HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1 - Staff Report with Atts. Nos. 1-11 (without no. 6)DATE: November 25, 2014
TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commission
FROM: Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator
By: Nick Baldwin, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 1917 – APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. CUP 14-12, MULTIPLE-FAMILY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
REVIEW NO. MFADR 14-12, AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. TTM
72894 WITH A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR A 17-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT AT 132, 136, AND 142
LAS TUNAS DRIVE
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 1917
SUMMARY
This project was continued from the October 14, 2014, Planning Commission meeting
so that Planning Staff could address comments received from the South Coast Air
Quality Management District (AQMD) regarding the air quality analysis within the Draft
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND). Staff revised the IS/MND in
response to the comments from the AQMD, and provided the revised document to the
AQMD for review. On November 5, 2014, the AQMD replied, that after reviewing the
revised IS/MND, they had no further comments.
The applicant, Mr. Matt Waken, is proposing to demolish the existing auto repair shop,
restaurant, and tattoo parlor that currently occupy the subject property (see Attachment
No. 2 – Aerial Photo with Zoning Information, and Attachment No. 3 – Photos of the
Subject Property) to accommodate a residential condominium development comprised
of 17, three-story, townhouse-style units (see Attachment No. 4 – Proposed Plans).
The proposal includes Zoning Modifications for tandem parking at four of the units, and
for a height of ten feet for a 75-foot long portion of the easterly property line wall. The
proposal is also subject to a Mitigated Negative Declaration (see Attachment No. 6) that
addresses the environmental impacts of the project and reduces them to less than
significant levels. It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve the
proposed project and IS/MND, and adopt Resolution No. 1917 (Attachment No. 1).
BACKGROUND
The subject property is currently developed with buildings that were built from 1947-
1955, and that are occupied with an auto repair shop, a restaurant, and a tattoo parlor.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 2 of 16
This property is one of 12 between the convergence of West Live Oak Avenue and Las
Tunas Drive to the east, and El Monte Avenue to the west, on which a Residential-Flex
(R-F) Zoning Overlay was added by Ordinance No. 2317 in June of this year. The R-F
Zoning Overlay does not replace the underlying C-2, General Commercial Zoning, but
allows high-density, multiple-family residential development in place of commercial uses
with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
Prior to the creation of the R-F Overlay Zoning, the General Plan was amended to
address the utilization of residential development in certain commercial and mixed-use
areas as a catalyst for revitalization of those areas, and the following Policy was
adopted:
Policy LU-6.14: Target specific locations that may benefit from the
development of stand-alone residential projects in commercial areas as a
means to revitalize and rejuvenate these areas. Utilize a Residential-Flex
Overlay Zone in specific areas as a method of encouraging residential
development while preserving the land use rights of the base zoning
designation and compatibility between uses.
The Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) (Attachment 6) was
circulated to 15 responsible agencies, and notice of its availability for review were
mailed to occupants and property owners within a 300-foot radius of the site on
September 26, 2014. Staff received one response seeking additional information from
the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) (see Attachment 7 – AQMD
letter dated October 9, 2014). In order to provide adequate time for the applicant and
staff to respond to the AQMD, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing
for this item at the October 14, 2014 Planning Commission meeting to the November
25, 2014, meeting. The IS/MND were accordingly revised with the requested additional
information, and sent to the AQMD on November 3, 2014. The AQMD responded by
email on November 5, 2014 (see Attachment 8) stating that they have no further
comments regarding this project.
PROPOSAL
The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing buildings and construct 17, three-
story, townhouse-style, condominium units. The site will be arranged with a five-unit
building that will front Las Tunas Drive, an 11-unit building along the west side of the lot
with the southerly two units fronting W. Live Oak Avenue, and one detached unit will be
located behind the five-unit building on the east side of the lot (see Attachment 4 –
Proposed Plans). A driveway will provide vehicular access to all 17 units from W. Live
Oak Avenue. Each unit will have an attached two-car garage, and the nine required
guest parking spaces will be provided along the east side of the site.
The proposal requires Zoning Modifications to allow the garages of four of the units, the
two on the north end and the two on the south end of the 11-unit building along the west
side of the lot to have tandem parking, and to allow a 75-foot long portion of the easterly
property line wall to have a height of ten feet in lieu of the eight-foot maximum permitted
for R-F properties adjacent to commercial uses.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 3 of 16
ANALYSIS
The proposed residential development would be the first to take place within the area
with the newly adopted Residential-Flex (R-F) Overlay Zone, which went into effect in
June of this year. One of the provisions of the R-F regulations is that the residential
uses are subject to a Conditional Use Permit. The purpose of this requirement is to
assess on a case-by-case basis the compatibility of the proposed residential use within
the commercial context of the R-F Overlay area.
The subject site is a through lot with frontages on Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak
Avenue. It is between a flood-control channel on the west side, across which is a senior
housing complex, and on the east side is an auto body repair business (see Attachment
5 – Photos of the Surrounding Properties).
The inherent conflicts between a residential use and an intense commercial use such as
an auto repair facility indicated that there could be significant environmental impacts.
As such, it was determined that the proposed project could not be exempted from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and an Initial Study (IS) was conducted,
which indicated potentially significant impacts in several categories. It was determined
that all of the potentially significant impacts could be mitigated to a less than significant
level and a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) with a Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program (MMRP) was prepared (Attachment 6). The environmental analyses
are discussed in the IS and MND, with the mitigation measures presented in the MMRP.
The IS, MND, MMRP, and the supporting studies are provided as a separate
accompanying document for this staff report. It was determined that with the mitigation
measures, all impacts could be reduced to less than significant levels. The mitigation
measures listed in the MMRP are included as conditions of approval.
Zoning Modifications
The proposed project requires Zoning Modifications for tandem parking at four of the
units, and for a height of ten feet for a 75-foot long portion of the easterly property line
wall.
Four of the garages will have tandem parking spaces, the two units on the north end
and the two units on the south end of the 11-unit building along the west side of the lot
(see Attachment 4 – Proposed Plans). The tandem arrangement enables the two units
at each end of the 11-unit building to have garages that are accessed by the main
driveway. This avoids having a garage face W. Live Oak Avenue and affords a space
for a trash and recyclables enclosure on the north end of the building. The
inconvenience associated with having to move one car so that the other can exit from a
tandem garage space is momentary and the maneuvering will be on site. The applicant
has provided a list of other developments with tandem parking (Attachment 9 – Tandem
Parking Examples).
A block wall along the east property line will serve as a barrier between the proposed
residential development and the existing auto repair business at the adjacent property.
The R-F Overlay allows walls separating residential and commercial uses to be up to
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 4 of 16
eight feet tall. The request to have this wall ten feet high is to provide more noise
attenuation for the detached unit that is to be on the east side of the site. The Initial
Study revealed that the proximity of this unit to the auto repair shop next door could
result in noise impacts to the occupants of this unit. By increasing the height of the
property line wall for a 75-foot long section at the location of the residential unit, the
noise impact will be less than significant. The requested Modifications will secure an
appropriate improvement of the lot.
Conditional Use Permit Findings
Section 9275.1.2 of the Arcadia Municipal Code requires that for a Conditional Use
Permit to be granted, it must be found that all of the following prerequisite conditions
can be satisfied:
1. That the granting of such Conditional Use Permit will not be detrimental to the
public health or welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such
zone or vicinity.
The proposed residential condominium development is consistent with the
Residential-Flex (R-F) Overlay Zoning regulations and the two Modifications are
minor in nature and do not change the character of the project. The potential
impacts that could be caused by this project were analyzed in the Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, and it was found that with mitigation
measures all impacts would be at less than significant levels.
2. That the use applied for at the location indicated is properly one for which a
Conditional Use Permit is authorized.
The zoning of the project site is C-2, General Commercial with a Residential-Flex (R-
F) Overlay. The R-F Overlay Zoning in Arcadia Municipal Code Section 9280
authorizes residential uses with an approved Conditional Use Permit.
3. That the site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate said use, and all yards, spaces, walls, fences, parking, loading,
landscaping, and other features required to adjust said use with the land and
uses in the neighborhood.
The proposed project meets the Residential-Flex (R-F) Overlay Zoning regulations,
except for the two Zoning Modifications. The proposed development is compatible
with the neighboring uses, and approval of the two Zoning Modifications will adjust
the design of the proposed project to the site and neighborhood. The mitigation
measures listed in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) reduce
all impacts associated with this project to less than significant levels. Therefore, the
site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed residential
condominium development and no additional adjustments of the use are necessary.
4. That the site abuts streets and highways adequate in width and pavement type
to carry the kind of traffic generated by the proposed use.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 5 of 16
The site is located between Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak Avenue with Santa
Anita Avenue and El Monte Avenue as the nearest cross streets. These streets are
adequate in width and pavement type to carry the traffic that will be generated by the
proposed residential condominium development.
5. That the granting of such Conditional Use Permit will not adversely affect the
comprehensive General Plan.
The proposed residential development is consistent with the Residential-Flex (R-F)
Overlay Zoning, which was enacted in accordance with a General Plan Amendment
that was adopted to address the utilization of residential development in certain
commercial and mixed-use areas as a catalyst for revitalization of those areas. The
proposed project is consistent with the policy of encouraging residential
development while preserving the land use rights of the base zoning designation and
compatibility between uses, and is consistent with the current and envisioned
character of the area. The proposal will not adversely affect the comprehensive
General Plan.
Architectural Design Review
Concurrent with the Conditional Use Permit, the Planning Commission is to approve,
conditionally approve, or deny the architectural design of the proposed project. The
architectural style of the development is described as Modern – see Attachment 4 –
Proposed Plans. The design uses a combination of three materials for the exterior walls;
tile siding that has the appearance of maple and cedar wood siding, contrasting dark
grey cement siding, and white stucco with a sand finish. The buildings also feature
French doors at the entries and metal garage doors that will be finished to complement
the overall design. The five units that will front Las Tunas Drive and the two units that
will front W. Live Oak Avenue will have their entries oriented toward the street to
encourage a pedestrian environment. The massing and scale of the proposed buildings
are characteristic of multiple-family developments and are consistent with the residential
development to the west of the site – see Attachment 5 for Photos of the Surrounding
Properties. The architecture and landscaping of the proposed development are
compatible with the surrounding uses and consistent with the City’s Multiple-Family
Residential Design Guidelines.
Tentative Tract Map
The proposal includes a subdivision for condominium purposes of the proposed 17 units
and the 0.82 acre site through the Tentative Tract Map process – see Attachment No.
10 – Tentative Tract Map No. 72894. The proposed subdivision complies with the
subdivision regulations of the Arcadia Municipal Code and the State Subdivision Map
Act, and will not violate any requirements of a California Regional Water Quality Control
Board. The following two findings are required for approval of a Tentative Tract Map:
1. That the proposed subdivision, together with the provisions for its design
and improvement, is consistent with the City’s General Plan.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 6 of 16
The proposed subdivision is consistent with the City’s General Plan to foster
residential development in certain areas to act as a catalyst for revitalization of
adjacent commercial uses.
2. That the discharge of waste from the proposed subdivision into the
community sewer system will comply with existing requirements
prescribed by a California Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The Arcadia Public Works Services Department confirmed that the proposed
development will be adequately served by the existing sewer infrastructure and
the requirements of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board will be
satisfied.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the
Development Services Department prepared the attached Initial Study and Mitigated
Negative Declaration (IS & MND) (Attachment 6) with a Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program (MMRP) for the proposed project. The IS identified potential impacts
for the following areas: Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources,
Hazards/Hazardous Materials, and Noise.
In accordance with Section 21091 of CEQA, and Section 15073 of the CEQA
Guidelines, the IS & Draft MND for this project were circulated for public review and
comments for 20 days on September 25, 2014 through October 14, 2014. On October
9, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) provided a comment letter
requesting additional information (see Attachment 7 – AQMD letter dated October 9,
2014). The City replied to the AQMD by letter and a revised version of the IS & MND on
November 3, 2014. The AQMD responded by email on November 5, 2014 (see
Attachment 8) stating that after reviewing the additional information, they have no
further comments regarding this project.
A detailed review of the impacts is included in the revised IS/MND. The proposal
includes a number of design and construction measures that reduce all impacts to less
than significant levels. These mitigation measures and the applicable regulatory
requirements are included in the revised MND and MMRP, and are included as
conditions of approval.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public hearing notices for this item were mailed on September 26, 2014 to the property
owners and tenants of those properties that are located within 300 feet of the subject
property – see Attachment 11 – Radius Map. Pursuant to the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the public hearing notice and the Notice of Intent to
Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration were published in the Arcadia Weekly on
September 25, 2014, and filed with the L.A. County Recorder’s Office for the required
20-day posting on September 25, 2014. At the October 14, 2014, Planning Commission
meeting, the public hearing for this project was continued to the November 25, 2014,
meeting to provide time to respond to comments received from the South Coast Air
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 7 of 16
Quality Management District. Since the public hearing was continued to a certain date,
no further public notice was required.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve the proposed project and
adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration by adopting Resolution No. 1917, which
includes the requisite findings and the following conditions of approval:
1. The applicant/property owner shall pay the following fees prior to approval of the
final Tract Map: A Map Fee of $100.00 and a Final Approval Fee of $25.00 for a
total of $125.00.
2. The proposed development will require a Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation
Plan (SUSMP). The applicant/property owner shall comply with the SUSMP as
prescribed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works SUSMP
Manual and the construction plans shall show the selected measures on the
grading plan to the satisfaction of the City Engineer or designee. Please note
that SUSMP requirements will be replaced with a Low Impact Development (LID)
Ordinance that is currently under development. In summary, LID projects require
that the project need to retain onsite Stormwater Quality Design Volume as runoff
from 1) 0.75-inch, 24 hour rain event, or 2) 85th percentile, 24 hour rain event.
3. The existing curb, gutter, and sidewalk along Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak
Avenue shall be removed and replaced per City of Arcadia Standards.
4. The existing driveway approaches along Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak
Avenue shall be closed by the applicant/property owner and a new approach
shall be constructed per City of Arcadia Standard 801-1 prior to obtaining final
occupancy.
5. The applicant/property owner shall install new trees to be shown on the Grading
Plan located in the parkway along Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak Avenue per
the City of Arcadia Street Tree Master Plan.
6. The condominium development shall utilize the 8” cast iron water main with 61
PSI static pressure that is available on the south side of Las Tunas Drive for
domestic water and/or fire services. The applicant/property owner shall provide
calculations to determine the maximum domestic demand and maximum fire
demand in order to verify the water service size required. The calculations shall
be submitted to the Public Works Services Department prior to issuance of any
permits.
7. The proposed project shall be served by a common domestic water meter and
service capable of supplying sufficient water to meet all domestic and fire
suppression needs of the total number of units.
8. A separate fire service with Double Check Detector Assembly shall be required
as directed by the Fire Marshal if fire suppression is common to the complex.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 8 of 16
9. The applicant/property owner shall separate the fire service from domestic water
service at each unit with an approved back flow prevention device if a common
water service is to be used to supply both domestic water and fire sprinklers for
each unit.
10. The proposed project shall require a separate water service and meter for
common area landscape irrigation.
11. New water service, if necessary, shall be installed by the applicant/property
owner. Installation shall be to the specifications of the Public Works Services
Department, Engineering Division. Abandonment of the existing water service, if
necessary, shall be completed by the applicant/property owner, according to
Public Works Services Department specifications.
12. The applicant/property owner shall utilize the existing sewer lateral if possible. If
any drainage fixture elevation is lower than the elevation of the next upstream
manhole cover, an approved backwater valve is required.
13. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed by the applicant/property owner
per the City of Arcadia Fire Department Single & Multiple-Family Dwelling
Sprinkler Standard prior to obtaining final occupancy.
14. Fire lanes shall be marked in an approved manner indicating “NO PARKING –
FIRE LANE.” This language shall be noted on the Plan submitted for Plan
Check.
15. Fire extinguishers of the 2A:10BC type shall be provided by the
applicant/property owner on the first level prior to obtaining final occupancy. The
maximum travel distance to any extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet.
16. This project shall comply with Chapter 11-A of the 2013 California Building Code
for residential accessibility and the Arcadia Multi-family Standards.
17. The prospective residents shall be notified by the applicant/property owner that
they are living in an urban area and that the noise level may be higher than a
typical residential area per the City’s Zoning Code for the Residential-Flex
Overlay Zone, and the applicant/property owner shall confirm that the
prospective residents did receive and understand this information.
18. The property owner/applicant shall submit a map detailing the route to be
followed by construction vehicles making deliveries of equipment, materials, and
soils to and from the site to Planning Services for review and approval prior to
issuance of a grading permit.
19. The project shall be developed and maintained in a manner that is consistent
with the plans submitted and conditionally approved for CUP 14-12, TTM 72894,
and MFADR 14-12, subject to the approval of the Community Development
Administrator or designee.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 9 of 16
20. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Arcadia and
its officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action,
or proceeding against the City of Arcadia, its officials, officers, employees or
agents to attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or conditional approval of
the City of Arcadia concerning this project and/or land use decision, including but
not limited to any approval or conditional approval of the City Council, Planning
Commission, or City Staff, which action is brought within the time period provided
for in Government Code Section 66499.37 or other provision of law applicable to
this project or decision. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim,
action, or proceeding concerning the project and/or land use decision and the
City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves the
right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its
officials, officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter.
21. Approval of CUP 14-12, MFADR 14-12, and TTM 72894 shall not be of effect
unless on or before 30 calendar days after Planning Commission adoption of the
Resolution, the property owner and applicant have executed and filed with the
Community Development Administrator or designee an Acceptance Form
available from the Development Services Department to indicate awareness and
acceptance of these conditions of approval.
Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Requirements as Conditions of Approval
The following conditions are found in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(MMRP). They are recorded here to facilitate review and implementation. More
information on the timing and responsible parties for these mitigation measures is
detailed in the MMRP.
22. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall prepare a lighting
plan that provides the type and location of the proposed exterior lighting, subject
to the review and approval of the City’s Development Services Department.
23. Demolition and grading for the Project shall be performed in compliance with
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403, Fugitive
Dust. In addition, SCAQMD Rule 402 requires implementation of dust
suppression techniques to prevent fugitive dust from creating a nuisance off-site.
Contractor compliance with Rule 403 and Rule 402 requirements shall be
mandated in the contractor’s specifications and shall include the measures listed
below:
a. Paved streets shall be swept at least once per day where there is evidence of
dirt that has been carried onto the roadway.
b. Watering trucks shall be used to minimize dust. Watering should be sufficient
to confine dust plumes to the Project work areas. Active, disturbed areas shall
have water applied to them three times daily.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 10 of 16
c. For disturbed soil surfaces that will be left inactive for four or more days, a
chemical stabilizer shall be applied pursuant to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
d. For open soil storage piles that will remain on site for two or more days, water
shall be applied once per hour or coverings shall be installed.
e. All haul vehicles shall be covered or shall comply with the vehicle freeboard
requirements of Section 23114 of the California Vehicle Code for both public
and private roads. During high wind conditions (i.e., wind speeds in excess of
25 miles per hour), all earth moving activities shall cease or water shall be
applied to soil not more than 15 minutes prior to disturbing such soil.
f. The contractor shall prepare a construction air pollution control strategy report
for review by the City’s Planning Services prior to the issuance of a building
permit.
g. The import and export of soils from the project site shall not occur on the
same day. These activities shall be separated by at least one day to
minimize fugitive dust.
h. The applicant shall use Low-VOC architectural coatings for all buildings. At a
minimum, all architectural coatings shall comply with the most recent
standards in SCAQMD Rule 1113 – Architectural Coatings.
i. The applicant shall require by contract that specifications that contractors
shall utilize equipment registered under DOORS, the California Air Resources
Board In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Registration program. This applies to
all off-road vehicles that are 25 horsepower or greater. Contract
specifications shall be included with the construction documents submitted for
Plan Check.
j. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall require by
contract specifications that contractors shall utilize power poles or clean-fuel
generators for electrical construction equipment. Contract specifications shall
be included with the construction documents submitted for Plan Check.
24. The Project shall be built in accordance with the Title 24 Building Efficiency
Standards and Title 24 Green Building Standards.
25. Should archaeological resources be found during ground-disturbing activities for
the Project, an Archaeologist shall be hired to first determine whether it is a
“unique archaeological resource” pursuant to Section 21083.2(g) of the California
Public Resources Code (PRC) or a “historical resource” pursuant to
Section 15064.5(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines. If the archaeological resource
is determined to be a “unique archaeological resource” or a “historical resource”,
the Archaeologist shall formulate a mitigation plan in consultation with the City of
Arcadia that satisfies the requirements of the above-referenced sections. If the
Archaeologist determines that the archaeological resource is not a “unique
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 11 of 16
archaeological resource” or “historical resource”, s/he may record the site and
submit the recordation form to the California Historic Resources Information
System at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California
State University, Fullerton.
26. If human remains are encountered during excavation activities, all work shall halt
in the immediate vicinity of the discovery and the County Coroner shall be
notified (California Public Resources Code §5097.98). The Coroner shall
determine whether the remains are of forensic interest. If the Coroner, with the
aid of the Archaeologist approved by the City of Arcadia, determines that the
remains are prehistoric, s/he will contact the Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC). The NAHC shall be responsible for designating the most
likely descendant (MLD), who will be responsible for the ultimate disposition of
the remains, as required by Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety
Code. The MLD shall make his/her recommendation within 48 hours of being
granted access to the site. The MLD’s recommendation shall be followed if
feasible, and may include scientific removal and non-destructive analysis of the
human remains and any items associated with Native American burials
(California Health and Safety Code §7050.5). If the landowner rejects the MLD’s
recommendations, the landowner shall rebury the remains with appropriate
dignity on the property in a location that will not be subject to further subsurface
disturbance (California Public Resources Code §5097.98).
27. Prior to issuance of building permits, the Developer shall submit plans and
specifications to Building Services demonstrating to the Building Official’s or
designee’s satisfaction that all residential units shall be provided with a means of
mechanical ventilation, as required by the California Building Code for occupancy
with windows closed.
28. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, the Developer shall ensure, through
contract specifications, that the following construction best management
practices (BMPs) will be implemented by contractors to reduce construction
noise levels:
a. Ensure that construction equipment is properly muffled according to industry
standards and is in good working condition.
b. Place noise-generating construction equipment and locate construction
staging areas away from sensitive uses, where feasible.
c. Implement noise attenuation measures to the extent feasible, which may
include, but are not limited to, temporary noise barriers or noise blankets
around stationary construction noise sources.
d. Use electric air compressors and similar power tools rather than diesel
equipment, where feasible.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 12 of 16
e. Turn off construction-related equipment, including heavy-duty equipment,
motor vehicles, and portable equipment when not in use for more than 30
minutes.
f. Clearly post construction hours, allowable workdays, and the phone number
of the job superintendent at all construction entrances to allow for surrounding
owners and residents to contact the job superintendent. If the City or the job
superintendent receives a complaint, the superintendent shall investigate;
take appropriate corrective action; and report the action taken to the reporting
party.
g. Include the contract specifications in construction documents, which shall be
reviewed by the City prior to issuance of a grading or building permit
(whichever is issued first).
29. All units shall be provided with means of mechanical ventilation, as required by
the California Building Code, for occupancy when windows are closed. Noise
levels from the mechanical equipment shall not exceed 55 dba at the property
lines or beyond.
30. For units that share a common wall, the common wall shall be sound rated. A
minimum STC of 50 is required. For units stacked upon another unit, the
floor/ceiling shall be sound rated at STC of 50 or higher and impact protected
with an impact isolation class rating of 50 or higher. All of these rating
requirements shall be documented on the building plans submitted for Plan
Check.
31. A portion of the wall along the east side of the property shall be 10 feet high to
reduce the noise impact by 10 dB that is required to meet the maximum
allowable interior noise level for residential uses. This portion of the wall will
begin at guest parking space number 4 that is shown on the Site Plan and
extend 75 feet northward. The applicant/property owner shall enter into and
record with the Los Angeles County Recorder, in a form and substance
approved by the City Attorney, a covenant that states that the entire wall will be
lowered to and maintained at a 6 foot height if the adjacent property to the east
is redeveloped with a residential use. This action shall be at the cost and
expense solely of the applicant/property owner and shall be completed prior to
the recordation of the final tract map.
32. A qualified biologist shall conduct nesting bird surveys in areas with suitable
habitat prior to all construction or site preparation activities that would occur
during the nesting and breeding season for native bird species (typically March
1 through August 15). The survey area shall include all potential bird nesting
areas within 200 feet of any disturbance. The survey shall be conducted no
more than three days prior to commencement of activities (e.g. grading). If
active nests of bird species protected by the MBTA and/or California Fish and
Game code (which, together, apply to all native nesting bird species) are
present in the impact area or within 200 feet of the impact area, a temporary
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 13 of 16
buffer fence shall be erected a minimum of 200 feet around the nest site. This
temporary buffer may be greater or lesser depending on the bird species and
type of disturbance, as determined by the biologist and/or applicable regulatory
agency permits. Clearing and/or construction within temporarily fenced areas
shall be postponed or halted until juveniles have fledged and there is no
evidence of a second nesting attempt. The biologist shall serve as a
construction monitor during those periods when disturbance activities will occur
near active nest areas to ensure that no inadvertent impacts on these nests will
occur.
33. In accordance with the California Code of Regulations (Title 8, Section 1541), if
any construction, excavations, and new utility lines are proposed near or
crossing existing high pressure pipelines, natural gas/petroleum pipelines,
electrical lines greater than 60,000 volts, and other high priority lines are
required to notify the owner/operator of the line and must identify the locations
of subsurface lines prior to any ground disturbance for excavation.
Coordination, approval, and monitoring by the owner/operator of the line would
avoid damage to high priority lines and prevent the creation of hazards to the
surrounding area.
34. Prior to demolition of any existing buildings or associated structures, a qualified
contractor shall be retained to survey structures proposed for demolition to
determine if asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and or lead based paint
(LBP) are present. If ACM and/or LBP are present, prior to the commencement
of general demolition, these materials shall be removed and transported to an
appropriate landfill by a licensed contractor. This measure shall be
implemented to the satisfaction of the City Building Official, including written
documentation of the disposal of any ACMs or LBP in conformance with all
applicable requirements.
35. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the developer shall file an Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) and a Construction Waste Management Plan
(CWMP) with the City for review and approval. This measure shall be
implemented to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
36. The project will have a Standard Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) prepared
for the project and submitted to the City for review and verification compliance.
This measure shall be implemented to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
37. The applicant shall comply with all applicable codes, ordinances, and
regulations, including the most current edition of the California Fire Code and
the City of Arcadia Municipal Code, regarding fire prevention and suppression
measures; fire hydrants; fire access; water availability; and other, similar
requirements. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the City of Arcadia
Development Services Department and the Arcadia Fire Department shall verify
compliance with applicable codes and that appropriate fire safety measures are
included in the project design. All such codes and measures shall be
implemented prior to occupancy.
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 14 of 16
38. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall pay new
development fees to the Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) pursuant to
Section 65995 of the California Government Code. As an option to the
payment of developer fees, the AUSD and applicant can enter into a facility and
funding agreement, if approved by both parties. Evidence that agreements
have been executed shall be submitted to the Development Services
Department, or fees shall be paid with each building permit.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Approval
If the Planning Commission intends to approve this project, the Commission should
move to approve the subject applications, and adopt the Mitigate Negative Declaration,
stating that the proposal satisfies the requisite findings, and adopt the attached
Resolution No. 1917 that incorporates the requisite findings and the conditions of
approval as presented in this staff report, or as modified by the Commission.
Denial
If the Planning Commission intends to deny this proposal, the Commission should move
to deny Conditional Use Permit Application No. CUP 14-12, Tentative Tract Map No.
TTM 72894, and/or Design Review No. MFADR 14-12, state the finding(s) that the
proposal does not satisfy with reasons based on the record, and direct staff to prepare a
resolution for adoption at the next meeting that incorporates the Commission’s decision
and specific findings.
If any Planning Commissioner or other interested party have any questions or
comments regarding this matter prior to the November 25, 2014 Planning Commission
Meeting, please contact Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin at (626) 574-5444, or
nbaldwin@ArcadiaCA.gov.
Approved:
Attachment No. 1: Resolution No. 1917
Attachment No. 2: Aerial Photo with Zoning Information
Attachment No. 3: Photos of the Subject Property
Attachment No. 4: Architectural Plans
Attachment No. 5: Photos of Surrounding Properties
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 15 of 16
Attachment No. 6: Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program – Provided as a separate
document with the following:
1. Appendix B – PM 2.5 Localized Significance Threshold Lookup
Tables
2. Appendix C – Mass Rate LST Lookup Tables
3. Building, Structure, Object Report regarding Certificate of
Demolition
4. City of Arcadia Zoning Map – Residential Flex-Overlay
5. City of Arcadia Land Use Map
6. City of Arcadia Noise Regulations
7. City of Arcadia Urban Water Management Plan
8. City of Arcadia Zoning Map
9. EIR Addendum
10. El Monte Airport Vicinity Map
11. Hydraulic Flow Test Summaries
12. Memorandum from Arcadia Public Works Dept. re Sewer
Capacity
13. Notice of Intent – Recorded with the County of Los Angeles
14. Puente Hills Landfill Materials Recovery Facility Fact Sheet
15. SCAQMD Localized Significance Tables Thresholds 2006-
2008
16. SCAQMD Mass Daily Air Quality Significance Thresholds
17. Noise Impact Analysis
18. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report
19. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report, Appendix A
20. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report, Appendix G
21. Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Report
22. Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Report, Analytic
Results
23. Exhibit 1: Site and Grading Plan
24. Exhibit 2: Photos of Subject Site and Vicinity
25. Disclosure Letter
Attachment No. 7: AQMD Letter dated October 9, 2014
Attachment No. 8: Response to Comment Letter dated November 3, 2014 & AQMD
Email dated November 5, 2014
Resolution No. 1917 – CUP 14-12, TTM 72894, & MFADR 14-12
132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive
November 25, 2014 – Page 16 of 16
Attachment No. 9: List of Multiple-Family Projects in Other Cities with Tandem Parking
Attachment No. 10: Tentative Tract Map
Attachment No. 11: 300-foot Radius Map
RESOLUTION NO. 1917
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. CUP 14-12, MULTIPLE-FAMILY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
REVIEW NO. MFADR 14-12, AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. TTM
72894 WITH A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR A 17-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT AT 132, 136, AND 142
LAS TUNAS DRIVE
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2014, Mr. Matt Waken of Arcadia 17 Development, LLC,
submitted an application for architectural design review (MFADR 14-12) for a 17-unit
residential condominium development at 132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas; and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2014, Mr. Matt Waken of Arcadia 17 Development, LLC,
submitted applications for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 14-12) and a Tentative Tract
Map (TTM 72894) to allow a 17-unit residential condominium development at 132, 136,
and 142 Las Tunas Drive on a property with the Residential-Flex Overlay Zoning; and
WHEREAS, on September 25, 2014, a Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration for the 17-unit residential condominium development (CUP 14-12, MFADR 14-
12, & TTM 72894) at 132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive was circulated for public review
and comments for 20-days from September 25, 2014 through October 14, 2014; and
WHEREAS, on October 10, 2014, the sole comment received was a letter from
the South Coast Air Quality Management District dated October 9, 2014 in regards to
Air Quality analysis in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2014, a duly noticed public hearing was held before the
Planning Commission and the said applications, and the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration, including the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program were continued to
the hearing on November 25, 2014 to allow City Planning Staff to respond to comments;
and
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WHEREAS, City Planning Staff with the assistance of environmental consultant
Alta Environmental revised the Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration and the
associated Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program to provide improved clarity and
enhanced analysis;
WHEREAS, on November 3, 2014 City Planning Staff responded to the
comments by South Coast Air Quality Management District by providing them the
revised Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and associated Mitigation and
Monitoring Reporting Program for their review;
WHEREAS, on November 5, 2014 the South Coast Air Quality Management
District sent City Planning Staff an e-mail stating that after reviewing the revised Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and associated Mitigation and Monitoring
Reporting Program they had no further comment;
WHEREAS, the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration concluded that
the implementation of the Project will have less-than-significant impacts with mitigation
measures for all categories, including Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural
Resources, Hazards/Hazardous Materials, and Noise; and
WHEREAS, a lead agency approves a Project requiring the implementation of
measures to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment; and CEQA also
requires a lead agency to adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(MMRP) to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures during Project
implementation, and such a MMRP has been prepared for the Project for consideration
by the decision-maker of the City of Arcadia as lead agency for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2014, a public hearing that was continued from the
October 14, 2014 Planning Commission meeting was held before the Planning
3
Commission on said applications, and the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration,
including the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and at which time all interested
persons were given full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the factual data submitted by the Community Development
Division in the staff report dated November 25, 2014, including the Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program are true and correct.
SECTION 2. This Commission finds, based upon the entire record:
a. That the granting of such Conditional Use Permit will not be detrimental to the
public health or welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such zone or vicinity.
FACT: The proposed residential condominium development is consistent with
the Residential-Flex Overlay Zoning regulations and the two required modifications are
minor in nature and do not change the character of the project. The potential impacts
that could be caused by this project were analyzed in the Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration, and it was found that with mitigation measures all impacts would
be at less than significant levels.
b. That the use applied for at the location indicated is properly one for which
a Conditional Use Permit is authorized.
FACT: The zoning of the project site is C-2, General Commercial with a
Residential-Flex (R-F) Overlay. The R-F Overlay Zoning in Arcadia Municipal Code
Section 9280 authorizes residential uses with an approved Conditional Use Permit.
4
c. That the site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate said use, and all yards, spaces, walls, fences, parking, loading, landscaping,
and other features required to adjust said use with the land and uses in the neighborhood.
FACT: The proposed project meets the Residential-Flex (R-F) Overlay Zoning
regulations, except for the two Zoning Modifications. The proposed development is
compatible with the neighboring uses, and approval of the two Zoning Modifications will
adjust the design of the proposed project to the site and neighborhood. The mitigation
measures listed in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) reduce all
impacts associated with this project to less than significant levels. Therefore, the site is
adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed residential condominium
development and no additional adjustments of the use are necessary.
d. That the site abuts streets and highways adequate in width and pavement
type to carry the kind of traffic generated by the proposed use.
FACT: The site is located between Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak Avenue
with Santa Anita Avenue and El Monte Avenue as the nearest cross streets. These
streets are adequate in width and pavement type to carry the traffic that will be
generated by the proposed residential condominium development.
e. That the granting of such Conditional Use Permit will not adversely affect
the comprehensive General Plan.
FACT: The proposed residential development is consistent with the
Residential-Flex (R-F) Overlay Zoning, which was enacted in accordance with a
General Plan Amendment that was adopted to address the utilization of residential
development in certain commercial and mixed-use areas as a catalyst for revitalization
of those areas. The proposed project is consistent with the policy of encouraging
5
residential development while preserving the land use rights of the base zoning
designation and compatibility between uses, and is consistent with the current and
envisioned character of the area. The proposal will not adversely affect the
comprehensive General Plan.
f. That the proposed subdivision, together with the provisions for its design
and improvement, is consistent with the City’s General Plan.
FACT: The proposed subdivision is consistent with the City’s General Plan to
foster residential development in certain areas to act as a catalyst for revitalization of
adjacent commercial uses.
g. That the discharge of waste from the proposed subdivision into the
community sewer system will comply with existing requirements prescribed by a
California Regional Water Quality Control Board.
FACT: The Arcadia Public Works Services Department confirmed that the
proposed development will be adequately served by the existing sewer infrastructure and
the requirements of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board will be satisfied.
h. That pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program have been prepared for the proposed development, and that the
Project will have less than significant impacts with mitigation measures.
6
SECTION 3. That for the foregoing reasons the Planning Commission
approves Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 14-12, Multiple-Family Architectural Design
Review No. MFADR 14-12, and Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 72894, and adopts the
Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for a
17-unit residential condominium development at 132, 136, and 142 Las Tunas Drive,
subject to the conditions of approval attached hereto.
SECTION 4. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
Passed, approved and adopted this 14th day of October, 2014.
Chairman, Planning Commission
ATTEST:
______________________
Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
Stephen P. Deitsch
City Attorney
7
RESOLUTION NO. 1917
Conditions of Approval
1. The applicant/property owner shall pay the following fees prior to approval of the
final Tract Map: A Map Fee of $100.00 and a Final Approval Fee of $25.00 for a
total of $125.00.
2. The proposed development will require a Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation
Plan (SUSMP). The applicant/property owner shall comply with the SUSMP as
prescribed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works SUSMP
Manual and the construction plans shall show the selected measures on the
grading plan to the satisfaction of the City Engineer or designee. Please note
that SUSMP requirements will be replaced with a Low Impact Development (LID)
Ordinance that is currently under development. In summary, LID projects require
that the project need to retain onsite Stormwater Quality Design Volume as runoff
from 1) 0.75-inch, 24 hour rain event, or 2) 85th percentile, 24 hour rain event.
3. The existing curb, gutter, and sidewalk along Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak
Avenue shall be removed and replaced per City of Arcadia Standards.
4. The existing driveway approaches along Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak
Avenue shall be closed by the applicant/property owner and a new approach
shall be constructed per City of Arcadia Standard 801-1 prior to obtaining final
occupancy.
5. The applicant/property owner shall install new trees to be shown on the Grading
Plan located in the parkway along Las Tunas Drive and W. Live Oak Avenue per
the City of Arcadia Street Tree Master Plan.
6. The condominium development shall utilize the 8” cast iron water main with 61
PSI static pressure that is available on the south side of Las Tunas Drive for
domestic water and/or fire services. The applicant/property owner shall provide
calculations to determine the maximum domestic demand and maximum fire
demand in order to verify the water service size required. The calculations shall
be submitted to the Public Works Services Department prior to issuance of any
permits.
7. The proposed project shall be served by a common domestic water meter and
service capable of supplying sufficient water to meet all domestic and fire
suppression needs of the total number of units.
8. A separate fire service with Double Check Detector Assembly shall be required
as directed by the Fire Marshal if fire suppression is common to the complex.
9. The applicant/property owner shall separate the fire service from domestic water
service at each unit with an approved back flow prevention device if a common
water service is to be used to supply both domestic water and fire sprinklers for
each unit.
10. The proposed project shall require a separate water service and meter for
common area landscape irrigation.
8
11. New water service, if necessary, shall be installed by the applicant/property
owner. Installation shall be to the specifications of the Public Works Services
Department, Engineering Division. Abandonment of the existing water service, if
necessary, shall be completed by the applicant/property owner, according to
Public Works Services Department specifications.
12. The applicant/property owner shall utilize the existing sewer lateral if possible. If
any drainage fixture elevation is lower than the elevation of the next upstream
manhole cover, an approved backwater valve is required.
13. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed by the applicant/property owner
per the City of Arcadia Fire Department Single & Multiple-Family Dwelling
Sprinkler Standard prior to obtaining final occupancy.
14. Fire lanes shall be marked in an approved manner indicating “NO PARKING –
FIRE LANE.” This language shall be noted on the Plan submitted for Plan
Check.
15. Fire extinguishers of the 2A:10BC type shall be provided by the
applicant/property owner on the first level prior to obtaining final occupancy. The
maximum travel distance to any extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet.
16. This project shall comply with Chapter 11-A of the 2013 California Building Code
for residential accessibility and the Arcadia Multi-family Standards.
17. The prospective residents shall be notified by the applicant/property owner that
they are living in an urban area and that the noise level may be higher than a
typical residential area per the City’s Zoning Code for the Residential-Flex
Overlay Zone, and the applicant/property owner shall confirm that the
prospective residents did receive and understand this information.
18. The property owner/applicant shall submit a map detailing the route to be
followed by construction vehicles making deliveries of equipment, materials, and
soils to and from the site to Planning Services for review and approval prior to
issuance of a grading permit.
19. The project shall be developed and maintained in a manner that is consistent
with the plans submitted and conditionally approved for CUP 14-12, TTM 72894,
and MFADR 14-12, subject to the approval of the Community Development
Administrator or designee.
20. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Arcadia and
its officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action,
or proceeding against the City of Arcadia, its officials, officers, employees or
agents to attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or conditional approval of
the City of Arcadia concerning this project and/or land use decision, including but
not limited to any approval or conditional approval of the City Council, Planning
Commission, or City Staff, which action is brought within the time period provided
for in Government Code Section 66499.37 or other provision of law applicable to
this project or decision. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim,
action, or proceeding concerning the project and/or land use decision and the
City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves the
9
right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its
officials, officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter.
21. Approval of CUP 14-12, MFADR 14-12, and TTM 72894 shall not be of effect
unless on or before 30 calendar days after Planning Commission adoption of the
Resolution, the property owner and applicant have executed and filed with the
Community Development Administrator or designee an Acceptance Form
available from the Development Services Department to indicate awareness and
acceptance of these conditions of approval.
Mitigation Measures and Regulatory Requirements as Conditions of Approval
The following conditions are found in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(MMRP). They are recorded here to facilitate review and implementation. More
information on the timing and responsible parties for these mitigation measures is
detailed in the MMRP.
22. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall prepare a lighting
plan that provides the type and location of the proposed exterior lighting, subject
to the review and approval of the City’s Development Services Department.
23. Demolition and grading for the Project shall be performed in compliance with
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403, Fugitive
Dust. In addition, SCAQMD Rule 402 requires implementation of dust
suppression techniques to prevent fugitive dust from creating a nuisance off-site.
Contractor compliance with Rule 403 and Rule 402 requirements shall be
mandated in the contractor’s specifications and shall include the measures listed
below:
a. Paved streets shall be swept at least once per day where there is evidence of
dirt that has been carried onto the roadway.
b. Watering trucks shall be used to minimize dust. Watering should be sufficient
to confine dust plumes to the Project work areas. Active, disturbed areas shall
have water applied to them three times daily.
c. For disturbed soil surfaces that will be left inactive for four or more days, a
chemical stabilizer shall be applied pursuant to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
d. For open soil storage piles that will remain on site for two or more days, water
shall be applied once per hour or coverings shall be installed.
e. All haul vehicles shall be covered or shall comply with the vehicle freeboard
requirements of Section 23114 of the California Vehicle Code for both public
and private roads. During high wind conditions (i.e., wind speeds in excess of
25 miles per hour), all earth moving activities shall cease or water shall be
applied to soil not more than 15 minutes prior to disturbing such soil.
10
f. The contractor shall prepare a construction air pollution control strategy report
for review by the City’s Planning Services prior to the issuance of a building
permit.
g. The import and export of soils from the project site shall not occur on the
same day. These activities shall be separated by at least one day to
minimize fugitive dust.
h. The applicant shall use Low-VOC architectural coatings for all buildings. At a
minimum, all architectural coatings shall comply with the most recent
standards in SCAQMD Rule 1113 – Architectural Coatings.
i. The applicant shall require by contract that specifications that contractors
shall utilize equipment registered under DOORS, the California Air Resources
Board In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Registration program. This applies to
all off-road vehicles that are 25 horsepower or greater. Contract
specifications shall be included with the construction documents submitted for
Plan Check.
j. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall require by
contract specifications that contractors shall utilize power poles or clean-fuel
generators for electrical construction equipment. Contract specifications shall
be included with the construction documents submitted for Plan Check.
24. The Project shall be built in accordance with the Title 24 Building Efficiency
Standards and Title 24 Green Building Standards.
25. Should archaeological resources be found during ground-disturbing activities for
the Project, an Archaeologist shall be hired to first determine whether it is a
“unique archaeological resource” pursuant to Section 21083.2(g) of the California
Public Resources Code (PRC) or a “historical resource” pursuant to
Section 15064.5(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines. If the archaeological resource
is determined to be a “unique archaeological resource” or a “historical resource”,
the Archaeologist shall formulate a mitigation plan in consultation with the City of
Arcadia that satisfies the requirements of the above-referenced sections. If the
Archaeologist determines that the archaeological resource is not a “unique
archaeological resource” or “historical resource”, s/he may record the site and
submit the recordation form to the California Historic Resources Information
System at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California
State University, Fullerton.
26. If human remains are encountered during excavation activities, all work shall halt
in the immediate vicinity of the discovery and the County Coroner shall be
notified (California Public Resources Code §5097.98). The Coroner shall
determine whether the remains are of forensic interest. If the Coroner, with the
aid of the Archaeologist approved by the City of Arcadia, determines that the
remains are prehistoric, s/he will contact the Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC). The NAHC shall be responsible for designating the most
11
likely descendant (MLD), who will be responsible for the ultimate disposition of
the remains, as required by Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety
Code. The MLD shall make his/her recommendation within 48 hours of being
granted access to the site. The MLD’s recommendation shall be followed if
feasible, and may include scientific removal and non-destructive analysis of the
human remains and any items associated with Native American burials
(California Health and Safety Code §7050.5). If the landowner rejects the MLD’s
recommendations, the landowner shall rebury the remains with appropriate
dignity on the property in a location that will not be subject to further subsurface
disturbance (California Public Resources Code §5097.98).
27. Prior to issuance of building permits, the Developer shall submit plans and
specifications to Building Services demonstrating to the Building Official’s or
designee’s satisfaction that all residential units shall be provided with a means of
mechanical ventilation, as required by the California Building Code for occupancy
with windows closed.
28. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, the Developer shall ensure, through
contract specifications, that the following construction best management
practices (BMPs) will be implemented by contractors to reduce construction
noise levels:
a. Ensure that construction equipment is properly muffled according to industry
standards and is in good working condition.
b. Place noise-generating construction equipment and locate construction
staging areas away from sensitive uses, where feasible.
c. Implement noise attenuation measures to the extent feasible, which may
include, but are not limited to, temporary noise barriers or noise blankets
around stationary construction noise sources.
d. Use electric air compressors and similar power tools rather than diesel
equipment, where feasible.
e. Turn off construction-related equipment, including heavy-duty equipment,
motor vehicles, and portable equipment when not in use for more than 30
minutes.
f. Clearly post construction hours, allowable workdays, and the phone number
of the job superintendent at all construction entrances to allow for surrounding
owners and residents to contact the job superintendent. If the City or the job
superintendent receives a complaint, the superintendent shall investigate;
take appropriate corrective action; and report the action taken to the reporting
party.
g. Include the contract specifications in construction documents, which shall be
reviewed by the City prior to issuance of a grading or building permit
(whichever is issued first).
12
29. All units shall be provided with means of mechanical ventilation, as required by
the California Building Code, for occupancy when windows are closed. Noise
levels from the mechanical equipment shall not exceed 55 dba at the property
lines or beyond.
30. For units that share a common wall, the common wall shall be sound rated. A
minimum STC of 50 is required. For units stacked upon another unit, the
floor/ceiling shall be sound rated at STC of 50 or higher and impact protected
with an impact isolation class rating of 50 or higher. All of these rating
requirements shall be documented on the building plans submitted for Plan
Check.
31. A portion of the wall along the east side of the property shall be 10 feet high to
reduce the noise impact by 10 dB that is required to meet the maximum
allowable interior noise level for residential uses. This portion of the wall will
begin at guest parking space number 4 that is shown on the Site Plan and
extend 75 feet northward. The applicant/property owner shall enter into and
record with the Los Angeles County Recorder, in a form and substance
approved by the City Attorney, a covenant that states that the entire wall will be
lowered to and maintained at a 6 foot height if the adjacent property to the east
is redeveloped with a residential use. This action shall be at the cost and
expense solely of the applicant/property owner and shall be completed prior to
the recordation of the final tract map.
32. A qualified biologist shall conduct nesting bird surveys in areas with suitable
habitat prior to all construction or site preparation activities that would occur
during the nesting and breeding season for native bird species (typically March
1 through August 15). The survey area shall include all potential bird nesting
areas within 200 feet of any disturbance. The survey shall be conducted no
more than three days prior to commencement of activities (e.g. grading). If
active nests of bird species protected by the MBTA and/or California Fish and
Game code (which, together, apply to all native nesting bird species) are
present in the impact area or within 200 feet of the impact area, a temporary
buffer fence shall be erected a minimum of 200 feet around the nest site. This
temporary buffer may be greater or lesser depending on the bird species and
type of disturbance, as determined by the biologist and/or applicable regulatory
agency permits. Clearing and/or construction within temporarily fenced areas
shall be postponed or halted until juveniles have fledged and there is no
evidence of a second nesting attempt. The biologist shall serve as a
construction monitor during those periods when disturbance activities will occur
near active nest areas to ensure that no inadvertent impacts on these nests will
occur.
33. In accordance with the California Code of Regulations (Title 8, Section 1541), if
any construction, excavations, and new utility lines are proposed near or
crossing existing high pressure pipelines, natural gas/petroleum pipelines,
electrical lines greater than 60,000 volts, and other high priority lines are
13
required to notify the owner/operator of the line and must identify the locations
of subsurface lines prior to any ground disturbance for excavation.
Coordination, approval, and monitoring by the owner/operator of the line would
avoid damage to high priority lines and prevent the creation of hazards to the
surrounding area.
34. Prior to demolition of any existing buildings or associated structures, a qualified
contractor shall be retained to survey structures proposed for demolition to
determine if asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and or lead based paint
(LBP) are present. If ACM and/or LBP are present, prior to the commencement
of general demolition, these materials shall be removed and transported to an
appropriate landfill by a licensed contractor. This measure shall be
implemented to the satisfaction of the City Building Official, including written
documentation of the disposal of any ACMs or LBP in conformance with all
applicable requirements.
35. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the developer shall file an Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) and a Construction Waste Management Plan
(CWMP) with the City for review and approval. This measure shall be
implemented to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
36. The project will have a Standard Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) prepared
for the project and submitted to the City for review and verification compliance.
This measure shall be implemented to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
37. The applicant shall comply with all applicable codes, ordinances, and
regulations, including the most current edition of the California Fire Code and
the City of Arcadia Municipal Code, regarding fire prevention and suppression
measures; fire hydrants; fire access; water availability; and other, similar
requirements. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the City of Arcadia
Development Services Department and the Arcadia Fire Department shall verify
compliance with applicable codes and that appropriate fire safety measures are
included in the project design. All such codes and measures shall be
implemented prior to occupancy.
38. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall pay new
development fees to the Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) pursuant to
Section 65995 of the California Government Code. As an option to the
payment of developer fees, the AUSD and applicant can enter into a facility and
funding agreement, if approved by both parties. Evidence that agreements
have been executed shall be submitted to the Development Services
Department, or fees shall be paid with each building permit.
Attachment No. 6
Attachment No. 6
Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration
and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (Provided as a Separate
Document)
Attachment No. 7
Attachment No. 7
AQMD Letter dated October 9, 2014
South Coast
Air Quality Management District
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178
(909) 396-2000 • www.aqmd.gov
SENT VIA E-MAIL AND USPS: October 9, 2014
NBaldwin@ArcadiaCA.gov
Mr. Nick Baldwin, Assistant Planner
City of Arcadia
Planning Department
2240 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91006
Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Draft IS/MND) for the
Proposed Arcadia 17 Residential Condominium Project (CUP No. 14-2; Tentative
Tract Map No. 72894; and MFADR 14-12)
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) staff appreciates the
opportunity to comment on the above-mentioned document. The following comments
are meant as guidance for the Lead Agency and should be incorporated into the Final
CEQA document.
Project Description
In the Draft IS/MND (DMND), the Lead Agency proposes demolition of the existing
business structures and construction of 17 condominium residences in three, 3-story
buildings. In the project description and the air quality section, the proposed project
includes demolition of at least three existing commercial buildings and a surface parking
area but does not include the amount of debris tonnage, the number of total truck trips to
remove the debris, or the hauling distances to the debris location site and its locations.
The total site acreage and the amount of daily soil disturbance should also be included in
the Final MND. The approximate size of the buildings should be described including any
subterranean parking if applicable. If there is excavation involved, cut or fill activities,
these activities should be discussed in sufficient detail in the Final MND and also be
incorporated in the air quality emission estimates. This would include any soil exported
from the site or imported, for example, to remediate any soil that shows contamination.
The phases and applicable timelines should also be included in the Final MND.
Documentation
In the Air Quality Section, the Lead Agency determined that project regional and
localized air quality impacts were less than significant during construction and
operational activities. The SCAQMD staff has concerns that these determinations were
made without adequate documentation included in the DMND or the technical
appendices that accompanied the draft CEQA document circulated for public review. On
Mr. Nick Baldwin, 2 October 9, 2014
Assistant Planner
pages six and seven of the DMND, the Lead Agency cites using the California Emissions
Estimator Land Use Model (CalEEMod) 1 to estimate construction and operational
emission impacts and cites comparing those estimates with the SCAQMD thresholds.
Although discussed in the narration, the construction and operational estimates,
significance thresholds for regional and localized impacts were not included in the
DMND. It is also not clear how the localized emissions were estimated since ROG
emissions are not estimated and the Lead Agency states that the proposed project will
comply with “the majority” of the LST’s recommended. Guidance for evaluating
localized impacts is located at the SCAQMD website. 2 At a minimum, the Final MND
should include sufficient information to support these findings. For the regional and
localized analyses, summary information could be included in a table, the narration or
part of an appendix. The modeling output sheets could also be included as an attachment
to an appendix. Otherwise, the Lead Agency has not provided adequate documentation
to demonstrate that project short- and long-term air quality impacts are less than
significant.
Should the Lead Agency conclude after further analyzes that construction or operational
air quality impacts exceed the SCAQMD daily significance thresholds, staff has compiled
mitigation measures3 in addition to the mitigation included in the DMND starting on page
six of the DMND to be implemented if the air quality impacts are determined to be
significant.
SCAQMD Rules and Regulations
Since the project site includes previous land uses that may have impacted soils in the
ground, the Lead Agency should cite SCAQMD Rule 1166 – Volatile Organic
Compound Emissions From Decontamination of Soil if equipment will disturb the soils
that contain hydrocarbon. In addition, Final MND should discuss Rule 402 – Nuisance
from potential odors that could potentially come from the auto-body shop located next to
the proposed site. Finally, the Final MND should discuss potential health risks to the
proposed residents from the existing auto body shop since toxic air contaminants may be
emitted from the on-going auto body shop operations.
Finally, it is recommended that the lead agency evaluate localized air quality impacts
since it is noted on page eight in the Draft MND and in an aerial map inspection, the
proposed project is located within one-quarter mile of sensitive receptors (multi-family
and single-family residential properties) southeast and south of the proposed project.
Therefore, the SCAQMD staff requests that the lead agency evaluate localized air quality
impacts to ensure that any nearby sensitive receptors are not adversely affected by the
construction activities that are occurring in close proximity. SCAQMD guidance for
performing a localized air quality analysis can also be found at the SCAQMD website.
1 http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/models.html
2 http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/handbook/LST/LST.html
3 http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/handbook/mitigation/MM_intro.html
Mr. Nick Baldwin, 3 October 9, 2014
Assistant Planner
Please provide the SCAQMD with written responses to all comments contained herein
prior to the adoption of the Final MND. The SCAQMD staff is available to work with
the Lead Agency to address these issues and any other questions that may arise. Please
contact Gordon Mize, Air Quality Specialist – CEQA Section, at (909) 396-3302, if you
have any questions regarding these comments.
Sincerely,
Jillian Baker
Jillian Baker, Ph.D.
Program Supervisor
Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources
JB:GM
LAC140930-06
Control Number
Attachment No. 8
Attachment No. 8
Response to Comments Letter dated
November 3, 2014 and AQMD Email dated
November 5, 2014
Alta Environmental
3777 Long Beach Boulevard Annex Building Long Beach CA 90807 United States of America
T (562) 495 5777 F (562) 495 5877 Toll-free (800) 777-0605 altaenviron.com
November 3, 2014
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Jillian Baker, PHD
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178
Re: Response Letter regarding Arcadia 17 (CUP No. 14-12, Tentative Tract Map No. 72894, and
Multi-Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 14-12), City of Arcadia
Dear Dr. Baker:
The following letter is in response your letter dated October 9, 2014 regarding the Arcadia 17 draft Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND). As a result of your comments, the City of Arcadia has
decided to revised the IS/MND to better detail the project and the rule requirements that this project will be
subject to.
Pursuant to 14 Cal Code Regs Section 15073.5(c)(2), new mitigation measures may be adopted without
triggering recirculation if they are added in response to comments on environmental impacts already
identified in the negative declaration.
Since these new rule requirements are related to previously environmental impacts that were identified, the
Initial Study does not need to be recirculated according to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
regulations.
The following discusses the specific revisions based on your comments.
Project Description
The project description has been revised to include a discussion on the amount of grading, filling and
excavation required for the project. There will be 2,216 cubic yards of grading, 1,766 cubic yards of fill and
450 cubic yards of demo debris that will have to be hauled off-site. The project is anticipated to take demo
debris to the Puente Hills Recovery Facility in Whittier which is about 20 miles away. The project was
evaluated based on an estimated start construction date of 2015
. The construction schedule is anticipated
to last about 10 months. Each phase will require a different blend of equipment to complete the work. The
CalEEMod prepared for this project includes a detailed list of each piece of equipment, size, hours and load
factor.
The final project is based 17 dwelling units that are 3 stories each. There will be no subterranean parking.
The project analysis is based on a new floor surface area of 42,513 ft2.
2
Documentation
The City of Arcadia completed a CalEEMod based on 0.82 acres and 0.5 acres of disturbed surface area.
The CalEEMod model analyzed emissions from demolition, site preparation, grading, building construction,
architectural coating and paving. The emissions were evaluated for ROG, NOx, CO, SOx, Fugitive PM10,
Fugitive PM2.5 and Exhaust PM2.5 .The results of the short term (construction) and long term (operational)
emissions have been incorporated into the IS/MND. The summary tables are now included in the IS/MND
and detail the total emissions and compare them to the significants thresholds. The results demonstrate
the total emissions from the short term construction and long-term operational emissions are below the
significance threshold and support the findings of the IS/MND. A copy of the CalEEMod model will be
attached to the IS/MND.
SCAQMD Rules and Regulations
The developer completed a Phase I and Phase II site assessment for the property. The Phase II study was
performed by PIC Environmental Services on January 17, 2014 to determine if elevated concentrations of
petroleum hydrocarbons, metals or volatile organic compounds were present. Borings were taken and
analysed. Based on the results of this data, the project is not anticipated to have significant concentration
of the tested constituents. As a result, it is not anticipated that the provisions of SCAQMD Rule 1166 –
Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Decontamination of Soil will be needed. If during the course of
the project it is discovered that the soil has VOC’s then the project will comply with the appropriate rule
requirements.
The SCAQMD comments requested that Rule 402 be addressed. Section III(e) of the IS/MND requires a
discussion of odors and their impact. A discussion has been added to this section which addresses Rule
402 and the City Public Nuisance requirements regarding the applicability of these rules to this project.
It is our understanding the district is concerned with potential odors that could potentially come from auto-
body shop located next to the proposed site. To address any potential issues, the applicant has agreed
and the IS/MND has been revised to include a disclosure letter. The disclosure letter will be provided to the
buyers and discloses the adjacent land use and potential for odors. Please see the attached draft
disclosure letter.
We appreciate this opportunity to provide this response. Please do not hesitate to call me at (562)
495-5777 should you have any question or concerns.
For and on behalf of Alta Environmental
Scott Taylor, CPP
Vice President, Air Compliance Services
1
Nicholas Baldwin
From:Gordon Mize <gmize@aqmd.gov>
Sent:Wednesday, November 05, 2014 5:26 PM
To:Nicholas Baldwin
Subject:RE: Arcadia 17 Residential Condominium Project_132, 136, 142 Las Tunas Drive, 2 of 2
Hi Nick,
The SCAQMD staff received the Lead Agency’s response on November 3, 2014 by e‐mail attachment to the SCAQMD
staff comments in its letter dated October 9, 2014. The attachments included an air quality analysis and disclosure
notice that addressed our concerns. The SCAQMD staff has no further comment at this time.
Gordon
Gordon E. Mize
Air Quality Specialist
South Coast Air Quality Management District
CEQA Section, Inter-Governmental Review
(909) 396-3302 phone
(909) 396-3324 fax
gmize@aqmd.gov
From: Nicholas Baldwin [mailto:nbaldwin@ci.arcadia.ca.us]
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2014 10:55 AM
To: Gordon Mize
Subject: RE: Arcadia 17 Residential Condominium Project_132, 136, 142 Las Tunas Drive, 2 of 2
Gordon,
Thank you for your response. We are pleased to hear that AQMD is satisfied with the revised IS/MND. Will you please
provide us with a letter to memorialize this e‐mail by November 19, 2014 so we can add it as an attachment to the staff
report that will be presented at the November 25th public hearing?
‐‐Nick
From: Gordon Mize [mailto:gmize@aqmd.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2014 10:29 AM
To: Nicholas Baldwin
Subject: FW: Arcadia 17 Residential Condominium Project_132, 136, 142 Las Tunas Drive, 2 of 2
Hi Nicholas,
Upon review of the information sent as an attachment yesterday, I do not have any further comments.
Gordon E. Mize
Air Quality Specialist
South Coast Air Quality Management District
CEQA Section, Inter-Governmental Review
(909) 396-3302 phone
(909) 396-3324 fax
gmize@aqmd.gov
2
From: Gordon Mize
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2014 5:59 PM
To: 'Nicholas Baldwin'
Subject: RE: Arcadia 17 Residential Condominium Project_132, 136, 142 Las Tunas Drive, 2 of 2
Hi Nicholas,
I have received the attachments you forwarded to us and am in the process of evaluating them. If they are sufficient, I
will not have any further comments for the proposed project’s final CEQA document.
Sincerely,
Gordon E. Mize
Air Quality Specialist
South Coast Air Quality Management District
CEQA Section, Inter-Governmental Review
(909) 396-3302 phone
(909) 396-3324 fax
gmize@aqmd.gov
From: Nicholas Baldwin [mailto:nbaldwin@ci.arcadia.ca.us]
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 5:27 PM
To: 'jbaker@aqmd.gov'; Gordon Mize
Cc: 'Matt@walbern.com'; 'Scott Taylor'; Jim Kasama; Lisa Flores
Subject: Arcadia 17 Residential Condominium Project_132, 136, 142 Las Tunas Drive, 2 of 2
Attachment No. 9
Attachment No. 9
List of Multiple-Family Projects in Other
Cities with Tandem Parking
Attachment No. 10
Attachment No. 10
Tentative Tract Map
Attachment No. 11
Attachment No. 11
300-foot Radius Map