HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a - Staff Report - Village 9 EIRC H U LA V I S T A
PLANNING
COMMISSION
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item• 4 -a
Meeting Date: 05 -14 -2014
ITEM TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of the Final Second Tier
Environmental Impact Report (EIR 10 -04) for the Otay Ranch Village 9
Sectional Planning Area Plan and Tentative Map.
RESOLUTION NO. EIR -10 -04 of the Planning Commission of the City
of Chula Vista Recommending the City Council Make Certain Findings of
Fact; Adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations; Adopt a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program and Certify the Final Second Tier
Environmental Impact Report (EIR 10- 04 /SCH 2010061090) for the Otay
Ranch Village 9 Sectional Planning Area Plan and Tentative Map pursuant
to the California Environmental Quality Act
SUBMITTED BY: Glen Laube, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Kelly Broughton FASLA, Development Services Director
INTRODUCTION:
In accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a
Second Tier Environmental Impact Report (EIR), CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of
Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) have
been prepared for the Otay Ranch Village 9 Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and Tentative
Map (TM). In accordance with Section 15105(a) of the CEQA Guidelines, the Draft Village 9
EIR was circulated for a 45 -day public review. Written comments were received during the
public review period, and responses to the comments are included in the Final Village 9 EIR.
This staff report discusses the general content of the Village 9 Final EIR, CEQA Findings of
Fact, and MMRP. The Planning Commission must consider the Village 9 Final EIR before
taking any action on the Village 9 SPA Plan and TM.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. EIR- 10 -04.
DISCUSSION
Otay Land Company, LLC has submitted an application requesting approvals for a Village 9
SPA Plan and TM (collectively, the Project). The Village 9 EIR evaluates the environmental
effects of the Project. The Project proposes development of a maximum of 3,734 multi - family
and 266 single - family residential units; a maximum of 1,500,000 square feet (SF) of non-
residential use; 27.5 acres of urban and passive parks; 19.8 acres for elementary school sites; 5.0
acres for community purpose facility uses; 9.6 acres of open space; and 26.1 acres of street right-
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 2
of -way. In addition, 50 acres is proposed for dedication to the City of Chula Vista for a future
university. A 30 -foot wide off -site utility corridor is proposed that would extend south from the
site. The corridor would include a sewer line that will connect to the existing Salt Creek Sewer
Trunk Line, a storm drain to direct drainage to the Otay River, and a utility road on the southern
portion of the corridor for utility access. The SPA Plan and proposed development is consistent
with the City of Chula Vista General Plan (GP) and Otay Ranch General Development Plan
(GDP).
CEQA Compliance
The Village 9 Final EIR has been prepared in accordance with CEQA (Public Resources Code
Section 21000 et seq.) and the City of Chula Vista's Environmental Review Procedures.
Pursuant to Section 21067 of CEQA and Section 15367 and Sections 15050 through 15053 of
the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Chula Vista is the Lead Agency under whose authority this
EIR has been prepared.
Because of the size, complexity of issues and extended buildout period of the development of
Otay Ranch, both the planning and environmental documentation associated with Otay Ranch
were tiered from the general to the specific. The first tier of planning and approvals included
approval of the Final Otay Ranch GDP /Sub - regional Plan (SRP) and associated Program EIR
(90 -01). EIR 90 -01 was prepared and certified jointly by the City and County of San Diego in
1993. EIR 90 -01 was certified with the intent that the individual SPA planning projects within
Otay Ranch would be reviewed as "second- tier" projects pursuant to Section 15152 of the CEQA
Guidelines. Under such tiering principles, the Village 9 SPA Plan and TM are analyzed at a
second -tier level of review (project level). The Village 9 Final EIR incorporates by reference and
serves as a second -tier EIR to EIR 90 -01 as well as its associated Findings of Fact and Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program.
In 2005, the City completed a comprehensive update of its General Plan (2005 GPU), which
included amendments to the Otay Ranch GDP. Although the 2005 GPU included land use
designations for the entire City, the City Council did not take action on the proposed land use
designations and polices in the "Deferral Area," which included several village sites, including
Village 9. In 2013, a subsequent General Plan Amendment/General Development Plan
Amendment (2013 GPA/GDPA) was approved that established land use designations for the
Deferral Area, and re- designated land uses in the surrounding area. The 2013 GPA/GDPA land
use change area includes Village 8, Village 9, and a portion of the University Park and
Innovation District. The 2013 GPA/GDPA included policy revisions to the 2005 GPU /GDPA,
revisions to the General Plan Circulation Plan, reconfiguration of village boundaries, and land
use designation amendments. A Supplemental EIR (SEIR 09 -01) was prepared and certified for
the 2013 GPA/GDPA in accordance with CEQA and the City's Environmental Procedures. The
2013 SEIR (SEIR 09 -01) was a supplemental environmental analysis that updated the 2005 GPU
EIR (EIR 05 -01). As a supplemental environmental document, SEIR 09 -01 only included
environmental analysis of those issues that were affected by the updated policies and land use
designations in the 2013 GPA/GDPA. As such, the Village 9 EIR also incorporates by reference
and serves as a second -tier EIR to the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05 -01) and the 2013 GPA/GDPA
SEIR (SEIR 09 -01).
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 3
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15161, this document has been prepared as a "Project
EIR" and is "focused primarily on the changes in the environment that would result from the
development" (i.e., the Project). Where environmental impacts have been determined to be
potentially significant, the Village 9 Final EIR presents mitigation measures directed at reducing
those adverse environmental effects. The mitigation measures proposed for the project will
substantially lessen or avoid the significant effects of the project on the environment to the
degree feasible, and have been included in the Village 9 MMRP.
Comments on the Draft EIR
The Village 9 Draft EIR was circulated for a 45 -day public review period from January 17, 2014
through March 3, 2014. Letters of comment were received on the Village 9 Draft EIR from the
following agencies and individuals:
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans, District 11)
• Native American Heritage Commission
• County of San Diego — Planning and Development Services
• City of San Diego
• San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
• Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)
• San Diego County Archaeological Society, Inc.
Comments received during the 45 -day public review period and the responses to those comments
have been included in the Village 9 Final EIR (see Attachment 1). None of the comments
received resulted in modifications to conclusions regarding significance of impacts, or the
addition of significant new information that would require recirculation of the EIR pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5.
Additional Revisions to Draft EIR
Staff observed minor typographical errors and inconsistencies in the Village 9 Draft EIR during
the public review period. Corrections and clarifications have been made in the Village 9 Draft
EIR, and the Village 9 Final EIR reflects the corrected information. None of the minor
corrections and clarifications resulted in modifications to conclusions regarding significance of
impacts or the addition of significant new information that would require recirculation of the EIR
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5.
Findings of the Village 9 Final EIR 10 -04
The Village 9 Final EIR identified direct and cumulative significant environmental effects (or
"impacts ") that would result from the Project. Some of these significant effects can be reduced to
below significance through the adoption of feasible mitigation measures. Other significant
effects cannot be avoided by the adoption of feasible mitigation measures or alternatives, and are
considered significant and unmitigable.
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 4
Summary of Environmental Impacts
The following discussion contains a summary of the impact conclusions from the Village 9 Final
EIR. Direct (Project) and cumulative impacts (effects from the Project and other probable future
projects) which when considered together are considerable or which compound or increase other
environmental impacts (CEQA Guidelines Section 15130) are identified and divided into three
categories:
1. Significant and Unmitigated
2. Significant and Mitigated to Less Than Significant
3. Less Than Significant
Cumulative impacts are cumulatively considerable when the incremental effects of the Project
are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other
current projects, and the effects of probable future projects (CEQA Guidelines Section
15065(a)(3)).
1) Significant and Unmitigated Impacts
• Aesthetics /Landform Alterations
— The Project would result in significant direct and cumulative impacts to the visual
character and quality of the project area in that the development would permanently
change the site from undeveloped rolling hills to an urban environment.
• Transportation/Traffic
— The Project would result in a cumulative impact to the Olympic Parkway /I -805
Northbound ramps intersection.
• Air Quality
— The Project would result in a significant direct and cumulative impact because
construction activities and project operations would exceed the federal and state
standards for criteria pollutants; and,
— The Project would result in a significant direct and cumulative impact because its
development yields are not consistent with the growth projections in the current San
Diego County Regional Air Quality Standard (RAQS). The current RAQS are based on
the City's 2005 GPU. Thus, the Project would exceed the regional growth projects until
the RAQS is updated to reflect the growth projected in the 2013 GPA/GDPA.
• Noise
— Implementation of the project would have the potential to result in short-term exposure
to excessive noise levels generated by traffic. However, implementation of the Village 9
SPA Plan and TM would include the construction of new roadways that would reduce
long -term traffic and associated traffic- generated noise on the roadways surrounding the
project site. Once the build -out roadway system is complete, exposure to excessive noise
levels would be less than significant.
• Cultural Resources
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May 14, 2014
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- The Project would result in a significant cumulative impact because its development
would incrementally increase impacts to the historical record and cultural resources
within the San Diego region.
• Global Climate Change
- The Project would result in a significant direct and cumulative impact because its
development would exceed the state and federal standards for ozone precursors. Ozone
precursors such as nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a
contributing factor in global warming. Under the context of global climate change,
increased temperatures would have the potential to increase the creation of ground -level
ozone in the SDAB, which could exacerbate health impacts associated with ozone.
• Agriculture
- The Project would result in a significant direct and cumulative impact to Farmland of
Local Importance because its development would permanently change the site from
undeveloped agricultural lands to an urban environment.
• Public Utilities
- Water Supply
The Project would result in a significant direct and cumulative impact because long-
term water supply availability cannot be guaranteed. Although the Water Supply
Assessment and Verification (WSAV) for the Village 9 SPA Plan and the water
supply and reliability studies from Otay Water District (OWD) identify adequate
water supplies for Village 9, there is no guarantee that long -term water supply or
infrastructure would be available to serve the project when needed.
- Recycled Water
The Project would result in a cumulatively significant impact to recycled water supply
and demand. Infrastructure improvements needed to meet long -term recycled water
demand are the responsibility of OWD and outside the jurisdiction of the City. A
cumulatively considerable and unavoidable impact would occur until OWD has
constructed the recycled water infrastructure needed to meet regional projected recycled
water demands.
- Wastewater
The Project in combination with other foreseeable growth could require sewage
treatment beyond the City's existing wastewater treatment capacity rights and
allocated additional treatment capacity. The location and nature of any new or
expanded treatment facilities, if needed in the future, have not yet been determined. In
light of this, it is possible that the construction of any new or expanded treatment
facilities, if needed in the future, could result in significant direct and/or cumulative
impacts.
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 6
— Energy Resources
The Project would result in a significant direct and cumulative impact to energy
resources because of the uncertainty regarding long -term energy supply. Although City
programs and policies would result in more efficient use of energy within the Project,
they do not ensure that increased energy resources will be available when needed.
All feasible mitigation measures have been required of the Project with respect to these
impacts. Although in some instances these mitigation measures may, substantially lessen these
significant impacts, adoption of the measures will not fully avoid the impacts. The conclusion
for significant and unmitigated impacts related to landform alteration/aesthetics, air quality,
noise, water supply, and energy are consistent with the findings contained in the adopted 2005
GPU EIR (EIR 05 -01) and /or 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR (SEIR 09 -01).
Role of the City as a Lead Agency Regarding Significant and Unmitigated Impacts
As a Lead Agency, the City must make findings pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15043,
15091, and 15093 for each significant and unmitigated impact. The attached Findings of Fact
and Statement of Overriding Considerations have been prepared specifically for the project
actions for which the City has authority to approve or carry out (see Attachment 2, Findings of
Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, dated April 10, 2014). Sections 15043,
15091 and 15093 of the CEQA Guidelines state that the adverse environmental effects are
considered "acceptable" and a Lead Agency can approve a project that will result in the
occurrence of significant effects when, based upon substantial evidence, findings have been
made that specific economic, legal, social, technological or other considerations make
infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR, and
benefits of a Proposed Project outweigh the policy of reducing or avoiding the significant
environmental effects of the project.
2) Significant and Mitigated to Less than Significant
Significant impacts were identified in the following environmental issue areas, and mitigation
measures were required in the EIR to reduce the impacts to less than significant. A MMRP (see
Attachment 1) has been prepared to ensure that the mitigation measures will be implemented in
accordance with specified monitoring requirements.
• Land Use and Planning
- Mitigation Measures 5.1 -1, 5.1 -2 and 5.6 -1 through 5.6 -19 would reduce potentially
significant impacts to land use compatibility and conflicts with Habitat Conservation
Plans (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) to less than
significant. No significant effects were identified for conflicts with land use plans,
policies, and regulations.
• Aesthetics /Landform Alterations
- Mitigation Measures 5.2 -1 through 5.2 -4 would reduce potentially significant impacts
to scenic resources, lighting and glare, shadow and wind, and landform alteration to
less than significant. No significant direct effects were identified for scenic vistas and
consistency with visual character policies.
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 7
• Transportation
- Mitigation Measures 5.3 -1 through 5.3 -21, and 5.13 -2 through 5.13 -4 would reduce
potentially significant impacts to traffic and level of service standards, congestion
management, and air traffic patterns to less than significant. No significant effects
were identified for road safety, emergency access, and consistency with transportation
policies.
• Air Quality
- Mitigation Measure 5.4 -4 would reduce potentially significant impacts to sensitive
receptors from exposure to Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) to less than significant.
No significant effects were identified for objectionable odors and consistency with air
quality policies.
• Noise
- Mitigation Measures 5.5 -1 through 5.5 -8 would reduce potentially significant impacts
related to excessive noise levels, short-term increase in noise level, and temporary
increases in ambient noise levels to less than significant. No significant effects were
identified for excessive groundborne vibration, aircraft noise, and consistency with
noise polices.
• Biological Resources
- Mitigation Measures 5.4 -1 through 5.4 -3, 5.6 -1 through 5.6 -19, and 5.11 -1 through
5.11 -6 would reduce potentially significant impacts to sensitive plant and wildlife
species; riparian habitat and other sensitive natural communities; federally protected
wetlands; and conflicts with local policies, ordinances, HCP, or NCCP to less than
significant. No significant effects were identified for wildlife movement corridors and
nursery sites.
• Cultural and Paleontological Resources
- Mitigation Measures 5.7 -1 through 5.7 -7 would reduce potentially significant impacts
to archaeological resources, human remains, and paleontological resources to less
than significant. No significant effects were identified for historical resources and
consistency with cultural resource policies.
• Geology and Soils
- Mitigation Measures 5.8 -1, 5.8 -2 and 5.11 -1 through 5.11 -6 would reduce potentially
significant impacts to exposure to seismic related hazards, soil erosion or topsoil loss, soil
stability, and expansive soils to less than significant. No significant effects were
identified for consistency with geotechnical policies and waste water disposal systems.
• Public Services
- Mitigation Measures 5.9.1 -1 through 5.9.5 -7 would reduce potentially significant
impacts to fire protection service standards, consistency with fire and emergency
medical service policies, police service standards, consistency with police service
policies, school facilities, schools siting, library service standards, deterioration of
parks and recreation facilities, and parks and recreation standards to less than
significant. No significant effects were identified for fire and emergency medical
facilities, police service facilities, consistency with school policies, library facilities,
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 8
consistency with library policies, new recreation facilities, and consistency with park
policies.
• Hydrology and Water Quality
- Mitigation Measures 5.11 -1 through 5.11 -6 would reduce potentially significant
impacts to water quality standards, erosion or siltation, surface runoff, exceed
drainage capacity, and degradation of water quality to less than significant. No
significant effects were identified for groundwater supplies and recharge, 100 -year
flood hazards, consistency with water quality policies, flooding, and inundation.
• Agricultural Resources
- Mitigation Measure 5.12 -1 would reduce potentially significant impacts to land use
zoning conflicts to less than significant. No significant effects were identified for
consistency with agricultural resource policies.
• Hazards /Risk of Upset
- Mitigation Measures 5.13 -1 through 5.13 -4 would reduce potentially significant
impacts related to accidental release of hazardous materials, hazards to schools,
airport hazards, consistency with hazard policies, and historic use of pesticides to less
than significant. No significant effects were identified for transport, use, or disposal
of hazardous materials; existing hazardous material sites; emergency response and
evacuation plans; and wildland fires.
• Public Utilities
- Mitigation Measures 5.15.1 -4 through 5.15.4 -2 would reduce potentially significant
impacts to compliance with city -wide water supply thresholds, adequate wastewater
facilities, and new recycled water facilities to less than significant. No significant
effects were identified for new water treatment facilities, consistency with water
supply policies, consistency with city wastewater engineering standards, consistency
with wastewater polices, sufficient landfill capacity, solid waste regulations,
consistency with solid waste policies, consistency with recycled water policies,
wasteful use of energy, and consistency with energy policies.
3) Less than Significant Impacts
Less than significant impacts were identified in the following environmental issue areas:
• Housing and Population
• Mineral Resources
DECISION -MAKER CONFLICTS
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the Planning Commission and has found no property
holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property, which is the subject to this action.
Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any Planning Commission
member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision -maker conflict of interest in
this matter.
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 9
RELATIONSHIP TO THE CITY'S STRATEGIC PLAN
The City's Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality,
Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. The
Village 9 Project supports the Economic Vitality goal, particularly City Initiative 2.1.3 (Promote
and support development of quality master - planned communities). The Village 9 EIR supports
the Village 9 implementation documents (the SPA Plan and TM). Approval of those
implementation level documents will assure the development of quality master - planned
communities.
CONCLUSION
All feasible mitigation measures with respect to impacts for the Project have been included in the
Village 9 Final EIR. As described above, the Project will result in unmitigable impacts that
would remain significant after the application of these measures. Therefore, in order to approve
the Project, the City must adopt Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15043, 15091 and 15093 (see Attachment 2, Findings of
Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, Section XII).
The City has examined a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed project, other than the
proposed project described in the Village 9 Final EIR. CEQA requires the examination of project
alternatives that could reduce or avoid significant impacts even if the alternatives would not
accomplish the project objectives. The Village 9 Final EIR evaluated three alternatives: the No
Project Alternative, Reduced Density Alternative 1 (1,167 dwelling units), and Reduced Density
Alternative 2 (672 dwelling units). The Village 9 Final EIR identified the No Project and the
Reduced Density Alternative 2 as the environmentally superior alternatives, even though neither
of these alternatives would meet the project objectives (see Attachment 2, Findings of Fact and
Statement of Overriding Considerations, Section XI).
The Village 9 Final EIR meets the requirements of CEQA and, therefore, staff recommends that
the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council certify that EIR 10 -04 has been
prepared in accordance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines and the Environmental Review
Procedures of the City of Chula Vista; make certain Findings of Fact; and adopt the Statement of
Overriding Considerations.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The processing costs for the SPA Plan, Tentative Map, Environmental Impact Report and all
supporting documents were funded by a developer deposit account. This account funded city
staff and consultants representing the city concerning Village 9.
Planning Commission
May 14, 2014
Page No. 10
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The ongoing costs for implementing the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program will be
funded by a developer deposit account. This account will fund city staff and consultants as
necessary.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Village 9 Final EIR 10 -04 and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (disk provided)
2. Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations (disk provided)
Prepared by: Glen Laube, Senior Planner
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per mikes comments lPCAgStV9FE1R- 031814- DCADraft.doc
RESOLUTION NO. EIR 10 -04
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL MAKE
CERTAIN FINDINGS OF FACT; ADOPT A STATEMENT OF
OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS; ADOPT A MITIGATION
MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND CERTIFY THE
FINAL SECOND TIER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR 10-
04/SCH 2010061090) FOR THE OTAY RANCH VILLAGE 9 SECTIONAL
PLANNING AREA PLAN AND TENTATIVE MAP PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, Otay Land Company, LLC, submitted applications requesting approvals for
a Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and Tentative Map (TM), for Otay Ranch Village 9
(Project); and
WHEREAS, a Draft Second Tier Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR 10 -04 or
Draft EIR) for the Project was issued for public review on January 17, 2014, and was processed
through the State Clearinghouse; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of the comments received on the Draft EIR and
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Final Second Tier EIR
(Final EIR 10 -04 or Final EIR) was prepared for the Project; and
WHEREAS, Final EIR 10 -04 incorporates all comments and recommendations received
on the Draft EIR, a list of all persons, organizations, and public agencies commenting on the
Draft EIR, and the City's responses to all "significant environmental points" raised by public and
agency comments submitted during the review and consultation process, in accordance with
CEQA Guidelines Section 15132; and
WHEREAS, additional corrections to Final EIR 10 -04 did not result in modifications to
conclusions regarding significance of impacts or the addition of significant new information that
would require recirculation of the EIR pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15088.5; and
WHEREAS, Final EIR 10 -04 incorporates, by reference, the prior EIRs that address the
subject property including the 2013 Chula Vista General Plan Amendment/Otay Ranch General
Development Plan Amendment Supplemental EIR (SEIR 09 -01), the 2005 Chula Vista General
Plan Update EIR (EIR 05 -01), and the 1993 Otay Ranch GDP /SRP Program EIR (EIR 90 -01) as
well as their associated Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs;
and the Project Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and Tentative Map (TM); and
WHEREAS, the Chula Vista Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing for
Final EIR 10 -04 on May 14, 2014; and
WHEREAS, to the extent that the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding
Considerations for the Project, dated April 10, 2014 (Exhibit "A" of this Resolution, a copy of
which is on file in the office of the City Clerk), conclude that proposed mitigation measures
Resolution EIR 10 -04
Pa - e 12
May 14, 2014
outlined in Final EIR 10 -04 are feasible and have not been modified, superseded or withdrawn,
the City of Chula Vista, contingent upon certification of Final EIR 10 -04 by the City Council,
binds itself and the Applicant and its successors in interest, to implement those measures. These
findings are not merely information or advisory, but constitute a binding set of obligations that
will come into effect when the City adopts the Resolution approving the Project. The adopted
mitigation measures contained within the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, which
is a section of Final EIR 10 -04, are expressed as conditions of approval. Other requirements are
referenced in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program adopted concurrently with these
Findings of Fact and will be effectuated through the process of implementing the Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION of
the City of Chula Vista does hereby find, determine, resolve and order as follows:
L PLANNING COMMISSION RECORD
The proceedings and all evidence introduced before the Planning Commission at their
public hearing on EIR 10 -04 held on May 14, 2014, as well as the minutes and
resolutions resulting therefrom, shall be incorporated into the record of proceedings
pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21167.6. These documents, along with any
proceedings of and documents submitted to the City Council as the decision - makers in
certifying the Final EIR 10 -04, shall comprise the entire record of proceedings for any
claims under the CEQA (Public Resources Code §21000 et seq.).
II. FINAL EIR 10 -04 CONTENTS
That Final EIR 10 -04 consists of the following:
1. Second -Tier EIR for the Village 9 SPA Plan and TM
2. Comments received during public review and responses
3. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
4. Technical Appendices
(All hereafter collectively referred to as "Final EIR 10 -04 ")
III. ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENT TO FINAL EIR 10 -04
1. Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
IV. COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
That the Planning Commission does hereby find that Final EIR 10 -04, the Findings of
Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations (Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, a copy
which is on file with the office of the City Clerk), and the Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program are prepared in accordance with the requirements of CEQA (Pub.
Resources Code, §21000 et seq.), the CEQA Guidelines (California Code Regs. Title 14
§15000 et seq.), and the Environmental Review Procedures of the City of Chula Vista.
Resolution EIR 10 -04
Page 13
May 14, 2014
V. INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION
That the Planning Commission finds that the Final EIR 10 -04 reflects the independent
judgment and analysis of the City of Chula Vista as the lead agency for the Project.
VI. CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT, MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
A. Adoption of Findings of Fact
The Planning Commission does hereby approve, accepts as its own, incorporate
as if set forth in full herein, and make each and every one of the findings
contained in Exhibit "A" to this Resolution and does recommend adoption of each
such finding by the City Council.
B. Statement of Overriding Considerations
Even after the adoption of all feasible mitigation measures and any feasible
alternatives, certain significant or potentially significant environmental effects
caused by the project, or cumulatively, will remain. Therefore, the Planning
Commission of the City of Chula Vista hereby approves and recommends for
approval by the City Council, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15093, a
Statement of Overriding Considerations in the form set forth in Exhibit "A" to
this Resolution, identifying the specific economic, social and other considerations
that outweigh and render the unavoidable significant adverse environmental
effects acceptable.
C. Mitigation Measures Feasible and Adopted
As more fully identified and set forth in Final EIR 10 -04 and in Exhibit "A" to
this Resolution, the Planning Commission hereby finds pursuant to CEQA
Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 that the mitigation measures
set forth in Final EIR 10 -04 and in Exhibit "A" to this Resolution are feasible and
will become binding upon the entity (such as the Project proponent or the City)
assigned thereby to implement the same upon certification of the Final EIR by the
City Council and upon approval of necessary discretionary actions for approval of
the Project by the City Council.
D. Infeasibility of Alternatives
As more fully identified and set forth in Final EIR 10 -04 and in Section XI of
Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, the Planning Commission hereby finds and
recommends the City Council find, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section
21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091, that alternatives to the project,
which were identified in Final EIR 10 -04, were not found to reduce impacts to a
less than significant level or meet the project objectives.
Resolution EIR 10 -04
Page 14
May 14, 2014
E. Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
As required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6, the Planning
Commission hereby approves and recommends for approval by the City Council
the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program set forth in Final EIR 10 -04.
The Planning Commission further finds that the Program is designed to ensure
that, during Project implementation, the permittee /Project applicant and any other
responsible parties implement the Project components and comply with the
mitigation measures identified in the Findings of Fact and the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Planning Commission of the City of Chula
Vista on the basis of its findings as set forth above, recommends that the City Council certify
Final EIR 10 -04 upon making the required findings pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15090
and adopting the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations and the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15091.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
City Council.
Presented by:
Approved as to form by:
Kelly Broughton, FASLA Glen R. Googins
Development Services Director City Attorney
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA, this May 14, 2014, by the following vote, to -wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
Lisa Moctezuma, Chairperson
Patricia Laughlin,
Secretary to Planning Commission
Exhibit A - Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
RESOLUTION NO. EIR 10 -04
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS OF FACT;
ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS; ADOPTING A MITIGATION
MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND
CERTIFYING THE FINAL SECOND TIER ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT (EIR 10- 04 /SCH 2010061090) FOR THE
OTAY RANCH VILLAGE 9 SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA
PLAN AND TENTATIVE MAP PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, Otay Land Company, LLC, submitted applications requesting approvals for
a Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and Tentative Map (TM), for Otay Ranch Village 9
(Project); and
WHEREAS, a Draft Second Tier Environmental. Impact Report (Draft EIR 10 -04 or
Draft EIR) for the Project was issued for public review on January 17, 2014, and was processed
through the State Clearinghouse; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of the comments received on the Draft EIR and
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Final Second Tier EIR
(Final EIR 10 -04 or Final EIR) was prepared for the Project; and
WHEREAS, Final EIR 10 -04 incorporates all comments and recommendations received
on the Draft EIR, a list of all persons, organizations, and public agencies commenting on the
Draft EIR, and the City's responses to all "significant environmental points" raised by public and
agency comments submitted during the review and consultation process, in accordance with
CEQA Guidelines Section 15132; and
WHEREAS, additional corrections to Final EIR 10 -04 did not result in modifications to
conclusions regarding significance of impacts or the addition of significant new information that
would require recirculation of the EIR pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15088.5; and
WHEREAS, Final EIR 10 -04 incorporates, by reference, the prior EIRs that address the subject
property including the 2013 Chula Vista General Plan Amendment /Otay Ranch General
Development Plan Amendment Supplemental EIR (SEIR 09 -01), the 2005 Chula Vista General
Plan Update EIR (EIR 05 -01), and the Otay Ranch GDP /SRP Program EIR (EIR 90 -01) as well
as their associated Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs; and
WHEREAS, the Chula Vista Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing for
Final EIR 10 -04 on May 14, 2014 and recommended the City Council make certain Findings of
Fact; adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations; adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program and certify Final EIR 10 -04 for the Otay Ranch Village 9SPA Plan and TM
pursuant to CEQA by the following vote x- x -x -x; and
WHEREAS, to the extent that the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding
Considerations for the Project, dated April 10, 2014 (Exhibit "A" of this Resolution, a copy of
which is on file in the office of the City Clerk), conclude that proposed mitigation measures
outlined in Final EIR 10 -04 are feasible and have not been modified, superseded or withdrawn,
the City of Chula Vista herby binds itself and the Applicant and its successors in interest, to
implement those measures. These findings are not merely information or advisory, but constitute
a binding set of obligations that will come into effect when the City adopts the Resolution
approving the Project. The adopted mitigation measures contained within the MMRP Section of
Final EIR 10 -04, are expressed as conditions of approval. Other requirements are referenced in
the MMRP that are adopted concurrently with these Findings of Fact and will be effectuated
through the process of implementing the Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of
Chula Vista does hereby find, determine, resolve and order as follows:
PLANNING COMMISSION RECORD
The proceedings and all evidence introduced before the Planning Commission at their
public hearings on Final EIR 10 -04 held on May 14, 2014, and before the City Council at
their public hearing held on June 3, 2014, as well as the Minutes and Resolutions
resulting therefrom on Final EIR -10 -04 shall be incorporated into the record of
proceedings pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21167.6. These documents,
along with any documents submitted to the decision - makers, including documents
specified in Public Resources Code Section 21167.6, subdivision (e), shall comprise the
entire record of proceedings for any claims under the California Environmental Quality
Act, Public Resources Code §21000 et seq. ( "CEQA "). The record of proceedings shall
be maintained by the City Clerk at City Hall.
II. FEIR 10 -04 CONTENTS
That FEIR 10 -04 consists of the following:
1. Second -Tier EIR for the Project SPA Plan and TM (including Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program and Technical Appendices); and
2. Comments and Responses
(All hereafter collectively referred to as "FEIR 10 -04 ")
III. ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENT TO FEIR 10 -04
1. Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
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IV. PRESENTATION TO THE DECISIONMAKING BODY
That the City Council does hereby certify that FEIR 10 -04 was presented to the City
Council as the decision - making body of the lead agency and that the City Council has
reviewed and considered the information contained in FEIR 10 -04 prior to approving the
Project.
V. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
That the City Council does hereby certify that FEIR 10 -04, the Findings of Fact and the
Statement of Overriding Considerations (Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, a copy which is
on file with the office of the City Clerk), and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program are prepared in accordance with the requirements of CEQA (Pub. Resources
Code, §21000 et seq.), the CEQA Guidelines (California Code Regs. Title 14 § 15000 et
seq.), and the Environmental Review Procedures of the City of Chula Vista.
VI. INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT OF CITY COUNCIL
That the City Council does hereby certify that FEIR 10 -04 reflects the independent
judgment and analysis of the City of Chula Vista as lead agency for the Project.
VII. CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT, MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
A. Adoption of Findings of Fact
The City Council does hereby approve, accept as its own, incorporate as if set
forth in full herein, and make each and every one of the findings contained in
Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City
Clerk.
B. Mitigation Measures Feasible and Adopted
On the basis of the findings set forth in Exhibit "A" to this Resolution and as
more fully identified and set forth in FEIR 10 -04, the City Council hereby finds
pursuant to CEQA Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 that
changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the Project
which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects identified
in FEIR 10 -04, and that such changes and alterations have eliminated or
substantially lessened all significant effects on the environment where feasible as
shown in the findings set forth in Exhibit "A" to this Resolution. Furthermore,
the measures to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment,
consisting of those mitigation measures set forth in Final EIR 10 -04 and in
Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, are fully enforceable through permit conditions,
agreements or other measures, including but not limited to conditions of approval
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of the Project TM, and will become binding upon the entity (such as the project
proponent or the City) assigned thereby to implement the same.
C. Infeasibility of Mitigation Measures
As more fully identified and set forth in FEIR -10 -04 and in the Findings of Fact
for the Project, which is Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, certain mitigation
measures described in said documents are infeasible.
D. Statement of Overriding Considerations
Even after the adoption of all feasible mitigation measures and any feasible
alternatives, certain significant or potentially significant environmental effects
caused by the project, or cumulatively, will remain. However, pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15092, the City hereby finds and determines that any
remaining significant effects on the environment which have been found to be
unavoidable as shown in the findings set forth in Exhibit "A" to this Resolution
are acceptable due to certain overriding concerns. Therefore, the City Council of
the City of Chula Vista hereby approves, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15093, a Statement of Overriding Considerations in the form set forth in Exhibit
"A" to this Resolution identifying the specific economic, social and other
considerations that outweigh and render the unavoidable significant adverse
environmental effects acceptable.
E. Infeasibility of Alternatives
As more fully identified and set forth in FEIR 10 -04 and in Section XI of Exhibit
"A" to this Resolution, the City Council hereby finds pursuant to Public
Resources Code Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 that
alternatives to the project, which were identified in FEIR 10 -04, were not found to
reduce impacts to a less than significant level or meet the project objectives.
F. Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
As required by Public Resources Code Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15091, the City Council hereby adopts the program for reporting on or
monitoring the changes which it has either required in the Project or made a
condition of approval to avoid or substantially lessen significant environmental
effects, consisting of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program set forth
in FEIR 10 -04. The City Council further finds that the Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program is designed to ensure that, during Project implementation, the
permittee /Project Applicant and any other responsible parties implement the
Project components and comply with the mitigation measures identified in the
Findings of Fact and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
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VIII. NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
The Development Services Director of the City of Chula Vista is directed to file a Notice
of Determination with the County Clerk of the County of San Diego, should City Council
approve this Project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Chula Vista on the
basis of the findings as set forth above certifies FEIR 10 -04, and adopts the Findings of Fact and
Statement of Overriding Considerations (Exhibit "A" to this Resolution), and Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15091.
Submitted by
Kelly Broughton, FASLA
Development Services Director
Approved as to form by
Glen R. Googins
City Attorney
Exhibit A - Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
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