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RESOLUTION NO. 462l
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
AMENDING THE OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT, -PUBLIC
SAFETY EI~MENT, LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ON THE GENERAL PLAN
MAP AND IMPLEMENTATION SECTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN RELATING
TO HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, the City Council and Planning Commission have con~
ducted public ,hearings for the purpose of considering amending the Open
Space and Conservation Element, Public Safety Element, land use desig-
nations on the General Plan Map and implementation section of the
General Plan; and
WHEREAS, at both public hearings interested persons were given
full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND DETERMINED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA THAT:
SECTION l. The Open Space and Conservation Element, Public
Safety Element, land use designations on the General Plan Map and imple-
mentation section of the General Plan be amended as shown on attached
Exhibit "A".
SECTION 2. The City Council finds that the public convenience,
necessity, general welfare and good planning practice justify the afore-
described General Plan designation.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of
this resolution.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was adopted
at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcadia held
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4621
on the 19th day of April, 1977, by the affirmative vote of at least
three Council members, to wit:
AYES:
Councilmen Gilb, Lauber, Margett, Parry and Saelid
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
&'-'4ff~/d 5t
~
City Clerk of the City of Arcadia
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SIGNED AND APPROVED this 19th day of April, 1977.
~A
Ci ty Clerk
(SEAL)
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PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT (Page 5)
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SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY
There are three known Iaul ts whi.ch are considered active
(movement within the past 11,000 years) which could affect
the Ci ty of Arcadia. These faul ts are the San Andreas fault,.
the Sierra Madre fault and the Raymond Hill fault. (See
Plate I for locations.)
Primary seismic hazards from an earthquake along the above
faults would be in the form of potential strong to severe ground
shaking and potential surface rupturing along or in close prox-
imity to the fauli traces.
Secondary sei~mic hazards from an earthquake along the
above faults would be in the form of potential liquifaction
for areas along the Raymond Hill fault, potential landslides'
.in portions of the San Gabriel Mountains, and potentialseich-
ing at the Santa Anita Dam, generated by tilting of the ground
surface north of the Sierra Madre fault~
The Sierra
run throu h
The following chart gives the design magnitude~ for three
generalized types of land use for the above faults and their
approximate recurrence intervals.
EARTHQUAKE DESIGN MAGNITUDES
ApproXimate
Recurrence Sierra Raymond San
Interval Madre Hill Andreas
Use (Years) Fault Fault Fault
Limited Occupancy
(warehouses, auto- 50-100 5.0 8.5
j' mated manufacturing
facilities, etc. )
. Normal Occupancy
(residences, normally 100-200 6.5 5.6 8.5
occupied factories,
etc. )
Critical Faci lities
(hospital, lrre and
police stations, 300-800 7 . 5 6.5 8.5
schools, critical
utilities, etc. )
Exhihit "A"
1 of 8
PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT (Page 7)
FLoOD HAZARDS
TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY
Flood hazards which could affect the City of Arcadia
include (1) natural floods, (2) mud and debris flows, and
(3) floods resulting from dam failure., '
Natural floods are those which could occur as a result of
an intense storm., The flood hazard that would be the most com-
mon'would be the flooding resulting from a temporary blockage
or inadequate' capaci ty of storm sewers. '
Mud and debris flows 'involve a rapid downslope movement
of saturated soil, subsoil and weathered bedrock, generally
originating in hillside areas. Such flows are more likely to
occur after a fire in which the removal of vegetation lowers
the stability of exposed soils and le~seris the water holding
capability of the watershed.
These mudslides ~re a potential hazard to homes in the
,area. Therefore, 'standards should be established ,that will
minimize, the potential for mudslides tn hillside developments.
There are four dams upstream from the City of Arcadia
whose failure could result in the innundation of portions of
the City and adjoining jurisdictions. These dams include
(1) the San Gabriel Reservoir, Pasadena; (2) Sierra Madre Dam,
Sierra Madre; (3) 'Santa Anita Dam, Arcadia; and (4) Saw Pit
Dam, Monrovia. '
The mapping of the areas subject to innundation was pre-
pared by the L05 Angeles County Flood Control Distri~t using
the following assumptions: (1) the dams were filled to capac-
ity, and (2) the failure was instantaneous. The effect of
structures' (i.e., buildings and the Foothill Freeway) was not
considered in the mapping. (See Plate II for 'locations.)
Based upori ~urrent evidence (i.e., dam construction, geb-
logic conditions, eartfiquake frequency and potential earthquake
magnitude) none of the aforementioned dams is expected to fail.
Exhibit "A"
20f 8
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PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT (Page B)
FIRE HAZARDS
Arcadia is primarily a city of homes, consequently, the
'majority of all structure fires within the City occur in resi-
dential property. For the five-year period, 1970 through 1974,
there was an average, of lB9 building fires per,year. Of these,
154 occurred in residential property.
The total average
period was $255,000 or
far below the national
annual fire loss during the five-year
approxi~ately $5.54 per capita. This, is
average.
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Although there were many minOrin)uries to fir~ fighters
and civilians as a result of fires and 'fire fighting operations
during the.five-year period, there was only one fire death. '
Residential Fires
While almost all fires in i~sidential properties during
the five-year period have been confined to the building of ori-
gin, there has been. constant pot~ntial for a widespread fire~
This potential is duc primarily to gcographical location of the
City and weather conditions rathcr than because of fire hazards;
however, the ext~nsive use of wooden shingle roofs is a contri-
buting factor. Following is a list of ' factors which contribute
to the threat of a conflagration within residential properties:
1. The most likely location for the loss of a number
of homes during one fire is the northern portion of
the City. This is due to the possibility of a fast
moving brush fire sweeping into the community at that
point. ' This is most likely to happen following a
,period of several days of hot, dry weather accom-
panied by strong winds. Future hillside development
should take into consideration otential fire hazards
an ma e use 0 ire reSistent plantings an flre
resistent building materials.
2. There is a possibility of a large loss, of multi-
family dwelling units as a result of a fire start-
ing"in a laige condominium or apartment house com-
plex during construction. It will be extremely
difficult to confine a'fire of this nature to the
occupancy under construction. If such a fire
occurred during'strong wind conditions, the result
could be a widespread fire.
3. The number and extent of fires which may occur dur-
ing a major, earthquake is difficult to estimate. '
One ,of the problems will be the possibility of a
'total loss' of telephone communications which w,ill
-B-
Exhibit "A"
3 of B
OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT (Page 18)
STUDY AREA 1
WILDERNESS PARK AND FOOTHILLS
Existing Natural Featurcs
the
Thc dominantvegctation in the area is Coastal Sage
Scrub Chaparral. Numerous other forms of indigenous vege-
tation may also be found in the area.
There are'many species of wildlife which inhabit
the foothill ~nd riverbed areas including:
Resident mammals: Coyote, Grayfox, Mule Deer,
Raccoon, Virginia Opossum, Striped Skunk,'Western
Pepistrel (Bat), California Ground Squirrel,
Dusky-footed Woodrat, Audohon Cottontail Rahbit,
Valley Pocket Gopher, Urush Rabhit, and Uroad-
handed Shrew.
Resident Birds: Red-tailed nawk, Sparrow Hawk,
California Quail, Downey Woodpecker, Acorn Wood-
pecker, Scrub Jay, Stellars Jay, House Sparrbw,
Great Horned Owl, Poorwill. '
Reptiles and Amphibians: Pacific Treefrog, Canyon
Treefrog, Western T~ad; Foothill Alligator Lizard,
Gopher Snake, Mountain Kingsnakc, Wcstern Garter
Snake, and Pacific Rattlesnake.
Existing Development
Santa Anita Canyon Road is the only developed road
that exists in Area 1. It extends north from Santa Anita'
Avenue into the Angeles National Forcst to Chantry Pla'ts.
A few turnout areas already exist where a panorama of the
San Gabriel Valley may be seen.
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nyhihif "A"
4 Of e
\,.L ......00'- .......,)
A limited' amount of additional low density residen-
tial dev~lopment appears to be feasible along portion~
of the southern boundary of Area No. I.,
'Recommendations
1. That the entire study area classified as conservation
area and that prior tb the City's consideration for
the granting of any permit, license, o~ other entitle-
ment to use for any public or private project to be
c~rriid out wi~hin the area which may have a signi-
ficant impatt on the'environment ~n environmental
impact rcpor,t shall be filed wilh,the City.
2.
In order
area, al
,economIC
3. The
an
hillside
social
4. A program for,the preservation and protection of
indigenous wildlife hegun with the Wildlife Sanctuary
declaration and appointment of a ~atureCoordinator
should be maintained and expanded if required through
'the adoption of appropriate regulatory ordih.nces.
5. In order ,to take full advantage of the educational
and recreational potential of the natural resources
within Wilderness Park, it,is recommended that the
park'ssyst'em of nature trails and field observation
areas be expanded, hiking trails into thc foothills
should be encoutagedthrough mutual cooperation with
the adjoining jurisdictions.
6. Additional recreational uses within Wilderness Park
should not detrimentally alter the present 'character
of the park.
7. ,Alternatives for the possible future expansion of
Wilderness Park into the Clam Shell Canyon area
should be developed in cooperation with the adjoining
jurisdictions and regulatory agencies.
8.; The existing watershed areas should be evaluated to
determine if stabilization work is needed to protect
the soil from erosion.
9. ,A cooperative effort between the City of Arcadia, City
of Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County Road Departmcnt,
Los Angeles County Flood Control District, and the
Forcst Servi~c for the developmbnt and in~rovement
of scenic vista points along Santa Anita Ca~yon shoutd
he pursucd. '
Exhibit "A"
5 of If
OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT (Page 21)
STUDY AREA 2
FLOOD CONTROL DEBRIS DISPOSAL AND FOOTHILLS
Existing Natural Features
The area tontains 197.00 acr~swhich are undeveloped
except for flood control facilities. It is located south
of Wilderness Park and ~orth of Oak Glcn Drivc between
the easterly City limit and the west lirie o'f the flood
control right-of-way.
The vegetation and wildlife found in ,this area are
essentially the same as in Arca 1. Howcv~r, this area
would not be considered a true example of Coastal Sage
Scrub Chaparral area but rather a dry river bed area.
EXlsting Development
The flood tontrol area is used for a debris disposal
site for the silt removed from behind Santa Anita Dam,
a settling basin, and for the control ahd div~rsion of
rain water.
Lands within the rights-of-way have been utilized
as inactive open space and for riding and hiking,trails.
Requests for specific land uses within the flood control
property must be made to the Los Angeles County Flood
Control District' for their approval. . Generally most uses
associated with a foothill or wilderness area would be
approved. For example, camping facilities, picnic areas
and hikihg trails would perhaps be among the most feasible
uses. Any use involvin~ permanent structures ~ay not be
permitted. Ariy use within the area may be subject to
flooding damage due"to the primary activity of the channel.
47;28 acres 24%
otis area. Portions of
for residential development.
Exhibit "A"
6 of 8
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OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT (Page 22)
Recommenda !.ions
1. That the entire study area be classified a conserva-
tion area and that prior to the City's consideration
fat the grunting of any permit, license,or other
entitlement t6 use for any public or private, project
to be carried out within the area which miy have a
significant impact on the environment, an en~ironmental
impact report shall be filed with thi' City; .
" 2., Flood
3. Work in cooperation with the L~s Angeles County Flood.
Control District for future open space uses of their
property which would substantially retain the open
sp~c~ nature of the area.
4. A progiam for the preservatiori and protection of wild-
life should be ~eveloped for this area when and if
the area is opened up to the general public.
5. Alternatives for the possible future expansion of
Wilderness Park into the northern portion oJ this area
should be developed.
Exhibit "A"
7 of 8
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GENERAL PLAN (Page 87)
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87
the 'location, purpose and extent of such acquisition, dis-
position, or public struc re or building has been submitted
to and r~ported upon by the Planning Commission as to con-
formi ty with the' adopted General Plan. The Planning Com-
mission may approve the proposed action, conditionally approve
the action setting forthth~ conditions it finds necessary
for the proposal to conform with the adopted General Plan,
or disapprove 'the action. If'the Planning Commission should
disapprove the action, the disapproval may be appealed to
the City Council.
Specific Plans
The General Plan calls for the preparation and adoption
of several specific plans to implement the policies and
plan proposals. These are 'plan~which indicate specific
design concepts and/or development standards and regulations
for the development af land and facilities within Arcadia.
,1. The Zoning Ordinance and Map
This is a precise and legal st~tement uf development
standards. Chapter 4 of Title 7 of th~ Conservation
Planning and Zoning Law of the State of California '
identifies in detail those areas th~t may be covered
oy zoning. These are as follows:
a. Regulate the use of' building, structure, and land,
as between agriculture, industry, business, resi-
dential and other uses.
b. Regulate signs and billboards.
c. Regul~te locat~on! height, bulk, number of stories.
and S1ze of bU11d1ngs and structures; the size and
use of lots, yards, ,courts and other open'spaces;
th: p:rcentage of ,a lot which may be occupied by a
bU1ld1ng or structure; the intensity of land use.
d. Establishment of requirements for off -,street parking
and loading.
e. Establish and maintain building setback lines.
f.Create civi~ dis~ri~ts around civic centers, public
pa:ks, pub11c.bu11d1ngs or public grounds and esta-
b11Sh regulat1onstherefore. . .
g. Establish criteria for hillside development:
Exhibit "A"
B of B