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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7794RESOLUTION NO 7794 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS ADOTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE UPDATED GENERAL PLAN AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF REDLANDS WHEREAS, on August 17, 2016, the City of Redlands, acting as the Lead Agency under the California Enviioniriental Quality Act (CEQA), published a Notice of Preparation and initiated work on a Draft Environinental Impact Report (DEIR) foi an updated Geineial Plan for the City of Redlands, and WHEREAS, on August 30, 2016, a public scoping meeting was conducted to receive input on the pieparation of the DEIR, and WHEREAS, on April 26, 2017, the DEIR was circulated foi public review with a comment period frons May 8, 2017, to June 23, 2017, and WHEREAS, on July 21, 2017, the City of Redlands prepared the Final Envi-oinnental Impact Report (FEIR) fol the updated General Plan and Climate Action Plan by incoipoiatmg therein the DEIR, coni vents received about the DEIR and responses to those comments, and changes, clarifications, and corrections to the DEIR, and, as required by CEQA, the FEIR was marled to those public agencies that corinriented on the DEIR, as well as all of the other conunenters, on July 25, 2017, and WHEREAS, the Environnnental Impact Report, including the DEIR and the FEIR, is a program EIR that examines the potential effects iesultiig fiom implementing the updated General Plan and the Climate Action Plan, and identifies the broad, regional effects that may occur with the implementation of the updated General Plan and Climate Action Plan, and WHEREAS, on September 12 and 26, 2017, the Redlands Plam-img Cominission reviewed the FEIR fol the updated General Plan ("CEQA Documentation") consisting of the DEIR dated April 26, 2017, connivents received on the DEIR, and the Response to Corninents Document dated July 12, 2017, and reviewed the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Consideration, and considered the City staff s verbal and written reports, and the written and verbal testimony submitted by meinbers of the general public, and WHEREAS, on Septernber 26, 2017, the Redlands Plaiming Commission recommended that the Redlands City Council adopt the Findings of Facts and Statement of Overriding Consideration and recommended that the FEIR for the updated Redlands General Plan be certified pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section15090, and 1 I lcclerklResolutionslRes 7700-779917794 FEIR CC doex WHEREAS, on Novennbei 9, 2017, and December 5, 2017, the Redlands City Council reviewed the FEIR for the updated General Plan ("CEQA Documentation") consisting of the DEIR dated Api i126, 2017, continents received on the DEIR, and the Response to Comments Document dated July 12, 2017, and WHEREAS, on November 9, 2017, and December 5, 2017, the Redlands City Council reviewed the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Consideration, and WHEREAS, on Novennbei 9, 2017, and considered the City staff=s verbal and written submitted by members of the general public December 5, 2017, the Redlands City Council reports, and the written and verbal testimony NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based on its review and consideration of the foregoing docurnents, the Redlands City Council snakes the following specific findings SECTION 1 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT The Redlands City Council has received, reviewed, and considered the CEQA Documentation and other substantive and procedural components of CEQA compliance for the updated General Plan and Climate Action Plan of the City of Redlands The CEQA Documentation prepared for the updated General Plan and Climate Action Plan has been completed, and review procedures required by CEQA for a Lead Agency have been completed in conformance with CEQA as set forth in the recitals to this resolution Pursuant to CEQA, including without Innitation, CEQA Guidelines section 15090, the Redlands City Council further funds, detenniies, and certifies that the City of Redlands has complied with all of its duties as a Lead Agency for the Redlands General Plan and Climate Action Pian, the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Consideration along with the FEIR was presented to the City Council, and the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained therein Further, the City Council finds that the FEIR was completed in coimpliance with CEQA, specifically That a Notice of Preparation was published on August 17, 2016, giving public agencies and members of the public until 30 days after then receipt of the Notice ofPrepaiation to review and respond to the proposed scope of the General Plan EIR, a copy of such notice was marled to General Plan interested parties, surrounding cities and other public agencies, and a duly noticed public scoping session was held on August 30, 2016 2 That the DEIR was prepared in compliance with CEQA Guidelines sections 15120 through 15132 That the DEIR was published on April 26, 2017, and circulated for public review and continent until June 23, 2017, thus complying with the 45 -day review per rod, and as part of this review period, a Notice of Availability was posted and mailed to interested parties, and to all surrounding cities and public agencies Pi 11ccleik\Resolutions\Res 7700-779917794 FEIR CC docx 4 That the FEIR has been prepared consisting of the continent letters received, the response to written continents, and a comprehensive list of changes, clarifications and corrections to the DEIR and revisions to the draft updated Geneial Plan and draft Climate Action Plan That a FEIR Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations was piepai ed in accoi dance with CEQA Guidelines sectionl 5093 (attached and mcoiporated hei eiin by reference), SECTION 2 APPROVAL The FEIR reflects the Lead Agency's independent judgment and analysis The City Council finds that the FEIR ieflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council of the City of Redlands The City Council specifically finds that at this time, the FEIR for the Redlands Geneial Plan accurately and completely presents adequate information upon which to base future environmental decisions about the broad effects of implementing the General Plan and Climate Action Plan, including specific actions, such as zoning regulations, zoning map amendments, design guidelines, specific plans, capital inpiovement progiams, and piojects that aie consistent with the policies and implementation pleasures of the plans The City Council further confirms that no new information of substantial importance showing new significant envuomnental effects, of a substantial inciease in the severity of pieviously identified significant enviiomnental effects beyond those effects analyzed in the DEIR, for the new General Plan and Climate Action Plan were identified during the public comment period of during the piepaiation of the FEIR The City Council hereby approves the Findings of Facts and Statement of Oveniding Consideration, a copy of which is attached to this Resolution, and certifies the FEIR for the Redlands General Plan pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sectionl5090 APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2017 Paul W Foster, Mayor ATTEST anne Donaldson, City Clerk I \cclerk\Resolutions\Res 7700-7799\7794 FEIR CC docx 1, Jeamie Donaldson, City Clerk of the City of Redlands, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5°i day of December, 2017 by the followincy vote AYES NOES ABSENT ABSTAIN Counczlmembers Harrison, Barich, Tejeda, Momberger, Mayor Foster None None None C�� ic� Je toDonaldson, City Clerk 4 1 \ccleik\Resolutions\Res 7700-7799\7794 FEIR CC docx ATTACHMENT G Redlands General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Proposed General Plan The proposed General Plan is intended to respond directly to changes experienced in Redlands since the preparation of the current General Plan (adopted in 1995), and to plan for growth projected in the coming decades The proposed General Plan, which establishes a long-range planning framework and policies, would fully supplant the City's existing General Plan when adopted by the City Council, except for the Housing Element, which was updated in 2014 Proposed General Plan Objectives The objectives of the proposed General Plan are to x Establish a long-range vision that reflects the aspirations of the community and outlines steps to achieve this vision, x Establish long-range development policies that will guide City departments, Planning Commission, and City Council decision-making, x Provide a basis for judging whether specific development proposals and public projects are in harmony with plan policies, x Plan in a manner that meets future land needs based on the projected population and job growth, x Allow City departments, other public agencies, and private developers to design projects that will enhance the character of the community, preserve environmental resources, and minimize hazards, and Page 2 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Provide the basis for establishing and setting priorities for detailed plans and implementing programs, such as the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, specific and master plans, and the Capital Improvement Program Planning Area The Planning Area encompasses 46 square miles, including all land within the Redlands city limits and the area within the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI) outside of city limits The SOI is defined as the City's ultimate service area as established by the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and includes the unincorporated communities of Mentone and Crafton The unincorporated island known as the "Donut Hole" is not included in the SOI or the Planning Area The City's authority to regulate development is limited to its corporate limits, but San Bernardino County General Plan policies commit the County to support annexation of land designated for urban development, and collaboration between the City and the County on land use planning is possible The Final EIR consists of the Draft EIR and the Response to Comments Document III THE RECORD The record, upon which all Findings and determinations related to the approval of the Project are based, includes the following x The EIR and all documents referenced in or relied upon by the EIR x All testimony, documentary evidence, and correspondence submitted to or delivered to the City of Redlands in connection with the project x All staff reports, memoranda, maps, slides, letters, minutes of public meetings, and other documents relied upon or prepared by City staff or consultants relating to this project x These Findings and the Statement of Overriding Considerations adopted in connection with this project x All other documents composing the record pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21167 6(e) Page 3 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update IV. CUSTODIAN OF DOCUMENTS The custodian of the documents and other materials that constitute the record of the proceedings upon which the City's decisions are based is the City of Redlands Development Services Department Such documents and other materials are located at City of Redlands, 35 Capon Street, Suite 20, Redlands, CA 92373 Documents from official meetings of the General Plan Steering Committee are also available on the project website www redlands2035 org V FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF FACTS SUPPORTING THE FINDINGS Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091, 15092, and 15093, no public agency shall approve a project for which a certified EIR identifies one or more significant environmental effects unless the agency makes findings regarding each effect These findings can show that significant environmental effects can be avoided or substantially lessened by changes required in or incorporated into the project or by changes that are within the responsibility or jurisdiction of another public agency and that can or should be adopted The Redlands City Council hereby declares that it has made a reasonable and good faith effort to eliminate or substantially mitigate the potential impacts resulting from the Project Findings can also be made of specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities that make the mitigation measures or project alternatives infeasible In addition, findings are required if specific economic, legal, social, technological or other benefits of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects In such a situation, the adverse environmental effects may be considered "acceptable" and the project approved A. Findings regarding Significant and Unavoidable Impacts from the Project The significant and unavoidable impacts of the Project as determined by the City through the Environmental Impact Report of the General Plan and Climate Action Plan are listed below The City found that there were three topics that were deemed to have significant and unavoidable impacts Agricultural Resources, Air Quality, and Transportation The findings and facts supporting the findings in connection therewith are listed with each topic Page 4 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Agricultural Resources 1 1 Aaricultural Resources Impact #1 Impact 3 2-1 The Proposed Project would convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance, as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use a) Mitigation Measures No feasible mitigation measures have been identified that would reduce the impacts on agricultural land conversion to below a level of insignificance Development of the Redlands General Plan will result in the loss of approximately 200 acres of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance Conversion of agricultural land to urban use is not directly mitigable, aside from preventing development altogether Establishing an agricultural easement outside the proposed General Plan Planning Area would not create any new farmland Therefore, the loss of farmland would not be replaced or substituted b) Policies Multiple policies are identified in the proposed General Plan to prevent excessive agricultural land conversion, including prioritizing infill development within the existing city limits, clear phasing of growth, compact development in new growth areas, and the continuation of most agricultural activities in the SOI The following proposed policies in the Redlands General Plan address agricultural resource preservation Distinctive City Element Cultural Resources Principles 2-P 8 Identify, maintain, protect, and enhance Redlands' cultural, historic, social, economic, architectural, agricultural, archaeological, and scenic heritage In so doing, Redlands will preserve its unique character and beauty, foster community pride, conserve the character and architecture of its neighborhoods and commercial and rural areas, enable citizens and visitors to enjoy and learn about local history, and provide a framework for making appropriate physical changes Citrus Groves/Farms Principles 2-P 21 Encourage conservation and preservation of citrus groves and farms, especially those that have cultural or scenic significance Encourage retention of existing privately owned citrus groves of all sizes Page 5 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 2-P 22 Expand the City inventory of citrus groves 2-P 23 Incorporate citrus trees, in groves of sufficient size and depth to be a viable grove, as part of streetscapes and scenic views, and encourage their conservation in historic neighborhoods Citrus Groves/Farms Actions 2-A 82 Continue using the Citrus Preservation Commission as the body to make recommendations and advise the City Council regarding the acquisition, improvement, preservation, and retention of citrus properties within the city 2-A 83 Explore funding mechanisms to increase City acreage of citrus groves 2-A 84 Where practical, establish new groves at the city's entrances/gateways to announce the city's citrus heritage 2-A 85 Explore incentives and supportive programs that encourage the ongoing conservation of privately -owned citrus groves 2-A 86 Take advantage of desirable environments, such as the Crafton subarea, that can provide citrus groves and agricultural land that otherwise would be subject to strong development pressures Encourage or incentivize homeowners to maintain the groves 2-A 87 Encourage planting new groves along street frontages At a minimum, two rows of trees should be planted and the area should be at least 10,000 square feet to be a viable grove along street frontages 2-A 88 Undertake efforts, including spraying and working with other agencies, as well as education to manage the spread of diseases such as huanglongbing carried by the Asian Citrus Psyllid Assist growers in transitioning to other crops if necessary 2-A 89 Continue working with packinghouses, local schools, and restaurants to encourage local consumption of citrus Livable Community Element Growth Management Principles 4-P 3 Focus new development in infill areas in order to preserve open space, agriculture, and citrus groves, particularly around the edges of the city Growth Management Actions 4-A 1 Promote the orderly development and growth of urban areas in infill areas and the city center while encouraging the ongoing cultivation of agricultural land and the preservation of rural living areas in the canyons, Crafton, and Mentone Page 6 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 4-A 2 Establish an Urban Growth Boundary between Redlands and Crafton to maintain rural uses and promote agriculture in Crafton, delineating the edge of urban uses Land Use Principles 4-P 23 Preserve agricultural land in the Planning Area and protect it from premature development 4-P 24 Preserve open space land in order to protect the visual character of the city, provide for public outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, support groundwater recharge, and manage production of resources Limit development in areas that possess a unique character and fragile ecology 4-P 25 Limit development on steep hillsides to preserve the stability and integrity of the slopes and to ensure public safety Land Use Actions 4-A 34 Preserve agricultural land and protect agricultural operations and soils by identifying and designating these lands as Agriculture 4-A 35 Preserve connections between agricultural lands with other agricultural lands and supporting uses, and discourage the isolation of agricultural parcels among nonagricultural uses 4-A 36 Consider adoption of a Right -to -Farm Ordinance to support continued agricultural operations by limiting the circumstances under which properly conducted agricultural operations on agricultural land may be considered a nuisance 4-A 37 Ensure adequate buffers and transitions between agricultural land and non- agricultural development in order to reduce the potential for land use conflicts 4-A 38 Encourage the continued operation of existing agricultural operations through the use of agricultural easements and Williamson Act contracts 4-A 40 Permit commercial functions related to agricultural uses to encourage the sustainability of farming in Redlands and the Planning Area Such functions can include roadside stands, packing and processing operations, agri-tourism events, and bed -and - breakfast inns Amend the Zoning Ordinance to permit such uses Vital Environment Element Open Space for Conservation Principles 6-P 4 Preserve and enhance open space and agricultural land to define the Mentone and Crafton areas as distinct from Redlands Page 7 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Agriculture and Open Space for Resource Production Principles 6-P 11 Retain the maximum feasible amount of agricultural land for its contributions to the local economy, lifestyle, air quality, habitat value and sense of Redlands' heritage 6-P 12 Support the viability of agriculture through efforts to promote locally -grown produce and livestock as part of Redlands lifestyle and economy 6-P 13 Preserve the identity of Crafton and San Timoteo /Live Oak canyons as farming neighborhoods 6-P 14 Provide for the continued operation of existing livestock/dairy farms in areas of the San Timoteo and Live Oak canyons and Crafton designated as Resource Preservation, Rural Living, and Very Low Density Residential on the General Plan Land Use map Agriculture and Open Space for Resource Production Actions 6-A 22 Employ zoning for agricultural and rural living areas to maintain citrus and other croplands in production where designated on the General Plan Land Use map 6-A 23 Permit transfer of development rights (TDR) between agreeable owners to preserve agricultural land and citrus groves 6-A 24 Develop an agricultural land mitigation program to conserve agricultural land through agricultural conservation easements at a ratio of 1 1 or greater The City may also take advantage of funding opportunities in order to establish such a program 6-A 25 Utilize local land trusts to make the most efficient use of funds available for agricultural preservation 6-A 26 Utilize State and non-profit funds for agricultural conservation easements with willing participants 6-A 27 Ensure that new development adjacent to an agricultural use is compatible with the continuation of the use by requiring appropriate design criteria, such as site layout, landscaping, and buffer areas 6-A 28 Promote "agri-tourism", farm -to -table promotions, roadside stands, and farmer's markets to enhance the economic viability of farming in Redlands Healthy Community Element Public Health Principles Page 8 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 7-P 18 Promote locally grown foods Public Health Actions 7-A 47 Promote locally -grown foods through the following initiatives x Establish organic and local farming economic development zones in San Timoteo Canyon, Crafton, and other suitable locations, x Investigate State and local financing programs to assist with expanding the local farming programs, x Expand the community garden program subject to funding and land availability, and x Eliminate barriers to and establish incentives for increased local food production 7-A 48 Support farmers' markets throughout the city 7-A 50 Seek ways to partner with Redlands -based community supported agriculture (CSA) programs as an alternative source of fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables for Redlands' residents— particularly those with limited mobility or limited income and those farthest from existing grocery stores 7-A 58 Develop incentives for new farmer training Explore land leasing programs for new farmers 7-A 59 Support agri-tourism within Redlands by eliminating barriers for farms to provide events such as weddings, cooking classes, "dinner on the farm," and other events c) Findings Based upon the EIR and the entire record before this City, the City finds that no feasible mitigation measures have been identified that would reduce the impacts on Prime and Important Farmland to less than significant The City finds a certain amount of growth to occur in the Planning Area necessitates conversion of farmland to urban uses The proposed General Plan includes growth management policies to prevent the premature conversion of farmland by encouraging infill development in the City's core and preserving open space and agricultural areas on the periphery These policies are intended to offset the impact to agricultural land conversion to the greatest degree possible There are unbuilt portions within the city and the SOI where there will be continued loss of farmland under the Proposed Project Specifically, these include agricultural areas near Citrus Valley High School where there are citrus farms in production The new Page 9 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update General Plan designation for this area is Public/Institutional for the area occupied by the high school and Low Density and Very Low Density Residential for the area north of the school to the Santa Ana Wash This designation is less intensive than the current designation of Light Industrial and is likely to result in some preservation of citrus production as part of the AQMD and CNEL buffers established along Highway 210 Nevertheless, the impact is considered significant Another area of high concentration of farmland within the Sphere is the Crafton planning sub -area This area represents the largest continuous, intact area of agricultural land within the Planning Area The General Plan update seeks to preserve Crafton as mostly an agricultural area through maintaining densities consistent with the San Bernardino County General Plan and establishment of an urban growth boundary with Wabash Avenue and Colton Avenue forming an approximate boundary The City finds there are no feasible mitigation measures for agricultural land conversion that would also fulfill all the objectives of and implement the General Plan as proposed Although there are policies in the proposed General Plan to reduce this impact, the City finds that the potential conversion of agricultural land—which will affect some agricultural activities and prime agricultural soils—is significant and unavoidable 2 Air Quality 2 1 Air Quality Impact #1 Impact 3.3-2 Development under the proposed General Plan would violate air quality standards or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation Page 10 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update a) Mitigation Measures No mitigation is available beyond measures identified in the AQMP, SIP, CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and principles and actions in the proposed General Plan that would partially reduce impacts Therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable No feasible mitigation measures are currently available to reduce this impact to a less -than -significant level b) Policies The proposed General Plan features a wide range of policies that will help reduce potential air quality impacts associated with criteria air pollutant emissions Livable Community Element Transit Villages Principles 4-P 44 Provide choices for travel options, including walking, biking, vehicular, and transit Connected City Element Layered, Multi -Modal Network Principles 5-P 4 Support transportation infrastructure improvements such as safer street crossings and attractive streetscapes to encourage bicyclists, walkers, and users of mobility devices 5-P 5 Manage the city's transportation system to minimize traffic congestion, improve flow, and improve air quality Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Vehicular Movement Actions 5-A 19 Provide pedestrian routes between offices, neighborhoods, Downtown, and Transit Villages Plan for direct connections from the interiors of residential tracts to neighboring parks, schools, retail, and other services using sidewalks, trails, and paseos Bicycle Movement Principles 5-P 19 Establish and maintain a comprehensive network of on- and off -roadway bike routes to encourage the use of bikes for both commuter and recreational trips 5-P 20 Develop bike routes that provide access to rail stations, Downtown, schools, parks, the University, employment, and shopping destinations 10 Page 11 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Bicycle Movement Actions 5-A 27 Incorporate end -of -trip facilities into Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans at employment sites and public facilities, depending upon distance from bikeways Provide well -located, secure bike storage facilities at employment sites, shopping and recreational areas, and schools in order to facilitate bike use Encourage mayor employers to provide shower and changing facilities or assist in funding bicycle transit centers in nearby locations Vehicular Movement Actions 5-A 32 Utilize transportation demand management strategies, non -automotive enhancements (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, train, trails, and connectivity), and traffic signal management techniques as part of a long-term transportation solution and traffic mitigation strategy 5-A 34 Encourage the use of car share and car hire services within Redlands to provide vehicular transportation alternatives 5-A 37 Plan for areas where alternative fueling stations can be located throughout the city such as electric charging stations, CNG, hydrogen, and flex fuels Transit Principles 5-P 25 Improve public transit as a viable form of transportation in Redlands 5-P 26 Support passenger rail as an alternative mode of regional transit Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Principles 5-P 27 Adopt and implement a Transportation Demand Management Program Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Actions 5-A 66 Evaluate and include the following appropriate elements in a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program x Telecommuting from home x Telecommuting from a satellite work Center x Compressed work week x Flex time x Ridesharing x Ridesharing subsidy and tax credits x Ridesharing parking cost subsidy x Ridematching and carpooling x Guaranteed ride home x Car hire services x Commuter stores 11 Page 12 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Car share programs x Bike share programs x On-site facilities for commuters x Remote park-and-ride lots with amenities x Preferential parking for ride sharers x Transit pass programs x Other new and innovate alternatives that may arise in the future Healthy Community Element Public Health Actions 7-A 35 Implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments 7-A 38 Revise development standards to require pedestrian connections into and inside commercial projects 7-A 44 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities 7-A 46 Encourage the provision of bike lockers, bike -sharing, and other methods of supporting active transportation that can contribute to healthy lifestyles Air Quality Principles 7-P 44 Protect air quality within the city and support efforts for enhanced regional air quality 7-P 45 Aim for a diverse and efficiently -operated ground transportation system that generates the minimum amount of pollutants feasible 7-P 46 Increase average vehicle ridership during peak commute hours as a way of reducing vehicle miles traveled and peak period auto travel 7-P 47 Cooperate in efforts to expand bus, rail, and other forms of mass transit in the portion of the South Coast Air Basin within San Bernardino County 7-P 48 Involve environmental groups, the business community, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of programs that enhance air quality in the city and the region 12 Page 13 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Air Quality Actions 7-A 144 To the extent practicable and feasible, maintain a system of air quality alerts (such as through the City website, internet, e-mail to City employees, and other tools) based on South Coast Air Quality Management District forecasts Consider providing incentives to City employees to use alternative transportation modes during alert days 7-A 145 Provide, whenever possible, incentives for carpooling, flex time, shortened work weeks, telecommuting, and other means of reducing vehicular miles traveled 7-A 146 Promote expansion of all forms of mass transit to the urbanized portions of San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties Support public transit providers in efforts to increase funding for transit improvements to supplement other means of travel 7-A 147 Cooperate with the ongoing efforts of the U S Environmental Protection Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the State of California Air Resources Board in improving air quality in the regional air basin 7-A 148 Develop requirements for retrofitting existing residential buildings within the 500 - foot AQMD buffer along the freeway to abate air pollution, and limitations on new residential developments within the buffer 7-A 149 Ensure that construction and grading projects minimize short-term impacts to air quality a Require grading projects to provide a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) in compliance with City requirements, which include standards for best management practices (BMPs) that control pollutants from dust generated by construction activities and those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling, and maintenance, b Require grading projects to undertake measures to minimize mono -nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from vehicle and equipment operations, and c Monitor all construction to ensure that proper steps are implemented 7-A 150 Establish and implement a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program 7-A 151 Convert the City fleet to zero emissions vehicles where financially feasible and provide associated infrastructure for such vehicles 7-A 152 Enforce regulations to prevent trucks from excessive idling in residential areas 13 Page 14 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Sustainable Community Element Energy Efficiency and Conservation Principles 8-P 1 Promote energy efficiency and conservation technologies and practices that reduce the use and dependency of nonrenewable resources of energy by both City government and the community 8-P 2 Promote energy awareness community -wide by educating the community regarding energy audits and incentive programs (tax credits, rebates, exchanges, etc ) available for energy conservation 8-P 3 Proactively review and update City plans, resolutions, and ordinances to promote greater energy efficiency in both existing and new construction in regard to site planning, architecture, and landscape design Energy Efficiency and Conservation Actions 8-A 1 Work with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and Southern California Gas Company (SCG) to educate the public about the need to conserve energy resources and the higher energy efficiency of new appliances and building materials 8-A 2 Support San Bernardino County and San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in implementation of their energy-related policies 8-A 4 Continue pursuit of sustainable energy sources—such as hydroelectricity, geothermal, solar, and wind power, and biomethane—to meet the community's needs 8-A 7 Seek alternatives to reduce non-renewable energy consumption attributable to transportation within the Planning Area Seek funding and other assistance from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for installation of electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate locations throughout the city 8-A 8 Implement and enforce California Code of Regulations Title 24 building standards (parts 6 and 11) to improve energy efficiency in new or substantially remodeled construction Consider implementing incentives for builders that exceed the standards included in Title 24 and recognize their achievements over the minimum standards Green Building and Landscape Principles 8-P 8 Promote sustainability by reducing the community's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fostering green development patterns–including buildings, sites, and landscapes Green Building and Landscape Actions 8-A 39 Continue implementation and enforcement of the California Building and Energy codes to promote energy efficient building design and construction 14 Page 15 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 8-A 40 Promote the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program for the design, operation, and construction of high-performance green buildings 8-A 41 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through x Encouraging point-of-sale residential energy and water efficiency audits Provide information on upgrading requirements and/or incentives if necessary, x Providing financial incentives and low-cost financing products and programs that encourage investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy within existing residential buildings, and x Educating residents about the availability of free home energy audit programs and encouraging the implementation of audit findings Greenhouse Gas Reduction Principles 8-P 9 Undertake initiatives to enhance sustainability by reducing the community's GHG emissions 8-P 10 Demonstrate leadership by reducing the use of energy and fossil fuel consumption in municipal operations, including transportation, waste reduction, and recycling, and by promoting efficient building design and use Greenhouse Gas Reduction Actions 8-A 45 Prepare a Climate Action Plan to ensure that the Planning Area complies with State mandated GHG emissions 8-A 46 Continue to monitor the City's compliance with State -mandated GHG emissions, as provided for in the Climate Action Plan Make timely adjustments to City policies as required to continue meeting State GHG targets, and as changes in technology, federal and State programs, or other circumstances warrant Findings The City finds that total emissions associated with development of the proposed General Plan would still exceed South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) thresholds for 03, PM1o, and PM25 The proposed General Plan would result in an increase in criteria pollutant emissions primarily due to local and regional vehicle emissions and vehicle travel generated by future population growth associated with buildout of the proposed General Plan The proposed General Plan is being offered despite these significant impacts because the City is in need of an updated land use plan that can thoughtfully and creatively accommodate projected population growth, as well as provide for jobs and economic development over the next 20 years Full buildout of the 15 Page 16 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update proposed General Plan would result in a significant, unavoidable, and cumulatively considerable increase of criteria pollutants, which would significantly impact air quality The City finds no additional feasible mitigation measures are currently available to reduce this impact to a less -than -significant level 2 2 Air Quality Impact #2 Impact 3 3-3 Development under the Proposed Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants for which the General Plan region is in nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for 03 precursors). a) Mitigation Measures No mitigation is available beyond measures identified in the AQMP, SIP, CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and principles and actions in the proposed General Plan that would partially reduce impacts Therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable b) Policies The proposed General Plan features a wide range of policies that will help reduce potential air quality impacts associated with criteria air pollutant emissions Livable Community Element Transit Villages Principles 4-P 44 Provide choices for travel options, including walking, biking, vehicular, and transit Connected City Element Layered, Multi -Modal Network Principles 5-P 4 Support transportation infrastructure improvements such as safer street crossings and attractive streetscapes to encourage bicyclists, walkers, and users of mobility devices 5-P 5 Manage the city's transportation system to minimize traffic congestion, improve flow, and improve air quality 16 Page 17 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Vehicular Movement Actions 5-A 19 Provide pedestrian routes between offices, neighborhoods, Downtown, and Transit Villages Plan for direct connections from the interiors of residential tracts to neighboring parks, schools, retail, and other services using sidewalks, trails, and paseos Bicycle Movement Principles 5-P 19 Establish and maintain a comprehensive network of on- and off -roadway bike routes to encourage the use of bikes for both commuter and recreational trips 5-P 20 Develop bike routes that provide access to rail stations, Downtown, schools, parks, the University, employment, and shopping destinations Bicycle Movement Actions 5-A 27 Incorporate end -of -trip facilities into Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans at employment sites and public facilities, depending upon distance from bikeways Provide well -located, secure bike storage facilities at employment sites, shopping and recreational areas, and schools in order to facilitate bike use Encourage major employers to provide shower and changing facilities or assist in funding bicycle transit centers in nearby locations Vehicular Movement Actions 5-A 32 Utilize transportation demand management strategies, non -automotive enhancements (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, train, trails, and connectivity), and traffic signal management techniques as part of a long-term transportation solution and traffic mitigation strategy 5-A 34 Encourage the use of car share and car hire services within Redlands to provide vehicular transportation alternatives 5-A 37 Plan for areas where alternative fueling stations can be located throughout the city such as electric charging stations, CNG, hydrogen, and flex fuels Transit Principles 5-P 25 Improve public transit as a viable form of transportation in Redlands 5-P 26 Support passenger rail as an alternative mode of regional transit Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Principles 5-P 27 Adopt and implement a Transportation Demand Management Program 17 Page 18 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Actions 5-A 66 Evaluate and include the following appropriate elements in a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program x Telecommuting from home x Telecommuting from a satellite work Center x Compressed work week x Flex time x Ridesharing x Ridesharing subsidy and tax credits x Ridesharing parking cost subsidy x Ridematching and carpooling x Guaranteed ride home x Car hire services x Commuter stores x Car share programs x Bike share programs x On-site facilities for commuters x Remote park-and-ride lots with amenities x Preferential parking for ride sharers x Transit pass programs x Other new and innovate alternatives that may arise in the future Healthv Community Element Public Health Actions 7-A 35 Implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments 7-A 38 Revise development standards to require pedestrian connections into and inside commercial projects 7-A 44 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities 7-A 46 Encourage the provision of bike lockers, bike -sharing, and other methods of supporting active transportation that can contribute to healthy lifestyles Air Quality Principles 7-P 44 Protect air quality within the city and support efforts for enhanced regional air quality 18 Page 19 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 7-P 45 Aim for a diverse and efficiently -operated ground transportation system that generates the minimum amount of pollutants feasible 7-P 46 Increase average vehicle ridership during peak commute hours as a way of reducing vehicle miles traveled and peak period auto travel 7-P 47 Cooperate in efforts to expand bus, rail, and other forms of mass transit in the portion of the South Coast Air Basin within San Bernardino County 7-P 48 Involve environmental groups, the business community, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of programs that enhance air quality in the city and the region Air Quality Actions 7-A 144 To the extent practicable and feasible, maintain a system of air quality alerts (such as through the City website, internet, e-mail to City employees, and other tools) based on South Coast Air Quality Management District forecasts Consider providing incentives to City employees to use alternative transportation modes during alert days 7-A 145 Provide, whenever possible, incentives for carpooling, flex time, shortened work weeks, telecommuting, and other means of reducing vehicular miles traveled 7-A 146 Promote expansion of all forms of mass transit to the urbanized portions of San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties Support public transit providers in efforts to increase funding for transit improvements to supplement other means of travel 7-A 147 Cooperate with the ongoing efforts of the U S Environmental Protection Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the State of California Air Resources Board in improving air quality in the regional air basin 7-A 148 Develop requirements for retrofitting existing residential buildings within the 500 - foot AQMD buffer along the freeway to abate air pollution, and limitations on new residential developments within the buffer 7-A 149 Ensure that construction and grading projects minimize short-term impacts to air quality a Require grading projects to provide a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) in compliance with City requirements, which include standards for best management practices (BMPs) that control pollutants from dust generated by construction activities and those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling, and maintenance, 19 Page 20 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update b Require grading projects to undertake measures to minimize mono -nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from vehicle and equipment operations, and c Monitor all construction to ensure that proper steps are implemented 7-A 150 Establish and implement a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program 7-A 151 Convert the City fleet to zero emissions vehicles where financially feasible and provide associated infrastructure for such vehicles 7-A 152 Enforce regulations to prevent trucks from excessive idling in residential areas Sustainable Community Element Energy Efficiency and Conservation Principles 8-P 1 Promote energy efficiency and conservation technologies and practices that reduce the use and dependency of nonrenewable resources of energy by both City government and the community 8-P 2 Promote energy awareness community -wide by educating the community regarding energy audits and incentive programs (tax credits, rebates, exchanges, etc ) available for energy conservation 8-P 3 Proactively review and update City plans, resolutions, and ordinances to promote greater energy efficiency in both existing and new construction in regard to site planning, architecture, and landscape design Energy Efficiency and Conservation Actions 8-A 1 Work with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and Southern California Gas Company (SCG) to educate the public about the need to conserve energy resources and the higher energy efficiency of new appliances and building materials 8-A 2 Support San Bernardino County and San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in implementation of their energy-related policies 8-A 4 Continue pursuit of sustainable energy sources—such as hydroelectricity, geothermal, solar, and wind power, and biomethane—to meet the community's needs 8-A 7 Seek alternatives to reduce non-renewable energy consumption attributable to transportation within the Planning Area Seek funding and other assistance from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for installation of electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate locations throughout the city 20 Page 21 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 8-A 8 Implement and enforce California Code of Regulations Title 24 building standards (parts 6 and 11) to improve energy efficiency in new or substantially remodeled construction Consider implementing incentives for builders that exceed the standards included in Title 24 and recognize their achievements over the minimum standards Green Building and Landscape Principles 8-P 8 Promote sustainability by reducing the community's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fostering green development patterns—including buildings, sites, and landscapes Green Building and Landscape Actions 8-A 39 Continue implementation and enforcement of the California Building and Energy codes to promote energy efficient building design and construction 8-A 40 Promote the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program for the design, operation, and construction of high-performance green buildings 8-A 41 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through x Encouraging point-of-sale residential energy and water efficiency audits Provide information on upgrading requirements and/or incentives if necessary, x Providing financial incentives and low-cost financing products and programs that encourage investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy within existing residential buildings, and x Educating residents about the availability of free home energy audit programs and encouraging the implementation of audit findings Greenhouse Gas Reduction Principles 8-P 9 Undertake initiatives to enhance sustainability by reducing the community's GHG emissions 8-P 10 Demonstrate leadership by reducing the use of energy and fossil fuel consumption in municipal operations, including transportation, waste reduction, and recycling, and by promoting efficient building design and use Greenhouse Gas Reduction Actions 8-A 45 Prepare a Climate Action Plan to ensure that the Planning Area complies with State mandated GHG emissions 8-A 46 Continue to monitor the City's compliance with State -mandated GHG emissions, as provided for in the Climate Action Plan Make timely adjustments to City policies as 21 Page 22 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update required to continue meeting State GHG targets, and as changes in technology, federal and State programs, or other circumstances warrant c) Findings The City finds that total emissions associated with development of the proposed General Plan would still exceed SCAQMD thresholds for 03 precursors The proposed General Plan would result in an increase in criteria pollutant emissions primarily due to local and regional vehicle emissions and vehicle travel generated by future population growth associated with buildout of the proposed General Plan The proposed General Plan is being offered despite these significant impacts because the City is in need of an updated land use plan that can thoughtfully and creatively accommodate projected population growth, as well as provide for jobs and economic development over the next 20 years To minimize environmental impacts, the proposed plan concentrates development within the city's core through infill and redevelopment, and seeks to preserve agriculture and open space on the periphery Full buildout of the proposed General Plan would result in a significant, unavoidable, and cumulatively considerable increase of criteria pollutants, which would significantly impact air quality The City finds no additional feasible mitigation measures are currently available to reduce this impact to a less -than -significant level 3. Transportation 3 1 Transportation Impact #1 Impact 315-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of effectiveness of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non - motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit. a) Mitigation Measures No mitigation is available beyond the implementation of proposed General Plan Action 5-A 38 Although these policies require the City to coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions to implement the improvements, the ultimate decision to implement the improvements resides with the other jurisdictions Since the City cannot guarantee that the needed improvements will be implemented, the impact is deemed significant and unavoidable 22 Page 23 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update b) Policies The following proposed General Plan policies will help reduce potential circulation impacts Livable Community Element Measure U Policies 4 62b Provide sufficient roadway and intersection capacities to maintain a minimum Level of Service (LOS) C except as provided in policy 5 20b In areas where the current level of service is below the LOS C standard, provide sufficient roadway and intersection capacities to maintain, at a minimum the LOS existing as of the time an application for development is filed and to assure that the level of service is not degraded to reduced LOS as provided in Section 5 20b Connected City Element Layered, Multi -Modal Network Principles 5-P 2 Use the layered network approach to identify, schedule, and implement roadway improvements as development occurs in the future, and as a standard against which to evaluate future development and roadway improvement plans 5-P 3 Review the layered network with neighboring jurisdictions and seek agreement on actions needing coordination 5-P 5 Manage the city's transportation system to minimize traffic congestion, improve flow, and improve air quality 5-P 10 Require developers to construct or pay their fair share toward improvements for all travel modes consistent with the layered network Measure U Policies 5 20a Maintain LOS C or better as the standard at all intersections presently at LOS C or better 5 20b Within the area identified in GP Figure 5-1, including that unincorporated County area identified on GP Figure 5-1 as the "donut hole", maintain LOS C or better, however, accept a reduced LOS on a case by case basis upon approval by a four-fifths (4/5ths) vote of the total authorized membership of the City Council 5 20c Where the current level of service at a location within the City of Redlands is below the Level of Service (LOS) C standard, no development project shall be approved that cannot be mitigated so that it does not reduce the existing level of service at that location except as provided in Section 5 20b 23 Page 24 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 5 20f If monitoring of conditions at intersections within the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan area and intersections affected by EVC development indicates that peak hour LOS will drop below the standards set by Policies 5 20a, 5 20b, 5 20c revise the EVC Specific Plan Revisions necessary may include additional roadway improvements, mandated higher TDM (Travel Demand Management, See Section 5 40) reductions in single occupant vehicle trip share, reduction of intensity of development, or changes in use of undeveloped sites Projected buildout for the EVC is 2028 vs 2010 for the rest of the Planning Area Travel habits may change significantly during this period, but project reviews for compliance with the General Plan must not assume changes that may be beyond the ability of the City to implement Vehicular Movement Principles 5-P 21 Reduce vehicular congestion to portions of the layered network in the city's neighborhoods and neighborhood retail areas to the greatest extent feasible 5-P 23 Discourage the use of City streets as alternatives to congested regional highways 5-P 24 Review and coordinate circulation requirements with Caltrans as it pertains to the freeways and state highways Vehicular Movement and Standards for Traffic Service Actions 5-A 30 Monitor traffic service levels and strive to implement roadway improvements prior to deterioration in levels of service below the stated standard 5-A 32 Utilize transportation demand management strategies, non -automotive enhancements (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, train, trails, and connectivity), and traffic signal management techniques as part of a long-term transportation solution and traffic mitigation strategy 5-A 34 Encourage the use of car share and car hire services within Redlands to provide vehicular transportation alternatives 5-A 38 Work with San Bernardino County, the City of San Bernardino, and Caltrans, where appropriate, to implement all intersection and roadway improvements as shown in Table 5-5 and Figure 5-4 Freeways Actions 5-A 39 Work with State, regional, and federal transportation agencies in the continued improvement of freeways and interchanges within the city 5-A 40 Support improvements to 1-10 and 1-210 that improve capacity and flow Boulevards and Arterials Actions 24 Page 25 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 5-A 42 Provide adequate capacity on boulevards and arterials to meet LOS standards, and to avoid traffic diversion to local streets or freeways 5-A 43 Locate high traffic -generating uses so that they have direct access or immediate secondary access to arterials or boulevards 5-A 44 Maximize the carrying capacity of arterials and boulevards by controlling the number of driveways and intersections, limiting residential access where applicable, and requiring sufficient on-site parking to meet the needs of proposed projects Additional guidelines for artenal and boulevard access include providing smooth ingress/egress to fronting development This entails designing parking areas so that traffic does not stack up on the artenal roadway, combining driveways to serve small parcels, and maintaining adequate distance between driveways and Intersections to permit efficient traffic merges Implementation of these guidelines is especially important along Alabama Street, San Bernardino Avenue, and Redlands Boulevard Collector and Local Streets Actions 5-A 45 Discourage through -traffic on local streets 5-A 46 Avoid adding traffic to collector and local streets carrying volumes above capacity, and consider traffic control measures where volumes exceed the standard and perceived nuisance is severe 5-A 48 Provide for a network of collectors in the northwest areas to minimize traffic levels on San Bernardino Avenue, Lugonia Avenue, and Orange and Texas Streets c) Findings The City has identified the types of improvements that are necessary for roadway sections and intersections LOS standards are incorporated as part of the proposed General Plan However, as noted, there are intersections and roadway segments that are beyond the City's jurisdiction and control to mitigate The City has a policy of working with its neighbors and regional partners to make transportation improvements but cannot guarantee improvements beyond its city limits, therefore resulting in significant impacts The proposed General Plan is being offered despite these significant impacts because the City is in need of an updated transportation and circulation plan that can thoughtfully and creatively plan for transportation improvements over the next 20 years To minimize environmental impacts, the proposed plan concentrates development within the city's core through infill and redevelopment, and seeks to preserve agriculture and open space on the periphery 25 Page 26 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update The City finds no additional feasible mitigation measures are currently available to reduce this impact to a less -than -significant level 3 2 Transportation Impact #2 Impact 3.15-2 Adoption of the General Plan would conflict with an applicable congestion management program (CMP) including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways a) Mitigation Measures No mitigation is available beyond the implementation of proposed General Plan Action 5-A 38, specifically the widening of Alabama Street between Palmetto Avenue and Pioneer Avenue from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction Implementation of this improvement would improve the operation of this street from LOS F presently and without improvements in 2035 to LOS C or better with the improvements Although this policy requires the City to coordinate with San Bernardino County to implement the improvement, the ultimate decision to implement the improvements resides with another jurisdiction Since the City cannot guarantee that the needed improvements will be implemented, the impact is deemed significant and unavoidable It should be noted that in this instance, the widening of Alabama is currently underway, and as properties are developed alongside the road, they are required to build out the full street section b) Policies Livable Community Element Measure U Policies 4 62b Provide sufficient roadway and intersection capacities to maintain a minimum Level of Service (LOS) C except as provided in policy 5 20b In areas where the current level of service is below the LOS C standard, provide sufficient roadway and intersection capacities to maintain, at a minimum the LOS existing as of the time an application for development is filed and to assure that the level of service is not degraded to reduced LOS as provided in Section 5 20b Connected City Element 26 Page 27 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Layered, Multi -Modal Network Principles 5-P 2 Use the layered network approach to identify, schedule, and implement roadway improvements as development occurs in the future, and as a standard against which to evaluate future development and roadway improvement plans 5-P 3 Review the layered network with neighboring jurisdictions and seek agreement on actions needing coordination 5-P 5 Manage the city's transportation system to minimize traffic congestion, improve flow, and improve air quality 5-P 10 Require developers to construct or pay their fair share toward improvements for all travel modes consistent with the layered network Measure U Policies 5 20a Maintain LOS C or better as the standard at all intersections presently at LOS C or better 5 20b Within the area identified in GP Figure 5-1, including that unincorporated County area identified on GP Figure 5-1 as the "donut hole", maintain LOS C or better, however, accept a reduced LOS on a case by case basis upon approval by a four-fifths (4/5ths) vote of the total authorized membership of the City Council 5 20c Where the current level of service at a location within the City of Redlands is below the Level of Service (LOS) C standard, no development project shall be approved that cannot be mitigated so that it does not reduce the existing level of service at that location except as provided in Section 5 20b 5 20f If monitoring of conditions at intersections within the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan area and intersections affected by EVC development indicates that peak hour LOS will drop below the standards set by Policies 5 20a, 5 20b, 5 20c revise the EVC Specific Plan Revisions necessary may include additional roadway improvements, mandated higher TDM (Travel Demand Management, See Section 5 40) reductions in single occupant vehicle trip share, reduction of intensity of development, or changes in use of undeveloped sites Projected buildout for the EVC is 2028 vs 2010 for the rest of the Planning Area Travel habits may change significantly during this period, but project reviews for 27 Page 28 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update compliance with the General Plan must not assume changes that may be beyond the ability of the City to implement Vehicular Movement Principles 5-P 21 Reduce vehicular congestion to portions of the layered network in the city's neighborhoods and neighborhood retail areas to the greatest extent feasible 5-P 23 Discourage the use of City streets as alternatives to congested regional highways 5-P 24 Review and coordinate circulation requirements with Caltrans as it pertains to the freeways and state highways Vehicular Movement and Standards for Traffic Service Actions 5-A 30 Monitor traffic service levels and strive to implement roadway improvements prior to deterioration in levels of service below the stated standard 5-A 32 Utilize transportation demand management strategies, non -automotive enhancements (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, train, trails, and connectivity), and traffic signal management techniques as part of a long-term transportation solution and traffic mitigation strategy 5-A 34 Encourage the use of car share and car hire services within Redlands to provide vehicular transportation alternatives 5-A 38 Work with San Bernardino County, the City of San Bernardino, and Caltrans, where appropriate, to implement all intersection and roadway improvements as shown in Table 5-5 and Figure 5-4 Freeways Actions 5-A 39 Work with State, regional, and federal transportation agencies in the continued improvement of freeways and interchanges within the city 5-A 40 Support improvements to 1-10 and 1-210 that improve capacity and flow Boulevards and Arterials Actions 5-A 42 Provide adequate capacity on boulevards and arterials to meet LOS standards, and to avoid traffic diversion to local streets or freeways 28 Page 29 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 5-A 43 Locate high traffic -generating uses so that they have direct access or immediate secondary access to arterials or boulevards 5-A 44 Maximize the carrying capacity of arterials and boulevards by controlling the number of driveways and intersections, limiting residential access where applicable, and requiring sufficient on-site parking to meet the needs of proposed projects Additional guidelines for artenal and boulevard access include providing smooth ingress/egress to fronting development This entails designing parking areas so that traffic does not stack up on the arterial roadway, combining driveways to serve small parcels, and maintaining adequate distance between driveways and intersections to permit efficient traffic merges Implementation of these guidelines is especially important along Alabama Street, San Bernardino Avenue, and Redlands Boulevard Collector and Local Streets Actions 5-A 45 Discourage through -traffic on local streets 5-A 46 Avoid adding traffic to collector and local streets carrying volumes above capacity, and consider traffic control measures where volumes exceed the standard and perceived nuisance is severe 5-A 48 Provide for a network of collectors in the northwest areas to minimize traffic levels on San Bernardino Avenue, Lugonia Avenue, and Orange and Texas Streets c) Findings The City has identified the types of improvements that are necessary for roadway sections and intersections LOS standards are incorporated as part of the proposed General Plan However, as noted, there are intersections and roadway segments that are beyond the City's jurisdiction and control to mitigate The City has a policy of working with its neighbors and regional partners to make transportation improvements but cannot guarantee improvements beyond its city limits, therefore resulting in significant impacts The proposed General Plan is being offered despite these significant impacts because the City is in need of an updated transportation and circulation plan that can thoughtfully and creatively plan for local and area transportation improvements over the next 20 years The City finds no additional 29 Page 30 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update feasible mitigation measures are currently available to reduce this impact to a less - than -significant level B Findings Regarding Significant and Irreversible Changes CEQA Guidelines require an EIR to consider whether "uses of nonrenewable resources during the initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such resources makes removal or nonuse thereafter unlikely" (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126 2(c)) "Nonrenewable resource" refers to the physical features of the natural environment, such as land or waterways Irretrievable commitments of non-renewable resources associated with the proposed General Plan include 1. Water Consumption New development under the Proposed Project, specifically the proposed General Plan, would increase the demand for water supplies for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial uses It would place a greater demand on the City of Redlands municipal water supply and the Western Heights Water Company, which derive water supply from local groundwater basins, surface waters from Mill Creek and the Santa Ana River, and the State Water Project watershed in Northern California, in addition to recycled water supplies This increased demand for public water represents an irreversible environmental change 2. Energy Sources New development under the Proposed Project, specifically the proposed General Plan, would result in increased energy use, in the form of new buildings and transportation Both residential and non-residential developments use electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products for power, lighting, heating, and other indoor and outdoor services, while cars use both oil and gas Use of these types of energy for new development would result in the overall increased use of non-renewable energy resources This represents an irreversible environmental change 3 Construction -related Impacts Irreversible environmental changes could also occur during the course of constructing development projects allowed under the Proposed Project, specifically the proposed General Plan New construction would result in the consumption of building materials, such as lumber, sand, and gravel for construction Construction aggregate used in development projects may be extracted from within the Planning Area, where mineral resources have been designated as regionally significant Depletion of non-renewable 30 Page 31 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update resources that supply building materials would represent an irreversible environmental change 4. Loss of Important Farmland Some new development allowed under the Proposed Project, specifically the proposed General Plan, may take place on Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique Farmland, as classified by the California Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program These designations identify high-quality agricultural resources, and the loss of these resources due to conversion of designated land to non-agricultural uses may be considered an irreversible environmental change C Findings Regarding Growth Inducing Impacts CEQA guidelines require that an EIR "discuss the ways in which the proposed project could foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly" (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126 2(d)) This analysis must also consider the removal of obstacles to population growth, such as improvements in the regional transportation system Growth -inducing impacts, such as those associated with job increases that might affect housing and retail demand in jurisdictions over an extended time period, are difficult to assess with precision, since future economic and population trends may be influenced by unforeseeable events, such as natural disasters and business development cycles Moreover, long-term changes in economic and population growth are often regional in scope, they are not influenced solely by changes or policies related to a single city or development project Business trends are influenced by economic conditions throughout the state and country, as well as around the world Another consideration is that the creation of growth -inducing potential does not automatically lead to growth Growth occurs through capital investment in new economic opportunities by the private or public sector These investment patterns reflect, in turn, the desires of investors to mobilize and allocate their resources to development in particular localities and regions These and other pressures serve to create policy These factors, combined with the regulatory authority of local governments, mediate the growth -inducing potential or pressure created by a proposed plan Despite these limitations on the analysis, it is still possible to qualitatively assess the general potential growth -inducing impacts of the Proposed Project 31 Page 32 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update 1 Population According to the California Department of Finance, the population of the City of Redlands was estimated to be about 68,000 as of 2015 (California Department of Finance), comprising about 3 2 percent of San Bernardino County's total population of 2,121,088 Under the Proposed Project, the city will accommodate a population of approximately 79,000, an increase of about 16 percent over the current population This represents an average annual growth rate of about 1 percent The projected population total of the City of Redlands under the Proposed Project, 79,013, is less than Southern California Association of Governments' (SCAG) 2035 population projection of 83,400 (Southern California Association of Governments), thus, the proposed General Plan would not be growth -inducing beyond regional forecasts 2 Growth Management Beginning with Proposition R in 1978, the City of Redlands adopted growth management measures in response to rapid residential development Residential development peaked during the 1980s, when 20 percent of the current housing stock was constructed in a single decade Since that period, residential growth has slowed substantially Also, additional measures have been adopted to establish the City's growth management system Measure N This measure limited the development of residential dwelling units to 400 units per calendar year Of the 400 units within the city, 50 units are, by resolution, reserved for single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes and four-plexes on existing lots, with the remainder to be allocated according to a point system (adopted as Ordinance No 2036), which emphasizes design amenities The measure also provided prohibitions on changing land designations or zoning to a higher density than Rural Estate (R -E) for those lands designated as urban reserve agricultural on June 1, 1987 Limitations were also placed on development of steep slopes For slopes greater than 15 percent, density is limited to one dwelling unit per 2 acres, and for slopes greater than 30 percent, density is limited to one dwelling unit per 5 acres Measure U Measure U, adopted by the voters in 1997, further articulated growth management policies This General Plan Amendment reinforced and modified certain provisions of Measure N, adopted Principles of Managed Growth, implemented restrictions on noise, and reduced the development density of San Timoteo and Live Oak canyons by creating a new land use category Resource 32 Page 33 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Preservation Measure U limits the development potential of this part of Redlands characterized by steep slopes and natural resources Measure U also includes traffic level of service standards, seeking to ensure that future growth can be adequately served by the transportation system Certain types of development are exempted from Measure U, including development on existing lots of record, remodeling of existing single-family homes, development related to rail stations, and development projects Downtown 3. Public Facilities The Planning Area is mostly urbanized and is served by existing streets, utility infrastructure, and service systems Water supply to the Planning Area is provided by the City of Redlands, which serves the majority of the city and Planning Area, and the Western Heights Water Company, which serves a small portion of the city and Planning Area near the border of Yucaipa Water supplies for the City of Redlands include entitlements to surface water from Mill Creek and the Santa Ana River, groundwater, recycled water, and imported water from the State Water Project Water supplies for Western Heights Water Company include groundwater and imported water from the State Water Project when available The City of Redlands provides sewer and stormwater collection services Waste collection services are provided by the City of Redlands for areas within city limits The City's Quality of Life Department provides residential waste collection, green waste collection for yard waste, and curbside recycling Hazardous and electronic waste is managed by the Redlands Fire Department, which operates a household hazardous and electronic waste disposal site on a weekly basis Waste collection for the Mentone and Crafton areas is carried out by private haulers contracted with San Bernardino County Solid waste from the Planning Area is primarily disposed of at the California Street Landfill operated by the Quality of Life Department and the San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill operated by the County, both within the city limits Future development under the Proposed Project could generate additional demand for water and wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services, however, compliance with federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the Proposed Project would reduce the impacts of the Proposed Project to less than significant levels The City of Redlands has prepared an urban water management plan, sewer system master plan, and drainage master plan to assess the current and future demands of its service area Compliance with the City's current grading, drainage, and stormwater regulations would ensure that impacts would be less than significant Potential impacts on solid waste would be reduced through compliance with SB X7-7, which has been set by CalRecycle to provide 75 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste by 2020 33 Page 34 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Implementation of the Proposed Project policies would assist the city in complying with this new waste reduction goal The Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) provides public schools in the Planning Area At buildout of the Proposed Project, the school -aged population is expected to increase This increase will impact enrollment totals in RUSD facilities in the Planning Area The largest increase is projected to be high school enrollment, followed by elementary school enrollment Middle school enrollment will decrease slightly Existing middle and high schools would have the capacity to accommodate the projected number of 2035 students However, existing elementary schools will not have enough room to accommodate the projected increase in elementary school students RUSD can utilize trailers and temporary classrooms to accommodate students in the interim, but a new school may be required for the long -run The school district owns land north of Mission Road just outside the Planning Area in Loma Linda, which could be utilized to construct a new facility, if necessary Policies in the proposed General Plan ensure that school facilities are expanded to meet demand as development occurs Development of schools would require project -level environmental review and site-specific mitigation measures as appropriate, ensuring that adverse environmental effects are avoided or mitigated The City provides parks and recreation facilities In 2035, with the development of 140 9 acres of proposed parkland as designated in the proposed General Plan, and the addition of 10,964 residents, the ratio would be 6 9 acres per 1,000 residents, which would exceed the City's park standard of 5 acres per 1,000 people The proposed General Plan plans for the addition of several parks in the SOI outside of city limits — an area that is underserved by parkland This increase would improve the ratio of park acres per 1,000 residents in the SOI and the Planning Area as a whole With about 16,355 new residents expected in the Planning Area in 2035, the 140 9 acres of proposed parkland in Redlands in addition to 55 acres of proposed parkland in the Sphere of Influence outside of city limits would result in a ratio of 6 4 acres per 1,000 residents in the Planning Area as a whole, which would also exceed the City's park standard of 5 acres per 1,000 people The City provides police and fire protection services Population increases may result in increased alarms and call volumes that may negatively impact Fire Department response times unless adequate staffing and facilities are maintained The Fire Department has determined that it would need to increase the number of fire stations in order to meet increased future service demands, though as of February 2017, there are no plans to do so Policies of the Proposed Project would keep service demand increases to a minimum Proposed policies encourage educating the public about fire 34 Page 35 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update prevention, providing weed abatement services in High Fire Severity Areas, requiring adherence to State and local fire codes, and ensuring that development minimizes risk from fire hazard Development impact fees from new development would serve to facilitate improvements so as to avoid the deterioration of existing facilities In order to accommodate increases in demand from a growing population and meet service standards in the future, the Redlands Police Department expects that it will also need to grow Meeting facilities needs for an expanded Police Department would likely require new construction or physically altering an existing facility Development impact fees from new development would serve to facilitate improvements so as to avoid the deterioration of existing facilities Proposed General Plan policies aim to mitigate increases in demand for police services Policies include those that encourage physical planning and community design practices that promote safety, as well as policies that include residents in community safety efforts 4. Increase in Regional Housing Demand As the employment base in the Planning Area continues to increase, due to proposed General Plan land uses and policies that foster employment, more people may be drawn to the Planning Area and surrounding areas As a result, housing demand may increase in both the Planning Area and other adjacent areas that are within commuting distance The proposed General Plan is projected to result in the development of approximately 4,700 single-family housing units and about 1,700 multi -family housing units, for an increase of about 6,400 new dwelling units by the year 2035, resulting in a total of 36,600 units in the Planning Area when added to the existing housing stock Within the City of Redlands, a projected total of 31,100 housing units would exist in 2035, an increase of about 4,400 units The additional housing would help meet some of the increased housing need SCAG projected approximately 31,600 households in Redlands in 2035 Most of the housing needs of this projected population would be met by housing units provided in Redlands under the proposed General Plan For those households in excess of the number of housing units projected, housing needs would likely be met in the SOI outside of Redlands' current city limits Dividing the proposed General Plan buildout population for Redlands of 79,013 by the assumed persons per household estimate of 2 65 results in 29,850 total projected households Applying the same persons per household to SCAG's 2035 population projection for Redlands would result in an estimate of 31,500 households Regional 35 Page 36 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update household projections were not available for the portion of the Planning Area outside of city limits To ensure that housing is available to meet the needs of future residents under the proposed General Plan, the City would continue to use its Housing Element, last updated in 2014, to assess its supply of housing and provide policies and programs to ensure that the community continues to meet its fair share of regional housing needs 5 Jobs/Housing Ratio A city's jobs/employment ratio (jobs to employed residents) would be 1 0 if the number of fobs in the city equaled the number of employed residents In theory, such a balance would eliminate the need for extensive commuting More realistically, a balance means that in -commuting and out -commuting are matched, leading to efficient use of the transportation system, particularly during peak hours The current jobs/employment ratio in the City of Redlands is 0 89, which means that there are 0 89 fobs for every employed resident in the City Based on development projected under the proposed General Plan, this ratio is expected to increase to 1 20 The fobs/employment ratio for the Planning Area is 0 82 and would be expected to increase to 1 07 The 2016 jobs to employment balance in the Planning Area is 0 18 less than a perfect balance, while the projected 2035 fobs to employment balance is 0 07 more than being perfectly balanced Thus, the 2035 total is more balanced than the 2016 total The projected fobs/employment ratio of 1 07 for the Planning Area suggests that there would be slightly more jobs than employed residents in the Planning Area at buildout, resulting in a small net inflow of people during the workday as well as a potential increase in pressure for housing for employees and their families The Proposed Project seeks to create a balanced community, with retail uses, parks, transit -oriented -development, and other features to accommodate population growth However, any increase in jobs in the Planning Area has the potential to induce growth or lead to growth pressure or pressure on services in surrounding communities D. Findings Regarding Cumulative Impacts CEQA requires that an EIR examine cumulative impacts As discussed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a)(1), a cumulative impact "consists of an impact which is created as a result of the combination of the project evaluated in the EIR together with other projects causing related impacts " Furthermore, the analysis of cumulative impacts need not provide the level of detail required of the analysis of impacts from the project 36 Page 37 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update itself, but shall "reflect the severity of the impacts and their likelihood of occurrence" (CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b)) In order to assess cumulative impacts, an EIR must analyze either a list of past, present, and probable future projects or a summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document The Proposed Project represents the cumulative development scenario for the reasonably foreseeable future in the Planning Area This future scenario incorporates the likely effects of surrounding regional growth The Settings, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures chapter of the EIR represents cumulative analyses of issues over the proposed General Plan time horizon to 2035 because it combines the anticipated effects of the proposed General Plan with anticipated effects of regional growth and development By their nature, the air quality, transportation, noise, and energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and climate change analyses presented in the EIR represent a cumulative analysis, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development Thus, analyses for these topics reflect not dust growth in the Planning Area, but growth elsewhere in the region as well The cumulative conclusions are summarized in the EIR, significant unavoidable impacts are listed above Other cumulative impacts are identified below Other Cumulative Impacts For some issue areas evaluated as direct impacts, concurrent implementation of the Proposed Project, specifically the proposed General Plan, along with regional growth and development, may result in cumulative impacts, however, due to various factors, the Proposed Project's contribution would not be cumulatively considerable These include x Cumulative Changes to Land Use Character Land use changes that would alter the scale, density, and character of urban areas and neighborhoods could change the visual character of areas in the region However, the proposed General Plan seeks to ensure that Redlands' small-town character would be maintained through the scale of development and other components of visual compatibility, and promotes planning practices that foster greater connections between neighborhoods and uses Various proposed policies emphasize the importance of neighborhood identities, promoting the area's citrus and agricultural heritages, and preserving historic architecture Given such policies, the Proposed Project's contribution to this potentially significant cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable 37 Page 38 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update x Cumulative Effects on Water Quality The proposed General Plan, in combination with regional growth and development, could increase impervious surfaces resulting in a greater chance of flood and potential impacts to water quality However, given the near built -out nature of Redlands, proposed low- density and open space land uses in undeveloped areas, and proposed General Plan policies designed to improve stormwater management and reduce stormwater pollution, the Proposed Project's contribution to this potentially significant cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable x Cumulative Effects on Biological Resources Increased noise, light, and habitat disturbance resulting from urban development both within the Planning Area as well as in adjacent jurisdictions could adversely affect biological resources such as migratory birds and other wildlife species However, with applicable policies, such as open space preservation, in place as described in the direct impact analysis in the EIR, the project's contribution to this potentially significant cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable x Cumulative Increases in Hazardous Materials. The increase in local population and employment could result in the increased use of hazardous household, commercial, and industrial materials, as well as a cumulative increase in exposure to risk associated with accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment However, city, State, and federal regulations, such as those that control the production, use, and transportation of hazardous materials, and proposed General Plan policies addressing potential risks from hazardous materials would apply to development countywide, therefore, the Proposed Project's contribution to this potentially significant cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable x Cumulative Effects on Historical Resources The accommodation of future growth also constitutes a very low likelihood that future development will encounter challenges associated with known and unknown historic resources However, there is the possibility of cumulative impacts to historical resources in the future in the context of regional growth and development The City of Redlands cannot be sure that all cumulative impacts on such historical resources can be mitigated to less than significant levels Consequently, the proposed General Plan may have the potential to contribute to cumulative impacts to these historic resources However, with implementation of proposed General Plan 38 Page 39 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update policies and State and federal law, the Proposed Project's contribution to this potentially significant cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable x Cumulative Effects on Geology and Soils The Planning Area is located in a seismically active region, and future development could expose additional people and structures to potentially adverse effects associated with earthquakes, including seismic ground shaking and seismic -related ground failure However, site-specific geotechnical reports that would be required for future development projects would determine how each development could be designed to minimize exposure of people to these effects similar to how existing projects have been built Given mandatory compliance with existing State and local building codes, ordinances and proposed General Plan policies, the cumulative impact resulting from future development of the Proposed Project combined with other past, present, or probable future projects, would be less than cumulatively considerable These types of impacts are not limited to the Planning Area but are characteristic of any area that is experiencing population and employment growth E Findings Regarding Alternatives to the Project CEQA requires that an EIR describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the Project or to the location of the Project that could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the Project, and to evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives Section 15126 6 (b) of the State CEQA Guidelines states that the "discussion of alternatives shall focus on alternatives to the project or to its location which are capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant effects of the project, even if these alternatives would impede to some degree the attainment of the project objectives, or would be more costly " As more particularly set forth in the Final EIR, the Project was compared to the following alternatives x Alternative 1 No Project Alternative (1995 General Plan, as amended) x Alternative 2 Suburban Expansion Alternative The alternatives were refected because the development potential of the alternatives would not meet the City's long-term housing and economic needs or achieve the proposed General Plan objectives related to the mix and balance of land uses or urban form 39 Page 40 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Alternative 1 No Project Alternative The purpose of evaluating the No Project Alternative is to allow decision -makers to compare the potential impacts of approving the project with the potential impacts of not approving the project The No Project analysis discusses both the existing conditions at the time the NOP was published as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved The No Project Alternative leaves the 1995 General Plan, as amended, unchanged and in effect This alternative would keep all current land use designations and definitions from the 1995 General Plan Policies concerning topics such as transportation, economic development, parks, open space, the environment, health, and housing would also remain unchanged This alternative does not address several current land use issues For example, the area north and west of Citrus Valley High School is designated as Light Industrial in the 1995 General Plan, yet this designation is no longer viable given the construction of the high school Leaving the light industrial designation could enable warehouse development east of Interstate 210 (1-210) in the Lugonia subarea, though the community has indicated that it would like to limit such uses in that area The preservation of Crafton as an agricultural community is not addressed in this alternative, nor are other open space preservation efforts that are part of the "Emerald Necklace" concept Transitioning land uses in Downtown and west of Downtown that are currently designated as Light Industrial or Commercial/Industrial would remain as such Other issues and community concerns regarding public health, green development, and preserving citrus heritage, as well as focus areas such as the Colton Avenue/Orange Street commercial corridor, would remain unaddressed The proposed CAP would not be a part of this alternative 2. Alternative 2 Suburban Expansion Alternative The Suburban Expansion Alternative extends low-density, single-family residential patterns into the periphery of the Planning Area, rather than promoting density in areas closer to the city's core This alternative would designate Low Density Residential uses in the eastern portion of the Planning Area as far as at the base of the Crafton Hills where slopes are less than 15 percent, thus no longer preserving it as an agricultural community In addition, areas in the Redlands SOI north of Mentone and Mill Creek would be designated as Low Density Residential Most of the other land use changes included in the proposed General Plan would also be included in the Suburban 40 Page 41 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Expansion Alternative The Suburban Expansion Alternative would include the proposed CAP 3 Environmentally Superior Alternative CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126 6) require the identification of an environmentally superior alternative among the alternatives analyzed Of the 15 topics analyzed, the Proposed Project has the least impact for 13 topics aesthetics, agricultural resources, biological resources, energy, GHG, and climate change, geology, soils, and seismicity, hazards and hazardous materials, historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources, hydrology and water quality, land use and housing, mineral resources, noise, public services and facilities, and public utilities The Proposed Project is the environmentally superior alternative In addition to being environmentally superior, the Proposed Project also achieves the General Plan update's core values, vision, purpose, and objectives better than the other two alternatives These include including enhancing Redlands's small-town feel, cultural character, prosperous economy, and sustainability initiatives The Proposed Project would accommodate the projected population and job growth in Redlands, and plans for orderly, sequential development that would balance Redlands' natural and built heritage with new infill and transit -oriented development Allowing growth in Redlands through continuous responsible development relieves development pressures elsewhere in the region and ensures that Redlands will continue to play its part in accommodating San Bernardino County's growth in a sustainable urban form Of the two remaining alternatives, the No Project Alternative is superior to the Suburban Expansion Alternative The Suburban Expansion Alternative would produce new residential development in a spread -out pattern and associated impacts on resources and open spaces Additionally, the loss of Crafton as an agricultural community would conflict with the community's vision of maintaining agriculture in the Planning Area Because development in this alternative is not focused on Downtown and in infill sites, there exists the greatest potential that development under this alternative would affect the environmentally sensitive parts of the Planning Area This alternative is less desirable than either of the two other alternatives because it would require a greater expansion of utilities, services, and facilities, the development of which could cause secondary impacts, and it would cause a more significant reduction of visual quality, agricultural resources, historic resources, and biological resources 41 Page 42 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update VI STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS AND BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT A Overriding Considerations Pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21081, the City Council hereby finds that specific, overriding economic, legal, social, technological and other benefits of the Project outweigh significant effects on the environment as set forth in the Record The significant, unavoidable impacts of the Project are determined to be "acceptable" in light of the important benefits of the Project as described below The Project benefits set forth herein would outweigh each and all of the Project's adverse, significant, and unavoidable impacts The City Council hereby adopts the following Statement of Overriding Considerations which explains why approval of the Project is warranted despite the five previously described significant and unavoidable impacts B. Advancing Local Plans The State of California mandates that cities and counties in California adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the jurisdiction (Government Code 65300) and that it be periodically reviewed and revised to be kept current (65103) A Statement of Overriding Considerations is warranted because the Project establishes and advances new community goals and policies to create a vibrant city The Vision Statement for the established in the General Plan reads "We envision Redlands as a distinctive city characterized by its "small-town feeling" and cultural richness, whose citizens enjoy a livable, healthy, and sustainable community and a prosperous economy " The City Council and community vision is further articulated by the General Plan Goals Distinctive Ci x Promote community integration, identity, cohesion, and engagement, x Preserve historic city properties, privately -owned historic resources, archaeological and paleontological resources, and scenic resources, x Educate the public about Redlands' heritage and preservation, x Develop cohesive streetscapes that enforce Redlands' heritage, using street trees to minimize the apparent width of wide streets, and using street trees to reinforce city entrances/gateways, 42 Page 43 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Conserve citrus farmland and promote the consumption of locally grown citrus, and x Promote Downtown Redlands (the retail area centered at the intersections of Orange and State streets) as a vibrant center of uses and activities for Redlands residents, visitors, and workers Prosperous Economy x Provide a high-quality climate conducive to economic growth and innovation in Redlands, x Support a balance of land uses that foster economic development, x Promote the development of home-grown businesses, public/private technology infrastructure projects, and a skilled local labor force, x Promote Redlands as a tourist destination, and x Strengthen Downtown as a center of commerce and culture, with attractions for local residents, workers, and regional visitors year-round Livable Community x Promote a balanced rate and distribution of development and uses pursuant to Measure U, including providing for the expansion of housing and employment opportunities, focusing development in infill areas, and maintaining separation of urban and rural uses, while ensuring compatibility with the fabric of the existing community, x Maintain balanced patterns of residential, office, commercial and industrial, agriculture, open space, and hillside land uses, x Enhance the character of and promote development where appropriate at the University of Redlands, the East Valley Corridor, the Southern Hills and Canyons, the Southeast Area, Crafton, Redlands Boulevard, Colton Avenue, and the Orange Street Commercial Corridor, x Foster the development of connected, accessible transit -oriented villages at California Street (centered near California Street and Redlands Boulevard), Alabama Street (centered at Alabama Street and Redlands Boulevard), New York Street (centered at New York Street and Redlands Boulevard), Downtown Redlands, and the University of Redlands x Enhance the Redlands Municipal Airport as a distinctive asset of the community, x Ensure new public facilities are provided in a timely, equitable manner commensurate with new development, and x Ensure a safe community and that police and fire services are located where they can best serve the community 43 Page 44 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Connected City x Promote a layered circulation system and transportation infrastructure improvements to ensure safe pedestrian, biking, and road networks, x Ensure safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular networks via the creation of comprehensive transportation networks, x Improve public transit as a viable form of transportation, x Adopt and implement a Transportation Demand Management program, and x Support the movement of goods and also seek to reduce the impact of truck operations on city streets and adjacent land uses Vital Environment x Develop a balanced and integrated open space system, including the Emerald Necklace, x Preserve natural habitat areas as open space, and promote access to and views of conservation areas, x Protect environmentally sensitive lands, wildlife habitats, and rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal communities, x Preserve agricultural land and mineral resources, and x Maintain high water quality by protecting waterways in Redlands, employing innovative storm water and urban runoff capture methods, and managing Bunker Hill Basin groundwater resources Healthy Community x Encourage accessibility to trails and open space, community events, and employee wellness programs in order to promote active lifestyles, x Develop a high-quality, comprehensive system of parks, recreational facilities, and trails, x Ensure that all residents have access to a variety of transportation and physical activity options that enhance public health, healthy locally grown foods, and a broad range of health and safety services, x Ensure safety in the event of fire hazards, seismic and geologic hazards, and other hazards, x Ensure airport/aviation safety and efficient emergency management, x Reduce noise emissions and ensure compatibility between noisy land uses, and x Protect air quality within the city and support efforts for enhanced regional air quality 44 Page 45 of 45 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Environmental Impact Report Redlands General Plan Update Sustainable Commun x Promote energy efficiency and conservation policies via public education and update of City plans and policies, x Conserve water used for residential and commercial purposes, minimize dependence on imported water, and conserve high water quality, x Reduce generation of solid waste, including household hazardous waste, and recycle those materials that are used to slow the filling of local and regional landfills, x Promote sustainability by reducing the community's GHG emissions and fostering green development patterns — including buildings, sites, and landscapes, and x Reduce energy and fossil fuel consumption C. Providing for Housing A Statement of Overriding Considerations is warranted because the Project will accommodate almost 6,400 new housing units within the Planning Area to provide for community growth over the next 20 years D Providing for Jobs A Statement of Overriding Considerations is warranted because the Project will provide nearly 20,800 new employment opportunities within the Planning Area over the next 20 years E Providing for Economic Development A Statement of Overriding Considerations is warranted because the Project establishes a balanced land use pattern that will support revenue -generating uses to strengthen the local economy VII CONCLUSION The Redlands City Council hereby declares that the foregoing benefits provided to the public through approval and implementation of the Project outweigh the identified significant adverse environmental impacts of the Project that cannot be mitigated The Redlands City Council finds that the Project benefits outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental impacts identified in the EIR and, therefore, finds those impacts to be acceptable 45