HomeMy WebLinkAbout- 2 - Attachment 5 - 4/29/2014ATTACHMENT
General Plan Elements to Address Changes in the Land Use and Circulation Elements and to
Address New State Laws
City staff has discussed with the consultants about amending the current General Plan contract and
scope to include updates of additional elements, as well as updating the Zoning Code to address the
proposed changes in the Land Use and Circulation Elements and new laws that went into effect since
2000. Efficiencies can be achieved in the CEQA process—and the City can respond to public interest in
topics related to but not addressed in the Land Use and Circulation Elements—with concurrent
updates of other General Plan chapters. Additionally, new State laws have been enacted related to
greenhouse gases, complete streets, flooding, fire hazards, and disadvantaged unincorporated
communities.
The following elements could be revised to address these laws, as well as address the proposed changes
in the Land Use and Circulation Elements.
• Conservation Element. The Conservation Element can be revised to include a discussion and
policies to address SB 375, the State's climate action goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. The Conservation Element can include sustainability and green building goals as well, to
the extent desired by the City Council.
• Safety Element. Two new laws need to be addressed in the Safety Element: SB 1241 (Fire Hazard
Impacts) and AB 162 (Flooding). SS 1241 addresses the risk of fire in State Responsibility Areas
and very high fire hazard severity zones. Our quick review of data sources indicates that there are
no State Responsibility Area or High Fire Severity Zones in Costa Mesa. However, the City may want
to incorporate recommendations from the Fire Hazard Planning, General Plan Technical Advice Series
from Governor's Office of Planning and Research as recommended by SB 1241.
• Noise Element. The Noise Element can be revised to address revisions to the Land Use and
Circulation Plans, which could affect noise conditions, particularly along arterial roadways where
new land use changes may occur. New community noise equivalent levels (CNEL) contour maps can
reflect the revised Land Use and Circulation Plans.
• Open Space and Recreation Element. The proposed Land Use Element may include opportunities
for new residential development that will increase the residential population. New open space and
parks/recreation analysis and policies can be included to address the increase in population and
demand for additional public services. New policies can address the need for infill parks, innovative
and flexible public spaces, and maximizing efficiency of existing parks. It can also address funding
challenges in acquiring future open space lands. The Element should reflect changes to the City's
Parks Master Plan that is currently being revised.
Environmental Analysis
The Land Use and Circulation Elements will require preparation of an Environmental Impact Report
(EIR). Updated Safety, Noise, and Open Space and Recreation Elements can be folded into the EIR.
The data and analysis of these elements can assist in preparing a more comprehensive and thorough
EIR that addresses all impacts, including noise impacts, greenhouse gas generation, and community
services. As we heard from the community engagement process, the public has repeatedly addressed
parks as a major issue if the land use policy will accommodate new dwelling units and residents. The
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas section of the EIR would be able to reflect implementation
measures in the Conservation Element that could be utilized as implementation measures in the EIR.
In summary, City staff believes that the City could achieve cost savings by updating other elements
now and including them now in the EIR analysis.
ATTACHMENT 5
Focused Zoning Code Update
To further take advantage of the General Plan EIR, the City could also update the Zoning Code to make
it consistent with the proposed General Plan. This update would not be considered a comprehensive
update, but rather a focused update to address the proposed General Plan changes. The focused Zoning
Code update will primarily address land use changes, including preparing new zone districts that are
consistent with any new land use designations. The update may also include new zone districts that
codify and/or modify some of the Urban Plans. The update will also include a revised Zoning Map that
is consistent with the proposed Land Use Plan. The EIR will address all new changes in the focus Zoning
Code Update. Integrating the Zoning Code with the General Plan EIR will avoid future CEQA
documentation.
Approximate Costs
The following numbers reflect approximate costs and are subject to change based on selected work
tasks and a detailed budget analysis.
Work Task I Approximate Costs
• Noise Element
• Safety Element
• Conservation Element
• Open Space and Recreation Element
• Minor Revisions to remaining Elements/Chapters
• EIR Analysis
$61,000
Focused Zoning Update (Address Land Use Changes) $20,000 to $40,000
Additional Great Reach Events $15,000 to $30,000
Schedule Modification
Current Scope
Additional Elements - Modified Scope
Task
Schedule
Task
Schedule
City Council and/or Planning
City Council and Planning
Commission Study Session to Review
Commission Study Session to
April 2014
April 2014
Preferred Land Use Plan and Vision
Review Preferred Land Use
Statement
Plan and Vision Statement
Administrative Draft Land Use and
Administrative General Plan
Circulation Elements for City staff
lune 2014
August 2014
for City staff review
review
Draft General Plan Elements
Draft Land Use and Circulation
for Public Review and
September 2014
Elements for Public Review and
July 2014
Comment
Comment
Zoning Code Update
October 2014
August - October
EIR Preparation and Public
November -
EIR Preparation and Public Review
2014
Review
January 2015
Final EIR Preparation
November 2014
Final EIR Preparation
February 2015
December/January
February -March
Hearings
Hearings
2015
2015