IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS H. LAND USE PLANNING

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1 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS H. LAND USE PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Existing Land Uses The Project Site is located within the Hollywood Community Planning Area (CPA) of the City of Los Angeles. The approximate 0.86 acre (37,351 square-feet) Project Site is located at the southeast corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street. The Site is generally bounded by Sunset Boulevard to the north, commercial office uses to the south, commercial development fronting along Tamarind Avenue to the east, and Gordon Street to the west (see Figure II-1, Project Location Map). The Project Site is presently used as a surface parking lot with approximately 128 parking spaces. The parking spaces are currently leased to Sunset Studios Holdings, LLC (from which Emerson College purchased the Project Site) for the use of KTLA studios on a temporary basis. These spaces are not available to the general public and, at the time the NOP was circulated, the Project Site was vacant and not being used by the KTLA Studios or any other occupant. Gated access to the parking lot is provided off Gordon Street from a driveway generally located at the southwest corner of the Project Site, which is improved with one ingress and one egress lane. The existing surface parking lot is improved with asphalt paving, striped parking stalls with wheel stops, light poles (located at each of the four corners of the Project Site), and an electrical box. Chain link fencing (approximately 6 feet high) is located at the perimeter of the Project Site. Sparse vegetation grows along the fencing at the eastern and southern boundary of the Project Site. A parking attendant booth is located immediately inside the parking lot in the southwest corner of the Project Site, and a single mature tree grows adjacent to the booth. In addition to the existing curb cut, which is used to access the property, there are 3 additional unused curb cuts located within the public right-of-way (1 along Gordon Street and 2 along Sunset Boulevard) adjacent to the Project Site. Figure II-2, Aerial Photograph, provides an aerial perspective of the existing surface parking lot located on the Project Site. Photographs of the Project Site and the immediately surrounding area are provided in Section IV.A.1, Aesthetics Views/Light and Glare. Surrounding Land Uses The Project Site is located in a developed area which is supported by existing urban infrastructure. The surrounding area includes Sunset Boulevard, a Major Class II Highway, which is generally developed with commercial retail, restaurant, office, and motion picture studio uses. Low to medium density residential neighborhoods are generally located behind the more intense commercial uses which front along Sunset Boulevard. A description of the properties immediately surrounding the Project Site is presented below. An aerial view of the surrounding land uses is depicted on Figure IV.H-1, Surrounding Land Uses. Page IV.H-1

2 SFR MOTEL N. La Baig Avenue SFR and MFR PARKING COMMERCIAL N. Gordon Street APPROVED SUNSET AND GORDON MIXED USE PROJECT PARKING PARKING W. Sunset Boulevard COMMERCIAL MOTION PICTURE STUDIOS PROJECT SITE ADD AREA SFR MFR Legend PARKING Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential N. Gordon Street ADD AREA N. Tamarind Avenue SFR and MFR Project Site Add Area 5946 W. Sunset Boulevard 1469 N. Tamarind Avenue 1467 N. Tamarind Avenue 1463 N. Tamarind Avenue 1459 N. Tamarind Avenue 1456 N. Gordon Street SFR and MFR Feet Source: Zimas, Google Earth Pro and Christopher A. Joseph & Associates, Figure IV.H-1 Surrounding Land Uses

3 To the north of the Project Site across Sunset Boulevard (starting at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and La Baig Avenue) is a 2-story motel (6055 W Sunset Boulevard), a studio employee surface parking lot (6019 to 6023 W. Sunset Boulevard), and several commercial uses including a 2-story mini-mart (6017 W. Sunset Boulevard), a single-story import store (6009 W. Sunset Boulevard), a single-story liquor store and delicatessen (6007 W. Sunset Boulevard), and a 2-story hair salon (6003 W. Sunset Boulevard) and print shop (6001 W. Sunset Boulevard). At the northeast corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street is the future site of the approved Sunset and Gordon Mixed-Use Project, which includes a 23-story high rise structure with an 18-story residential tower sitting on top of a five-level podium base, with office space, retail and restaurant floor area, parking spaces, and a public park. Bordering the Project Site to the east are restaurant uses fronting along Sunset Boulevard, including the single-story Mission Cantina (5946 W. Sunset Boulevard), Delancey Bar and Pizzeria and its affiliated Wine Tasting Room (5936 W. Sunset Boulevard) at the southwest corner of Sunset Boulevard and N. Tamarind Avenue. Immediately adjacent to Delancey Bar and Pizzeria is the single-story Tamarind Avenue Deli (1471 N. Tamarind Avenue). A two-story residential use (1461 N. Tamarind Avenue), and commercial office uses including a psychic reader and public relations firm (1467 and 1463 N. Tamarind Avenue, respectively) also border the Project Site to the east. To the south of the Project site is a commercial office building (1456 N. Gordon Street). Further south of this commercial office use is a mixture of both single-family and multi-family residential uses located along both Gordon Street and N. Tamarind Avenue. To the west across Gordon Street are several recording industry-related commercial uses including the 2- story East-West Studios building at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street (6000 W. Sunset Boulevard), the single-story Alley Kat Studios building (1455 N. Gordon Street), and a 5-level parking structure for the Sunset Gower Studios property (1438 N. Gower Street). Relevant Land Use Policies The Project Site is located within the jurisdiction of, and is therefore subject to the designations and regulations of, several local and regional land use and zoning plans. At the regional level, the Project Site is located within the planning area of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the region s federally-designated metropolitan planning organization. The Proposed Project is also located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) and therefore is within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). As such, the Proposed Project is subject to SCAQMD s Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The Project Site is within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). In addition, the Project Site is subject to the Congestion Management Plan (CMP) for Los Angeles County. Page IV.H-3

4 At the local level, development of the Project Site is guided by the General Plan of the City of Los Angeles, which is comprised of eleven elements 1 in addition to the City of Los Angeles Citywide General Plan Framework Element, which establishes the broad overall policy and direction for the entire General Plan. Within the General Plan Land Use Element, the Hollywood Community Plan creates more specific land use policies for the Project Site. The Project Site also falls within the Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area, which is administered by the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA), as well as the Los Angeles State Enterprise Zone. It is also within the Adaptive Reuse Incentive Areas Specific Plan; however, as the Project Site does not contain an Eligible Building 2, it is not subject to the provisions of this Specific Plan. All development activity on-site is subject to the applicable land use regulations of the Hollywood Community Plan, the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan, the City of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code (City Zoning Code), and other applicable sections of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). Regional Plans Southern California Association of Governments Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide The 2008 Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCPG) was accepted by SCAG in October of 2008 and serves as an advisory document for (voluntary) use by local governments in the SCAG region as an informational resource, and as a reference document for their use in developing plans and addressing local issues of regional significance. As an advisory document, it is not used in SCAG s review of regionally significant projects. The Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide (RCPG) was adopted in 1994 and amended in 1996 by the member agencies of SCAG to set broad goals for the Southern California region and identify strategies for agencies at all levels of government to use in guiding their decision-making. It includes input from each of the 14 subregions that make up the Southern California region (comprised of Los Angeles, The General Plan Elements include the seven state mandated elements (Air Quality, Conservation, Housing, Noise, Safety, Transportation, and Land Use, comprised of the City s 35 community plans) and four optional elements (Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources, Infrastructure Systems, Open Space, and Public Facilities and Services). 2 An Eligible Building is defined as a Historically Significant Building,, or any building constructed prior to or after specified dates, meeting eligibility criteria set forth in the Adaptive Reuse Incentive Areas Specific Plan. Page IV.H-4

5 Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial and Ventura Counties). The Proposed Project is located within the City of Los Angeles subregion, which encompasses the entire City of Los Angeles. The RCPG serves as a policy document that sets broad goals for the Southern California region and identifies strategies for agencies at all levels of government to use in guiding their decision-making with respect to the significant issues and changes, including growth management, that can be anticipated by the year 2015 and beyond. Adopted RCPG policies related to land use are contained primarily in Chapter 3 of the RCPG, entitled Growth Management. The purpose of the Growth Management chapter is to present forecasts that establish the socio-economic parameters for the development of the Regional Mobility and Air Quality Chapters of the RCPG, and to address issues related to growth and land consumption by encouraging local land use actions which could ultimately lead to the development of an urban form that would help minimize development costs, save natural resources, and enhance the quality of life in the region. Impacts associated with air quality and regional mobility are discussed in Sections IV.B, Air Quality, and IV.K, Traffic/Transportation/Parking, respectively. Specific Growth Management Chapter policies are divided into four main categories: (1) growth forecasts; (2) improving the regional standard of living; (3) maintaining the regional quality of life; and (4) providing social, political and cultural equity. Growth Management policies that are pertinent to the Proposed Project are discussed under the Project Impacts subheading below Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) In October 2008, SCAG approved and adopted the 2008 Regional Comprehensive Plan for the SCAG Region Helping Communities Achieve A Sustainable Future (2008 RTP). Similar to the 1996 RCPG, the 2008 RCP update is a long-term comprehensive plan which addresses the SCAG region s many challenges, and provides a strategic vision for handling the region s land use, housing, economic, transportation, environmental and overall quality of life needs. The various chapters in the 2008 RCP address each of the major elements of planning for the region: Air Quality; Economy; Energy; Finance; Land Use and Housing; Open Space and Habitat; Security and Emergency Preparedness; Solid Waste; Transportation; and Water. The 2008 RCP is intended to serve as an advisory document for local agencies in the SCAG region. Given its advisory nature, the 2008 RCP is not intended to be used in SCAG s Inter-Governmental Review (IGR) process. Rather, the RCP is a voluntary framework that links broad principles to an action plan that moves the region towards balanced goals. The following vision statement and guiding principles are based on the region s adopted Compass Growth Vision Principles for Sustaining a Livable Region. These statements further articulate how the RCP can promote and sustain the region s mobility, livability, and prosperity for future generations. RCP Vision To foster a Southern California region that addresses future needs while recognizing the interrelationship between economic prosperity, natural resource sustainability, and quality of Page IV.H-5

6 life. Through measured performance and tangible outcomes, the RCP serves as both a voluntary action plan with short-term guidance and strategic, long-term initiatives that are guided by the following Guiding Principles for sustaining a livable region. RCP Guiding Principles Improve mobility for all residents. Improve the efficiency of the transportation system by strategically adding new travel choices to enhance system connectivity in concert with land use decisions and environmental objectives. Foster livability in all communities. Foster safe, healthy, walkable communities with diverse services, strong civic participation, affordable housing and equal distribution of environmental benefits. Enable prosperity for all people. Promote economic vitality and new economies by providing housing, education, and job training opportunities for all people. Promote sustainability for future generations. Promote a region where quality of life and economic prosperity for future generations are supported by the sustainable use of natural resources. SCAG s Compass Growth Vision Strategy SCAG s Compass Growth Vision, adopted in 2004, encourages better relationships between housing, transportation, and employment. The Growth Vision is driven by four key principles: (1) Mobility Getting where we want to go, (2) Livability Creating positive communities, (3) Prosperity Long-term health for the region, and (4) Sustainability Preserving natural surroundings. Additionally, the Compass Growth Vision incorporates a 2% Growth Strategy that will increase the region s mobility by: Putting new employment centers and new neighborhoods near major transit systems so that people can have transportation choices other than their cars. Designing safe, attractive transit centers and plazas that people enjoy using. Creating mini-communities around transit stations, with small businesses, urban housing and restaurants all within an easy walk. South Coast Air Quality Management District The Proposed Project is located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) and is therefore within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). In conjunction with SCAG, the SCAQMD is responsible for formulating and implementing air pollution control strategies. The Final 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is intended to establish a comprehensive regional Page IV.H-6

7 air pollution control program leading to the attainment of both state and federal air quality standards in the SCAB. 3 The AQMP also includes significant new scientific data, emission inventories, ambient measurements, control strategies, and air quality modeling. Air quality impacts by the Proposed Project and consistency of the Project with the AQMP is analyzed in greater detail in Section IV.B, Air Quality, of this EIR. Regional Water Quality Control Board The Project Site is within the jurisdiction of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The RWQCB authorizes National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits that ensure compliance with wastewater treatment and discharge requirements. The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) enforces wastewater treatment and discharge requirements for properties in the Project Area. Water quality impacts of the Proposed Project and consistency of the Project with the RWQCB s requirements are analyzed in greater detail in Section IV.E, Hydrology/Water Quality, of this EIR. Congestion Management Plan Within Los Angeles County, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is the designated congestion management agency responsible for coordinating regional transportation policies. The 2004 Congestion Management Plan (CMP) for Los Angeles County, adopted July 22, 2004, was developed in accordance with Section of the California Government Code. The CMP is intended to address vehicular congestion relief by linking land use, transportation and air quality decisions. Further, the program seeks to develop a partnership among transportation decision-makers to devise appropriate transportation solutions that include all modes of travel and to propose transportation projects which are eligible to compete for state gas tax funds. To receive funds from Proposition 111 (i.e., state gasoline taxes designated for transportation improvements) cities, counties, and other eligible agencies must implement the requirements of the CMP. The Proposed Project s Traffic Impact Analysis which is presented in Section IV.K.1, Traffic/Transportation of this EIR, was prepared in accordance with the County of Los Angeles CMP and City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) Guidelines, and includes an analysis of the Proposed Project s consistency with the CMP. 3 South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2007 Air Quality Management Plan, website: accessed January 13, Page IV.H-7

8 Local Plans City of Los Angeles General Plan General Plan Framework California State law (Government Code Section 65300) requires that each City prepare and adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for its future development. This general plan must contain seven elements, including land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise and safety. In addition to these, State law permits cities to include optional elements in their general plans, thereby providing local governments with the flexibility to address the specific needs and unique character of their jurisdictions. California State law also requires that the day-to-day decisions of a City follow logically from and be consistent with the general plan. More specifically, Government Code Sections 65860, and require that zoning ordinances, as well as subdivision and parcel map approvals be consistent with the general plan. Consistent with State law, the City of Los Angeles General Plan is a comprehensive, long range declaration of purposes, policies and programs for the development of the City of Los Angeles. The General Plan consists of eleven elements which include Citywide elements (Air Quality Element, Conservation Element, Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Element, Housing Element, Infrastructure Systems Element, Noise Element, Open Space Element, Public Facilities and Services Element, Safety Element, and Transportation Element) and the Land Use Element, also known as the Community Plan for each of the City s 35 Community Planning Areas. The General Plan Framework Element, adopted August 8, 2001, is a strategy for long-term growth which sets a citywide context to guide the update of the community plan and citywide elements. The General Plan Framework Element responds to State and federal mandates to plan for the future. The City of Los Angeles uses population forecasts provided by SCAG to plan for long-term growth. The General Plan Framework Element sets forth a citywide comprehensive long-range growth strategy. It defines citywide policies that will be implemented through subsequent amendments of the City s community plans, zoning ordinances, and other pertinent programs. The General Plan Framework Element also contains policies that are intended to maintain the City of Los Angeles s cultural and natural diversity. The General Plan Framework Element provides guidelines for future updates of the City's community plans. It does not supersede the more detailed community and specific plans. Land Use Element The Hollywood Community Plan is one of 35 Community Plans established for different areas of the City that are intended to implement the policies of the General Plan Framework. Together, the Plans make up the Land Use Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan. As defined in the Community Plan, the purpose of the Community Plan is to: provide an official guide to the future development of the Community for the use of the City Council, the Mayor, the City Planning Commission; other concerned government Page IV.H-8

9 agencies, residents, property owners, and business people of the Community; and private organizations concerned with planning and civic betterment... The Plan is intended to promote an arrangement of land use, circulation, and services which will encourage and contribute to the economic and social and physical health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the Community, within the larger framework of the City; guide development, betterment, and changed of the Community to meet the existing and anticipated needs and conditions; balance growth and stability; reflect economic and potentials and limits, land development and other trends; and protect investment to the extent reasonable and feasible. As shown in Figure IV.H-2, Planning Designations, the Project Site is designated for Industrial land use on the Generalized Land Use Map for the Hollywood Community Plan. The City s Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS) identifies the Project Site as being within a Limited Manufacturing General Plan land use designation. 4 The Limited Industrial land use designation corresponds to the following zones: MR1 - Restricted Industrial; M1 - Limited Industrial; P - Automobile Parking, Surface and Underground; and PB - Parking Building. The Department of City Planning is currently in the process of updating the Hollywood Community Plan. Currently, initial drafts of this plan are available for review by the public and community meetings are being held. Zoning changes and changes to the existing General Plan land use designations are expected along the Sunset Boulevard corridor in the vicinity of the Project Area. Specifically, the Draft Hollywood Community Plan designates the properties on the north side of Sunset Boulevard, directly across the street from the Proposed Project, for Regional Center Commercial land uses. However, no land use or zoning changes are known to be proposed for the Project Site. Since the update of the Hollywood Community Plan is not anticipated to be completed prior to public hearings and a decision on the Proposed Project, the Project is being analyzed under the existing zoning and General Plan designations. Industrial Land Use Policy The Department of City Planning and the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles evaluated the viability of industrial uses in the industrially zoned areas of the City by preparing the Industrial Land Use Policy document. 5 The main goals of the document are to provide guidance for processing land use entitlement applications, to identify where industrial uses and zoning should be retained and where it is unfeasible and should be considered for conversion to other uses. The Industrial Land Use Policy document also includes maps which identify sites as follows: 4 5 City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, ZIMAS, website: accessed March 31, Ibid. Page IV.H-9

10 N. GORDON ST N. TAMARIND AVE LA BAIG AVE N. GORDON ST HAROLD WAY w. SUNSET BLVD Industrial Residential Multiple Family Commercial Project Site Add Area Scale (Feet) Source: Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Figure IV.H-2 Planning Designations

11 Employment Protection District: Areas where industrial zoning should be maintained (i.e., where adopted General Plan, Community Plan and Redevelopment Plan industrial land use designations should continue to be implemented). Residential uses in these districts are not appropriate. Industrial Mixed Use District: Areas that should remain as predominantly industrial/employment districts, but which may support a limited amount of residential uses. Transition District: Areas where the viability of Industrial use has been compromised by significant conversion and where this transition to other uses should be continued. Transition Districts have been identified in areas where alternate policies such as specific pans, Transit Oriented Districts (TODs), and other planning efforts are anticipated, or are in process. The proposed development is not located in any of the three Districts listed above. Air Quality Element The Air Quality Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, adopted November 24, 1992, discusses the interrelationships among transportation issues, land use planning, and clean air goals. It is an attempt to create consistency with regional air quality, growth management, mobility, and congestion management plans. 6 The Air Quality Element includes goals for air quality relevant to the Proposed Project, including: Good air quality and mobility in an environment of continued population growth and healthy economic structure; Less reliance on single-occupant vehicles with fewer commute and non-work trips; Efficient management of transportation facilities and system infrastructure using cost-effective system management and innovative demand-management techniques; Minimal impact of existing land use patterns and future land use development on air quality by addressing the relationship between land use, transportation, and air quality; 6 City of Los Angeles General Plan, Air Quality Element, pp. IV-1 through IV-5. Page IV.H-11

12 Energy efficiency through land use and transportation planning, the use of renewable resources and less-polluting fuels, and the implementation of conservation measures including passive methods, such as site orientation and tree planting; and Citizen awareness of the linkages between personal behavior and air pollution, and participation in efforts to reduce air pollution. The consistency of the Proposed Project with these goals is analyzed below under the Project Impacts subheading. Air quality impacts of the Proposed Project are analyzed in detail in Section IV.B, Air Quality, of this EIR. Conservation Element The Conservation Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, adopted March 10, 2001, addresses the conservation and preservation of natural resources within the City. Chapter II of the Conservation Element addresses resource conservation and management and contains several goals, objectives, and policies that are pertinent to the Proposed Project, including: A city that preserves, protects, and enhances its existing natural and related resources; Protect the city's archaeological and paleontological resources for historical, cultural, research and/or educational purposes; Continue to require evaluation, avoidance, and minimization of potential significant impacts, as well as mitigation of unavoidable significant impacts on sensitive animal and plant species and their habitats and habitat corridors relative to land development activities; Continue striving to meet the city's water, power and other needs while at the same time striving to be a good steward of natural resources and minimizing impacts on the environment; Protect and reinforce natural and scenic vistas as irreplaceable resources and for the aesthetic enjoyment of present and future generations; and Continue to encourage energy conservation and petroleum product reuse. Analysis of the Proposed Project s compatibility and consistency with the Conservation Element is presented below under the Project Impacts subheading. Safety Element The Safety Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, adopted November 26, 1996, contains goals, objectives, and policies which are designed to guide the functioning of the Emergency Operations Organization (EOO), which is the only program that implements the Safety Element. The purpose of the Safety Element is to provide a plan for responding to natural disasters and for reducing the initial risks Page IV.H-12

13 associated with natural disasters. The Safety Element includes goals and policies which are relevant to the Proposed Project, including: A city where potential injury, loss of life, property damage and disruption of the social and economic life of the City due to fire, water hazard, seismic event, geologic conditions or release of hazardous materials disasters is minimized; Implement comprehensive hazard mitigation plans and programs that are integrated with each other and with the City s comprehensive emergency response and recovery plans and programs. A city that responds with the maximum feasible speed and efficiency to disaster events so as to minimize injury, loss of life, property damage and disruption of the social and economic life of the City and its immediate environs; An analysis of the Proposed Project s consistency with these goals and policies is provided below under the Project Impacts subheading. Transportation Element The Transportation Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, adopted September 8, 1999, is designed to facilitate long-term mobility and accessibility within the City of Los Angeles. There are three broad themes running throughout the Transportation Element which include sustained mobility/greater accessibility, economic opportunity, and environmental quality. The Transportation Element contains several objectives pertinent to the Proposed Project which are identified as follows: Expand neighborhood transportation services and programs to enhance neighborhood accessibility; Mitigate the impacts of traffic growth, reduce congestion, and improve air quality by implementing a comprehensive program of multi-modal strategies that encompasses physical and operational improvements as well as demand management; Support development in regional centers, community centers, major economic activity areas and along mixed-use boulevards as designated in the Community Plans. Preserve the existing residential character of lower-density residential areas and maintain pedestrian-oriented environments where appropriate; Provide for the efficient movement of goods and for adequate access to intermodal facilities. Ensure that adequate maintenance of the street system is provided to facilitate the movement of current and future traffic volumes, as well as emergency services; Make the street system accessible, safe, and convenient for bicycle, pedestrian, and school child travel; and Page IV.H-13

14 Preserve and enhance access to scenic resources and regional open space. An analysis of the transportation and traffic impacts of the Proposed Project is presented in Section IV.K.1 Traffic/Transportation, of this EIR. Additionally, the Land Use/Transportation Policy (LUTP) for the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), approved by the City Council on November 2, 1993, encourages economic development in proximity to transit centers and provides the framework to guide future development around transit station areas. It contains the elements of Land Use, Housing, Urban Design, Ridership Strategy, Parking and Traffic Circulation, Equity, Economic Development, and Community Facilities. These elements have been established to guide the development of land use and circulation patterns linked to the transit system. The LUTP identifies and defines six station area prototypes devised to set the framework for more detailed planning of transit station areas served by subway, light rail, bus, or a combination of all three. The prototypes establish a hierarchy of density (ranging from a very dense urban area to a less dense, more suburban area), as well as incentives for projects located within the primary influence area (i.e., within ¼ mile radius area of a transit station) including a phased reduction from the citywide parking standards as the transportation system is constructed. A secondary influence area (i.e., within ½ mile radius of a transit station) is also identified as an area of transition. The Project Area is generally located within the Urban Complex prototype, and is also within the secondary influence area based on its location within ½ mile (approximately) of the Metro Plaza Metro Rail Station (located just east of the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street). The City of Los Angeles Planning Department, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), has initiated an effort to update the Transportation Element. Housing Element The Housing Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, adopted August 13, 2008, identifies the general overall goal of the City of Los Angeles to create for all residents a city of livable and sustainable neighborhoods with a range of housing types, sizes and costs in proximity to jobs amenities and services. For further discussion and analysis of the Proposed Project s consistency with the goals, objectives and policies of the Housing Element, see Section IV.G., Population and Housing, of this EIR. Noise Element The Noise Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, adopted February 3, 1999, is designed to manage noise within the City and to protect sensitive uses from excessive noise-related impacts. Community noise exposure (CNEL) guidelines for Los Angeles are listed in Section IV.F, Noise, of this EIR. Noise-sensitive uses include residential dwellings, medical care facilities, hotels, houses of worship, parks, and schools, amongst others. A complete analysis of the noise impacts of the Proposed Project is contained in Section IV.F, Noise, of this EIR. Page IV.H-14

15 The primary goal of the Noise Element is to help create an environment for the city where noise does not reduce the quality of urban life. The Noise Element contains several noise management objectives and policies which pertain to the Proposed Project. These objectives and policies are identified as follows: Enforce and/or implement applicable city, state and federal regulations intended to mitigate proposed noise producing activities, reduce intrusive noise and alleviate noise that is deemed a public nuisance; Reduce or eliminate noise impacts associated with the proposed development of land and changes in land use; Continue to enforce, as applicable, city, state and federal regulations intended to abate or eliminate disturbances of the peace and other intrusive noise; For a proposed development project that is deemed to have a potentially significant noise impact on noise sensitive uses, require mitigation measures as appropriate, in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act and city procedures. An analysis of the Proposed Project s consistency with these objectives, and policies of the Noise Element is provided below under the Project Impacts subheading. Hollywood Redevelopment Plan The Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area (the Redevelopment Plan ), adopted May 7, 1986 and last amended October 31, 2003, provides CRA/LA with powers, duties and obligations to implement and further the redevelopment, rehabilitation, and revitalization of the Redevelopment Project Area. The Redevelopment Plan encompasses 1,107 acres of development including residential, commercial, industrial, public and quasi-public uses. The Project Site is designated for Limited Industrial land use within the Redevelopment Plan Area, which includes but is not limited to uses such as: television, video, radio, and motion picture production, machine and wood working shops, electronic instrument and electrical appliance manufacturing, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, and other related and compatible uses. Areas designated for Regional Center Commercial development within the Redevelopment Plan are identified for areas served by adequate transportation facilities and transportation demand programs. Identified uses for Regional Center Commercial development are those which generally provide goods and services that would appeal to a regional and local market, including theatres, restaurants, hotels, offices and retail and service businesses, with an emphasis on entertainment oriented uses. Development within the Regional Center Commercial designation is limited to the equivalent of an average floor area ratio (FAR) of 4.5:1 for the entire area within the Redevelopment Plan having this designation. In addition, institutional uses such as educational facilities, identified in the Redevelopment Plan as other public and quasi-public uses, may also be permitted within the Redevelopment Plan area (subject to restrictions as imposed by the Agency) in order to address the social need for educational and job training facilities. Page IV.H-15

16 Currently, a Sunset Boulevard and Civic Center Urban Design Plan is being developed by the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, and is anticipated to include the area of the Project Site. Objectives of the Plan will include enhancing pedestrian orientation along Sunset Boulevard retail frontages through the use of guidelines and standards applicable to improvements within the public rightof way (i.e., sidewalk areas) and proposed development projects fronting along Sunset Boulevard. The Redevelopment Plan contains several goals and policies listed below which are pertinent to the Proposed Project, which are further analyzed under Project Impacts subheading of this Land Use planning section: Encourage the involvement and participation of residents, business persons, property owners, and community organizations in the redevelopment of the community. Preserve and increase employment, and business and investment opportunities through redevelopment programs and, to the greatest extent feasible, promote these opportunities for minorities and women. Promote a balanced community meeting the needs of the residential, commercial, industrial, arts and entertainment sectors. Improve the quality of the environment, promote a positive image for Hollywood and provide a safe environment through mechanisms such as: (a) promoting architectural and urban design standards including: standards for height, building setback, continuity of street facade, building materials, and compatibility of new construction with existing structures and concealment of mechanical appurtenances; (b) promoting landscape criteria and planting programs to ensure additional green space; (c) encouraging maintenance of the built environment; (d) promoting sign and billboard standards; (e) coordinating the provision of high quality public improvements; (f) integrate public safety concerns into planning efforts. Support and promote Hollywood as the center of the entertainment industry and a tourist destination through the retention, development and expansion of all sectors of the entertainment industry and the preservation of landmarks related to the entertainment industry. Promote and encourage the retention and expansion of all segments of the arts community and the support facilities necessary to foster the arts and attract the arts through land use and development policies such as creation of a theatre district. Support and encourage a circulation system which will improve the quality of life in Hollywood, including pedestrian, automobile, parking and mass transit systems with an emphasis on serving existing facilities and meeting future needs. Promote and encourage development of recreational and cultural facilities and open spaces necessary to support attractive residential neighborhoods and commercial centers. Page IV.H-16

17 Promote the development of the varied ethnic communities in Hollywood. City of Los Angeles Municipal Code Zoning/Allowable Uses The Project Site is currently zoned [Q] C4-1 (Commercial) as set forth in the LAMC (see Figure IV.H-3, Zoning Designations). The C4 (commercial) zoning designation is inconsistent with the Limited Manufacturing Community Plan land use designation. 7 The C4 zone is a commercial zoning designation which allows for the construction of mixed-use projects (i.e., combining both commercial and residential), including uses allowed in the C2 zone (with limitations), and uses allowed in the R4 (multiple dwelling) zone. As stated in Section 12.14A.33 of the Municipal Code, educational institutions and private schools are permitted uses in the C2 zone. Guest rooms and apartments are also permitted within the C4 and R5 zones (LAMC A and LAMC A.2 respectively). In addition, for projects combining residential and commercial uses, Section A.18 of the LAMC allows any use permitted in the R5 Zone on any lot in the C-4 zone, provided that the project is located within an area designated on an adopted community plan as Regional Center Commercial. However, as previously discussed above, the Project Site is currently designated for Industrial land use. The height district 1 designation does not limit the maximum height of buildings or structures, but does restrict the maximum FAR to 1.5:1. The [Q] is a qualified classification on the zone which specifically prohibits residential uses on the Project Site, except as otherwise permitted in the industrial zones. 8 Yards No front yard is required for projects within the C4 zone. Side and rear yards are also not required for buildings erected and used exclusively for commercial purposes. For all portions of buildings erected and used for residential purposes, side and rear yards conforming to the requirements of the R4 Zone are required at the floor level of the first story used for residential purposes (Section C and C). Specifically, a minimum 5-foot side yard is required, with an additional 1-foot in width up to a maximum width of 16-feet for each additional story above the second story. An exception eliminating the side yard requirements for combined residential and commercial use projects located on a C4 zoned lot adjacent to a street is provided in Section A.18.(c)(3) of the LAMC. For residential projects, a rear yard of not less than 15 feet in depth is required. An additional 1-foot in rear yard depth up to a maximum depth of 20 feet is required for each additional story above the third story (Section C.3). 7 8 Z.I. 1699, April 27, Ordinance 165,652, Effective May 6, Page IV.H-17

18 N. GORDON ST T)(Q)M1-2D C2-1-S [Q]R4-1VL HAROLD WAY [Q]R4-1VL C4-1-SN M1-1 Zoning Designation Parking Industrial Residential Commercial Legend LA BAIG AVE Project Site [Q]R4-1VL C4-1-SN N. GORDON ST W. SUNSET BLVD [Q]C4-1 [Q]R4-2 (T)(Q)R4-IVL [Q]R4-1VL (T)(Q)C2-2D-SN [Q]R4-1VL (T)(Q)C2-2D-SN C4-1-SN [Q]C4-1 R4-2 N. TAMARIND AVE [Q]R4-1VL P-1 C4-1-SN [Q]C4-1 [Q]R4-2 BRONSON AVE BRONSON AVE [ Q]R4-1VL [Q]R4-1VL ( N Feet Source: City of Los Angeles - Department of City Planning, County of Los Angeles and Christopher A. Joseph & Associates; Figure IV.H-3 Zoning Designations

19 Lot Area/Allowable Density Pursuant to Section C.3 of the LAMC, the lot area requirements of the R4 Zone (Section C.4) apply to all portions of buildings in the C-4 zone which are used for residential purposes. Specifically, the minimum lot width is 50 feet and the minimum lot area is 5,000 square feet, while the minimum lot area requirement is 400 square feet per dwelling unit and 200 square feet per guest room. However, as established in LAMC A.18, and further clarified by the Department of Building and Safety, for projects combining residential and commercial uses which meet LAMC A.18 (including the requirement that the Project Site is designated for Regional Center Commercial land use), the lot area requirements of the R5 zone (and not those of the R3 or R4 zone) would apply. 9 Thus, the lot area requirements applicable to the Proposed Project are a minimum width of 50 feet, a minimum area of 5,000 square feet, and the minimum area of 200 square feet per dwelling unit (LAMC C.4). As the R5 zone has no minimum lot area requirement for guest rooms, the number of guest rooms would be limited by the maximum allowable FAR. Loading Space A loading space must be provided and maintained on the same lot, or from the street, as with every institutional building in accordance with the provisions of Section C.6. Allowable Floor Area The maximum allowable FAR permitted within Height District 1 is 1.5:1, which would yield a maximum development potential of approximately 56,026.5 square feet of combined floor area on the Project Site. Parking Section of the LAMC provides parking standards applicable to the Proposed Project. Pursuant to Section A.4.(a), one parking space is required for each dwelling unit of less than 3 habitable rooms, 1.5 parking spaces for each dwelling unit of 3 habitable rooms, and 2 parking spaces for each dwelling unit of more than 3 habitable rooms. Section A.4.(b) applies to guest rooms, and requires one parking space for each individual guest room or suite of rooms for the first 30, with one additional parking space required for each additional two guest rooms or suites of rooms in excess of 30 but not exceeding 60, and one additional parking space for each three guest rooms or suites of rooms in excess of 60 rooms. 9 Andrew Adelman, P.E., General Manager, City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Manual and Commentary, Fourth Edition, Page 146, May Page IV.H-19

20 In addition, LAMC Section A.4.(x)(3) provides for an exception to the parking requirements identified in Section A.4 for projects located within the Hollywood Redevelopment Project Area, or within an Enterprise Zone. Specifically, this Section of the LAMC requires only 2 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of combined gross floor area of commercial office, business, retail, restaurant, bar and related uses, and trade schools (including professional and commercial schools). Refer to Section IV.K.2, Parking, for a detailed discussion of parking requirements. Landscape Section through of the LAMC provides landscape standards applicable to the Proposed Project. Los Angeles State Enterprise Zone The Proposed Project is located within the City of Los Angeles State Enterprise Zone. Within this area, businesses can take advantage of incentives such as hiring credits, state and/or federal tax credits and expense and interest deductions not available to businesses elsewhere, thereby lower their operating costs. The goal of these incentives is to stimulate business attraction, growth, and increased employment opportunities within economically challenged areas of the City. In addition, the City of Los Angeles offers local incentives applicable within the Enterprise Zone, including a Department of Water and Power rate discount, fee waivers, sewer facility hookup payment plans, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and reduced parking rates. 10 Walkability Checklist The Los Angeles City Planning Department has developed a tool to translate the intent of the Framework Element of the General Plan with respect to citywide urban form and neighborhood design to the community and neighborhood levels. This tool is the Walkability Checklist initiated in 2007 as a pilot project for Site Plan Review and Citywide Planning Commission Cases to guide the Los Angeles City Planning Department staff in working with developers to make retail developments fronting on commercial streets and boulevards more pedestrian oriented. The focus of the Checklist is enhancement of pedestrian activity, access, comfort and safety. To that end, the Checklist identifies eight specific design elements including: Building Orientation, Building Frontage, Onsite Landscaping (Excluding 10 City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning, State Enterprise Zones, website: accessed December 30, Page IV.H-20

21 Parking Areas), Off-Street Parking and Driveways, Building Signage and Lighting, Sidewalks, On-Street Parking, and Utilities. While consideration of each design element is encouraged, it is also recognized that not all listed items will be appropriate in every project. 11 The Walkability Checklist provides a list of the multiple facets of walkability, and each of the listed items should be considered. However, it is understood that not all items will be appropriate in every proposed project. While the items in the Checklist are not mandatory, and are not a part of the zoning code, incorporating at least some of the guidelines will create more walkable environments and higher quality urban form, thereby contributing to the success of the project. 12 A review of the Proposed Project with regard to the eight design elements listed in the Walkability Checklist is presented in detail under the Project Impacts subheading later in this Section. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Thresholds of Significance State CEQA Guidelines Initial Study Checklist Questionnaire In accordance with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, a project may have a significant environmental impact if it were to: (a) Physically divide an established community; (b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect; or (c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan Los Angeles City Planning Department, Guidance for Site Plan Review Walkability Checkklist, November Ibid. Page IV.H-21

22 City of Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds Guide In accordance with the City of Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds Guide, the determination of significance regarding land use consistency and compatibility shall be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: (a) Whether the proposal is inconsistent with the adopted land use/density designation in the Community Plan, redevelopment plan or specific plan for the site; (b) Whether the proposal is inconsistent with the General Plan or adopted environmental goals or policies contained in other applicable plans; (c) The extent of the area that would be impacted, the nature and degree of impacts, and the type of land uses within that area; (d) The extent to which existing neighborhoods, communities, or land uses would be disrupted, divided or isolated, and the duration of the disruptions; and (e) The number, degree, and type of secondary impacts to surrounding land uses that could result from implementation of the Proposed Project. Project Impacts Construction Impacts Construction of the Proposed Project has the potential to temporarily disrupt adjacent land uses with air quality impacts, noise impacts and temporary construction traffic impacts. Land use compatibility impacts associated with construction-related air quality emissions, construction noise, and potential partial roadway lane and sidewalk closures would be significant and unavoidable on a temporary and intermittent basis during construction. Construction of the Proposed Project could cause temporary and intermittent impacts to adjacent land uses due to temporary increases in air emissions (including fugitive dust), noise, and traffic congestion. These potential effects are discussed in detail in Sections IV.B, Air Quality; IV.F, Noise; and IV.K.1, Traffic/Transportation, of this EIR. Uses that are considered especially sensitive to noise and air pollution include residences, schools, churches, hospitals and convalescent care facilities. Sensitive receptors located in the vicinity of the Proposed Project include the residential use at 1469 N. Tamarind Avenue located directly east of the Project Site, the single- and multiple-family residential uses to the south and southeast of the Project Site along N. Tamarind Avenue and N. Gordon Street, the East-West Studios located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street at 6000 W. Sunset Boulevard to the west of the Project Site, and the motel and residential uses fronting onto La Baig Avenue across Sunset Boulevard to the northwest. There are no hospitals or convalescent care facilities located in the immediate vicinity of the Project Site. Construction activities could necessitate temporary lane closures on streets adjacent to the Project Site on a temporary and intermittent basis for utility relocations/hook- Page IV.H-22