HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/12/08 Item 10
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
.:SWf:. ClIT OF
.~ (HULA VISTA
Item No.: 10
Meeting Date: 12/8/09
ITEM TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING; CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED
UPDATES TO THE CITY'S GUIDELINES FOR THE
PREPARATION OF AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAl~S
SUBMITTED BY:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE UPDATED CHULA VISTA
AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAl'l GUIDELINES
(OCTOBER 2009)
DEPUTY CITY MANAGE~VELOPMENT SERVICES
DIRECTOR ~
CITY MANAGER.f~
4/5THS VOTE: YES NO X
REVIEWED BY:
SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista's Growth Management Ordinance (CVMC 19.09) requires Air Quality
Improvement Plans (AQIPs) to be prepared and submitted with all Sectional Planning Area
(SPA) Plans and major projects consisting of 50 or more dwelling units. The focus of an AQIP is
to demonstrate that the proposed project represents the best available design to improve air
quality and energy efficiency. In 2003, the City adopted a set of AQIP Guidelines to direct the
preparation of AQLPs; however, these guidelines have not been updated to keep pace with
advancements in building technology, increased energy efficiency standards, and smart growth
practices. Tonight's action requests that City Council approve the proposed updated AQIP
Guidelines, which renovate the quantitative modeling procedures established in 2003, encourage
smart growth community site design principles, and provide added clarity with regard to the
required content and format of an AQIP.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Envirorunental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with
the California Envirorunental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that there is no possibility
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that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) (General Rule) of the state CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Although environmental review is not necessary at this time, additional environmental review
will be required as applicable prior to the approval of any future project specific development
entitlements including, but not limited to, site development plans, building permits, land
development permits, and conditional use permits.
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approves the Council Resolution.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Resource Conservation Commission CRCC)
At their meeting on October 12, 2009, the RCC considered the updated AQIP Guidelines and
made a recommendation that the use of alternative fuels and/or home-based vehicle recharging
appliances be explored as potential means to qualify a project to receive a credit towards the
City's Energy Efficiency Ordinance. Staff clarified that the discussion in the AQIP regarding
energy efficiency credits is intended for informational purposes only. Detailed provisions related
to the calculation and application of credits is currently under development and subject to
subsequent review and approval. Staff indicated it would consider the use of alternative fuels
and/or home-based vehicle recharging appliances as the energy efficiency credit option evolves.
With the recommendation that staff consider alternative vehicle fuels as the energy efficiency
credit option evolves, the RCC voted unanimously to recommend that the Planning Commission
approve the updates to the City's of Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines.
Planning Commission
The updated AQIP Guidelines were presented to the Chula Vista Planning Commission on
October 28,2009. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the proposed updates by a
vote of 4-0-0-1. Their recommendation was based on several questions regarding the purpose
and value of AQIPs, focused on the following aspects:
. Computer modeling replacing good planning practices
Redundancy with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
The Planning Commission also indicated they would have preferred to see clear indication of
industry position through either written correspondence or public hearing testimony. The
discussion below summarizes staff responses to the issues discussed at the hearing:
Computer lvfodeling Replacing Good Planning Practices
The Planning Commission voiced several questions focused on the necessity of preparing AQIPs
and the value that they provide, considering that projects are already required to comply with
other local, state, and federal regulations related to air quality. Staff clarified that the requirement
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to prepare AQIPs has been in place since 1991 with the adoption of the Growth Management
Program, which outlined the City's objectives to reduce impacts to air quality. Staff explained
that the configuration and mix of land uses within communities can have a substantial effect on
air quality emissions and energy consumption through the proximity and placement of balanced
and supporting land uses and the design of the street and transit system. The greatest potential to
incorporate design principals targeted at improving air quality is first realized during the initial
stages of plan development. For this reason, AQIPs are prepared in conjunction with large scale
SPA Plans and are a required component of applications that are submitted for major projects.
The Planning Commission expressed a concern that emphasis on computer modeling could
diminish the City's responsibility to apply sound planning practices during project review. Staff
clarified that the option to perform computer modeling was introduced in 2003 through the
City's C02 Reduction Plan, and serves as a supplement to staffs review for consistency
measures contained in tlae City's C02 Reduction Plan. Specifically, the computer modeling
validates decisions by providing quantitative data that can be used to evaluate how energy
efficiency and C02 emissions are affected as changes in community design are made. Without
some level of quantitative evaluation, decisions related to consistency with City plans and the
resulting C02 emissions reduction would be subjective.
Staff noted that the AQIP is only one of several required plans that must be considered through a
project's entitlement process. The responsibility of our staff is to apply their expertise to make
certain that projects are reviewed and planned consistent with all applicable City requirements.
Redundancy with CEQA
Planning Commission questioned the apparent redundancy of AQIPs given that applicants are
already required to evaluate tlae project's impact to air quality through tlae CEQA process.
Planning Commission expressed a concern that requiring a supplemental analysis beyond that
required by CEQA represents an additional encumbrance to prospective dcvelopments. Staff
acknowledged that applicants of major development projects are required to perform an air
quality analysis under CEQA; however, at this time, there are no adopted CEQA significance
thresholds for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Significance thresholds for (GHG) emissions
are currently under development at the Federal and State levels. In light of this, the quantitative
modeling performed in conjunction with the AQIP validates implementation of City initiatives to
reduce GHG emissions.
In summary, the AQIP process provides a means for staff to address the City's progressive
strategies for reducing impacts to air quality during the earliest stages of site planning, ensuring
that major project proposals are designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions compared to current industry standards and practices.
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BACKGROUND
In accordance with Growth Management requirements, the AQIP must provide an analysis of air
pollution resulting from the project, methods to improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle miles
traveled, use of traffic control measures, methods to reduce direct or indirect emission, and a
program to monitor compliance. In 2003, the City adopted a set of AQIP Guidelines to direct the
preparation of AQIPs; however, these guidelines need updating to keep pace with advancements
in building technology, increased energy efficiency standards, and smart growth practices.
The current AQIP Guidelines require the developer/applicant satisfy the AQIP requirement
through either of the following two options: I) having 50% of the project homes participate in
the GreenStar Building Program to achieve 15% better energy efficiency than 200 I State
building code (Title 24) requirements, or 2) perform a quantitative evaluation of the project using
the INDEX PlanBuilder (INDEX) Model. The INDEX Model was first developed in conjunction
with the 2003 AQIP Guidelines as a means to evaluate a project's energy efficiency and
emission reduction characteristics. The model requires that projects meet certain baseline scores
regarding design aspects such as internal street connectivity, pedestrian network coverage, and
residential/non-residential building energy use. The associated baseline performance scores were
based on then existing (200 I) neighborhoods that reflected development practices prior to any
special consideration to energy efficiency. The "pre-efficiency neighborhoods" used to
developed baseline performance standards included Terra Nova, College I Estates, and College II
Estates. Since that time, the State Title 24 requirements have undergone two revisions (2005, and
now 2008) with both codes surpassing prior AQIP requirements for 15% over 2001 code levels.
In 2009, the City adopted the Green Building and Energy Efficiency Ordinances, CYMC 15.12
and 15.26.030 respectively, which require developers/applicants to implement sustainable design
features and improve building energy conservation 15% to 20% above 2008 State Energy Code
requirements. Developers/Applicants are now required to comply with these standards as part of
the building permit process for all new buildings citywide. Therefore, AQIP requirements related
to GreenStar and the 2001 energy code are no longer applicable. With regard to INDEX baseline
modeling, with the completion of contemporary smart growth developments since 200 I, updated
baselines using Villages I & 5, 6, and II of Otay Ranch could be developed.
Developers/Applicants preparing AQIPs would now be required to perform a quantitative
evaluation of their project in order to demonstrate that the project has met an updated set of City
thresholds for reducing air quality impacts and improving energy conservation. The updated
AQIP guidelines reflect changes to the City's quantitative modeling procedures and the programs
that will be used to evaluate project compliance.
The updated AQIP guidelines also address changes in smart growth community site design
principles, and propose eligibility requirements to receive energy efficiency credit towards
partial compliance with the City's increased building Energy Efficiency Standards.
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DISCUSSION
Community and site design features and environmentally conscious building practices can have a
substantial effect on air quality emissions and energy consumption. For that reason,
developers/applicants of major projects are required to prepare and submit an AQIP as part of
their development proposal process. The focus of an AQIP is to demonstrate that the proposed
project represents the best available design to improve air quality and energy efficiency. Updates
to the City's existing set of AQIP Guidelines are necessary to ret1ect advancements in
quantitative modeling procedures and to provide additional clarification regarding the required
content and format of AQIPs.
As described further below, the AQIP must include a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the
proposed project to demonstrate how the project has met the City's thresholds for reducing air
quality impacts and improving energy conservation. Key components of the AQIP updates
address:
Air pollution impacts from the project.
Project efficiency through quantitative project evaluation.
Commtmity and site design features.
Eligibility requirements to receive energy efficiency credit toward CYMC 15.26.030.
Summarv of Air Pollution Impacts
Updates to the AQIP Guidelines clarify requirements to summarize the effect of the project's
mobile and stationary emission sources on local and regional air quality. It is expected that this
section will focus on highlighting the findings contained in the air quality impact analysis
prepared as part of the project's respective Environmental Impact Report (EIR).. This section of
the AQIP will require Developers/Applicants to address the following:
Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations related to assessing air quality impacts
Project's emission sources and related criteria pollutants (including those associated with
short-term construction and long-term implementation)
Effect of project emission on local and regional air quality
Community design and other project features and mitigation measures that have been
developed to reduce the project's effect on air quality
Quantitative Proiect Evaluation
Updates to the INDEX PlanBuilder AIodel
Currently, AQIPs require quantitative modeling to be performed using the 2003 INDEX model,
which scores a project's air quality and energy efficiency characteristics against 12 unique 'Key
Indicator' thresholds.
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Those thresholds were developed using existing projects that were built out in 2001 including
Terra Nova, College I Estates, and College II Estates. In order to deem a project consistent with
the City's adopted strategies for improving air quality and energy conservation, projects must
reflect improvements at or beyond the threshold scores in two out of four indicators in each of
the following elements: Land Use, Transportation, and Environment. The required Key
Indicators were selected based on their ability to implement several of the Action Measures
contained in the City's C02 Reduction Plan.
As previously noted, the INDEX Model has not been updated since it was introduced in 2003.
Consequently, the baseline performance standards and qualifying thresholds no longer provide
an adequate means to compare a project's efficiency characteristics against current contemporary
smart growth design practices. Therefore, the proposed AQIP Guidelines include the following
updates to the INDEX Model:
Update model baseline performance scores based on the evaluation of more recently built
smart growth areas including Villages 1 & 5, 6, and 11 of Otay Ranch (updated
performance scores are provided in Attachment A of the AQIP Guidelines).
Revise and expand the list of required Key Indicators to be evaluated using the INDEX
Model from 12 to 16. Key Indicators that have been added include: intersection density,
residential multi-modal access, and residentiaVnon-residential building CO2 Emissions.
Remove previous Key Indicators that are redundant or measured neighborhood
components that are beyond the control of the Applicant, such as Transit Service
Coverage.
Update performance threshold scores for each Key Indicator.
Require Developers/Applicants to comply with all Key Indicator Thresholds. The
Development Services Director (or their designee) has been given discretion to waive
select key indicators that are clearly not applicable to the project being evaluated.
The updates to the INDEX Model will provide the City with a contemporary means to evaluate
energy efficiency and emission reduction aspects associated with community design and site
planning features for proposed SPA Plan developments.
Addition of Alternative Modeling Programs
Since the time of the last AQIP Guidelines, a number of other computer modeling programs have
been developed to evaluate and compare the energy efficiency and emission reduction
characteristics of community and site design. Staff recognizes and wants to create opportunities
for their use; therefore, as an alternative to the INDEX model, developers/applicants may choose
an alternative compliance program modeling software such as LEED ND, Community Viz, or,
PLACE3S, among possible others. The updated Guidelines require that the results address the
topics on the Key Indicators List, and that they be translated to demonstrate equivalent
compliance with the minimum threshold scores established through INDEX for each of the
required Key Indicators. AQIPs prepared through alternative modeling programs must
summarize the modeling results in a format comparable to that generated through INDEX.
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At this time, specific data comparisons and definitive equivalencies across models are not readily
available. Staff will continue to review, and refine the procedures for compliance as necessary to
ensure that projects using alternative computer models produce results that meet or exceed
INDEX performance thresholds.
Smart Growth Community Site Design Features
The AQIP Guidelines have been updated to require the developer/applicant to provide a
qualitative discussion describing the effect their community design has on air quality in terms of
site planning, transportation, and energy efficiency. The focus of this discussion is to elaborate
on the specific project features that were used in conjunction with the quantitative modeling
requirements. In addition, the AQIP also requires the developer/applicant to provide a
comparative evaluation of the project's community design features and how they serve to
implement the applicable action measures contained in the City's CO2 Reduction Plan.
Credit Option for Increased Building Energv Efficiencv Standards
Under the City's recently adopted Energy Efficiency Ordinance (CYMC 15.26.030), all new
buildings must exceed minimum energy efficiency requirements under the State's current 2008
Title 24 Energy Code (by 15% to 20%). This includes future buildings in SPA Plan areas with
AQIPs prepared pursuant to these AQIP Guidelines. For the purpose of simplifying the program,
while at the same time achieving an equivalent level of energy savings, CYMC 15.26.030
requires projects to demonstrate that they have exceeded the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency
Standards by a specific percentage. This compliance method is consistent with the structure,
format and calculation methods of the California Energy Efficiency Standards and is simple and
clear for the building industry to understand and staff to enforce. Through discussion with the
Building Industry Association (BIA), staff also proposed to offer an energy credit option for
building construction within SPA Plan project areas where developers/applicants can meet a
portion of the increased building energy efficiency requirements through community site design
measures, provided the SPA Plans meet certain design criteria.
The City Council Energy Subcommittee also provided input and direction to staff regarding the
~nergy credit option within new SPA Plan areas. While they support a credit option, they
requested that more specific information be gathered as to the energy saving value of various
SPA Plan community and site design features before determining what level of credit should be
granted. The Subcommittee wanted some level of empirical measurement that the building
savings to be foregone would reasonably be offset. In the mean time, the Subcommittee
supported placeholder language in CYMC 15.26.030 that allows the credit option subject to
future guidelines.
As a result, and in recognition that community design and other planning considerations made at
the SPA level contribute to overall energy savings in new development, the updated Guidelines
provide that in new SPA Plan areas (approved subsequent to the adoption of Energy Efficiency
Ordinance) a partial credit may be granted toward meeting the more stringent building energy
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efficiency requirements under CYMC 15.26.030, provided that the project complies with an
additional set of progressive quantitative thresholds.
If the results of the additional quantitative modeling do not meet the progressive set of qualifying
thresholds, the applicant must modify the project design in order to meet the qualifying scores, or
the credit cannot be granted. Developers/Applicants that are successful in demonstrating that
their project has met the qualifying energy savings thresholds will be eligible to receive the
energy savings credit at the time of building permit. Following the successful completion of the
progressive modeling, the City's Development Services Director (or their designee) shall issue a
written communication to the applicant confirming that the project is eligible to receive an
energy savings credit towards compliance with CYMC 15.26.030. The applicant shall include
this letter as part of the building permit application at which time the credit can be applied as
appropriate.
The specifics of the credit option, including performance thresholds and provisions related to the
calculation and application of credits, are currently under refmement and subject to subsequent
review and approval of City CounciL
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICTS:
Not Applicable: Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined
that it is not site specific and consequently the 500 foot rule found in California Code of
Regulations Section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the updates to the AQIP Guidelines will not result in an impact to the current fiscal
year budget. Applicants are responsible for the preparation of AQIPs and INDEX modeling as
part of their SPA Plan submittal. Implementation of the guidelines will require staff time to
review AQIPs for compliance with the AQIP Guidelines; however, the associated costs will be
charged to the applicable project deposit accounts.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
As noted above, future SPA Plan applicants will be responsible for AQIP preparation and
INDEX modeling. There may be periodic staff costs associated with future updates to the AQIP
Guidelines.
ATTACHMENTS
I. Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines (October 2009)
2. City Council Resolution
Prepared by: Glen Laube, Associate Planner, Development Services Department
J:\PlallllingIGLaube\AQIP Update\Council\CC-AQIP _A113.doc
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CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (AQIP) GUIDELINES
(OCTOBER 2009)
I. Introduction
Community and site design features and environmentally conscious building practices can have a substantial effect
on air quality emissions and energy consumption. In recognition of this, the City of Chula Vista has been
progressive in its approach to advancing the practices of energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions. This is evident through the City's Growth Management Ordinance (CVMC 19.09), Carbon Dioxide (CO,)
Reduction Plan, Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) Implementation Measures, and Green Building and
Increased Energy Efficiency Ordinances (CVMC 15.12, and 15.26.030, respectively). These programs promote
energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by requiring applicants to implement the best
available community site design practices such as providing alternative modes of transportation, transit-friendly,
walkable communities, and sustainable building design.
The City's Growth Management Ordinance, requires an Air Ouality Improvement Plan (AOIP) to be submitted with
all Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plans or major development projects consisting of 50 dwelling units or greater (or
non-residential or mixed use projects with equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) to a residential project of 50 or more
dwelling units). As required by Growth Management Ordinance, the AOIP shall provide an analysis of air pollution
impacts which would result from the project, and will be required to demonstrate the best available design to reduce
vehicle trips, maintain or improve trallc flow, reduce vehicle miles traveled, including implementation of appropriate
traffic control measures, and other means of reducing emissions (direct or indirect) from the project.
To further enhance opportunities to improve air quality and energy conservation, applicable action measures
contained in the City's Carbon Dioxide (CO,) Reduction Plan must also be addressed in the AOIP. The City's CO,
Reduction Plan was adopted in late 2000 and establishes a strategy for the City to reduce energy consumption,
promote alternative transportation and design transit-friendly, walkable communities. As part of the AOIP, applicants
will be required to demonstrate how their project was designed to help implement the action measures contained in
this plan.
In addition, although not required for AOIPs, at the time a building permit application is submitted, the
developer/applicant will be required to comply with the provisions of the City's Green Building and Increased Energy
Efficiency Standards, CVMC 15.12 and 15.26.030 respectively. These standards focus on implementing
environmentally friendly construction practices and materials, and improving building energy conservation above
current California State Title 24 Energy Code requirements. The environmentally conscious planning efforts
developed in conjunction with the project's AOIP will facilitate compliance with CVMC 15.12 and 15.26.030 and
expedite the building permit process.
Through the AOIP, applicants must demonstrate how their project has been designed consistent with each of these
programs and thus represents the best available design in terms of improving energy efficiency and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. These guidelines have been developed to provide direction in the preparation of AOIPs.
II. City Requirements for AQIPs
A. Sectional Planninq Area Plans. Tentative Maps. and Other Maior Projects
In accordance with the City's Grow1h Management Ordinance (19.09), the developer/applicant shall prepare
and submit an AOIP with applications for all SPA Plans, Tentative Maps, or for any major development
projects that meet the following criteria:
. Residential projects of 50 dwelling units or greater.
. Commercial projects of 12 or more acres (or equivalent square footage).
. Industrial projects of 24 or more acres (or equivalent square footage).
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AOIP Guidelines
Page 10f 5
City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
. Mixed Use projects with a cumulative threshold equal to that of 50 residential dwelling units or greater
(refer to Attachment A, Exhibit 1 for examples of AQIP equivalent dwelling unit determinations).
As described further below, the AQIP must include a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the proposed project
to demonstrate how the project has met the City's thresholds for reducing air quality impacts and improving
energy conservation. Key components of the AQIP will address:
. Air pollution impacts from project.
. Project efficiency through quantitative project evaluation.
. Community and site design features.
. Eligibility requirements to receive energy efficiency credit toward CVMC 15.26.030.
Additional details regarding AQIP requirements and format are provided in Attachment A: Required Content and
Format for Air Quality Improvement Plans.
III. AQIP Format and Structure
As noted above, the key components of the AQIP must address: air pollution impacts of the proposed project,
quantitative project evaluation through modeling, community and site design features, and eligibility requirements
receive energy efficiency credit. Each of these key topic areas is further discussed below.
A. Summary of Air Pollution Impacts
The Applicant shall summarize the effect of the project's mobile and stationary emission sources on local
and regional air quality. It is expected that this section will focus on highlighting the findings contained in the
air quality impact analysis prepared as part of the project's respective Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
This section of the AQIP must address the following:
. Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations related to assessing air quality impacts.
. Project's mobile and stationary emission sources and related criteria pollutants (including those
associated with short-term construction and long-term implementation).
. Effect of project emissions on local and regional air quality.
. A summary of CEQA Mitigation Measures that will be implemented to reduce the project's effect on
air quality.
B. Quantitative Proiect Desiqn Evaluation
The Applicant(s) shall perform a quantitative analysis through one of two computer-modeling options in
order to demonstrate that the project has met the City's required thresholds for community design
considerations such as land use mix, street system connectivity, and pedestrian network. The primary
means to accomplish this is through an INDEX Plan Builder (INDEX) model developed specifically for the
City (Option 1). As an alternative to the INDEX program, Developers/Applicants have the option to use
other modeling tools similar to INDEX provided that the results can be translated to clearly demonstrate
compliance with the City's established thresholds (Option 2). A summary of each of the two options is
provided below.
(1) Option 1: /NDEX P/anBuilder
INDEX is an interactive GIS-based planning tool designed to assist in community planning by
evaluating proposed community/site designs against a set of performance standards. Applicants
choosing this option shall have their project evaluated against a set of 'Key Indicators' that
measure the performance characteristics of the project in relation to required minimum baseline
scores. An INDEX program has been developed specifically to model major projects in Chula
AQIP Guidelines
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City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
Vista through a required set of Key Indicators focusing on air quality and energy efficiency. The
Key Indicators that will be measured through the INDEX model are presented in Table 1.
Definitions for each of the Key Indicators and the minimum scores for each are provided in
Attachment A, Exhibit 2.
TABLE 1: List of INDEX Key Indicators
INDEX Key Indicators
. Land-Use Use Mix
. Land-Use Use Balance
. Neighborhood Completeness
. School Proximity to Housing
. Transit Proximity to Housing
. Park Proximity to Housing
. Internal Street Connectivity
. Transit Proximity to Employment
. Intersection Density
. Pedestrian Network Coverage
. Residential Multi-Modal Access
. Residential Building Energy Use
. Non-Residential Building Energy Use
. Residential Building CO, Emissions
. Non-Residential Building CO, Emissions
. Daily Auto Driving
(Densitv, Diversitv, and Desiqn)
1. VMT: Vehicle Miles Traveled
The Applicant is responsible for the costs of retaining the consultant to perform the INDEX
modeling services and may choose to either 1) enter into a three-party agreement with the City
and the consultant providing the INDEX modeling services or, 2) contract directly with the
consultant providing the INDEX modeling services. Additional details describing the timing of the
modeling efforts, and required format of project information the Applicant will need to provide in
order to run the INDEX model is provided in Attachment B.
(2) Option 2: Alternative Modeling Programs
As an alternative to the INDEX model, applicants may choose an alternative compliance program
modeling software such as LEED ND, Community Viz, or PLACE'S, among possible others,
provided that the results address the topics on the Key Indicators List (Table 1), and can be
translated to clearly demonstrate equivalent compliance with the minimum threshold scores
established through INDEX for each of the required Key Indicators. AOIPs prepared through
alternative modeling programs must summarize the modeling results in a format comparable to
that generated through INDEX. Refer to Attachment A, Section 11.7.5 for additional requirements
pertaining modeling Option 2.
Applicants choosing to model their project through a program other than INDEX are responsible
for the costs of retaining a consultant to perform the necessary modeling services. Applicants
may choose to either: 1) enter into a three-party agreement with the City and the consultant
providing the alternative modeling services or, 2) contract directly with the consultant providing
the quantitative modeling services. If the applicant chooses to contract directly with the
consultant, the applicant will be required to submit a deposit to the City for third party peer review
of the modeling outputs to ensure consistency with the thresholds established through INDEX.
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AOIP Guidelines
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City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
(3) Compliance with City Required Modeling Thresho/ds
In order to deem the proposed project consistent with the City's adopted strategies for improving
air quality and energy conservation, the project must demonstrate at or beyond the City's
performance threshold scores for each key indicator as shown in Table A-1 of Attachment A. If
the initial modeling results indicate that the project does not satisfy the City's minimum
performance thresholds, the Developer/Applicant shall refine/redesign the project accordingly,
and have it reevaluated through the applicable model until consistency with the established
performance thresholds has been achieved.
In the event that a project is unable to reasonably comply with all key indicator thresholds due to
unique circumstances involving project land use make up, design, and/or pre-existing
environmental/land-use conditions, the Developer/Applicant may request, in writing to the City's
Development Services Director (or their designee), a waiver from those particular key indicators.
The written request must substantiate the reasons why the indicator thresholds cannot
reasonably be met. The discretion to waive performance requirements for certain key indicators
from project evaluation rests exclusively with the City's Development Services Director (or their
designee).
C. Community Desiqn/Site Planninq Features
(1) Use of Smart Growth Principles
The AQIP shall provide a qualitative discussion describing the effect community design can have
on air quality in terms of site planning, transportation, and energy efficiency. The focus of this
discussion is to elaborate the on the specific project features that were used in conjunction with
the quantitative modeling requirements. The discussion should be project specific, referencing as
appropriate, acreages, unit counts, distances, etc. A list of typical design features with general
definitions will not be acceptable. Applicants that incorporate smart growth design features
targeted at reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are more likely to receive favorable scores
during the initial quantitative modeling, thus reducing the potential for additional modeling efforts.
Some examples of commonly recognized principles of smart growth projects are provided in
Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
(2) Project Consistency with CO2 Reduction Plan
The AOIP shall provide a comparative evaluation of the project's community/site design and other
features and how these serve to implement the applicable action measures contained in the
City's Carbon Dioxide (CO,) Reduction Plan. Details regarding report content and format as well
as a listing of the action measure to be evaluated are provided in Attachment A, Section 11.7.7.
(3) Compliance Monitoring
The applicant shall provide a checklist to track and monitor implementation of all contributing
aspects (mitigation measures, site/project design features, credit options) of the approved AIOP
following the entitlement process. In order to track compliance with the project features contained
in the AOIP, the checklist shall indicate the method and timing of verification, along with the
responsible party to ensure the project features described in the AQIP are sufficiently
implemented. A sample checklist format is provided in Attachment A, Section 11.7.9.
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AQIP Guidelines
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City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
IV. Credit Option for Buildin~ Enerqy Efficiencv Ordinance Requirements
The followinq discussion is intended for informational purposes onlv. Detailed provisions related to the calculation
and application of credits are currentlv under development and subiect to subsequent review and approval of Citv
Council.
As noted in the introduction, under the City's Energy Efficiency Ordinance (CVMC 15.26.030), all new buildings
must exceed minimum energy efficiency requirements under the State's current 2008 Title 24 Energy Code. This
includes future buildings in SPA Plan areas with AOIPs prepared pursuant to these AOIP Guidelines. In recognition
that community design and other planning considerations made at the SPA level contribute to overall energy
savings in new development, new SPA Plan areas (those approved subsequent to the adoption of Energy Efficiency
Ordinance) may be granted a partial credit toward meeting the more stringent building energy efficiency
requirements under CVMC 15.26.030, if the SPA Plan conforms to a set of progressive community/site design
threshold standards evaluated as part of the AOIP.
If the results of the additional quantitative modeling do not meet the progressive set of qualifying thresholds, the
applicant must modify the project design in order to meet the qualifying scores, or the credit cannot be granted.
Applicants that are successful in demonstrating that their SPA Plan or project has met the qualifying energy savings
thresholds will be eligible to receive the energy savings credit at the time of building permit. Following the
successful completion of the progressive modeling, the City's Development Services Director (or their designee)
shall issue a written communication to the applicant confirming that the project is eligible to receive an energy
savings credit towards compliance with CVMC 15.26.030 The applicant shall include this letter as part of the
building permit application at which time the credit can be applied as appropriate.
10-13
AOIP Guidelines
Page 5 of5
City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
Attachment A
Required Content and Format for Air Quality Improvement Plans
The following outline has been developed to direct the content and format of Air Quality Improvement Plans (AQIPs)
prepared for all major projects residential projects (i.e., 50 or more dwelling units). Equivalent dwelling unit determinations
for non-residential or mixed use projects with equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) to a residential project of 50 or more
dwelling units are provided in Exhibit 1. Please note that the Section numbers have been predetermined in order to
accommodate the formatting requirements for Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plans. Major project's that do not require
the preparation of a SPA Plan shall apply a conventional numbering system.
11.7.1 Executive Summary
This section of the AQIP shall provide a brief summary describing the intent of the AQIP, the project's goal with
regards to community site design, specific planning features incorporated to achieve project goals, and the
effectiveness of community design as demonstrated through preliminary modeling of the proposed project.
11.7.2 Introduction
This Section of the AQIP shall describe the need to prepare an AQIP pursuant to the City's Growth Management
(CVMC 19.09.050B) and how the AQIP has been prepared based on best available design practices which, in
turn, will serve to implement several of the key aspects of the City's CO, Reduction Plan and Green Building and
Energy Efficiency Ordinances, CVMC 15.12 and 15.26.030 respectively.
1I.7.2a. Purpose & Goals
This section will describe the purpose of providing an Air Quality Improvement Plan. Provide a brief explanation
of the regulatory framework identifying the authority and scope of the various Federal, State, and Local
jurisdictions with regards to improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, and CO, reduction. As it pertains to
local plans and policy, the AQIP shall describe how the project fulfills the City's commitment to improving air
quality through compliance with the City's Growth Management Ordinance, Carbon Dioxide (C02) Reduction
Plan, and adopted Green Building and Increased Energy Efficiency Standards.
11.7.3 Project Description
The project description shall include land use information, acreage, number of housing units, unit types and
mixed-use areas. The project description shall include a Site Utilization Plan illustration from the SPA Plan
document or similar site plan illustration for those projects that do not file a SPA Plan.
11.7.4 Effect of Project on Local/Regional Air Quality
This section shall provide a generalized discussion on the proposed projects potential short-term and long term
effects on local and regional air quality, including the projects contribution to global climate change or global
warming. The discussion shall describe the project's mobile and stationary emission sources and related criteria
pollutants (including those associated with short-term construction and long-term implementation), effect of
project emissions on local and regional air quality, and community/site design features and mitigation measures
that have been developed to reduce the projects effect on air quality.
10-14
Attachment A
Page 1 of 5
City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
11.7.5 Quantitative Project Evaluation
Option 1: INDEX PlanBuilder (INDEX)
This section of the document shall summarize the results of the INDEX modeling performed for the project. The
section shall contain a written description of the project attributes that were considered in the modeling and the
effect each of them had in terms of improving air quality, and reducing energy consumption and CO, emissions.
This discussion shall be supplemented with a table (refer to Table A-1 below) comparing the project's INDEX
scores to the threshold scores for each Key Indicator. Definitions for each of the INDEX key indicators is provided
in Exhibit 2.
TABLE A-1: Summary of Quantitative Modeling Results
Element I Indicator Units Threshold SPA Plan Score Compliance Status
Score1 Y/N
Land Use Use Mix 0-1 scale 0.10 - -
Use Balance 0-1 scale 0.60 - -
Neighborhood Completeness % of key uses 60 - -
Housing \ School Proximity to Housing lavg walk ft to closest I 3,200 I - I -
Transit Proximity to Housing avg walk ft to closest stop 2,900 - -
Employment ITransit Proximity to Employment lavg walk ft to closest stop I 2,600 I - -
Recreation IPark Proximity to Housing lavg walk ft to closest park I 1,700 I - -
Travel Internal Street Connectivity cul-de-saclintersection ratio 0.70 - -
Intersection Density intersections/sq m; 210 - -
Pedestrian Network Coverage % of streets w/sidewalks 81.0 - -
Residential Multi-Modal Access %DU w/3+ modes wli 1/8 40.0
mi - -
Daily Auto Driving VMT/capita/day 22.0 - -
(305 Methodoloqy)
Climate Residential Building Energy Use MMBtu/yr/capita 29.0
Change - -
Non-Residential Building Energy MMBtu/yr/emp 19.0 - -
Use
Residential Building CO2 Ibs/capita/yr 4,800 - -
Emissions
Non-Residential Building CO2 Ibs/emp/yr 3,100 - -
Emissions
Notes:
1. The threshold scores have been rounded from the INDEX baseline neighborhood composite scores.
Option 2: Alternative to INDEX
As noted in the AOIP Guidelines, developers/applicants have the option to run an alternative program such as
LEED NO, Community Viz, PLACE3S, etc. provided that the results can be translated to clearly demonstrate
equivalent compliance with thresholds established through INDEX for each of the required Key Indicators. AOIPs
prepared through alternative modeling programs must summarize the modeling results in a format similar that
which is described in Table A-1 and contain an equivalency spreadsheet demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the
Director of Development Services, that the that energy and air quality improvements have been achieved
consistent with the thresholds established through INDEX.
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Attachment A
Page 2 of 5
City Of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
11.7.6 Community Design and Site Planning Features
This section shall describe the effect the project's community design and site planning features have on air quality
in terms of transportation, energy efficiency, and CO, reduction. The focus of this discussion is to describe the
specific strategies that have been integrated into the project to create a sustainable community; highlighting those
project attributes designed to reduce air quality impacts through a combination of site design features intended to
promote walking and alternate travel modes (transit, bikes, etc.), reduce vehicles miles traveled and improve
energy conservation. It is expected that this discussion be project specific, referencing as appropriate, acreages,
unit counts, residential proximity to schools, transit facilities, parks, etc. Providing a generic list of community
design and site planning features will not be accepted.
For projects located within Otay Ranch, additional information related to the Otay Ranch General Development
Plan (GDP) implementing policies and how they can reduce CO, emissions is provided in Appendix C of City's
CO, Reduction Plan.
11.7.7 Chula Vista C02 Reduction Plan
This section the document shall provide a comparative evaluation between the project's community/site design
features and the energy efficiency and emission reduction action measures contained in the City's Carbon
Dioxide (CO,) Reduction Plan. The following table (Table A-2) contains action measures as identified in the C02
Reduction Plan and shall be included in each AQIP to demonstrate how the project has been designed to help
implement the action measure listed in the City's CO, Reduction Plan. (Note: Action measures 1-5, and 17 will be
implemented by the City and are not included in the table and do not need to be addressed in the AQIP.)
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Attachment A
Page 3 of 5
City Of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
TABLE A-2: Summary Project Consistency with CO, Reduction Action Measures
Project/Community Describe how project design will
Action Measure Design Features Implement CO, Reduction Action
Measures
Measure 6 (Enhanced Pedestrian connections to
Transit): Installation of walkways and crossings
between bus stops and surrounding land uses.
Measure 7: Increased Housing Density near Transit:
General increase in land use and zoning designations
to reach an average of at least 14-18 dwelling units per
net acre within X mile of major transit facilities.
Measure 8 (Site Design with Transit Orientation):
Placement of buildings and circulation routes to
emphasize transit rather than auto access; also
includes bus turn-outs and other transit stop amenities.
Measure 9 (Increased land Use Mix): Provide a
greater dispersion/variety of land uses such as siting of
neighborhood commercial uses in residential areas and
inclusion of housing in commercial and light industrial
areas.
Measure 10 (Reduced Commercial Parking
Requirements): Lower parking space requirements;
allowance for shared lots and shared parking;
allowance for on~street spaces.
Measure 11 {Site Design with Pedestrian/bicycle
Orientation}: Placement of buildings and circulation
routes to emphasize pedestrian and bicycle access
without excluding autos; includes pedestrian benches,
bike paths, and bike racks.
Measure 12 (Bicycle Integration with Transit and
Employment): Provide storage at major transit stops
and employment areas. Encourage employers to
provide showers at the place of employment near
major transit nodes.
Measure 13 (Bike Lanes, paths, and Routes):
Continued implementation of the City's bicycle master
plan. Emphasis is to be given to separate bike paths as
opposed to striping bike lanes on streets.
Measure 14 (Energy Efficient Landscaping):
InstaJlation of shade trees for new single~family homes
as part of an overall city-wide tree planting effort to
reduce ambient temperatures, smog formation, energy
use, and CO2.
Measure 15 (Solar Pool Heating): Mandatory building
code requirement for solar heating of new pools or
optional motorized insulated pool cover
Measure 16 (Traffic Signal & System Upgrades):
Provide high-efficiency LED lamps or similar as
approved by the City Engineer
Measure 18 (Energy Efficient Building Recognition
Program): Reducing CO2 emissions by applying
building standards that exceed current Title 24 Energy
Code requirements.
Measure 20 (Increased Employment Density Near
Transit): General increase in land-use and zoning
designations to focus 'employment-generating land-
uses within X mile of major transit stops throughout the
City
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Attachment A
Page 4 of 5
City Of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
11.7.8 Credit Towards Increased Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Detailed orovisjons related to the calculation and aOolication of credits are currentfv under develooment and
subject to subseauent review and aooroval of City Council.
11.7.9 Compliance Monitoring
This section of the AOIP shall provide a written description and a checklist summarizing the project design
features and mitigation measures that have been identified to reduce the projects effects on air quality and
improve energy efficiency. The following checklist shall be completed with input provided by the City and included
in the project AOIP to ensure the project features described in the AOIP are sufficiently implemented:
TABLE A-3: Compliance Monitoring Checklist
[insert project title] Air Quality Improvement Plan
Compliance Monitoring Checklist
Method of Responsible Project Consistency & Compliance
Verification 1 Timing of Verification partl Documentation3
TM Pre Canst. Post
Canst. Canst.
PLANNING
AQIP Project Design
Features/Princioles
-
Mitiaation Measure
-
BUILDING
Green Building
Standards
-
Energy Efficiency
Standards
-
Notes:
1. Method of verification may include, but is not limited to, plan check, permit review, site inspection.
2. Identify the party responsible for ensuring compliance (City of Chula Vista, San Diego APeD, other)
3. This column shall include all pertinent information necessary to confirm compliance including document type, date of completion,
plan/permit number, special notes/comments, and contact information.
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Attachment A
Page 5 of 5
Attachment A, Exhibit 1
Examples of AQIP Equivalent Dwelling Unit Determinations
The City's Growth Management Ordinance, requires an Air Quality Improvement Plan (AQIP) to be
submitted with all Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plans or major development projects consisting of 50
dwelling units or greater (or non-residential or mixed use projects with equivalent air quality impacts to a
residential project of 50 or more dwelling units). The following equivalencies apply to non-residential or
mixed-use projects:
. Commercial projects of 12 or more acres (or equivalent square footage). Applying typical height
and site development standards from the City's commercial zones, equivalent building square
footage for a 12-acre commercial project is 210,000 square feet.
. Industrial projects of 24 or more acres (or equivalent square footage). Applying typical height and
site development standards from the City's industrial zones, equivalent building square footage
for a 24-acre industrial project is 420,000 square feet.
. Mixed Use projects with a cumulative threshold equal to that of 50 or more residential dwelling
units. Using the example calculations provided below, mixed use projects with a score greater
than 1 0 will be required to prepare an AQIP pursuant CVMC 1909.0508.
Example Mixed Use Calculations:
Example 1: Proposed Mixed-Use Proiect
Residential: 20 dwelling units
Commercial: 8 acres
Industrial: 0 acres
Equivalency Calculation
20/50 = 0.4
8/12 = 0.67
0/24 = 0
Total 1.07 (Score> 1.0. AQIP Required)
Example 2: Proposed Mixed-Use Proiect
Residential: 10 dwelling units
Commercial: 8 acres
Industrial: 0 acres
Equivalency Calculation
10/50 = 0.2
8/12 = 0.67
0/24 = 0
Total 0.87 (Score < 1.0: AQIP Not Required)
Example 3: Proposed Mixed Use Proiect
Residential: 0 dwelling units
Commercial: 5 acres
Industrial: 18 acres
Equivalency Calculation
0/50 = 0
5/12 = 0.67
18/24 = 0.75
Total 1 16 (Score> 1 0 AQIP Required)
10-19
Attachment A, Exhibit 1
Page 1 of 1
City Of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
Attachment A. Exhibit 2
INDEX Indicator Definitions
ELEMENT I INDICATOR DEFINITION
land Use Use Mix I Proportion of mixed or dissimilar developed land-uses among a grid of cells of user-defined
size, expressed on a scale of 0 to 1. Includes vertical dissimilaritv in mixed-use cells.
Use Balance Proportional balance of developed land-uses, by land area, expressed on a scate of 0 (low)
to 1 (hioh\.
Neighborhood Percent of the following key uses present inside the SPA: 1) fire/police station, 2) library, 3)
Completeness park, 4) school, and 5) general retail opportunities.
Housing School Proximity to Average walk distance from all dwellings to closest designated school.
Housina
Transit Proximity to Average walk distance from all dwellings to closest designated transit stop.
Housing
Employment Transit Proximity to Average walk distance from all businesses to closest designated transit stop.
Employment
Recreation Park Proximity to Average walk distance from all dwellings to closest public or private park.
Housinq
Travel Internal Street Ratio of street intersections versus intersections and cul-de-sacs or dead-ending streets.
Connectivitv
Intersection Density The number of street intersections per square mile.
Pedestrian Network Percent of total street frontage with improved sidewalks on both sides.
Coveraae
Residential Multi-Modal Percent of dwellings within 1/8 mi. of three or more travel modes (bike, car, transit, or walk).
Access
Daily Auto Driving Average daily vehicle miles traveled per capita. Threshold value is used as the baseline
3Ds Methodoloqv) score; proposed SPA plan value calculated from 3D Methodology indicator elasticities.
*Street Network Density Density of streets in centerline miles per square mile.
*Pedestrian Network Percent of total street frontage with improved sidewalks on both sides.
Coveraae
~Street Route Directness Weighted average ratio of shortest drivable route distance versus straight-line distance, from
residents and employees of developed parcels to central node destination.
Climate Residential Building Annual MMBtu per capita for residential structural energy use. Units in MMBtu/yr/capita.
Chanae Enerav Use
Non-Residential Building Annual MMBtu per employee for retail, office, and general commercial building operations
EnerQY Use enerav use. Units in MMBtu/vr/emo.
Residential Building C02 pollution emitted from residential buildings, including operations and embodied CO2.
C02 Emissions Units in Ibs/capita/vear.
Non-Residential Building C02 pollution emitted from retail, office, and genera! commercial buildings, including
C02 Emissions operations and embodied C02. Units in lbs/caplta/vear.
Attachment A, Exhibit 2
Page 1 of 1
10-20
City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
Attachment A, Exhibit 3
Commonly Recognized Principles and Practices of Smart Growth
Examples Smart Growth Descriptions
Transit-oriented development Encouraging transit travel by developing moderate-to high~density housing,
(TOO) shopping, and employment centers at key access points along a regional transit
system, with enhanced pedestrian access.
Transportation Options (Multi- Design streets to create balance for all modes of transportation, including
model Streets) pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles and public transit
Development that locates complementary land uses such as housing, retail, office,
Mixed-use development services, and public facilities within walking distance of each other. This can
include both vertical mixing (such as residential above shops) as well as
horizontal.
Pedestrian-oriented Providing a combination of land use and urban design elements that encourage
development and make people want to walk thereby creating pedestrian oriented
neighborhoods.
Developing concentrated Encouraging pedestrian and transit travel by creating "nodes" of high density
activity centers mixed development, that can be more easily linked by a transit network
Encouraging pedestrian and transit travel by making central business districts
Strengthening downtowns: concentrated activity centers that can be the focal point for a regional transit
system
Sustainable Design Incorporate "Green Building" and/or energy efficiency techniques that can have a
positive effect on building sustainability and resource conservation.
Reducing the disparity between the number of residences and the number of
Jobs/housing balance employment opportunities by directing employment developments to areas with
housing, and vice versa.
Incorporate landscaping in a manor'that reduces heat islands and energy costs by
Landscape Design providing shading and improves air quality by reducing/filtering common air
pollutants (i.e. carbon sequestering).
The smart growth strategies listed above are commonly recognized by organizations such as the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Urban land institute (ULI), National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB), San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and the Smart Growth Network.
The Applicant may apply comparable principles and techniques from alternative sources that are deemed
acceptable by the City. Additional information, fact sheets, case studies, and publications related to
current smart growth design practices is avaiiable through the following organizations:
EPA: http://www.epa.Qov/smartQrowth
SANDAG's "Designing for Smart Growth", January 2009: http://www.sandaQ.orq
NAHB: http://www.nahb.orq
U Ll: htto:/IIN\/11W. uli. ora/Comm un itvB uildina/Reqionalleadersh ioandCoooeration/Smart%20G rowth. aspx
Smart Growth Network: http://www.smartgrowth.org
Attachment A, Exhibit 3
Page 1 of 1
10-21
City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
Attachment B
INDEX Modeling Information and Administrative Procedures
Step 1: City Review of Proiect Submittal
Prior to initiating any quantitative modeling, the City shall review of the applicant's project submittal to ensure
that the project represents the best available design to improve air quality and energy efficiency consistent
with the City's Growth Management Ordinance, Municipal Code Section 19.09.050B, Carbon Dioxide (C02)
Reduction Plan, and Green Building and Increased Energy Efficiency Ordinances (CVMC 15.12, and
15.26.030, respectively). The City's initial review will focus primarily on community site design. Following the
City's review, staff may suggest refinements to the proposal that may in turn result in more favorable
modeling results.
Step 2: Consultant Contractinq
The applicant shall have their project modeled in conjunction with the City's second review of the SPA Plan.
The Applicant is responsible for the costs of retaining the consultant to perform the INDEX modeling services
and may choose to either: 1) enter into a three-party agreement with the City and the consultant providing the
INDEX modeling services or, 2) contract directly with the consultant providing the INDEX modeling services. If
the applicant chooses to contact directly with the consultant, then the applicant will be required to provide the
City with cash deposit for third party independent review.
Step 3: Submittal of Documents
As part of the second draft SPA Plan review, the applicant must submit, to the City, the following project
information in GIS Shapefile:
Input Shapefile Data Type Input Attribute
Case (neighborhood) Polygon ReQional Population
Boundary Reaional Em lavment
Land-Use Tvpe
Dwelling Unit Count
Land Uses - (parcels) Polygon Residential Population per DU (based DU type
MF or SF)
Emolovment Count
Employment Floor Area (SQft)
Pedestrian Routes - (streets
+ off road pedestrian trails; Line None
freeways & ramos excluded)
Points of Interest Point Interest Group (central node, amenity - typically
qrocery or school)
Street Centerlines Line Street Group (functional class)
Percent of Seqment with Sidewalks
Supplementary Land Uses Polygon Parcels with multiple uses that include the
following: parks, schoolyards, and open space.
Transit Routes Line Transit Grou I (bus, liaht rail, heavy rail)
Route Number
Transit StODS Point Transit Group (bus, liaht rail, heavy rail)
Notes:
1,2. Regional census data can be obtained through SANDAG and must be provide through a separate spreadsheet.
10-22
Attachment B
Page 1 of 2
City of Chula Vista
Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines
(October 2009)
Step 4. Verification of Required INDEX Input Attributes
Once the City has received electronic copies of all required project input attributes, the City will submit the
project documentation to the consultant providing the INDEX modeling. The consultant will then review the
submittal to verify that all required information has been provided and has been converted into a GIS format
acceptable to run the INDEX model. Only after the City has received confirmation from the INDEX modeling
consultant that all necessary material has been provided and is in the proper format, may the quantitative
modeling may proceed.
Step 5: Quantitative Modelinq
Based on the information submitted by the applicant, the consultant providing the INDEX modeling, will model
the project thorough a selection of twenty key indicators that will measure the project's attributes and
performance characteristics against the City's required minimum baseline scores. In order to deem the
proposed project consistent with the City's adopted strategies for improving air quality and energy
conservation, the project must demonstrate improvements at or beyond the City's performance threshold
scores established for each of the key indicators.
If the initial modeling results indicate that the project does not satisfy the City's minimum performance
thresholds, the applicant shall refine/design the project accordingly, and have it reevaluated through the
model until consistency with the established performance thresholds has been achieved.
Step 6: Proiect Approval
Upon successful completion of the INDEX modeling, the consultant providing the INDEX Modeling services
shall provide written confirmation to the City's Director of Development Services that the project as proposed
represents improvements at or beyond the City's performance threshold scores established for each of the
key indicators. In the event that a project is unable to comply with all key indicator thresholds do to unique
circumstances involving project design and/or pre-existing environmentallland-use conditions, the
Developer/Applicant may request, in writing to the City's Development Services Director (or their designee), a
waiver to exclude those key indicators that, in ttie applicant's opinion, are not applicable to their project. The
discretion to exclude certain key indicators from project evaluation rests exclusively with the City's
Development Services Director (or their designee).
10-23
Attachment B
Page 2 of2
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE UPDATED CHULA VISTA AIR
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN GUIDELINES (OCTOBER
2009)
WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista Growth Management Ordinance and Growth
Management Program require that an Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) be submitted for all
major development projects (50 dwelling units or greater, or commercial/industrial projects with
equivalent air quality impacts to a residential project of 50 or more dwelling units); and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Growth Management Program, the AQIP must provide
an analysis of air pollution resulting from the project, methods to improve traffic flow, reduce
vehicle miles traveled, use of traffic control measures, methods to reduce direct or indirect emission,
and a program to monitor compliance; and
WHEREAS, in 2003 AQIP Guidelines were developed to direct the preparation of required
AQIPs; and
WHEREAS, the existing AQIP Guidelines have not been updated since they were first
introduced in 2003 and have now become outdated; and
WHEREAS, the updates to the AQIP Guidelines have been developed to reflect
advancements in quantitative modeling procedures, smart growth community site design principals,
and future compliance options with the City's increased minimum Energy Etnciency Standards; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed activity for
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that there is
no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, pursuant
to Section 1506I(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no
environmental review is necessary; and
WHEREAS, a meeting was held at the time and place as advertised, namely 4:00 p.m.,
October 12,2009 in the Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, before the Resource Conservation
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Resource Conservation Commission having received certain evidence on
October 12, 2009 as set forth in the record of its proceedings and incorporated herein by this
reference, voted unanimously to approve a recommendation that Planning Commission recommend
Council adoption of the proposed updates to the AQIP Guidelines; and
10-24
WHEREAS, a hearing was held at the time and place as advertised, namely 6:00 p.m.,
October 28, 2009 in the Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, before the Planning Commission
and said hearing was thereafter closed; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission having received certain evidence on October 28,2009
as set forth in the record of its proceedings and incorporated herein by this reference, voted 4-0-0-1
to not approve the proposed Resolution recommending Council adoption; and thereby did not
support the proposed updates to the AQIP Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held at the time and place as advertised, namely 4:00 p.m.,
December 8, 2009 in the Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, before the City Council wherein
the City Council, having received certain evidence as set forth in the record of its proceedings and
incorporated herein by this reference, closed the hearing; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the current AQIP Guidelines should be
updated because: (i) the current Guidelines require compliance with 200 I Energy Code requirements,
that have been surpassed by two revisions (2005 and 2008); (ii) the City's recently-adopted Energy
Efficiency Ordinance (CVMC 15.26.030), requires all new buildings to exceed the 2008 Title 24
requirements by 15% to 20%; and (iii) the INDEX computer modeling program used in the current
Guidelines is based on performance scores established on then-existing (200 I) neighborhoods that
reflected development practices prior to any special consideration to energy efficiency.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City ofChula Vista does
hereby adopt the City of Chula Vista Air Quality Improvement Plan Guidelines (October 2009) as
identified in Exhibit A, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
Presented by
Approved as to form by
Gary Halbert
Deputy City Manager,
Director of Development Services
J:\Planning\GLaube\AQIP U pdate\Council\CC _ RESO.doc
10-25