HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/5/2005 - STAFF REPORTS (31) OF PALM S,p4
N City of Palm Springs
Department of Planning &Zoning
41 FOR N�* MEMORANDUM
Date: December 20, 2004
To: City Council
From: Director of Planning Services via City Manager
Re: Case No 5.0996 PD-294, Tentative Tract Map 31766
Crescendo project
Wessman Development
The attached document,the Initial Study and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Crescendo project is
being transmitted for your review as part of the anticipated public hearings for this matter.The public hearing is
scheduled for January 5, 2005.
The Crescendo project is located on a 42.2 acre site, located south of Tramway Road, west of Vista Grande
Avenue and north of Racquet Club Drive. The project includes 79 single family residences.
If you have any questions regarding this project, please feel free to contact Alex Meyerhoff, Principal Planner at
(760) 323-8245.
If you would like to return this document to the Department of Planning Services, it can be stored for your
safekeeping in the meantime.
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I � y�
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES
INITIAL STUDY
Application No(s): PD, TTM, Crescendo Case No. 5-0996-PD-294, TTM 31766
Date of Application:
Date of Completed Application:
Lead Agency: City of Palm Springs
Lead Agency Contact: Alex Meyerhoff, Principal Planner (760-323-8245)
Name of Applicant: Wessman Development Company
Abbreviated Project Description: The proposed project involves the development
of 79 single-family residential lots on approximately 42.2-acres in north Palm
Springs. City approval of a tentative tract map (to subdivide the property), a change
of zone from R-1-A to PD (to allow minimum lot sizes of 15,000 square feet,
minimum interior lot width of 100 feet, minimum cul-de-sac and local street front
setback of 10 feet, minimum corner lot side setback of 12 feet and minimum interior
lot rear setback of 10 feet), a preliminary planned development district (to
implement the PD zone) and the vacation of the westerly 23 feet of Vista Grande
Avenue are required. A detailed project description is provided in Section 3 of this
Initial Study.
Location of Project: The project site is located in the City of Palm Springs,
Riverside County, California. It is bounded by West Racquet Club Road and single
family homes to the south, Vista Grande Avenue and single family homes to the
east, Tram Way and vacant land to the north, and vacant land on the Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indian Reservation (Section 4, T4S, R4E) to the west.
Existing General Plan Designation(s): L2 (Low Density Residential, two dwelling
units per acre)
Proposed General Plan Designation(s): L2 (Low Density Residential, two dwelling
units per acre)
Present Land Use(s): The project site is currently unimproved.
Existing Zoning: R-1-A (Single Family Residential Zone, minimum 20,000 square
foot lot)
Proposed Zoning: PD (Planned Development District) No. 294
"CRESCENDO" MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction....................................................................................................... 1
1.1. California Environmental Quality Act Conclusions ..................................... 1
1.2. Purpose/Use of the Initial Study................................................................. 1
1.3. Summary of Findings................... ................... ....... .........................3
1.4. Consistency Summary .................
1.5. Required Studies.......................................................................................4
1.6. Project Review and Action ...............
1.7. Organization of the Initial Study................................................................5
2. Location and Setting..........................................................................................6
2.1. Project Location.........................................................................................6
2.2. Environmental Setting...............................................................................6
3. Project Description........................................................................................... 13
3.1. Primary Project Components................................................
3.2. Project Development Features.................................................................15
3.3. Project Construction/Phasing..................................................................27
3.4. Homeowners Association.......................................................................27
4. Environmental Evaluation ................................................................................28
4.1. Aesthetics ..............................................................................................28
4.2. Agricultural Resources.......................................................
4.3. Air Quality..............................................................................................48
4.4. Biological Resources............................
4.5. Cultural Resources.............................................................. ...................62
4.6. Geology and Soils...................................................................................65
4.7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials................................
4.8. Hydrology and Water Quality......................................................
4.9. Land Use and Planning...........................................................................80
4.10. Mineral Resources..................................................................................85
4.11. Noise......................................................................................................87
4.12. Population and Housing .........................................................................92
4.13. Public Services ......................................
4.14. Recreation ........... ...........................................................98
4.16. Transportation/Traffic............... 99
4.16. Utilities and Service Systems.............................................................. 104
4.17. Mandatory Findings of Significance...................................................... 109
4.18. Document Preparers............................................................................. 111
4.19. Determination..................................................................
5. References..................................................................................................... 112
"CRESCENDO" MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Regional Map........
Exhibit2 Vicinity Map......................................................................................8
Exhibit 3 Chino Cone ............................................................................
Exhibit 4 Aerial Photograph ..................
Exhibit 5 Existing Site Conditions .................................................................. 12
Exhibit 6 Site Development Concept.............................................................. 16
Exhibit 7 Offsite Improvements...................................................................... 17
Exhibit 8 Rock Crushing Plant........................................................................ 19
Exhibit 9a Typical Street Sections....................................................................20
Exhibit 9b Typical Street Sections..................................................
Exhibit 10 Site Landscape Concept..................................................................24
Exhibit 11a Conceptual Landscape Site Sections........................................ 25
Exhibit 11b Conceptual Landscape Site Sections...............................................26
Exhibit 12a Adjacent Neighborhoods and Photo Index.......................................30
Exhibit 12b Neighborhood Character- South.....................................................31
Exhibit 12c Neighborhood Character - South.....................................................32
Exhibit 12d Neighborhood Character- East .......................................................33
Exhibit 12e Neighborhood Character - East .......................................................34
Exhibit 12f View of Site from Adjacent Neighborhoods.....................................35
Exhibit 13 Comparative Cross Section Locations..............................................38
Exhibit 14a Section A-A View Restriction Analysis.............................................39
Exhibit 14b Section B-B View Restriction Analysis.............................................40
Exhibit 14c Section C-C View Restriction Analysis...............
Exhibit 14d Section D-D View Restriction Analysis ..............
Exhibit 15 Fire Department 5-Minute Response Boundary......................
"CRESCENDO" MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Surrounding Conditions..................................................................
Table 2 Comparison of R-1-A and PD Development Standards ......................... 14
Table 3 Land Use Statistics ................................................
Table 4 Project-Related Long Term Operational Emissions................................50
Table 5 Project-Related Short Term Rock Crushing Emissions...........................51
Table 6 Project-Related Short Term Construction Equipment Emissions ...........52
Table 7 Comparative Fill Hauling/Boulder Disposal Alternative Emissions .........52
Table 8 Project Trip Generation Forecast...........................
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294/n/tia/Study
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CONCLUSIONS
The following information is provided to determine whether the proposed action is a "project"
as defined by CEQA, and whether the project would be exempt from CEQA.
■ Is the proposed action a "project" as defined by CEQA?
(See section 2.6 of State CEQA Guidelines. If more than Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
one project is present in the same area, cumulative
impacts should be considered).
■ If "yes" above, does the project fall into any of the
Emergency Projects listed in Section 15269 of the State °Yes ■ No ❑ N/A
CEQA Guidelines?
■ If "no" in II, does the project fall under any of the
Ministerial Acts listed in Section 15268(b) of the State °Yes ■ No ❑ N/A
CEQA Guidelines?
• If -no" on III, does the project fall under any of the
Statutory Exemptions listed in Article 18 of the State ° Yes ■ No ❑ N/A
CEQA Guidelines?
If -no- on IV, does the project qualify for one of the
Categorical Exemptions listed in Article 19 of the State °Yes ■ No ❑ N/A
CEQA Guidelines? (Where there is reasonable
probability that the activity will have a significant effect
due to special circumstances, a categorical exemption
does not apply).
Based on the information provided above, the proposed action is a project, and would not be
exempt from CEQA.
1.2 PURPOSE/USE OF THE INITIAL STUDY
The purpose of this Initial Study (IS) is to describe the proposed "Crescendo' residential
project, Case No. 5.0996-PD-294 (Tentative Tract Map 31766 and Preliminary Planned
Development District #294) and provide a preliminary evaluation of potential environmental
effects associated with the project's short term construction and ongoing use. The IS has
been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as amended
(Public Resources Code §21000 et seq.), and in accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines
(California Code of Regulations §15000 et seq.).
Pursuant to Section 15367 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of Palm Springs is the lead
agency for the project. The lead agency is the public agency that has the principal
September27 2004
Page 1
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
responsibility for carrying out or approving a project that may have a significant effect upon
the environment. The City of Palm Springs, as the lead agency, shall have the authority for
project approval and certification of the accompanying environmental documentation.
The City of Palm Springs is expected to use the information contained in this Initial Study
during deliberations regarding implementation of the proposed project.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
The following actions will be considered with approval of the project.
■ Adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration - Prior to approval of the
project, the City shall consider the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) together
with any comments received during the public review process. The City shall adopt
the MND only if it finds on the basis of the whole record before it that no substantial
evidence exists supporting a fair argument that the project will have a significant
effect on the environment and that the MND reflects the City's independent judgment
and analysis.
■ Adoption of the Mitigation Monitorinq Program - Prior to approval of the
project, the City shall adopt a Mitigation Monitoring Program pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15097.
■ Zone Change - In order to provide zoning which conforms to the design reflected
on Tentative Tract Map 31766 (including a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet), a
zone change application is required. The proposed project requires a change of the
current zoning from R-1-A to PD No. 294 (Planned Development District).
■ Tentative Tract Map -The project applicant is requesting the approval of Tentative
Tract Map No. 31766.
■ Preliminary Planned Development District No. 294 - The project applicant is
requesting the approval of a Preliminary Planned Development District to implement
the proposed PD zoning.
■ Right-of-Way Vacation - The project applicant is requesting the vacation of the
westerly 23 feet of the Vista Grande Avenue right-of-way.
Subsequent approvals by the City of Palm Springs may include:
■ Final Development Plan
■ Grading permits
■ Building permits
September 27, 2004 Page 2
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"Project(TTM 31766)Initial Study
RESPONSIBLE AND TRUSTEE AGENCIES
This IS/MND will also provide environmental information to responsible agencies and other
public agencies that may be required to grant approvals in support of project
implementation. These agencies include, but are not limited to, the following:
• State of California, Regional Water Quality Control Board. Pursuant to the Federal
Clean Water Act [Section 402(g)] and state General Construction Activity Storm
Water Permit, a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and
storm water pollution prevention plan will be required from the California Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for grading and construction in areas greater
than five acres. Pursuant to the NPDES permit requirements, a Notice of Intent must
be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board.
1.3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Based on the environmental checklist form prepared for the project and supporting
environmental analysis (provided in Section 4), the proposed project would have no impact
or less than significant impacts in the following environmental impact areas: agricultural
resources; biological resources, cultural resources, geology Et soils; hazards & hazardous
materials; mineral resources; noise (long term impacts); hydrology/water quality;
population/housing; public services; recreation; and transportation/traffic.
The proposed project has the potential to have significant impacts related to aesthetics; air
quality; land use/planning; noise (short-term construction-related impacts) and utility/service
systems unless the recommended mitigation measures are incorporated into the project.
According to the CEQA Guidelines, it is appropriate to prepare a mitigated negative
declaration (MND) for the proposed project because, after incorporation of the recommended
mitigation measures, all potentially significant environmental impacts would be eliminated or
reduced to a level considered less than significant.
1.4 CONSISTENCY SUMMARY
The project is consistent with the following plans:
City of Palm Springs General Plan ■Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Applicable Specific Plan ❑Yes ❑ No ■ N/A
City of Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance ❑ Yes ■ No ❑ N/A
South Coast Air Quality Management Plan ■Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
Airport Part 150 Noise Study ❑ Yes ❑ No ■ N/A
Draft Section 14 Master Development Plan ❑ Yes ❑ No ■ N/A
September 27, 2004 Page 3
City of Palm Springs Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Note: The proposed project, if approved, will amend the Zoning Map whereby the "No-
response would be changed to "Yes".
1.5 REQUIRED STUDIES
The following studies have been required by the City of Palm Springs for this project, which
are listed in Section 5, References.
1. Soils Report ■Yes ❑ No
2. Slope Study ❑Yes ■ No
3. Geotechnical Report ■Yes ❑ No
4. Traffic Study ■Yes o No
5. Air Quality Study ■Yes ❑ No
6. Hydrology ■Yes ❑ No
7. Sewer Study ❑ Yes ■ No
8. Biological Study ■Yes ❑ No
9. Noise Study ■Yes ❑ No
10. Hazardous Materials Study ❑Yes ■ No
11. Housing Analysis ❑Yes ■ No
12. Archaeological Report ■Yes ❑ No
13. Groundwater Analysis ❑Yes ■ No
14. Water Quality Report ❑Yes ■ No
15. Other ❑Yes ■ No
1.6 PROJECT REVIEW AND ACTION
There will be a 30-day public review period for the IS and proposed MND. The review period
has been established in accordance with §15073 of the CEOA guidelines. Notices of
availability of the IS and MND for review and comment have been published in the
newspaper and at the City of Palm Springs. Referenced documents are available for review
at the City of Palm Springs.
In reviewing the IS and proposed MND, affected public agencies and the interested public
should focus on the sufficiency of the document in identifying and analyzing the potential
impacts on the environment and ways in which the significant effects of the project are
proposed to be avoided or mitigated. Comments on the analysis contained herein may be
sent to the following:
September27 2004 Page 4
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(TI M 31766) Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Mr. Alex Meyerhoff, Principal Planner
City of Palm Springs
Department of Planning Services
P.O. Box 2743
Palm Springs, CA 92263-2743
Following receipt and evaluation of comments from agencies, organizations, and/or
individuals, the City of Palm Springs will determine whether any substantial new
environmental issues have been raised. If not, the project and environmental documentation
are scheduled to be submitted to the City's Planning Commission and City Council.-
1.7 ORGANIZATION OF THE INITIAL STUDY
The IS is organized into the following sections:
■ Section 1 - Introduction. This section provides an introduction of the project and
overview describing the conclusions of the IS.
■ Section 2- Project Location and Environmental Setting. This section provides a brief
description of the project location and describes the existing environmental setting of
the project area.
■ Section 3 - Project Description. This section provides a detailed description of the
proposed project, physical and operational characteristics, and necessary
discretionary approvals.
■ Section 4 - Environmental Evaluation. This section includes the completed City of
Palm Springs checklist, and an analysis of environmental impacts. This section also
outlines the mitigation program required to eliminate potential significant effects or
reduce them to a level that is considered less than significant. The mitigation
program consists of three components: (a) self-mitigating design features of the
project, (b) standard City Conditions of Approval or other mandatory regulations
applied during the City's normal development review processes and, (c) if mitigation
is required beyond the first two components, special mitigation measures intended to
mitigate impacts to a less than significant level or reduce them to the maximum
extent feasible.
■ Section 5- References. This section identifies those references used in preparation
of the IS.
September 27, 2004 Page 5
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo`(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
SECTION 2 - LOCATION AND SETTING
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located in the City of Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. It is
bounded on the south by West Racquet Club Road and single family homes, on the east by
Vista Grande Avenue and single family homes, on the north by Tram Way and vacant land,
and on the west by vacant land within the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian
Reservation (Section 4)_ The regional location and local vicinity of the project site are
depicted on Exhibits 1 and 2, respectively. West Racquet Club Road provides vehicular
access to the project site. State Highway 111 and the Interstate 10 Freeway provide regional
access to the area.
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The project site is located at the interface between existing urban development and native
desert land. Three sides interface with a manmade environment (the Little Tuscany
residential neighborhood and Tram Way) while the other interfaces with relatively
undisturbed desert land (the Chino Cone).
SITE SETTING - CHINO CONE
The project site is located on undeveloped open desert land associated with the Chino
Canyon alluvial cone (the Chino Cone or the Cone). As shown in Exhibit 3, the Chino Cone is
a large alluvial feature that emanates from Chino Canyon at the base of the San Jacinto
Mountains and spreads outward to the west onto the floor of the Coachella Valley. Alluvial
fans are created over long periods of geologic time as waterborne sediments are eroded and
conveyed from the mountains and deposited by gravity in a conical shape at lower
elevations.
Various manmade features are present on the Chino Cone. These include (a) Tram Way that
provides access from State Highway 111 to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (located in
Chino Canyon), (b) a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers levy that provides flood protection to the
northern part of the City including a large portion of the Chino Cone, and (c) portions of the
Little Tuscany Neighborhood, a hillside residential community lying south of Tram Way and
extending from Highway 111 to the base of the San Jacinto Mountains,
Tram Way serves as a general demarcation between the portions of the Cone that contain
development and those that do not. The majority of the Cone lies north of Tram Way and is
still undeveloped. In undeveloped areas, the native ground surface is characterized by loose
cobbles and boulders and desert vegetation including cactus that exhibit blooms during the
cooler parts of the year. The 350-acre "Shadowrock" project is also located north of Tram
Way. This project, approved in the early 1990s, is proposed to contain an 18 hole golf
course along with hotel, residential, and condominium units. Although the project has not
been built, all entitlements are covered by a development agreement.
Undeveloped lands are also present south of Tram Way. The majority of these are contained
within the Agua Caliente Reservation (Section 4) but also include vacant lands proposed for
development by the "Crescendo' and "Boulders" projects. Although occupying vacant
desert land, each of these project sites extend partially or completely into the Little
September 27, 2004 Page 6
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FOREST VALLEY
FALLS
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WINCHE TER LAQUINTA
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Regional Map
"CRESCENDO" (TTIVI 31766) INITIAL STUDY NOTTOSCALE N
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
Tuscany neighborhood and are surrounded on two or three sides by existing residential
development.
SITE SETTING - LITTLE TUSCANY
The project site "notches" into the Little Tuscany neighborhood, adjoining lots and streets
on the south and east. The Little Tuscany area is located on the Chino Cone with sloping
land similar to the project site and is characterized mostly by one story, single family
residences on uni-level building pads. Lots take access from double-loaded streets and tiers
of lots are separated by intervening man-made slopes. A few homes have longer, steeper
driveways and some use substantial retaining walls to create yard areas. Others exhibit true
split level construction with "stepped foundations'. Neighborhood character is eclectic as
lots were sold and homes constructed incrementally or in small groups by individual
builders.
SITE CHARACTERISTICS
Onsite elevations vary between approximately 680 and 340 feet above mean sea level (msl)
sloping from the west to the east. The ground surface of the property is characterized by
cobbles and boulders with a soil matrix of silty sand and sand with silt. Some artificial fill
created by adjacent road and utility construction is present along the edges of the site.
Vegetation on the property consists of Sonoran creosote bush scrub. Existing site conditions
are portrayed in Exhibits 4 and 5.
Table 1 identifies the land uses surrounding the project site as well as the surrounding
general plan and zoning designations.
TABLE 1
SURROUNDING CONDITIONS
North South East West
Racquet Club Vista Grande Palm Springs Aerial
Surrounding Tram Way, Road, Avenue, Tram Way, Vacant
Land Use Vacant Land Single Family Single Family Land, Agua Caliente
Residences Residences Indian Reservation
General Plan L6, M43/211 L2 L4 L2
Zoning U-R, R-3 R-1-B R-1-C R-1-A
General Plan: L2 (Residential Low,2 UPA), L4(Residential Low,4 UPA),L6(Residential Low,6 UPA), M43121
(Residential Medium,43 UPA,21 UPA for apartments)
Zoning: R-1-A(Single Family Residential,20,000 min lot), R-1-B(Single Family Residential, 1r.000 min
lot),R-1-C(Single Family Residential, 10,800 min lot), U-R(Urban Reserve)
NOTES
1. M43/21 is also within Redevelopment Project Area 9A and Resort Combining Zone.
September 2Z 2004 Page 10
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"
(7TM 37766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294/nitia/Study
SECTION 3 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 PRIMARY PROJECT COMPONENTS
The proposed project involves the development of the approximate 42.2-acre project site
with 79 residential lots, retention basins, and interior private streets. The proposed project
involves the following primary discretionary actions by the City, which are described below
and evaluated in the attached Initial Study:
Approval of Zone Change 5.0996 from R-1-A (Residential Low, 20,000 square foot
minimum lot) to PD No. 294 (Planned Development District)
Approval of Tentative Tract Map No. 31766
• Approval of Preliminary Planned Development District No. 294
• Vacation of a portion of Vista Grande Avenue
ZONE CHANGE
The project proposed by the applicant includes Change of Zone 5.0996. The Palm Springs
Zoning Code designates the site as R-1-A (Residential Low, 20,000 square foot minimum
lot). In order to provide zoning which conforms to the design reflected on Tentative Tract
Map 31766 (to allow minimum lot sizes of 15,000 square feet, minimum interior lot width of
100 feet, minimum cul-de-sac and local street front setback of 10 feet, minimum corner lot
side setback of 12 feet and minimum interior lot rear setback of 10 feet), a planned
development district application is proposed. Per Section 94.03.00 of the City's zoning code,
"The planned development district is designed to provide various types of land use which
can be combined in compatible relationship with each other as part of a totally planned
development. It is the intent of this district to insure compliance with the general plan and
good zoning practices while allowing certain desirable departures from the strict provisions
Of specific zone designations." in essence, the PD zone provides the City with extensive
controls over all aspects of project planning and design, including architecture, as well as
the ability to require amenities that would not otherwise be included in exchange for
increased flexibility in meeting zone requirements.
PRELIMINARY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
The project proposed by the applicant includes Preliminary Planned Development District
No. 294 to implement the proposed PD zoning and illustrate building siting, architectural
treatments and landscape architectural amenities for the project. As allowed by the PD
District, the preliminary development plan proposes standards that deviate from the R-1-A
Zone. In exchange, the PD zone provides the City with extensive controls over the project
design, including architecture, as well as the ability to require the provision of amenities not
otherwise included. Since the project design is consistent with the City's General Plan
residential land use and density requirements as well as existing development in the vicinity
of the project, use of the PD zone is allowed. Lot sizes proposed by the project range from
15,000 to 64,500 square feet and average 21,280 square feet. Lot widths range from 100 to
320 feet. A comparison of the project to the R-1-A zone standards is provided in Table 2.
September 27. 2004
Page 13
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766) Case No_ 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
TABLE 2
COMPARISON OF R-1-A AND PD DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Standard Existing (R-1-A) Proposed ■
MINIMUM LOT AREA
Min. Lot Area 20,000 s.f. 15,000 s.f.
MINIMUM LOT WIDTH
Interior Lot 130 feet 100 feet
Siding on Local/Collector 140 feet 100 feet
Siding on Secondary Thoroughfare 155 feet 100 feet
Siding on Major Thoroughfare 165 feet N/A
MINIMUM LOT DEPTH
Backing on Interior Lot or Local/Collector St. 120 feet 120 feet
Backing on Secondary Thoroughfare 150 feet N/A
Backing on Major Thoroughfare 160 feet N/A
MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACKS
Fronting on Cul-de-sac 20 feet 10 feet'-3 -
Fronting on Local/Collector street 25 feet 10 feet'-3
MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACKS
Interior Lot 10 feet 10 feet
Corner Lot on Local/Collector Street 20 feet 12 feet"
Corner Lot on Secondary Thoroughfare 25 feet NfA
Corner Lot on Major Thoroughfare 50 feet N/A
MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACKS
Lot to Lot 15 feet 15 feet
Backing on Interior Lot or Local/Collector St. 15 feet 10 feet"
Backing on Secondary Thoroughfare 25 feet N/A
Backing on Major Thoroughfare 25 feet 25 feet
BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
Max. Lot Coverage 35% 35 %
Min. Dwelling Size (excluding garage/carport) 1,500 s.f. 2,845 s.f.
Building Height 1 story, 1812 2 story, 24'3
1. PD standard allowed in underlying zone in hillside area with Administrative Minor Modification(AMM).
2. up to 30'building height allowed in underlying zone in hillside area with AMM.
3. Modified standard has been approved by AMM for individual homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
September 27, 2004 Page 14 !
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(77M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
The project proposed by the applicant includes Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 31766. The TTM
identifies the configuration of 79 proposed single family lots on 42.2 acres, the building pad
and proposed elevation of each lot, proposed open space lots, proposed infrastructure, the
proposed internal street pattern and representative street sections.
RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION
The project proposes to vacate the westerly 23-feet (currently unimproved) of the Vista
Grande Avenue right-of-way. This would leave 37-feet of right-of-way, enough to contain
the existing paved road improvements presently serving the area.
3.2 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FEATURES
The following discussion provides a description of the main components of the proposed
project. The proposed development concept for the project is shown on Exhibit 6.
RESIDENTIAL AND OPEN SPACE
The proposed project includes 38.6 acres of residential development and 3.6 acres of private
streets. Table 3 provides a statistical breakdown of the proposed land uses, as well as key
development features. As shown on Table 3, the project would subdivide the project site
into 79 single-family residential lots. Residential lot sizes range from 15,000 square feet to
54,500 square feet and average approximately 21,280 square feet. The project design
locates larger lots and buffers (in the form of slopes and retention basins) around the project
periphery with smaller lots generally interior to the project. The project is consistent with
the overall general plan density of two units per gross acre for the L-2 designation.
'FABLE 3
LAND USE STATISTICS
Land Use Lots Area Area as %
(Acres) of Site
RESIDENTIAL
Single Family Lots' 79 38.6 91.6%
STREETS
Interior Private Streets N/A 3.6 8,5%
TOTAL 79 42.2 100.0%
_ 1. In addition to building pads, lots contain (a) 6.3 acres of perimeter landscaping along Tram Way,W. Racquet Club
and eastern property boundary (i.e. renaturalized slopes, retention basins and public walkway system) and (b) 4.3
acres of renaturalized manufactured slopes between lots and along the west property boundary. The project will also
install landscaping within the ROW of West Racquet Club Drive and Tram Way that is not reflected in these acreages.
---------------
September27, 2004 Page 15
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-- New Offsite Sewer Line
BOASTER
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"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY 0 100 200 Sao N
DePalatis Associates EXHIBIT 7
PLANNING&ENVIRONMENTAL SERNCES
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo'(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
SITE GRADING £t ROCK CRUSHING
The project would require grading of the property to create building pads for home sites.
Manufactured 2:1 or flatter (ratio of width to height) slopes and retaining walls (2-5 feet
high) between the lots would allow the site to step down from the higher elevations on the
west to the lower elevations on the east. The grading design would create an approximately
16 foot to 20 foot high fill slope outward facing at the eastern edge of the property that
would be contour graded and renaturalized with desert landscaping and native boulders.
Approximately 225,000 cubic yards of earthwork are proposed. Cut and fill would be
balanced onsite and no import or export soil is proposed.
Due to the large numbers of boulders on-site, rock crushing is proposed as part of site
grading operations. As shown on Exhibit 8, the crushing plant would occupy an area of
about 150 feet by 600 feet plus stockpile areas. The plant would be situated in the extreme
northwestern corner of the project along Tram Way, approximately 800 feet from the nearest
residence on the east and 1,000 feet from the nearest residence on the south. Crushing and
grading operations would last between eight to nine and a half months and would be
conducted during daytime hours in compliance with the City's Noise Ordinance.
CIRCULATION SYSTEM
Vehicular Circulation
Regional access to the area is provided by State Highway 111/North Palm Canyon Drive
(Major Thoroughfare on City General Plan), which enters Palm Springs from the North
approximately one quarter mile east of the project site. Public roads providing local access
to the site include West Racquet Club Drive (Secondary Thoroughfare on City General Plan)
and Vista Grande Avenue (local street). Abutting the project's northern boundary is Tram
Way (Major Thoroughfare on City General Plan), a semi-gated private road providing access
to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
As shown on Exhibit 5, the proposed interior circulation system is designed as two separate,
unconnected road systems, each with its own primary entry and a gated secondary
emergency access. One road system serves the higher, westerly third of the site while the
other serves the lower, easterly two thirds of the site. All interior streets will be privately
maintained by the project Homeowners Association.
Primary project access from each area is provided by an ungated entry located on West
Racquet,Club Road (along the southern boundary of the project site). Because shopping,
employment and other key destinations occur within central Palm Springs to the east,
residential vehicle movements at these two entries will tend to be right turns into the project
and left turns out. Two emergency access roads are also proposed, one connecting to Vista
Grande Avenue and one to Tram Way. These entries would be permanently gated with a
Knox Box for use by emergency vehicles only. Typical street sections are shown on Exhibit
9a and 9b.
Pedestrian Access
The project proposes pedestrian circulation for residents and the public via a looped system
of walkways around and through the project. These walkways would parallel the rights-of-
way for Tram Way Road and West Racquet Club Drive with north-south connections at the
September27, 2004 Page is
NOTE: y/`�� Legend
A temporary barrier or non-continuous operation 6x�;� � � /�-, i_"`1 ''
of the crushing plant will be implemented until
adequate berm height has been achieved. Crushing Plant
Noise Berm of Crushed Rock
uncrushed Boulder Stock Pile
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"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY 0 100 zoo 300 N
DePalatis Associates
PLANNING&ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES EXHIBIT 8
EAiSTING(NO IMPROVlI/CNTS) PROJECT SIDE
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PUBLIC
NATURAL (NPROVENENTS or OTHERS PROACT SDE
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("EXISTING")
(NO IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED) -
PUBLIC
Typical Street Sections
"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY NOTTOSCALE
DePalatis Associates EXHIBIT 9a
RLANNING&ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
S R/W
78' N FEW
12 54'
12'
14' 20' 20' 5•
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PROJECT ENTRIES
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14' 14'
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WEDGE 6'
CURB WEDGE
CURB
INTERIOR STREETS
PRIVATE(with public access)
Note:The westerly north-south street may be wider to
accommodate storm drain line 2 as required by RCFC
To BE IMPROVED Dr PROJECT I EXISnAO IM/ROVEMENTS
PROJECT
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("EXISTING-)
PUBLIC
Typical Street Sections
"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY NOT TO SCALE
DePalatis Associates EXHIBIT 9b
P.NN/NG&ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initiai study
eastern and western ends of the project, thus forming a loop. The walkway system would
allow public access from neighborhoods south and east of the project to Tram Way, which
has traditionally served as a hiking and jogging route for area residents and would allow for
possible future connection to the Palm Springs Visitors center at Tram Way and Highway
111. Three rest stations with benches would be provided at intervals along the walkway.
The walkway system is shown in Figure 10.
The project will also construct connections to the walkway system from interior streets at
numerous cul-de-sac bulbs and entries. No sidewalks are proposed along local streets in
keeping with the character of surrounding neighborhoods. Instead, residents would utilize
the interior private street system for pedestrian circulation within the project but could easily
access the perimeter walkway system from any location within the project at the provided
connections.
INFRASTRUCTURE
In addition to the circulation system discussed above, the proposed project includes the
infrastructure needed for storm drainage, sewer, water, and utilities (electric, gas, phone,
cable, etc.). Planned sewer, water and storm drain facilities are shown.on Exhibit 6.
Sewer
Sewer service will be provided by the City of Palm Springs. The project proposes 8-inch
sewer lines within private streets to collect waste water from the homes on site. Public
utility easements would be granted over sewer lines within the project to provide the City
with access and maintenance rights over their lines. The project would then gravity flow to
existing sewer lines in West Racquet Club Road and Vista Grande Avenue. As shown in
Exhibit 7, offsite sewer improvements would include approximately 2,350 feet of new sewer
line within West Racquet Club Drive extending from Girasol Avenue along the length of the
project to the western property boundary.
Water
Water service would be provided by Desert Water (DW). The project proposes 8-inch water
lines within private streets to deliver water to the homes on site. Public utility easements
would be granted over water lines within the project to provide DW with access and
maintenance rights over their lines. Water for the proposed project would be provided via
connection to DW's Chino Reservoir located approximately 1,200 feet to the south. As
shown in Exhibit 7, offsite improvements would include a water line extension within Milo
Street along with enhancements to the booster station.
Storm Drain
Storm water from the project site would drain via surface flow in streets to catch basins
where it would be conveyed via underground piping to a series of five retention basins that
have been incorporated into the project design. Three basins are located adjacent to Tram
Way along the northwest project boundary, a fourth is located adjacent to Vista "Grande
Avenue along the northeast project boundary and a fifth is sited at the project's southeast
corner. The depth of onsite retention basins would vary, up to fifteen feet and would be
designed to handle storm water from a 100-year storm. In combination, these five basins
would provide for storage capacity of about 4.7 acre/feet. In addition, the City's Sewer
September 27, 2004 Page 22
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo"C17M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial study
Master Plan shows that Master Storm Drain Line 2 is planned along the project's western
boundary to serve properties to the west. The project contains a 25-foot wide drainage
easement and a 12-foot wide construction easement along the western boundary, which
were reserved for the purpose of constructing and maintaining this portion of the line. The
Crescendo project proposes to realign the easement to coincide with the northernmost east-
west street and construct this segment of the master storm drain line passing within the
project, concurrent with its in-tract infrastructure. Should the City and/or the Riverside
County Flood Control District (RCFCD) determine that the construction of Line 2 should be
deferred to a future time, the existing easements across the property will remain of record
and a covenant will be recorded against those lots within the development, which the City
determines will be impacted by the future construction of Line 2 by others.
Natural Gas
Natural gas proposed to serve the project would be provided by Southern California Gas.
Natural gas lines are adjacent to the property boundary along Vista Grande Avenue and at
West Racquet Club and Janis Drive. Natural gas would be extended from these connection
points to each lot via the interior street system.
Dry Utilities
Dry utility facilities proposed to serve the project would be provided by the utility service
providers (Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, General Telephone Company
and Time-Warner Cable) in accordance with service application agreements to be obtained
by the developer. Proposed utility facilities would be constructed underground. No
additional offsite construction is required since electric, telephone and cable are available at
the property boundary.
LANDSCAPE CONCEPT/PERIMETER WALLS
Landscape Concept
The conceptual landscape plan is shown on Exhibit 10. The primary project entries would
feature stone wall treatments with heavy timber accents, entry towers and water bowls set
on stone plinths. Landscape materials at the entry would include the use of palms, agava,
vines, and boulders. An extensive native landscape program, including desert plants and the
reuse of native boulders would be employed along perimeter street frontages and on
manufactured slopes to create a more natural appearing slope. The use of exotic plant
materials would be specifically prohibited within 100 feet of natural desert areas along the
project's western boundary.
Major slopes would be landscaped with desert plant materials, trees and boulders. Native
boulders would be collected during grading operations and reinstalled on man-made slopes
and in landscape areas to replicate the look of the native terrain. Slopes lying within private
lots would be maintained by the private property owner while those facing outward at the
project periphery would be maintained by the HOA. Walls and fences would be constructed
by the builder to assure architectural compatibility in design and materials. Landscape cross
sections are shown in Exhibits 11 a and 11 b.
September 27, 2004
Page 23
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"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY NOTTOSCALE N
CbDePalatiVI Associates EXHIBIT 10
PLANK/NG&ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
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Conceptual Landscape Site Sections
"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY NOT TO SCALE
DePalatis AssociatesCb EXHIBIT 11 a
PLANNING&ENV/RONMENML SERVICES
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CROSS SECTION H - H CROSS SECTION 14
Conceptual Landscape Site Sections NOTTOSCAIE
'CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY
CbDePalatis Associates EXHIBIT 11 b
PLANNING&ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TIM 31766), Case No. 5-09g6-PD-294 Initial Study
Walls and Entries
The proposed project was originally proposed as an enclosed, secured community with two
primary gated entries (one each for the upper and lower areas) from West Racquet Club
Drive and two gated emergency accesses, one to the north on Tram Way and one to the
east onto Vista Grande Avenue. After meeting with adjacent homeowners, however, the
applicant agreed to remove the entry gates on West Racquet Club Drive to allow public
access to the project. In addition, the applicant also agreed to remove a proposed perimeter
wall to integrate with surrounding neighborhoods. The project would continue to use a
combination of six-foot-high, slump stone masonry wall and tubular steel view fencing
around private yard areas.
ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
The architectural concept for the project proposes 79 one and two story single family
residential buildings with a maximum height of about 20 feet for single story homes _
andabout 26 feet for two story homes. The second story elements proposed are relatively
small, being limited to no more than 500 square feet. Only single story units would be
placed on lots adjoining the eastern property boundary. Interior living and garage area on the
ground floor would average about 3,400 square feet with covered patios, entry porticos,
optional guest suites and optional second story elements providing additional indoor and
outdoor living area. Three basic floor plans would be offered with a range of exterior
elevations and options including larger garages, guest suites and second story living areas.
3.3 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION/PHASING
It is expected that grading would begin in early 2005, and would last approximately eight to
nine and a half months (preparing site for home construction). It is anticipated that the
project developer would also be the home builder. Home construction would occur in five
phases over approximately three years, subject to market conditions. The project site is
sloping and would result in approximately 225,000 cubic yards of earth work to implement
the tract design and related infrastructure. Rock crushing would allow use of boulder
materials in manufactured fills such that cut and fill would be balanced onsite and there
would be no need to import or export soil. Construction staging would occur onsite.
3.4 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
A Homeowners Association (HOA) would be established for the project. It is anticipated that
the following features of the project would be maintained by the HOA established under,
and subject to, current state laws: private streets, retention basins and exterior facing slopes
and landscaping. The City Attorney and Director of Planning Services will review the
proposed HOA CC&Rs (covenants, codes, and restrictions) for adequacy and completeness.
The CCBRs will outline the responsibilities of the HOA.
September 27, 2004
Page 27
City of Palm Springs Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
SECTION 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
This section includes the City of Palm Springs environmental checklist with a discussion of
each checklist item. At the end of each topic, project mitigations are discussed including: (a)
self-mitigating design features of the project, (b) standard City Conditions of Approval and
Regulations implemented during mandatory City, State and Federal development review and
permitting processes and, (c) if mitigation is required beyond the first two components,
special mitigation measures intended to mitigate impacts to a less than significant level or
reduce them to the maximum extent feasible.
Potentially
Pofentia//y Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
/mp.c[ /ncoroorated /fit /
1. AESTHETICS
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
vista? (Source 1)
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
or quality of the site and its surroundings?
(Source 1)
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area? (Source 3)
IMPACT ANALYSIS
1.a. Effect on Scenic Vistas
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
The City's general plan identifies all Major Thoroughfares as scenic corridors
(Policy 5.24.7, see also section 9.b). The project site is located near North Palm
Canyon Drive (Highway 111) and adjacent to Tram Way, both designated on the
General Plan as Major Thoroughfares and, therefore, as Scenic Corridors within
the City. Key relevant objectives and policies set forth in the General Plan
regarding Scenic Corridors include the provision of landscape enhancements and
the preservation of scenic vistas. The project does not lie adjacent to Highway
111 but does border Tram Way. Tram Way is a private semi-gated two lane
paved roadway. The project will extend residential development up to Tram Way _
and originally included a slumpstone masonry wall at the right-of-way line along
the length of Tram Way. The project did not propose any improvements within
September 27 2004 Page 28
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo^(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
the Tram Way right-of-way, but included the placement of three retention basins
along Tram Way Road to provide increased building setbacks and allow
mountain-view opportunities. After reviewing this design, the City determined
that the project should be revised to incorporate a landscaped parkway with a
minimum width of fifteen feet and an average width of twenty five feet along the
length of Tram Way. The width of the parkway will meander and incorporate the
detention basins so long as they are attractively landscaped with desert plants
and are viewable from Tram Way. If safety fencing of the basins is required, an
attractively designed view fence would be incorporated into the landscape design.
In addition, homes placed near Tram Way will be oriented with random spacing,
angled orientations and increased setbacks to avoid a regimented and uniform
appearance.
In addition to scenic vistas along major roadways, the City's General Plan also
encourages the reasonable preservation of scenic views from adjoining properties
(Policy 3.3.3, see also Section 9.b). The project's visual effect on adjacent
properties is described as follows:
EXISTING CONDITIONS IN ADJACENT NEIGHBORHOODS
Southern Neighborhood
An aerial view and photo index of the neighborhood to the south is shown in
Exhibit 12a and photos of representative homes in Exhibits 12b and 12c. This
neighborhood is located on sloping land similar to the project site and is
characterized predominantly by one story, single family residences on uni-level
building pads (see photos 1, 2 and 3). Lots take access from double-loaded
streets and tiers of lots are separated by intervening man-made slopes. Homes
with longer, steeper driveways are present (see photo 4) and some use
substantial retaining walls to create a yard area (see photo 5). A few exhibit true
split level construction with "stepped foundations" (see photo 6). Upward
oriented mountain views to the east and downward oriented valley/city views to
the southwest predominate in this neighborhood. The street pattern runs in a
north-south direction and homes are generally designed with window placement
to take advantage of city views to the southwest, away from the project site. As
shown in photos 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, uphill homes in this neighborhood tend to
restrict mountain views (to a greater or lesser degree) from downhill homes.
Neighborhood character is eclectic as lots were sold and homes constructed
incrementally by individual builders. The project site lies north of this area and is
separated by West Racquet Club Drive (88 foot wide right-of-way).
Eastern Neighborhood
An aerial view and photo index of the neighborhood to the east is shown in
Exhibit 12a and photos of representative homes in Exhibits 12d and 12e. The
neighborhood to the east is located on somewhat flatter land and is characterized
almost exclusively by one story, single family residences on uni-level building
pads (see photos 9, 10, 11 and 12). Lots take access from double-loaded streets
September 27, 2004
Page 29
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(77-M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Exhibit 12f-View of Site from Adjacent Neighborhoods
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September 27, 2004
Page 35
i
i City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 initial Study
1 and tiers of lots are separated by intervening man-made slopes, which becomes
more pronounced in the western portions of the subdivision. The street pattern
runs generally in a north-south direction and, as shown in photos 9, 10, 13 and
15. uphill homes in this neighborhood tend to restrict mountain views (to a
greater or lesser degree) from the lower tier of existing homes. Neighborhood
character is eclectic since lots were sold and homes constructed incrementally by
individual builders. Upward oriented mountain views to the west predominate in
this neighborhood. The project site lies immediately west and uphill from this
area.
Views of the project site from each adjacent neighborhood are shown in Exhibit
i
12f, photos 16 and 17.
VISUAL IMPACTS ON ADJACENT NEIGHBORHOODS
Southern Neighborhood
".3
The project proposes building pads on the north side of West Racquet Club that
are approximately at grade (within 5 feet) of existing residences on the south side
of West Racquet Club Drive opposite the project. These homes are designed with
window orientation to the southeast to take advantage of City views of Palm
i Springs. Because the project does not lie between this neighborhood and either
the mountains or the valley, the project would not interfere substantially with the
primary views from this neighborhood. The project also employs a grading
approach similar to that used in constructing this neighborhood consisting of uni-
level building pads on double loaded, north-south oriented streets. Therefore, the
project continues the development pattern already established in this
neighborhood.
Eastern Neighborhood
i
On the east, nine existing homes are sited nearest to the project. Four of these
are located about 50-55 feet away from the project boundary across Vista Grande
:1
Avenue with front yards facing the project. Five others are located about 5-1 O feet
away from the project boundary and oriented with side or rear yards facing the
project. Proposed building pads are approximately 16 to 20 feet above the
elevation of these existing residences but are separated by an intervening slope a
horizontal distance of 80 to 100 feet from the property line. The project design
responds to this condition by placing a view fence at the top of slope, which will
minimize view blockage beyond that created by the slope itself. In addition, the
slope will be contour graded and re-naturalized with desert plants and boulders
to recreate the appearance of a native desert slope. The effect of the slope will be
similar to lots interior to the project, which will be sited adjacent to a re-
naturalized landscaped slope of similar height.
In addition to the slope itself, new residences atop the slope would have
additional potential for view restriction. In response to this, the design places
only seven residential lots along the western boundary. These lots are oversized
with large setbacks and buildings are oriented with significant gaps in spacing so
September27, 2004 Page 36
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(7TM 31766). Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
that westward oriented mountain view op
portunities (view corridors) are created
between the buildings. Only single story residential structures will be allowed on
the seven proposed homes nearest to the eastern property line.
Despite these design features, implementation of any project on this site
(including the proposed project) will alter views from the nearest existing lots
facing the property that currently have an unimpaired uphill view of the
mountains across the site. From these homes, distant views of the existing
mountains would be replaced by near views of landscaped slopes, mid-range
upward views of residential buildings and distant upward mountaintop views at
gaps between and over, the proposed new homes. In considering this effect, it
should be noted that the subject property is located uphill from these existing
homes, that it lies between them and the mountains and that the City's General
Plan calls for residential development on the project site. This combination will
inevitably result in the restriction of mountain views from nearby homes to the
east by this or some other project as presently occurs within the existing
neighborhood itself.
To illustrate this effect further, if the property were developed with homes at
grade along Vista Grande Avenue, views from existing homes to the east would
still be affected. Assuming lots that were 20,000 square feet in size and 120 feet
wide, approximately twelve homes could be constructed along the western
boundary. The existing ground slopes upward from the road and the building pad
for a new home would likely be elevated 2-3 feet above the street at its nearest
point with a split level foundation that could add another 3-4 feet at the rear of
the house. These pad elevations combined with a 16-18 foot high building would
result in structure heights that would range from 18-25 feet above the road,
situated 20 to 25 feet from the property boundary and spaced about 20 feet apart
(assuming 10 foot side yards). This alternative would have a greater visual effect
on existing mountain views to the west but, in addition, would create a much
less private and much more urban interface with existing residences. Rather than
facing a slope with natural desert landscaping as proposed by the project,
existing residences to the west would directly face the front or rear yards of
twelve homes, 18-25 feet high, spaced uniformly along the property line.
A comparative cross section analysis is shown in Figures 15 through 19. The
cross sections represent views from existing homes to the east. Section locations
are shown in Figure 13. Figures 14a-14d each provide two comparative cross
sections, the first depicting the angle of mountain view restriction caused by the
project and the second depicting a view restriction comparison with a
hypothetical project alternative that eliminates the slope and replaces it with
homes at grade backing or fronting the property line. The analysis indicates that,
i
in each instance, designing buildings at grade but closer to the property line
would result in a somewhat greater restriction of mountain views than the
project. In particular, Section A (Figure 14a) shows that an observer's view of the
mountains would be blocked by the alternative project up to an angle of 13.3
degrees from horizontal while the project would only block views up to 8.5
degrees from horizontal. Section B (Figure 14b) shows that an observer's view of
September 27, 2004
Page 37
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"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY NOT TO SCALE
Cb DePala is Associates
TAL i
EXHIBIT 14a
VIEW ANGLES
SIGHMNE'A' ANGLE 9.8'
SCENARIO ONE
SICHTIINE AT TOP OF SLOPE
SIGHTL'NO'SOMA ANGLE 9.i'
SICHiIINEA RFSIDAICE -
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SCENARIO ONE KPROPOSED PROJECT) fi
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ENDO" (TTM 3'1766) INITIAL STUDY NOT TO SCALE
ePala Nis Associates TAL
EXHIBIT 14b
VIEW ANGLES
SIGHTLINE'A' ANGLE 11Y
A 5F NE TTOP OF SLOYc
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FSection C-C View Restriction Analysis
"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY
NOT TO SCALE
DePalaEiso AssoMENTAL ciates
EXHIBIT 1
4c
VIEW ANGLES
SIGHTLINE'A' ANCLE 1Z5'
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SICJ{ILINE ATTOr OF 5M1E
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DO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY Norrosc LE
o ENVIRONMENTAL
EXHIBIT 14d
City of Palm Springs Crescendo"lT M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
the mountains would be blocked by the alternative project up to an angle of 12.5
degrees from horizontal while the project would only block views up to 9.8
degrees from horizontal. Section C (Figure 14c) shows that an observer's view of
the mountains would be blocked by the alternative project up to an angle of 19.1
degrees from horizontal while the project would only block views between 11.3
and 17.1 degrees from horizontal. Section D (Figure 14d) shows that an
observer's view of the mountains would be blocked by the alternative project up
to an angle of 21.8 degrees from horizontal while the project would only block
views between 12.5 and 13.4 degrees from horizontal.
In summary, the cross section analysis indicates that development of the property
as proposed with homes built higher but set back further atop an intervening
slope would result in a comparable or slightly reduced level of mountain view
restriction as having homes built at grade with standard setbacks from the
eastern property line.
' I
For these reasons, the design proposed by the project, along with standard
conditions and regulations, are considered a reasonable design response to views
from neighboring residences and visual impacts on adjacent homes are
considered mitigated by project design features to a level of less than significant.
1.b Damage to On-site Scenic Resources
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The project site is vacant and lies on the Chino Cone, a boulder strewn alluvial fan
that slopes
p generally from west to east. Distinctive physical features, including
large, signature rock outcroppings or mature trees, are not present. The nearest
State Scenic Highway, State Route 62, lies about 3.5 miles to the northwest and
runs north from the Interstate 10 Freeway to the Riverside County line.
Consequently, the project does not lie near a State Scenic Highway.
On-site vegetation and soils are common to the Coachella Valley and the project is
surrounded on three sides by manmade structures (residences and roadways).
Consequently, while the project will entirely remove the existing desert landscape
from the site, this landscape is not currently in a pristine location and is visually
influenced by both the manmade environment (surrounding homes) as well as the
natural environment (adjacent desert land). Since the project lies at the interface
where the manmade and natural environments meet, it seeks to integrate them
both in its design approach. To accomplish this, the project proposes the
extensive use of native boulders and desert plant materials throughout the
project, especially at key locations where the site is exposed to public view,
including the streetscapes for Tram Way and West Racquet Club Drive as well as
the manmade slope along the eastern property boundary. The project will use
undulating terrain, variable slopes, contour grading, native boulders, and desert
landscape materials at these key locations to provide a strong visual sense that
the project is related to and blends with the surrounding desert landscape.
September27, 2004
Page 43
I
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo-(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
For these reasons, project implementation with the design features discussed
above will result in less than significant impacts to on-site scenic resources and
no additional mitigation is required.
I
1.c Degrade Visual Character of the Site or Surroundings
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
As discussed under the previous topic, the project site is located on the Chino
Cone at the interface between the manmade and natural environments. It would
replace the existing native landscape containing desert vegetation, boulders and
cactus with residential homes. Although the site contains native desert land, its
visual character is .not pristine, being influenced on two sides by proximity to
single family residences and on the third by Tram Way. Adjacent neighborhoods
were built as un-walled, un-gated communities with public street access and
individually designed homes constructed on uni-level foundations (see Exhibits
12a-12e).
The project was originally proposed as a walled, gated community with private
street access for residents only. In response to neighborhood requests, the
applicant agreed to remove entry gates on West Racquet Club Drive and to
eliminate a continuous perimeter wall in order to better integrate with the existing
community character as perceived by surrounding residents. The project would
introduce an upscale residential neighborhood characterized by a cohesive design
theme and landscape enhancements along adjacent streets, at project entries and
on exterior facing slopes. The project is required to submit a Final Planned
' Development that will ensure review of final architecture and landscape
architecture at the construction level to ensure quality of architectural design and
inclusion of desert plantings and boulders in landscaping.
Offsite improvements include the installation of a new water line in Milo Drive.
i Because this line would be installed underground within an existing street, the
visual impact of offsite improvements would be negligible.
Because the native landscape is already visually influenced by adjacent urban
development and because the project will meet a high standard of architectural
design and employs an extensive desert landscape theme, project implementation
will not substantially degrade the visual character of the site or its surroundings
and no additional mitigation is required. Also, see the discussion under preceding
topics 1.a and 1.b.
-� 1.d Create Substantial Light and Glare
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
The proposed project has the potential to create new sources of light and glare
that could adversely affect adjacent residences and roadways as well as night sky
visibility due to the operation of single family homes and street lights. Standard
Conditions Et Regulations require on-site lighting to comply with applicable
provisions of the zoning code, including limiting light and glare to avoid any spill
over of light or glare onto surrounding properties or create a nuisance to vehicular
i
September 27 2004 Page 44
i
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
traffic. The zoning code also requires directing light downward to reduce ambient
light and maintain night sky visibility.
Relevant General Plan policies include:
Policy 4.4.e requires that hillside development use low lighting levels to avoid
glare and to comply with Palomar Observatory night lighting requirements.
Standard conditions requiring preparation of a lighting plan in compliance with
the City's Outdoor Lighting Ordinance ensure that the project will achieve these
j requirements. Therefore, the project is consistent with this policy.
Policy 5.20.4 requires that street lighting be limited to that necessary for safety
and that lighting intensity should be considered in relation to street classification,
surrounding land uses and traffic volumes. Standard conditions requiring
preparation of a lighting plan in compliance with the City's Outdoor Lighting
Ordinance ensure that the project will achieve these requirements. Therefore, the
project is consistent with this policy.
For these reasons, project implementation will result in less than significant
impacts due to light and glare and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - AESTHETICS
Project Design Features
PD 1-1 The project includes landscaping enhancements within the project
and along adjacent streets and slopes.
PD 1-2 The project includes a coordinated community theme for architecture
and landscape design.
PD 1-3 The project includes open public entries and walls are limited to
private yard areas, without a continuous perimeter wall to encourage
integration and continuity with adjacent neighborhoods.
i
PD 1-4 The project incorporates view corridors as reflected on the Site Plan
to maximize mountain view opportunities for existing homes along
the eastern property boundary. The following techniques are
employed to achieve view corridors:
a. placing larger lots with increased setbacks along the eastern
boundary;
j b. allowing only seven lots to abut the eastern boundary with
increased and varied separations between buildings;
c. siting homes at oblique angles to the eastern boundary;
d, placing tubular steel, wrought iron or similar view fences at the
top of slopes along the eastern boundary;
September 27, 2004 Page 45
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
fe. locating detention basins along the eastern boundary for
increased open space and setbacks.
PD 1-5 The project will re-naturalize the manufactured slopes created by the
project (including the outward facing slope along the eastern
property boundary) with native desert plantings and boulders to
create slopes with a natural appearance as an attractive amenity for
residents and neighboring homeowners.
I PD 1-6 The project will incorporate contour grading (using variable slope
gradients rather than a uniform 2:1 slope) along the outward facing
slope at the eastern property boundary to replicate a more natural
appearing slope face. Contour grading techniques will also be applied
on interior slopes where practical.
PD 1-7 The total number of residential lots on the project shall be reduced to
79 to allow increased buffers along the project perimeter and 100'
minimum lot widths.
i
Standard Conditions £r Regulations
SC 1-1 A Final Planned Development District (including architectural and
landscape architectural plans) shall be submitted for review and
approval by the Planning Commission.
SC 1-2 An exterior lighting plan in accordance with Zoning Ordinance
Section 93.21.00. Outdoor Lighting Standards, shall be submitted for
review and approval by the Director of Planning Services prior to the
issuance of building permits. Manufacturer's cut sheets of all exterior
lighting on the building and in the landscaping shall be submitted for
approval prior to issuance of a building permit. If lights are proposed
to be mounted on buildings, down-lights shall be utilized. No lighting
of the hillside is permitted.
") Mitigation Measures
i
MM 1-1 The final map shall include a variable width easement or common-
interest lot for an enhanced landscape parkway adjacent to Tram
i Way. The landscape
p parkway enhancement shall be a minimum of
15-feet and an average of 25-feet wide as measured from property
line in addition to landscape of Tram Way private road parkway area.
The on-site parkway enhancement area may incorporate proposed
detention basins so long as they are attractively landscaped with
desert plant materials to complement the parkway design treatment
and are viewable from Tram Way. If safety fencing of the basins is
required, an attractively designed view fence shall be incorporated
into the landscape design.
MM 1-2 Design of the landscape buffer along Tram Way, the manufactured
slope along the east property fine and the public walkway system
shall be subject to review and approval by the City's Design Review
September 27 2004 Page 46
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Committee. Native boulders and
plant
be Used
extensively in the landscape designte eflectathe srocky, desert
landscape currently on the site.
MM 1-3 Only single story residential structures (maximum 18 feet high) shall
be allowed on those lots abutting the eastern project boundary.
After application of Project Design Features, Standard Conditions S- Regulations,
and mitigation measures outlined above, impacts -to aesthetics are considered
mitigated to a level of less than significant.
i Potentia//y
Potentia//y Significant Less Than
Significant un/ess Mitigation Significant No
2. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES: /�`-t /n�11 d /mn2ft /m�a�`
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or ❑
° ❑ ■
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland),
as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of
the California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural ❑
° ❑ ■
use or a Williamson Act contract?
c) Involve other changes in the existing environ- ❑
° ° ■
ment which, due to their location or nature,
could result in conversion of Farmland to non-
agricultural use?
IMPACT ANALYSIS
2.a Convert Prime, Unique, or Important Farmland to Non Agricultural Uses
NO IMPACT.
There are no significant agricultural resources (Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland
I
or Farmland of Statewide Importance) on site or in the immediate vicinity of the
site. The project site has not been previously used for agricultural purposes.
Therefore, implementation of the project would not result in conversion of
agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. For these reasons, project
implementation will result in no impact on Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or
Farmland of Statewide Importance and no mitigation is required.
September 27. 2004
Page 47
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-o996-PO-294 Initial Study
{
2.b Conflict with Agricultural Use or a Williamson Act Contract
NO IMPACT.
i
There are no lands under Williamson Act contract on site or in the immediate
vicinity of the site, nor has the project site been previously used for agricultural
Purposes. Therefore, implementation of the project would not result in a conflict
with agricultural use or a Williamson Act Contract. For these reasons, project
implementation will result in no impact tb lands under Williamson Act contract
and no mitigation is required.
1
2.c Cause Other Changes Resulting in the Conversion ofAgriculture to Urban Uses
} NO IMPACT.
There are no significant agricultural resources, lands under Williamson Act
contract or existing agricultural operations on site or in the immediate vicinity of
the site. Therefore, any environment changes caused by the project would have
no effect upon agricultural resources since none are present. For these reasons,
j project implementation will result in the conversion of agricultural land to urban
' uses and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM -AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
j Project Design Features
f There are no special design features related to agricultural resources.
Standard Conditions ff Regulations
I
There are no Standard Conditions 8& Regulations related to agricultural resources.
Mitigation Measures
iThe project will not have a significant impact on agricultural resources and no
additional mitigation is required.
i
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
1inPact /ncoreorated tin", /fit
3. AIR QUALITY
Would the project:
i
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
the applicable air quality plan? (Source 19)
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute ❑ ❑ ❑
to an existing or projected air quality violation?
(Source 19)
i
September 27. 2004
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City Palm of Springs
"'Crescendo"(77M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
i
I
I
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
increase of any criteria pollutant for which
the project region is non-attainment under
an applicable federal or state ambient air _
quality standard (including releasing emissions
which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)? (Source 19)
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
pollutant concentrations? (Source 19)
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
number of people?
IMPACT ANALYSIS
The following discussion is based on an Air Quality Analysis prepared for the
project by Giroux and Associates dated June 14, 2004.
The proposed project site is located in the Coachella Valley Planning Area of the
Salton Sea Air Basin. The Coachella Valley is a desert region characterized by hot,
dry summers and relatively mild winters. Rainfall is scant in all seasons with an
average annual precipitation ranging from 2 to 6 inches per year. Seasonal
average monthly temperatures range from 80OF to 108OF in July and from 40OF to
570F in January.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) were originally established by the
Federal Government in 1971 for six pollution categories with states retaining the
option to add other pollutants, require more stringent compliance, or to include
different exposure periods. These standards establish the levels of ambient air
quality considered safe, including an adequate margin of safety, to protect the
public health and welfare. Air basins where ambient air quality standards are
exceeded are called "non-attainment" areas under the federal Clean Air Act. The
Coachella Valley is considered a "nonattainment area" for ozone and particulate
matter (PM-10) being further classified as a "severe' non-attainment area for
ozone and a "serious" non-attainment area for PM10.
The 1977 Amendments to the Federal Clean Air Act require that designated
j agencies in any area of the nation not meeting national clean air standards must
prepare a plan demonstrating the steps necessary to bring the area into
compliance with all national standards. In 2003, such a plan was approved by
the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Coachella Valley. The
2003 valley-wide implementation plan sets various attainment dates to achieve
federal standards including a deadline of 2006 for particulate matter and 2010 for
ozone. Progress toward achieving State standards is required on a continuing
basis with an attainment target of 2010 for all standards that have not been met
before then.
i
September27, 2004 Page 49
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo'(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
1, 3.a Conflict with or Obstruct Applicable Air Quality Plan
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The 2003 Coachella Valley State Implementation Plan is the governing air quality
plan in the project vicinity. Residential development, such as that proposed by
the Crescendo project, does not directly relate to the air quality management plan
in that the plan contains no specific air quality programs or regulations governing
general or residential development. Therefore, the primary yardstick for
determining whether or not a development is consistent with the air quality plan
relates to its consistency with adopted population, housing, employment and
land-use forecasts in use by the AQMD. Since City and County General Plans
I serve as the basis for the air quality plan, a project which is consistent with the
applicable General Plan land use and density/intensity standards would also be
considered consistent with the Air Quality Plan. The project is also required to
implement all feasible air quality mitigation measures identified in the "final EIR
for the Palm Springs General Plan Update". For these reasons, project
implementation is found to be consistent with local air quality plan and no
additional mitigation is required.
I 3.b Violate Air Quality Standard or Contribute to Air Quality Violation
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
i
Long Term Operational Air Quality Impacts
I
Long term operational air quality impacts resulting from the project would be
confined to vehicle emissions and daily use of household chemicals. The 79 unit
project will create around 1,000 trips per day. The regional air emissions from
project-related traffic are well below significance thresholds. The regional
emissions were calculated using the California Air Resources Board
1
URBEMIS2002 computer model and the results shown in Table 4 below.
Maximum daily emissions from project traffic, plus minor "area source" emissions
such as personal care or cleaning products, paints, and solvents, natural gas
combustion, etc., are no more than 25 percent of the significance threshold. For
this reason, long term project emissions are considered less than significant. The
air quality report prepared for the project concludes that the project's contribution
to "regional emissions have been included in regional growth projections for the
Coachella Valley, and are individually less-than-significant':
Table 4
jProject-Related Long Term Operational Emissions (lb/day)
•G :NOx C61 •
On-Road Vehicles 10.8 12.1 135.5 0.1 10.4
"Area Sources' 4.4 1.1 1.5 0.1 0.0
TOTAL 15.2 13.2 137.0 0.2 10.4
Significance Threshold 75 100 550 150 150
Percent of Thresholds 20 13 25 <1 7
September 27,2004 Page 50
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
I
i
Short Term Construction Air Quality Impacts
Short term air quality impacts would be attributable to site construction activities
including the exhaust emissions from construction equipment and the generation
of fugitive dust during site grading and rock crushing operations. Air quality
modeling done for the project indicates that the maximum simultaneous project
disturbance size will be 4.2 acres. Emissions of particulates (PM-10) from
construction activity soil disturbance were evaluated using factors in the
SCAQMD CEQA Handbook. Fugitive dust particulate matter is calculated as
follows with the use of minimum dust control:
PM-1 O = 4.2 acres X 26.4 pounds/acre/day = 110.9 pound/day
Even with only minimum (once-daily watering) dust control and with maximum
..i daily simultaneous disturbance, the daily PM-10 significance threshold of
150 pounds per day will not be exceeded. However, the City of Palm Springs has
adopted a fugitive dust ordinance that requires use of best available control
measures (BACMs) for all construction projects. With mandatory use of BACMs,
the accepted fugitive dust (PM-10) emissions factor is reduced from 26.4 to
10.0 pounds per acre per day (California Air Resources Board). Project-related
construction activity PM-10 emissions, would therefore be reduced to 42 pounds
per day as a worst-case condition, or 28 percent of the adopted significance
threshold of 150 pounds per day.
Crushing of rock represents an additional potential source of dust. However, the
crusher and screens are equipped with water spray systems that control dust. At
an estimated throughput of 4.000 tons/day, the SCAQMD estimates the following
"extra" PM-10 emissions from crushing of oversize boulders.
Project-Related Short Term Rock Crushing Emission
sflb/clay)
Material Transfer(2) 4,000 tons x 0.002 lb/ton 8 Ib/day
i Cone Crushers/Screens 4,000 tons x 0.01 lb/ton 40-lb/day
Jaw Crusher 4.000 tons x 0.605 Ib/ton 20 Ib/day
i
Total 68 lb/day
i
The combination of fugitive dust from site soil disturbance, (42 pounds/day) plus
_, the crushing activity (68 pounds/day) will be 110 pounds per day, or still well
below the 150 pounds per day significance threshold.
i
Exhaust emissions from typical construction equipment during site clearing and
crushing (peak emissions generation activity) were calculated using accepted
computer models. Emissions were calculated for an equipment "fleet" as follows:
Off-Road Haul Trucks (2)
Rubber-tired Dozer (1)
September 27, 2004 Page 51
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo-(TTM31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Rubber-tired Loaders (2)
Water Truck
i The computer modeling results for construction equipment emissions, plus the
other PM-10 sources, are as follows:
Table 6
Project-Related Short Term Construction Equipment Emissions(lb/day)
Equipment Rock Fugitive • •
Pollutant Exhaust Crushing Dust Total Threshold
CO 77.9 - - 93.6 550
ROG 12.2 - - 12.2 75
NOx 92.2 - - 92.2 100
SOx 0.0 - - '<0.1 150
PM-10 4.5 68.0 42.0 114.5 150
As shown, all emissions are below the adopted significance threshold, however,
the margin of safety between diesel exhaust NOx and the threshold is small.
Reasonably available control measures for exhaust emissions reduction should
therefore be implemented.
As compared to crushing operations on site, if the boulders were hauled offsite
for disposal and fill were imported from another location, onsite equipment
exhaust emissions would be slightly reduced, but offsite trucking emissions
would create a very large air pollution penalty. A calculation of local and regional
air pollution generation was made using the computer model with results shown
in Table 7. At 200 loads per day, 140 days of hauling rock and fill would exceed
the daily NOx threshold (five work months). At a reduced level of trucking to
maintain a less-than-significant NOx impact, it would require over 18 months of
trucking activity. The trucking alternative is not recommended because there will
either be a significant NOx exhaust impact, or the activity must be ongoing for
18 months at a reduced level if impacts are to be maintained at less-than-
significant.
Table 7
Comparative Fill Hauling/Boulder Disposal Alternative Emissions
(Ib/day)
ROG NO O SO,
Onsite 7.4 60.4 53.8 0.0 3.0
Onroad' 11.8 112.6 83.9 1.0 3.7
Fugitive Dust - - - - 84.0
TOTAL 19.2 173.0 137.7 1.0 90.7
Significance Threshold 75 inn 550 150 750
'200 loads/day
"20 mi./load =4,000 mi./day
I Z Borrow site, and boulder disposal sites.
September27, 2004 Page 52
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City of Palm springs "Crescendo"(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
In summary, a construction program to haul boulders Off-site versus crushing
them on-site would result in significantly higher diesel exhaust NOx emissions
and moderately higher levels of fugitive dust. Specifically. NOx emissions for
hauling would .be 173 lb/day as compared to crushing, which would run off
electric power and produces no on--site diesel exhaust emissions. The NOx from
haul trucks alone (without considering on-site diesel earthmoving equipment)
would exceed the NOx significance threshold of 100 lb/day. Staying below the
NOx threshold would require fewer daily haul trips, thus extending the
construction period to 18 months as compared to the 8-9 month period that
could be accomplished with crushing
gnificance
threshold). Under a hauling scenario, fugitive dust t(PM-g1 O)ewou d below the generated
jat borrow sites where replacement soil was obtained and at disposal sites where
unusable boulders were taken. These activities are projected to result in 84 lb/day
of PM-10 as compared to 68 lb/day for crushing activities.
d
Since short term construction and long term operational emissions for the project
are below AQMD significance thresholds, and since the project is required to
prepare a PM-10 Plan per Section 8.50 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
reduce PM10 emissions, project implementation is determined to have a less than
significant impact on air quality standards.
I
3.c Cumulatively Increase Criteria Pollutant in Non Attainment Area
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
Since the 79 dwelling units proposed by the Crescendo project are consistent
with the City General Plan land use and density, they represent an increment of
growth that is planned by CVAG and the cumulative regional impact of project
growth is considered to be less-than-significant. As discussed above, the project
is also consistent with the AQMP and CVSIP. Air pollutants will be controlled to
the maximum extent practical by adherence to the goals and policies contained in
the Palm Springs General Plan along with mitigation measures described within
this document. For these reasons, the Project's cumulative air quality impacts are
considered less than significant.
I
3.d Expose Sensitive Receptors to Pollutant Concentrations
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The small number of residential units proposed by the project will not create high
pollutant concentrations and there are no sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the
project. Locally, the CO contribution of a maximum of 100 cars
local roadwa per hour on any
y is 0.2 ppm. The maximum background level in Palm Springs is 2
ppm. The most stringent one hour standard is 20
I worst-case local plus background CO levels of 2.2 ppm. The combination of
ppm will be only 11 percent of
the ambient standard. The air quality report concludes that, "the project is too
small, and background levels are too "clean"to create any micro-scale air quality
issues." For these reasons, project implementation will not have a significant
effect on air quality at any sensitive land uses and no mitigation is required.
1
September27 2004
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City of Palm Springs t ; tYCrescendo"(77'M 37766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
3.e Create Objectionable Odors
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The project proposes single family residential construction, which will cause no
long term odors. Construction machiner
y, equipment and/or vehicles may _
occasionally emit diesel exhaust odors that may be detectable by area residents
under certain wind conditions. These odors are short term in nature, would result
infrequently, if at all, and are a potential consequence of any construction on site
in conformity with the General Plan. For these reasons, odors caused by project
implementation are considered to be less than significant and no mitigation is
required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM —AIR QUALITY
Project Design Features
1 There are no special design features related to air quality.
Standard Conditions£r Regulations
SC 3-1 Prior to the issuance of grading permits, a plan to control fugitive
dust through implementation of best available control measures
(BACMs) identified in the Coachella Valley Dust Control Handbook
shall be prepared and submitted to the City of Palm Springs. The
proposed project (and mitigation plan) shall comply with the
provisions of Chapter 8.50 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code
which establishes minimum requirements for construction activities
to reduce fugitive dust and PM10 emission.
SC 3-2 Grading, hauling, and storage operations shall comply with all
applicable SCAOMD Rules and Regulations including Rule 403
insuring the clean up of construction-related dirt on approach routes
to the site. Rule 403 prohibits the release of fugitive dust emissions
from any active operation, open storage pile or disturbed surface area
beyond the property line of the emission source. Particulate matter
j on public roadways is also prohibited.
SC 3-3 Building construction shall comply with energy use guidelines in
Title 24 of the California Administrative Code.
SC 3-4 Energy efficient street lighting and parking lot lighting shall be used
per the City Lighting Ordinance to reduce emissions at the power
generation facility serving the area.
i
1
September 27 2004 Page 54
j City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(7TM 37766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Mitigation Measures
MM 3-1 Due to the small margin of safety between diesel NO, emissions and
the adopted significance threshold also requires that all reasonably
available diesel exhaust emissions be minimized.
• Any construction equipment using direct internal combustion
engines shall use a diesel fuel with a maximum of 0.05 percent
sulfur and a four-degree retard.
• Idling trucks or heavy equipment shall turn off their engines if the
expected duration of idling exceeds ten (10) minutes.
• The on-site rock crusher shall operate off of electric
delivered to the site and not from an on diesel generator.ower
MM 3-2 The recommended dust control and construction activity mitigation
plan shall include the following elements:
• Earthwork will be balanced onsite to the extent practical to
minimize truck trips for import or export of dirt.
• Adequate watering techniques shall be employed to partially
mitigate the impact of construction-related dust particulates.
Portions of the site that are undergoing surface earth moving
operations shall be watered such that a crust will be formed on
the ground surface then watered again at the end of each day.
Site watering will be performed as necessary to adequately
mitigate blowing dust.
• Any vegetative cover to be utilized onsite shall be planted as soon
as possible to reduce the disturbed area subject to wind erosion.
Irrigation systems required for these plants shall be installed as
soon as possible to maintain good ground cover and to minimize
wind erosion of the soil.
• Any construction access roads (other than temporary access
roads) shall be paved as soon as possible and cleaned after each
work day. The maximum vehicle speed on unpaved roads shall
be 15 mph.
i
• Grading operations shall be suspended during first stage ozone
episodes or when winds exceed 25 mph.
• Construction operations affecting off-site roadways shall be
scheduled by implementing traffic hours and shall minimize
obstruction of through-traffic lanes.
' September 27. 2004
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City of Palm Springs - Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Perimeter walls (if any) and landscaping shall be constructed in a
manner that assists in protecting the site from blowsand. All
walls and landscaping shall be maintained on a regular basis to
remove accumulated blowsand.
After application of the Standard Conditions £r Regulations and mitigation
measures outlined above, air quality impacts are determined to be mitigated to a
level of insignificance.
Potenda//y
Potentially Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Midg at n significant Nc
J Im act / —Io rated I�t Impact
4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
i Would the project:
:i
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly ❑ ❑ ❑
i or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special
status species in local or regional plans, policies
or regulations, or by the California Department
of Fish and Game or U.S. Wildlife Service?
(Source 4, 23, 24)
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian ❑ ❑ ❑
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California Department,of
Fish (CDFG) and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS)? (Source 4)
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally ❑ ❑ ❑
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404
i of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited
to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption
or other means? (Source 4)
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of ❑ ❑ ❑
any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites? (Source 4)
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
i protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance? (Source 1)
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted ❑ ❑ ❑
September 27, 2004 Page 56
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"'(TI-M 37766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional or state habitat conservation plan?
IMPACT ANALYSIS
The following discussion is based on a Biological Assessment and Impact
Analysis prepared for the project site by James W. Cornett Ecological Consultants
dated December 11, 2003. Although field surveys were done at a time of year
when most ephemeral plants would not be in evidence, the biological report
concluded that officially listed or sensitive plant species were not expected to
occur on the project site or in its immediate surroundings. This conclusion is
based on the biologist's 30 years of experience in performing biological studies
and field work in the Coachella Valley including similar nearby sites on the Chino
Cone where exhaustive biological studies were completed (including the 350-acre
Shadowrock project and the 160-acre Katrina Heinrich project) and no sensitive
plant species were encountered. Additionally, there were no officially listed
animal species that would not be present at this time of year. Therefore, the
report provides the necessary information for determining if significant negative
impacts would result from the development of the project.
The Palm Springs General Plan identified the potential for sensitive animal species
including the Desert Tortoise and the Palm Springs Ground Squirrel and for
sensitive plant species including the Salton Milk Vetch (rare but no special
status). These were not identified as present on site during biological surveys
prepared for the project and discussed following.
Existing Site Characterization ation -The project site slopes to the east and is covered
with large rocks and boulders interspersed with pockets of coarse sand and
gravel. Several small ravines traverse the site. No naturally occurring springs or
Permanent aquatic habitats were present nor were any blue-line streams shown
on the U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle maps. The site itself is relatively
undisturbed by human activity although it is surrounded on three sides by severe
human caused disturbances (residential homes and a paved roadway with
moderate to heavy use).
Existing Vegetative -h 'on - Sonoran creosote bush scrub was the
single dominant plant community identified on the
characteristic of this community found within the project site. Species
creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) as the dominant
boundary include the
nial
encelia (Encelia farinose), burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa)n and fdesert dlavende by r
(Hyptis emoryi). Other common perennials included the sweetbush (Bebbia
juncea), and white ratany (Krameria grayi).
Existing Wildlife Characterization - Animals on the
vicinity are characteristic of the Colorado Desert project site and surrounding
f the
Invertibrate species encountered on site included the nelo odes Sonoran
armata), harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex californicus), painted lady butterfly
(Vanessa cardui), and Southern California tarantula (APhonopelma eutylenum).
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs Crescendo'C177M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Reptile species expected to occur on site included the ground gecko ((Coleonyx
variegates), side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), western whiptail
(Cnemidorphorus tigris), chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus), desert scaly lizard
(Sceloporus magister), coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), and the common
kingsnake (Lampropelds getulus). Bird species observed on site include the rock
a
dove (Columba livia), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), yellow-rumped warbler
(Dendroica coronata), black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), house finch
(Carpodacus mexicanus), common raven (Corvus corax), and white crowned
sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Mammal species detected on site included the
California Ground squirrel (Spermophilus beeche)i), antelope ground squirrel
(Ammospermophilus leucurus), desert cottontail (Sylvifagus auduboni), desert
woodrat (Neotoma lepida), and coyote (Canis latrans).
I
4.a Direct or Indirect Impacts on Candidate, Sensitive, or Special Status Species
NO IMPACT
i
The biology report prepared for the project specifically evaluated the presence of
any plant or animal species listed by the State or Federal government as rare,
endangered or threatened along with any species being formally considered for
listing.
The project biologist consulted the primary inventories of California Rare,
Threatened, Endangered and Special Status plants and only a single plant species
that could conceivably occur on site was listed. This species was the California
Ditaxis (Ditaxis serrata var. californica), which is considered a species of concern
' by the California Native Plant Society through it has no official state or federal
status. It is said to occur between elevations of 400 to 3,000 feet within the
Creosote Scrub Community in the vicinity of the San Jacinto Mountains in
canyons and rocky hillsides. A concerted effort was made to locate this species
during site surveys but no specimens were found.
The project biologist consulted the California Department of Fish and Game's
(CDFG) Special Animals list and identified two insect species known to occur in
the Coachella Valley. They are the Coachella giant sand treader cricket
(Macrobaenetes ua/gum) and the Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket
(Stenopelmatus cahuilaensis). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has
expressed concern over a third insect species, the Casey's June beetle (Dinacoma
caseyi). None of these three species were found during site surveys. This
probably reflects a lack of suitable habitat for the sand treader and Jerusalem
j crickets since they are restricted to areas of loose, windblown sand-a habitat not
found on or near the project. Casey's June beetle has only been encountered in
the southern edge of the city, three miles to the south. In addition, the habitat for
this species consists of sandy wash soils, not the coarse sand, gravel and
boulders characteristic of soils found on the project site. None of these species
are currently listed (or are considered as candidates for listing) as threatened or
endangered by the CDFG or USFWS.
i
The project biologist consulted the primary inventories of State and Federal
Endangered, Threatened and Special Status Animals and identified five animal
i
September27, 2004 Page 53
City of Palm Springs Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 initial Study
i
species that were known to occur in the region of the project site. They include
the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizi), burrowing owl (Speotyto cucniculana),
loggerhead shrike (Lanus ludovicianus), Palm Springs ground squirrel
(Spermophilus teredcaudus chlorus), and Palm Springs Pocket Mouse
(perognathus longimembris bangsi). A concerted effort was also made to locate
each of these species and none were found on site. Specific and formal protocol
surveys do not exist for any of these species except the desert tortoise.
Therefore, the USFWS tortoise survey protocol for field work was employed by
i
walking the site at 10-foot transect intervals. Although spring is the
recommended protocol period for these surveys, evidence of presence (such as
burrows) and not direct observation of animals is the most reliable method for
determining the presence of the species. Since evidence of presence remains year
round in the dry desert environment, field surveys are valid throughout the year.
The failure to find any sign of tortoise during field surveys, coupled with the
historic lack of tortoise in the immediate region during the biologist's 30-year
experience in conducting tortoise surveys resulted in the conclusion that tortoises
do not occur on, or immediately adjacent to, the project site. In summary, no
sign of desert tortoise was found, no observation or evidence of burrowing owls
was found, no loggerhead shrikes were observed, no ground squirrels or pocket
mice were captured (although extensive trapping was conducted). It is noted,
however, that the entire site is considered potential hunting and nesting habitat
for the Loggerhead Shrike. However, because Creosote Scrub Habitat is prevalent
throughout the southwest, the elimination of this area from Creosote Scrub
Habitat is not expected to have a significant effect on the species. The report did
not identify the on site presence of the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (PBS), which
occur in the adjacent San Jacinto Mountains. Typically, PBS are found on very
i
steep, rocky slopes that provide an opportunity to escape from predators. The
project site is relatively flat and would be unsuitable as escape terrain. In the San
Jacinto Mountains, sheep tend to stay at higher elevations between 3,500 msl to
4,300 msl, as compared to the 700+ msl elevations that characterize the project
I site. The project is situated in a constrained location between Tram Way and
residential development that eliminates any potential function as a movement
corridor. It also contains no permanent water source or lambing habitat that
would attract sheep. The site lies about a half mile from the toe of the San
Jacinto Mountains adjacent, but outside, the Federally designated Critical Habitat
boundary for the PBS.
The report concludes that 'None of the plant or animal species found within the
project boundaries are officially listed by any governmental agency` The report
also concludes that, although 42 acres of creosote scrub habitat will be
eliminated, '"the Creosote scrub habitat is widespread in the Southwest and
therefore, the loss of this habitat on the project site cannot be said to constitute a
significant negative impact to the continued existence of this plant community.
For the reasons stated above, project implementation will not directly or indirectly
affect any candidate, sensitive, or special status species and no mitigation is
required.
September 27, 2004
Page 59
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l City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
4.b Impacts on Riparian Habitats or Sensitive Natural Communities
NO IMPACT
The project site contains only Sonoran Creosote Scrub Vegetative Community,
which is widespread in the Southwest. No riparian or sensitive natural
communities are present on site. For these reasons, project implementation will
jhave no adverse effect on a riparian habitat or sensitive natural community and
no mitigation is required.
4.c Impacts on Federally Protected Wetland
NO IMPACT
The project contains no naturally occurring springs or permanent aquatic
habitats. No blue-line streams shown on the U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle
maps cross the site: For these reasons, project implementation will have no
adverse effect on any federally protected wetland and no mitigation is required.
4.d Impacts on Wildlife Movement, Wildlife Corridor or Nursery Site
NO IMPACT.
i
The project site is surrounded on three sides by residential homes and a paved
I
roadway with moderate to heavy use. Because of this, the site could not function
effectively as a corridor for animal movement nor is it suitable as a nursery site
due to its proximity to human activities. For these reasons, project
implementation will have no adverse effect on wildlife movement or nursery sites
and no mitigation is required.
4.e Conflicts with Biological Protection Ordinance or Policy
NO IMPACT.
The City of Palm Springs General Plan is the primary document setting policies for
the site regarding biological resource protection. The site lies outside the critical
habitat for Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and lies outside any Conservation Area
identified on the Draft Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan
(CVMSHCP). The area is not identified as being of special biological importance
within the City General Plan. Relevant City policies include:
Policy 5.5.8 requires the use of native landscaping materials adjacent to natural
areas and prohibits the use of exotic plant materials within 100 feet of natural
areas. The project complies with these requirements.
i
Policy 5.5.9 allows the City to require a biological survey of any project if it deems
necessary. A biology report was prepared for this project.
For these reasons, project implementation will not conflict with a biological
protection ordinance or policy and no mitigation is required.
September 27, 2004 Page 80
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
4.f Conflicts with Habitat Conservation Plan
NO IMPACT.
j No Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan
(NCCP) covers the project site. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG) is preparing a regional -Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat
Conservation Plan" (CVMSHCP) that will encompass threatened, endangered, and
sensitive species and their habitats. Although this plan has not been completed,
it shows this site as lying outside of any CVMSHCP Conservation Area and
therefore, the project site is not targeted for habitat preservation. The project
does not lie within Agua Caliente Tribal lands and is therefore, not included
within the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan (Tribal HCP). Despite this, for
consistency, the City applies Tribal HCP mitigations regarding Burrowing Owl
surveys (see MM 4-1 below) on projects that may contain owls and abut
Reservation lands. For these reasons, project implementation will not conflict with
an approved habitat conservation plan and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Project Design Features
i
PD 4-1 The project design proposes to use native plants and boulders to re-
naturalize manufactured slopes within the project.
Standard Conditions Et Regulations
There are no standard conditions & regulations related to biological resources.
Mitigation Measures
MM 4-1 Prior to any ground or habitat disturbance on a site which provides
burrowing owl habitat, the applicant shall cause a pre-construction
survey of the site to be conducted for presence of the species.
a. Surveys and relocation, if applicable, shall be conducted between
September 1 and January 31, in accordance with the CDFG Staff
j Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (1995) or other then-current
protocols as directed by the City Director of Planning Services.
b. Owls should be excluded from burrows in the development
envelope and within an appropriate buffer zone by installing one-
way doors in burrow entrances or other technique as deemed
appropriate. The biological monitor must ensure through
appropriate means (e.g. monitoring for owl use, excavating
burrows) that the burrows to be impacted are not being used. The
City shall determine whether creation of artificial burrows is
necessary as part of the relocation effort.
I
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City of Palm Springs Crescendo"(7TM 31768), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
c. Occupied burrows shall not be disturbed during the nesting season
unless a qualified biologist verifies trough non-invasive methods
that either: (a) the birds have not begun egg laying and incubation;
or (b) that juveniles from the occupied burrows are foraging
independently and capable of independent survival.
` MM 4-2 Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit an
application for Final Landscape Document Package to the Director of
Planning Services for review and approval. The landscape plan shall
exclude the use of exotic plants within 100-feet of the abutting natural
areas along the western project boundary.
MM 4-3 Project CC&Rs shall require that landscaping along the project
perimeter be maintained according to the approved Final Landscape
Document Package. The CC&Rs may make provision for amendments
jto the perimeter landscaping upon approval by the Director of Planning
J Services. The CC&Rs shall contain a provision prohibiting the use of
exotic plants within 100-feet of the western project boundary.
After application of the Project Design Features and Mitigation Measures listed
above, no remaining significant impacts on biological resources were identified.
� Potentia!/y
Potentially Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
i�i, /ncoroorated lit /fit
5. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
i
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the ❑ ❑ ❑
significance of an historical resource
as defined in 15064.5? (Source 5)
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the ❑ ❑ ❑
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to 15064.5? (Source 5)
j
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique ❑ ❑ ❑
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those ❑ ❑ ❑
interred outside of formal cemeteries? (Source 5)
i
t
IMPACT ANALYSIS
The following discussion is based in part on a Historical/Archaeological Resources
Survey Report prepared for the project site by CRM TECH dated January 16,
September 27,2004 Page 62
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo-(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
2004. The report concludes that no evidence of significant cultural or
archeological resources exist on site. A summary of the report follows:
In December 2003 and January 2004. CRM TECH performed a cultural resources
study on approximately 42 acres of vacant land in the City of Palm Springs,
Riverside County, California. The property subject to study, Assessors Parcel No.
504-040-046, is located between Tram Way and Racquet Club Road, consisting
of a portion of the northwest quarter of Section 3, T4S R4E, San Bernardino Base
Meridian. The study was prepared as part of the environmental review process
for the proposed development of the property as a residential tract, known as the
-Crescendo" project, Tentative Tract No. 31766.
The purpose of the study was to provide the City of Palm Springs with the
necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed project
would cause substantial adverse changes to any historical/ archaeological
resources that may exist in or around the project area, as mandated by CEQA. In
order to identify and evaluate such resources, CRM TECH conducted a
historical/archaeological resources records search, pursued historical background
iresearch, and carried out an intensive-level field survey.
I
During the field survey, an abandoned segment of riveted steel pipeline, which
apparently, dates to the historic period, was recorded within the project area and
1 subsequently designated Site 33-13202 in the California Historical Resource
Information System. The exact age and historical background of the pipeline
j remain unclear, but the results of historical research and consultation with
representatives of the various public water agencies and private water companies
in the area suggest that it was probably installed in the 1920s as a part of the
extensive water supply system for Palm Springs. As a minor, fragmentary, and
ubiquitous element of historic-era infrastructure, Site 33- 13202 was determined
not to meet the definition of a "historical resource," as provided in CEQA.
i
Based on the study results summarized above, CRM TECH concluded that no
historical resources exist within the project area, and accordingly recommended a
finding of No Impact regarding cultural resources. No further cultural resources
investigation was deemed necessary for the proposed project unless development
plans were expanded to include areas not covered by the study. It was
recommended, however, that if buried cultural materials were encountered during
construction activities, all work in that area should be halted or diverted until a
.� qualified archaeologist could evaluate the nature and significance of the finds.
1 5.a Impact on Historical Resources
NO IMPACT.
A records search, research into local/regional historic mapping, oral interviews
and an intensive ground field survey were performed to identify any historic and
archaeological resources that might be present on the project site. The records
search indicated that the project site had not been surveyed for cultural resources
prior to this study and, although surveys on several nearby properties had been
performed, none of them showed evidence of recorded archaeological sites that
were near enough to be relevant to this project. The field survey study discovered
September 27, 2004 Page 63
City of Palm Springs Crescendo'(TTM 31765), Case No. 6-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
a 1,300 foot long segment Of riveted steel pipeline crossing the site, which may
have been installed in the 1920's as part of Palm Springs'extensive water supply
system. The pipeline was photographed and its location documented but it was
jdetermined not to meet the definition of a "historical resource' as provided by
CEOA. The term "historic resource' in CEOA refers to any resource listed in or
determined to be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical
Resources, included in a local register of historical resources or determined to be
historically significant by the Lead Agency. Historic maps indicate that, except for
;.� a few minor trails, no man-made features have ever been evident within the
project site. No burial sites were identified from any literature, mapping or field
survey. For these reasons, project implementation will have no adverse effect on
i
historic resources and no mitigation is required.
5_b Impact on Archaeological Resources
NO IMPACT.
.i
As discussed in Topic 5.a, no archeological resources were found during record
searches or field surveys of the site. Therefore, project implementation will have
no adverse effect on archaeological resources and no mitigation is required.
5.c Impact on Unique Paleontological Resource or Geologic Feature
j NO IMPACT.
The property does not contain any unique geologic features and the General Plan
EIR does not identify the site as containing any significant paleontological
resources. For these reasons, project implementation will have no adverse effect
on unique geologic features or paleontological resources and no mitigation is
required.
6A Impact on Burial Sites
NO IMPACT.
As discussed in Topic 5.a, no burial sites were identified during record researches
or field surveys of the site. Therefore, project implementation will have no adverse
effect on burial sites and no mitigation is required
I
MITIGATION PROGRAM - CULTURAL RESOURCES
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to cultural resources.
i
Standard Conditions Er Regulations
SC 5-1 Given that portions of the project area are within an alluvial
formation, the possibility of buried resources is increased. A Native
American Monitor shall be present during all ground-disturbing
activities.
t
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294/nitia/Study
a. Experience has shown that there is always a possibility of
buried cultural resources in a project area. Given that, a Native
American Monitor(s) shall be present during all ground
disturbing activities including clearing and grubbing,
excavation, burial of utilities, planting of rooted plants, etc.
Contact the, Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Cultural
Office for additional information on the use and availability of
Cultural Resource Monitors. Should buried cultural deposits be
encountered, the Monitor shall contact the Director of Planning
Services and after the consultation the Director shall have the
authority to halt destructive construction and shall notify a
Qualified Archaeologist to investigate and, if necessary, the
Qualified Archaeologist shall prepare a treatment plan for
submission to the State Historic Preservation Officer and Agua
Caliente Cultural Resource Coordinator for approval.
l b. Two copies of any cultural resource documentation generated
in connection with this project, including reports of
j investigations, record search results and site records/updates
shall be forwarded to the Tribal Planning, Building, and
Engineering Department and one copy to the City Planning
Services Department prior to final inspection.
Mitigation Measures
After application of the Standard Conditions & Regulations listed above, no
remaining significant impacts on cultural resources were identified and no
additional mitigation is required.
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less Than _
Sign/bcant Unless magat/on Significant No
!moat[ /ncoroorated /fit /fit
6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential sub-
stantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as ❑ ❑ ❑
delineated on the most recent A(quist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Map issued by
the State Geologist for the area or based
on other Substantial evidence of a known
fault? Refer to Division of Mines and
Geology Special Publication 42. (Source 6)
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? (Source 6) ❑ ❑ ❑
September27, 2004 Page 65
i
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo-(TTM 31766). Case No. 6-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
i
jiii) Seismic-re(ated ground failure, including ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
liquefaction? (Source 6)
iv) Landslides? (Source 6) ❑ ❑
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
topsoil? (Source 6)
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil thatis ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
unstable, or that would become unstable as
a result of the project, and potentially result
in on or off-site landslide, lateral spreading
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
(Source 6)
r)1
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
Property? (Source 6)
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
the use of septic tanks or alternative waste
water disposal systems where sewers are
not available for the disposal of waste water?
I
IMPACT ANALYSIS
i The following discussion is based on a Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared
for the project site by Earth Systems Southwest dated February 4, 2004. As part
of this study, exploratory test pits were excavated to observe the soil profile and
seismic refraction lines were performed to assess the excavation characteristics of
the soil. The report concludes that the "site is suitable for the proposed
development, provided the recommendations in this report are followed in design
and construction':
6.a.i Exposure of People or Structures to Fault Rupture
NO IMPACT.
The project does not lie within a currently designated State of California Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. In addition, there is no evidence of faulting
crossing the site from any other source. For these reasons, project
implementation will result in less than significant impacts due to fault rupture and
no mitigation is required.
I
i
i
I
September 27 2004
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j City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
I
j 6.a.i1 Exposure of People or Structures to Seismic Shaking
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The nearest fault to the site is the South Banning Branch of the San Andreas
' Fault, located approximately 4.3 miles to the north. Various other active faults or
seismic zones lie within 62 miles of the site. The project is located within Seismic
Zone 4. Because of this, substantial ground shaking can be expected at the
project as is common, to varying degrees, in most of Southern California.
However, compliance with adopted building code standards for Seismic Zone 4
will reduce the effects of ground shaking on structures to acceptable levels. For
these reasons, project implementation will result in less than significant impacts
due to seismic shaking and no mitigation is required.
6.a.iii Exposure of People or Structures to Seismic Ground Failure (Liquefaction)
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
Liquefaction is the loss of soil strength from sudden shock (usually earthquake
shaking) causing the soil to become a fluid mass. In general, for liquefaction to be
imanifested at the surface, groundwater levels must be within 50 feet of the
ground surface and the soils within the saturated zone must also be susceptible
to liquefaction. The potential for liquefaction to occur at this site is negligible
because the depth of groundwater beneath the site exceeds 100 feet. In addition,
the project does not lie within the Riverside County liquefaction hazard zone. For
these reasons, project implementation will result in less than significant impacts
due to liquefaction and no mitigation is required.
I
6.a.iv Exposure of People or Structures to Landslides
iLESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The project site is located on a slope of about ten percent, according to the
topographic mapping provided on the tentative tract map, which is not steep
enough to result in landsliding beneath the project. Neither is the site near any
steep slopes where landslides could occur from above. For these reasons, project
j implementation will result in less than significant exposure to landslides and no
j mitigation is required.
6.b Impacts due to Soil Erosion or Loss of Topsoil
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
Construction of the project has the potential to cause airborne and waterborne
erosion during grading operations. These impacts are managed by standard
protocols in place at the City during review of engineering design plans. The size
of the project site will necessitate compliance with NPDES criteria, preparation of
j a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and the inclusion of
appropriate best management practices (BMPs) to control soil erosion and off-site
discharge of surface water pollutants during construction and operation. The
project will also be required to prepare a Fugitive Dust (PM10) Mitigation Plan in
compliance with adopted procedures of the Air Quality Management District and
the City of Palm Springs. Compliance with these procedures will ensure that
i
September27, 2004 Page 67
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo"(?-0'M 31766), Case No. 5-0998-PD-2941nitial Study
potential erosion is controlled,during the construction process. Paving of streets
and planting of landscaping will stabilize soils during the long term operational
phase of the project (home occupancy). For these reasons, project
implementation will not result in substantial soil erosion problems or the loss of
top soil and no mitigation is required.
6.c Be Located in an Area with Unstable Soils
NO IMPACT.
� The geotechnical report prepared for the project evaluated the potential for
landslide, liquefaction, and ground subsidence. In each case, it was determined
that the potential for these effects was low at this location. Liquefaction potential
is discussed in Section 6.I.iii. Landslide potential is discussed in Section 6.1.iv.
Regarding ground subsidence, the geotechnical report states that dry sands tend
to settle and densify when subjected to strong earth movement and, therefore,
the potential for ground subsidence on site is low. Further, it should be noted
that the project is located on similar soils and topography as adjacent residential
neighborhoods that have not exhibited signs of unstable soils. For these reasons,
project implementation will not create substantial risk to life or property due to
unstable soils and no mitigation is required.
6.d Cause Substantial Risk to People or Property due to Expansive Soils
NO IMPACT.
The geotechnical report prepared for the project indicated that the soil matrix on
site is visually classified to be in the very low expansion (E-1<20) category in
accordance with Table 18A-1-B of the California (Uniform) Building Code.
Consequently, project implementation will not create substantial risk to life or
property due to expansive soils and no mitigation is required.
6.e Suitability for On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems
NO IMPACT.
The project proposes to dispose of wastewater by connection to the City sewer
system. The use of on-site wastewater disposal systems is not proposed. For
these reasons, project implementation will have no impact on the suitability of the
site for onsite wastewater disposal systems and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - GEOLOGY & SOILS
Proiect Design Features
There are no special project design features related to geology and soils.
Standard Conditions £r Regulations
J
i
SC 6-1 Design of structures shall conform to Uniform Building Code
requirements for Seismic Zone 4.
i
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I City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
I
SC 6-2 Prior to issuance of grading permits, the developer shall prepare
Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Fugitive Dust Mitigation Plans,
to be implemented throughout all phases of construction.
SC 6-3 Building and grading, plans shall be reviewed by a certified
engineering geologist to ensure that recommendations of the
geotechnical report have been properly implemented into the design.
SC 6-4 The grading contractor shall perform all grading activities in
accordance with the grading ordinance of the City of Palm Springs
and recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation.
SC 6-5 Observation and testing during site preparation, grading and
placement of fill materials shall be performed by a certified
engineering geologist as required by the CBC Sections 1701 and
3317.
Mitigation Measures
After implementation of Standard Conditions & Regulations, no significant
impacts related to geology and soils were identified; therefore, no additional
i
mitigation is required.
' Potentia//y
Potentia//y Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mtigat/on Significant N,,
�t /ncornorated /fit /fit
7. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the ❑ ❑ ❑
environment through the routine transport, use
or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the ❑ ❑ ❑
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset or accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
acutely hazardous materials, substances
or waste within one-quarter mile of an
existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list ❑ ❑ ❑
of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the
September 27, 2004 Page 69
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo'(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
I
�j public or the environment? (Source 7)
e) For a project located within an airport land use ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project result in a safety hazard
for people residing or working in the public area?
f) For a project located within the vicinity of a private ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard
for people residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan? (Source 10)
t
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent to urban-
ized areas or where residences are intermixed
with wildlands? (Source 10)
IMPACT ANALYSIS
7.a Create Hazardous Condition by Transport or Disposal of Hazardous Material
NO IMPACT.
J Any hazardous materials on site (e.g. gasoline for lawnmowers, pesticides and
weed killers, lawn fertilizers) would be for household use and would be
purchased in small quantities at retail locations. State and Federal regulations
govern the transport, storage and handling of these materials and the type of
materials available for retail purchase. For these reasons, the project will create no
i significant hazard related to the transport or disposal of hazardous materials and
no mitigation is required.
7.b Create Hazardous Condition due to Upset or Release of Hazardous Material
NO IMPACT.
Residential uses do not inherently create hazardous conditions. Any hazardous
materials on site (e.g. gasoline for lawnmowers, pesticides and weed killers, lawn
fertilizers) would be for household use. The quantities kept in a residential setting
would be too small to pose a hazard to the general public. For these reasons, the
i project will create no significant hazard related to the use, upset or release of
hazardous materials and no mitigation is required.
I
September 27 2004 Page 70
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
Zc Create Hazardous Emissions in Proximity to School
NO IMPACT.
No existing or proposed schools occur within one-quarter mile of the project site
and the emission or handling of acutely hazardous materials, substances or
waste are not associated with daily residential activities. For these reasons, the
project does not pose a hazard to nearby schools and no mitigation is required.
_ 7.d Locate Project on Hazardous Materials Site
NO IMPACT.
There are no known hazardous materials on the property or in the vicinity of the
site based on a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment conducted by the URS
Corporation in 2001. The report concluded that: 1) the project site had been
historically undeveloped desert land dating back to 1953; 2) the project site was
not listed in the regulatory agency database; and 3) no sites in the vicinity were
identified with the potential to create a recognized environmental condition on the
project site. For these reasons, preexisting uses or activities do not pose a
significant hazard to the public or the environment and no mitigation is required.
7.e Expose People to a Safety Hazard from a Public Airport
NO IMPACT.
The Palm Springs International Airport, located approximately two and one half
miles to the southeast, is the nearest public/public use airport to the project site.
The project is not within the airport influence area as identified in the current
airport land use plan/master plan. For these reasons, the project would not
j expose residents to safety hazards from public airport flights or operations and no
mitigation is required.
7.f Expose People to a Safety Hazard from a Private Airstrip
NO IMPACT.
There are no private use airstrips in the vicinity of the project. For these reasons,
the project would not expose residents to safety hazards from private airport
flights or operations and no mitigation is required.
7.g Interfere with or Impair Emergency Response Plan
NO IMPACT.
The tentative map will be reviewed by the City Fire Department per standard City
procedure to ensure consistency with emergency response and evacuation needs.
Primary and secondary access routes have been incorporated into the project
design to facilitate emergency response. For these reasons, the project would not
impair or interfere with an emergency response plan and no additional mitigation
is required.
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs -Crescendo'(1TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
7,h Expose People or Structures to Wildland Fire Hazard
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The Palm Springs Fire Department considers the Chino Cane to be an area of high
fire risk due to a history of wildland fires in the area of the cone. Therefore, the
project would involve the construction of residences adjacent to an area with high
fire potential. The Fire Department's ability to fight fires at the site is relatively
good since the project lies adjacent to existing development, contains gentle
_I slopes, and has readily available access. In addition, the project will improve fire
i
fighting capabilities by enhancing the area's fire flow (ref. Section 13a, 16) and
improving access to the area by constructing West Racquet Club Road and
interior paved streets. The project provides primary and secondary access to
allow simultaneous evacuation of residents while emergency vehicles are
entering. When completed, a portion of the project may lie outside the Fire
Department's 5-minute response area (see Exhibit 15). Any structures which are
determined to lie outside this area would require building sprinklers per Palm
Springs Muncipal Code, Section 11.02.020. Development of the project in
accordance with fire department requirements (hydrant locations, fire flow
volume, fire resistant construction, primary and secondary access, vegetation
management, etc.) would ensure that the potential hazard from wildland fires
would be less than significant.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - HAZARDS Et HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Project Design Features
PD 7-1 The project provides primary and secondary access to each lot.
i
Standard Conditions Er Regulations
SC 7-1 Prior to the issuance of building permits, the developer shall submit
building plans for review and approval by the Palm Springs Fire
Department that incorporate design techniques appropriate to high
fire hazard areas, including any necessary building sprinklers in
accordance with the requirements of Section 11.02.020 of the
Municipal Code.
Mitigation Measures
After application of Project Design Features and Standard Conditions Er
Regulations, no significant impacts due to hazards and hazardous materials were
identified; therefore, no additional mitigation is required.
i
September27, 2004 Page 72
r----
gy 35 — 36
r 3"-rr rr. - if
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if
utn�
.- JJI
18
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22
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fir:
—ll:en. — �i.+.11i• � \~I J J •\\ d:)a �"`%SF..,`:f Y�( 3yi � �:' :I...lI.
27
A. %: : '!�ll•;:'.,,,y� � ram"
ly3.5 _
Legend
— 5 Minute Response Area
Fire Department 5 Minute Response Area N
"CRESCENDO" (TTM 31766) INITIAL STUDY
NOT TO SCALE
CbDePalatis Associates EXHIBIT 15
PLANNING&ENVIRONMENTAL SERNCES
City of Palm Springs Crescendo^(TTM 31766), Case Ala 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
i
Potentially
Potential/y Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
irn ec lncoroa,ate /fit
8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste ❑ ❑ ❑
discharge requirements?
I
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or ❑ ❑ ❑
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (e.g. the production
rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a
level which would not support existing land uses
or planned uses for which permits have been
granted)? (Source 25)
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern ❑ ❑ N ❑
of the site or area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river, in a manner
which would result in substantial erosion or
siltation on- of off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
i
of the site or area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river, or substantially
increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in flooding on- or off-
site? (Source 8)
i
-e) Create or contribute runoff water which would ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
(Source 14)
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
1
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard ❑ ❑ ❑
jarea as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other
flood hazard delineation map? (Source 6)
h) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area ❑ ❑ ❑
structures which would impede or redirect
flood flows? (Source 6)
SeptemGer27, 2004 Page 74
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"0TM 31766). Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk ❑ ❑
of loss, injury or death involving flooding,
including flooding as a result of the failure of
a levee or dam?
j) Cause inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑
IMPACT ANALYSIS
Specific topics regarding the exposure of people or structures to potential water
related hazards, the project's effect on surface or subsurface hydrologic
conditions, and the project's effect on water consumption and wastewater
generation are discussed below:
i
8.a.i Violation of Waste Discharge Requirement
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The proposed project will connect to the City's sanitary sewer system, which
would convey wastewater generated by the project to the Palm Springs
Wastewater Treatment Plant. At the plant, wastewater is processed to a tertiary
level of treatment. According to the City General Plan EIR, the wastewater
treatment facility has a capacity of 10.9 million gallons per day (mgd) and
currently processes an average daily flow of 8,6 mgd. Marcus Fuller, Senior Civil
Engineer with the Palm Springs Public Works Department indicates that the
proposed project densities (2 units per acre) were anticipated by the 1993 update
to the City Sewer Master Plan and, therefore, no expansion of the treatment plant
would be required to serve the project.
The Regional Water Quality Control Board regulates the operation and any future
expansion of the facility. Compliance with existing NPDES regulations and
discharge requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board will ensure
that potentially significant impacts will be reduced to less than significant. Based
upon these facts the proposed project will not violate water quality standards or
otherwise degrade water quality.
For these reasons, project implementation would not violate any waste discharge
requirement on a City. State, or Federal level and no mitigation is required.
8.a.ii Violation of Water Quality Requirement
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The proposed project may result in surface runoff containing additional urban
pollutants during its operation (during occupancy of the housing) due to an
increase in impervious surfaces. The Preliminary Hydrology Analysis prepared for
the site found that, with the provision of retention basins, there will be no
incremental increase in storm water runoff when comparing the existing and
developed conditions. The size of the project site requires compliance with
September 27 2004
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City of Palm Springs Crescendo'(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements, including
the preparation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) utilizing
appropriate best management practices (BMPs) to minimize surface water
pollutants that might occur during both the construction and operational phases
of the project.
! The use of BMPs are intended to reduce erosion and prevent pollutant run-off
during .construction activities (such as grading and equipment maintenance) as
well as controlling urban pollutants that accumulate over time on paved surfaces.
Typical BMPs would include the use of sandbags around catch basins during
construction to prevent eroded soils from entering the drainage system during
rainfall, the inclusion of fossil filter systems in catch basins or water quality
basins to capture first flush urban pollutants during long term residential
operations. The City engineering department indicates that the basins included in
the project design will serve this purpose. The Coachella Valley (a desert
environment) normally experiences infrequent precipitation most of the year and
the risk factor associated with rainfall is low. Site specific operational and
procedural BMP packages tailored to the desert environment_arP�r uir_ed
element of the SWPPP and will be developed for this project prior to site
disturbance.
For these reasons, project implementation would not violate any water quality
standard on a City, State, or Federal level and no mitigation is required.
8.b Substantially Deplete Groundwater Supplies, or Reduce Aquifer Level or Volume
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
Project implementation would introduce additional impervious surfaces
(pavement, rooftops) on the site and result in consumption of additional water
supplies for residential use (drinking water and landscape irrigation). The General
Plan estimates that a typical single family residence utilizes approximately 602
gallons per day (gpd) of water for all uses. Based upon this consumption factor,
the proposed project would use approximately 47,558 gpd of water. This level of
usage will not significantly affect the groundwater basin on a project level. Also,
the site is only approximately 42.2 acres. and assuming 100% coverage of the site
with impervious surfaces, the project would only cover a small fraction of the
groundwater basin. There are no wells in the project vicinity and so the project
would have no effect on local well levels.
It should be noted, however, that the Whitewater River groundwater sub-basin is
currently in an overdraft condition. Therefore, Desert Water (DW) would be
contributing cumulatively to this overdraft condition by supplying water to any
new project in the Coachella Valley, including this one. To address this situation
and stabilize long-term ground water levels, DW has instituted ongoing programs
including artificial recharge of the groundwater basin using State Water Project
supplies and other surplus water, orderly expansion of the recycled water system
and aggressive investment in and promotion of conservation programs. These
programs (including water purchases) are funded by a groundwater assessment
fee charged against groundwater well extractions. Due to its large size, basin
September 27, 2004 Page 76
i
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
management is feasible with replenishment using surplus water during wet years
and draw down during dry ones.
When compared to the overall basin size and the large nearby areas permanently
available for groundwater recharge (Whitewater wash), the project is not likely to
affect groundwater recharge on a project level and may slightly increase "non-
consumptive return" (irrigation) water. In addition, the inclusion of on-site
stormwater basins would retain a portion of stormwater flows and allow
increased percolation of these to the groundwater aquifer during storm events.
Although this would occur infrequently due to the dry climatic conditions present,
it would help offset the added runoff created by new impervious surfaces
(rooftops and streets) built by the project. The project would follow water
conservation guidelines included within the Palm Springs General Plan Update
EIR (Page 5-100) and the Palm Springs General Plan (Pages 11-63 and II-64) and
the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to mitigate the impacts to public water
supplies. These would include the use of drought tolerant plants in landscaping.
i
For these reasons, project implementation would not substantially deplete
groundwater supplies, interfere with groundwater recharge, or lower local
groundwater table levels beyond that needed to support existing land uses on
either a project or cumulative level and no mitigation is required.
8.c Substantial Drainage Alteration Resulting in Erosion or Siltation
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The project will alter the entire site, including existing drainage conditions on-site,
via grading operations to create streets and building pads. Therefore, erosion and
siltation are potential impacts of the project. As discussed in Topic 8.a. above,
compliance with mandatory NPDES requirements and BMPs will reduce the
potential of erosion and siltation during short term construction and long term
operational phases of the project. The final residential project will stabilize soils
on-site through the use of landscaping and appropriate ground covers and control
storm water via grading design, street drainage systems, catch basins and
retention facilities. By protecting the soil and controlling storm water, soils on the
site and downstream from the site will not be exposed to water borne erosion.
For these reasons, although the project would alter the existing drainage pattern
on site, self-mitigating features in the form of properly designed grading, street
drainage, catch basins, storm drains and retention facilities (subject to review and
approval by the City of Palm Springs under standard conditions of approval) have
been incorporated into the project and no additional mitigation is required.
8.d Substantial Drainage Alteration Causing an Increase in Surface Runoff
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
The subject property is located on the southern portion of the Chino Canyon
Alluvial Cone that drains to the Whitewater River Wash. Although upstream
properties consist of undeveloped desert lands, only a relatively small, 4-acre,
offsite drainage area flows onto the site. An existing system of small, localized,
dry washes traverse the property. No rivers or streams occur on or near the site
and no storm drain system exists in the project vicinity.
September 27, 2004 Page 77
I
i City of Palm Springs Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
A Preliminary HydrologyAnalysis, prepared by Hunsaker£r Associates Irvine, Inc.,
has been completed for the project site and found that retention basins could be
adequately sized to handle the 100-year, 1 hour storm runoff produced from the
project site. The project design addresses drainage concerns b 9 y incorporating
five retention basins with a combined storage capacity of 4.7 acre/feet. In
1 accordance with City design regulations and State drainage laws, the basins
would be designed to capture onsite flows and release them at predevelopment
levels so that adjacent properties are not impacted by the concentration or
diversion of flows. It is standard protocol for the City Public Works Department to
ireview and approve all engineering design plans for street, storm drains and
detention basins prior to recordation of a final subdivision map for the project.
For these reasons, although the project would increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff, mitigation in the form of properly designed retention facilities
(subject to review and approval by the City of Palm Springs under standard
engineering protocols) have been incorporated into the project.
a
8.e Exceed Drainage System Capacity or Create Polluted Runoff
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
No permanent or intermittent streams or rivers occur within the project
boundaries. The City has no local storm drain system accepting flows from this
site and the incremental increase in site storm drainage from project
implementation is being addressed through a system of retention basins as
discussed in Topic 8.d. The potential for polluted runoff has been addressed by
the project as discussed in Topic 8.a.ii. Therefore, by incorporating retention
facilities and complying with mandatory regulations, the project will not exceed
the capacity of an existing or planned storm drain system or generate additional
sources of polluted runoff and no additional mitigation is required.
8.f Otherwise Degrade Water Quality
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
As discussed under Topic 8.a.ii, impacts to water quality as a result of project
implementation are considered less than significant and no additional mitigation
is required.
I
8.9 Place Housing within 100-Year FEMA Flood Hazard Area
NO IMPACT.
i
JThe geology report prepared for the project indicates that the subject property is
not within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100 year flood
plain (FIRM Panel 0602570004D - July 7, 1999). For these reasons, project
implementation would not place housing within a 100-year FEMA flood plain and
no mitigation is required.
i
I
I
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-2941nitial Study
8,h Place Housing within 100-Year Flood Area that would Redirect Flood Flows
NO IMPACT.
The northern portion of Palm Springs, including this site, are protected from
major flood flows by the Chino Cone levee to the north that directs storm flows
from Chino Canyon to the Whitewater River Wash. The project site is elevated
and is not within any other 100-year flood area. State drainage law requires that
the project not increase or concentrate flows to downstream properties and the
.I project includes detention facilities subject to standard City Engineering protocols
to accomplish this as discussed previously under Topic 8d. For these reasons,
project implementation would not place housing within any other 100-year flood
plain that would impede or redirect flood flows and no mitigation is required.
i
8.i Expose People or Structures to Flooding from Dam or Levee Failure
NO IMPACT.
1
No dam or levee constraining a water body or watercourse exists upstream of the
project site. For these reasons, project implementation would not place
people/structures in the path of a flood due to structural failure of a dam or levee
and no mitigation is required.
8.j Cause Inundation by Seiche, Tsunami, or Mudflow
NO IMPACT.
No large water body or reservoir exists upstream of the project and the project
lies inland from the ocean. Therefore, conditions are not present that would pose
a hazard from seiche, tsunami or mudflow to people or structures on site.
Conversely, the project does not propose to construct any new reservoirs that
would pose a risk of flooding or mudflow to any downstream properties in the
event of a structural failure.
For these reasons, project implementation would not expose people or structures
to hazard from seiche, tsunami or mudflow and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - HYDROLOGY & WATER QUALITY
Proiect Design Features
i
PD 8-1 The project includes the design and construction of that portion of
Master Storm Drain Line 2 within its boundaries.
Standard Conditions Et Regulations
SC 8-1 Prior to final map approval, the developer shall submit street and
storm drain plans for approval by the City Engineer demonstrating
the acceptance and conveyance of storm water runoff to protect on-
site and downstream properties from the 100-year storm event.
SC 8-2 Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the developer shall submit
evidence to the City Engineer that the applicant has obtained
September 27. 2004
Page 79
i
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
=1
coverage under the NPDES statewide General Construction Activity
Storm water Permit from.the State Water Resources Control Board.
SC 8-3 The project is subject to the City of Palm Springs Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance. Prior to the issuance.of building permits, the
applicant shall submit an application for Final Landscape Document
j Package to the Director of Planning Services for review and approval.
Refer to Chapter 8.60 of the Municipal Cade for specific
requirements.
Mitigation Measures
MM 8-1 The project includes five retention basins to address the 100 year, 1
hour storm flow.
f After application of Project Design Features, Standard Conditions & Regulations,
and Mitigation Measures, no remaining significant impacts to water and water
quality were identified.
IPotentially
+ Potentially Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
1 /fit /ncoronrated /fit lit
{ 9. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ K ❑
(Source 1)
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
policy or regulation of an agency with juris-
diction over the project (including, but not
limited to the general plan, specific plan,
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or miti-
gating an environmental effect? (Source 1)
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation ❑ ❑ ❑
plan or natural community conservation plan?
IMPACT ANALYSIS
9.a Physically Divide a Community
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The project site is bordered on the south and east by established residential
neighborhoods. It is bordered on the north and west by vacant lands.
Consequently, the project serves both to infill and to extend the residential uses
around it. The existing single family neighborhood on the south and the
neighborhood on the east are distinct and separate residential areas which are
September 27 2004 Page 80
.j City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"'(TTM 31766), Case No, 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
divided by West Racquet Club Drive (a secondary thoroughfare on the City
General Plan Circulation Map). The two existing neighborhoods share no
interconnecting local streets and have been physically separated by the
heretofore vacant lands within the project site. Construction of the project would
infill between these established neighborhoods with a new neighborhood.
iFurther, the project proposes a compatible residential land use among
surrounding residential land uses of a similar intensity (i.e. 2 units per acre) and
lot size (surrounding lot sizes range from about 10,000 to 20,000 square feet).
The proposed project does not alter the physical arrangement bf either
neighborhood or the circulation system serving them. The visual character of the
proposed project and its relationship to the surrounding area is discussed under
Topic 1.c. For these reasons, impacts associated with physical division of an
existing community are considered to be less than significant and no mitigation
is required.
9.b Land Use Regulation Conflicts
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The proposed Project proposes,to subdivide 42.2 acres of vacant land into 79
single family residential lots with a minimum size of 15,000 square feet
(averaging 21,250 square feet) and a minimum lot width of 100 feet. This would
result in an overall density of approximately 1.9 units per gross acre. The project
density is consistent with the City General Plan Land Use Element, which
designates the site as L2 (Very Low Density Residential - one to two units per
gross acre). The proposed minimum lot size and width, however, are not
consistent with the current R-1-A zoning, which requires a minimum lot size of
20,000 square feet and lot width of 120 feet. In addition, the project also
proposes various reduced setbacks (10' front yard, 12' corner side yard and 10'
rear yard ). Approval of the proposed zone change to Planned Development (PD),
however, would allow these modified standards and bring the project into
conformity with the City's Zoning Ordinance, allowing similar lot sizes on the
project site as those that exist in adjacent residential neighborhoods. In
exchange for these modified standards, the Planned Development (PD) zone the
provides the City with extensive controls over the project design, including
architecture, as well as the ability to require the provision of amenities, such as
the project's public walkway system, not otherwise included.
i
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
It should be noted that various design guidelines are applicable to projects
proposed under the PD zone (Municipal Code Section 94.03.00). These include:
1) that density does not exceed the General Plan maximum; 2) that the project is
compatible with surrounding land use; 3) that the proposed use is permitted by
the underlying zone; 4) that building heights comply with the underlying zone; 5)
that parking requirements of the Zoning Ordinance are met; 6) that lot frontage
and setbacks are consistent with surrounding development; 7) and that open
space (including drainage facilities and other manmade structures) equal to that
required in the underlying zone be integrated into the project and, where
i
integrated, that it seek to protect natural landscape features (watercourses,
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs -Crescendo"(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
hillsides, sensitive land area, existing vegetation, wildlife, unique topographic
features, views).
The project complies with these guidelines as follows: 1) the project density of 2
units per acre is allowed by the General Plan; 2) surrounding residential lot sizes
under R-1-A zoning, R-1-B zoning (south) and R-1-C zoning (east) range from
about 10,000 and 20,000 square feet, which are consistent with those proposed
by the project that range from 15,000 to 54.500 square feet; 3) residential uses
are allowed in the R-1-A zone and such are proposed by the project; 4) the
j underlying R-1-A zone allows building heights of one story with a maximum
height of 18 feet or up to 30 feet in hillside areas if approved by the Planning
Commission while the project proposes a combination of one and two story
homes with a maximum height of 24 feet, requiring Planning Commission
approval; 5) two spaces per single family residential unit are required by the
Municipal Code (93.06.00.D.29.a) and the project provides two covered garage
spaces per unit; 6) lot frontage and front setbacks on surrounding lots are
approximately 100 feet and 25 feet respectively, which are comparable to those
proposed by the project; and 7) the R-1-A zone has no specific open space
requirement and therefore, it is assumed that compliance with the required yard
area and building coverage requirements constitutes the necessary provision of
open space (see calculation under General Plan Land Use Policy 3.4.6 below). In
J addition, the project incorporates walkway and trail connections and passive
recreation areas for public use. It also situates open space at the project
perimeter to provide mountain view corridors for adjacent residences and
incorporates native boulders and landscape to renaturalize man-made slopes and
recreate native landscape scenes along perimeter roads where exposed to public
View.
CITYWIDE GENERAL PLAN GOALS Et POLICIES
Overall goals in the Palm Springs General Plan Land Use Element focus on
creating a physical environment which provides for the housing, employment,
business, service, recreational, social, cultural, educational and entertainment
needs of the City's residents and visitors while preserving the City's unique
�. assets and status as a major tourist destination and business, economic and
cultural center in the Coachella Valley. Policies developed in accordance with
these goals pertaining to the proposed project include the following:
I
Policy 3.1.3 limits development, in terms of total numbers of dwelling units and
ancillary uses, to the capacity of the infrastructure needed to support the Citys
residents and visitors safely at a maximum capacity. The proposed project would
not exceed the current capacity of the City's existing infrastructure. This issue is
addressed in greater detail under Item 12. Utilities and Service Systems.
Policy 3.1.7 directs that projects respect the integrity of the district or
neighborhood in which they are planned. The proposed project, a low-density
residential development, is consistent with surrounding low density residential
land uses. In addition, the project would create subdivided lots that are generally
larger than those adjacent to the project as well as the majority of those that are
' September 27, 2004
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CityOf Spring,
Palm
"Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
in the immediate vicinity of the project. By way of illustration, the nine proposed
lots that would be constructed along the project's south boundary (on the north
side of West Racquet Club Drive) average 23,490 square feet as compared to the
eight existing lots on the south side of West Racquet Club Drive that average
only about 14,950 square feet. Likewise, the seven proposed lots within the
project's east boundary average 40,380 square feet, as compared to the twelve
existing lots along the project's east boundary that average only about 11,400
square feet. Therefore, the project has respected the lot sizes of adjacent
properties by providing much larger lots along the project edges. In addition, the
project proposes a linear street pattern with double loaded building pads,
continuing the grading approach and street pattern present in adjacent
subdivisions to the south and west. Consequently, the project is consistent with
this policy.
Policy 3.2.1 encourages infilling within the currently developed portions of the
City. The proposed project is consistent with this policy as it is situated adjacent
to existing residential development requiring minimal extension of City
infrastructure and services.
i
Policy 3.3 3 encourages the reasonable preservation of scenic viewsheds from
adjoining properties. The proposed project would construct a 16-20 foot high
i renaturalized fill slope opposite existing homes across Vista Grande Avenue to
the east. Distant views of the existing mountains would be replaced by near
views of landscaped slopes, mid-range upward views of residential buildings and
distant upward mountaintop views at gaps between and sometimes over, the
proposed new homes. It should be noted that any development on the project
site would obstruct mountain views to a greater or lesser degree because the site
lies uphill from these homes. This effect is present within existing neighborhoods
to the south and west (see Exhibits 12a and 12c). Cross section analysis
presented in Section 1, Aesthetics, indicates that alternative approaches to
grading design that reduce fill height would also move homes closer to existing
residences on the east and potentially cause a greater degree of view restriction
than the proposed project. Because the effect of the project on viewsheds is
commensurate with any other residential project on this site due to its uphill
nature, the project design is considered to effect a reasonable preservation of
viewsheds from adjoining properties.
Policy 3.3.4 allows densitytransfer in Planned Developments with
P provision of
amenities and permanent open space. The project provides a substantial public
trail/open space/passive recreation system around and through the project and
i situates larger lots at the project perimeter. At 79 lots, the project is below the
General Plan density and, in this case, density transfer relates primarily to the
shifting of density to the interior of the project where lot sizes are smaller and
away from lots along the edges of the project where lot sizes are larger. This
hierarchy of lot size benefits surrounding neighborhoods by placing the largest
lots opposite them. Portions of larger lots containing slopes, retention basins
and recreation areas would be retained in a permanent easement. Therefore, the
project is consistent with this policy.
September 27, 2004
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I City of Palm Springs Crescendo"(7TM 31766) Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 initial Study
Policy 5 12 1 encourages new development to be designed to fit the natural
landscape with a minimum of onsite grading. The project responds to the
sloping natural terrain on site with a series of stepped building pads separated
by manufactured slopes. It proposes the grading needed to create double loaded
streets with building pads on each side while maintaining a grading balance on
site. Other methods of building construction (i.e. double loaded streets with
multi-level buildings on each side using stepped foundations or single loaded
streets) could be used to possibly reduce on-site grading and cause a -better fit-
between buildings and the natural landscape, however, either of these would
require a major redesign of the project. Since this policy does not mandate any
particular design solution and since the project does -step- with the natural
terrain, it is deemed to comply with this policy.
GENERAL PI.AN L-2 POLICIES
Other policies relate specifically to the Very Low Density Residential (L-2) Land
Use Designation. Since the project is designated L-2, these policies apply and
are discussed as follows:
i
Policy 3.4.1 encourages single family homes as the predominant development
type in the Very Low Density Residential designation. " The proposed project
j consists only of single family residences on individual lots.
i
Policy 3.4 3 limits, new building heights to 26 feet. The policy provides
performance criteria for increased heights up to 30 feet but states that uni-level
pads are not eligible for the increased height. Buildings proposed by the project
are 26-feet high on uni-level pads and so, are in compliance with this policy.
I
Policy 3.4.5 requires a minimum of 70% of the lot in Very Low Density Residential
areas to be maintained as on-site open space/recreation area. For single family
residences, this policy is equivalent to a 30% building coverage over the entire
site. The project proposes three building products, the largest of which is 3,270
square feet. Taking a worst case analysis and assuming that the largest"
footprint was placed on all lots, the coverage of all 79 buildings would be
258,330 square feet. By dividing this total coverage by the gross area of the site
(42.2 acres or 1,838,232 square feet), an overall building coverage of 14.0%
would result. Adding streets, which contain 3.6 acres (156,816 square feet) to
the coverage calculation, coverage of buildings and streets would total about 9.5
acres (415.148 square feet) or 22.6% coverage. Thus, the project is consistent
with this policy.
For these reasons, the project is consistent with the City General Plan Land Use
Designation and, with approval of the zone change, will be consistent with the
City's Zoning Code. The project is also consistent with General Plan policy. For
these reasons, the project complies with applicable land use policy and
regulation.
I
September 27, 2004 Page 84
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766). Case NO. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
j
NO IMPACT.
No Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan
(NCCP) covers the project site. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG) is preparing a regional -Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat
Conservation Plan- (CVMSHCP) that will encompass threatened, endangered,
and sensitive species and their habitats. The draft CVMSHCP shows this site as
lying outside of any CVMSHCP Conservation Area and therefore, the project site
is not targeted for habitat' preservation. For these reasons, project
j implementation will not conflict with an approved habitat conservation plan and
no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - LAND USE Et PLANNING
i
i
Proiect Design Features
PD 9-1 The project will not have gates or a continuous perimeter wall.
Standard Conditions Fr Regulations
There are no Standard Conditions & Regulations related to land use and planning
issues.
Mitigation Measures
MM 9-1 Building heights will be limited to 26 feet except that single-story
structures on lots abutting the eastern project boundary will be
limited to 18 feet.
After application of Project Design Features and Mitigation Measures, no
remaining significant impacts to land use and planning were identified.
I,
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less Then
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
t 1"a"n steel laroact /fit
70. MINERAL RESOURCES Irnpa,
Would the project:
a) Result in the loss or availability of a known ❑ p ❑
I
mineral resource that would be of future value
to the region and the residents of the state?
(Source 1)
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally ❑ ❑ ❑
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan or other land use plan? (Source 1)
September 27, 2004
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I
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"
(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
IMPACT ANALYSIS
1 O.a lmpact an Known Regional or Statewide Mineral Resource
i NO IMPACT.
According to the California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and
Geology, three basic designations are used to classify mineral lands. These
designations, or Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ's), are generally classified based
on the suitability of hand and gravel deposits for use as Portland Cement Concrete
(PCC) aggregate, and other geological. factors. •The three mineral resource
classifications include:
MRZ-1: areas where adequate information indicates that no significant aggregate
deposits are present or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their
presence.
MRZ-2: areas where adequate information exists to prove that significant mineral
deposits are present or where it is judged that a high.likelihood for their presence
exists. These, deposits must be marketable under present technologic and
economic conditions or which can be estimated ,to exist.in.the.foreseeable-future,
and that contain in excess of $6 million worth of aggregate material measured in
1978 dollars.
MRZ-3: areas containing aggregate mineral deposits, the significance (i.e.,
quantity, quality, and marketability) of which cannot be evaluated from available
data.
The proposed project site is within a large area designated as MRZ-3 that
includes the entire urbanized City of Palm Springs. A large MRZ-2 Zone also
exists in the area north of the City that includes lands that are available for
potential future mineral extraction (wind farms, wash areas.) The feasibility of
commercial mining activity on the project site is minimal since: a) the value of the
resources has not been demonstrated; b) mining would create long term conflicts
with surrounding residential uses; and c) there are known accessible mineral
resources available at more appropriate locations in the MRZ-2 zone to the north.
For the reasons stated above, no significant impacts to mineral resources of
regional or statewide importance will result from project implementation and no
Mitigation is required.
10.b Impact a Known Mineral Resource Designated on a General or Specific Plan
NO IMPACT,
The site has not been designated on the City's General Plan or any Specific Plan
or other Land Use Plan as a mineral resource site. Therefore, no significant
impacts to mineral resources of local importance will result from project
implementation and no mitigation is required.
September 27 2004
Page 86
city of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 lnid l Study
:( MITIGATION PROGRAM - MINERAL RESOURCES
Project Design Features
i
There are no special project design features related to mineral resources.
Standard Conditions £f Regulations
There are.no Standard Conditions Et Regulations related to mineral resources.
Mitigation Measures
No significant impacts to mineral resources were identified; therefore, no
mitigation is required.
Potentia//y
{ Potentially Significant Goss Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
71. NOISE moact ncoroorated nit /m acr
Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise ❑ ■ ❑
levels in excess of standards established in the ❑
local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies? (Sources 1,3)
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ❑ ■ °
groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient ❑
° ■I noise levels in the project vicinity above levels ❑
existing without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ❑
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project? (Source 9)
e) For a project located within an airport land use ❑ ❑
❑ ■
plan or, where such plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
f) For a project located within the vicinity of a private ❑ ❑
❑ ■
airstrip, would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
September 27, 2004
Page 87
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo^'(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
IMPACT ANALYSIS
11.a Noise Exceeding Established Ordinance
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
The following discussion is based on a Noise Impact Analysis prepared for the
project by Giroux and Associates dated June 15, 2004.
On a long term operational basis, the residential uses proposed by the project will
not increase noise levels or expose people to high noise levels. The project lies
outside the 60 CNEL contour for Highway 111 as shown in the General Plan EIR.
Construction noise is not regulated by City policy, other than hours of operation.
The City of Palm Springs has adopted numerous noise policies designed to
achieve the City's noise objectives. The following noise policies set forth in the
Noise Element of the General Plan could be relevant to the proposed project.
Policy 6.20.1 directs that noise-sensitive land uses such as residences, hospitals
and convalescent homes be protected from unacceptable noise levels from both
existing and future noise sources. The proposed project does not involve any
unusual noise levels and would generate long term operational noise levels that
are comparable to those found in surrounding neighborhoods.
i
Policy 6.20.6 directs that project design include measures which assure adequate
interior noise levels as required by Title 25 (California Noise Insulation Standards).
The proposed project will be required to comply with these standards as part of
building permit approvals.
Policy 6.21.40 directs that new development minimize the noise impacts of traffic
trips on residential neighborhoods by controlling the location of driveways and
parking. The proposed project directs all traffic onto West Racquet Club Road, a
Secondary Thoroughfare on the General Plan Circulation Exhibit.
Policy 6.24.1 requires that construction activities which may impact adjacent
residential units be limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays and Saturdays,
=s except under special circumstances approved by the City, and prohibited on
Sundays and holidays. The proposed project will comply with all City noise
regulations including hours of operation for construction activities.
Policy 6.24 2 requires that construction activities incorporate feasible and
practical techniques which minimize the noise impacts on adjacent uses. The
proposed project will locate rock crushing operations at the extreme western
limits of the project, approximately 800-1,000 feet away from existing residences.
The construction program for the project will also require construction of a berm
adjacent to the rock crushing plant of sufficient height to maintain a maximum
noise level of 53 dB (L50) at existing neighborhoods to the south and east. This is
described in greater detail below. For these reasons, project implementation will
not result in the generation of noise levels that exceed City standards and no
mitigation is required.
September 27, 2004 Page 88
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"fTTM 31766J, Case No, 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
1 1.b Ground-borne Noise or Vibration Impacts
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
Residential uses do not cause long term vibrations. Some temporary
groundborne vibration is possible due to rock crushing activities during project
grading operations. The project proposes to locate the rock crusher at the extreme
northwest corner of the project 800-1,000 feet away from existing residences.
Hours of operation for construction equipment are restricted to weekday working
hours by the City's noise ordinance (Municipal Code Section 8.04.220). For these
reasons, temporary increases in ambient noise during project construction are
considered less than significant and no mitigation is required.
1 1.c Permanent increases in Ambient Noise Level
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
The project will result in permanent noise increases associated with residential
development. Because the existing area is residential in character, new noise
levels will not be excessive and will be consistent with ambient levels in the
surrounding residential communities. The project will generate fewer than
1,000 trips per day on low-volume roadways. The noise level from 1,000 cars per
day at 35 mph is less than 55 dB CNEL at 50 feet from the centerline. The City of
Palm Springs standards for automobile-generated noise is 65 dB CNEL (requiring
10,000 cars per day for 35 mph traffic to have a significant impact). For these
reasons, permanent project-related traffic noise and increases in ambient noise
levels are considered less than significant and no mitigation is required.
1 1.d Temporary increases in Ambient Noise Level
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
Construction noise represents a short term, temporary impact on ambient noise
levels. Noise generated by construction equipment, including rock crushers,
graders, trucks, bulldozers, concrete mixers, and portable electrical generators
can reach high levels. Grading activities typically represent one of the highest
potential sources for noise impact. Delivery by truck of lumber, concrete and
building materials represent another source of noise. One of the most effective
and commonly used methods of controlling construction noise is through local
regulation of construction to normal weekday working hours. In this regard, the
project is required to comply with Section 8.04.220 of the Palm Springs Municipal
Code that controls construction hours of operation. This would include both
construction onsite and construction of offsite water and sewer lines in existing
residential streets (West Racquet Club Drive and Milo Street).
One unique aspect of site construction is the need to process or remove a large
number of boulders, estimated to be 50-75% of the total soil volume. To address
this, the project proposes to use one or two rock crushing plants to process
boulders to a suitable size for use in on-site fills. The proposed rock crusher
would operate at one location continuously for many hours per day and would be
an ongoing noise source during the construction period.
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs -Crescendo'(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-o996-PO-294 Initial Study
Although construction noise levels are not regulated by.City Ordinance, the Noise
Analysis treated noise from the crushing plant as though it were regulated and
arrived at a standard of 53 dB to be used as the acceptable noise level from the
crushing plant at surrounding residential neighborhoods.
In order to maintain this noise threshold at the adjacent residential
neighborhoods, noise measurements taken at identical "hard rock' crushing
plants in Southern California were evaluated to determine how quickly plant noise
dissipates over distance. Based on this evaluation, it was established that the 53
dB threshold would be exceeded at the nearest residences if no mitigation were
applied. In particular, noise levels at Vista Grande Avenue, some 800 feet away,
were estimated between 60 dB and 66 dB while noise levels at Racquet Club
Drive, some 1,000 feet away, were estimated between 57 dB and 64 dB.
In order to mitigate crushing plant noise, the project proposes to construct berms
of crushed rock to deflect noise originating at the crushing plant and reduce it to
the 53 dB standard. The study determined that berm heights between fifteen and
twenty feet on the east and between twelve and seventeen feet on the south
would be necessary in order to achieve a noise level of 53 dB at the nearest
residences on the south and east. The berms would be left in place for the
duration of the crushing operations. This mitigation will be applied to the
construction operations on site.
i
The alternative to crushing would be to haul the boulders away for disposal at
another site and to import suitable replacement fill material. It is estimated that
28,185 truckloads of export and 17,300 truckloads of import would be required to
accomplish this over a duration of about 13 months. The off-site dust, air
pollution, traffic and noise generated by this type of truck hauling operation
would have a greater negative impact on surrounding neighborhoods than the
noise generated by the crushing plant, which is at a fixed location and can be
effectively screened from the nearest residences.
For these reasons, with application of Standard Conditions & Regulations and
mitigation measures, temporary increases in ambient noise levels during project
construction are considered mitigated to a level of less than significant.
11.e Noise Impacts from Public Use Airport
NO IMPACT
As noted in Topic 7e, the nearest public use airport is Palm Springs International,
located approximately two and one half miles to the southeast. The project is not
within an airport land use plan and is located more than two miles from the
nearest public use airport. Therefore, the project will not be affected by
significant noise from any public use airport and no mitigation is required.
September 27,2004 Page 90
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
-1 11.f Noise Impacts from private Use Airport
NO IMPACT
As noted in Topic 7f, no private use airports are within two miles of the project
site nor is the project within an airport land use plan. Therefore, the project will
not be affected by significant noise from any private use airport and no mitigation
j is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - NOISE IMPACTS
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to noise.
Standard Conditions & Regulations
SC 11-1 The project shall comply with the Construction Site Regulations
(Municipal Code, Chapter 8.04.220) which restrict the operation for
construction equipment between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. if
the noise produced is of such intensit
y or quality that it disturbs the
peace and quiet of any other person of normal sensitivity. These
requirements shall be included on the contractor specifications and
shall be verified by the Building Official for both on site and offsite
construction.
SC 11-2 Future on-site development shall comply with all relevant noise
policies set forth in the Palm Springs Noise Ordinance (Municipal
Code Chapter 11,74) to ensure that site operations do not create
adverse noise impacts beyond the site boundaries.
Mitigation Measures
MM 11-1 All construction vehicles and equipment, fixed or mobile, operated
within 1,000 feet of a dwelling shall be equipped with properly
operating and maintained mufflers. This requirement shall be
included on the contractor specifications and shall be verified by the
Building Official.
MM 11-2 Stockpiling and/or vehicle staging areas shall be located onsite and as
far as practical from sensitive noise receptors (i.e. residential homes
located south and east of the project). This requirement shall be
included on the contractor specifications and shall be verified by the
Building Official.
MM 11-3 Rock crushing equipment shall be located at the extreme northwest
corner of the property.
MM 11-4 A berm of processed rock shall be constructed and maintained of
sufficient height to screen the rock crushing operation and maintain
off-site noise levels of 53 dB (Lso) or less at existing residences to the
September 27, 2004
Page 91
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
- east and south. If one crusher is used, the berm height shall be
fifteen feet on the east and twelve feet on the south. If two crushers
are used, the berm height shall be twenty feet on the east and
seventeen feet on the south.
MM 11-5 The developer shall contact the owner of Tram Way to obtain a
temporary right-of-access for construction and delivery truck traffic to
use Tram Way. If the owner of Tram Way is unwilling to grant such
a truck access route, a construction access plan shall be developed
and implemented if Racquet Club Drive is used by vehicles of three or
more axles. The access plan would limit the number of vehicles per
hour and the time of day that access is allowed. The construction
access plan shall include the following measures:
• Truck access shall not occur before 7:00 a.m. (8:00 a.m. on
j Saturday).
• No construction trucks shall operate on Racquet Club Drive after
3:00 p.m. when children may be playing, riding bikes, etc.
• Truck traffic shall be limited to no more than three (3) trucks in
j and three (3) trucks out each hour by vehicles with three or
more axles.
• Truckers shall be warned to not use engine decompression
('fake brakes") when traveling downhill for any access
alternative. Violators will be banned from site access after
failing to heed a first warning.
MM 11-6 Surficial material and boulders shall be stockpiled to create a
temporary noise berm prior to crusher operation. The crusher shall
operate behind this temporary berm until such time as the permanent
berm described in MM 11-4 has been created.
After application of Project Design Features, Standard Conditions 8 Regulations,
and Mitigation Measures outlined above, noise impacts were determined to be
mitigated to a level of less than significant.
Po[en[ia//y
Potentially Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant Al.
✓ /fit /ncoroorated lmoact /,nPoct
12. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the proposal:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
area, either directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
September 27, 2004 Page 92
City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, ❑ ❑ ❑
■
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
IMPACT ANALYSIS
-i 12.a Induce Substantial Population Growth
NO IMPACT.
I
The proposed project is located at the fringe of urban development. All major
utilities needed to serve the site are readily available and no major utility or road
extensions are necessary. Although new housing is proposed, site development
at residential densities of two units per acre and resident population of 213
persons (based on 2.52 persons per household for L2 designation per General
Plan Land Use Density/Intensity Table, GP page 1-26) was anticipated by the
City's General Plan and does not constitute population growth beyond what has
been planned. For the reasons stated above, the project does not serve to induce
either direct or indirect population growth and no mitigation is required.
12.b Substantial Displacement of Housing
NO IMPACT.
The project site is currently vacant, containing no existing housing population.
Consequently, displacement of housing would not occur as a result of the project
and no mitigation is required. For these reasons, the project does not serve to
displace existing housing and no mitigation is required.
12.c Substantial Displacement of People
NO IMPACT,
The project site is currently vacant, containing no existing resident population.
Consequently, displacement of people would not occur as a result of the project
and no mitigation is required. For these reasons, the project does not serve to
j displace people and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - POPULATION fr HOUSING
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to population and housing.
I
September 27, 2004 Page 93
City of Palm Springs -crescendo-(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-o996-PO-294 lnitiel Study
i
Standard Conditions & Regulations
There are no Standard Conditions £r Regulations related to population and
housing.
i
Mitigation Measures
No significant impacts to population and housing were identified; therefore, no
mitigation is required.
Potentia//y
Potentiai/y Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Significant No
/ncoraoratedt /fit
13. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered government facilities,
need for new or physically altered governmental
I facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times
or other performance objectives for any of the
public services:
.. a) Fire protection? (Source 1 O) ❑ ❑ ❑
b) Police protection? (Source 18) ❑ ❑ ❑
c) Schools? (Source 11) ❑ ❑ ❑
d) Parks? (Source 12) ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
e) Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑
IMPACT ANALYSIS
The proposed project will not increase demand for public services beyond those
anticipated by the City's General Plan, which currently designates the site for
residential development at a density of 2 units per acre. Development of the site is
an incremental and logical extension of public services to an infill area on the
fringe of existing urban development.
13.a Adverse Effects on Fire Protection Facilities or Services
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED
The project proposes to construct new residential structures, which would
increase the demand for fire protection services in the area. Fire protection would
be provided by the Palm Springs Fire Department (PSFD) from station #443 (one
September 27, 2004 Page 94
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
Of five City fire stations) located at 590 West Racquet Club Road, a Pproximately
one mile east of the project site. The PSFD has set a maximum acceptable fire
response time of five minutes and all structures beyond this primary response
area are required by City ordinance to install automatic fire sprinklers and other
built-in fire protection equipment, as deemed appropriate by the Fire Department.
As discussed in Section 7.h and shown in Exhibit 17, the five-minute response
boundary for station #443 falls within the project site and any dwellings which
are constructed outside this response area are required to comply with City
Municipal Code Section 11.02.020. Also discussed in Section 7.h is the project
location at an urban/wildland fire interface, as are other neighborhoods in the
Little Tuscany area. This, along with other projects presently being built in Palm
Springs, will bring added residents to the community resulting in an increased
demand for fire protection services. In order to address this increased demand,
the City intends to form an Assessment District to provide additional funding to
the fire department. The project will be required to support the formation of such
a district to mitigate impacts on fire protection services. Since the project will
participate in the assessment district, impacts of the project on fire protection
services are considered mitigated to a level of less than significant.
Prior to ap
proval of tentative tract map entitlements, the project will be reviewed
by the PSFD and conditioned for necessary fire protection requirements (hydrant
locations, fire flow volume, fire resistant construction, primary and secondary
access, fire sprinklers, vegetation management, etc.) Therefore, standard City
protocols for tentative map review and the imposition of reasonable conditions of
approval would ensure that project implementation would result in a less than
significant impact on fire protection services.
13.b Adverse Effects on Po/ice Protection Facilities or Services
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED
The project proposes to construct new residential structures, which would
increase the demand for law enforcement services in the area. Law enforcement
services would be provided by the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD). The
PSPD is headquartered at 200 South Civic Drive, approximately 3 miles southeast
of the subject property. According to the Police Department's web site, current
police staffing consists of 92 sworn personnel and 56 classified personnel. This
results in a staffing/population ratio of 1:500. According the General Plan EIR, 1.5
officers per 1000 population (1.5:1000) is a sufficient ratio. The Palm Springs
Police Department also has a mutual aid agreement with the Riverside County
Sheriff's Department. Funding for the Police Department comes from the City s
General Fund. This, along with other projects presently being built in Palm
Springs, will bring added residents to the community resulting in an increased
demand for police protection. In order to address this increased demand, the City
intends to form an Assessment District to provide additional funding to the police
department. The project will be required to support the formation of such a
district to mitigate impacts on law enforcement services. Since the project will
participate in the assessment district, impacts of the project on police protection
services are considered mitigated to a level of less than significant.
The project would be developed in accordance with Section II (Building Security
Regulations) of Chapter 8.04 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. Prior to
approval of tentative tract map entitlements, the project will be reviewed by the
September27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
PSPD and conditioned for necessary law enforcement requirements. Therefore,
standard City protocols for tentative map review and the imposition of reasonable
conditions of approval would ensure that project implementation would result in
no significant impact on law enforcement services.
i .
13.c Adverse Effects on School Facilities or Services
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED
The project proposes to construct new residential structures, which would
increase the demand for educational services in the area. The project is within the
Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) attendance area. Based on
generation factors provided by the PSUSD', the proposed project would generate
approximately thirty six students (eighteen in kindergarten through 5'grade, nine
in 6"' through 8" grade, and nine in 9`^ through 1211' grade). Students generated
by the proposed project would attend Katherine Finchy Elementary, Raymond
Cree Middle School, and Palm Springs High School. Raymond Cree Middle School
-;� and Palm Springs High School are below capacity and would be able to
accommodate students generated by the project. Attendance at Katherine Finchy
Elementary is below, but approaching capacity. School boundaries are adjusted
periodically to redistribute student attendance more equitably throughout the
district. Under state law, the proposed project will be required to pay the required
school impact fee (currently $2.14 per square foot) to reduce the potential impact
of additional students.
13.d Adverse Effects on Park Facilities or Services
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Development of the project would result in an increased demand for park and
recreation facilities. The City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department is
responsible for park facilities within the City and indicates that the City maintains
a 5:1 standard ratio of park area acreage to one thousand population. The project
will be required to dedicate land or contribute in-lieu fees for the provision of park
facilities at the required ratio. For these reasons, project implementation will
result in no significant impacts to park facilities and no additional mitigation is
required.
13.e Adverse Effects on Other Public Facilities or Services
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT
Development of the project will result in an increased use of public facilities
including roads, utilities, schools, parks, libraries, police and fire protection
services. However, the ongoing maintenance of these facilities is funded through
�I
the collection of taxes and other funding sources to maintain City facilities in
acceptable condition. The project applicant shall be required to pay for the
construction of internal roadways proposed at the site. The maintenance of these
roadways will be the responsibility of the project Homeowners Association once
the build out is completed. Therefore, the project will not result in an unusually
heavy burden on the maintenance of public facilities. For the reasons stated
1 Student Generation Factors(Students per household) =0.2125 for elementary,0.1084 for middle school,0.1091 for
I high school
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(T7-M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
above, project implementation would result in no significant impacts to public
services and no additional mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - PUBLIC SERVICES
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to public services.
I
Standard Conditions Er Regulations
SC 13-1 Make system improvements to pumping equipment and pressure
lines as required by the Desert Water Agency to achieve a minimum
of 1,000 gallons per minute fire flow for two-hour duration to all
buildings within the site.
'9
SC 13-2 The project shall provide fire sprinklers as required by the Palm
Springs Municipal Code, Section 11.02.020.
SC 13-3 The project shall comply with Uniform Fire Code, Uniform Building
Code and other applicable state and national code provisions
regarding building construction, including fire sprinklers.
i
SC 13-4 The project shall comply with the Palm Springs Municipal Code
Chapter 5.04, Section II Building Security Regulations.
I
SC 13-5 Prior to the issuance of building permits for residential construction,
the developer shall pay a school impact fee based on the current rate
as adopted by the Palm Springs Unified School District.
SC 13-6 Prior to approval of a Preliminary Planned Development District,
project site plans shall be reviewed and approved by Palm Springs
City Fire Department for adequacy of emergency access.
SC 13-7 Prior to approval of a Preliminary Planned Development District,
project site plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Palm
Springs Police Department for adequacy of internal circulation,
project lighting and other elements that affect emergency access and
project security.
Mitigation Measures
MM 13-1 The project will bring a significant number of additional residents to
the community. The City's existing public safety and recreation
services, including police protection, criminal justice, fire protection
and suppression, ambulance, paramedic and other safety services.
Accordingly, the City may determine to form a Community Services
District under authority of Ordinance C. Section 53311 et seq, or
other appropriate statutory or municipal authority_ Developer agrees
j to support the formation of such assessment district and shall waive
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al
any right or protect, provided that the amount of such assessment
shall be established through appropriate study and shall not exceed
$500 annually with a consumer price index escalator. The district
shall be formed prior to the sale of any lots or a covenant agreement
shall be recorded against each parcel.
After application of Project Design Features, Standard Conditions Et Regulations,
and Mitigation Measures, no significant impacts to
public services were
identified.
Potentially
Potentially SignMe.'t Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation significant No
/fit /ncormrated /fitImpac
14, RECREATION
a) Would the project increase the use of existing ❑ ❑ ❑
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facilit
y would
occur or be accelerated? (Source 1, 12)
i
b) Does the project include recreational facilities ❑ ❑ ❑
or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
(Source 1, 12)
IMPACT ANALYSIS
14.a Cause Substantial Deterioration of Existing Parks through Increased Use
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
I
The construction of this project would increase the potential demand for park and
recreational facilities. As a standard condition of approval, the project would be
required to dedicate land or pay in-lieu fees at the City's standard ratio of 5 acres
of park land to 1,000 population as required by the City Ordinance 1632,
establishing park fees. Therefore, new parks or park improvements would be
funded by the project and project implementation would result in less than
significant impacts to recreational facilities.
ci
14.b Cause Adverse Effects by Constructing New or Expanded Recreational Facilities
NO IMPACT.
The project proposes to construct pedestrian walkways and passive recreational
features as amenities to serve the project and immediate neighborhood. However
these are small and serve to augment the g project and enhance public pedestrian
connectivity and passive recreation opportunities rather than acting as a discrete
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City of Palm Springs 'Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-o996-PD-294 Initial Study
land use that would generate any significant environmental impacts. Therefore,
project implementation would result in no impacts due to the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - RECREATION
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to recreation.
Standard Conditions ft Regulations
SC 14-1 Pursuant to Park Fee Ordinance No. 1632 and in accordance with
Government Code Section 66477 (Quimby Act), all residential
development shall be required to contribute to mitigate park and
recreation impacts such that, prior to issuance of residential building
permits, a parkland fee or dedication shall be made. Accordingly, all
residential development shall be subject to parkland dedication
requirements and/or park improvement fees. The parkland mitigation
amount shall be based upon the cost to acquire and fully improve
i parkland.
11 Mitigation Measures
After application of Project Design Features and Standard Conditions £r
Regulations, no significant impacts to recreation were identified; therefore, no
additional mitigation is required.
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less Than
Significant Unless Mitigation Signficant No
/moact /ncorcorated /fit /moact
IS. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Would the project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial ❑ ❑ ❑
in relation to the existing traffic load and
capacity of the street system (i.e. result in a
substantial increase in either the number of
vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on
roads, or congestion at intersections)? (Source 13)
b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a ❑ ❑ ❑
level of service standard established by the
county congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, ❑ ❑ ❑
including either an increase in traffic levels
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm
equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
(Source 1 O)
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
i
g) Conflicts with adopted policies , plans, or ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
i programs supporting alternative transportation
(e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?
IMPACT ANALYSIS
15.a Traffic volume and Street Capacity Impacts
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
This discussion is based on a Traffic Study prepared for the project by George
Dunn Engineering dated January 12, 2004.
i Existing roadway and intersection conditions in the immediate vicinity of the
project include the following:
North Palm Canyon Drive (Highway 111)- North Palm Canyon Drive is a four lane
paved public roadway oriented general) north-south ap
proximately one-quarter
mile east of the project.
Tram Way-Tram Way is an east-west oriented two lane paved private roadway
that borders the southern project boundary. Tram Way intersects North Palm
Canyon Drive approximately one quarter mile east of the project. This intersection
is presently signalized with north-south protected left turn phasing.
West Racquet Club Drive - West Racquet Club Drive is an east-west oriented
public roadway that borders the southern project boundary. West Racquet Club
Drive intersects North Palm Canyon Drive approximately one quarter mile east of
the project. This intersection is presently signalized with a two-phase traffic
signal.
In order to evaluate the project traffic impacts, background traffic information was
obtained for relevant intersections. The intersection of West Racquet Club Drive
and North Palm Canyon Drive was determined by the City to be the one key
intersection requiring analysis. AM (7:00-9:00 AM) and PM (4:00-6:00 PM) peak
Septernber27, 2004 Page 100
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(T7-M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
turning movement traffic counts were collected at the Palm Canyon Drive
intersection with Racquet Club Drive in January 2002. These counts represent a
worst case analysis since they reflect traffic generated during the peak tourist
season when traffic counts are highest. Since the project proposes no access
onto Tram Way and no project traffic would be generated at the intersection of
Tram Way and Palm Canyon Drive, this intersection was not analyzed and no
traffic counts were collected. The report also obtained existing Year 2000 average
annual traffic counts from the California Department of Transportation
(CALTRANS) and forecast year 2020 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volumes from the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for use in the analysis. A
twenty-year average annual growth rate of 4.0% was assumed to incorporate
forecast growth due to background traffic.
I
The analysis of peak hour intersection Level of Service (LOS) is the primary
1 indicator of circulation system performance. The project traffic study used the
2000 Highway Capacity Manual Operations methodology to conduct the LOS
analysis. Levels of Service for peak hour intersection analysis are summarized
below:
LOS A- Optimal conditions, insignificant delays (< 10 seconds)
LOS B - Stable operation, minimal delays (10.1 - 20 seconds)
LOS C-Stable operation, acceptable delays (20.1-35 seconds)
LOS D -Approaching Unstable, tolerable delays (35.1-55 seconds)
LOS E- Unstable operation, significant delays (56.1-80 seconds)
LOS F-Forced Flow, excessive delays (> 80 seconds)
The project trip generation as determined by the traffic study is summarized in
Table 8 below.
Table 8
Project Trip Generation Forecast
GENERATIONTRIP
Land Use Intensity Units Oaily Weekday Weekday Weektla
Y Weekday Weekday Weekday
AM Total AM IN AM OUT PM Total PM IN PM OUT
Single Family - DU 9.57 0.75 0.19
Detached 0.56 1.01 0.65 0.36
Noosing
(Land Use 210)
FORECAST GENERATION
Land Use Intensity Units �mqmDaily Weekday Weekday Weekda y Weekday Weekday Weekday
AM Total AM IN AM OUT PM Total PM IN PM OUT
Single Family 85
Detached DU 813 64 16 48 86 55 31
Housing
(Land Use 210)
As shown in Table 8, the project will generate 813 vehicle trips per day, with an
a.m. peak hour of 64 vehicles and a p.m. peak hour of 86 vehicles. The effect of
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
t
this additional traffic on key intersections was analyzed to compare the existing
and future traffic conditions without the project to the future traffic conditions
with the project. The intersection of West Racquet Club Drive and North Palm
Canyon Drive was determined to be the one key intersection requiring analysis.
This intersection currently operates at a Level of Service (LOS) B in both the a.m.
and p.m. peak hours. According to the traffic analysis, the addition of future
traffic from the proposed project will not change the LOS for this intersection and
it will continue operating at LOS B. Levels of service categories are similar to
report card ratings for traffic performance. LOS B reflects an average delay of 10-
15 seconds per vehicle and is considered a very good functional level with only
short delays during the periods of peak travel demand. Level of Service D is
considered the minimum LOS acceptable to the City(General Plan policy 7.1.7).
i
J
For these reasons, project implementation will not result in increased traffic
volumes that cause congestion on existing adjacent streets or at key intersections
and no mitigation is required.
15.b Exceed Level of Service Standard on a Designated Road or Highway
NO IMPACT
The design of the surrounding street system reflects the Circulation Element of
the City's General Plan and is based upon the estimated vehicular trips generated
by the designated land uses and densities contained in the Land Use Element of
the General Plan. Since the project maintains the overall General Plan density,
project related traffic impacts are consistent with those that have already been
considered in the General Plan EIR. The only General Plan streets adjacent to the
project are Tram Way (designated as a Major Thoroughfare) and West Racquet
Club Drive (designated as a Secondary Thoroughfare). Tram Way is a semi-gated
private roadway with controlled public access to the Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway. West Racquet Club Road acts as a local collector for the project site
and surrounding neighborhoods, conducting traffic to and from North Palm
Canyon Drive (Highway 111). To maintain level of service standards, the project
will be required to pay the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF), a fee
designed to off-set the traffic impacts of new construction on the regional
roadway network. In addition, new rom development projects are P P 1 typically required to
improve adjacent streets to their full half width improvement standard in order to
construct the City's General Plan circulation system. West Racquet Club Drive
would fall within this category and would be constructed by the project in
accordance with City requirements. As noted in the discussion under Item 15a
above, the project traffic report determined that the intersection of West Racquet
Club Drive and North Palm Canyon Drive will operate at LOS B in 2005 with and
without the project and in 2020 with the project. It concludes that,"The area
roadways will continue to operate at acceptable levels of service in the Year 2005,
the project opening year date, and the Year 2020." Level of Service D is
considered the minimum LOS acceptable to the City (General Plan policy 7.1.7).
For these reasons, the level of vehicle trips will not exceed a level of service
standard for a local or regional roadway and no mitigation is required.
1
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(7TM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
1
15.c Adverse Impacts on Air Traffic Patterns
NO IMPACT
As noted in Section 7, the project is more than two miles from the Palm Springs
International Airport. It is located near the San Jacinto Mountains and is not in
i the path of direct over-flights. The 79 proposed residential units would not cause
a substantial increase in air passengers or flight volume. For these reasons, the
project will have no impact on air traffic patterns, levels or safety risks and no
mitigation is required.
15.d Adverse Impacts on Traffic Safety due to Dangerous Design or Incompatible Use
NO IMPACT
The project is located at the upper end of West Racquet Club Drive, where
existing traffic volumes are low. All streets proposed by the project are linear and
there are no curves to cause sight distance or other safety concerns. Project
entries intersect at 90 degrees with existing roads. In addition, standard City
protocol requires all engineered street plans to be reviewed and approved by the
City's Public Works Department before any construction can occur. Project land
uses are compatible with those around it so no vehicular incompatibilities are
evident. For these reasons, project implementation would not create unsafe
design features or incompatible uses that would substantially increase traffic
safety hazards and no mitigation is required.
15.e Inadequate Emergency Access
NO IMPACT
Standard City protocol requires all projects to undergo review by the Palm Springs
Fire Department (PSFD). The project provides two points of vehicular access to
each lot consistent with PSFD guidelines. For these reasons, project
implementation would not result in inadequate emergency access and no
mitigation is required.
15.f Inadequate Parking Capacity
NO IMPACT
The project would be required to comply with the City of Palm Springs Municipal
Code parking requirements for single family residences within a Planned
Development District. The parking requirements are based on the number of
single family residential units along with a factor for guest parking and will be
evaluated by the City during its development review process. A typical single
family residence with a two-car garage will accommodate four on-site spaces
(two inside the garage and two on the driveway apron), which satisfies the
parking needs of a typical single family residence. 28' wide streets will alsso
provide on-street parking on one side. Additional garage space or a wider
driveway apron could be provided to provide additional parking if required. For
these reasons, project implementation would not exceed parking capacity
requirements and no mitigation is required.
September 27, 2004
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i
City of Palm Springs "Crescendo'(TTM 31766), Case No. U-0996-PD-294 initial Study
' 1
15.g Conflict with Alternative Transportation Plan, Policy or Program
NO IMPACT
i The project is not located on a major road that would require bus turnouts and
bicycle storage for single family homes can be accommodated by the individual
homeowner. Transit service is available at North Palm Canyon Drive. For these
reasons, project implementation would not conflict with adopted alternative
transportation policies, plans or programs and no mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM —TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
i
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to transportation/traffic.
r
Standard Conditions Et Regulations
SC 15-1 The developer/applicant shall pay Traffic Uniform Mitigation Fees
(TUMF) prior to issuance of building permits.
SC 15-2 Dedication of public right-of-ways in accordance with the City of
Palm Springs General Plan shall be required for all adjacent General
Plan roadways.
Mitigation Measures
i
After application of Project Design Features and Standard Conditions Er
I Regulations, no significant impacts to transportation/traffic were identified;
therefore, no additional mitigation is required.
Potentially
Potentially Significant Less Than
I
Significant Unfess Mitigation Significant No
1 Jon'o lncorooratad lmoact /fit
16. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
i
i
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
the applicable Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB)? (Source 14)
b) Require or result in the construction of new ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the construction
of which could cause significant environmental
effects? (Source 14)
c) Require or result in the construction of new ❑ ❑ ❑
storm water drainage facilities or expansion
September27, 2004 Page 104
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
of existing facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant environmental effects?
(Sources 14)
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve ❑ ❑ ❑
the project from existing entitlements and
resources, or are new or expanded entitlements
needed? (Source 15, 25)
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater ❑ ❑ ❑
treatment provider which serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the project's projected demand in addition
to the provider's existing commitments? (Source 14)
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted ❑ ❑ ❑
capacity to accommodate the project's solid
waste disposal needs? (Source 16)
I
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes ❑ ❑ ❑
and regulations related to solid waste?
(Source 16)
IMPACT ANALYSIS
16.a Exceed Wastewater Treatment Requirements
NO IMPACT.
The City of Palm Springs operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant serving this
project. Project wastewater entering the City sewer system would be generated
by single family residences that would cause concern upon their discharge from
the treatment plant. In addition, operation of the wastewater treatment plant is
regulated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and standard permitting
and monitoring protocols ensure that treatment requirements for waste
discharges are not exceeded. For these reasons, project implementation would
not exceed RWQCB wastewater treatment requirements and no mitigation is
required.
_ 16.b Adverse Effects from Construction of Water or Wastewater Treatment Facilities
NO IMPACT.
Wastewater collection service to the project would be provided by the City of
Palm Springs. The project would be designed to gravity flow to an existing sewer
main in Racquet Club Drive at Girasol Avenue, requiring installation of about 300
feet of offsite sewer line to reach the project site. The project is consistent with
the density provisions of the City's Wastewater Master Plan, which is designed to
a accommodate General Plan build out projections. The General Plan EIR states
that implementation of the General Plan, including land uses proposed on this
September 27, 2004
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i
I
City of Palm Springs -Crescendo'(TTM 37766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294/nitia/Study
site, will not have a significant effect upon the City's sewer system. For these
reasons, project implementation would not require the expansion or new
construction of wastewater treatment facilities nor would it result in a
determination of inadequate capacity to serve the project or the community and
no mitigation beyond Standard Conditions Er Regulations is required.
Domestic water service to the project would be provided by the Desert Water
Agency (DWA). The project is served by DWA Reservoir No. 20 (3.5 million
;•� gallons), which has adequate water storage capacity to meet present and future
domestic and fire flow requirements for the area, including the project. From the
reservoir, water would be pumped to the upper portion of the project to achieve
fire flow volumes, while water to the lower portion of the project would operate
under a gravity pressure system. DWA indicates that the lower area (the Palm
Springs North Base System) currently has no system deficiencies while the upper
area (the Chino West Zone) has deficient pumping capacity and provides only
marginal fire flow to existing residences. The minimum required fire flow without
automatic sprinklers is 1,500 gallons per minute for a two hour duration while the
fire flow with automatic sprinklers is 1,000 gallons per minute foe a two hour
duration. Pumping equipment serving the upper zone currently achieves between
750 and 1.000 gallons per minute flow and would require upgrade of the
pumping facilities and installation of approximately 1,200 linear feet of new
pressure line in Milo Drive to adequately serve the upper portion of the project.
The requirement for upgrade of pumping facilities and extension of offsite water
pressure lines would be included as part of the City Standard Conditions &
C Regulations for the project. For these reasons, although project implementation
would require the expansion and upgrade of water delivery infrastructure, no new
or expanded water treatment facilities would be needed that would result in a
determination of inadequate capacity to serve the project or the community and
no mitigation beyond Standard Conditions & Regulations is required.
16.c Adverse Effects from Construction of Storm Water Drainage Facilities
i NO IMPACT.
The City of Palm Springs has responsibility for storm drain lines that would serve
the project, however, none exist in the site vicinity. As discussed in Section 8,
the project will provide on-site detention facilities and storm drain lines to address
the drainage collection and discharge requirements of the project and, although
not required to serve this project, will construct the segment of Master Storm
Drain Line 2 that crosses the project site. These facilities are contained within the
development footprint and their environmental impacts are evaluated herein. For
these reasons, project implementation will have no impact on new or expanded
offsite drainage facilities and no mitigation is required.
16.d Availability of Sufficient Water Supply
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED
Desert Water .(DW) has responsibility for water service to the project site. DW
water supply is obtained from groundwater wells, with supplemental water from
the Metropolitan Water District's Colorado River Aqueduct. The proposed project
would generate a demand of approximately 7.6 million gallons of water annually
September27 2004
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo-(7TM 31766). Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 lnitia/Study
I
(assuming 260 gallons/unit/day). The DW has indicated that it has sufficient
water supply to serve the project, therefore, the project would not significantly
affect the provision of water service by DW within its jurisdiction.
DW has noted that the Whitewater River groundwater sub-basin is currently in
an overdraft condition. By supplying water to the proposed project, DW would be
contributing cumulatively to this overdraft. Due to its large size, basin
management is possible with replenishment using surplus water during wet
years and draw down during dry ones. Long-term ground water levels are being
stabilized by actions including the practice of artificial recharge of State Water
Project supplies and other surplus water, orderly expansion of the recycled water
system and aggressive investment in and promotion of conservation programs.
Based on its on-going management plans, the DW has determined that there is
sufficient water supply for the project.
To minimize water consumption, the project will follow water conservation
guidelines included within the Palm Springs General Plan Update EIR (Page 5-
100), the Palm Springs General Plan (Pages II-63 and II-64). and the City's Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance to mitigate the impacts to public water supplies.
These would include the use of drought tolerant plants in landscaping.
j For these reasons, the project has sufficient water supply from existing
entitlements and resources Procured by the DW such that impacts to water
supply would be less than significant and no additional mitigation is required.
16.e Sufficiency of Wastewater Treatment Capacity
NO IMPACT.
Wastewater treatment service to the project would be provided by the City of
Palm Springs. The project is consistent with the density provisions of the City's
Wastewater Master Plan, which is designed to a accommodate General Plan build
out projections. The General Plan EIR states that implementation of the General
Plan, including land uses and density proposed on this site, will not have a
significant effect upon the City's sewer system. For these reasons, wastewater
treatment capacity is adequate to serve the project and the existing community
and no mitigation is required.
16.f Sufficiency of Lancifiii Capacity
NO IMPACT.
Solid Waste collection services would be provided to the project by the Palm
Springs Disposal Service (PSDS). Solid waste generated by the project would be
sent to the Edom Hill transfer station located in the City of Cathedral City. The
Edom Hill transfer station is an 8-acre facility operated by Waste Management
Inc. with a permitted throughput of 2,600 tons per day. The transfer station is
operating on the premises of the Edom Hill Landfill, which is scheduled to close in
the Fall of 2004. Solid waste sent to the transfer station will be transported to
various landfills, all of which have capacity to accommodate waste from the
project.
September 27, 2004
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City of Palm Springs 9 "Crescendo"(17-M 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD 294 Initial Study
The Lamb Canyon Landfill is located at 16411 State Highway 79 in Beaumont.
The landfill is sited on 353 acres, of which 145 acres_ are currently being used for
disposal. The landfill was permitted for expansion on December 16, 2003 and
currently has a remaining capacity of 25,967,000 cubic yards, which is projected
to accommodate solid waste demand until the projected closure date of January
1, 2023 based on a permitted throughput of 3,000 tons per day.
The Badlands Landfill is located at 31125 Ironwood Avenue in Moreno Valley.
The landfill is sited on 1,093 acres, of which 150 acres are currently being used
1 for disposal. The landfill was permitted for expansion on July 30, 2001 and
currently has a remaining capacity of 15,036,809 cubic yards, which is projected
to accommodate solid waste demand until the projected closure date of January
1, 2018 based on'a permitted throughput of 4,000 tons per day.
f
The El Sobrante Landfill is located at 10910 Dawson Canyon Road in Corona.
{ The landfill is sited on 1,322 acres, of which 495 acres are currently being used
;± for disposal. The landfill was permitted for expansion on June 6, 2001 and
currently has a remaining capacity of 184,930,000 cubic yards, which is
projected to accommodate solid waste demand until the projected closure date of
January 1, 2020 based on a permitted throughput of 10.000 tons per day.
The project would generate approximately 360 pounds per day of solid waste
(assumes ten pounds/unit/day), which is negligible compared to the combined
capacity of the various landfills serving the site via the Edom Hill Transfer Station.
For these reasons, the project will be served by landfills with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs and no
additional mitigation is required.
16.g Compliance with Solid Waste Regulations
I NO IMPACT.
Solid waste from the project would be generated by single family residences for
curbside pickup and be subject to the collection requirements of the solid waste
provider, that precludes the disposal of hazardous substances to the landfill. For
these reasons, project implementation will comply with federal, state and local
solid waste regulations and no additional mitigation is required.
MITIGATION PROGRAM - UTILITIES
Project Design Features
There are no special project design features related to utilities.
Standard Conditions & Regulations
SC 16-1 The developer shall be responsible for system improvements to
pumping facilities and pressure lines as required by the Desert Water
Agency to achieve a minimum of 1,000 gallons per minute fire flow
to all buildings provided with sprinklers and a minimum 1,500
gallons per minute fire flow to all buildings without sprinklers. Water
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766). Case No. S-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
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improvement plans showing these improvements shall be submitted
to DWA for review and approval.
SC 16-2 Prior to issuance of building permits, the developer shall submit
building plans showing fire sprinklers as required by the Palm
Springs Municipal Code, Section 11.02.020 and other fire protection
building standards as may be required by the Palm Springs Fire
Department.
Mitigation Measures
After application of Project Design Features and Standard Conditions &
Regulations, no significant impacts to utilities were identified; therefore, no
' additional mitigation is required.
i
.i Potentially
Potentially significant Less Than
Significant Unteas Mitigation Significant No
/fit tncorootated /m act /moact
17. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below
self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant
or animal community, reduce the number or restrict
the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal,
or eliminate important examples of California
history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individ- ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
ually limited, but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable' means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of
past projects, the effects of other current projects,
and the effects of probable future projects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects ❑ ❑ ❑
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
The information provided in this section summarizes the results of analyses
contained in the preceding Sections 1 through 16 of this document.
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! City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"
(TTM 37766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initia/Study
17.a Does the Project have Potential impacts that will Degrade the Environment
NO IMPACT.
As discussed in preceding sections, the proposed project will not cause impacts
to the environment that cannot be mitigated to less than significant levels. In
Particular, the discussion of biological and cultural resources in Sections 4 and 5
identified no impacts to these resources and no mitigation was required.
°j 17.b Does the Project have Impacts that are Cumulatively Considerable
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
As discussed in preceding sections, the development of single family housing will
contribute an incremental increase in the cumulative demand for City services,
use of public roads, demand for additional supplies of domestic water, and
`i generation of additional wastewater and solid waste. However, the proposed
Project is consistent with the City's General Plan density and was accounted for
in local and regional infrastructure planning efforts and growth projections. The
level of increase caused by the proposed project is minimal due principally to the
small size Of the Project (79 units) and its location as an infill site adjacent to
existing residential development. Cumulative impacts to City services were
iidentified and will be mitigated through participation in an Assessment District to
provide adequate funding levels. Cumulative impacts to water supply are being
addressed through the ongoing basin management efforts of Desert Water, who
has indicated that they have adequate water supply to serve this project.
17.c Does the Project have Impacts with Adverse Effects on Human Beings
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT UNLESS MITIGATION INCORPORATED.
As discussed in preceding sections, the proposed project is not anticipated to
result in any environmental effects upon human beings either directly or indirectly
that cannot be mitigated to less than significant levels.
From the environmental analysis contained in this Initial Study, the following
issues were determined to have no potential for significant environmental impact
if the project is implemented as proposed: agricultural resources; biological
resources, cultural resources; geology Et soils; hazards Er hazardous materials;
mineral resources; noise (long term operational impacts); hydrology/water quality;
population/housing; public services; recreation; and transportation/traffic. The
proposed project has the potential to have significant impacts related to
aesthetics; air quality; land use/planning; noise (short-term construction-related
impacts) and utility/service systems unless the recommended mitigation
measures are incorporated into the project.
Based on the overall findings in this Initial Study, the City will prepare a Negative
Declaration for Change of Zone No. 5.0996, Tentative Tract Map No. 31766, and
Preliminary Planned Development District No. 294 and vacation of the westerly
25 feet of right-of-way for Vista Grande Avenue.
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PO-294 Initial Study
18. DOCUMENT PREPARERS
i
Listed below are the persons who prepared or participated in the preparation of this
initial study.
Kathryn Lottes, Director of Planning Services, City of Palm Springs
Douglas R. Evans, Director of Strategic Planning, City of Palm Springs
Alex Meyerhoff, Principal Planner, City of Palm Springs
David Barakian, City Engineer, City of Palm Springs
Marcus Fuller, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Palm Springs
Carl Thiebault, Fire Chief, City of Palm Springs Fire Department
' I Gary Jeandron, Police Chief, City of Palm Springs Police Department
Scott Mikesell, Park and Recreation Director, City of Palm Springs
Paul DePalatis, AICP, DePalatis Associates, Inc. (Consultant)
i
19. DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
❑ 1 find the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
■ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the
project have been made by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑ 1 find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
❑ 1 find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least 1) has
been analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2)
has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described
on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must
analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
❑ 1 find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed
adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable
standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed
upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
9 0
KAT'HRYN L TTES Date
Director of Planning Services
September 27, 2004
Page 111
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City of Palm Springs ,Crescendo'(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
I certify that I am the applicant for the project described in this Initial Study. I acknowledge
that 1 have read this Initial Study and the proposed mitigation measures. Further, I have
j revised project plans or proposals and/or hereby agree to the proposed mitigation measures
to avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant
environmental effects would occur
I
Signature
Print na a and title: U I t r, s/r�•J�ii/
i
r
I
i
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Ciiy of Palm Springs "Crescendo"(TTM 31766), Case No. 5-0996-PD-294 Initial Study
i
SECTION 5 - REFERENCES
i
The following references correspond to the sources identified in the environmental
evaluation contained in Chapter 4. Referenced documents are available for review at the
City of Palm Springs Planning Services Department, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm
Springs, California, 92264.
-i 1. City of Palm Springs (March 1993). City of Palm Springs General Plan.
2. City of Palm Springs (July 1992). City of Palm Springs General Plan Update EIR.
3. City of Palm Springs. City of Palm Springs Zoning Code.
4. James W. Cornett Ecological Consultants (December 11, 2003). Bio/ogica/Assessment
and Impact Analysis of the Proposed Wessman Tramway Development and
supplemental letter from James W. Cornett to Michael Braun dated July 6, 2004.
.5. CRM TECH (January 1-6, 2004). Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report,
Tentative Tract Number 31766.
6. Earth Systems Southwest (February 4, 2004). Geotechnical Engineering Report
Proposed 81 Lot Residential Subdivision NWC Racquet Club Road and North Leonard
Road, Palm Springs, California; and Earth Systems Southwest (April 28, 2004).
Addendum to Technical Report, Proposed 85-Lot Residential Subdivision, Tentative
Tract No. 31766.
7. URS Consultants (October 4, 2001). Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, 61.5-
Acre Tramway Property, Tramway Road & North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs,
California (Project No. 59-00 1 15 12 1.01).
8. Hunsaker & Associates (April 2004). Hydrology Analysis for Tentative Tract 31766,
City of Palm Springs, County of Riverside.
' 9. C.W. Poss, Inc. (February 3, 2004). Letter to Michael Braun, Wessman Development
Company summarizing proposed grading and crushing operations.
10. Personal communication with Carl Thiebault, Fire Chief, Palm Springs Fire Department
(April 2, 2004)
11. Personal communication with William Schmidt, Director of Facilities Planning and
Development, Palm Springs Unified School District (April 16, 2004)
12. Personal communication with Scott Mikesell, Director, Palm Springs Park and
Recreation Department (April 16, 2004)
i
13. George Dunn Engineering (January 12, 2004),Traffic Study for 'The Crescendo
Project"
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City of Palm Springs "Crescendo"Prbject(TTM 31766)Initial Study
14. Personal communication with Marcus Fuller, Senior Civil Engineer, Palm Springs
Public Works Department (April 2, 2004) and Memorandum from Marcus Fuller to
Alex Meyerhoff dated July 14. 2004.
i
15. Personal communication with Woody Adams, Senior Service Planner, Desert Water
Agency (April 2, 2004)
i
16. California Integrated Waste Management Board Solid Waste Information System
`1 (SWIS) www.ciwmb.ca,q
ov/SWIs/
I
17. Attachment B, California Environmental Quality Act Statement of Overriding
Considerations for the Palm Springs General Plan Update.
I
18. Noise Impact Analysis for TT 31095 ("Crescendo") Palm Springs, California, Giroux and
Associates, June 15, 2004.
.I
19. Air Quality Analysis for TT 31095 ("Crescendo") Palm Springs, California, Giroux and
_ Associates, June 14, 2004
i
20. Letter from Chief Gary Jeandron, Palm Springs Police Department, July 8, 2004
I
21. Personal communication with Willy Jenkins, Integrated Waste Management Specialist,
California Intergrated Waste Management Board, July 6, 2004.
22. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Panel 0602570004D (July 7, 1999)
23. James W. Cornett Ecological Consultants 0984) Biological Study and Impact Analysis:
Heinrich 160 Acre Chino Cone Project. City of Palm Springs.
i 24. James W. Cornett, (1992) Biological Study and Impact Analysis: Shadowrock Resort.
i
City of Palm Springs,
25. Will Serve Letter from Debbie Rappaport, Senior Service Planner, Desert Water,
October 23. 2004.
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