HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2014-024 RESOLUTIOT' NO. 2014-024
RESOLUTIOt�T OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA II`' SUPPORT OF THE RELOCATION OF THE
SDG&E BAYFRONT SUBSTATION INCLliDING THE
BAYFROI�'T ENHAI�'CEMEI�'T FUND ALTERI�'ATIVE AND
CONSIDERATI02� OF ADDITIONAL UNDERGROUI�'DII�'G
OF UTILITY LII�TES AND OTHER MEASURES TO ADDRESS
VISUAL IMPACTS CONSISTENT VJITH THE CITY'S
CERTIFIED LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAh4 AND THE
COASTAL ACT
WHEREAS, on October 12, 2004, the Cin� of Chula Vista ("Cin�') entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding (`MOU") with San Diego Gas R Electric ("SDG&E") to
facilitate, amon� other thinas, the relocation of the e�istine SDG&E Bayfront 138kV substation
("Substation"), and the undererounding of esisting and future utility transmission and
distribution lines and towers along the Bavfront; and
WHEREAS on April 2�, 2006, the Citv of Chula Vista ("City`) created an
undergroundine district within the Chula Vista Bayfront to undereround the li8 kV electrical
transmission lines and supportine structures includine Tower 188701 consistent N�ith its Bayfront
Master Plan efforts and the "MOU" entered into H�ith San Diego Gas & Electric ('SDG&E");
and
R'HEREAS; on Januan� 6, 2010, SDG&E and the San Diego Unified Port District (`Port
Districr') entered into that certain Real Estate and Eachanee Aereement to facilitate the
exchanee of properties encumbered by SDG&E and the Port District to allow for the relocation
of the ezistine Substation: and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2012, as the result of an effort of o��er ten years of
collaborative plannine and community outreach on the part of the Cin� and the Port District the
California Coastal Commission ("CCC") certified the Chula Vista Local Coastal Program
Amendment (the "LCPA" or "LCP") and the San Dieeo Port District Pon Master Plan
AmendmendChula Vista Bayfront Master Plan (`CVBMP"); and
�'HEREAS, the Certified LCP's policies and rewlations en��ision the relocation of the
existing Substation to a site on Bay Boulevard near Palomaz Street located approximateh� one-
half mile south from its current Iocation (the "Relocation Site"); and contain specific land use
policies stating that utilities sen�ing [he ba}�front shall be placed undereround (LUP Objective
GD.2); and funher it is the City`s stated position that such certified laneuage is an espansion
upon prior approved drafr languaee which stated high voltaoe (230 kV) transmission lines shall
be placed underground; and
WHEREAS; the CVBMP designates the site currently occupied by the Substation for the
development of a Community Pazk, RV Park, and Industrial Park: and
Resolution No. 2014-024
Page 2
WHEREAS, said development would not be implemented ti�ithout the relocation of the
Substation to the Relocation Site: and
WHEREAS, without the relocation of the Substation from its current site the City's LCP
and CVBMP's vision, objectives, and policies would not be implemented; and
WHEREAS, on October 17, 2013, the California Public Utilities Commission ('`CPUC")
granted a Permit to Construct the Substation at the Relocation Site, but without all of City's
desired Project elements to address visual impacts; and
WHEREAS; the CCC will consider the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit,
pursuant to the Coasta] Act, for the construction of the Substation at the Relocation Site; and
WHEREAS; the City has consistently advocated for the relocation of the Substation
before the CPUC and the CCC; including the Project alternative commonly known as the
Bavfront Enhancement Fund Alternative; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to reaffirm its previous support for the relocation, including
Bayfront Enhancement Fund Alternative, and the consideration of additional undergrounding of
utility lines and other measures to address visual impacts consistent with the City's certified
LCP, the Califomia Coastal Act, the implementation of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan
and their vision and policies.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby resolve as
follows:
1. The City Council reaffirms its strong support and requests Coastal Commission
approval ofthe following:
a. The relocation of the SDG&E Substation (the "ProjecT') from its existing site within
the CVBMP; no�v designated for redevelopment into a Community Park, RV Park and Industrial
Park, to the 12-acre Relocation Site to the south of the existing site, cunently designated and
zoned for industrial use.
b. The upgrade of the existing SDG&E Substation at the Relocation Site to a
230/69kVsubstation designed to meet the long term, reliable energy supply needs of the region.
c. The version of the Project commonly known as the "Bayfront Enhancement Fund
Alternative," which has been identified by SDG&E in its application with the CCC as its
"preferred least environmentally damaging feasible altemative," particulazly those elements that
remove Transmission Tower 188701, replace Transmission Tower 188700 �vith a steel pole and
underground the related 138kV lines, and including the pro��ision for funding of the Living Coast
Discovery Center and other projects coordinated with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Resolution No. 201�-02�
Paee 3
d. Request that the CCC condition the permit to include landscaped berms andlor
��eeetative screening selected or maintained to provide yeaz round screenine and azchitectura]
features such as screen �valls to address the adverse �risual effects of the proposed project.
2. Prior to an�� final action. the Cit}� Council also requests that the Coastal Commission
independentl�� complete the feasibilitv anal��sis and consider the benefits of requiring the
undergroundine of am� and all additional transmission lines proposed as part of the Project to the
estent such under2rounding enhances compliance �iith the Coastal Act and LCP policies and
creates a net positive impro��ement in ��isual impacts caused by the Project, minimizin� visual
blieht.
3. The Cit}� Council desires that the Project be developed consistent ��-ith (i) its A40U
���ith SDG&E; (ii) its Certified LCP approved by the City Council on September Z�, 2012; (iii)
the Coastal Acr, (i��) best practices for the development oF such facilities in environmentally
sensitive areas; and (��) the enerQ}� needs of the region. To���ards this end, the Cih� Council
requests that the CCC take particular notice of and be Quided by the follo���ins:
a. Section 1.7 of the MOU which provides for the removal of Tower 188701 and related
undergrounding as part of the Project (attached hereto as Eshibit A).
b. LCP, LUP Objective GD.2 which provides for the undereroundine of utilities ser��ing
the Bayfront, and LUP Polic}� Vl�'.1.A and Specific Plan Section 19.85.006 �vhich provide for
de��elopment ensurine ��iews that preserve a sense of prosimity to the Bay (attached hereto as ,
Exhibit B). �
c. Coastal Act Section 302�1 «�hich pro�ides for consideration and protection of ��isual
qualities of coastal areas as a resource of public imponance (attached hereto as E.�hibit C).
d. Such other rele��ant documents and submittals consistent w�ith Cin� objectives for the
Project.
Presented b�� Approved as to form b��
�' .
/
i� �
Garv albert � Glen R. Go�sins
Assistant Ci � A4anaeer � � �Attome��
Resolution No. 2014-024
Page 4
PASSED. APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
Califomia, this llth day of February 2014 by the fo1loU�ing vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Aguilar, Ramirez and Salas
NAYS: Councilmembers: Bensoussan and Coa
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
�
Cheryl Cos 1 av r
ATTEST:
�1��� ��/�'v�-�—�
Donna R. Nonis, CMC, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
CITY OF CHULA VISTA )
I, Donna R. Norris, City Clerk of Chula Vista, Califomia, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 2014-024 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a
regular meeting of the Chula Vista City Council held on the ] ]th day of February 2014.
Executed this 1 lth day of February 2014.
�t�� �i o.4J:.�
Donna R. Norris, CMC, City Clerk
Resolution No. 2014-024
Pase �
El"�TI �
E3TRaCr FROAI
NIEP40R�\�LT4 OF L1�DERST.��"DI�`G
BEI'«�EN
SAN DIEGO GAS �C ELECTRIC CO��.��Z' :�\�
THE CITI' OF CHLZA�ZSTA
SECTTO\
1.i Switch}�ard: In the event the Project has been constructed; the\lain-Street Substation has
been Uperaded to 230 kV, and the South Ba} Power Plant can be and is retired; replaced, or
relocated such that the faciliry cannot be retumed to service without new authorization from any
and all required authorities, and all necessan' SDG&E Board and FERC, CPUC and Califomia
Independent S}�stem Operator(CalISO) approvals acceptable to SDGRE aze acquired for the
relocation of the s�j itch��ard, SDGB E will relocate the switch}�azd at no cost to the City provided
that the City provides, at no cost to SDGB E, adequate land for the new sw itch}�ard in an
acceptable location and land riehts as defined below to SDGgE to interconnect with iu electric ,
s��stem.The approvals acquired for the relocation of the sw�itch}�ard shall be deemed acceptable
to SDG&-E provided that it is not materialh different from the switch }�azd relxation application
(submitted and as mav be revised by SDG&E), not materially detrunental to SDG&:E, and the
cost of said relocation will be fullv collected in rates. SDG&E will consider the followino factors
in determinine an acceptable location: (n The new location must have permanent easement and
the same entitlemenu as aze current! y held b}� SDGB E for the e�istine switcht�azd or an
altemative acceptable to SDGR E. (2) Such a new S�vitchyard �j ould be located at an altemative
location on Chula Vista's Ba�$ont west ofl-�, adjacent to existins riaht of way and on land that
is environmentall}�clean and seismicall��acceptable, or, if circumstances warrant at such
location az the panies ma��murua117 select. (3)'Il�e footprint for a new Switchyazd w�ould be at
leazt 4�0 x 6�0 feet dependine on the connections.The cost to SDGRE is currently estimated to
be approximatel} S=0 million�lipon relocation of the Switchyazd and pursuant to sections 1.4A
and IAC; the li8 kV circuit located from ToH�er 281 i63 to approximately Tower 188701 �ill be
under2rounded once the City has designated the 20A funds or other altemative funding the City
may have(w�ith Tower 188700 remainin2 abo<<e ground). SDGB E N�ill work with the Cin�to
minimize overhead strucrures once the location of the new S«�itch}�ard is determined. SDGR E
���ill include the removal of the other 138 kV circuit and the Supponino Strucrures; includine
Tower 188 i01, w�ith its application for the relocation of the Switchvazd. This removal of said
138 kV; Supponine Structures, and Tower 15870] will be done and paid for b��SDGBE
consistent wich its rules and reeulations. I'he City mill timel}�process all necessary City permits
and support SDGRE in its applications to accomplish this consnuction,consistent w�ith al] laws
and reeulations applicable to SDGB E and the Cin�.
End of Document
F. ..
Resolution No. 2014-024
Page 6 .
Ek"HIBIT B
EXTRACT FROM
CIIULA VISTA LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM
L.41�-D USE PLAr\ (LU-P) A1�TD SPECIFIC PL.4N (SP)
LUP OBJECTIVE GD.2
Objective GD.2 Utilities serving the ba��front shall be undergrounded.
LUP POLICY VR'.1.A
�
Policy VW.1.A Public views shall be protected and provided from freeways, ma�or roads, Bayfront
penmeter Policies regarding each of these categories are provided below.
Views from the Freeway and Major Entry. Development shall provide an attractive view onto the
site and establish a visual relationship with San Diego Bay, marshes, and bay-related
development. High-nse structures shall be oriented to minimize view obstruction.
Views from Roadways within the Site (particularly from Bay Boulevard and Marina Parkway to the
� marshlands, San Diego Bay, parks, and other bay-related development.) Development and
activity sites shall preserve a sense of proximity to the bay and marshlands.
Views from the Perimeters of the Bayfront Outward This view is primarily a pedestrian-oriented
stationary view and more sustainable. These views will be experienced from various parts of
open space and pathway system locations and will enable pe�sons to renew visual contact at
close range with San Diego Bay and marshlands. Some close-range pedestrian views may be
blocked to protect sensitive species in the National Wildlife Refuge.
High-nse Development Vistas. The limited high-rise development within the LCP Planning Area
shall maximize the panoramic view opportunities created with increased height.
SP SECTION 19.85.006
19.85.06 Form and appearance. �
A. Form and Appearance Objectives. The following objectives shall serve as guidelines for use of land ,
and water resources to preserve a sound natural environment.
1. Preserve existing wetlands in a healthy state to ensure the aesthetic en�oyment of marshes and
the wildlife that inhabits them. •
2. Change the existing industrial image of the Bayfront and develop a new identity consonant
with its future prominent pubiic and commercial recreational role.
3 Improve th=visual quality of the shoreline by promoting public and private uses that provide
proper restoration, landscaping, and maintenance of shoreline areas. �
Resolution ivo. 201�-0?4
Paee 7
Exhibit B Paee 2 ef 3
i . :
4 Remove, or mitioate by landscaping, s.ructures or condi;ions Lha:Fave a blighting influence
on the area.
5. Elimirat=or rzduce barriers to linking ;he 3ayfront to;he res:oi wes;em Chula Visfa znd
establish a memorable rzia5onship between the 3ayEron[(and:ne areas and el=m=n.s.na:
comprise it) and adjoining areas oi Chula Vista, the freeway, and arterial approaches to.ne
Bayfront(see Exhibit 6, Form and hppearance Map).
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Resolution\o. 2014-02�
Pase 9
EXHIBIT C
C1\LIFORNIA COASfAL ACT
. SECTION 30251
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
30251.
The scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas shall be considered and protected as a resource
of public importance. Permitted development shall be sited and designed to protect views to
and along thz ocean and scenic coastal areas,to minimize the alteration of natural land forms,
to be visually compatible with the character of surrounding areas, and,where feasible,to
restore and enhance visual quality in visually degraded areas. New development in highly scenic
areas such as those designated in the California Coastline Preservation and Recreation Plan
prepared by the Department of Parks and Recreation and by local government shall be
subordinate to the character of its setting.
- End of Document