SR-06-09-2015-9A - 301-001-06/405-002City Council Fleeting: June 9, 2015
Agenda Item:1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: David Martin, Planning & Community Development Director
Karen Ginsberg, Community & Cultural Services Director
Subject: Public Hearing to consider an addendum to the approved 2005 CCSP EIR
and amend the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP) pertaining to the Santa
Monica Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) (Text Amendment 15-
ENT- 0158), review of the proposed ECEC design, and adoption of a
resolution regarding amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding
with Santa Monica College (SMC) and execution of a ground lease with
Santa Monica College for the ECEC.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing, receive public comment,
and:
1. Certify an addendum to the CCSP Environmental Impact Report in compliance
with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
2. Adopt an amendment to the Civic Center Specific Plan policies pertaining to the
Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) to increase the maximum height of
one building from 25 feet to 40 feet and increase the project's maximum floor
area from 16,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet to accommodate 110
children and provide additional facilities that will serve SMC's Early Childhood
Education Department teaching center and ancillary meeting space for
community -based agencies.
3. Review and comment on the proposed design of the ECEC project.
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute amendments to the
existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SMC and to negotiate and
execute a ground lease with SMC.
Executive Summary
Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment
Plans for the Early Childhood Education Center, a joint project of the City of Santa
Monica and Santa Monica College included in the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP),
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are now nearly complete, and the project is on a schedule to break ground in spring
2017. Located on City property, the center will serve SMC's Early Childhood Education
Department as a laboratory school for teaching and observation. The project will be
funded through SMC bond funds with additional funding to be provided by the City. The
CCSP was last amended in 2011 to accommodate the proposed relocation of this use
within the Civic Center and an anticipated scope change from 12,500 to 16,000 square
feet. At that time, the building's ", -"
nTHYINfEI
program included two stories, and 3��a
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no change to the existing 25'
CCSP height limit was requested.
As the design of the protect ;1' 1R r
progressed, design ideas were �' mr�. A „� Rio sE
explored to achieve the ECEC's �_ (�� � K
childcare and teaching issions r � f
At the same time, site specific
constraints due to the location of
major utility easements were -.r h
identified. As the massing was reconfigured, the redesigned facility presented an
opportunity to increase the number of children to be served from 100 to 110. These
proposed changes require an amendment to the CCSP maximum height and floor area
limitations.
SMC and the City's Department of Community & Cultural Services are in agreement
that the revised design is necessary to best achieve the project goals and provide a
setting for the highest quality childcare and teaching experience. Accordingly, SMC
filed an application on March 11, 2015, requesting to revise the CCSP's maximum
height and floor area for the ECEC and to reflect the slightly higher maximum capacity.
The CCSP Final Environmental Impact Report (CCSP FEIR) analysis of the ECEC was
based on the program and student capacity rather than the floor area of the facility. As
this application proposes to increase that capacity, environmental review was
conducted pursuant to CEQA to determine whether the proposals would present
impacts that may alter the analysis and conclusions of the FEIR. Additional traffic
analysis was conducted, projecting a potential increase of twelve PM peak hour trips,
which is below a level of significance for intersections analyzed. As such, it can be
seen with certainty that the proposed CCSP amendment will not result in any new
unanticipated significant environmental impacts or a substantial increase in the severity
of previously identified environment effects. Therefore, an addendum to the CCSP EIR
(Attachment A) has been drafted in compliance with CEQA Guideline section 15164(a).
Legal Agreements
Since Council approved terms of the MOU between the City and the Santa Monica
Community College District in 2012 for the ECEC to be developed within the Civic
Auditorium Campus, City staff has closely collaborated with SMC staff on the
5
development and design of the ECEC. With the design phase of the project nearing
completion, staff has become aware of a need to amend the existing MOU to update the
Schedule of Performance due to unforeseen project delays. As mentioned above,
construction is expected to commence in spring 2017 and conclude in mid -fall 2018.
Based on this schedule, the ECEC would begin operations in late fall 2018.
Furthermore, the City and SMC have made considerable progress negotiating ground
lease terms. Staff is requesting that Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate
and execute the final lease. The ground lease term would be 55 years with an optional
extension of an additional 10 years.
Background
Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment
The ECEC is a planned component of the Auditorium Special Use District in the Civic
Center Specific Plan, adopted on June 28, 2005. The goal of the facility is to provide a
use that complements the open space and cultural character of the district and provide
a needed service to nearby residents and employees. The CCSP includes policies and
site diagrams that define the location and capacity of the ECEC and restrict its size to
16,000 square feet maximum (Policy AD -11) and 25' maximum height, as amended on
June 14, 2011.
The City, in its proprietary role as property owner of the Civic Center parcels, has been
working in partnership with SMC for more than 15 years to realize the goal of having an
early childhood education and teaching facility in the Civic Center. Funding for the
project is comprised of SMC bond funds and City funding from both general and specific
funding sources. The specific site on which the center is proposed was relocated when
the CCSP was amended in June 2011. The City's Community & Cultural Services and
Public Works Departments, with input from Planning & Community Development, have
worked with SMC on the project scope and design over the past several years.
Like other SMC building projects, the proposed ECEC requires approval by the
Department of the State Architect (DSA), and is not subject to City building permit
requirements. However, through the partnership between the City and SMC based on
mutual goals for this City property, City staff has been providing input into the design,
access and integration with surrounding land uses on an ongoing basis to ensure that
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the project is consistent with local planning policies and the City's intent for this land
use. Improvements in the public right of way, including sidewalks and landscaping,
require City approvals.
Feedback from the Architectural Review Board (ARB) was solicited during a courtesy
review at its March 16, 2015 meeting. On Ma 6 2015, the Planning Commission held a
public hearing to consider the addendum to the CCSP EIR and amendments to the
CCSP pertaining to the project, and to make a recommendation to Council (see below).
Legal Agreements
The City's commitment to providing a child care facility in the Civic Center dates back to
November 1993 when Council adopted the first CCSP. The Plan called for the
introduction of child care facilities that would provide for family daycare, child care, and
infant care with priority given to residents and employees of the Civic Center area. On
July 27, 2004, Council adopted a motion directing staff to explore partnership
arrangements with SMC, including the child care center as included in the CCSP.
On October 24, 2000, Council adopted an ordinance approving a development
agreement with the RAND Corporation, which included a $500,000 contribution to the
operation of the ECEC for the purpose of promoting affordable, quality, child care and
early childhood development opportunities. In the FY 2006 -07 budget, Council
appropriated $1,163,646 in Redevelopment Agency funding to support design and
construction of the ECEC. Subsequently, as a component of Council's approval of the
Redevelopment Agency's updated available RDA funding and commitments in May
2011, it was determined that the City funding contribution for the ECEC would come
from the General Fund rather than from redevelopment funding, and a total of
$5,563,000 was identified to support the project.
In February 2012, Council approved terms of the MOU between the City and the Santa
Monica Community College District for the Early Childhood Education Center to be
developed within the Civic Auditorium Campus. The MOU was executed on March 8,
2012. The agreement includes the following key terms:
• The ECEC will be a child care teaching facility that will accommodate up to 100
infant, toddler, and pre - school children, and will include classroom, observation
facilities, and office and meeting spaces for parenting workshops and early
childhood research and development.
• Based on the scope of work and budget, SMC will hire third party consultants,
including architects, engineers, a child care facilities specialist, landscape
architects, geotechnical consultants and other experts to initiate planning and
design of the ECEC.
• SMC will commence and complete the Scope of Work within the Schedule of
Performance.
• The ECEC will be developed in accordance with the Civic Center Specific Plan.
• SMC will submit to the City periodic reports and analyses on construction costs,
financial feasibility, and other due diligence matters.
• The parties agree to continue to work together on the details of planning,
developing and designing the ECEC, and will prepare and execute a Ground
Lease, and any related documents for approval by the City Council and SMC
Board of Trustees.
• The Scope of Work and Schedule of Performance may be revised upon the
mutual agreement of both parties.
A full chronology of policy actions related to the ECEC can be found in Attachment B.
Discussion
Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment
A 2011 amendment to the CCSP modified the provisions for the Early Childhood
Education Center in order to relocate this use to the area now used for a surface
parking lot at the southwest corner of 4th Street and Civic Center Drive. The concept
showed one primary facade along 4th Street and takes vehicular access from Civic
Center Drive. Although the maximum building height was not revised, the intent was
that this new ECEC location would reinforce the physical context along 4th Street by
providing a widened, landscaped sidewalk that creates a pleasant pedestrian edge,
which currently ends south of the parking structure. The staff report discussed the
5
relocation of the ECEC from the prior intended location in the Civic Center, noting that it
would "result in a stronger, more prominent corner that begins to define the 4th Street
frontage from an urban design perspective."
The building footprint conceptualized in 2011 combined all ECEC and teaching
functions into one L- shaped building with a courtyard play area. However, once the
project architects began to review the site details, a number of utility constraints became
apparent with significant design implications for the architects as they worked to achieve
maximum programmatic benefit and a sustainable design. These constraints included:
• A 20' sewer easement running north /south through the middle of the property
• The Pico - Kenter storm drain easement in the northwest corner of the site,
restricting the possibility of any structure in that corner.
• The 4th street sewer easement encroachment on the site, requiring more
setback than was originally anticipated.
These utility easements led to a design of three separate buildings. The architects
were able to work within the restrictions to create spaces that meet SMC's needs
and provide buildings with age appropriate adjacent play yards for each age group.
The design now includes:
• An Administration building: a two -story structure that steps back from 4t" Street
and contains space for site specific public /community functions and childcare
administration on the ground floor. The second floor contains SMC teaching and
observation space, including two 900 sf classrooms with high ceilings that
combine into a 1,800 sf lecture hall, which can also be used for training and
community- oriented functions. Rooftop photovoltaic panels are proposed.
• Two Infant/Toddler and Preschool Buildings: two separate single story structures
that contain the main instructional classroom spaces for the children.
The architects' response to the reduced area available for the administration building
due to the presence of the many utility easements was to propose more upper level
space in a smaller footprint building that accommodates all programmatic needs. The
resulting structure has a higher profile due to the lecture hall /classrooms on the second
floor and the desire to conceal mechanical structures on the roof that would otherwise
N
be visible from adjacent buildings. Accordingly, this building would now exceed the 25
foot CCSP maximum height limit for the ECEC.
The redesigned complex with multiple buildings also requires redundancy of certain
spaces such as electrical /telecommunication rooms, restrooms and janitorial space.
The original concept did not anticipate some of the amenities that SMC has decided
should be provided in the facility. These include the second classroom, faculty resource
room and a technology based observation space for students. Thus, the total floor area
for the project (nearly 20,000 square feet) now exceeds the floor area anticipated in
2011, which was set at a maximum of 16,000 square feet.
Urban Design
The ECEC project consists of three buildings within a series of landscaped courtyards.
The two -story administration building anchoring the project on the east contains a high -
profiled second story with classrooms /meeting space and an observation deck, topped
by a fully solar - paneled roof structure that hides the mechanical equipment from view of
the facing hotel's upper floors. The building is nearly 36 feet tall at its highest point, but
is technically considered to be 38 feet when measured from Average Natural Grade
(see Attachment E). The ground floor is designed for both security and open interaction
with the street through careful placement of doors, windows and use of colors and
materials that echo surrounding civic buildings. The building provides a layer of
physical protection between the childcare spaces and the vehicles traveling on 4th
Street, and reduces the amount of street noise that reaches the play spaces. The two
childcare buildings to the west are smaller in mass and height, designed to be
comfortable for children, with easy, direct access to play yards and indoor classrooms.
The buildings step down in a westerly direction.
The proposed amendments to ECEC maximum height, floor area and childcare capacity
would facilitate the programmatic needs of this educational /childcare partnership,
provide areas for community use and facilitate implementation of a design that
contributes to the 4th Street pedestrian interface. Even at its highest point, the
administration building is significantly lower in height than the adjacent Civic Center
7
Parking Structure and the facing hotel and office building. The design will activate the
corner and street frontage and enhance the sidewalk with trees and drought - tolerant
landscaping. All public right -of -way improvements require City staff approval, and the
project designers are exploring ideas offered by the ARB and Planning Commission.
The following Table compares the key features of the proposed project with the ECEC
concept that was outlined in the CCSP when it was amended in 2011:
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Consistency with Specific Plan Intent
The proposed CCSP text amendment to increase floor area by 4,000 square feet,
height of one building by 15 feet, and be able to serve 10 additional children (110 rather
than 100 maximum), facilitates the specific plan's objective to provide a variety of
compatible community and cultural uses in the Civic Center. The proposed increases in
floor area, height and capacity for the ECEC remain consistent with the intent of the
Auditorium Special Use District, and will not significantly alter the site coverage as
conceptualized in the 2011 CCSP amendment. The administration building presents a
more prominent corner from an urban design perspective that is compatible with the
adjacent parking structure and contributes to defining the 4th Street frontage. No
change to the widened landscaped 4th Street sidewalk is proposed. The proposed
increase in maximum height remains lower than maximum height permitted for other
CCSP elements, such as the parking structure and Public Safety Building (56 feet), the
proposed City Hall Services Building (45 feet), and the Village residential buildings (65-
96 feet).
The draft resolution (Attachment D) contains revisions to five Auditorium Special Use
District policies to allow the changes discussed above.
General Plan Consistency
As with the previous amendment, the proposed CCSP amendment remains consistent
with the Land Use & Circulation Element (LUCE). Action on the provision of the ECEC
is contained in LUCE Policy D15.4:
D15.4 Implement a child care facility in collaboration with Santa Monica
College to serve the Civic Center area.
Furthermore, the LUCE identifies early childhood education as a highly desirable
community benefit, and development of the ECEC achieves the following objectives:
CE9.1 Support the development of high quality child care and early
education facilities and small and large family child care in homes to meet
the needs of those who work or live in Santa Monica. Maintain streamlined
W
processing and permit regulations, encourage harmonious integration with
the neighborhood, and fee reductions as incentives.
CE9.5 Promote and utilize community partnerships with the SMMUSD,
Santa Monica College, nonprofits, and the private sector to meet child care
and early education needs.
In light of new information regarding easements on the property, and SMC's desire to
design a facility that provides for the most comprehensive childcare and related
educational uses, the proposed specific plan amendment is consistent with the goals of
the General Plan. The revised development limits will facilitate provision of important
community amenities.
Legal Agreements
Following the execution of the MOU in 2012, SMC began collaborating on the ECEC
project with City staff in Community & Cultural Services and Public Works, and
consulted with various City departments including Planning & Community Development,
the City Attorney's Office, and the Fire Department. Despite the continuous cooperation
and teamwork between the City and SMC and SMC's progress in design of the ECEC,
the milestone date for start of construction in the performance schedule has not been
met due to the evolving design issues previously explained in this report. The latest
negotiations between City and SMC staff contemplate a revised project schedule with
the following key dates:
Milestone
Original Estimated
Date of Completion
Revised Estimated
Date of Completion
DSA Review and Approval
January 16, 2014
December 1, 2016
Selection of Operator
May 23, 2012
September 1, 2016
Bidding and Contractor Award
March 13, 2014
March 7, 2017
Construction
May 29, 2015
October 27, 2018
10
While the MOU contemplated that the City and SMC would also enter into a
development agreement for development of the ECEC site, staff believes that a
development agreement is unnecessary given that state law (through the Division of the
State Architect) governs the construction and permitting of state community college
buildings and the project objectives will also be incorporated as requirements of the
ground lease. The maximum number of children served by the ECEC also would be
revised from 100 to 110 in accordance with the CCSP amendment as detailed above.
In addition to amending the MOU, staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to
negotiate terms and execute a ground lease for the ECEC site with SMC. The proposed
lease would include the following key terms:
• The term of the lease would be 55 years with an option to extend the term by an
additional 10 years.
• On expiration or termination of the lease, the improvements constructed on the
site would become property of the City.
• In consideration for City's leasing of the site and its financial contribution to SMC,
SMC would (i) pay nominal rent in the amount of $1.00, (ii) undertake the
construction of the ECEC, and (iii) operate the site as an early childhood
education center during the entire term of the lease, as contemplated in the
CCSP.
• SMC would construct the ECEC on the site in accordance with the CCSP
Amendments and the Schedule of Performance.
• The City would contribute $5,563,000 towards the construction of the Center in
accordance with the project plans, specifications, and the Schedule of
Performance.
® SMC would enter into an agreement with a third party to operate the site.
® The operator would give enrollment priority consideration to children whose
parent or legal guardian is a full -time employee of the City, SMC, or the RAND
Corporation, and for students whose parent or legal guardian resides within the
boundaries of the Civic Center Special Use District.
Once executed, the lease can be modified only by a written document signed by both
parties.
11
Commission Action
Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment
On May 6, 2015, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the
proposed amendments to the CCSP and unanimously recommended that Council
certify the proposed addendum to the CCSP FOR and amend the CCSP to increase
the height, floor area and early childhood education center capacity as recommended.
Commissioners expressed support for the building design in general, and appreciated
the changes that had been made to the proposed design based on earlier ARB
comments. Commissioner comments emphasized a desire for the administration
building to enhance the 4th Street pedestrian experience both through building and
sidewalk design and to maximize the elements that contribute to sustainability. The
project's short -term parking and drop- off /pick -up are accessed from Civic Center Drive,
and the Commission supported this design and suggested exploring ways to deter
people from using 4th Street for dropping off passengers.
Alternatives
Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment
As an alternative to the proposed action, the Council may decline to adopt any or all of
the requested amendments to the CCSP. This action would require the applicant to
redesign and reduce project components and capacity in order to submit a project that
is consistent with the CCSP to the Department of the State Architect for building
approval.
Legal Agreements
As an alternative to the proposed action, the Council may add or change terms of the
proposed MOU amendment and pending ground lease.
Environmental Analysis
In compliance with the requirements of CEQA, staff has prepared a revised addendum
to the CCSP FEIR (Attachment A). The addendum analyzed the potential effects of the
ECEC's proposed height and floor area maximums, the increase in the maximum
12
permitted number of children from 100 to 110, and the increased area provided for
SMC's teaching facilities and for a meeting room for agencies providing resources and
information on childcare for parents and families.
Additional traffic analysis was conducted using the trip generation rate of 0.82 PM peak
hour trips per child contained in the Institute of Transportation Engineer's (ITE) Trip
Generation Manual (9`" Edition). The additional 10 children would generate an
additional maximum of nine PM peak hour trips over what was analyzed in the CCSP
EIR. In addition, the SMC teaching facilities would be anticipated to generate
approximately nine net new PM Peak Hour trips based on the ITE manual. However,
SMC students' high rate of alternative transportation usage (currently approximately
62.6 %) allows the projection to be modified with an alternative transit credit. When this
is applied to the model, the proposed teaching facility would generate a net new total of
three trips, for a total project projection of 12 PM peak hour trips. Based on the levels of
service of surrounding intersections, these additional trips would not generate significant
new or substantially worse traffic impacts.
As detailed in Attachment A, the proposed modifications to the ECEC would not result in
new or substantially more significant impacts than identified in the previously certified
CCSP EIR. Overall, the proposed modifications are minor in nature and its effects
would be within the envelope of impacts identified in the CCSP EIR. No further CEQA
documentation is necessary.
Public Hearing
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9.04.20.22.050, notice of this public hearing for this
specific plan amendment was published in the Santa Monica Daily Press at least ten
consecutive calendar days prior to the hearing (Attachment G). In addition, notices were
mailed to owners and tenants of properties located within 500 feet of the property on
which the text amendment would allow increased development parameters for an early
childhood education center.
13
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the
recommended actions. The City's $5,563,000 contribution to the ECEC project was
appropriated in June 2011 as part of the Capital Improvement Program budget.
Prepared by: Elizabeth Bar-El, AICP, Senior Planner
Melissa Spagnuolo, Senior Administrative Analyst
Approved:
Forwarded to Council:
1>7J � � � po, .
David Martin Elaine M. Polachek
Director, Planning & Community Interim City Manager
Development Department
lt,- _.
Karen G sninKare�ber
Director, Comrdunity & Cu tur I
Services Department
Attachments:
A. Draft Fifth Addendum to the CCSP FEIR
B. Chronology of Policy Action Related to the Early Childhood Education Center
C. Planning Commission Recommendation Resolution (May 6, 2015)
D. Draft Resolution to Amend the CCSP to Modify Provisions for the Early
Childhood Center
E. ECEC Site Sections
F. ECEC Design Renderings
G. Public Notice
111121
Attachment A
FIFTH ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
APRIL 2015
11 i' L O 7 S c 7� I 1 T d 30 P►1 [471
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1685 MAIN STREET
SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
INTRODUCTION
This document is the Fifth Addendum to the City of Santa Monica Civic Center Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) [SCH #2003011074]. This Addendum has been prepared in
accordance with the relevant provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of
1970 (as amended) and the State CEQA Guidelines as implemented by the City of Santa
Monica. According to Section 15164(x) of the State CEQA Guidelines, an addendum to a
previously certified EIR is the appropriate environmental document in instances when project
changes and additions are necessary, but no there would be no new or substantially more
severe significant environmental effects beyond those identified in the EIR.
As discussed below, the changes being contemplated involve minor revisions to the previously
proposed Civic Center Specific Plan project. Specifically, the proposed Early Childhood
Education Center (ECEC) within the Civic Center Specific Plan area is proposed to be increased
from the previous size of 16,000 square feet to a size of 20,000 square feet and a height of 40 feet
to accommodate a minimal increase in the number of children to be licensed from up to 100 to
up to 110 along with increased teaching space for Santa Monica College's early childhood
education program and ancillary meeting space for community -based agencies providing
information and resources for parents and families. As supported by the analysis in this
addendum, the proposed revisions to the ECEC (Revised ECEC) would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant environmental effects. As such, the addendum is the
appropriate environmental document under CEQA. All mitigation measures identified in the
previously certified CCSP EIR shall apply to the Revised ECEC. In addition, the adopted
Mitigation Monitoring Plan from the previous CCSP FIR shall remain effective for the Revised
ECEC.
This Addendum includes a description of the Revised ECEC as it is currently proposed and a
comparison of the impacts of the Revised ECEC to those identified in the CCSP EIR previously
certified /adopted by the City of Santa Monica on June 28, 2005, and as amended in 2008, 2010,
and 2011.
ITMT40115enL 01111HE
PROJECT LOCATION
The Civic Center Specific Plan area consists of approximately 67 acres in downtown Santa
Monica. The Civic Center Specific Plan Area is bounded by Fourth Street to the east, Ocean
Avenue to the west, Pico Boulevard to the south and Colorado Avenue to the north. Main Street
bisects the Plan Area in a north to south direction.
CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT AND EIR
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the Civic Center Specific Plan project in
accordance with Section 15087 of the State CEQA Guidelines. The CCSP FIR, certified on June
28, 2005, analyzed the development of future land use mix as well as circulation improvements in
the Civic Center Specific Plan area. The CCSP project analyzed in the CCSP EIR included the
following:
s Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
.� April 2015
"' "" Page 2 of 13
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
CCSP Improvement Program
Details
Public Open Space
. 5.6 acre Civic Auditorium Park
. Improvement of Courthouse Lawn and
creation of 0.8 acre plaza along Main Street
. 2.5 acre Town Square in front of City Hall
. 4 acre Palisades Garden Walk north of
Olympic Drive
. 0.7 acre Village Green south of Olympic Drive
Housing
• 325 units of housing within the Village across
three sites (sites A, B, C)
. 450 units of housing on parking garage sites
within Santa Monica Place
Community Facilities
. Restoration of City Hall
. Development of City Services Building up to
100,000 square feet
. Replacement of existing East wing of Civic
Auditorium with up to 20,000 net new square
feet of community uses,
. Development of Early Childhood Center of up
to 12,500 square feet with adjoining play area
Public Parking Facilities
. Replacement of the existing Santa Monica
Place garages (Parking Structures 7 and 8)
with subterranean parking
. Replacement of surface parking lots within
the Civic Center with subterranean parking
beneath the city services building, and
beneath the auditorium expansion
Street Improvements
. Extension of Olympic Drive to Ocean Avenue
. Extension of 2nd Street to Olympic Drive
. Closure of Main Street between Colorado
Avenue and Olympic Drive
. Extension of Civic Center Drive to Main Street
. Creation of a traffic circle at the intersection
of Main Street with the extended Civic Center
Drive
Commercial Redevelopment at
. 560,000 square feet of reconfigured or
Santa Monica Place
reconstructed commercial retail, 85,000
square feet of new office space, and 450
multifamily dwelling units (as listed above) on
the Santa Monica Place site
The CCSP EIR addressed the potential environmental effects of the CCSP for the following
impact areas:
• Aesthetics
• Air Quality
• Construction Effects
• Cultural Resources
• Geology and Soils
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
Page 3 of 13
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Land Use and Planning
• Noise
• Population and Housing
® Public Services
• Shadow Effects
• Transportation and Circulation
• Utilities
• Neighborhood Effects
The CCSP EIR analyzed the issues referenced above and identified potentially significant
environmental impacts, including site - specific and cumulative effects of the CCSP in
accordance with the provisions set forth in the State CEQA Guidelines. The CCSP EIR also
recommended feasible mitigation measures, where possible. Less than significant impacts or
less than significant mitigable impacts were found in the areas of Aesthetics, Geology and Soils,
Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise,
and Utilities.
Significant and unavoidable impacts that could not be mitigated were identified in the CCSP EIR
and addressed in the adopted CEQA findings and statement of overriding considerations as
follows:
Cultural Resources - significant and unavoidable impacts to cultural resources
if a large Moreton Bay Fig is removed or unsuccessfully relocated;
Traffic /Circulation - significant and unavoidable traffic impacts to nine
intersections including PCH / California Incline, Ocean Avenue / Colorado
Avenue , Fourth Street / Broadway, Fourth Street / Colorado Avenue, Fourth
Street / 1 -10 Off -ramp, Fourth Street / 1 -10 On -ramp, Lincoln Boulevard / 1 -10
Off -ramp, Lincoln Boulevard/ Pico Boulevard, and Fifth Street / Colorado
Avenue; unmitigable significant traffic impacts at one CMP arterial monitoring
intersection, Lincoln Boulevard / Pico Boulevard; unmitigable significant
neighborhood traffic impacts on Fourth Street between Pico Boulevard and
Ocean Park Boulevard and between Ocean Park Boulevard and the southern
City limits;
Air Quality - significant and unavoidable air quality impacts related to ROG,
NOx and CO emissions from vehicle trips, natural gas use, and landscape
maintenance equipment;
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
Construction Effects - significant and unavoidable impacts to air quality from
NOx emissions during demolition and construction and ROC emissions during
application of architectural coatings; and
Neighborhood Effects - significant and unavoidable impacts identified above
related to Air Quality, Construction Effects and Transportation and Circulation.
The Final FIR for the Civic Center Specific Plan project was completed in October of 2004. The
CCSP, CCSP EIR and related actions were reviewed by the Civic Center Working Group on May
3, 2005 and by the Planning Commission on May 18, 2005. On June 28, 2005, the City Council
certified the CCSP FIR, adopted CEQA findings and a statement of overriding considerations,
and adopted the Specific Plan amendments which ultimately excluded Santa Monica Place.
SUBSEQUENT ADDENDUMS
Subsequent to the CCSP EIR, addendums to the original CCSP FIR were prepared in April 2008,
July 2008, May 2010, and in June 2011. The addendums addressed modifications to the CCSP as
follows:
First Addendum (April 2008): An addendum was prepared to address changes to the Village
development envisioned under the CCSP that included:
• Modifying the allocation of the proposed uses across the three residential sites (Sites A, B,
and C);
• Reducing setbacks, including building separations;
• Modifying building heights of between approximately 67 feet and 110 feet on Site C,
generally becoming taller from west to east, as well as increasing maximum building
heights on sites A and B, from 56 feet /five stories to six stories with varying heights with
approximately 65 feet maximum height;
• Reducing the amount of private open space provided per unit on Site B from 80 square
feet per unit to 48 square feet. Common open space would be increased on Site B to
300 square feet per unit, from 100 square feet per unit as called for in the CCSP;
• Changing vehicular circulation for all vehicles accessing residential Sites A and B to enter
and exit the proposed parking garage beneath the residential site via First Court Alley to
Ocean Avenue.
The addendum concluded that the above changes to the CCSP would not would not generate
new significant environmental impacts or substantially increase impacts identified in the CCSP
EIR.
Second Addendum (July 2008): An addendum was prepared to address modifications to the
parking garages at Santa Monica Place (Parking Structures 7 and 8) that were analyzed in the
CCSP EIR which included:
• Restriping and circulation adjustments;
• Converting the 41h Street driveway to Parking Structure 7 to right turn outbound only,
• Installing an attendant parking program;
• Installing ground level pedestrian oriented improvements including retail and bicycle
parking facilities; and
• Implementing fagade improvements including solar photovoltaic panels.
Addendum to the Civic CenterSpecific Plan EIR
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
The addendum concluded that the above changes to the CCSP would not would not generate
new significant environmental impacts or substantially increase impacts identified in the CCSP
EIR.
Third Addendum (May 2010): An addendum was prepared to allow the City to temporarily use a
2.5 acre portion of the CCSP land (site of the future Palisades Garden Walk park) on an interim
basis to absorb overflow parking for intermittent cultural and minor temporary events to be held
in the nearby beach parking lot and /or the Santa Monica Pier deck. The interim parking use
would cease prior to construction of the park. The addendum concluded that the interim
parking use would not generate new significant environmental impacts or exacerbate impacts
identified in the 2005 Civic Center Specific Plan Final EIR.
Fourth Addendum (May 2011)
In 2011, a Fourth Addendum to the CCSP EIR was prepared to remove the Main Street traffic
circle as part of the CCSP project and to modify the building location of the ECEC from the
originally analyzed configuration and to increase the size of the ECEC to 16,000 square feet, with
no changes to childcare enrollment (remains at 100 children). The Addendum reviewed
development of the ECEC along Civic Center Drive directly across from the Civic Center Parking
Structure with the front entrance of the building to be oriented on Civic Center Drive.
The addendum concluded that the proposed removal of the Main Street traffic circle from the
CCSP and the proposed modifications to the ECEC are minor adjustments to the previously
approved CCSP which would not generate new significant environmental impacts or increase
the severity of impacts identified in the CCSP FIR.
CURRENTLY PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS /REVISED ECEC
As previously discussed, the ECEC was originally envisioned to accommodate 100 children within
12,500 square feet of space. The fourth amendment increased the square footage to 16,000
square feet of space with no increase in childcare enrollment. However, the City proposes to
increase the contemplated size of the proposed ECEC to 20,000 square feet rather than the
16,000 square feet last proposed. The ECEC administration building would be 40 feet in height,
which would be greater than the 25 feet originally analyzed. The proposed buildings to
accommodate children remain below the 25 foot height limit. The childcare enrollment would
expand slightly to a maximum of 110 children based on the available area and anticipated
class sizes.
The site is intended to serve as a lab school /childcare center in partnership with Santa Monica
College (SMC). The ECEC teaching facility would total approximately 3,700 sf, which includes
two classrooms totaling approximately 1,832 sf and associated facilities (such as hallway, office,
restrooms, observation area). The two classrooms are contiguous and separated by a partition
wall so that the combined space can accommodate larger lectures with up to 90 people. The
project design allows for community and educational activities to occur at the site while
maintaining the integrity and security of the childcare center.
The ECEC would be located as analyzed in the Fourth Addendum (i.e., along Civic Center Drive
across from the Civic Center Parking Structure). The front entrance of the building would be
oriented on Civic Center Drive. The building would be set back at least 15 feet from both Fourth
Street and Civic Center Drive allowing sufficient space to create a sidewalk and planting area
along these streets. A vehicular drop- off /short term parking area that would provide between 5
and 15 parking spaces would be located along the northern side of the ECEC accessed from
g Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
Civic Center Drive. No access or egress will be permitted from Fourth Street. Parking for
employees and visitors to the ECEC shall be provided in the Civic Center Parking Structure and
other shared parking facilities within the Civic Center.
REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR ADDENDUM
CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines establish the type of environmental documentation which
required when changes to a project occur after an EIR is certified. Section 15164(a) states that:
"The lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously
certified EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions
described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred ".
Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines requires a Subsequent EIR where an FIR has already been
prepared under the following circumstances:
1. Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of
the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
2. Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project
is undertaken, which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the
involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effects;
3. New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have
been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was
certified as complete shows any of the following:
a. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the
previous EIR or negative declaration,
b. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than
shown in the previous EIR,
c. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in
fact be feasible, and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of
the project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure
or alternative, or
d. Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those
analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant
effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the
mitigation measure or alternative.
The purpose of this Fifth Addendum is to address whether currently proposed modifications to
the ECEC (hereafter referred to as the Revised ECEC) of the original Civic Center Specific Plan
could result in any new significant environmental impacts which were not identified in the CCSP
EIR or whether previously identified significant impacts would be substantially more severe. As
indicated in the analysis provided herein, the Revised ECEC would not constitute a substantial
change in the CCSP project that will involve "new significant environmental effects or a
g� Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
...,� April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects ". The environmental
impacts associated with the Revised ECEC would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in
the CCSP EIR and /or do not constitute a new or greater significant impact.
On the basis of substantial evidence in the light of the whole record, the City has determined
that an Addendum is the appropriate form of CEQA documentation to address the Revised
ECEC of the City of Santa Monica Civic Center Specific Plan,
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS OF THE REVISED ECEC
The following discussion analyzes the environmental impacts of the proposed
modifications /Revised ECEC:
AESTHETICS
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential aesthetic impacts related to the CCSP project and determined
that such impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. The building area of the ECEC
would increase from 12,500 square feet (as analyzed in the CCSP EIR) to 20,000 square feet.
Additionally, building height would increase moderately to 40 feet. These modifications are
minor and would not materially affect the visual character or quality of the area nor affect
views. The visual and functional character of the overall CCSP will not be adversely altered with
the proposed modifications. In addition, the Revised ECEC would not add new sources of
light /glare that were not previously contemplated in the original project. All mitigation measures
recommended for the CCSP would apply. Aesthetic impacts associated with the Revised ECEC
would remain less than significant with mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts
analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
AIR QUALITY
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential air quality (operational) impacts related to the CCSP and
determined that significant and unavoidable air quality impacts related to ROG, NOx and CO
emissions would occur. The moderate increase in the ECEC building area would result in a slight
increase in childcare enrollment to a maximum of 110 as well as increased floor area for early
childhood teaching facilities, but would not generate significant new vehicular trips over what_
was analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
The proposed modifications for the Revised ECEC would not result in air pollutant or CO impacts
that would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously proposed CCSP would apply. Air quality impacts associated
with the Revised ECEC would remain significant and unavoidable and would be within the
envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential construction impacts related to the CCSP and determined that
construction traffic, noise, solid waste, and water quality would be less than significant or less
than significant with mitigation. However, construction air quality impacts would be significant
and unavoidable for NOx and ROC emissions. The increase in the building area and height of
the ECEC would result in a minor increase in construction activities. While construction duration
for the ECEC may be slightly longer than previously analyzed, the peak daily construction
activities (which are used for measuring significance of air quality, noise, and traffic impacts)
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN FIR
would be similar as was analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Therefore, construction effects would not be
greater.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in construction effects that
would be substantially different from that analyzed in the CCSP EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously proposed CCSP would apply. Construction impacts
associated with the Revised ECEC would remain significant and unavoidable for air quality and
would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP FIR.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
The CCSP FIR analyzed potential cultural resources impacts related to the CCSP and determined
impacts to be significant and unavoidable and /or less than significant with mitigation
depending on the historic resource considered (e.g., Sears building, McClure Tunnel, Civic
Auditorium, City Hall, Moreton Bay Fig). In addition, impacts related to buried cultural resources
would be less than significant with mitigation. The ECEC would be increased in building area
and height from what was originally proposed. These modifications would not have a physical
impact on any of the historic resources in the CCSP area and would not result in compatibility
issues related to the character of the historic resources. Therefore, the proposed modifications
would not result in new historic impacts. Furthermore, the proposed modifications would not
result in changes with regard to the area and depth of grading such that buried cultural
resources could be impacted further.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in cultural resource
impacts that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. All mitigation
measures recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Cultural resource
impacts associated with the Revised ECEC would remain less than significant with mitigation and
would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The CCSP FIR analyzed potential geology /soils impacts related to the CCSP and determined
that impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. Geology /soil impacts are site
specific in nature and are based on the underlying soil conditions and geology setting rather
than the development proposed. Thus, the minor modifications for the ECEC (which include an
increase in building area and height) would not change the geology /soils conditions of the
CCSP area.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in geology /soils impacts
that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP proposal would apply. Geology /soils impacts
associated with the Revised ECEC would remain less than significant with mitigation and would
be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential hazards /hazardous materials impacts related to the CCSP and
determined that impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. The minor modifications
to the ECEC, including an increase in the building area to from 12,500 to 20,000 square feet and
increase in building height, would not introduce new hazards /hazardous materials in the CCSP
area. Additionally, the minor increase in childcare enrollment to approximately 110 would not
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
.. April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
result in the exposure of substantial numbers of people to hazards /hazardous materials. The
overall type of land uses and development areas are ultimately unchanged and similar to
previously approved CCSP.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in hazards /hazardous
materials impacts that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. All
mitigation measures recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply.
Hazards /hazardous materials impacts associated with the Revised ECEC would remain less than
significant with mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP
FIR.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential hydrology and water quality impacts related to the CCSP and
determined that impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. The increase in the
building area of the ECEC would result in a minor increase in building footprint. However, this
increase in building footprint would be offset by the removal of the ECEC parking lot from the
CCSP. Therefore, surface water runoff in the ECEC area would be similar to what was analyzed
in the CCSP FIR.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in hydrology and water
quality impacts that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the CCSP EIR. The City
of Santa Monica's Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance and all mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Hydrology and water quality
associated with the Revised ECEC would remain less than significant with mitigation and would
be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP FIR.
LAND USE AND PLANNING
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential land use impacts related to the CCSP and determined that
impacts would be less than significant and /or less than significant after mitigation. The
modifications to the ECEC would not represent a significant change in the land use program for
the CCSP. The increase in building area and height for the ECEC would not create land use
compatibility issues. The proposed ECEC would not conflict with existing surrounding uses.
Furthermore, the slight increase in total childcare enrollment for the ECEC (i.e., a maximum of
110 children) would not create new land use conflicts.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in land use impacts that
would be substantially different from that analyzed in the CCSP EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Land use impacts associated
with the Revised ECEC would remain less than significant and /or less than significant with
mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
NOISE
The CCSP FIR analyzed potential noise (operational) impacts related to the CCSP and
determined that impacts would be less than significant after mitigation. The increase in the
building area of the ECEC from 12,500 to 20,000 square feet would not significantly increase
construction noise levels. Furthermore, the slight increase in childcare enrollment from what was
analyzed in the CCSP EIR (100 children to a maximum of 110 children) would not generate a
significant increase in vehicular trips and associated noise levels.
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in noise impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. All mitigation measures recommended
for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Noise impacts associated with the Revised
ECEC would remain less than significant with mitigation and would be within the envelope of
impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
POPULATION AND HOUSING
The CCSP FIR analyzed potential population and housing impacts related to the CCSP and
determined that impacts would be less than significant. The increase in building area for the
ECEC would not result in additional housing or residential population. Furthermore, the slight
increase in childcare enrollment to a maximum of 110 children and ancillary teaching
facilities /meeting space would not generate new significant population over what was
analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in population /housing
impacts that would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Population and housing
impacts associated with the Revised ECEC would remain less than significant and would be
within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
PUBLIC SERVICES
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential public services impacts related to the CCSP and determined
that impacts would be less than significant. The proposed increase in building area for the ECEC
would not result in additional residential or daytime population above what was analyzed in the
CCSP EIR. Furthermore, the slight increase in total childcare enrollment and teaching
facilities /meeting space would not generate new significant demand on public services over
what was analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in public services impacts
that would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP EIR. Public services impacts associated
with the Revised ECEC would remain less than significant and would be within the envelope of
impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
SHADOWS
The CCSP EIR analyzed potential shadow impacts related to the CCSP and determined that
impacts would be less than significant. The proposed modifications for the ECEC would not result
in additional shadow effects above what was analyzed in the CCSP EIR. Although the building
area for the proposed ECEC would increase to 20,000 square feet and the height of the ECEC
Administration Building would be increased to 40 feet, there are no nearby sensitive receptors
that would shaded by the proposed building. Therefore, shadow impacts would not change.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in shadow impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP EIR. Shadow impacts associated with the
Revised ECEC would remain less than significant and would be within the envelope of impacts
analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
.. April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
The minor modifications to the ECEC would not result in the generation of significant increased
traffic or additional trips over what was analyzed in the CCSP EIR. Furthermore, the slight
increase in total childcare enrollment from 100 children to a maximum of 110 children would not
generate new significant vehicular trips over what was analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Conservatively
using the trip generation rate of 0.82 PM peak hour trips per student in the Institute of
Transportation Engineer's (ITE) Trip Generation Manual (9th Edition), the additional 10 children
would generate an additional maximum of nine PM peak hour trips over what was analyzed in
the CCSP FIR. In addition, the SMC teaching facilities would be anticipated to generate
approximately nine net new PM Peak Hour trips based on the ITE manual. However, the traffic
model's projection of nine trips does not take into account the high rate of alternative
transportation usage by SMC students. Currently, approximately 62.6% of SMC students utilize
alternative transit. Applying this alternative transit credit, the proposed ECEC would generate a
net new total of 12 PM peak hour trips, as shown in the below table.
A further consideration in analyzing circulation impacts is that community college courses are
generally offered outside of the PM peak hours, in the 11:30am - 2:30pm time slot. Based on
information provided by SMC, two to three evening courses are projected in the 6:30pm -
9:35pm time slot, with the possibility that two evening courses could be meeting simultaneously.
Therefore, trips associated with the SMC teaching facilities would likely occur outside of the PM
peak hours. Overall, based on the above, the proposed ECEC's minor increase in childcare
enrollment and increased floor area for SMC's teaching facilities would not generate a
significant new number of trips. Based on the levels of service of surrounding intersections, the
proposed project modifications that would be allowed by amending the CCSP would not
generate significant new or substantially worse traffic impacts. Therefore, traffic impacts would
remain substantially the some as analyzed in the CCSP EIR. In addition, vehicular access to the
ECEC's short term parking /loading area would be provided from Civic Center Drive. No access
would be provided from Fourth Street. This access scheme is consistent with the original access
scheme of vehicular parking lot access from Civic Center Drive, which was analyzed in the
Fourth Addendum.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in traffic impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Traffic impacts associated with the
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
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ITE Rate (9th Edition)
PM Peak Hour Trips
Net Change from
CCSP EIR
Net Increase in PM
Peak Hour Trips
Day Care
0.82 per student
+10 students
9
SMC Teaching
Facilities
2.46 per 1000 sf
+3,700 sf
9
Total
18
With 62.6% Transit Credit for SMC *,
12
• Includes a trip reduction of 5 hips based on the transit credit of 62.67, reflecting current use data for
SMC students utilizing alternative transit
A further consideration in analyzing circulation impacts is that community college courses are
generally offered outside of the PM peak hours, in the 11:30am - 2:30pm time slot. Based on
information provided by SMC, two to three evening courses are projected in the 6:30pm -
9:35pm time slot, with the possibility that two evening courses could be meeting simultaneously.
Therefore, trips associated with the SMC teaching facilities would likely occur outside of the PM
peak hours. Overall, based on the above, the proposed ECEC's minor increase in childcare
enrollment and increased floor area for SMC's teaching facilities would not generate a
significant new number of trips. Based on the levels of service of surrounding intersections, the
proposed project modifications that would be allowed by amending the CCSP would not
generate significant new or substantially worse traffic impacts. Therefore, traffic impacts would
remain substantially the some as analyzed in the CCSP EIR. In addition, vehicular access to the
ECEC's short term parking /loading area would be provided from Civic Center Drive. No access
would be provided from Fourth Street. This access scheme is consistent with the original access
scheme of vehicular parking lot access from Civic Center Drive, which was analyzed in the
Fourth Addendum.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in traffic impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Traffic impacts associated with the
Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
Revised ECEC would remain less than significant and would be within the envelope of impacts
analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
The CCSP FIR analyzed potential utilities and infrastructure impacts related to the CCSP and
determined that impacts would be less than significant and /or less than significant with
mitigation. The proposed increase in building area for the ECEC would not result in additional
residential or daytime population above what was analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Furthermore, the
slight increase in childcare enrollment would not generate significant new demand for utilities.
The proposed modifications under the Revised ECEC would not result in utilities impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the CCSP FIR. Utilities impacts associated with the
Revised ECEC would remain less than significant /less than significant with mitigation and would
be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the CCSP EIR.
MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
The revised ECEC would not substantially change the analysis presented in the CCSP EIR or
mandatory findings of significance that were adopted for the previously approved CCSP.
CONCLUSION
As demonstrated in this Addendum, the proposed modifications are minor adjustments to the
previously approved Civic Center Specific Plan which would not generate new significant
environmental impacts or increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2005 Civic Center
Specific Plan FIR.
e Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
April 2015
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Attachment B
Early Childhood Education Center /Civic Center Specific Plan
Policy Action History
12/12/1989 City Council approved the use of a portion of Marine Park as the site for a 3,000 square
foot child care center for children of City employees as well as neighborhood
residents and other families in the community. The approval of this site allowed City staff to
begin implementation of the final phase of its comprehensive Employee Child Care
Benefit Program which provided for up to 53 new child care slots to serve a mix of infants,
toddlers and pre - school children.
SMMUSD operated the child care center until 1999 when the District opted for non - renewal
of their contract with the City. At that time, The Growing Place began operating the center.
Staff Report Minutes
06/18/1991 City Council adopted Santa Monica's first Child Care Master Plan. The Plan was also
presented to and adopted by the SMMUSD Board of Education and the Santa Monica
College Board of Trustees.
Staff Report Minutes
11/23/1993 City Council adopted the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP), which set forth a new vision for
the Civic Center area. The Plan called for the introduction of Childcare facilities that would
provide for family daycare, childcare, and infant care with priority given to residents and
employees of the Civic Center area.
Staff Report Minutes
10/26/1999 The City's Redevelopment Agency approved the purchase of 11.3 acres of the 15 acre RAND
headquarters parcel, providing new opportunities for development of the Civic Center.
10/24/2000 Council adopted an ordinance approving a development agreement with the RAND Corp.,
which included a $500,000 contribution to the operation of the ECEC for the purpose of
promoting affordable, quality, child care and early childhood development opportunities.
Staff Report Minutes
10/29/2001 After a series of well- attended community workshops, the Civic Center Working Group
developed a consensus regarding the Land Use Plan for the Civic Center area, as well as a
series of related recommendations. The Working Group identified the provision of a
Childhood Development Facility as a priority.
01/09/2002 The Planning Commission conducted a preliminary review of the Civic Center Land Use Plan
as recommended by the Civic Center Working Group. The staff report noted that "Provision
of a state -of- the -art early childhood education and development center has been an
important goal for the Civic Center. The center will serve the needs of Civic Center
employees and residents, as well as the larger community. The location within the Civic
Auditorium Park site is most suitable as it is close to employment and housing sites, offers
convenient drop -off and parking, can provide a larger than required play area, and can
access the larger park area for activities."
Prepared by: Melissa Spagnuolo, Senior Administrative Analyst
Community & Cultural services
Revised May 26, 2015
x�mo nom�'
Early Childhood Education Center /Civic Center Specific Plan
Policy Action History
The Planning Commission did not make a formal recommendation, but reached a general
consensus that the housing and other uses in the conceptual plan were appropriately sited
and that the Council may wish to consider a limited amount of space for organized youth
sports.
Staff Report Minutes
04/23/2002 City Council approved in concept the proposed Civic Center Land Use Plan, including an early
childhood education facility, and authorized the Civic Center Working Group and staff to
begin preparation of the written CCSP and environmental review.
Staff Report Minutes
06/04/2004 The CCSP's draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which included several references and
considerations related to the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), was circulated for a
45 -day public review period that concluded on July 19, 2004.
07/27/2004 City Council adopted a motion directing staff to explore partnership arrangements with
Santa Monica College, including the childcare center as included in the Civic Center Specific
Plan.
Staff Report Minutes
10/31/2004 The CCSP's EIR was completed and the Final Environmental Impact statement was
published.
11/02/2004 A $135 million Santa Monica College bond measure (Measure S) was approved by
voters. The ECEC was identified in the bond measure with an allocation of $7 million.
05/03/2005 The CCSP, EIR, and related actions were reviewed by the Civic Center Working Group.
05/18/2005 The CCSP, EIR, and related actions were reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Staff Regort Minutes
06/28/2005 Council adopted an update to the 1993 CCSP and certified the final EIR. The CCSP envisions
the development of the ECEC for infants, toddlers and pre - school age children that is
"carefully designed to complement the form and activities of the (Civic Auditorium) Park,
and to maintain and reinforce the civic identity of the (Civic) Auditorium"
The Specific Plan provides for this facility within the Civic Auditorium Park, a location that is
conveniently situated in close proximity to employees at City Hall, the RAND headquarters
building, and the County Courts, as well as to nearby residents within the Village
Staff Report Minutes
06/20/2006 In the FY 2006 -07 budget, Council appropriated $1,163,646 in Redevelopment Agency
funding to support design and construction of the ECEC.
Staff Report Minutes
0
Pape 2
Early Childhood Education Center /Civic Center Specific Plan
Policy !action History
03/24/2009 City Council authorized the negotiation and execution of an agreement with Santa Monica
College for the development of the ECEC on the Civic Auditorium Campus.
Staff Report Minutes
05/24/2011 As part of the City Council's approval of the Redevelopment Agency's updated available RDA
funding and commitments, it was determined that the City funding contribution for the
ECEC would come from the General Fund rather than from redevelopment funding and a
total of $5.563 million was identified to support the project.
Staff Report Minutes
06/08/2011 The Planning Commission reviewed a revised addendum to the CCSP's FIR and
recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the CCSP addressing setbacks,
parking and drop -off, and an increase in the size of the building and outdoor space to meet
Santa Monica College program needs and new State requirements.
Staff Report Minutes
06/14/2011 City Council adopted amendments to the CCSP addressing setbacks, parking and drop -off,
and an increase in the size of the building and outdoor space to meet Santa Monica College
program needs and new State requirements.
Staff Report Supplemental Staff Report Minutes
06/21/2011 City Council adopted the FY 2011 -13 Biennial Budget. In the Capital Improvement Program
Budget, Council appropriated $1 million in FY 2011 -12 and identified $4 million in FY 2012-
13 of General Fund monies for the development and construction of the ECEC.
Staff Report Minutes
02/14/2012 City Council approved the proposed terms of the MOU between the City and the Santa
Monica Community College District for the Early Childhood Education Center to be
developed within the Civic Auditorium Campus.
Staff Report Minutes
09/27/2014 The Civic Working Group held a community workshop that included a walking site tour. One
of the tour stations was dedicated to the ECEC where information was provided on the
project and workshop participants were asked to consider what other potential uses on the
Civic Auditorium site would and would not be compatible with the center.
Workshop Information
12/15/2014 Santa Monica College staff presented the ECEC project to the Civic Working Group and
provided information about the design and future program plans for the center.
Agenda Minutes
Ynnln }lonl[•n°
Page 3
Early Childhood Education Center /Civic Center Specific Plan
Policy Action History
03/16/2015 The proposed design of the ECEC was presented to the Architectural Review Board (ARB).
Board members provided feedback and made recommendations related to several aspects
of the proposed design.
APenda Minutes
05/06/2015 The Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to
the CCSP and unanimously recommended that the City Council certify the proposed
addendum to the CCSP EIR and amend the CCSP to increase the height, floor area and ECEC
capacity as recommended. Commissioners also provided feedback on the ECEC project's
proposed design and were shown examples of the changes made by the project architect in
response to ARB comments.
Staff Report Fifth Addendum to CCSP EIR
Nnnln )runle�°
Page A
RESOLUTION NO, 15 -011 (PCS)
(Planning Commission Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN THAT WOULD
ALLOW AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT AND SQUARE FOOTAGE
OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Education Center ( "ECEC ") is a planned
component of the Auditorium Special Used District in the Civic Center Specific Plan
( "CCSP "), adopted on June 28, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the CCSP envisions the ECEC as state of the art early
childhood education center operated by Santa Monica Community College District
( "SMCC ") that is carefully designed to complement the form and activities of the
Auditorium Special Use District of the CCSP; and
WHEREAS, the CCSP was last amended on June 14, 2011 to modify
certain dimensions of the ECEC design, including setbacks, parking, children drop-
off area, and size of the ECEC building area from 12,500 to 16,000 square feet;
MEW
WHEREAS, due to existing utility easements and SMMC's desire to
maximize the utility of the ECEC by increasing the area of the building to include
two teaching classrooms, an increase the number of permitted children from 100 to
110, and the addition of public community meeting space to offer support services
for parents and families, design adjustments are necessary that would result in an
overall increase of the ECEC building area from 16,000 to 20,000 square feet and
an increase in the height of one of the ECEC buildings from 25 feet to 40 feet; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the CCSP ( "Proposed CCSP
Amendments ") are attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated herein by this
reference; and
1
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 6,
2015, to consider the Proposed CCSP Amendments; and
WHEREAS, a Fifth Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR ( "Firth
Addendum ") has been prepared to analyze the impacts of the Proposed CCSP
Amendments; and
WHEREAS, because the Proposed CCSP Amendment are minor
amendments to the previously adopted CCSP, the Fifth Addendum concludes that
the Proposed CCSP Amendments would not generate significant environmental
effects or increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2005 Civic Center
Specific Plan EIR;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the
Proposed CCSP Amendments and Fifth Addendum, and respectfully submits its
recommendation to the City Council to adopt the Proposed CCSP Amendments
and Fifth Addendum.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
MAR A J. MOU RIE
City Attorney
Adopted and approved this 6th day of May, 2015.
Chairperson)
N
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 15 -011 was duly and
regularly introduced and approved at. a meeting of the Planning Commission on
the 6th day of May, 2015 by the following vote:
Ayes: ANDERSON, KENNEDY, PARRY, RIES, RUBIN
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent: McKINNON, NEWBOLD
ATTEST:
DAVID MARTIN
Planning and Community Development Director
3
Exhibit 1: Proposed Amendments to CCSP Sections (Early Childhood
Center
Pages 6, 20; and 52
Dimensions accompanying all pictorial illustrations of the ECEC shall be
superseded by the dimensional amendments herein.
Page 51
Revise Line 2 of the table to read:
Early Childhood Center: Existing: 0; Allowable New: 4j"00 20,000; Total
Program Yield: 46,098 20,000
Pages 54 -55
Early Childhood Center
Provision of an early childhood education center within the Civic Center has been
a longstanding goal of the City. The facility accommodates up to 4-00 110 pre-
school children including infants and toddlers, and includes classroom and
observation facilities for parenting workshops and early childhood research and
development. The Specific Plan provides for this facility within the Civic
Auditorium Park, a location that is conveniently situated in close proximity to
employees at City Hall, the RAND headquarters building, and the County Courts,
as well as to nearby residents within the Village. Specific standards related to the
design of this facility are as follows:
AD -11. The Early Childhood Center shall not exceed 40;000-20,000 square feet
in area.
AD -13. A children's play area of at least Tn nn F__+ (OF 100 square feet
per child) based on the maximum number of children to be licensed shall be
provided in a manner that faces the park, providing quality open space for the
center's children while minimizing noise impacts on the County Courthouse.
AD -14. The childcare buildings shall not exceed 25 feet in height. The
Page 83
Community Facilities
The restoration of the historic City Hall and its central courtyard..
The development of a City Services Building of up to 40,000 square feet to
meet the needs of the public.
The replacement of the existing East Wing of the Civic Auditorium with up to
20,000 net new square feet of community, cultural and educational uses.
The development of an Early Childhood Center of up to 16,000 20,000 square
feet with an adjoining play area within the Civic Auditorium Park.
5
Attachment E
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SITE SECTION
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Attachment G
1
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE SANTA MONICA CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: An Amendment to the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP) to increase the maximum
permitted floor area for the proposed Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) from
16,000 to 20,000 square feet, accommodating increased capacity from 100 to a
maximum of 110 children, expanded ECEC teaching facilities and ancillary
community services meeting space; and allow increased height for one of three
buildings on the site from 25 feet to a maximum of 40 feet.
APPLICANT: Santa Monica College (SMC)
PROPERTY OWNER: City of Santa Monica
LOCATION: Santa Monica Civic Center; portion west of 4th Street, south of Civic Center
Drive
The Council will hold a public hearing to consider the Planning Commission's unanimous
recommendation to Council on May 6, 2015, to amend the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP) to increase
the maximum allowable floor area for the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), from 16,000 square
feet to 20,000 square feet, to accommodate increased program capacity of to 110 children (from current
capacity of 100 children), provide classrooms for SMC's early childhood education program and add
meeting space for community -based agencies providing resources and services to parents and children.
The height increase from 25 feet to 40 feet for the ECEC Administration Building that would front on 41h
Street is proposed to facilitate a building design that responds to site constraints and provides the
required programmatic elements for a high quality learning environment.
DATE /TIME: TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015 AT 7:00 PM
LOCATION: City Council Chambers, Second Floor, Santa Monica City Hall
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, California
HOW TO COMMENT
The City of Santa Monica encourages public comment. You may comment at the City Council public
hearing, or by writing a letter. Written information will be given to the City Council at the meeting.
Address your letters to:
City Clerk
Re: Text Amendment
1685 Main Street, Room 102
Santa Monica, CA 90401
MORE INFORMATION
For further information, please contact Elizabeth Bar-El, AICP, Senior Planner, at (310) 458 -8341, or by
e -mail at liz.bar- el(a>smgov.net. The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. For disability - related
accommodations, please contact (310) 458 -8341 or (310) 458 -8696 TTY at least 72 hours in advance. All
written materials are available in alternate format upon request. Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Lines
numbered 2, 3, Rapid 3, 8, and 9, 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.
ESPANOL
Esto as una noticia para avisar qua el documento Civic Center Specific Plan ya esta disponible. Para
mas informacion, favor de Ilamar a Carmen Gutierrez en la Division de Planificaci6n at n6mero (310) 458-
8341.
Reference:
Resolution No. 10883
(CCS)
E19
Lease No. 10080
E?i
Lease No. 10082