HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3 - Staff ReportCHULA VISTA
PLANNING
COMMISSION
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item: 3
Meeting Date: 8110116
ITEM TITLE: Public Hearing: 1) Consideration of Addendum to Final Environmental
Impact Report (FEIR) 02 -042; 2) Consideration of an amendment to the
Otay Ranch Freeway Commercial SPA Plan (PCM 12 -16) and associated
regulatory documents, including Planned Community District Regulations,
and Design Plan to reflect the addition of multi - family residential use and
mixed use designations within Freeway Commercial North (FC -2). The
project also includes a Supplemental Public Facilities Finance Plan; 3)
Consideration of a Tentative Map (PCS 15- 0007); and 4) Consideration of
a Master Precise Plan (MPA15- 0018).
APPLICANT: Baldwin & Sons
SUBMITTED BY: Stan Donn, AICP, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Kelly Broughton, FASLA, Development Services Director
INTRODUCTION
Baldwin & Sons, LLC ( "Applicant" or "Developer ") is proposing to amend the Freeway
Commercial Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and the associated Planned Community (PC)
District Regulations in order to develop a mixed use center with a combination of commercial,
multi - family, and mixed use residential on an approximately 36 -acre site in the northern portion
of the Freeway Commercial SPA. The project also includes a Tentative Map and a Master
Precise Plan that establishes a unified, walkable, mixed use community intended to enhance
living, working, shopping, and transit options in the area. An EIR Addendum has been prepared
in order to provide additional information and analysis concerning land use impacts as a result of
the proposed amendments. On September 24, 2015, the applicant filed applications to process all
of the subject items.
BACKGROUND
In September 2004, the Freeway Commercial SPA Plan and Tentative Map were adopted, and
entitled approximately 1,214,000 square -feet of commercial uses: 867,000 square -feet on FC -1
(Freeway Commercial South) and 347,000 square -feet on FC -2 (Freeway Commercial North). In
May of 2015, General Plan (GP) and General Development Plan (GDP) amendments (Resolution
No. 2015 -114) entitled the development of 600 multi- family residential units and mixed use
commercial consisting of 15,000 square -feet of ground -floor commercial retail, and a 2 -acre
highly amenitized urban park, and ensured the development of two hotels within the Freeway
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 2
Commercial North (FC -2) portion of the SPA, A Development Agreement was adopted by
Ordinance No. 3345 on .tune 29, 2015. The applicant is now requesting an amendment to the
Freeway Commercial SPA Plan and its associated documents in order to implement the
development concept entitled by the GP, GDP, and the Development Agreement. Although new
mixed use is proposed, the importance of commercial uses, including hotels, is recognized. As a
result, hotel uses were located on the northwest corner of the site where they will have high
visibility from both Olympic Parkway and SR -125. The planned retail uses (provided in a mixed
use format) are located along Town Center Drive for optimal visibility from the street and as a
bridge between the existing commercial uses directly north and south of the project site.
One of two anticipated hotels is currently under construction, in conformance with the adopted
FC SPA plan, and will be completed by Spring of 2017. The remainder of the FC -2 site remains
vacant and undeveloped.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has detenrined that the project was covered
in the previously adopted Final Environmental Impact Report for the Otay Ranch Freeway
Commercial Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan - Planning Area 12 (FEIR 02 -04)
(SCH #1989010154). The Development Services Director has determined that only minor
technical changes or additions to this document are necessary and that none of the conditions
described in Section 15162 of the State CEQA Guidelines calling for the preparation of a
subsequent document have occurred; therefore, the Development Service Director has prepared a
Second Addendum to FEIR 02 -04.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing and adopt the proposed resolution
recommending that the City Council:
1. Consider the second Addendum to FEIR 02 -04;
2. Approve a resolution for amendment to the Otay Ranch Freeway Commercial SPA Plan
and a new Master Precise Plan in accordance with the findings and subject to the
conditions contained therein;
3. Approve an ordinance for approval of modifications to the Freeway Commercial PC
District Regulations;
4. Approve a resolution approving the Tentative Subdivision Map, based on the findings
and subject to the conditions contained in the attached draft City Council Resolution.
BOARDSICOMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: NIA
DISCUSSION:
Addendum to FEIR 02 -04
Section 21002 of the CEQA requires that an environmental impact report identify the significant
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 3
effects of a project on the environment and provide measures or alternatives that can mitigate or
avoid those significant effects. The Freeway Commercial SPA was analyzed in the previously
adopted Final Environmental Impact Report for the Otay Ranch Freeway Commercial Sectional
Planning Area (SPA) Plan - Planning Area 12 (FEIR 02 -04) (SCH 41989010154). The First
Addendum to the FEIR was approved for the General Plan and Otay Ranch General
Development Plan Amendments in May 2015. The First Addendum to the FEIR analyzed the
impact of the General Plan. and General Development Plan amendments, based on the urban,
mixed use development proposal. As a result of this analysis, the basic conclusions and impacts
identified in FEIR 02 -04 were determined to not have changed. The land use and public service
impacts are found to be less than significant for the current SPA Plan and Tentative Map
proposed project and were adequately covered in FEIR 02 -04. Therefore, in accordance with
Section 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City has prepared the Second Addendum to the
FEIR. The Second Addendum provides an environmental analysis of the potential impacts
associated with implementing the proposed Freeway Commercial SPA Plan Amendment.
SPA Plan Amendment
1. Location, Existing Site Characteristics, and Ownership
The Freeway Commercial SPA Plan area is generally located south of Olympic Parkway, north
of Birch Road, east of State Route 125 and west of Eastlake Parkway (see Locator Map,
Attachment 1). This amendment is limited to the FC -2 portion of the SPA Plan, located between
Olympic Parkway and the existing Otay Ranch Town Center mall. One of the two anticipated
hotels is currently under construction, in conformance with the exiting commercial entitlement,
and anticipated to be completed by Spring of 2017. The remainder of the FC -2 site remains
vacant and undeveloped.
FC -2 includes approximately 36.3 acres under two ownerships, Village II Town Center, LLC and
SunRanch Capital Partners, LLC (see Locator Map, Attachment 1).
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 4
Existing General Plan, SPA Plan Land Use Designations and Land Use
- - -- -------- ---
- .. -..
General Plan
— -- .. -.. ...... __.
Otay Ranch
CV Municipal
PC District Land
Existing Land
General
Code Zoning
Use Designation
Use
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- --
- . Plan
i
site
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Freeway
Planned
FC2a -- Commercial
FC2a —
Freeway
Commercial and
Commercial and
' Community (PC)
Hotel
currently under
Commercial
Mixed Use
Mixed Use
FR2b - Multi - family
development
Residential
Residential
FC2b, FC2c,
FC2c —Mixed Use -
park — vacant.
Comm /MF
FC -1 developed j
Park
as Otay Ranch
Town Center
mall.
-----------
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Existing
North
€Commercial
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Planned
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EastLake 11
Community (PC)
- FC
shopping center
Freeway
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Eastern Urban
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south
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Village 11
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Planned
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Fully developed
East
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I Community (PC)
residential
Mixed Use
Density
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_
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Village 6
Planned
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Fully developed
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Public, Parks &
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2. Project Description
The proposed project is an urban mixed use multi- family neighborhood with amenity -rich open
space. It will include up to 600 multifamily residential units, 300 hotel rooms, 15,000 square -feet
of mixed use ground -floor retail, and a two -acre highly amenitized public park. It is consistent
with the GP and GDP goals and vision for Freeway Commercial North and is intended to
enhance living, working, shopping, and transit options in the Freeway Commercial North while
increasing residents' opportunities for social interaction and recreation. The proposed
amendment to the Freeway Commercial SPA Plan implements the Chula Vista GP and Otay
Ranch GDP policy objectives for the Freeway Commercial North (i.e. provision of hotels and
high density residential with ancillary commercial in a mixed use urban character setting that
includes an urban park, GDP Sec II.1.C).
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August 10, 2016
Page 5
In conformance with the GP and GDP, the project proposes converting approximately 26.7 acres
of Freeway Commercial land use to Multi - Family Residential, 2 acres of Freeway Commercial to
Mixed Use, and 2 acres of Freeway Commercial to Public Park uses. 7.6 acres will remain
Freeway Commercial use and will accommodate two hotels.
The Hotel corner is situated along Olympic Parkway, west of Town Center Drive for maximum
visibility from the SR -125 and Olympic Parkway. Two hotels are anticipated to be built,
providing 148 and 152 rooms each. The commercial component of the Mixed Use district will be
located along the east side of Town Center Drive, and will contain at least 15,000 square -feet of
retail and general commercial space. It will be provided on the ground floor with residential
above, with active frontage to Town Center Drive. Of the proposed 600 dwelling units, 308 are
proposed east of Town Center Drive and 292 are proposed west of Town Center Drive.
Residential East will consist of for -rent multi- family residential, at the density of 30 dwelling
units per acre. Residential West will contain for -sale homes, and will consist of two distinct
residential products, both attached multi - family. The townhome product will provide 212 units in
the form of 8- and 12- plexes. Three to four -story tall buildings with individual character and
massing will serve as a backdrop for the centrally located Public Park. It will create the desired
urban height and an interesting skyline that will be viewed from surrounding neighborhoods.
The lower density rowhome product will consist of 80 units and will be three -story high 3- and
4- plexes with private back yards and upstairs decks. At 14 dwelling units per acre (DU /ac), the
rowhomes will provide a desired balance between the 30 DU /ac apartments and 26 DU /ac
townhomes.
Three different types of residential products ensure diversity and add an interest and distinctive
character to the neighborhood. Each of the neighborhoods within the Project make up a dense,
walkable community that offers modern smaller -scale living accommodations within walking
distance to local shops, dining and services within the village, and the immediate surrounding
area. It supports an active community that is bike - and pedestrian - friendly and is in proximity to
available surrounding diverse amenities.
3. Proposed Amendments.
The following is a brief summary of the proposed amendments to the Freeway Commercial SPA
Plan, Design Plan, and PC District Regulations.
Amend applicable text, tables, and exhibits to reflect changes in zoning necessary to implement
the mixed use zoning district with 600 dwelling units, 15,000 square -feet of mixed use
commercial and a 2 -acre park.
1. Update the SPA Plan to be consistent with the GP /GDP objectives and policies regarding
the Otay Ranch Freeway Commercial North as a "High quality mixed use transit
supportive development within FC -2 with hotels, commercial retail, park and high -
density uses through a cohesive, coordinated design that integrates well with the Freeway
Commercial South (FC -1) shopping center."
2. Rezone FC -2 parcel from Freeway Commercial to Mixed Use.
3. Update the Site Utilization Plan from an entirely Commercial land use in FC -2 to
Commercial Hotel, Multi - Family Residential, Mixed Use, and Public Park.
4. Update the Project obligations and standards arising from the addition of Residential land
use:
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August 10, 2016
Page 6
a. Development Concept: update the Land Use Pattern; add Density Transfer
provisions; provide an Affordable Housing Plan; describe the new Urban and
Landscape Design concepts.
b. Mobility: update the Circulation exhibit; provide new Street Sections.
c. Grading: update the Storm Water quality requirements.
d. Parks, Recreation and Open Space: include Park, Open Space, and Preserve
Conveyance obligation based on the projected 600 dwelling units.
e. Development Phasing: add Residential and Mixed Use components to the existing
Commercial phasing schedule; update the Phasing exhibit.
f. Public Facilities: update the Potable and Recycled Water and Sewer demand
projections; update student generation rates and the resulting School obligations;
update the Police and Fire Services information; include the CPF obligation of 2.2
acres and implementation procedure.
g. Design Plan: add a Conceptual Site Plan exhibit for FC -2 and update the Design
Review Planning Areas for the FC -2 parcel. Specific Design Guidelines for the
Project are provided in the new Master Precise Plan.
h. PC District Regulations_ Update Land Use District definitions and exhibit; update
the Permitted Use matrix for the new Residential, and Mixed Use districts; update
Property Development Standards for the new uses, including lot and building
standards, parking requirements, common and private open space provisions.
ANALYSIS
1. SPA Plan Amendment
Ota Ranch Freeway Cominer^cial SPA Plan Amendment
The Freeway Commercial SPA Plan adopted in 2004 and subsequently amended in 2007
includes regulations for both the Freeway Commercial North (FC -2) and Freeway Commercial
South (FC -1) sites. The proposed amendment addresses changes to the Freeway Commercial
North site. The applicant is proposing amendments to the SPA Plan in order to develop 600
multi- family residential units, mixed use format commercial consisting of 15,000 square -feet of
ground -floor commercial retail, and a 2 -acre highly amenitized urban park. The SPA Plan
amendment would make the document consistent with the GP and GDP as amended in May,
2015.
The proposed new Site Utilization Plan reflects the location of the uses and corresponding
acreages in the planning area. Commercial uses are proposed to be sited where they will have
optimal visibility and accessibility. Two hotels will be located at the northwest corner of the site
with direct visibility from the SR -125 and Olympic Parkway. Ground floor retail and general
commercial will be located along the east side of Town Center Drive to activate the pedestrian
promenade. Residential uses span both sides of Town Center Drive, and are in proximity to
transit, shopping, entertainment, employment and adjacent uses such as schools and trails. A
highly arnenitized 2 -acre Public Park located in the center of the project, along the west side of
Town Center Drive is intended to link all of the uses together.
The amended SPA Plan would allow for a reduction of the Landscape Buffer along Olympic
Parkway, along the project frontage between SR -125 and Eastlake Parkway, from 75 to 30 feet
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 7
with Design Review approval by the Planning Commission. Olympic Parkway is designated as a
Scenic Roadway in the GP. The GP defines an urban scenic corridor as a route that traverses an
urban area, with the scenic corridor offering a view of attractive and exciting urban scenes. The
nature of the proposed project at this location is more urban than the rest of the scenic corridor
continuing east toward the Olympic Traning Center. A mixed use residential building with
ground floor commercial frontage will have a prominent location at the corner of Olympic
Parkway and Town Center Drive, creating an activated pedestrian environment. Urban -type three
to four story residential buildings with enhanced frontages with a generous amount of windows,
balconies, and pedestrian stoops will line along the sidewalk on Olympic Parkway, east of Town
Center Drive. Elegant landscaping will create a pleasant pedestrian environment. The 30 -foot
buffer in FC -2 must have the following features: it must be heavily landscaped; the urban
environment along the scenic corridor will be activated with plazas in openings between
buildings; provide pedestrian connections from Olympic Parkway to the project and provide
commercial uses along Town Center Drive; and the landscaping must be attractive. The SPA
Plan contains an Exhibit 5 showing a conceptual cross section for the proposed reduced
enhancement buffer at this location.
Parks, 0
pen Space &Trails
Based on Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter 17. 10, the project generates 4.7 acres of Parkland
Acquisition obligation and a 4.7 acre Parkland Development obligation. Per Section 5.3 of the
project Development Agreement executed on June 16, 2015, the applicant will satisfy this
obligation by providing 2.0 acres of parkland and the remaining 7.4 acres will be provided via in-
lieu fees (2.7 acres in acquisition fees and 4.7 acres in development fees), which will be used to
construct the project park. The Applicant is granting a 2 -acre property to the City in a permanent
easement for public use. The Applicant will develop a highly amenitized, "turnkey" park and
will invest substantially more to the development and granting of the park than would a typical
equivalent to the dedication and improvement required to achieve full park obligations. Per the
Development Agreement, the Developer is responsible for all costs of maintaining the park.
Prior to approval of the first final neap for the project, a Community Facilities District (CFD) or
other funding mechanism will be established to fund the perpetual maintenance of the park.
Per the Otay Ranch Resource Management Plan (RMP), parcel FC -2 has a preserve land
conveyance obligation of 43.5 acres that will be conveyed upon approval of the first final map.
Community Purpose Facilities
CVMC Section 19.48 requires the provision of 1.39 acres of land per 1,000 persons be zoned for
Community Purpose Facilities (CPF) when creating a SPA Plan. The Project will require 2.2
acres of CPF. In accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3.2 of the executed and recorded
Development Agreement for Freeway Commercial North, the applicant may satisfy its CPF
requirement by the provision of the CPF land offsite, at the discretion of the Development
Services Director. The required 2.2 acres of CPF will be provided for within a 6.5 acre site
available to be converted in Village 7.
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 8
Free�va11 Commercial PC District Regulations Amendments
The PC District Regulations function as the zoning regulations for the Otay Ranch Freeway
Commercial SPA. The PC District Regulations would be amended to include the new land uses.
FC -2 is proposed to be divided into 3 sub -land use districts (zones): H for hotels, RM for Multi-
Family Residential, MU for Mixed Use, and P for Park. The Land Use District exhibit has been
revised to reflect these land use districts. The amended Permitted Use Matrix and Property
Development Standards contain the regulations for the residential and mixed use
commercial/residential use districts.
The PC District Regulations identify the parking standards for each land use category. Freeway
Commercial North will be adopting the currently utilized Otay Ranch parking standards within
Village 2, with the following modifications that require all parking to be provided on -site.
City of Chula Vista Code
Otay Ranch
Freeway Commercial North
RM1 (8 -14.9 du/ac):
RM:
Dwellings, Multiple:
2.33 spaces /unit (1)
2.33 spaces /unit
RM2 (15+ du/ac) :
R/MU :
1 -br —1.5 spaces /unit
2 -br — 2.0 spaces /unit
1 -br — 1.5 spaces /unit
1 -br 1.5 spaces /unit
3 + -br — 2.0 spaces /unit
2 -br — 2.0 spaces /unit
2 -br — 2.0 spaces /unit
3 + -br — 2.25 spaces/unit
3 + -br — 2.25 spaces/unit
"' 1 covered space, 0.33 guest guest space included
(2) 0.33 guest space included
(3) Tandem parking allowed
(4) Tandem parking allowed. A two -car tandem parking garage counts as 1.75 spaces.
The PC District regualtions do not allow residential parking on Town Center Drive. All
residential parking will be provided on -site. Similarly to the Otay Ranch standards, tandem
parking is allowed for residentival uses as a space - efficient solution. However, in order to
reduce the building footprints and achieve the desired massing and higher density, consistent
with the intent and vision of the SPA Plan for the project as a high intensity urban environment,
the PC District Regulations count a 2 -car tandem space as 1.75 spaces. The remaining 0.25
spaces would be provided as common unassigned spaces on -site, including all required guest
parking.
Fr eewaE Commercial SPA Plan Design Guidelines Amendments
The Design Guidelines set forth design parameters that pertain to site planning, landscape
architecture, architecture and signage for all developments within Planning Area 12, The Design
Guidelines contain illustrations and requirements to implement the design concepts presented
therein. The Freeway Commercial North Design Plan was updated to include the proposed
residential and mixed use portion of the project. Specific design guidelines for residential and
mixed use commercial/residential are provided in the Master Precise Plan.
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 9
Public Facilities Finance Plan (PFFP) and Fiscal Impact Analysis (FIA)
A PFFP has been prepared as a supplemental document to the original PFFP dated April 1, 2003.
The Freeway Commercial North Supplemental PFFP for this project analyzes the proposed 600 -
unit addition, any potential impacts on public facilities and services, and identifies the facilities,
phasing and timing triggers for the provision of facilities and services to serve the project,
consistent with the City's Quality of Life Threshold Standards. The PFFP describes in detail the
cost, financing mechanism and timing for construction of necessary public facilities based on the
project's proposed phasing.
The public facilities needed to serve the project will be guaranteed by placing conditions of
approval on the Tentative Map, requiring payment of various fees at the building permit stage,
and /or continuing payment of bond payments under the approved Community Facilities Districts
to finance or maintain public facilities. The PFFP included an analysis of transportation,
drainage, water, sewer, fire, schools, libraries, parks, and fiscal impacts of the project.
The supplemental PFFP also includes a Fiscal Impact Analysis (FIA) of the Freeway
Commercial North plan and phasing program. The Freeway Commercial North Supplemental
FIA has been prepared using the City's Fiscal Impact Framework to provide a consistent
evaluation with those of other Chula Vista SPAS.
Based on the FIA and the assumptions contained therein, the fiscal impact generated by the
proposed Project as compared to the currently approved plan (i.e. base), are zero in Years 0 & 1
and positive in all future study years including at build -out. This is because no construction is
taking place on the site in Years 0 & 1. Both the base and proposed Project are estimated to
generate more revenues than expenditures throughout the build -out period.
The currently adopted SPA plan is estimated to generate annual revenues of $4.1 million and
expenses of $2.1 million resulting in a net positive fiscal impact to the City of $2.0 million
annually at build -out. The proposed Project is estimated to generate revenues of $4.8 million
and expenses of $2.3 million resulting in a net positive fiscal impact to the City of $2.5 million
annually at build -out. Overall, the proposed Project is estimated to generate approximately $0.5
million more than the base primarily due to the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenues
estimated from the development of the hotels.
While hotel uses are allowed under the current FC entitlement, the original FIA for the Freeway
Commercial SPA Plan did not include revenues for hotels, therefore, the base (i.e. existing
approved project) does not include revenues for hotels because there were no assurances that
hotels would be developed on either the FC -1 or FC -2 sites. The previously approved
Development Agreement for the proposed Project provides financial assurances and
development thresholds to ensure the City receives the anticipated tax revenue commensurate
with the phasing of the hotel and residential development. The findings in the FIA show that
hotel uses generate revenues for the City at a higher rate than general commercial, and the
proposed project will generate over a half million dollars more than the base, as described above.
Affordable Housing Plan
The Chula Vista General Plan Housing Element contains objectives, policies and action
programs to accomplish key affordable housing objectives. Key among these is the affordable
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 10
housing policy which requires that residential development with fifty (50) or more dwelling units
provide a minimum of 10% of the total dwelling units for low and moderate income households;
one -half of these units (5% of the total project) being designated for low income, and the other
half (5 %) to moderate income households.
Based on the entitlement of 600 residential units in FC -2, 30 low - income and 30 moderate -
income affordable units are required. These affordable housing units may be located either
within or outside the plan area.
A Housing and Development Agreement between the City of Chula Vista and Baldwin and Sons
was executed on April 21, 2016, which allows the Developer to satisfy its affordable housing
obligation from credits earned by the development of off-site housing at the Olympic Training
Center. The Project may satisfy its affordable housing obligation through a combination of on-
site and off -site units.
Water Conservation P
The City of Chula Vista's Growth Management Ordinance requires that all development of 50
units or more prepare a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) as part of the SPA Plan. This plan
presents a review of presently available technologies and practices that result in water
conservation. This plan identifies water conservation measures that will be incorporated into the
project as a condition of approval on the SPA Plan. A WCP, consistent with the current City
standards, has been prepared as a part of the proposed project. This WCP covers additional land
uses proposed by this amendment.
The FC -2 WCP requires that residential development provide hot water pipe insulation, pressure
reducing valves and water efficient dishwashers. Non - residential measures include hot water
pipe insulation, pressure reducing valves and compliance with Division 5.3 of the California
Green Building Standards Code. In addition, to comply with the City's current water
conservation requirements, the developer will also include dual flush toilets and water efficient
landscaping. Together these measures annually save approximately 8,850 gallons per multi-
family unit.
The WCP also provides a discussion of the local water conservation requirements related to the
use of reclaimed water. The City of Chula Vista Landscape Manual requires the use of recycled
water for irrigation of parks, median landscaping, open space slopes, and common landscaped
areas. The Landscape Manual also requires some drought tolerant plant selection in the
landscaping plan and the use of evapotranspiration controllers for parks and common landscaped
areas. Additionally, the Landscape Water Conservation Ordinance is expected to reduce outdoor
water consumption due to the setting of strict water budgets on City approved landscape plans
that must not be exceeded. The use of recycled water and other water conservation measures is
expected to reduce potable water usage by 46,436 gallons per day (gpd), or 21 %.
The proposed conservation measures outlined above, and identified in the FC -2 WCP, comply
with the City of Chula Vista's Growth Management Ordinance and the goals, objectives and
policies of the City's General Plan and the Otay Ranch GDP. See the Water Conservation Plan
section of the SPA Plan.
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August 10, 2016
Page 11
Air Quality lmlyovernent Plan
The City has included a Growth Management Element (GME) in its General Plan. One of the
stated objectives of the GME is to actively plan to meet federal and state air quality standards.
This objective is incorporated into the GME's action program. In addition, the City's Growth
Management Ordinance (CVMC 19.09) requires that an Air Quality Improvement Plan (AQIP)
be prepared for all major development projects (50 dwelling units or greater) as part of the SPA
Plan process. A new AQIP has been prepared by Criterion Planners for the FC -2 SPA
Amendment to comply with the City's current AQIP Guidelines.
The purpose of the AQIP is to provide an analysis of air pollution impacts that would result from
development and to demonstrate how the project design reduces vehicle trips, maintains or
improves traffic flow, reduces vehicle miles traveled and reduces direct or indirect greenhouse
gas emissions. FC -2 is considered as an infill project site whose AQIP value derives in large part
from existing surrounding uses interface with the project site. In accordance with the AQIP
Guidelines that allows for utilization of other "equivalent" alternative programs such as LEED
ND to demonstrate compliance with INDEX thresholds, AQIP analysis for FC -2 was completed
using the LEED -ND rating system in lieu of INDEX indicators.
Based on the FC -2 project site characteristics, proposed development plan, and surrounding
conditions, the AQIP analysis finds that FC -2 scores the equivalent of 56 points, which would
earn a Silver certification under the LEED -ND rating system. Criterion Planning was the expert
consultant, who in conjunction with city staff worked on the original development of the INDEX
indicator thresholds for the City. Based on their experience with INDEX model and certifying
over 100 LEED -ND projects nationally, the consultant concluded that the base ND certification
of 40 points is the functional equivalent of INDEX indicator thresholds. A score of 56 points
exceeds the INDEX thresholds, and demonstrate clear AQIP compliance.
Fire Protection Plan (FPP)
As determined by the Fire Chief, this project does not require a FPP because it is considered an
infill site that is surrounded by manmade slopes and development.
2. Tentative Map
The Tentative Subdivision Map proposes to subdivide 2 existing lots totaling approximately 36.2
acres into 13 lots (3 multi - family, 2 open space, 2 hotel lots, 3 mixed use, 1 park, 1 private street,
1 remainder parcel). The total number of dwelling units proposed is 600 (East residential: lot 3 —
140 units, lot 4 — 93 units, lot 5 — 88 units; and West Residential: lot 6 — 79 units, lot 7 — 140
units, lot 9 60 units).
Project Access:
Access to the project area is provided from Olympic Parkway via Town Center Drive and a
private road east of Town Center Drive. Private Street A and Hotel Drive serve as the primary
access points along with other internal private streets which will provide access within the
project area. All streets will conform to the guidelines set forth in the Freeway Commercial SPA
Plan and City of Chula Vista street design guidelines.
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 12
Subdivision Design:
The subdivision design consists of three (3) multi-fainily residential lots, three (3) mixed use
commercial — multi - family residential lots, two (2) hotel lots, two (2) open space lots, one (1)
public park, one (1) private street, and one (1) remainder parcel. The subdivision is planned to
allow a maximum of 600 residential units.
Grading:
The FC -2 site is a triangularly- shaped lot bounded by Olympic Pkwy on the north, SR -125 on
the west, Otay Ranch Town Center Mall on the south, and Eastlake Pkwy on the east. PA -12 was
sheet - graded in 2005. The topography of the site is relatively flat with elevations of about 620'
above mean sea level (AMSL). Descending slopes exist on the west with a maximum height of
approximately 30'. Drainage is directed to a desilting basin located north of the property. The
property will be graded for 4 sheet - graded parcels for future multi- family residential
developments and a park. The property will also include a water quality basin on the west and
accommodate utilities, driveways, parking areas, and landscaping. The Applicant must obtain a
Land Development Permit prior to beginning any earthwork activities at the site and before
issuance of building permits in accordance with Chula Vista Municipal Code Chapter 15.05, The
Applicant must also submit grading plans in conformance with the City's Subdivision Manual
and the City' s Development Storm Water Manual requirements.
3. Master Precise Plan
A new Master Precise Plan (MPP) for Freeway Commercial North is required by the Freeway
Commercial SPA Plan (PC District Regulations, III.E.1) and provides the entitlement bridge
linking the approved policies and land use designations of the Freeway Commercial SPA/Design
Plan with subsequent project -level approvals within the Freeway Commercial North MPP area It
serves as a framework document by which fixture "Individual Precise Plans" will be evaluated for
compliance with the approved MPP concepts that encompass streetscape and landscape design,
signs, and architectural and lighting guidelines.
The MPP supplements the Design Plan. It provides design direction and establishes a detailed
framework for building design and siting; pedestrian/vehicle /transit access; urban
character /architecture /landscape architecture; and lighting /signage /street furnishings. It contains
specific mandatory criteria and general design recommendations for establishing a unifying
design theme in FC -2 and for achieving the planning area's intended character and use mix.
The MPP provisions are intended to ensure that FC -2 is developed as a diverse urban center in a
walkable urban framework with a quality public realm. It promotes an active community that is
bike - and pedestrian - friendly and offers diverse amenities. Abstract Spanish with elements of
Contemporary California is the defining architectural style linking the entire project together.
This modern design with cleaner lines emphasizes building massing, interlocking volumes (i.e.
scale), mixture of materials on primary facades and a strong connection to the outdoors. Three
separate design checklists are included for each of the Hotel; Mixed Use, and the Residential
plan areas.
DECISION- MAKER CONFLICTS:
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the Planning Commission and has found that no
Planning Commissioner has property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property
Planning Commission
August 10, 2016
Page 13
which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not represent a disqualifying
real property - related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2,
section 18702.2(a)(11), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov. Code section 87100
et, seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any Planning Commissioner, of
any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
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
Freeway Commercial North Project supports the Economic Vitality goal, particularly City
Initiative 2.1.3 (Promote and support development of quality master - planned communities). The
subsequent SPA Plan amendment implementation documents (the SPA Plan, Master Precise
Plan, and TSM) support the development of a high - quality master - planned community (as
described above) with a park, jobs, transit, shopping, and other amenities, all within walking
distance for residents.
CONCLUSION
Within Freeway Commercial North, the proposed integrated land uses, development intensities
and grading program directly implement the provisions of the City's GP and the Otay Ranch
GDP that foster "Smart Growth." The proposed project provides all of the public facilities
required by the Otay Ranch GDP. The additional higher - density mixed use residential located
proximate to the hotels, park, and ancillary retail commercial further implement pedestrian -and
transit- oriented policies and is in conformance with the goals, objectives and policies of the GP
and the Otay Ranch GDP.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
All costs associated with preparing and processing the SPA Plan amendment, EIR Addendum,
Master Precise Plan, Tentative Subdivision Map, and all supporting documents were borne by
the developer, resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund or the Development Services
Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed project results in an increase of 600 units within Freeway Commercial North.
The Supplemental FIA for the Freeway Commercial North Amendment estimates that during
years 0 and 1 there would be no difference between the base and proposed project's fiscal impact
of $1.9 million net annual positive impact because the hotels have not yet been constructed.
From years 2 through 10 (build -out), when comparing the base to the proposed project, a net
positive fiscal benefit to the City starting at approximately $390,000 per year and increasing to
over $536,000 per year is projected, primarily attributable to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
revenues generated by the two planned hotels.
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August 10, 2016
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If approved, the proposed project will yield an overall estimated $2.5 million annual net positive
fiscal impact to the City at build -out, compared to an estimated $2.0 million under the adopted
plan.
Attachments: 1. Locator Map
2. Planning Commission Resolution SPA/MPP /TM
3. Draft City Council SPA/MPP Resolution
4. Draft City Council TM Resolution
5. Draft City Council PC District Regulations Ordinance
6, Disclosure Statement
7. Freeway Commercial North SPA Amendments binder, Tentative Map
CVT 15 -0007, and Second Addendum to FEIR 02 -04 (disc)