HomeMy WebLinkAbout0983 (2)
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RESOLUTION NO.' 982
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLA;-J;UNG COI1MISSIQI, OF
THE CITY OF ARCADIA RECOI1MENDING CERTAI~
AMENDMENTS TO THE OPEN SPACE &~D CONSERVATION
ELEMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY ELEME;IT, LAND USE
DESIGHATIONS ON THE GENERAL PLAN HAP AND
IMPLEllliNTATION SECTION OF THE GENERAL PL&~
RELATING TO HILLISDE DEVELOPMENT.
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held before the Planning
Commission on March 14, 1977 to consider amending the Open Space
and Conservation Element, Public Safety Element, land use designations
on the General Plan Map and implementation section of thE! General
Plan; and
WHEREAS, all interested persons were given full opportunity
. to be heard and to present evidence;
lJOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA RECOMMENDS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
SECTION 1. That the Open Space and Conservation Element,
Public S~fetYElement, land use designations on the General Plan
Map and implementation sections of the General Plan be amended as
shown on attached Exhibit "A".
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission finds that the public
necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice
justify the above recommendations.
SECTION 3. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption
of this resolution and shall cause a copy to be forwarded to the
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City Council of the City of Arcadia.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was
adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning ,Commission of the City
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982
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of Arcadia held on the 22nd day of March, 1977, by the following
vote:
ATTEST:
AYBS: Commissioners Hegg,Huddy, Kuyper, perlis,
Reiter, Clark
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6~A4H~~
Secretary
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/L~<;J
Cha~rman
982
PUBLI C
SAFETY'LEMENT
(Page 5)
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SEIsmc AND GEOLOGIC IIAZ/\IUJS
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TECIINIC/\L REPORT SUMM/\llY
There are three known faults which arc considered active
(movement within the past 11,000 ycars) which could affect
the City of Arcadia, These faults arc thc San Andreas fault,
the Sierra r~adrc fault ,lnd the Raymond Hill fault. (See
Plate I for locations.)
Primary seismic hazards fram 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 fault traces.
Secondary seismic 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 potential seich-
ing at the Santa Anita Dam, gencrated by tilting of the ground
surface north of the Sierra Madre fault.
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The following chart gives the design magnitudes for three
generalized types of land use for the above faults and their
approximate recurrence intervals.
EARTHQUAKE DESIGN MAGNITUDES
Use
ApproX1mate
Recurrence
Interval
(Years)
Sierra
M'l<l r e
l'ault
Raymond
IIi 11
l'au1 t
San
Andreas
Fault
50-100
5.0
8.5
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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 capacity 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 arc more likely to
occur after a fire in which the removal of vegetation lowers
the stability of exposed soils and lessens the water holding
capability of the watershed.
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otential hazard to homes in the
t at will
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 Los Angeles County Flood Control District using
the following assumptions: (l) 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 upon current evidence (i.e., dam construction, geo-
logic conditions, earthquake frequency and potential earthquake
magnitude) none of the aforementioned dams is expected to fail.
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Exhibit "A"
2 of 8
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PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
(Page 8)
FIRE HAZARDS
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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 189 building fires per year. Of these,
154 occurred in resid~ntial property.
The total average annual fire loss during the five-year
period was $255,000 or approximately $5.54 per capita. This is
far below the national average'.
Although there were many minor injuries to fire fighters
and civilians as a result of fires and fire fj~hting operations
during the five-year period, there was only one fire death.
Residential Fires
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While almost all fires in residential properties during
the five-year period have been confined to the building of ori-
gin, there has been a constant potential for a widespread fire.
This potential is due primarily to geographical lbcation of the
Ci ty and weather conui tions rather than because of fire hazard's;
however, the extensive 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 potential fire hazards
and make use of fire resistent plantings and fire
resistent building materials.
Z. There is a possibility of a large loss of multi-
family dwelling units as a result of a fire start-
ing in a large 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.
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3. The number and ~xtent 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 will
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Exhibi.t "A"
3 of 8
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OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT (Page l8)
STlIDY AREA 1
WI LIlERNESS PARK AND FOOTIIl LLS
Existing Natural Features
the
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The dominant vegetation in the arc;, is Coastal Sage
Scrub Chaparral, Numerous other forms of indigenous vege-
tation may also be found in the area,
There are many species of \'ii ldlife I'lhich inhabi t
the foothill and riverbed areas including:
Resident mammals: Coyote, Grayfox, Mule Deer,
Raccoon, Virginia Opossum, Striped Skunk, Western
Pepistrel (Bat), California Ground Squirrel,
Dusky-footed Woodrat, Audobon Cottontail Rabbit,
Valley Pocket Gopher, Brush Rabbit, and Broad-
handed Shrew,
Resident Birds: Red-tailed Hawk, Sparrow Hawk,
California Quail, Downey Woodpecker, Acorn Wood-
pecker, Scrub Jay, Stellars Jay, House Sparrow,
Great Horned Owl, Poorwill,
Reptiles and Amphibians: Pacific Treefrog, Canyon
Treefrog, Western Toad, Foothill Alligator Lizard,
Gopher Snake, Mountain Kingsnakc, Western Garter
Snake, and Pacific Rattlesnake.
Existing Development
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Santa Anita Canyon Road is the only developed road
that exists in Area l, It extends north from Santa Anita
Avenue into the Angeles National Forest to Chantry Flats.
A few turnout areas already exist where a panorama of the
San Gahricl Valley may be seen.
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Pxhinit "fl."
4 of P
OPEN SPACE ~CONSERVATION ELEMENT (P~ 20)
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A limited amount of additionsl low density residen-
tial development appears to be feasible along portions
of the southern boundary of Area No, 1,
Recommendations
1. That the entire study area classified as conservation
area and that prior to the City's consideration for
the granting of any permit, license, or other entitle-
ment to use for any puhlic or private project to he
carried out wi thin the area which may h;lvc a signi-
ficant in~act on the environment an environmcntal
impact rcport shall be filed wilh ~he City.
2. In order to reserve and conserve much of the hillside
area all ro osc evelo ment must Intc rate socIal
economIC goals WIt envIronmental goals.
3. The Gene'ral Plan ma desi nation for Wi Iderncss Park
an or Watc: Department propcrtY~lOul )e O~cn Space
and the remaInder of the area snould be Resi ential
Single Family 0-4 dwelling units per acre.
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A program for the preservation and protection of
i n dig c n 0 u s wi I d I ire beg u n w,i t h the Iv i I d I ire San c t u a I' y
declaration and appointment of a Nature Coordinator
should be maintained and expandcd if required through
the adoption of appropriate regulatory ordinances,
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's system of nature trails and field observation
areas be expanded, hiking trails into the foothills
should be cncouraged through mutual cooperation with
the adjoining jurisdictions.
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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 dcveloped in cooperation with the adjoining
jurisdictions and regulatory agencies.
8. The existing watershcd areas should be evaluated to
determine if stabilization work is needed to protect
the soil from erosion.
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9.
A cooperative effort between the City of Arcadia, City
of Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County Road Department,
Los Angeles County Flood Control District, and the
Forest Service for the development and improvement ,
of scenic vista points along Santa Anita Canyon should
he pursued.
Exhibit "A"
5 of 8
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OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT (Page 2l)
STUDY AREA 2
FLOOD CONTROL DEBRIS DISPOSAL AND FOOTHILLS
Existing Natural Features
The area contains 197,00 acres which are undeveloped
except for flood control facilities. It is located south
of Wilderness Park and north of Oak Glen Drive between
the easterly City limit and the west line of the flood
control right-of-way.
The vegctation and wildlife found in this area are
essentially the same as in Area 1. However, this area
would not be considered a true example of Coastal Sage
Scrub Chaparral area but rather a dry river bed area.
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Existing Development
The flood control area lS used for a debris disposal
site for the silt removed from behind Santa Anita Dam,
a settling basin, and for the control and diversion of
rain water.
Lands within thc rights-of-way have bccn 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
asiociated with a foothill or wilderness area would be
approved. For example, camping facilities, picnic areas
and hiking trails would perhaps b~ among the most feasible
uses. Any use involving permanent structures may not be
permitted. Any use within the area may be subject to
flooding damage due to the primary activity of the channel.
of
evelopment.
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Exhibit "A"
6 of 8
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OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT (Page 22)
Rccommenda tions
1. That the entire study area be classified a conserva-
tion area undthat prior to the City's consideration
for the granting of any permi t, l.iccnse, or other
entitlement to use for any public or private project
to be carried out within the area which may have a
significant impact on the environment, an environmental
impact report sha J I he filed wi th the Ci ty.
2. Flood
3. Work in cooperation with the Los Angeles County flood
Control District for future open space uses of their
property which would substantially retain the open
space nature of the area.
4,
A program for the preservation and protection of wild-
life should he developed for this area l'lhen and if
the area is opened up to the general public.
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5. Alternatives for the possible future expansion of
Wilderness Park into the northern portion of this area
should be developed.
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Exhibit "A"
7 of 8
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GENERAL PLAN (Page 87)
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87
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the location, purpose and extent of such acquisition, dis-
position, or public ~tru~ re or building has been submitted
to and reported upon by the Planning Commission as to con-
formity with the adopted General Plan. The Planning Com-
mission may approve the proposed action, conditionally approve
the action setting forth the conditions it finds necessary
for the proposal to conform with the adopted General Plan,
or disapprove the action, If the Planning Commission should
disappro~e the action, the disapproval may be appealed ~o
the City Council.
Specific Plans
The General Plan calls for the preparation and adoption
of several s~ecific plans to implement the policies and
plan proposals. These are plans which indicate specific
, design concepts and/or development standards and regulations
for the development of land and facilities within Arcadia.
1.
The Zoning Ordinance and Map
This is a precise and legal statement of development
standards. Chapter 4 of Title 7 of the Conservation
Planning and Zoning Law of the State of California '
identi~ies in detail those areas that may be covered
by zon~ng. These are as follows: '
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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. Regulate location, height, bulk, number of stories
and size of buildings and structures; the size and
use of lots, yards, courts.and other open spaces;
th7 P7rcentage of a lot wh~ch may be occupied by a
bu~ld~ng or structure; the intensity of land use.
d. Establishment of requirements for off-street parkinlj
and loading.
e. Establish and maintain building setback lines.
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f. Create civi~ dis~ri~ts around civic centers, public
parks, publ~c bu~ld~ngs or public grounds and esta-
blish regulations therefore.
g. Establish criteria for hillside development.
Exhibit "A"
8 of 8
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March 14, 1977
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: GENERAL PLAN CHANGE G.P. 77-l
ADDITIONS TO THE GENERAL PLAN
RELATING TO HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENTS
The Planning Commission's Hillside Study Committee has reviewed
the portions of the General Plan which are relevant to hillside
developments and has formulated recommendations for changes in
the Open Space and Conservation Element, Public Safety Element
and implementation sections of the General Plan.
In the interest of time and cost only the pages in the General
Plan which contain proposed revisions have been attached. New
statements and/or revisions in the original General Plan document
are underlined for identification.
Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act, the Planning Department has prepared an initial
study for the proposed project. Said initial study did not
disclose any substantial or potentially substantial adverse
change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected
by the project including land, air, water, minerals, flora,
fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historical or aesthetic
significance. Therefore, a Negative Declaration has been pre-
pared for this project.
Before the City Council takes action on this project, the Council
should "move to approve and file the Negative Declaration and
find that the project will not have a significant effect on the
environment. "
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Department recommends that the Planning Commission
approve the attached changes in the General Plan. These changes
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G.P. 77-1
are the first
for Arcadia.
tion which is
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phase in adopting hillside development standards
The second phase is a proposed new zoning designa-
not under consideration at tonight's meeting.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
~Eb~I~
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
JFW/at
Attachments