SR-400-001-02
PCD:SF:JT:AS:PF:f:\plan\share\council\strpt\openspace.doc
Council Mtg: December 11, 2001 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Certification of the Open Space Element Final Environmental Impact Report
and Adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Adoption of
the Open Space Element.
INTRODUCTION
This report recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and take the
following actions related to the Open Space Element:
1. Adopt a Resolution certifying the Open Space Element Environmental Impact
Report evaluating the environmental effects of the proposed project;
2. Adopt a Resolution approving a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and
3. Adopt a Resolution amending the Open Space Element of the General Plan.
BACKGROUND
On July 1, 1997, the City Council approved the Draft Open Space Element which was the
culmination of an 18-month planning effort. This approval enabled City staff to commence
environmental review of the Draft Element, which is required prior to formal adoption of the
updated Open Space Element. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is now complete
and certification is required prior to Open Space Element adoption.
DISCUSSION
The Open Space Element is a state mandated component of the City’s General Plan and
identifies the appropriate use, capacity, and location of existing and proposed parks and
open space facilities within the City. The Open Space Element also proposes long range
objectives and policies for improving the character and quality of parks and open space
facilities for City residents. The Open Space Element proposes to increase the future
inventory of open space through reuse of public lands, redefinition of streets and
transportation corridors, and acquisition of private parcels. The intent is to create a
diverse system of parks and open space areas, including: undeveloped natural areas,
gardens, greens, pathways, tree-lined streets, urban parks, and various recreational
facilities. The ultimate focus of the Open Space Element is to reinforce the social,
environmental, cultural and recreational role of open space within Santa Monica. The
Open Space Element is contained in Attachment I.
Adoption of the Open Space Element requires an amendment to the City’s General Plan.
A Resolution amending the City’s General Plan is included as Attachment G.
Implementation of the various project-related components of the Draft Open Space
Element may require Zoning Ordinance amendments , individual Conditional Use Permits
or Development Review Permits and approval by the Architectural Review Board. These
projects may further require additional environmental review.
CEQA Analysis
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared for the proposed project in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Copies of the Draft EIR
were made available on January 30, 2001 for a 45-day public review period, which closed
on March 19, 2001. A total of 3 comment letters on the draft EIR were received. These
comment letters, as well as the response to comments, are included in the Final EIR
(Attachment J).
Purpose and Intent of the Draft EIR
The Open Space Element sets forth several fundamental concepts for improving the
quality and quantity of open space areas throughout Santa Monica, but does not identify in
detail any specific component project or projects. Because individual projects for the Draft
Open Space Element have not been designed to site-specific detail, the Draft EIR is
intended to serve as a “first-tier” EIR or “Program EIR”. Whenever feasible, the Draft EIR
identifies probable significant environmental impacts and recommends mitigation
measures to reduce or avoid such significant impacts. The Draft EIR defers specific
analysis of impacts for specific sub-projects that are not yet defined in sufficient detail to
analyze appropriately, or for project impacts that cannot be predicted without undue
speculation. Any future environmental review documents can incorporate by reference
materials from the Draft EIR.
Summary of Environmental Impacts
The Draft EIR analyzes the project-related and cumulative impacts associated with the
following environmental issues:
- Traffic, Access, and Parking - Air Quality
- Noise - Land Use
- Light and Glare (Artificial Light) - Aesthetics
- Public Services (Fire, Police, Recreation) - Neighborhood Effects
- Utilities (Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, Storm Drainage)
- Energy (Electricity, Natural Gas)
- Cultural Resources (Historic Landmarks)
.
Summary of Impacts Not Requiring Mitigation
The Draft Open Space Element would result in less than significant impacts for the
following issue areas and thus will not require mitigation: 1) Land Use; 2) Aesthetics;
3) Fire Protection; 4) Utilities (Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, Storm Drainage); 5) Energy
(Electricity, Natural Gas); and 6) Cultural Resources (Historic Landmarks). No additional
analysis is required for these environmental issues.
.
Summary of Significant Impacts That Can Be Mitigated
The proposed project would result in significant environmental impacts that can be feasibly
mitigated for the following issue areas: 1) Light and Glare (Artificial Light) and 2)
Recreation. No additional analysis is required for these environmental issues as mitigation
measures have been identified that reduce the environmental impacts in these areas to
less than significant levels.
.
Summary of Significant Unavoidable Impacts
Based on the amount of site-specific information available in the Open Space Element, the
EIR determined that the proposed project could possibly result in significant unavoidable
impacts for the following issue areas: 1) Traffic, Access and Parking; 2) Air Quality; 3)
Noise; and 4) Neighborhood Effects (i.e., Traffic, Air Quality and Noise). While mitigation
measures have been proposed in these areas, these measures are not sufficient to reduce
these impacts to levels of insignificance. Additional analysis of these environmental issues
is also recommended as individual components of the proposed project are implemented
and more detailed site-specific information is available. A resolution approving a Statement
of Overriding Considerations and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring Program is included as
Attachment F.
Alternatives
Two alternatives to the proposed project have been evaluated in the Open Space Element
DEIR to provide informed decision-making in accordance with Section 15126(d) of the
CEQA Guidelines.
No Project Alternative
CEQA requires that EIRs analyze a No Project Alternative. Under the No Project
alternative, the proposed new and expanded parks and open space areas would not be
constructed and none of the recommendations, goals, or objectives of the Draft Open
Space Element Update would be implemented. Any remaining, uncompleted components
of the existing (1973) Open Space Element would not be implemented under the No
Project Alternative. However, the continuation of existing conditions as well as
development of the related projects (development projects considered for cumulative
impacts) would occur under this alternative.
Existing Open Space Element Alternative
Prepared in 1973, the basic goals and objectives of the City’s existing Open Space
Element are to define and identify those open space uses important to the community, and
propose a program assuring their protection. The principal components of the existing
Open Space Element include the legislative enactments relating to open space elements,
an open space inventory and analysis, a map of open space areas within Santa Monica,
and a policy program regarding preservation measures. Based in part on the open space
inventory conducted in 1973, the existing Open Space Element identifies 13 applicable
open space issues that are considered to be locally pertinent, including: Wildlife Habitats,
Plant Areas, Bays, Coastal Beaches, Bays Important to Commercial Fisheries, Scenic
Value, Historic Value, Cultural Value, Park and Recreation Purposes, Access to Beaches,
Scenic Highway Corridors, Unstable Soil Areas, Water Reservoirs. While the existing
Open Space Element does recommend a range of general open space uses, it does not
target specific sizes or particular open space uses. In addition, the existing Open Space
Element does not include specific policies aimed at the acquisition and development of
additional open space areas in Santa Monica.
Planning Commission Action
On September 5, 2001 the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider a
recommendation to the Council regarding certification of the Environmental Impact Report,
including a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a recommendation regarding the
adoption of the updated Open Space Element. After deliberation and comments to staff,
the Commission voted unanimously to recommend certification of the Final Environmental
Impact Report and adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations. On a separate
motion, the Commission recommended adoption of the updated Open Space Element (see
Planning Commission minutes from September 5, 2001 – Attachment H). In response to
Commissioner Hopkins’ comments, the Commission requested that the Environmental
Task Force suggest additional language that might be added to the document that links
open space with a sustainable Santa Monica. The Environmental Task Force has
forwarded this language which has been added to the Open Space Element as a Forward
to the document.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
In conjunction with the EIR preparation, a notice of preparation of the EIR was published in
the “Our Times” supplement of the Los Angeles Times on August 5, 1998. The Notice of
Availability of the DEIR, was published in the “Westside Weekly” section of the Los
Angeles Times on February 1, 2001. A copy of the Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR is
shown in Attachment C.
A notice of the public hearing was published in the “California” section of the Los Angeles
Times a minimum of ten days prior to the public hearing. A copy of the public notice is
shown in Attachment D.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Open Space Element will not have any budgetary or financial impacts on the City.
However, the individual component projects contained in the Open Space Element will
have budgetary or financial impacts that will be quantified at the time of project approval.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council conduct a public hearing and take the following
actions:
1. Adopt a Resolution certifying the Open Space Element Environmental Impact
Report evaluating the environmental effects of the proposed project;
2. Adopt a Resolution approving a Statement of Overriding Considerations and
adopting a Mitigation Monitoring Program; and
3. Adopt a Resolution amending the Open Space Element of the General Plan with the
revisions listed in the addendum to the Draft Open Space Element contained in
Attachment G.
Prepared by: Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning
Jay M. Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Amanda Schachter, Principal Planner
Paul Foley, Senior Planner, City Planning Division
Planning and Community Development Department
Attachments: A. June 10, 1997 City Council staff report
B. July 1, 1997 City Council staff report
C. Copy of Notice of Availability
D. Notice of Public Hearing
E. Resolution certifying the Open Space Element EIR
F. Resolution approving a Statement of Overriding
Considerations and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring
Program
G. Resolution amending the General Plan to incorporate
the updated Open Space Element
H. Planning Commission minutes – September 5, 2001
I. Open Space Element
J. Open Space Element EIR
ATTACHMENT A
June 10, 1997 City Council staff report
Electronic version of attachment is not available for review.
Document is available for review at the City Clerk’s Office and the
Libraries.
ATTACHMENT B
July 1, 1997 City Council staff report
Electronic version of attachment is not available for review.
Document is available for review at the City Clerk’s Office and the
Libraries.
ATTACHMENT C
Notice of Availability
NOTICE OF COMPLETION & PUBLIC NOTICE OF
AVAILABILITY OF A
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR)
ON THE PROPOSED SANTA MONICA OPEN SPACE
ELEMENT
TO:
Concerned Persons
FROM:
The City of Santa Monica
PROJECT
LOCATION:
City-Wide
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:
The Open Space Element is a state mandated component
of the City’s General Plan which identifies the appropriate use, capacity, and location of
existing and proposed parks and open space facilities within the City. The Open Space
Element also proposes long range objectives and policies for improving the character and
quality of parks and open space facilities for City residents. The Open Space Element
proposes to increase the future inventory of open space through re-use of public lands,
redefinition of streets and transportation corridors, and acquisition of private parcels. The
intent is to create a diverse system of parks and open space areas, including:
undeveloped natural areas, gardens, greens, pathways, tree-lined streets, and urban
parks. The focus of the Open Space Element is to reinforce the social, environmental,
cultural and recreational role of open space within Santa Monica.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on this project is considered a Program EIR
which examines the environmental effects of the polices and objectives of the Open Space
Element, but does not review the impacts of individual projects. The DEIR is available for
your review and comment. The DEIR analyzes the following environmental effects:
Traffic, Access and Parking; Air Quality; Noise; Land Use; Light and Glare (Artificial
Light); Aesthetic Impacts; Public Services (Fire Protection, Police Protection ,
Recreation); Utilities (Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, Storm Drainage); Energy
(Electricity, Natural Gas); Cultural Resources (Historic Landmarks); and
Neighborhood Effects.
Significant environmental effects of this project identified in the DEIR that can be mitigated
include:
?
Light and Glare (Artificial Light)
?
Recreation
Possible significant environmental effects of this project identified in the DEIR that cannot
be mitigated include
:
?
Traffic, Access and Parking
?
Air Quality
?
Noise
?
Neighborhood Effects (Traffic, Air Quality and Noise)
The EIR recommends additional environmental analysis of the individual components and
projects of the Open Space Element as they are implemented and more site-specific
information is available.
HOW TO COMMENT ON DRAFT EIR:
The City of Santa Monica encourages public
comment on this and other projects. A copy of the DEIR is available for your review at the
City Planning Counter, Room 111 of City Hall, in the office of the City Clerk, and in the
th
reference section of the Main Library, 1343 6 Street, Santa Monica.
All documents that are referenced in the Draft EIR are available for review at the City
Planning Counter.
DUE DATE FOR COMMENTS: Monday, March 19, 2001 5:00 p.m.
WHERE TO SEND COMMENTS:
City Planning Division
1685 Main Street, Room 212
Santa Monica, CA 90401-3295
Attention: Paul Foley, Associate Planner
Telephone: (310) 458-8341
The City of Santa Monica encourages that comments may be sent electronically to: “paul-
foley@santa-monica.org”
MORE INFORMATION:
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65009(b), if this matter is subsequently
challenged in Court, the challenge may be limited to only those issues raised at the Public
Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of
Santa Monica at, or prior to, the Public Hearing.
ESPAÑOL
Un reporte sobre los posibles efectos ambientales esta preparado sobre el elemento para
espacios al aire libre. Para más información, llame a Carmen Gutierrez (310) 458-8341.
ATTACHMENT D
Notice of Public Hearing
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE SANTA MONICA CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Certification of the Open Space Element Final Environmental Impact
Report and Adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations and
Adoption of an Amended Open Space Element of the General Plan.
WHEN: Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: City Hall Council Chambers
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, California
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider an amended and updated Open
Space Element of the General Plan and the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
prepared for the project. The current Open Space Element was adopted in 1973.
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
The Open Space Element is a state mandated component of the City’s General Plan and identifies the
appropriate use, capacity, and location of existing and proposed parks and open space facilities within the
City. The Open Space Element also proposes long range objectives and policies for improving the
character and quality of parks and open space facilities for City residents. The Open Space Element
proposes to increase the future inventory of open space through reuse of public lands, redefinition of streets
and transportation corridors, and acquisition of private parcels. The intent is to create a diverse system of
parks and open space areas, including: undeveloped natural areas, gardens, greens, pathways, tree-lined
streets, urban parks, and various recreational facilities. The ultimate focus of the Open Space Element is to
reinforce the social, environmental, cultural and recreational role of open space within Santa Monica.
.
The FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) prepared for the project is
available for public review at the City Planning Counter, Room 111, City Hall, 1685 Main
Street.
Following the public hearing, the City Council will consider the following actions:
1. Adoption of a Resolution certifying the Open Space Element Final Environmental
Impact Report, which evaluates the environmental effects of the proposed project;
2. Adoption of a Resolution approving a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and
3. Adoption of a Resolution amending the Open Space Element of the General Plan.
HOW TO COMMENT
You may comment at the City Council public hearing, or by writing a letter. Written
information received before 3:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the hearing will be given
to the City Council in their packet. Information received after that time will be given to the
City Council prior to the meeting.
Address your letters to: City Clerk
1685 Main Street, Room 102
Santa Monica, CA 90401
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this project, please contact Senior Planner Paul Foley at (310)
458-8341. Information is also available on the City’s web site at www.santa-monica.org.
The meeting facility is handicapped accessible. If you have any disability-related request,
please contact 310/458-8701 or TTY 310/ 458-8696 at least three days prior to the event.
Santa Monica Bus Lines 1, 2, 3 and 7 serve City Hall.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65009(b), if this matter is subsequently
challenged in Court, the challenge may be limited to only those issues raised at the Public
Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of
Santa Monica at, or prior to, the Public Hearing.
ESPAÑOL
El Concilio Municipal de la ciudad de Santa Monica tendra una audencia publica para
revisar applicaciones proponiendo desarrollo en Santa Monica. Para mas informacion,
llame a Carmen Gutierrez al numero (310) 458-8341.