4.9 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

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1 4.9 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

2 4.9 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Abstract This Section identifies and addresses potential impacts to agricultural resources that may result from implementation of the proposed development. Specifically, the analysis presented here examines whether the Project would: Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, or Farmland of Local Importance, to non-agricultural use. As supported by the analysis presented in this Section, and consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR, the Project will have a significant and unavoidable impact in regard to the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. Additionally, as discussed in the Initial Study (EIR Appendix A), the Project s potential impacts under the following topics were previously determined to have no impact or be less-thansignificant, and are not further substantively discussed here: Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract; Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)); Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-1

3 Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use; or Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. Please also refer to Initial Study Checklist Item II, Agriculture and Forest Resources INTRODUCTION This section describes the existing agricultural resources within the Project site and vicinity, and the potential effects of Project implementation on the site and its surroundings. Descriptions and analysis within this Section are based on information provided by the Project applicant, and presented in the following documents and source information: An Analysis of the Inland Empire Dairy Industry (Andrew Chang, LLC) November 2013 (included in Draft EIR Appendix I); City of Chino General Plan Envision Chino 2025 (Design, Community & Environment) July 2010 (General Plan), City of Chino General Plan Draft EIR (SCH No , Design, Community & Environment) January 2010; and City of Chino General Plan Final EIR (Design, Community & Environment) updated May 2010 (collectively General Plan EIR, available through the City of Chino or at: The Preserve Specific Plan (The Planning Center) March 2003 (included in Draft EIR Appendix B); The Preserve, Chino Sphere of Influence Subarea 2, Final Environmental Impact Report, SCH No (Michael Brandman Associates) March 25, 2003 (included in Draft EIR Appendix B); and Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-2

4 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Falloncrest Property, 8300 Pine Avenue, Chino, California (GeoKinetics) September 24, 2010 (included in Draft EIR Appendix F) SETTING Background Historically, agriculture has been an important component of the region s economy. However, dairy uses, such as those contained on the Project site, are in decline throughout the Inland Empire. As detailed in An Analysis of the Inland Empire Dairy Industry, dairies have been shifting out of the Chino Valley and into the Central Valley and the Imperial Valley due to regional housing affordability and demand; economic competition from other regions; and environmental regulations. The Preserve Master Plan EIR evaluated the impacts related to the conversion of lands within The Preserve Specific Plan area (including the Project site) from agricultural uses to urban uses, and found that implementation of The Preserve Master Plan would result in the following significant impacts: Conversion of approximately 1,265 acres of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses; Reduction in agricultural productivity; Cumulative losses of prime farmlands and other important farmlands within the Chino Basin Dairy Area (CBDA); and Cumulative loss of agricultural productivity within the CBDA area. It is important to note that, consistent with the intent and purpose of The Preserve Master Plan Program EIR, the analyses presented within this Section have employed the Program EIR as a foundation document for tiered-review under CEQA. All applicable mitigation from the Program EIR has been identified and considered within the following discussions. The Project would not result in any significant impacts not already identified within The Preserve Master Plan Program EIR. Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-3

5 Existing Conditions The Master Plan area has been utilized for dairy and cattle farming purposes since the mid-1950s. Currently, the Project site contains an active dairy, a calf ranch, and a heifer ranch. An estimated 9,600 cows are currently stabled or otherwise accommodated within the site. As seen in Figure 4.9-1, while most of the site is occupied by cattle corrals, the site also evidences various other surface improvements, including but not limited to: milking barns, grain silos, a warehouse, storage barns, sheds, garages, ancillary buildings, and above ground storage tanks including water tanks, grain and feed silos, diesel motor fuel tanks, mixing tanks, and milk storage tanks, the majority of which appear to be unused and abandoned REGULATORY SETTING California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program The California Department of Conservation (CDC) established the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) in The FMMP is a non-regulatory program that is intended to provide an impartial analysis of agriculture land use and land use changes throughout California. The FMMP produces maps and statistical data used for analyzing impacts on California s agricultural resources. The maps are updated every two years with the use of aerial photographs, a computer mapping system, public review, and field reconnaissance. The program rates agricultural lands according to physical characteristics and other factors such as irrigation status. The best quality land is classified as Prime Farmland. Additional classifications include Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Local Importance, as defined in the following Table Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-4

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7 Classification Prime Farmland Farmland of Local Importance Unique Farmland Grazing Land Other Land Table Farmland Classifications Description Farmland with the best combination of physical and chemical features able to sustain long-term agricultural production. This land has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some time in the four years prior to the mapping date. Land other than Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance or Unique Farmland that is either currently producing crops or that has the capability of production. This land may be important to the local economy due to its productivity. The county-specific definition for San Bernardino County is farmlands growing dryland pasture, and dryland grains. Lesser quality soils used for the production of the state s leading agricultural crops. This land is usually irrigated, but may include non-irrigated orchards or vineyards as found in some climatic zones in California. Land must have been cropped at some time in the four years prior to the mapping date. Land on which the existing vegetation is suited to the grazing of livestock. This category was developed in cooperation with the California Cattlemen s Association, University of California Cooperative Extension, and other groups interested in the extent of grazing activities. The minimum mapping unit for grazing land is 40 acres. Due to variations in soil quality, smaller Grazing Land may appear within larger pastures. Other Land is defined as land not included in any other mapping category. Common examples include low density rural developments, brush, timber, wetland and riparian areas not suitable for livestock grazing, confined livestock, poultry or aquaculture facilities, strip mines, borrow pits, and water bodies smaller than forty acres. Vacant and nonagricultural land surrounded on all sides by urban development and greater than forty acres is mapped as Other Land. Source: California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, The FMMP also inventories and maps a variety of other land use categories. For purposes of determining a project s significance under CEQA, only Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Statewide Importance are used to determine impacts California Land Conversion Act of 1965 (Williamson Act) The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (the Williamson Act, Government Code Sections through ) encourages the preservation of agricultural lands through tax incentives due to the increasing trend toward the conversion of agricultural Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-6

8 lands to urban uses. The act enables counties and cities to designate agricultural preserves (Williamson Act lands) and within these preserves offer preferential taxation to agricultural landowners based on the agricultural income producing value of the property. Essentially, this approach ties real estate tax rates to the agricultural value of the land rather that the market rate, which can escalate rapidly as areas around a farm or dairy convert to urban uses. In return for the preferential tax rate, the landowner is required to sign a contract with the county or city agreeing not to develop the land with nonagricultural uses for a minimum of ten years. On the anniversary date of the contract, the contract is renewed automatically unless a notice of non-renewal or petition for cancellation is filed City of Chino Right-To-Farm Policy The City of Chino s Right-to-Farm policy, Chapter of the City s Municipal Code, provides various legal protections to existing agricultural and dairy operations in response to encroaching urban development. The policy was designed to conserve and protect the continued viability of agricultural operations by limiting the circumstances under which agricultural operations may be deemed to constitute a nuisance. The intent is to balance the rights of farmers to produce dairy products, food, and other agricultural commodities, with the rights of non-farmers who own, occupy, or use land adjacent to agricultural property. In addition, it should be noted that agricultural use within the City of Chino has historically consisted of virtually entirely dairy farms rather than other types of irrigated crop farming. Thus, while the EIR analyzes the conversion of agricultural land in the City of Chino this typically means that dairy farms are re-locating to places such as Kern County and Utah and Arizona. This relocation trend has been occurring for the past thirty years. Several economic reports, including An Analysis of the Inland Empire Dairy Industry, prepared for the Falloncrest at The Preserve Project have indicated that over the long term, dairy operations will not be financially feasible in the City of Chino and the surrounding region due to economic pressures regardless of the Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-7

9 land use policies of the jurisdiction. In other words, dairies have been steadily relocating out of Chino and Ontario due to economic pressures that have little to nothing to do with underlying land use policies and plans. In approving the Preserve Specific Plan, and certifying the Preserve Master Plan EIR, the City has previously adopted appropriate Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration addressing the conversion of agricultural lands to urban uses that would result from development of entire the Specific Plan area, 1 inclusive of the Project site. These Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration reflect buildout of The Preserve Master Plan Area, inclusive of development proposed by the Project STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, as applied by the City of Chino, indicates a project will normally have a significant effect related to agricultural resources if it would: Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, or Farmland of Local Importance, to non-agricultural use; Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract; Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)); 1 Findings, Facts in Support of Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations Regarding The Environmental Impact Report For The Preserve (Chino Subarea 2) (SCH No ): 2.1.4, Significant Effect. Conversion of agricultural/open space to urban uses; Significant Effect. Loss of prime farmland. Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-8

10 Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use; or Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Introduction The following discussions focus on topical areas and issues where it has been determined pursuant to the EIR Initial Study/NOP processes, that the Project may result in or cause potentially significant agricultural resources impacts. Of the CEQA threshold considerations identified above at Section 4.9.4, and as substantiated in the Initial Study (EIR Appendix A), under the following topics, the Project was determined to have no impact or to have a potential impact that was determined less-thansignificant. On this basis, these topics are not further substantively discussed here: Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract; Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)); Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use; or Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. All other CEQA topics concerning the Project s potential agricultural resources impacts are discussed below. Please also refer to Initial Study Checklist Item II, Agriculture and Forest Resources. Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page 4.9-9

11 Impact Statements Potential Impact: Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, or Farmland of Local Importance, to non-agricultural use. Impact Analysis: As discussed in the EIR Initial Study, (EIR Appendix A, Item II. a), no properties designated as Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide or Local Importance are present within or adjacent to the Project site. The California Department of Conservation s farmland mapping system indicates that the site is considered Farmland of Local Potential. This designation, which is provided by the Department of Conservation s California Important Farmland Finder, 2 is included within the Other Lands category of Farmland Classifications. The City of Chino acknowledges the planned transition of the site from dairy/agricultural uses to urbanized uses through its General Plan and Zoning designations. In this regard, The Preserve Master Plan EIR determined that development of the Master Plan area would accelerate the conversion of prime agricultural land and prime farmland to urban uses. This was acknowledged as a significant and unavoidable impact of The Preserve Master Plan project, and a cumulatively significant impact within the greater Chino Basin Dairy Area. The Preserve Master Plan EIR s analysis of agricultural resources concludes that The loss of agricultural productivity is cumulatively significant from a regional perspective. As substantiated in this Draft EIR, development and land uses proposed by the Project are consistent with development and uses analyzed under The Preserve Master Plan EIR, and the Project would therefore not result in agricultural land use impacts beyond those analyzed in The Preserve Master Plan EIR. Moreover, the Project would realize provisions and attributes of The Preserve Specific Plan addressing impacts related to 2 California Department of Conservation California Important Farmland Finder, (accessed November 27, 2013) is available at: Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page

12 conversion of farmlands to urban uses. Germane to the Project, these provisions include but are not limited to: Appropriate buffering and separation of potentially incompatible uses through setbacks, screening, and application of linear open space; and Right-to-Farm provisions and compatibility findings articulated in The Preserve Specific Plan including: minimum 100 foot setback requirements between existing animal uses and any residential buildings, acting to reduce the potential for urban use conflicts with agricultural/dairy operations during the areas planned transition to urban uses. Level of Significance: Potentially Significant. Implementation of the Project would lead to the conversion of more than 120 acres of dairy land designated as Farmland of Local Potential to urban uses. Conversion of the Project site to urban uses would also diminish agricultural production within the region. Consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR, this is considered a significant and unavoidable impact. Mitigation Measures: No Feasible Mitigation Measures have been identified. As documented within An Analysis of the Inland Empire Dairy Industry, continued dairy operations within the Inland Empire are not financially feasible. According to the analysis, agriculture is being significantly impacted by numerous economic and regulatory factors. With lower land costs and less regulations, dairy operators have been steadily moving out of the Inland Empire towards California s Central Valley and Kern County. Agricultural operations of all types will continue to decline as a result of the economic forces at work impacting land owners. Offsite mitigation is not feasible, since potential sites within the Chino basin are subject to the same market and environment that has likely led to the planned redevelopment of the existing dairy on the Project site; namely market pressures related to urbanization, increasing expenses, control of dairy waste runoff imposed by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB), increasing costs for fertilizer, feed, and transportation, and declining profitability. Similar agriculture sites are either Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page

13 in the process of converting to urban uses or are located in areas that cannot convert to urban uses. Other available sites within the basin that are not suitable for urbanization and are not currently engaged in agriculture are typically below the 566-foot Prado Dam inundation elevation, many of which are designated habitat areas and/or are controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and other public entities. On this basis, no feasible mitigation has been identified to offset the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses that would result from Project implementation. Level of Significance After Mitigation: Significant and Unavoidable PROJECT IMPACTS COMPARED TO IMPACTS PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED UNDER THE CERTIFIED PRESERVE MASTER PLAN EIR As presented above, and consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR, the Project will have a significant and unavoidable impact in regard to the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. Importantly, the Project would not cause or result in impacts beyond those already considered and addressed in The Preserve Master Plan EIR. Nor would the Project otherwise result in new significant and unavoidable agricultural resources impacts that would not occur pursuant to The Preserve Master Plan. Table summarizes and compares agricultural resources impacts and significance determinations for the proposed Project with the corollary impact and significance determinations for The Preserve Master Plan project previously approved by the City. Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page

14 Table Comparison of Agricultural Resources Impacts Project and The Preserve Master Plan Impact Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), or Farmland of Local Importance, to nonagricultural use. Falloncrest at The Preserve Master Plan Project EIR Significance Determination Consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR, conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses based on Project implementation is considered a significant and unavoidable impact. See remarks. The Preserve Master Plan EIR Significance Determination The Preserve Master Plan EIR concluded that the Master Plan s conversion of farmland to other uses was a significant and unavoidable impact. Remarks No properties designated as Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide or Local Importance are present within or adjacent to the Project site. However, as substantiated herein, development and land uses proposed by the Project are consistent with development and uses analyzed under The Preserve Master Plan EIR. On this basis, the Project would similarly result in a significant and unavoidable impact related to the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural use. In Certifying The Preserve Master Plan EIR, and adopting related Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration, the City has previously acknowledged and disclosed The Preserve Master Plan s significant impacts related to conversion of farmlands to urban uses. These Findings of Fact and Statements of Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page

15 Table Comparison of Agricultural Resources Impacts Project and The Preserve Master Plan Impact Falloncrest at The Preserve Master Plan Project EIR Significance Determination The Preserve Master Plan EIR Significance Determination Remarks Overriding Consideration reflect buildout of The Preserve Master Plan Area, inclusive of development proposed by the Falloncrest at The Preserve Master Plan Project. Source: The Preserve Master Plan EIR Section 5.2, Agriculture; remarks by Applied Planning, Inc SUMMARY The Preserve Master Plan EIR concluded that the Master Plan s conversion of farmland to other uses was a significant and unavoidable land use impact. Development and land uses proposed by the Project are consistent with development and uses analyzed under The Preserve Master Plan EIR, and the Project would therefore not result in agricultural land use impacts beyond those analyzed in The Preserve Master Plan EIR. The Project would implement provisions and attributes of The Preserve Specific Plan addressing Project-specific impacts related to conversion of farmlands to urban uses. Nonetheless, consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR, the Project s potential to convert agricultural lands to non-agricultural use is considered a significant and unavoidable Project impact, that is also cumulatively considerable. In certifying The Preserve Master Plan EIR, and adopting related Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration, the City has previously acknowledged and disclosed The Preserve Master Plan s significant impacts related to conversion of farmlands to urban uses. These Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration reflect buildout of The Preserve Master Plan Area, inclusive of development proposed by the proposed Project. Agricultural Resources Draft EIR-SCH No Page

16 4.10 AESTHETICS

17 4.10 AESTHETICS Abstract This Section identifies and addresses potential aesthetic impacts that may result from implementation of the proposed development. Specifically, the analysis presented here examines whether the Project would: Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista; Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway; Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings; or Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. As supported by the analysis presented in this Section, potential aesthetic impacts of the Project have been determined less-than-significant. All of the impacts were previously determined to be less-than-significant in the Project Initial Study (EIR Appendix A), however, these impacts are being re-evaluated pursuant to comments received during the scoping meeting conducted for the Project. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

18 INTRODUCTION The potential aesthetic impacts related to the development of the Project are primarily related to the effects of the Project on sensitive or protected visual resources. Potential impacts include such issues as increased light and glare, impacts to any scenic vistas, and potential impacts created by changes to the visual character of the project site. Potential aesthetic impacts of the Project, including its consistency with applicable City design and development standards, are the focal issues considered within this assessment. The analysis is based on field reconnaissance and site visits conducted by Applied Planning staff in November 2013, along with the planned design attributes of the Project as presented in the Project Description (EIR Section 3.0); and information presented in the following documents and source information: City of Chino General Plan Envision Chino 2025 (Design, Community & Environment) July 2010 (General Plan), City of Chino General Plan Draft EIR (SCH No , Design, Community & Environment) January 2010; and City of Chino General Plan Final EIR (Design, Community & Environment) updated May 2010 (collectively General Plan EIR, available through the City of Chino or at: The Preserve Specific Plan (The Planning Center) March 2003, included in Draft EIR Appendix B; and The Preserve, Chino Sphere of Influence Subarea 2, Final Environmental Impact Report, SCH No (Michael Brandman Associates) March 25, 2003, included in Draft EIR Appendix B SETTING The proposed Project area comprises approximately 125 acres, located within the southern portion of the City of Chino. The Master Plan area has been utilized for dairy and cattle farming purposes since the mid-1950s. Currently, the Project site contains an active dairy, a calf ranch, and a heifer ranch. An estimated 9,600 cows are currently Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

19 stabled or otherwise accommodated within the site. While most of the site is occupied by cattle corrals, the site also evidences various other surface improvements, including but limited to: milking barns, grain silos, a warehouse, storage barns, sheds, garages, ancillary buildings, and above ground storage tanks. Additionally, four residences exist within the Project site. Figures and provide photographs of the site in its current state. A total of 37 above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) have been identified at the site, including water tanks, grain and feed silos, diesel motor fuel tanks, mixing tanks, and milk storage tanks. Approximately 27 of these tanks appear to be unused and abandoned. Additionally, a Southern California Edison (SCE) easement containing four high-voltage power transmission towers exists in a southwest/northeast trend across the northwesterly portion of the site. From a visual perspective, many portions of the property appear poorly maintained and many of the on-site structures are in disrepair. Some structures have been abandoned or are used for storage of discarded materials such as buckets, racks, building materials, and old machinery. Abandoned vehicles, farming equipment, automotive parts, numerous tires, and concrete rubble are scattered across the property. A large open rubbish storage area containing landfill-type garbage is also located onsite. Two holding ponds, located in the southwesterly portion of the site, are used for temporary storage of runoff wastewater from the dairy operations. During dairy operations, wastewater from the milking barns is pumped into drain lines that discharge into the holding ponds. Once in the holding ponds, the wastewater is allowed to settle before flowing south through an underground pipeline where it is used offsite for agricultural irrigation. Potential aesthetic concerns include views of the Project site as perceived from adjacent land uses and roadways. In this regard, the site is located within an urbanizing area, with recently constructed residential uses located to the north and west, and additional residences currently under construction to the southeast. Motorists on Pine Avenue, which forms the site s southerly boundary, will also experience views of the site. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

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22 EXISTING AESTHETIC POLICIES AND REGULATIONS The City of Chino General Plan Chapter 5, Community Character Element establishes the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies addressing aesthetic concerns. City and Policies relative to potentially significant aesthetic impacts of the Project are presented in Table Reference Goal CC-6 Table General Plan Goals and Policies Relative to Aesthetics Preserve Chino s view corridors. General Plan Text Objective CC-6.1 Design and site new development to support views of geographic and environmental features that make Chino unique. Policy 1 New development should not obstruct, detract from or negatively affect views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the Chino Hills to the south. These views are an integral part of the City s geographic space and allow residents to develop a sense of place unique to Chino. Policy 2 New development should preserve views of the surrounding environment through building design and orientation. Policy 3 Work with Caltrans and the City of Ontario to enhance the Euclid Avenue median south of Riverside Drive. Source: City of Chino General Plan, Community Character Element, p. CC STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, as applied by the City of Chino, indicates a project will normally have a significant effect related to aesthetics if it would: Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista; Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway; Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings; or Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

23 Any of the above effects would be considered potentially significant aesthetic impacts. All of the impacts were determined to be less-than-significant in the Project Initial Study; however, these impacts are being re-evaluated pursuant to comments received during the scoping meeting conducted for the Project POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Potential Impact: Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, or substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway. Impact Analysis: As discussed in the preceding Table , the City of Chino acknowledges, in its General Plan EIR, that views of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the Chino Hills to the south contribute to the City s unique sense of place. No other designated scenic vistas, scenic resources, or significant natural features have been identified within the vicinity of the Project site. No rock outcroppings or historic buildings are located onsite. Additionally, there are no officially designated scenic highways in the Project area. The nearest State highway with identified scenic value is SR-71, located approximately three miles west of the Project area. SR-71 is acknowledged by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Scenic Highway Mapping System as an Eligible State Highway, 1 but has not been officially designated as a scenic highway. Euclid Avenue (SR-83, located approximately 1.5 miles west of the Project area) is not included in the State s listing of scenic highways. Based on the preceding discussion, the potential for the Project to have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, or to substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway is less-than-significant. 1 The Caltrans Scenic Highway Mapping System (accessed November 26, 2013) is available at the following website: Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

24 Level of Significance: Less-Than-Significant. Mitigation Measures: Not Applicable. Potential Impact: the site and its surroundings. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of Impact Analysis: As seen in the preceding Figures and , the appearance of the Project site is dominated by dairy uses. The proposed alteration of the Project site from its current, largely agricultural state to the high-quality community of mixed-use neighborhoods envisioned under the Falloncrest Master Plan and Overall Design Concept (MPODC, included in Draft EIR Appendix B) will represent a noticeable change in baseline visual characteristics. Determinations of visual character and quality are inherently subjective by nature. As such, the proposed changes in aesthetic and visual characteristics of the Project area are qualitatively evaluated in this discussion. Visual changes that could result from Project development would be subject to development standards established under the, and by The Preserve Specific Plan. As discussed below, the Project incorporates site design and architectural elements that act to reduce its potential visual impacts and maintain views of off-site scenic resources. The MPODC has been created to be consistent with the overall development vision promulgated in The Preserve Master Plan. The MPODC provides the overall design concept for the Project s residential and commercial uses. Residential neighborhoods are planned to exhibit a cohesive yet varied mix of architectural styles and influences (MPODC, p. 37). Similarly, the design concept for commercial areas within the Project area reflects a main street feel, in all its diversity, contradiction and charm (MPODC, p. 52). Emphasis has been placed on creating an attractive pedestrian environment throughout the Project s commercial and residential neighborhoods. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

25 The following excerpt from the MPODC provides an overview of the Master Plan s vision for development, and its primary district and neighborhood design principles. Descriptive and representative illustrations from the MPODC have been incorporated in Figures through Falloncrest at the Preserve provides a balanced mix of retail, services, business, residential, recreational, and open space uses that will serve a broad range of family type, life-stage, and demographic needs. The neighborhood plan is comprised of a series of blocks connected through a traditional system of park-like streets and open space features. Each block, or parcel, includes a variety of home types focused around a centrally located park. The tree lined streetscapes form the backbone of the neighborhood and will establish a strong sense of character and unity within the neighborhood as well as the Preserve Core overall. Continuing to build upon the lessons learned in recently developed, traditional neighborhood design communities, the intent of Falloncrest is to emphasize the visual variety of the residential neighborhoods, generous parkways along the boulevard streets, and develop a consistent and harmonious theme and identity within the Falloncrest neighborhood. An integrated network of roadways, pedestrian ways, and open space features will unify Falloncrest as a community. (MPODC, p. 8) Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

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28 Source: Falloncrest at the Preserve Master Plan Figure Conceptual Street Views

29 The vision for Falloncrest includes an emphasis on creating a high quality, timeless neighborhood that improves over time. The goal is to create a neighborhood that emphasizes connectivity, neighborliness, and harmonious design. Minimize the visual impact of the garage door; Focus on the composition of building mass; Incorporate single story elements on multi-story buildings where appropriate; Create innovative plans, avoid repetitious designs, colors, elevations, and building footprints; Provide corner lot articulation and openness by developing corner lot floor plans, side-courts, and articulation; Narrow Streets; Street trees form a canopy; Variable lot setbacks; Architectural and site design that supports the street as a social space; Variety of compatible architectural styles; Emphasis on arcades, balconies, arbors, decks, porches, and covered terraces; and Varied yet consistent color palette. Landscaping will frame the perimeter of the Project area, with neighborhood landscaping that incorporates graceful tree-lined streets (MPODC, p. 63). Examples of planned parkway and recreational area landscaping are seen in Figures through Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

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33 In summary, the Project is consistent with the design standards of The Preserve Master Plan and is consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR. With implementation of the proposed Project, the visual character of the site will change to reflect the urbanizing pattern of the surrounding region. However, with implementation of the Project s design features, the Project s potential to substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings is considered less-than-significant. Level of Significance: Less-Than-Significant. Mitigation Measures: Not Applicable. Potential Impact: Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Impact Analysis: The Preserve Specific Plan provides lighting guidelines that are applicable to the Project. These guidelines require light standards and fixtures to conform to State and City safety and illumination requirements. In addition, these guidelines specify that the design and placement of onsite lighting is required to minimize glare affecting adjacent properties, buildings and roadways. The Preserve Master Plan EIR notes that although additional light and glare sources would be created, the use of landscaping, directional lighting criteria, and building design criteria incorporated into the specific plan would reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. All lighting elements proposed by the Project in its final design stage are subject to review and approval by the City. Compliance with City standards, along with the development standards of The Preserve Specific Plan and the Falloncrest at The Preserve Master Plan will ensure that any potential light and glare impacts remain at a less-than-significant level and do not adversely impact surrounding areas. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

34 Level of Significance: Less-Than-Significant. Mitigation Measures: Not Applicable PROJECT IMPACTS COMPARED TO IMPACTS PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED UNDER THE CERTIFIED PRESERVE MASTER PLAN EIR As presented above, and consistent with the findings of The Preserve Master Plan EIR, aesthetics impacts of the are determined to be less-than-significant. Importantly, the Project would not cause or result in any new impacts beyond those already considered and addressed in The Preserve Master Plan EIR. Nor would the Project otherwise result in new significant and unavoidable aesthetics impacts that would not occur pursuant to The Preserve Master Plan. Table summarizes and compares aesthetics impacts and significance determinations for the proposed Project with the corollary impact and significance determinations for The Preserve Master Plan project previously approved by the City. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

35 Impact Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, or substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Table Comparison of Aesthetics Impacts Project and The Preserve Master Plan Falloncrest at The Preserve Master Plan Project EIR Significance Determination Less-thansignificant. The Preserve Master Plan EIR Significance Determination Less-thansignificant. Less-thansignificant. Less-thansignificant. Less-thansignificant. Less-thansignificant. Remarks No designated scenic vistas, scenic resources, or significant natural features have been identified within the vicinity of the Project site. No rock outcroppings or historic buildings are located onsite. Additionally, there are no officially designated scenic highways in the Project area. With implementation of the proposed Project, the visual character of the site will change to reflect the urbanizing pattern of the surrounding region. However, with implementation of the Project s design features, the Project s potential to substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings is considered less-than-significant. Project compliance with City standards, along with the development standards of The Preserve Specific Plan and the Falloncrest at The Preserve Master Plan will ensure that any potential light and glare impacts remain at a less-thansignificant level and do not adversely impact surrounding areas. Sources: The Preserve Master Plan EIR Section 5.14, Aesthetics for Preserve Master Plan-related aesthetics impacts; remarks by Applied Planning, Inc. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page

36 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Project impacts to aesthetics remain less-than-significant, as previously determined. In no instance would the Project create or result in significant aesthetics impacts not previously occurring under The Preserve Master Plan. In Certifying The Preserve Master Plan EIR, and adopting related Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration, the City has previously acknowledged and disclosed The Preserve Master Plan s less-than-significant impacts to aesthetics. These Findings of Fact and Statements of Overriding Consideration reflect and address buildout of The Preserve Master Plan Area, inclusive of development that would be realized pursuant to buildout of the Falloncrest Master Plan Project. Aesthetics Draft EIR-SCH No Page