guidelines for Air Quality Impact Analyses (1989)
indicate that if a project still has a significant impact after all quantifiable mitigation
measures have been applied and no emission offsets have been obtained,
30
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
emissions should be "bought down" through a contribution to a city or county offsite
transportation demand management (TDM) fund established specifically to reduce
emissions from transportation sources. That is, the remaining emissions in excess
of the 25- pound - per -day ROC /NOx significance threshold should be mitigated by
funding TDM programs that will reduce non - project generated trips and vehicle
miles traveled. This is the case for this project. The calculation of offsite TDM fee
requirement is provided below.
Emissions associated with the Hidden Creek Ranch project, including vehicular and
non - vehicular emissions for both residential and non - residential uses, were
calculated in the Draft Environmental Impact Report as 629.4 pounds of ROC and
776.5 pounds of NOx per day at project buildout.
The Ventura County APCD recommends that all projects with significant air quality
impacts fully mitigate the excess emissions through a TDM "buydown" for at least
three years. The payment of fees (or construction of facilities) can be phased over
the entire Specific Plan buildout period. Therefore, a contribution to a city- managed
offsite TDM fund, or implementation of TDM measures within the Oxnard Plain
Airshed that are capable of reducing ROC and NOx emissions is required, and the
specific amount of the fee shall be calculated and approved by the City Council prior
to approval of the first Master Tentative Map. Each future entitlement, including but
not limited to subdivision maps, planned development permits, and conditional use
permits, may be conditioned to pay its proportionate share of the cost to reduce
ROC and NOx emissions. The TDM fee shall be established by City Council
resolution or specified in the Conditions of Approval for the first Master Tentative
Map or other official agreement between the city and the Master Developer. (F)
It should be noted that all rideshare arrangements created by this measure usually
will not remain intact over the 3 -year period. Therefore, the effectiveness of this
mitigation measure (and the resulting reduction in emissions) is expected to
decrease over time. Nonetheless, a project which implements a 3 -year buydown
is considered to have lessened or reduced the significant environmental impact
(1989 Ventura County APCD Guidelines).
There is a list of programs in the 1989 Ventura County APCD Guidelines that can
be implemented with the offsite TDM fund contributed by the project applicant as
potential ways to reduce regional emissions and mitigate residual project impacts.
NOISE
Sh4r_t- term OQnstr__ucti_o_r - N_o__ise
The following mitigation measures should be implemented during all construction
activities throughout buildout of the project to minimize impacts of project - related noise
in the vicinity of the proposed project site:
31
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
*Construction activities shall be limited to the hours specified in the Moorpark
Municipal Code. No work is to be accomplished on Sundays and federal holidays.
2. Construction equipment shall be fitted with modern sound - reduction equipment.
3. Temporary perimeter barriers shall be used when construction activities are within
200 feet of any noise - sensitive uses, such as residences or schools, if the noise
level is above 65 dBA at the property line.
Since the project is a phased development, noise from construction of later phases
would affect development completed in early phases. Therefore, construction noise
mitigation measures recommended to avoid impacts on existing offsite development
shall also apply to affected onsite development.
Long -term Traffic Noise
Offsite Receptors
No mitigation measures would be necessary for existing offsite receptors.
Onsite Receptors
4. During operation of all commercial uses, no repair or maintenance of trucks or any
other vehicle shall occur outside of any commercial building.
5. Loading and unloading operations at commercial facilities shall not be conducted
between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless approved by the Director of
Community Development.
6. During the site plan review for all commercial uses, roof - mounted equipment shall
be prohibited. Exceptions to this requirement shall be subject to approval of the
Director of Community Development. Any roof - mounted equipment and other noise
generation sources approved by the Director of Community Development shall be
attenuated to 55 dBA at the property line, or to the ambient noise level at the
property line measured at the time of the occupancy. Prior to the issuance of a
zoning clearance for initial occupancy or any subsequent occupancy, the Director
of Community Development may request that a noise study be submitted for review
and approval which demonstrates that all onsite noise generation sources would be
mitigated to the required level. The noise study shall be prepared by a licensed
acoustical engineer in accordance with accepted engineering standards.
7. Prior to the approval of any subdivision, planned residential permit, or conditional
use permit, residential units, schools, parks, or similar noise - sensitive receptors,
shall be located outside of the 65 dBA Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)
zone, or noise attenuation shall be provided, as recommended in a noise study
prepared by a licensed acoustical engineer. Said determination shall be made prior
32
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
to the issuance of a building permit for each planning unit or development within a
planning unit.
8. Prior to occupancy, all multi - family dwelling units shall contain, at a minimum, the
following additional sound attenuation over and above the minimum required by the
Uniform Building Code. The construction drawings showing the attenuation
measures shall be submitted to the Department of Community Development for
review and approval.
A. Sound Transmission Class (STC) 50 between adjoining dwelling units
B. STC 45 within individual living areas
Note: The appropriate Impact Isolation Class (1IC) ratings shall apply for each of the
above.
'•� • ►� • • �• 1•.S
9. *Prior to the issuance of grading permits for the Spring Road connector roadway,
a licensed acoustical engineer shall review the grading and construction plans to
determine if noise attenuation features, such as berms or walls, should be
constructed to ensure that residential units, schools, or similar noise sensitive
receptors are located outside of the 65 dBA CNEL zone.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
ArchaevolQgJica Re%WrC_eS
1. During all earth moving activities in the vicinity of archaeological resources
(Planning Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 38A, 39A, 42A, 45), the project applicant shall
provide written evidence to the City of Moorpark Director of Community
Development or designated representative that a county - certified archaeologist has
been retained, shall be present at the pre - grading conference, shall establish
procedures for archaeological resource surveillance, and shall establish, in
cooperation with the city or landowner, as appropriate, procedures for temporarily
halting or redirecting work to permit the sampling, identification, and evaluation of
any artifacts found, as appropriate. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit,
archaeological requirements shall be incorporated as a note on the grading plan
cover sheet. If additional or unexpected archaeological features are discovered, the
archaeologist shall report such findings to the city project manager or landowner,
as appropriate. If the archaeological resources are found to be significant, the
archaeological observer shall determine appropriate actions, in cooperation with the
city or landowner, as appropriate, for exploration and /or salvage. The archaeologist
shall submit a follow -up report to the City of Moorpark Planning Department, which
shall include the period of inspection, an analysis of any artifacts found, and the
present repository of the artifacts. Excavated finds shall be offered to the County
33
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
of Ventura and/or designee, on a first refusal basis. The landowner may retain said
finds if written assurance is provided that they will be properly preserved in the
county, unless said finds are of special significance, or a museum in the County of
Ventura indicates a desire to study and /or display them at this time, in which case
items shall be donated to the city, or designee. These actions, as well as final
mitigation and disposition of the resources, shall be subject to the approval of the
City of Moorpark Director of Community Development or designated representative.
2. Prior to First Master Tentative Map approval, mitigation for direct and indirect
impacts to archaeological sites CA -Ven -1134 and -1135 shall be identified. The
mitigation shall include one of the following:
A. Relocation of Planning Unit boundaries /fuel modification zones to completely
avoid disturbance of CA -Ven -1134 and -1135. Should the boundary relocation
be feasible, then every effort shall be made to minimize indirect impacts to these
sites. This effort shall include the presence of an archaeological monitor onsite
during grading and fuel modification brush clearance of Planning Units 2 and 3.
Fencing or stakes shall be erected outside of the sites to visually depict the
areas to be avoided during construction; and relocation of the access point to
the East Mesa to avoid disturbing the known archaeological sites (CA -Ven -1134
and - 1135); or if avoidance /preservation is not feasible, then:
B. Prior to grading for Planning Units 2 or 3, Phase III fieldwork shall be conducted
for archaeological sites CA -Ven -1134 and -1135, or any other sites within the
potential impact area of development that cannot be avoided. The Phase III
work will provide sufficient scientific information to fully mitigate the impacts of
development on these sites.
3. *Prior to consideration of a conditional use permit for future course development in
Planning Unit 45, mitigation for direct and indirect impacts to archaeological sites
CA -Ven -1130, -1137, -1138, and -1143 shall be identified. The mitigation shall
include one of the following:
A. Completely avoid disturbance of CA -VEN -1130, -1137, -1138, and -1143.
Should complete avoidance be infeasible, then every effort shall be made to
minimize indirect impacts to these sites. This effort shall include the presence
of an archaeological monitor onsite during grading and fuel modification brush
clearance of Planning Unit 45. Fencing or stakes shall be erected outside of the
sites to visually depict the areas to be avoided during construction.
Or if avoidance /preservation is not feasible, then:
B. Prior to grading for Planning Unit 45, Phase III field work shall be conducted for
archaeological sites CA -VEN -1130, -1137, -1138, and -1143 within the potential
impact area of development that cannot be avoided. The Phase III work will
34
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
provide sufficient scientific information to fully mitigate the impacts of
development on these sites.
4. In order to reduce indirect impacts from increased human presence on preserved
archaeological sites outside of the development area, a program to limit human
access to Planning Unit 45 shall be implemented prior to occupancy of residential
units anywhere on the Specific Plan site. The plan shall be developed and
implemented by the project applicant or Master Developer and approved by a
certified archaeologist familiar with the resources present at the project site. The
plan shall include one of the following:
A. Elimination of proposed access points into the area and continued restricted
entry into any unimproved access road leading into the area, or
B. Fencing and /or other access - restriction methods around the archaeologically
sensitive areas in the eastern portion of the project to inhibit human access, or
C. Planting of non - invasive plant species with thorns or other characteristics in
areas close to known resource to discourage human presence, or
D. Capping of known resources, in consultation with a certified archaeologist.
Prior to the approval of grading plans for any subdivision, planned residential
development permit, or conditional use permit requiring grading, a soils report shall
be submitted to the Community Development Department identifying the types of
soils that will be exposed to grading activities. Paleontological resource
requirements shall be incorporated as a note on the grading plan cover sheet. For
most grading activities, a qualified paleontologist shall be retained by the property
owner or the City of Moorpark, at the expense of the project applicant, to monitor,
and, if necessary, salvage scientifically significant fossil remains during grading
operations. The duration of these inspections shall depend on the sensitivity of the
rock units, the rate of excavation, and the abundance of fossils. The duration shall
be determined by:
A. Grading activities in geologic units of high paleontological sensitivity shall require
full -time monitoring by a qualified paleontologist.
B. Geologic units of low or moderate paleontological sensitivity shall require part-
time monitoring. If significant fossils are observed during grading, full -time
monitoring shall be implemented.
35
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
C. The paleontologists shall have the power to temporarily divert or direct grading
efforts to allow for evaluation and any necessary salvage of exposed fossils.
2. During paleontological studies, matrix samples for microvertebrates shall be
collected and processed. Any microvertebrates recovered shall be identified in a
qualified facility such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. All
fossils shall also be identified. These remains should be donated to an institution
with a research and/or educational interest in the materials such as the Los Angeles
County Museum of Natural History.
3. Prior to the conclusion of grading activities for any subdivision, a final report
summarizing findings, including an itemized inventory and contextual stratigraphic
data, shall accompany the fossils to the designated repository with an additional
copy sent to the City of Moorpark Director of Community Development or
designated representative. Locations of recorded fossil deposits shall remain
confidential and shall be disclosed only on a "need -to- know" basis.
PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES
Fire Protection
The proposed project will be subject to the standard requirements of the Ventura County
Fire Protection District associated with access, water supply, fire flow, vegetation
management, and facility fees.
*Prior to a determination of application completeness for the First Master Tentative
Map, the Master Developer shall enter into an agreement with the Ventura County
Fire Protection District (VCFPD) establishing the timing and funding for the provision
of fire protection facility(ies) and infrastructure requirements of the Specific Plan
project. This agreement shall be reviewed and approved by the City Council. The
agreement shall identify how many units can be built prior to the provision of a new
fire station, where the fire station would be located, and what additional
infrastructure is needed for the project. Other requirements for building construction
standards (e.g., sprinklers, metal studs, fire proofing) shall also be set forth in the
agreement. The agreement shall also identify alternative methods for providing
adequate fire protection facilities, should a fire station be located offsite or a change
occurs in staffing or services made available by the VCFPD. (F)
2. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for the First Master Tentative
Map, the Master Developer shall develop a fire hazard reduction program in
consultation with the Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFPD) and approved
by the City of Moorpark Director of Community Development. Said program will be
developed by the Master Developer, but shall be maintained by an entity(ies), such
as a homeowner's association, assessment district, or similar entity, that can assure
adequate fire hazard reduction management throughout the lifetime of the project.
36
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
The program shall include, at a minimum, a vegetation management program
focusing on the continued management of highly combustible vegetation, providing
defensible space, and the elimination invasive non - native species introduced by
residents of the project. One component of the program shall be the permanent
establishment of minimum 100 -foot fuel modification zones to the standards of the
VCFPD for all structures adjacent to open space areas with native vegetation. The
fuel modification zones shall be designed by and planted under the supervision of
a landscape architect with expertise in native plant materials and habitat restoration.
Native and non - native low -fuel vegetation materials shall be provided as
replacement vegetation. The program shall include specific guidelines as to the
frequency of maintenance (e.g., weed abatement), allowable species for planting,
responsibility of clearing public and private zones, and irrigation requirements or
restrictions.
3. All subdivision maps, planned development permits, and conditional use permits
shall be conditioned to require that the following measures be implemented by the
Merchant Builders for the construction of all proposed structures, especially those
facing natural open space. The Specific Plan shall comply with current high fire
hazard area requirements as regulated by the Uniform Building Code and the
Uniform Fire Code.
RW i c e- Pmtectii_ SeTvices
Prior to the initiation of grading, a construction security service shall be established
at the construction site. Initially, the service shall ensure that no unauthorized entry
is made into the construction area. Once construction of structures commences,
security shall be onsite 24 -hours a day to prohibit unauthorized entry. Other
measures, as identified by the Moorpark Police Department and the Community
Development Department, shall be instituted during the construction phase.
2. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for planned development
permits, conditional use permits, and tract/parcel maps, the Ventura County Sheriffs
Department (VCSD) shall review all plans for the purpose of identifying measures
to increase safety and avoid unsafe conditions. Specifically, measures shall be
identified that focus on the following areas:
• Parking lot lighting
• Residential and commercial building standards for security
• Landscaping requirements
• Security patrols (commercial uses)
• Neighborhood watch programs
3. Prior to the occupancy of structures in all phases, sufficient emergency access (two
points) shall be provided to allow for patrols to enter the Specific Plan site.
37
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
4. *Prior to approval of the First Master Tentative Map, a mechanism for funding
necessary police facilities and staffing will be specifically identified and agreed to
by the project applicant. Such a mechanism could include Mello Roos, Community
Financing District, bonds, etc. The funding shall be sufficient to provide adequate
staffing and resources for the needs of the project, as recommended by the
Moorpark Police Department (Ventura County Sheriffs Department) and approved
by the City Council. (F)
Water
*Prior to a determination of application completeness for the First Master Tentative
Map for the Specific Plan site, the Master Developer shall coordinate with the
Calleguas Municipal Water District and Ventura County Water Works District No. 1
in the establishment of precise locations for water supply services and facilities
(lines, pressure- reducing stations, water tanks, etc.) that would be constructed
onsite and offsite to adequately serve the domestic water needs of the Specific Plan
project.
2. During grading activities, reclaimed water, if feasible and available, shall be used
by the Master Developer and merchant builders to satisfy all non - potable water
needs. Reclaimed water for construction activities can be provided via a piped
system from a water treatment plant (Moorpark or Simi Valley) or by trucking it from
one of these plants.
3. A reclaimed water system shall be operational for irrigation purposes, consistent
with the project phasing plan, to ensure reclaimed water is available for irrigation of
roadway landscaping, parks, public facilities, the golf course(s) and related facilities,
and other pertinent uses. (F)
Was-tebcater
1. *Prior to a determination of application completeness for the first Master Tentative
Map, the project applicant shall coordinate with the Ventura County Water Works
District No. 1 (WWD No. 1) in the establishment of precise design and locations for
wastewater facilities (treatment plant, lines, lift stations, etc.) that would be
constructed onsite to adequately serve the proposed project. (F)
*Prior to a determination of application completeness for tract/parcel maps, planned
development permits, and conditional use permits, measures to reduce the amount
of refuse generated by the proposed project shall be developed in consultation with
the Ventura County Solid Waste Management Division, the City of Moorpark, and
in accordance with the waste reduction requirements set forth by the California
Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989. (F) Such measures shall include, but
are not limited to, the following:
38
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
RPvicPri• 1_1R_gR
A. Use of current technology available for minimizing or recycling waste products
in the provision of recycling programs and facilities that allow paper, metal,
plastics, and glass to be separated.
B. Use of special landscape treatments and the composting of green waste to
minimize the amount of yard waste generated.
Energy
Electrical and Natural Gas
Prior to issuance of each building permit, the applicant shall submit plans to the City
Building Inspector demonstrating that each of the project's buildings will comply with
the State Energy Conservation Standards for New Residential and Nonresidential
Buildings (Title 24, Part 6, Article 2, California Administrative Code).
1. The project applicant shall pay school fees to the Moorpark Unified School District
in accordance with California Government Code Section 65995, or as specified in
any agreement between the applicant and the School District. Applicable fees shall
be paid prior to the issuance of each building permit.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
*Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the sumps and spill containment areas
located within the development areas (planning units, public trails, and areas to be
graded and cleared) of the Specific Plan site shall be identified, and sampled, to
determine the types and concentrations of the contaminants present, if any. If
contaminants are encountered, the vertical and lateral extent of contamination shall
be assessed before a remediation alternative is selected by the City Engineer and
Director of Community Development. Offsite disposal may be required for soils
contaminated with heavy metals, solvents, or other hazardous substances.
2. *Prior to issuance of a building permit, the debris materials on the Specific Plan site
shall be disposed of at a Class III (Municipal) landfill. However, if suspect materials
are encountered, such as batteries, transformers, 55- gallon drums, waste oil
containers, etc., these shall be separated and disposed of appropriately.
3. *Prior to issuance of a grading permit, investigation for the presence of abandoned
oil wells using geophysical methods, shall be conducted by a qualified
environmental professional to assess any potential presence of hazardous
materials. Soil sampling or a soil organic vapor survey shall be preformed prior to
excavation or grading.
39
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan
List of Mitigation Measures
Revised: 1 -16 -98
4. *Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall remove or abandon debris
materials, irrigation lines, abandoned underground storage tanks, and water and oil
wells located within the proposed development area. The water and oil wells shall
be abandoned in accordance with the guidelines established by the California
Division of Oil and Gas. All sump deposits shall be identified and mitigated.
5. *Prior to approval of city discretionary actions, the city shall, as a part of the
determination of CEQA adequacy, review the mitigation measures set forth in the
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan final EIR for dust suppression and erosion
control, to determine if such measures will continue to mitigate potential effects
associated with Coccidioides immitis (Valley Fever), or if additional measures are
needed.
40
Jan -15 -98 05:30P messenger investmentco. 714 546 -1050 P -O2
IA&MESSENGER
January 15, 1998
Mr, Nelson Miller
Director of Community Development
CITY OF MOORPARK
799 Moorpark Avenue
Moorpark, CA 93021
RE: EIR for Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan.
Dear Nelson:
The purpose of this letter is to respond to certain issues raised concerning the EIR for the
Hidden Creek Ranch Specific Plan.
Valley Fever (Coccidioides immltis): At the January 7 Council meeting, a question was
asked about the need for soil sampling to determine if the spores are present. We
contacted the Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE), a collaboration between the
University of Arizona and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center to see if a soil sampling
methodology exists and is recommended for individual construction projects. Dr. Marion
A. Wieden, Executive Director, stated that a sampling program for individual geographic
locations does not exist and is of little benefit since the Valley Fever spores are endemic
to a very large area of the southwestern United States and Mexico. She advised that the
spores are extremely small and light and may remain suspended for very long periods of
time, capable of traveling hundreds of miles. As an example, a dust storm that occurred
in the San Joaquin Valley was attributed to be the probable cause of a statistical increase
in Valley Fever in the San Francisco Bay Area. Consequently, Valley Fever researchers
have not felt any benefit would be derived from selective soil sampling. Rather, research
has focused upon methods of diagnosing and treating Valley Fever. The literature
recommends the use of dust control measures during grading operations to reduce
airborne dust which might allow spores to become airborne. A package of information
on Valley Fever from the VFCE is being forwarded under separate cover as an exhibit to
this letter.
We also spoke to Glen Barnhill, Special Projects Division Chief, Kern County Planning
Department, who is responsible for CEQA administration and implementation for Kern
County. He stated that the Kern County Board of Supervisors received a report in August
of 1995 prepared by the Kern County Valley Fever Task Force containing findings and
recommendations. Kern County staff utilizes the findings and recommendations
contained in that report as the basis for their EIR disclosure policy and project mitigation
requirements. Kern County mitigation measures relating to Valley Fever requires
959 SOUTH COAST DRIVE!, SUITE 490
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626
(714) 546 -1300 / FAX (714) 546.1050
Jan -15 -98 05:30P messenger investmentco. 714 546 -1050 P.03
January 15, 1998
Mr. Nelson Miller
Director of Community Development
CITY OF MOORPARK
Page 2
monitoring and enforcement of dust control rules and ordinances currently in place. No
sampling is required nor is there a procedure that they believe is effective. This is
because the results of selective sampling do not enable the County to carry out a more
effective mitigation program. A summary of the Task Force Report is attached.
Moorpark staff has noted that the historical record of occurrences of Valley Fever in
Moorpark have been quite low, statistically. The Moorpark area has experienced a great
deal of construction associated with growth over the last fifteen years. Projects include
the 118 -23 connector, construction at the college and the Griffin Campus Hills tract, and
the residential development of the whole southwestern area of the city. From the
historical scarcity of recorded Valley Fever cases over the past fifteen years, one may
infer that the Moorpark area does not appear to be statistically problematic. And since
the soils and geological characteristics of the Hidden Creek Ranch are similar to those
of the Moorpark area, one would expect future valley Fever occurrences to remain in the
same statistical range.
Finally, there was no statistical "spike" of Valley Fever occurrences in the Moorpark area
recorded by the County immediately after the Northridge earthquake. Again, by inference,
there appears to be no historical evidence that the Moorpark area has a greater
probability of Valley Fever than any other geographic area.
Possible Contamination from Crude Oil Recovery Operations: Staff has included
mitigation measures under the Public Health and Safety section that require Hidden Creek
Ranch Partners (HCR) to "clean up" any contamination discovered within the development
areas. At the January 7 Council meeting, questions were asked about the clean -up of
Open Space areas. Staff responded that a "Phase I" environmental survey was conducted
on the whole Specific Plan area and that minimal indications of contamination were found.
Second, staff noted that the historical uses of the property included 1) cattle and sheep
grazing, 2) crude oil recovery along the southeast edge of the area, and 3) citrus and
avocado orchard farming on some of the parcels on the west side. Except for the
grazing, the other two activities were confined to very specific geographic areas of the
property.
Staff indicated that HCR would be responsible for any clean up requirements within the
area of development as well as the system of public trails. The concern expressed about
the oil recovery facilities being located within the area designated as public Open Space
is addressed in the mitigation measures. To summarize, these facilities will be fenced off
from public access, as they currently are now.
MESSENGER rm EN r COW IN
Jan -15 -98 05:30P messenger investmentco. 714 546 -1050 P_04
January 15, 1998
Mr. Nelson Miller
Director of Community Development
CITY OF MOORPARK
Page 3
For clarification purposes, it bears repeating that HCR has no legal ownership of the oil
wells and facilities within the specific plan area. The Oak Park Field oil wells that were
developed by Unocal and now owned by Nuevo Energy Company are located within a
blanket easement along the southeast boundary of the HCR property. Also, the oil wells
on the HCR property are well outside of the area proposed for development. Well No.
8, on Unocal property, and the injection well on Moorpark College property are the only
wells located within the development footprint. While HCR accepts responsibility to clean
up any contamination within the area proposed for development, HCR has no legal
control of the oil recovery facilities outside of the area proposed for development. These
activities are allowed by mineral rights ownership law, a Ventura County Conditional Use
Permit having no sunset provisions, and are governed by State Department of Oil and
Gas regulations.
To help clarify HCR's legal rights and responsibilities as property owners of the fee land,
HCR asked Laura K. McAvoy, attorney with the law offices of Nordman, Kormany, Hair
& Compton with experience in oil and gas activities to provide a letter of explanation and
clarification. Her letter is included as an attachment to this letter. The purpose of this
information is to help staff and the Council evaluate the feasibility of the proposed
mitigation measures.
If you have any questions regarding this letter and the attached information, please
contact us.
Sincerely,
HIDDEN CREE RAN H PARTNERS, L.P.
V" J
Gary Austin
Vice President
Attachments
MESSENGER
I N V E S T M E N T C 0 M A N Y
Jan -15 -98 05:31P messenger investmentco. 714 546 -1050 P.05
PROCEEDINGS OF THE FORTIETH ANNUAL
COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS STUDY GROUP MEETING
ABSTRACTS
Mayo Clinic
Scottsdale, Arizona
March 30, 1996
Hille B. Levine, Ph.D.
Chairholder
John N. Galgiani, M.D.
Secretary
Diane L. Tauro
Production Editor
Appreciation is expressed for
the support of the California
Thoracic Society.
Catalogued by the National
Library of Medicine.
Address editorial
correspondence to:
Dr. John N. Galgiani
Medical Service (111)
VA Medical Center
Tucson, AZ 85723.
Jan -15 -98 05:31P messenger investmentca. 714 546 -1050 P.06
12
KERN COUNTY VALLEY FEVER TASK FORCE REPORT
ON THE CONTROL OF C0CC1D101DES jAfM117S R. Talbot, K.
Emery, BA Jinadu, Kern County Health Department, Bakersfield, CA.
The Following is a summary of a report given to the Kern County
Board of Supervisors in August 1995. Findings of the 29 member Task
Force include the following: (1) Fungus grows in small sites along
foothills and in undeveloped (virgin) soils of the San Joaquin Valley (2)
Fungus grows only in top few inches of soil (3) Extensive soil testing
for the fungus is not reliable nor practical (4) Transmission of Valley
Fever is primarily caused by naturally occurring winds and dust storms,
secondarily by dust - creating activities on undeveloped soils, earth
moving (land development), earth tilling (agriculture), mining (oil
drilling), recreation (off road vehicles). home gardening (landscaping)
(5) Drought conditions followed by heavy rainfall in late winter and
spring months each year (1991 -1994) caused abundant growth of fungus
in virgin soils resulting in increased human and animal infections in the
Southern San Joaquin Valley (6) Land developmcnt/construetion
activities declined during this 1991 -1994 epidemic period (7)
Construction and agricultural activities reduce future risk of Valley Fever
by paving over or planting on infected soil areas ( "hot spots ") (8) NQ
state of California policy or Cal- O.S.H.A. regulations for protection or
education of workers (9) 50% of Kern County residents already immune
due to previous Valley Fever infection (10) Cost of 1991 -94 epidemic -
$66.6 million.
Recommendations of task force: (Dust Control) (1) Monitor and
enforce dust control rules and ordinances currently in place: A. Rule
8020 - Regulation VIII (APCD) B. Kern County grading, land division
and zoning ordinances C. Include Valley Fever in "Risk of Upset"
section of Environmental Impact Reports (E.M.) (Education and
Protection) (2) Public information campaigns (3) Dust/Mist mask use
advisory for dusty conditions and YolUntm skin testing (4) Industries
provide information to workers "At Risk" (Research) (5) Support Kem
County Health Department in the following on -going Valley Fever
research: A. Occupational surveys B. Skin Testing surveys C.
Epidemiology studies D.Soil studies (Vaccine Development) (6)
Support vaccine fund raising and development activities 37 -10 million):
A. Elected officials B. Medical/research community C. Kem County
industry D. New media E. Community -at- large.
Summary: (1) Kern County is a highly endemic area for Valley
Fever. (2) Valley Fever infections are an environmental phenomenon.
(3) Dust control and education may reduce infections. (4) A vaccine will
produce a significant reduction in cases.
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VON" 0. OWN/M
January 15, 1998
Mr. Jeff Gordon
Mr. Gary Austin
Hidden Crank Ranch, L.P
Messenger Investment Company
959 South Coast Drive, Suite 490
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Rea siadem Creek aanob, L.P.
Legal Aighte of Mineral Owner
Gentleuen t
You have requested our opinion as to the relative legal
rights of the mineral owner, now Nuevo Energy company, a
Delaware corporation ( "Nuevo "), in the property owned by Hidden
creek Ranch, L.P. Thin office, and specifically the
undersigned, does a substantial amount of legal services in the
oil and gas field both for landowners and oil operators. I
have reviewed the original granting documents by which the
mineral rights were severed from the surface ownership as well
as certain related clarifications and modifications of those
rights accomplished by various agreements between the then
mineral owner and then surface owner in 1979 that are a matter
Of public record.
In the present circumstances, the mineral rights are owned
by Nuevo arising out of a severance of the mineral rights from
the surface that occurred in 1689. Hornbook law and virtually
every jurisdiction in the United States and specifically the
law in California is that mineral rights and the right to
extract those mineral rights are deemed to be a dominant
interest In land with the surface as the servient estate. (See
1 Williams i Keyers, Oil and Gas Law, and Sullivan, Handbook or
Oil and Gas Law.) This relative priority of rights is implied
in the low oven if it is not expressly provided for. However,
in the current circumstances, the dominance in specifically
contained within the 1889 deed reservation. Specific relevant
language from the 1a89 document states that the mineral owner
has "the full, free, exclusive and perpetual right to explore,
JAN 15 '98 17 =44
P.07
Jan -15 -98 05:31P messenger investmentco. 714 546 -1050 P_08
Mr. Jeff Gordon
Mr. Gary Austin
January 15, 1998
page 2
dig, mine
from the
right of
over said
rights ee
in and on
pumps an
dand bore for and otherwise to extract said substances
lands . . . and also the full, free and perpetual
ingress to and egress from the right of way upon and
lands, proper and necessary for the exercise of said
reserved . . . also, all necessary rights of location
said lands for . _ . wells . . . tanks, dumps, . . .
all other necessary machinery." Consequently, as
surface owner, you
hinder or remove the
exist on the surface
have no legal right to interfere with,
operations of the mineral owner that may
lards.
In 1979, the surface and mineral owner negotiated a
certain carving down of the mineral owner's rights of entry.
The 1979 documents contain a specific reconfirmation of the
rights of the mineral owner. "Surface owner hereby recognizes
and expressly confirms (Mineral Owner's) said nineral rights as
modified hereinabove, and nothing herein contained in this
agreement shall be deemed to be an abridgment or limitation
thereof . . . and surface owner hereby agrees for itself, and
Its successors in interest, as a covenant running with said
surface rights land, which covenant is ► hereby created, never to
contest the title of (Mineral owner) to said retained mineral
rights, or to offs a v hinderance or pbstruction to the
exercise of enjmme t of the same by [Mineral Owner-It"
(emphasis added and Mineral Owner inserted). The other
contents of these 1979 documents are not relevant to this
diecussion'in that they are the documents that created certain
drilling islands and road, pipe and power line rights of ways.
Consequently, it is our opinion that you would have no
current legal right to require the mineral owner to assist you
in your development, to allow any interference with their
current operations or any restriction imposed by the surface
owner on future potential operations of the mineral owner, and
certainly, contained within those limitations, would be the
inability to force abandonment of existing operations and
removal of existing equipment.
Should you have any questions or comments concerning this
matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours
NORDfX% Y , HAIR i COMPTON
Laura K. XCAVOy
LKH., ark
916MY/M.W1