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PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
CHAPTER8
TABLEOFCONTENTS
1.0INTRODUCTION 1
1.1PurposeandScope1
1.2ImplementingtheVisionandThemes1
1.3RelationtoOtherGeneralPlanElementsandPolicies2
1.4RelatedPlansandPrograms2
4
2.0GOAL
5
3.0PLANNINGFACTORS,OBJECTIVES,ANDPOLICIES
3.1Water,SewerandDrainage5
Figure8-1:WaterServiceAreas6
Figure8-2:BackboneInfrastructureforWastewaterCollection8
3.1.1Keeping Pace with Growth and Maintenance Needs
9
(Water,Sewer,Drainage)
Figure8-3:DrainageImprovements10
3.1.2MeetingDemandThroughAlternativeTechnologies12
3.1.3Long-TermWaterSupplies13
3.1.4Long-TermSewerCapacities15
3.2LawEnforcement,FireProtection,andEmergencyMedicalServices16
Figure8-4:PoliceandFireStationLocations17
3.2.1KeepingPacewithGrowth
(Police,FireProtection,andEmergencyMedicalServices)18
Figure8-5:EmergencyEvacuationRoutes19
3.2.2EmergencyResponseandNewDevelopment21
3.2.3EmergencyResponseProgram22
3.2.4PostEmergencyResponse23
3.3Schools24
Figure8-6: Primaryand Secondary Schools
Serving theCityofChula Vista25
3.3.1Keeping PacewithGrowthandTechnology(School Facilities)27
3.3.2Site Location andDesign (SchoolFacilities)28
3.4Libraries30
Figure8-7:ExistingandProposedLibraries31
3.4.1KeepingPacewithGrowthandTechology(LibraryFacilities)32
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3.4.2SiteLocationandDesign(LibraryFacilities)33
3.4.3JointUseofSchoolandLibraryFacilities34
3.5ParksandRecreation35
Figure8-8:CityofChulaVistaListofExisting,Proposed,and
FuturePark&RecreationFacilities36
Figure8-9:Existing/ProposedPublicParksandRecreationFacilities37
3.5.1KeepingPacewithGrowth(ParksandRecreation)40
3.5.2MeetingParkDemand41
3.5.3RegionalFacilitiesinOtayValleyRegionalPark44
3.5.4ChulaVistaLandmarkPark45
Figure8-10:PotentialLandmarkParkLocations47
3.5.5JointUseofParkandSchoolFacilities48
3.6ArtandCulture,Childcare,HealthandHumanServices49
3.61RoleinArtandCulture,ChildcareandHealthServices50
3.6.2FutureChulaVistaCulturalArtsCenter51
3.7CivicFacilities52
3.8Energy53
3.8.1PoweringChulaVista54
3.9Telecommunications56
3.10SolidWaste57
Figure8-11:SolidWasteFacility59
3.10.1Providingfor Solid Waste Disposal60
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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INTRODUCTION
1.0
1.1PurposeandScope
ThePublicFacilitiesandServicesElementestablishestheCity'splantoprovideandmaintain
infrastructureandpublicservicesforfuturegrowth,withoutdiminishingservicestoexisting
development. Public facilities collectively refer to utilities, such as: water; sewer; drainage; power;
andtelecommunicationsservices.Publicservicescollectivelyrefertoschools;libraries;law
enforcement;andfireprotection.Thiselementalsoincludespublicfacilitiesandservicesthat
support and enrich the community, such as: parks and recreation centers; art and cultural
facilities and programs; childcare opportunities; and health and human services.
Whilestateplanninglawrequirescitiestoadoptspecificelementsintheirgeneralplans,the
California Government Code does not require a public facilities and services element. However,
theCodepermitsageneralplantoincludeotherelementsandsubjectsthatrelatetothe
physical development of a city, such as public facilities (Section 65030). It also permits the
inclusionofsubjectsthatrelatetoqualityoflife,suchas:parksandrecreation;artandculture;
childcare; and human services. Once an optional element has been adopted, it carries the same
legalforceandeffectasamandatoryelement.TheChulaVistaPublicFacilitiesandServices
Element has been prepared under the provisions for optional elements and addresses those
facilities and services needed by existing and future development.
1.2ImplementingtheVisionandThemes
TheVisionforChulaVistareflectsthedesireoftheCitytoimprovethecommunityandmeetthe
opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Achieving this Vision requires that the City recognize
thatourbusinesses,neighborhoods,andcommunitiesdependonefficientandaccessiblepublic
facilitiesandinfrastructure.TheVisioncallsforwaystoimprovelifeintheCityofChulaVista,
from strong communities, to enhanced resources, to exemplary facilities. The Public Facilities and
ServicesElementhelpsimplementtheVisionbyprovidingpoliciesfordevelopmentthatensure
thatpublicfacilitieskeepourcityrunningsmoothly,publicservicesthatprotectandenrichthe
livesofourcitizens and provide a healthy and sustainable community for everyone.
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1.3RelationtoOtherGeneralPlanElementsand
Policies
ThePublicFacilitiesandServicesElementisdirectlyrelatedtotheLandUseand
TransportationElementthroughthedistributionoflandusesandcirculationroutes andthe
provisionofsafeandconvenientaccesstorecreationalopportunities. Publicutilityinfrastructure
mustsupport thevaried land uses and often shares the same rights-of-way with circulation
roads.ThePublicFacilitiesandServicesElementisrelatedtotheEconomicDevelopment
Element, the Growth Management Element and the Implementation Chapter with regards to
providing appropriately timed facilities and achieving overall fiscal health. Finally, the
Environmental Element addresses water conservation and recycling, which relate to overall water
demandaddressedinthePublicFacilitiesandServicesElement.
1.4RelatedPlansandPrograms
Asdescribedbelow,severalplansandprogramsinfluencepublicfacilitiesandservicesinChula
Vista.
GrowthForecasts
WhilenewconstructionineasternChulaVistahasdominatedtheproductionofadditional
housingintheCityinrecentyears,(andthisisexpectedtocontinueoveratleastthenearterm)
anincreasingproportionofnewhousingstockinwesternChulaVistaisforecastoverthelonger
term.Thisgrowthinnew,aswellasinolderareasoftheCity,willimpacttheprovisionofpublic
servicesandfacilities.TheCitymaintainsshort-termandmid-termpopulationprojectionsas
planningtools.AsdiscussedintheChulaVistainPerspectivechapter,theCity'spopulation
estimate as of January 1, 2004 is 209,100, representing a 20 percent increase since the year 2000
census.BasedonthisGeneralPlan,theCity'spopulationwouldreachapproximately300,000by
the year 2030.
Regional Comprehensive Plan
The San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, serves as the forum for decision-making
onregionalissues,suchashousingandtransportationinSanDiegoCounty.TheRegional
ComprehensivePlan(RCP)waspreparedunderSANDAG'sumbrellatoprovidealong-term
planningframeworkintheSanDiegoRegion.TheRCPaddresseshowandwhereprojected
growth should occur, while providing ahigh quality of life for existing and future residents. The
planbalancestheneedtoaccommodateregionalpopulation,housing,andemploymentgrowth
withhabitatandopenspacepreservationandpublicfacilityandserviceneeds.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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The RCP prioritizes public investment in areas that support the preferred direction for regional
growth.Itrelies,toalargeextent,onotheragencies,suchaslocalgovernmentsandother
providers of public facilities and services, to carry out the Plan in a collaborative manner. The
City'sGeneralPlansupportsrelevantRCPpolicyobjectivesandactions.
LongRangePlans
Most of the service providers identified in this element maintain long-range service plans that
identify the infrastructure improvements needed to serve new development. These long-range
service plans, often called Facility Master Plans, have been used to prepare this element . While
not a part of the adopted General Plan, the various long-range service plans implement its goals,
objectives, and policies..
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GOAL
2.0
TheoverallgoalofthePublicFacilitiesandServicesElementisto:
Provide and maintain public facilities and services within Chula
Vista through abundant public infrastructure and community
servicesthatsupportandenhance the well-being of the city and all of
itsresidents.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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PLANNINGFACTORS,OBJECTIVES,
3.0
AND POLICIES
ThereareseveralplanningfactorsinvolvedinachievingthegoalofthePublicFacilitiesand
ServicesElement.SuchfactorsaredescribedinSections3.1-3.10.1ofthiselement.Eachfactor
hasatleastoneobjective,orfocusedgoal,andeachobjectivehasatleastonepolicy,which
describeshowtheCitywillmeettheobjectives.
3.1Water,Sewer and Drainage
WaterInfrastructure
SanDiegoCountyisasemi-aridlandscapewithaMediterraneanclimate.Themajorityofthe
region'swatersupplymustbeimportedinordertoprovidefordemandsfromagriculture;
population; commercial/industrial development; and public entities. Water availabilityhas long
beenapointofconsiderationfordevelopmentinChulaVista.
Chula Vista has historically received the majority of its water supply from the San Diego County
Water Authority (CWA). The CWA generally imports from 75 to 95 percent of this water from the
MetropolitanWaterDistrict(MWD)ofSouthernCalifornia.Waterimportedtotheregioncomes
from two primary sources: the Colorado River, through the 240-mile Colorado River Aqueduct; and
the State Water Project from Northern California, through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
andthe444-mileCaliforniaAqueduct.ThesesourcesdeliverwatertotheMWD,whichthen
distributeswatersuppliestodistrictsthroughouttheSouthernCaliforniaregion,includingthe
CWA. The CWA is comprised of 23 member water agencies and water districts, including two that
serveChulaVista:OtayWaterDistrictandSweetwaterAuthority.Athirdwateragency,the
California American Water Company, also provides water to a small portion of the Chula Vista
planningarea,butisnotamemberoftheCWA(seeFigure8-1,WaterServiceAreas).
Thethreedistrictsvaryinsizeandageofinfrastructurebutareallexpectedtoconformtothe
same quality and service standards established by the State Department of Health Services (DHS)
andthefederalCleanWaterAct.Inadditiontoprovidingwatersupplies,theseagenciesprovide
emergencystoragesystemsandimplementconservationefforts.
SewerInfrastructure
Sewerservicesareessentialforpublichealth,safety,andwelfare.TheCitymaintainsandoperates
sewerfacilitiesthatfeedintoalargerregionalsystemfortreatmentanddisposal.ChulaVista
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reliesontheCityofSanDiegoMetropolitan(Metro)SewageSystemfortreatmentanddisposalof
the wastewater generated within the General Plan area.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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WaterServiceAreas
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-1
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ChulaVista'scurrentwastewatercollectionsystemconsistsofsevenmajorsewerbasins,
including:SweetwaterandGStreetBasinsinthenorthernpartoftheCity;TelegraphCanyonand
theMainStreet-Date-FaivreBasinsinthesouthernpartoftheCity;BayfrontBasininthewest;
and Salt Creek and Poggi Canyon Basins in the east.
The City of Chula Vista currently operates and maintains approximately 400 miles of sewer
pipelines,ranginginsizefrom6inchesto48inchesindiameter,andanextensivenetworkof
manholes; metering stations; pump lifts; and lift stations (see Figure 8-2, Backbone Infrastructure
forWastewaterCollection).Inadditiontomaintainingtheexistingsystemsandreplacing
outdated or damaged components, the City must also address system upgrades and expansions
toaccommodatenewsewerconnections,especiallyintheeasternportionoftheCity.
Completion of the Salt Creek Gravity Sewer Interceptor will provide additional capacity in eastern
ChulaVista.PreliminarydesignplansforconstructionoftheWolfCanyonTrunkSewer,atributary
totheSaltCreekBasin,arealsobeingprepared.Thisimprovementwillservedevelopment
projectsintheWolfCanyonBasin.
TheCityhaspurchased19.8milliongallonsperday(mgd)ofcapacityrightsintheMetro
Sewage System. Based on existing conditions in 2004, the City discharges approximately 16.6
MGD into the Metro Interceptor. Based on flow analyses, it is estimated that by the year 2030, the
Citywillgenerateapproximately26.2mgdofsewage.TheCityisworkingwithMetrotoacquire
additionaltreatmentcapacitytomeetthisdemand.
DrainageInfrastructure
Drainagefacilitiesarepublicimprovementstocontrolstormwaterrunoffsothatpeakrunoffdoes
notthreatenpublichealthorsafetyintheformoffloodinganderosion.TheCitymaintainsstrict
requirements for sediment control from water runoff. These requirements are found in various
programsandpolicies,includingTheCityofChulaVista
GradingOrdinance;SubdivisionManual;StormWater
Drainage facilities
ManagementStandardsRequirementsManual;development
arepublicimprovements
andredevelopmentprojects;andManagement
to control stormwater
runoff so that peak
InChulaVista,severaldrainagebasinsandimprovements
runoff does not threaten
accommodatedrainagethroughanextensivesystem
public health and safety
containing miles of storm water pipelines; box culverts; lined
in the form of flooding
andnaturalchannels;andwaterdetentionfacilities.The
and erosion.
conditionoftheoveralldrainagesystemiscontinually
monitored for any major deficiencies or problems. In addition
tomaintainingtheexistingsystemandreplacingoutdatedor
damagedcomponents,theCitymustalsoaddressupgradesandexpansionstoaccommodate
newcollectionareasandincreaseddrainageflowsfromnewdevelopment,especiallyintheeast.
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BackboneInfrastructureforWastewaterCollection
ProposedG.P.Amendment
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-1
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TheCityofChulaVistaincludes16majordrainagebasins.Figure8-3showsmajordrainage
improvements that handle storm water runoff in the City. Based on existing conditions in 2004,
current facilities have adequate capacity for short-and mid-term development, defined as
projected growth, within the 18-month and 5-year time frames. Long-term build-out includes
majordevelopmentintheeasternsectionsoftheCitythatwilladdsignificantamountsofstorm
watertotheexistingsystem.
ChulaVistaispartoftheSanDiegowatershedarea.TheSanDiegowatershedarea'sNational
PollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)permitrequiresthatallrunoffbetreatedsothat
pollutantlevelsatthestormwateroutfallsareminimizedtothemaximumextentpracticable.
It is the City's intent
toestablishapriorityprogramthroughtheChulaVistaStormWaterManagementUnit.Typically,
NPDES on-site detention/desiltation facilities will be required on development projects. The City
willmaintainitsabilitytoenforceadequatemaintenanceofthesefacilities.TheEnvironmental
ElementalsoaddressesdrainageissuesthroughouttheCityastheyrelatetowaterquality.
3.1.1KeepingPacewithGrowthandMaintenanceNeeds
(Water,Sewer,Drainage)
The City and its servicing districts strive to maintain existing water,
sewer and drainage facilities to meet current and future demand,
andtocomplywithfederal,state,andlocalrequirements.The
easternsectionsoftheCityarebeingdevelopedasmaster
plannedcommunitiesaccordingtoGeneralDevelopment
Plansthatgreatlyincreasetheabilitytopredictandaccommodate
growth.Knowledgeoffuturezoningandpopulationdensity
increasesinestablishedareasallowtheCityandservicedistricts
to schedule and construct needed improvements. The challenge
posedbynewdevelopmentistoextendservicetounservedareas,
keeppacewithconstruction,andadjustforchangesinthe
designated zoning or density.The challenge posed by density increases in older parts of the City
systemistorepairexistingdeficienciesandmaintain,andpossiblyupsize,olderinfrastructure.
Overtime,astheCitycontinuestoexpandandadditionalwater,sewer,anddrainagefacilitiesare
added,thedemandformaintenance,alongwithassociatedfiscalimpacts,willalsogrow.
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Drainage Improvements
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-3
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Ensure adequate and reliable water, sewer, and drainage service and
facilities.
Policies
Coordinate with water districts by providing growth forecast information to allow
PFS1.1
thedistrictstoplananddesignwaterfacilitiesandensureadequatesupply
neededtoaccommodateanticipatedgrowth.
PlanforadequatesystemsandfacilitiestomanagetheCity'swastewater
PFS
generation,treatment,anddisposal.
1.12
Plananddesigndrainagefacilities,andupgradeexistingfacilities,asnecessary,
to meet current needs, accommodate growth, and satisfy state and federal
PFS
requirements.
1.23
PFS 1.34 For new development, require on-site detention of storm water flows such that,
where practical, existing downstream structures will not be overloaded. Slow
runoffandmaximizeon-siteinfiltrationofrunoff.
Accelerate infrastructure upgrades throughout the City, especially in older portions
PFS
ofwesternChulaVistaasgrowthplacesadditionaldemandsonexisting,
1.45
potentiallysub-standardfacilities.
To avoid recently improved streets from being torn up repeatedly, maintain a
comprehensive facility phasing and capital improvement program. The program
PFS
shouldbebasedonanticipatedlanddevelopmentandbeconductedin
1.56
coordination with all utilities.
Identify ways to obtain timely funding for public facility and service needs. Upon
request by community representatives, facilitate the possible formation of
assessmentdistrictstofinancepublicinfrastructure,upgrades,andmaintenance.
PFS
1.67
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3.1.2MeetingDemandThroughAlternativeTechnologies
Growth will generate increased demand for water delivery and
forseweranddrainagesystemsthroughouttheCity.Water
willcontinuetobealimitedresourceinsemi-aridsouthern
California.Theabilitytotreatwastewaterwillbeaffectedby
thelimitationsoftheSanDiegoMetrosystem.Drainage
facilities will need to handle increased storm water runoff and
potentialpollutantsinthefaceofincreasedgrowthand
diminishing supplies of land. Building moreinfrastructure
andacquiringmorecapacitycanandshouldbeoffsetby
usingalternativetechnologiestohandledemandbothinthe
older,establishedpartsofthecityandinthenewlydeveloping
areas.Thefollowingobjectiveandpoliciesaddressmeeting
resourceand service demandsthrough use ofalternative technologies. Animportant and related
topic, reducing demand through conservation measures, is discussed in more detail in the
conservationportionoftheEnvironmentalElement,Chapter9ofthisGeneralPlan.
Increase efficiencies in water use, wastewater generation and its re-use,
andhandlingofstormwaterrunoffthroughouttheCitythroughuseof
alternativetechnologies.
Policies
Promote and encourage local water resource development and explore all
PFS2.1
opportunitiesforviablewatersupplies,includingdesalination.Ifappropriate,
reserve suitable land areas to accommodate such potentially viable facilities and
toprotectgroundwatersourcesandwaterstorageaquifers.
Aspartofprojectconstructionanddesign,assurethatdrainagefacilitiesinnew
PFS
development incorporate stormwater runoff and sediment control, including state-
2.12
of-the-art technologies, where appropriate.
Indesigningwater,wastewater,anddrainagefacilities,limitthedisruptionof
natural landforms and water bodies. Encourage the use of natural channels that
PFS
simulatenaturaldrainagewayswhileprotectingproperty.
2.23
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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3.1.3Long-TermWaterSupplies
BasedonwaterratesusedbytheOtayWaterDistrictandthe
Sweetwater Authority, projected water demand for the City at buildout of
updateareasunderthisGeneralPlanis23.92milliongallonsperday
(mgd).TheCaliforniaWaterCoderequiresallurbanwatersuppliers
withinthestatetoprepareurbanwatermanagementplan(s)and
updatethemeveryfiveyears,inyearsendinginfiveorzero.Theplans
aretoidentifysupplyanddemand,infrastructureandfunding.In
accordance with state law, the County Water Authority (CWA) adopted
anUrbanWaterManagementPlanin2000andupdateditin2005.
The2000Planforecaststotalprojectedwaterdemandfortheentire
area served by the CWA as 813,000 acre-feet of water in the year 2020.
Thisfigureincludesmunicipal,industrial,andagriculturaldemand,and
is adjusted for conservation savings. The report estimates total projected
localwatersuppliesintheyear2020as223,500acre-feet.Localwater
suppliesincludesurfacewater;waterrecycling;groundwater;and
seawater desalination. Through a shortage contingency analysis, the
reportalsoconcludesthattheCWAanditsmemberagencies,through
EmergencyResponsePlans(ERP)andEmergencyStorageProjects
(ESP),aretakingactionstoprepareforandappropriatelyhandlea
catastrophicinterruptionofwatersupplies.
While the CWA relies almost entirely on water imported from outside the region, the Sweetwater
Authority has historically imported less than half of itswater to meet demand. Sweetwater
andLoveland,thatstoresurfacerunofffromtheSweetwaterRiver.SweetwaterAuthorityalso
adherestodevelopmentofadditionallocalresources,suchasgroundwaterpumpingand
groundwaterdesalination.AsourCitygrows,theneedtoidentifythelong-termsupplyofwater
continues.
Ensure a long-term water supply to meet the needs of existing and
futureusesinChulaVista.
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Policies
AssistChulawateragenciesinpreparingandmaintainingUrbanWater
PFS3.1
ManagementPlansthatidentifywaterdemandanticipatedbyexistingandnew
development.
PFS3.2
Coordinate withwater providerson long-rangeplanningprograms.
PFS3.3
Participate in existing and future regional planning programs for water treatment,
reclamation,anddistribution.
PFS
Encourage the development of new technologies and the use of new sources to
3.14
meetthelong-termwaterdemandsinChulaVista.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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3.1.4Long-TermSewerCapacities
TheCitymaintainsandregularlyupdatesaWastewaterManagementPlantoevaluatethe
adequacy of the existing wastewater collection system to sustain the long-term growth of the City.
The Wastewater Management Plan helps the City budget for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP),
allocate resources for the acquisition of additional sewage capacity, and determine the short and
long-termsewercapacityneedsoftheCity.
Objective-PFS4
Provide long-term wastewater treatment capacity to meet the needs of
existingandnewdevelopmentinChulaVista.
Policies
Continually monitor wastewater flows and anticipate future wastewater increases
PFS4.1
thatmayresultfromchangesinadoptedlandusepatterns.
Participateinregionaldecision-makingtoexpandexistingregionalsewage
PFS4.2
systems and control growth in wastewater treatment demand.
Actively participate in the San Diego Metropolitan Sewage System (Metro)
PFS4.3
wastewater expansion planning process, and, where appropriate, evaluate
reasonablealternativesinordertoreduceChulaVista'sdependenceon
Metro.
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3.2LawEnforcement,FireProtection,and
Emergency Medical Services
IntheCityofChulaVista,fireprotectionandemergencymedicalservicesareprovidedbythe
ChulaVistaFireDepartment,andlawenforcementservicesareprovidedbytheChulaVistaPolice
Department. Fire stations are dispersed throughout the City, while police facilities are centered in
headquarters located in downtown Chula Vista (Figure 8-4 Police and Fire Station Locations). The
current Fire Station Master Plan calls for nine fire stations, eight of which have been constructed.
TheMasterPlanisbeingupdatedtoreflectchangestorespondtoarevisedsetofperformance
criteria proposed in the Fire Department Strategic Plan. Therefore, the number and location of
futurefirestations,alongwithhowtheyareequipped,maychange.
Tomaintainthehighlevelofdependable,competentfireprotectionandemergencymedical
services ourCity enjoys, several strategies will continue to be employed. The City will continue to
useagrowthrelatedservicestandardtohelpdetermineifpublicsafetyisadequatelyprotected.
FireDepartmentstaffingandequipmentwillcontinuetobeexpanded,asneeded,tomeetthe
servicestandardandtominimizehazardstothefirefightersandpublic,inconformancewith
changestotheupdatedFireDepartmentMasterPlan.TheFireDepartmentwillcontinueto
enhance its capabilities and staffing through mutual aid agreements with fire departments in the
surroundingcommunities.
Similar strategies also facilitate the provision of law enforcement services that meet our City's
needs.TheDepartmentwillcontinuetomonitorcallsforservice,analyzecrimestatisticsand
residentsurveydata,andmakechangesinstaffingandpatrolstoreflectthegrowing
community's needs.
Effective fire protection and emergency medical and law enforcement services require two-way
relationships with the community.Staff must understand the unique needs and conditions in the
communityandthecommunitymustlendsupporttothevariousprogramsandeffortsofthe
Police Department and Fire Department. The City encourages active participation by the Fire and
Police Departments in all facets of community life, including involvement in area business, senior
and youth activities.
DisasterandEmergencyResponseProgram
State regulations establish the Standardized Emergency Management System, (SEMS). The system
includes requirements for incident command systems; multi-agency coordination systems; mutualaid
agreements;andtheconcept.Asanagency(municipality)withemergency
responsecapabilitywithinthestate,ChulaVistaisrequiredtousetheSEMSsystem.
Chula Vista provides for the preparation and execution of plans for the protection of persons and
property within the City in the event of an emergency (Chula Vista Municipal Code, Chapter 2.14,
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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PoliceandFireStationLocations
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-4
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EmergencyOrganizationDepartment).TheCoderequires
Chula Vista
coordination of the emergency functions of the City with other public
adopted a
agencies,corporations,andorganizations.
HAZMIT Plan
in May 2004 to
Theremaybeoccasionswhenalimitedscaleevacuationisthe
appropriate response to an emergency situation.Under these
help mitigate
circumstances,peopleshouldbeevacuatedtoneighborhoodand
impacts to the
community schools, hospitals, and public facilities, where they could
Cityintheevent
receiveadequatecareandtreatment.Intheeventofamajor
of a natural or
disaster,wherealargepartoftheCitymayrequireevacuation,the
man-made disaster.
followingcirculationroutes,asshowninFigure8-5,maybeused:
Interstate5;Interstate805;StateRoute54;andStateRoute125
E,H,JandLStreets;BonitaRoad;TelegraphCanyonRoad;OlympicParkway
Naples,PalomarandMainStreets;OrangeAvenue
Broadway; Fourth Avenue; Hilltop Drive; Oleander Avenue; Third Avenue; Melrose
Avenue;OtayLakesRoad;andHeritageRoad.
Federallaw(DisasterManagementAct2000)requiresthat,inordertoremaineligibleforpost-
disasterFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA)fundingafterNovember2004,every
jurisdictionintheUnitedStatesmusthaveanapprovedHazardMitigationPlan(HAZMITplan)to
addressthemanagementof,andresponseto,emergencysituations.Inaddition,tobeeligiblefor
pre-disaster FEMA funding for use in hazard mitigation, each jurisdiction's approved HAZMIT
Planmustincludetheplannedusesofthosefunds.TheCityofChulaVistaadoptedaHAZMIT
PlaninMay2004tohelpmitigateimpactstotheCityintheeventofanaturalorman-made
disaster.TheCity'sHAZMITPlanwasincludedintheSanDiegoCountyMulti-Jurisdictional
HAZMITPlansubmittedtoFEMAforapprovalincompliancewithFederallaw.
3.2.1KeepingPacewithGrowth
(Police,FireProtection,andEmergencyMedicalServices)
The City of Chula Vista has experienced significant residential growth over the last decade.The
majorityofnewgrowthhasoccurredintheeast,wherecontinuedrelativelyhighgrowthis
expectedinthecomingyears,alongwithdensityincreasesinthewest.Fireprotection,
emergencymedicalserviceandpoliceserviceswillneedtoexpandtomatchthedemand
broughtonbythisanticipatedgrowth.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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EmergencyEvacuationRoutes
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-5
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maintainsonepoliceheadquarters,locatedinthewesternportionofthe
City.If appropriate,the departmentcould establishsatellite storefront
officestoprovideapresenceinotherneighborhoods.
Maintain sufficient levels of fire protection, emergency medical service
andpoliceservicestoprotectpublicsafetyandproperty.
Policies
ContinuetoadequatelyequipandstafftheFireDepartmenttoensurethat
PFS5.1
establishedservicestandardsforemergencycallsaremet.
Upgrade fire and emergency medical equipment, as required, to protect the public
PFS5.2
fromhazardsandtoensurethesafetyoffirefighters.
Supporttheprovisionofnewfirestations,asdeemednecessarythroughthe
PFS5.3
existingorupdatedFireStationMasterPlan.
Provide adequate law enforcement staff and equipment pursuant to Police
PFS5.4
Departmentstrategicplanstomeetestablishedservicestandards.
Explore the need to establish local, community-based satellite or storefront police
PFS5.5
officestoenhancecommunitywell-being.
Encouragecrimewatchprogramsinallneighborhoods.
PFS5.6
Priortoapprovalofanydiscretionaryprojects,ensurethatconstructionisphased
PFS5.7
withprovisionofpoliceandfireprotectionservicessuchthatservicesareprovided
priortoorconcurrentwithneed.
RequirethatthePoliceandFireDepartmentsmaintainactiveparticipatoryrolesin
PFS5.8
the community.
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PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
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3.2.2EmergencyResponseandDevelopment
GeneralPlanpoliciesandGrowthManagementstandardstienew
developmentandredevelopmenttotheprovisionofadequatepublic
facilities and services, including police and fire protection.Due to rolling
terrain and varied topography, some new developments have winding
streetsandirregularlayoutsinsteadofthegridpatternfoundinolder,
traditionalneighborhoods.Somedesigncharacteristics,suchasnarrow
street widths, aim to create walkable communities, serve to establish an
overallneighborlyatmosphere,andtendtoreducetrafficspeeds.In
mixeduseneighborhoods,densityincreasesmayresultintaller
buildings.Theevolvingurbanformandthecumulativeincreasein
developmentwillaffectemergencyserviceresponsetimesaswellasthe
equipment, facilities and personnelneeded for fire andpolice services.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a method of incorporating design
techniquesintoprojectstohelpreducethepotentialforcrime.CPTEDisusedinthedevelopment
of parks; residential and commercial projects; schools; transit stations; and parking lots to reduce
thenumberofcallsforservice.Thereducedcallvolumemayfavorablyimpactresponsetimes.
CPTEDincludestheuseoffourprimarystrategies:
Providingnaturalaccesscontrolintoareas;
Improvingnaturalsurveillance(i.e.,Increasingonthe
Maintainingandmanagingapropertytoreducecrimeanddisorder;and
Usingterritorialreinforcementtodistinguishprivatespacefrompublicspace.
Provide adequate fire and police protection services to newly developing
andredevelopingareasoftheCity.
Policies
PagePFS-21
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PUBLICFACILITIESANDSERVICESELEMENT
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Continue to require new development and redevelopment projects to demonstrate
PFS6.1
adequateaccessforfireandpolicevehicles.
PFS6.2
Require new development and redevelopment projects to demonstrate adequate
waterpressuretonewbuildings.
PFS6.3
Encourage Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques in
newdevelopmentandredevelopmentprojects.
3.2.3Emergency Response Program
A Citywide emergency response program provides the framework for
responding to any type of emergency or disaster that might occur in
ChulaVista.Accomplishingefficientemergencyresponseinvolves
coordinationwithotheragenciesregardingdisasterpreparedness;
preparationandregularupdateoftheemergencyresponseplan;
educationofresidentsandbusinessesabouttheplanandabout
evacuationroutes;andperiodictrainingofCitystaffandother
emergencyresponsestafftoeffectivelyimplementtheplan.
Develop pre-disaster programs to ensure swift and efficient response to
emergenciesanddisasters.
Policies
ImplementaCitywideEmergencyResponsePlantorespondtolocalandregional
PFS7.1
emergencies,maintainandupdateitasneededtorespondtochangesin
emergency response systems and threats to public safety. Identify minimum widths
fortheroadsandforvegeation-clearareasfortheidentifiedevacuationroutes.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
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Educatethecommunityaboutemergencypreparednessandevacuationroutes.
PFS7.3
Prepare,maintain,andimplementacurrentHazardMitigationPlan,incompliance
PFS7.4
with Federal law.
Whenapplicableandavailable,applyforHazardMitigationGrantProgramfunding
PFS7.5
fromFEMA,withreferencetotheHAZMITPlan
3.2.4PostEmergencyResponse
In the event of disasters and emergencies, a swift and efficient response
minimizesinjuries,casualties,andpropertydamage.Planningpost-
disasteroperationsensuresthesafety,health,andwelfareofour
residents by allowing critical operations to continue as expeditiously and
efficientlyaspossiblefollowingacatastrophicevent.Post-disaster
analysiswillhelpourCityimprovesafetyplansandresponses.
Provide for the efficient and effective delivery of public health, safety, and
welfare services in post-disaster situations.
Policies
Cooperatewithlocal,state,andfederalagencies,andwithemergencyresponse
PFS8.1
organizationssuchastheRedCross,toensuretemporaryhousingfordisplaced
residents following an emergency or disaster situation.
Withinsixmonthsofanyarea-widedisaster,analyzetheresponse,theCitywide
PFS8.2
Emergency Response Plan, and the HAZMIT Plan, and propose revisions as needed..
PagePFS-23
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PUBLICFACILITIESANDSERVICESELEMENT
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Develop post-disaster development regulations to assist displaced residents to
PFS8.3
rebuild damaged and destroyed structures as expeditiously as possible.
IntheeventofadisasterinChulaVista,applyforandobtainFederalfunding
PFS8.4
From FEMA, as applicable, to augment recovery efforts in the community.
3.3Schools
Excellentschoolsareassetstoanycommunity.Twoschool
districtsserve the City: Chula Vista Elementary School District
Two school
(CVESD)operateskindergartenthroughsixthgradeand;Sweetwater
districts serve the
UnionHighSchoolDistrict(SUHSD)operatesjuniorandseniorhigh
City: Chula Vista
schools,andancillaryprograms.Highereducationisavailable
Elementary School
throughSouthwesternCommunityCollege.TheCityisalsopursuing
District (CVESD)
developmentofafour-yearcollegeoruniversity.
and Sweetwater
UnionHighSchool
Asof2004,theCVESDoperate42schoolsandtheSUHSDoperated
District (SUHSD).
26schools,bothwithinandoutsidetheboundariesoftheCityof
ChulaVista(Figure8-6).Bothdistrictsactivelyplanfor
modernizationandexpansionofcampusestoaccommodate
anticipatedincreasesinenrollments.TheCVESD,inparticular,hascompletedimprovementsto
almostallitsschoolsintheolder,westernportionoftheCitythroughmodernizationprograms
andbondissues.TheSUHSD,likewise,preparedmodernizationplansinpreparationfor
construction in 2005.
Both districts serve a diverse population beyond Chula Vista's City limits, including the San Diego
Countycommunities of Bonita and Sunnyside, and the southern portion of the City of San Diego.
Enrollmentsin2004were26,195forCVESDandover41,000forSUHSD(GrowthManagement
Questionnaire). Approximately 45 languages are spoken in the districts, and more than one-third
ofthestudentpopulationconsistsofEnglishlanguagelearners.Effortstoaccommodatehigh
enrollmentsincludetheuseofmodular/relocatableclassrooms.Schoolsaredesignedto
accommodate these modular units during temporary spikes in student enrollment.
The school districts provide many educational programs and facilities.In addition to traditional
instruction,FamilyResourceCentersarelocatedonthesitesoffourelementaryschools(asof
2004).TheseCentersoffervariouscommunityservices,including:casemanagement;counseling;
emergencyfood;assistancewithhealthinsuranceandotherapplicationsorforms;jobsearch
help;andemploymentinternships.Alsoinplacethroughtheschooldistrictsareprogramsfor
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PagePFS-24
ExistingPrimaryandSecondarySchoolsServingChulaVista
LEGEND
E ElementarySchool
CityofChulaVistaBoundary
M
MiddleSchool
OtherCitiesBoundary
H
HighSchool
Elementary School District Boundary
A
AdultSchool
High School District Boundary
CC
CommunityCollege
WaterBodies
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-6
PagePFS-25
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PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
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professional development, model technology; pre-service bilingual teacher training; dual
languageacquisition;state-fundedpreschoolprograms;andextendeddaychildcare.
ChulaVistahasactivelypursuedthepossibilityoflocatingauniversitywithinitsboundaries,asa
UniversityofCaliforniacampusoranotherpublicorprivateinstitution.Asof2004,theCity
identifiedapproximately1,250acresintheOtayRanch/SaltCreekareaoftheCityasasitefora
potentialinstitutionofhighereducation.
3.3.1KeepingPacewithGrowthandTechnology
(SchoolFacilities)
DemandforschoolfacilitieswillcontinuetoincreaseasourCity's
populationgrows.EasternChulaVista'sresidentialgrowthbetween2000
and2003,washigh,withcontinuedhighgrowthexpected.Inaddition,
populationgrowthinwesternChulaVistamayimpactexisting,older
schoolfacilities.Modernizationofschoolcampusesisexpectedto
continue as the school districts plan for facility improvements. Technology
continuestochangetheworkplaceandthesocialandcultural
environmentsofourcommunity.Theschoolsystem,whichhelpsshape
ourchildrenandourfuture,mustkeeppacewiththeneedsofa
changing workforce and technological world. While the development
andsitingofschoolsfallsunderthejurisdictionofthelocalschool
districts, not the City, it is the City's intent to facilitate the district's efforts
toprovideschoolservices.
Develop schools that cultivate and educate people of all ages, that meet
theneedsoftheworkforce,andthatserveascommunitycenters.
Policies
Coordinatewithlocalschooldistrictsduringreviewofapplicablediscretionary
PFS9.1
approvaltoprovideadequateschoolfacilities,tomeetneedsgeneratedby
development,andtoavoidovercrowding,inaccordancewiththeguidelinesand
limitationsofGovernmentCode65996(b).
PagePFS-27
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Encourage the consideration of new approaches to accommodate student
PFS9.2
enrollments,includingalternativecampuslocationsandeducationprograms.
Assistschooldistrictsinidentifyingandacquiringschoolsitesfornew
PFS9.3
constructioninneededtimeframes.
Assistschooldistrictsinidentifyingsourcesoffundingfortheexpansionof
PFS9.4
facilitiesinwesternChulaVista,asneeded,basedongrowth.
Workcloselywiththeschooldistrictstoidentifyneedsforpubliceducation
PFS9.5
facilities and programs, including developing and expanding extra-curricular
recreationandeducationalprogramsforprimary,secondaryandadulteducation,
and providing state-of-the-art information services
3.3.2SiteLocationandDesign
(SchoolFacilities)
This General Plan identifies only generalized locations for future
schoolfacilities.Specificparcelsarenotidentifiedorzonedforthese
publicuses.Thisallowsflexibilityinthedevelopmentprocessto
ensureadequateacreage,properaccess,andappropriatedesign.
Schooldistrictscontrolsiteselectionandschooldesign.Inall
instances,safepickupanddropoffofstudentsisaprimaryconcern.
Schoolsaregenerallydesignedwiththeintentofaddingmodular
units to accommodate temporary spikes in student enrollment. While
both Chula Vista school districts use this strategy, drawbacks include
thefactthattheunitsdisplaceparking,openspaceandrecreation
areas.SomeschoolsinwesternChulaVistaarealreadyrunningout
oflimitedopenspaceandhavenoroomtoexpandtheircampuses
intheircurrentlandlockedlocations.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PagePFS-28
PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
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Efficientlylocateanddesignschoolfacilities.
Policies
Coordinateandmakerecommendationstotheschooldistrictsandproperty
PFS10.1
ownersanddevelopersonthelocation,size,anddesignofschoolfacilities
relativetotheir locationinthecommunity.Encourageschooldistrictstoconsider
joint use and alternative structural design, such as multi-story buildings, where
appropriate.
Coordinate with the school districts to maximize student safetyat school
PFS10.2
campusesandpubliclibraryfacilities.
Requirethatproposedlandusesadjacenttoaschoolsitebeplannedinsucha
PFS10.3
mannerastominimizenoiseimpactsandmaximizecompatibilitybetweenthe
uses.
Encourage the central location of new schools within the neighborhoods or areas
PFS10.4
theyservesoastofurthercommunitydevelopmentandenhancethequalityof
life.
C oordinate with the school districts on the design of school grounds,
PFS 10.5
gymnasiums and sports fields to provide for access and use of these facilities by
theYouthSportsCouncilmemberorganizationsandthesurrounding
community.
Consider siting elementary schools adjacent to neighborhoodparks, where
PFS10.6
feasible,toallowforexpandeduseoftheschoolgroundsandclassroomsbythe
generalpublicandtheparkareabytheschoolchildren.
PagePFS-29
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PUBLICFACILITIESANDSERVICESELEMENT
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3.4Libraries
Successfullibrarysystemsservetoincreaseknowledgeand
Planning is underway
enrichliveswithinthecommunitybyequitablyconnecting
to develop a facility to
peopletoprograms,services,andresources.TheChulaVista
PublicLibrary,createdin1891,twentyyearsbeforetheCityof
servethenorthernand
ChulaVistawasformallychartered,isanintegralpartofthe
eastern portion of the
City.Threelibraryfacilitiesserveourcommunity:CivicCenter
City, including the
Branch,EastlakeBranch,andSouthChulaVistaBranch.Asof
Rancho Del Rey,
2004, these facilities comprised a total of 102,000 square feet of
Eastlake, and Otay
libraryspace,includingsupportandadministrativespace.A
Ranchneighborhoods.
fourthfacility,locatedinBonitaandoperatedbytheCountyof
SanDiego,alsoservesChulaVistaresidents(Figure8-7).
TheCivicCenterBranchLibraryisthesystem'slargestfacility,andhasmanyuniqueresources,
includingcityandlocalhistoryinformation,environmentalimpactreports,andgenealogy
resources.TheSouthChulaVistaBranchLibraryisoneofthemostattractive,dramatic,and
functionallibrariesconstructedinthelasttenyears.Itincludesthelatestintechnologyanda
strong collection of popular media. This branch serves as a model library and hosts regular tours
of officials from other jurisdictions. The Eastlake Branch Library is a joint-use facility between the
Chula Vista Public Library and the Sweetwater Union High School District.Housed in a building
intherearareaoftheEastlakeHighSchoolcampus,thefacilityservesastheHighSchool
Libraryduringtheschoolday,andasapubliclibraryduringnon-schoolhours.
In 2001, the Chula Vista Public Library developed a strategic plan to provide a blueprint for library
serviceoverthenextfiveyears,andtofocusprioritiesandresourcestoensurethatChulaVista
residents receive the highest quality library service possible. Planning is underway to develop a
facilitytoservethenorthernandeasternportionoftheCity,includingtheRanchoDelRey,
Eastlake,andOtayRanchneighborhoods.AnewbranchoftheChulaVistaPublicLibraryis
expectedtoopentothepublicinlate2007orearly2008.
Although not formally counted as part of the library, the Civic Center Branch also oversees the
operationoftheapproximately500-square-footChulaVistaHeritageMuseumontheedgeof
MemorialPark.ThemissionoftheHeritageMuseumistolocate;collect;display;preserve;and
recordmaterialsoflocalhistoricinteresttotheSouthSanDiegoBaycommunities.Themuseum
collection has expanded beyond its available square footage and, therefore, uses the Civic Center
Branchbasementtostoreandprocessphotosandmemorabilia.
TheEducationalServicesDivision,formedin1998,overseestheliteracyprogramsandthe
STRETCH and DASH after school-programs.The Office of Cultural Arts Division is responsible for
fosteringacommunity-wideappreciationofthearts,producingartsevents,andproviding
administrativeandtechnicalsupporttolocalartsgroups.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PagePFS-30
ExistingandProposedLibraries
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-7
PagePFS-31
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PUBLICFACILITIESANDSERVICESELEMENT
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2020
3.4.1KeepingPacewithGrowthandTechnology
(LibraryFacilities)
DemandforlibraryfacilitieswillcontinuetoincreaseastheCity's
populationgrowsinboththeeasternareasoftheCity,throughnew
development, and in the older western areas, through redevelopment
anddensityincreases.Thelibrarysystemmustremainrelevantas
technologycontinuestochangeourwork,social,andcultural
environments.ThetimelydevelopmentandequippingofChulaVista
librarieswillcontinuetobeanimportantgoaloftheCity.
Objective-PFS11
Providealibrarysystemoffacilitiesandprogramsthatmeetstheneeds
ofChulaVistaresidentsofallages.
Policies
Duringreviewoflanduseissuesrequiringdiscretionaryapproval,coordinatewith
PFS11.1
theCityofChulaVistaPublicLibrarytoprovideadequatelibraryfacilitiesthat
meettheneedsgeneratedbydevelopment.
WithinfivetoeightyearsencourageanupdatetotheChulaVistaPublicLibrary
PFS11.2
Facilities Master Plan.
InneededtimeframesassisttheChulaVistaPublicLibraryinidentifyingand
PFS11.3
acquiringlibrarysitesfornewconstruction.
AssisttheChulaVistaPublicLibraryinidentifyingsourcesoffundingforthe
PFS11.4
expansionoffacilitiesinwesternChulaVistaasneeded,basedongrowth.
WorkcloselywiththeChulaVistaPublicLibrarytoidentifyneedsforpublic
PFS11.5
outreach programs, including developing and expanding extra-curricular
recreation and educational programs, and providing state-of-the-art information
services.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PagePFS-32
PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
CHAPTER8
3.4.2SiteLocationandDesign
(LibraryFacilities)
Communitysurveysshowthatlocationisthesinglemostimportant
reasonthatresidentschoosetouseaparticularpubliclibrary.
Criteria for siting new library facilities include proximity to community
activity centers, high visibility from the street, and adequate vehicularor
transitaccesstothesite.
ThisGeneralPlanidentifiesonlygeneralizedlocationsforfuture
library facilities. Specific parcels are not identified or zoned, thereby
allowing flexibility in the development process to ensure adequate
acreage,properaccess,andappropriatedesign.
Objective-PFS12
Efficientlylocateanddesignlibraryfacilities.
Policies
CoordinateandmakerecommendationstotheChulaVistaPublicLibraryand
PFS12.1
property owners/developers on the location, size and design of library facilities
relativetotheirlocationinthecommunity.
Maximizecustomersafetyatpubliclibraryfacilities.
PFS12.2
Requirethatproposedlandusesadjacenttoalibrarysitebeplannedinsucha
PFS12.3
mannerastominimizenoiseimpactsandmaximizecompatibilitybetweenthe
uses.
PagePFS-33
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PUBLICFACILITIESANDSERVICESELEMENT
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3.4.3JointUseofSchoolandLibraryFacilities
Increased residential densities and intensity of development in
westernChulaVista,aswellascontinueddevelopmentineastern
ChulaVista,willresultinanincreaseddemandonschoolandlibrary
facilities.Creativemethodstomeetthisincreaseddemandwillbe
pursued by the City.One opportunity would be joint-use facilities
where school and library resources mutually benefit.A public library
facilityassociatedwithanyfour-yearuniversityorcollegethat
ultimately locates in the City could be a positive joint-use venture.
Futurejointusefacilitieswillbedesignedtoensureproper
accessibility.
Objective-PFS13
Usealternativesitelocationanddesignmethods,includingjointuseof
facilities,tomeettheschoolandpubliclibraryneedsoftheCity.
Policies
Consider and suggest joint-use of school and public library facilities, where
PFS13.1
feasible,especiallyathighschoolsandinstitutionsofhigherlearning.
Ensure that operation of joint-use facilities provides adequate and safe child
PFS13.2
supervision consistent with school district policies.
Encouragethemaintenanceofsafeaccess,clearsignage,andsufficientparking
PFS13.3
forjoint-useschoolandpubliclibraryfacilities.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PagePFS-34
PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
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3.5ParksandRecreation
Parksandrecreationfacilitiesandprogrammingareessentialto
Communityparks,
thehealthandwelfareofthoselivingandworkingintheCityof
Chula Vista. Parks can provide a relief from the stress of daily life
designed to serve
andcontributetoneighborhoodengagement,economic
more than one
developmentcommunityrevitalization andthehealthand
neighborhood,are
sustainability of the community. Figure 8-9 shows existing and
ideally30ormore
futureapprovedparksandrecreationfacilities.Thedifferent
acres and provide
typesofparksandrecreationfacilitiesfoundinChulaVistaare
a wide variety of
describedbelow.This section includes policies and objectives
facilities.
relatedtoprovidingavarietyofwellmaintained,safeand
accessible active and passive recreational uses city-wide.
Regional parks are large open space and recreational facilities, and include uses such as public
golf courses; beaches; lakes; trails; campgrounds; and wildlife refuges. As of 2004, Chula Vista
hadover9,433undevelopedacresofregionalparks,includingsignificantportionsofthe
Sweetwater and Otay River Valleys and the Otay Reservoirs. These make up a significant portion
of the Chula Vista Greenbelt, a concept first introduced in the 1989 General Plan.
Communityparks,designedtoservemorethanoneneighborhood,areideally30ormoreacres
andprovideawidevarietyoffacilitiesincluding:swimmingpools;playingfields;recreation
centers; cultural centers; and picnic areas. The City's six community parks range in size from 15 to
60acres.The59.9-acreRohrParkcouldbeconsideredaregionalparkfortheSouthBay,givenits
locationandamenities.Asof2004,theCityhadover177acresofcommunityparks.
Neighborhoodparks,intendedtoservelocalresidents,rangeinsizefrom5to15acres,and
includeopenplayspace,playingfields,playequipment,andpicnicareas.Asof2004,theCityhad
approximately 195 acres of neighborhood parks within walking distance of the residents they
serve.
Mini-parksconsistofbothpublicandprivatefacilities,aretypicallylessthanfouracresinsize,
serveasmallernumberofhomes,andcontainverylimitedfacilities,suchasatotlotorplay
structureandsomegrassplayarea.Publicminiparksaretypicallylocatedintheolderwestern
portionoftheCity.Privatemini-parks,includingcommonuseableopenspaceareas,aretypically
locatedeastofInterstate805innewmasterplannedcommunitiesandarenotconsideredfor
publicparkcredit.Approximately20acresofpublicmini-parksareinexistenceasof2004.
Urbanparksaregenerallylocatedinurbandowntownareasandmaycontainfacilitiessuchas:
public plazas; tot lots; play structures; public art features; sports courts (such as basketball or
tennis); walking/jogging trails; dog walk areas; picnic or seating areas; some grass play area; and
trees.Urbanparks,whichprimarilyonlyoccurwestofInterstate805,whereinfilland
redevelopment activity is likely to occur, may be considered for public park credit as a necessary
component of
PagePFS-35
CityofChulaVistaListofExisting,Proposed,FuturePark&RecreationFacilities
1Bayside/MarinaPark32Unnamed-OVRPRecreation60UnnamedPark-WestLandfill
2UnnamedPark-BayfrontHarborSubareaArea661UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage2
3BayBoulevardPark33UnnamedPark-RiosAvenue62UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage2
4EucalyptusPark34Unnamed-OVRPRecreation63SantaVenetiaPark
5UnnamedPark-LowerSweetwaterArea764UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage4
6UnnamedPark-HarborView35RohrPark
65UnnamedCommunityCenter-OtayRanch
7UnnamedPark-Downtown36TerraNovaPark
Village 4
8WillT.Hyde/FriendshipPark37ExplorerPark66UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage7
9NormanPark38BonitaLongCanyonPark
67UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage 8
10NormanParkCenter39MarisolPark
68UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage8
11ChulaVistaMemorialPark40DiscoveryPark
69Unnamed-OVRPRecreationArea10
41GayleMcCandlissPark70Unnamed-OVRPRecreationArea11East
12Chula Vista Memorial Park Community
42PaseoDelReyPark71UnnamedPark-SanMiguelRanch
Center
13HilltopPark43SunridgePark72MacKenzieCreekPark
14LancerlotPark44IndependencePark73MontevallePark
15HaborsidePark45RanchoDelReyPark74MontevalleParkCommunityCenter
16Unnamed Park-PalomarGateway46TiffanyPark75ChulaVistaCommunityPark
17UnnamedPark-OxfordTownFocus47VoyagerPark76SaltCreekCommunityPark
18LauderbachPark48SunbowPark77SaltCreekCommunityCenter
19CommunityYouthCenter49GregRogersPark78MountainHawkPark
20PalomarPark50Park79SunsetViewPark
21SherwoodPark80WindingwalkPark
51ParkCommunity
22SDG&EPark81Unnamed Park-Eastern Urban Center
Center
23LomaVerde&OrangeAvenueFields52HorizonPark
82Unnamed Community Center-Eastern Urban
24ReinstraBallFields53HeritagePark
Center
25LosNinosPark
54HeritageParkCommunity
83UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage9
26ConnoleyPark
Center
84UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage9
27HolidayEstatesIPark55HarvestPark
85UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage9
28HolidayEstatesIIPark56SantaCoraPark
86UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage13
29OtayPark57CottonwoodPark
87UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage13
30OtayRecreationCenter58BreezewoodPark88ChulaVista Nature Center
31UnnamedPark-BeyerWay59ValleLindoPark
89UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage3
90UnnamedPark-OtayRanchVillage10
Figure8-8
PagePFS-36
ExistingandProposedPublicParksandRecreationFacilities
LEGEND
PotentialNeighborhoodPark
CityBoundary
Recreational Complex
Sweetwater Regional Park Boundary
Future Recreational Complex
OtayLakeCountyParkBoundary
Community Center
OVRP Concept Plan Boundary
FutureCommunityCenter
Community Park
Mini Park
FutureCommunityPark
OVRP Potential Recreational Areas
PotentialCommunityPark
Neighborhood Park
Special Purpose Park
FutureNeighborhoodPark
NORTH
N.T.S.
PagePFS-37
Figure8-9
BLANK
PUBLICFACILITIES AND SERVICESELEMENT
CHAPTER8
anoverallparkservicesolution,whereavailableandaffordable
landisscarce.Similartomini-parks,urbanparksmayservea
Chula Vista
smallernumberofhomesthanneighborhoodparks,depending
offersafullrange
ontheultimatehousingdensitywithintheirserviceareas.Theywill
of classes,
typicallybelessthanfouracresinsize.Asof2004,nourban
sportsactivities,
parkswerelocatedintheCity.
after-school
programs and
Specialpurposeparksmayvaryinsizeupto30acresormore,
day camps
containspecializedfacilitiesorthemes,andservetheentireCity.
The3.4-acreChulaVistaNatureCenterisanexampleofaspecial
for all ages.
purpose park.
Recreationfacilitiesaregenerallylocatedwithincommunityparks,andinclude:community
centers; gymnasiums; swimming pools; youth centers; and senior centers.Recreation facilities are
currently provided through development impact fees collected as part of the recreation
componentoftheCity'sPublicFacilitiesDevelopmentImpactFee(PFDIF).Asof2004,theCityhad
fourcommunitycenters;oneyouthcenter;oneseniorcenter;onegymnasium;andtwoswimming
pools.
Chula Vista offers a full range of classes; programs; events; sports activities; after-school
programs; and day camps for all ages.In addition, the Chula Vista Public Library, the YMCA, Boys
and Girls Club and other non-profit organizations; commercial vendors; school districts; churches;
and volunteer groups maintain a series of after-school programs and other valuable recreational
programs to serve the community. A wide variety of outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities
areavailabletotheresidentsofChulaVistabecauseofitslocationinsouthSanDiegoCounty.
Public beaches; harbors; local mountains; and deserts are all within short traveling distances. In
addition, commercial facilities, such as the water park; Amphitheater; the Olympic Training Center;
and numerous movie theaters; arcades; bowling alleys; skate parks; and regulation and miniature
golf courses provide further recreational opportunities.
Several related documents address the development of parks and recreation facilities in the City.
TheChulaVistaParksandRecreationMasterPlan,adoptedinNovember2002,containsan
inventory of existing parks and recreation facilities, a needs assessment, and policies to
implement the General Plan. The Master Plan envisions the City's park and recreation facilities as
an integrated system of amenities, programs, and services interwoven throughout over 700 acres
of parkland to meet the expressed needs of the community. The Greenbelt Master Plan identifies
segmentsofanoverallbackbonesystemof28linearmilesofopenspaceandparksthatencircle
theCity.ItdiscussesuniqueopportunitiesforacontinuoustrailsystemtolinkCityparksand
other resources outside of the City boundary.
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3.5.1KeepingPacewithGrowth
(ParksandRecreation)
TheCitystrivestomaintainexistingparksandrecreationfacilities;to
offerrecreationalprogramstomeetcurrentdemand;toplanand
constructnewparksandfacilities;andtodevelopnewprogramsto
meet future demand due to growth. The majority of residential growth
inthelastdecadehasoccurredineasternChulaVista;however,itis
anticipated that significant growth will occur in both the east and the
westinthefuture.
TheParksandRecreationMasterPlanandPublicFacilities
DevelopmentImpactFeeprogramprovidedirectionandfinancingfor
the size and location of parks and recreation facilities, based on population, density, and land use
designation.
Timelydevelopmentandtheprovisionofstaffingandequipmentthatisresponsivetogrowthand
community demands and expectations are important.
Objective-PFS14
Provide parks and recreation facilities and programscitywide that are
well-maintained;safe;accessibletoallresidents;andthatoffer
opportunities forpersonal development, health, and fitness, in addition
torecreation.
Policies
Maximizetheuseofexistingparksandrecreationfacilitiesthroughupgradesand
PFS14.1
additions/changestoprogramstomeettheneedsofthecommunity.
Construct new parks and recreation facilities that reflect the interests and needs
PFS14.2
tothecommunity andthatprovideaccesstosafeplayspacesforchildrento
encourage more physical activity.
Continue to maintain and update the Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Master
PFS14.3
Plan; the Greenbelt Master Plan; the Park Dedication Ordinance; the Parks and
Facilities Rules Ordinance andtherecreationcomponentofthePublic Facilities
DevelopmentImpactFee(DIF)
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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Useparkdedication;location;sitedesign;andacceptancestandards,asprovided
PFS14.4
intheChulaVistaParksandRecreationMasterPlan;theParkDedication
Ordinance;andtheRecreationDIF,asmaybeamendedfromtimetotime.
Work with proponents of new development projects and redevelopment projects
PFS14.5
attheearlieststagestoensurethatparks;recreation;trails;andopenspace
facilities are designed to meet City standards and are built in a timely manner to
meettheneedsofresidentstheywillserve.
Design recreation programs to reflect the interests and recreation needs of the
PFS14.6
children;teens;adults;andseniorslivinginourethnicallydiverseCity.
Exploreopportunitiesforcollaborationsandpartnershipswithlocal
PFS14.7
organizations,expanduseofvolunteers,anddevelopcommercialrecreational
facilitiesthatmeetpublicdemandandneed.
Continuetoprovideadequateparkmaintenance;parkrangerservice;
PFS14.8
recreation services; staffing; and equipment to ensure safe, well-maintained, and
well-managedfacilities.
PFS14.9 Considerabroadmixofpublicparktypestomeetpublicparkrequirementsin
theEasternUrbanCenter(EUC),inresponsetothedensitiesanddevelopment
planned.
PFS14.10 Explore opportunities in the Eastern Urban Center (EUC) for development of a
unique,shared,orclusteredcomplexofpublicfacilities,suchasa
recreationcommunitycenter;library;culturalartscenter;ormuseum.
3.5.2MeetingParkDemand
HistoricparkdevelopmentinwesternChulaVistahasbeenimpacted
byseveralfactors:pre-existingparkdevelopmentstandardsthat
limiting park dedication requirements for new development); and
Proposition13(statelegislationlimitingpropertytaxrevenues).
createacorrespondingincreaseindemandforrecreation
facilities and programs. The current City-wide standard for new
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developmentprovidesforeitherthededicationanddevelopmentofthreeacresofparklandfor
every 1,000 residents, or the payment of in-
Feeprovidesafundingmechanismandnewdevelopmentrecreationfacilityrequirements.City-
wide parkland and recreation development policies to guide future ordinances and master
planningareidentifiedbelow.
Whilefuturegrowthwillresultintheneedandrequirementforadditionalparklandsand
recreationalfacilities,therewillbeincreaseddifficultyinsecuringappropriateparkandrecreation
sitesinwesternChulaVista,wherelandislargelybuiltout.Lackofvacantandunder-usedland,
and/orcompetingdemandsandusesforlandinthewestprovidechallengestoincreasepark
and recreation facility inventory . Maximizing the utility of existing parks and recreation facilities
through renovation and expansion and consideration of non-active recreational use within
existingutilitycorridorscanassistinaddressingexistingrecreationneedsinthewest;however,
whilethisstrategywillnotprovideadditionalparkacreage,itwillpartiallymeettheneedsof
future residents. In addition to parkland acquisition efforts, potential
solutionsfornewparksitesincludethecoveringofportionsof
Interstate5tocreateparkandopenspaceareas;activeandnon-
active recreational uses on land controlled by the Port of San Diego;
andjoint-useofschoolclassrooms;playingfieldsandsportscourts
bythepublic,viajoint-useagreements.Theprovisionofa
communitycenterwithinurbandevelopmentareasshouldbe
considered, possibly within a new mixed use or storefront
environment.
AnoverallcombinationofparkandrecreationfacilitiestoserveallChulaVistaresidentsis
planned. While a majority of the future demand for facilities may be met within planned public
parksites,therewillcontinuetobeaneedtorelyonquasi-publicparksitesandjoint-use
facilities to increase recreation facility inventory in our City. Details and strategies for meeting park
demand will be addressed further through comprehensive revisions to the existing Parks and
RecreationMasterPlan.
Objective-PFS15
ProvidenewparkandrecreationfacilitiesforresidentsCity-wide.
Policies
Continuetopursueacity-widestandardfortheprovisionofdevelopedparkland
PFS 15.1
fornewdevelopmentprojectsofthreeacresperestimatedonethousandnew
residents.
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Consider a combination of land dedication, improvements, and/or in-lieu fees for
PFS15.2
parkdevelopmentimprovementsintheNorthwestandSouthwestPlanning
Areastobetterservethepublicparkandrecreationneedsoffutureresidents.
Considerabroadmixofparktypesandfacilitiestowardmeetingpark
PFS15.3
requirements in the Northwest and Southwest planning areas, in response to
existingdevelopmentconditionsandlackoflandavailability.Suchfacilities
couldincludeurbanparks;plazas;neighborhoodparks;andcommunityparks
tomeettheparklanddedicationrequirementsofnewdevelopmentinthewest.
Promotetheinclusionofparkandrecreationfacilitiesinornearredevelopment
PFS15.4
areastobothservethenewdevelopmentandtocontributetomeetingexisting
parkandrecreationneeds.
Useparkdedication,location,sitedesign,andacceptanceofdedication
PFS15.5
standards, as provided in the Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the
Park Dedication Ordinance and the Recreation Development Impact Fee (DIF)
program,asmaybeamendedfromtimetotime.
Evaluatefinancingoptions,includingthepossibilityofageneralobligation
PFS15.6
bond,foracquiringanddevelopingadditionalparkspaceandrecreation
facilities,andforupgradingexistingfacilities.
Work with proponents of new development projects and redevelopment projects
PFS15.7
attheearlieststagestoensurethatparks;recreation;trails;andopenspace
facilities are designed to meet City standards and are built in a timely manner to
meettheneedsofresidentstheywillserve.
AmendtheParksandRecreationMasterPlantoaddanew
PFS 15.8
definition for parks that may be developed within western Chula Vista, subject to
specificsiting,design,parkdedication,andcreditcriteria.
Pursuethefunding,design,anddevelopmentofaspecialpurposeparkasa
PFS 15.9
deck,ordeckscoveringportionsofInterstate5thatwouldprovideanenhanced
community connection between the Bayfront, and the E Street Trolley Station
Transit Focus Area.
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PFS15.10 Pursuethefunding,design,anddevelopmentofaconnectedparkaspartofthe
Civic Center complex that links Will T. Hyde/Friendship Park, the Civic Center
and Parkway Memorial Park
PFS15.11 Considerthedesignofnon-traditional,uniquelythemedparksintheUrban
CoreandBayfrontthatare-attractionsordestinations,having
uniquecharacterandfeatures.
PFS15.12 Supportthecreativepublic/privatepartnershipstoaddressthelackofgvacant
and under-used land and challenges of increasing park and recreation
facility inventory to provide safe andconvenient accessto physicaactivity
3.5.3RegionalFacilitiesinOtayValleyRegionalPark
TheOtayValleyRegionalParkisan8,700-acre,multi-jurisdictional
regionalopenspacebeingplannedbytheCityofChulaVista,the
CityofSanDiegoandtheCountyofSanDiego.Itwillcontaina
substantialpreservearea,aswellasactiverecreationandpassive
parkopportunities.Equestrian,hiking, andbikingtrailsare
anticipated.TheOtayValleyRegionalParkConceptPlan
anticipates the park to extend throughout the Otay River Valley from
SanDiegoBaytoUpperandLowerOtayLakes.Whiletheparkis
regionalinscope,theprovisionofcertainactiveandpassive
recreational facilities will effectively serve as local neighborhood
and/orcommunityparksfortheCityofChulaVistaand,thus,will
increase the total park land-to-population ratio in the City.
TheMultipleSpeciesConservationProgram(MSCP)isa
comprehensiveprogramforthepreservationofmorethan85
sensitiveplantandanimalspeciesintheregion.TheCityofChula
VistaMSCPSubareaPlanimplementstheMSCPintheCityofChula
Vista.TheSubareaPlananticipatesdevelopmentofupto246acres
ofactiverecreationuseswithintheChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan
preserveintheeasternportionoftheOtayValleyRegionalPark.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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Objective-PFS16
Develop active and passive recreational uses withinportions of the Otay
ValleyRegionalParklocatedwithintheCityofChulaVista,in
accordancewiththeMSCP.
Policies
ContinuetoactivelyparticipateintheplanninganddevelopmentoftheOtay
PFS16.1
ValleyRegionalParkthroughimplementationoftheOtayValleyRegionalPark
ConceptPlanandcoordinationwiththeCountyofSanDiegoandCityofSan
Diego.
Pursue Federal and State grant funding for the acquisition; development;
PFS16.2
maintenance;andoperationoftheOtayValleyRegionalPark.
Establish development guidelines and standards for new development projects
PFS16.3
adjacenttotheOtayValleyRegionalParkthatrecognizeandprotectthenatural
resourcesandenhanceuserexperiencesofthepark.
3.5.4ChulaVistaLandmarkPark
Chula Vista enjoys an ideal setting on the bay, close to river valleys and mountains. The City's
location within San Diego County and the geography of the area provide several advantages for
attracting residents, businesses, and visitors. To enhance the attractiveness of Chula Vista, it has
beenrecommendedthroughpublicinputreceivedintheupdatingofthisGeneralPlanthatthe
Citystrivetoincreaseitslocalandregionalparkfacilitiestoserveexistingandfutureresidents.
Further,theCityshouldcreateasignificantpublicopenspaceorgatheringplacethattheentire
wouldprovideastrongsenseofplacewherepeoplecouldseefriends,meetandgreettheir
neighbors, and where they would feel a strong sense of attachment to the community. This
landmarkparkwouldprovideactivitiesfordifferentages,beaccessibleandeasytomove
through,andwouldbewellintegratedwithadjoininglanduses.Itwouldbeaplacewhere
peoplefeelcomfortable,safe,andenjoybringingout-of-townvisitors.
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Asconceptuallyimagined,alandmarkparkinChulaVistawouldbeofuniquedesign,and
possiblyincludemuseums;aculturalartscenter;gardens;significantgatheringspaces;and
performance areas. The park could be new or an enhancement to an existing City park or parks.
Another possibility includes the development of a series of linear parks, linked together through
anoverallmasterplannedtheme.Thelandmarkparkorcombinedlinearparkscouldbe20
acresormoreinsize.Figure8-10showspossiblelandmarkparklocations.
DevelopasignificantlandmarkparkintheCityofChulaVista.
Policies
AmendtheParksandRecreationMasterPlan,asneeded,toaddressthe
PFS17.1
possibilityofalandmarkparkintheCityofChulaVista.
Prepare a feasibility study for the location and development of a landmark park in
PFS17.2
theCityofChulaVista,includinganassessmentofpotentialsites,estimated
constructionandoperationalcostsofanewparkoranenhancedexistingpark
orparks,andtheidentificationofpotentialfundingmechanisms.
Usethefollowinggeneralcriteriaforthesitinganddesignofalandmarkpark:
PFS17.3
Primaryaccessshouldbeviaafour-lanecollectorroad;
Publictransitshouldbeavailable;
Goodpedestrianaccessfromseveraldirectionsshouldbeincluded;
Goodvisibilityshouldbeincorporated;
ConnectivitytotheCity'shistoricfeaturesisencouraged;
Compatibilitywithadjacentlandusesisdesired;and
Viewsfromwithintheparkandfromoutsidetheparklookinginshould
be considered and enhanced.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PagePFS-46
PotentialLandmarkParkLocations
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure8-10
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3.5.5Joint-UseofParkandSchoolFacilities
IncreasedintensityofdevelopmentinwesternChulaVistaandlack
ofvacantandunderutilizedlandforparkfacilitieswillresultinan
increaseddemandonparksandfacilitiesandschools.Thissituation
provides an opportunity for joint-use of facilities so that the school
childrenandthegeneralpublicmutuallybenefit.
Publicdemandforfieldspaceforyouthleaguesexceedsthe
supply of sports fields in City parks, due to competing demands with
adult athletic leagues and the sheer number of youth sports teams
to accommodate. The City currently relies on individual elementary,
middle,andhighschoolstoallowusageoftheirfieldsbyYouthSportsCouncilleagues.
Allowtheappropriatejoint-useofschoolandparkfacilities.
Policies
PromotetheCityCouncilandtheBoardsofthetwoschooldistrictsenteringinto
PFS18.1
long-termmasteragreementstoallowallocationofschoolfieldstothe
Youth Sports Council leagues via a process administered by the City, and to allow
after-schooluseofclassroomsatdifferentschoolsforrecreationclasses.
Coordinatewiththeschooldistrictsonthedesignofschoolgroundsandfieldsto
PFS18.2
provideforuseofthesefacilitiesbytheYouthSportsCouncilleagues.
Consider siting elementary schools adjacent to neighborhood parks, where
PFS18.3
feasible,toallowforexpandeduseoftheschoolgroundsandclassroomsbythe
generalpublicandtheparkareabytheschoolchildren.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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3.6ArtandCulture,Childcare,Healthand
Human Services
ArtandCulture
Artandcultureareimportantpartsofanysociety,andtheCity
Both art and culture
ofChulaVistaenjoysanactiveandgrowingartsandculture
community.Bothart(definedastheconscioususeofskilland
aredependentonthe
creative imagination), and culture, (defined as the collective
human capacity to
bodyofknowledge,customarybeliefsandsocialformsthat
share and to pass
defineagroupofpeople),aredependentonthehuman
information on from
capacitytoshareandtopassinformationonfromoneperson,
one person,
generation,orpeopletoanother.
generation,orpeople
to another.
ChulaVistahasanumberofvenuesforthepresentationof
culturalprogramsorevents.Thesefacilitiesincludelargeto
smallprivatefacilities,suchastheCoorsAmphitheater;theOnStagePlayhouseonThirdAvenue;
andtheRuthChapmanCenterforPerformingArts(whichisoperatedbytheSweetwaterUnion
High School District); Mayan Hall at Southwestern College; and other various school and public
venues.TheCityishosttoavarietyofculturalartsevents,exhibits,andprogramsthroughoutthe
year,includingtheannualTasteoftheArtsbytheBay,theMusicintheParkseries,andthe
McCandlissArtAwards.CultureandartsprogramsandclassesareofferedthroughtheCity
RecreationDepartment,andculturalprogramsarepresentedatallthreeCitybranchlibraries.
Childcare
ChulaVistarecognizeschildcareasanimportantpartofthefabricoftheCityandthatto
disregard the need for quality childcare is to endanger the City's long-term social, physical, and
economichealth.Withagrowingcommunity,thedemandforqualitychildcareincreases.
While the City does not administer them, a variety of profit and non-profit childcare facilities and
programsareavailabletothosewhoworkand/orliveintheCityofChulaVista.Thetwo
principal types of facilities are Family Daycare Homes and Childcare Centers.Other facilities and
programsincludethoseprovidedbyschool,church,andrecreationgroups.
HealthandHumanServices
Healthandhumanservicescollectivelyreferstoawidevarietyofagencies,departments,and
providersthathelptoimprovepeople'squalityoflife.SharpHealthCare,Scripps,andKaiser
Permanente provide medical services in Chula Vista. Residents also benefit from Family Resource
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Centers(FRCs),one-stop,school-linkedcommunitycentersthatofferabroadarrayof
comprehensiveandholisticsocialservices,adulteducation,andafter-schoolprograms.Services
areopentoanyoneandarefreeofcharge.AnotherHealthandHumanServiceresourceisthe
NormanParkSeniorCenter,amulti-purposepubliccommunityfacilitywhereadultsover50years
ofageandtheirfamiliescanaccessservicesandprogramstomeetmanyoftheirsocial,physical,
and intellectual needs.
3.6.1RoleinArtandCulture,Childcare,andHealthServices
The City of Chula Vista recognizes that providing art and culture
opportunities, quality childcare facilities, a well-planned health and
humanservicesinfrastructure and the implementation of policies
and programs that support the healthandsustainabilityofChula
Vista is vital to the well-being of its residents and the overall
community.T ypicallythe City's role is oneofsupporter,ratherthan
provider,ofthesecommunityservices however the City is committed
to continue to create policies andprogramsthatimprovethe
physical and social environments, that promoteawarenessand
access to healthy alternatives and amenitiesandcreatecommunity
partnerships that support the well being of all residents.By acquiring Community Purpose
Facility acreage or fees, the Cityactivelyrequiresnewdevelopmenttosetasidelandor
contribute to funding for community facilitiesthatmayincludethoseaddressingchildcare,
health and cultural needs.
Objective-PFS19
Createpoliciesand programsthatenhancethequality of life in the City
of Chula Vista and that support art and culture programs, childcare
facilitiesandhealthandhumanservices
Policies
Promote land use designations that accommodate location ofchildcare facilities
PFS19.1
and other health and human services near homes; schools; work places; activity
centers;andmajortransitfacilitiesandroutes.
Support and assist efforts to provide a variety of safe, affordable, and consistently
PFS19.2
goodqualitychildcarefacilitiesandservicesthatareavailableandaccessibleto
alleconomicsegmentsofthecommunity.
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Encouragethedevelopmentofchildcarespacewithinresidentialandcommercial
PFS19.3
development projects, including new construction, replacement and reuse, to
meettheneedsofresidentsandemployees.
Strivetomaintaintheroleasamodelemployerbyactivelyand
PFS19.4
comprehensively exploring options to meet the childcare needs of its employees
andbydemonstratingthatemployer-sponsoredchildcarehasapositive,
beneficial,andcost-effectiveinfluenceontheworkforce.
Advocatesupportivelegislationatthestateandfederallevelsregardingthe
PFS19.5
provisionofchildcareandtheprovisionofartsandculture.
Encourageandparticipateineffortsthatincreasethequalityofchildcare,such
PFS19.6
thatallfacilitiesareresponsive,interactive,nurturing,anddevelopmentallyappropriate.
Supportandassistinthedevelopmentofbefore-and-afterschool,andholiday
PFS19.7
andvacationcoverageaspartoftheoverallchildcareprograms.
Encourageanintegrated,neighborhood-basedapproachtothedeliveryofhealth
PFS19.8
and human services.
Promotetheaccessibilityofartandculturalprograms.
PFS19.9
Continue to require Community Purpose Facility acreage, in accordance with the
PFS19.10
MunicipalCode,fortheprovisionofchildcareandothersocialservicefacilities.
Pursuepartnershipswithhealthadvocatestodevelophealthycommunityprograms
PFS19.11
and opportunities for marketing the benefitsofnutrition,healthyeatingandanactive
lifestyle.
Supportcriticalhourprogrammingatcentersitesandyouthcampswhenschoolsare
PFS19.12
outofsession.
3.6.2FutureChulaVistaCulturalArtsCenter
Whileseveralfacilitiesareavailablefordisplayandpresentationof
theartsthroughoutourCity,includingtheCitybranchlibrariesand
recreation centers, there is limited availability of adequately designed
or appropriately located facilities for both performances and exhibits.
Amain,centralculturalartsvenue,theaterorcenterislacking.
Benefitsofaculturalartsvenueincludehavinganidentifiablecity
facilitythatcouldservepublicandprivateperformancesand
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exhibitsthroughoutthesouthSanDiegoCountyregionand
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
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stimulateeconomicdevelopmentandredevelopment.Asconceptuallyimagined,aCulturalArts
CenterinChulaVistacouldincludeexhibitandperformanceareas,spaceforassociated
educationclassesandadministrativeoffices,andsupportingcommercialdevelopment,suchas
cafes, art stores, and restaurants. It could also be a beneficial use within a future landmark park.
DevelopaculturalartscenterintheCityofChulaVista.
Policies
PrepareacitywideCulturalArtsMasterPlanthatdiscussesthedevelopment,
PFS20.1
coordination, and use of arts and culture facilities; identifies partnerships and
collaborations; promotes opportunities and coordination; and recommends
ongoing financial support for the arts through consideration of a percentage for
theartsprogramandanincreasedshareofTransientOccupancyTax.
Prepareafeasibilitystudyforthelocationanddevelopmentofaculturalarts
PFS20.2
center in the City of Chula Vista, including siting criteria, funding, construction,
andoperationofthefacility.
Encouragetheinstallationofartpiecesinpubliclyownedspacesandrequire
PFS20.3
developers to pay fees or provide art pieces that serve to enhance an individual
project and contribute to the appearance and vitality of the development.
3.7CivicFacilities
Civicfacilitiesandservicesareanecessarycomponentofallcommunities.Includedamongcivic
facilitiesaregovernmentaloffices,suchasCityHallandotheradministrativeandoperation
centers. While not provided by the City, post offices are another example of civic facilities
necessarytotheeverydayneedsofthecommunity.Friendly,professional,andeffectiveprovision
ofCityservicesaffordsChulaVistaresidentsandthelargerregionapositiveimpressionofthe
City.AstheCitycontinuestogrow,thedemandoncivicfacilitiesandserviceswillcontinueto
grow as well.
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ProvidecivicservicestoChulaVistaresidentsandthosedoingbusiness
intheCityinafriendly,efficientandeffectivemanner.
Policies
Assure the convenient location of regional and local government administrative
PFS21.1
officesandservicefacilitiesbothinwesternChulaVistaandasintheEastern
Urban Center.
ContinuetofosteraCityorganizationalstructurethatvaluesandrewardsquality
PFS21.2
customerserviceandpromotesahighstandardofexcellenceand
professionalism.
Locatecivicfacilitieswheretheircontributiontolocalbusinessandthe
PFS21.3
community is maximized, including economic contributions and ease of access.
3.8Energy
Fossilfuelproductssuchascoal;naturalgas;oil;anddiesel
remainedtheprimaryfuelforgeneratingelectricityandforheating
homes,water,andfoodin2004.Theglobalsupplyoftheseproducts
is limited and the demand for electricity and fossil fuels continues to
increase. Employing efficient energy efforts throughout the City and
transitioning to non-fossil fuel alternatives will help to extend limited
supplies;reducetheneedforexpensivenewregionalpower
economic sustainability and regional competitiveness. Cleaner
energy, more efficient power sources and conservation also
producedbyfossilfuelbasedelectricalgenerationandheating,andfurtherthelong
standing commitment to COreduction and the prevention of global warming.
2
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SanDiegoGasandElectric(SDG&E)owns,operates,andmaintainsthepipes,wires,and
appurtenancesneededtotransportnaturalgas,andtransmitanddistributeelectricitytoChula
Vista residential; commercial; industrial; and institutional facilities. SDG&E estimates that
additional infrastructure may be needed to deliver gas and electricity (energy) to serve a growing
population,maintainlocalandregionalreliability,andmoveenergythroughthewesternregional
U.S. System. SDG&E projects that infrastructure may include new electricity distribution substations
inboththeeasternandwesternpartsoftheCity.Eachsubstationmayrequireatleasttwo
separateanddistincttransmissionright-of-ways(ROW),whichmostlikelywouldbeaccomodated
withinstreetROW.EachROWcouldbeupto25feetinwidthandcouldvaryinlength.Other
SDG&E infrastructure improvements or upgrades may include a new 200-foot-wide transmission
ROWinthenortheastsectionoftheCityandarelocationoftheSouthBayelectricitysubstation
to a six-acre site.
The following objective and policies relate to the provision of energy to the City.A discussion and
relatedpoliciesaddressingenergyconservationarecontainedintheEnvironmentalElement,
Chapter 9 of this General Plan.
3.8.1PoweringChulaVista
PopulationgrowthinChulaVistawillincreasedemandforenergy
andpower.Inresponsetoenergyneeds,theCityembarkedona
mission to identify viable options to control the City's energy future.
OnMay29,2001,theCityCounciladoptedtheCityofChulaVista
EnergyStrategyandActionPlan(EnergyStrategy)andadoptedan
ordinance to investigate the possibility of creating a municipal utility.
TheEnergyStrategyidentifiesrecommendedactions,including
monitoring the energy market and legal restrictions; being prepared
to enter into an electrical services contract with an energy services
providerorpowergenerator,asallowedbylaw;partneringwitha
thirdpartytobuildandoperatepowergenerationfacilities;
developinganemissionsoffsetprogram,basedonmobilesources;
becomingamunicipalandacquiringelectricityat
negotiatedratesforCityfacilitiesandparticipatingresidentsandbusinessowners;expanding
energy conservation projects for City facilities and promoting energy-efficient and renewable
energy programs for businesses and residents; and developing and implementing a legislative
strategy that facilitatesthe City's overall energy plan.
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EnsureadequateenergysuppliesthroughoutChulaVista.
Policies
ContinuetoaddressenergyneedsinChulaVistabyperiodicallyreviewingand
PFS22.1
updatingtheCityofChulaVistaEnergyStrategyandActionPlanandby
implementingandmonitoringtherecommendationsoftheStrategy.
Coordinatewithregionalenergyplanningprogramsandefforts.
PFS22.2
Encourageandsupporttheresearch,development,anduseofalternativesources
PFS22.3
of energy.
Review energy facility requests and encourage siting and design techniques that
PFS22.4
minimizecommunityimpacts.Suchtechniquesmayinclude:undergrounding
facilities,wherepossible;co-locatingnewfacilitieswithexistingutility
infrastructure;locatingfacilitiesinnon-residentialareas;andimplementing
architecturaldetailsandlandscapingthathelpfacilitiesthatblendwiththe
surrounding area. The development and operation of natural gas-fired plants
withintheCityshallutilizeavailablecontroltothegreatest
extentpracticable.
PFS22.5 Maximizefuturesustainableenergyoptionsbypursuingdistributedgeneration
andplanningenergytransmissionandtransportationoptionsthatcomplement
thedevelopmentoflocalrenewableenergyoptions.
Integratesensibleandefficientelectricalandnaturalgasfacilitiesinto
thenaturalanddevelopedenvironment.
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Policies
PFS23.1 Useexistingtransmissioncorridorsaseffectivewildlifecorridors.
PFS23.2 Providesufficientopenspacebufferingbetweenutilityfacilitiesand
residentialdevelopment.
PFS23.3 Ensure adequate area is reserved early in the development process for critical
electricalservicefacilities.
PFS23.4 Assurethatutilityfacilitiessafelyintegrateintothedevelopedlandscape.
PFS23.5 Appropriatesecondarylanduses(suchasnurseries,RVstorage,anduseableopen
spaceandparks,amongothers)shouldbeencouragedtolocatewithinoverhead
transmission facility rights-of-way, when appropria te. Trails can also be included as a
secondarylanduse,pursuanttoagreementwithSDG&E.
3.9Telecommunications
Therapidlyexpandingworldoftelecommunicationsallowsresidentsand
businessestointeractwiththeglobalcommunityfromanywhereinour
City.Technologyandcapabilitiescontinuetoadvanceatgreatrates,
creating more efficient communication options. State-of-the-art
servicesfacilitateahealthybusinessclimate,makingbusinessesmore
competitiveandprovidinganedgeinaccessingandusingimportant
information. Furthermore, telecommunication technologies allow residents
toestablishhomeoffices,whichcandecreasecommutes,enhance
neighborhoodsecurityandprovideflexibilityforworkingparents.
In2004,telecommunicationsservicesinChulaVistaincludedtelephone,
cable and wireless communication services provided by several companies. Future
communicationtechnologiesmayexpandintootherfields.Infrastructureupgradesarebeing
madebyprivateproviderstofacilitatehigh-speeddatatransmissionandinteractivevideo
capabilities. The City encourages constructing new office and industrial buildings with state-of-
the-arttelecommunicationcircuitstousetheseupgrades.
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Promote state-of-the-art telecommunication services throughout Chula
Vista.
Policies
Encourage telecommunication service providers to install state-of-the-art
PFS24.1
infrastructureinChulaVista.
Reviewnewtelecommunicationsfacilitiesandrequestsitinganddesign
PFS24.2
techniques that minimize community impacts.Such techniques may include co-
locating new facilities with existing utility infrastructure, locating facilities in non-
residentialareas,andusingarchitecturalfeaturesordetailsthatblendwiththe
surrounding area.
Encourage developers of new office and industrial buildings to
PFS24.3
incorporate state-of-the-art telecommunications technologies.
3.10SolidWaste
Ingeneral,urbanizedareasgeneratesubstantialamountsoftrash,
requiring disposal in nearby landfills. And, often times, materials that
couldberecycledforotherusesareinsteadthrownout.TheCityof
ChulaVistahasestablishedanexclusivefranchiseagreementwith
Pacific Waste Services, which extends through 2007, for the removal,
conveyanceanddisposalofanynon-recyclablewaste.TheCityhas
threeadditionaleight-yearoptionsonthisagreement,takingcareof
disposalneedsthroughtheyear2031.Theagreementincludesa
number of programs and incentives for the franchisee and the public
tomaximizerecyclingandotherformsoflandfilldiversion.Pacific
Waste'sparentcompany,Allied,ownsandoperatesboththeOtayLandfillandtheSycamore
Canyon Landfill located further north in San Diego County. Most of the solid waste generated in
the City is disposed at the Otay Landfill (Figure 8-11). The important discussions of recycling and
ofthehandlinganddisposalofhazardouswastematerialsareaddressedinChapter9,
EnvironmentalElementofthisGeneralPlan.
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In 1989, with a population of approximately 135,0000 people, the
citydisposedofapproximately189,000tonsoftrashattheOtay
LandfillineasternChulaVista.In2003,withapopulationof
approximately 200,000 people, the City disposed of approximately
170,000tonsoftrash.This19,000-tonreductionwasduetocity-
wide recycling efforts. Nonetheless, as more development occurs,
availablecapacityatdisposalsitesusedbytheCitywillbe
reduced.Ataminimum,thiscouldresultinincreasedcostsfor
transporting materials greater distances to available disposal sites,
andthepossibilityofincreasingthenumberofwastetransfer
siteswithintheCity.
TheOtayLandfillisestimatedtoreachcapacityintheyear2027.Atthistime,thereisone
proposed new landfill site in San Diego County: Gregory Canyon, located in north county, near
thecommunitiesofFallbrook,Vista,andPaumaValley.The1,770-acreGregoryCanyonsiteis
designedfora30-yearlifeexpectancy.Itsopeningdateisuncertain,duetooppositiontothe
facility.InsouthSanDiegoCounty,anareainEastOtayMesawaspreviouslyidentifiedbythe
Countyasatentativesite.However,theCountyisnolongerpursuinglandfillsitingatthis
location,andtherearenoprivatesitingeffortscurrentlyproposed.TheEastOtayMesasiteretains
atentativeclassificationforreservationasafuturelandfill.Onemayagainbeproposedthrough
theCountyofSandiscretionarypermitprocess.
OncetheOtayLandfillisclosed,itisanticipatedthataportionofthesitecouldbeusedfora
trash transfer facility and/or a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where recyclables are prepared for
secondarymarkets.TheCityestimatedthecostofsuchafacilitytobeovertenmilliondollars.
ThelongertheOtayLandfilliscapableofacceptingwaste,thelongerthisexpenseisdelayed.
TheCityhasalsoacquiredrightstoapproximately30acresofspaceattheOtaylandfillfora
compostingfacilitywhenthelandfillcloses.Compostablematerialaccountsforapproximately25
percent of the City's total waste stream.Recyclable and compostable materials, together,
accountedforapproximately54percentoftheCity'swastestreamin2002.Therefore,continued
efforts to expand recycling and to accommodate compostable materials will reduce future waste
transfer costs.
ChulaVistacurrentlyreliesontheCountyofSanDiegoLocalEnforcementAgency(LEA)to
permit and regulate solid waste facilities.However, the City may choose to contract directly with
thestateorestablishitsownLEA.Nonetheless,theCityhastheabilitytocontrolwasteproduction
within its General Plan area. Current solid waste management strategies include source
reduction,recycling,andcompostingtodecreasethewastestreamimpactinglandfills.
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SolidWasteFacility
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure 8-11
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3.10.1ProvidingforSolidWasteDisposal
Thefollowingobjectiveandpoliciesaddresstheefficienthandlingofsolidwastethroughoutthe
City.The important and related topics of reducing overall solid waste and of handling hazardous
wastesareaddressedintheEnvironmentalElement,Chapter9ofthisGeneralPlan.Itis
estimatedthattheOtayLandfillwillreachcapacitywithinthenext23years,requiringclosureof
thefacility.Meetingfutureneedsoftheplanningareamayrequirethecreationofaregional
transfer station, where solid waste collected from individual collection routes is transferred into
large trucks for disposal. The transportation of solid waste to an alternate site must occur in an
efficientmannerthatrestrictsadversecirculation,visual,andnoiseimpacts.
EfficientlyhandlesolidwastedisposalthroughouttheCity.
Policies
Plan for adequate systems and facilities to manage the City's
PFS25.1
solidwastegeneration,treatment,anddisposal.
Permittransferstationstobesitedinareasdesignatedforgeneralindustrialuses,
PFS25.2
providedcirculation,visual,andnoiseimpactsdonotadverselyaffectadjacent
uses.
Participate in interjurisdictional efforts to maintain available landfill capacity in
PFS25.3
San Diego County.
Attractmanufacturersthatuserecycledmaterials,thusprovidingjobsand
PFS25.4
increasingthevalueofthesematerials.
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
1.0INTRODUCTION 1
1.1PurposeandScope1
1.2ImplementingtheVisionandThemes1
1.3RelationtoOtherGeneralPlanElementsandPolicies2
1.4RelatedPlansandPrograms2
1.4.1RegionalGrowthManagementStrategy2
1.4.2RegionalComprehensivePlan3
1.5SustainableDevelopment3
Figure9-1:KeyComponentsofSustainableDevelopment4
1.6EnvironmentalJustice6
1.6.1RelationshiptoGeneralPlanLandUsePlanningAndPolicies6
1.6.2EquitableDistributionofPublicFacilitiesandServices7
1.6.3OverconcentrationofIndustrialUses7
1.6.4Transit-OrientedDevelopment7
2.0GOAL 9
3.0PLANNINGFACTORS,OBJECTIVES,ANDPOLICIES 10
3.1Conservation10
3.1.1MultipleSpeciesConservationProgram(MSCP)10
Figure9-2:CityofChulaVistaMSCPSubareaandPlanningMap13
3.1.2ProtectingWaterQuality15
Figure9-3:SanDiegoBayWatershedMap19
3.1.3MeetingWaterDemandThroughConservationandEfficientUse22
3.1.4PreservingtheOpportunityforAgriculturalUses24
3.1.5WiseUseofMineralResources26
3.1.6PromotingCleanAir28
Table9-1:SanDiegoFederalandStateDesignationsfor
CriteriaPollutantsasofDecember200428
Figure9-4:MRZ-2Map29
3.1.7CreatingaSustainableEnergyFuture3 5
3.1.8PromotingSolidWasteReductionStrategies3 7
3.1.9ProtectingChulaCulturalResources38
3.1.10ProtectingPaleontologicalResources40
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3.2OpenSpace42
3.2.1ConnectingandImprovingChulaOpenSpaceandTrailsNetwork44
Figure9-5:GeneralPlanAreaOpenSpaceMap45
Figure9-6:NaturalSystemsOpenSpaceMap47
3.2.2ProvidingConnectionstotheRegionalOpenSpaceandTrailsNetwork51
3.2.3ExploringEcotourismOpportunities52
3.3NaturalHazards53
3.3.1IdentifyingandLimitingGeologicHazards53
Figure9-7:GeologicHazardsMap55
3.3.2IdentifyingandLimitingFloodHazards57
Figure 9-8: Flood and DamInundation Hazards Map59
3.3.3IdentifyingandLimitingWildlandFireHazards60
Figure9-9:WildlandFireHazardsMap61
3.4HazardousMaterialsandWaste62
3.4.1RemediationofContaminatedSites62
3.4.2ManagingHouseholdHazardousWaste63
3.4.3SitingHazardousWasteFacilities64
Figure9-10:GeneralAreasMap66
3.4.4SitingandManagingFacilitiesthatUse,Store,andHandleHazardous
MaterialsandWaste67
3.5Noise69
3.5.1ProtectingPeoplefromExcessiveNoise69
Table9-2:ExteriorLandUse/NoiseCompatibilityGuidelines70
Figure9-11:ExistingNoiseContourMap71
Figure9-12:Projected2030NoiseContourMap73
Figure9-13:BrownFieldYear2000NoiseContourMap75
3.5.2MinimizingTransportationNoise77
3.6EnvironmentalJustice78
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INTRODUCTION
1.0
1.1PurposeandScope
The Environmental Element establishes the policyframeworkfor
improving sustainability throughthe responsible stewardshipof
promotionofboth
physical and environmental health, and protectionofpersons
and property from environmental hazards andnoise.Itcontains
policies that reconcileconflicting demands createdwhen
populationgrowthanddevelopmentconsumesnatural
resources--both renewable andnon-renewable, finite resources
and environmental justice policies to helpachieveahealthy
sustainable community for everyone
The California Government Code requires General Plans to include conservation, open space,
noise,andsafetyelements.Theseelementsaddressrelevantenvironmentalissues,including:
open space; water quality and conservation; biological resources; mineral resources; air quality;
culturalresources;agriculturalresources;energy;noise;andgeologic,flood,andwildlandfire
hazards. These and other issues and topics are addressed in this Environmental Element, which
is divided into the following sections: Conservation; Open Space; Natural Hazards; Hazardous
MaterialsandWaste;andNoise.
1.2ImplementingtheVisionandThemes
The Vision for Chula Vista is to preserve and enhance the unique features that give Chula Vista
its character and identity, while at the same time improving our community and meeting the
opportunitiesandchallengesthatlieahead.AchievingthisVisionrequiresthattheCityrecognize
thatitsnaturalresourcesarefinite,andthatresponsibleandjuststewardshipisessentialforthe
futureenjoymentandutilizationoftheseresources.TheCityfurtherrecognizesthatintegrating
policiesthatpromoteahealthyandsustainablecommunityisessentialtothequalityoflifefor
allresidents.
AfulldiscussionofourVisionandsevenThemesisfoundinChapter4ofthisGeneralPlan.This
EnvironmentalElementfocusesonanddevelops four ofthoseThemes:
Theme 1:StrongCommunityCharacterandImage
Chula Vista continues to develop as a city with a distinct identity that its
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citizensareproudtocallhome.
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Theme 4:ImprovedMobility
Chula Vista provides a wide rangeofconvenientandaffordablemobility
options that allow people to go from where they are to where they want to be,
inasafe;pleasant;rapid;cost-effective;andenvironmentallyfriendlymanner.
Theme 5:Healthyand Sustainable Community
ChulaVistaiscommittedtothehealthandwellbeingofallofitsresidents.
Theme 6:High Quality Community Services
ChulaVistaplacesahighpriorityonexemplarycommunityservicesand
facilities (such as police and fire protection, libraries, and park and recreation),
andcontinuestoensurethatservicesandinfrastructureexpandtomatch
needscreatedbygrowthandredevelopment.
1.3RelationtoOtherGeneralPlanElementsand Policies
The elements of a general planarecloselyinterrelated.Eachelementmustbeinternally
consistent as well as consistent withoneanother.TheLandUseandTransportationElement
addresses the location and compatibility oflandusesandprovidesforaplannedpatternofland
uses, including lands designated for habitatconservation,openspace,andparksandrecreation
uses.Integration betweenLand Use and Tranportation, such as mixed use, transit oriented
development, is an integral part of a sustainable community.The Public Facilities and Services
Element addresses municipal water and sewerservices;parksandrecreationfacilities;solid
waste disposal; and energy, all ofwhichrelatetotheEnvironmentalElement.Cross-references
are provided, where applicable, throughout theEnvironmentalElementtoidentifywherethese
interrelationships with otherelements exist.
1.4RelatedPlansandPrograms
1.4.1RegionalGrowth ManagementStrategy
The Regional Growth Management (Strategy) was adopted by the San Diego Association of
Governments(SANDAG)in1993,asmandatedbythevotersthroughPropositionC,theRegional
PlanningandGrowthControlInitiative.TheStrategytakesqualityofapproachtogrowth
management,andcontainsstandards,objectivesandrecommendedactionsforninequalityof
life factors, such as: air quality; water; sensitive lands and open space preservation and protection;
and solid waste management.Through a joint powers agreement, local jurisdictions, including
ChulaVista,haveagreedtocertifythattheirgeneralplansareconsistentwiththeStrategy.
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1.4.2RegionalComprehensivePlan
SANDAGservesastheforumfordecision-makingonregionalissuesinSanDiegoCounty.
Significant growth throughout the region and beyond has resulted in numerous challenges and
anticipatedfuturegrowthrepresentsfurtherchallenges.Asaresult,SANDAGadoptedthe
RegionalComprehensivePlan(RCP)in2004tohelpchartwheretheregion'sfuturegrowth
shouldbefocusedandtoprioritizepublicinfrastructureinvestments.Whilenewconstructionin
theregioninrecentdecadeshasoccurredlargelyinpreviouslyundevelopedareas,thevisionof
theRCPisthatfuturepopulationgrowthwillbefocusedawayfromruralareasandcloserto
existingandplannedjobcentersandpublicfacilities,includingtransit.TheRCPwasnot
designedasaregulatoryplan,butratherasaguidanceplan.Assuch,thepreferred
implementation approach is that local and regional agencies incorporate the recommended
policyobjectivesandactionsintotheirlocalandregionalplansastheseplansareupdatedin
thefuture.Additionally,theRCPrecommendsthatincentivesbeprovidedtomemberagencies
forincludingthepolicyobjectivesintheirplans,andforhelpingtoimplementtheactions
containedintheRCP.TheGeneralPlansupportsrelevantRCPpolicyobjectivesandactions.
1.5SustainableDevelopment
ChulaVista'sVisiontopreserveandenhancetheunique
features that give the City its identity, while at the same time
creating a healthy and sustainable community that meets
the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, can be
achieved, in part, through the promotion of sustainable
development.
Themostwidelyaccepteddefinitionof
as,presentedbytheUnitedNationsWorld
Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, is
as follows:
futuregenerationstomeettheirown
Sustainabledevelopmentisameansofbalancinggrowthandeconomicprogresswiththe
protectionofnaturalresourcesandtheenvironmentinasociallyresponsiblemanner.
Sustainable development consists of three key components--economic security, environmental
integrity,andsocial/culturalequity--thatoverlapandfunctiontogether,asillustratedinFigure9-1.
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These three components are equally important in developing a basis for sustainability, and are
notmutuallyexclusive.Communitysustainabilityisstrengthenedthroughidentifyingand
addressingtheissuesthataffectsustainabledevelopment,andcreatingmeasurestosecure,
protect,andenhancevaluableresources and the physical health and well being of the
community.
Sustainabilityissuesexistonagloballevelandatall
levelsofgovernment.ThisGeneralPlanaddresses
sustainabledevelopmentatthelocal,communitylevel.
Such a local effort requires coordination and cooperation
betweenallagenciesthatprovideserviceswithinthe
community.While not all aspects of sustainability can be
affectedlocally,muchcanbeachievedbyincluding
policiesandprogramsinajurisdiction'sGeneralPlan
that promote sustainable development. Chula Vista
currentlyimplementsanumberofprogramstopromote
sustainabledevelopment,andstrivestoexpandupon
such programs.
Based upon the three key components illustrated in Figure 9-1, the following discussion
addresses the characteristics of sustainability related to municipal planning functions:
Figure9-1
Economic Security focuses on balancing revenues and
expendituresneededtoprovidesustainableservicesand
improvethequalityoflifeforlocalresidents.Thiscanbe
accomplishedbycreatingaGeneralPlanthatfacilitates
Economic
Environmental
revenue-generating sources sufficient to support the
Security
Integrity
ongoingoperationofajurisdictionanditsabilityto
providethefacilitiesandlevelsofservicedesiredbythe
community.Jurisdictionscanpromoteamixofdiversejobs
Social/Cultural
and affordable housing that provides the opportunity for
Equity
residentstoliveandworkwithintheircommunity.By
expanding educational opportunities within a community,
residentscanincreasetheirmarketableskillswithoutleaving
KeyComponents
thearea.Alocaleconomythatprovidesuchopportunitiesis
ofSustainableDevelopment
consideredtobesustainable.
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EnvironmentalIntegrity deals with the preservation and conservation of natural resources,
includingwater,biologicalresources,andairquality,andwithimprovingenvironmental
sustainability,suchasincreasingdevelopmentofandrelianceonrenewableenergysources.
Jurisdictionscantakeamajorsteptowardssecuringenvironmentalintegrityandensuringa
sustainable community by developing a consistent approach to environmental issues through
theadoptionofappropriateGeneralPlanpolicies.
Social/Cultural Equity is realized through fair and equal access to community facilities and
services, including: health care; social services; education; cultural arts; and natural resources.
Thiscanbeachievedthroughageneralplanbyidentifyinghealthasacorevalue,identifying
future community services needs and by establishing policies to ensure that such needs can be
met.
Closely related to sustainable development is the notion of an environmentally sustainable
economy.Onalocallevel,thebackboneofanenvironmentallysustainableeconomycould
consistof:facilitatingtheuseofrenewablesourcesofenergy;anurbanmobilitysystemcentered
on a state-of-the-art public transportation system; and transit-and pedestrian-oriented
development;andacomprehensivereuse/recycleprogram.
Localjurisdictionscantakestepstowardspromotingandachievingsustainabledevelopment,as
wellaseconomicandecologicalsustainability.Throughvariousexistingpolicies,programs,and
procedures, Chula Vista has taken significant initial steps in this direction. Through various goals,
objectives,policies,andimplementationmeasuresestablishedthroughtheadoptionofthis
General Plan, Chula Vista will continue to move forward in supporting the ability to meet present
needswithoutcompromisingtheabilityoffuturegenerationstomeettheirownneeds.
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1.6EnvironmentalJustice
Statelawdefinesenvironmentaljusticeas:
adoption,implementation,andenforcementofenvironmentallaws,regulations,and
TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencystates:
treatmentmeansthatnogroupofpeople,includinga
racial,ethnic,orasocioeconomicgroup,shouldbeara
disproportionateshareofthenegativeenvironmental
consequencesresultingfromindustrial,municipal,and
commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, and
Environmental justice problems are often related to procedural
inequityandgeographicinequity.Proceduralinequityoccurs
when the planning process is not applied uniformly, resulting
indisproportionateimpactstolowerincomeorminoritypopulations.Geographicinequityoccurs
when the burdens of undesirable land uses are concentrated in certain neighborhoods while the
benefits are received elsewhere. It also describes a situation in which public amenities are
concentratedonlyincertainareas.
The following topics, discussed in detail below, represent areas in which environmental
justicecanbeaddressedatthelocallevel--GeneralPlanlanduseplanningandpolicies;
the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyles; equitable distribution of public facilities and
services; overconcentration of industrial uses; and transit-oriented development.
1.6.1Relationship to General PlanLand Use Planningand Policies
Planningpoliciesthatpromotehealthy,livablecommunitiesandsmartgrowthcanbetoolsfor
achievingenvironmentaljustice.Theprimarypurposeofplanning,andthesourceof
government authority to engage in planning, is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Traditionally,landuseplanninghasattemptedtominimizehealthandsafetyrisksby
segregatinglanduses.However,rigidseparationoflanduseshasresultedindisconnected
islands of activity and contributed to sprawl, counter to sustainable development goals. Mixed
use development is a more sustainable approach to land use planning and a means to address
healthconsiderations.Despitethedesirabilityofmixedusedevelopment,itisimportantto
recognize that there are certain land uses (e.g.,industrial, agricultural, major roadways and
freeways) that will, in most cases, be incompatible with sensitive receptors, including residential
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andschooluses.Sensitivereceptorsmaybeadverselyimpactedbyincompatiblelandusesasa
result of air pollutant emissions, exposure to hazardous materials and related accident risks, and
excessivenoise.MostlanduseincompatibilityissuescanbeaddressedattheGeneralPlanlevel
through appropriate land use planning and the inclusion of policies addressing the siting and
development of potentially harmful land uses in proximity to sensitive receptors.
1.6.2EquitableDistributionofPublicFacilitiesandServices
To the extent feasible through its General Plan, a jurisdiction should plan for the equitable
distribution of new public facilities throughout the community, and services that increase and
enhancecommunityqualityoflife.Publicfacilitiesandservicesthatenhancequalityoflife
include:parks;openspace;trails;recreationalfacilities;childcarefacilities;libraries;and
museums.Theequitabledistributionoffacilitiesandserviceshastwocomponents.Thefirst
componentisthenumberandsizeoffacilities--acommunityshouldhaveadequatefacilities
andservicestoserveallresidentsequally.Thesecondcomponentisaccess,whichcanbe
measuredasthedistanceortraveltimefromresidentialareastofacilitiesandservices.
1.6.3OverconcentrationofIndustrialUses
Overconcentration occurs when two or more industrial facilities or uses, which do not individually
exceedacceptableregulatorystandardsforpublichealthandsafety,poseasignificanthazardto
adjacent sensitive receptors, due to their cumulative effects.It is important to differentiate
betweenoverconcentrationandthemerepresenceofmaterialsthatmaybeclassifiedas
hazardous. Many neighborhood businesses, such as, gas stations, retail paint stores, and dry
cleaners, utilize hazardous materials. While these activities must be conducted in a responsible
manner in accordance with applicable environmental regulations, they should not be confused
withthosetrulyindustrialactivitiesthatareinappropriatewithinoradjacenttoresidentialor
mixeduseareas.AGeneralPlanshouldseek toavoidthedevelopmentofsensitivereceptorsin
closeproximitytolandusesthatposeasignificanthazardtohumanhealthandsafety,dueto
thequantity,concentration,orphysicalorchemicalcharacteristicsofthehazardousmaterialsthat
theyutilize,orthehazardouswastethattheygenerateoremit.
1.6.4Transit-OrientedDevelopment
Expanding opportunities for transit-oriented development (TOD) promotes healthier and livable
communities.TOD is defined as moderate-to high-density development located within an easy
walk of a major transit stop, generally with a mix of residential, employment, and shopping
opportunities. TOD can provide mobility choices; increase public safety; increase disposable
householdincomebyreducingtransportationcosts;reduceairpollutionandenergy
consumption rates; help conserve resources and open space;assist in economic development;
andexpandthesupplyofhousing.
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Byimprovingaccessto multi-modaltransportationoptions,jobsandhousingandrevitalizing
existingneighborhoods,TODcanbeatoolfor promotingahealthiercommunityand
environmentaljustice.JurisdictionscanpromoteTODthroughgeneralplanpoliciesthat
support the value of a healthy community, mixedusedevelopment;higherlandusedensities;
reducedparkingrequirements;andincreasedtransitservice.TODpoliciesshouldfacilitatea
pedestrian-orientedenvironmentwithfeaturessuchastrafficcalmingstrategiesand
architectural and streetscape design that orients buildings to sidewalks, plazas, parks, and other
publicspaces,ratherthantoparking.
Thepromotionofenvironmentaljusticeonalocallevelmaybeaccomplishedthroughabroad
range of actions taken on various fronts, including through land use planning and policies at the
general plan level.The issues of land use incompatibility; access to nutritious and healthier food
options,equitabledistributionofpublicfacilitiesandservices;overconcentrationofindustrial
uses;andtransit-orienteddevelopmentcanbeaddressedinageneralplan.Throughvarious
goals, objectives, policies, and implementation measures established through the adoption of this
GeneralPlan,ChulaVistaistakingstepstoaddresstheseissuesintheinterestofpromoting
environmental justice.
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GOAL
2.0
TheoverallgoaloftheEnvironmentalElementisto:
Provide a healthy and sustainablecommunitythroughthe
improved health of all citizens, environmental justice,the
responsible stewardship of Chula Vista'snaturalandcultural
resources;promotionofenvironmentalhealth;andprotectionof
persons and property from environmentalhazardsandthe
undesirableconsequencesofnoise.
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PLANNING FACTORS,
3.0
OBJECTIVES,ANDPOLICIES
There are several planning factors involved in achieving the goal of the Environmental Element.
SuchfactorsarediscussedinSections3.1-3.6ofthiselement.Eachfactorhasatleastone
objective,orfocusedgoal,andeachobjectivehasatleastonepolicy,whichdescribeshowthe
Citywillmeettheobjectives.
3.1Conservation
Conservation is the planned management, preservation, and wise
utilizationofnaturalresourcestoassuretheircontinuedavailabilityfor
use,appreciation,andenjoyment.TheConservationSectionofthis
EnvironmentalElementprovidestheCitywiththenecessarydirection
towardsthatend.Thetopicspresentedinthissectioninclude:
MultipleSpeciesConservationProgram
Photographer:JeffPriest
ProtectingWaterQuality
MeetingWaterDemandThroughConservationandEfficientUse
PreservingtheOpportunityforAgriculturalUses
WiseUseofMineralResources
PromotingCleanAir
CreatingaSustainableEnergyFuture
PromotingSolidWasteReductionStrategies
ProtectingChulaVista'sCulturalResources
ProtectingPaleontologicalResources
3.1.1Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
Background
TheMultipleSpeciesConservationProgram(MSCP)isacomprehensive,long-termhabitat
conservationplandevelopedtoaddresstheneedsofmultiplespeciesandthepreservationof
natural vegetation communities in San Diego County. The MSCP Subregional Plan was adopted
bytheCityofSanDiegoandSanDiegoCountyin1997,andconditionallyapprovedbythethe
CityofChulaVistainOctober2000.TheMSCPSubregionalPlanencompassesanareaof
approximately580,000acresand12localjurisdictions,includingtheCityofChulaVista.
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CityofChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan
OnMay13,2003,theCityofChulaVistaCityCouncilandPlanning
CommissionapprovedtheCityofChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan
(SubareaPlan)andformallyadopteditaspartoftheGeneral
Plan.TheSubareaPlanisthepolicydocumentthroughwhichthe
MSCPSubregionalPlanisimplementedwithintheCity'sjurisdiction.
TheSubareaPlanprovidestheframeworkforhabitatplanningand
specifically establishes areas of conservation and development within
theChulaVistaMSCPPlanningArea.Figure9-2depictsthedesignated
conservationanddevelopmentareaswithintheChulaVistaMSCP
PlanningArea.Itshouldbenotedthatselectareasdesignatedfor
developmentintheSubareaPlanarenotnecessarytoconservefor
biologicalpurposes.However,otherlocalCityplans,policies,or
Photographer:JulieVanderweir
guidelinesmayfurtherregulateorprohibittheextentofdevelopment
intheseareasforavarietyofreasons,suchastopographicalconstraintsoraesthetics(for
example,thepeakofRockMountain).
Additionally,sincethecompletionoftheCountySubareaPlanandtheapprovalofthe
SubareaPlan,severalareaswithinthenorthernpartoftheCity,aswellastheunincorporated
CountyportionoftheOtayRanch,havebeenacquiredbypublic/quasi-publicagenciestobe
preserved as Permanent open space. These areas are depicted on Figure 5-12.
TheSubareaPlanisintendedtoimplementallrelevantsectionsoftheMSCPSubregionalPlan,
includingthehabitatandspeciesconservationgoalsandrequirementsfoundinTable3-5ofthe
SubregionalPlan.AnyprojectapprovedbytheCitymustbeinconformancewiththeSubarea
Plan.
ThecompleteSubareaPlandocumenthasbeenincludedaspartofthisGeneralPlanandis
providedunderseparatecoverasAppendix1.TheSubareaPlangoalsfoundonpage1-2ofthe
Subarea Plan are as follows:
Subarea Plan Goals
1.ToconserveCoveredSpeciesandtheirhabitatsthroughtheconservationof
interconnectedsignificanthabitatcoresandlinkages.
2.To delineate and assemble a Preserve using a variety of techniques, including public
acquisition,on-andoff-sitemitigation,andlanduseregulations.
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3.To provide a preserve management program that, together with the federal and state
managementactivities,willbecarriedoutoverthelong-term,furtherensuringthe
conservationofCoveredSpecies.
4.To provide necessary funding for a Preserve management program and biological
monitoringofthePreserve.
5.To reduce or eliminate redundant federal, state, and local natural resource regulatory
and environmental review of individual projects by obtaining federal and state
authorizationsfor86species.
Biological Resources
ThemajorityofthenaturalbiologicalresourceswithintheCity
consistofnativeuplandhabitats,includingcoastalsagescrub
TheOtayRancharea
(3,815acres),grasslands(3,125acres),andsmallareasof
includes important
maritimesucculentscrub(293acres).Approximately15percent
habitat resources,
ofthenaturalvegetationcommunitieswithintheCityalso
most notably the
consistofwetlandresources,including:southerncoastalsalt
marsh(204acres);riparian/tamariskscrub(604acres);and
Otay River Valley
naturalfloodchannels(159acres).(Source:CityofChulaVista
and its tributary
MSCPSubareaPlan,February2003.)
canyons: Salt Creek,
Poggi, and Wolf
AsidentifiedintheSubareaPlan,atotalofapproximately2,251
Canyons.
acresoftheMSCPPreserve(approximately1,940acresof
undisturbedhabitattypes)willbeconservedwithinthecentral
andnorthernareasoftheCity.The Subarea Plan specifically
providesprotectionformajorcanyonsystemswithintheCity,includingRiceCanyonandBonita
LongCanyon.Thesecanyonsystemssupportlargeareasofcoastalsagescrubandmaritime
succulentscrub.Additionally,avarietyofnarrowendemicplantspecieswillbeconserved,aswell
asdocumentedlocationsoftheQuinocheckerspotbutterfly.Thefederallylistedendangered
Quino checkerspot butterfly was not included as a Covered Species under the MSCP Subregional
Plan. However, because the Subarea Plan defines the actions to be undertaken to provide for the
long-termconservationandrecoveryofthisspeciesintheChulaVistaSubarea,theQuino
checkerspotbutterflyisincludedasaCoveredSpeciesundertheSubareaPlan.
The portion of the Otay Ranch located within the City boundaries includes substantial areas of
landthathavehistoricallybeenusedfordryfarming.Approximately2,742acreswithinOtay
Ranch will be conserved within the subarea boundaries (approximately2,617 acres, which
representundisturbedhabitattypes).TheOtayRanchareaalsoincludesimportanthabitat
resources, most notably the Otay River Valley and its tributary canyons; Salt Creek: Poggi, and
Wolf Canyons.
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CityofChulaVistaMSCPSubareaandPlanningMap
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Figure9-2
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ImplementationoftheMSCP
Implementation of the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan will ensure conservation of core biological
resourceareasandassociatedhabitatlinkagesidentifiedintheMSCPSubregionalPlanlocated
withintheboundariesoftheChulaVistaSubarea,comprisedofthelandareawithinthe
incorporated boundary of the City. In addition, implementation of the Subarea Plan will contribute
significantconservationoutsidetheChulaVistaSubarea,withintheChulaVistaMSCPPlanning
Area, in the unincorporated County Multi-Habitat Planning Area.
Objective-E1
ConserveChulasensitivebiologicalresources.
Policies
ImplementtheCityofChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan.
E1.1
3.1.2ProtectingWaterQuality
Waterqualityreferstothepurityofwaterandthelackofpollutants.Urbanrunoffdischargedinto
streams,bays,andoceansisoneoftheprincipalcausesofpoorwaterquality.Pollutantssuchas
motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, and pesticides accumulate on impervious surfaces and are picked
upandtransporteddownstreamviathestormdrainsystem,ultimatelyreachingtheSweetwater
andOtayRivers,SanDiegoBay,andthePacificOcean.Thesepollutantsinurbanrunoffcan
causebothshort-termandlong-termimpactstolocalwaterbodies.
CleanWaterAct
TheCleanWaterActfocusesonimprovingthequalityofthenation'swaterandprovidesa
comprehensive framework of standards and technical tools to address the causes of pollution
andpoorwaterquality.TosatisfytherequirementsofCaliforniaWaterCodeSection13241and
Clean Water Act Section 303, water quality criteria are assigned to all waters of the state. In Chula
Vista,waterqualityobjectivesareachievedprimarilythroughestablishmentofwastedischarge
requirements,andthroughimplementationoftheWaterQualityControlPlanfortheSanDiego
Basin (1994).
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NPDES
OnFebruary21,2001,theSanDiegoRegionalWaterQuality
ControlBoardissuedaNationalPollutantDischargeElimination
System(NPDES)Permit(MunicipalPermit)tothe18
municipalitieswithinSanDiegoCounty,includingtheCityof
ChulaVista.SanDiegoCountyandtheSanDiegoUnifiedPort
Districtwereco-permitteesoftheMunicipalPermit.The
minimum requirement of the Municipal Permit is to ensure that
pollutantsindischargesfromstormdrainsystemsownedand
operatedbytheco-permitteesarereducedtothemaximum
extentpracticable.TheMunicipalPermitoutlinestheindividual
responsibilities of the co-permittees, including, but not limited to, the implementation of
managementprograms,bestmanagementpractices(BMPs),andmonitoringprograms.The
NPDESregulations alsoconsider the need to conserve natural areas, minimize impervious
surfaces,andencouragetheuseofnativeordroughttolerantplantmaterialinlandscaping.
InaccordancewithNPDESrequirements,constructionprojectsinChulaVistaarerequiredto
implementBMPstominimizethedischargeofpollutantsfromconstructionsites.Forcertaintypes
of developments, the Municipal Permit requires the implementation of permanent, post-
construction BMPs, as described in the Chula Vista Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan
andintheCityofChulaVistaDevelopmentandRedevelopmentProjectsStormWater
ManagementStandardsRequirementsManual.
TheChulaVistaPollutionPreventionPolicyaddressespollutionreductionpracticesforCity
facilities and incorporates BMPs to prevent and reduce water pollution.The Pollution Prevention
Policy identifies procedures and other practices for various City operations, including using
environmentallyfriendlyproductsforequipmentmaintenance;cleaning;swimmingpool
maintenance;andtheuseofchemicalsandpesticidesinparks,parkways,andstreetmedians.
WatershedPlanning
TheStateWaterResourcesControlBoarduseswatershedplanningtoimproveandprotectthe
qualityoflocalandregionalwaters.Watershedsaretheareasaboveandbelowgroundthat
drain into a particular water body. This watershed planning approach recognizes that BMPs and
treatmentfacilitiesmaybemoreeffectivewhenlocatedwithinawatershedordrainagebasin,
rather than on individual project sites.Watershed management practices can provide an
integratedapproachtoprotectingwaterquality.
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San Diego Bay Watershed
TheSanDiegoBaywatershediscomprisedofthree
subwatersheds,twoofwhicharewithintheGeneralPlanarea
(SweetwaterRiverandOtayRiverwatersheds),andathird
(PuebloSanDiegowatershed),situatedtothenorth(Figure9-
3). The 2001 Municipal Permit required local co-permittees to
implementacomprehensiveUrbanRunoffManagement
Programatboththejurisdictionalandwatershedlevel.In
compliance with the Municipal Permit, Chula Vista prepared a
JurisdictionalUrbanRunoffManagementProgram.
Additionally, the City, along with seven other municipalities,
SanDiegoCounty,andtheUnifiedPortDistrict,
preparedtheSanDiegoBayWatershedUrbanRunoffManagementProgram,whichisa
collaborativeandcomprehensivewatershedplanfortheSanDiegoBayWatershed.Bothofthese
watershed planning programs have been developed to identify and prioritize areas where local
waterqualitycanbeimprovedandprovidesolutionstomitigateproblemsattributabletolocal
urban runoff.
Sweetwater River Watershed
TheSweetwaterRiverwatershedisthelargestofthethree
TheSweetwaterRiver
subwatershedscomprisingtheSanDiegoBaywatershed,with
watershed is the
230-square-milesoftheapproximately415-square-miletotal.
largest of the three
Over86percentoftheSweetwaterRiverwatershediswithin
unincorporated jurisdictions, with the urbanized lower portion of
subwatersheds
thewatershedcontainingportionsofthecitiesofSanDiego,
comprising the
NationalCity,ChulaVista,LaMesa,andLemonGrove.Major
San Diego Bay
waterbodiesinthewatershedincludetheSweetwaterRiver,
watershed, with
SweetwaterReservoir,LovelandReservoir,andtheSanDiego
230-square-milesof
Bay.Themostimportantwatershedissuesarerelatedtothe
the approximately
protectionofmunicipalwatersuppliesandtheprotectionand
415-square-miletotal.
restorationofsensitivewetlandandwildlifehabitats.
The Sweetwater River flood control channel, which generally represents the jurisdictional
boundary between Chula Vista and National City, extends from Interstate 5 east to Interstate 805.
TheSweetwaterRegionalParkextendsfromInterstate805eastthroughtheChulaVistaand
BonitagolfcoursestotheCounty'sSummitParkonthewestedgeoftheSweetwaterReservoir;
theparkcomprises570acres,178ofwhicharewithinChulaVista.Norecentwatershed
planningeffortsfortheSweetwaterRiverwatershedhavebeenundertakenandnoneare
planned at this time.
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OtayRiverWatershed
TheOtayRiverwatershed,whichencompassesapproximately
160 square miles, is the second largest of three hydrologic units
thatdischargeintoSanDiegoBay.TheOtayRiverwatershed
consistslargelyofunincorporatedarea,butalsoincludes
portionsofthecitiesofChulaVista,ImperialBeach,Coronado,
NationalCity,andSanDiego.Themajorinlandwaterbodies,
UpperandLowerOtayLakes,aretwowatersupplyreservoirs
thatalsoprovideimportanthabitatandrecreational
opportunities. Approximately 36 square miles of the watershed
arewithintheChulaVistaMSCPPlanningAreathatcontains
habitatforawiderangeofendangeredplantandanimalspecies.
Currently,SanDiegoCountyisleadingtheeffortsinthedevelopmentofaWatershed
ManagementPlan(WMP)andSpecialAreaManagementPlan(SAMP)fortheOtayRiver
watershed.TheWMPwillidentifycriticalresourceareasandrecommendBMPsneededto
prevent water pollution. The WMP will provide the framework for management activities to be
implementedwithinthewatershed,whichwillensuretheprotectionofexistingbeneficialuses
andnaturalresources.TheSAMPwillbeacomprehensiveassessmentoftheOtayRiver
watershed, which will provide regional protection of wetlands and wetland species.Furthermore,
theSAMPwillstreamlinetheregulatorypermittingprocessbyassistingthefederal,stateand
local regulatory agencies with their decision-making and permitting authority to protect aquatic
resources.
Both plans will identify measures needed to preserve sensitive wetland species and habitat while
still providing for reasonable economic growth. Thegoals of the watershed planning process
includepreventingwaterpollutionandprotectingnaturalresourcesandexistingactivitiesthat
arebeneficialtothepublic,suchastheOtayValleyRegionalPark.
ImplementationofWaterProtectionMeasures
WithfurthergrowthandredevelopmentinChulaVista,theprotectionoflocalandregionalwater
resourcesmustbeadequatelyaddressed.ChulaVistawillcontinueitseffortstoreducethe
dischargeofpollutantsintothemunicipalstormdrainsystemandnaturalwaterbodiesin
accordance with established NPDES standards and watershed planning efforts involving the City.
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PageE-18
SanDiegoBayWatershedMap
Legend
1.PuebloSanDiego
2.SweetwaterRiver
3.OtayRiver
Figure9-3
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ENVIRONMENTAL
CHAPTER9
Objective-E2
Protect and improve water quality within surface water bodies and
groundwater resources within and downstream of Chula Vista.
Policies
Ensure safely swimmable and fishable surface waters through careful
E2.1
managementoflandusesandactivitieswithinChulaVista.
Pursuesafealternativestotraditionalpestmanagementmethodsinorderto
E2.2
reducetoxicsinurbanrunoffandlargeopenusesofland(e.g.,golfcourses,
parks, and agricultural lands).
Educate residents, business owners and City departments about feasible
E2.3
methods tominimize the discharge of pollutants into natural drainages and
themunicipalstormdrainagesystem.
Ensure compliance with current federal and state water quality regulations,
E2.4
includingtheimplementationofapplicableNPDESrequirementsandthe
City'sPollutionPreventionPolicy.
Encourage and facilitate construction and land development techniques that
E 2.5
minimizewaterqualityimpactsfromurbandevelopment.
Maximizetheprotectionofpotablewatersupplyresourcesfrompollutants.
E2.6
Collaborate with other applicable jurisdictions in the development and
E2.7
fundingofregionalwatershedmanagementplansthatwillprovideabalance
between watershed protection, regional economic growth, and development of
public infrastructure and services consistent with the goals and objectives of
the General Plan.
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3.1.3MeetingWaterDemandThroughConservation
and Efficient Use
ThissectionoftheEnvironmentalElementaddressesthe
conservation and efficient use of water. The Public Facilities and
ServicesElementaddressescurrentandfuturewatersupplyand
delivery issues.
Three water districts serve Chula Vista: The Otay Water District,
Sweetwater Authority, and Cal-American Water Company. These
districts base theirfacility master plans and capital improvement
programs on projected population growth.Within the Otay Water
District'sservicearea,whichincludestheplannedfuture
developmentareaswithineasternChulaVista,allpotablewatercomesfromimportedsources
purchasedfromtheSanDiegoCountyWaterAuthority.Duetothelackofsignificant
undeveloped land area within the boundaries of the Sweetwater Authority's service area, future
increases in the demand for potable water will be associated with infill development and
redevelopme
sources, including Sweetwater Reservoir, a brackish groundwater demineralization facility, and
om local sources.
Areas served by the Cal-American Water Company are presently built out and significant growth
inwaterdemandisnotanticipated.
Waterrecyclingandconservationaremajorissuesinsouthern
California, as water suppliers strive to meet the increased water
Chula Vista can help
demandsfrompopulationgrowth.ChulaVista'sGrowth
to ensure adequate
ManagementProgramandGrowthManagementOrdinance
water supply by
requirethataWaterConservationPlan(WCP)bepreparedfor
continuingtopromote
allmajordevelopmentprojects.WCPsprovideananalysisof
the development of
potable and recycled water usage requirements and incorporate
provenmethodstoreducepercapitawaterconsumption.The
water efficient
adoptedWCPGuidelinesrequireallmajorprojectstoinstall
communities and to
specificindoorandoutdoorwaterconservationdevices.The
implement water
requirement to prepare and implement WCPs promotes water-
conservation programs.
efficient development and community awareness of valuable
waterresources.
Chula Vista's Landscape Manual identifies the need for water conservation practices to be
implemented,asrequiredbyStatelawandtheStateDepartmentofWaterResourcesWater
Efficient Landscape Ordinance. In addition, the City's Landscape Manual requires the use of
recycledwatertoirrigatelandscapedareasofresidential,commercial,andindustrial
developments,aswellasschools,parks,andgolfcourses,whererecycledwaterisavailable.
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WithintheGeneralPlanarea,onlytheOtayWaterDistrictprovidesrecycledwater.ItsCodeof
Ordinancesrequiresrecycledwatertobeusedwhereveritistechnicallyandfinanciallyfeasible,
includingtheirrigationofgreenbeltandopenspaceslopes;roadwaymedians;parks;andthe
common areas of schools and multi-family residential properties. The Otay Water District's
recycledwatersupplyoriginatesfromtheDistrict'sRalphW.ChapmanWaterRecyclingFacilityin
RanchoSanDiegoandispumpedtoeasternChulaVista.Inthefuture,6.0milliongallonsper
day(mgd)ofrecycledwaterwillbesuppliedfromtheCityofSanDiego'sSouthBayWater
ReclamationPlant.AsrequiredbyanagreementwiththeCityofSanDiego,theOtayWater
District is responsible for installing the infrastructure necessary to distribute recycled water within
itsservicearea.Recycledwaterisnotapartofthepotablewatersupply.
The demand for water will continue to increase as Chula Vista experiences further growth.Chula
Vista can help to ensure adequate water supply for future generations by continuing to promote
thedevelopmentofwaterefficientcommunitiesandtoimplementwaterconservationprograms.
Objective-E3
Minimizetheimpactsofgrowthanddevelopmentonwatersupply
resourcesthroughtheefficientuseandconservationofwaterby
residents,businesses,andcitygovernment.
Policies
Promote state-of-the-art water conservation practices in existing and new
E3.1
development,whereproventobesafeandenvironmentallysound.
Promotetheuseoflowwaterdemandlandscapinganddroughttolerantplant
E 3.2
materialsinbothexistingandnewdevelopment.
Wheresafeandfeasible,promoteandfacilitatethecontinueduseofrecycledwaterin
E3.3
newdevelopments,andexploreopportunitiesfortheuseofrecycledwaterin
redevelopment projects.
Support the continued use of graduated rate structures by water suppliers in order to
E3.4
promotewaterconservation.
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RequirethepreparationandimplementationofWaterConservationPlansforlarge
E3.5
development and redevelopment projects in accordance with the City's Water
ConservationPlanGuidelinesoritsequivalent,pursuanttotheCity'sGrowth
ManagementProgram.
For existing development, as well as small development and redevelopment projects
E3.6
not subject to the City's Growth Management Program, promote water conservation by
residentsandbusinessesthroughappropriatelytargetededucationandcommunity
programs.
3.1.4PreservingtheOpportunityforAgriculturalUses
Throughtheearly1990s,thelastofthelarge-scaleagricultural
operationsinChulaVistawerelocatedprimarilyonlarge
WithintheGeneral
landholdings within the eastern portion of the General Plan area.
Plan area the
Agriculturalproductiononlandswithinthisareahasbeen
potential remains
historicallyconstrainedduetothelimitedavailabilityofwaterfor
for some degree of
irrigationandthehighcostofwaterwhereithasbeenavailable.
agricultural uses
to occur on both
AlthoughtheGeneralPlanareadoesnotcontainanylands
specificallydesignatedforagriculturaluses,thepotentialremains
an interim and
foragriculturalusestooccurwithincertainportionsoftheGeneral
long-term basis.
Planareaonbothaninterimandlong-termbasis.2002State
Department of Conservation mapping identified 13 acres of Prime
FarmlandwithintheCitylimits(plusanadditional21acreswithin
theremainderoftheGeneralPlanarea).TherearenoactiveWilliamsonActcontractsor
properties,whichareestablishedagriculturalpreserves,withintheGeneralPlanarea.
Alimitednumberofparcelsretainagriculturalzoning,whichis
consideredaholdingzone,pendingdevelopmentproposalsin
conformancewiththeapplicablelanduseplans.Muchoftheland
zonedforagriculturewestoftheSweetwaterReservoirhasbeen
incorporatedintoparkland.Onlyarelativelyfewlandholdings
within the western portion of the General Plan area, located
primarilyinthevicinityoftheOtayRiver,stillretainsmall-scale
agricultural operations. Agricultural production on these parcels
mayincludeseasonalfruitandvegetablecropsbutmayalso
includenurseries;apiaries;ridingfacilities;orsimilaruses.Landszonedforagriculturewithinthe
easternportionsoftheOtayRanch,eastoftheOtayReservoir,andnorthandsouthofDulzura
Creek,aregenerallylocatedinareascontainingbiologicalresourcesandinterimagriculturaluses
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arebeingphasedout.Intermittentcattlegrazinganddrylandfarmingoccurprimarilyonthe
non-irrigated land in the east.Production associated with these uses is not significant in terms of
countywideagriculturalvalue.Long-termagriculturaluseisnotplannedfortheGeneralPlan
area,butisallowedwhereitisconsistentwiththeChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlanandzoning,
includingwithinportionsoftheChulaVistaGreenbeltopenspacesystem.
AlthoughagriculturehasalonghistorywithinChulaVistaandthesurroundingarea,the
economic contributions of agriculture have continually decreased in both production and
employment value over time.Although agricultural production within the General Plan area will
not be a major factor in the local or regional economy, the potential remains for some degree of
agricultural uses to occur on both an interim and long-term basis. Furthermore, recreational and
educational benefits can be derived from agricultural-related uses, such as community gardens,
whichcanbeintegratedwithindevelopmentareas.
Objective-E4
Maintain the opportunity for limited agricultural and related uses to
occurasaninterimlandusewithinplanneddevelopmentareasandas
apotentialpermanentlandusewithinappropriatelocations
Policies
All ow historical agricultural uses to continue within planned development areas as
E4.1
aninterimlanduseinaccordancewiththeMSCPSubareaPlan.
Allow agricultural uses on privately-owned property within the Chula Vista Greenbelt
E 4.2
andelsewhere,providedtheuseisconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheChulaVista
MSCPSubareaPlan,aswellasthezoningoftheproperty.
Encourage the development of community gardens and similar related uses within
E4.3
appropriate, compatible locations throughout theCity.
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3.1.5WiseUseofMineralResources
Mineralresourcesareimportantcommoditiesinthestateof
California.TheSurfaceMiningandReclamationActof1975
Themostvaluable
(SMARA) includes requirements and programs to ensure the long-
mineral resource
termavailabilityofmineralresourcesandthatthesignificant
in Chula Vista is
adverse environmental impacts of surface mining are adequately
construction
mitigated.MineralResourceZones(MRZs)areareasidentifiedby
theStateofCaliforniarelativetoknownorexpectedmineral
aggregate.
resources. Portions of the Otay River Valley within the General Plan
areaareidentifiedasanMRZ-2area--anareawhereadequate
information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that a
high likelihood for their presence exists (Figure 9-4).Two other MRZ-2 areas are located on and
justoutsidetheGeneralPlanarea:oneintheSweetwaterRiverValleyeastoftheSweetwater
Reservoir; and the other along the Jamul/Dulzura Creek east of Lower Otay Lake (Figure 9-4).
OfthemineralresourcesidentifiedintheMRZ-2zone,the
mosteconomicallyvaluabletothestateandtheSanDiego
regionistheminingofsand,gravel,andcrushedrock
resources, known collectively as construction aggregate.
Constructioncostsaresignificantlyreducedifaggregate
materialsareavailableclosetoandinsufficientqualityand
quantitytosupportnearbyconstruction.Giventhattheneed
isgreatestinrapidlyurbanizingareas,aproblemfacingsand
andgravelproducersthroughouttheregionisthattheyare
beingreplacedbytheurbangrowththattheysupport.
Both the Sweetwater River and the Otay River valleys contain significant deposits of construction
qualitysandreserves.ThereachoftheSweetwaterRiverthatfallswithintheGeneralPlanarea
isalsowithinaregionalparkand,therefore,nofurtherextractionofthisresourceispermitted.In
additiontosandandgravelresources,RockMountain,situatedimmediatelynorthoftheOtay
River, is currently being mined for boulders, which are processed into crushed rock. Although the
MRZ-2zonewithintheOtayRiverValleyhasexperiencedsandandgravelmininginthepast,the
majorityofthisareaisnowwithintheChulaVistaMSCPPreserve.
TheMSCPisacomprehensive,long-termhabitatconservationprogramthataddressestheneeds
ofmultipleendangered,threatened,andsensitiveplantandanimalspecies.Pursuanttothe
ChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan,inthelong-termitisenvisionedthatnomining,extraction,or
processingfacilitiesand/oractivitieswilloccurinthePreserve.TheSubareaPlanmandatesthat
alltemporarysandminingandrelatedactivitiesmustbeconsistentwiththeobjectives,
guidelines, and requirements of the MSCP Subregional Plan, the City of Chula Vista's ordinances,
andSMARA.TheMSCPSubregionalPlanstatesthat:orexpandedminingoperationson
landsconservedaspartofthePreserveareincompatiblewithMSCPPreservegoalsforcovered
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species and their habitats unless otherwise agreed to by the wildlife agencies at the time the
parcelis
SurfaceminingisregulatedpursuanttoSMARA,asimplementedbytheCitythroughitsrecently
adoptedSurfaceMiningOperationsOrdinance.Aswiththe
stateandtheSanDiegoregion,themostvaluablemineral
resourceinChulaVistaisconstructionaggregate.Ifanarea
containing such resources is developed prior to accessing
theseresources,itmayresultinthepermanentlossof
mineralsthatareoflocalandregionalsignificance.Rock
MountainisavaluableassetfortheCityandtheregion;the
continuedminingofthisresourceisanticipatedforthenear
future.However,theminingofresourceswithintheCity
beyond Rock Mountain is anticipated to be very limited in the
near-term and either very limited or nonexistent in the long-term.Furthermore, in the long-term,
nominingisenvisionedtooccuratallwithintheChulaVistaMSCPPreserve.
Objective-E5
Efficiently extract regionally significant mineral resources in accordance
withtheChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlanandrequiretheappropriate
reclamation of mined areas for suitable future development, recreation,
openspace,and/orhabitatrestoration.
Policies
Ensure that permit applications for proposed mineral resource extraction are
E5.1
consistentwiththeChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan.
Consider and minimize impacts from mining operations to existing and future
E5.2
surrounding land uses.
Ensurethatapprovedminingreclamationplansfullycomplywithrequirementsof
E5.3
theChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan;ChulaVistaGreenbeltMasterPlan;Otay
ValleyRegionalParkConceptPlan;andallotherapplicableplansregardingthe
restorationofbiologicalhabitatsandthecreationoftrailsandparkland.
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3.1.6PromotingCleanAir
Both the federal government and the State of California have enacted legislation designed to
improveairquality,includingthe1970FederalCleanAirActandtheCaliforniaCleanAirActof
1988. Attainment areas are in compliance with the national and/orCalifornia ambient air quality
standards for a given pollutant; whereas, non-attainment areas are not.San Diego County's
federalandstatedesignationsforeachofthecriteriapollutantsasofDecember2004areas
follows:
TABLE9-1
SanDiegoFederalandStateDesignationsforCriteriaPollutants
as of December 2004
CriteriaPollutantFederalDesignationStateDesignation
Ozone(onehour)AttainmentNonattainment
Ozone(eighthour)Nonattainment(nostatestandard)
CarbonMonoxideAttainmentAttainment
NitrogenDioxideAttainmentAttainment
SulfurDioxideAttainmentAttainment
LeadAttainmentAttainment
Sulfates(nofederalstandard)Attainment
HydrogenSulfide(nofederalstandard)Unclassified
Visibility(nofederalstandard)Unclassified
1
PM10UnclassifiableNonattainment
2
PM2.5(to bedesignated)(to bedesignated)
1
Source:CountyofSanDiegoAirPollutionControlDistrict
particulatematterof10micronsorlessindiameter
2
andU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
particulatematterof25micronsorlessindiameter
Unlikeparticulatematterandtoxicairemissionsthatcanbeemitteddirectlyfromavehicle's
tailpipe,smogformsintheatmospherefromthephotochemicalreactionofvolatileorganic
compoundsandoxidesofnitrogen,bothofwhichareemittedbymotorvehicles.Cars,trucks,
andothermotorvehiclesproduceabouthalfofthesmog-formingemissionsinSanDiego
County.In addition, motor vehicles emit toxic air contaminants, contribute significantly to
particulate matter levels, and in areas where substantial vehicular congestion occurs, can result in
carbonmonoxide(CO)
Atoxicaircontaminantisanairpollutantthatmayincreasea
person'sriskofdevelopingcancerand/orotherserioushealth
effects.Since 1990, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control
District(APCD)hasoperatedtoxicsamplingsitesinElCajon
andChulaVista.Datafromthesesiteshasconsistentlyshown
asignificantdownwardtrendinconcentrationsofseveral
knowncarcinogens.Overall,emissionsofairtoxicsare
declining,withan80percentreductioninestimatedindustrial
toxicairemissionssincetheearly1990's.
City of Chula Vista General Plan
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MRZ-2AreaMap
Figure9-4
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BLANK
ENVIRONMENTAL
CHAPTER9
TheCaliforniaAirToxicsInformationandAssessment
TheChula Vista
Actrequiresfacilitiesemittingtoxicsubstancestoprovidelocalair
Carbon Dioxide
pollutioncontroldistrictswithinformationthatwillfacilitatean
Reduction Plan
assessment of the air toxics problem; identification of air toxics
containstwentyaction
notification of
thepublicexposedtosignificantrisk;anddevelopmentofeffective
measures aimed at
strategiestoreducepotentialriskstothepublicoveraperiodof
reducing greenhouse
fiveyears.TheAPCDistheimplementingagencyforapproximately
gas emissions,
1,600facilitiesrequiredtocomplywiththeActwithinSanDiego
improving air quality,
County.
and encouraging
energy conservation.
Atthestatelevel,theCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardcontinuesto
implementanongoingprogramtoidentifytoxicaircontaminants,
assess their public health risks, and develop air toxics control measures to reduce toxic emissions
fromspecificsourcecategoriesstatewide.Localairdistrictsthenmustadoptandimplementthe
state-approved emission reduction measures. The APCD has adopted statewide air toxics control
measures(orisdirectlyimplementingmeasures)requiringactions,including:emissionscontrols
for chrome plating operations; medical and commercial sterilizers; medical waste incinerators; dry
cleaningoperations;metalmeltingoperations;andautomotivemaintenanceandrepairactivities.
APCDRule1200(ToxicAirContaminantsNewSourceReview),adoptedin1996,requires
evaluationofpotentialhealthrisksforanynew,relocated,ormodifiedemissionunitthatmay
increaseemissionsofoneormoretoxicaircontaminants.Therulerequiresprojectswithan
increaseincancerriskbetween1and10inonemillionto
installtoxicsbestavailablecontroltechnology.Additionally,
projectswithanincreaseincancerriskbetween10and100
inonemillionmustmeetsignificantlymorestringent
requirements to mitigate risks before they can be approved.
Energyconservationandatransitionfromfossilfuelbased
electricitygenerationandheatingtonon-fossilfueled
alternativeswillreducetheamountoflocal,regional,and
globalairpollutionproducedandresultinimprovedair
quality.TheCityofChulaVistahasdevelopedanumberof
plansandstrategiesthatfocusonimprovingairqualityandenergyconservation.TheChulaVista
(CarbonDioxide)ReductionPlan,adoptedinNovemberof2000,containstwentyactionmeasures
aimedatreducinggreenhousegasemissions,improvingairquality,andencouragingenergy
conservation.The City requires the preparation of an Air Quality Improvement Plan (AQIP) for all
majordevelopmentprojects.ThefocusofanAQIPistoprovideforenergyconservationandair
qualityimprovementsthroughimprovedprojectdesignandparticipationinenergyefficient
building programs.
LanduseandtransportationhavethegreatestimpactonairqualityinChulaVista.While
progresshasbeenmadeattheregionallevelthereisstillmuchthatcanbedonelocally.
Safeguardingpublichealthisthefocusoffederalandstateactivitieswithregardtoairquality
programs. The impact of air quality on the health of the residents of Chula Vista is an important
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issue. Energy conservation and a transition to renewable, non-fossil fuel based energy are an
importantmeanstoreduceemissionscausedbythegenerationofelectricity.Asgrowthand
redevelopmentcontinuesinChulaVista,airqualitywillremainanimportantfactortothequality
oflifedesiredbythecommunity.
Objective-E6
Improvelocalairqualityandreducegreenhousegasemissionsby
minimizingthereleaseofairpollutantsandtoxicaircontaminantsand
limitingtheexposureofpeopletosuchpollutants.
Policies
Encouragecompactdevelopmentfeaturingamixofusesthatlocateresidential
E6.1
areaswithinreasonablewalkingdistancetojobs,services,andtransit.
Promote and facilitate transit system improvements in order to increase transit
E6.2
useandreducedependencyontheautomobile.
Facilitate the use of alternative fuel and low-and zero-emission vehicles and
E 6.3
equipmentinthecommunity.
Donotsiteneworre-poweredfossil-fueledbaseloadorpeaking-typeElectric
E6.4
Generating Facilities and other major toxic emitters within 1,000 feet of sensitive
receptors, or site sensitive receptors within 1,000 feet of such facilities.
Ensure Electrical Generating Facilities incorporate cleaner fuel sources and least
E 6.5
pollutingtechnologiesinordertohelptransitiontheCitytoalessfossilfuel-
dependentfuture,whilemeetingChulaenergydemand.
Exploreincentivestopromotevoluntaryairpollutantreductions,including
E6.6
incentives for developers who go above and beyond applicable requirements and
forfacilitiesandoperationsthatarenototherwiseregulated.
Encourageinnovativeenergyconservationpracticesandairquality
E6.7
improvements in new development and redevelopment projects consistent with
theCity'sAirQualityImprovementPlanGuidelinesoritsequivalent,pursuantto
theCity'sGrowthManagementProgram.
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Encourageclimateresilientdesigntechniquesinnewbuildingsand
E 6.8
infrastructure to reduce future risks from climate change-related impacts
suchaswildfires,extremeheat,andflooding
Discourage the use of landscaping equipment powered by two-stroke
E6.9
gasoline engines within the City and promote less-polluting alternatives to
their use.
Thesitingofnewsensitivereceiverswithin500feetofhighwaysresultingfrom
E6.10
development or redevelopment projects shall require the preparation of a health
riskassessmentaspartoftheCEQAreviewoftheproject.Attendanthealthrisks
identifiedintheHealthRiskAssessment(HRA)shallbefeasiblymitigatedtothe
maximumextentpracticable,inaccordancewithCEQA,inordertohelpensure
that applicablefederal and state standards are not exceeded.
Develop strategies tominimize CO hotspots that addressall modes oftransportation.
E6.11
Promotecleanfuelsourcesthathelpreducetheexposureofsensitiveusesto
E 6.12
pollutants.
Encourageprogramsandinfrastructuretoincreasetheavailabilityandusageof
E 6.13
energy-efficient vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, or those
thatrunonalternativefuels.
E 6.14
alternativefuelvehiclesascurrentmunicipalfleetvehiclesarereplaced
Siteindustries:andotherstationaryemittersinawaythatminimizesthepotential
E 6.15
impactsofpoorairqualityonhomes,schools,hospitals,andotherlanduses
wherepeoplecongregate,anddisadvantagedpopulations.
Encouragetheuseofbicyclesthroughsupportofbikeshareopportunities,
E 6.16
communitybikeprograms,andtheprovisionofbicycleparkingopportunities
suchasbikeracksandbikelockers.
Objective-E6A
Exploreopportunitiesforimprovingindoorairquality.
Policies
E6.A.1
Continue to limit exposure to secondhand smoke by encouraging the creation of
smokefreespacesandfacilitiesinpublicspaces,andatallworkplacesand
multi unit housing.
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Workwithoutsidepartnerssuchasthelocalschooldistrictsandothercommunity
E6.A.2
stakeholderstoeducatethepublicaboutenvironmentalhealththreatssuchasof
moldgrowthandestablishprogramstoassistinreducingsuchthreats.
Encourageprogramstopreventinsectandrodentinfestation.
E6.A.3
Supportleadabatementprograms.
E6.A.4
E6.A.5 Increasesafehouseholdhazardouswastedisposalprogrammingandoutreach.
Leverage home and business energy upgrade programs to improve indoor air
E6.A.6
qualityandcomfortforoccupants.
Objective-E6 B
Prioritizegreeningeffortstokeepair,water,andlandclean
Policies
Protect and develop shade tree coveralongstreetsandwithinparkinglotsasa
E6.B.1
priority, particularly in new developments ortree-deficientareas.
Preferentiallyplantfemalestreettreestoreducepollen,especiallyinthemost
E6.B.2
populatedareas.
Prioritize natural filtration, as opposed toimpermeablehardscaping,within
E6.B.3
new development projects, along roadways, and adjacent to stream and river
banks.
Update the building code to supportbestpracticesindesign,
E6.B.4
construction, and operations.
Providefast-trackpermittingforprojectsthatimplement
E6.B.5
design and construction.
Encourage or require all new buildingconstructiontoincorporategreen
E6.B.6
roofs and encourage conversions of existingroofspacetogreenroofsto
reduceheatislandeffect.
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3.1.7CreatingASustainableEnergyFuture
The focus of this section is energy conservation. (The Public Facilities
Since 1990... Chula
andServicesElementaddressesenergydemand,supply,and
infrastructure.)Energyisessentialtomaintainingtheexistingquality
Vistahasimplementeda
of life and economic development and sustainability of the region.
number of measures to
TheprimarysourcesofenergyinSanDiegoCountyareelectricity
improve the energy
andnaturalgas.Atpresent,theregionisheavilydependentupon
efficiency of City
theimportationofnaturalgastoproduceelectricitylocally,aswell
operations and facilities
astheimportationofelectricityproducedoutsideoftheregion.
and transitionto
alternative clean energy
Reducingdemandforelectricityandnaturalgasisanimportant
sources.
steptohelpmeetthegrowingenergyneedsoftheregionand
meetingtheintentandspiritoftheenvironmentalgoals.
Plans and programs currently implemented by regional and local agencies to conserve energy
andnaturalgasarehelpingtoreducedemand.
In1994,SANDAGadoptedtheSanDiegoRegionalEnergyPlan
that identified energy issues and specific measures to improve the
efficiency of energy use and develop distributive power generation.
AsaresultoftheRegionalEnergyPlan,theSanDiegoRegional
Energy Office (SDREO) was formed to provide information on
energyissuesfortheregion.In2002,SDREOpreparedtheSan
DiegoRegionalEnergyInfrastructureStudythatprovidesan
inventory and evaluation of energy supply and infrastructure
necessarytomeetregionalneedsthrough2030.
This study was used to develop the 2003 Regional Energy Strategy, a comprehensive plan that
addresseselectricityandnaturalgassupplyanddemand.Itcontainsabroadvisionofhowenergy
challengesshouldbeaddressedandhowenergywillbeproducedandconsumedthroughoutthe
region through 2030.
TheCityofChulaVistaEnergyStrategyandActionPlan(EnergyStrategy)hasninestrategyactions.
Thestrategyactionsaregroupedintocategoriesbasedonriskfactorsandpayofftimeframes,
ranging from continued or expanded conservation and education programs to the formation of a
municipalutilitytoprovideenergyservices.InadditiontotheEnergyStrategy,abroadrangeof
energy efficiency programs are implemented by the federal and state governments and utility
providers that provide incentives to energy users to promote the use of energy efficient equipment
andappliancesandtobuildersthatdesignandconstructenergyefficientbuildings.ChulaVista
hasimplementedanumberofmeasurestoimprovetheenergyefficiencyofCityoperationsand
facilitiesandtransitiontoalternativecleanenergysources,including,butnotlimitedto,the
purchase of alternative fuel buses; the use of biodiesel, energy efficiency upgrades for traffic signals
andbuildings;andtheinstallationofphotovoltaicsystemsonCityfacilities.
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MeetingthefutureenergyneedsofChulaVistaandtheregionwillrequireanintegrated
approach,including:increaseddevelopmentof,andreliance,onrenewableenergysources;
decreased dependence on non-renewable energy sources; and the expansion and promotion of
energyconservationprogramsandmeasures.Thedevelopmentofrenewablesourcesofenergy
withinChulaVistaandtheregionwillfacilitatetheabilitytomeetenergyneedsinan
environmentally sensitive manner and reduce dependency upon imported energy.
Objective-E7
Promoteenergyconservationthroughtheefficientuseofenergyand
throughthedevelopmentoflocal,non-fossilfuel-basedrenewable
sourcesofenergy.
Policies
Promotedevelopmentofregulationsandbuildingdesignstandardsthat
E 7.1
maximize energy efficiency through appropriate site and building design and
throughtheuseofenergy-efficientmaterials,equipment,andappliances.
Encourageandsupportthelocalresearch,development,generation,anduseof
E 7.2
non-fossil, fuel-based renewable sources of energy, including wind and solar
resources,thatmeetlocalenergyneedsinanenvironmentallysensitivemanner
andreducedependenceonimportedenergy.
Develop and provide pertinent information about the benefits of energy
E 7.3
conservation and available energy conservation incentive programs to all
segmentsofthecommunity.
Pursue and encourage the expansion of local energy conservation, energy
E 7.4
efficiency,andrelatedincentiveprograms.
E7.5 Pursue40%City-wideelectricitysupplyfromclean,renewableresourcesby2017.
E.7.6 Encouragetheconstructionandoperationofgreenbuildings,consideringsuch
TM
programsastheLeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign(LEED)Green
Building Rating System.
E7.7 Supporttreeplantingprogramsthatwillbeimplementedtoreduceenergyneeds.
E 7.8 Ensure that residential and non-residential construction complies with all
applicableCityofChulaVistaenergyefficiencymeasuresandothergreen
buildingmeasuresthatareineffectatthetimeofdiscretionarypermitreviewand
Approvalorbuildingpermitissuance,whicheverisapplicable
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ENVIRONMENTAL
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3.1.8PromotingSolidWasteReductionStrategies
WhilethePublicFacilitiesandServicesElementaddressescurrentandfuturesolidwaste
disposal facility needs, this section of the Environmental Element addresses recycling and waste
reductionefforts.
Recyclingandsolidwastereductionprogramshavebeeninplacein
ChulaVistasince1990tomeettheStategoalofdivertingorreducing
Chula Vista
50percentofthesolidwastegeneratedbyallresidential,commercial,
has reduced or
andindustrialuses.ACity-wideresidentialcurbsidecollection
diverted more
programforrecyclableitemshasbeeninplacesince1991.The
than50percent
preparationofasolidwastemanagementplanisrequiredaspartof
ofthesolidwaste
the permit approval process for new development and redevelopment
generated within
projects; the plan must address the pre-construction, construction, and
operationalphasesoftheproject.Asaresultoftheseefforts,Chula
the City.
Vistahasreducedordivertedmorethan50percentofthesolidwaste
generatedwithintheCity,therebyachievingtheStategoal.
Chula Vista's household hazardous waste (HHW) program, designed to provide a means to safely
collect;recycle;treat;anddisposeofHHW,wasimplementedin1997.HHWcollectedattheCity's
facility is sent to various locations throughout the United States for treatment and/or recycling.
Section 3.4.2 of this element, Managing Household Hazardous Waste, further addresses the
management of HHW. Public education and awareness programs, including programs for
school-agechildren,supporttherecyclingprogramandcontributetohighparticipationrates.In
additiontorecycling,ChulaVista'ssolidwastemanagement
strategies include source reduction and composting.The City is
working towards the goal of establishing a permanent compost
siteattheOtayLandfill.
Thecurrentandfuturedemandforsolidwastedisposalrequires
ChulaVistatotakeanaggressiveapproachtosourcereduction.
Continuedeffortstoeducatethepublicaboutrecycling,proper
disposal of household hazardous waste, and composting will be critical to meeting the future
solidwastedisposalneedsoftheGeneralPlanarea.
Objective-E8
Minimize the amount of solid waste generated within the General Plan
areathatrequireslandfilldisposal.
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Policies
Promoteeffortstoreducewaste,minimizetheneedforadditionallandfills,and
E 8.1
provide economically and environmentally sound resource recovery, management,
and disposal facilities.
Support the development of composting programs for commercial and residential
E 8.2
development.
Implementsourcereductionstrategies,includingcurbsiderecycling,useofsmall
E 8.3
collection facilities for recycling, and composting.
Provideinformationaboutapplicablesolidwastereductionprogramstoall
E 8.4
segmentsofthecommunity,includingothergovernmentalinstitutions.
Encourage the reduction of household hazardous waste generation and disposal
E 8.5
bypromotingtheuseofsafesubstitutes,andbypromotingandfacilitating
recyclingofhouseholdhazardouswaste.
Permitrecyclingoperationsandbusinessesthatutilizerecyclablematerialswithin
E 8.6
industrialzonesincloseproximitytoOtayLandfill,subjecttoconformancewith
applicableSPAPlan-levelpoliciesandzoningregulations.
3.1.9ProtectingChulaCulturalResources
Culturalresourcesconsistof:buildings;structures;objects;
Culturalresourcesthat
archaeologicalsites;districts;landscapes;places;traditional
reflect the history of a
cultural properties; manuscripts; and other resources deemed
community, from
to be historically significant or significant from an architectural;
descendants of the
engineering;scientific;economic;agricultural;educational;
earliest Native
social; political; military; or cultural standpoint at the local, state,
Americans to later
ornationallevel.Aculturalresourcemay:bethelocationofa
explorers, settlers, and
prehistoricorhistoricoccupationoractivity;bealocalethat
immigrants, are
has been, and often continues to be, of religious, mythological;
important to the
cultural,economic,and/orsocialimportancetoanidentifiable
ethnicgroup;beassociatedwitheventsthathavemadea community and,
significant contribution to history or cultural heritage; be
therefore, warrant
associatedwiththelivesofimportantpersons;embodythe
protection by the City.
distinctivecharacteristicsofatype,period,region,ormethod
of construction; represent the work of an important creative individual; possess high artistic
values; or yield information important in prehistory or history.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
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Culturalresourcesmaybelistedinalocalregisterofhistoricalresources,intheCaliforniaRegisterof
HistoricalResources,andintheNationalRegister ofHistoricPlaces.TheChulaVistaListofDesignated
Historic Sites constitutes the City of Chula Vista's local register of historical resources.On September
EvaluationofHistoricPreservationinChulaPoliciesaddressingtheimplementationofthe
report'srecommendationsarecontainedinSection7.6oftheLandUseandTransportationElement.
Due to the relationship between historic buildings, community character, and urban design, the specific
issuespertainingtohistoricbuildingsareaddressedintheLandUseandTransportationElement.The
focusofthissectionisontheremainingtypesofculturalresources.
Native American presence in San Diego County is known to extend
backapproximately9,000yearsfromtoday.Approximately600
prehistoricarchaeologicalsiteshavebeenrecordedwithinthe
ChulaVistaGeneralPlanarea,manyofwhichremaininpartorin
total,suggestingthelikelihoodthatadditionalunrecordedsitesare
present within undeveloped, as well as some previously developed,
portionsoftheGeneralPlanarea.
Spanishcontactintheregionin1769markedtheendoftheprehistoriceraandthebeginningofthe
historicera.TheChulaVistaareawaspartofaSpanishlandgrantknownasRanchodelRey,the
King'sRanch.UnderMexicanrulein1821,thisranch,encompassingNationalCity,ChulaVista,
Bonita,Sunnyside,andtheSweetwaterRiverValley,wasknownasRanchodelaNacion.TheUnited
Statesmilitaryoccupiedtheregionin1846andassumedformalcontrolwiththeTreatyofGuadalupe-
Hidalgoin1848.In1850,theCaliforniaStateLegislatureformallyorganizedSanDiegoCounty.The
SantaFeRailroadwasbroughttosouthernCaliforniain1885,withitsfirstterminusinNationalCity.
Subsequently,theSweetwaterDamwasbuilttobringwatertoChulaVistaandarailroadwasbuilt
connectingChulaVistaandOtayMesawithNationalCityandSanDiego.Intime,ChulaVistabecame
thelargestlemon-growingcenterintheworld.
TheCityofChulaVistawasincorporatedin1911,withapopulationof550.Afteritsincorporation,
ChulaVistacontinuedtobealeadinglemon-growingcenter;otherimportantcropsproducedinChula
Vistaincludedtomatoesandcelery.ChulaVistawasalsohometoseveralothersignificantindustries.
TheSaltWorkshasbeenoperatingontheChulaVistabayfrontsincetheendofthenineteenth
century,andRohrAircraftCompanywasestablishedontheChulaVistabayfrontduringthe1940s.
ChulaVistaassessesandmitigatesthepotentialimpactsofprivatedevelopmentandpublicfacilities
andinfrastructuretosignificantculturalresourcespursuanttotheprovisionsoftheCalifornia
EnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA).Sections15064.5and15126.4oftheStateCEQAGuidelinesdefine
historical resources (i.e., cultural resources) and address, in general terms, mitigation requirements for
significantandpotentiallysignificantimpactstosuchresources.PursuanttotheStateCEQA
Guidelines, historical resources are not limited to officially listed resources, but also include resources
found to be eligible for listing at the local, state, and federal levels.Cultural resources that reflect the
history of a community, from descendants of the earliest Native Americans to later explorers, settlers,
and immigrants, are important to the community and, therefore, warrant protection by the City.
Furthermore, the accessibility of important cultural resources to the public for educational, religious,
cultural,scientificandotherpurposesshouldbesupportedandencouragedbytheCity.
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Objective-E9
encouragetheiraccessibilitytothepublic.
Policies
E 9.1 Continuetoassessandmitigatethepotentialimpactsofprivatedevelopmentand
public facilities and infrastructure to cultural resources, in accordance with the
CaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct.
E 9.2
resourcestothepublicforeducational;religious;cultural;scientific;andother
purposes, including the establishment of museums and facilities accessible to the
public, where such resources can be appropriately studied, exhibited, curated, etc.
Discourage disruption, demolition, and other negative impacts to historic cultural
E9.3
Resources.
3.1.10Protecting PaleontologicalResources
Paleontologicalresources,orfossils,aretheremainsand/ortracesof
prehistoric (i.e., older than approximately 10,000 years) plant and
animallife.Fossilsprovideuswithdirectevidenceofancient
organismsanddocumentthepatternsoforganicevolutionand
extinctionthathavecharacterizedthehistoryoflifeoverthepast3.4
billion years. Paleontological resources, like archaeological resources,
representalimited,non-renewable,andsensitivescientificand
educationalresource.InCalifornia,impactstopaleontological
resourcesareaddressedthroughtheenvironmentalreviewprocess
pursuant to CEQA.
Fossil remains, such as bones,
Negative impacts to
teeth, shells, and wood are found
paleontological
inthegeologicdeposits(sedimentaryrockformations)within
resources generally
whichtheywereoriginallyburied.Inthesenseofbeingburied,
take the form of
paleontologicalresourcesarelikearchaeologicalresources.
However,archaeologicalresourcesaretypicallyfoundin
physical destruction
shallowsurficialsoilsandcolluvium,whilepaleontological
of fossil remains by
resourcesarefoundindeeperbedrocklayersofsandstone,
excavationoperations.
mudstone,orshale.
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Paleontologicalresourcescanbethoughtofasincluding
notonlyactualfossilremains,butalsothelocalitieswhere
thosefossilsarecollected,andthegeologicformations(rock
units)containingthelocalities.Thisdirectrelationship
betweenfossilsandthegeologicformationswithinwhich
they are entombed is important for planning purposes.
Knowledgeofthegeologyofaparticularareaandthe
paleontological resource sensitivity (i.e., fossil productivity) of
particulargeologicformationsmakesitpossibletopredict
wherefossilsmay(ormaynot)beencountered.Anumber
ofdistinctgeologicformationsthatrecordportionsofthe
past140millionyearsofEarthhistoryarepresentwithintheGeneralPlanarea;however,the
recordismostcompleteforonlythepast42millionyears.Thegeologicformationspresent
withintheGeneralPlanareaconsistof:MissionValleyFormation;OtayFormation;SanDiego
Formation; Sweetwater Formation; Bay Point Formation; Unnamed nearshore marine sandstone;
LindavistaFormation;Unnamedriverterracedeposits;LaterQuaternaryalluvium;andSantiago
PeakVolcanics.Thepaleontologicalresourcesensitivityoftheseformationsrangesfrom
marginal to high.
Decipheringthisgeologicalandbiologicalrecordisanongoingprocessandeachyearbrings
new discoveries.This is especially the case in the City of Chula Vista, where continued growth
anddevelopmentpresentspotentialimpactstolocalpaleontologicalresources.Overthepast
20-plusyears,mitigationoftheseimpactshasresultedintherecoveryandconservationof
thousands of significant fossils, including many that represent species new to science.
Negativeimpactstopaleontologicalresourcesgenerallytaketheformofphysicaldestructionof
fossilremainsbyexcavationoperations.Burialofpaleontologicalresourcesisnotconsideredto
representasignificantimpact,sincetheresourcesarenotdestroyed.Significantimpactsto
sensitivepaleontologicalresourcescanbemitigatedthroughamitigationprogram.Typically,
mitigation occurs during construction, consisting of monitoring during excavation operations and
the recovery of significant resources. Recovered resources are then curated at an appropriate
institution,wheretheyareavailableforimmediateandfuturepaleontologicalstudyandcanbe
displayedforpublicviewing.
ChulaVistaassessesandmitigatesthepotentialimpactsofprivatedevelopmentandpublic
facilitiesandinfrastructuretopaleontologicalresourcespursuanttotheprovisionsofCEQA.
PursuanttoSection15065oftheStateCEQAGuidelines,aleadagencymustfindthataproject
mayhaveasignificanteffectontheenvironmentwheretheprojecthasthepotentialtoeliminate
important examples of the major periods of California prehistory, which includes the destruction
ofsignificantpaleontologicalresources.
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Objective-E10
Protect important paleontological resources and support and encourage
publiceducationandawarenessofsuchresources.
Policies
Continuetoassessandmitigatethepotentialimpactsofprivatedevelopment
E10.1
and public facilities and infrastructure to paleontological resources in accordance
withtheCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct.
Supportandencouragepubliceducationandawarenessoflocalpaleontological
E 10.2
resources,includingtheestablishmentofmuseumsandeducational
opportunitiesaccessibletothepublic.
3.2OpenSpace
Open space provides for the preservation of natural resources,
suchas:wildlifeandtheirhabitats;scenicvistas;unique
The Chula Vista
naturalconditions;sensitivevegetation;agriculturaluses;and
Greenbeltincorporates
productivesoils.Openspacealsocanprovideabreakinthe
developed and un-
urbanstructure,creatingvisualrelief;diversity;texture;pattern;
developed open space
andcontinuitytotheoverallpatternofdevelopment.
andpotentialnewopen
Additionally,openspacecanbeusedtolimitorrestrict
space linkages to form
development in areas exposed to significant hazards, such as:
earthquakes;landslides;fires;floods;anderosion,andasa
a continuous 28-mile
buffertoprotectsensitiveusesfromnoise.
open space and park
system around the
Thefollowingfouropenspacelandusedesignationshave
perimeter of the City.
beenestablishedtoaddressthedifferenttypesandfunctions
ofopenspaceareasthroughouttheGeneralPlanarea:Open
Space;OpenSpacePreserve;OpenSpace-ActiveRecreation;
andParksandRecreation.Thesespecificdesignationsapplytoareasthathaveanabundance
ofnaturalresources;visualresources;recreationalvalue;and/orpublicsafetyconcerns,among
other attributes.The Land Use and Transportation Element describes the open space land use
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designationsandtheirlocationsthroughouttheCity.Theaforementionedfouropenspaceland
usedesignationsaredepictedonFigure9-5asacompositeopenspacenetwork.
TheChulaVistaGreenbeltincorporatesdevelopedand
undevelopedopenspaceandpotentialnewopenspace
linkagestoformacontinuous28-mileopenspaceandpark
systemaroundtheperimeteroftheCity,servingasalimitto
theCity'surbandevelopment(Figure9-6).TheChulaVista
GreenbeltMasterPlanaddressesavarietyofissuesand
challenges,including:existingandpotentialtraillocations;
developmentstandardsforfuturetrailsandparking/staging
areas;managementandmaintenanceresponsibilities;andthe
establishmentofanopenspacenetworkthatconnectsparks
andactivityareasthroughouttheCity.
TheChulaVistaParksandRecreationMasterinventoryincludesexistingparksand
recreation facilities, a needs assessment, and policies to implement the General Plan.It also
discussesopenspaceareasandtrails.
TheOtayRanchGeneralDevelopmentPlan(GDP)governsthedevelopmentofthe23,000-acre
OtayRanch.AsapartoftheOtayRanchGDP,alargeregionaltrailsystemlinkedtopaseosand
publicparkswillprovideforavarietyofrecreationaloptions.An11,000-acreopenspacepreserve
hasbeenestablishedtoprotectmostofthenaturalresourceareaswithinOtayRanch.TheOtay
RanchGDPandOtayRanchResourceManagementPlanrecognizetheimportanceof
environmentalandlandformpreservation,andtheneedtodesignenvironmentallysensitive
communities.
The Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan addresses the planned 8,700-acre, multi-
jurisdictional regional open space system extending through the Otay River Valley from San
Diego Bay to the Otay Lakes (Figure 9-6).Opportunities exist for the park to contain substantial
preservearea,aswellasactiveandpassiverecreationareasandequestrian,hiking,andbiking
trails.
TheMultipleSpeciesConservationProgram(MSCP)isacomprehensiveprogramforthe
preservationofnumeroussensitiveplantandanimalspeciesintheregion.TheChulaVista
MSCP Subarea Plan anticipates the development of active recreation uses within portions of the
Otay River Valley and limited opportunities for trails and passive recreation within portions of the
MSCP Preserve. (See Section 3.1.1 if this element for more information on the MSCP.)
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3.2.1ConnectingandImprovingChulaOpenSpaceand
Trails Network
ChulaVistahassignificantopenspaceareaswithavariety
ofnaturalresources.TheCityhastakenamulti-track
approach to the conservation and management of its open
spaceresources,includingthepreservationofcritical
landformsandrequirementsforopenspacededicationin
masterplannedcommunities.Therearecurrentlyseveral
thousandacresofundevelopedlandthroughoutthe
GeneralPlanarea.Althoughsomeofthislandwillremain
as permanent open space and is designated as such
throughtheGeneralPlan,muchofitwillbedevelopedin
the future.
TheprimaryopenspacenetworkintheCityofChulaVistaandsouthSanDiegoCountyisthe
ChulaVistaGreenbelt(Figure9-6).Asthebackboneofanopenspaceandparksystemthat
extends throughout Chula Vista and beyond, the Greenbelt encircles urban areas, providing
visualrelief;recreationalopportunities;resourceprotection;andauniqueidentityfortheCity.
Inmasterplannedcommunities,theCityrequiresdedicationofopenspacetopreservenatural
resources and to create visual relief, diversity, and texture for the community. Some of the open
space created in this manner is within the Chula Vista Greenbelt, while the remainder is internal
tothecommunities.TheCityhasothersmallopenspaceareasoutsideofmasterplanned
communities,includingutilitycorridors,unimproveddrainagecourses,andundevelopedcanyon
areas.Parksareconsideredacomponentoftheopenspacenetwork,inlightofthevisual
reliefthattheyprovidefromthebuiltenvironment.Parkandrecreationneedsofthecommunity
areaddressedinthePublicFacilitiesandServicesElement.
ThedevelopedportionsofwesternChulaVistaincludelimitedamountsoftrailsandopenspace.
WithincreasedresidentialdensitiesandintensityofdevelopmentinthisportionoftheCity,there
willbeacorrespondingincreaseindemandforallformsofopenspace.Openspaceareasin
newer developments often lie disconnected from the Greenbelt. There are opportunities to provide
internaltrailconnections,especiallywithinexistingutilitycorridorsandalongimportant
roadways.
Trailsaredefinedaspathsusedforwalking,bicycling,horsebackriding,orotherformsof
recreation or transportation. The Greenbelt Master Plan envisions two types of trails within the
Greenbelt:multi-usetrailsandruraltrails.Multi-usetrailsaredesignedforavarietyofusers,such
as: bicyclists; equestrians; pedestrians; joggers; and other non-motorized activities; and may be
improvedwithavarietyoftrailsurfaces.Ruraltrailsprovideaccesstoopenspaceareasandare
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N.T.S.
Figure9-5
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Figure9-6
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designedtominimizeimpactstonaturalresources,limitaccess
tomaintenanceandemergencyvehicles,andmaylimitthetype
ofusers,dependingonpermittedusesintheseresourceareas.
LimitedopportunitiesexistfortrailswithinportionsoftheChula
VistaMSCPPreserve(Figures9-2and9-6).Theprovisionof
futuretrailsshouldnotonlyconsiderthosewithintheGreenbelt
andtheMSCPPreserve,butalsolandscapepromenades,
paseos,orotherurbantrails/pathsthatconnectcommunity
featuresoractivityareas,orthatconnectthecoreareaofthe
CitytotheGreenbeltandMSCPPreserve.
AsdevelopmentandpopulationgrowthinChulaVistacontinues,improvementoftheCity'sopen
spaceandtrailsnetwork,includingtheprovisionofadditionalinternalconnectionsbetweenthe
various elements of the network, will become increasingly important. The preparation of a City-
wideTrailsMasterPlanisneeded,andthecreationofconnectedpaseosandtrailsbetween
community activity areas should be encouraged. The provision of sufficient open space areas is
neededwithintheremainingdevelopmentareasoftheCity'smasterplannedcommunitiesand
withinotherlarge-scaledevelopments,suchasontheBayfront.Urbancommunity-based
infrastructurethatisdistinctfromhabitatconservationshouldbeexpandeduponand
encouraged. The retention and utilization of open space areas, including undeveloped natural
areas, utility corridors, and key scenic corridors, should be encouraged, where feasible.
Objective-E11
provisionofadditionalinternalconnectionsbetweenthevarious
elementsofthenetwork.
Policies
Provideanintegratednetworkofopenspaceareas,asneeded,throughoutthe
E11.1
Cityto serveresidents,aswellastoserveasaregionalassetandattractorof
visitors (e.g., on the bayfront and within the Otay River Valley).
Planforthelong-termpreservationandenhancementofopenspacewithinthe
E11.2
Chula Vista Greenbelt.
ConserveopenspacewithintheChulaVistaGreenbeltthroughpublicacquisition
E11.3
of private property and other acceptable conservation methods.
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PrepareandimplementaCity-wideTrailsMasterPlanthatdefinesstagingand
E11.4
accessareas,trailtypes,standards,andsitingcriteria,consistentwiththe
GreenbeltMasterPlanandtheChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlan,includingthe
placement of appropriate limitations on public access outside of designated trails
and staging and access areas.
Encouragethecreationofconnectedpaseosandtrailsbetweencommunity
E11.5
activityareasandenhancewithkiosksandreststations.
TheSweetwaterRivercorridorshouldberestoredandenhancedasan
E11.6
environmental and recreational resource for the community.
Expanduponandencourageurbancommunity-basedinfrastructurethat
E11.7
isdistinctfromhabitatconservation(e.g.,community,neighborhood,andpocket
parks,disturbedcanyons,communityandroofgardens,andvegetateddrainages)
and ensure that such facilities are integrated into new development and
redevelopment in western Chula Vista.
Developagreenbeltparkand/oropenspacesystemthroughtheBayfront
E11.8
PlanningAreatolinktheSweetwaterandOtayriversandtobuffersensitive
natural resources from development within the planning area.
Work with utility owners and operators to promote the use of utility easements
E11.9
andcorridorsasopenspaceandtrailcorridors.
Encourage the retention of open space areas, including undeveloped natural
E11.10
areas and utility corridors, wildlife corridors, and key scenic corridors.
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3.2.2ProvidingConnectionstotheRegionalOpenSpaceandTrails
Network
ChulaVista'sopenspaceandtrailnetworkabutsother
regionalopenspaceareasandtrails,including:the
BayshoreBikeway;CaliforniaRidingandHikingTrail;
Sweetwater Valley trail system; future Otay Valley Regional
Parktrailsystem;andtheopenspacepreserveinthe
unincorporatedeasternportionofOtayRanch.Some
connectionsbetweentheCity'sopenspaceandtrails
networkandtheregionalnetworkexisttoday;othersare
planned;andadditionalopportunitieswilllikelybecome
evidentasfutureregionalopenspaceandtrailsplansare
formulatedandimplemented.
FutureconnectionsbetweentheCity'sopenspaceandtrailsnetworkandtheregionalnetwork
willserveChulaVistaresidentsandvisitors,aswellassurroundingcommunities.Providingsuch
connections will require careful collaboration with the applicable agencies responsible for
planning,implementing,andmanagingthevariouscomponentsoftheregionalopenspaceand
trailsnetwork.Inaddition,opportunitiesforconnectionstotheregionalopenspaceandtrails
networkthroughdevelopmentsadjacenttothenetworkshouldbeexploredastheCityprocesses
developmentproposals.
Objective-E12
ProvideconnectionsbetweenChulaopenspaceandtrails
networkandtheregionalnetwork.
Policies
Collaborate with San Diego County, the City of San Diego, and other applicable
E12.1
agenciestoprovideconnectionsbetweenChulaVista'sopenspaceandtrails
networkandtheregionalnetwork,inaccordancewiththeChulaVistaMSCP
SubareaPlanandOtayValleyRegionalParkConceptPlan.
Exploreopportunitiesforconnectionstotheregionalopenspaceandtrails
E12.2
network through developments within the City adjacent to the network as
development proposals are reviewed and processed, and work with project
proponentsandapplicableagenciestoplan,develop,andmanagesuch
connections.
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3.2.3ExploringEcotourismOpportunities
ChulaVistaandthesouthSanDiegoCountysubregionpossess
a multitude of natural resources and ecologically-oriented
recreationalamenities,including:theSanDiegoNational
Ecotourism promotes
WildlifeRefugeComplex;SanDiegoBay;PacificOcean;
the conservation of
SweetwaterValleyRegionalPark;plannedOtayValleyRegional
naturalresourcesand
Park;OtayLakes;BayshoreBikeway;CaliforniaRidingand
contributes to the
HikingTrail;andaportionofthePeninsularRanges.SanDiego
Countyhasover200plantandanimalspeciesthatarefederally diversification and
and/or state listed as endangered, threatened, or rare; proposed
health of the
orcandidatesforlisting;orotherwiseareconsideredsensitive,
local economy.
manyofwhichoccurinthesubregion.Theseandmanyother
speciesofplants;fish;amphibians;reptiles;birds(including
migratory species); and mammals reside within the vast array of
upland and wetland habitats of the subregion's coastal, inland,
andmountainareas.Thenaturalresourcesandecologically-orientedrecreationalamenitiesofthe
subregionarepresentlyenjoyedbylocalresidentsaswellasvisitorsfromthroughoutthe
southernCalifornia/northernBajaCaliforniabinationalregionandbeyond.
TheInternationalEcotoursimSocietydefinesecotourismas
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the well-being of local people."
ChulaVistaandthesouthSanDiegoCountysubregion
possessuniqueandvariednaturalresourcesand
ecologically-oriented recreational amenities. Ecotourism
alsopromotestheconservationofnaturalresourcesand
contributestothediversificationandhealthofthelocal
economy.Giventheecologicalandeconomicbenefitsthat
couldbederivedfromecotourisminChulaVistaandthe
subregion,itspotentialviabilityisworthyofexploration.
Objective-E13
Acknowledgetheuniquenessofthenaturalresourcesandecologically-
oriented recreational amenities in Chula Vista and the south San Diego
Countysubregionandthepotentialviabilityofecotourismtoenhance
economicandenvironmentalsustainability.
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Policies
CollaboratewithotherjurisdictionsandagencieswithinChulaVistaandinthe
E13.1
southSanDiegoCountysubregiontoexplorethepotentialviabilityofnear-term
and long-term ecotourism opportunities, and to promote such opportunities.
3.3NaturalHazards
NaturalhazardsinChulaVistaareassociatedwithearthquakes;landslides;slopeinstability;
flooding;daminundation;andwildlandfires.Thissectionidentifiestheenvironmentalsafety
hazardsfacingexistingandnewdevelopmentinChulaVistaandincludesgeneralhazardand
riskreductionstrategiesandpolicies,suchasthemitigationofhazardsthroughavoidancein
newdevelopmentandredevelopment.
3.3.1IdentifyingandLimitingGeologicHazards
Seismic Hazards
ChulaGeneralPlanareaissituatedwithinseismically
Planning for a safe
activesouthernCalifornia.WhilenoknownAlquist-Priolo
communityrequires
Earthquake Fault Zones or active faults (i.e., faults that exhibit
evidenceofgrounddisplacementduringthelast11,000years)
consideration of
traverse Chula Vista, traces of the potentially active La Nacion
geologic hazards.
faultzoneareknowntocrosstheCityinagenerallynorth-
Incorporating proper
southdirectionwithinthecentralportionoftheCity(Figure9-
geotechnical
7).ThegreatestmagnitudeearthquakeexpectedontheLa
engineering techniques
Nacionfaultisestimatedtobe6.0.Thenearestactivefaultsare
indevelopmentprojects
theRoseCanyonfault,locatedapproximately14miles
can reduce the risks
northwestoftheCity,andtheCoronadoBankfault,located
approximately30milesfromtheCity.Otheractivefaultsinthe
associated with
regionarelocatedmorethan60milesfromtheCity.
geologic hazards to an
acceptable level.
Ingeneral,hazardsassociatedwithseismicactivityinclude:
stronggroundmotion;groundsurfacerupture;liquefaction;
and seismically induced settlement.Ground surface rupture is not considered likely to occur in
theGeneralPlanarea,duetotheabsenceofanyknownactivefaults.Lurchingorcracking
ofthegroundsurfaceasaresultofnearbyordistantseismiceventsisalsoconsideredunlikely.
Strongvibrationsduetoearthquakescancauseliquefactionofcertainsoiltypes.AreasofChula
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Vista in close proximity to San Diego Bay and the Sweewater and Otay River Valley (Figure 9-7)
haveshallowgroundwatertablesandpoorlyconsolidatedgranularsedimentspotentiallysubject
to seismically-induced liquefaction. Seismic activity within the region can cause structures to fail,
resulting in significant property damage, business disruptions, injuries and even loss of life.
Landslides and Slope Instability
Areasofknownlandslides,orareasgenerallysusceptibleto
landsliding,withintheGeneralPlanareahavebeenidentified(see
Figure9-7).Thepotentialforearthquake-inducedlandslidingin
hillsideterrainisalsopresent.Slopessteeperthan25degrees
(approximately 2:1) are potentially subject to instability. Such areas may
be prone to hazards such as: surficial failures; earthflows; debris flow;
mudslides;rockfalls;soilcreep;anderosion.Failuresofman-made
slopescouldalsooccurinsomeofthepreviouslydevelopedareasof
the City.
Planningforasafecommunityrequiresconsiderationofgeologic
hazards. Incorporatingproper geotechnical engineering techniques in
development projects can reduce the risks associated with geologic hazards to an acceptable
level.
TheStateHistoricalBuildingCodeisatoolthatisavailabletotheCitytoensurereasonable
safetyofhistoricallysignificantbuildingsfromgeologichazardswhilefacilitatingthe
maintenanceofthehistoricalintegrityofsuchbuildings.
Objective-E14
Minimize the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage associated
withgeologichazards.
Policies
Tothemaximumextentpracticable,protectagainstinjury,lossoflife,and
E14.1
majorpropertydamagethroughengineeringanalysesofpotentialseismic
hazards,appropriateengineeringdesign,andthestringentenforcementofall
applicableregulationsandstandards.
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Figure9-7
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Prohibitthesubdivision,grading,ordevelopmentoflandssubjecttopotential
E 14.2
geologichazardsintheabsenceofadequateevidencedemonstratingthatsuch
development would not be adversely affected by such hazards and would not
adverselyaffectsurroundingproperties.
Require site-specific geotechnical investigations for proposalswithin areas subject
E 14.3
topotentialgeologichazards;andensureimplementationofallmeasures
deemednecessarybytheCityEngineerand/orBuildingOfficialtoavoidor
adequatelymitigatesuchhazards.
Promoteprogramstoidentifyun-reinforcedmasonrybuildingsandother
E 14.4
buildings and structures that would be at risk during seismic events; and promote
strengtheningofthesebuildingsandstructures,whereappropriate.
Wherever feasible, land uses, buildings, and other structures determined to be
E14.5
unsafe from geologic hazards shall be discontinued, removed, or relocated.
3.3.2IdentifyingandLimitingFloodHazards
Duringsevererainseasons,low-lyingareasalongthefloodplainsoftheSweetwaterandOtay
Rivers and several of their tributaries, including Telegraph Canyon Creek, Poggi Channel, Salt
Creek, and Jamul (Dulzura) Creek, as well as certain drainage facilities, may experience flooding.
Dams, levees, reservoirs and drainage channels have been constructed to control the drainage of
muchofthewatershedfortheGeneralPlanarea,therebyreducingthepotentialforhazardous
floodingofdevelopedareas.TheFederalEmergencyManagement Agency(FEMA)hasdelineated
inundationareasfor100-and500-yearfloods.Areasdesignatedtobewithinthe100-yearflood
zone are shown on Figure 9-8.
Figure 9-8 also depicts areas subject to flood inundation in the event of failure of the Sweetwater,
UpperOtay,orSavage(LowerOtay)Dams.Damstypicallyfailduetoovertoppingbyreservoir
water during heavy rainfall episodes, structural damage, and earthquake-related hazards such as
landsliding,groundshaking,andseiches,whicharewavesinanenclosedorsemi-enclosedbody
of water, such as a lake or bay.
Tsunamis,longwavelengthseismicseawavesgeneratedbysuddenmovementsoftheocean
bottomduringsubmarineearthquakes,landslides,orvolcanicactivity,conceivablycouldhave
adverseeffectsonthecoastalareasofChulaVista.However,becausetheCityisadjacenttoa
relativelyprotectedpartoftheSanDiegoBay,thepotentialforsignificantwavedamageis
consideredlow.Intheunlikelyeventofthedevelopmentofnoticeableseiches,itisconceivable
thatlocalareasadjacenttotheOtayLakesandtheSanDiegoBaycouldbeimpactedbywave
activity.
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Floodingassociatedwithheavyrainfallepisodes,aswellasdamfailure,poseasignificant
hazard to people and property. Although much less likely to occur, tsunamis and seiches also
represent potential flood hazards in portions of Chula Vista in proximity to the San Diego Bay
and the Otay Lakes. Furthermore, flooding can result in costly damage to private and public
property and infrastructure and by damaging roadways and creating unsafe driving conditions,
flooding impedes traffic and disrupts business operations.
Objective-E15
Minimize the risk of injury and property damage associated with flood
hazards.
Policies
E 15.1 Prohibitproposalstosubdivide,grade,ordeveloplandsthataresubjectto
potential flood hazards, unless adequate evidence is provided that demonstrates
thatsuchproposalswouldnotbeadverselyaffectedbypotentialfloodhazards
andthatsuchproposalswouldnotadverselyaffectsurroundingproperties.
Require site-specific hydrological investigations for proposals within areas subject topotential
floodhazards;andimplementallmeasuresdeemednecessarybythe City
Engineertoavoidoradequatelymitigatepotentialfloodhazards.
E 15.2 Wherever feasible, land uses, buildings, and other structures determined to be
unsafefromfloodhazardsshallbediscontinued,removed,orrelocated.
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3.3.3Identifyingand Limiting WildlandFire Hazards
Wildlandfireriskzonesareareasthathavesteepslopes,limited
precipitation, and plenty of available fuel, or combustible plant
material.WildlandfireriskzonesdesignatedbytheCalifornia
DepartmentofForestryandFireProtectionin1999aredepicted
onFigure9-9,portionsofwhichhavesubsequentlybeen
convertedtourbandevelopment.Brushmanagementisrequired
tobeundertakenintheCityinareaswhereurbandevelopment
interfaceswithopenspace,inordertoreducefirefuelloadsand
reducepotentialfirehazard.TheCityadoptedthe1997editionof
theUrban-WildlandInterfaceCode(UWIC)asapartoftheChula
Vista Municipal Code, which became effective in 1999, and subsequently adopted the 2000
edition of the UWIC in 2002. The City is currently reviewing the 2003 edition of the International
Urban-Wildland Interface Code with the intent to incorporate amendments appropriate to local
conditionsintotheUWIC.ThepurposeoftheUWICistolessentherisktolifeand
structuresfromintrusionoffirefromwildlandfireexposuresandfireexposuresfromadjacent
structures and to prevent structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels.The Chula Vista MSCP
SubareaPlanalsoprovidesbrushmanagementguidelinesforreducingpotentialfirehazardsfor
existing and new communities within the City.The MSCP Subarea Plan references provisions for
emergencybrushmanagementactivitiesconductedatthediscretionoftheFireMarshal.
SinceChulaVistareceiveslimitedprecipitation,thepotentialforwildland firesrepresentsa
significanthazardwithinareasoftheCity.However,implementingappropriatetechniques,
consistentwiththeChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlanandtheCity'sUWIC,canreducesuch
hazards.
Objective-E16
Minimize the risk of injury and property damage associated with
wildlandfirehazards.
Policies
Implement brush management programs that which are consistent with the
E16.1
ChulaVistaMSCPSubareaPlanandtheCity'sUrban-WildlandInterfaceCode,
withinurbandevelopmentandopenspaceinterfaceareasinordertoreduce
potential wildland fire hazards. Brush management guidelines with in the MSCP
SubareaPlanandtheUrban-WildlandInterfaceCodeshallincludelimitsand
measurestopreventincreasedriskoferosion.
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3.4HazardousMaterialsandWaste
Hazardousmaterialsareused,transported,produced,andstoredforavarietyofpurposesin
Chula Vista.Associated with commercial, lightindustrial, public, and residential areas,
hazardousmaterialshavethepotentialtoimpairpublichealthanddegradetheenvironment.
Hazardous materials may exhibit toxic, corrosive, reactive, and/or flammable characteristics. The
riskposedbyaparticularmaterialdependsonitschemicalcomposition,physicalstate,and
concentration.Riskalsodependsonmanagementandhandlingtechniques,aswellasthe
number of people exposed to the materials.Protecting the public from potential threat requires
addressingtheseriskfactors.
Regulations
Federal,stateandcountyagenciescloselyregulatehazardousmaterialstoprotectpublichealth
and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, State of California
Environmental Protection Agencyand the Hazardous Materials Management Division of the
County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health regulate and issue permits for the use,
storage,disposal,andtransportofhazardousmaterials.Conditionsofsuchpermitsrequire
precautionarymeasurestominimizepotentialrisks.
3.4.1RemediationofContaminatedSites
Asearchoffederal,stateandlocaldatabasesidentified
numerousknownandpotentiallycontaminatedsites
withinandimmediatelyadjacenttoChulaVista.The
majorityofthesesitesarelocatedinolderindustrialand
commercialareaswestofInterstate805andalongMain
StreeteastofInterstate805.Knownandpotentially
contaminatedsiteswithinChulaVistaareprimarily
associatedwithunauthorizedreleasesofoiland
hazardous substances (e.g., leaking underground storage
tanks);formersolidandhazardouswastedisposaland
transfer sites; use, storage, and transport of hazardous
materials;andhazardouswastegeneration.
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Futureredevelopmentofcontaminatedsitescouldbeimpairedunlessadequateremediationof
suchsitesoccurs.RedevelopmentproposalswillcontinuetobereviewedbytheCityto
determine the presence and extent of contamination affecting redevelopment project sites.
Remediation of contaminated sites will continue to be required of developers, as necessary, to
protectpublichealthandsafety,inaccordancewiththerecommendationsofappropriate
environmentalassessmentsandconsistentwithallapplicableregulationsandstandards.
Objective-E17
Ensuretheadequateremediationofcontaminatedsitesas
redevelopmentoccursinordertoprotectpublichealthandsafety.
Policies
Cleancontaminatedsitestoprotectivelimitstoensurethatplannedfutureusesof
E17.1
suchsitesandpublichealthandsafetyarenotcompromised.
Prior to the redevelopment of contaminated sites, ensure adequate remediation in
E17.2
accordance with the recommendations of appropriate environmental assessments
andconsistentwithallapplicableregulationsandstandards.
3.4.2 ManagingHouseholdHazardousWaste
Householdhazardouswaste(HHW)generatedbyChulaVista
residentscannotbedisposedofatthelocalandregionallandfills
servingtheCityandis,therefore,handledseparatelyfromnon-
hazardoussolidwaste.HHWincludes:usedmotoroil;latexandoil
basedpaints;usedantifreeze;cleaningproducts;aerosolcontainers;
dry cell and automotive batteries; pesticides and garden chemicals;
andsolvents.ChulaVista'sHHWeffortsaredesignedtoprovidea
meanstosafelycollect,recycle,treat,anddisposeofHHW.Chula
Vista'scurrentHHWprogram,initiatedin1997,includesatemporary
storagefacilitylocatedattheCity'sJohnLippittPublicWorksCenteron
MaxwellRoad.Thisfacilitywasdesignedasaregionalfacilityto
accommodate waste from the South Bay area, including areas outside
theCitylimits.ThemajorityoftheHHWcollectedattheCity'sfacilityis
reusedor recycled and is, thus, diverted fromlandfill disposal. HHW is sent to variouslocations
throughouttheUnitedStatesfortreatmentand/orrecycling.InadditiontotheCity'sHHWfacility,
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theCityprovidesfreecurbsideusedmotoroilandoilfiltercollectionthroughitssolidwaste
collection franchisee. Source reduction, a form of diversion, is promoted through public education
on alternatives to toxic products. The City plans to expand its HHW program to include
conditionally exempt, small-quantity generators, such as small group painters and very small-
scalemobileautomobilemechanics.
IntheabsenceofconvenientandaffordableHHWcollectionfacilitiesandsufficientpublic
education,theextentofimproperHHWdisposalwouldlikelybegreat.Theadverseimpactsof
improper HHW disposal to the environment and to public health and safety warrant significant
efforts to facilitate proper disposal. Public education on alternatives to toxic products can yield a
reductionofHHWsourcesand,inturn,areductioninHHWgeneration;therefore,suchefforts
are also warranted.
Objective-E18
Minimizetheuseoftoxicproductsbyresidentsandsmallbusinesses
andfacilitatetheproperdisposalofhouseholdhazardouswaste.
Policies
Provideconvenientandaffordablehouseholdhazardouswastecollectionfacilities
E18.1
and services for residents and small businesses, including City facilities, community
collectionevents,andcurbsidecollection.
Minimizetheuseoftoxicproductsbyresidentsandsmallbusinessesthroughpublic
E18.2
educationonalternativeproductsandmethods.
3.4.3SitingHazardousWasteFacilities
Products as diverse as gasoline; paint; solvents; film-processing chemicals; household cleaning
products;refrigerants;andradioactivesubstancesarecategorizedashazardousmaterials.After
use, or processing, hazardous materials that remain are considered hazardouswaste. Nearly all
industryandbusinessesinChulaVistageneratesomeamountofhazardouswaste.Hazardous
wasteisofconcerninlightofpotentialadversepublichealthandsafetyandenvironmental
impacts that can result from the improper handling and disposal of such materials. Therefore, the
appropriatesitingofhazardouswastestorage,collection,treatment,disposalandtransferfacilities
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ENVIRONMENTAL
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isimportant.Alsoimportantisthesitingofsuchfacilitiesinrelativelycloseproximityto
generation sources in order to facilitate proper and efficient disposal of hazardous waste and to
reducethetransportofhazardouswastewithintheCity.
be established. Proposed hazardous waste facilities willbe considered only if they are withinthe
industrialzonedgeneralareasshownonFigure9-10andmeetspecificsiting,design,and
operatingcriteriaas,definedinPolicyE19.1below,asestablishedbytheChulaVistaZoning
Code,andpursuanttositingcriteriaguidelinesestablishedbytheCity.
Objective-E19
Maintaintheabilitytoestablishhazardouswastestorage,collection,
treatment,disposal,andtransferfacilitiestoservetheneedsofChula
VistaindustryandbusinesseswithinappropriatelocationsoftheCity,
whileensuringadequateprotectionofthecommunity.
Policies
Proposals for hazardous waste storage, collection, treatment, disposal, and transfer facilities
E19.1
shall be accepted for review, only if located on industrial-zoned land within a designated
generalarea,asshownonFigure9-10.Theproposalshallbereviewed, baseduponthe
followingcriteria:
Theapplicationshallincluderiskassessments,environmentalreviews,andother
reports necessary to determine project impacts on the environment.
Ahealthriskassessment,asdescribedintheChulaVistaZoningCode,
shallbe preparedunderthedirectionoftheCity,theLocalAssessmentCommittee
(LAC) and any Ad Hoc Technical Committees that may be created to advise the City
and the LAC on such matters.
All facilities shall be a minimum of 1,000 feet from any residential zone;
residence;school;hospital;hotel;motel;orothersimilarlanduse.
Setback or buffer areas shall be precluded from future residential uses
through propertyrestrictions,suchaseasementsorcovenants,and,where
appropriate, through zoning.
PageE-65
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
GeneralAreasMap
LEGEND
General Plan Boundary
City Boundary
GeneralArea
NORTH
N.T.S.
Figure9-10
PageE-66
ENVIRONMENTAL
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Specialdesignfeaturesand/oron-siteemergencyservicesmayberequiredwhere
deemednecessarytofacilitatetheadequatehandlingofhazardousmaterials
accidents.
Atraffic/transportationstudyshallbepreparedaspartoftheenvironmental
analysisandhealthriskassessment.Thestudyshalladdresstheproximityofthe
proposedfacilityto areasofwastegeneration;thedistancealongminorand
majorroutesfromareasofwastegenerationtotheproposedfacility,andfrom
theproposedfacilitytothefreeway;thenumberandtypesofresidences,schools,
hospitals and shopping centers fronting the affected minor and major routes; and
thehighwayaccidentrate,asdeterminedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentof
Transportation, along highways identified as part of the transportation route.
Establish hazardous waste facility siting criteria guidelines that will ensure adequate
E 19.2
protectionofthecommunity,tobeutilizedintheevaluationofhazardouswaste
FacilitiesproposedwithinthegeneralareasestablishedbytheCity.
3.4.4SitingandManagingFacilitiesThatUse,Store,andHandle
Hazardous Materials and Waste
Theuse,storage,andhandlingofhazardousmaterialsand
waste within Chula Vista are rigorously controlled by federal,
state,andlocalregulations.TheCityusesavarietyoftools
toregulatefacilitiesthatuse,store,andhandlehazardous
materialsandwasteinordertoensurecompatibilitywith
existingandplannedsurroundinglanduses.Theprimary
toolsutilizedbytheCityarezoningregulations,
environmentalreviewofproposeddevelopmentsin
accordancewiththeCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct,
and the issuance of business licenses.
AsdevelopmentandredevelopmentinChulaVistacontinues,thepotentialexistsforfacilitiesthat
use,store,andhandlehazardousmaterialsandwastetobesitedinlocationswheresuch
activitiesmaybeincompatiblewithexistingandplannedsurroundinglanduses.Throughtheuse
of appropriate tools, the City will ensure that facilities using, storing, and handling hazardous
materials and waste will be appropriately sited and that the operation of such facilities will be
regulatedsuchthatsignificantadverseeffectstosurroundinglanduseswillbeavoided.
PageE-67
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Objective-E20
Ensurethatfacilitiesusing,storing,andhandlinghazardousmaterials
andwastedonotresultinsignificantadverseeffectstoexistingand
planned surrounding land uses.
Policies
Onaperiodicbasis,reviewandmodify,wherenecessary,theCity'szoningregulations
E20.1
toensurethatadequateprovisionsareinplacetoavoidadverseeffectsto
surrounding land uses from facilities using, storing, and handling hazardous
materials and waste.
Through the environmental review of proposed developments, in accordance with the
E20.2
CaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct,theCityshallensurethatsignificantand
potentially significant adverse effects from facilities using, storing, and handling
hazardousmaterialsandwastetoexistingandplannedsurroundinglanduseswill
be avoided.
Priortotheissuanceorrenewalofbusinesslicensesforbusinessesinvolving
E20.3
hazardousmaterialsand/orgeneratinghazardouswaste,theCityshallcontinueto
requirelicenseestoprepareandsubmitanacceptableBusinessPlanandRisk
Management Prevention Program to the County Departmentof Environmental Health,
asapplicable,andtoobtainallothernecessarylicensesandpermits.
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3.5Noise
3.5.1ProtectingPeoplefromExcessiveNoise
NoiseConditionsinChulaVista
UrbanizationinChulaVistahasresultedinasteadyincreasein
noise levels throughout the area. Many sources contribute to the
To establish the
noiselevelsexperiencedwithinChulaVista,including:vehicular
compatibility of
traffic;activecommercialandbusinesscenters;airconditioning
various land uses
systems;andtheoperationoflandscapeequipment.InChula
with exterior noise
Vista,themostprevalentnoisesourceisvehiculartraffic.Traffic
levels, the City uses
noiseisgreatestaroundfreeways.Othernoisesourcesinclude
Community Noise
theSanDiegoTrolley,operatedduringdaytimeandevening
hours,andfreightserviceintermittentlyoperatedonthesame
Equivalent Level, or
raillinesatnightwhenthetrolleyisnotinservice.Coors
CNEL,initsplanning
Amphitheaterandindustrialoperations,suchastheOtay
guidelines.
Landfill,theSouthBayPowerPlantandtheChulaVista
Generating Station, also generate noise. Finally, activities
associatedwithvariouscommercialactivitiesandoperationsgeneratenoisethroughouttheCity.
Noise levels can be estimated and represented as noise contour lines, which indicate the area
subjecttoaparticularnoiselevel.Figures9-11and9-12
showtheestimatedexistingandprojectedfuturenoise
contoursinChulaVista,basedonrecenttrafficvolume
countsandprojected2030trafficvolumes.Ingeneral,
noiselevelsareprojectedtoincrease,duetothe
construction of new roads and increasing trafficvolumes
throughouttheCityandtheregion.Figure9-13shows
Brown Field year 2000 aircraft-produced noise contours,
ascontainedintheadopted1981BrownField
ComprehensiveLandUsePlan(CLUP).Althoughthe
BrownFieldAirportInfluenceAreaextendsintothe
GeneralPlanareaandintotheCity,theexistingand
plannedlanduseswithinthisareaarecompatiblewiththelandusenoisecompatibility
guidelinescontainedinTable9-1andwiththeadoptedBrownFieldCLUP.
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NoisePlanningandStandards
Landusesthatgeneratesignificantnoiseshouldbeseparatedfromusesthatareparticularly
sensitivetonoise.Noisesensitivelandusesconsistprimarilyofresidences,butalsoinclude
schools; hospitals; libraries; parks; and places of worship.To establish the compatibility of various
landuseswithexteriornoiselevels,theCityusesCommunityNoiseEquivalentLevel,orCNEL,in
itsplanningguidelines.CNELtakesintoaccounttheheightenedsensitivityofpersonstonoise
duringeveningandnighttimeperiods.
Table9-1
TABLE9-2
EXTERIORLAND USE/NOISE COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES
ExteriorLandUse-NoiseCompatibilityGuidelines
AnnualCNEL in Decibels
LandUse505560657075
Residential
Schools, Libraries, Daycare Facilities, Convalescent Homes,
OutdoorUseAreas,andOtherSimilarUsesConsideredNoise
Sensitive
NeighborhoodParks,Playgrounds
CommunityParks,AthleticFields
OfficesandProfessional
PlacesofWorship(excludingoutdooruseareas)
GolfCourses
RetailandWholesaleCommercial,Restaurants,MovieTheaters
Industrial,Manufacturing
Table9-2illustratesChulaVista'sexteriorlanduse-noisecompatibilityguidelines.These
guidelinesreflectthelevelsofnoiseexposurethataregenerallyconsideredtobecompatiblewith
varioustypesoflanduses.Theseguidelinesaretobeusedatthelanduseplanningstage,for
noiseimpactassessments,andtodeterminemitigationrequirementsfordevelopmentproposals.
The noise control ordinance of the Chula Vista Municipal Code establishes noise level limits for
individualgenerators.Noiselevellimitsvary,baseduponthetypeofreceivinglanduse(s)and
timeofday.Inadditiontoregulatingnoisegenerators,thenoisecontrolordinancelimitsare
usedinnoiseimpactassessmentstodeterminemitigationrequirementsforproposedgenerators
ofnoisetoensurethattheywillnotadverselyimpactsurroundinglanduses.Conversely,the
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
PageE-70
ExistingNoiseContourMap
Figure9-11
PageE-71
BLANK
Projected2030NoiseContourMap
Figure9-12
BLANK
BrownFieldYear2000NoiseContourMap
ProjectedAircraft-ProducedCommunityNoiseEquivalentLevel
(CNEL)Contours
MapSource:SanDiegoAssociationofGovernments,ComprehensiveLandUsePlan,BrownField,SanDiego,CA1981
PageE-75
Figure9-13
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guidelines listed in Table 9-2 reflect the total noise exposure, including vehicular traffic noise
levelsthatarenotregulatedbythenoisecontrolordinance,thatiscompatiblewithaparticular
landuse.Becausethenoisecontrolordinanceservesapurposethatisdistinctfromthe
guidelines within in Table 9-2, the noise control ordinance and the guidelines in Table 9-2 neither
conflictwithnorcontradictoneanother.
Varioustypesoflandusescanbeadverselyaffectedbyexcessivenoise.Thelevelofnoise
exposure that is generally considered compatible varies by land use type, as illustrated in Table 9-
2. However, the character (e.g., urban versus suburban) of the area where a particular land use is
proposedtobelocatedand/orthenatureofthenoisethataparticularlandusewouldbe
exposed to can affect this relationship. Therefore, the guidelines listed in Table 9-2 are intended to
beconsideredandappliedinlightofproject-specificconsiderations.
Objective-E21
Protectpeoplefromexcessivenoisethroughcarefullanduseplanning
andtheincorporationofappropriatemitigationtechniques.
Policies
Applytheexteriorlanduse-noisecompatibilityguidelineslistedinTable9-2
E21.1
ofthisEnvironmentalElementtonewdevelopment,whereapplicable,andinlight
ofproject-specificconsiderations.
Where applicable, t he assessment and mitigation of interior noise levels shall
E21.2
adhere to the applicable requirements of the California Building Code with local
amendmentsandotherapplicableestablishedCitystandards.
Promotetheuseofavailabletechnologiesinbuildingconstructiontoimprove
E21.3
noiseattenuationcapacities.
ContinuetoimplementandenforcetheCity'snoisecontrolordinance.
E21.4
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3.5.2MinimizingTransportationNoise
Vehiculartrafficnoiseassociatedwithagivenroadwayisafactorof
trafficvolume,thetypesofvehiclesutilizingtheroadway,andthe
speedsatwhichtheytravel.Astrafficvolumesincreaseordecrease,
noiseincreasesordecreases.Heavyvehiclesandtrucksproduce
significantlymorenoisethanautomobiles.Noiseproducedona
roadway is directly proportional to traffic speed.Therefore, lower traffic
speedsandtrafficcalmingdevices(e.g.,narrowroadways,on-street
parkingincommercialandmixedusedistricts)resultina
commensuratedecreaseinnoiselevels.
The electric-powered San Diego Trolley presently extends
through Chula Vista parallel to Interstate 5. With the exception
of warning horns and audible crossing gates, electric-powered
trolleys are relatively quiet.While the intermittent nature of
trolley operations does not significantly increase daily average
noiseexposure,limitingat-gradecrossingsofroadswould
decreasenoiselevelsbyreducingthenumberofrequired
audible crossing gates and warning signals.
Minimizingtrafficnoisecanresultfromreductionsintrafficvolume,decreasesinthenumberof
trucksandheavyvehiclesonaroadway,anddecreasingtrafficspeeds.Othermethodsof
reducingandmitigatingtrafficnoiselevelsareassociatedwithchangesinroadwaymaterialand
the construction of barriers between roadways and adjacent land uses.Dense or open graded
asphalt road surfaces produce less source noise than does Portland concrete cement.The
greatestnoisereductionattributabletoroadwaysurfacehasbeenachievedthroughtheuseof
rubberizedasphalt.Barriersreducenoiseexposurebyinterruptingthelineofsightfromthenoise
source to the receiver.The effectiveness of a barrier is dependent upon the height of the barrier,
thequalityofconstruction,andthebarriermaterialmassandacousticalproperties.
Objective-E22
Protectthecommunityfromtheeffectsoftransportationnoise.
PageE-77
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Vista
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Policies
Worktostabilizetrafficvolumesinresidentialneighborhoodsbylimitingthroughways
E22.1
andbyfacilitatingtheuseofalternativeroutesaround,ratherthanthrough,
Neighborhoods.
Explorethefeasibilityofusingnewtechnologiestominimizetrafficnoise,suchasuse
E22.2
ofrubberizedasphaltinroadsurfacematerials.
Employtrafficcalmingmeasures,whereappropriate,suchasnarrowroadwaysand
E22.3
on-streetparking,incommercialandmixedusedistricts.
E22.4 Encouragewalking;biking;carpooling;useofpublictransit;andotheralternative
modes of transportation to minimize vehicular use and associated traffic noise.
Require projects to construct appropriate mitigation measures in order to attenuate
E22.5
existing and projected traffic noise levels, in accordance with applicable standards,
including the exterior land use/noise compatibility guidelines listed in Table 9-2 of this
EnvironmentalElement.
3.6EnvironmentalJustice
Environmental justice is introduced, defined and discussed in Section 1.6 of this Environmental
Element.Pleaserefertothatsection,andotherrelatedsectionsofthisdocumentforadditional
background
ThefollowingobjectiveandpoliciesaugmentotherpartsofthisGeneralPlanthathelptofurther,
atthelocallevelsomeofthecomceptsandprinciplesthathaveemergedregardingthistopicat
atthenational,state,andregionallevels.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
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Objective-E23
Provide fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and income levels
with respect to development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement
ofenvironmentallaws,regulationsandpolicies.
Policies
E 23.1 Provide public outreach efforts and public involvement opportunities for residents
affectedbyproposedCityprojects.
E23.2 Planfortheequitabledistributionofpublicfacilitiesandservices.
E 23.3 Donotsiteindustrialfacilitiesandusesthatposeasignificanthazardtohuman
healthandsafetyinproximitytoschoolsorresidentialdwellings.
E 23.4 Buildnewschoolsandresidentialdwellingswithsufficientseparationand
bufferingfromindustrialfacilitiesandusesthatposeasignificanthazardto
human health and safety.
E 23.5 Promote more livable communities by expanding opportunities for transit-oriented
development.
PageE-79
CityofChulaVistaGeneralPlan
TableofContents
1.0INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................4
1.1.Relationship to Other Documents................................................................................................4
1.1.1.................................................................................................4
1.1.2.......................................................5
1.1.3................................................................................5
1.1.4.-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan...........................................................5
1.1.5.Climate Action Plan...............................................................................................................6
1.1.6.Sustainable Communities Strategy.......................................................................................6
2.0NATURAL & MAN-MADE HAZARDS ANALYSIS..................................................................................8
2.1.Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................8
2.1.1.Planning Area........................................................................................................................8
2.2.Geologic Hazards...........................................................................................................................8
2.2.1.Seismic Hazards...................................................................................................................11
2.2.2.Landslides............................................................................................................................18
2.2.3.Subsidence..........................................................................................................................19
2.2.4.Expansive Soils....................................................................................................................19
2.2.5.Tsunamisand Seiches.........................................................................................................21
2.3.Fire Hazards.................................................................................................................................24
2.3.1.Wildland Fires.....................................................................................................................24
2.3.2.Fire Hazard Severity Zones..................................................................................................24
2.4.Flooding.......................................................................................................................................27
2.4.1.Major Sources of Flooding..................................................................................................27
2.4.2.Dam Inundation..................................................................................................................30
2.4.3.Drainage System.................................................................................................................32
2.5.Climate Change and Resilience...................................................................................................34
2.5.1.Climate Change...................................................................................................................34
2.5.2.Extreme Heat......................................................................................................................34
2.5.3.Sea Level Rise......................................................................................................................35
2.5.4.Resilience............................................................................................................................37
2.5.5.Vulnerability Assessment Summary....................................................................................37
2.5.6.Critical Facilities..................................................................................................................37
2.6.Drought.......................................................................................................................................43
2.6.1.Drought Severity.................................................................................................................44
2.6.2.California Drought History..................................................................................................46
2.6.3.Water Supply.......................................................................................................................47
2.7.Hazardous Materials...................................................................................................................49
2.7.1.Hazardous Materials Incidents............................................................................................50
2.7.2.Transportation of Hazardous Materials..............................................................................50
2.7.3.Hazardous Materials Sites...................................................................................................50
2.7.4.Household Hazardous Waste Program...............................................................................55
2.8.Emergency Planning/Response...................................................................................................55
2.8.1.Emergency Operations Plan................................................................................................55
City of Chula Vista1
2.8.2.Emergency Preparedness Program.....................................................................................56
2.8.3.Public Safety Services..........................................................................................................57
2.8.4.Evacuation Routes...............................................................................................................58
3.0GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS.....................................................................................................63
ListofTables
Table 1: Geology...........................................................................................................................................9
Table 2: Local Climate Change Snapshot....................................................................................................34
Table 3: California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise (SLR) Projections..................................................35
Table 4: Critical Facilities List......................................................................................................................38
Table 5: Drought Severity Classification.....................................................................................................44
Table 6: Historical Droughts........................................................................................................................46
Table 7: Hazardous Materials Sites.............................................................................................................51
ListofFigures
Figure 1: Geology........................................................................................................................................10
Figure 2: Regional Fault Locations..............................................................................................................14
Figure 3: Local Fault Locations....................................................................................................................15
Figure 4: Shake Potential Map....................................................................................................................16
Figure 5: Liquefaction Zones.......................................................................................................................17
Figure 6: Landslide Areas............................................................................................................................20
Figure 7: Soils..............................................................................................................................................22
Figure 8: Tsunami Map...............................................................................................................................23
Figure 9: Fire Hazard Severity Zone............................................................................................................26
Figure 10: FEMA Flood Zones......................................................................................................................29
Figure 11: Reservoir Inundation..................................................................................................................31
Figure 12: Watersheds................................................................................................................................33
Figure 13: Sea Level Rise.............................................................................................................................36
Figure 14: Critical Facilities Map A..............................................................................................................41
Figure 15: Critical Facilities Map B..............................................................................................................42
Figure 16: California Drought Map.............................................................................................................45
Figure 17: California American Water Service Area Map...........................................................................48
Figure 18: Hazardous Materials Sites..........................................................................................................54
Figure 19: Evacuation Routes Map.............................................................................................................60
Figure 20: Evacuation Route Vulnerable Neighborhoods...........................................................................62
City of Chula Vista2
City of Chula Vista3
A community's safety and well-being can be influenced by many natural and man-made hazards. The Safety
Element is a mandatory chapter of a jurisdiction's General Plan, as required by California Government Code
Section 65302, and addresses the need to protect citizens from risks associated with natural and man-made
hazards. Natural hazards constitute natural phenomena and include naturally occurring events like geologic
and seismic activity, wildfire, flooding, and drought. Conversely, man-made hazards are hazardous events
that are caused by human activity. Man-made hazards may include hazardous materials spills, terrorism,
sabotage, crime, and human-caused health crises or fires.
These hazards have the potential to cause serious impacts on the City of ChulaVista and its residents. The
Safety Element contains goals, policies, and actions to reduce the potential short-and long-term risk of
death, injuries, property damage, economic damage, and social dislocation associated with hazards. The
City's response to these issues will determine its success in maintaining and attracting residents and
businesses. Chula Vistawill address safety issues comprehensively to ensure an enjoyable, safe, and healthy
environment for Chula Vista's residents, workforce, and visitors.
1.1.Relationship to Other Documents
The Safety Element works jointly with other General Plan elements and planning documents and is
implemented by several City departments through goals, policies, and implementation methods. The
Safety Element relates to nearly every General Plan element but most closely relates to the Land
1
Use, Transportation, Environmental,andHousing Elementsof the General Plan.Additionally, the
Safety Element relates to other planning documents, including the Chula VistaEmergency Operations Plan
(EOP), Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan(MJHMP),andClimate Action Plan.These plans are
integrated in the Safety Element.
The Land Use and Transportation Elementprovidesa central framework for the General Plan and serves
as a compass to guide the public, planners, decision-makers, and City staff on the desired pattern of
development in Chula Vista. Development is closely linked to safety as it provides an opportunity to design
and guide the growth of the City with hazards and safety in mind.
1.1.1.
The Land Use and Transportation Elementestablishes theland use designations, intensity of
development, and nature of development. The element reflects anticipated levels of development
including critical facilities such as schools,city services,utilities,police and fire protection services,and so
on. It is necessary to make sure,as much as possible,that these developments are inareas that are not in
hazard zones or that the hazards are mitigated to ensurethe safety of the structures and users.
TheLand Use and TransportationElement also evaluatesthe road system necessary to serve that
development, as well asalternative formsof transportation available to move people and goods and to
provide facilities that complement and enhance the nature of the surrounding neighborhood.Designation
1
Environmental Element Covers the requirements of Conservation Element per Office of Planning and Research
Guidelines.
City of Chula Vista4
of and access to evacuation routes based on the Land Use and Transportation Element is studied as a part
ofthe Safety Element.
The Housing Element-year strategy for the enhancement and preservation of the
community;
segments;and provides the official policy guidance for local decision-making related to housing.Similar
to the LandUse and Transportation Element, the Housing Element isrelated to the Safety Element for the
evaluation and mitigation of proposed development in any hazard zones. California Government Code
Section 65302requiresthe Safety Element to be updated every time a Housing Element is updated.
The Environmental Element sets policies and describes the natural resources of within the City including
land, water, and ecosystem services. Essentially, it focuses on sustainable land use, resource
management, and environmental protection. These are directly related to climate resiliency policies of
the Safety Element.
1.1.2.CountyOperational Area Emergency Operations Plan
The San Diego County Operational Area (OA) was formed in the 1960's to assist all of the cities and the
County in developing emergency plans, exercising those plans, developing MutualAid capabilities
between jurisdictions and, in general, establishing relationships that would improve communications
between jurisdictions and agencies. The OA consists of the County and all jurisdictions within the county.
The SanDiego County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan (OA EOP)is for use by the County and
all of the cities within the county to respond to major emergencies and disasters. It describes the roles
and responsibilities of all county departments (including many city departments), and the relationship
between the County and its departments and the jurisdictions within the county. The Cities are
encouraged to adopt the OA EOP as their own, with modifications as appropriate for their city. The Plan
is subject to update every four years by the Office of Emergency Services and the Unified Disaster Council
of the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization.
1.1.3.CityVista Emergency Operations Plan
Operations Plan (EOP) was updated in July 2021 andaddresses Emergency
Preparedness (those activities supporting enduring operational readiness) and Emergency Response
(those immediate and ongoing actions that lead the jurisdiction through an identified crisis or disaster
event).The goal of this plan is to provide for a coordinated effective response to ensure the protection of
life, property, resources, and the environment.
The City of Chula Vista EOP is based on the County of San Diego Operational Area Emergency Operations
Plan (OA EOP). It is designedto meet the needs of the City with respect to organizational structure and
identified hazards. It is fully integrated into the Safety Element and may be found at this location:
/https://pub-chulavista.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=35655.
1.1.4.-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Chula Vista is a jurisdictional partner in San Diego CounMulti-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan(MJHMP). TheMJHMP identifies ways to minimize damage from natural and human-
City of Chula Vista5
caused disasters. The plan is a resource for hazard management, stateand federal program requirements,
local hazard mitigation capability, and inter-jurisdictional coordination.
MJHMPwas revised in 2023 to include recent hazards and mitigation measures. San Diego
County received an achievement award from the National Association of Counties for the original MJHMP
drafted in 2004.
The2023MJHMP was crafted in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and followed the
Federal Emergency Management Agen.The
MJHMP incorporates a process where hazards are identified and profiled, the people and facilities at risk
are analyzed, and mitigation actions are developed to reduce or eliminate hazard risk.The
implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short-and long-term strategies, involves
planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities.The MJHMP is fully integrated into the
Safety Element and may be found at this location:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/oes/emergency_management/oes_jl_mitplan.html
1.1.5.Climate Action Plan
Since 2000, Chula Vista has
change impacts to the local community.Greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions represent a unique hazard
because until the Cityreaches its net-zero goal community-wide actions will contribute to an increase in
the hazards they cause and will only be reduced by global GHGemissions reductions. The most recent
plan is the 2017 Climate Action Plan (CAP). It includes ambitious new goals and policies to strengthen the
-benefits
such as utility savings, better air quality, reduced traffic congestion, local economic development, and
improved quality of life. It brings together past City of Chula Vista climate plan efforts including the original
Carbon Dioxide Reduction Plan (2000), the mitigation plan (2008),and the adaptation plan (2011), and an
updated plan is expected to be released in 2024.The City regularly conducts greenhouse gas emission
inventories to help guidethe execution of the CAPas well as to monitor and evaluate the progress.The
CAP is fully integrated into the Safety Element and may be found at this location:
https://www.chulavistaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15586.
1.1.6.Sustainable Communities Strategy
The Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) was adopted in 2021 as a part ofthe San Diego Association
of Governments (SANDAG)2021 Regional Plan and isdesigned to help create more sustainable and livable
2
communities within the San Diego region.The SCS in San Diego, like in other regions of California, is
largely driven by therequirements of Senate Bill (SB) 375, which was passed in 2008. SB 375 mandates
that regions in California develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation
sector by integrating transportation, land use, housing, and environmental planning in order to improve
air quality and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Local jurisdictions, including Chula Vista,
have agreed to certify that their general plans are consistent with the SCS.
2
San Diego Association of Governments, 2021 Regional Plan, https://www.sandag.org/-
/media/SANDAG/Documents/PDF/regional-plan/2021-regional-plan/final-2021-regional-plan/final-2021-regional-
plan-flipbook.pdf.
City of Chula Vista6
City of Chula Vista7
2.1.Existing Conditions
An analysis of existing conditions is one of the primary steps in the process of updating the City of Chula
Safety Element. An outline of information on existing conditions in the City and surrounding areas,
as well as an analysis of factors that will impact the City's physical development, will inform the goals,
policies, and actions of the Safety Element. The existing conditions analysis for each identified hazard
includes identifying the location and extent of hazard areas that currently exist and have historically
occurred as well as identifying the capabilities of the City to mitigate or respond to each hazard. The goals,
policies, and implementation plan laid out in this Safety Element are guided by the existing conditions
related to each hazard and safety risk. The focus of the identified existing conditions is on mappable
resources, trends, and concerns that will frame choices for the long-term physical development of the
City.
2.1.1.Planning Area
The Safety Element relates to the entire City of Chula Vista, which is in San Diego County. San Diego County
is located in southwestern California, bordering the Pacific Ocean and Mexico. The City is located in the
southwestern portion of San Diego County along the San Diego Bay. The City is bordered by National City
in the northwest, the City of San Diego farther northwest, and unincorporated San Diego County in the
north and east. To the south of the City is the City of San Diego, followed by the US-Mexico Border.
Because certain disaster events, geologic features, and potential hazards relate to each other and
transcend the City's boundaries, this Safety Element takes into account hazards that occur or originate in
other jurisdictions when the potential impact of those hazards might impact the City.
There are no military installations in Chula Vista and hencetheimpacts of hazards on military installations
are not discussed in this document.
2.2.Geologic Hazards
San DiegoCounty has a geologically diverse composition of alluvial fans, mountains, rivers, and streams, and
islocated along the San Diego Bay and Tijuana River Basin. Much of the City is characterized by sedimentary
andvolcanic rock. To the west is the San Diego Bay where the coastline includes habitats such as a salt
marsh,mudflats,and saltflats. To the east is a lake and open space reserve. Major geological features of
San Diego County include the SanDiego Bayand Pacific Ocean to the west, the Tijuana River to the south,
andthe Anza Borrego Desert to the east.
An understanding of the geology and soil composition of a site is essential for new construction and
redevelopment of land as it can impact the safety of the structures. Geologic hazards include seismic
hazards, landslides, subsidence, and expansive soils. Seismic hazards can lead to fault rupture, ground
shaking, and liquefaction.Seismicactivitycan also be a cause of landslides, subsidence, tsunamis, and
seiches.
Table 1and Figure 1show the geologic makeup of Chula Vista. Large portions of the City on the east of
Interstate 805 are composedof marine sedimentary rockswith high shale content and can be prone to
City of Chula Vista8
landslides when they become saturated with water, leading to reduced cohesion. The presence of weak
or poorly cemented sedimentary layers can contribute to landslide susceptibility.The soils in Chula Vista
vary, with sandy soils near the coast and more clay-rich soils inland.
Table 1: Geology
RockGeneralAgeDescription
Types
Lithology
PMarine Sedimentary RocksPlioceneSandstone, siltstone, shale, and conglomerate; mostly moderately
consolidated.
QoaMarine and Nonmarine PleistoceneOlder alluvium, lake, playa, and terrace deposits.
(Continental) Sedimentary
Rocks
QMarine and Nonmarine Pleistocene-Alluvium, lake, playa, and terrace deposits; unconsolidated and
(Continental) Sedimentary Holocenesemi-consolidated. Mostly nonmarine butincludes marine deposits
Rocksnear the coast.
McNonmarine (Continental) MioceneSandstone, shale, conglomerate, and fanglomerate; moderately to
Sedimentary Rockswell consolidated.
MzvMetavolcanic RocksMesozoicUndivided Mesozoic volcanic and metavolcanic rocks. Andesite and
rhyolite flow rocks, greenstone, volcanic breccia,and other
pyroclastic rocks; in part strongly metamorphosed. Includes
volcanic rocks of Franciscan Complex: basaltic pillow lava, diabase,
greenstone, and minor pyroclastic rocks.
EcNonmarine (Continental) EoceneSandstone, shale, conglomerate; moderately to well consolidated.
Sedimentary Rocks
Source: California Geological Survey, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/gmc/App/.
City of Chula Vista9
Figure 1: Geology
City of Chula Vista10
2.2.1.Seismic Hazards
2.2.1.1.Fault Rupture
Earthquake severity is typically categorized according to magnitude (a measure of the amount of energy
released when a fault ruptures) and seismic intensity (a qualitative estimate of the damage caused by an
earthquake at a given location). Because the amount of destruction generally decreases with distance from
the epicenter (the point at the earth's surface directly above where the earthquake originated), earthquakes
are assigned several intensities. The most commonly used seismic intensity scale is the Modified Mercalli
Intensity (MMI) scale, which has 12 levels of damage. The higher the number, the greater the damage.
The largest earthquake that canoccur on a fault or fault segment is called the maximum credible (MCE) or
characteristic earthquake. Depending on the planned use, lifetime, or importance of a facility, a maximum
probable earthquake (MPE) is the earthquake most likely to occur in a specified period (such as 30 to 500
years). In general, the longer the period between earthquakes on a specific fault segment (recurrence
interval), the larger the earthquake. The State of California, under the guidelines of the Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act of 1972,regulates the development of structuresnear active faults. The
California Department of Conservationclassifies faults according to the following criteria:
Holocene-Active Fault: A fault that has had surface displacement within Holocene time (the last
11,700 years);
Pre-Holocene Fault: A fault whose recency of past movement isolder than 11,700 years and thus
does not meet the criteria of Holocene-active fault as defined in the State Mining and Geology
Board regulations.
An earthquake or rupture along one of the many faults in the vicinity of the Citycould result in casualties
and extensive property damage. The impacts of such a quake may also result from aftershocks and
secondary effects such as fires, landslides, dam failure, liquefaction, and other threats to public health and
safety.
California is a seismically active area with numerous faults throughout the region(see Figure 2).The Cityis
situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a region of intense tectonic activity that circles the Pacific Ocean.
Hence, Chula Vista is at risk for earthquakes and other geologic hazards.However,there are noState-
designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones perGeological Survey within the Citywhere surface fault
rupture previously has occurred, or where local topographic, geological, and geotechnical conditions
indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation by avoidance as stated in
Public Resources Code Section 2621.5 would be required.The closestmajor fault systemin the region is the
Rose Canyon fault, approximately14miles northwest,and the Elsinore Fault on the east. Local faults also
include the Sweetwater Fault and La Nacion Fault to the south of the Cityas shown in Figure 3.
Rose CanyonFault:The Rose Canyon Fault is an extension of the Los Angeles Newport-Inglewood Faultand
is a right-lateral, strike-slip fault. The last major earthquake along the Rose Canyon Fault occurred in 1862
with a magnitude of 6. The earthquake caused minordamage toOld Town San Diegoand resulted in a
tsunami in San Diego Bay.
Elsinore Fault:The Elsinore Fault extends for approximately 180 kilometersthrough Southern California.
However, despite its size, it is one of the quietest faults in the region and is called a sleeping giant. It is known
to be seismically active, and it has the potential to generate significant earthquakes. While it may not be as
City of Chula Vista11
well-known as other fault systems in California, it remains a source of concern for earthquake hazards in the
region.It is a strike-slip fault, which means that it primarily exhibits horizontal movement along the fault
plane.
La NacionFault:The La Nacion Fault is situated to the east of San Diego Bay, within the broader Southern
California region.It runs through theTijuana River Valleyto the south of the Cityand is made up of north-
south oriented faults that dip to the west, appearing like a network of connected lines. These faults have
moved the rocks of the Pliocene San Diego Formation by more than 60 meters over time. There has been
no recent movement on these faults.
Sweetwater Fault: The Sweetwater Fault issituated in the southern part of San Diego County, near Chula
Vista and the Sweetwater Reservoir. It is part of the broader fault system in Southern California. The
Sweetwater Fault is known to be a strike-slip fault. The Sweetwater Fault is considered one of the significant
seismic hazards in the regionand it has the potential to produce earthquakes that could impact local
communities, including Chula Vista.
2.2.1.2.Ground Shaking
Ground shaking is characterized by the physical movement of the land surface during earthquakes. This
shaking can cause significant damage to buildings and impact the underlying soils. Strong ground shaking as
a result of earthquakes can cause soils to compact, resulting in local or regional subsidence of the ground
surface. During strong ground shaking, soils become more tightly packed due to the collapse of pore spaces,
resulting in a reduction in the thickness of the soil column. This type of ground failure typically occurs in
loose granular, cohesionless soils and can occur in eitherwet or dry conditions. Unconsolidated young
alluvial deposits are especially susceptible to this hazard. Damage to structures can occur as a result of
subsidence.
Portions of the City may be susceptible to seismically induced settlement. The City of Chula Vistais not listed
within a State-designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone.The closest fault in the region is the Rose
Canyon fault, approximately 14 miles northwest. San DiegoCounty has a geologically diverse composition
of alluvial fans, which may be susceptible to ground shaking.
ShakePotential
Figure 4shows the shake potential in the City. It shows the relative intensity of ground shaking from
anticipated future earthquakes. Percentage of gravity (% g) is a method for expressing acceleration,
measured relative to gravity (g). Shaking potential at 150%of gravitywould be 1.50 g's, perceived as severe
ground shaking with moderate to heavy potential of damage on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Based
on the shake potential map, the strongest ground shaking that could occur in the City would be 1.35 to 1.75
ake potential in the most western areas of the City. For
comparison purposes, the peak ground acceleration in a single direction measured during the 1994
Northridge earthquake was 1.82 g, moment magnitude 6.7this was the highest ever instrumentally
3
recorded in urban North America.
3
The Northridge Earthquake of 1994: Ground motions and Geo Technical
Proceedings, 1995, Volume III,
https://web.archive.org/web/20130506100941/http://www.coe.neu.edu/Depts/CIV/faculty/myegian/library/Thenorthridge%20Earthquake%2
0of%201994%20Ground%20Motions%20and%20Geotechnical%20Aspects.pdf.
City of Chula Vista12
These shake potential maps show the projected maximum capacity for ground shaking in the specific
geography, based on conditions such as topography, soil types, groundwater location, etc. Areas around
floodplains or shallow groundwater can experience more significant ground shaking, along with steep
hillsides.
2.2.1.3.Liquefaction
Seismic ground shaking of relatively loose, granular soils that are saturated or submerged can cause the soils
to liquefy and temporarily behave as a dense fluid. Liquefaction is caused by a sudden temporary increase
in pore water pressure due to seismic densification or other displacements of submerged granular soils.
Liquefaction more often occurs in earthquake-prone areas underlain by young (i.e., Holoceneage) alluvium
where the groundwater table is higher than 50 feet below the ground surface.
Southern California. While no known
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones or active faults (i.e., faults that exhibit evidence of ground
displacement during the last 11,000 years) traverse Chula Vista, traces of the potentially active La Nacion
Fault zone are known to cross the City in a generally north-south direction within the central portion of
the City (refer to Figure 3). The greatest magnitude earthquake expected on the La Nacion fault is
estimated to be 6.0. The nearest active faults arethe Rose Canyon Fault, located approximately 14 miles
northwest of the City, and the Coronado Bank fault, located approximately 30 miles from the City. Other
active faults in the region are located more than 60 miles from the City.
Strong vibrations due to earthquakes can cause liquefaction of certain soil types. Areas of Chula Vista in
close proximity to San Diego Bay and the Sweetwater and Otay River Valley (refer toFigure 5)have shallow
groundwater tables and poorly consolidated granular sediments potentially subject to seismically induced
liquefaction. Seismic activity within the region can cause structures to fail, resulting in significant property
damage, business disruptions, injuries,and even loss of life.
Liquefaction-prone areas within the City are generally located along the coast of the San Diego Bay in the
west, and surrounding the northern and southern boundaries of the City, as shown in Figure 5. These
areas are classified as having liquefaction potential.
In general, hazards associated with seismic activity include strong ground motion; ground surface rupture;
liquefaction; and seismically induced settlement. Ground surface rupture is not considered likely to occur
seismic events is also considered unlikely.
City of Chula Vista13
Figure 2: Regional Fault Locations
City of Chula Vista14
Figure 3: Local Fault Locations
City of Chula Vista15
Figure 4: Shake Potential Map
City of Chula Vista16
Figure 5: Liquefaction Zones
City of Chula Vista17
2.2.2.Landslides
A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth movement down a slope.
Landslides are subdivided by the type of geologic material (bedrock, debris, or earth). Debris flows
4
(commonly referred to as mudflows or mudslides) and rock falls are examples of common landslide types.
Landslides can be initiated in slopes already on the verge of movement by rainfall, snowmelt, changes in
water level, stream erosion, changes in groundwater, earthquakes, volcanic activity, disturbance by human
activities, or any combination of these factors.
Landslide susceptibility is defined as the likelihood of a landslide occurring in an area on the basis of local
terrain conditions. Initiates are not taken into account when determining landslide susceptibility, as the
cause of an area being susceptible to landslides is not the same as the cause of a landslide.
While rainfall is not a cause of landslide susceptibility, it is a potential initiate of landslides. Average yearly
rainfall in Chula Vista has been decreasing in recent years, however dry weathermay lead to increased
wildfire risk.Wildland fire risk zones have steep slopesandlimited precipitation, Since Chula Vista receives
limited precipitation, the potential for wildland fires represents a significant hazard within areas of the
City. Per the California Department of Conservation, slopes are more susceptible to debris flow after wildfire.
Therefore, landslide susceptibility may increase as a result of more frequent fires.
Areas of known landslides, or areas generally susceptible tolandsliding, withinthe General Plan area have
been identified inFigure 6. The potential for earthquake-induced landsliding inhillside terrain is also
present. Slopes steeper than 25 degrees(approximately 2:1) are potentially subject to instability. Such
areas maybe prone to hazards such as surficial failures; earthflows; debris flow;mudslides; rock falls; soil
creep; and erosion. Failures of man-madeslopes could also occur in some of the developed areas ofthe
City.
Planning for a safe community requires consideration of geologichazards. Incorporating proper
geotechnical engineering techniques indevelopment projects can reduce the risks associated with
geologic hazards to an acceptablelevel.
The State Historical Building Code is a tool that is available to the City to ensure the reasonable safety of
historically significant buildings from geologic hazards while facilitating themaintenance of the historical
integrity of such buildings.
Figure 6showsthe relative likelihood of deep-seated landsliding based on regional estimates of rock
strength and steepness of slopes. On the most basic level, weak rocks and steep slopes are most likely to
generate landslides. The map uses detailed information on the location of past landslides, the location and
relative strength of rock units, and the steepness of the slope to estimate susceptibility to deep-seated
landsliding. This landslide susceptibility map is intendedto provide infrastructure owners, emergency
planners, and the public with a general overview of where landslides are more likely to occur. However, it is
essential to note that this map is not suitable for assessing the landslide risk at any particular location.
The analysis of landslide susceptibility uses a combination of rock strength and slope data to create classes
of landslide susceptibility from 0 (low) to 10(high). These classes express the generalization that on very low
4
What is a landslide and what causes one?https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-landslide-and-
what-causes-one.
City of Chula Vista18
slopes, landslide susceptibility is low even in weak materials and that landslide susceptibility increases with
5
slope and in weak rocks. The landslide susceptibility matrix is based on Rock Strength and Slope Steepness.
Areas underlain by shale and siltstone are more prone to landslideswhen compared to other bedrock
geology, which is more prone to slow-developing, slump-type failure.The areas in the north and southeast
portions of the City with steeper slopes are more vulnerable to landslides.Areas along Olympic Parkway and
Telegraph Canyon Road also have higher susceptibility with a few parcels reaching a susceptibility of 10. Any
development of areas in the higher landslide susceptibility areas will need a geological assessment to
determine the mitigation measures appropriate for these areas. Engineering techniques such as
constructing retaining walls or reinforced retaining structures, creating terraces, installing proper drainage
systems, and using rock bolts to secure loose rocks or soil can be explored as mitigation measures. In
addition, native vegetation with deep roots to bind the soil and reduce erosion as well as limiting
development in high-risk landslide areas may be effective in preventing landslides.No indications of past
landslides have been observed.
2.2.3.Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface with little or no horizontal
movement. Most ground subsidence is anthropogenic(i.e., originating jo!ivnbo!bdujwjuz*and is usually
associated with the extraction of oil, gas, or groundwater from below the ground surface in valleys filled
with recent alluvium. Land subsidence can also occur during an earthquake because of offset along fault
lines and as a result of settling and compacting of unconsolidated sediment from the shaking of an
earthquake. The United StatesGeological Survey (USGS) documents areas of land subsidence throughout
California, including historical and current subsidence.The USGS has not identified any regional subsidence
6
as a result of groundwater pumping or oil extraction in the City of Chula Vistaor surrounding communities.
2.2.4.Expansive Soils
Expansive soils are those that have the ability to expand or contract, changing in volume based on their
moisture content. They are typically composed of a form of expansive claymineral that readily absorbs
water and swells, leading to an increase in volume when wet and contraction/shrinkage when dry. This
shrink-swell process can cause fatigue and crack for infrastructure or foundations placed directly on or within
expansive soils. Structural damage may result over a long period of time, making it difficult to estimate the
severity of long-term impacts.Expansive soils are typically rich in clay minerals, particularly montmorillonite
and smectite. These minerals have the ability to absorb water and expand, which is the primary reason for
the soil's volume changes.Large portions of the City are composed of Diablo clay soil(refer to Figure 7),
which is an expansive soil.The shrink-swell characteristic of expansive soils can create challenges for
construction, foundations, and infrastructure in areas where Diablo clay or similar expansive soils are
present.Proper engineering and construction techniques are required to mitigate the potential problems
associated with these soils.
5
California Geological Survey, Layer: Landslide Susceptibility Classes (ID: 0), accessed July11, 2022,
https://gis.conservation.ca.gov/server/rest/services/CGS/MS58_LandslideSusceptibility_Classes/MapServer/0.
6Areas of Land Subsidence in Californiahttps://ca.water.usgs.gov/land_subsidence/california-
subsidence-areas.html.
City of Chula Vista19
Figure 6: Landslide Areas
City of Chula Vista20
2.2.5.Tsunamis and Seiches
A tsunami is a wave or series of waves generated bya large and sudden upward movement of the ocean
floor, usually the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor, underwater landslides,or volcanic
activity. This sudden displacement and force create waves that radiate outward in all directions away from
their source, sometimes crossing entire ocean basins. A tsunami wave conceivably could have adverse
effects on the coastal areas of Chula Vista. However, because the City is adjacent to a relatively protected
part of San Diego Bay, the potential for significant wave damage is considered low.
A seiche is defined as a standing wave oscillation in an enclosed or semi-enclosed, shallow to a moderately
shallow water body to the basin, such as a lake, reservoir, bay, or harbor, due to ground shaking, usually
following an earthquake. Seiches continue in a pendulum fashion after the cessation of the originating force,
which can be tidal action, wind action, or a seismic event. Seiches are often described by the period of the
waves (how quickly the waves repeat themselves) since the period will often determine whether adjoining
structures will be damaged. The period of a seiche varies depending on the dimensions of the basin.
Whether the earthquake will create seiches depends upon a number of earthquake-specific parameters,
including the earthquake location (a distant earthquake is more likely to generate a seiche, compared toa
local earthquake), the style of fault rupture (e.g., dip-slip or strike-slip),and the configuration (length, width,
and depth) of the basin.
Due to the San DiegoBay being a mostly enclosed body, seiches do pose a potential threat to the City of
Chula Vistaalong the San DiegoBay shoreline. In the unlikely event of the development of noticeable
seiches, it is conceivable that local areas adjacent to the Otay Lakes and the San Diego Bay could be
impacted by wave activity.However, seiches have not been historically documented in the area.
City of Chula Vista21
Figure 7: Soils
City of Chula Vista22
Figure 8: Tsunami Map
City of Chula Vista23
2.3.Fire Hazards
2.3.1.Wildland Fires
A wildfire is defined as an unplanned and unwanted wildland fire, including unauthorized human-caused
fires, escaped wildland fire use events, escaped prescribed fire projects, and all other wildland fireswhere
the object is to extinguish the fire. Wildfire is a natural part of the California ecosystem, helping to clear
brush and debris, and is a necessary part of various species' life cycles. Lightning, accidents, or arson can
spark wildfires.Wildfires are becomingmore frequent or intense with climate change. Although the City
is not generally prone to wildfire hazardsexcept in certain areas, regional wildfires may become an
increasing threat with climate change.Cityhasconsidered OPR's Fire Hazard Technical Advisory in
preparation of this section.
Human activity has changed the buffer zone between urbanized and undeveloped areas, known as the
wildland-urban interface, where naturally fire-prone landscapes abut developed neighborhoods. The
natural setting of a wildland-urban interface can make these areas highly desirable places to live, and
many of these areas in California are now developed. This development has brought more people into
wildfire-prone areas. The availability of fuel and increasing encroachment into the wildland-urban
interface have made wildfires a common and dangerous hazard in California. Structural conditions that
may affect fire control include the type and use of a structure, roof covering, surrounding landscaping,
and exposure to the building.
Once a fire has started, several conditions influence its behavior, including fuel topography, weather,
drought, and development. Certain conditions must be present for significant interface fires to occur. The
most common conditions include hot, dry, and windy weather, the inability of fire protection forces to
contain or suppress the fire, the occurrence of multiple fires that overwhelm committed resources, and a
large fuel load (dense vegetation).
Wildland fire risk zones are areas that have steep slopes, limited precipitation, and plenty of available fuel,
or combustible plant material.Brush management is required to be undertaken in the City in areas where
urban development interfaces with open space, in order to reduce fire fuel loads and reduce potential fire
hazards. Since Chula Vista receives limited precipitation, the potential for wildland fires represents a
significant hazard within areas of the City.
In 2003, the Cedar fireburned about 280,000 acres of land, about 10 percent of which was in the City of
San Diego andled to the evacuationand burningof thousands of homes. It started 25 miles east of San
Diego in the Cleveland National Forestand crossed into San Diego the next day. The Cedar fireburned for
three days.The City of Chula Vista was largely avoided as the fire stopped at Otay Lakes.
In 2007, the Harris,Witch Creek,and Guejitofiresmerged and burned about 200,000acres andthousands
of homes in San Diego County. Over 500,000 people were evacuated.The Harris fire entered the City of
Chula Vista from the east and covered much of the same area as the Cedar firehad four years earlier.
2.3.2.Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prepares wildfire hazard severity maps based
on fuels, terrain, weather, and other relevant factors. These zones, referred to as Fire Hazard Severity
Zones (FHSZ), define the application of various mitigation strategies and influence how people construct
City of Chula Vista24
buildings and protect property to reduce the risk associated with wildland fires. While FHSZ doesnot
predict when or where a wildfire will occur, they do identify areas where wildfires may be more likely to
occur or be more severe, based on factors such as fire history, existing and potential vegetation that can
serve as fuel, predicted flame length,blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for an area. Zones
are designated in varying degrees from moderate, high, and very high.
There are three types of responsibility areas in California:Local Responsibility Area (LRA), State
Responsibility Area (SRA), or Federal Responsibility Area (FRA). LRAs are incorporated jurisdictions such
as cities, urban regions, and agricultural lands where the local government is responsible for wildfire
protection. SRAs are those for which the State of California is financially responsible for the prevention
and suppression of wildfires. FRAs are landsfor which the federalgovernment has legal responsibility for
providing fire protection.
The City of Chula Vista has Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in the eastern side of the city
and a section in the south. There are also sections of SRA and FRA which are in the northeastern corner
of Chula Vista. SRA is the responsibility of CAL FIRE and FRA lands are the responsibility of the U.S. Forest
Service.
Inthe City of Chula Vista, fire protection isprovided by the Chula Vista Fire Department. Fire stations are
dispersed throughout the City while police facilities are centered in headquarters located in downtown
Chula Vistaas shown in Figure 15. The Public Safety Services section provides more details on location
and programs by fire department services in the City.
City of Chula Vista25
Figure 9: Fire Hazard Severity Zone
City of Chula Vista26
2.4.Flooding
2.4.1.Major Sources of Flooding
Flooding occurs when a waterway (either natural or artificial drainage channel) receives more water than
it is capable of conveying, causing the water level in the waterway to rise. Depending on how long these
conditions last and the amount of runoff the waterway receives in proportion to its capacity, the rising
water level may eventually overtop the waterways banks or any other boundaries to the drainage area,
resulting in flooding.
Floods often occur during heavy precipitation events, when the amount of rainwater exceeds the capacity
of storm drains or flood control channels. Floods can also happen when infrastructure such as levees,
dams, reservoirs, or culvertsfail or when a section of drainage infrastructure fails,and water cannot be
drained from an area quickly enough. These failures can be linked to precipitation events (e.g., when
water erodes a levee, allowing water to escape and flood nearby areas) or can be a consequence of other
emergency situations (e.g., a dam collapsing due to an earthquake).
Flooding associated with heavy rainfall episodes, as well as dam failure, posesa significant hazard to
people and property. Although much less likely to occur,tsunamis and seiches also represent potential
flood hazards in portions of Chula Vista in proximity to the San Diego Bay and the Otay Lakes. Furthermore,
flooding can result in costly damage to private and public property and infrastructure;by damaging
roadways and creating unsafe driving conditions, flooding also impedes traffic and disrupts business
operations.
Climate change may lead tomore frequent or intense storm events, and it is likely that flooding would
have a more significant effect on the City. Increasing the capacity of the City's drainage infrastructure
would make the City more resilient to weather events linked to climate change.
During severe rain seasons, low-lying areas along the floodplains of the Sweetwater and Otay Rivers and
several of their tributaries, including Telegraph Canyon Creek, Poggi Channel, Salt Creek, and Jamul
(Dulzura) Creek, as well as certain drainage facilities, may experience flooding. Dams, levees, reservoirs,
and drainage channels have been constructed to control the drainage of much of the watershed for the
General Plan area, thereby reducing the potential for hazardous flooding of developed areas. FEMAhas
delineated inundation areas for 100-and 500-year floods. Areas designated to be within the flood zone
are shownin Figure 10.
Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are identified as Special Flood
Hazard Areas(SFHA). SFHAsare defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1
percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1percent annual chance flood is also
referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood. SFHAs are labeled as Zone A, Zone AO, Zone AH, Zones
A1-A30, Zone AE, Zone A99, Zone AR, Zone AR/AE, Zone AR/AO, Zone AR/A1-A30, Zone AR/A, Zone V,
Zone VE, and Zones V1-V30. Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled Zone B or Zone X (shaded),are also
shown on the FIRM and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2percentannual
chance (or 500-year) flood. The areas of minimal flood hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and
higher than the elevation of the 0.2percentannualchance of flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone X
(unshaded).The city allows construction in flood zones pursuant to Chapter 14.18of the municipal code.
City of Chula Vista27
There areZone A, and AEflood risk areas along San Diego Bay and on the northern and southern
boundaries ofthe City. Areas at risk generally have low levels of development and include parksand open
spaces.
A Zone (A):This SFHA designation represents areas with a 1percentannual chance of flooding, often
referred to as the 100-year floodplain. It means that there is a 1percentprobability of a flood of this
magnitude occurring in any given year. These areas typically have a higher risk of flooding and are subject
to certain building and development restrictions, as well as requirements for flood insurance if a property
owner has a federallybacked mortgage.
AO Zone (AO):The AO Zone is also an SFHA, but it is slightly different from the A Zonein that an AO Zone
is an area that has a 1percentannual chance of shallow flooding (typically with depths between 1 and 3
feet). These areas are also considered highrisk, but the flooding is characterized by shallow depths rather
than deep inundation. As with the A Zone, properties in the AO Zone may be subject to specific building
and development regulations and requirements for flood insurance.
AEZone (AE):Similar to the A Zone, the AE Zone designates areas with a 1percentannual chance of
flooding, or the 100-year floodplain. The AE Zone is one ofthe most common flood zone designations.
Properties within the AE Zone are subject to specific building and development regulations, including
requirements for elevating structures above the base flood elevation to reduce flood risk. Property
owners in AEZones are also often required to have flood insurance if they hold federallybacked
mortgages.
VE Zone:The VE Zone is a coastal high-hazardarea that signifies a significant risk of flooding from a
combination of wave action and storm surge. These areas are typically located along coastlines and are
subject to increased vulnerability to flooding during hurricanes, tropical storms, and other coastal weather
events. The VE designation is used to denote Velocity Zone, indicating that not only is flooding a concern,
but also the speed and force of floodwaters, such as from waves and storm surges.Properties within VE
Zones face specific building and development regulations, and they often require structures to be elevated
on pilings or other appropriate foundations to mitigate the risk of damage from the combination of
floodwaters and wave action.
City of Chula Vista28
Figure 10: FEMA Flood Zones
City of Chula Vista29
2.4.2.Dam Inundation
Dam failure is the uncontrolled release of impounded water from behind a dam. Flooding, earthquakes,
blockages, landslides, lack of maintenance,improper operation, poor construction, vandalism, and
terrorism can all cause dam infrastructure to fail. Dam failure causes downstream flooding of varying
velocities that can result in loss of life and property.
Several regional reservoirs and damsarelocated within and in the vicinity of Chula Vista. Of these,
Sweetwater Dam, Savage Dam, and Lake Loveland have the potential to cause damage in the City if there
is a breach. Savage Dam, built in 1919, is a 149-foot-high and 750-foot-wide dam. It is owned by Cityof
San Diego and used for storing water for backup uses in the San Diego area. The Loveland Dam was built
in 1945 and is owned and operated by the Sweetwater Authority; it is 203 feet high and 765 feet wide.In
addition to its role in water supply, the Loveland Reservoir area offers recreational opportunities for the
public. The surrounding lands are used for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural
beauty of the region. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.The Sweetwater Dam
was built in 1888and is an important historical landmark in San Diego County. It is a 112-foot-high and
700-foot-wide dam. It is owned by the Sweetwater Authorityand is part of their water supply system. It
was built primarily to store andsupply water for agricultural purposes and to support the growing
population in the area.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), the
downstream hazardfrom Sweetwater Dam, Savage Dam, and Lake Loveland is classified as extremely
high. The downstream hazard is based solely on potential downstream impacts to life and property should
thesedamsfail when operating with a full reservoirandis expected to cause considerable loss of human
life or result in an inundation area with a population of 1,000 or more.
The DSOD also maintains a record of the condition assessment of the dams. According to a September
2022 report by DSOD, the condition assessment of Lake Loveland is satisfactory,meaning no existing or
potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading
conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal
regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines. The condition assessmentfor Sweetwater Dam is fair,
meaning no existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized fornormal operating conditions. Rare or
extreme hydrologicand/orseismic events may resultin a dam safety deficiency. The riskmay be in the
range to take further action. The condition assessmentforSavage Dam is poor,meaning a dam safety
deficiency is recognized for normaloperating conditions thatmay realisticallyoccur. Remedial action is
necessary. The classificationof poormay also be used when uncertainties exist as to criticalanalysis
7
parameters thatidentify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Figure 11 depicts areas subject to flood inundation in the event of failure of the Sweetwater, Upper Otay,
or Savage (Lower Otay) Dams. Dams typically fail due to overtopping by reservoir water during heavy
rainfall episodes, structural damage, and earthquake-related hazards such as landsliding, ground shaking,
and seiches.
7
hin Jurisdiction of the State of
https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-
Pages/Programs/All-Programs/Division-of-Safety-of-Dams/Files/Publications/Dams-Within-Jurisdiction-of-the-
State-of-California-Listed-Alphabetically-by-Name-September-2022.pdf.
City of Chula Vista30
Figure 11: Reservoir Inundation
City of Chula Vista31
2.4.3.Drainage System
The City is located in the San Diego Bay watershed.A watershed, also known as a drainage basin or
catchment area, is an area of land where all the water, including rainfall and runoff, drains into a common
outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.The San Diego Bay watershedincludes about 30 percent of San
Diego County. The watershed includes Cities of Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, Coronado, La Mesa, Lemon
Grove, NationalCity, and San Diego, as well as unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The watershed
supplies potable water and supports recreational activities.
The San Diego Bay watershedis divided into Pueblo, Sweetwater,and Otay watersheds. Of these,the
Sweetwater and Otay watersheds cover Chula Vista(refer toFigure 12).
Sweetwater River Watershed:The Sweetwater River is a prominent water body in the Chula Vista
area. It flows through the City and has its headwaters in the mountains to the east. The
Sweetwater River watershed includes the land area that drains into the river. The river and its
watershed play a significant role in the region's water supply and ecology.
Otay River Watershed:The Otay River flows through the southern part of Chula Vista and serves
as the boundary between the United States and Mexico for a portion of its course. The Otay River
watershed includes the land area that drains into the Otay River. It is an important watercourse
in the region.
These watersheds are essential for managing stormwater, providing recreational opportunities, and
maintaining water quality in the Chula Vista area.
Water and coordinates with other communities in the County on matters of clean water and stormwater.
City of Chula Vista32
Figure 12: Watersheds
City of Chula Vista33
2.5.Climate Change and Resilience
Climate resilience is the capacity of communities to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the adverse
impacts of climate change. Climate change is a phenomenon characterized by the long-term shifts in
global temperature and weather patterns associated with the build-up of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere and the warming of the planet due to the greenhouse effect. Although climate change is
global, its effects can be felt locally, and the response also can start locally. Local policies and actions can
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from local sources and incorporate resilience and adaptation strategies
into planning and development.
Climate change can have widespread effects on temperature and weather patterns, creating conditions
that may makestorms more frequent or more intense, resulting in more intense rainfall and flooding.
Climate change also contributes to sea level rise, intensifying coastal hazards. In many areas, climate
change may increase the frequency and duration of droughts and create conditions that intensify wildfire
vulnerability.
2.5.1.Climate Change
-Adapt tool is an online platform designed to provide data,
information, and resources related to climate change impacts in California. Table 2,created from the Cal-
Adapt tool,shows the changes specific to Chula Vista. As shown,the number of extreme heat days,
increase in annual maximum temperatures, and decrease in annual precipitation may be a cause of
concern for the City.
Table 2: Local Climate Change Snapshot
Mid-Century(2035-2064)
Observed(1961-
ClimateChangeFactorsImpactingtheCity
1990)AA
MediumEmissionsHighEmissions
Annual Average Maximum Temperature (°F)71.0-71.772.6 76.073.1 76.5
B
Extreme Heat Days (days)2 45 166 20
C
Annual Average Precipitation (inches)10.810.610.4
D
Annual Average Area Burned (acres)247.5 290.1279.0 335.6303.2 344.1
A. TheMedium Emissions Scenario represents a mitigation scenario where global carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions peak by
2040 and then decline. Statewide, the temperature is projected to increaseby 2-4°Cfor this scenario by the end of this
century. TheHigh Emissions Scenario represents a scenario where CO2emissions continue to rise throughout the twenty-
first century. Statewide, the temperature is projected to increase4-7°Cby the end of this century.
th
B. Number of days in a year when the daily maximum temperature is above a threshold temperature of103.9°F (98
percentile).
C. Summary statistics are calculated using values between 1961 and 1990 from Modeled Historical data (CanESM2, CNRM-
CM5, HadGEM2-ES, MIROC5 models).
D. This area may contain locations outside the combined fire state and federal protection responsibility areas. These locations
were excluded from these wildfire simulations and had no climate projections.
Source: Cal-Adapt, Local Climate Change Snapshot (cal-adapt.org), Accessed February 3,2023
2.5.2.Extreme Heat
th
An extreme heat event occurs between April and October when the temperature is at or above the 98
Percentile for historic daily maximum temperatures in Chula Vista.An increase inextremeheat waves can
increase the risk of heat stroke ordehydration.Extreme heat may strain water, power, and transportation
City of Chula Vista34
systems. Extremeheat can also have negative effects on infrastructure such as roadways and sidewalks,
leading to deterioration and buckling. Additionally, the increased use of air conditioners used by extreme
heat eventscan put strain on electrical systems and lead toemissions which effect lung function over
time.
2.5.3.Sea Level Rise
As the City of Chula Vista includes approximately 5 miles of coastline along the San Diego Bay, the City is
potentially vulnerable to future sea level rise. The San Diego Bay receives water from Sweetwater River,
Otay River, and Chollas Creek, and is connected to the Pacific Ocean.Sea level rise is a climate change-
drivenphenomenon of increasing the elevation of the ocean surface.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea level rise at the regional
8
level can deviate significantly from the globally averaged rate.Thus, effects are unique to specific coastal
jurisdictions due to variations in topography and geography. Sea level rise projections and modeling
referenced inTable 3rely on the best available science as evaluated by the California Coastal
Technical Report.Figure 13shows a scenario assuming 3 feet of sea level rise. In such a scenario,only a
few segments oftheChula Vista coastal area will be inundated. These areas are currently undeveloped
and are expected to remain so in the future.
Table 3: California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise (SLR) Projections
LowRiskAversionMedium-HighRiskAversion
YEAR
Upperlimitof1-in-200chance
2.0feet
20501.2feet
20702.0feet3.6feet
20903.0feet5.7feet
21003.6feet7.0feet
NOTE: The California Coastal Commission and NOAA state available climate models and experiments do not extend beyond
2100. Both agencies acknowledge increased uncertainties regarding projections past 2100 and recommend caution if
projections require utilization.
Source: California Coastal Commission, Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance Science Update, adopted November 2018.
In addition, groundwater emergence which refers to the flooding or inundation caused by the emergence
of groundwater at the land surface, is anticipated to accompany future sea level rise impacts. As sea levels
rise, saltwater can intrude into groundwater aquifers that store fresh water. If the amount of saltwater
9
intrusion is great enough, groundwater can be pushed to the surface.Specific vulnerabilities to a rising
water table and groundwater emergence include dry weather flooding, deterioration of underground
infrastructure such as water/sewer pipelines, extended earthquake liquefaction zones, and resurfacing
10
any underground toxic contamination.
8
National Ocean Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report,
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/sealevelrise-tech-report-sections.html.
9
MIT Technology Review, Climate Change: How Groundwater caused by Climate Change could Devastate Coastal Communities,2021,
https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/12/13/1041309/climate-change-rising-groundwater-flooding/.
10
KQED, Groundwater Beneath Your Feet Is Rising With the Sea. It Could Bring Long-Buried Toxic Contamination With It, 2020,
https://www.kqed.org/science/1971582/groundwater-beneath-your-feet-is-rising-with-the-sea-it-could-bring-long-buried-toxins-with-it.
City of Chula Vista35
Figure 13: Sea Level Rise
City of Chula Vista36
2.5.4.Resilience
Resiliency in the face of climate change refers to the actions thatcan be taken to reduce the drivers of
climate change and actions to mitigate the effects of climate change. This includes making our community
is more resilient to impacts of climate change but also reducing those impacts by reducing GHG emissions
and acBecause climate change is a long-term phenomenon, it is important
to adequately plan for its impacts.
In order to mitigate the effects of intense storms, actions may include bolstering drainage capacities and
flood control measures. With more frequent or intense storm events, it is likely that flooding would have
a more significant effect on the City. Increasing the capacity of the City's drainage infrastructure would
make the City more resilient to weather events linked to climate change.
Climate change resiliency would also include measures to reduce vulnerability to droughts and wildfires.
This may include water conservation and water supply management efforts to ensure the City is prepared
in the event of a long-term drought. Diversifying the City's water supply by introducing and maintaining
water sources that are less susceptible to drought or are more sustainable also accomplishes this goal.
The City does not own or maintain any water supply. The City is dependent on3 water agencies for its
water supply. The City could implement conservation efforts but these efforts do not guarantee a reserve
supply of water for the City during drought periods. Additionally, as wildfires become more frequent or
intense with climate change, actions to mitigate the City's vulnerability may be warranted. Although the
City is not generally prone to wildfire hazards, regional wildfires may become an increasing threat with
climate change.
2.5.5.Vulnerability Assessment Summary
The CMJHMP (2023) documents thehazards for the City of Chula Vista and provides a vulnerability
assessment of these threats.Facilities that provide critical and essential services following a major
emergency are of particular concern because these locations house staff and equipment necessary to
provide important public safety, emergency response, and/or disaster recovery functions.Considering
the critical facilities identified inFigure 14and Figure 15the climate-related threat that the structures are
most vulnerable to is wildfire. Some structures located in the northern portion of the City are also
vulnerable to flooding, dam inundation,and liquefaction. Thecritical facilitiesare also vulnerable to
earthquakes. The secondary impacts of earthquakes could be magnified by climate change. Soils saturated
by repetitive storms could fail prematurely during seismic activity due to the increased saturation.
2.5.6.Critical Facilities
Critical facilities in a city are those essential structures, services, and resources that are vital for the well-
being and functioning of the community, particularly during and after disasters or emergencies. These
facilities are considered critical because their disruption or damage can have severe consequences for
public safety, health, and the overall recovery of the community.Table 4provides the list of various critical
Figure 14and Figure 15show the location
of these critical facilities. Map A showscritical facilities that fall intocategories of education, healthcare,
transportation,and wastewater. Map B covers local, county,stateandfederal government facilities, fire,
and law enforcement services.
City of Chula Vista37
Table 4: Critical Facilities List
MaMap
Facility Name andTypeFacility Name andType
p IDID
EducationHealth Care
1 Allen (Ella B.) Elementary 1 Aegis Health LLC
2 Alta Vista Academy 2 Bonita Homecare, Inc.
3 Arroyo Vista Charter 3 Bonitaview Home
4 Bayfront Charter High School 4 Chula Vista Family Counseling Center
5 Bayview Christian Academy 5 Chula Vista Family Health Center
6 Berean Bible Baptist Academy 6 Fredericka Manor Care Center
7 Bonita Country Day School 7 Fresenius Medical Care East Lakes
8 Bonita Learning Academy 8 Fresenius Medical Care Marina Bay
9 Bonita Road Christian 9 Healthwise Home Health Care Inc.
10 Bonita Vista Middle 10 Mi Clinica
11 Bonita Vista Senior High 11 Modern Home Health Care, Inc.
12 Calvary Christian Academy 12 Otay Family Health Clinic
13 Camarena (Enrique S.) Elementary 13 Paradise Valley Hsp D/P Aph Bayview Beh Hlth
14 Casillas (Joseph) Elementary 14 Planned Parenthood -Chula Vista Center
15 Castle Park Elementary 15 Rice Family Health Center
16 Castle Park Middle 16 Samahan Health Centers : 2835 Highland
17 Castle Park Senior High 17 Samahan Health Centers: 2743 Highland
18 Christian Elementary South Bay 18 San Diego Dialysis Services, Inc.
19 Chula Vista Adult 19 San Ysidro Health Chula Vista
20 Chula Vista Hills Elementary 20 Scripps Mercy Hospital -Chula Vista
Chula Vista Learning Community
2121 Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
Charter
Chula Vista Learning Community
2222 South Bay Post Acute Care
Charter Middle
23 Chula Vista Middle 23 St. Paul's Pace
24 Chula Vista Senior High 24 U.S. Renal Care Chula Vista Broadway Dialysis
25 Clear View 25 U.S. Renal Care Chula Vista Dialysis
26 Cook (Hazel Goes) Elementary 26 Veterans Home Of California -Chula Vista
27 Davila Day Transportation
28 Discovery Charter 1 Bayfront E St. Trolley Station
29 East Hills Academy 2 Bus Transit Facility
30 Eastlake Church Preschool/K 3 Chula Vista Transit
31 EastlakeElementary 4 Community Hospital OfChula Vista Heliport
32 Eastlake High 5 CVESD School Bus Corp Yard
33 Eastlake Middle 6 H St Trolley Station
34 Feaster (Mae L.) Charter 7 L Street MtsTrolley Station
35 Fifth Ave Academy 8 MtsBus Maintenance Facility
36 Finney (Myrtle S.) Elementary 9 Palomar Street Trolley Station
City of Chula Vista38
MaMap
Facility Name andTypeFacility Name andType
p IDID
First United Methodist Christian
37Wastewater
School
38 Halecrest Elementary 1 Wastewater Pump Station
39 Harborside Elementary 2 Wastewater Pump Station
40 Hawking S.T.E.A.M. Charter 3 Wastewater Pump Station
Hedenkamp (Anne AndWilliam)
414 Wastewater Pump Station
Elementary
42 Heritage Elementary 5 Wastewater Pump Station
43 High Tech Elementary Chula Vista 6 Wastewater Pump Station
44 High Tech High Chula Vista 7 Wastewater Pump Station
45 High Tech Middle Chula Vista 8 Wastewater Pump Station -City Hall
46 Hilltop Drive Elementary 9 Wastewater Pump Station -Marina Park
Wastewater Pump Station -Olympic Training
47 Hilltop Middle 10
Center
48 Hilltop Senior High 11 Wastewater Pump Station -Police Department
Wastewater Pump Station -Rancho Robinwood
49 Howard Gardner Community Charter 12
Unit 2
Wastewater Pump Station -Rancho Robinwood
50 Innovation High School San Diego 13
Unit 3
51 Kellogg (Karl H.) Elementary 14 Wastewater Pump Station -Salt Creek Park
52 Lauderbach (J. Calvin) Elementary 15 Wastewater Pump Station -Sports Complex
Learning Choice Academy -Chula
5316 Wastewater Pump Station -Tidelands
Vista
Leonardo DaVinci Health Sciences
54City Government
Charter
55 Liberty Elementary 1 Animal Shelter South
56 Loma Verde Elementary 2 Chula Vista Womens Club
57 MaacCommunity Charter 3 City Of Chula Vista-Administration
58 Marshall (Thurgood) Elementary 4 City Of Chula Vista-Public Works
59 Mater Dei Catholic High School 5 Civic Center Branch
60 Mater Dei Juan Diego Academy 6 Heritage Park Recreation Center
61 Mcmillin(Corky) Elementary 7 Loma Verde Park AndRecreation Center
62 Mindful Montessori School 8 Memorial Park
63 Montessori American School 9 Montevalle Recreation Center
64 Montessori Explorer 10 Mount San Miguel Recreation Center
65 Montgomery (John J.) Elementary 11 Norman Park Senior Center
66 Montgomery Adult 12 Otay Ranch Branch
67 Montgomery Senior High 13 Otay Recreation Center
68 Mueller Charter (Robert L.)14 Parkway Community Center
69 Muraoka (Saburo) Elementary 15 Salt Creek Recreation Center
70 National University-Chula Vista 16 South Chula Vista Branch
71 Ocean View Christian Academy 17 Veterans Recreation Center
City of Chula Vista39
MaMap
Facility Name andTypeFacility Name andType
p IDID
72 Olympian High County Government
73 Olympic View Elementary 1 Bonita-Sunnyside Branch
74 Options Secondary 2 County Of San Diego-Health Services
75 Otay Elementary 3 County Of San Diego-Probation Dept
76 Otay Ranch Senior High 4 South County Courthouse
77 Pacific Coast Christian Prep State Government
78 Pacific Springs Charter 1 Caltrans-Chula Vista Complex
79 Palomar Elementary 2 State Dept Of Motor Vehicles
80 Palomar High 3 State Of Calif-Employment Dev Dept
81 Parkview Elementary Federal Government
82 Pima Medical Institute 1 U.S. Post Office
83 Rancho DelRey Middle 2 U S Border Patrol Headquarters
84 Rice (Lilian J.) Elementary 3 U.S. Post Office
85 Rogers (Greg) Elementary 4 U.S. Post Office
86 Rohr (Fred H.) Elementary 5 U.S. Post Office
87 Rosebank Elementary Fire
88 Salt Creek Elementary 1 Fire Station 1
89 South Bay Christian Academy 2 Fire Station 2
90 South Bay Christian Academy 3 Fire Station 3
91 Southwestern College 4 Fire Station 4
92 Special Education Preschool 5 Fire Station 5
93 St. John's Episcopal 6 Fire Station 6
94 St. Pius X 7 Fire Station 7
95 St. Rose OfLima School 8 Fire Station 8
96 Sunnyside Elementary 9 Fire Station 9
97 Sweetwater High 10 Fire Station 10
98 Sweetwater Secondary 11 Fire Station 11 (Future)
99 Tiffany (Burton C.) Elementary 12 Fire Station 12 (Future)
United Education Institute-Chula
10013 Fire Station (Bonita-Sunnyside)
Vista
101 University OfPhoenix 14 Sd Fs6
102 Valle Lindo Elementary Law Enforcement
103 Valley Vista Elementary 1 Chula Vista City Jail
104 Veterans Elementary 2 Chula Vista Police Station
105 Victory Christian Academy 3 National City Police
106 Victory Christian Academy 4 South Bay Detention Facility
107 Vista Square Elementary
108 Wolf Canyon Elementary
Source: City of Chula Vista
City of Chula Vista40
Figure 14: Critical Facilities Map A
City of Chula Vista41
Figure 15: Critical Facilities Map B
City of Chula Vista42
2.6.Drought
Drought is defined as an extremely dry climatic period where the available water falls below a statistical
average for a region. Drought is also defined by factors other than rainfall, including vegetation conditions,
agricultural productivity, soil moisture, water levels in reservoirs, and streamflow. Droughts or water
shortages are a gradual phenomenon, occurring over multiyear periods and increasing with the length of
dry conditions. When precipitation is less than normal for a period of time, the flow of streams and rivers
declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth to water in wells increases. If dry weather
persists and water supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought.
The term "drought" can have different meanings depending on how a water deficiency affects day-to-day
activities. Drought is a complex natural hazard, which is reflected in the following four definitions
commonly used to describe it:
Agricultural Agricultural drought is defined principally in terms of naturally occurring soil
moisture deficiencies relative to water demands of plant life, usually arid crops.
Hydrological Hydrological drought is related to the effects of precipitation shortfalls on stream
flows and reservoir, lake, and groundwaterlevels.
Meteorological Meteorological drought is defined solely on the degree of dryness, expressed as
a departure of actual precipitation from an expected average or normal amount based on
monthly, seasonal, or annual time scales.
Regulatory (or socioeconomic) Regulatory drought can occur when the availability of water is
reduced due to the imposition of regulatory restrictions on the diversion and export of water out
of a watershed to another area.
Although the climate is a primary contributor to hydrological drought, other factors such as changes in
land use (i.e., deforestation), land degradation, and the construction of dams can affect the hydrological
characteristics of a region. Because regions are geographically interconnected by natural systems, the
impact of meteorological drought may extend well beyond the borders of the precipitation-deficient area.
Changes in land use upstream may alter hydrologic characteristics such as infiltration and runoff rates,
resulting in more variable streamflow and a higher incidence of hydrologic drought downstream. Land use
change is one way that human actions can alter the frequency of water shortage even when no change in
precipitation has been observed.
Droughts cause public health and safety impacts, as wellas economic and environmental impacts. Public
health and safety impacts are primarily associated with catastrophic wildfire risks and drinking water
shortage risks for small water systems in rural areas and private residential wells. Examples of other
impacts include costs to homeowners due to loss of residential landscaping, degradation of urban
environments due to loss of landscaping, agricultural land fallowing, and associated job loss, degradation
of fishery habitat, and tree mortality with damage to forest ecosystems. Drought conditions can also result
in damage to older infrastructure that is located within dry soils with the potential to leak or break. Dead
or dying vegetation poses a risk of falling and damaging structures and infrastructure systems.
Climate change may increasevulnerability to droughts. Water conservation and water supply
management efforts would helpensure the City is prepared in the event of a long-term drought. The City
City of Chula Vista43
could implement conservation efforts but these efforts do not guarantee a reserve supply of water for
the City during drought periods.
2.6.1.Drought Severity
Drought severity depends on numerous factors, including duration, intensity, and geographic extent, as
well as regional water supply demands by humans, animals,and vegetation. The severity of drought can
be aggravated by other climatic factors, such as prolonged high winds and low relative humidity. The
magnitude of drought is usually measured in time and the severity of the hydrologic deficit.
The USDrought Monitor is a map released weekly that indicates the portions of the United States that
are experiencing drought and the severity of the drought based on five classifications: abnormally dry
(D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought:
moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4) (refer to Table 5).
The Drought Monitor is not a forecast but looks backward, providing a weekly assessment of drought
conditions based on how much precipitation did or did not fall. Because drought is a slow-moving hazard,
it may take more than one good rainfall to end a drought, especially if an area has been in drought for a
long time.
Table 5: Drought Severity Classification
CategoryDescriptionPossibleImpacts
Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or
D0Abnormally Dry
pastures.
Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully
recovered.
D1Moderate Some damage to crops, pastures, streams, reservoirs, orwells is low. Some water
Drought
shortages are developing or imminent; voluntary water-use restrictions are
requested.
D2Severe DroughtCrop or pasture losses likely; water shortages common; water restrictions
imposed.
D3Extreme DroughtMajor crop/pasture losses; widespread water shortages or restrictions.
D4Exceptional Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in
Droughtreservoirs, streams, and wells create water emergencies.
Source: US Drought Monitor, Drought Classification, https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/About/AbouttheData/DroughtClassification.aspx.
Based on a map released on September 21, 2023,93.53percentof California is not in drought compared
to 0percentat this same timelast year. None of the areas are in the D2to D4 categories compared to 94
11
percenta year ago. Only 6.5percentfall into in the D0 and D1 categories(see Figure 16).
11
US Drought Monitoraccessed September 25, 2023, https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?CA.
City of Chula Vista44
Figure 16: California Drought Map
City of Chula Vista45
Droughts in California are regional events. In a drought, all areas of Chula Vistawill be affected. According
to the US Drought Monitor, there is no extreme (D3) or exceptional drought (D4) in California. California
has not seen D1/D0 only conditions since March 2020. California experienced 31 atmospheric rivers in
water year (WY) 2023 through March, which delivered between 1.5 to 2 WYs' worth of precipitation in
much of the state. The region has been extremely cool this WY, and in particular, much of the region in
the last three monthsfrom the date of this writing,experienced temperatures 39 degrees below normal.
This has helped to maintain the snowpack.The precipitation from December 2022 to March 2023
alleviated much of the precipitation deficit in the California central and south coast region.
2.6.2.California Drought History
Drought has affected virtually every county in California, and California has experienced numerous severe
droughts over the past century. FEMA declared one drought emergency for California in January 1977,
12
and other drought emergency declarations have been declared by the state.According to the 2018 State
Hazard Mitigation Plan, from 1972 to 2016, there were fifteen drought state emergency proclamations in
13
California.
The most severe drought on record began in 2012 and continued through 2017. On January 17, 2014, the
governor of California declared a state drought emergency, and on April 1, 2015, the governor announced
the first-ever mandatory 25 percent statewide water use reduction and a series of actions to help save
water, increase enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, streamline the state's drought response, and
invest in new technologies that would make California more drought resilient. At the time of the
announcement, the volume of the Sierra Nevada snowpack was approximately 14 percent of normal.
Despite multiple storms in February 2014, drought conditions persisted. By the end of May 2014, all of
California was in a condition of "extreme" or "exceptional" drought. At the same time, the volume of the
Sierra Nevada snowpack had decreased to less than 10 percent of normal, and water stored in Lake
14
Oroville, the major reservoir for the State Water Project, was at 58 percentof normal.On April 7, 2017,
the governor issued an executive order ending the drought emergency in most of California, including San
DiegoCounty.
Table 6: Historical Droughts
DateAreaAffectedNotes
18271916StatewideMultiyear: 182729, 184344, 185657, 186364 (particularly extreme), 188788,
18971900, 191213.
191721Statewide, except Simultaneous in affected areas, 191920. Most extreme in the north.
for the central
Sierra Nevada and
north coast
192226Statewide, except Simultaneous in effect for the entire state only during 1924, which was particularly
for the central severe.
Sierra Nevada
12
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Disaster Declarations, accessed March 15, 2022,https://www.fema.gov/disaster/3023.
13
2018 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan,2018,https://www.caloes.ca.gov/wp-
content/uploads/002-2018-SHMP_FINAL_ENTIRE-PLAN.pdf.
14
California Department of Water Resources, cant Droughts: Comparing Historical and Recent Conditions, 2015.
City of Chula Vista46
DateAreaAffectedNotes
192837StatewideSimultaneously in effect for the entire state, 192934. Longest in the state's history.
194351StatewideSimultaneously in effect for the entire state, 194749. Most extreme in the south.
195962StatewideMost extreme in the Sierra Nevada and the central coast.
197677Statewide, except Driest 2 years in the state's history. Most severe in the northern two-thirds of the state.
for southwestern
deserts
198792StatewideModerate, continuing through 1989. Most extreme in the northern Sierra Nevada.
200002StatewideMost severe in Southern California.
200709StatewideTwelfth driest 3-year period on record at the time. Most severe in western San Joaquin
Valley.
201217StatewideMost severe California drought on record.
2021presentStatewide2021 became the second driest year on record. The drought emergency expanded
statewide as of October 2021.
Sources:Paulson, R. W., E. B. Chase, R. S. Roberts, and D. W. Moody, Compilers, National Water Summary 1988-89: Hydrologic
Events and Floods and Droughts: USGeological Survey Water-Supply Paper.
California Department of Water Resources, /ğƌźŅƚƩƓźğγƭ aƚƭƷ {źŭƓźŅźĭğƓƷ 5ƩƚǒŭŷƷƭʹ /ƚƒƦğƩźƓŭ IźƭƷƚƩźĭğƌ ğƓķ wĻĭĻƓƷ /ƚƓķźƷźƚƓƭ,
2015.
2.6.3.Water Supply
Chula Vista residents receive their water supply for both drinking and emergency from threewater
districts, depending on their specificlocation within the City. The primary water agencies serving different
parts of Chula Vista are:
Sweetwater Authority:Sweetwater Authority is the primary water agency that serves a
significant portion of Chula Vista. It provideswater to the western and central areas of the City,
including much of the residential and commercial areas.Due to the lack of significant
undeveloped land area within the boundaries of the Sweetwater Authority's service area, future
increases in the demand for potable water will be associated with infill development and
redevelopment projects. Water delivered to Sweetwater Authority consumers is obtained from a
variety of sources. Approximately 70 percent of its water isfrom local water supplies, including
theSweetwater Riverand the San Diego Groundwater Formation. The remainder is obtained from
imported water sources such asgroundwater wells, local reservoirs,and imported waterSan
Diego County Water Authority (CWA).
Otay Water District:The Otay Water District serves the eastern parts of Chula Vista, including
areas near the Otay Lakes and eastern neighborhoods. Itprovideswater to residents and
businesses in this part of the City.Otay Water District also currently has one of the largest recycled
water distribution systems in San Diego County. Water is recycled at theSouth Bay Water
Reclamation Plant located in San Ysidro.All potable water comes from imported sources
purchased from the San Diego CWA.
California-American Water:Certain parts of westernChula Vistareceive water service from the
California-American Water Company. Areas served by the Cal-American Water Company are
presently built out and significant growth in water demand is not anticipated.
City of Chula Vista47
Figure 17: California American Water Service Area Map
City of Chula Vista48
The San Diego CWA generally imports 7595 percent of this water from the Metropolitan Water District
(MWD) of Southern California. Water imported to the region comes from two primary sources: the
Colorado River, through the 240-mile Colorado River Aqueduct; and the State Water Project from
Northern California, through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the 444-mile California
Aqueduct. These sources deliver water to the MWD, which then distributeswater supplies to districts
throughout the Southern California region, including the San Diego CWA. The CWA is composedof 23-
memberwater agencies and water districts, including two that serve Chula Vista: theOtay Water District
and Sweetwater Authority. A third water agency, Cal-American, also provides water to a small portion of
the Chula Vista planning area but is not amember of the CWA.
The three districts vary in size and age of infrastructure but are all expected to conform to the same quality
and service standards established by the California Department of Public Health and the federal Clean
Water Act. In addition to providing water supplies, these agencies provide emergency storage systems
and implement conservation efforts.
The California Water Code requires all urban water suppliers within the state to prepare urban water
management plan(s) and update them every five years, in years ending in five or zero. The plans are to
identify supply and demand, infrastructure, and funding. In accordance with state law, the CWA updated
its Urban Water Management Plan(UWMP)in 2020. The 2020 UWMP identifies a diverse mix of water
resources planned to be developed over the next 25 years to ensure that the region has enough water to
meet its needs, including during drought periods.
Chula Vistahas adopted a landscape water conservation ordinance as required by state law and the
California Department of Water ResourcesWater Efficient Landscape Ordinance. In addition, the City's
Landscape Manual requires the use of recycled water to irrigate landscaped areas of residential,
commercial, and industrial developments, as well as schools, parks, and golf courses, where recycled
water is available.
2.7.Hazardous Materials
A "hazardous material" is defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 25501 as "any material
that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant
present or potential hazard to human health andsafety or to the environment if released into the
workplace or the environment." Improper handling of hazardous materials or waste may result in
significant impacts on human health and the environment. Hazardous materials can be in the form of
explosives,flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. Hazardous
materials accidents can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal.
The impacts of a hazardous materials release can vary, depending on the type and amount of material
released. Hazardous materials exposure can include the following effects: skin/eye irritation; difficulty
breathing; headaches; nausea; behavior abnormalities; cancer; genetic mutations; physiological
malfunctions (i.e., reproductive impairment, kidney failure); physical deformations; or birth defects.
Many businesses and residents in the City use hazardous materials and generate some amount of
hazardous waste. Common hazardous waste is generated from gasoline service stations, dry cleaners,
automotive mechanics, auto body repair shops, machine shops, printers, photo processors, and
agriculture.
City of Chula Vista49
2.7.1.Hazardous Materials Incidents
Potential threats from hazardous materials exist where they are manufactured, stored, transported, or
used due tothe risk of spill and exposure to hazardous materials.
The magnitude and severity of the hazard would be highly dependent on the type of spill, location, and
the extent to which hazardous materials enter the water system. Hazardous materials can be flammable,
radioactive, infectious, corrosive, toxic/poisonous, or otherwise reactive. Heavy rains or winds could
spread hazardous materials over a larger geographical area and create challenging cleanup conditions.
Hazardous materials are used in virtually every manufacturing operation by retailers, service industries,
and homeowners in the City of Chula Vista. Operations known to handle hazardous materials in the City
include gas stations, dry cleaners, medical facilities, commercial/retail businesses, and roadway and
railway transportation. Most hazardous materials operations are small-scale and pose a minimal risk;
however, commercial transportation of hazardous materials via roadway or railway would potentially
have significant impacts on the City during anincident, given the volumes of hazardous materials being
transported.
2.7.2.Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Transportation of hazardous materials/wastes is regulated by the California Code of Regulations Title 26.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT)is the primary regulatory authority for the interstate
transport of hazardous materials. The DOT establishes regulations for safe handling procedures (i.e.,
packaging, marking, labeling, and routing). Criteria also exist regarding personnel qualificationsand
training, inspection requirements, and equipment specifications. The California Highway Patrol (CHP)
enforces regulations related to the intrastate transport of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes. The
CHP and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) enforce federal and state regulations and
respond to hazardous materials transportation emergencies.
2.7.3.Hazardous Materials Sites
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) maintains a data management system called
GeoTracker. Sites identified by GeoTracker are sites that impact or have the potential to impact water
quality in jurisdictions statewide. These sites are required for cleanups, such as leaking underground
storage tank (LUST) sites, Department of Defense sites, and cleanup program sites. GeoTracker also
contains records for various unregulated projects as well as permitted facilities, including irrigated lands,
oil and gas production, operating permitted underground storage tanks, and land disposal sites.
A search of federal, state,and local databases identified numerous known and potentially contaminated
sites within and immediately adjacent to Chula Vista. Known and potentially contaminated sites inChula
Vista are primarily associated with unauthorized releases of oil and hazardous substances (e.g., LUSTs);
former solid and hazardous waste disposal and transfer sites; use, storage, and transport of hazardous
materials; and hazardous waste generation.
As identified by the SWRCB,267sites have been cleaned up in Chula Vista. In 2023, 27 sites were shown
to have ongoing activities related to the previouslyknown or suspected release of hazardous materials to
soil and groundwater in Chula Vista. These sites and their statuses are identified in Figure 18and Table 7.
City of Chula Vista50
In addition, EnviroStor is the Department of Toxic Substances Control's data management system for
tracking cleanup, permitting, enforcement,and investigation efforts at hazardous waste facilities and sites
with known contamination or sites where there may be reasons to investigate further.Of the 62 sites
identified since 1990, 6 are active. These sites and their statuses are identified in Figure 18and Table 7.
Table 7: Hazardous Materials Sites
#FacilityAddressStatusSiteType
StateWaterResourcesControlBoardGeoTracker
1442 Tremont Street (Drug Lab)442 Tremont StreetOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
2517 Shinohara Lane517 Shinohara LaneOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
3821 Main Street821 Main StreetOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
4A & P Drive Thru Cleaners48 BroadwayOpen -InactiveCleanup Program
Site
5Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan Development Marina ParkwayOpen -Remediation -Cleanup Program
-Cvbd -Pacifica Exchange Parcels (H-13, H-14, Land Use RestrictionsSite
H-15, Hp-5)
6Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan Development San Diego BayOpen -InactiveCleanup Program
-South Bay Power Plant Site
7Chula Vista General Plan Site 1-A789 E StreetOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
8Chula Vista Mixed Use (Sear's Center)565 BroadwayOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
9Crown Chemical Corp1888 Nirvana AvOpen -RemediationCleanup Program
Site
10El Super765 Palomar StreetOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
11Eldorado Cleaners & Laundry648 E StOpen -RemediationCleanup Program
Site
12Goodrich Aerostructures / Rohr -Goodrich 850 Lagoon DriveOpen -Site Cleanup Program
Aerostructures -North Campus -Eastern Parcel AssessmentSite
A
13Goodrich Aerostructures / Rohr -Goodrich 850 Lagoon DriveOpen -RemediationCleanup Program
Aerostructures -South CampusSite
14Gunpowder Point0 Gunpowder Point Open -InactiveCleanup Program
DriveSite
15Homefed Village IIIMaster, Llc0 Heritage RoadOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
16Moss & Industrial676 Moss StreetOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
17Optima Car Wash498 BroadwayOpen -Site Lust Cleanup Site
Assessment
18Private Property1402-1418 BroadwayOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
19Proposed Wash N Go495 Telegraph CanyonOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
City of Chula Vista51
#FacilityAddressStatusSiteType
20Sediment Off Former Shangrila Site980 Lagoon DriveOpen -InactiveCleanup Program
Site
21Speedy Clean Chula Vista1327 3rd AvenueOpen -InactiveCleanup Program
Site
22Summit Equipment Rentals128 Mace StreetOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
23Supreme Gasoline196 BroadwayOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
24Sweetwater Marsh0 2300 North Of E Open -Site Cleanup Program
StreetAssessmentSite
25The Marine Group, Llc997 G StreetOpen -InactiveCleanup Program
Site
26Tires 4 Less77 BroadwayOpen -Site Lust Cleanup Site
Assessment
27Xtreme Car Wash1264 Third AvenueOpen -Site Cleanup Program
AssessmentSite
DepartmentofToxicSubstanceControlEnviroStor
1E Street Plaza Shopping Center640-692 E StreetActiveTiered Permit
2Otay Ranch Village III-Lots 826, 827 & Parcel 2Heritage RoadActiveVoluntary Cleanup
3Otay River Mitigation Bank000 No AddressActiveVoluntary Cleanup
4Proposed Otay Ranch Village 3 (School No. 47) Camino PradoActiveSchool Cleanup
School Site
5Proposed Otay Ranch Village IIS-2 School SiteSanta Liza AvenueActiveVoluntary Cleanup
6San Diego Gas & Electric, South Bay Power Plant990 Bay BoulevardActiveVoluntary Cleanup
Source: State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker, accessed September 15, 2023,
Https://Geotracker.Waterboards.Ca.Gov/Map/?Global_Id=Sl0601331885;Department of Toxic Substance Control, Envirostor, accessed September 15,
2023, https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/search?basic=True.
2.7.3.1.Siting Hazardous Waste Facilities
Products as diverse as gasoline,paint,solvents,film-processing chemicals,household cleaning products,
refrigerants, and radioactive substances are categorized as hazardous materials. After use, or processing,
hazardous materials that remain are considered hazardous waste. Nearly all industry and businesses in
Chula Vista generate some amount of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is of concern in light of potential
adverse public health and safety and environmental impacts that can result from the improper handling
and disposal of such materials. Therefore, the appropriate siting of hazardous waste storage, collection,
treatment, disposal and transfer facilities is important. Also important is the siting of such facilities in
relatively close proximity to generation sources in order to facilitate proper and efficient disposal of
hazardous waste and to reduce the transport of hazardous waste within the City.
established. Proposed hazardous waste facilities will be considered only if they are within the industrial
zoned general areas and meet specific siting, design, and operating criteria as established by the Chula
Vista Zoning Code, and pursuant to siting criteria guidelines established by the City.
City of Chula Vista52
2.7.3.2.Siting and Managing Facilities
The use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials and waste within Chula Vista are rigorously
controlled by federal, state, and local regulations. The City uses a variety of tools to regulate facilities that
use, store,and handle hazardous materials and waste in order to ensure compatibility with existing and
planned surrounding land uses. The primary tools utilized by the City are zoning regulations,
environmental review of proposed developments in accordance with the California Environmental Quality
Act, and the issuance of business licenses.
As development and redevelopment in Chula Vista continue, the potential exists for facilities that use,
store, and handle hazardous materials and waste to be sited in locations where such activities may be
incompatible with existing and planned surroundingland uses. Through the use of appropriate tools, the
City will ensure that facilities using, storing, and handling hazardous materials and waste will be
appropriately sited and that the operation of such facilities will be regulated such that significant adverse
effects to surrounding land uses will be avoided.
City of Chula Vista53
Figure 18: Hazardous Materials Sites
City of Chula Vista54
2.7.4.HouseholdHazardous WasteProgram
Chula Vista's household hazardous waste (HHW) program, designed to provide a means to safely collect,
recycle,treat,and dispose of HHW, was implemented in 1997. Public education and awareness programs,
including programs for school-agedchildren, support the recycling program and contribute to high
participation rates.
HHW includes usedmotor oil; latex and oil-basedpaints; used antifreeze; cleaning products; aerosol
containers; dry cell and automotive batteries; pesticides and garden chemicals; and solvents. HHW
generated by Chula Vista residents cannot be disposed of at the local and regional landfills serving the
City and is, therefore, handled separately from non-hazardous solid waste. Chula Vista's current HHW
program includes a temporary storage facility located at the City's John Lippitt Public Works Center on
Maxwell Road. This facility was designed as a regional facility to accommodate waste from the South Bay
area, including areas outside the Citylimits. The majority of the HHW collected at the City's facility is
reused or recycled and thus diverted from landfill disposal.
Inaddition to the City's HHW facility,the City provides free used motor oil and oil filter recycling through
its hazardous waste collection. The City-has also advertised a pharmaceutical waste disposal sites, with
location at the police department and various pharmacies.Source reduction, a form of diversion, is
promoted through public education on alternatives to toxic products.
In the absence of convenient and affordable HHW collection facilities and sufficient public education, the
extent of improper HHW disposal would likely be great. The adverse impacts of improper HHW disposal
to the environment and to public health and safety warrant significant efforts to facilitate proper disposal.
Public education on alternatives to toxic products can yield a reduction of HHW sources and, in turn, a
reduction in HHW generation; therefore, such efforts are also warranted.
2.8.Emergency Planning/Response
Emergency planning and disaster response are key components in addressing the City's vulnerability to
natural and human-caused hazards. A well-developed emergency planning strategy ensures that,in the
event of a significant hazard event, the City of Chula Vistais prepared to efficiently respond and maintain
the safety and well-being of its residents, buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities.
2.8.1.Emergency Operations Plan
The City of Chula Vista Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was developed in accordance with following
recommended guidance from the Comprehensive
Preparedness Guide 101 Version 2.0. The EOP addresses the emergency response functions of local
government departments, public officials, and other public and private organizations during
emergencies/disasters. The plan was developed through a collaborative effort of City departments,
including public safety agencies such as fire, law enforcement, and public works. These organizations play
a vital role in responding to emergencies.
The EOP applies to all persons participating in protection, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response,
and recoveryefforts within the City. Furthermore, all stakeholdersare encouraged to maintain their own
procedures and actively participate in the training, exercises, and maintenance needed to support this
plan.
City of Chula Vista55
TheCity of Chula Vista EOP is based on the County of San Diego Operational AreaEmergency Operations
Plan (OA EOP). It is designed to meet the needs of the City with respect to organizational structure and
identified hazards.
2.8.2.Emergency Preparedness Program
State regulations establish the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). The system
includes requirements for incident command systems; multi-agency coordination systems; mutual aid
cy (municipality) with emergency response
capability within the state, Chula Vista is required to use the SEMS system.
Chula Vista provides for the preparation and execution of plans for the protection of persons and property
within the City in the event of an emergency (Chula Vista Municipal Code, Chapter 2.14,Emergency
Organization Department). The code requirescoordination of the emergency functions of the City with
other publicagencies, corporations, and organizations.
Federal law (Disaster Management Act 2000) requires that, in order to remain eligible for post-disaster
FEMA funding, every jurisdiction in the United States must have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan
(HAZMIT plan) to address the management of, and response to, emergency situations. In addition, to be
eligible for pre-disaster FEMA funding for use in hazard mitigation, each jurisdiction's approved HAZMIT
plan must include the planned uses of those funds. The County of San Diego adopted its MJHMP in 2023,
which included the City of Chula Vista. The plan was submitted to FEMA for approval in compliance with
federal law.
General Plan policies and standards tie newdevelopment andredevelopment to the provision of
adequate publicfacilities and services, including police and fire protection. Due to the rollingterrain and
varied topography, some new developments have windingstreets and irregular layouts instead of the grid
pattern found in older,traditional neighborhoods. Some design characteristics, such asnarrowstreet
widths, aim to create walkable communities, serve to establish anoverall neighborly atmosphere, and
tend to reduce traffic speeds. Inmixed-use neighborhoods, density increases may result in tallerbuildings.
The evolving urban form and thecumulative increase indevelopment will affect emergency service
response times as well as theequipment, facilities,and personnel needed for fire and police services.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a method of incorporating design techniques
into projects to help reduce the potential for crime. CPTED is used in the development of parks; residential
and commercial projects; schools; transit stations; and parking lots to reduce the number of calls for
service. The reduced call volume may favorably impact response times.
CPTED includes the use of four primary strategies:
Providing natural access control into areas;
Improving natural surveillance (i.e., i
Maintaining and managing a property to reduce crime and disorder; and
Using territorial reinforcement to distinguish private space from public space.
City of Chula Vista56
2.8.2.1.Emergency Response Program
A Citywide emergency response program provides the framework for responding to any type of
emergency or disaster that mightoccur in Chula Vista. Accomplishing efficient emergency response
involves coordination with other agencies regarding disaster preparedness; preparation and regular
updatesof the emergency operationsplan; education of residents and businesses about the plan and
about evacuation routes; and periodic training of City staff and other emergency response staff to
effectively implement the plan.
2.8.2.2.Post-EmergencyResponse
In the event of disasters and emergencies, a swift and efficient response minimizes injuries,casualties,
and property damage. Planning post-disaster operations ensures the safety, health, and welfare of
residents by allowing critical operations to continue as expeditiously and efficiently as possible following
a catastrophic event. The post-disasteranalysis will help theCity improve safety plans and responses.
2.8.2.3.Exposure Control Plan
Chula Vista Fire Department is updating the 2023 Exposure Control plan, which complieswith Title 8,
California Code of Regulations, Section 5193: Bloodborne Pathogens; Section 5199: Aerosol Transmissible
Disease; Cal OSHA Tuberculosis Control Enforcement Guidelines and any such subsequent code or
regulations aimed at reducing occupational exposure to potentially communicable pathogens.
This plan:
Outlines and summarizes the requirements of the cited standards.
Evaluates routine tasks and procedures in the workplace that involves exposure to bloodborne,
airborne and OPIM, identifies workers performing such tasks and uses a variety of methods to
reduce risks.
Establishes field guidelines for pre-hospital care personnel, outline engineering and work practice
controls, personal protective equipment, housekeeping procedures, and post-exposure
evaluations to comply with the standard and communicate hazards to applicable personnel and
assist in minimizing the risk of being exposed, contracting and/or spreading communicable
disease.
Establishes guidelines for the management of fire department personnel, who in the line of duty,
may be exposed to or contract a communicable disease.
Informs emergency responders of the risks of occupational exposure to blood/airborne pathogens
and aerosol-transmissiblediseases and how to reduce those risks.
2.8.3.Public Safety Services
In the City of Chula Vista, fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the Chula Vista
Fire Department, and law enforcement services are provided by the Chula Vista Police Department. Fire
stations are dispersed throughout the City, while police facilities are centered in headquarters in
downtown Chula Vista. The current Fire Station Master Plan calls for 11fire stations. The number and
location of future fire stations, along with how they are equipped, may change.The City is currently
developing the Bayfront property, which will call for the development of an additional fire station (number
12).
City of Chula Vista57
To maintain ahigh level of dependable, competent fire protection and emergency medical services for
the City, several strategies will continue to be employed. The City will continue to use a growth-related
service standard to help determine if public safety is adequately protected. Fire Department staffing and
equipment will continue to be expanded, as needed, to meet the service standard and to minimize hazards
to the firefighters and public, in conformance with changes to the updated Fire StationMaster Plan. The
Fire Department will continue to enhance its capabilities and staffing through mutual aid agreements with
fire departments in the surrounding communities.
Similar strategies also facilitate the provision of law enforcement services that meet the City's needs. The
department will continue to monitor calls for service, analyze crime statistics and resident survey data,
and make changes in staffing and patrols to reflect the growing community's needs.
Effective fire protection and emergency medical and law enforcement services require two-way
relationships with the community. Staff must understand the unique needs and conditions in the
community and the community must lend support to the various programs and efforts of the Police
Department and Fire Department. The City encourages active participation by Fire and Police
Departments in all facets of communitylife, including involvement in area businessand senior/youth
activities.
2.8.3.1.Keeping Pace with Growth
The City of Chula Vista has experienced significant residential growth over the last decade. The majority
of new growth has occurred in the east, where continued relatively high growth is expected in the coming
years, along with density increases in the west. Fire protection, emergency medical services, and police
services will need to expand to match the demand brought on by this anticipated growth.
While fire stations are located throughout the City, the Police Department maintains one police
headquarters, located in the western portion of the City. If appropriate, the department could establish
satellite storefront offices to provide a presence in other neighborhoods.
2.8.4.Evacuation Routes
In the event of a significant emergency, clear routes are needed to ensure that emergency responders
and supplies can be transported and that community members can be evacuated. Evacuation efforts
depend on the severity and type of hazard incident that is occurring. In some cases, people may have a
day or two to prepare, while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Evacuation routes
include major roadways and thoroughfares intended to transport people from areas impacted by
hazardous events to areas of safety.
There may be occasions when a limited-scaleevacuation is the appropriate response to an emergency
situation. Under these circumstances, people should be evacuated to neighborhood and community
schools, hospitals, and public facilities, where they could receive adequate care and treatment. In the
event of a major disaster, where a large part of the City may require evacuation, the following circulation
routes may be usedand are depicted in Figure 19:
Interstate 5; Interstate 805; State Route 54; and State Route 125
E, H, J and L Streets; Bonita Road; Telegraph Canyon Road; Olympic Parkway
Naples, Palomar and Main Streets; Orange Avenue
City of Chula Vista58
Broadway; Fourth Avenue; Hilltop Drive; Oleander Avenue; Third Avenue; Melrose Avenue; Otay
Lakes Road; and Heritage Road
Evacuation routes effectively include all improved (paved) roads within the City. Unpaved roads may be
used in an evacuation as a last resort but should not be relied on as a primary evacuation route. Local
streets typically serveas direct access for adjacentresidential and commercial developmentand while
they are not designed to accommodate high traffic volumes, they serve limited development areas and
are rarely required to handle traffic flows that would exceed their capacities, even under full evacuation
conditions.
For the purposes of evacuation planning, the designated evacuation route street network includes
roadways that are classified as collectors and above including the following:
1.Freeways/Highways
2.Major Roadways
3.Gateway Streets
4.Urban Arterials
5.Commercial Boulevard
6.Neighborhood & Local Streets (in select areas)
Designated evacuation routes are the most reliable roadway facilities for the following reasons:
These roads are designed to accommodate higher volumes of traffic in-line with their
classifications.
Access controls are more stringent on roads of higher classification.
Intersection controls are designed to prioritize travel on roads of higher classification.
Roadway maintenance policies prioritize roads of higher classification.
Primary evacuation routes are identified inFigure 19. Note that evacuation routes shown are to gateway
exit points located at or near the City boundary. In addition, SR-125 is identified as animportant
evacuation route, and while it is a toll road under emergencyevacuation conditions it is presumed the
evacuees would be able to access the highway without penalty or fees.
Evacuation route vulnerability can be expressed from several perspectives. The most direct expression of
route vulnerability deals with physical features along an evacuation route that can be damaged during
emergency scenarios and cause the evacuation route to be disrupted and unusable. These physical
features include:
Bridges (over rivers, creeks, and other drainage features)
Bridges (creating grade separated roadways)
Low points along the route that are prone to flooding
Route locations along steep natural slopes that are prone to landslides
City of Chula Vista59
Figure 19: Evacuation RoutesMap
City of Chula Vista60
Figure 20 depicts physical features such as bridge structures along primary evacuation routes that may
impede an evacuation if damaged at the time of an emergency which require an evacuation. The
Vulnerability Assessment (separate cover) summarizes all of the critical facilities throughout.
Evacuation route vulnerability can also be expressed in terms of vulnerability to residents where
development areas are isolated and/or areas that have access to only one evacuation route. These areas
are a concern and require additional advanced planning to address emergency scenarios where an
evacuation is needed, and the single evacuation route may be blocked or damaged and cannot be used.
Also shown in Figure 20 arethose residential development areas (neighborhoods) that have only one
access point to a primary evacuationroute. These neighborhoods were identified after a thorough review
of various City-wide maps and aerialphotographsand include residential developments that may be
access constrained during an evacuation. If a neighborhood takes directaccess to another roadway and
that roadway funnels to more than one designated evacuation route, it would not be considered
vulnerable. Similarly, if a neighborhood does take direct access to a designated evacuation route with only
one way in and out, this would be considered a vulnerable neighborhood.
In an evacuation scenario, these neighborhoods could be exposed to an increased risk due to the lack of
multiple egress opportunities and should be given earlier evacuation consideration.
City of Chula Vista61
Figure 20: Evacuation Route Vulnerable Neighborhoods
City of Chula Vista62
City of Chula Vista63