Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/01/24 Item 12~..:. ~ ~- CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT ® ~«~, ~~ CITY OF CHULA VISTA JANUARY 24, 2012, Item ~2 ITEM TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING: GPA-12-O1 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE CHULA VISTA GENERAL PLAN LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT REGARDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS OF THE CHULA VISTA GENERAL PLAN RELATED TO HEALTHY COMMUNITIES SUBMITTED BY: DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DIRECTOR/ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER ® ~cr ~/- N REVIEWED BY: CITY MANAGER 4/STHS VOTE: YES ~ NO SUMMARY In early 2011 the City was awarded a San Diego Association of Governments ("SANDAG") Healthy Community Planning Grant. The purpose of the grant is to promote public health principles at the local and regional level. One way to achieve this is to expand the vision of the City's Healthy Communities initiative in the City's General Plan. Healthy Community language is proposed to be added to both the Land Use and Transportation Element and the Environmental Element of the General Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the proposed activity was adequately covered in the previously adopted General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR OS-O1) because the proposed objectives and policies are consistent with the previously adopted General Plan Update. Thus, no further environmental review or documentation is required. 12-1 ENTER DATE HERE, Item ~;:-- Page 2 of 6 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Development Services Director has also determined that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment because the proposed General Plan policies will result in Healthy Communities policies and programs and no physical change to the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required. RECOMMENDATION Council adopts the resolution. BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission considered the proposed amendments at their regulaz meeting on January 11, 2012 and recornmended, on a 5-2-0 vote (Spethman, Vinson) that the City Council approve the resolution adopting the proposed General Plan amendments. DISCUSSION The SANDAG Healthy Community Planning Grant awazded the City $75,000 to take forward a plan amendment and to develop the Cilantro to Stores program that begins to implement one of the primary components of the Healthy Cormunities vision. The City and SANDAG executed the contract on April 29, 2011, and the projects must be completed by Januazy 31, 2012. The City originally intended to modify the Redevelopment Agency's Five-Year Implementation Plan. However, based on AB xl 26, this option was no longer viable, which created the opportunity to amend the General Plan, which provides a framework for the Ciry at lazge. A Healthy Community is defined as a community that is continuously creating and improving its physical and social environments and expanding the community resources to enable people to mutually support each other in developing and maintaining a high quality of life and productivity. Healthy Community language integrates public health considerations through the establishment of goals and recommendations for supporting and promoting access to healthy food and promoting opportunities for physical activity. This can be accomplished in part, through the appropriate placement of land uses that support the vision of a Healthy Community. This includes such goals as providing more healthy food options in all neighborhoods of the community, promoting community gazdens, and limiting the concentration of fast-food restaurants. Goals that encourage convenient access to services and healthy options through safe walking, bicycling and public transit opportunities and supporting programs that promote healthy air quality also help to foster the vision of a Healthy Community. The City of Chula Vista's General Plan serves as the "constitution" for future growth and development and is the foundation for establishing goals, purposes, zoning and activities allowed on each land pazcel to provide compatibility and continuity to the entire City as well as each individual neighborhood. While best known for setting the policy for acceptable land uses, the scope of the general plan is far broader. All specific plans, capital improvement programs and development decisions aze made within the framework of general plan goals, objectives and policies. The General Plan is the 12-2 ENTER DATE HERE, Item /~~ Page 3 of 6 cardinal tool for helping to guide development, processes and future programs that promote and support the ideals of Healthy Communities. While the topic of Heahhy Communities is already included in the City's General Plan, additional policies that cover a wider breadth of public health issues, will help to address many of the public health concerns that exist in our community. According to the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency Public Health Services, diabetes, heart, cancer, and respiratory diseases account for over 50% of deaths in the County and create a huge economic burden (over $4 billion dollars in direct treatment expenditures). Proper nutrition and physical activity aze two major lifestyle/behavior choices that could have a significant impact on this problem. In addition, the following health facts are reported for the South County region, of which Chula Vista is the lazgest city: • South County adults are less likely than any other region in the County to engage in moderate activity, five or more days a week, or vigorous physical activity, three or more days a week • Neazly 60% of South County adults are overweight or obese; a higher rate than almost every other region in the County. • South County adults aze more likely to have poor nutrition than adults in any other region in the County. ^ South County adults are less likely to have consumed 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily than adults in almost every other region in the County • In the South County, chronic disease death and medical encounter rates for coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are higher than most other regions in the County. • More than one out of eight South Region adults have been diagnosed with asthma, nearly three-quarters of whom reported being current asthmatics in 2007; higher than any other Region. In 2010, the Chula Vista Elementary School District conducted a Body Mass Index (BMI) test of fifth graders. The results indicated that the majority of students tested had an unhealthy 27.6% to 48.1% BMI (See Attachment 2). Updating the General Plan with Healthy Communities goals is the first step in establishing the vision to provide healthier amenities and services for the City's neighborhoods. The next step will be to continue implementing existing programs and projects and to develop new programs and projects that meet those goals. DISCUSSION The concept of Healthy Communities was included in the General Plan 2005 Update. Section 7.16 of the Land Use and Transportation Element introduces the idea of Healthy Communities and contains one objective and three policies. There are other areas of the General Plan that also address components of Healthy Communities such as safe, healthy, walkable communities and a sustainable circulation/mobility system that provides transportation choices and is well integrated with the City's land uses. The vision of the 12-3 ENTER DATE HERE, Item ;'G Page 4 of 6 General Plan is based on eight themes that encompass many of the tenets of Healthy Communities such as improved mobility, safe neighborhoods, high quality community services and a healthy and sustainable environment. The concept of Healthy Communities has evolved since the adoption of the General Plan Update. Although the General Plan currently encompasses many of the tenets of Healthy Communities, some including accessibility of healthy food and access to recreational facilities require fiu-ther discussion. A major focus of the Healthy Communities Initiative is to increase access to healthy food opportunities for underserved communities. The underserved communities are often low income and are often the very same neighborhoods that have an over concentration of fast food restaurants. To ensure the full complement of Healthy Communities topics are included in the General Plan, amendments that focus on accessibility to healthy food and increasing opportunities for multi-modal transportation with an emphasis on walkability were added. Pronosed Amendments The following is a brief summary of the proposed amendments to the General Plan. The entire text of the proposed amendments is attached: LUT 8 This objective is being amended to include recreational spaces as places that enhance the City's image as apedestrian-oriented and livable community. LUT 16.5 A new goal is proposed that would encourage bus service to be provided as a link between underserved neighborhoods and retail outlets that sell healthy food. LUTl8.4 A new goal to address the need for roadway design guidelines that enhance street coanectivity for pedestrians. Connectivity will make it easier to get to destinations with the most direct route, which will help to encourage people to walk to these locations. LUT 23. I a A new goal to address the maximum walking distance to access daily retail needs and transit. LUT23.lb A new goal to support "walkability audits" that will identify inconvenient or unimproved routes or routes with potential hazards and prioritize infrastructure improvements. LUT 23.8a: 23.8b: 23.8c These new policies are intended to improve the physical setting for pedestrians. LUT23.8a calls for the use of traffic calming techniques; 23.8b addresses the integration of pedestrian routes into a continuous network; and LUT 23.8c addresses the need for design guidelines that accommodate a range of users. 12-4 ENTER DATE HERE, Item ~Z Page 5 of 6 Section 7.16 -Healthy Communities As previously mentioned, many of the precepts of Healthy Communities have already been included in the General Plan. Healthy Communities was an emerging idea in 2005 when the General Plan was updated, and while the General Plan does contain a discussion about Healthy Communities (Section 7.16) it can be improved and expanded. Now that the term "Healthy Communities" has been more clearly defined, the proposed amendment to Section 7.16 would expand the discussion to include the development and support of community gardens, access to healthy food and access to recreational opportunities. LUT 34.4 and 34.5 Addresses the need for full service grocery stores in all neighborhoods of the City where residents can purchase fresh food. LUT 34a A new objective is proposed to address concentrations of unhealthy food providers within underserved neighborhoods. Three new policies aze proposed under this objective. LUT 34a.1; LUT 34.a2 and LUT 34a.3 These new policies provide for consideration of several strategies to attract businesses that provide a full range of grocery items including, fresh healthy food into underserved low-income areas. LUT34b This new objective formalizes the City's intent to encourage and provide opportunities for community gazdens in the City. LUT 34b.1 ~ LUT 34b.2: LUT 34b.3 and LUT 34b.4 The four accompanying policies to Objective 34b address the importance of community gardens in a Healthy Community and call for an update and implementation of the City Council's existing policy on community gardens. The policies also provide direction for prepazing a survey of potential sites for community gardens and encouraging community- based organizations to take an active role in sponsoring community gardens. LUT 34c A new objective is proposed to encourage healthy eating habits and messages. LUT 34c.1: LUT 34x2 and LUT 34c.3 These policies call on the City to educate the community about healthy eating habits. The intent of these policies is to encourage the City's restaurants to assist in that education through including nutrition information on their menus, being mindful of dietazy guidelines and serving locally grown foods when possible. E6.15 This amendment will add "stationary emitters" to this existing policy that calls for siting industry in a way that minimizes the potential impacts on homes, schools, hospitals and other land uses where people congregate. 12-5 ENTER DATE HERE, Item ~ Z Page 6 of 6 E6.a This new objective is being added to encourage exploration of opportunities to improve indoor air quality E6.a1, E6.a2, E6.a.3, E6.a.4 These new policies address improving indoor air quality through limiting exposure and providing programs that address second hand smoke, mold, insect and rodent infestation and lead abatement. DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the decisions contemplated by this item and have determined that the actions contemplated are not site specific and, consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a) is not applicable. CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT No current year fiscal impact has been identified as a result of this action. ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT There is a potential for projects/programs approved following this General Plan amendment to have a fiscal impact however; fiscal impacts related to future projects will be addressed when those programs/projects are identified. ATTACHMENTS 1. Proposed General Plan Amendment Language a. Chapter 5 Land Use and Transportation b. Chapter 9 Environmental Element 2. Map of BMI Results Prepared by: Marilyn Ponseggi, Principal Planner, Development Services-Advanced Planning Diem Do, Senior Project Coordinator, Development Services-Redevelopment and Housing 12-6 ATTACHMENT 1/-1 CHAPTER 5-LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION Objective - LUT16 Integrate land use and transportation planning and related facilities. Policies LUT 16.1 Promote the development ofwell-planned communities that will tend to be self- supportive and, thus, reduce the length of vehicular trips, reduce dependency on the automobile, and encourage the use of other modes of travel. LUT 16.2 Ensure that new development and community activity centers have adequate transportation and pedestrian facilities. LUT 16.3 Provide direct and convenient access to public transit stops within residential, commercial, and industrial areas. LUT 16.4 Develop plans, policies, and standazds for enhancing interchanges and bridge crossings along (or over/under) the Interstate 5, Interstate 805, State Route 54, and State Route 125 corridors to support transit, vehiculaz, non-motorized, and pedestrian connections. LUT 16.5 Work with local transit agencies to determine if there are Bans in bus routes that provide service from underserved neighborhoods to healthy food opportunities. Objective - LUT18 Reduce traffic demand through Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, increased use of transit, bicycles, walking, and other trip reduction measures. Policies LUT 18.1 Support and encourage the use of public transit. LUT 1$.2 Provide an efficient and effective pazatransit service for elderly and handicapped persons unable to use conventional transit service. LUT 18.3 Provide and enhance all feasible alternatives to the automobile, such as bicycling and walking, and encourage public transit ridership on existing and future transit routes. LUT 18.4 Use master planning techniques in new development and redevelopment projects to enable effective use of public transit. LUT 18.5 Implement TDM strategies, such as carpooling, vanpooling, and flexible work hours that encourage alternatives to driving alone during peak periods. ATTACHMENT 1 a Healthy Communities GPA Land Use and Transportation Element P_ a_~ 1 12-7 LUT 18.6 Encourage employer-based TDM strategies, such as: employee transportation allowances; preferential pazking for rideshaze vehicles; workplace-based carpool programs; and shuttle services. LUT 18.7 Support the location of private "telework" centers. LUT 18.8 Encourage establishment of pazk-and-ride facilities neaz or at transit stations, as appropriate to the area's chazacter and surrounding land uses. LUT 18.9 Adopt roadway desigr, i guidelines that enhance street com~ectivity for pedestrians.. Objective - LUT23 Promote the use ofnon-polluting and renewable alternatives for mobility through a system of bicycle and pedestrian paths and trails that are safe, attractive and convenient forms of transportation. Policies LUT 23.1 Encourage the use of bicycles and walking as alternatives to driving. LUT 23.1 a Set a walkability distance goal of .25 to .5 miles (maximum distance a person needs to walk) for residents' access to dailyretail needs and nearest transit stops. LUT23.1 b Support walkability audits to identify inconvenient routes or route with potential hazards and prioritize infrastructure improvements in communities with the most need. LUT 23.2 Foster the development of a system ofinter-connecting bicycle routes throughout the City and region. LUT 23.3 Preserve, restore, or provide the opportunity for a cyclist to ride a bicycle to virtually any chosen destination, in order to make the bicycle a viable transportation alternative. LUT 23.4 Link major residential areas with principal trip destinations, such as schools; parks; community centers; and shopping centers. LUT 23.5 Provide linkages between bicycle facilities that utilize circulation element alignments and open space corridors. LUT 23.6 In addition to using open space corridors, off-street bicycle trails should use flood control and utility easements. The trails shall be designed to minimize interaction with automobile cross traffic. LUT 23.7 Provide bicycle support facilities at all major bicycle usage locations. ATTACHMENT 1 a Healthy Communities GPA Land Use and Transportation Element Page 2 12-8 LUT 23.8 Provide and maintain a safe and efficient system of sidewalks, trails, and pedestrian crossings. LUT 23.8a Use traffic calming techniques to improve integration between pedestrians, bicvclists and motor vehicles. LUT23 8b Ensw•e that pedestrian routes and sidewalks are integrated into continuous networks. LUT 23 8c Establish streeUsidewalk/trail design guidelines that accommodate a ranee of of users including access for disabled yid bicvclists where feasible. LUT 23.9 Promote walking by providing short, direct, safe, and pleasant routes between residential areas and transit stations and/or activity centers. LUT 23.10 Promote the system of trails envisioned within the Chula Vista Greenbelt. LUT 23. ] 1 Implement recommendations of the City's Bikeway Master Plan and Greenbelt Master Plan. LUT 23.12 Provide opportunities for use of personal mobility devices. LUT 23.13 New overpasses and interchanges should be designed to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. LUT 23.14 Require new development projects to provide internal bikeway systems with connections to the citywide bicycle networks. 7.16 Planning For Healthy Communities Land use and transportation have a strong influence on people's lifestyles and in promoting healthy communities. There is a growing awareness of the need for "Healthy Commmiities. Easy and convenient access to transit and other non-auto modes of travel, especially between residential and employment centers, reduces auto usage, congestion, and the attendant impacts to air quality. Auto emissions are the single largest source of air pollution, and air quality is a major environmental health factor. In addition, the availability of safe, convenient and connected walking paths, trails and bikeways, and neighborhood-based park and recreational options also promote physical activity and exercise. Highlighting the Browning awareness of the need for Healthy Conununities the national "Healthy Conununity" Initiative stresses healthy choices at all levels from appropriate placement of ]yid uses to ensure that citizens are not adversely affected by uses that may present health risks. to ATTACHMENT 1 a Healthy Communities GPA Land Use and Transportation Element P~3 12-9 ~ortunities for exercise and to have healthy diets in part through better access to recreation facilities and healthy food choices. Another important facet of Healthy Communities is increasing availability and access to healthy food choices in underserved neighborhoods. This is particularly relevant in lower income areas that may have limited food choices. Those areas are likely to be prone to concenh~ations of fast- foodrestaurants and an over-concentration of small grocery stores that do not carry a full range of products includin: freshproduce. Increased focus toward ensuring that neighborhood-serving commercial areas provide access to a full ranee of healthy food is fmidarnental to the success of the Healthy Communities initiative. This section includes policies desi¢ned to ensure that sources of healthy foods are accessible in all neighborhoods. Other parts of the General Plan also relate to the notion of healthy and safe communities and address topics such as police, fire and emergency medical facilities and services; park and recreation facilities and services; sustainable development; protection of the environment and people from air and water pollution and hazardous materials; and the close relationship between land use and transportation. For instance, Section 3.2 of the Public Facilities and Services Element (Chapter 8) addresses Police; Fire Protection, and Emergency Services; Section 3.5 of the Public Facilities and Services Element deals with Parks and Recreation, and includes an objective and policies on Joint Use of Pazk and School Facilities; the Environmental Element (Chapter 9) contains sections on Sustainable Development; Promoting Clean Air includine indoor air quality; Protecting Water Quality; and Hazardous Materials and Waste; and other sections of this Land Use and Transportation Element address Land Use and Transportation Integration, Improving Vehiculaz and Transit Mobility, and Increasing Mobility Through Use of Bicycles and Walking. Rather than repeat all relevant discussions and policies here, this section augments and supports these related topics in order to emphasize the growing importance of promoting healthy lifestyles in a coordinated and integrated manner. It also helps respond to regional, state, and federal initiatives on this topic. Objective - LUT34 Support healthy lifestyles among residents through increasing opportunities for regular physical activity and healthy food choices. Policies LUT 34.1 Encourage the development of parks and open space, as well as a network of pedestrian walkways for physical activity in all neighborhoods. LUT 34.2 Provide adequate lighting for streets; parks; recreation facilities; sidewalks; and bike paths to promote their use. LUT 34.3 Promote access to healthy foods through opportunities such as farmer's markets. ATTACHMENT la Healthy Communities GPA Land Use and Transportation Element 12-10 P~4 LUT 34 4 Encourage the provision of full service grocery access. including fresh, healthv foods in all neighborhoods. LUT34.5 Utilize existing incentive programs and create new programs to encourage neighborhood grocery stores to sell fresh healthy foods such as produce in underserved areas. Obiective-LUT 34a Avoid concentrations of unhealthy food providers within underserved neighborhoods Policies LUT 34a.1 Encourage the development of incentives to attract businesses that provide healthv food options particularly in underserved areas and neighborhoods with a prevalence of convenience fast food and liquor stores. LUT 34a.2 Evaluate lnniting the number or concentration of fast food restaurants in mrderserved neighborhoods and in close proximity to schools through amendments to the zoning ordinance LUT 34a.3 Consider developing a policy or a program that limits the number or concentration of liquor stores or other retailers that sell alcohol for off-site consumption. OBJECTNE-LUT34b Provide opportunities for conununity ga~~dens Policies LUT 34b.1 Support Community Gardens as a means to enhance the availability and appreciation for fresh fruits and vegetables and to provide an opportunity for exercise, additional green space and a place for community gatherings. LUT 34b 2 Modif~d update the Community Garden Policy to encourage the use of underutilized parcels both public and private for community gardens• and other modifications as necessary LUT 34b 3 Through implementation of the adopted Community Gazden Policy identify and inventor potential community gazden sites on underutilized parcels schoolyards and public spaces and pursue appropriate agreements to facilitate development of community gardens at these sites. LUT 34b 4 Encourage community-based organizations to take an active role in sponsoring connnuivty gardens. ATTACHMENT la Healthy Communities GPA Land Use and Transportation Element Pa~Qe 5 12-11 OBJECTIVE-LUT 34c Encourage healthy eating habits and healthy eating messa¢es. Policies LUT 34c 1 Tlrrou~h the City's various means of communication disseminate information about healthy eatine habits. LUT 34c 2 Consider requiring restaurants to post nutrition information for menu items. LUT 34c 3 Create programs to encouraQerestaurants to adopt menus consistent with dietary guidelines. LUT 34c 4 Create incentives to encourage restaurants to use localiy gown produce. ATTACHMENT 1 a Healthy Commuivties GPA Land Use and Transportation Element Page 6 12-12 ATTACHMENT 1 {3 CHAPTER 9-ENVIRONMENTAL Objective E6 Improve local air quality by minimizing the production and emission of air pollutants and toxic air contaminants and limit the exposure of people to such pollutants. Policies E 6.1 Encourage compact development featuring a mix of uses that locate residential areas within reasonable walking distance to jobs, services, and transit. E 6.2 Promote and facilitate transit system improvements in order to increase transit use and reduce dependency on the automobile. E 6.3 Ensure that operational procedures of the City promote clean air by maximizing the use oflow-and zero-emissions equipment and vehicles. E 6.4 Avoid siting new or re-powered energy generation facilities and other major toxic air emitters within 1,000 feet of a sensitive receiver, or the placement of a sensitive receiver within 1,000 feet of a major toxic emitter. E 6.5 Ensure that plans developed to meet the City's energy demand use the least polluting strategies, wherever practical. Conservation, clean renewables, and clean distributed generation should be considered as part of the City's energy plan, along with lazger natural gas-fired plants E 6.6 Explore incentives to promote voluntary air pollutant reductions, including incentives for developers who go above and beyond applicable requirements and for facilities and operations that are not otherwise regulated. E 6.7 Encourage innovative energy conservation practices and air quality improvements in new development and redevelopment projects consistent with the City's Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines or its equivalent, pursuant to the City's Growth Management Program. E 6.8 Support the use of alternative fuel transit, City fleet and private vehicles in Chula Vista. E 6.9 Discourage the use of landscaping equipment powered by two-stroke gasoline engines within the City and promote less-polluting alternatives to their use. E 6.10 The siting of new sensitive receivers within 500 feet of highways resulting from development or redevelopment projects shall require the preparation of a health risk assessment as part of the CEQA review of the project. Attendant health risks identified in the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) shall be feasibly mitigated to the ATTACHMENT lb Healthy Communities GPA Environmental Element Page 1 12-13 maximum extent practicable, in accordance with CEQA, in order to help ensure that applicable federal and state standazds are not exceeded. E 6.11 Develop strategies to minimize CO hot spots that address all modes of transportation. E 6.12 Promote clean fuel sources that help reduce the exposure of sensitive uses to pollutants. E 6.13 Encourage programs and infrastructure to increase the availability and usage of energy-efficient vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, or those that run on alternative fuels. E 6.14 The City will implement a clean vehicle/alternative fuel program for City vehicles (except safety vehicles and equipment, when not feasible) and promote the development of infrastructure to support their use. E 6.15 Site industries; and other stationary emitters; in a way that minimizes the potential impacts of poor air quality on homes, schools, hospitals, and other land uses where people congregate. Obiective E6.a Explore opportunities for improving indoor air quality Policies E6.a.1 Continue to limit exposure to secondhand smoke by encouragin~he creation of smoke free spaces and facilities at all workplaces and multi unit housing. E6.a.2 Work with outside partners such as the local school districts and other conununity stakeholders to educate the public about the dangers of mold growth and establish programs to assist in its reductions. E6 a.3 Encourage programs to prevent insect and rodent infestation. E6 a 4 Support lead abatement pro rg arras. ATTACHMENT lb Healthy Communities GPA Environmental Element Page 2 12-14 Percentage of 5th Grade Students Not Within a Healthy BMI Range Chula Vista Elementary School District 12-15 Attachment z RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS OF THE CHULA VISTA GENERAL PLAN RELATED TO HEALTHY COMMUNITIES WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAL) executed an agreement Apri129, 2011, approving $75,000 in grant funds to the City of Chula Vista from the Healthy Community Planning Grant to develop healthy communities policies and to develop and implement the "Cilantro-to-Stores" program to incorporate fresh local produce in convenience and liquor stores; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the grant is to promote public health principles at the local and regional level in ways that integrate and institutionalize public health considerations in the local and regional policies, programs, projects and decision-making; and WHEREAS, a Healthy Community can be defined as a community that is continuously creating and improving its physical and social environments and expanding the community resources to enable people to mutually support each other in developing and maintaining a high quality of life and productivity; and WHEREAS, in order to promote healthy choices and create a Healthy Community, programs and General Plan policies need to be amended to cover a wider breadth of public health issues; and WHEREAS, including General Plan policies that cover a greater scope of public health issues will help to begin to address some of the public health concerns that exist in our community; and WHEREAS, many adults in the South County are overweight or obese; and WHEREAS, the rate of obesity in adults in the South County is at a higher rate than almost every other region in the County which may be the result of poor nutrition; and WHEREAS, South County adults are less likely to have consumed 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily than adults in almost every other region in the County; and WHEREAS, in 2010, the Chula Vista Elementary School District conducted a Body Mass Index (BMI) test of fifth graders; the results indicated that the majority of students tested had an unhealthy BMI; and 12-16 Resolution No. Page 2 WHEREAS, Healthy Community language integrates public health considerations through the establishment of goals and recommendations for supporting and promoting access to healthy food and promoting opportunities for physical activity; and WHEREAS, The City of Chula Vista's General Plan serves as the "constitution" for future growth and development and is the foundation for establishing goals, purposes, zoning and activities allowed on each land parcel to provide compatibility and continuity to the entire City as well as each individual neighborhood; and WHEREAS, the concept of Healthy Communities was included in the 2005 General Plan Update; and WHEREAS, the definition of Healthy Communities has evolved since the 2005 General Plan Update; and WHEREAS, the amendments as proposed reflect sound planning principles and are internally consistent with the General Plan; and WHEREAS, the General Plan amendment encompasses amendments to the Land Use and Transportation Element to add new policies: LUT 16.5, LUT 18.9, LUT 23.1.a, LUT 23.1.b; LUT 23.8.a-23.8.c; LUT 34.4 and LUT 34.5 and add new objectives LUT 34a through LUT34.c with accompanying policies, and to amend the Environmental Element to add new Objective E6.a; and WHEREAS, the Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the proposed activity was adequately covered in the previously adopted General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR OS-01) because the proposed objectives and policies are consistent with the previously adopted General Plan Update. Thus, no further environmental review or documentation is required; and WHEREAS, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Development Services Director has also determined that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment because the proposed General Plan policies will result in Healthy Communities policies and programs and no physical change to the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve a resolution amending portions of the Land Use and Transportation and Environmental Elements of the Chula Vista General Plan to include up to date references to Healthy Communities and objectives and policies to enhance the vision for the Healthy Communities that was incorporated into the 2005 General Plan Update. 12-17 Resolution No. Page 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby find and determine as follows: Section I. Environmental Determination These amendments to the General Plan are adequately covered in the previously adopted General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR OS-O1) because the proposed objectives and policies aze consistent with the previously adopted General Plan Update; and there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment because the proposed General Plan policies will result in Healthy Communities policies and programs and no physical change to the environment. The City Council further finds that no further environmental review is required. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Council further finds that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment because the proposed General Plan policies will result in Healthy Communities policies and programs and no physical change to the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required. Section II. Consistency with General Plan That the approval of the proposed amendments to the Chula Vista General Plan are consistent with and follow the goals, objectives, and policies of the Chula Vista General Plan because the proposed amendments, in accordance with the General Plan Update, expands the vision for a healthy community, enhances other concepts already included in the General Plan such as walkability and expands the discussion of Healthy Communities to include the development and support of community gardens, access to healthy food and access to recreational opportunities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby approve and adopt the amendments to the Land Use and Transportation Element LUT 16.5, LUT 18.9, LUT 23.1.a, LUT 23.1.b; LUT 23.8.a-23.8.c; LUT 34.4 and LUT 34.5; and the addition of new objectives LUT 34a through LUT34.c with accompanying policies; the amendment of Objective 8 and the addition of a new objective E6a to the Environmental Element, as follows: Section III. Land Use and Transportation Element 1. Add the following policies and objective to the Land Use and Transportation Element regarding Healthy Communities: Obiective - LUT8 Strengthen and sustain Chula Vista's image as a unique place by maintaining, enhancing, and creating physical features that distinguish Chula Vista's neighborhoods, communities, and public and recreational spaces, and enhance its image as apedestrian-oriented and livable community. 12-18 Resolution No. Page 4 LUT 16 5 Work with local transit aeencies to determine if there are eaos in bus routes that provide service from underserved neighborhoods to healthv food opportunities. LUT 18 9 Adopt roadway design guidelines that enhance street connectivity for pedestrians. LUT 23 la Set a walkability distance coal of .25 to .5 miles (maximum distance a person needs to walk) for residents' access to daily retail needs or nearest transit stops. LUT23 lb Support walkability audits to identify inconvenient routes or route with potential hazards and prioritize infrastructure improvements in communities with the most need. LUT 23 8a Use traffic calming techniques to improve inte¢ration between pedestrians bicyclists and motor vehicles. LUT23 8b Ensure that pedestrian routes and sidewalks are inteerated into continuous networks. LUT 23 8c Establish street/sidewalk/trail design guidelines that accommodate a range of users; including access for disabled and bicyclists where feasible. 2. Amend Section 7.16 to include addition information about Healthy Communities 7.16 Planning For Healthy Communities Land use and transportation have a strong influence on people's lifestyles and in promoting healthy communities. Land use arrangements and mixes that provide access to daily needs, conveniences, and employment in a safe inviting and walkable environment create the underpinnings for increased physical activity. Easy and convenient access to transit and other non-auto modes of travel, especially between residential and employment centers, reduces auto usage, congestion, and the attendant impacts to air quality. Auto emissions are the single largest source of air pollution, and air quality is a major environmental health factor. In addition, the availability of safe, convenient and connected walking paths, trails and bikeways, and neighborhood-based park and recreational options also promote physical activity and exercise. Highlighting the ¢rowin¢ awareness of the need for Healthy Communities the national "Healthy Community" Initiative stresses healthv choices at all levels from appropriate placement of land uses to ensure that citizens are not adversely affected by uses that may present health risks to opportunities for exercise and to have healthy diets in part through better access to recreation facilities and healthv food choices. Another important facet of Healthy Communities is increasing availability and access to healthv food choices in underserved neighborhoods. This is particularly relevant in 12-19 Resolution No. Page 5 lower income areas that may have limited food choices. Those areas are likely to be nrone to concentrations of fast-food restaurants and anover-concentration of small grocery stores that do not carry a full range of products including fresh uroduce. Increased focus toward ensuring that neighborhood-serving commercial areas provide access to a full ran¢e of healthy food is fundamental to the success of the Healthy Communities Initiative. This section includes policies designed to ensure that sources of healthy foods are accessible in all neighborhoods. Other parts of the General Plan also relate to the notion of healthy and safe communities and address topics such as police, fire and emergency medical facilities and services; pazk and recreation facilities and services; sustainable development; protection of the environment and people from air and water pollution and hazazdous materials; and the close relationship between land use and transportation. For instance, Section 3.2 of the Public Facilities and Services Element (Chapter 8) addresses Police, Fire Protection, and Emergency Services; Section 3.5 of the Public Facilities and Services Element deals with Parks and Recreation, and includes an objective and policies on Joint Use of Pazk and School Facilities; the Environmental Element (Chapter 9) contains sections on Sustainable Development; Promoting Clean Air including indoor air quality: Protecting Water Quality; and Hazardous Materials and Waste; and other sections of this Land Use and Transportation Element address Land Use and Transportation Integration, Improving Vehicular and Transit Mobility, and Increasing Mobility Through Use of Bicycles and Walking. Amend Objective LUT 34 and add policies LUT 34.4 and LUT 34.5 to address opportunities for healthy food choices. Obiective-LUT34 Support healthy lifestyles among residents through increasing opportunities for regulaz physical activity and healthy food choices. LUT 34.4 Encourage the provision of full service ¢rocery access, including fresh, healthy foods in all neighborhoods. LUT 34.5 Utilize existing incentive pro rams, and create newprograms to encourage nei hborho~ grocery stores to sell fresh, healthy foods, such as produce, in underserved areas. 4. Add Objective LUT 34a and Policies 34a.1 through 34a.3 to discourage concentrations of unhealthy food providers. Obiective-LUT 34a Avoid concentrations of unhealthy food providers within underserved neighborhoods. LUT 34a.1 Encourage the development of incentives to attract businesses that provide healthy food options particularly in underserved areas and neighborhoods with a prevalence of convenience, fast food, and liquor stores. 12-20 Resolution No. Page 6 LUT 34a.2 Evaluate limiting the number or concentration of fast food restaurants in underserved neighborhoods and in close proximity to schools through amendments to the zoning ordinance. LUT 34a.3 Consider develo~n>; a policy or a program that limits the number or concentration of liquor stores or other retailers that sell alcohol for off-site consumption. 5. Add Objective LUT 34b and Policies 34b.1 through 34b.4 to encourage community gardens. Objective-LUT34b Provide opportunities for community gazdens LUT 34b.1 Support Community Gardens as a means to enhance the availability and ~preciation for fresh fruits and vegetables and to provide an opportunity for exercise, additional green space and a place for community gatherings. LUT 34b 2 Modify and update the Community Garden Policy to encourage the use of underutilized parcels, both public and private, for community gazdens; and other modifications as necessary. LUT 34b.3 Through implementation of the adopted Community Garden Policy identify and inventor potential community gazden sites on underutilized parcels, schoolyards and public spaces and pursue appropriate agreements to facilitate development of community gardens at these sites. LUT 34b 4 Encourage community-based organizations to take an active role in sponsoring community gardens. 6. Add Objective LUT 34c and Policies 34x1 through 34c.4 to encourage healthy eating habits, Objective-LUT 34c Encourage healthy eating habits and healthy eating messages. LUT 34c.1 Through the City's various means of communication disseminate information about healthy eating habits. LUT 34c 2 Consider requiring restaurants to post nutrition information for menu items. LUT 34c.3 Create programs to encourage restaurants to adopt menus consistent with dietary guidelines. LUT 34c.4 Create incentives to encourage restaurants to use locally grown produce. 12-21 Resolution No. Page 7 Section IV Environmental Element Amend Policy E6.15 to include stationary emitters. E 6.15 Site industries; and other stationary emitters in a way that minimizes the potential impacts of poor air quality on homes, schools, hospitals, and other land uses where people congregate. 2. Add Objective E6.a to encourage improving indoor air quality. Objective-E6.a Explore opportunities for improving indoor air quality. E6.a.1 Continue to limit exposure to secondhand smoke by encoura ing the creation of smoke free spaces and facilities at all workplaces and multi unit housing. E6.a 2 Work with outside partners such as the local school districts and other community stakeholders to educate the public about the dangers of mold growth and establish programs to assist in its reductions. E6.a 3 Encourage programs to prevent insect and rodent infestation. E6.a 4 Support lead abatement programs. Presented by Gary Halbert, AICP, PE Assistant City Manager/Director of Development Services 12-22 Approved as to form by COMMUNITIES AGAINST SUBSTANCE_ ABUSE ~'hot`~~ -l~v.cz-1;cx1 ~~-~ >,a Mayor Cheryl Cox and Members of the City Council January 24, 2012 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 RE: Agenda Item #12 Continue to limit exposure to secondhand smoke by encouraging the creation of smoke free spaces and facilities at all workplaces and multi unit housing. Dear Chula Vista City Council Members: We support your adoption of this General Plan amendment and consensus for a healthier Chula Vista. However we are concerned about some of the specific language. Our experience in East County working on this issue over 18 month leads us to believe that "exploring improving indoor air quality' and "encouraging creation of smoke free spaces" would best be accomplished through municipal policy. Our work with property owners has met with little concern or support for voluntary policies. Only in new construction or affordable units have voluntary policies been effective. Tenants who raise concerns have been summarily evicted, ostensibly for other reasons. As a result, we view city policy as the only remaining effective tool and urge your consideration. We believe that this is an important step in improving the quality of life for seniors, children and families that are exposed to secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing in the City of Chula Vista. There is solid data supporting the need for a policy solution to address secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit housing. The city of San Diego is currently developing a second hand smoke nuisance ordinance that may prove an effective tool. It's still in development so we shall see. • 78% of California voters support a law requiring apartment buildings to offer nonsmoking sections. (The Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing) • Telephone survey of 602 apartment residents throughout California found that 69 percent would favor requiring all apartment buildings to offer non-smoking sections and 67 percent would favor limiting smoking in outdoor common areas such as pool areas, entryways, and courtyards. (The Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing) • Nearly 90 percent of tenants believe exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful, with nearly two-thirds of those (63 percent of all tenants) saying it is "very harmful." Of these tenants who believe exposure to secondhand smoke is very harmful, 81 % endorse separate non- smokingsections in apartment buildings. (The Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing) 554 (3ROA[3WAY El. CAJON, CA 92421 PH 619-dd2-2727 FAX 619.593.9025 • In 2008 San Diego State University Social Science Research Laboratory conducted a telephone survey of 200 apartment residents in San Diego and found that: 79% agreed that we need laws to protect non-smokers in multi-unit housing from secondhand smoke, 90% agreed that people that do not smoke have the right to live in smoke-free housing, and 71% would like to live in an apartment that does not allow smoking anywhere We applaud the City Council for already enacting strong local tobacco control through your smoke free dining patios ordinance. You showed strong leadership being the first city in the County of San Diego to adopt smoke free dining patios. It is clear that Council Members understand the detrimental impact of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Your support will help protect and provide tenants, apartment managers/owners with a tool to reduce their property's exposure to secondhand smoke. Communities Against Substance Abuse strongly supports the development and implementation of an ordinance that will reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing. ~/f Sincerely, ~"'~ Lorenzo Higley, M.S.W. Communities Against Substance Abuse Director of Program Services Lorenzo.Hi~ley@eccasa.or~ 619.442.2727 x 113 www.dru~freesandie~o.or~ ,•, •` ~xCli"1~~Ii"1t~f AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION. IN f_q~,IPORNIR ~_ ~~t ~f ~~mr~~w~n~~~ th~fi R~~fir~~ ~m~~n~ in au~~~~~~ ~~~~~T~C~~~~o~-~ ~~~~~~ ~~ ivlui~i--~.s~~~iL ~o~~i~~c November 2011 Many communities in California have begun to address the issue of drifting secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing by restricting smoking in outdoor common areas. Outdoor common areas include swimming pools, outdoor eating areas, play areas, court- yards and other areas outside of multi-unit housing buildings where residents of different units have access. While such a policy does not address the main problem of drifting secondhand smoke from neighboring units, it does provide some benefits for multi- unit housing residents. Prohibiting smoking in outdoor common areas provides protection from secondhand smoke in areas which are used frequently by families with children such as play areas and swimming pools. In addition, these policies protect residents in units from the secondhand smoke that would typically drift inside from common areas. Below is a comprehensive list of the forty-six cities and counties in California that have passed an ordinance prohibiting smok- ing in part of or all of outdoor common areas of multi-unit housing. Not all of these ordinances are the same; some only restrict smoking in specific outdoor common areas and some allow for designated smoking areas to be created. For specific questions about a city or county policy, please contact the Center. Additional smokefree housing materials produced by the Center are available at .. , ~~ '~ Alameda (Nover~~ber 2011) Baldwin Park (Nover??ber 2011) Compton (October 2011) Sonoma County (Septer?~ber 2011) Tiburon {July 2011 j Pasadena (July 2011} Fairfax (May 2011) Larkspur (April 2011} Carpinteria (February 2011} Union City (November 2010} Santa Clara Caunty (November 2010) Burbar?k (October 2010} Menu Park {September 2010) Sebastopol (August 2010) South Pasadena (August 2010) Eureka {Jufy 2010) Pleasant Hill {April 2010} Pinoie {April 2010) San Luis Obispo (April 2010} Camarillo (April 2010) Palm Desert (December 2009) Santa Cruz (September 2009) Richmond (June 2009) Marfinez {Apri9 2009) Rohnerf Park (Agri! 2009] Santa Monica (January 2009} Dublin {December 2008) Glendale (October 2008) Larva Linda (June 2008} Albany (May 2008) Novato (April 2008} Oakland {December 2007) Belmont (October 2007) EI Ca}on {August 2007) Blue Lake (June 2007) Temecula (May 2007) Marro Caunty (November 2006) Contra Costa County {October 2006) Emerytiilie {September 2006) Mari?moth Lakes (June 2006) San Mateo County (May 2006) Calabasas (February 2006) Laguna Woods {August 2004) Arcata {1997) Heaidsburg {1990 Davis (1993} Tide C;er?ter for ;~t,baccr~ F~itiicy ~ (.lr~~anizin~ • Ameroan I_tan Associ ~tic,n irr C;~~ii#nrs~iia (~;7G ~ti ~~t ,i!iTt u~i"1 • ~j'arr~l~7pntr, f 11 t~~f~.',1 a ('rif,r~t t,~1 F:a , ~d h°Fjri • FaX i~~+~r =~~~ ~:~`~i'F • "P:;I t,' (~', tnr!' r h,?I_ tJ!-' i~ r y _'', C~ 2€J11. Galitarnia Clepartment of Fut?tie health. Funded lender cantrart #tl9-i f 173. o ~w rn ~~~ y n=n'n m~ j ~m ~ N n.p 3 0 0 ~ N- ~ ~ro m ~ o x w ~c m~ m~~'N? fl.w ~5~, -w ° m ~ ~ < m c ~ x c m u°i c o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ x ° ~- ~ ~ ~ ~' ~ ~m ~ Do ~ o m oom c p,~ w m aci u, nnr: m fl.m m `~rt~`~ o ~~ ~~~ ~ w o N 7 ~ ~ N =. N Q Aj C7 O_ N TI ~ ~ ~ fD ~~ ~ O~? O 0~~ 7 w j w w- ~ R C N rn ~ioo 3 ~3 0 0 ~~ n rn m C~=x ~~ o~~ m 1c Q-w~ - ~ Ocp tin -,.m c - C1 -" ° o o ~'~°'~- ~X'o~ ~~~s o,~'+~~m°!m min-,. _ ~ :+ s~ ~ o rt N ~ o °c w, o m o~ -w~- ~ m p~ rn o cn 3.`0 ~ ~~' ~ ~ n~ ~ ~w ~3 0 ~' ~ o m ~ n S ° o ~ w ~ ~' co m ~ n m w c t7 ~ - 3~ ~' ~ Dw°~ w~3> j~,~w ~ocw~~;y 033 ~n ~ m o x m p~G ~ aN ~ ~ w=~cn~ w ~ ~ 3 C)o o m n~ w a~w ~ ~ S~n w tnw ~~ DO w 7 ~~ ~~~a oo~~ u c~~ ~-so~°~ao ~rn 'c~~ n~ ° ~ ro'o m N• w m ~ c m a= c v°, DAD ~ ~ ID ~ ~~~ m~ m s ~ Q m o m_ ~a ~ ~' o w~ `~ 7 d 0 0 0 0 0 (D O (D '~ ~~ to ~ (D O j O n7 N tD O 7C~(D ~ O SO ° C ~-Sr ~-~ C "". `D`~ w~D3 3~D~3 ~~~w 3~woo~w _~ ~ N~ ~ to O ~ ~ (~D ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ cD ~ -~ ~ C7 w w Q. ~ N ~, N o ~, N N Q sao r ~.+ m w ~`n m~a,t° °'OC~~ ~ooo ~y~oam~ oN ~~ ~-O c m~ w o ~ m 3 ° a~ ~o m ~ 3 rnm +~O (D -0 ~ ~ c X O cn ~r~ w ~ 3 cQ N~ ~ N w O. .C C7. ~ 7 w ~' c f° N ~ 3 w ~ N y 0 X C '2 O -30 w N 7pC O_ N 7 0 3 _I ~ O Z~ 6 N S D. (O ~ ~ T' G1 0 w w ~ w w ~ N ~ w 0 7 s N ~ > >' ~ 7 C~ ] uGi ~ O ~ ~ C ~ 37 N N n O 3 ~w m o yco rn p ~. o m ~_ w o ~ ~o o N.w 3 ~~ ~ cfl m m w o (nom w 3 s~°c cn3 ~~ ~ o ~ ~o ~~ ~ w 3 ~ ~~ w m ~C7 m -~ N~.~ w~.mo ~wQ~_ v ND I~w N> >~ mo a oo- w(~o ~- i~ - o -p c -p ~ cu ca -. ~ ~ ~ w 7tI -'c ~ ~ p c n~ ~ N 3 a~cQ o0 0 ~ ~o z-°-~~ ~m ~n~-~ ornm ~w~<mcn ~n ~; o w ~ ~~~ ~' o m n~'o aim ~ ~ c ~u,m woo- ,~ v, ~,~~" n so 0 ~~ 3 ~~° 3 y w to ° o ~- ~3 0 ~w U ~ to 'Q '-+ 7 ~ ° ° M w 7 ~ ~ ~ w 'o gym:' mrtm w ~ o-woa~~, ocn ~~ O N E ~ N ~ ~ A W N N o ao m ~ ~ N ° o a°1 3 xOo ~ ~ a ~ w N a ~ vw ~ ~ ~ ~ 'p-rt- m w -1 ~ w ~ ~' ~ w ~ p ~ m °~ o -ao m o m w° fl-Q1 y ~~ p '° ~ ~ °- v s ~ rs c~ n -o c> > °- w ~, o 3 ~ 0 O N N c N ~ c~ N .N. ~ j~ ~ ~ 7_ ~ (o w Q- (D O ~ (D ~ to w N C7 C ~ ~ O A 7 fD ~ ~ O ~ fD ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ W ~ N N to (D w ,3,.. ~ ~ ~p S ? ~p Q w O ° q m ~ N N~ (n 7 w ~ ~' 7 N ~ N ~ 0 'w' 0 Q s C 0 ax ~_ Q V d Q qtr ~T y ~_ ~_. ~~ Z O (D CD N 0 .l